Hey there 2012…

And I finally got used to writing 2011 on everything. Oh well, the old brain in my head isn’t always so quick with majors changes like this.

Let’s talk resolutions, yes?

As some may know, I’m not a resolution person. I told a coworker the other day that I resolve not to murder stupid people. This could get tough. But even though I don’t really make resolutions, I always have goals floating around…

If I were to create a real resolution to share with the public, it would be to attend to my blog more. I finally just got a great work-school-friend balance and I could maybe start to sneak in some blog time. But I would much rather spend that time with my friends. I miss all my friends back in Illinois like crazy and got to see them while I was in town for Christmas. But I need to start skyping and g-chatting with them more. Plus my new friends here need Alisa time as well. Luckily I’m on a similar schedule with most of them, so they understand that 9pm is WAAAAAAYYYYYY past my bed time. (Yeah, the loser NYE party ended at 8:30, and most of us were asleep before 10pm.)

So I guess that would be a goal as well, spend more time with my friends. A lot of my Illinois friends and I are planning trips seeing how some even have friends out this way. Guests are always welcome at Casa Alisa (and I will even cook for you!) Also, I want to spend even more time with my new friends and make some great bonds. I feel like I put them on the back burner, because they live close by and I see them all the time.

Did you know that the most popular resolution is to lose weight? Go figure, Obese America wants to lose weight. But as anybody who has seriously worked out knows, most of the resolutionaries will be out of the gym before the end of the month. It’s a shame that as a nation, we provide ourselves with a clean slate and have the opportunity to start a great healthy habit, but we fail.

To avoid the stress of the resolutionaries (seriously, nobody wants to listen to you yap on the phone while slowly walking on my treadmill), my gym buddy and I are taking to the streets. Because of the mild winter, I was able to talk him into running outside for the next few weeks. Let’s hope that it doesn’t get too cold or start snowing, otherwise it will just be me and G-dog. This convincing took more than just a few minutes. He’s a stubborn one. Luckily, the tiny gym will be ours again in a month.

 

Are you a resolution maker? Or at least a new year’s goal maker?

I think they are silly, but to some they are a big kick in the butt they need. A friend is celebrating her two year anniversary of quitting smoking all from a resolution.

What were you New Year’s Eve plans?

I was supposed to get together with a friend, but she cancelled on me last minute. After comparing invites, I decided to get together with some friends that were having an early party. Most of us are in the food industry and had to work over the weekend, so it was a nice relaxing evening and I was in bed well before midnight!

Guinness has a big problem!

She's a snacker. She inherited from her mother (me).

The vet wanted Guinness to lose 2-3 pounds in one year. Not a hefty goal at all. She gained half a pound!

Granted, the vet agrees with me. She does feel muscular and not too flabby. Come on, she runs with me all the time! The girl has to have something good.

But she is still a little bit more than her little legs should hold. We don't want her to get arthritis in her leg joints like her mother.

Just look at those tiny back legs!

So, with the vet's help, G and I discussed her eating habits, quality of food, and snacks. It is clearly apparent that her snacking is what's preventing her from being at her ideal weight. We have a plan on action and are prepared to succeed!

I'm saving some for later.

So what's the point of this post? Well, it's interesting how my pup gained weight with our increase in running. But what's more interesting is the relationship between Guinness and I. I'm plateauing at a much higher weight than I would want and Guinness is gaining weight. What's the dealio? We're both getting hungry because of the increase in mileage and intensity. And... we both need to really pay attention to what we are putting in our bodies.


For Guinness, it's a matter of getting her used to veggies and fruits as snacks. And for me, it's a matter of eliminating sweets as snacks. I love me some fruit and veg, but I still have a fat kid lurking deep inside that craves ice cream and chocolate and chips, oh my! So Guinness and I made a goal and we shook on it. If we are going to have any snacks, no matter the time of day, they have to be produce-centric.

I'm so hungry I could eat a dinosaur. And that's just what I'll do!

Let's see how long this lasts!

The Biggest Loser!

Who out there watches The Biggest Loser??

I just got into this show this season and I am addicted! I feel like I was never heavy enough to get on the show, but I am jealous that these contestants get to work out with top trainers and have all that they need to lose weight provided to them. Plus being surrounded by other struggling people would be so encouraging.

But back to this week's episode. I just watched it today and O. M. G. I was in tears by the end! Now, if you haven't watched the episode, please stop reading HERE and go online and watch it now! I'm voting Jay into the final three, only because I think Irene is there. She's lost a crap ton of weight and has come out of her shell. She smiles and laughs, which she never did in the first few episodes. She looks amazing and has come so far. Jay on the other hand, at 400 pounds he thought he was doing just fine. Something finally clicked with him and he's losing weight. I think he has a lot to lose weight for: his wife, his kids, his grand-kids... He needs to make it his mission to become an example of healthy living.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Hannah is the ultimate winner! I see myself in her. I've let my weight prevent me from getting out there and participating in life. I kept saying to myself that once I lose weight I will finally get into dating. Once I lose weight, I'll be able to travel the world. Once I lose weight... Once I lose weight... Once I lose weight... I want her to win for the confidence boost it will provide. I know she already has the confidence, but she could benefit from that last boost! AND I will get a boost too. Seeing someone else do what I'm trying to do... well, it will just show that it's possible! And, well, I just hope there is a hot girl underneath this fat outfit, just like Hannah had!

Seriously. HOTTIE!

Jut like Hannah, my weight loss journey is about my future. I want to lose weight for my future husband, my future job, my future (fur)kids, my future travels. If I focus on those future goals, I know I will succeed. It's no longer about me, it's about the future. My motto is "Change" and I repeat that is my mantra when I struggle and say it when my goal jeans still won't fit. I have a quote from Winston Churchill that I keep in various places in my life. And I hope that it encourages you in your struggles.

"Attitude is a little thing that makes a BIG difference."

PS - Go check out this chicka who is doing an amazing giveaway for her 500th post! I can't wait until I have 500 posts!