I'm thankful....

There are times (the last month in particular) when I host a mini pity-party for myself. While I do believe that all things are relative (example: a thin woman can feel the need to lose weight when she gains __ pounds, because that is uncomfortable for her - when I feel like that is just plain silliness, because she is 1/9th my size, and I would like very much to be that tiny) I have no legitimate reason to have this solo festivals of ridiculousness. So for Thanksgiving weekend, I decided to celebrate all of the things (and there are way more than I listed here) why I am one damn lucky lady. So, without further delay - my list of thanks (in no particular order).

I am thankful... for my parents. No matter what my issue - and Lord knows there have been (and continue to be) many...I know I can count on them to always be there to help. Always. Shout out to Sue & Steve. You guys rule.

I am thankful... for my nieces and nephew. I have known for years that kids weren't in the cards for me, and I still totally feel that way - but I am astounded by how much I love these little people. They are so awesomely entertaining. I'm so lucky to be a part of their growing up...and I really can't wait to watch their parents deal with that! Shout out to Macy, Jorey & G. Steve. You guys remind me I'm not completely dead inside.

I am thankful... that I decided to stock up on all sorts of kitchen supplies, even though I never cooked. Now that I cook regularly, this crap is really coming in handy.

I am thankful... that I have a job. This isn't a given these days. And having one I like is a bonus.

I am thankful... for my friends. You have let me live with you, introduced me to hiking and tolerate my anti-fitness, got me a phone when I "lost" mine, met me for countless gym dates, stood in as my IT specialist, and on and on and on. You put up with my victory dances and sass. I have friends from high school that although we only get together every couple of months, it's like we've never been apart. I prefer quality over quantity, and you guys are quality. You're just there...when there is no reason for you to be.

I am thankful... for helpful family friends. When JaLisa decided she wanted to challenge me last week, Mr. G stopped to test some things, and tried to get her started. Then he coordinated her tow and repair. Shout out to you Kenny G. You are handy as hell, and I appreciate you.

I am thankful... for my family. All the aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, whatever you call the kids of your cousins, etc. I love that we still get together - maybe not as often as we used to, but we still see each other a few times a year. I love that you allow me to be a part of your lives. I appreciate each of you who does all the work of organizing, so we continue to celebrate holidays together. It's exhausting, but it's awesome. We are lucky.

I am thankful... that one of my grandma's was still alive to read my first (hopefully of many) book. Having your 80 year old granny tell you she really enjoyed your book is a pretty frickin' sweet thing. Shout out to Kay. She's living proof that you should smoke'm if you got'em. She's 80, and still likes her cigs. Enjoy your life, people. You only get one.

I am thankful... for the word "ninja". It never fails to make me smile.

I am thankful... that I still have my health. I may not be as healthy as I like, but I have my health. I can still work-out. I'm not on medication. It isn't something to be taken for granted.

I am thankful... for my sisters. Few people are lucky enough to have close relationships with their siblings like we do - not to mention you guys make me laugh like nobody else can. Ripping that piss-saturated carpet out really bonded us forever. Shout out to Wendy & Mackenzie. I love you.

What are you thankful for?

the stress is great within me

make that tacos, and that's been me

This week I've learned that a good positive attitude, and being really optimistic, only takes you so far - and only lasts for so long. Being fully immersed in the job-hunt is stressing me out! And as I have learned - I have some opportunities for improvement where my dealings with stress are concerned! When I'm feeling stressed out, I hoover anything filled with fat and salt. A deep-fat-fryer becomes my best friend. I guess something about the sound of my arteries clogging relaxes me? I also learned earlier this year, as an added bonus, my hair falls out! Awesome! Nothing hotter than a greasy, bloated, bald lady - am I right fellas?!?!

So the good news is that I was able to identify last week that I was in my stress-spiral, and tried to yank myself out of it. I stocked the pantry with healthy-ish vittles, and tried my best to be strong! I have learned (see also: been reminded of) a couple of things:

1. I LOVE grapefruit. Cut it in half, with a packet of faux-sweetener, and go to town. Delicious.
2. Plums are yummy. That is all.
3. Crystal Light might actually be saving me from having complete organ shut-down
4. When you stop eating a lot of salt, and simultaneously go back to the gym - your pancakes come back at full-force!
5. Job hunting is like dating. You wait by the phone (or computer) wondering if they'll call (or email). You wonder if you said the right thing. You wonder if they'll like you. 

And although I can totally identify what is going on - I still can't stop myself from wanting to eat crap. Just last night I had to have a REALLY stern talk with myself. It was almost 9pm. I wasn't hungry. But I still wanted to go get tacos. Why? I have no damn idea. But I totally got the win.

I guess I was just feeling stress about the job hunt. But maybe I need to get some perspective. I have been hard at it for like two weeks. A number of the jobs I applied for didn't even close until last Friday. I have moments of extreme positivity, where I'm sure there is someone out there that is going to realize what a fantastic employee I will be, and how much value I will bring to their company. Then I have the lows - which is also tied to my need for immediate gratification - when I don't understand why I haven't heard from them within 24 hours of sending in my resume. I just need to take a chill pill, and trust that something fantastic is coming my way.

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I am not a person who is typically content to "drink" their calories. I want to actually eat. I need the satisfaction of chewing. But in the summer, post-workout, I am OK with a protein shake to hold me over for dinner. Here is the recipe for the protein shake I'm in love with! It uses powdered peanut butter!! The whole thing is only 260 calories - and it really does fill you up!

• 1 heaping scoop of (VegaMixx??) protein powder (I am using vanilla, because they didn't have chocolate - and it is still delicious) = 100 calories
• 2 Tbls powdered peanut butter = 45 calories (SERIOUSLY!)
• 1/2 sliced banana = 55 calories
• 1 cup almond milk = 60 calories
• ice cubes/water = 0 calories

I use my Magic Bullet, and it is ready in less than 1 minute. Instant gratification is my friend.

UPDATE!! BOOK NEWS!! I guess they are going to reprint in paperback later this year - so it will be available in stores like Barnes & Noble around January 1st! That's pretty damn exciting!!





Do you notice you eat more based on certain emotions? How do you control it?

Hot Fun in the Summertime?

**Note: I just found out this weekend that some people are having an issue posting comments to my blog. I have NO idea what is causing that - and I am so sorry!! If you have a comment that won't post, please email it to me ( natalie@slimmingdowntosexy.com )and I will post it for you! I LOVE the comments people leave, and am totally bummed that it isn't working!! I guess that is what you get for a free program? Please don't stop trying to post them! **

Now - on to the post:

A couple of year ago, while working a collection event, I realized a shocking thing about myself. I would prefer for it to be hot...and I'm talking 90's and humid....than have it be cold. I know. I couldn't believe it myself. And when you factor in that the slightest amount of humidity in the air makes my hair turn into a lion's mane, and makes me start sweating like I'm on fire - it is even more unbelievable.

ouch!

When it appeared that summer had finally arrived last weekend, I got a bit beside myself. My usual sound "pro-sunscreen" stance was temporarily shaken by jubilation over actually seeing the sun. I lathered up my face, but figured the rest of me would be fine - I was only going to be out there for a "little while". How stupid am I? My pasty winterized flesh didn't stand a chance! I was also not thinking clearly when I left Bonnie on for a while - providing me with not only a fantastic red hue - but giving me a sweet band around my ample arm. I took Bonnie off after a while, so I could burn my strap mark, also - but not before a glistening white stripe had been left. I hate being sunburned! I hate the feeling of heat radiating from my skin! I know, I know - I should be used to it! Someone as hot as I am should be used to radiating heat, right? haha But seriously. No more of this. The sunscreen Nazi is back on duty! Just in time for a nice cold snap. (it was like 50 degrees and raining at my cousin's graduation party Friday night) No worries about over-exposure to sun this weekend!! Only in Minnesota.

Speaking of that graduation party - it was kind of brutal. There were a ton of people there that I haven't seen in years. And what do people you haven't seen in a while always ask: "where are you, now?" and "what are you doing these days?". Not questions I love to answer. Let's see - "I am currently living in my friend Linda's basement until the end of the summer, when I will hopefully (segway into answer 2) have found a job I love so I can get out of there, and find a place of my own to live in". These are not answers that make me seem like a settled adult - which you definitely should be at 36. Right?!?! I was reminded by a friend that I could have told them about the book - but that just isn't how I roll. I talked about it with the few who knew about it, and asked - but I didn't bring it up. I get an F- for self-promotion. I suck at it. So I tried to muster up all of the positivity I've been feeling the last couple of weeks, and forge on - with the help of a little sarcasm. My standard answer: "I'm living with a friend in Shakopee until the end of the summer. Hopefully I figure out what I want to do when I grow up by then." Good answer? I thought so.

On a more positive note, I also saw the high-five lady at the gym again on Saturday. She remembered me, and we bonded again over how tough it is to get to the gym and work. I think I may have made a new friend. =)

I have one more thing I wanted to share. Let's call it a: Slimming Down to Sexy Food Review. If you are like me, and think string cheese is awesome - I have a note I wanted to share. I have found that I l.o.v.e. Frigo Cheese Head variety. The regular is only 80 calories. When I was at the store the other day, I saw that they also had a "light" version. It was only 60 calories per piece. I figured it was worth a shot. Mistake. In my humble opinion it is not worth saving the extra 20 calories. The regular one is so much more flavorful! I felt like the light variety was kind of dry, and pretty bland. And when you're treating string cheese as a total treat, because it tastes pretty salty - you want all of that flavor. Am I right?!? So there you go! Regular = delicious, Light = dry and flavorless.

Do you have a question you fear? Or a snack idea to share? I'd love to hear about it - and hopefully this program lets you post it here! =)

Book News: The Summer I Lost It

I received a couple of really exciting notes yesterday. Not only did I get to see what the book is going to look like, I also got to read a couple of reviews. It finally all seems real! And I don't know if I could love the cover of the book any more than I do! It is totally Natalie-esque! I think it is printed, and now I'm just waiting to get my copies. I am so damn excited!!

honestly...how great is this?!?! that's my name on there!!

As you can see, on the back cover it references "Kat". I named the main character Kat (her full name is Kathleen - after my granny) so it could rhyme with my name. I was planning to use "Nat Fat" (the name affectionately given to me by the kid on the bus) as "Kat Fat" in the book - but honestly can't remember if we did or not. Things were gone over so many times I honestly can't remember who/what is in it!! =) We were originally going to have her going to FC, but then decided to write it with her at home and doing it on her own. I feel like that worked a lot better, and will make it easier to relate to. I hope the young ladies out there enjoy it!

This has been a fantastic and interesting experience - and I am so grateful for it! I want to give a HUGE SHOUT OUT to Shannon Zigmund who turned EB onto my blog, and ultimately made this opportunity possible for me. I am eternally indebted to you.

Finally!!

It would appear that I may have finally gotten myself, at least somewhat, back on track. YC laid the smack down last Thursday. He gave me a list of goals that I needed to write. I have decided that putting them here will be another way for me to be held accountable. So here we go!

YC: Weight loss by the time I leave (March 5th)
Goal: 36 Pounds

YC: Weight Loss per week
Goal: 5 pounds/week - 6 one week

YC: Time in the gym each week   
Goal: Weight lifting - 45 minutes, 5x/week

YC: Time on cardio machines
Goal: Treadmill: 60 minutes or 3 miles - 3x/week
           Elliptical: 45 minutes or 3 miles - 2x/week
           Treadmill: 90 minutes or 5 miles - 1x/week

YC: Distance on Cardio Machine
Goal: See above

So far, so good. Monday and Wednesday I did arm weight workouts and 3 miles on the treadmill. Tuesday I did my leg workout and 3 miles on the elliptical. My right knee has been rebelling since my leg workout. I am choosing to believe it will be fine in a day or two.

Another finally? I finally finished the rewrite on my book, and sent it off to EB. Keep your fingers crossed that she doesn't hate it. =) 

Are you working on any goals?    
  

"Being a good writer is 3% talent, 97% not being distracted by the internet" - Anonymous

Today was the day I was going to get so far on my book.  I was going to get 2 more weeks done, and all of the updates and revisions and additions and improvements - that needed to be completed.  I was basically going to have that baby done!  Not so much.  Between email, Facebook and Twitter (my total new obsession) I was led astray.  Not so much led - I went willingly - so maybe tempted astray?  I did still get a reasonable amount of updating completed, and I have gotten 1/2 of it written - so it isn't like I didn't do anything.  I'm not sure I was a good writer to start with, and that larger ratio is certainly not helping matters! I did learn today that we only space once between sentences now? Mr. Esget (my HS English teacher) would be so disappointed in me. 

I just couldn't help myself!  Excitement abounds here at SDtS!!  At least I think it is exciting!  As of Thursday at 9:45pm, I am up to 19 total participants in the "SDtS: Mission 101" challenge!  This means, in short: I won't have to do it alone!!  Some want to shed a couple of pounds, some want to shed a lot of pounds.  Some have incorporated exercise into their goals.  It is basically a very personal mission, where we are all just going to do it together, and be really supportive of each other.  I can't wait to get started!! 

Another issue with my focus is probably because part of me might still be riding the high from the Chilean Miner rescue.  Honestly.  I couldn't stop watching it, and then crying, and then watching it, and then crying.  I am not a huge lover of the news - I think it is depressing, and the old adage "ignorance is bliss" works really well for me.  I confess, I didn't pay much attention to this story before Tuesday night.  But this story was absolutely unlike anything I have ever witnessed!  They are in an emergency shelter when the mine collapses - amazing.  They live for 17 days without anyone knowing if they are even alive - amazing.  The President of the Country (is President correct?  I should know after all of that footage of him, but I don't) basically goes against the more popular vote, and decides he is going to do whatever he has to do to save them - amazing.  There are 3 countries that race to drill to them first - amazing.  The men in the mine all have daily tasks and daily duties, and it appears no one goes crazy - amazing.  One miner has his wife and his girlfriend show up looking for him - oops.  People are smart enough to get them on a special diet, and extensively plan for their evacuation needs (clothes, sunglasses, etc), like this has ever happened before - amazing.  People are brave enough to go down into the cave, not knowing if this evacuation plan will actually work, to help the guys that are down there - amazing.  These guys had the balls to do what it took to stay alive in a cave, 2000ish feet into the earth, in 90 degree/humid temps, not knowing when or if help would actually make it to them, assuming if help did make it it would be around Christmas, and never give up - amazing.  The whole rescue operation when off without a hitch, and everyone was out like 14 hours ahead of schedule - amazing.  A-ma-zing.  Only un-amazing part of the whole thing?  Well, only un-amazing for me, really. Realizing I would have had to stay in the mine because my enormous rear would not have fit in that capsule!  For realz, y'all!

I am excited to have some visitors this weekend, and play with my new Body Bugg.  I am going to be ready for getting to it on Monday, which is good because I have a LONG way to go by the first of the year! 

Have a great weekend, everyone!  Make sure to tune in this weekend for the SDtS: Mission 101 introductions!