tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65101223204563883172024-02-20T03:50:45.101-08:00As You WishMy life and thoughts for you to see.Buttercuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05032868006204718173noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510122320456388317.post-57932548801263039972014-05-22T01:21:00.002-07:002014-05-22T01:21:48.402-07:00Making this work for me<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif";">I
have been super neglectful of this space.
I admit that this place was meant to be a place for me to let the world
into my head, but instead of using it I have shied away from it. No more!
I am making a point to have something post here daily – of course it may
just be a gif or a picture that I found on another blog that I am re-posting,
but at least it will be something for you.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif";">Clearly this is the millionth time that I am attempting to resurrect this beast, let's hope it sticks!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif";">For those that are curious - I am still in Baghdad, but in less than 4 months I am out of this nightmare. I am down to 270lbs. Not stellar progress, but it is still a downward trend. I am still happily married and we are both looking forward to being together again. We shall not be doing this unaccompanied tour thing again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif";">Anyways, thanks for sticking around and i hope you like the things that are on the way!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif";">Be well!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif";"> Buttercup</span></div>
Buttercuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05032868006204718173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510122320456388317.post-34727852765091421512013-09-17T04:28:00.002-07:002013-09-17T04:28:41.983-07:00How Many Times Am I Going To Start Over?<div class="MsoNormal">
Every time I start a weight loss plan of action I always
seem to start with the best of intentions.
Sometimes sticking to it for several months and seeing great success and
other times the momentum stays with me for barely a few weeks. Well I am now in a place where I need to be
more physically fit. I am currently at a Post where we cannot leave the
compound except for official travel which is basically your trip home to visit
family. There are two gyms and a pool –
all three are open 24hrs a day. My
problem is that there are so many people utilizing them that are physically
super fit (the ones that have muscles and six-packs, heck some have
eight-packs) that I feel really embarrassed going in there to jiggle my fat on
a machine – all 280lbs of me. I know
that they are probably concerned with themselves only, but I have such a veil
of embarrassment because of my size (the regular self-hate of letting myself
get this big) that I of course think that they are all staring at me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In other news I joined the “100 Day Challenge” at work. I weighed in last week at 280lbs – which means
that over two months since I last weighed myself I managed to lose 5lbs. Pretty good I think. However, when I went in for my first weigh-in
after a week on the challenge I was still 280lbs. That’s good in that I didn’t gain any weight,
but frustrating. I have also been
dealing with the ‘Baghdad Crud’ which I think has been hampering my attempts at
eating better this past week – having a delightful bronchial cough with oodles
of phlegm makes me exceptionally tired.
I am feeling better today so hopefully I will be able to get in a little
exercise this evening after work as I do have a little bit more energy. My official goal set by the challenge leaders
(our Health Unit) is to lose 10% of my body weight by the end of the
challenge. I have to lose 28lbs to reach
252lbs. It seems a bit daunting to me as
I have been between 285 and 290lbs for the past two years. But there is a financial reward for this
challenge. To participate you pay $30 –
whoever loses 10% of their body weight gets the pot. If several people lose 10% then they split
the pot by the number of people. There
are 50~ people signed up – typically about half of the people will quit the
challenge by the mid-way point so I think that I should at least double my
money. The financial motivation in
addition to being lighter is helping me keep focused – ESPECIALLY when I walk
past the dessert bar in the cafeteria (the food is free so you can get as much
as you want – not good for a food junkie like me, but thankfully there is a
small salad bar and some fresh fruit available too).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I drank 100ozs of water yesterday and am going to try to hit
that number again today. I have also
been having 8ozs of vanilla soy milk a day to replace the fruit juice I had
been having and I have managed to have either a bagel with cream cheese or
oatmeal with brown sugar every morning for breakfast so far this week along
with one piece of fruit. Lunch has
typically been a Caesar salad with one fried spicy chicken strip and a cup of
carrot and celery sticks. Dinner is
usually the same salad and veggie combo with the addition of some boiled eggs. I am staying clear of the cooked foods
because they are either salty, oily, or heavily sauced – some of it is pretty
tasty, but very caloric and the servers don’t listen when you ask for a little
bit. I still have problems with not
cleaning my plate…makes me feel guilty, especially considering where I am in
the world.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyway – I am feeling intensely motivated so hopefully I
will not have to start over again ever in my life.</div>
Buttercuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05032868006204718173noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510122320456388317.post-89119338573494774562013-04-01T22:36:00.002-07:002013-04-01T22:44:09.292-07:0014 weeks to go<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have half-heartedly been working at this weight loss thing
for many moons now, but I am really trying to up my game to be healthy.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="apple-converted-space">I am challenging myself to do the following for the next 14 weeks:</span></span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>drinking more than the minimum 8 glasses of water</li>
<li>eating more protein</li>
<li>eating more fruit and vegetables</li>
<li>eating less pasta and rice (trigger foods for sure)</li>
<li>doing more exercise daily - in addition to walking I need to use my exercise dvds at least 5 times a week</li>
</ul>
Simple things, but for whatever reason they have been difficult for me to implement in the past.<br />
<br />
I plan on making myself more accountable - blogging at least once a week if not more, posting my weight loss or gains, and witing about the positives in addition to the negatives. Less whining!!<br />
<br />
I hope that everyone out there is doing well and has made positive steps on their journey to health.<br />
<br />
This blog is my first step back on the path to health.<br />
<br />
Be well,<br />
ButtercuppButtercuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05032868006204718173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510122320456388317.post-22440316844687630462013-02-25T22:01:00.002-08:002013-02-25T22:01:51.973-08:0019 weeks to go<br />
I cannot believe that I only have 19 weeks left at Post. I really need to get into planning mode for the next Post and for training. I get three weeks of training and consultations. And then Home Leave - a.k.a. relaxation. During my Home Leave I have to buy the bits and pieces that I still need to get for the next Post. I also have to find a place for my hubby to live (and me to visit when I get my R&Rs) and a car for him to drive. We also have to figure out where our shipments are going to go and what goes in what shipment so that we aren't scrambling. Ugh. This is probably the worst part of my job - the PCS transition time. <br />
<br />
So here is my mini-list of things to do this week:<br />
1. write a list of things I need to take with me to the next Post<br />
2. go through paperwork at home to figure out what I will need to hand carry and what can be packed<br />
3. start talking to family about who we can stay with when we are on Home Leave<br />
4. write a list of what I still want to see in Hong Kong and what I want to buy<br />
5. mail out gifts to people before we leave<br />
6. stay in my calorie budget<br />
7. workout at least 5 times this week<br />
8. go watch a movie at Ladies Night on Friday at the MH with co-workers<br />
9. start looking at the cost of the things that I need for next Post and figure out a shopping and shipping schedule<br />
<br />
I have a countdown now and I need to make sure that I meet or beat my deadlines.<br />
Buttercuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05032868006204718173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510122320456388317.post-76922961182714242262013-01-27T08:00:00.000-08:002013-01-27T08:00:08.711-08:00A lady with attitudeI like ladies with attitude and one of my favorites is the lovely P!nk. She really kicks some booty on the charts - her voice is so distinctive and powerful and her videos are always so much fun to watch. She is a talented dancer which is evident in every video and live performance. She also is super fit. I mean look how quickly she bounced back after having her child. She works hard at everything she does - plus she has wicked awesome hair! Wish I worked in an industry where I could dye my hair all sorts of colors....<br />
<br />
Here are a few videos of hers that I think you all will like. First up is "Try" - apparently this video is controversial back in the US. I just think it is awesome.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
Next is a song that I think is really powerful. It is somewhat related to my earlier post about drinking - I am happy to say that I have stuck to my guns. I declined several drinks last weekend and last night as well. Anyway - I hope that you will all enjoy the next song, "Sober".<br />
<br />
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<br />
And now for something a little bit more fun. "Get This Party Started" - it was an anthem while I was at university and I danced my buns off to this song on more than one occasion.<br />
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And now for another song that I really identified with and still do to some degree. "Just Like A Pill" is a bit dark and powerful.</div>
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Buttercuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05032868006204718173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510122320456388317.post-29936648410506865042013-01-26T04:12:00.000-08:002013-01-26T04:12:08.677-08:00Working on working out<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
In order to get under 200lbs this year and into a pair of size 14 jeans
I have been working on getting fitter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
am tracking my food, tracking my workouts, and also cooking a bit more at home.
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I have been tracking my food three different ways – I am using Spark
People, Weight Watchers Online, and a paper tracker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This may be overkill for some people, but I
have found that having to update the three different spots has made me be more
vigilant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I actually DO write stuff what
I have eaten either right before I eat it or within an hour of eating it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that is massive progress!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I have also been working out every day in one form or another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Mondays and Wednesdays I work out with two
co-workers at the small gym at work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
basically do 35mins or more on the treadmill at a speed of 3mi per hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That may not seem like a lot to most people,
but for me at over 280lbs I have to say that it is fairly impressive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have also been doing the Leslie Sansone dvd
“Walk Away the Pounds”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been
doing the 1mile walk without weights and I really REALLY find her too
perky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I do get sweaty when doing
the workout so that means that I am actually burning calories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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I am sort of active on Pinterest (name a woman that doesn’t enjoy that
site) and I set up a board called “Health Stuff”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On it I have been posting workouts and
healthy eating tips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks to other
folks pinning things I found an excellent site called <a href="http://backonpointe.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Back On Pointe</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is written by a dance student and has
several different workouts<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have printed out a fair few of them onto
index cards and I pull one out on the days that I don’t do the dvd so that I
get extra calorie burns in during the week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I still hate exercising, but I am doing it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am also discovering new exercises.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have yet to do some of them, but I am
trying to learn how to do them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things
like burpees, Russian twists, planks, and star jumps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought a star jump was a jumping jack, but
it turns out that I was wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Check out
YouTube if you want to learn how to do these exercises.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will post some of my preferred or more
challenging workouts that I have attempted in a few weeks so that you can try
them out too.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
As a part of the Bat Fit movement I have been dancing at least 15mins
every day as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not tracking the
dancing as a workout, but it is another step to being fitter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I recommend everybody dance a little every
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It really does perk up the spirits.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
My hubby and I going to try to cook at home every meal for a week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This will be really hard for us as this town
can have anything delivered at any time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Also getting groceries is a pain the behind as you have to go to twelve
different places to get ingredients.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
I am setting up a meal list, figuring out the ingredients that need to be
purchased, and then sorting out the stores that I need to go to in order to
find everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a feeling that
there will be a fair amount of pasta and rice, but sensible portions of
course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will also try to have a good
amount of protein for every meal as I have found that it really keeps me more
full.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am also going to be really
upping my vegetable and fruit intake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
eat way too much bread and fried foods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So I am trying to retrain my brain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sadly I always tend to fall into the trap of eating junk whenever I feel
bad or bored.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So now I need to make
myself crave more whole foods instead of the processed junk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
This working out and eating better is a struggle, but it will be worth
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a total lifestyle change and
it’s something that a lot of people are doing so I know it’s possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How long it takes for me to get it to be a
way of life….well, that might take a while, but I think I can get there.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Be well,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buttercup</div>
Buttercuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05032868006204718173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510122320456388317.post-47220720477609346832013-01-20T09:00:00.000-08:002013-01-20T09:00:03.331-08:00A voice like honeyOkay, this week it is all about Darius Rucker. First he was in Hootie and the Blowfish - you can't tell me you haven't heard of them? He has since gone on to have a successful country music career.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Hootie and the Blowfish - "Only Wanna Be With You"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Darius Rucker - "Come Back Song"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The man's voice is like honey! Hope you enjoy.</div>
Buttercuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05032868006204718173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510122320456388317.post-44477932907957182102013-01-13T09:00:00.000-08:002013-01-13T09:00:05.225-08:00Rockin' LadiesToday's Audibles brings to your ears some rockin' ladies.<br />
<br />
My first offering is Lacuna Coil - an Italian rock band. There is a male and a female lead, but she tends to be the main singer. I think that this video is hilarious and the fact that they can poke fun at themselves is great. I appreciate that they are singing in a foreign language (for them) and I admit that their lyrics in their music are fascinating. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Lacuna Coil - "I Like It"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And for something a little bit different - the Mediaeval Baebes. I saw these ladies live at the <a href="http://www.rennfest.com/" target="_blank">Maryland Renaissance Fes</a>t a few years ago and they are amazing live. I was unable to find a live version of this song, but this is one of my favorites!</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Mediaeval Baebes - "Ecce Chorus Virginum"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Let me know what you think!</div>
Buttercuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05032868006204718173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510122320456388317.post-86414599948520819832013-01-05T08:00:00.001-08:002013-01-05T08:00:57.418-08:00A Decision for 2013 - For MeThis year I am working on things for me. While what I hope to accomplish this year may reap some benefits for others around me - gifts that I make, a happier me to be around - I am doing it for me. This may seem selfish to some, but honestly, I am afraid that if I don't get myself right this year that I may be in trouble in the future.<br />
<br />
My obesity affects my health and how people treat me. I know I am treated differently due to my vast size. There is most certainly fat discrimination at work in all of the social and work things that I am invited to or excluded from. In the past I have compensated for these hurt feelings by drinking. This made me more "fun". But if I drink too much then my dark side comes out - I get angry, depressed, and occasionally embarrass myself. I have been abstaining from alcohol in recent months to avoid becoming like some of my family members (there is a history of substance abuse amongst some of them). New Year's Eve saw me a bit inebriated and I fell over my own feet onto my butt and side. I have a horrendous bruise on my upper arm and one thigh. And some bruised pride as well. I also did the calorie calculations and I drank about the same amount in a few hours that I should eat in a day. Frightening! Over 1,400 calories in liquids is a scary number.<br />
<br />
So I have made a decision. A simple one, but one that I needed to make. I am limiting myself to four alcoholic drinks a week and a maximum of two drinks in a day. Yep - twice a week I can have two drinks or four times a week I can have a drink. But no more than that. That will limit my calories to about 600 calories on alcohol at the most in a week out of 9,800 calories for a week.<br />
<br />
It's a small thing to do, but I think that this will help me tremendously.<br />
<br />
I am also being diligent about my calorie tracking - my intake and my output (intentional exercise). This is the start of a new me - a more together me.Buttercuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05032868006204718173noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510122320456388317.post-35744857198394638542013-01-05T06:56:00.000-08:002013-01-05T06:56:21.392-08:00Audibles - inaugural post!As this is my first <b>Audibles</b> post I thought I would introduce you all to some of my favorite music. My musical leanings are scattered, but I tend to lean more towards music with guitars and big vocals.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
First up is what my hubby and I would have danced to <u>if</u> we had had dancing at our wedding.</div>
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Bella Morte doing their version of Earth Angel.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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Next up is the group Apocalyptica - heavy metal on the cello!</div>
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This is a live version of "Path" by Apocalyptica.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My heavy side is about to show...more. I love this group's guitar riffs and the vocals are mesmerizing!</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Disturbed's video of their song "Prayer".</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here is a song that makes me smile every time I hear it. It reminds me of family car trips and of my southern roots.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Alan Jackson's "Chattahoochie".</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The final bit of music to tickle your fancy is a mash-up that my hubby introduced me to. I can't get this song out of my head sometimes...</div>
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The complete mash-up title is "I Want A BulletProof Dancer".</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Each week I will post a song or two that I like. I hope that some of these are things that you will like. Or maybe you will discover something you had never heard before...</div>
Buttercuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05032868006204718173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510122320456388317.post-21913650458945948762012-12-27T23:22:00.000-08:002012-12-27T23:22:00.626-08:00Talking 'bout a resolution...or 12Excuse me a minute as I hum along to the Tracy Chapman song running through my head (post if you have it running through yours as well).<br />
<br />
Ok - resolutions are GREAT if you actually go through with them. I have previously tried resolutions or 100 mini-goals or some such junk in the hopes that it would impel me forward down the path to health and well-being. Well, in the past two years my resolutions have kept me in a weight range of about 5lbs. I have gained and lost the same 5lbs of weight for two freaking years! Can you smell the frustration? I know I can. And my other goals of cleaning and learning new things fell by the way side as well. <br />
<br />
So this year in place of resolutions I am going to have 12 <b>accomplishments</b>. I was thinking it would be one per month, but to tell the truth some of them are inter-related so I might cross off a couple at the same time.<br />
<br />
<b>12 things I would like to accomplish in 2013:</b><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><b>Get below 200lbs.</b> I am currently at 287.9lbs - 88lbs in a year is do-able.</li>
<li><b>Learn some Arabic.</b> I will be stationed in a place where this will be very handy and it will be useful in my career to have this under my belt.</li>
<li><b>Sew a table runner for each of my closest friends.</b> I have access to some awesome Chinese silk brocade at the moment so I thought this would be an easy enough project.</li>
<li><b>Fit into size 14 jeans.</b> If I accomplish #1 I will be able to accomplish this one as well.</li>
<li><b>Buy a pair of cowboy boots.</b> I will have to have these specially made because I have fat calves, but I really REALLY want a pair.</li>
<li><b>Crochet a blanket or two.</b> I have recently begun to crochet and I have so far done two scarves and two different stitches. Must try more. Plus I have friends that are popping out kids soon and they need gifts...</li>
<li><b>Walk Bowen Road.</b> Folks at work talk about this road all of the time and I have yet to walk it. It is up some scary stairs down the road from me, but if I do it I will be super proud of myself as only the fit people seem to know about it.</li>
<li><b>Buy a pair of Fluevog shoes.</b> I have been lusting after several pairs of Fluevogs for a while now, but I think that I will have to wait until I can try them on in the store.</li>
<li><b>Get a spa facial.</b> I have not gone to a spa in ages and I would really like to pamper myself one time. Of course all of the spas here cost an arm, a leg, and your first born so I need to make sure that I can get what I want.</li>
<li><b>Clean out my closet and try to define my personal style more</b>. It looks like my clothes are mating in there and their kids are ill-fitting.</li>
<li><b>Blog once a week.</b> I would like to have at least one blog post a week if not more. Writing a post or two ahead of time will probably be a factor....</li>
<li><b>Participate in blog events.</b> I would like to participate in blog events - theme posts for example.</li>
</ol>
Do you have any accomplishments for 2013? Do my potential accomplishments sound doable?<br />
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Be well,<br />
ButtercupButtercuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05032868006204718173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510122320456388317.post-52785866826645739912012-12-16T06:33:00.001-08:002012-12-16T06:35:14.447-08:00Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.I stumbled across this post earlier today and wanted to share it with people. It just struck a chord with me as I continue to try to get myself together. I am working on my fitness and health, my mental health, and also trying to let my 'self' out.<br />
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I work out twice a week at a minimum with a friend at the small gym at work and we are going to be joined this week by another friend. We are all slightly heavier than average, but the other two ladies are much more fit than I am. In recent weeks I have been successfully doing an average speed of 3.0 for 28mins and 2.5 for 7mins on the treadmill- this includes my warm up and cool down. We have also been adding 10 crunches before each workout. I have been introduced to the hula hoop as a workout tool and I am going to get one. <br />
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I have been browsing workout and health ideas on Pinterest. I have found many things that I want to try and other things that I think are mad. My hubby and I are going to start a calorie restricted diet together. It is more about teaching ourselves what a real portion is supposed to be rather than the trough we seem to feed from for every meal. Basically we are going to take our regular portion, split it and each take a half. We are both volume eaters at present so we need to retrain our stomachs as to what a real portion is. We are also making sure that we are eating the right ratio of foods - the right amount of protein, fats, and carbohydrates to feel full for longer and also so that we are tempted not to snack on bad things. I am worried about both of us as neither of us are particularly healthy at the moment. <br />
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"Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try." I have decided to try. Have you?<br />
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Be well,<br />
ButtercupButtercuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05032868006204718173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510122320456388317.post-22802445956834308332012-12-13T20:16:00.000-08:002012-12-13T20:25:40.132-08:00Letting my freak flag fly? Working on my personal flag...<br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Letting my inner goth/punk/steampunk/alternative self out to play - at work! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I work for the government which is a conservative workplace and as such I am very aware that my proclivities are not what 99% of my co-workers are comfortable dealing with. I would prefer to wear solely black and grey occasionally punctuated with red, green, purple, and blue. I am slowly moving my wardrobe to show my more alternative side at work. On casual Friday I wear dark wash jeans and a black top of some description with my starry low-top Converse. For representational events I tend to wear black and red only, sometimes black and white. Thankfully black is an acceptable work color as most folks have it in their wardrobe, but I know that it has been noticed that I don't wear khakis or "happy" colors. (Someone said to me "you should wear happier colors as it would lighten you up". I respectfully disagree as those "happy" colors tend to make me look jaundiced.) I am looking online at regular retailers like Lands End, Lane Bryant, and One Stop Plus for items that are mainstream that I can incorporate into my work wardrobe that can either be modified with some button changes or gothified with jewelery. I don't wear make-up to work as I don't give myself enough time to deal with that in the morning, but that is something that I am thinking about changing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been dying my hair a dark brown for a while now and am considering getting purple or red in the underside. I am also toying with the idea of dying my hair a more brown and purple color (eggplant or plum is what some hair dressers have called it). I have had red streaks in my hair in the past, but my hair wouldn't keep the red - it washed out to a nasty orange/pink shade and I hated that. So I am trying to have fun with my hair again. Worst case scenario is that I have to shave my head and start again:o)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have also been testing out my various shoes at work. I have a pair of spectator creepers that I wear occasionally and I have received varied comments on them. I wear a pair of black leather Dr. Martens Mary Janes that I have had since high school almost every day to work. The other pair of regular work shoes for me are a pair of black patent leather clogs that I bought when I got the job. The clogs are super comfy, but as I am currently residing in Hong Kong I find that they make me tower over everyone. I want to buy some more fun shoes that I can wear to work, but I either can't find them in my size or the ones I do find are so far beyond my means that I just lust after them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am hoping that as I become more secure in my work and my 'self' that I am able to express the inner "me" as wonderfully as some of the fashion bloggers out there that have been giving me inspiration. Some are more mainstream than others, but I have found that the people that are sparking my interest are those that are not afraid to let their personal flag fly. Notable personal flag flyers are Trystan of <a href="http://corpgoth.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">This is CorpGoth</a> fame, VictorianKitty of <a href="http://sophistiquenoir.com/" target="_blank">Sophistique Noir</a>, Meagan Kyla of <a href="http://www.coffinkitsch.com/" target="_blank">Coffin Kitsch</a>, Allie of <a href="http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/" target="_blank">Wardrobe Oxygen</a>, Sally of <a href="http://www.alreadypretty.com/" target="_blank">Already Pretty</a>, Megan of <a href="http://thefashionablebureaucrat.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Fashionable Bureaucrat</a>, Jillian a.k.a. the Lady of Manners of <a href="http://gothic-charm-school.com/charm/" target="_blank">Gothic Charm School</a>, and The Professor of <a href="http://thecuriousprofessorz.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Professor Z's Cabinet of Curiosities</a>. These blogs have given me hints, insights, and have also shown me that I am not alone in my quest to find "me". Plus - they are all a bunch of gorgeous ladies!</span>Buttercuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05032868006204718173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510122320456388317.post-7374807065872761992012-12-12T21:13:00.002-08:002012-12-12T21:21:28.519-08:00Starting over.....<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello all - I am starting this blog over...again....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I got tired of the staleness of my posts and then I got tired of posting. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I couldn't figure out if my voice needed to be heard. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was not feeling like a "unique snowflake". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, after some musings over what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go with this blog I have realized that as I wander along in this world that my voice is one that someone out there might be searching for. That "<b>holy moly!</b> She/He's like me - kinda..." moment that I have had with some blogs out there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I have decided to throw my hat back into the ring. I am standing up with my weirdness. I may post pictures of myself. I may do a video blog or two. I may even get known to more than 5 people (my previous readership - lol).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will tag all of my posts so that you can choose to read them or not depending on the subject matter. Here are the tags and a quickie description of what the tag will cover:</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fit not Fat - health, weight loss, weight gain, exercise, nutrition, medical issues, etc.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Audibles - music, radio, audio books, etc.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Geekiness - movies, television, comics, books, magazines, etc.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What are you wearing? - style, clothes, shoes, fashion, make up, hair, etc.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Awesome Art</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Where in the world? - musings on my travels, places I have been, places I want to go, news items that interest me</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Crafty Bits - any of my crafty inclinations could end up here</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Om Nom Nom - recipes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ramblings</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lifestyles - goth, geek, LGBTQ, straight, and everything else</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope that this entices you to stick around if you are one of the few folks out there that have followed my previous incarnation. If you are a new reader I hope you stick around too!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Be well!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <i>Buttercup</i></span>Buttercuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05032868006204718173noreply@blogger.com1