tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22891597295223864112024-03-13T13:02:22.313-07:00"Keeping Up With the Ta'atiti's"SinaGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04013717092867709741noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289159729522386411.post-63591266286995179392019-01-15T10:47:00.000-08:002019-01-15T10:47:46.937-08:00Health Challenge Day 1 of Week 3I've been extra good this month with the January healthy challenge. It has pushed me to meet little milestones that seemed so unattainable just 3 months ago. In my week 2 weigh in this morning I weighed in at 308.8 for a total of 60 lbs lost since 10/24. I am 9 lbs away from my first major milestone of being under 300. I can't believe I'm so close, but it feels so good! I also can't believe I'm more than half way to losing 100 lbs. This is definitely something I could only imagine this time last year, but I am doing it and I'm so happy with the results.<br />
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One of the things I really wanted when I first started this challenge last October was to get a good boost so that I could start working out again without too many complications. But I've gotten so much more out of this program. Not only did I get the boost I needed, but I got the lifelong habits of health that will be with me for the rest of my life and beyond. I never thought this could be me.<br />
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Week 2's shred slowed down a lot. By yesterday morning I was disappointed that I had only gotten down to 310 since last weigh in. I decided to hit it hard at the gym yesterday with some extra, healthy calories and was able to push through down to 308.8. I am listening to my body and adjusting where I need to in order to increase metabolism and fat burn.<br />
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<br />SinaGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04013717092867709741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289159729522386411.post-58556120243977275222018-01-14T17:08:00.000-08:002018-01-16T07:02:35.467-08:00January 2018 Health ChallengeI haven't blogged in several weeks, but I'm trying to get back in to it. I signed up for a free 28 day health challenge via a community health support group on Facebook.<br />
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I started 1/2 and am currently in the middle of the 2nd week. Prior to the weigh in on 1/2, the last time I had weighed in was on Saturday 12/30. I was 317. I decided to go off plan for new years eve and day. I decided to weigh in on Tuesday night 1/2 and the scale read 325.2. I was a bit disappointed at first thinking - geez, I totally gained 8 lbs in 2 days, but I was determined to get back on track.<br />
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I had run out of fuelings and was waiting for my order to come in. In the mean time, I was counting my calories and making sure my macro levels were consistent. I submitted my first update on 1/9 with a pic showing the scale at 312. I reported a week 1 loss of 13.2 lbs. Now that felt amazing! I knew it would slow down the 2nd week as my body was adjusting back to the plan, but it was a huge motivation booster. It is amazing how quickly the body retains weight when I eat a lot of carbs.<br />
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Left was taken 10/23/17, right pic was taken 1/13/18<br />
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Pic taken 1/2/18 for the health challenge<br />
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Left 1/2/18, right 10/23/17<br />
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<br />SinaGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04013717092867709741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289159729522386411.post-86516220230247651512017-11-23T07:01:00.003-08:002017-11-23T07:01:54.104-08:00Thanksgiving Day11/23/17<br />
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It’s Thanksgiving Day and we are in Modesto. It’s been a lot of fun so far catching up with everyone. We baked a ton last night - pineapple dream cake, jello poke cake, and chocolate trifle. We are frying turkeys today. We brought our deep fryer and I rubbed the turkeys last night with the Neely’s rub I always use.<br />
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I was off plan yesterday and today. I’ll be back on tomorrow. I’m hoping to sign up as a health coach when I get back so I can bring on Ashley and Aunty Cindy and Uncle Lusi.SinaGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04013717092867709741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289159729522386411.post-63189570500059947742017-11-21T10:05:00.000-08:002018-01-16T07:03:38.867-08:00Optavia week 5Started this journey on 10/24/17. Today is day 1 of week 5 and I am officially down 30 lbs. I lost 30 lbs in 4 weeks and it feels amazing. This is a huge benchmark for me and I can't wait to see where it leads me in to 2018.<br />
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We are heading out for California tonight for Thanksgiving. Excited to see mom and the family. I won't be getting my food until Monday and I'm about out. I emailed nutrition support and this is what they said -<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;">Unfortunately we haven't found any bars/shakes on the market that have the same nutritional structure. However, we do have a plan developed for when clients are without Fuelings. If you are out of meals completely then you could have three smaller lean and green meals (4 ounces of lean and 3 servings of approved vegetables per lean and green) and one serving of low-fat or fat-free dairy (e.g., milk, yogurt) each day. Choose dairy products that are about 100 calories per serving and unsweetened or no sugar added (to keep carbohydrates to a minimum). Please note that yogurt does not replace a fueling, it simply acts as a place holder because the calories and carbohydrates are similar. Yogurts do not have the same vitamins and minerals as a fueling and should only be used in “emergency” situations.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.66670036315918px;">Now that I have a plan I feel good about what to do. I will need to get some low fat sugar free yogurt and some lean and green stuff to make in Modesto. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.66670036315918px;">Excited to eat turkey on Thanksgiving too!</span></span></div>
SinaGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04013717092867709741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289159729522386411.post-29277841078055797082017-11-17T07:44:00.002-08:002017-11-17T07:44:38.078-08:00Take Shape For Life - Week 4, Day 4I was in Texas last week for training and then I went to see Nephi. I wasn't on the 5 and 1 while there, I did more of a 4 and 2. I was happy with my choices. I was choosing meals that I wouldn't normally choose and it worked out okay. Before I left, I weighed myself and I was as 343. I had remained steady for about 5 days straight. When I got back Sunday and weighed in on Monday morning I had jumped up 349. I had gained 6 lbs while in Texas...I couldn't believe how fast that was. Well, I had gotten back on the 5 and 1 Sunday morning and just let it ride.<br />
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I weighed myself this morning just to see where I was and I am now down to 340 flat. I was able to lose the 9lbs since Monday. I felt like I had some inflammation from the food I was eating last week and I needed to lose that again. It feels good to be back on track.<br />
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I also went to Zumba Monday night. It was actually harder than I thought it would be, I feel like my muscles are super sensitive. The rest of the week was full of other activities - Tuesday night pitching for Sina, Wednesday night was my closing class for the semester, last night was a TM meeting, tonight we are helping Glen and Puni move, and tomorrow is Anthony's birthday. So I'm pretty shot for any other opportunities to go to the gym. I plan on going next Monday, then we drive out to California on Tuesday for Thanksgiving. So next week seems shot as well, though I do anticipate starting to weight train again once we get back.<br />
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I shared this picture with one of my Facebook support groups. The bottom pic was my first class session back in September a little more than a month before I started the program. The top was my last class this week. I can see a big difference in myself. These side by sides give me a lot of motivation and confidence to keep going. It feels good to be doing this and to feel so healthy and so light. I am 20 lbs away from my first benchmark of 320. After that, the big goal is to be under 300 for the first time in years by February.SinaGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04013717092867709741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289159729522386411.post-77398839527464789462017-11-08T03:42:00.001-08:002017-11-08T03:42:24.078-08:00Winning the "Why"Yesterday I flew on an airplane for the first time since being on this program. I've lost 25 lbs since starting and I was hoping to be more comfortable on the plane than I usually am. A couple of years ago I bought a seat belt extender for the plane just so I didn't have to ask for one. I also usually ask for an aisle seat so that I have more shoulder room. Yesterday I was assigned a window seat. I usually don't like the window seat because my shoulders uncomfortably bump up against the wall/window, but this was not the case on that flight. Not only was I sitting comfortably, I was able to fit the seat belt without an extender and it even had a little slack.<br />
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One of my 3 "whys" was being able to sit comfortably on a plan and this is the first time I've felt this way in a long time. I'm winning the 'whys' and it's only the beginning.<br />
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I sent that pic to Anthony as I sat on the plane telling him of my small win. He has been an amazing support to me through this process and I am so happy to be doing this health journey with him.<br />
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I packed all my food in individual bags so that I could be ready to go each day without too much work about what I was going to eat. I planned it out and packed it up. Here's what it looks like -<br />
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One more pic only because I am liking taking more selfies haha...it's because I like what I see and it's empowering to see the results in my face. I am eager to get back and start going to the gym again.<br />
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That's me and the Lonestar Cafe cow :)SinaGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04013717092867709741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289159729522386411.post-69618943904556625732017-11-08T03:29:00.000-08:002017-11-08T03:29:38.373-08:00The Journey Day 1611/8/17<br />
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Yesterday was the start of Week 3. In my weigh in I had neither gained nor lost from the day before which I am okay with. I know that things are leveling out. The most important thing is how I feel and I really do feel amazing. I flew in to San Antonio yesterday for training that starts this morning. I have been feeling lately like I'm not getting enough nutrition. I am starting to track my calorie intake on myfitnesspal app and even with the lean and green I am barely getting 800-900 calories a day with the PCMR fuelings.<br />
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I wasn't sure if my feeling queasy and headaches was due to the cycle regulating or due to lack of enough calories. Anyway, yesterday was the first day I deviated a tad bit from the regular program and did more of a 4 and 2 rather than a 5 and 1. I arrived at the hotel at about 2:30. I had eaten 3 fuelings up to that point since I had been up since 4:45 am. I went to the Denny's in front of my hotel and ate a steak and zucchini. I immediately felt better after eating that meal. I was proud of myself for not giving in to anything off plan. I took the bread off the plate and ate just the steak and veggies.<br />
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Later on, I got a text from JoEllen. She asked if I wanted to do dinner and I was excited to have company and someone to talk to. I walked about a half mile down to her hotel and then we settled on eating at Lonestar cafe. I had a smoked chicken salad with a vinaigrette. Again, very proud of myself when there were so many amazing things on the menu.<br />
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One of the things I love about being on this program is not only do I sleep better, but I don't have acid reflux anymore. I am still up and going after 7 hours of sleep like clockwork every day. I was super tired last night so after talking to Anthony and the girls over the phone and saying our family prayer over the phone, I knocked out. That was about 9:45. Sure enough, I was up by 4:45 am.<br />
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I talked to Shannon last night and it was good to hear that there are highs and lows to the program. Sometimes there are days that I feel a little more energy than others and some days that I just feel tired. Yesterday was one of those days. I took a nap after lunch and it felt good. Lately I've been like turbo just go, go, go, but yesterday I definitely felt a change. We had daylight savings last Sunday and gained an hour which I feel has thrown me off my sleep schedule. I'm waiting for the adjustment to come and hopefully it will by the end of the week.<br />
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Today I am attending a training on an evaluation model called Results Based Accountability and we are being trained by Mark Friedman who create the model. I'm looking forward to hearing from him and learning some new evaluation strategies.SinaGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04013717092867709741noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289159729522386411.post-18234493488109704072017-11-06T09:17:00.000-08:002017-11-08T03:29:51.211-08:00The Journey Day 14<br />
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11/6/17<br />
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Quick update...I weighed in this morning because my flow is starting to slow down. I'm down 2 more pounds...343. That's a total of 25 lbs in 2 weeks! I'm weighing in again tomorrow for my official 2 week total, but I'm stoked about this.SinaGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04013717092867709741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289159729522386411.post-45009020382873412942017-11-05T06:52:00.001-08:002017-11-08T03:30:01.373-08:00The Journey Day 1311/5/17<br />
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It's been almost 2 weeks since I started the program, but it feels much longer than that. I've had some major issues with my cycle this week that have caused some bloating and irritability, but all in all the energy continues to be up and I feel great. I told myself at my last weigh in that I would only weigh once a week or biweekly on Tuesdays, but sometimes I just have to know. So despite my feeling bloated and fear that the scale had gone up, I weighed myself yesterday morning just to see and I'm down 3 more lbs since Tuesday. So I'm down to 345 now from 368 13 days ago. Woohoo!!<br />
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One of the most interesting things about this program is that I literally can not sleep in anymore. My body is used to getting 7 hours of sleep now and just pops awake in the morning when it's time to eat. I feel like my body is driving this journey, I'm realizing that more and more with each day. When I wake up in the morning it seems to nudge me out of bed to go downstairs and eat. I try to close my eyes and reposition to get a little more sleep, but in the end my brain just does not shut down. I've never been a morning person so it's weird, but exciting to now be one. I used to be able to stay up all hours of the night and I just can't now. When it hits 10:30, I'm no good...I lay my head down and I'm out.<br />
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I'm leaving for Texas next week for work training and then I'll drive down to see Nephi in San Angelo for the weekend. I'm very excited to see Nephi and to hang out with him. I miss him so much sometimes. We were face timing last Sunday and he was shocked to see the difference in my face. I told him about what I'm doing and he said he would find good places for us to eat where I could have a healthy meal. I have also prepared a plan for meals and will pack everything up. I usually buy all my meals on these trips because I get reimbursed with a per diem, but I'll be saving a ton this time and still getting paid with a per diem. bonus!<br />
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One thing I look forward to is working out again. I feel like it will be a different experience when I go back because I feel a lot lighter and have a ton more energy. I might even go early in the morning which I've always wanted to do, but could never get out of bed to do. That's my plan once I get back from Texas and hopefully this cycle will have ended.<br />
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Today is Sunday and for to'ona'i I'm making seared tri-tip steak with sautéd veggies and a green salad...and rice for the kids. I'm trying to find a good balance between what we eat and what the kids need to eat. So far they are champs...they are growing and eating more healthy and it makes me happy.SinaGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04013717092867709741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289159729522386411.post-37707057062662422622017-11-03T07:54:00.000-07:002017-11-05T06:57:19.078-08:00The Journey Day 1111/3/17<br />
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Despite some health issues this week with the birth control pills, I'm going strong. I know I'm in fat burn mode because I can barely eat the meals when it's time to eat. I'm sleeping really well except for the all night bleeding. With my cycle being so off I actually felt cravings for the first time yesterday in addition to the backache and abdominal cramps. I drank a propel and ate a sugar free Jell-O cup and that curbed it really well. Later, even though it was a 1/2 snack extra - I made the chocolate peanut butter cup in the freezer with the brownie and the PB powder. OMG! It was like eating a real peanut butter cup it was so good!<br />
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I also shared a comparison photo yesterday with Shannon and she posted it on Facebook. I wanted to see for myself the change...sometimes it's hard to tell just looking in the mirror, but it is really apparent here.<br />
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This top pic was taken at the pumpkin patch on Sina's birthday last month - nearly 3 weeks ago. The bottom was taken in my office yesterday. I'm so proud of the differences I see. It's one thing to feel the difference, but to see it is so empowering! Belle has asked about the program and I sent her some information on it. I feel like my success story will prompt others to want to be on it. It truly has changed my perception of food and nutrition and I can't see myself ever going back.<br />
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I'm thinking of maybe even becoming a health coach after the holidays. I think my progress will give others hope...our Polynesian culture around food makes it so difficult to sustain any type of eating program, but this definitely feels different and I'm excited to share it with others.<br />
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I've been enjoying cauliflower pizza crusts lately and so far I've made 3 different types of pizza. Today I think I made my best crust and pizza yet - balsamic shrimp and spinach pizza...so good!<br />
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<br />SinaGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04013717092867709741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289159729522386411.post-38232401576768974842017-10-31T13:38:00.000-07:002017-11-03T07:58:50.833-07:00back-tracking . . .<div>
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Old unpublished post....<br />
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I discovered a cool lil site as I was checkin' out Francine's blog, as I often do. I found out that I can make this whole blog thing a book whenever I want to. That discovery has gotten me very excited to write more and to post more pictures because I'd hate to regret not putting more pictures in. So these pictures a bit dated, but I wanted to show Sina in her "earlier days".</div>
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Sina at 2 months and then 4 months</div>
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SinaGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04013717092867709741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289159729522386411.post-54128364034224675102017-10-31T07:26:00.000-07:002017-11-03T07:57:41.605-07:00The Journey Day 8So the weekend was a little interesting. With the sleep schedule shifting a bit to staying up later and getting up later I had to adjust the eating times a bit, but all in all I stayed with it. Sunday I wore a puletasi to church that I stopped wearing because it was getting tight. It fight so well and felt so good.<br />
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During toonai after church, Becky mentioned that my skin looks really bright and clear and that I look happier than usual. I told them about the program and how much it has changed the way I think about food and the goals that I have. They asked me about Thanksgiving and I told them I would probably do a cauliflower mash and eat turkey. Before I started last week I had some concerns about the holidays, but those have all gone away now.<br />
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I weighed in this morning at 348.2 exactly 20 lbs down in 1 week. I can feel it in my body and bones. It's easier to walk and get up and down the stairs. I have more energy and actually want to get things done around the house. I worked from home yesterday and went up and down the stairs during meal times for exercise.<br />
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I had a check in call with Shannon and Heather last night. Heather is the one I reached out to first when I saw her posts on LinkedIn. She referred me to Heather who got me started. They continue to emphasize the importance of the health community and making sure to stay connected for support. I see others post so freely on the Facebook pages and I am just not ready to do that yet. Perhaps in time I'll feel more comfortable, but right now it just isn't something I want to do.<br />
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I have joined multiple lean and green meal support groups and have found some amazing recipes. I think that is the most exciting part for me...looking forward to what I can make for dinner. Some people are really creative in the things they come up with. I found a recipe for making a bagel out of the mashed potatoes. I'm totally trying it to eat at a on plan sloppy joe or chicken sandwich. Someone else shared a frozen peanut butter cup they made out of the pudding and pb powder. I might have to do that for my holiday treats.<br />
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<br />SinaGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04013717092867709741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289159729522386411.post-57938070438426675942017-10-28T20:09:00.000-07:002017-11-03T07:57:41.608-07:00The Journey Day 5<div>
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We had a late night last night, first at the ward trunk or treat activity and then all of the older girl cousins and Veni came over for a movie marathon of Guardians of the Galaxy. I think I got to bed at like 1:30 am.<br />
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This was the first time I had gone to bed that late on this program. I had seen some videos on youtube saying that if you don't go to bed within 2 hours of your last fueling that you need to eat another one. I wasn't sure so I didn't do it. Plus we had a hearty salad from cafe rio which I think may have been a little more than I should have had. Anyway, I'm learning to adjust to the weekend schedule and it's a little harder than I thought it would be.</div>
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Because we went to bed late last night, I didn't get up until 9:00 am. I ate my first fueling right away and I noticed right off the bat how much energy I had. In fact, it is 8:15 and I have had the most energy today than I have had in a long time. It feels kinda weird actually. I'm also finding that I am sleeping more through the night, even with the need to pee more often, I am really getting good sleep.</div>
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We started our Saturday chores and I decided that today I was going to organize the pantry and reserve a shelf for my food. I cleaned my room while sipping on my water, of course. I took a shower, loaded some laundry, and headed to the Dollar Store to buy some containers to divide the food. I was quite happy with what I found. It took me about 2 hours to organize and clean out old food, but I'm really happy with the results. </div>
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I've also been finding some really good recipes on Pinterest so I was super excited to go to Costco today to buy some ingredients. Now I wish I had a bigger fridge because it's getting hard to fit everything in, however, it's probably a good thing so that we use up all that we are buying before loading up on other things. I'm pretty proud of what our fridge looks like now - </div>
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One recipe I have been dying to try is the cauliflower crust pizza. We bought 2 bags of cauliflower rice from Costco today to try a few different things this week. I made a pizza for me and a pizza for Miracle. The recipe said it would be 2 servings and as I was making it I was like...now way is that 2 servings. I can't possibly just eat half of that. But low and behold I couldn't eat more than half. It was right on the money for my appetite and taste buds. I give my first pizza an 8 out of 10!</div>
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The toppings were ground turkey, spinach, tomatoes, and mushrooms. I experimented by grinding down the turkey burgers I had in the food processor. That worked out really well. I'm going to ground the rest of it tomorrow to prep for the coming week. I'm leaving the other half for Anthony, but guarantee he will want another whole one. Next time I'm gonna do chicken, spinach, and mushrooms.</div>
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Tomorrow I plan on making Mongolian beef and broccoli and green beans. That should be good. Now that I have a better understanding of the program and what is allowable, it will be easier to plan dinner menus for the week.<br />
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I think I am now in full fat burn mode because of the level of energy I have and because I found it a bit difficult to eat some of the meals today (except for the pizza). I wasn't hungry so it was a little harder to finish a whole bar. It is now 9:12 pm and I am due for another fueling. One thing I want to start doing is reviews on the fuels. I tried the spinach/pesto mac and cheese and I'm not a fan. I need to figure a way to beef that taste up. I'm thinking a 1/3 of a lean added to it might help, but I don't think I can eat it plain again without gagging.<br />
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Some of my favorites include the dark chocolate shake, the creamy chocolate shake, the mint chocolate crip bars, the brownie, the pancakes, and the silky peanut butter bars. My least favorites are the mac and cheese, the peanut butter crunch, the strawberry shakes, and the bbq crunchers. I'll have to try the crunchers again tomorrow since I've been on for almost a week now...I think it my taste buds might adjust to it. I still have more to try, but so far that is where I am.<br />
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Anyway, some fuel reviews to come...</div>
SinaGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04013717092867709741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289159729522386411.post-47294435610839910732017-10-28T18:30:00.001-07:002017-11-03T07:57:41.591-07:00The Journey Day 410/27/17<br />
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For future reference...I was transferring a lot of what I wrote from documented thoughts from previous days so the dates are off that is why I put the dates in the blog....</div>
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I started this yesterday, but didn't finish. It was Day 4 yesterday and the morning text I got told me that I should be getting in to "fat burn" mode which means more energy, less hunger in between meals. I definitely started to feel that. My body is changing in terms of how it responds to the fuels. I feel more satisfied after having a fueling and it's easy to drink water as well. I am able to drink a ton of water without any problems.</div>
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We ate at cafe rio tonight. I was pretty proud of what I had - steak salad - no rice, no beans, no tortilla, just the meat, lettuce, pico, and guacamole and a little bit of the dressing. I'm finding that I look forward to the daily lean and green meal especially since I am finding good recipes. I found a ton on pinterest that I want to try.</div>
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I noticed the swelling in my body especially my hands and feet have gone down a lot. I think the first 15 lb loss was a lot of water weight, but I can totally feel a difference. </div>
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That's my water bag...I take at least 4 bottles of water, a propel, and a powerade zero to work with me along side my fuels. </div>
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That was me this afternoon...feeling really good. I sent that pic to Anthony and mama! Anyone who knows me knows that I do not like pics and I don't randomly take them like this so this is huge for me. I can see a difference in my face and I love it.</div>
SinaGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04013717092867709741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289159729522386411.post-76010022556501953442017-10-27T12:05:00.001-07:002017-11-03T07:57:41.619-07:00The Journey Day 310/26/17<br />
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They say that your taste buds start to change and I'm definitely experiencing that right now. The food is starting to taste good, haha. Shannon asked me tonight if I'm struggling with wanting food and I can honestly say I'm not. I get more excited thinking about the lean and green meal I can eat and how good it will taste. I also started looking on Pinterest for lean and green meal recipes and that got me really excited. I did get a sight headache today, but I'm not sure if it was because of the meal plan or due to the pill. Regardless, I tried propel for the first time and it really helped.<br />
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Tonight we ate lettuce chicken wraps and it was super good. I am so proud of the girls eating with us without complaint and just enjoying the experience as well. I am also noticing some differences in my skin. I typically have very oily skin, especially my face. I use a charcoal face wash every day and oil free moisturizer to keep the zits and blemishes at bay. I noticed today that my skin was not oily. I thought it may be due to the water intake. I have never drunk so much water consistently ever so my body is probably in shock with all of the hydration. Shannon also said that the minerals in the food will help with skin, hair, and nails. That's a definite side bonus!<br />
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I weighed myself this morning. At first I didn't think I would weigh every day just in case it didn't move in the direction I hoped, but after seeing the drop in 7 lbs yesterday I thought it would be good to just check. So I weighed in at 357.4...another 4 lbs down for a total of 11 lbs. I am super excited about that.<br />
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I'm finding that I am letting go of a lot of fears and old beliefs I had about myself. I have always hated scales. I can count on one hand how many times I've weighed myself in my life. I feel like that is changing a bit as I see the number declining each day. I used to believe it defined who I was as a far person, but now it is adding definition to my success story. It is empowering to feel this way and let go of the old out of site, out of mind mentality in terms of knowing how much I weigh.<br />
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I used to not eat breakfast in the mornings...like, at all. I was never hungry in the morning and I would often times go all day without eating if I was busy at work or didn't have time. I would then come home and eat everything in sight because I was starving. This program is helping me to think differently about food and the word "fuel" for the body. Now that I have to get up and eat right away, I am seeing the difference it makes in my morning and my whole day. I have started to keep a fuel bar next to my bed so that I can wake up, read my scriptures, say a prayer, stretch, and eat my fuel bar within 30 minutes of waking up. I am really liking this new routine and I am seeing the difference it is making.<br />
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I love the holistic approach of this program as well...balancing physical, mental, financial health, for an overall optimal way of living. I would add spiritual to that balance. I am reading my scriptures daily now which I never had time to do before and being more prayerful which has really helped me to be successful up to this point.<br />
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I have loved doing this with my sweetheart. He has been a strength to me since day 1 and to be on the same journey (different program) is really empowering as a couple. We've been married for 13 years this year and we've always struggled with fertility. I can't help but think that my weight has been a huge contributing factor. I often feel guilt because of the fear I have always had in addressing my weight. I often think of how things could have been different if I had been more healthy. While I've always pushed the thoughts and feelings to the back of my mind and hidden in them in a dark corner of my soul, I am finding that my thought processes are starting to change. I'm more grateful now for the children we do have and for the blessing we have received. I am truly grateful for this renewal of both body and spirit that I am blessed to experience. It has only been 3 to 4 days, but it feels longer than that. I am excited to see where it goes from here.<br />
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<br />SinaGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04013717092867709741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289159729522386411.post-7362482149782074562017-10-26T07:39:00.002-07:002017-11-03T07:57:41.612-07:00The Journey Day 210/25/17 - Day 2 and I'm feeling really good. I got a good 7 hours of sleep last night and felt refreshed this morning. One of the things required is that I eat within 30 minutes of waking up. So I got up and went downstairs and ate before getting ready for work. Apparently, this helps bring up the blood sugar levels after a long night of sleep. I think it helped.<br />
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I have been drinking a lot of water still and going to the bathroom A LOT! I feel like I'm shedding a lot of water weight which is good. I'm feeling really light. I weighed myself this morning at 6:30 and it was 361.4. Not bad...7 lbs down in 1 day. That's so crazy to think about, but really motivating.<br />
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I talked Shannon tonight and she was very supportive. She reminded me to eat enough protein. I went to lunch with Sulu today and had a salad at Paradise Bakery. It was the chicken caesar salad - basically just chicken over greens. Very little cheese and the recommended serving of caesar dressing per the condiment list. I felt good about that. I did eat one extra fueling today only because my timing was off, but I hope to fix that moving forward.<br />
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Shannon also sends me a text every morning in addition to our nightly check ins. I'm surprised by how much it helps to have a coach. I definitely feel more accountable to the process.<br />
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Anthony has also started the Keto eating this week. He is excited, going through the highs and lows of that eating program, but doing well. We also have our girls eating better too. I took them in for check ups last week and Sina weighed 130 and Miracle weighed 197 at 11 and 14 years old. This new lifestyle is for our whole family, not just us and the girls have been great troopers with us. I made them grilled steaks and salad tonight for dinner and they loved it.SinaGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04013717092867709741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289159729522386411.post-84146973434100505192017-10-26T07:24:00.004-07:002017-11-03T07:57:41.622-07:00The Journey Day 110/24/17 - Today is my first day of actually eating off the meal plan 5 and 1. It is basically eating 5 fuelings (these are the individual meals they send you) and 1 lean protean with greens which is called Lean and Green. I prayed this morning that I wouldn't get a headache from lack of sugar/carbs. I'm required to drink at least 84 oz. of water each day and I did that today. That required many trips to the bathroom, but all good.<br />
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We had a team lunch today and we went to the Bayou. It is one of my favorite places and I usually get something like the cheeseburger or the gumbo with their sweet potato fries. Today, I chose to eat my Lean and Green at lunch and had a grilled salmon over greens. Wasn't the best tasting, but it was filling. So far the little bars/meals they provide keep me pretty sustained until I have to eat again which is every 3 hours. The hardest thing right now is eating during meetings since the 3 hour marks sometimes falls between my meeting times, but it's okay.<br />
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Shannon called tonight and I reported that all went well, except I am really tired. This program requires at least 7 hours of sleep. I am definitely not getting that a night so I will need to change that tonight. She also encouraged me to weigh myself in the morning and that it is more accurate in the morning.SinaGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04013717092867709741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289159729522386411.post-75700855830021365692017-10-26T07:18:00.001-07:002017-11-08T03:31:45.015-08:00The Journey - Take Shape For Life - Pre-start DayI need a place to track my progress in the program Take Shape For Life and so here goes...<br />
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10/23/17 - Received the box of food in the mail. Exciting! I just realized this is is a revamped version of the old Medifast program which I've tried. Hopefully the food tastes good. My coach is Shannon Schritter. I talked to her on the phone and I've decided to start tomorrow. There are 4 things I need to send her - front, side, back photos, initial weight :( and my 3 "whys" for doing this program, and my WATCH measurements.<br />
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3 whys are -<br />
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1. Be healthy, live long to see my girls grow up<br />
2. Confidently look in the mirror again<br />
3. Comfortably sit on an airplane or even ride a roller coaster without fear of not fitting in the seat<br />
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One of the reasons I always avoided programs and coaches was I hate being in a state of vulnerability. I don't like people knowing my business especially trying to get in to my head as to the "why" behind the things I do. This time, I feel like I need to let go and trust the process....sounds very cliché, but whatever. I sent Shannon the list of whys.<br />
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Initial weight at 10:30 pm tonight is 368.2<br />
Waist - 58<br />
Arm - 19.5<br />
Thigh - 30<br />
Chest - 55<br />
Hips - 60<br />
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Here we go....<br />
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<br />SinaGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04013717092867709741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289159729522386411.post-72921307783160645902010-01-05T16:46:00.000-08:002017-11-03T07:58:50.859-07:00I'm back!It's 2010...where did 2009 go? Lots to look forward to this year...<br /><br />As I look back on the past two years since moving from Samoa without much more than the shirts on our backs and the few extra shirts in our suitcases, I have to say that we have been blessed! It's been amazing having my mom here with us this past year and hopefully many more years will be spent together. <br /><br />Looking forward to spending time with family - having the boys, Mani and Nephi come with their families to spend a week with us at the end of the month. Looking forward to short, spontaneous weekend getaways, looking forward to Sina turning 4!, looking forward to a trip to Samoa possibly in November, and of course looking forward to materializing resolutions that always seem to fade by the first month's end. And all along...enjoying the every day associations we have here with wonderful friends and family.<br /><br />Here's to a new year!!SinaGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04013717092867709741noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289159729522386411.post-11923711810662226602009-10-19T13:06:00.000-07:002017-11-03T07:58:50.817-07:00Subsiding...<div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U5X4WBqTVpc/StzMB5aqKlI/AAAAAAAAAIA/ehZwUlHQ6yI/s1600-h/samoa1.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394410786647583314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 350px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U5X4WBqTVpc/StzMB5aqKlI/AAAAAAAAAIA/ehZwUlHQ6yI/s400/samoa1.bmp" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#000099;"> samoan culture at its finest</span><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U5X4WBqTVpc/StzKZo64ZNI/AAAAAAAAAHw/OaEvW337ReY/s1600-h/vatia.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394408995512935634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 158px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U5X4WBqTVpc/StzKZo64ZNI/AAAAAAAAAHw/OaEvW337ReY/s400/vatia.bmp" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#000099;">mountain pass right before Vatia village in Am Samoa</span> </div><div align="center"><br /><div><span style="color:#339999;">I just had to post something really quickly about the tragedy in Samoa and how much it has had an effect on me. It has been really difficult to think of all that has happened back home and not feel downhearted and depressed about it. Just this last week those feelings were beginning to subside, though the sadness I feel for those that lost family members, esp children continues. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#339999;">As we celebrated Sina's 3rd birthday, I realize even more how much of a blessing she is in our lives and how privileged we are to have her. Just to imagine that I could wake up tomorrow and not have her because of some tragedy of nature that no one has any control over is really something I cannot fathom. My heart goes out to all moms that lost their little ones. I hope that time can heal their hearts. I also realized that its during times like these that I really, really understand why the plan of salvation is so important and why we need answers to life's questions that so many people in the world lack knowledge of. I'm grateful that I have a knowledge and testimony of these things. I find that life is easier to bear because of that faith</span>.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394409547810594866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 216px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 145px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U5X4WBqTVpc/StzK5yY54DI/AAAAAAAAAH4/XBTZO2AmNl8/s400/flagshalfmass.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#cc0000;">Faamanuia le Atua Samoa....</span></div><br /><br /><div></div></div><br /></div>SinaGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04013717092867709741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289159729522386411.post-38245344827582011122009-09-21T15:56:00.001-07:002017-11-03T07:58:50.836-07:00Waking Up in Vegas!This past weekend Anthony and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary in the city that literally never sleeps - Las Vegas! We left Bountiful at noon on Friday after giving Sina a million kisses because we are suckers when we have to be away from Sina for more than a day. We arrived in Las Vegas at about 5:30 and checked in to the Grandview Hotel on Las Vegas Blvd. When we got to our room the first thing I noticed was the awesome living room with flat screen TV and then the bedroom with a jaccuzi tub....aahh...it seriously was like a dream. This was the fanciest hotel we had ever stayed in. Usually our hotel stays consist of six people in a two bedroom room with everyone camping on the floor!! haha...love that about my family...we have too much fun together...<br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384064475673443986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 315px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 210px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U5X4WBqTVpc/SrgKHVhQvpI/AAAAAAAAAHY/GQVmDEj62M8/s400/vegas1.jpg" border="0" /> So after checking the place out we decided to give the jacuzzi tub a try...so awesome!! After hanging out for a little bit we decided to get some dinner. We cruised down Las Vegas Blvd and found a Popeye's chicken. I haven't had Popeye's since my mission. We decided to save our elaborate anniversary dinner for the next night while we splurge on chicke and red beans and rice. My childhood friend,Alvin Pritchard, was supposed to meet up with us that night, but we decided we would spend some "us" time and postponed all friends and family time until Saturday. We ended up spending the night in our hotel room "watching movies" ;)<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394354220945504978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 216px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 145px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U5X4WBqTVpc/StyYlVwV-tI/AAAAAAAAAHo/7joMdtBf7hQ/s400/vegas3.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"><br /></p><br /><p align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394353931537497394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 216px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 145px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U5X4WBqTVpc/StyYUfoGPTI/AAAAAAAAAHg/gIoqYU7fbuU/s400/vegas2.jpg" border="0" /></p>Saturday was awesome. We got to spend time with Alvin and his whole family. We chatted for a few hours reminiscing about the good old days. We ended up going back to the hotel and swimming in the very cool waterfall pool! We ended the night by going to the Aloha bar with Serine and her huband Daryll. It was such a blast!! We sang karaoke after getting drunk off of water and cokes...we sang some Alicia Keys and Lauryn Hill...just like old times! That night we ate dinner at the famous Rio Buffet. It was hands down the best buffet I have ever been to. We look forward to going there again next month on our way to San Diego. The Hawaiian coconut ice cream and eclairs were to die for!<br /><br /><p align="left">Needless to say, we didn't sleep much the whole time we were there. We checked out of our hotel at 10 am and started our trek back to good old SLC. The anniversary was the perfect vacation and just the break we needed from life. It is good to be back now and to be with our Sina and mom and the family. </p><div align="left">These past two years we have made time to take short weekend vacations and I have become a firm believer in taking advantage of opportunities in life to get out and enjoy family and friends because we only live once and since turning 30 I realize I am not getting any younger...so I look foward to many more of these weekend getaways!!</div>SinaGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04013717092867709741noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289159729522386411.post-36773132582068975152009-09-07T20:45:00.000-07:002017-11-03T07:58:50.830-07:00another milestoneI just had to note that Sina used the toilet for the first time last Saturday - Sept 5th! She thought she was a big girl...no diaper, getting the toilet paper all by herself....I just knew she would do it when she was ready....My lil' girl is growing up!!!SinaGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04013717092867709741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289159729522386411.post-77592595367363532032009-09-07T20:37:00.000-07:002017-11-03T07:58:50.863-07:00week 1 successfully completedSo the daily journal thing isn't working out too well, but the past 4 days have been amazing!<br /><br />**Thursday**<br />Zumba dance class kicked butt. It is well worth the $5 I sacrifice for lunch. Looking forward to doing this every Tues and Thurs<br /><br />**Friday**<br /><br />Upper body workout - 1hr 2 mins<br />FLYS<br />PULL DOWNS<br />ARM CURLS<br />TRICEPS<br />SHOULDER LIFTS<br /><br />**Saturday**<br />No Zumba. 20 mins intensity on elliptical machine with a 5 min cool down<br /><br />**Sunday - FREE DAY **<br />Ate whatever I wanted and rested from the workouts<br /><br />**Monday**<br />Lower body again - this time with intensity level crunches<br />Calves were straining from last Wed, but it feels dang good<br /><br />WEEK 1 is completed....the hard part is over now for CONSISTENCY!!!SinaGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04013717092867709741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289159729522386411.post-58427740875325386732009-09-03T16:18:00.000-07:002017-11-03T07:58:50.850-07:00body for life...It has been 3 days since I started hitting the gym again and getting on a 'good' eating plan. It took some very depressing recent family portraits to make me realize that "it is time". <br /><br />** Tuesday 9/1/09***<br />Cardio - 20 mins on the elliptical machine (intensity level workout)<br /><br />**Wednesday 9/2/09***<br />Lower Body -<br />Leg lifts<br />Hamstring lifts<br />Calf raises<br />Crunches and leg lifts<br /><br />**Thursday 9/3/09**<br />Cardio - potential "Zumba" dance class<br /><br />I'm keeping an on-going log of workout and meal activities. As extra motivation I will try to keep a daily journal of it all right here....SinaGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04013717092867709741noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289159729522386411.post-30396745303512034312009-08-19T15:47:00.000-07:002017-11-03T07:58:50.827-07:00we are blessedAfter all my ranting about being burnt out, I feel like I should share how blessed we've been this past month. Geez...where to begin....<br /><br />Last time Brian was in town (Brian is my palagi brutha from another mother) he recommended we see a vascular specialist for mom's back and leg pains. It took a good 2 months to get an appt, but we finally went in for some testing. We were happy to find out that she does NOT have any vascular issues, but the pain may be due to pinched nerves in the back that come from old age, etc. We are going to see a back specialist in 2 weeks for an MRI and hopefully a miracle shot to help her stand straight and relieve some of the pain.<br /><br />About two weeks ago I decided that it was time to see an OBGYN to see if we can get Sina a little brother or sister. Anthony and I are due to see Dr. Irian on Sept 25th. I'm nervous of any bad news, but excited to see what we can do to "get this party started". haha...hopefully its nothing too drastic. Anthony is praying for his son and I wouldn't mind that too much. <br /><br />August is coming to a close and with it all of the summer activities we had with the youth in our ward. Starting with youth conference, stake girls camp, Raging Waters, mutuals, YW medallions, the banquet to honor the medallion recipients, and the back to school fireside, not to mention the sleepovers, new presidencies and trainings - the summer was a tad busy! It will be nice to mellow out for a while. Though it has been stressful at times, I feel extremely blessed for the time we spend and the sacrifices that are made for our callings in the church. I know the blessings far surpass the hardships and trials, though sometimes I only realize it when I sit and think about what all the Lord has done for us...we could never repay Him really, but we try by magnifying our callings and helping to build His church here.<br /><br />About 3 weeks ago we received a surprise in the mail. To make a long story short, about a year and a half ago I submitted all of Anthony's paperwork to the Immigration to adjust his status to a permanent resident. In a nutshell, he was approved to stay in the US, but denied the permanent residence until I changed my status from US national to US citizen. We were devastated at the time because of all the money that was spent and how much money was to be spent on more paperwork. I even did all of the research myself and filed all of the papers myself to save money by not having to hire a lawyer. Well, about 2 months ago I finally submitted my citizenship papers. When the immigration received them, they overturned their decision on Anthony's permanent residence and granted it to him. We didn't have to spend more money, we didn't have to do another interview or anything. He got his card in the mail last Thursday. It was an amazing feeling to finally have that past us. What a relief! In addition to that, when Anthony told Chris (the boss) that he got his PR card to replace his work permit that just expired, he got a raise....not sure if it was a gesture of congratulations or if it was a desperate plea to stay with the company...whatever it was...we are happy!<br /><br />Finally, my brother Mani was with us this past weekend. He flew in on Saturday, helped me with my YW banquet and sang at our youth fireside. We stayed up all night Saturday playing games and then again on Sunday night jamming with the uke and guitar just like old times. We went to Raging Waters on Monday and had FHE at Crazy Buffet. He flew back yesterday after one last game of Mexican Train. It was sad to say goodbye. Its so nice to have my brothers visit, but hard when its time to for them to leave. <br /><br />Just had to take a moment to name a FEW of the many blessings we have received this year. I don't have time to update the blog as often as I would like to so I think I will start a generic post entitled "Sina update" so that I can post things new about Sina.....SinaGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04013717092867709741noreply@blogger.com0