Hello everyone,
Sorry for the big lapse between posts, Kurt has gotten lazy about posting and Candace is so darn busy from her job that she simply doesn't have time to post.
Anyways, I have still been biking to school about 3 times a week and going to the gym every now and again. Its not as fun to go the gym without anyone to go with me. I find this kind of strange since I have always gone to gym by myself and I want to go the gym 3 days a weeks and bike 2-3 days a week. I know it sounds rather intense but I really enjoying being in shape and now that I am getting older (not old, older) I realize how important in it is for my heart health to be active.
Candace lost her motivation to work out for a couple of weeks, her crazy schedule at work has sapped all her motivation that she had going into this project. She is still eating well most of the time though. So not all is lost, in fact this last Sunday we went to the gym for the first time in a couple of weeks. She did quite well, considering how long it was since she went to the gym. We both did 30 minutes on the Elliptical machine and lifted weights for 25 minutes. Of course both of lifted to much and I was barely able to move my arms Monday and Tuesday. I am going to the gym tonight to do the same thing, except I will be lifting alot less weight.
Candace wanted to go the gym several times this week but she is working 12-14 hours days all this week and doesn't have the energy or time to go the gym. Funny thing though, her bosses wife asked Candace if she has been going to the gym lately and when she said no she offered Candace use of the Elliptical machine that they own. So Candace plans on taking 30-45 minutes off work and work out at work.
That is all for now, I will try to be better about posting more often I know I know I've said it before, but I really will try to post more often.
Until later,
Kurt
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Monday, August 2, 2010
A Little Bit Every Day
Yea!! I had today off!! Maybe I'll actually get another day off this week too (I hoping for Wednesday). We'll see. I never know until I get back to work.
So I've been feeling bad (as you guys are aware) that I haven't been super active lately...so today I tried. We went on a short ride today. It would have been longer, but we woke up late and it was getting pretty warm outside. We rode 4 miles in about an hour...not great, but considering I haven't really been on a bike in...I don't know how long...not awful. Its nothing to what Kurt does...his 17 miles in 1.25 hrs with a ±600 foot elevation change (±1000 feet of climbing) but its at least something. He hates having to wait for me...but 1. I'm slower so deal with it and 2. he's on a road bike and I'm on a comfort bike...so again deal with it.
Tomorrow should be a relatively short day of work for me (and by that I mean 8 hours) so we are going to try to make it to the gym tomorrow night and then get up early for another bike ride on Wednesday (maybe a little longer.)
I'm am really feeling the need to be active again...and now that I'm getting better at my job (meaning it doesn't take me as long to edit photos as it did when I started)...I should be able to start working some more reasonable hours...and get back to what is really important.
Anyway...that's all for now. We'll talk again later.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Its kind of hard sometimes.
Its kind of hard sometimes to post when nothing all that much has been happening. Other than me starting my bike riding again, which as you will read has been an adventure. So for the last week, actually twice last week I rode my bike to school. Keep in mind I live about 8 miles with two large hills heading to the school. I was able to make it, I felt like my lungs were going to explode but I made it. I tried to go ride to school another time this week but I got an super annoying flat tire that seemingly wouldn't go away.
The first tire I got a nail in the tire so obviously that tube was dead, and I forgot to get spare tubes so I had to call a cab to pick me up. (I was 5 miles from home, and if anyone has ever tried to walk in bike shoes, 5 miles is way out of the question.) The next day Candace had off so I drove down to the bike store and got some new tubes.
That afternoon Candace and I struggled to change the tube, I forgot how much of a pain in the ass it is to change a tube. Anyways, we decided to attempt to go on a short ride together and as soon as I started riding, I noticed the tire pressure was low, so I pumped up the tire and broke the valve off. Even if we didn't put the tube on wrong, it still wouldn't of worked. The next day I put on another tube and tried to go to school. 3 miles later, my tire went flat for no reason. So i walked home, this time I took my shoes off and walked home. Finally I borrowed the car and brought it back to the bike store, where they showed me a way to prevent future problems and I finally was on the road again.
Candace has been working 6 days a week coming home at weird hours so its been difficult for her to start working out again. I feel bad trying to force it on her, because I know that if I make it a chore, she doesn't (for that matter no one) want or have the energy to work out. I think that we just need to push through the initial discomfort but I know its hard. We are at least trying to eat right though, its just hard to work out and work at the same time. Especially when you work 12-14 hours a day and you get home at 10-11 at night. Her motivation is back, its that she is physically drained from working so much.
Thats all that fit to print right now, I will try to be better, but I haven't had the energy to do so, lazy I guess.
Kurt
The first tire I got a nail in the tire so obviously that tube was dead, and I forgot to get spare tubes so I had to call a cab to pick me up. (I was 5 miles from home, and if anyone has ever tried to walk in bike shoes, 5 miles is way out of the question.) The next day Candace had off so I drove down to the bike store and got some new tubes.
That afternoon Candace and I struggled to change the tube, I forgot how much of a pain in the ass it is to change a tube. Anyways, we decided to attempt to go on a short ride together and as soon as I started riding, I noticed the tire pressure was low, so I pumped up the tire and broke the valve off. Even if we didn't put the tube on wrong, it still wouldn't of worked. The next day I put on another tube and tried to go to school. 3 miles later, my tire went flat for no reason. So i walked home, this time I took my shoes off and walked home. Finally I borrowed the car and brought it back to the bike store, where they showed me a way to prevent future problems and I finally was on the road again.
Candace has been working 6 days a week coming home at weird hours so its been difficult for her to start working out again. I feel bad trying to force it on her, because I know that if I make it a chore, she doesn't (for that matter no one) want or have the energy to work out. I think that we just need to push through the initial discomfort but I know its hard. We are at least trying to eat right though, its just hard to work out and work at the same time. Especially when you work 12-14 hours a day and you get home at 10-11 at night. Her motivation is back, its that she is physically drained from working so much.
Thats all that fit to print right now, I will try to be better, but I haven't had the energy to do so, lazy I guess.
Kurt
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Motivation...Where Art Thou?
A few minutes between color balancing and stitching panoramas together...
I had the last few days off, which was great...minus the fact that I wish I was capable of catching up on all my missed sleep. But of course this should be when I am getting my gym time in as well. What am I if not a great procrastinator. And its all my doing too!
I convinced my motivator (i.e. Kurt) that we didn't need to go to the gym on Tuesday...that we could go on a bike ride now that Kurt has his bike back. Of course we didn't get up until late on Tuesday and by then it was already starting to get hot. So we decided to go to the gym Wednesday.
Wednesday comes around and neither of us wants to go in the morning...so we decided the evening. Then evening comes and I just can't find the motivation...and of course I talk Kurt into going for a bike ride instead...only that didn't happen either.
So I convince him that we will go for a ride this morning...even though the bike seat on my bike (formerly the bike Kurt was riding while waiting for his to be fixed) is awful (its a male seat). Do you want to guess what happened?
6am rolled around WAY to early this morning...and that didn't happen. So now I am sitting here at work...feeling stupid for not going...but still not at all motivated. I was hoping to maybe get off work at a decent time tonight in order to go...but once I got here I realized that wasn't going to happen.
I keep thinking the only thing I can do is try again tomorrow...but then when tomorrow comes around, my motivation is lost again.
Everything is lost. I haven't been eating great (some days I really do try and fail miserably). And that's the big problem...because even if I am not getting to work out or am not motivated to do so, at least I should be eating better...to supply some bit of healthiness to this whole thing.
So slowly today I am going to try to work my motivation back...be it researching some healthy habit things online or at least trying to get a quick walk in while at work (which will most likely not happen because there's so much to do and I want to get home before midnight.)
Maybe I just need something new to do...I'm hoping riding my bike will kick up the motivation a bit...but I think I need to get some free weight for home so that I can start a little strength work. I need a pool. Our community has a pool but it is only open from 10am to 9pm or something like that. Normally I'm at work at that time...but I guess I could do it right at 10am as long as there were not other people there, because I would actually be there to swim and not to float around.
I know that I just need to push through this lack of motivation...part of me wishes that I wasn't working so much and that I could be a hyper focused on the exercise and the healthy eating as I was when we started this whole thing...but then again, it is nice to have a job again (regardless of how much I complain about it sometimes.)
Anyway, it's time to get back to doing work. I'm actually working while doing this but my panoramas are bogging down the computer, so I should close the Internet window. Cassie, I'm looking forward to your recipes (if you already sent them, I didn't get them.) We need a little more variety in our lives.
I'm going to try to be better about this...I know Kurt is too...so until next time. :P
I had the last few days off, which was great...minus the fact that I wish I was capable of catching up on all my missed sleep. But of course this should be when I am getting my gym time in as well. What am I if not a great procrastinator. And its all my doing too!
I convinced my motivator (i.e. Kurt) that we didn't need to go to the gym on Tuesday...that we could go on a bike ride now that Kurt has his bike back. Of course we didn't get up until late on Tuesday and by then it was already starting to get hot. So we decided to go to the gym Wednesday.
Wednesday comes around and neither of us wants to go in the morning...so we decided the evening. Then evening comes and I just can't find the motivation...and of course I talk Kurt into going for a bike ride instead...only that didn't happen either.
So I convince him that we will go for a ride this morning...even though the bike seat on my bike (formerly the bike Kurt was riding while waiting for his to be fixed) is awful (its a male seat). Do you want to guess what happened?
6am rolled around WAY to early this morning...and that didn't happen. So now I am sitting here at work...feeling stupid for not going...but still not at all motivated. I was hoping to maybe get off work at a decent time tonight in order to go...but once I got here I realized that wasn't going to happen.
I keep thinking the only thing I can do is try again tomorrow...but then when tomorrow comes around, my motivation is lost again.
Everything is lost. I haven't been eating great (some days I really do try and fail miserably). And that's the big problem...because even if I am not getting to work out or am not motivated to do so, at least I should be eating better...to supply some bit of healthiness to this whole thing.
So slowly today I am going to try to work my motivation back...be it researching some healthy habit things online or at least trying to get a quick walk in while at work (which will most likely not happen because there's so much to do and I want to get home before midnight.)
Maybe I just need something new to do...I'm hoping riding my bike will kick up the motivation a bit...but I think I need to get some free weight for home so that I can start a little strength work. I need a pool. Our community has a pool but it is only open from 10am to 9pm or something like that. Normally I'm at work at that time...but I guess I could do it right at 10am as long as there were not other people there, because I would actually be there to swim and not to float around.
I know that I just need to push through this lack of motivation...part of me wishes that I wasn't working so much and that I could be a hyper focused on the exercise and the healthy eating as I was when we started this whole thing...but then again, it is nice to have a job again (regardless of how much I complain about it sometimes.)
Anyway, it's time to get back to doing work. I'm actually working while doing this but my panoramas are bogging down the computer, so I should close the Internet window. Cassie, I'm looking forward to your recipes (if you already sent them, I didn't get them.) We need a little more variety in our lives.
I'm going to try to be better about this...I know Kurt is too...so until next time. :P
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Hello out there,
Hey followers,
I promise you that we haven't fallen off the face of the earth, or worse fallen off our new way of living. Candace is still working crazy crazy hours, however her boss is starting to burn out from all the days in the row without rest and is letting Candace have days off!!! Last week she worked only 4 days, but still put in 48 to 50 hours. This is very good for me, I get to spend time with my lovely wife and she is able to go to the gym 2-3 times a week now.
We are going to start going to the gym really early in the morning (like 5 or so) 3 times a week so that Candace will be able to continue working out more regularly. I will let everyone know how that goes, probably on Wednesday we will be doing the psycho workout hours, but being healthy is important to us, and going to bed a little earlier isn't the end of the world.
I lost some 1.5 pounds last week and Candace lost right about that, I mention this because I felt last week I wasn't eating as well as I should. My breakfast and lunches were healthy and sensible, but dinner is seemingly another story. I have grown tired of salads and Chicken or Turkey Burgers and the like so a couple of crummy food nights. Does anyone have any suggestions to make some yummy healthy recipes? I am fresh out of ideas and don't want to make bad decisions in order to break the monotony (?).
I am happy though, I finally get my bike back tomorrow after 3 weeks of waiting for parts to arrive. So on the days that I don't go to the gym, I am going to bike to school, so I can get ready for school at the end of August. So if any Sparks inhabitants see a yellow road bike with a large Ape on it, please be aware its probably me.
Well that's all that's fit to print....
Kurt
I promise you that we haven't fallen off the face of the earth, or worse fallen off our new way of living. Candace is still working crazy crazy hours, however her boss is starting to burn out from all the days in the row without rest and is letting Candace have days off!!! Last week she worked only 4 days, but still put in 48 to 50 hours. This is very good for me, I get to spend time with my lovely wife and she is able to go to the gym 2-3 times a week now.
We are going to start going to the gym really early in the morning (like 5 or so) 3 times a week so that Candace will be able to continue working out more regularly. I will let everyone know how that goes, probably on Wednesday we will be doing the psycho workout hours, but being healthy is important to us, and going to bed a little earlier isn't the end of the world.
I lost some 1.5 pounds last week and Candace lost right about that, I mention this because I felt last week I wasn't eating as well as I should. My breakfast and lunches were healthy and sensible, but dinner is seemingly another story. I have grown tired of salads and Chicken or Turkey Burgers and the like so a couple of crummy food nights. Does anyone have any suggestions to make some yummy healthy recipes? I am fresh out of ideas and don't want to make bad decisions in order to break the monotony (?).
I am happy though, I finally get my bike back tomorrow after 3 weeks of waiting for parts to arrive. So on the days that I don't go to the gym, I am going to bike to school, so I can get ready for school at the end of August. So if any Sparks inhabitants see a yellow road bike with a large Ape on it, please be aware its probably me.
Well that's all that's fit to print....
Kurt
Friday, July 9, 2010
Our update (finally)
Hello out there…
Its here, its here, the day where we post our progress!! I needed to stop postponing our updates, its not like there is anything to hide, I was just being a tad bit lazy. First a word from my co-hort in health Candace.
"I know its been a while since I’ve been able to blog. Kurt’s been trying to keep it up, but we’ve been slacking lately (well he’s been slacking…I’ve been working - hahaha.) This whole process has gotten to be a lot harder since I started working. The long hours…no days off (Tuesday and Wednesday were my first days off in 9 days) or just having a long day and not being up for it, have prevented me from keeping a good gym schedule.
"So lets go back a bit…to recap some of the things that have been going on. I started working…and was able to make it to the gym, I believe only once, but it might have been twice in the first two weeks. Then we went on our family reunion trip…and as many of you know, we didn’t do as much activity as we would have liked…especially as we both gained about 4 lbs on the trip. And in the week and a half since being back, I have made it to the gym 3 times – twice last week and once this week so far (Wednesday). Tuesday I was just so excited for the day off, I could barely drag myself anywhere.
"However, I have been eating very well, especially given the temptations that I have at work…cookies, brownies…and a variety of things. That is the plus to Kurt being home and helping me by packing good food and snacks for me while I’m at work."
Now are the results of our hard work, Candace is down to 261 lbs, a 14 pound loss total since the beginning of our project. My weight is now 246.6 lbs which is down from 258.8 lbs.
As for our measurements, we need to come up with a chart to be sure we are measuring in the same exact place...since when we did Candace's measurements, her waist was 2" larger than previously measured, but she has lost 14 lbs. So we will start again with measurements the next time we weigh in, once we've found agreed upon spots of measuring.
However, here our the photos. They are being compared with our first photos, as we think it shows the progress better - and from here on, when we do photos, we will compare them to the weigh in before the last to show progress.
(left is now, right is previous)
Its here, its here, the day where we post our progress!! I needed to stop postponing our updates, its not like there is anything to hide, I was just being a tad bit lazy. First a word from my co-hort in health Candace.
"I know its been a while since I’ve been able to blog. Kurt’s been trying to keep it up, but we’ve been slacking lately (well he’s been slacking…I’ve been working - hahaha.) This whole process has gotten to be a lot harder since I started working. The long hours…no days off (Tuesday and Wednesday were my first days off in 9 days) or just having a long day and not being up for it, have prevented me from keeping a good gym schedule.
"So lets go back a bit…to recap some of the things that have been going on. I started working…and was able to make it to the gym, I believe only once, but it might have been twice in the first two weeks. Then we went on our family reunion trip…and as many of you know, we didn’t do as much activity as we would have liked…especially as we both gained about 4 lbs on the trip. And in the week and a half since being back, I have made it to the gym 3 times – twice last week and once this week so far (Wednesday). Tuesday I was just so excited for the day off, I could barely drag myself anywhere.
"However, I have been eating very well, especially given the temptations that I have at work…cookies, brownies…and a variety of things. That is the plus to Kurt being home and helping me by packing good food and snacks for me while I’m at work."
Now are the results of our hard work, Candace is down to 261 lbs, a 14 pound loss total since the beginning of our project. My weight is now 246.6 lbs which is down from 258.8 lbs.
As for our measurements, we need to come up with a chart to be sure we are measuring in the same exact place...since when we did Candace's measurements, her waist was 2" larger than previously measured, but she has lost 14 lbs. So we will start again with measurements the next time we weigh in, once we've found agreed upon spots of measuring.
However, here our the photos. They are being compared with our first photos, as we think it shows the progress better - and from here on, when we do photos, we will compare them to the weigh in before the last to show progress.
(left is now, right is previous)
I say overall pretty impressive numbers, especially since we had a family trip and Candace starting work during this I am really proud of us, and even more proud of my wife for trying so hard while she works herself to the bone.
Until later,
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Loading....Loading....Loading...
Just a quick note...depending upon what time I am home this evening...we have 2 month (pushing 2 and 1/2 month now) weigh in results. Part of me really wanted to wait as we gained a little bit back on our trip to Oregon...but we are ready to post. So check back later tonight...or tomorrow morning...and there will be results and comparison pictures waiting ... no measurements though. I'll explain why later.
Back to work.
Back to work.
Friday, July 2, 2010
We're Back!!
Hello all,
Sorry for the lack of posts over the last couple of weeks, Candace's work and our vacations has sidetracked us both from keeping everyone up to date in our new lifestyle progress. Before everyone posts "What about your 2 month weigh in and pictures", they are coming soon. I promise!
Our two month weigh in was right during our family vacation and the internet connection up in Welches, OR was terrible. Candace and I should will post some time this Sunday, which is our 2 1/2 month anniversary. Going forward will be at the half month marker since there probably will be no major changes in our weight in just two weeks.
Lets see, I have been able to go to the gym 3 times this week, and Candace has told her boss that she needs to leave by 6 on Tuesday and Thursdays so that she can work out and she did this week!!! And since it was the first time in 3 weeks, Candace did really great working out, she made it for 60 minutes and even went over to say goodbye to her cousin's Cassie and her husband and kids good bye. Even though Candace has been way to busy to work-out (14 hour days) she still has been eating healthy. I make her lunches and snacks, and then have dinner ready for her when she drags herself home.
Even though workouts on Sunday and Tuesday were great, my Thursday workout was exercise in futility. We started out on the treadmill and after 10 minutes it felt like I had needles in my shins. Hopefully I don't have the beginning of shin splints, since they take FOREVER to heal up. So I stopped and Candace got off the treadmill (it was making her feel very weak) and went on the elipptical machine and again after 10 minutes it felt like I was going to pass out. I wasn't do anything harder than I have been, I just had absolutely no energy. I felt bad though, Candace was flying on the elippitcal machine, normally she is going at 3.5 mph but Thursday she was at almost 4.5 to 5.0 mph! She was very nice to me and got off early then we went to go pick up Buttonz from her dad's house. We, (or should I say me,) are watching him as Candace's dad and stepmom are going out of town for the next couple of days.
We will try to make it to the gym tonight, it depends on what time Candace is able to get off work tonight. Anyways, not that much else is going on, so until later...
Kurt
Sorry for the lack of posts over the last couple of weeks, Candace's work and our vacations has sidetracked us both from keeping everyone up to date in our new lifestyle progress. Before everyone posts "What about your 2 month weigh in and pictures", they are coming soon. I promise!
Our two month weigh in was right during our family vacation and the internet connection up in Welches, OR was terrible. Candace and I should will post some time this Sunday, which is our 2 1/2 month anniversary. Going forward will be at the half month marker since there probably will be no major changes in our weight in just two weeks.
Lets see, I have been able to go to the gym 3 times this week, and Candace has told her boss that she needs to leave by 6 on Tuesday and Thursdays so that she can work out and she did this week!!! And since it was the first time in 3 weeks, Candace did really great working out, she made it for 60 minutes and even went over to say goodbye to her cousin's Cassie and her husband and kids good bye. Even though Candace has been way to busy to work-out (14 hour days) she still has been eating healthy. I make her lunches and snacks, and then have dinner ready for her when she drags herself home.
Even though workouts on Sunday and Tuesday were great, my Thursday workout was exercise in futility. We started out on the treadmill and after 10 minutes it felt like I had needles in my shins. Hopefully I don't have the beginning of shin splints, since they take FOREVER to heal up. So I stopped and Candace got off the treadmill (it was making her feel very weak) and went on the elipptical machine and again after 10 minutes it felt like I was going to pass out. I wasn't do anything harder than I have been, I just had absolutely no energy. I felt bad though, Candace was flying on the elippitcal machine, normally she is going at 3.5 mph but Thursday she was at almost 4.5 to 5.0 mph! She was very nice to me and got off early then we went to go pick up Buttonz from her dad's house. We, (or should I say me,) are watching him as Candace's dad and stepmom are going out of town for the next couple of days.
We will try to make it to the gym tonight, it depends on what time Candace is able to get off work tonight. Anyways, not that much else is going on, so until later...
Kurt
Monday, June 21, 2010
Two Months
Hi all...well really not all, because most of the people who read this blog are currently with me in Oregon...but hi those of you that are not here.
Today, Kurt and I have been working on our project for two months. The last couple of weeks have been hard for me as I started working...and I haven't been able to make it to the gym. This week though, we are looking forward to taking long walks with the dogs.
So, we are going to wait until we return home on Sunday to take our pictures and do our measurements...so you'll just have to wait a bit to hear...but things are looking good!!
Anyway, that is all for today...I just want to say, Trevor, if you get a chance to check it out, we miss you on our trip :P
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Work and working out
Hello all,
I keep meaning to keep everyone updated on our goings on a more regular basis. I will try to be better about blogging much more often than twice a week. After that promise, I am will need to let you know that next week we will be lucky to blog at all since we are heading on the Nolan (Williams) family reunion trip. Then again most of you already know what we are going to be doing next week since most of you will be there with us.
Candace's new job is very time intensive. Last week she worked 38 hours in 4 days. And she still made it to the gym twice last week. We didn't go to the gym on Saturday since it was Courtney's graduation/birthday celebration and Sunday we were simply to tired to go the gym. Yesterday Candace was at work for 13 hours and she planned on leaving work around 5 and go the gym with me after she gets off. Unfortunately, (well not unfortunately) she needs to finish her training so she can make her new boss even happier with her so might not be off until 7 or possibly later. Candace really wants to make it to the gym, and if she is off before 7 she will attempt the gym tonight. I will let you know what happens.
However, Candace is still eating sensible portions and eating quality foods so its not like she is giving up this healthy living style. I know that the both of us hope for some normalcy when it comes to her work schedule after a month or so of work. We discussed a work out plan of Tuesday and Thursday she will try to be off at 5 so we can go to the gym and workout Saturday and Sunday as well. After the training ends, I think that this will be much more likely to happen.
For me, I feel like a 1950's housewife, I cook, I (attempt) clean the house, I do laundry, I take care of the yard, I walk the dogs regularly, and try to make certain my wife has a hot dinner when she comes home from work all with having one car in the house. The only thing that I am missing is a couple of kids running around and an apron. (Kids are not in the equation right now for us). I have been working on my business plan so I can get out of the house and also make some money as well. That and watching a lot of crummy day time television. No soaps yet, hopefully I wont start that craziness.
Candace and I will try to be better about keeping all of you informed, next week. Until later,
Kurt
I keep meaning to keep everyone updated on our goings on a more regular basis. I will try to be better about blogging much more often than twice a week. After that promise, I am will need to let you know that next week we will be lucky to blog at all since we are heading on the Nolan (Williams) family reunion trip. Then again most of you already know what we are going to be doing next week since most of you will be there with us.
Candace's new job is very time intensive. Last week she worked 38 hours in 4 days. And she still made it to the gym twice last week. We didn't go to the gym on Saturday since it was Courtney's graduation/birthday celebration and Sunday we were simply to tired to go the gym. Yesterday Candace was at work for 13 hours and she planned on leaving work around 5 and go the gym with me after she gets off. Unfortunately, (well not unfortunately) she needs to finish her training so she can make her new boss even happier with her so might not be off until 7 or possibly later. Candace really wants to make it to the gym, and if she is off before 7 she will attempt the gym tonight. I will let you know what happens.
However, Candace is still eating sensible portions and eating quality foods so its not like she is giving up this healthy living style. I know that the both of us hope for some normalcy when it comes to her work schedule after a month or so of work. We discussed a work out plan of Tuesday and Thursday she will try to be off at 5 so we can go to the gym and workout Saturday and Sunday as well. After the training ends, I think that this will be much more likely to happen.
For me, I feel like a 1950's housewife, I cook, I (attempt) clean the house, I do laundry, I take care of the yard, I walk the dogs regularly, and try to make certain my wife has a hot dinner when she comes home from work all with having one car in the house. The only thing that I am missing is a couple of kids running around and an apron. (Kids are not in the equation right now for us). I have been working on my business plan so I can get out of the house and also make some money as well. That and watching a lot of crummy day time television. No soaps yet, hopefully I wont start that craziness.
Candace and I will try to be better about keeping all of you informed, next week. Until later,
Kurt
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Getting back to our routine mean soreness
After a week of helping the in-laws do yard work and such, we started going back to the gym again. Unfortunately our bodies seemingly forgot how to handle working out. We both did the treadmill for 40 minutes but it was seemingly very difficult for us to do. Candace was able to do the treadmill but felt tired while doing it and worked at a slightly lower level than before we went down to PG. After a day, I realized that I was working out harder than I really should of. I was at between 5.5% and 6% grade at 4 MPH and I was hovering at the back of treadmill instead of the middle like I normally am. My ankle also started hurting again, but I pushed through it.
We then went over the elliptical machine where Candace was only able to do 10 minutes on it before her stomach started to feel queezy and I don't like the idea of working out to the point of feeling sickly so we decided to end our workout then. I did forget to bring Candace's water bottle, so I don't know how much that had to do with her queeziness.
I know that we didn't go to the gym for nearly a week, but I kind of surprised that we both had such a difficult workout. Its not like we sat around watching Oprah and ate bon bons all week, so I have no idea why our workout was so painful, for the lack of a better word. Has anyone else had an experience like that? I can't remember feeling this way when I worked out when I was younger, but that was nearly 10 years ago and my brain has a 5 year capacity.
Candace's work schedule has been crazy this week, so we will work in going to the gym with her work schedule. I am going to be starting my own business in the next couple of weeks, so if anyone knows any real estate companies that do property management as well please let me know. I plan to do take pictures of rental properties and maybe do some maintenance work around the property as well. I can remember looking for a place and a lot of places had either no pictures of the property or poor pictures where I couldn't figure out what room it is. So i figured that there is a market for this. Sorry for the job pitch, but I am a little excited about it. Don't worry I am still going to school, but sitting around all day looking for work is getting old.
Until next time....
We then went over the elliptical machine where Candace was only able to do 10 minutes on it before her stomach started to feel queezy and I don't like the idea of working out to the point of feeling sickly so we decided to end our workout then. I did forget to bring Candace's water bottle, so I don't know how much that had to do with her queeziness.
I know that we didn't go to the gym for nearly a week, but I kind of surprised that we both had such a difficult workout. Its not like we sat around watching Oprah and ate bon bons all week, so I have no idea why our workout was so painful, for the lack of a better word. Has anyone else had an experience like that? I can't remember feeling this way when I worked out when I was younger, but that was nearly 10 years ago and my brain has a 5 year capacity.
Candace's work schedule has been crazy this week, so we will work in going to the gym with her work schedule. I am going to be starting my own business in the next couple of weeks, so if anyone knows any real estate companies that do property management as well please let me know. I plan to do take pictures of rental properties and maybe do some maintenance work around the property as well. I can remember looking for a place and a lot of places had either no pictures of the property or poor pictures where I couldn't figure out what room it is. So i figured that there is a market for this. Sorry for the job pitch, but I am a little excited about it. Don't worry I am still going to school, but sitting around all day looking for work is getting old.
Until next time....
Monday, June 7, 2010
Home Means...Getting Back to the Routine
Hello all...we have returned from California...which on top of getting to sleep in our own bed (yea!!) means that our routine begins again.
We weren't necessarily bad while away...it's just much harder to try and track our food as well as exercise...especially since we were there to "work" (Kurt did much more work than I did, especially if you ask my sister Kirstin.) When we got our work done, we were able to try to get some exercise in. Saturday, we went on a ±3.6 mile (total) walk around the yacht harbor in Santa Cruz with Kurt's parents before and after breakfast and then went on a walk through Fall Creek in Felton with our friends, Lisa and Kevin (which we couldn't really track how far because you can't see the trail through the trees.)
All in all the week was good considering it was semi-vacation like. We didn't snack too much, ate decent meals (minus wanting pizza on Friday) and tried to remember to make good decisions.
However, our semi-vacation habits started slipping into today a bit. You can't go to Santa Cruz without picking up some salt water taffy, which we've been snacking on a bit today...and the heat today...well, I got a craving for a Slurpee (bad, Candace, bad - and of course Kurt gave in) ... so all I can say is tomorrow is another day - start again.
Tomorrow is also a gym day. We made it to the Monterey Sports Center last week, and I can't remember if Kurt blogged about it last week, but we really didn't enjoy it. We worked harder than we do at home and the machines said we burned a lot less calories as well as were working at lower METs. I am so happy to get back to our gym tomorrow...I missed it.
Anyway, we have to get up early to go to the gym, so we'll be going now. Luckily, I'm working in the evenings this week, so I can get to the gym still. Just a few thoughts...had a good time in PG and SC...it was good to see those of you we saw. Trevor, glad I got to talk to you the other day...hope you are being safe, and thanks for spending some of your "free time" checking our progress. So happy Cassie is home!! I'll stop by soon...I figure your children are being smothered by their grandparents anyway and you are being smothered by your sister. Thanks to all of you sending your advice and support!! Its been really motivating!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Sorry for going so long without a post
Hello all,
Sorry about taking so long for not posting in 4 days, but Candace and I have been crazy busy since Sunday. I know you aren't owed an explanation but I don't want anyone to think that we have given up on the whole healthy living experience.
Saturday we went did our gym routine and ate surprisingly well, especially we burnt an average of 850 calories at the gym. The only thing that could of been construed as "bad" would be the ham sandwich from Subway that we had for lunch. After looking at the dietary information, the worst thing we had was over 1400 mg of sodium. I think that Jared might of lost all that weight, but now he has high blood pressure from all the sodium. The AHA(American Heart Association) recommends that the daily intake of sodium is only 1500 mg of sodium, the ADA (American Dietary Association) recommends that you only have between 2000 and 2200 mg of sodium. Yuck.
Sunday we went down to Monterey to help around Candace's moms house for the week and even though we driving for 5 hours, passing fast food joints left and right we brought our lunch of chicken, lettuce, a low fat honey dijon on pita bread. However, we are finding that its difficult to track the exact amount of calories that we eating because we aren't preparing the food while down here in Monterey. We are just trying to make certain that we don't have seconds and thirds since we aren't 100% certain what is in the food. That is not saying that Candace's parents are trying to sneak fat in our anything like that, its that we don't know the amounts of each ingredient so it makes it difficult to track calories.
We are still being active. We take 2 1/2 mile walks in the morning (at least twice since we got down here) and yesterday I spent 6 hours using the weed waker, raking and hoeing the backyard. Last night we went to the pool for a couple of hours as well and spent 2 hours playing around in the pool. I figure as long as we try to do something every day we are down here, we should still be losing weight while down here. Maybe not 2 1/4 lbs a week, but any amount is better than gaining weight.
Well I have better get going and help around the house some more, so until later....
Sorry about taking so long for not posting in 4 days, but Candace and I have been crazy busy since Sunday. I know you aren't owed an explanation but I don't want anyone to think that we have given up on the whole healthy living experience.
Saturday we went did our gym routine and ate surprisingly well, especially we burnt an average of 850 calories at the gym. The only thing that could of been construed as "bad" would be the ham sandwich from Subway that we had for lunch. After looking at the dietary information, the worst thing we had was over 1400 mg of sodium. I think that Jared might of lost all that weight, but now he has high blood pressure from all the sodium. The AHA(American Heart Association) recommends that the daily intake of sodium is only 1500 mg of sodium, the ADA (American Dietary Association) recommends that you only have between 2000 and 2200 mg of sodium. Yuck.
Sunday we went down to Monterey to help around Candace's moms house for the week and even though we driving for 5 hours, passing fast food joints left and right we brought our lunch of chicken, lettuce, a low fat honey dijon on pita bread. However, we are finding that its difficult to track the exact amount of calories that we eating because we aren't preparing the food while down here in Monterey. We are just trying to make certain that we don't have seconds and thirds since we aren't 100% certain what is in the food. That is not saying that Candace's parents are trying to sneak fat in our anything like that, its that we don't know the amounts of each ingredient so it makes it difficult to track calories.
We are still being active. We take 2 1/2 mile walks in the morning (at least twice since we got down here) and yesterday I spent 6 hours using the weed waker, raking and hoeing the backyard. Last night we went to the pool for a couple of hours as well and spent 2 hours playing around in the pool. I figure as long as we try to do something every day we are down here, we should still be losing weight while down here. Maybe not 2 1/4 lbs a week, but any amount is better than gaining weight.
Well I have better get going and help around the house some more, so until later....
Friday, May 28, 2010
Plugging along
Hello followers,
Candace and I are moving with our exercise program. We are spending around 75 minutes at the gym 4 days a week now as Candace mentioned in her last post. On Wednesday night, we went to the library to check out a few new books to supplement our activities. We also did some research on ideal heart rate while working out.
Candace has been concerned about keeping her heart rate at what the aerobics machine said was ideal for her. I also wondered if my heart rate was high enough to be doing me any real good or was I just going the motions. So Candace went the Mayo Clinic website and they have a tool called the target heart rate calculator which helped us determine what our ideal heart rate should be. Candace found out that her ideal heart rate is between 134-163 and I am between 130-152. This gave Candace some piece of mind in her exercise regime. At first she was trying to keep her heart rate at lower level and she felt like she was moving in slow motion on the elliptical machine, instead she can work out at faster speed. It helped me realize that I was actually being too easy on myself so now I work out a little harder.
We got quite a few books on healthy eating and living, we got the Volumetrics books that Amy recommended and so far we like what we are hearing from it. I can't say that I agree with everything that is being said, but then again we only got 25 pages into it. We will write a review on it once we finish it. We also got a diet book from Dr. Nancy Schnedierman (yes the same person from t.v.) and we really like what she has to saying about dieting and eating better. Again we will write a review on it once we finish it.
As many of you know, Candace got a job working as a real estate photographer assistant. This will could add an interesting challenge for us, going to the gym while at least one of us has a real job. It should be interesting for me since historically I gain weight when I have to work. I know, I know I am a part-time student getting money from unemployment, but I will be living Candace's schedule, so I am working vicariously.
Anyways, its late and I am sleepy, so until next time....
Candace and I are moving with our exercise program. We are spending around 75 minutes at the gym 4 days a week now as Candace mentioned in her last post. On Wednesday night, we went to the library to check out a few new books to supplement our activities. We also did some research on ideal heart rate while working out.
Candace has been concerned about keeping her heart rate at what the aerobics machine said was ideal for her. I also wondered if my heart rate was high enough to be doing me any real good or was I just going the motions. So Candace went the Mayo Clinic website and they have a tool called the target heart rate calculator which helped us determine what our ideal heart rate should be. Candace found out that her ideal heart rate is between 134-163 and I am between 130-152. This gave Candace some piece of mind in her exercise regime. At first she was trying to keep her heart rate at lower level and she felt like she was moving in slow motion on the elliptical machine, instead she can work out at faster speed. It helped me realize that I was actually being too easy on myself so now I work out a little harder.
We got quite a few books on healthy eating and living, we got the Volumetrics books that Amy recommended and so far we like what we are hearing from it. I can't say that I agree with everything that is being said, but then again we only got 25 pages into it. We will write a review on it once we finish it. We also got a diet book from Dr. Nancy Schnedierman (yes the same person from t.v.) and we really like what she has to saying about dieting and eating better. Again we will write a review on it once we finish it.
As many of you know, Candace got a job working as a real estate photographer assistant. This will could add an interesting challenge for us, going to the gym while at least one of us has a real job. It should be interesting for me since historically I gain weight when I have to work. I know, I know I am a part-time student getting money from unemployment, but I will be living Candace's schedule, so I am working vicariously.
Anyways, its late and I am sleepy, so until next time....
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Change is Good
We've decided to change some things up a bit, starting this week, which led to changing things up a bit more...starting from now until we change things up again.
We were going to do a workout schedule of every other day (eg. M W F Su Tu Th Sa...) but the funny thing is...we kinda like the gym (how sad that I've become one of those people.) So gym schedule has changed to Su, Tu, Th, Sa - which will be great this week, but will be a bit hard next week while we are in Pacific Grove and Santa Cruz ... and also the week of the Family Reunion. We figured that next week, though, we would make a HUGE effort to get to the Monterey Sports Center twice next week (as well as drag my mom with us) and we are looking for walking buddies while in Oregon...bring your walking shoes.
Yesterday was the same ol'...we did 40 min on the treadmill and 35 on the elliptical trainer...I am SO enjoying ditching the bike. 75 minutes never went so fast. We've decided that we are going to start adding the weights portion of the workout when we return from Oregon...as vacation week with be our two month marker.
Not much going on...going to head out to the library to pick up the books on volumetrics to read more about what my aunt Amy was talking about...I also need to review this other book that I...well...I'll talk more about it later.
We had an artichoke for lunch today...mmmm....forgot how much I LOVE artichokes. If anyone wants us to bring some back from Castroville, let us know. Good in fiber, calories, not a lot of sodium (and I do love them with mayo, but I gave myself 2 servings of mayo and only used 1...so, that's good).
We've learned a couple of things so far this week.
1. We intake entirely too much sodium, but it is not completely our fault. I have never realized how much sodium is in most processed things. We made pasta for lunch yesterday and the S&W organic tomato sauce has 340 mg of sodium per 1/4 cup. So, I need to go through my big Martha Stewart book and learn how to make some of this stuff myself to hopefully cut back on sodium.
2. We took this personal diet evaluator on WebMD and given my age, weight, height, what I'm looking for, etc., I can eat 3065 calories a day to maintain my weight, reduce it by 777 calories per day through diet and/or exercise (which is what they calculated as my deficit if I want to lose 20 lbs in the next 90 days) to lose a pound a week. That is insane!! Yesterday I burnt off almost 700 calories at the gym and still barely ate 2200 calories, which is my on-day goal. Its not like I was hungry, I just chose better. So, I don't know what to think of this evaluator...but it has said similar things to other sites I've calculated from, which leads me to find some truth in it.
Anyway, we are off. Hopefully the day stays relatively rain free so we can walk the dogs soon.
Monday, May 24, 2010
28 days
We made it at least this far...whats another rest of our lives. So, you've seen what we've done for the last 28 days...and there have been many good days and some not good days (more than I'd like to admit), but the whole process has been positive.
Let's start with comparisons (before - left; today - right and please note that I changed my clothing from the previous picture because I put on the original outfit and it hid my changes...so this will be the new outfit until it no longer fits):
So some minor changes...but we weren't expecting the world...ok...I wished for it to be greater, but I know it takes time.
And now the numbers (bleh). I started out at 275 and 28 days later I am 266.... 9 lbs lighter (2.25 lbs per week). Kurt started out at 258 and 28 days later is 249...9 lbs lighter (2.25 lbs per week). Also, Oreo's lost 3.4 lbs since we've started...which is by far the biggest weight loss of the three of us. Schroeder has remained the same, but he was only 11.5 lbs to begin. YEA!!!
We decided to do something a little different today too...we decided to do our measurements and track those as well (many of you could probably fit two of you in me...but you already knew that anyway.)
Me: 50" chest, 16" bicep, 47.5" waist, 51" hips and 28" thigh (the left one)
Kurt: 48.5" chest, 15.5" bicep, 17.5" neck, 44" waist, 43.75" hips and 24.75" thigh (also the left one - I say that because I noticed his calves becoming more defined, and noticed that one was slightly larger than the other, so I like to note which one now)
And that is that...its been hard, but it's all been worth it. Kurt says I snore a lot less, which I guess is good...doesn't bother me (hahaha). We both sleep better and earlier since we are so tired at the end of the day. Kurt is defining much faster than I am (stupid boys) but hopefully I'm not too far behind.
Other than all of that...today was an off day - we are doing the gym 4 days this week...but we took the dogs for a ±1.6 mile walk today after some Wii Fit aerobics, strength training and such. Yesterday, I did just treadmill and elliptical trainer...which was a bit more difficult, because usually I get off my feet for 20 minutes on the bike and Kurt did the stair climber instead of bike...and he has decided he won't be doing that for a couple of months. Because of the change in routine, we only did 70 minutes yesterday...and I hope we can push it the missing 5 minutes tomorrow.
Okay...you can stop reading now :P
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Change In Plans
So I'm going to try and keep it short and sweet tonight.
Yesterday was a gym day, but my soon to be sister-in-law, Miranda, is in town trying to get everything set up for their wedding in August, so we postponed the gym so I could help out. For the most part, we ate well yesterday...we did go to lunch at the Atlantis with Miranda, my stepma, Merirae, and my nephew Corey, but we were good and had a half sandwich and side salad.
We didn't postpone the gym for long....just to today. We went this morning, and did the same as Wednesday - 20 minutes on both the treadmill and bike and 35 on the elliptical trainer. I'm thinking about removing the bike from my routine though, because I am SO bored on the bike...just doing treadmill and elliptical instead. Kurt's ankle was hurting him a bit on the treadmill this morning, so he might stop and do just bike (even though its boring to him too) or maybe the stair climber, even though it didn't go so well last time.
We were a little bad earlier in the day...didn't do much more on Wii Fit then just the weigh in and stability exercises (I was feeling kinda weak today), and we had grilled cheese and tomato soup for lunch because it was SO cold today. Then we went over to my Dad and Stepma's house and had some really good lasagna...so that wasn't so good either...but who can pass up lasagna?!!?
To get back on track, we are going to the gym again tomorrow (it's very funny because I find myself wondering why I don't go everyday and thinking, when in the world would I ever have believed I would say that). We are trying an every other day schedule...which means 3 days one week, 4 the other...which should be good.
Anyway, not as short as I was trying for, but I'll end it here. Be sure to check back Monday (well you should check everyday, but specifically Monday :P) as it's 4 weeks since we started and we are doing another weigh in.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Tried To Be Good...It Didn't Really Happen
So...yeah. That's pretty much the day in a nutshell. I'll give you the slightly abridged version also.
Got up...breakfast...did some Wii Fit. Tried out the new feature where you tell it what you want to work on and it gives you 3 things to do to focus on it. The one I built for myself is a little more intense though. I might stick to it on the off days. Had a light lunch and an afternoon smoothie...and that's where it kinda went downhill from there.
We were just going to have a light dinner, some cereal and fruit...but the want to be bad sort of overwhelmed us this evening...once again, you see the pizza, you want the pizza. Now, today is one of our off days (on days - gym; off days - dog walks), so the calories for today that we gave ourselves are lower. For me, for on days I chose 2150 calories (based on what i calculated from the Mifflin-St Jeor formula) and 1800 calories for off days (Kurt chose 2200 and 1900 calories respectively.)
So because of a decent morning we had a little wiggle room, and for 45 minutes we discussed and researched what we could get away with for pizza (and steak fries, because I love their steak fries) and still not go over too much (keep in mind, we are only talking about calories...fats, sodium, carbs, etc. - we're not even considering those anymore)...and with the order of a small cheese pizza and a side order of fries, we decided today would be a cheat day.
It was fabulous!!
At this point, we both are about 800 calories over our allotment for today...which is kinda sucky...but we knew what we were doing, we thought about it and chose it - and that's one of the differences between before and now. Before, there was no hesitation. So we're growing :P
We did take the dogs for a ±1.6 mile walk about and hour and a half after dinner...which at least burned about a quarter of what we were over today...and tomorrow will just have to be a new day.
Anyway, more tomorrow of course. Amy, thanks for the link...we will definitely take a look at it and see if it'll work for us.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
We moved up in the world
Today we decided to push ourselves a bit farther at the gym, we did 20 minutes on the treadmill, 20 minutes on the stationary bike and 35 minutes on the elliptical machine. Candace was at 3 miles an hour on the treadmill and I was at 4 miles an hour. Which is already a big improvement since we started working out. I remember doing only 3.2 miles an hour 3 weeks ago with a HR of 130 BPM, now it is only 124 BPM.
We did learn something important today though, that is the need to eat enough before going to the gym. Since we added another 15 minutes to our workout, neither one of us thought of all the extra energy we were going to burn off. So at almost the same moment at minute 29 on the elliptical machine we hit the proverbial "wall". We pushed through for the last 6 minutes of the work out, especially since the last 5 minutes was cool down. As soon as we got home though, we had strawberry-banana smoothies to rebuild the lost carbo's.
Speaking of carbo's (protein and fats as well) we are still doing the calorie counting on daily plate and we are becoming much more aware of how much we are eating everyday. We also are learning how many carbo's, protein and fats we are having every day. Today our sugars are higher than it should be but most of the are fruit sugars, not the high fructose corn syrup we used to have. But we are improving, so that is what is important in the end. We had almost 2200 calories total today, but when we looked up our caloric intake for weight loss and factored in our workout today, we are some 750 calories lower than what is necessary to maintain our weight.
We checked out the link that Candace's Aunt Karen's (and Aunt Carol's) sent to us on weight loss transformation for couples. (see comment on yesterdays post for link) Some of the transformations were incredible and very inspirational. I believe that in time, both Candace and I will be able to be on a page like that :).
That's all for now, until later...
We did learn something important today though, that is the need to eat enough before going to the gym. Since we added another 15 minutes to our workout, neither one of us thought of all the extra energy we were going to burn off. So at almost the same moment at minute 29 on the elliptical machine we hit the proverbial "wall". We pushed through for the last 6 minutes of the work out, especially since the last 5 minutes was cool down. As soon as we got home though, we had strawberry-banana smoothies to rebuild the lost carbo's.
Speaking of carbo's (protein and fats as well) we are still doing the calorie counting on daily plate and we are becoming much more aware of how much we are eating everyday. We also are learning how many carbo's, protein and fats we are having every day. Today our sugars are higher than it should be but most of the are fruit sugars, not the high fructose corn syrup we used to have. But we are improving, so that is what is important in the end. We had almost 2200 calories total today, but when we looked up our caloric intake for weight loss and factored in our workout today, we are some 750 calories lower than what is necessary to maintain our weight.
We checked out the link that Candace's Aunt Karen's (and Aunt Carol's) sent to us on weight loss transformation for couples. (see comment on yesterdays post for link) Some of the transformations were incredible and very inspirational. I believe that in time, both Candace and I will be able to be on a page like that :).
That's all for now, until later...
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Long Day of Sitting and Waiting
Not a lot to talk about today. We did some Wii Fit this morning but we spent most of the day sitting around waiting at both the Social Security Office and the DMV (which of course most of the waiting was at the latter.) We brought a snack with us when we left, but we didn't really think about how long it usually takes at the DMV, so 4 hours after our snack, we had to get something out of the vending machine there. We tried to be good, and the best we could do was Chex Mix...I figure at least it wasn't candy (not that candy would have done anything for our hunger.)
So when we got home we had some leftover stew we made Sunday (which wasn't really as full of carbs and sodium as I would have thought) and a salad ... and I started to think about how I saw...at Costco I think...that Wii Fit had a new game...Wii Fit Plus. So we looked it up and it essentially has all the same Wii Fit stuff, but with some new features, such as weighing the dog, how many calories its estimating you are burning and setting up a training schedule so there isn't time between trying to choose what you want to do next (we were sold just on the dog feature.) Best yet, we traded in some of our Wii games that we don't play anymore as well as the original Wii Fit game and the new game was free ... actually we still have a $6 credit (YEA!!)
Of course we played with that this evening, but we also went on a 1.87 mile walk with the dogs after dinner...because we intended on having a little dessert tonight - strawberry cheesecake yogurt mixed with fat free whipped cream in a graham cracker crust (thanks Aunt Teri), which really doesn't have as many calories as we thought...±180 calories which really isn't that bad (although I know there is a bit of sugar in there).
As for the responses we got yesterday...thanks Cassiopeia for letting us know about the whey protein...we're going to look into that. Also we did start daily plate yesterday morning. Merirae has been suggesting it for a while, and I already had a log in for it (which was funny because the last time I put in my food log, it was almost exactly a year to the day). It really has been helping to see what we are eating and what we can have. Also thanks Lisa for your advice...and for also reminding me that I bought fruit so I could make smoothies (we cut up strawberries and bananas and put them in the freezer this evening.) We'll make them after the gym tomorrow to replenish our energy.
That's all for now...more gym tomorrow...but you'll hear about that then.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Stupid Calories
orry for the delay in posting, but its been a couple of days since we have done anything anyway...and what a mistake that was.
On Saturday, we went over to my Aunt Barbara's house for my cousin Matthew's birthday (as most of you know, because you were there too), where we had some pizza for lunch (and where Aunt Barbara was nice enough to order a garden style pizza for those of us who are trying to be better about what we eat, but we didn't realize was there), but were good about what and how much we ate.
However, later on that day we went to Red Robin for dinner with my cousin Courtney and lets just say ... it's really hard when you try to find something on the menu that sounds like its one of the healthier items only to find out later that it really wasn't. And on top of it, we were relatively lazy this weekend...a short walk with the dogs, so Buttonz's legs wouldn't bother him, was the most activity we got (minus some light gardening Kurt did yesterday.) We thought about going to the gym yesterday (so our schedule was every other day instead of every other business day) but we both did not sleep well the night before. It shouldn't have been an excuse though because we were unhappy with the weight gain we both had this morning (±1 lb for him, ±2 lbs for me.)
Today's activity was a vast improvement to the weekend though. We went to the gym, each doing 30 minutes on the elliptical trainer and stationary bike. There are some things I have to say about the stationary bike!! Could anyone make a more uncomfortable seat for anything?!!? On top of it, I swear time goes backward while you are on the bike. 30 minutes on the elliptical trainer feels like half the time as on the bike, be it stationary or recumbent.
When it comes to the bikes, my preference is recumbent to stationary because my feet don't fall asleep as often or for as long and my wrists don't hurt as much from the position of the handles...but I'm still not a fan of either bike.
What I like about the elliptical trainer (besides when my feet fall asleep on that too) is that I get distracted my trying to keep my heart rate down. According to the chart, 80% heart rate for me is 152 and when I first started, i had to work diligently to keep it between 158 and 162. I am happy to say that after a week of working at it, at the same speed (which right now is a snail's pace and I'm sure people are laughing at me for how slow I go, but its to maintain my heart rate) I can maintain a heart rate between 148 to 152. Soon I'll be able to actually travel faster than 2.5-3.0 mph and still keep my heart rate down. Kurt doesn't have this problem. He can travel at 5.0 mph and still have a heart rate of 133.
On top of that this morning, we both agreed that 1 hour is starting to be pretty easy. We are planning Wednesday for a change. I'm not sure what his plans are, but I am thinking 20-25 minutes on both the bike and the treadmill and 30-40 minutes on the elliptical trainer. We'll see come Wednesday.
After the gym, we came home to do a little Wii Fit...he just weighed in, I did 10 minutes of step, and some strength training, balance and yoga. Before we went the gym this morning we were watching Good Morning America and they did an interview with the head of the American Heart Association, because the AHA is putting their logo on the Wii Fit (article). I was very disappointed with what the interviewer had to say, because he was making it out to be that the AHA did it just for the money ($1.5 mil over 3 years) when they don't go and put their logo on sports items (basketballs, footballs, etc.) The president of the AHA tried to explain that it was specifically the demographic they were going for (eg. the overweight video game player who needs a little activity.) The whole interview treated the AHA as a negligent corporation who only gives its logo out for the right price, as well as alluding to the fact that the average consumer is an idiot (which can be the case, but is not always.)
I am happy to "play" with my Wii Fit almost everyday. My center of balance has become better, I'm more stable and its reminded me that I need to stretch every day regardless if I really worked out or not. I am fully aware that I will not lose the weight by doing Wii Fit exercises, nor did I expect to when we purchased it. It really pisses me off when the media makes people out to be brainless morons who buy anything advertised to them.
On another note...we've been trying to track our calories, since good points were brought up by Lisa and Merirae in response to our question on Thursday. After checking out the calories on the ice cream I had last week, I really never want ice cream again, especially when thinking about just how much work that is going to be to rid myself of the calories. Its really been awful looking but very interesting at the same time.
Today's question: The trainer I met with last week suggested that I can eat carbs but they should be in the morning, and its my opinion that I should have a little something before going to the gym so I have some energy. I'm wondering, should I go for the more simple carb (like fruit) before I go so that I have access to that energy immediately (which is what I am understanding in my research) or a complex carb (like a granola bar) which will process longer (but I'm wondering if it also is a continuous energy source)?
On Saturday, we went over to my Aunt Barbara's house for my cousin Matthew's birthday (as most of you know, because you were there too), where we had some pizza for lunch (and where Aunt Barbara was nice enough to order a garden style pizza for those of us who are trying to be better about what we eat, but we didn't realize was there), but were good about what and how much we ate.
However, later on that day we went to Red Robin for dinner with my cousin Courtney and lets just say ... it's really hard when you try to find something on the menu that sounds like its one of the healthier items only to find out later that it really wasn't. And on top of it, we were relatively lazy this weekend...a short walk with the dogs, so Buttonz's legs wouldn't bother him, was the most activity we got (minus some light gardening Kurt did yesterday.) We thought about going to the gym yesterday (so our schedule was every other day instead of every other business day) but we both did not sleep well the night before. It shouldn't have been an excuse though because we were unhappy with the weight gain we both had this morning (±1 lb for him, ±2 lbs for me.)
Today's activity was a vast improvement to the weekend though. We went to the gym, each doing 30 minutes on the elliptical trainer and stationary bike. There are some things I have to say about the stationary bike!! Could anyone make a more uncomfortable seat for anything?!!? On top of it, I swear time goes backward while you are on the bike. 30 minutes on the elliptical trainer feels like half the time as on the bike, be it stationary or recumbent.
When it comes to the bikes, my preference is recumbent to stationary because my feet don't fall asleep as often or for as long and my wrists don't hurt as much from the position of the handles...but I'm still not a fan of either bike.
What I like about the elliptical trainer (besides when my feet fall asleep on that too) is that I get distracted my trying to keep my heart rate down. According to the chart, 80% heart rate for me is 152 and when I first started, i had to work diligently to keep it between 158 and 162. I am happy to say that after a week of working at it, at the same speed (which right now is a snail's pace and I'm sure people are laughing at me for how slow I go, but its to maintain my heart rate) I can maintain a heart rate between 148 to 152. Soon I'll be able to actually travel faster than 2.5-3.0 mph and still keep my heart rate down. Kurt doesn't have this problem. He can travel at 5.0 mph and still have a heart rate of 133.
On top of that this morning, we both agreed that 1 hour is starting to be pretty easy. We are planning Wednesday for a change. I'm not sure what his plans are, but I am thinking 20-25 minutes on both the bike and the treadmill and 30-40 minutes on the elliptical trainer. We'll see come Wednesday.
After the gym, we came home to do a little Wii Fit...he just weighed in, I did 10 minutes of step, and some strength training, balance and yoga. Before we went the gym this morning we were watching Good Morning America and they did an interview with the head of the American Heart Association, because the AHA is putting their logo on the Wii Fit (article). I was very disappointed with what the interviewer had to say, because he was making it out to be that the AHA did it just for the money ($1.5 mil over 3 years) when they don't go and put their logo on sports items (basketballs, footballs, etc.) The president of the AHA tried to explain that it was specifically the demographic they were going for (eg. the overweight video game player who needs a little activity.) The whole interview treated the AHA as a negligent corporation who only gives its logo out for the right price, as well as alluding to the fact that the average consumer is an idiot (which can be the case, but is not always.)
I am happy to "play" with my Wii Fit almost everyday. My center of balance has become better, I'm more stable and its reminded me that I need to stretch every day regardless if I really worked out or not. I am fully aware that I will not lose the weight by doing Wii Fit exercises, nor did I expect to when we purchased it. It really pisses me off when the media makes people out to be brainless morons who buy anything advertised to them.
On another note...we've been trying to track our calories, since good points were brought up by Lisa and Merirae in response to our question on Thursday. After checking out the calories on the ice cream I had last week, I really never want ice cream again, especially when thinking about just how much work that is going to be to rid myself of the calories. Its really been awful looking but very interesting at the same time.
Today's question: The trainer I met with last week suggested that I can eat carbs but they should be in the morning, and its my opinion that I should have a little something before going to the gym so I have some energy. I'm wondering, should I go for the more simple carb (like fruit) before I go so that I have access to that energy immediately (which is what I am understanding in my research) or a complex carb (like a granola bar) which will process longer (but I'm wondering if it also is a continuous energy source)?
Friday, May 14, 2010
I feel like I can barely move today.
Today Candace and I went to the gym a little later than normal because neither one of us wanted to get out of bed this morning. I think my body was trying to tell me something but did I listen??? No, mostly because I never listen to my body anymore. It normally is telling me to grab a piece of pie and watch some great programs on the Discovery channel rather than be active. Yeah I still fighting the urge to be lazy, but I think i am winning that battle.
Anyways, we go to the gym and first the recumbent bikes are acting up. In order to do my 30 minutes (including cool down) I chose the weight loss setting. Part of this is I need to hold on the sensor bar so that the bike knows what my heart rate is... well today it says that I have no heart rate, and if I did have a heart rate it was much slower than I know it was at. It said that I was only at 110 BPM, when I was sweating and panting. Stupid bike. Candace was also having issues with her bike, so I know technology wasn't just singling me out today.
We then went over to the elliptical machine and it seriously kicked my ass today and I have no earthly reason why it did. I set up the normal training program but my legs felt like jello no more than 15 minutes in the program. I continued with it for the entire 30 minutes but I left the gym feeling weak and exhausted. I know you should leave the gym feeling a little tired but not like you just ran 30 miles trying to get away from zombies or something.
After we got home I used our Wii fit program and I barely had the energy to stand and do the weight and BMI exam.(I lost another 1.1 lbs since the last time I used it 2 days ago Yeah!!) To be honest I think it was all water weight because I must of drank 2 quarts of water when I got home. After a healthy lunch and a shower I felt a bit better. I think that this Saturday I will only go on a short 0.8 mile walk and otherwise just relax. I think all my exercising is catching up to me. I just need to push through it though come Monday if I am beaten about by the gym. I think I am going to take an Advil now and chill for the rest of the evening. Until later....
Anyways, we go to the gym and first the recumbent bikes are acting up. In order to do my 30 minutes (including cool down) I chose the weight loss setting. Part of this is I need to hold on the sensor bar so that the bike knows what my heart rate is... well today it says that I have no heart rate, and if I did have a heart rate it was much slower than I know it was at. It said that I was only at 110 BPM, when I was sweating and panting. Stupid bike. Candace was also having issues with her bike, so I know technology wasn't just singling me out today.
We then went over to the elliptical machine and it seriously kicked my ass today and I have no earthly reason why it did. I set up the normal training program but my legs felt like jello no more than 15 minutes in the program. I continued with it for the entire 30 minutes but I left the gym feeling weak and exhausted. I know you should leave the gym feeling a little tired but not like you just ran 30 miles trying to get away from zombies or something.
After we got home I used our Wii fit program and I barely had the energy to stand and do the weight and BMI exam.(I lost another 1.1 lbs since the last time I used it 2 days ago Yeah!!) To be honest I think it was all water weight because I must of drank 2 quarts of water when I got home. After a healthy lunch and a shower I felt a bit better. I think that this Saturday I will only go on a short 0.8 mile walk and otherwise just relax. I think all my exercising is catching up to me. I just need to push through it though come Monday if I am beaten about by the gym. I think I am going to take an Advil now and chill for the rest of the evening. Until later....
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Its official
Today we are officially legally married. The certificate FINALLY arrived in the mail. Now I can go and take care of all my crap...SSI, DMV, bank. I'll do it Monday after we go to the gym.
So the last couple days, I...maybe Kurt but he isn't here at the moment for me to ask...but I have had such a sweet tooth. I am craving sugar like mad. And I'm trying to be really good and use fruit as a sweet substitute, but it isn't working. And that leads me to where Kurt is right now. He's getting ice cream for me (well, us, but mostly me). But only because we just came back from a 2.15 mile walk...that was the deal...walk a good distance and you can have ice cream.
Today was an off gym day...so we got up...and were a little lazy, but Kurt had to go to class at 10am this morning (only one more day of school for him - yea!!) and so after I watched Teri Hatcher on Regis and Kelly - which I've started watching regularly because its one of the shows on at the gym when we go - I did 40 minutes of Wii Fit with most of the emphasis on aerobic and balance. I am trying to work harder on my balance so that I don't have such a hard time with holding the Yoga positions.
Then I had a hard time sitting still...so I went out and cut the grass. It was such a beautiful day outside. Then, I didn't have such a hard time sitting for a little while. For dinner we had chicken and broccoli. I've been a bit snacky today...I think that's part of my not wanting to sit still for too long. But I've been trying to be good and snack only on fruit or string cheese. I made some granola yesterday which is really good - but very hard to eat as a snack...and I also made blueberry muffins (recipes will follow). And right now I have bananas in the dehydrator...which will be done in the morning.
And so after dinner we walked...with the dogs, who are a little out of it at the moment. We saw two geese with three chicks and one of the adult geese was bleeding...it was sad. We have Buttonz tomorrow night through I think Sunday, so long walks are not planned for the weekend, since he has a bad leg (but maybe a short one on Saturday, since Kurt says that he really enjoyed them).
So I've realized as typing that really I've been blogging about what's going on in the day, and that hasn't really left anyone much to comment on, although we've been appreciating and enjoying the support. So I'm going to try to ask a question as often as I can for advice on something we've been thinking about.
There are two things we've discussed in the last couple of days, but I think I'll save one for tomorrow in case I have nothing to ask then.
If I'm feeling bad about having the ice cream after eating it tonight, does it seem logical to try to push myself a little further tomorrow at the gym? The plan is to do the same as yesterday - 25 minutes plus cool down on both the bike and elliptical trainer. Kurt and I both think that if we try to push ourselves longer than an hour, we're only going to regret that, and give ourselves excuses not to go...but what do you guys think?
Recipes:
Granola -
2 cups rolled oats
2 cups french vanilla cereal
(I had some for another recipe I never made that I got from the bulk section at WinCo...the original recipe asked for 4 cups of rolled oats...so I might try that next time)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup apple juice concentrate
2 Tbsp honey
2 tsp vanilla extract
±1 cup of your favorite dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, apricots, bananas, etc)
(I used raisins, because I had them available)
Mix oats, cereal, brown sugar, walnuts, seeds and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl.
Mix apple juice concentrate, honey and vanilla in a small mixing bowl.
Drizzle wet mix over dry mix and stir to coat.
Spread on baking sheet and cook for 20-25 minutes at 375* stirring every 5 minutes until crisp and golden.
Move to container and add dried fruit
Blueberry Muffins-
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup applesauce
1 egg
2 cups all purpose flour
(it asked for 1 cup all purpose and 1 cup whole wheat, but I don't have whole wheat in the house right now)
1/3 cup sugar (it asks for a 1/2 cup but I wanted to be good about the sugar)
3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 cup fresh blueberries
Mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a large mixing bowl.
Mix milk, applesauce and egg in a small mixing bowl.
Create a well in the dry mix and pour in wet mix. Stir until all dry mix is moistened.
Fold in blueberries.
Bake for 18-20 minutes at 400* for 12 muffins or 10 minutes for 24 mini muffins.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Just a little warmer please...but not too warm
So there was really nothing to say yesterday. We got up...intended to take the dogs for a walk...but in was freeze-your-butt-off cold yesterday...and after having walked out of Costco into the sleet on Monday, that was enough for me.
I did make pizza for dinner last night tho (the better for you kind, not the I'm hungry order something kind). We decided to make things a little easier on ourselves and we bought pre-made dough from WinCo. It was really good, and so much easier to work with. They have a whole wheat dough, but I wanted to try the regular one to be sure it was good first...next time whole wheat. We also bought different sausages, and they worked so much better. We usually get the Chicken and Apple sausages from Aidells, but at Costco we found some Pineapple Sausages from Evergood. It was just like having a Hawaiian style pizza...so good.
Today, we were a little lazy getting up, but we eventually did, and we headed to the gym where we each did 25 minutes plus cool down on each the bike and the elliptical trainer - which for Kurt is normal and for me is usually torturous, because I get bored (especially because Kurt forgot to grab the headphones this morning), but today I was so fixated on the guys who were re-tarring the parking lot, that I didn't even know it was cool down time until the machine beeped at me.
I didn't have too much trouble with my feet falling asleep on the elliptical trainer today, unlike Monday, because I was going pretty slow to keep my heart rate down.
When we left, we experienced crazy dog syndrome...which is Oreo and Schroeder believing that because we have our shoes on, they are going somewhere too. Not only that, but they have had WAY too much energy lately...so after we had dinner (steak and salad - and we're getting better with portions too, steak was palm size) we took the dogs on a short walk (just over 0.8 mile) but they are passed out on the floor...which is good.
Now just eating grapes (Kurt had yogurt with grape nuts - but eewww to yogurt, tried to see if I could eat flavored yogurt today, but it just has a rancid milk taste to me)...look at the book I got from the library (Eat, Drink and Be Healthy) and off to bed soon.
There is one thing that has been great about getting up and working out...it forces us to go to bed at a decent hour.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Back on track...sort of
Happy to be home...not enjoying the weather tho. You guys couldn't will the good weather that I missed to stay?!!? At least it's suppose to get warmer later in the week...and I can go out with the dogs without having to worry about freezing to death.
So I got back Saturday night...and yesterday was a completely wasted day what with the jet lag...and the fact that there was no food in the house when I returned home. And therefore I made the excuse that I was pretty good while away (lost 2 lbs) and Kurt was good while I was gone (I don't remember what he lost)...we ordered a pizza...and ate a couple slices for lunch...and a couple slices for dinner. But today we are back on track...even though I feel its later in the day that in actually is.
We got up this morning, had some coffee and a granola bar, and went to the gym. I had a 15 min consultation with a trainer (Jason, the same one Kurt had last week)...told him my medium/long term goal is to lose 70 lbs...and he instructed me to focus on cardio working my way up to 45-60 minutes three times a week...until I get about 20 lbs from my goal, and then I can start adding some weight training in.
Today I did 15 minutes on the elliptical trainer (was aiming for 30 but my right foot started to fall asleep) and 25 minutes on the bike - Regis and Kelly helped keep my mind off the time :P Kurt did 30 minutes on each the bike and the elliptical trainer. Then we came home to weigh and Wii Fit...and realized that it wasn't a good idea to have the pizza yesterday. He gained 0.2 lbs, and I gained 0.4 lbs, which I'm sure is from the sodium in the pizza that is causing water retention.
So my plan is to do the heavier workout (cardio at the gym) on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and then to walk with the dogs on Tuesdays and Thurdays (and maybe the weekend too...but lets not get ahead of ourselves.)
In the two weeks since we started, I have lost 5 lbs and Kurt has lost 4 lbs...and for anyone keeping track, Oreo has lost 1.75 lbs...only 8.25 lbs to go. :P
I think at a month, we will again post pictures and our weight as a timeline of our progress.
Time to shower.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Leaving on a jet plane
Saying goodbye to Florida today. I won't miss walking in your muggy air. I have no plans to walk today...since I need to get the rest of my odds and ends put away and I don't know what time we're getting out of here.
Yesterday tho, I walked out to Panera Bread...then realized that it wasn't really going to be the easiest thing to walk and drink coffee...its not like I was out on a stroll of something. 2.6 miles in about 55 minutes. I started slowing down toward the end because at about 2 miles I started feeling a blister. I took my regular tennis shoes because my walking shoes wouldn't fit and I found that if I actually tie the laces every time instead of slip them on and off, they didn't give my feet such a hard time...but apparently they have a limit.\
So I guess when I get home, I have to start looking for some new walking shoes...at least until my feet start to lose some of their fat and I can wear the ones I have.
Ok...short and sweet. I gotta go shower now.
Friday, May 7, 2010
I am not that sore... what the heck?
Sorry I didn't post anything yesterday, I was wrapped up with school work. I have one week to go until I finish this semester. I just did a long walk after school (maybe 2.5 miles) since I had a long day and needed to decompress. I figure a long walk without the dogs is much better than stuffing my face with extra cheese extra pepperoni extra large pizza like I was sorely tempted to do. Instead I had a salad with a 6 ounce piece of teriyaki steak. And a glass of scotch, I figured I was allowed one not so great thing for me.
Today I awoke around 8:30, had a sensible breakfast and coffee then went to the gym again. I was as sore as that I was going to be after Wednesday's workout, I am not saying that my legs aren't a little stiff, but not as debilitating as I thought it was going to be. So I decided to stick with the lower impact machines today. I did 25 minutes on the bike (including cool down) and 30 minutes on the elliptical machine (also including cool down) You might wonder how I was able to spend that long on the machine, easy... Hit the fat burning program on the bike and it keeps the program at optimum fat burning heart rate.
At 35, that puts it about 125-132 bpm, so I tried to keep my heart rate near that range. Its not extremely difficult to keep it at that level so I figured I will try this level for the next couple of weeks then start working on increasing my heart rate to 140 or so which is at the Cardio level. In 2 weeks I will add circuit training with weights into the mix. I will start go 4 times a week at first then try to get it to 5 times a week. I will see how it goes.
That reminds me, I need to spend some time fixing up my bike so that I can start taking it around town instead of driving. Before anyone calls me a tree-hugging liberal (Trees around here would probably break if someone my size was to hug them) I want to being able to bike to school next fall rather than drive so Candace can use the car during the days I go to school and not have to either drop me off or be stuck at home. Anyone got any good links on DIY bike repairs?
That's all I have for now... Until later...
Today I awoke around 8:30, had a sensible breakfast and coffee then went to the gym again. I was as sore as that I was going to be after Wednesday's workout, I am not saying that my legs aren't a little stiff, but not as debilitating as I thought it was going to be. So I decided to stick with the lower impact machines today. I did 25 minutes on the bike (including cool down) and 30 minutes on the elliptical machine (also including cool down) You might wonder how I was able to spend that long on the machine, easy... Hit the fat burning program on the bike and it keeps the program at optimum fat burning heart rate.
At 35, that puts it about 125-132 bpm, so I tried to keep my heart rate near that range. Its not extremely difficult to keep it at that level so I figured I will try this level for the next couple of weeks then start working on increasing my heart rate to 140 or so which is at the Cardio level. In 2 weeks I will add circuit training with weights into the mix. I will start go 4 times a week at first then try to get it to 5 times a week. I will see how it goes.
That reminds me, I need to spend some time fixing up my bike so that I can start taking it around town instead of driving. Before anyone calls me a tree-hugging liberal (Trees around here would probably break if someone my size was to hug them) I want to being able to bike to school next fall rather than drive so Candace can use the car during the days I go to school and not have to either drop me off or be stuck at home. Anyone got any good links on DIY bike repairs?
That's all I have for now... Until later...
Thursday, May 6, 2010
The most magical place on earth
So there wasn't much for me to post yesterday...Kurt says he walks faster when he doesn't have 3 dogs with him...and that could be said of him having me with him too. I walked 1.84 miles in about 35 minutes...and tried to eat well, but my dad made is most awesome of ribs and ... you can't deny the ribs.
Today, I couldn't get up...I set the alarm, got up about 30 minutes after it went off, made some coffee and had a granola bar...and just didn't want to go. But is was okay...because we went to the Magic Kingdom today...and walked a considerable amount...took a ton of pictures...and eventually is started raining so bad that they stopped all the rides.
My eating today was a good as I could make it. I ordered a turkey bacon wrap for lunch...it came with fries, but I only had about half of them...but I did have chicken parmigiana for dinner, with some garlic mashed potatoes and some really great bread with an oil season mix...gotta love the carbs.
I have the best intentions of going walking in the morning...of course it might be to the Panera Bread, but its 1.33 miles away...so 2.6 for a good cup of coffee isn't too bad.
Today, I couldn't get up...I set the alarm, got up about 30 minutes after it went off, made some coffee and had a granola bar...and just didn't want to go. But is was okay...because we went to the Magic Kingdom today...and walked a considerable amount...took a ton of pictures...and eventually is started raining so bad that they stopped all the rides.
My eating today was a good as I could make it. I ordered a turkey bacon wrap for lunch...it came with fries, but I only had about half of them...but I did have chicken parmigiana for dinner, with some garlic mashed potatoes and some really great bread with an oil season mix...gotta love the carbs.
I have the best intentions of going walking in the morning...of course it might be to the Panera Bread, but its 1.33 miles away...so 2.6 for a good cup of coffee isn't too bad.
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