Report Cards

I was not a very strong student academically, however; I did excel socially, which should not be very surprising. In high school at the end of each school semester, I would rush to the mail box and do my best to intercept my report card. I figured that if I knew how many different explanations for poor grades I needed to think up, I would be better prepared when mom and dad found it. Part of my fear came from the unknown fact of what exactly they would do to me, and the other part reflected the fact that I knew I could have done better. Report cards in high school were not always a cause for celebration!

The most recent report card I received, however, needs to be celebrated! This past Tuesday (my birthday) I asked Lana if we could check my progress. In the middle of week three, I lost my privilege to the scale because of my excessive/possessive weight checks. So, not only was I able to weigh in, but we also did some measurements to see the physical changes in my body. I am happy to let you know that I have lost a total of 16 pounds and 10 inches! In 6 weeks and 4 days, I lost 4 inches in my waist. At first, I was expecting “Biggest Loser” results and was disappointed with the “small” numbers. But, now I just smile at the fact that my hard work is starting to pay off, and any number lost is better than nothing.

Tonight, I am boarding a bus full of high school kids at 1:59 am to head to Young Life camp in Oregon. Although I am taking a vacation from Bozeman, it is crucial for me to not take a vacation from losing weight. The food at camp is to die for but not worth gaining the weight that comes with eating it. This week, I will not fall off the band wagon. On top of zip-lining, blobbing, high ropes course, catching some mad rays by the pool, and enjoying time with my high school friends, I will be working out. Every morning before 713 campers wake up, I will be continuing my work outs.

See you later soggy Montana... Hello 70+ degree oasis in the middle of nowhere!

One Less Day

HBTM

Tomorrow I turn 23. My birthday happens every year, but for some reason, this one snuck up on me! It seems like just yesterday I was taking off my ski boots after a long day on the mountain and now it’s the middle of June. Occasionally people ask me, “Serene, how do you do it”? I thought for my birthday blog post, I would share with you 23 tips, tricks, and different ways I find motivation to keep going. As I let you into my bank of secrets, please remember I am far from perfect and miles away from ordinary.
 

23) I love to chew gum. It kills the craving for sweet treats and keeps my mouth occupied, so I don’t want to eat so much.
 

22) I do my best to pack snacks. Carrots, protein bars, or even mixed nuts. That way, McDonald's doesn’t sound as good.
 

21) My new favorite restaurant is Biankinis. Best salad choice in Bozeman!
 

20) Fastest way to burn a lot of calories? Cycle Pump - Tuesday mornings at 9 am.
 

19) Keep your feet in when doing squats. Makes the hips not hurt so badly.
 

18) If you live with people, make sure that they have your back with wanting to change your life style. They can make it or break it.
 

17) Switch it up. Don’t get stuck doing the same thing all the time. When you are repetitive in your work outs, your body gets used to it.
 

16) Stop looking in the mirror. Your eyes don’t see the results as fast as you want; therefore, it’s easy to quit because you don’t look any different.
 

15) Eat. Please don’t forget to eat! When I work out on an empty stomach, I’m worthless. I'm like a fish out of water when I try to work out without eating. Then, when I do, my body thinks it's been starving and holds onto everything I consume.

 

14) My new best friend is my heart rate monitor. I know where I’m at when working out, and half the time it tells me I’m not working hard enough! eek
 

13) I hate running, but I love to ride my bike! Find something that you enjoy. Make your exercise intentional. So, when you do it, break a sweat and work out. It is not all about running.
 

12) Sometimes, when the day is extremely hard, you just need to go to bed early. When it seems impossible, and all you want to do is eat, go to bed.
 

11) Admit it. You are an addict. When your life revolves around food, it is VITAL to understand that you are now living to consume food, not consuming food to have fuel to live.

 

10) Don’t cheat. You are only cheating yourself.
 

9) Take measurements of all different parts of your body. That way, when the scale disappoints you (and it will), you have a reference point to see the change that is really happening despite what the scale might say.
 

8) Learn to spend time alone. Eating/drinking has become such a social thing that when you finally make the commitment to not eat out, you are going to have to say no to a lot of social situations. A way to cope with that is watching Modern Family.
 
7) CELEBRATE! Create a rewards program for yourself. That way, when you have gone six weeks without sugar, you know that something is waiting for you at the end. If you want to reward yourself with food, don’t. That counteracts with everything you are working to lose.
 

6) I love to work out with other people or in group classes. When I work out alone, it is easy for me to quit early, to not push myself the hardest, or to not do it in general.

5) Steer clear from sugar!! Once you can break the habit of eating sweets, the journey gets far better.

4) After my big plea for help concerning salad, I now eat my veggies. And, they don’t even taste as bad as I thought.

3) I go to the gym even when I don’t really want to go. Although I complain (a lot), I am quick to ask for forgiveness and to change my attitude.

2) When people notice that I’m working hard (and say something), I work harder. You motivate me!

1) The number one reason I am doing what I am doing is because of me. I do it for the current me and the future me.

Thank you for making a difference in my life! I owe Lana and the entire Ridge staff a giant thank you! You are all so faithful...

One Less Day

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