New Body Weekly Weigh: Weeks 3,4,5 // Feeling Good

I'm not as far as I would like to be. And I skipped two weeks because I felt like there was no progress. But, that's why I haven't been posting. I honestly love the musical I'm in, but it is taking a lot of time. I kinda can't wait for it to be over, so I can add more to my workout! Because this body needs some more "stress". My couch 2 5K plan is getting much easier. The first time I tried doing this, I only got to week 2, because it was just "too hard." This time around, I feel like I could run just a little bit longer and go a little bit further. I think I caught the running bug. I actually like love running! It's therapeutic, but I think the reason I like it because it is competition. I know, it's with myself, but that's the best kind. When I beat my times and feel invincible with former self, it just makes my run that much more enjoyable. Any runners agree with me??

Ok, here are my previous stats:
Last Weeks Goals (2 Weeks Ago):

• Finish Week 2 of Couch to 5K  - I finished week 2 and 3! (even though it took me a little while)
• No Pop (repeat) - I didn't completely do this, but I've limited my pop intake to once a week, this usually occurs on Saturday or Sunday.
• Go to bed earlier (repeat) -  I'm taking this off the list for awhile, with rehearsals, I'm not getting to bed till fairly late.

Let's see my progress:

(The differences are a comparison to last week)

Weight: 163 (+1) - But, yesterday morning I was 158. My weight fluctuates quite a bit! I think I may start weighing myself in the mornings??

Waist Measurements: 35 ½" (down 4½ ") I must be gaining muscle weight!! 

Hip Measurements: 41" (down ½")

Thigh Measurements: 20" (down 1½")

Upper Arm Measurements: 11 ¾" (down ¼")

Weekly Goals

• Finish Week 4 of Couch to 5K
• Add some other physical activity at least 2x a week
• Drink 8-8oz glasses of water/daily

Well I can say that the running is helping! My mom kept saying I looked slimmer. Woman cannot live by scale alone!

Here's a reminder of my monthly/yearly goals!

Over all Body Goals for 2012:

• Run a half marathon: Lincoln Half Marathon 5/12
• Goal weight: 125 8/12
• Wear a size 4

January Goals:

• Go vegan
• Be able to run 2 miles
• Lose 10 lbs

Since this is my last weigh-in in January let's review these three goals! I am almost 100% vegan. It's the weekends that kill me! But during the week I'm very good at sticking to the plan!

I am not able to run continuously 2 miles. But my run/walk gets me to 1.95 miles so I say again, I'm very close!

Well, I didn't lose any weight, since week 1, I've actually gained 5. But, I know if I stick with running and adding some other sort of workout routine, I will be losing in no time! 

February Goals:

• Sign up for at least 2 races
• Add another workout routine
• Lose 10 lbs

Don't forget, you can add me on sparkpeople: renwashere

and dailymile

Here's some Ferris Bueller Love:

Thanks for reading! How did your January Goals go??

Lauren aka Ren

Things I... v3 (Running Edition)

This is all about running! It's my new love. I thought the couch 2 5K would just kick my behind! But, I'm actually enjoying it! 


Bought at Target (for running):

Target was having a sale on their workout clothes. So, I took some of my Christmas money and went to town! Here's one of my outfits!

Want (for running):

• I really want these Nike shoes from Famous Footwear (they just need to go on sale!!)
• Subscriptions to Women's Running and Runner's World
• These books on kindle: Runner's World Essential Guides - Weightloss, Runner's World Complete Book of Women's Running, Runner's World Essential Guides - Fast Fuel, Half-Marathon Running, and The Nonrunner's Marathon Guide for Women  

found on famousfootwear.com

Need (for running):
I need ipod holder so I can run without putting things in my pocket! Any suggestions??

Listen To (for running):

• Moves Like Jagger - Adam Levine and Christina Aguillera
• Without You - Usher

What are some of your running gear, faves, loves, I also need some advice on eating vegan while running! Thanks for stopping by!

The Care and Keeping of Friends

{{image via}} 

"Keep your friendships in repair."

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

I've had a lot of disappointment in my life. A lot of it has been my own wrong doing. And just recently have I realized that it really is me.


I know, those are harsh words for a beginning of a post, but I'm realizing brutal honesty is always the best policy...


My newest revelation! I'm not a good friend. I'm going to let that sink in for a minute. You are probably thinking, wow, this girl is crazy!?! Um, probably. (heehee)


Let me expand. In the past, I've gone on rants of how I feel mistreated and abandoned, and that people just don't know how to treat me right. And, then, it hit me! If it keeps happening over and over again, maybe I am really part of the problem.


How can I complain about how other people treat me when I'm hit-or-missing the ball. Here are my self realizations:


1. I complain that people never call me and that people are always forgetting or changing their plans with me. I DO THE SAME THING! If I don't feel like hanging out, I will cancel. Period. A lot of times I just don't give a (you know what). I really don't. It's not that I don't care about that other person, but I just don't feel like taking time out of my day to make time for them (wow, honesty is hard). And, I'm not one to call people. I do occasionally, but that's when I seem to get hurt.


2. I get too excited when people ask to hang out, and then become very upset when said people cancel the plans. Because I do live at home, and I don't have a car, and right now I'm not enjoying life to it's fullest (friends, job, etc.) I do get overly excited when someone I haven't heard from in awhile or who has previously put me under the bus asks to hang out. But, I betcha people feel the same way when I've done the same thing to them!


3. I would rather not call anyone and feel sorry for myself then put myself out there and get my feelings hurt. That is somehow completely backwards! How does that even work? So, there's a fifty-fifty chance the other person will say no, but there's that other half where they say yes. So, feeling sorry for myself all the time is going to make a difference?? Wow, I have some messed up psyche!


4. I dwell on the negative. Enough said.




10 Things I Can Do To Change That:


1. Truly forgive the people who have hurt me, intentionally and unintentionally. There's no need to go up to that person and say, "I forgive you for that one time you blew me off." Just move on. Carrying around bitterness isn't fun, or healthy.


2. Don't give up. Don't give up to try and reaching that one out of touch friend. Only throw in the towel, when you feel like you've done everything.


3. Don't flake out. Simple as that. If you do have to change plans, make sure you've already set new ones. No one wants a flaky friend!


4. Remember birthdays! I'm horrible at this one. Every year I say, I will remember birthdays and try and send them something special in the mail. If I'm bad at sending mail period, what will make me send cards? (Another post on this one later)


5. Be more intentional about calling or texting. If I say I'm going to do it, just do it!


6. Plan events. Have a game night at a local coffee shop. Plan a movie outing. Laser quest anyone?


7. When a friend is going through something, truly be there for them. Make them a break up kit, help them bake those 10 thousand cookies, give them a literal shoulder to cry on, etc.


8. Find hobbies that correlate with your friends. Start reading a book together, running together, making food together, have pinterest parties!


9.  Even if a friend is awful to you (then they probably aren't a friend in the first place), don't talk about them. It's not fair to them, and it's not fair to your integrity. I know I've done this before, but, it doesn't get me anywhere.


10. Send words of encouragement. Emails, letters, texts, yes even Facebook posts or messages.


That's it. None of these caused any harm or damage. What are some other things you can do to preserve and cultivate friendships! I'd love to hear from you!

Veganize Me

So, I did it, I went back to vegan. I know what your you're thinking! "Lauren, haven't you tried this like 3 times, what makes this time different?" Well, let me answer that for you!

It's not different. I'm just sick of not feeling well, and I'm sick of the pizza, pop, and too much sugar. Sugar in moderation is great! But, I've just been eating and eating and eating.

I just popped in to tell you a little of what's been going in my world. Also, Weigh-In is moving to Tuesdays! See you in the morning!

Things I... v2

Purchased:

• This week I made a lot of purchases with christmas money! I bought tons of sewing supplies and the items for my skirt! I haven't made any progress this week because I've been sooooooooo busy, but I have a whole Saturday afternoon to work on the muslin and maybe start the actual skirt!
• I just bought some brand new running clothes at Target (pronouced Tarjay)! I kept making excuses for not running. One of them was I didn't have the proper clothing. Can't make that excuse anymore. I'm so glad for Christmas monies!

Listened:

• Little Shop of Horrors of course! I'm starting to really learn the music. This is a "new" musical for me. I had never seen it or spent time listening to the music. 

Watched: 

• Glee and still watching Felicity. I'm on season 4! Finally, but I'm not sure if I'm enjoying it as much as I enjoyed the first two seasons.

Reading:

• Matched! It's pretty good. I'm finally about half-way through! Finally right?
• I'm also reading The Money Book for the Young, Broke, and Fabulous by Suzie Orman. It's really good. I'm following the steps on checking my credit reports. It's a lot of work, but totally worth it.
• I'm also reading this new blog I found! And Then She Saved. She talks about how she got out of debt in a year! I think I can do this. But, I can't spend. Then one year she only gave herself 100 bucks for the month. I think I'm going to modify it and only spend 25-50 starting in February! This will be exciting!

What have you been up to?

Welcome New Readers // Housekeeping

First off, I would like to welcome all my new readers! Welcome, if you've stopped by from Along for the Ride, A is for Ampersand, or Wild Olive, let me know! Or if you've just stumbled on my blog, let me know that too!

So, why did I miss my weigh-in weekly post? I've been so busy. I need to work at setting them up on Sunday nights. I haven't had any time to run! But, I'm not going to let the cold and snow stop me. Tomorrow I will get up and run! No matter what. 

Why have I been so busy?? I've been working on this:

I'm a little bit behind, but I've prepared my material and pattern. I just need to make a muslin! That will happen either tonight or tomorrow after I run!

I'm currently working on that skirt! I have the coolest cotton material! I will share it with you soon and the progress!

And this:

image via google images

Did I mention I'm in a local production of "Little Shop of Horrors?" I'm playing the part of one of the "doowop" girls! I'm so excited! It's a lot of work. I'm currently listening to the soundtrack, so much music to memorize!

Alright, I got to get back to researching! For what? I will let you know soon! Have a fantastic Wednesday. Weekly weigh-in will happen this week as well!

Lauren

Things I... v.1 (NEW FEATURE)

Hello! Are you enjoying my weekly weigh-in posts? My mom told me last week: "You're going to have to keep up with that, if you've promised your readers." I love my mom! Today she asked me if I posted, I wanted to say, "Go and see!" But instead, I said, "Yes I did." Well, slowly I'm delving back into the blogosphere (apparently that's a real word!), so I will be adding bit by bit as the weeks and months unfold. I have so many awesome ideas and plans, but my biggest goal in life is to find a job and a car... But, that will not let me neglect my blog, I'm even sponsoring two blogs this month! Mollie Johanson over at WildOlive and Amy Morby over at A is for Ampersand.

Now to the main event!!

This new feature is all about things I've discovered, seen, watched, listened too, read,  pined over, create, challenged me, etc.

This Week:

Am Listening Too:
-Fleet Foxes' and Coldplay's new albums! Have you heard them yet? They are fantastic. I just love music.
-To the ringing in my head. According to John Tesh, this means I've suffered hearing loss, and if I don't get it checked out, there could be trouble lurking ahead.

Am Watching:
-He's Just Not That into You with my sister over the weekend. I could watch this movie over and over and over, I think you get the point.
-I'm on the third season of Felicity on Netflix. It's getting a bit repetitive, but I'm hoping season 4 looks up!

Am Reading:
-Matched, I've had this book since before Thanksgiving (I believe I bought it around my birthday), and I'm just now starting to pick it up (again). It's a gripping novel so far. I hope it ends well, or keeps me hanging lol. But, I'm not sure it will match up with "The Hunger Games" (see what I did there, I used the word "match?")

Am Thinking About:
Ashley over at After Nine to Five has a great post on "How To Build Relationships With Other Bloggers." It really got me thinking and it's a great inspiration on making sure you are putting the effort into others blogs as you do your own.
This adventure guide over at srslyliz! What a great way to create a bucket list! I think I may link up this!

Want To Do:
Rhinestones and Telephones is doing a sew-along to the Colette Sewing Handbook. My first goal of the year is to better my sewing skills! I have the sewing machine, and the book! So, let's get started!

Also, Suzie over at Su Sews So-So, is doing a 12 in 2012 when it comes to sewing! I think it's a brilliant idea! I think I will link to it!

Speaking of sewing! Tilly and the Buttons is teaching us how to sew!! I'm so intimidated by sewing and the *whisper* "sewing machine! But, not for long, there are too many resources out there not to be intimidated! Now, it's about the time and the drive! 

Then of course there is the Craftsy Free Block of the Month Club! This is where you learn essentially how to quilt! I've always wanted to quilt, so this is awesome. Even if I can't start right away, I can save this for a future sewing project!

And let's not forget my embroidery endeavors. I let that fall by the wayside. I just need to spend less time surfing the net, and more time crafting, with Netflix or Hulu on in the background of course!

Feeling Stitchy always has a monthly stitch-a-long that I'm usually too intimidated to work on a embroidery project, but I need to just not live in fear, in everything I do!

Of course there is the sew weekly challenges. I'm not ready to sew an item a week, but I think I will try and incorporate my other sewing goals into this! TOO MANY SEWING THINGS!

Things I want to make:

• New Sew Pincushion by Lizzy Pancakes
• Delightfully Tacky's DIY Tassel Garland

New Body Weekly Weigh In: Week 2 // Hiccups

Remember this post? I can't believe it was a week ago, it feels like ages ago. As much as I didn't want to post today, I need the accountability, and to see my growth. I'm worn out! And the sad thing is, I haven't merited much for being this worn out!
Ok, I know you're dying to see how my week went! Let's look at last weeks goals and see how I did!


Last Weeks Goals

• Finish Week 1 of Couch to 5K
• No pop
• Go to bed early

Well, I completed the first one just fine. (I actually completed it today, but it only took me a week). The first day was hard, but not impossible, the second day I felt great. And today's was amazing. I felt invigorated afterwords, I wasn't out of breath like I usually am, and I was able to run harder! On to week 2!!

The no pop went great until this past weekend. We had a youth lock-in at church, and since I'm a youth leader, you know I was there. Amongst the games of apples to apples and the mechanical bull rides, I thought it would be a great idea to have 2 cans of sprite, 1 can of pepsi, and 1/2 bottle of diet dr pepper. Plus, this weekend was filled with chips (junk), pizza x 3 (junk), and tons of cookies! WHAT AM I DOING?

I started off going to sleep before 11, but it got worse as the weeks went on. So, that will be another goal until I can at least go 5-6 days in bed before or by 11.

So, I'm afraid to weigh myself or take measurements! Here goes:

STATS:

Weight: 162 (+4)  :( 

Waist Measurements: 39 (no change!)

Hip Measurements: 41 ½" (down ½")

Thigh Measurements: 21 ½" (up 1")

Upper Arm Measurements: 12" (up ½")

Here are the goals once again!

sorry for fuzziness. will find better way to capture pictures!

Over all Body Goals for 2012:

• Run a half marathon: Lincoln Half Marathon 5/12
• Goal weight: 125 8/12
• Wear a size 4

January Goals:

• Go vegan
• Be able to run 2 miles
• Lose 10 lbs

Weekly Goals

• Finish Week 2 of Couch to 5K
• No Pop (repeat)
• Go to bed earlier (repeat)

Don't forget you can follow my progress on active.com (username: lmwilliams2009) or on sparkpeople.com (username: renwashere). I'm still updating my sparkpeople.com pages, but I'm getting there. Don't you hate it when life gets in the way?

How are you doing with your goals? Don't give up! Life is too short! Have a great week!
(Again, more pictures will be added when my phone and computer start to cooperate!)

My 10 Favorite Characters/TV Personalities

Counting down to my most favorite, here are my favorites:

10. Bob Harper from The Biggest Loser

 The Biggest Loser is one of my favorite shows. I love how people's lives are changed with this show.

Bob is a great motivator. This show is also great to watch while working out! Try it sometime!

9. Joan Holloway from Mad Men

If you haven't seen this show, watch it! I love this show, the fashion, the decor, the sixties in all it's splendor. Joan's character is strong and she doesn't let people boss her around.

8. All the characters from Parenthood

Best drama on tv right now! All the characters are so complex and believable.

7. Kelly Kapour from The Office

Um hello, she just wrote a memoir. Ok, not Kelly but Mindy Kaling who plays her did, and she's also a writer and co-producer of The Office. I still watch it, but it's not the same with out Michael Scott.

6. Lemon from Hart of Dixie

Lemon has AMAZING FASHION and there's one dress in particular that I want to find, or make. And even though she can be pretty mean to the main character, she has so much "character" and she does have a heart. Haha what a great play on words!

5. Phil from Modern Family

This one was hard, because I love Modern Family, and there are so many great characters. But, Phil, makes me laugh the most.

4. Every Character from Parks and Rec

 I just can't pick one. I absolutely adore them all. This show is one of the best shows out there!

3. Marshall from How I Met Your Mother

I love Jason Segel! He just did the new Muppet movie! Pure genius. And, he brings nothing less to HIMYM! We will forgive his Forgetting Sarah Marshall stint! 

2. Barney Stinson from How I Met Your Mother

He is legen.. wait for it... dary!

1. Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory

No words needed!

What are you favorites??

All images found via google images!

New Body Weekly Weigh In: Week 1 v.1 (updated)

I'm so sick and tired of being overweight, uncomfortable, having a non-active lifestyle, and being unfit. So, I'm making a change. I have just a few goals this year. 8 to be exact. And I shared them with you yesterday. But, one of them is to run a half marathon in May (I signed up on Dec. 20). In order to run a marathon, I'm going to need a body capable of running one. Thus, here is my newest weekly post: Weekly Weigh In! Each week I will share my real weight, a picture of my progress, how my marathon training is going, and what I'm doing this week to change my bad habits (drinking soda and sugar coffees, eating junk, eating meat and dairy) into good habits (drinking lots and lots of water, eating good for me stuff, eating vegan). Vegan is the only way for me to go. Since I've incorporated meat and dairy back into my diet, my stomach has been going hay wire. And I'm so sick of not feeling well.

Here are the stats for week!! I will be sharing my measurements the first monday of each month to track my progress.

STATS:

 Weight: 158
Waist measurements: 39"
Hip measurements: 42"
Thigh measurements: 20 ½"
Upper Arm measurements: 11 ½"


Over all Body Goals for 2012:

• Goal weight: 125 8/12
• Run a half marathon: Lincoln Half Marathon 5/12
• Wear a size 4

January Goals:

• Go vegan
• Be able to run 2 miles
• Lose 10 lbs

Weekly Goals

• Finish Week 1 of Couch to 5K
• No Pop
• Go to bed earlier

How am I tracking everything?? I'm using SparkPeople.com. One of my favorite websites. I can track all of my stats, plan meals, conquer goals, meet like minded people, join communities, create workouts, plus so much more. I'm also using active.com! My username is lmwilliams2009. If you use Sparkpeople.com or active.com you should add me! My user name is: RENWASHERE. If not, click the button and learn more!


Don't worry, I'll share this button each week! I hope you all had a wonderful New Years Day! Do you have any body goals for 2012? If so, what are they??

PS, I will add pics too. My internet is being slow!

12 in '12

2012 is going to be my year!

My goals aren't too daunting, and some of them are repeats!

I only have 12 goals, and I hope to tackle one each month. 

1) Master basic sewing techniques

2) Take a knitting class

3) Fix up my bike

4) Start an etsy business to earn money for missions

5) Run a 1/2 marathon

6) Be out of debt

7) Be accepted into a YWAM program

8) Organize room

9) Be in YWAM program

10) Complete 20 crochet projects

11) Lose weight

12) Read 12 books

What are your goals??

I would love for you to link up or share!!

Happy New Year!

Happy Twenty-Twelve

{{via}}

This year, I can just feel it, it's going to a great year of change and transition. I spent the last few days of 2011 cleaning and organizing, purging and recycling, pondering and questioning all of my random items. I'm trying to live a less cluttered life, and I thought the things I physically owned would be a great way to end the year. 2011 has been a pretty crappy year for me all in all. I can't change the past, but I can plan and prepare for the future. I usually have a ton of goals that are hard to accomplish, but, I've simplified it. Made it so I can breathe. Being broke with no transportation isn't great, but being blessed is! So, out with old, in with the new.

Happy New Year!

Later today I will share my goals for 2012. Only 12, simple and attainable. What are you planning? How did you ring in 2012? I will tell you all about mine later!