tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62221069344582975612024-03-27T01:38:01.551-05:00Those Final TenMegan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149195887055143880noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6222106934458297561.post-72462005445078708032015-06-09T12:58:00.003-05:002015-06-09T12:58:56.115-05:00New blogThanks everyone for dropping by Those Final Ten! I've recently started blogging again and created a whole new site that better reflects where I am right now in my life. If you like what you see here, please head over and check out <a href="http://www.mattandmeganexpecting.com/">Expecting the Unexpected</a>.<br />
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Hope to see you there!<br />
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<br />Megan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149195887055143880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6222106934458297561.post-59354467135454566402010-09-30T11:31:00.002-05:002010-09-30T11:33:43.631-05:00So much to say, so much to say<span style="font-family: georgia;">There has been so much going on! We’re in the last few warmer weeks of the year and I have been trying to milk it for all it’s worth.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">The past few weeks of running have been going really well. I did 16 miles last week and am working on 19 this week. So far, my longest run has been six miles and it felt really good. I’m doing 8 this Sunday and I am hoping it goes just as smoothly.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">My pace has slowly but surely been increasing. A few months ago, I was around a 10-minute mile pace. Now, I’ve worked myself down from anywhere between 8:50-9:20 mile. If I finish the big race with a 9-minute mile average, I would be extremely happy with that.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Up until recently, I have been doing all my runs at the gym on the treadmill. I’m really weird with numbers and loved watching my distance, time, and pace on the treadmill. It made time go by fast. However, soon enough I’ll be doing 10-12 mile runs and the thought of running up to 2 hours on a treadmill was not appealing to me. Also, I wanted to get my body used to running outdoors. After all, when I run the half, it won’t be on a treadmill.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">So, I bought </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CSWCQA/ref=oss_product">this toy</a><span style="font-family: georgia;">. And, let me tell you, it is AMAZING! The watch has a GPS in it and is also a heart rate monitor. So, it tells me how far I’ve gone, calories burned, my mile pace, and so much more. It even beeps when I slow down to a certain pace that I set. I love it. The only down side is that it is a little large, but I got used to it very quickly.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">I’ve been looking for a couple different cross training activities to do on my rest days from running. I did that elliptical workout and I still want to do it every once in a while, but I’m just not the biggest fan of ellipticals. I always see the spinning classes going on at the gym, but have never done one.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Until last Monday that is. And, I loved it! It was so fun. The instructor was so motivating and the loud music really made it a fun atmosphere to work out in. The hour breezed by. I definitely recommend spinning to anyone looking for a new workout. It was definitely challenging. I’ve never been happier to have a workout towel. I was definitely dripping.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">As far as weight loss goes, it has kind of been on the back of my mind because running and training has become so important. I have been eating really well, but I think it’s me really wanting to give my body fuel for my runs. I dropped a pound this past week and I would be happy with this slow rate of loss for the next few weeks.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Along with making sure I get all my protein and potassium, I have also been drinking a ton of water, and I mean a ton! I can definitely feel the difference on a run when I’m hydrated and when I’m not. The only down side is that I pretty much have to pee every 45 minutes, which is really a pain at work. I work in an office environment and leaving my office every 45 minutes to run to the bathroom down the hall gets kind of old. Plus, pretty sure my coworkers in my neighboring offices think I have some sort of ADHD cause I’m moving around so much.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">So, that’s pretty much where I’m at.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">True confession: I have really started to love running. And, I mean love it. It really helps me de-stress and definitely gives me time to clear my head. At the beginning of this whole weight loss/get in shape journey, I could barely run for 10 minutes on a treadmill and I hated it. I hated doing cardio. Now, after slowly building up my endurance, I couldn’t imagine not having this in my daily routine anymore.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">I used to think marathon runners were nuts, but now I really want to run be one. It’s definitely a challenge that I’d like to take on. Hopefully, next summer, instead of training for a half, I’ll be training for a full marathon.</span>Megan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149195887055143880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6222106934458297561.post-56221495838605993222010-09-20T12:24:00.002-05:002010-09-20T12:41:44.494-05:00Training update<span style="font-family: georgia;">Just wanted to give you all a quick update as to what I've been doing as far as running. I've successfully completed my first two weeks of training for my half. This is what I've done:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Week 1:</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">M - Rest</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">T - 3 miles</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">W - 3 miles</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Th - Rest</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">F - 3 miles</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Sa - Cross training workout on the eliptical (I'll tell you about it cause it kicked my a$$!)</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Sun - 4 miles</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Total mileage: 13</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Week 2:</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">M - Rest</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"> T - 3 miles</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"> W - 4 miles</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"> Th - Rest</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"> F - 3 miles</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Sa - Eliptical workout</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Sun - 5 miles</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Total mileage: 15</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Yesterday, before the five mile run, I was slightly dreading it. But, as soon as my feet started moving, I was loving it and in the grove. I finished the five miles in 45 minutes and definitely could've gone a little more. I don't know what it is, but I've definitely caught the runner's bug. I do not dread the runs, I enjoy doing them each day. I'm still able to get up a few days a week before work and get to the gym, too. It's a great feeling.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Now, on to the eliptical workout. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Alright, if you don't like running and are more of an eliptical person, you have to try this workout. I got it from Jessica at </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/">How Sweet It Is</a><span style="font-family: georgia;">. She's a certified personal trainer and also makes some delicious food. Her blog is a great mix of (mostly) healthy recipes and workouts. It's great!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Anyway, she always raves about HIIT workouts, which stands for High Intensity Interval Training. Basically, short outbursts of giving it all you've got and then a little bit to rest before doing it again.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">This is essentially what the workout is</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">- 5 minute warm up (I did it at 15 incline and 7 resistence).</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">- Then, 20 minutes of 20 seconds high intensity (15 incline, 15 resistence, and 155-165 strides per minute) and 40 seconds of rest (15 incline, 7 resistence, 115-120 strides per minute).</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">- 5 minute cool down</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Jessica said she only gives this workout to clients who are really in shape cause it's really difficult. I was like, "Yeah, whatever. I can run for an hour, this should be a piece of cake."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">I was sorely mistaken. I couldn't even get through all 20 minutes of the repetitions. She was not messing around. The hardest part is keeping your strides that fast when the resistence is up so high. I definitely recommend the workout to someone looking for something a little different in their regular routine.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">My plan is to do this workout every Saturday as a cross training workout. Hopefully I can work up to doing all 20 minutes of the reps.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Because I've been running a lot more than usual, I'm confident my weight is down a few pounds this week. I'll be back Wednesday with an update and a few picks of what's been going on in my life.</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span>Megan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149195887055143880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6222106934458297561.post-34469002660865647822010-09-08T11:30:00.003-05:002010-09-08T11:43:58.747-05:00Daily reminder<span style="font-family:georgia;">Whenever the topic of my weight loss comes up in conversation with people I've just met or people I rarely see, my proof is always my driver's license. The picture was taken a few years ago and shows my about 40 pounds heavier.<br /><br />Then:</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4OYR3mG8oE0ywTQlqDOhi2tTSg40XLHvcVhB0FuTDxuplEifCY_qXi8tjJ-SeKlkLzVrUCAlVoAyJK_nxBDR20q2mtEyXuQO2MQvw5OkjHTTkl7U0xnmP8RrOUeqHIEwxAHHXYiHXpY/s1600/DSC00463.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4OYR3mG8oE0ywTQlqDOhi2tTSg40XLHvcVhB0FuTDxuplEifCY_qXi8tjJ-SeKlkLzVrUCAlVoAyJK_nxBDR20q2mtEyXuQO2MQvw5OkjHTTkl7U0xnmP8RrOUeqHIEwxAHHXYiHXpY/s400/DSC00463.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514581164184789602" border="0" /></a><br />Now:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_SQDw4NIHA7RUt5NXc6_pMo4xN7vKMWnRMTn06oiwi1RHe7k5vwtslNcGrWcYa7VmjX6NIcyqdm48-n8EtzG4fu8lNEGzMciK4zOXPIvzejDTo7WlOj6gL3dm0nJFQDz5j5cz3st64qU/s1600/37740_648524300144_20307910_37209357_2005539_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 176px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_SQDw4NIHA7RUt5NXc6_pMo4xN7vKMWnRMTn06oiwi1RHe7k5vwtslNcGrWcYa7VmjX6NIcyqdm48-n8EtzG4fu8lNEGzMciK4zOXPIvzejDTo7WlOj6gL3dm0nJFQDz5j5cz3st64qU/s400/37740_648524300144_20307910_37209357_2005539_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514582331599362514" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">It is my daily reminder of what I've done and how hard I've worked.<br /><br />Alas, it may be time to get a new picture taken. I had some trouble with it at airport security when I went to New York. Plus, it may be nice to change the weight on my license which currently says I weigh 135, but is 8 pounds off.<br /><br />Had a weigh in yesterday and am down about a pound and a half coming in at 127.8. I'm so close to 125! It feels great.<br /><br />This was also my first week of training for the half-marathon. One of my biggest struggles is going to be getting up before work on the days I won't have time to get a run in after work.<br /><br />Today was one of those days. However, I successfully woke up and got to the gym beforehand. And, you know what, it really wasn't all that bad. The dog had a harder time getting up than I did.<br /><br />And, I have felt great and energized all morning. So, I'm going to try and think about how great I felt after every time I don't want to get out of bed.<br /><br />I got three miles in yesterday and another three this morning. I have three scheduled for Friday (I'm going to try and go before work again just so I have Friday night to do what I please.) and four for Sunday, for a total of 13 miles this week. It's really not much more than I usually do, so it won't be that difficult.<br /><br />I'm also going to try and get to a yoga class on Saturday for a day of relaxation and I'm sure my body will love the stretching.<br /><br />P.S. Did you know it's already Wednesday!?!?!? I heart four-day weeks!<br /></span>Megan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149195887055143880noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6222106934458297561.post-9867747217249536062010-09-02T12:56:00.005-05:002010-09-02T13:15:49.488-05:00Mystery solved<span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" >Long time. No post.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" >Sorry, not really a busy week, just a lazy one. Something about anticipating a three-day weekend that makes me really unmotivated.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" >If you noticed, I was in here Tuesday to post an updated weigh-in. I was down .2 pounds for the week, coming in at 129.2.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" >I'm happy with the very small loss, but I was curious as to what was going on. I worked out a bit. Ate well and tracked almost everything.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" >It occurred to me that since I started keeping track of my weight here, I haven't been doing it through Weight Watchers online. So, just before writing this post, I went over there, plugged in my weight, and sure enough, they are taking some of my beloved points away from me.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" >I now have 19 points a day and 33 flex points for the week. (I used to have 22 a day and 34 flex points for the week.) It's kind of a big change for me.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" >However, I'm almost excited for it. It's like the Weight Watchers honeymoon phase. It's a whole new challenge for me to conquer. Do I have the self-discipline to only have 19 points a day?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" >We will have to see. I'm definitely motivated now to try and find out.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" >It will mean some changes. I'm really going to have to make sure I track my food and points. I'm good at this during the week, but it's the weekends where I make mental notes of what I eat and inevitably end up forgetting how many points I ate.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" >Of course this happens right before a holiday weekend when I was looking forward to relaxing with a few beers and being all loosey-goosey with points.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" >This week I officially start training for the half marathon I'm planning on running in November. Here's a calender of my running schedule.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGLgUSv3ypvFbyCGldR2AsUNKB-j-VH3xvID_qPhyphenhyphen3sX8VK7oYFnDvhJ9KV6C1MGVHYXXPC6YjBYIVHT9qFGTg7s8UezSygHgTL8Y7D7K220bMKoaXd0X6lK57rY5jhyFP2mw4AxCzF4/s1600/Picture-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 294px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGLgUSv3ypvFbyCGldR2AsUNKB-j-VH3xvID_qPhyphenhyphen3sX8VK7oYFnDvhJ9KV6C1MGVHYXXPC6YjBYIVHT9qFGTg7s8UezSygHgTL8Y7D7K220bMKoaXd0X6lK57rY5jhyFP2mw4AxCzF4/s400/Picture-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512379159716922514" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: georgia;">You can click on the schedule to see a larger version of it.</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" ><br />FYI: There's nothing important about Oct 14, it just happens to be where my clicker was when I took a screen shot of the Excel file. On Oct 9, I will be running an 8K road race. My company has a team and I joined. The race also has a walking group. I don't know of anyone from work running the race, so my friend Katie signed up and will be running it with me. It's just under half of a half marathon (half of a half, of a half, of a half), so it will be a good preview to running the half.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" >My first week doesn't look so bad. It's not really out of the norm from what I do now. So, I have a feeling week 1 will go off with a hitch.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" >Until next week, enjoy your Labor Day!</span>Megan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149195887055143880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6222106934458297561.post-43523342476474200982010-08-24T11:38:00.007-05:002010-08-24T11:55:30.800-05:00Mom. Dad. I'm Gaelic.<span style="font-family:georgia;">Been super busy lately. Both at work and at home.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">This past weekend was Irish Fest. I had an old friend staying with me for a few days and we went down to Irish Fest all day Saturday and Sunday. Listened to some excellent music. Danced our butts off. Drank too much Jameson. Ate too many reuben rolls.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5doJmSTmp2sArMetBUEVrh2Sy6Mo8Aj-hLDk2IS-dBarZpG-HV7yH4KbxRYeWro9i_w_NQNcLQ1QRMTWgvow9HFKtMUMeR830sbyiNAtSNMyQY-1ncownPSn-DYh7ea-ApVks-cmn8CQ/s1600/DSC00464.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5doJmSTmp2sArMetBUEVrh2Sy6Mo8Aj-hLDk2IS-dBarZpG-HV7yH4KbxRYeWro9i_w_NQNcLQ1QRMTWgvow9HFKtMUMeR830sbyiNAtSNMyQY-1ncownPSn-DYh7ea-ApVks-cmn8CQ/s400/DSC00464.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509019394314161794" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Me with my mother and father at Irish Fest. My dad has volunteer bartended for the fest for 29 years! The festival has been around for the 30 years! He's made it to all of them except the first year. Pretty amazing.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqfCYM62i18KXXv9426INi212_FuAx0ZylWhyphenhyphenczBzdJsCblmV4c3IboglG7w4q4qX6oQXy-mMU3ZVVmpwNlHF1ujauOhaugXnmZp3sTolWZFw1OuXbbo2dKvob2JH-CsIrBgBf_Fd0tk/s1600/DSC00465.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqfCYM62i18KXXv9426INi212_FuAx0ZylWhyphenhyphenczBzdJsCblmV4c3IboglG7w4q4qX6oQXy-mMU3ZVVmpwNlHF1ujauOhaugXnmZp3sTolWZFw1OuXbbo2dKvob2JH-CsIrBgBf_Fd0tk/s400/DSC00465.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509019947612709874" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">At the fest with my friend's Lauren, Brianna, and Rowan. Rowan comes all the way from St. Joesph, Michigan each year for the fest. It's that awesome.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I had a great time. Irish Fest is always a big event for my family and friends. If you want to hear some amazing music, check out my awesome friend's band called </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.risinggael.com/">Rising Gael</a><span style="font-family:georgia;">. They are amazing. My friend, Katie, is the fiddler. And, not only does she fiddle, she dances too. She's my hero.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I did get to the gym on both Saturday </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:georgia;" >AND</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> Sunday!! That's right, Sunday morning, after getting down with the Jamo on Saturday night, I made it to the gym and yes, I did run. My poor dehydrated body hated me, but after about 15 minutes of cramping, it got over it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I didn't track my miles this week. I can't really use being busy as an excuse as to why I didn't do it. I mean, it only takes 30 seconds. So, I have no excuse. It just didn't get done.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Also, it's official. I'm taking the plunge.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">November 14th I will be running a half-marathon in Pensacola, Florida. I'm putting together a training schedule and I'll share it with you shortly. I'm actually really looking forward to it. As I've mentioned before, I have a friend that lives there. It's an excuse to go visit her. Plus, the course is along the beach. In Wisconsin, the last place I want to be in November is on a beach. It will be awesome to get some warm weather before Old Man Winter really hits.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I'll be back with a weigh-in in a couple of days. It's that time of the month for me (sorry for the TMI) and I'd like to weigh myself after that. It's looking good though. Other than Saturday, I tracked all my points and came in for that day's worth.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Happy Tuesday!</span>Megan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149195887055143880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6222106934458297561.post-70783869949772671182010-08-18T11:22:00.004-05:002010-08-18T11:28:47.686-05:00The damage<span style="font-family:georgia;">So, here's the damage from my few days of poor, poor eating at the State Fair and a few other events. I came in at the gym yesterday at 130.2, which is actually a little less than what I expected. I was thinking about a three pound gain, but am definitely fine with just the two.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Now, I am completely re-focused and ready to get to business.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Yesterday, before I went to the gym, I was really not feeling it. I did not want to go and was just completely lethargic. But, then I sucked it up and went, and immediately felt better after and don't feel nearly as tired today as I did on Monday and Tuesday, even though I got a little less sleep last night than the previous two. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">It just goes to show how much exercise really does help your body. After having the few days off from the gym, I felt lazy and tired. But, after the run and the next day I just feel great.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Everytime I complain about not wanting to go to the gym, please direct me to this post.</span>Megan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149195887055143880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6222106934458297561.post-13313020050564975752010-08-17T11:29:00.004-05:002010-08-17T11:36:23.638-05:00Facing the music<span style="font-family: georgia;">Alright, here I am. Back on track.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Hope everyone enjoyed their weekend. I had fabulous time on my long weekend. Went to a Brewer’s game, had a blast at the fair, and headed up north for a few days to check out a small Oktoberfest festival in my mom’s hometown.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_U6XpZSbqps8lkwA38j7fpgZP7YizI4P92FPsOcQ6goAdnIT-C7ATDTYLFNPflIBDoRTHQJHZgqxTpQ5p9LDEDUSiGKovluI1ZXIMljKZ2cE0iU0X4Gy9aUzhw1QgJ0EXfHofSImfKU/s1600/DSC00459.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_U6XpZSbqps8lkwA38j7fpgZP7YizI4P92FPsOcQ6goAdnIT-C7ATDTYLFNPflIBDoRTHQJHZgqxTpQ5p9LDEDUSiGKovluI1ZXIMljKZ2cE0iU0X4Gy9aUzhw1QgJ0EXfHofSImfKU/s400/DSC00459.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506417814849789170" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: georgia;">Here's Matt and I with our friends, Cari and Ryan testing out Wisconsin's best wine at the state fair. It was so hot and humid all day. We spent as much time inside as we could.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghpX71__bOH4GckyRD-A7W80h5dOe4ZmnQa9qOICgjx-GAhwG1Ja1_udlJU9pqMbGz8gfvHXXTunqLuQbBlb_c1GwuOzA0ywsQzIadg9PR1Aq6VGTzA8tMX9snmo8NRIQt6VUZBldfe8k/s1600/-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 369px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghpX71__bOH4GckyRD-A7W80h5dOe4ZmnQa9qOICgjx-GAhwG1Ja1_udlJU9pqMbGz8gfvHXXTunqLuQbBlb_c1GwuOzA0ywsQzIadg9PR1Aq6VGTzA8tMX9snmo8NRIQt6VUZBldfe8k/s400/-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506417225120147858" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: georgia;">Here's Matt and I at the Oktoberfest. Can't you tell how excited he was to take this picture? I loved it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Not gonna lie. I did not eat well at all this weekend. I was going to go to the gym last night, get a run in, and survey the damage. But, instead I decided to watch like 4 hours of Intervention.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">I know. Wrong decision. But, it felt so good at the time.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Anyway, I’ll be back at the gym tonight and will have a weigh in for you tomorrow. I’m expecting a gain. Just hoping it’s not too much.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">I did get some running in too. Here are my miles for last week:</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Mon: 4.31</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Tues: 2.03</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Wed: 4.31</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Fri: 3.36</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">For a total of 14.01 miles for the week.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">As you can see, I definitely did not run Saturday or Sunday. I was too busy laying in the sun and stuffing my face. ☺ Sorry, it’s the truth.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">My miles are going to be down this week. I skipped my usual run yesterday and I don’t think I’ll get one in tomorrow, Thursday, or Friday because I have a super busy week of work. I’m planning on getting to the gym Saturday and Sunday, along with tonight. So, I’m going to set a goal of 12 miles this week. Hopefully, next week I will have more time and can shoot for 20 miles.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">I’ll be back tomorrow with the weigh in. Think light thoughts for me.</span>Megan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149195887055143880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6222106934458297561.post-71585136241736671082010-08-10T11:24:00.009-05:002010-08-10T11:35:39.549-05:00Leaving to be gluttonous … See you in a week<span style="font-family:georgia;">I’m not sure how many of you are familiar with the Wisconsin State Fair, but I think <a href="http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/festivals/articles/stickfair2010.html" target="_blank">this article</a>, oh and <a href="http://www.jsonline.com/entertainment/100091819.html" target="_blank">this one</a>, pretty much says it all.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">My summer is not complete without the Wisconsin State Fair. State fair park is my Mecca. I live for the state fair. Among all those deliciously fattening foods on a stick and the cheeseburger stuffed between a Krispy Kreme donut, the fair also features cream puffs (Oh, how I live for cream puffs!), amazing corn on the cob, gi-normous turkey legs, grilled cheese featuring the best cheese the Dairyland has to offer, beer from a ton of different Wisconsin micro-breweries, and a variety of flavored milk (including cherry vanilla, root beer, and mocha) at 25 cents a pop.</span><br /><br /><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAvqdYOxGUtLWFGFA5mznY-i8nWJ1NZVXOmpkidJlGi3rWLMxiOTT2N2zw5Hf3r9lKrARgOxRrR9DDjUlyhq_YsAbL3w2ODhCFhwLMoa-Dhsdx6L9YjDJbInc2vvm6PvppncLS3K6jhA/s1600/n20307910_33813172_2951.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAvqdYOxGUtLWFGFA5mznY-i8nWJ1NZVXOmpkidJlGi3rWLMxiOTT2N2zw5Hf3r9lKrARgOxRrR9DDjUlyhq_YsAbL3w2ODhCFhwLMoa-Dhsdx6L9YjDJbInc2vvm6PvppncLS3K6jhA/s400/n20307910_33813172_2951.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503817986169939842" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Mmmmm ... turkey legs. This shot was taken last year at the good ole fair.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZt_tLNSpaepnMC5wDG7tArRm5J6NapPF_POIRHkBzlPPQyimrByiE5dBLXos_k-jLrznBukdN3XwbM4vCkEEu1hgfo-xtCF25r6z3k-XYeIMhk6q0dKa6hG1g021Wr2fdEPvj-HEOsbg/s1600/n20307910_33813185_7058.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZt_tLNSpaepnMC5wDG7tArRm5J6NapPF_POIRHkBzlPPQyimrByiE5dBLXos_k-jLrznBukdN3XwbM4vCkEEu1hgfo-xtCF25r6z3k-XYeIMhk6q0dKa6hG1g021Wr2fdEPvj-HEOsbg/s400/n20307910_33813185_7058.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503818068773562994" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">With my good friend, Katy at the fair last year enjoying the quarter milk. Stomach ache always follows. Nothing leaves you feeling better than four glass of flavored, sugary whole milk.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Other than food, the state fair offers a ton of shopping opportunities in the expo center (It’s like live infomercials. It’s amazing!), a giant slide that you have to do, and lots of animals for us city folk to look at.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6591Rx4-ozF9XmdDyGLorFPYqn2lxzOL5bv6-1zn8Wm7Q6TyooeyAAzmZB_9aMEpwxW_V6runHkP64ip4OnSwjnaOIqxPfU927oFPsArCN1Cka0vzQYJezGbQsiI3As3gDd46EG2AsA/s1600/n20307910_33813188_8026.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6591Rx4-ozF9XmdDyGLorFPYqn2lxzOL5bv6-1zn8Wm7Q6TyooeyAAzmZB_9aMEpwxW_V6runHkP64ip4OnSwjnaOIqxPfU927oFPsArCN1Cka0vzQYJezGbQsiI3As3gDd46EG2AsA/s400/n20307910_33813188_8026.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503818197201062418" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Riding down the giant slide. Walking up those stairs will be the most exercise I will get that day. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I’ve given up a lot of food this summer. I’ve been so good at avoiding custard and brats and other foods that make me think of summer. With that said, I am prepared to do damage this week. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">My good friend Cari, and her husband Ryan are coming up from Pensacola, Florida for the fair. (and also a wedding, but mainly the fair. Her friend knew how much she loved the fair and made sure to schedule her wedding so that Cari and Ryan could kill two birds with one stone on their trip back home to Milwaukee. Ok, not really. It’s just an amazing coincidence. The fair gods were looking down on her. Sorry, I digress.)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">So, I am taking the day off of work on Friday to go. Matt doesn’t have to work either, so he’ll be able to go, too. Not only will I be taking the day off from work, but also the day off from dieting.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I don’t feel bad about doing it. Months ago I knew this day would come. And I’ve prepared for it. I've worked hard. My original goal was to be down to 125 when the fair came around. I am almost there and am so proud of all the work I’ve put in so far. So, I’m ready to indulge.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I’m sure I’m going to feel super gross afterwards, which could be a positive. It will remind my body and mind what this food does to me, making me extra motivated to come back and work hard starting next week. Maybe this planned binge will give me the extra push I need,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">But, while I’m eating it, I will enjoy it. After all, it will be 365 days until I eat like that again.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I will be running a lot this week. I’m hoping to hit 20 miles. I already got 4.5 in last night. I have a busy night tonight, but am going to try to get in a few tonight. I’m also going to skip a weigh in this week and just wait until next Tuesday to survey the damage, which I’m sure there will be lots of.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">So, until then, I shall be stuffing my face.<br /><br />P.S. Does anyone know how many Weight Watchers points there are in a cheeseburger on a Krispy Kreme donut?<br /></span>Megan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149195887055143880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6222106934458297561.post-29826705369266745182010-08-09T11:50:00.005-05:002010-08-09T14:03:08.657-05:00Not the mini kind<span style="font-family:georgia;">Happy Monday, everyone! I hope your weekend was as good as mine. I had so much fun, I was asleep at 8 last night. That’s right, 8! I swear I’m an 80-year-old woman in a 23-year-old’s body.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Anyway, did a lot of fun things this weekend. Went to the Brewer’s game yesterday and tailgated beforehand. It was lots of fun. But, definitely ate too much. Pretty sure it’s going to affect the weigh-in for tomorrow.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I golfed, and not the mini kind ☺, for the first time ev-a on Saturday. It was so much fun! We were playing in a memorial golf outing for a family friend of my friend Brianna. (Did ya follow that?) Brianna and I were on a team with two guys and we played best ball. That’s when each player on the team plays his or her own golf ball throughout the round, and on each stroke the best ball of the group serves as where everyone leaves their ball for the next stroke. You have to use at least 4 strokes from each player, making sure every member of the team contributes.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhllSnZ20UhbcSqkT7jnNtDtmgSI1gtGPl6Y-f32Z79KS6dPcUFZICgcCyTRZuNzhBsJLWiOR4eOaOHn5Sw_zAA9WLqFf0ey2AQhyXwU-_5Ed7C6bfg3IcfZnyypde6ad50hQTh6xNL_IA/s1600/DSC00442.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhllSnZ20UhbcSqkT7jnNtDtmgSI1gtGPl6Y-f32Z79KS6dPcUFZICgcCyTRZuNzhBsJLWiOR4eOaOHn5Sw_zAA9WLqFf0ey2AQhyXwU-_5Ed7C6bfg3IcfZnyypde6ad50hQTh6xNL_IA/s400/DSC00442.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503454221556835458" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:georgia;">Brianna and I in the golf cart. She's actually driving it in the picture. Thank goodness there's not a lot to crash into on a golf course.</span><br /><br /><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5qOPyrsMHHA1Xz4j04ysinYx0dqd4Ri9e6mxGiJ3MjalOBFuNEj86tTHW2JJRMO_SCNOwC6eqI9DdNBPzV9Caof9Zc9dpVehyphenhyphenDsUL4VAcJrognxoemUfORiWFRxJPsECYzAk_XAoltDo/s1600/DSC00448.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5qOPyrsMHHA1Xz4j04ysinYx0dqd4Ri9e6mxGiJ3MjalOBFuNEj86tTHW2JJRMO_SCNOwC6eqI9DdNBPzV9Caof9Zc9dpVehyphenhyphenDsUL4VAcJrognxoemUfORiWFRxJPsECYzAk_XAoltDo/s400/DSC00448.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503453764669874066" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:georgia;">Preparing for awesomeness. And I know I'm in everything you're not supposed to wear when golfing, but I do what I want. So there. :) </span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdCp29e2j_5LTMUV3I-QlgBJ7n9Sl-SR_cysmjwehbn_vmctoWPCY_pijL_WREaESkjT6hqEO9FqEbSDQGm6hXObkxG8NG2zi_sdRrHqmFBkG1BBGfwEpuFbolx55Ptn-Iub8Uyk9xUg/s1600/DSC00447.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdCp29e2j_5LTMUV3I-QlgBJ7n9Sl-SR_cysmjwehbn_vmctoWPCY_pijL_WREaESkjT6hqEO9FqEbSDQGm6hXObkxG8NG2zi_sdRrHqmFBkG1BBGfwEpuFbolx55Ptn-Iub8Uyk9xUg/s400/DSC00447.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503453965572795218" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:georgia;">Tiger in training. And not to gloat or anything, but I love the way my back looks in this shot. My back has never looked like that! I love it!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I had a few good drives. I suck at chipping though. There was this one time it took me like 9 swings to hit the ball. No joke. It was pretty comical.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Also, I went to the gym on BOTH Saturday and Sunday! I think that’s the first time that’s happened in … well, quite possibly it’s the first time ever. Here’s my running schedule for the week:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Mon: 6.15 miles in 60:00</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Tues: 3.35 miles in 30:05</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Sat: 3.26 miles in 30:00</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Sun: 4.35 miles in 40:00</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I ran a total of 17.11 miles in 2:40:05. Which I’m super pumped about! Ideally, I would like to run 5 days out of the week, but I am very proud of what I got in. I also did some yoga on Saturday. I’ve never really been a yoga person before, but for whatever reason, loved it on Saturday. So, I think I’m going to try and get it in a few times a week. It really makes me body feel less sore after running and helps me relax.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">On a side note: I was using a weight machine on Saturday and one of the trainer’s at my gym came up to me and gave me a few tips. She told me that I should be lifting a lot more than I am. Now, I’m always afraid of my arm’s getting too big and looking manly. I’ve been told in the past do less weight and more reps. That way I’d get toned and not super big. I told the trainer this and she basically laughed. Apparently I don’t have to worry about getting manly-big because I don’t have enough testosterone in my body. She told me that I should be lifting enough weight so that it’s work every time and on the 8-10 rep, I should really be struggling. It was a huge epiphany.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I’d also like to say that I honestly really love my gym. And, the trainer coming up to me out of nowhere and helping me is a great example as to why I do. Everyone is awesome and friendly and super helpful. There’s no one telling me I can only spend 30 minutes on a cardio machine and I never have to wait to use any equipment. I used to hate, hate. HATE going to the gym. But now I have really come to enjoy. It has become my time of day to de-stress and relax. I’ve never loved a gym as much as I love the one I have now and I know that plays a huge part in me actually going.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">So, make sure you find a gym you actually like before you get a membership. All gym’s offer a free week’s pass before you commit to a membership. Make sure you shop around and can really see yourself spending lots of time there each week. Trust me, if you can’t see it, it won’t happen.</span>Megan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149195887055143880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6222106934458297561.post-32224285340935934572010-08-03T11:27:00.003-05:002010-08-03T11:44:54.601-05:00Weighing in<span style="font-family: georgia;">So, to start off, I got in 6.16 miles in 60 minutes yesterday at the gym (plus a half mile cool down but I'm not going to count that in my miles for the week). I felt amazing after and wish I would've gone 7 miles like I originally planned. I haven't run more than 3.5 miles in a long time, so just knowing that I can run that far felt great.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">I also thought I would be super sore this morning, but my legs feel great today! After yesterday's run, I am slightly more motivated to work towards running a half marathon. I've signed up for an 8K in October. If I enjoy that race, I think I'll plan on doing a half marathon next summer.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">I'm also going to try get my long run in for the week on Sunday mornings. I usually have the time and if I start to get that into my routine, it will be much easier.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">I also would like to get in 15 miles this week. As of today, 6.16 miles down. I'd like to get in 3 more today after work.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Also, the moment you've all been waiting for, I weighed myself after the run yesterday and I actually lost a pound for the week! I came in at 128.2. Even though this was after the run, it was also after chugging a bunch of water.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">The fact that I thought I ate bad the previous week showed me two things.</span><br /><ol style="font-family: georgia;"><li>I'm a lot more active than I think I am. Between at least 2x daily dog walks and work, I get in a lot of walking.</li><li>My idea of what is healthy and what is not has changed drastically since I started Weight Watchers. I am now programed to recognize when I may be consuming too many calories and can compensate for the day with everything else I eat.</li></ol><span style="font-family: georgia;">On a side note, the Center of Disease Control has issued a new report that says nine states in the U.S. now have an obesity rate of 30% or more. That's almost 1 in 3 people! The scariest part of the report: in the year 2000, there were zero, yes ZERO!, states that had a 30% or more obesity rate. It's really scary to think about and definitely motivates me to keep going.</span>Megan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149195887055143880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6222106934458297561.post-67784293394048929792010-08-02T11:31:00.003-05:002010-08-02T11:35:31.768-05:00Confessions<span style="font-family: georgia;">Hate to say it, but there were two things I was lacking this weekend: self-discipline and motivation.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Confession #1: I didn't run the 10 miles I wanted to this weekend.</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Confession #2: I went out to dinner on Saturday </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: georgia;">and </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Sunday.</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Confession #3: I didn't even run 1 mile this weekend.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Phew ... feels good to get that off my chest.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">But seriously, I was pretty busy this weekend and sadly did not find time to make it to the gym. When I did go out to eat, I did choose relatively healthier meals, but eating at home would have been better. So, remember last week when I said I was ready to focus? Well, this time I really mean it. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">I'll be back with a weigh in tomorrow and we'll find out the real damage. As far as the seven mile run, my plan is to do that today after work. I'll tell ya all about it tomorrow.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Until then ...</span>Megan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149195887055143880noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6222106934458297561.post-18833717688385756182010-07-30T13:41:00.006-05:002010-07-30T13:47:47.845-05:00I will ...<span style="font-family:georgia;">Run 10 miles this weekend between Saturday and Sunday.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I have been toying with the idea of running a half marathon. I'm not quite motivated enough yet to do it though, I'm afraid.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">My general 3-4 times a week routine is a 3.5 mile run at the gym followed by weights and abs.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I'm challenging myself to make run of the runs this weekend a 7 mile. If I can do it, I really think I may be more motivated to actually buckle down and commit to a half marathon.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I hope everyone enjoys your weekend. Here are a few pics from good ole NYC.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE0q6GSK3r-RItIrPuxv7tJTUMrs23RX77UPV32hNA-w3crUS_cbyGUTTgDwWtQXEaIruSonsaoW18tWsR36rJMj3WZb2d_-S9OPj78MkSvYCqIGRzpJPHRwDX7QLG3z1afJgcNwuWTOs/s1600/Statue+of+liberty.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE0q6GSK3r-RItIrPuxv7tJTUMrs23RX77UPV32hNA-w3crUS_cbyGUTTgDwWtQXEaIruSonsaoW18tWsR36rJMj3WZb2d_-S9OPj78MkSvYCqIGRzpJPHRwDX7QLG3z1afJgcNwuWTOs/s400/Statue+of+liberty.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499772229220191106" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwzJmcK2mGS0OWGZZeNpXlDN57SjOQVBkvUXFV5ydcQ3F_uPqqGGvCc0TLvkE4ZvK2lVAaJ-4RKncAygFZRKYYT5jCo8yVPfoagQbbZTUBB-o2FEzEJ-308wVdkc4oDXWhAtzTHr2y6Ks/s1600/Yankee+stadium.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwzJmcK2mGS0OWGZZeNpXlDN57SjOQVBkvUXFV5ydcQ3F_uPqqGGvCc0TLvkE4ZvK2lVAaJ-4RKncAygFZRKYYT5jCo8yVPfoagQbbZTUBB-o2FEzEJ-308wVdkc4oDXWhAtzTHr2y6Ks/s400/Yankee+stadium.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499772106599590258" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">At Yankee Stadium. Jay-Z is sitting behind home plate. No joke. Can't you see him ...</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mTnMgG0_j_HGUAJQC2sXdrAE9Ku68FAPmNrDeH3g4YAAbxXM5nAa-Do4SgJL0pHLadFwM3Me8IC_t_lhyZcvef45IJOKuVcGoAvLhB9Do4RBWvvuv5euPdtQiHzR9E7wS0a3QaEa8Ig/s1600/Central+park.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mTnMgG0_j_HGUAJQC2sXdrAE9Ku68FAPmNrDeH3g4YAAbxXM5nAa-Do4SgJL0pHLadFwM3Me8IC_t_lhyZcvef45IJOKuVcGoAvLhB9Do4RBWvvuv5euPdtQiHzR9E7wS0a3QaEa8Ig/s400/Central+park.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499772172679987746" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:georgia;">Central Park ... so gorgeous!!!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">P.S. I just joined a network called Blogs to Lose. Check it out on the side of the page. ---></span>Megan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149195887055143880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6222106934458297561.post-66280678163669692262010-07-29T13:46:00.002-05:002010-07-29T13:53:56.183-05:00Ready … set … focus!!<span style="font-family: georgia;">Alright, I’m back! It’s been a busy week. I had an amazing trip to NYC visiting a few friends. I was back to work on Monday, but so unbelievably busy. It was crazy.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">But now, I finally feel like I am back into my routine and can begin focusing again on my weight loss goals.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">With that said, I’ve decided it is time to set myself an ultimate goal. If I give myself something to work towards, I will work towards it. I checked out a BMI calculator to find a healthy weight for my height. A healthy BMI falls between 18.5 and 24.9. I decided I want to shoot somewhere between 19 and 20.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">After a few quick calculations, I have chosen a final goal of *drum roll please* ….</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">115 pounds.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Now, the question is, how much more do I have to lose in order to get there. I weighed myself yesterday, and before I did it, I was really nervous. I thought the trip to New York would definitely have put a few pounds on me. I had my fair share of drinks and food when we were there. I definitely wasn’t eating as healthy as I usually do. I mean. it was a vacation after all.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Needless to say, I was prepared for the worst yesterday. But, it wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought. I guess all the walking and sweating (It was unbearably hot the whole time) really helped keep the weight gain down.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">I weighed in at 129.2. So, I only gained about a pound on the trip. Feeling pretty good about that.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">This leaves 14.8 left to lose. And, I’m ready to get it off! So, here we go. The journey begins.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">On another note, if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s very important to set mini goals for yourself. It makes everything so much more attainable. I’m setting my first mini goal at 125 and hope to be there within the next three weeks.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">I've also added a tracker in the left column of the screen. I'll continue to weigh myself weekly, but now we'll all be able to easily see the progression (or regression on a bad week).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Here goes nothing …</span>Megan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149195887055143880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6222106934458297561.post-37599881223068417542010-07-20T11:21:00.010-05:002010-07-20T11:36:37.749-05:00One year ago<span style="font-family: georgia;">This is what I looked like in this dress:</span><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiN0EC7xZDUidFHk7BxPb6ivXvXREAGvt7C2TsO-AcEA8c0_BxwxrwutdX5DRJzZ7vsm9Wf8AMaQpjzX6Eqk5dPI1vg2Wa9Khe_FNvd1rH7dp3cFInbxPRetXSiAvE0EYQ_kPv6XVgpLw/s1600/6580_600348270294_20307910_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 117px; height: 284px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiN0EC7xZDUidFHk7BxPb6ivXvXREAGvt7C2TsO-AcEA8c0_BxwxrwutdX5DRJzZ7vsm9Wf8AMaQpjzX6Eqk5dPI1vg2Wa9Khe_FNvd1rH7dp3cFInbxPRetXSiAvE0EYQ_kPv6XVgpLw/s400/6580_600348270294_20307910_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496024975185095458" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: georgia;">Definitely fabulous. Just slightly rounder :) Also, I'm not sure if it was a suubconscious thing or just a I'm-carrying-a-bouquet-and-don't-know-what-else-to-do-with-it thing, but I couldn't find a picture where you could see my midsection.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy9PeguL9BcKND-2WdTKjrBSNuqsvHFlJqUILIjyT4uTcgQXRBUvshNx3rwPCwq4zI81yAEY3ig9jU6KTJXYV1Z_StbnpDjbslwwpipAB3kh6hjFLBlEbDj3yRTbYvI-z8kXIjIgpWhAI/s1600/6580_600348185464_20307910_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 129px; height: 316px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy9PeguL9BcKND-2WdTKjrBSNuqsvHFlJqUILIjyT4uTcgQXRBUvshNx3rwPCwq4zI81yAEY3ig9jU6KTJXYV1Z_StbnpDjbslwwpipAB3kh6hjFLBlEbDj3yRTbYvI-z8kXIjIgpWhAI/s400/6580_600348185464_20307910_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496024493152689538" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: georgia;">Today, this is what I look like in this dress:</span><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhioy8yRv1RQDDKVNhYu7NDgnUcPbsyreB9nEeltWDgFCdZ_KYzakUmk8CjkS3VLfYK9NZ_RTh1afllAnpU1tzM7nQ-eB9_aOmMtaPdfmnowl94zZcKUtaRMGLB586qSqhmkCNe2QZ28lM/s1600/DSC00321.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhioy8yRv1RQDDKVNhYu7NDgnUcPbsyreB9nEeltWDgFCdZ_KYzakUmk8CjkS3VLfYK9NZ_RTh1afllAnpU1tzM7nQ-eB9_aOmMtaPdfmnowl94zZcKUtaRMGLB586qSqhmkCNe2QZ28lM/s400/DSC00321.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496025685081204722" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">The dress is now definitely too big. I love it. My favorite comparison is in the arms. That's probably my current favorite part of my body.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCeIqPDWAstxTo66r8Ltft7ZzVQj_cAZCZvQ6t3FvnFVF8QKxEjjneOJQR3xURPe8tlWg_2H9pacwG8q7uPGZ5rEE8qQiPKWtCCRb8lIwtDT2beWT3Bwn8JZAuvHMJF13652OhkssnlI/s1600/DSC00320.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCeIqPDWAstxTo66r8Ltft7ZzVQj_cAZCZvQ6t3FvnFVF8QKxEjjneOJQR3xURPe8tlWg_2H9pacwG8q7uPGZ5rEE8qQiPKWtCCRb8lIwtDT2beWT3Bwn8JZAuvHMJF13652OhkssnlI/s400/DSC00320.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496025489440228610" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp1ZHNHNkz8YPSvzULF4ZS_Gg1Gd1T54IrrNySPqCMRSyu1vwv9oyyx2HUJjwAI6K4QNrP6l9DPxHkb33SuUUsGZbLn09j7lPTnpLy0N7wZeveomEljfrVHkI-zTs8ED0JxOLwvo_QY3I/s1600/Untitled-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 326px; height: 349px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp1ZHNHNkz8YPSvzULF4ZS_Gg1Gd1T54IrrNySPqCMRSyu1vwv9oyyx2HUJjwAI6K4QNrP6l9DPxHkb33SuUUsGZbLn09j7lPTnpLy0N7wZeveomEljfrVHkI-zTs8ED0JxOLwvo_QY3I/s400/Untitled-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496026840401020194" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Sorry for the lame DIY shots, it was all I had. But, you get the picture.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3VWFHg3e8fV8JVDX7I4QKxa34y_0wLRSsu4IwANh0bxFKYuqN6verYI-19GOawI91qjaw6MnbnWu0hFJ6Ca5YDlUrDedRpA0sAjsNsHQlpyzcfYvEP3vCPY-f673X0tx-Mb4wcisa798/s1600/9220_712259674008_26710557_40873110_2335940_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3VWFHg3e8fV8JVDX7I4QKxa34y_0wLRSsu4IwANh0bxFKYuqN6verYI-19GOawI91qjaw6MnbnWu0hFJ6Ca5YDlUrDedRpA0sAjsNsHQlpyzcfYvEP3vCPY-f673X0tx-Mb4wcisa798/s400/9220_712259674008_26710557_40873110_2335940_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496024669631685218" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: georgia;">Happy Anniversary, Cari and Ryan!!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Disclaimer: Yes, I know it's not til the 24th, but this girl is leaving for the Big Apple tomorrow and will be having too much fun til Monday!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">See ya then.</span>Megan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149195887055143880noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6222106934458297561.post-51064172264771050042010-07-15T11:36:00.006-05:002010-07-15T11:53:06.166-05:00It only took me 9 years<span style="font-family:georgia;">Yesterday at the gym, I did something I have never done before: I ran a 4K in under 20 minutes!!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I did it 19:14 to be exact.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">See, I ran cross-country all through high school, and could never break that 20 minute mark. I came short by a few seconds a couple of times, but still couldn't hit it.</span> <span style="font-family:georgia;">Now, I now that is not particularly fast. But, I have never been a fast runner. I am more than happy with my ten-minute mile pace.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Now, I think there are a few reasons for this:</span><br /><ol style="font-family: georgia;"><li>I was at least 10 pounds heavier all through high school. I'm sure the extra weight had to slow me down a bit.</li><li>Although I enjoyed cross-country, I mainly enjoyed the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">camaraderie</span> and the organized activity part and was never much concerned in excelling in it. I just had fun doing it. So, you see, I was always too busy talking to run fast. (I know what you're thinking: <span style="font-style: italic;">You? A talker? No way!</span> But, alas, it's true.)<br /></li></ol><span style="font-family:georgia;">So, yesterday at the gym, I decided to plan my run at a pace to finish the 4K in under 20. I figured if I really couldn't do it, I would just stop. But, that never happened because I did finish it!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">And, I must say, not only do I feel pretty good today (I thought I would be kind of sore), but at the end of the run, I wasn't completely beat. So, next time, I'll up the pace a little more and see what happens.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">For all the naysayers that are calling out the fact that everyone always runs faster on treadmills because there's never any incline, I would just like to point out that I beat it by 46 seconds and I think that's enough wiggle room to add the time I would have lost running outside. So there!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I took a vacation day from work tomorrow. So today is my Friday! Woo hoo!!! Matt and I will be joining his family for a weekend getaway to Chetek, WI for some action-packed days of swimming, water skiing, and relaxation. I'm really looking forward to it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I'm also pretty excited to unveil my newly transformed bikini body. The last time everyone saw me in a suit, I was 40 pounds heavier. I'll be sure to take some pics.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Also, we're saying good bye to Jax for the weekend and leaving him with my parents and brother. It's the longest I will be away from him since he came into my life. *Tear.* What ever shall I do? *Sniffle.* It will be a sad goodbye.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">So, until Monday ...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">P.S. Please send all the self-discipline energy you have my way. I'm going to need it to avoid all the horribly delicious food I will be around all weekend.</span>Megan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149195887055143880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6222106934458297561.post-76137267826976135252010-07-14T11:05:00.001-05:002010-07-14T11:05:40.975-05:00I just don’t understand<span style="font-family: georgia;">Why are some people reluctant to mention to someone when they notice a weight loss? Are they worried they might offend them? Is it insinuating that they used to think they were fat?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">I don’t think so at all. Personally, it makes my day, no week, when someone asks me if I’ve lost weight and how I did it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">It honestly feels good that others notice the hard work. It’s amazing validation. And, let’s be real, I love the attention.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">But, on the other hand, are there others out there that genuinely don’t like the attention? Does it really make some uncomfortable when their weight loss is pointed out?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">For whatever reason, I don’t believe that. I think if someone is working hard to lose 10 or more pounds, they want people to notice.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">So, I believe, if you think someone looks slimmer, tell them!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Now, you sure as heck don’t have to say something like: “Wow, your stomach sure jiggles a lot less these days” or “Your ass actually fits in those jeans now.”</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Just a simple: “You look amazing! Have you done anything different lately?”</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">I feel like that approach will elicit a long conversation from those like me (AKA attention whores) or just a simple thanks from those who may be a bit shyer about the situation.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Either way, I promise it will boost their confidence and, even if it doesn’t happen immediately, it will make them smile.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Hearing those comments from people pushes me to continue on my diet and exercise plan because it shows that what I’m doing is working. Sure, seeing the numbers on the scale go down feels really good, but when other people notice, it really feels amazing and makes all the hard work worth it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Now, go, get out there, and boost someone’s confidence.</span>Megan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149195887055143880noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6222106934458297561.post-41066924350081174502010-07-13T11:36:00.002-05:002010-07-13T11:38:37.179-05:00Things that weigh 40 pounds:<ul style="font-family: georgia;"><li>a 15-foot canoe</li><li>a 3-year-old child</li><li>an average human leg</li><li><a href="http://www.dailypuppy.com/dogs/aames-the-soft-coated-wheaten-terrier_2008-01-09">a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier</a></li><li>five gallons of water</li></ul><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">So, did a weigh-in yesterday, and was so ridiculously happy with the results!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">I came in at 128.4!!!!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">That means I have officially hit the 40-pound mark! 40 pounds! I </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: georgia;">cannot</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> even believe it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;font-size:180%;" >I lost a 15-foot canoe!<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">So, this previous weekend of healthy eating, going to the gym, and no drinking really paid off. I rewarded myself with a glass of wine last night.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">The craziest thing to me is that when I started this weight-loss journey, I had no idea I even had 40 pounds to lose. I mean, I thought 20 or so and I would be good.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">It just shows how your weight can get out of control without even realizing it. It shows that you should always be conscience about your weight and how you treat your body. However, it does not mean that your weight/what you eat should control your life. There needs to be a level of awareness between that extreme and the other: eating whatever you want with zero working out.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">After all, your body is a temple, and you only get one that you’re stuck with for life.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">This number also puts into perspective how much left I have to lose, which isn’t much. I definitely don’t want to go under that 120 mark.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">On another note, after weighing myself, I excitedly asked Matt how much he thought I weighed.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Guess what his response was?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">You won’t believe it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">I’ll give you a hint: it made me not want to tell him what the actual number was.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">He guessed 105!!!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">105!!!! MATT!! You’re crazy!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">He responded by saying he’s really bad with numbers. So, I guess I forgive him.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">And, let’s face it: I absolutely do not want to weigh 105 pounds. If there’s ever a point where I weigh 105 pounds, I’m going straight to Culvers.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">At that point, I need custard and fried cheese curds. Lots of ‘em.</span>Megan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149195887055143880noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6222106934458297561.post-54445905220936034502010-07-12T11:36:00.004-05:002010-07-12T11:45:22.817-05:00My blood type is custardAs you already know, one of my favorite things about summer has been the summery foods. Things like brats, burgers, beer, taco dip, custard. All the deliciously simple things that make me think of summer.<div><br /></div><div>But, this summer has been different. I've been on this (seemingly never ending) journey of weight loss, and I have had to condition myself to enjoy different, and healthier kinds of summer foods. </div><div><br /></div><div>And, I must say, as long as no one says the word 'brat,' it's been working.</div><div><br /></div><div>I often find myself craving corn on the cob (no butter, simply pepper and a little paprika, pretty delicious), all kinds of fruit, and pasta salad (I make this version that Matt even loves using whole wheat pasta, canola oil, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and lots of vegetables).</div><div><br /></div><div>But, there is one delicious treat that I will never be able to forget about, and that is custard. Being a Milwaukee-native, custard has it's own section on our food pyramid, as do burgers, beer, and cheese.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, even though I've been able to swap out most of the non-healthy summer foods with healthier versions, there is and never will be a substitute for custard.</div><div><br /></div><div>Can I get an 'Amen'?</div>Megan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149195887055143880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6222106934458297561.post-33226151380290595072010-07-08T11:31:00.002-05:002010-07-08T11:32:13.149-05:00Oh, the heat!<span style="font-family: georgia;">It has been so ridiculously hot these past few days. Almost unbearably hot. The humidity is pretty awful, too.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">I mean, you literally walk outside, and you’re sweating. It stinks.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Literally.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Not much going on in the weight-loss front this week. What can I say? It was a holiday weekend and there was lots of good stuff around all the time. It’s not that I really indulged in food this past weekend, just that I may have had that extra beer or two.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">I’ll do a weigh-in next week and properly assess the damage (or rejoice in the achievement) then.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">This weekend, I’m taking it easy. I have been just completely worn out this past week at work and it’s because I had such an action-packed holiday weekend. I feel like I should use this weekend just to relax and do nothing. I’ve also decided to stay away from the booze this weekend. It’s just empty calories I don’t need.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">As of today, my only plans for the weekend are to actually get to the gym on both Saturday and Sunday, eat healthy, take Jax for lots of walks, and sleep.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">I think I can handle that.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">On a somewhat related note, Wisconsin bars are all officially smoke-free! My lungs are jumping with joy.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Lord knows I spend enough time in bars. I’m not a smoker, but I’m sure it affects me when I’m spending lots of time in smoke-filled rooms. So, I’m excited to breath in the fresh hair and not have my clothes/hair smell like smoke after every night out.</span>Megan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149195887055143880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6222106934458297561.post-54134282426532560522010-07-01T11:26:00.011-05:002010-07-01T11:51:16.303-05:00Steps in the wrong direction<span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" >Unfortunately, did a weigh in yesterday and was up to 131.4. Don't worry, it was expected. I had too much fun this past weekend.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" >But, as I've said before. I believe everyone who is trying to lose weight honestly needs a few days every few months to be like, 'Ya know what, fuh-get about it this weekend.' I've worked hard and deserved a little treat.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" >However, I may have been quite gluttonous over the weekend. Not gonna lie.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" >Here's a rough list of what I shouldn't have, but did eat this past weekend: ice cream, burgers, whiskey, steak, beer, Saz's combo platter from Summerfest (If you're not from Milwaukee and don't know what this heavenly plate of fried goodness includes, it has the best mozzerella sticks in the world, fried cheese curds, and their famous sour cream and chive fries. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" >So, needless to say, I made some questionable decisions about what I ate this past weekend. And, I probably shouldn't have indulged so much.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" >But ya know what, I did. Now, I have to regain focus and get back on track. So, here goes.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" >On the brighter side. Here are some pics from the weekend.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" >Spent lots of time at Sumemrfest. It was a blast. If you're not familiar with Summerfest, it's the largest music festival in the world. We saw a band called Thievery Corporation. They are this hippy jam band and were just a blast to listen to.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">I love hippies.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwuIFfcVUYcKyvq61kBJ9LgYlKmkGFUJAzOmLo-zRAvMvq-0VzdOBE73lVzgeAKsT5_JKJyfnB2-f5NzWsacEAvZObJJAU6PGpJnHJmb6ozLA45QflcCT4YEzUzFpSnTVu8wohWkYB9s/s1600/DSC00269.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwuIFfcVUYcKyvq61kBJ9LgYlKmkGFUJAzOmLo-zRAvMvq-0VzdOBE73lVzgeAKsT5_JKJyfnB2-f5NzWsacEAvZObJJAU6PGpJnHJmb6ozLA45QflcCT4YEzUzFpSnTVu8wohWkYB9s/s400/DSC00269.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488977739915499474" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" >Here's a picture of the crowd. Summerfest is filled with quite a few of these outdoor stages that all feature different kinds of bands. And the best part, except for one main stage, you pay the price of one ticket and can walk around and see them all. It's so much fun and there are always all kinds of different people, making people watching one of the best things to do there.</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> At this concert, there were people in the crowd dancing with hula hoops and this crazy sticks. It was super impressive.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhadeBNYhdiDBR3lw9PfLKydVmbC2dr8UERHbrJASIbdTZgXT0Zc-fXsEsmmGK53mHK7fLKyqL4ZR9O3bSJixLSE7zw3pjF7LFtuYttWIJ6Snr9pKc2fbYz_9o-3ZoqSMzpIK4jt3_H5-U/s1600/DSC00261.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhadeBNYhdiDBR3lw9PfLKydVmbC2dr8UERHbrJASIbdTZgXT0Zc-fXsEsmmGK53mHK7fLKyqL4ZR9O3bSJixLSE7zw3pjF7LFtuYttWIJ6Snr9pKc2fbYz_9o-3ZoqSMzpIK4jt3_H5-U/s400/DSC00261.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488978319202581682" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" >Here are the lovely ladies I went down there with, from left to right: Lauren, Kendra, Brianna, and myself.</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> On a positive not, dancing all night on picnic tables does a number on your thighs. I was super sore the next morning.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Note to self: Dance more on picnic tables.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIWtIWlnAGt4YpnJY3R555oysDrPYuzKwsgsW2FOi-r3OT1viOjdO5M_BIpZTwradPt0dLw0p9LfkPhX93F5VoVT3G95zZSVdtXvEhB6Y6z_wkMwp0HAvKhRk6CkEwUk8qKVNwCxL6hHw/s1600/DSC00262.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIWtIWlnAGt4YpnJY3R555oysDrPYuzKwsgsW2FOi-r3OT1viOjdO5M_BIpZTwradPt0dLw0p9LfkPhX93F5VoVT3G95zZSVdtXvEhB6Y6z_wkMwp0HAvKhRk6CkEwUk8qKVNwCxL6hHw/s400/DSC00262.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488978636273864610" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" >My brother joined us, too.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJvV7uUdH7PRA1dwBODVgi3nq06yw-QvARkJvNVVhY-RCES0z9HF-Vj3ZzaE3OQmusQJJDbWKBrT6tUzFjxO66HwHgR6DAn9lVDkT0q0swqKz9mVJ9kj1YeTMHCkuqKvEzQQPcDstOOII/s1600/DSC00271.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJvV7uUdH7PRA1dwBODVgi3nq06yw-QvARkJvNVVhY-RCES0z9HF-Vj3ZzaE3OQmusQJJDbWKBrT6tUzFjxO66HwHgR6DAn9lVDkT0q0swqKz9mVJ9kj1YeTMHCkuqKvEzQQPcDstOOII/s400/DSC00271.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488978937354423186" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" >We had a horrible time. No fun at all.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" >Also, this past weekend was my company picnic at the zoo. One of my favorite things at our zoo is feeding the goats. Matt was helping this little girl out and sharing some of the food we got for her. It was pretty much adorable.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGcpA7qHolioq9LSyLBwnXFOuA5lZ0FvhSck-JTP6QprhcZW7tvFZa2r_R5GCtBubTyaJE6PR_MTWaBqBQTrwdMBDEuv9Lv8zPdSvC-AGWCvKwRenmOMphKcnrA8ZsnOZwO-LqH1hfSo/s1600/DSC00254.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGcpA7qHolioq9LSyLBwnXFOuA5lZ0FvhSck-JTP6QprhcZW7tvFZa2r_R5GCtBubTyaJE6PR_MTWaBqBQTrwdMBDEuv9Lv8zPdSvC-AGWCvKwRenmOMphKcnrA8ZsnOZwO-LqH1hfSo/s400/DSC00254.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488979590687735842" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" >So adorable.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" >Good weekend for fun. Bad weekend for weight loss.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" >Oh, well. There's always next weekend.</span>Megan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149195887055143880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6222106934458297561.post-9718634462624851482010-06-28T11:18:00.004-05:002010-06-28T11:49:37.031-05:00This is how I feel today<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizp4V9TLnjv_eKXN9H0PHzRuKmDGljtpikwzJ6JREVUCpTXfYwEVhLimJkB8mNLeo48kR5uAPvnm6uXs7nTsVFKDm_Tt9AmiOinBEtXoz9XOZCHOUl7hdZGVFRLJzcynFcCiOmQ8-5Osg/s1600/DSC00258.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizp4V9TLnjv_eKXN9H0PHzRuKmDGljtpikwzJ6JREVUCpTXfYwEVhLimJkB8mNLeo48kR5uAPvnm6uXs7nTsVFKDm_Tt9AmiOinBEtXoz9XOZCHOUl7hdZGVFRLJzcynFcCiOmQ8-5Osg/s400/DSC00258.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487865516436360786" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br />Thanks to a whirlwind of a weekend, this is how I feel this Monday morning: tired, crabby, tired, want to be left alone, tired.<br /><br />So much happened this weekend. It was a ton of fun, but it definitely wore me out. Here's a list of things that happened:<br /><br />1. My company picnic at the zoo.<br />2. Summerfest.<br />3. Not the gym.<br />4. BBQ with the family.<br />4. Spent 12378569784 hours in the sun and have the sunburn to prove it.<br />5. Brewer's game.<br />6. Lots of dog walks.<br />7. No sleep.<br />8. Lots of beer.<br /><br />So, because I just want to be left alone this morning, I'll tell you all about my weekend tomorrow.<br /><br />For now, I have a busy day of counting down the hours until I can sleep.<br /></span><br />Happy Monday!Megan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149195887055143880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6222106934458297561.post-47944322684885034522010-06-24T10:29:00.004-05:002010-06-24T10:36:47.940-05:00Cheese fries ...<span style="font-family:georgia;">... will be the ultimate end to this journey of weight loss. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I just know it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">They're so delicious. So cheesy. So </span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" style="font-family:georgia;">irresistible</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Went to the Brewer's game last night (which they won so it was awesome). I had a small dinner beforehand, but wanted to save some calories for a few beers, so I was still hungry.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">As we're walking to our seats, my nose catches a wiff of the most glorious smell I've ever smelled.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I follow my nose, and it leads me straight to a tall stack of hot waffle fries smothered in gooey, cheese.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I turn to Matt: "Are you hungry? I'll get some waffle fries and we can share them."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:georgia;" >I'll give most of them to Matt. </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">I thought. </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:georgia;" >That way I can have a few and satisfy the graving. I won't eat a ton of them.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Ha. Who was I kidding? It took all my restraint not to lick the cheese off the bottom of the bowl.<br /><br />Note to self: If I don't buy them, I won't eat them.<br /></span>Megan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149195887055143880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6222106934458297561.post-25642399665573315562010-06-23T10:38:00.005-05:002010-06-23T11:05:00.066-05:00What does this even mean?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfl_M5S24sThd6HvEpgqrqM3dyS07SzsYEaABjB9iLG3yFkce8so1ufprS32UXv7NDApW6eu9nShjc610-SwuRq76e_FmfKyd9m8bZpfMTwjHJtq8AdL_PEgLg2Wuja-90hV60EcVJe-g/s1600/DSC00252.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfl_M5S24sThd6HvEpgqrqM3dyS07SzsYEaABjB9iLG3yFkce8so1ufprS32UXv7NDApW6eu9nShjc610-SwuRq76e_FmfKyd9m8bZpfMTwjHJtq8AdL_PEgLg2Wuja-90hV60EcVJe-g/s400/DSC00252.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485994318295716994" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: georgia;">Matt and I were out for my friend, Brianna's birthday on Monday night and he ordered a bottle of beer. Does it mean anything when you order a bottle of beer and it shows up like this, with the label upside down? You know, in a "Find a penny, pick it up" kind of way?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">I think we're about to hit gold. That's my prediction. Stay tuned to find out.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">That same night, we experienced terrible, terrible thunderstorms and were on a tornado watch for most of the night. A tornado actually touched down by the airport and another one a little ways away, taking out quite a few homes.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">I hate tornadoes. That should go back to Oklahoma where they came from and never return.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Ya hear me tornadoes? Get out and stay out!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">As far as the weekend goes, pretty uneventful. Did a lot of sleeping.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3e62JklHDXfxiK-j4lDQgmq2aFOCqtBNGU0rpYrOobJ5P1FMnZQYspysa8smVJmOy3PCaJ1co3crz_1KVOLOn8Ql0oZXAH-o-YTCmcEjlKitd9kc3fMvo4AX6-Dxqmbzh60Bl4WwIbA/s1600/DSC00250.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3e62JklHDXfxiK-j4lDQgmq2aFOCqtBNGU0rpYrOobJ5P1FMnZQYspysa8smVJmOy3PCaJ1co3crz_1KVOLOn8Ql0oZXAH-o-YTCmcEjlKitd9kc3fMvo4AX6-Dxqmbzh60Bl4WwIbA/s400/DSC00250.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485995707242736946" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" >Well, Matt and Jax did a lot of sleeping.</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" >Recently, I've been blessed with the unfortunate skill of not being able to sleep in on weekends anymore. It's torture. So, I'm usually up cleaning, grocery shopping, and going to the gym, and Jax takes my place, leaving me really crabby in the afternoon from lack of sleep.<br /><br />Matt loves when I'm crabby.</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> Just ask him.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">We did have sometime to go out. Friday, went out to a local bar, and I definitely enjoyed myself.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Well, enjoyed myself on Friday. Saturday, was another story. Let's just say I was a little disappointed in myself for enjoying myself so much on Friday.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8H9didusMErG9pLPVARgJB6xcNz8CMzD6GkjpOFEotpoKoQBalnOrJMtYbLMYSNhymzl3zpmX5johwHRr-srwdBT_hdvVJ1LMxsl1GGi-ZZvujlW9M-tKO6vrNcX8dV3h7lG5zst0oco/s1600/DSC00247.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8H9didusMErG9pLPVARgJB6xcNz8CMzD6GkjpOFEotpoKoQBalnOrJMtYbLMYSNhymzl3zpmX5johwHRr-srwdBT_hdvVJ1LMxsl1GGi-ZZvujlW9M-tKO6vrNcX8dV3h7lG5zst0oco/s400/DSC00247.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485998201670707522" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Here's me with my friends Michelle and Megan. We had a blast.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" >On another note, remember last week when I was sick? Well, that darned cough I had turned into a bronchial infection.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" >Believe me, it's as sexy as it sounds.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" >And, always being the coolest kid around, I'm now finding relief in an inhaler several times a day. It's helping the cough, for sure, but it's not helping my cool points.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">As far as the weight goes, I've been working hard and it shows.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">130.6!!!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">I'm really excited to hit below 130. I feel like weighing 12-(insert any number between 0-9, pick something closer to 0 if you love me), is so much less then 130.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">It's like one of those things, like 23 seems so much older than 22.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Know what I'm sayin'?</span>Megan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149195887055143880noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6222106934458297561.post-74282774653028884152010-06-16T11:36:00.002-05:002010-06-16T11:52:51.627-05:00The 134.4 blues<span style="font-family:georgia;">Apparently my body is very comfortable weighing 134.4 pounds.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Weighed myself at the gym yesterday and that’s what I came in at.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">So, just shows I need to step it up, which I haven’t been doing these past few weeks. Also, I haven’t been getting to the gym very much since I wasn’t feeling well last week and over the weekend just decided not to make the time for it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Lesson learned. Priorities re-aligned.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I’m going to try to step it up these next few weeks. I’m officially setting the small goal of being under 130 by the end of June. So, that will require just over a pound for the next three weeks.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I can, no I will do it!!!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Now, just have to practice my restraint before the inevitably tempting Father’s Day brunch.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I’m mentally preparing as we speak.</span>Megan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149195887055143880noreply@blogger.com0