You Snow, it's best to have a good sense of humor...

Last week's snow storm snarled Des Moines and caused many to break their backs shoveling.  Including my Saint-of-a-Brother Gordon.  He went to our house when we weren't home and used a snow blower and shovel to clear our walks on our corner lot, our drive and around my housemate Lori's care - he is AWESOME personified. 

My only adventures were driving in the white stuff as I had to work long hours every day affected by the storm.  I didn't get a snow-induced workout.  However, on Friday it was time to shoot the cover for the January/ February issue of Intuition and it was fun.

Kari, the photographer, our model Christine Comito all tromped behind the Art Center to find virgin snow for our shot.  Trudging along seemed hard at first and I was easily winded, not a surprise since I haven't worked out since March.  But it was actually fun and made me feel good afterward.  BTW - Christine was a great sport, you'll see why when you see the cover!

The only thing I will say is that the colder weather has made my knee pretty angry.  That won't stop me from making the most of my upcoming vacation at Disney World with the family.  That starts Wednesday morning as we leave at 6 a.m. on a flight out of Des Moines International.  I'll keep you updated.

Yours in health,
Kate

Snow = Junk

I've been at work since 4:45 this morning.  Weather means work for me.  But it also means eating junk in between go-go moments.  I don't know what is for dinner tonight, but as long as it doesn't come pre-wrapped, I will be good.

At least I started well today with a half-cup of high fiber oat cereal and coffee.  It went downhill from there, kind of like the weather. :)  Oh well, as Scarlet would say, "Tomorrow is another day."

Yours in health,
Kate

A New Page

I just finished writing the hardest article of my life.  It's my new column for Intuition Magazine.  Each article will be a summation of two months of effort (and a story exclusive to the magazine) to redirect my life again - it's long overdue.  I have hit 260 pounds again, that was my starting point last time.  So, it's time to begin again.  This time with the added pressure of even more eyes, which for me isn't a bad thing - I hate to let people down, so that breeds success.  (Now, if only I hated to let myself down - I'll get there.)

Intuition will be published every other month starting in January.  It's a really awesome project I have been working on for some time with our director of publishing Kari Elbert.  We published a magazine in October for LITE 104.1's Outstanding Women You Should Know.  That magazine was a big hit and now we are producing Intuition.

Intuition will be available at doctor's offices, in businesses and on newsstands all over the Des Moines metro.  That will be the exclusive place to find out EXACTLY how I am doing.  I will not be putting weight or measurements in my blog.  Instead the blog will be about the every day ups and downs we all experience with a weight-loss journey.

I know I can do this, I did it before.  In fact, I was at my doctor a couple of weeks ago when she was telling me my thyroid was running low (hypothyroidism) and I asked her about sending me to a nutritionist.  She said, "I could, but you probably know more than they do."  She's right.  Anyone who was along for the ride knows that I became a walking encyclopedia on healthy eating and exercise.  So it's time to sit down, put a plan on paper, draw from my own knowledge and dive in.

I welcome anyone who wants to come along this time.  Weight-loss journeys are always easier with someone walking beside you.

Yours in Health,
Kate

Me Time

This morning, after a long week, I slept in. I ate breakfast and vegged on the couch. I ran errands.

Now I am sitting here getting a pedicure. I get mine at Cali Nails in West Glen Town Center. They are very reasoanbly priced and hyper vigilente in cleanliness. They are friendly and do a really nice job.

Anyway, she is currently massaging my feet and calves, I always feel so decadent. If I could have one of these a week, I might be willing to give up cookies. (And my thighs would thank me.)

When I am done here though, it's back to reality as I head home to meet up with Gordon to do some yard work. Oh well, that's good for me too. :)

Yours in health, Kate

Walking back to move ahead

A friend at work today asked me if I was going to restart the walking club I headed the last couple of summers. To be honest, I hadn't thought about it. However, it's the perfect excuse to get moving again.

I didn't walk today because I am still sore from this weekend. Tomorrow night when I get home I will go for a walk before I settle in for the night.

I am going to send out an e-mail tomorrow to see who at work wants to walk. And I am going to restart the club next month. (Next week.)

Speaking of which, I can't believe it will soon be September. The year has flown. My birthday is next month. That is a bit, unsettling. I am inching closer to 40, not that that is bad, it just has my attention. :)

Yours in change, Kate

Quickly

A long day. Just realized I didn't post.

Went to physical therapy this morning, I was told I could start walking a little. Yesterday I walked too much at the fair. Everything on my lower body ached horribly. I easily walked at least 3 miles. I was sore, but not too bad today. Anyway, I can walk up to a mile a day and then work my way up over the next few weeks. So definitely improving.

I am going to work out goals this week. Once I have them in writing, it will be easier to visualize and therefore accomplish.

BTW - I apologize if there are errors in this, I am writing on my phone and it's hard to edit.

Well, I'm tired.

Good night, Kate

Iowa State Fair

I am going tonight for a few hours.  We will eat junk - I know that.  That is a requirement of going to the fair.  Everything must be fried and/or fat and/or horribly bad for you.

But, to quote Scarlet O'Hara, "Tomorrow is another day".  In fact, that is exactly how I planned it.  Over the last few days, I have made a change here, a change there.  I am reviewing old food logs and blog entries.  I am back to reading fitness magazines.  I have made a commitment to do a 5K in the spring and a 10K next fall.  I am committed to running by the time I reach Disney World.

None of this will be possible without real change.  Today I went to Target and picked up healthier snacks.  I plan to get back to only snacking on fruit whole grains and lean protein.  But realistically, I need to ween myself off sugar.  So, a granola bar here, 100 calorie cookie pack there and I am still better off than diving face first in the vending machine.  A place my friend Karess says she wants, "Chips with fat, why bother if you're not gonna be bad."  LOL.  Indeed.

Anyway, Lori is headed home and then we are off to the fair.  What a better way to end the year of the binge than at a place that originated it?

Yours in positive change, Kate