Books without Pictures

I was never a reader. When I was younger I was but the older I get the more I depend on publications that are nothing but pictures. Sad isn't it? Some might be thinking it is the poor eye sight I might of inherited. I got that corrected with Lasik, so all I can chalk it up to is my mild case of adult ADHD with a pinch of laziness. I thought the older I got the more I'd enjoy reading. I don't even enjoy reading the washing instructions on my clothes. I think Communication Law and HTML 1 turned me off to reading. Those two particular classes took me to far away "I don't understand WTF this is saying" world. But times are a changin' and I've decided to once again try to overcome my lack of patience with reading.




As the book turns...
As the page turns, I've decided to give this particular literary goodness a hearty go... Mindless Eating by Brian Wansink, Ph.D. It explores the psychological aspects of overeating to explain why we do in fact consume more than we believe we do. I'm game for expanding my cranium and not my waist line. Apparently this book and it's scientific findings have helped pave the way to a "less is more" campaign with the likes of the 100 calorie packs and the use of taller, etched glasses for alcoholic beverages. I sure hope I can channel some patience and make it through this!



Dropping pounds like Vanilla Ice burning MC's like a pound of bacon
On a lighter bite, I've dropped 3 lbs this week so far! Pretty stoked about that considering I took the weekend off from my work out routine and Wednesday I won't be able to work out because I have a photo shoot to attend to and dinner with a friend. I'm hoping by Friday I can drop 2 more for a total of 5 lbs this week. That would rock because next week I'm sure I will gain it all back when "mother nature" turns it's evil head. I wish guys had to put up with all the "womanly" things us ladies have to. The only thing they get to experience is a sympathy belly used to show what it's like to be pregnant, and I'm sure that's not what it's like to be pregnant.

Gonna make ya sweat till ya bleed!
I'm still plowing through a pretty intense workout of 1 hour on the treadmill, 15 on the elliptical, 20 on the bike, rotating weights and 30 day shred every other day. I'm thinking about taking karate kickboxing class. I need to get ready for 5K season. It's definitely nipping at my heels, and I would like to eventually walk a 17 or less minute mile. I'm almost there! I can walk a mile in 17:38. My treadmill routine is pretty grueling I must say, but it's definitely helping with my stamina. I start out with a 2.5% incline at 3.2 mph for 10 minutes, then move to a 6.0% incline at 2.9 mph, then to a 6.0% incline at 3.2 mph for 10 minutes, then back to 6.0% at 2.9 mph for 10 minutes, then back to a 6.0% at 3.2 mph for 5 minutes and finish it off at a 0% incline at 3.4 mph for 15 minutes. Did you follow all that? The only thing missing is lap around the mulberry bush and a mad dash to grandma's house.


Diet Pop Cake experiment
So next week my friend Candy (minus the suga) will be visiting! I'm so excited I can hardly stand it! I'm planning on making Diet Pop Cake. Has anyone ever made this before? Word on the streets is it is very tasty, moist, low in fat and calories. If you've ever made this give me the 411. I would love some feedback before Cookin' with Phat Girl burns down the kitchen...and the mansion!

I Don't Wanna...

Honestly, I'm not in the mood for it today - not in the mood to eat healthy and not in the mood for my rigorous work out. For a brief moment today I was swimming in a pool of sugary awesomeness and had to literally throw myself a life preserver. For a week now all I can think about is sweets, and today my prayers were answered. My besty sent me a late valentine's day present :) Oh and you know it was filled with some sweet thangs from the nasti 'nati. There was two busken cookies (which equates to frosted happiness), a 6 pack of Reese Hearts (which I like just like my men...chocolate, rich and delicious!) and Heart Peeps! Well, you already know how this story is going to end ... the busken cookies...gone...Reese Hearts...I ate 2...and now I wish I would've just either had one or the other or just one of either the cookies or the hearts. My body is rejecting itself right now. That's what I get I guess, and I've officially have learned my lesson (for now ;) ) We all have minor set backs, and we all have our days. I guess I can chuck it up to being human.

Since last Thursday I've been going hard core at the gym, working out roughly two hours a day. Yesterday I didn't go. I just felt like I got out of the ring with Mike Tyson, but the exception was my ears were still intact. So I took an off day yesterday, and I want to take another "no gym" pass today, but I can't let myself do that. I know you're wondering if I made it to the gym...well I did the usual routine ... 1 hour on the treadmill, 15 on the elliptical, and 20 on the bike.

Here's proof that I did...

I don't know if it is the winter weather, where I am in my life, the lack of sunshine, the fact that I can't drink at work ... I just can't pinpoint it. I've been reading in many of my fellow weight loss bloggers that they are looking for a change, even beyond the obvious. I'm a notorious change lover. I love change. I welcome it with gift baskets, lean cuisines and open arms. Now I'm starting to wonder how good is too much change? There has to be something wrong when you are constantly changing something, right? Over the last, I'd say 15 years, I would have to say I've had about 50 odd some different hair cuts and colors, have already gone through a career change, moved to a different city, experienced the quarter life crisis, am ready for another career change, and some how still don't feel satisfied with life. I haven't experienced that Jerry McGuire "complete me" moment. It's like I have this urge, this burning (and no not THAT one), to try every single thing on the planet. Like one day I will want to start a village and the next open my own shop. I'm starting to think I have ADHD for adults.

Check it out...

So tonight on campus in celebration of BHM (black history month) I heard the sweet pipes of Darnell Levine. He has one of the best voices I've heard in a long time, and the fact that he got to play in a venue like Morley was icing on the lyrical cake. Levine did a musical journey through the decades. His rendition of Stevie Wonder's My Cherie Amour and Seal's Kiss from a Rose was phenomenal. This is someone you will want to keep your eye on...and well, he's easy on the eyes so it's not that hard too.

Damn you Dolly (and not the Madison kind)!

I wish they never ever tried cloning. And why try it on a sheep first? Why not use me? As long as I get a paid for participating in a break-through science measure I don't mind. Plus, I could put my clone to work. I bet scientist can clone people out of play dough now. If God can make people out of clay and earth elements, then I know scientist can make people out of play dough and touch of glitter.



I can't ever say it enough, there isn't enough time in the day (seriously...time!). I have so much I want to accomplish in 365 days that there is no way I can accomplish what I want in that time frame...I need a new word for time. It's like it is haunting this blog entry from the last one.

GOT LENT?

Oh and did you know...LENT is next Wednesday! A big WTF for that! It crept up on me like Mike "The Situation" in Karma on the Jersey Shore. I'm no where ready for Lent. I have no idea what I want to give up, especially since I gave up everything that is remotely tasty (just kidding, though some days it feels like it...just being honest!). Last year I didn't give up anything. Instead I vowed to do one nice thing a day (depending on the person...again just kidding...but not really). It worked out OK, but when you've been participating in Lent for 20 odd some years of your life what else can you do!? What are you giving up for Lent (if you practice)? Thoughts, comments and concerns are welcomed...

Wha Wha...
So yesterday I was a slacker and didn't work out. I know, I know, BUT it was mist snowing like mad outside, and I didn't want to play Monster Truck trying to get my car out of the Mansion driveway. Our drive way is what I like to call a little log flume minus the splash going down the hill.

BUT today on the other hand was last chance work out ENERL style. 1 hour on the treadmill (420 calories burned), 15 minutes on the elliptical (120 calories burned), 20 minutes on the stationary bike (130 calories burned), 20 minutes of various weight machines (not sure what I should assume calories burned is), and lastly 30 Day Shred DVD for 20 minutes (safely say 200 calories burned). Total calories burned today was probably near 900-1000. I know, ridiculous right, but 5K season is right around the corner. It's time to get the party started!

As far as the soup de jour today...

Breakfast: Bowl of honey nut Cheerios w/ skim milk

Lunch: 2 boca burgers (120 calories each) with organic mustard (50) and ketchup (15) and a cheese slice (cut in half; 80); 15 baked lays chips (140) and a glass of water

Snack: Banana (100) and a granola bar (90) and a bottled water

Dinner: It's like 9:17, so I will probably grab a bowl of cereal.

Work Hard. Work Out Harder.

I've been hitting the gym like it's nobody's biznass, and I think it is finally paying off! I weighed myself tonight after a rigorous work out of 1 hour on the treadmill (burned 417 calories), 15 minutes on the elliptical (burned 125 calories), 20 minutes on the stationary bike (burned 125 calories) and 20 minutes of Level 1 of the 30 Day Shred (I'm going to assume at least 100, probably more calories). Total calories burned 800 (give or take a few).

I got on the scale, and I'm now 2 pounds away from losing 30 pounds! I know it's early in the week and things may fluctuate, but I'm so ecstatic. I think I'm finally over this plateau I've been on for weeks now. Over Christmas I kept it steady and didn't gain nor lose any, but just maintained, which is a miracle in itself if you ask me.

As I'm going through this healthy life style transformation, part of myself is pissed that this is the second time I'm losing all this weight ... the first time I lost a lot of weight (I lost 70 pounds) was when I was 14 years old going into the 9th grade. I dropped 70 pounds in 6 months. Yeah mind blowing isn't it. At 14, I was years beyond my age, and yet I digressed (and then some, which I'm not proud of believe me). I can put the blame on everything under the sun, but the only person I can blame is myself. What can I say ... life happened, and boy did it happen. When you're 14 the only things you should worry about is what you are wearing to the mall on Friday night, who may ask you to dance at the middle school dance and whether or not the Aqua Net is going to hold your mile high bangs. BUT I was worried about counting calories, dropping 5 pounds a week, running a steady mile and purchasing the new MTV Party-to-Go for getting down and dirty on my stepper. Seriously ... no joke.

I have learned valuable lessons from the first time to now the second round. Eat right, exercise, portion control and moderation. These friendly reminders often get tossed to the side when consumed by "the number." The number is what haunts every person losing weight, and as I know all too well, the number is the only thing to focus on, which I soon became obsessed with. I don't want to do that again. Obsessing over the number caused me to lose sight of what it's all about, and caused unhealthy habits of binging, binge exercising and not eating for weeks which in essence took a toll on me and my body. The thought of doing that makes me sick to my stomach, but it's the reality of what young girls do to get to "that number."

I've learned that you have to make the time. Time is a funny thing. It's always there but why does it feel like it's never on your side? Everything takes time ... damn that time! It gets you every time ... okay 'nuff with time, because now it's time to sign off. But not before a small recap of what was on the menu today...

Breakfast
Small banana (100 calories) and a Special K protein shake (190 calories)
A bottle of water

Lunch
Pita Nachos with chicken, tomato's, garlic spread and cheese (these were probably arty clogging and totally bad for me, but I couldn't resist. My cheat for the week)
Two glasses of tea with sweetener

Snack
60 calorie Jello Mousse
A bottle of water
Hot tea (with a splash of skim, sweetener and a dash of honey)

Dinner
Wasn't hungry for dinner so skipped it (bad I know, especially after the sermon I just gave)

Happy New Year!

A new year is upon us, and with every new year comes a brand new (or recycled) batch of resolutions. My first resolution is to update this thing regularly. I've been slackin' on my bloggin' so all apologies to my lovely readers.

Last year ended kinda rough, and this new year started kinda rough. Maybe I'm due for some luck here in the near future. Putting all negatives aside, as I vow to be annoyingly positive this year, I am, however looking forward to the new endeavors that are on the horizon. If you think I mean new endeavors as the hot bartender on girls night you're sorely mistaken, though while tempting and on the back burner, I'm ready to close some chapters that have been open for a long time. One being my Graphic Design degree. I'm trying to find an on-line campus that has a decent program and won't send me into Chapter 11. If you know of any, please shoot them my way, as I'm looking to get my schooling on and finish this second degree for good!

Secondly, I've been pretty faithful to the 30 day shred DVD I got. I've only been at it for two weeks and I play on staying on level one for another two weeks. I hope by the end of this week I can get to the 30 pound mark. I'm four pounds away! It's killing me! I've also decided to try the Special K diet for two weeks. I pretty much don't eat that much anyways but I don't know how one will ever stay full on this diet. What better way than to find out than to try it. Spectators beware...keep your popcorn and your hot dogs to yourself!

And now we've come to one of my favorite portions of my blog...

SHAMELESS PRODUCT PLUGS

So in my quest to make dieting, or I should say healthy life style eating more appetizing, I have found the following that I quite enjoy...

Jello Mousse Temptations - these things are deadly. 60 calories and sugar free. Indulge I say...Indulge.

Special K multi-grain crackers - love these. sweet and salty, and delicious with hummus. mmmm...hummus.

FREE Biggest Loser and Subway work out mix - great music for a awesome workout. Artists include Danity Kane, Flo rid a, Leona Lewis and many more. Click here for the download!

Applebee's under 550 menu - OMG! Loved the Grilled Dijon Chicken and Portobellos. The veggies were flavorful and the chicken was cooked perfect and was juicy! On a scale of 1 to 10 I give it a 11.

Well I vow to update daily. I know I know I've been MIA on here for some time, but in my commitment to this weight loss journey is to document every step, and while I've missed documenting two months of those steps, I'm back on my blog game. Game face on...check ... typing speed 40 wpm ...check ... water bottle in hand ... check. Watch out...SHE'S BACK!!!

Healthful Hints to Help Navigate the Holidays

My mom sent this to me and I thought I'd share the Mama Nerl lovin'. Thanks Mom!

Surviving and Enjoying the Holiday Buffet without Gaining Weight

Yes it is possible to enjoy the holiday - to have your cake and eat it too. It is important to keep in mind to use a small plate and eat slowly, while eating only the foods that you want to eat. As well, Brian Wansink, Author of Mindless Eating, suggests that you keep in mind the "Rule of Two." This rule says you can have anything you want at the buffet, but you are not allowed to have more than 2 items on your plate at one time. He claims that his works so well because:

• You tend to take the two types of food you want most. People who love desserts don't work their way up to desserts. They'll start with the desserts and then stop.
• You tend to not overfill your plate. Putting only two things on our plate helps keep our serving sizes somewhat small because we psychologically don't want to overload on a particular item.
• You tend not to go back more than two times. In one study they did on the "Rule of Two," 83 percent of people only made one or two additional returns to the buffet.

The Top 10 Tips for Eating Healthy During the Holiday Season

Focus on weight maintenance not weight loss during this time. Maintaining your current weight during the holidays is a big enough challenge so don't stress yourself by trying to lose weight instead.

Do not plan on dieting after the New Year because then you wind up eating everything in sight and not setting restrictions. Wait until after the New Year to plan a diet plan for you, without setting restrictions and depriving yourself of certain items you like.

it is important to keep in mind to be physically active everyday to relieve stress, regulate appetite, as well as burning extra calories during the holiday season.

Remember to eat a light snack before going to a holiday party. It is important not to starve yourself because then you will only wind up eating more at the party.

Make a plan to think about where you will be and who you will be with as well as the food available for you. Once you have planned for the social event, it will be much easier to deal with a difficult social eating situation if you encounter one.

And as mentioned above, take steps to avoid recreational eating by consciously making a plate of food that you really want and eat slowly.

Keep in mind to trim back the trimmings when it comes to food. To cut calories, be sure to go light on the nuts, cheese, gravy and butter. It is important to remember that you want to leave the party leaving satisfied, not stuffed.

When it comes to choosing a drink, choose wisely. Some alcoholic beverages can have between 150-450 calories per glass. Choose to have 1 to 2 light alcoholic beverages and then make water or sparkling water with a lemon. Watch out for the eggnog that can have almost 350 calories for 1 cup!

Always keep in mind to have fun and enjoy family and friends. Share laughter and cheer, reminiscing about the years passed. Relax and enjoy the holiday season.

Lastly, maintain perspective. If you happen to overeat one day, don't feel guilty. Just go back to your normal eating habits the next day.

Monday's are for Sucka's

So needless to say this Monday sucked a big one. If you are friends with me on facebook you may have gotten a chuckle from my status update. Chuck Norris would be proud. A swift roundhouse to the face will shut anyone up! Normally I don't talk shop on here, but I can't help it today. I'm kinda having a Jerry Maguire "Mission Statement" kind of day. I will apologize before hand for giving you a one way ticket to negative town with this posting.

It was my department's first day with out our fearless leader, and as the stars and planets align, and as the forces that be, I'm the only person in the PR and MKT department with seniority (mind you, I've only been at my current job for a year and eight months, at least that is what linkedin.com tells me based on my profile). I honestly can't believe I've lasted in Cleveland that long. I've always wanted to move to a different city in a Whitney from "The City" type of way and make it big and become a bad ass designer. Well in some way I guess I have made a design dent in this so called thing called work and well, I guess I can go on the record and say I'm kinda a big deal ... at least in Painesville, Ohio. I find it amazing how much can change in a year, especially with in a organization. I often wonder how long it takes an established organization to realize that the decisions that they make create a domino effect that has lasting impressions on it, not only with the people that work for it, but the people it serves, it's identity, and mission.

I had a meeting today, ok like five meetings today, but my last one of the day really put a sour taste in my mouth ... an no I wasn't eating sour patch kids during it so we can rule that out as a factor. So, I'm in this meeting, go over the project at hand, changes, concerns, time lines, blah, blah, blah. Well to make a long story short, I have tomorrow off, and the lady heading up the project was concerned I wasn't going to be checking my email and forwarding the proper information on to the outside designer if she got it to me by tomorrow, which I will be on the road most of the day. She said she would be checking her email through the holiday because she checks her email all the time. My question is ... when do people stop working? I tried to convey to the lady that I can't guarantee that the printer will even be in service over the holiday ... and why you ask ... BECAUSE IT'S A HOLIDAY AND PEOPLE ARE ENTITLED TO TIME OFF FROM WORKING ON OTHER PEOPLE'S WORK! I love how everyone thinks their project is more important than the next, and that I should sacrifice time with my family and friends, who I sacrificed for a job that is 4.5 hours away from them and only get to see every so often, to do more work for them. Um hello, the last time I checked that is what vacation days and floating holidays are for ... vacation from projects, deadlines, e-mails, questions....

Now I know what it is like to work over the holidays. I'm a veteran of the Broadcasting world and have worked Thanksgiving, New Years and New Years Eve, July 4, Labor Day, Christmas, Christmas Eve, Columbus Day, Grandparent's Day, Mother's Day, Father's day, Flag Day, Pirate Day...the list is endless. I'm no stranger to hard work, putting in a little extra time when needed along with a side of elbow grease, to go above the call of duty with the tasks at hand, but I'm only one person, two hands and eight hours a day. My "concern" with all this is when is enough, enough. When do people step back and look at their life and realize that this thing called work, isn't what life is about.

I will say by far, this year has been a trying year for me. Between finding out my Grandma had breast cancer (and is now in remission), starting up my side business (Emilie Nerl Graphic Design - launches in December 2009), love life woes, work drama, new additions to the family, new friends and reconnecting with old ones, developing a vintageish jewelry line ... I will say there is never a dull moment, and I must commend myself on still standing after all this with a smile on my face (ok maybe one of my eyebrows is raised and I have the "oh no you didn't" head tilt going on).

So this crappy day not only blew out any positivity that I had going this morning but it always reflected in my poor choices of meal options, well at least for dinner it did.

Breakfast

Bowl of honey nut cheerios

Lunch

Everything Bagel with light butter and the remaining pasta from last night's dinner and a glass of Crystal Light ice tea

Snacks

nada

Dinner

Here's the heart attack waiting to happen ... Chicken McNuggets (6 piece) and a medium fry with a coke. Yeah not proud of it, but hey at least they love to see me smile.

Workout

Nada...I worked out Monday thru Sunday (anywhere between an hour and 1.5 hours), and plan on getting up at the ass crack tomorrow to work out before hitting the road. I'm entitled to my off day!