Heather Shrinks in Houston!

[Houston Heather]

Ugh. Killer aspartame withdrawal headache. I had no idea the stuff was so awful!

This is worse than caffeine withdrawal, and I thought that was the worst. Nasty, nasty stuff. I am never consuming it again.

[Houston Heather]

I had to add some of the white powder (aspartame) back in just to avoid more killer headaches... but I am treating the stuff with extreme caution. I want to get away from it as fast as possible!

This morning, I got up at 5 and ran. I had the park to myself, it was really nice and quiet. My endurance is about 95% of what it was before I got sick last week. Good to know I didn't lose much at all.

I went to the used bookstore today and found an old personal trainer textbook. I plan to have fun with it. Ron always says I'm my own best personal trainer.

Oh, and I met another person who
1. Didn't recognize me.
2. Immediately knew I'd lost a lot of weight.
3. Very supportive when I told her how.
4. When I stood up to walk past her, she said "You've been running!" while looking at my legs.

Very nice. Sad but true, she provided plenty of motivation herself. She weighed at least 300 pounds. Too bad Medicare couldn't do some kind of door to door personal training - some weights could really help her out.

Sigh. I can't save the world.

[pennylovesdarren]

You can't save the world Heather but you are an excellent testimony to hardwork, perserverance, discipline, ........ Keep it up!

[Snowman]

Heather ~ Checking in on you, hope your ok!!

[Houston Heather]

Monday I had killer cramps. Ugh. Asprin helps some but it makes me bleed more, TMI, I know.

Tuesday it's up at 5, running around, etc. I ate 2 ounces of peanuts and a couple of low carb slimfast shakes. Real nutrition. Yesterday we got up at 2:45 AM to get a soda delivery, worked, I got paid, we ate at the mall (I had a bunless burger), Walmart, and home. I was pretty wiped out but I haven't done much in the way of workouts, especially weights.

My garage is a roasting hell from about noon to 8 PM. It was a roasting hell. I couldn't workout until about 8 (I'm doing this for my health, which means not being stupid). I took a nap, got up, did housework (DH asked me how many loads of laundry I did a week, he had no idea), waited until 8, did my squats, came in, took a shower, went to bed.

This morning I got up at 5 so I can avoid the hassles of some of the dog-walkers who think it's unfair of me to ask them to control their dogs so I don't get lunged at, nipped, snarled at, etc. when I run. I'd just as soon skip all that, which means getting out of the park by 6:40 at the latest.

I cut it a little close today, and some woman with a terrier just thinks I am absolutely out of line for asking her to hold her dog as I ran by. She laughed as he strained at the end of his leash, snarling and jumping at me. Yeah, real cute, and I'm sure he won't bite. I told her to let him go if she was so certain, but assured her I did sue. I have a right to run unmolested. Just because you think your dog is cute doesn't entitle it to jump on me.

I mean, it's not fair for a person with mental illness, who's trying to get healthy, hasn't even taken the pills yet because they have to be taken with food, to have to deal with this. UGH. I did call her on "letting your dog cr*p all over the place" (she was) so she left pretty quick.

Anyway, I had a good run in spite of that. I ran 7 laps. That's about my speed before I got sick/toxic whatever and when I donated blood. I'm happy with my run.

There's a road near the subdivision, I'm leaning very strongly towards running it during the week. If the sun's up, it's safe. The road's exactly one mile long. Just me and a few trucks. I have a cell phone.

No one ever goes to the park early on the weekends so I'm not worried about that. I'd like to time exactly a mile and see how fast I am. In junior high it was 12 minute miles. In High School, they put me in a "special" PE program that involved lots of slow walking so as not to strain my brain. I'm very uncoordinated but I don't think I was that bad.

But my average run is very good, just hot and humid. The worst issue I've had are the gnats in one section. I'm breathing hard and trying very hard not to inhale a whole colony of the things. Ick.

I need to work on my safety when I'm lifting. I almost got into trouble a few times in the last week, getting "stuck" underneath something that was too heavy for me to lift.

The problem with the standard barbell on the olympic rack is pretty easy to solve. I can bench press 45 pounds (to 50, depending), so I can just put the Olympic barbell on the rack. Easy. Safe.

The squats are a little trickier. I'm using a rack but it only consists of a few bars sticking out a few inches from the side. If I "fail", I have to get myself over there and get the barbell off my shoulders and onto the supports. Hm. How?

Facing towards them? That didn't work last night, I had to slide the barbell onto the floor to get free of it. Facing away? I'll have to practice, that's obvious.

I'm going to learn to fail, and get the barbell safely away from me. Other than that, the weights are progressing nicely. Even when I can't get to them as often as I'd like, I'm either progressing or maintaining.

I lost a quarter inch off my waist this week. I'll take it!

Off I go to do my chest and maybe shoulder weights.

[Houston Heather]

Checking my journal, I realized I've lost an inch off my waist this month, and half an inch off my hips. Whooo hoo!

I did 16 weight workouts (I didn't slack as much as I thought), and 10 cardio workouts (there's the slack).

I'm happy. Considering everything, I did great. Heck, my job is a cardio workout. Tomorrow morning I will be toting around a 50 pound box of candy bars, stocking it into vending machines.

I feel like such a prostitute when I do the candy bars. I KNOW it's terrible, but they're good sellers. We can't not carry them or we'd lose the business.

I just thank God I'm not selling this crud to children....I wouldn't be able to sleep!

[Houston Heather]

I woke up at 5 AM today. We need to go into work today. The trip to work may be challenging... long story.

I wanted my run, but I know if I'm running after 6:30 I'll have problems with obnoxious dog owners. I like a peaceful run = which means getting up early.

I got up while it was still dark and walked to the park. My ankle twinged a little, I was worried because I'd tripped over my weight bench the other day. I was OK, though.

I started running. It was pretty dark, but safe. People were getting ready to leave for various outings and plenty of cars drove by. I felt safe. I did 7 laps.

Giving blood did take away some of my endurance but not much, it took about 2 weeks to get it back. That's not bad. Plus, 3 people are better off because of me. Ron wants to donate again as soon as possible, so I will too.

I came home and had some Diet Mountain Dew. I know, Heather, how could you? Well, I got tired of the headaches [pout]. I had another one yesterday.

I think I may be about to drop a chunk of weight. From what I recall, I'd get bad headaches right before the whoosh.

I'm still 1/4 inch less hippy than I was yesterday! I lost 1/4 inch off my butt!

Time to go do arm and shoulder weights. My spinal erectors (on either side of the spinal cord in the lower back) are a little tender from the barbell bent over rows I did Thursday. No back work today. I'm doing it for my health, after all. I'll do deadlifts and legs tomorrow.

Off I go to lift 'em. Have a good weekend!

[Houston Heather]

I did an hour of weights. At the end of my arm/shoulder workout, I did some forearm exercises.

I had no idea how WEAK they were. I had to use 3 pound dumbells on my last set. I did this: Reverse Curls and later on I'll do these: Wrist Curls

I want to be strong and healthy. I know I won't look like the Hulk if I do some forearm work. My forearms need some work, so I'll do them at the end of arm day and maybe chest day too.

I like tinkering with my program.

I was listening to my techno music and Ron told me "It sounds like Bally's".

[Houston Heather]

We've got a good thunderstorm brewing outside. I lost my first post.

This morning, I'd planned to get up and do deadlifts, but I had a hard time falling asleep. I ended up hitting the snooze button instead of the deadlifts.

Ron really got me though, when he said "Do you want to look like my mother (terrible, obese, very ill) or your aunt Ada (very vibrant and vigorous)?"

I weighed myself. 2 pounds lost! Yeah! Now I was regretting not doing the deadlifts.

We had a trip to Walmart. One thing I realized I needed - new clothes and t-shirts. I have 2 pairs of bermuda shorts that fit, a pair of short-shorts I use for progress photos, a very unflattering elastic-waist short - perfect for doing weights, and 5 or 6 t-shirts. I don't need much 'cause we've got hot temperatures for at least 8 more weeks, who know what I'll weigh/size then?

But I do need more than I have. So I went in. I had planned to get some of the Walmart Seed company tshirts, but (curses) they are all on clearance! Thank God I was able to load up on 2 t-shirts, a pair of drawstring (tshirt fabric) pants (for weed-whacking, etc.), and a cute A-line dress - all in my current size of 16/18. I told Ron they probably went clearance because they have accurate sizing and not the vanity sizing (marking a large as a medium).

For when I lose a little more weight, I got myself 5 tshirts, a pair of drawstring pants, and another dress (12/14).

I got 4 t-shirts (well, Ron did - he bought me $20 worth of clothes on his debit card "Put half of that on my debit card, Heather! ") in the Medium size. I only plan on getting down to a Large but you never know.

EVERYTHING cost $3 each. Oh, it was so wonderful and so awful! Great prices, but clearance! (curse!) I'll never see these clothes again. Such a bummer. The other tshirts weren't my style, either too gloomy, graphics all over the front (I like a nice plain, bright colored t-shirt that's fitted), or that fake maternity top style.

I may hit the sporting goods store in a few weeks - they tend to have very cute tops in my style and color preference.

Tomorrow, I plan to take 2 garbage bags full of "fat clothes" to Salvation Army. Goodbye! I won't be needing you.

I got a great photo taken today of me in a pair of 22W jeans. It was awesome to see how HUGE they were on me. I felt like you could have put 2 of me in them. It ought to be a great photo. I am shameless, terrorizing strangers into taking photos of me. I've almost used up a whole roll, then I'll get 'em up and running.

When we got home, I did the deadlifts, but I had to stop before I did everything I'd planned (leg work). I'd gotten a horrible headache and the garage was awfully hot. I cut it short and laid down for a while.

I'll either finish it tomorrow morning or tomorrow evening. We'll see. I still got 50 minutes in so I'm happy.

Have a good one!

[Houston Heather]

Imminent tropical storm.

I've endured a tornado in Virginia, 7.1 earthquake in California, Tropical Storm Allison, and Hurricane Rita. I have a good disaster kit. I was even able to get to Walmart today.

If we're in for stormy weather, I want my whipped cream thing for dessert tonight. I am battling homicidal urges to murder the man near us who is using the chainsaw. He started up with it right when I laid down for my nap. Grrrrrr. I am not pleased, sleep deprived and groggy.

I took my fat clothes to work today, and it was fun. I showed off my fat pants to everyone (22W) and they all gaped, gasped, and made admiring comments about the weight I've lost. Awesome. I even had someone take a photo of me and Ron both inside one of my old Tshirts. After work, Metrolift took us to a Taco Bell. Ron ate tacos while I rolled my little cart over to the Salvation Army (about 5 minutes in the heat). I had eaten my own, brown bag lunch earlier. They were very appreciative and enjoyed the fat pants show.

I rolled off to Walmart, more like a 10 minute walk in the heat. It's about 90 and really humid and dummy here forgot her hat. I picked up a few cute clearance things at the Walmart and a disposable camera. Heavy whipping cream, bottled water for Ron (he likes the no-carb strawberry water), and he wanted some popcorn too.

I dropped off my camera! So I should be posting pictures on Thursday night. I hope some of them came out, but you never know when you have strangers taking them. I had some wonderful pictures of Ron and me where the guy put his thumb over the lens.

I paid up and rolled back to Taco Bell. So hot. So dizzy. So sweaty! We got picked up fast and came home. As soon as I got home I took a shower, then laid down for my nap which is when chainsaw boy started up.

Our advisories say small dead trees, large dead limbs, and twigs. That's what we've got to deal with. So why is he sawing perfectly healthy limbs off a tree?

God only knows. What kills me is he'll stop, and I'll relax, thinking it's over.. then VVVVRRRRVRRRR.

I think this is going to be worse than the storm.

[Snowman]

Heather ~ I thought of you today when I heard Texas was getting hit with bad storms! STAY SAFE!! Maybe chain saw man wants to cut the tree down before it falls on his house.

WOW, you are still doing AWESOME and I have been such a slacker. I haven't been to the gym in a month and I am paying $85 so I better get my butt there!!

[Houston Heather]

The chainsaw was worse than the storm.

UGH. Today was stressful. I woke up with a bad headache that took forever to leave. Lots of running around, I feel like Ron's being very demanding, impatient, and not very sensitive. The milkman even stood us up. We're trying to get it so he can have digital music on a player, right? You would not believe what a major hassle this has been. I won't go into all the details, but spending 2 hours a day, day after day, trying to get the freaking stuff to work is just a lot! He always needs so much help with everything, it's very hard not to get burned out.

I'm battling a recurrence of depression, too. All I wanted to do was sleep this afternoon. Depressions are bad in that I am far more tempted to eat bad things, I don't have as much motivation to eat properly, AND I have less than zero desire to work out. The good thing about the whole digital music fiasco is I'm so wound up I'm looking forward to a workout.

ACK! I need my weights like a drunk needs a shot of whiskey! I have to do "One more thing, Heather..." first.

Does the man not know the words "Thank you? Go do something nice for yourself, you've been helping me nonstop all day". Except for my nap... oh, it was so hard to get up. I was afraid if I didn't, my headache would come back.

Sorry to be such a whiner... it's just that every bad day I have is ALWAYS a Tuesday.

[Houston Heather]

I turned on my techno-dance station on XM, got on the exercise bike, and did 15 minutes. Then I turned on the music out in the garage. Ron wandered around outside the garage with the music playing and he didn't hear it. I'm a good neighbor. I did 15 minutes on the step to the techno. Great workout for me. My balance isn't that great, I can just get on and off the step without any fancy moves.

Ron came out and congratulated me for "Not looking like that woman on Metrolift".

Don't read any more if you're eating or about to eat, unless it has sugar.

I asked him which one. He said, the obese woman in the wheelchair, with the dressings on her lower legs that were stained with pus and unravelling. Yup, that'll do it.

I went right into my squats after the cardio portion of the program. I got stuck under a heavy barbell last time so I deliberately went light on this workout. Everything got worked and I used perfect form. When I started to weave as I came up, I'd quit.

Then I did leg weights and a little bit of the forearm exercises. All done!

Tomorrow I just plan to run. The nice thing about a powerlifting move like a squat or a deadlift, it works just about every muscle group in the body. I don't need to work legs, abs, back, shoulders, or arms tomorrow. I may do chest but I think it'll be just cardio.

I don't like to plan a whole lot if I'm working, and we have to work tomorrow. The postal workers need their muffins. Literally.

So, I'll get up, run, come home, eat, shower, Sam's club to buy the muffins, take them to work, check on "the kids" (vending machines), then off to IKEA to buy a new seat for my chair. I was so fat that I broke it when I fell on it a few months ago. Talk about embarrassing!

Of course, now I can't wait to share embarrassing stories like breaking the bolts on the toilet seat and cracking the chair when I fell on it. Wait 'till you see my photos, coming Thursday!

Obviously, like it always does, getting my workout made everything all better. I'm beginning to remember this, even.

[Houston Heather]

Today was crazy. I got up, ran for about 20 minutes, and Ron called. Metro had moved up our pickup and I had to get ready NOW. I literally ran home (still got my 30 minutes of cardio, so I'm happy), jumped in the shower, ate, got dressed, and packed a lunch for today.

We went to Sam's club and bought 2 cases of muffins for the postal workers. I know, I'd love to sell bacon and eggs but they want muffins and donuts.

Got those to work and had a crisis with the coffee machine. Ron had to do something to the brewer. While he battled the coffee machine, I stocked the muffins and made sure all the other machines were happy, stocked, and full of change. It was supposed to be my day off, but I am running every day this week.

The only day I have off, I take Ron to the doctor. He needs to have surgery on his good hand, joint replacement arthritis surgery. The good news is the Hand Center does laproscopic surgery, they're the place the doctors and artists go to get "done" so you know they're good. And they take Medicare.

Anyway, ran outside, our ride pulled up, time to go to IKEA. I broke the seat of my "Snille" desk chair when I was fat. I tripped and landed heavily in the chair, causing a crack. It spread, rendering the chair useless. I used another chair but it caused shoulder pain. Not good.

We went to IKEA. Here's where planning comes in handy. Ron likes to wait in the cafeteria. Now, IKEA has a great breakfast for $1 - bacon, eggs, and potatoes. Buy 2 breakfasts, eat the eggs and bacon, toss the potatoes. You'll be full for a nice long time and it's a great low carb meal. But SOMEONE wanted to get muffins into the vending machines so that didn't happen.

Ron got meatballs, baked potatoes, and gravy. I looked around. Pretty much nothing for me. I got a diet soda.

I went shopping, got a cute bookcase for my exercise books - going in the garage, the seat for my chair, a red towel (cute for working out in the "gym"), and a collection of ceramic mugs for 30 cents each.

I started getting low blood sugar when I checked out. I headed for the exit snack bar. All they sell is SUGARY CRAP and hot dogs. I got 4 hot dogs, no bun, and told her how much weight I lost. I took them up to Ron. I sat down and got out my lunch. I had a nice chunk of cheese, 4 strips of bacon, and my hot dogs. I proceeded to eat all of them. Tasty.

I'm still full. Ron left his coat in the cafeteria and didn't realize it until we were blocks away. Our driver went back and I had to chase it down. Aagggh. Then we came home, and I crashed.

Now Ron wants to do accounting stuff. I'm completely exhausted, even after my nap. All I want to do is go back to bed.

I need a day, just for me. A day where I sleep late, exercise, come home, eat, and veg in front of the TV with a couple of good science fiction movies. I have wonderful foods to eat, and the whole day is mine. Bubble bath...

Not "Heather, I think I stepped in cat puke and tracked it all over the floor. Can you come look?"



Unfortunately, we work tomorrow, Friday is doctor day, and Ron wants to work Saturday too. At least I get to go to Walmart tomorrow and get my photos. I'm just whining a little.

I haven't had a single day off this week, and I'd like one. I'm so glad I ran this morning.

One of my forearms is a little sore from those curls, so I'm taking today off weights.

[Houston Heather]

My elbow's acting up today... no weights for me.

I got my photos back:

My back, July 23 2008

[Houston Heather]

I still have weight to lose. Side shots are the most brutal, I think.

Oddly, I'm the happiest with the butt photo.

[Houston Heather]

I told you about the fat pants. I almost had a heart attack when I saw just how HUGE my old size had been. Here's a photo taken a few days ago. Me, and my old size fat pants.




And wearing them:

[Houston Heather]

OK, that's enough torment for one day. Wait! I have to post the most unflattering photo of me!



I feel so vain posting all these photos, but I tell myself it's a good gauge of progress and hopefully inspiring.

[Houston Heather]

I decided the side shot wins "most unflattering". I may carry it with me to remind me why I won't cheat.

Speaking of cheating... we had a ride home from Walmart.

Let me back up. We went to work and went to Walmart. I wanted to look at clothes (a lot of fun now), pick up my photos, and get some groceries. I'm not sure when Ron has his hand surgery but it'll be soon and I KNOW the last thing he'll want to do after surgery is sit at Walmart while I shop.

I got my stuff (a cute t-shirt and some shorts), my groceries, and my photos. Obviously I got the photos...

So, we're on the way home on the Metro van. The driver asks me to put my groceries under the seat because we're picking up another client at another grocery store. Sure enough, it's "Food Town" lady.

We have picked her up at Food Town a few times. She is very heavy, at least upper 400's. She cannot get out of her extra-wide electric wheelchair. Today, it was broken, she had to have her companion and the driver shove her and the electric wheelchair onto the wheelchair lift and around the van.

I can't help looking at the groceries. Maybe 3 pounds of meat, a few eggs, and all crap. Easily, $100 worth of crap. Sugar, white flour, white bread, biscuits, pasta, you name it. All the stuff we give up on Induction, she's eating.

She was talking about food and the meals she has planned... all carbs. She thinks she's eating the right foods. I mentioned briefly a while ago that I'm doing Atkins and it works for me... she said it was unhealthy. How can it be unhealthy to be losing weight and not be a burden on society? How can it be bad to save my own life, my own quality of life, and keep my husband out of a nursing home? She is completely closed-minded so I don't even bother. I see her checking me out - she knows I'm losing weight and getting healthy. She will ask me am I still on that crazy diet and I say yes. And it's like, even if she could lose the weight, what kind of quality of life would she have? Is her body completely shot? Could she ever get out of the wheelchair? I don't know.

So, I've given up on her. When I see her, I take a good look and tell myself "This is why you gave up sugar and trash carbs". If nothing else, she's motivating.

I know it's a completely horrible thing to say, but that's how I do it.

[Jean@125]

Keep up the good work Heather! You can definitely see the difference and the muscle you have worked so hard for. Jeanie

[Houston Heather]

Yay! Thank you, Jean! How's your son doing?

I decided to sleep in today. I got up when I had a dream about chasing off zombies with cigars and banana bread.

I discovered ants in the cat food, so I used the safe spray to kill 'em. Frosty looks a lot happier now. I may try to find some low-carb cat food for the cats. They've been throwing up a lot - otherwise healthy, and another thread made me realize cheap cat food is probably to blame.

My elbow is happy today. I'm going to finally rearrange the orientation of my garage. I want to have the rack and barbells facing "long ways" along the 20 foot depth of the room, not "short ways" across the 10 foot width of the room. "Short ways" can be tricky when you have an 8 foot bar and a 10 foot wide room. I've smacked the wall a few times doing barbell rows and such.

Taking a few days off is good for the weights, I think, I'm eager to get back at it (probably tonight) chest day with back in the middle. Chest exercises, back work, more chest. I love doing barbell rows, I feel so strong!

Ron is always impressed when I can easily lift a 35 pound case of something and put it on his cart.

I had gone up a few pounds, but they're all gone now, along with another half pound. I'm down to 191. Yay again!

Tomorrow I run, maybe deadlifts too.

Great. Ron just told me he's sprouting another neurofibromatosis tumor. They're benign tumors that can sprout anywhere, just under the skin. He thought it was a "pimple" but it's grown to about 3/4 of an inch in diameter. The beard covers it nicely, but it means more surgery. The last one he had was when he was a toddler, it was huge. It looked like a second head, growing on his neck. The scar from the surgery runs the whole side of his neck, about 6 inches long. It never grew back and this one won't either.

I just hate trying to remember all the surgery dates when we see new doctors. I know you can relate, Jean!

I am also SO SO glad we never had children, as his children would have it too. The "Elephant Man" had neurofibromatosis.

Now I'm definitely doing cardio tonight. I'll need it.

[Houston Heather]

Ron has his hand surgery on the 3rd of September, and he sees our doctor about the neurofibroma next week. Since it doubled in size in a month, I'm eager to get it out and over with.

Most of those 100-300 pound tumors you hear about are neurofibromas.

[Snowman]

Heather ~ YOU are doing an amazing job getting healthy!! Look at you in those pictures, AWESOME!! YOU are such an inspiration to me and I am sure others.

Sorry Ron has to have surgery, hope and pray all goes well. Why don't you start thinking now about all the previous surgeries that Ron had and write them down so you are ready when you get to the Dr.

Keep up the GREAT work!!

[Houston Heather]

Thanks Snow!

I always think of my cat when I type that.

Today depression decided to come along and try to kick my butt. I was able to whack it OK with a CoEnzyme Q10 capsule. It worked very well. I'm still kind of "down" though.

I didn't run this morning, too down... I plan to do some step cardio inside the house to my techno (I like that way better than the exercise bike) and then do some one-sided weights in the garage.

My elbow did not like rearranging the garage, but there's still plenty I can do without my left arm. I can even do dumbell deadlifts with my right arm if I keep it, and the dumbell, in line with my center of gravity. I played around with it at work, in the stockroom.

Ugh. I'll get over this. I'm glad Ron's primary care appointment is on Wednesday. Hopefully they can do the excision then, or refer him to someone who can do it quickly.

I'm not the kind of woman who's bothered by a scar. He has a fair amount on his head anyway from the accident. This'll be covered by the beard.

[Houston Heather]

I did 45 minutes on the step in front of the TV, while watching the Sci-fi channel. I had a lot of fun and my heart rate was up at 70%. Perfect.

Of course my mood is vastly improved, too.

Ooops. I just remembered I need to take my pills!

[Houston Heather]

I lost some "inch" today! Quarter inch off the waist and hips. I have a little program I can use to track my weight and it shows I've lost 1.25 inches off my waist and hips in the last month. That's each.

I'm stoked. I'm wearing a pair of exercise shorts - that microfiber fabric with the teeny holes in it, they were on clearance for $5 each. In turquoise. I'll get into turquoise later. I bought 2 sizes, the 16/18 and a 12/14. I'm wearing the 16/18 today.

They're loose enough that the waistband is gapping the the front. Awesome. Now, these shorts do not have flattering lines by any means but they're comfy and turquoise! Perfect for working out.

I'm hovering right around 191. Awesome.

I read a fantastic book years ago Fabulous You. It went into the fact that every woman has her own style. Me, I'm a sporty/romantic. I'd be happy in jeans all day, but I'm not afraid of a dress or a few ruffles either. I could happily shop for my wardrobe at the sporting goods store (I plan to, in fact). Once you know your style type, you stop buying the clothes you think are you and buy stuff that actually works. She goes into why we may buy things in the wrong style, especially if our Moms were a different style type. Great book.

She also goes into the colors that are best for you, no, it's not that "Season" stuff. You already have 3 colors in your wardrobe, that you love and wear all the time. Me, it's Turquoise, I'll buy anything that is sporty or romantic in turquoise, 'cause I'll wear it to death. Also purple... I can't get enough good strong purple. I'd have to go on a hunt to figure out my 3rd color, but you get the idea.

When I see something "cute" in turquoise, I always pick it up. I hate it when my favorite color goes out of fashion for a while. I also do it in smaller sizes if I can afford it. I'm glad purple is coming back. I like a good strong purple, but not plums.

Oh, third color is denimy-blue.

[Houston Heather]

My underwear was giving me a wedgie (am I a gaining on a size 6 now? Time to get rid of the 7's? ) right before I went out in the gym. I reached my left arm back there and yanked it down.

TWINGE! Darn it! I made my elbow mad. That's what DH calls it when his psoriasis acts up and he puts rubbing alcohol on it. The skin revolts and gets very inflamed and scaly - "I made it mad, but it helped with the itch!".

So. How do I do a deadlift/chest/back day with a gimpy elbow? I was stupid, I did 2 sets of deadlifts and just gritted my teeth. The elbow did not like sumo or stiff legged deadlifts, but it didn't seem to mind regular deadlifts. I finally got smart and said "OK, I won't hold a barbell, I'll use a dumbell in the good hand instead". I used a dumbell for the sumo and stiff deads, and the barbell for the standard deadlifts.

I got a FANTASTIC workout - all the butt and thigh muscles were screaming appropriately, no matter what I was lifting. Deadlifts accomplished, I went ahead and did legs because they're a huge muscle group.

I did one-armed dumbell rows in between sets of leg extensions, and chest presses with a dumbell in between sets of hamstring curls. I got most of the main muscle groups with little trauma to the elbow!

The next day I do weighs, I'll focus on arms and shoulders with a dumbell held in the good hand. I'd rather take it a little easy than hurt myself. Boy, I had no idea what I was doing to myself! Poor elbow!

Now it's time to EAT!

Good meal, I forgot to mention that I lost an inch off my ribcage and upper chest. Oddly, not my breasts. So now I'm down another bra size... all 36 band sizes ought to work for me now.

Good thing I'm going to Walmart tomorrow.

[Houston Heather]

Everything from my shoulders down to my thighs feels a little tight today, I really did get a good workout. I had a lot of doubts that I was actually doing anything productive.

Today, my workout will consist of lawn-mowing and 30 minutes of indoor cardio - my step in front of the TV. I don't do a Step program, I just watch regular TV while I go up and down off the step. My heart rate gets right up to 70% so it's good.

We went to work for a couple of hours, then Walmart and home. Today I tried on 2 pair of size 14 bermuda shorts and BOTH FIT. I am calling 14, even though I'm still a little big on the size charts. About 1.75 inches to be precise. Still, I used Walmart sizes for my guide when I started so according to them, I'm a 14.

I've eaten really well today, a great feeling. I bought some more sugar snap peas. I love to eat them in front of the TV. They're really crunchy and tasty.

Work went well. I need to buy a lot of candy tomorrow for the vending machines. I'll make sure to eat a big breakfast so I'm not tempted while I'm stocking.

Tonight I have to file an online accounting report, mow the yard, and cook up cube steaks. I have to do the last 2 when it gets cooler.

I also had a great nap. I was tired all day, but I feel great now.

[Houston Heather]

I was digging around in my closet for something and I opened my smaller underwear drawer. My 7's are getting loose, why not try on some 6's?

I'm wearing them now. They fit great. More after my step workout.

[Houston Heather]

Today went pretty well. I'm getting a good reputation at the milk company as "The Nice lady who hands out Dr Peppers". We offer our paratransit drivers a bottle of water, Dr Pepper, or Coke when we have a trip that starts or ends at home. Dr Pepper is the number one drink here in Houston.

So, when it's not Clifton, I take a Dr Pepper out for the milkman. We got our order today and it was correct, but they put it on the wrong truck so it was about an hour late. Not too bad considering.

Today was one of the challenging days because it was candy day. I had to go to Sam's Club, buy $200 worth of candy, and put it in the machines. Not fun for a sugar junkie! People were buying the gumballs as soon as I stocked them. I had to pick up some cases for Ron and my elbow didn't like it. It doesn't hurt unless I am picking something up, so I try to keep that to a minimum.

It was a rainy day today so we came home after work. I had a good nap.

When I got up, I did my workout and ate my dinner.

I also made the happy discovery that the old size 6's fit me great. I'm glad I saved them.

That'll save me about $10 when I get paid, not having to buy new underwear. I'll use it to buy another pair of 14s!