It's been a while...

Sorry for the lost time, it has been a very hectic week not only at work but personally. I was literally sick all last week and still went to work and performed as I always do. I had back pains and the beginning of a flu was coming on as well, but I derailed both with plenty of meds and rest. Everyday I came home from work, I ate, hit the meds and was off to sleep until about 1 or 2 in the morning and took more meds to get better.

Our job ended our summer with the kids with a huge summer party and all I did was cook on the grill, I think I had heat exhaustion when the day was over. Other than that it was a great day and summer work has finally ended. I think I will try to find another job where I can enjoy my summer a little more.

I did my weigh in this morning and its still at 254. Despite me actually eating fast food last night and two nights during the week I am surprised that I stayed at the weight because I pigged out this week. I guess if you factor in the sickness it just balanced itself out because I did spend quite a bit of time on the throne.

I didn't do my weights all week long due to my illness so I can see the difference from when I work out and when I don't work out. My arms are getting that flabby look again so I think I'd better get back on the weights so I can continue to improve my health.

Well, that's about it for now. I will get back to my normal routine starting tonight and hopefully get my health and life in order.

And the number is...

254. That is what I weighed in as of yesterday morning and I am somewhat OK with that. I wish I could have lost a couple of more pounds but holding at the 254 is not such a bad thing at all. My diet was a little scattered but the meals were enough to satisfy me and keep me full.

Not much to really write about this weekend; took my cousin to the movies, talked to my mom in the hospital, cleaned the house and washed up the dishes. I kinda like having a very organized and clean house because it just makes me feel better about why I am paying for the house every month.

My job is putting us on furloughs next week, what a rip. I know times are tough and everyone is struggling to keep money in their pockets but with my job being a non profit its even tougher. I do believe it is unfair to put us on furloughs because we bust tail and we deserve our pay.

I am very hung up on a girl that I know, but I don't think she is very interested in me. Part of the problem is because I don't drink. She has told me this several times and I think it's totally unfair to not like someone just because they don't drink. I can see not liking someone for bad breath, a poor attitude about life or even driving a crappy car...but not drinking, that's just crazy. I don't know, maybe I am chasing something I am not supposed to have but I guess we all have those moments where we believe that one girl is put on this earth just for you. I may be delusional but I guess I will have to ride it out and see.

My meals this week should be somewhat of an adventure seeing as how the weather is changing to get ready for fall. I will have to get groceries done next week as well. As for this week here are some of the things I will be working with: beans, pork, steaks, salads, rice and plenty of vegetables.

Another Saturday...

Today was one of those cooky days that you sit at the end and say...I did some good today. I took my little cousin to the movies to see G-Force. She enjoyed it (outside of the 4 bathroom breaks) she was great. I finished repairing a computer of an acquaintance and after some time of having (about a week) I returned it to him repaired and ready for use.

Today's meals were actually pretty healthy until dinner. I went overboard and made nachos with ground beef, cheese, sour cream and salsa. Yeah it was a bit much but after what my week was I deserve to let loose on this one. Other than that I drank plenty of water and red tea today so I should be pretty good for weigh in tomorrow morning (crossing fingers).

No recipes for this write in...sorry, cooking is not really on my mind at this time. My mom is in her third medical center in less than a week. Some would say that this is a bad thing, but I see it the other way around. If they are moving her that means she is getting better and improving immensely. My mom has several ailments; congenitive heart disease, diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, leg ulcers and one kidney which is two times smaller than normal. Now most of us would cringe from this but she has stayed strong and should be home very soon. It hasn't disheartened me because I know how tough my mom is and she will get through this and when it's her time to be called by the Lord I know she will be ready.

Well, workout tonight is dumbbells with a couple new lifts added and I think they will really benefit me in the end. Goodnight.

You never know...

There comes a time in our lives where we just have to do what is right for ourselves. I believe that I have come to that point in my life. I have decided to take care of myself and those that live under my roof without worrying about others that just seem to hinder what I want to do. I mean, it's OK to open your doors and your pantries and cupboards to those in need, but at some point you have to take care of number one first.

This week was definitely rougher than any stretch I have had during summer at my job, ever. I was listless, tired, angry, disappointed not only in myself but in others. Well, with the week behind me I start again in trying to put the pieces of my life in place so that I can move forward. Don't be surprised if I break out very soon and just take the world by storm.

As far as my eating has gone this week, I really do have to pat myself on the back. Only a couple of cookies tried to steal my thunder as far as my weight loss goes. Those 4 cookies were not enough to drain me of anything and I kept moving forward. My meals were well planned and I ate decent portions and did not pig out on anything (OK I had a second helping of rice tonight).

Pork Shanks w/ rice and a biscuit
Rib roast slices w/ mac and cheese and mixed greens
Mac and cheese w/ polish sausages (hamburger helper style)
My own chinese chicken salad

I would say that that was a great week of meals not only on a shoestring budget but on a shoestring timing. All meals were completed in under 45 minutes which means I was eating at a decent time so as not to ruin my good work.

I managed to convince myself the last few nights to get up and 2 a.m. and pump out my weights workout. The dumbbells sure do come in handy when you need a workout. I also threw in some shadow boxing this time (3 rounds at 3 minutes each) which really helped me get to sleep better. I encourage all to try and let's get in shape together.

Missed yesterday...

I missed yesterday's post because I guess I was just beat. I did resume the weights workout this morning adding an incline press which really worked the chest and arms. I hit the Wii with the boxing workout and finished with a training of baseball. I felt good about it again and I do believe that I am on my way to finishing a great week.

My meals have been great lately and very filling. Had a chinese chicken salad with my own homemade balsamic dressing Monday night. Last night had a medley Mac' and cheese with sausages and vegetables. It was creamy, cheesy and very good.

Here is the recipe:
2 cups of elbow macaroni
1 1/2 c. shredded cheese
1 c. mixed vegetables
1/2 c. evaporated milk
2 TBSP. plain yogurt
2 to 3 polish sausages

Cook macaroni al dente...strain and return to the pot...cook the sausages and slice into bite size pieces...add to the macaroni. Cook the vegetables and add to the macaroni. Add the other ingredients and cook over low heat until the cheese melts and all of the ingredients are cooked in. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes until it cools and the cheese has settled. Serve either in a soup bowl or on a plate. I added homemade lemonade and it was a chill dinner for the first time in a few days.

Today, I have to go see my mom in the hospital. She is doing ok but they are moving her to yet another hospital but this one focuses on some of her main symptoms so they should really help her get better.

Time to get ready for another day, good luck with your day as I will try with mine.

I did it!!!

I will keep this short and sweet. At 8am this morning I did weigh myself and I have lost 4 pounds. I am now weighing in at 256 which I am very happy about because I pretty much stuck to the eating plan and made it work.

In other news I have been busy running back and forth to the hospital checking on my mother. She has an infection in her blood and I just want her to get better, if that is what is in her future. We cannot control our lives and the paths that they trek on, so keep her in your prayers and let's hope for the best.

My menu is pretty much home cooked as I try new things and see how they work out. Tonight for dinner was oven fried chicken, cheesy mashed potatoes and a salad. The chicken was battered in an egg/milk wash then dredged in flour and baked at 375 degrees for 40 minutes. It came out with a not so tough and easy to chew skin and tender, juicy chicken (even the breasts). I am darn proud of myself with that.

Well, tomorrow (or should I say today) is another day but we all push forward.

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Back 2 It...

I am back to writing with all of the craziness of my life behind me at the end of this crazy week. My mother is still in the hospital and has been moved to a different hospital now. She is resting getting better, now it's just up to the doctors to check her out and see what the next step is.

Today work was a bit strange, like even more strange than normal. We did our normal thing but I didn't even feel like I was at work, I was just relaxing almost. I did get some work done, but not enough to stress me or make me crazy so I guess it was a good day.

I did manage to get my weights workout in last night and it was refreshing as it is starting to become for me. Did the usual sets and reps and I have to say, my body is already starting to feel better. I know the weight isn't going to fall off of me just because I'm lifting weights, but I can see the difference in my arms and shoulders already. My weigh in is Sunday morning and I am a bit nervous that I won't have dropped even a few pounds with everything I did this week at work always on my feet and moving. I will keep hopes up and just remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint.

Tonight for dinner I made the best burgers that I have ever made. I used turkey and beef to make the patties after seasoning with dark chili pepper, oregano, ground mustard, pepper and a dash of salt (Kosher salt). I used my George Foreman grilling machine to cook them and boy were they juicy. Added lettuce, tomato and a sandwich spread I concocted using a package of onion and chive dip from the cabinet and whammm....a great meal is created. Other than that eathing today was basic and didn't have much imagination.

See you tomorrow after my day will have already begun and I have taken care of some of my errands that make my Saturdays crazy.

Missing Time...

I missed last night post due to my mother's sudden illness which had to keep her in the hospital overnight and maybe the next few days. Keep her in your thoughts as you go through the day and others who may have been felled by an illness and know that they need your prayers too.

I had a decent day at work yesterday. Somewhat productive and definitely funny as always. Breakfast and lunch went well with the sausage wrap and tea for breakfast and hot dogs for lunch it kept me balanced. Went to lunch with a friend and hung out and actually had fun. I think if we were to get together we would make a really great couple.

I didn't get a chance at dinner so I made a quick salad after getting home from the hospital at around 10 pm. I still did my weights last night while watching Return of the Jedi and it surely kept me motivated. I added the incline to the dumbbell reps and it stretched my chest very well and has me a bit sore but feeling great.

The menu for today:

Breakfast
Poached egg with pasta and olive oil
Black Tea

Lunch
Always an adventure but we will see.

Dinner
Gonna try to resurrect the pork w/ rice and veggies

Keep watching weigh in day is Sunday, wish me luck.

Motivated????

Last night I was channel surfing and I came across The Empire Strikes Back. Now if you know me you know that I am huge Star Wars fan and I suddenly felt a rush of motivation. I had already done the Wii Boxing workout and was into my push-up routine when I spotted the movie. My weights workout with the dumbbells proved to be the recipient of the motivational boost, as I banged out 3 sets of exercises which I dare say felt pretty good by the end of the night.

I tried to get up earlier this morning to see if I could catch a glimpse of the meteor shower that was supposed to pass by Earth, but with so many clouds I knew that wouldn't work so I went back to sleep.

Now that I am up I have to focus on what the meals for today are going to be. I have breakfast nailed and lunch is pretty much a given. Dinner is going to be my project tonight and when I am done I will definitely post what it was and how I created it. In the meantime, I am actually pretty excited to get ready for work today and let my day just go as it may.

Today was.....

Today was a pretty good day at work. Not too hectic, but not too easy, but easy enough to get through it without getting a headache. I ate my breakfast which was very good and not too hard to make so I wouldn't be late for work. Lunch was tricky, I didn't want to eat anything heavy but it was free so I took advantage of it when no one was looking. As far as dinner I was tempted by some take out which was there when I walked in, but I was good I didn't eat too much of it and made a quick salad again and drank some lemonade to wash it down. So as far as eating, I think I made it through the day without doing anything damaging.

For the workout tonight it's time to crank up the Wii and get in that boxing game and see if I can get some rounds in to get the cardio going (yes I actually move and sweat during Wii Boxing). I usually take about 3 to 4 fights and then call it a night depending on how the competition takes it. After that I will hit the weights again and call it a night.

The menu for tomorrow will be posted in the morning and I am looking at trying some new things after a little reading tonight. See you tomorrow morning and don't forget join me in the weight loss track and if you need it, join in.

Ready....Set....

It's only been a few hours since my last post, but I am feeling awake, alive and ready to test the day. Along with what I wrote about last night I had a great weights workout last night before shutting it down for the night. I am starting to feel the difference even though I can't see the difference yet, but I feel good about it anyway. The weights are 25 lb dumbbells (50 lbs total) and I can get a really good workout with them by doing three different exercises and it allows for maximum stretch and extension of the arms, back and shoulders.
The first one is a dumbbell raise:
With the dumbbells in hand, raise them to your shoulders, bending the elbows (this is your start position at your ears)
Raise the dumbbells straight up extending the arms completely.
Hold for a count of three then lower back slowly to the start position.
Repeat for 12 - 15 reps (3 sets)

The second is a horizontal raise: (for the back and shoulders):
Start with the dumbbells at your sides.
Raise them to a complete horizontal position until your body resembles a 'T'.
Hold for a count of 3, then lower the weights back to your sides.
Repeat for 12 - 15 reps (3 sets).

The third are curls: (for the biceps and triceps):
Start with the dumbbells in your hands and palms facing forward away from you and arms fully extended down.
Raise them up simultaneously bending at the elbow until the dumbbells come to your chin.
Hold for a count of three and slowly lower them back to the start position.
Repeat for 12 - 15 reps (3 sets).

These are the three dumbbell exercises that I utilize five of the seven nights (or mornings) during the week. I have gotten very comfortable with them and I enjoy doing them and it feels great when I am done.

As far as my menu for the day here is the lineup:

Breakfast:
Malt O Meal w/ bananas (1 Tbsp. of brown sugar/1 Tbsp. butter)
Blueberry Tea

Lunch:
TBD

Dinner:
Pork in rice and vegetables
The pork will be sauteed then added to a baking dish with the rice and vegetables which had been steamed already. Adding butter and heavy cream to the mix and stirring it together then baking it for 20 to 30 minutes. This should yield a hearty pork bake which should satisfy all.
Iced Tea

Let's see if I can keep this up for the day, wish me luck.

Ok...it's late...

Ok, I know it's late but I was attempting to save a client's computer with all of my tech savvy that I have learned, but it was to no avail. The PC must be reformatted to clear out all of the viruses that it may have picked up from the amount of use without real time monitoring. Other than that today was a pretty decent day. My menu, that I wrote about previously did not go as well as I thought but I am ok with it. The breakfast menu went as planned and it was delicious, the lunch was a turkey and cheese sandwich (no mayo or mustard) which I had two of. I wish I had some avocado to put on it because it would have made it really, really good. Dinner was a challenge because I didn't thaw out any meat to create my Hamburger Helper with so I just went ahead and created a nice sized salad and woofed it down and I felt pretty good about myself, until I saw the Burger King bag sitting on a side table. I pondered, I snuck up on it, and yes I pounced (I'm terrible!!!). I had the small burger that was left for me and did not feel good about eating it after, but it completed my meal nonetheless. Well, hopefully tomorrow will be a much better day, check in to see what happens next.

Good Morning...

Well, this morning has started well. I had a good night's sleep (which constitutes healthiness) and woke up very refreshed. After sleeping on it the menu for today will be tough. Being at work does not afford me great opportunities for a decent lunch, so I will have to improvise.

Breakfast:
Oatmeal w/ apples & cinnamon (1 tsp. butter)
Orange juice (8 oz.)

Lunch:
TBD

Dinner:
Hamburger Helper (minus the meat)
Vegetables
Cobb Salad (minus the meat)

I think today should be interesting because work is definitely draining but I am going to have keep up the dedication to my weight loss. I really want to lose this weight and get back to a comfortable life.

Time to shut down...

Well, not a bad day today. Even though I didn't feel well I managed to cook a very good dinner for the family.

Instead of what I wrote earlier this morning I changed up the meal.

Dinner:
Pork Shanks (sliced to about 4 oz. each)
Garlic Rice
Vegetable Medley

I seasoned the pork shanks that I sliced with just a little salt and pepper and wrapped them and put them in the refrigerator. I steamed the rice and vegetables and began cooking the pork. I lightly floured them and sauteed them in butter in a pan on the stove at medium heat. After they were about 3/4 done I added marinara sauce and turned the heat to low and let it simmer. The rice was prepared in a chicken stock (I made during the week) and I added whole garlic cloves during the cooking process. When it was completed, I removed the garlic cloves and added the rosemary, basil, olive oil and butter. The vegetables were simple just steamed with no seasoning at all.
I will weigh in every Sunday morning so I am hoping that this week is a bit easier on me as ar as meals go. I will update my menu for week tomorrow.

Changing Times

Today I take my first steps to financial freedom. I have been applying for different jobs since I do not feel like I am appreciated at my current job. Now I know that in these tough times that looking for a job is not an easy thing, but there are jobs out there and I want to see if I can change my current course to find a new one. Today begins by me telling you what this blog will entail; my goal to reach 22o pounds. I am currently weighting in at 260 pounds (just weighted myself at 8:00am this morning) and I am feeling ok with that, for now. I am going to lead you on my journey as I change my eating habits, the way I prepare meals and post those meals so that maybe you can tell me how my cooking skills are improving or not.

Today's Breakfast:
Oatmeal w/ strawberries and a Tbsp. of brown sugar
1 c. tea (black)
1 banana muffin (homemade)

Lunch:
4 oz. of pork
brown rice
iced tea w/ lemon syrup
steamed veggies

Dinner:
Hamburger Helper w/ ground turkey
Steamed veggies
dinner rolls
Kool Aid (1/2 the sugar than recommended)

Let's see if this can get me started on a healthy diet.