A New Development

I have begun to check the workouts when they get posted the night before... This is something I often do because I'm beat after a long day at school. I haven't been getting home until after 5:00 which for me is weird because I typically can't function after 4. Anyway, I have been checking the workouts to see if I should go to Crossfit in the morning or not. For example, Sunday I spent the day with the bf and a friend canning peaches and strawberry jam. After being on my feet all day and my whole body aching, I decided to check the workout before deciding if I should get up and go or instead sleep in before the busy week.

Then something NEW happened... I saw the workout and was excited to go! Monday morning I was struggling to wake up. My phone decided to begin updating between snooze buttons. (I set 3 alarms and get to hit snooze on the last one once before having to actually get up) I began talking myself out of getting up but for some reason was so nervous that my phone wouldn't update in time for me to wake up again in time so I couldn't go back to sleep. I also tried to tell myself that I had nothing planned, I could just go on the way home from school. But then I also talked myself out of the afternoon idea because I really like the small morning class and the cooler temperatures. I know all the people, they are great, they are supportive, and there are less people in general so it isn't as crowded. It is also like 10 degrees cooler in the morning and even then it is often a hot and sweaty place when you get to working out.

I actually was more anxious about missing a great workout than I was about doing the workout. I talked myself into getting out of bed to make sure I made it to the morning class. This happened with less umph on Friday too! So strange...

In other news this weekend is supposed to be my shopping spree weekend but I will be out of town for the three days so clothes shopping will have to wait a little longer probably. One pair of slacks is in the works and seem like they will fit, I just have to work on the waist band part. Once they are done I should be able to whip up dress pants fairly quickly. They would take about 2 evenings if I actually put my mind to it. Especially since now I know what I'm doing.

This week I'm also a little heart broken about my weight. Friday I was down to 174!!! Kept it around there all weekend. Then Monday came and I was 177 again. Today was 178. My stomach has been horribly upset though and Monday wasn't pretty when I went to the bathroom before bed. I ate a lot of sugar and stuff I shouldn't this weekend so I'm thinking that did me in. It is back to restricting the diet to what was working again. Apparently sugar, rice, and almonds do actually affect me. That would also explain why switching to almond milk in my protein drinks wouldn't help with the weight loss. Good news is that I don't think any of the gain is actual pounds but instead just inflammation. Get back on track and that should drop off again in a few days.

Some are better than others

Sometimes when you get a compliment you just feel that some are better than others. For example, when you have complained to your friend for a week about your diet and frustrations with weight and clothing not fitting and then your friend compliments you on how good you look, you hesitate to trust it is a true, heartfelt compliment. We all do it.

Today something happened that was different and made me happy... I was complimented by one of the Crossfit coaches who usually wouldn't say anything and in the middle of a workout. In the middle of a 10 min EMOM (Every Minute On the Minute) workout she looked at me and said, "Patricia, you're looking skinny!" I was shocked! Why yes, I am looking damn good! Now I just want to give compliments to everyone for something. Compliments make everyone feel better.

Also, I rocked today's workout. I may have kept the weight 40 lbs under what was prescribed but I still rocked it. This is on top of running on the treadmill yesterday AND hiking up a flight of stairs with kids every class period. Today I actually debated going for a jog around the block before eating dinner but then I remembered I'm running on the treadmill in the morning, I'm tired, my legs hurt, and I'm hungry. So instead I'm taking it easy and will see how I feel in the morning for if I do the scheduled workout (came with a 5k I signed up for and is easy) or if I'm going to push myself. I have noticed my speed increased.

Plus, I'm toying with the idea of signing up for a Marathon Relay. It depends on cost and such but I'm thinking it would be fun. I have no desire to run a marathon or even a half, but doing a piece of the relay would be fun. Still doing research and seeing who might be interested in running.

Life.

Life has been crazy busy. Students came back to school after back to school night followed by another back to school night to help advertise my side job as an ACT Prep teacher... This weekend called for some quiet down time. Thursday night I was so exhausted that I was barely functioning by the time I made it into bed, there was NO way I was getting up to kick my butt at Crossfit. It was a good thing too because by Friday night my legs were so sore from walking around all day. It was a rough week.

In the clothing adventures I purchased a pattern last week for dress slacks. They had some fabric on sale too so I figured why not just get everything?! Let's get a pair of pants made! Saturday I sat down to start making them and realized my measurements actually didn't fit with the sizes (12-18) in the pattern and I needed the larger pattern (20W-24W). This was a little upsetting but got me dressed and out to the store to also buy the pocket lining I forgot. While I was there I happened to notice that another brand of patterns were on sale so I went ahead and picked up one for jeans (can be used with slacks fabric too) that was less than $2. I had looked at it before but convinced myself not to spend the money. Then I set about making a mock up pair of pants. Nothing makes you feel fat like true sizing....

I measured. I planned. I picked out the size that should work. I dug out a bolt of ugly fabric that I could use to create my mock up pants. I managed to quickly get a pair of pants sewn and put them on! .... The 24W size that was the one to fit my hips is about 10 sizes to BIG. (Maybe not that much but it wasn't pretty either.) So I go back and I relook at all the stuff... nope, I picked the correct size. So I start doing research... Did you know that the patterns have an "ease" in them that adds inches? Yeah, this one has like a 3" ease all around. I went with my hip size because my hip/waist ratio doesn't conform to the patterns'. So the waist that I knew I'd have to take in an inch or two already actually needs like 5" taken in... Yep. Now I need the smaller pattern! Glad I didn't use the good fabric because no amount of taking in fabric is going to help. I made another set of mock up pants from the smallest size and I think they will still be too large but I'd rather take them in than let them out. Now I'm debating if I should go ahead and use the fabric or use the jeans pattern instead? Pants are on hold for a few days.

I ate like crap this weekend... and by crap I mean TASTY pizza. Today wasn't much better either but I'm working on the better food choices. The one thing I have learned from my fasting and then the crazy Candida Diet is that I'm really not as hungry as I think I am. I try using food as a distraction and it causes problems like that. I'm often able to convince myself I'm not hungry by doing an activity of some sort and/or drinking a lot of water. My water intake isn't what it should be and so that is helping there too. Originally I was supposed to start counting calories this week but I think I will push that off till next week and instead work on getting my body used to school and eating on a set schedule again.

The bf and I did go to the fancy tea place in town and I purchased some Summertime Peach tea to drink. It is tasty and something different from water or sweetened drinks. I did add some stevia but I figured half a teaspoon for 32 oz isn't that bad. I may need to go buy some more next weekend too. I just wish they had it in decaf.

More to come later. Hopefully this week isn't nearly as busy as last week but I feel that it will be since school has started up.

I hiked 5.4 miles. (A poem)

I hiked 5.4 miles yesterday.
I hiked 5.4 miles.
I hiked 5.4 miles in the mountains.
I hiked 5.4 miles at elevation.
I hiked 5.4 miles and it wasn't an easy trail.
I hiked 5.4 miles and it was not flat.
I hiked 5.4 miles and complained the whole way.
I hiked 5.4 miles and saw a couple waterfalls.
I hiked 5.4 miles and I survived.

I hiked 5.4 miles yesterday.
I hiked 5.4 miles and loved it.
I hiked 5.4 miles and enjoyed being in nature again.
I hiked 5.4 miles and it was just what I needed for my bad attitude.
I hiked 5.4 miles and I can still move.
I hiked 5.4 miles and I don't really feel it today.
I hiked 5.4 miles yesterday.
I hiked 5.4 miles.

Over a year ago a friend and I decided to hike 100 miles in the summer. We didn't meet our goal because I bought a house and life got in the way, but when we started we did almost 5 miles on our first hike and we were SORE. The longest hike we have done to date is 10 miles on a gradual slope of a gravel road. That one killed us the next few days. By the end of the summer my goal wasn't distance, it was just to be able to get out and do things and be in enough shape to not feel the pain the next few days. I still got it. :)

We hiked a trail that sounds WAY easier in the description and WAY shorter too. Seems our theme this year is "Let's do a couple miles" and it turns into a few more than planned. Our first hike of the summer season, and the last one we had done (sadness), was going to be about 2-3 miles. Then I remembered we camped on the other side of the lake so 8 miles later we were done. The dog put herself to bed that night extra early. This one it turns out you have to learn to read the map correctly. Normally the trail head is at the bottom of the map and you hike towards the top. No problem. Turns out we were actually at the other trailhead and it is a bit farther away. Also turns out the loop is a lot longer than the map makes it look. Oh, and it is all uphill. Overall my MapMyRun app said we gained 875.2ft. We aren't used to that so our pace was pretty slow. Confirms that I won't be hiking a 14er anytime soon.

After getting back home and looking back at the pictures I got to see just how much 5-8lbs makes a difference on me. The picture on the left is from the Fourth of July this year and the right is from our hike yesterday. Same pair of shorts but with a tighter shirt yesterday. I was shocked. The girl on the right is who I see when I picture myself, not the one on the left.

Also, note those legs. I love my legs. 

It gives me hope that I can reach my goal. Now that I have cut out sugars and am on a really restricted diet I have dropped some pounds. I can't wait to be able to add back in more fruits and veggies though... I so crave vegetables. It also makes lunches hard for work. I used to eat salads practically everyday but mix up what I put in them. My options are small. 

Living in a Fantasy

Have you ever watched a TV show and wished you could live in that show? I feel like a lot of people have, and maybe I have too for a short period of time, but I'm too much of a realist to actually dream about living in a show.

I've been on Netflix and watching Gilmore Girls from the beginning. Watching shows on a consistent basis (pre Netflix/Hulu era) has never been a strong point of mine. Gilmore Girls has been a show that I like and wanted to watch more of but I was busy so the story was choppy and just wasn't one I religiously watched. Again, I don't think I've ever religiously watched a show except the one season of the reality show Joe Millionaire, don't judge. Enjoying Gilmore Girls wasn't something I really told people either. There was always a friend who liked the show more and I felt like I wasn't allowed to claim I liked it because I wasn't a die hard fan of it like others were. I have yet to have a show that I'm a true "die-hard fan" over.

I digress. As I was binge watching some episodes this evening I found myself getting excited for fall and brisk weather and the need to wear jackets. Fall isn't even my favorite season! Winter is my fave but that is because of snow and maybe later I will explain my connection with snow. I also started to envy the relationship between Lorelai and Rory because I definitely do not have that with my mom, not at all. There is someone I know who has a similar connection with her mom but when her mom doesn't want to spend every free moment with her, she gets upset. I've realized Lorelai has a weird need for her daughter's time...

Does watching shows where we connect so well with the characters set up unrealistic expectations for us? For some I think it does. When it comes down to it though, I'd rather have my life. There isn't a show I have seen that fits me as well as my life fits me. Are there ups and downs? Yes. Are there things that I would go back and change because I made dumb choices? Yeah. Where I am today though and where my life seems to be going is what I want and couldn't imagine anything better.

It also goes back to unrealistic expectations. You know that outfit you plan out in your head and see yourself perfectly in? Then you put it on and look in the mirror and it ain't so pretty?  I'm most disappointed because of the unrealistic vision I had for myself when that happens. I don't look like that in my mind. I don't FEEL like that. I don't feel like I have any love handles or muffin top until I put on clothes and actually look at myself. (I don't really have them without clothes on... dumb waist bands)

Maybe we don't actually look at ourself enough? I think I have been taught subconsciously to ignore myself in the mirror. Look only when needed and no more. When I started running years ago I felt amazing and loved looking at myself in the mirror. Plus we had a huge bathroom and a decent sized mirror so I could admire my body and all the pros of running at the time. I grew away from that again. I'm getting better though where I like checking myself out in the mirror naked. Not in a weird, sexual way.... but I think I look good.

I read a book that said you should stand naked in front of a mirror everyday and instead of focusing on your flaws, compliment yourself on the things you like about yourself. Friday at the training in the morning they brought up how taboo it is to tell others about the things you like about yourself. Complaining about what we want to fix is acceptable but sharing what you love is considered conceited. My first thought when they said to think about 3 things you love about yourself? My calves. I have come to love my calves. My bf probably gets annoyed by how much I flex them just to show him the definition. I even texted him a picture from just above the knees down the other night because my legs just looked good! Other things I love about myself is my brain and all the knowledge I have in there, my independence and the things I have not been afraid to do because of it, and my strength that has gotten me through a lot. The last two could be tied together but I think they are separate... one gets me into situations and the other gets me through those situations.

So I ask you, "What are three things (or more) that you TRUELY love about yourself?"
What are the things you are afraid to shout to the world about you because you're afraid of being seen as bragging?

Also, I know you're reading my blog. I see that the count has people on here everyday and my foreign country count is decreasing... don't be afraid to comment.

Ok, now I'm hungry...

So I was doing pretty darn good on not being hungry. It isn't that I'm really hungry now even but more of what I am hungry for.

I WANT VEGGIES!!!

If I can't have fruit I suffer. If I can't have fruit or veggies?! I'm dying!!!! Yes I can have SOME veggies but between the candida diet and the ALCAT results I can eat lettuce and other greens, but not spinach. Oh, and celery. I was so excited the other night about eating spaghetti squash! I made some and just tossed it with diced tomatoes and some sausage. So DELICIOUS!!! And it was nice to eat something other than mainly meat.

Today I did cheat a little but the amount of restraint I had made me VERY proud. We went out for lunch at a Mexican restaurant and I didn't have one chip! None. Not a single crumb! I'm proud.

I did have a taco salad (no cheese or sour cream) with beef, beans, lettuce, and guac with a little green chili on it. MMMMMMmmmm.... And then I ate the crispy fried flour tortilla. :( Probably shouldn't have done that but I'm still proud that I didn't touch a chip. I can usually devour a whole basket easily on my own.

My weight maintained today and then I went to an interesting training and had some interesting interactions with my colleagues. I'm not sure how I feel about the year yet but I do know that I need to go to bed and start tomorrow.

Cleaning the Closet

Tomorrow teachers go back to work meaning today is officially the last day of summer. It is a sad and exciting occasion. My goal today was to get the house in complete order so that hopefully it can survive the next few weeks of pure exhaustion... I'm still working on the order part...

This morning I did get up and go workout at 5:30. I often wonder why I don't go to a later class, especially since I now know there is one at 9:15!!! ugh... But then I go and workout with our group of people and I like them. It is a small group and I have gotten to know more of them and the biggest thing is that I KNOW none of them judge me and my lack of ability. They may judge my being a wimp, but not my actual lack of ability. They are also all there to support me. When I go extra late on my workout there are a few that will stand by and cheer me on, even when everyone has to leave for work. I'm sure the afternoon classes have the same vibe after you get to know everyone, but I like the 5:30 group darn it! So, I go.

After my workout, shower, and nap, I decided to get going on my goal of a clean house. First? The laundry! Turns out I have either lost a bunch of it or I really wasn't as behind as I thought. I actually don't even have a complete load to wash. So I spent my time putting all the clean stuff away that has been housed in baskets in various states of folding. Heck, I even emptied the dresser and rearranged. I went through the closet and dresser and pulled out all the clothes I am not really attached to or just haven't worn in awhile. For example: the black dress purchased in 2011 that has been worn once and my chest is large enough I will not be wearing it again. And all those shirts that were tight on my arms? Don't think working out is going to help that issue. So I posted some in a local group on Facebook to sell and the rest all went in a box and bag to go to Goodwill.

I put all but one pair of dress pants in the box to go. *GASP* That leaves me with one pair of dress pants. Have no fear, I have a plan. Today I weighed myself and I'm down to 177. That's still a downward trend... So, the current plan is to take some of the extra money I'm putting towards student loans (now that I don't have to put it towards credit cards) and go on a shopping spree. At this rate I should be back down in size by Labor Day weekend as originally planned so I won't feel bad about finally spending the money. I also saw the shape some of my clothes were in and thought about how long I have had some of them... it is time.

So today I may not have done much else, but by golly, my closet is ready for me to drop a few more pounds and go shopping in a couple of weeks!

I'm not hungry.

So this weekend while cutting out sugars to attempt to start the Candida Diet, I was starving! I hadn't even cut out the foods from my new list yet and was dying! I was struggling to convince myself to stick to it and see what happens. Then Sunday afternoon I sat down and planned out my meals for the week. It was looking pretty bleak with what I could actually eat by combining the two diets and then to try and follow the rule of not eating the same thing two days in a row?! It was looking like a lot of celery...

Monday for the last minute class I had to take I made some BLT wraps with celery in them with the lettuce as the wrap. (Pork isn't officially on the Candida Diet but I had bacon in the fridge to finish and I'm working with limited options here people...) I was going to put hardboiled eggs in them too but they didn't cook fast enough so I threw two hardboiled eggs in separately along with some celery sticks to snack on. I was distracted talking to a fellow teacher at lunch time and wasn't very hungry so I ate the wraps, most of the celery, and left the eggs for later. A big win for the day was to have food, good sugar-filled food, placed in front of me and it didn't even sound that good. Dropping below 180 also helps keep your focus.... I also drank 100% of my water for the day. (Gold star for me!)

Snack when I got home was my two eggs left over from lunch and then some walnuts while I was making chicken for dinner. That's right, I got my chicken!!! Although it was kind of boring chicken that just tasted like chicken with extra lemon in the sauce so I added quinoa as a side to go with it. Wasn't that bad. I didn't eat a huge portion and yet I didn't have the need to snack or anything like that.

Today I packed leftovers to take with me to school so I could eat there while working on my room some. I know I'm not supposed to eat the same thing two days in a row but again, I'm lacking in options. Tonight I snacked on a few walnuts while frying up some hamburger with some tomatoes. Originally I had scheduled shrimp but that was going to be more effort and I wanted to grill them but it was lightening outside. I topped some roasted bok choy with the beef/tomato mixture and called it a meal. Was actually pretty tasty too! Then, I wasn't stuffed but I wasn't hungry. It was just the right amount of food for the day. I'm working on my last bottle of water to meet my quota for the day right now but overall I'm really proud.

I'm proud that I stuck with no sugar through the weekend.
I'm proud that I managed to lose a few pounds already.
I'm proud that I'm not being controlled by food.
I'm proud that I'm making this diet work and it is working for me.
Most of all I'm proud that I still have a very positive mindset about all of this. It has become a challenge for me to try and stick to the diet for 2 weeks without repeating foods 2 days in a row. I can master this!

Also, I would like to state for the record that I avoided the piece of gum in my desk today AND threw away a perfectly good sucker because let's be honest... do I really need to keep it around for later?

AND... I started keeping a food and exercise journal. I don't remember if I blogged about it or not... Officially I started in June but that didn't go as planned so I picked it back up last week. So far so good. I don't go into great detail on the food but right now my hope is just to track the kinds of food I'm eating on what day so I know how to space them out and to keep myself accountable for no sugar. Turns out, that other blog I read, the one that is doing the spending fast, she posted on Facebook about keeping a food journal too!

Things I have been reassured of by the world recently:
-Getting rid of negative people can only be better in the long run because you can't change them but they can easily change you
-Setting goals to never reach certain points in your life is something many people do and it can actually help
-Diets can be conquered without suffering if you're in the right mind set
-Keeping track of what you eat and do isn't crazy or insane, it is smart and helps keep you accountable

Those who are reading my blog feel free to share with your friends! I can see that some of you already are!

I missed a workout and I'm not upset!

So yesterday I was still a little sore from Friday's workout. Surprisingly I have been sore from workouts but it hasn't been as bad as it was when I started Crossfit in April. For example, in April when I started there were days where I could barely walk down the stairs and up them depended on the railings WAY more than they could probably handle. This weekend, my legs were sore but it only slowed me down a little while walking or when I was trying to get in or out of a vehicle. The ability to still walk and function at about 70-80% really helps with my mental state.

Friday was a shoulder killer (Wednesday wasn't nice to the shoulders either) and my shoulders are still feeling it. When I sit, like driving, there are times when my shoulder just tenses up and I have to try and stretch it out. My calf randomly cramps up too even when I'm standing! I blame bad shoes on concrete floors on Saturday for that though. So before I went to bed last night I checked the workout to see what I should be prepared for...

First there is always a warm up, then a different warm up that isn't on the site. Today was a skill day with something listed that I didn't know so I googled. Hollow Rocks? Yeah, those don't look like my back would be happy but they should be doable. Then the workout.... 60.... SIXTY...... SIXTY!!!!!! burpees.

That's it. That's the workout. SIXTY burpees. I can't do 10 in a row how am I supposed to do 60?! Seriously?! On a good day that would take me over about an hour. Really it would because I can't breathe and have to break. But on top of that I don't have the arm strength to hold myself up for any amount of time in a pushup position how am I supposed to do 60 burpees?!

Instead I decided to take another rest day and set my alarm for 7:00 instead of 4:30, 4:45, and 5:00. When I woke up I started to feel bad even though I know IF I could even finish the workout I wouldn't have felt that good about how I did anyway. Then I stepped on the scale.

One Seventy Eight!!!!! 178!!!! 1 7 8!!!!!!!! That's not just down to 180 (I was 181.6 Friday morning and haven't seen 180 in awhile) but below 180. And far enough below 180 that it isn't just a fluke. I might be more tomorrow but at most I would be 180. This weekend I wore some shorts that usually give me a good sized muffin top but didn't this weekend. I was hopeful but figured I was just imagining things. Turns out I actually did lose some weight. So long processed sugar!!!! I don't think I will be bringing it back for a long time. Keeping out sugar was the only change I made. I still ate peaches. I ate foods I'm not supposed to be eating according to the ALCAT.

I may not have made it to workout this morning but I lost almost 4 pounds this weekend!!! That is way better than yesterday. Also, I stuck to my diet and my planned meals today. I'm proud of myself for that and am excited to see what follows. Only about 5 more pounds and my waist should fit in my old pants... quads will be a different story, but that's for a different reason.

The Candida Diet

Well, I have done more research on the Candida Diet along with the ALCAT test I had done and a plan has been created. It is going to suck.

The Candida Diet is pretty much sugar free (no sugar, no fruits, no starchy veggies) along with no legumes, grains, or dairy. Of course there are exceptions in each category. My ALCAT test results say pretty much all meats and lots of veggies but mostly those that are legumes, starchy, or high in sugar... This is NOT helpful. I also read up on the ALCAT more and all foods not in the "green" category should be avoided for about 3 months to allow the body to flush things out and rebalance. Between the two diets that leaves me with lettuce/greens (but not spinach) and celery pretty much for veggies. After the 3 months I can add in "yellow" foods once every 4 days or so and the other categories should be farther apart than that.

So, my plan is currently strict no sugar and the Candida Diet to the best of my abilities for at least two weeks. At the end of the two weeks we will reevaluate and see where we are at. If everything is fine then I will add fruit and other veggies back in so I can actually eat more variety.

Also, just have to say how excited I am to eat all sorts of meat again! I had been limited to pork, turkey, and fish. Now all things are fair game! (Except lobster and halibut that I'm ok without anyway) This week's dinner menu includes CHICKEN for the first time in three years!!! (minus once which led to diarrhea for 3 days) That will be the night before two days off before returning to school. I'm excited beyond belief to have purchased chicken and beef tonight!

I also made my first ever batch of granola! It makes plain greek yogurt edible but doesn't make it something I will be dying to eat. It is something though!

Results are In!

My test results came! My test results came!

I had the ALCAT test done again (3 years ago was the last time) and the results have arrived at the Dr.'s office! I will go pick them up tomorrow but the email letting me know they are in did say that I show an issue with Candida. Commence Googling!

This link has a whole bunch of symptoms but the ones I do have would include: Irritability (especially when I'm sleepy), persistent extreme fatigue (I nap a LOT), acne, athlete's foot (got my first ever infection just in the last week or so), food sensitivities, inability to lose weight, heart palpitations, muscle aches and stiffness (the last few might be from working out).

So in all my research about what to do for it I have come to the conclusion that I HAVE to cut out sugar again. No more. Zero. I will keep fruit but will keep the intake in check for about a month (will be difficult in the middle of peach season) but the jury is out on fruit sugars since many sites conflicted with each other. Also sticking to a strict paleo diet; no grains, no dairy, no legumes. On top of that sticking to avoiding foods my body is sensitive to. That list I will get tomorrow!

I have mixed emotions about this. Part of me is excited because it is something that is fixable and can be changed to make me feel better. The other part of me is kind of freaked out that I have this issue. It is a very common issue though. Also exciting that it might help with the athlete's foot that I have. That bothers me too since it has taken me 28 years to get it for the first time, but the candida could also explain that. I am extremely thankful I don't have the yeast infection and UTI problems that typically accompany candida though, that's for sure!

Spending Fasts Make Me Giggle

A friend of a friend is currently doing a spending fast. I admire her for this and she is doing a GREAT job. Following her success has made me feel glad for her and then gets me thinking about doing a spending fast myself! Then I giggle to myself...

I have more student debt than I would like. I have a mortgage now (still WAY better than rent) and prior to my summer job pay coming in, I had credit card debt. A few years ago I began doing research on how to start paying off debt. The inspiration was the couple I was renting from who had purchased a duplex, rented the half they didn't live in, paid the whole thing off, and then purchased another house in town to move to. Great inspiration!

Many of the blogs, articles, etc. that I found had great suggestions! Obviously, stop unnecessary spending. Determine your wants vs. needs. Pay off the smallest bill and go from there snowballing your debt. Make more money. Coupon. Only buy things on sale or used.

These all sound great except for one thing... I'm a teacher and I already don't spend unnecessarily, already coupon (at times, now I don't eat/use many things that coupons come for), already question everything I purchase as to if it is a real need or not, and forgo spending on most things because I don't have the money.

For example, things the friend has determined as wants:
Eating Out- I only eat out when others ask which is generally once every other month during school and rare between. Eating out for me is difficult because of dietary restrictions so it is easier just to cook.
Books- I used to be bad about buying books but then I got tired of moving boxes of books. Most of my books are still text books. Then I discovered ebooks on my iPad from the library. Also, when I do buy a book it is generally either a discount book or a used book from Amazon.
Clothes- Really? The last clothes I purchased was because I literally couldn't fit any pants.
Bags- I was a Thirty-One consultant for awhile but most of my purchases were from hostess rewards for parties I hosted for myself
Music- Yeah... nope. I listen to Pandora (with the ads) or the radio.
Target- I dislike shopping and am boycotting Walmart but I still don't venture to Target often. Most of the time I only buy the items I went in for and can easily carry them.
Amazon- Generally my go to when I find something I think I need and look for a better price. Most of the time I end up putting it on my wish list and never actually buying it.
Apps- People actually pay for apps?!
Coffee- Not an issue for me as I DISLIKE coffee. I do stop at Starbucks once in awhile but only use all the gift cards from students I receive. (Seriously our band teacher made out with about $200 at Christmas in Starbucks.)
Family activities that cost money- With the lack of family it is helpful but I prefer to go hiking outside (free) if it is nice or have plenty of projects around the house to keep me occupied. I did purchase a museum membership this year but it has already paid for itself and I used my teacher ID to get a discount on it!
Makeup- Oh, am I supposed to be buying makeup?

I honestly don't know where else I could be saving money. Yesterday I FINALLY bought a rug for my living room. I went to 3 stores, check 3 websites, and finally settled on one. Originally I was going to purchase one that was less than $20 but wasn't in love with until I found the one I do like. I splurged and spent the $40 on the rug. I know, I know, I know... $40 rug?! Yep, I stressed about spending $40 on a rug that would have normally cost $90 or more. I have tried money making opportunities on the side and haven't made a huge amount. I avoid buying clothes even though I have none that fit because I plan on shrinking back into the ones I have. And the ones I have are so worn they need to be replaced!

I have seriously survived on $120 for a month (after all the bills have been paid) more than once. That means $30 a week for food and no extra things. And I don't spend much more than that in a normal month! So, when I think of doing a spending fast I giggle. I'm not sure there is any other places I could "fast" in my spending.

New Do, New Rug, and New Look

Last week I got a haircut. I went in and didn't know exactly what I wanted but I was shelling out the dough to go to my trusted hair dresser so I left it up to her. She mentioned the Khloe Kardashian lob and that's what we went with. I like it! It feels short but it really isn't that much less than what I had. It is something different though so it is exciting!

I ventured to IKEA again today. I'm a fan. I FINALLY bought a rug for my living room area. It has been more than a year and I finally spent the money one a rug. It is a little less colorful than I would like but it looks good! My dog who dislikes hard surfaces (the entire house) approves! 

Now for the new look... more like an outlook. Today is the first of August. Today is also the first Monday after my summer "job." This means it is day 1 of back to kicking my butt back into shape. No more slacking and back to Crossfit! I went and it was TOUGH. I was proud when I finally added up the weight on the bar for front squats to find I squatted 105#! But the workout was tough with 25 wall balls, 20 sit ups, and 15 burpees. Wall balls are hard to breathe through. Sit ups just hurt after about 10 while the burpees are KILLERS. I'm getting better at breathing through them but they are just tough. I only managed to do 2 of the 3 rounds. I honestly don't know how long it would have taken me to finish all three rounds had I kept at it. My body wasn't prepared for that much. BUT, I went and that is the important part. 

Just a little while ago I went to put my hair up in a ponytail and I saw myself differently. I haven't measured in awhile but I don't think I have changed in inches or anything but the way my arms were made my whole upper body look muscular! I was impressed! 

Also, there has been a huge weight lifted in the last few weeks. I was paid from my summer job and paid off my credit cards. Moving last year I had charged more on them than I liked and had been applying quite a bit each month towards them. That freed up the quite a bit to be applied to student loans. Instead of applying it all towards loans right away I have rewarded myself with things I've been putting off (like the rug) but also will be spending money on clothes! I'm so excited!!! But, I have spent quite a bit already this month on things around the house so I'm thinking Labor Day weekend (after the next pay day) will be clothes shopping weekend. I despise clothes shopping but am always excited about the new clothes. By postponing it until Labor Day weekend I am also hoping to drop some pounds around my waist. (Still waiting on the results of my ALCAT test) 

In preparation for clothes shopping and other events coming up (I just don't know what they are yet), I am going on the 6 days a week plan. MWF will be Crossfit as long as I can still walk on Fridays when I'm done. That may be a few weeks. Tues, Thurs, Sat will be cardio. I signed up for a 5k in 9 weeks which came with a personalized training plan. It is intervals but extremely slow build up and probably a good place to start with adding it to Crossfit. The first week is walking 4 min, run 1 min for 20 min. That should be very doable and might help with leg soreness. Plus, my doggie will appreciate the 4 min of walking.