I'm back...finally!

Okay...shame on me. I haven't blogged since the week of finals, and that was two weeks ago. Along with my disappearance, I have been off track as well and gained 5 pounds...all the yummy, yet horrible, home cooking. But this morning, I woke up, cooked two egg whites (with one yolk), added plenty of tomatoes and green and white onions. YUM! So i feel really good about my choices this morning, and I tracked for the first time in a few days. I am determined to stay on the wagon this summer and not fall off and turn around like I did last summer.
I feel like once this internship starts I will be more focused as I will have my own refrigerator stocked with my food ONLY, and I'll have access to a gym and a walkable campus. My neighborhood isn't the best, and there are no sidewalks, so I have to exercise inside which gets to be boring after a while. I know, i know...excuses, excuses. My I'm glad to have my motivation back. I wanted to be either a size or two smaller by my birthday which is next Thursday, however, I have fallen a little short of that goal. But that's okay...my clothes are fitting much looser, so I'm happy about that. You can't always focus on your disappointments. At least, I can't...I have to find a positive in everything.
Well, life in little ol' Pascagoula has been not so interesting since I've been home. I've been to a few movies, a new Mexican restaurant (the chicken quesadilla had to have been 20 points!), hung out with friends, and baby sat my baby cousin -- he's so adorable! But sometimes, the simple life is just fine with me, especially after a school year of complexity!
I am really excited about my birthday. I will be 20 years old, and my dad is getting a room for me, my sister, and two of my friends at the Imperial Palace in Biloxi. It's one of the nicest hotels! And what's great about Biloxi is that we can walk everywhere!!!
Well, I have a lot of work to get done, so I guess I should stop blogging.
Bye.

Weigh-in Day...and thoughts!

Okay, so I was disappointed when I first got on the scale this morning. It said 269.4, but I got back on right before I left for my final exam...266.6. I got back on a few more times to make sure that was the correct weight...and IT WAS! yay!

So now, I'm totally motivated and excited. That's a big loss...5 pounds! WW online wags its finger at losing more than 2 lbs/week, but at the meetings, my leader would congratulate big losses. I guess as long as you do not lose more than 2 lbs/week over a long period of time.

Well, I am challenging myself NOT to use exams as an excuse for me to pig out and gain for next week's weigh-in. As a matter of fact, I'm going to try to go to the gym after every exam this week...except today. I need to use today to write a paper for my economic problems class.

So, I hope whoever is reading this blog is enjoying the music...if it's annoying, just pause it! I just thought since this blog is about me, how I feel, and what I like/dislike, I would put up the music that I like. Most of it's TLC, but I will probably put up some more at another time.

Random thought: My first exam was in my racial minorities class, and the essay and short answer questions were SO much easier than the multiple choice questions.

Anyhow, the more I get into sociology, the more and more I love it. You can apply it to almost everything...Sociology of Sports course??? okay then! I've been analyzing all the music I listen to lately...don't judge me (tee hee). I don't know if I've mentioned it before, but I plan on going to a School of Public Health to get a Master's in Public Health Education and Behavioral Science. There are so many sociological factors that go into what choices people make (such as eating habits, sexual behavior, exercise), and I can't wait to dive into the study and application of it all...i'm a nerd, sorry! College is such a great place to be, there is so much at your fingertips...of course, being in Starkville, MS isn't like being in ATL (which is where I want to go after here...Emory University, baby!). My internship this summer in Mobile should give me good insight into actual research and working with people of interest...super excited.

Now, back to music...music is such a creative outlet! Hopefully, you've at least listened to the first song playing on my page. It's called "Sumthin Wicked This Way Comes" by TLC (Andre 3000 from Outkast raps at the beginning). It's talking about gangs, people judging others, the ways of the world, nostalgia to how it used to be. I wish more artists would focus on making people aware of the bad things going on. Yeah, it's a fact that police usually go after black and Hispanic people; if you have money, you can afford cars, clothes, a big house, bling; and if you have the right looks or ASSets, you can take somebody's man. But there is so much more going on in America. AIDS is still out of control, people are losing homes and jobs, teenage pregnancy is spiraling out of control (so apparently, more people need to advertise condoms...a lot of people are surprised to hear me condone condom use because I'm Catholic; of course, I think people should chaste, but if you just can't control yourself, use protection!), bullying is showing nasty side effects (all these children committing suicide...a child? Taking his/her own life because of emotional pain? We've got to do something), gangs are still prevalent, I don't know what has happened to girls' self esteem (you can be proud of your body, but leave somethin to the imagination...don't just let it all hang out and get mad at a guy for staring or touching), and music videos are getting out of control! I have never seen so much violence and booty in my life. Music artists have so much influence, especially on the youth, that they can do so much good. While it's ideally the family that controls how a child comes out, some children look to peers or their idols for what is right...why not point them in the right (or at least, the most constructive) way? Poor babies...they...we (people my age, too) are lost to the whims of a progressive society moving on a not-the-best path.

What do you think about the entertainment industry and its effect on today's youth (4-23 yrs)?

the TRUTH shall set you free...right?

Okay, I decided to actually say my actual weight (I know I have the little tracker at the top of my blog, but I think I need to actually say it...or write it).
Last year, in January, I got on my scale, and it read 278.4. I was devastated! I did not know I had let my weight get THAT out of control. So I started Weight Watchers online, and lost 11 pounds in about 2 months...then Spring Break came, and I stopped counting points...for the rest of the year. I guess I wasn't that determined.
So, January rolls around this year, and I step on the scale...288.8

Well, that settled it...I had to do something. I was only 11.2 lbs from 300 lbs.

So yay! I started Weight Watchers online again...and haven't looked back since. I went through Spring Break...I didn't count points all the time, but I watched portions and used hunger signals. I had lost .6 when I got back to school...not great, but better than gaining. So the week of Easter I had lost 20 lbs exactly.

The two weeks after Easter, however, I had gotten out of the habit of going to the gym. I also wasn't counting all the time. I gained about 4 pounds (but I think I was retaining water, too).

I've pretty much gotten back on track. I've lost the 4 lbs + 1, so that's good. But I hate I'm not exercising like I should be. I walk to class, but that's about it. I think all the stress of finals is weighing me down...i take like a 3 hour nap ALMOST everyday after class...that can't be good.

So my actual (not official, since it's not my weigh-in day yet) weight is 266.6. 22.2 lbs gone...I've lost it pretty slow, but that's better than going towards 300. People, without me even asking, say they can tell. So that feels great! I've noticed some extra room in my clothes, not to the point where I need to buy new clothes, but a little.

Usually, I would be so embarrassed to tell my weight to people; but I feel like my current weight is something to be proud of. Can't wait til actual weigh-in day so I can call the folks!

Well, now that I've talked about weight, I would like to move on to something else. I have fallen so back in love with TLC (the greatest girl group of all time, not the TV network...RIP Lisa "Left-Eye" Lopes). I've bought so many of their songs on iTunes. They speak on so many things outside of relationships (which is usual r&b), but I was researching them, and they were a part of the New Jack Swing movement. New Jack Swing combined jazz, r&b, rap, and pop. Genius!

But I particularly love "His Story," "Sumthin Wicked This Way Comes," "Creep," "Waterfalls," "Ain't 2 Proud 2 Beg (lol)," "Case of the Fake People," "What About Your Friends," "Hat 2 the Back," "Baby Baby Baby," "Silly Ho," and pretty much everything else they made. I really can't think of any of their songs I don't like. Even their more current songs (2002) were good. I suggest to anybody reading this to go check out the aforementioned songs on Youtube. And T-boz has a new album coming out some time in the future/near future...Lil Wayne's on the song called Rebel Yell. Chilli was doin somethin'...I remember a song called Dumb Dumb Dumb, but I know if they ever released it. Left-Eye's "Eye Legacy" came out this January. The songs are fine to me, but that may be becaused I'm biased and I support TLC no matter what (some critics gave it a bad review). But I love "Let's Just Do It," "Spread Your Wings," and "Through the Pain" (you should check those out, too).

I don't wanna make it sound like I only like TLC. I loved almost all the music during the 90s except Country and Heavy Metal....I also wasn't a big fan of Gangsta Rap (some of it was okay). But I do love Taylor Swift!

Okay, that's enough for right now. I have to wash my clothes and hair...be back later, hopefully, after studying. Gee, no fun this weekend.

slightly interested?

Do you ever have those days where you're slightly interested in everything. you have like a million (okay, not a million, but at least 4) tabs open on your internet browser, because you're only half-way interested in what's on every tab.
Well today is that day for me.
I was only half-interested in:

• my lunch of chick-fil-a chicknstrips
• my facebook
• even now in my philosophy class (which i'm usually never interested in) with this discussion on robotics and the mind

Maybe that has something to do with the fast-pacedness of society nowadays. Everything is so fast, so easily-accessed, how could we possibly concentrate on any one thing all the time?

Okay, I'm noticing that nothing I am talking about has to do with weight loss or the journey, but today, I'm on a totally different tangent. I've been notably nostalgic for the 90s lately (such a great time in social history for kids and teens). I loved just about everything about the 90s especially music and television. Now a lot, not all, but still a lot is crap.

I, the budding sociologist that I am, did a little experiment on myself that I want to try with my friends one day. I made an "ol skool" playlist where all the music was pre-2000 and a NOW playlist with music from 2000 til now. I wanted to see how many times I listened to the different songs from each playlist. The songs on the ol skool playlist had way higher play count numbers (quantitative), and I definitely jammed harder to the ol skool music (qualitative). And I've even started paying attention to people who grew up during the 90s and those who were born during the late 90s but grew up in the 00's. There is a major difference, but I can't quite figure it out. So I plan on conducting my own minor study of generational differences (specifically 80s, 90s, 00s) from a sociological aspect. Wow, I guess college does have an effect on you. I never wanted to do REAL research outside of research papers in high school. But I guess that's a good thing. I have drive...woot woot!

Hopefully, that drive will help me with my weight loss.

Be back later. Got a Sociology Club meeting to attend.

Okay, now I'm focused again. I came in HUNGRY after my meeting. But, triumphantly, I went to the fridge and got (are you ready?) an orange! I never do that!!! When I think snack, I usually grab something sweet...well, the orange was sweet, but I mean like a 100 cal snack pack or a weight watchers ice cream. I was so proud of myself.

And I got on the scale this morning. It's not my weigh-in day, but that's okay. On Monday (my actual weigh-in day), the scale showed I had gained 1.2 lbs in addition to the 2 lbs I gained the week before. Well, this morning the scale showed I have lost everything I gained back. Yay! And I still have a few days left of this week, so maybe the scale will show a big loss next Monday. I'll just have to be really disciplined this weekend since I'll be studying for finals. FINALS...eew!

Well, that's all for today. Time to shower and ponder over what topic I will choose for my Economic Social Problems paper. 'Night!

A Good Day (w/ good food)!

Well, since I have about 8 minutes until class (Philosophy...hate it with a passion) starts, I might as well begin a new post.

Today, I've been pretty good with my points...only used 7 so far. Other than strong will power, it's because I intentionally left all money in my room with no intentions of going back until after class is over at 4:45. I did bring a nature valley oats n honey bar and a 70 cal pack with peanuts and fruit snacks so I won't be too hungry before I get back to my room.

I am so excited about these Michelina meals that I found in Wal-Mart. Most of them are between 4 and 7 points. But Chicken Alfredo? That's under 12 points? Enter Hallelujah chorus =).

Class is about to start, so I'll post more later!



Okay, I'm back.

I'm really proud of myself. I stuck to what I planned on eating for my mid-afternoon meal: 3 slices of smoke turkey (1), 2 slices Nature's Own Whole Wheat bread (2), 1/2 cup raw spinach (0), 1/8 cup WW shredded cheese (1.5), and 10 ritz chips (2). Then I had a WW cookie dough sundae (i love those).



I guess this blog has a positive mental impact on me =)



Something I've become interested in lately is eating whole foods. You know, getting away from processed foods. Being in college kind of limits what you can cook...unless you have an apartment (can't have one of those til I get into grad school though...2 years away). Anyhoo, I would love to start eating more whole, natural foods. *Anyone have suggestions?



Well, I'm still not back on my exercise routine yet. I've been extremely tired lately, probably because of TOM. But I've been taking my vitamins and making sure I walk to class instead of taking the shuttle. I really can't make excuses; it's beautiful and green outside, the sun is out until 7:30, and we have a great gym. I know I usually stick to my routine when I exercise in the morning or before my last class.



This summer I have an internship working as an assistant in a research program in the Mobile/Prichard area of Alabama, and I'll be staying on the University of Mobile's campus. I guess I should check out their gym because I intend to stay on track (changing my lifestyle...not dieting) during the summer. Last summer, I went home and lost my mind! I ate everything without tracking, or even considering the points values.



Shame, shame.



But I'm past that now. I have a new mindset, I have goals, I have motivation and reason. My favorite reason is my baby cousin Devin. He is so precious, and I want him to have a healthy role model in me. I was reading about child obesity, and it is becoming epidemic. Not only big kids, but toddlers are obese! Whoa! Something has to be done. Devin is already a little tubby, so we're going to have to teach him good eating habits!

This will probably be it for tonight. I plan on eating one of those lean Michelina's (u can click the title of this post for the link to their website) I was talking about earlier for dinner and an orange (yum!) for dessert. I already feel better than I did yesterday after my eating rampage!

Can't wait til I reach my 10% goal. I'll post before & after photos to show my progress.

Tootles.

kiara.

Out of Control

This past weekend was Super Bulldog Weekend at my university, and my family came up to visit. Food was EVERYWHERE! Needless to say, I went way over my points - especially since my dad was paying for everything. I am proud that I did not eat the entire portion of boneless buffalo wings at Chili's on Saturday, I ate half that night and the rest on Sunday.

I told myself yesterday that Monday was a new day and that I would meet my daily points goal EXACTLY (no more, no less). Well, I did just fine earlier...1/2 special K (1.5 pts), 1/3 cup 1% milk (.5), lean Michelina's for lunch (5), Weight Watcher's Ice Cream Bar (3 pts of delicious). Then I took a nap. I don't know what happened in the hour and a half I was sleeping, but when I woke up, I was ravenous. I ate anything I could find.

Then I felt guilty. I'm Catholic, so guilt is a very big part of my life ;).

So then I got on the Weight Watchers website and tracked every single point I ate. I went over my daily points by 15.5. Horrible, yes! But I feel good about tracking.

For three months, I followed the plan by the book. I exercised six days out of the week for at least thirty minutes/day; I ate only my daily points, no weekly; I even used the technique of putting down my fork when I was no longer hungry. And to show for it, I lost twenty pounds! Sadly, I've gained back 3.5, but now I am more determined to make it to -30 lbs. That means I have surpassed my 10% goal and that I get to do a photo shoot showcasing my weight loss.

I am a Sociology major here at MS State. People and they way they interact with each other has always been interesting to me, so lucky me that I found Sociology when I was practically failing at my previous major (Bio Sciences...ugh!). I knew that I wanted to do Epidemiology and that Biology would be a great major to get me into a School of Public Health, but hard core science and kiara do not mix well. So then I saw where schools of public health accept sociology majors...yay! I changed my major and have not had one single regret...I love it...everything about it. Sociology has helped me realize that I don't want to be an Epidemiologist either, but a Public Health Educator (well, sociology along with Weight Watchers) and Behavioral Specialist. People are so misinformed about health. I want to be able to go into communities and give people accurate information face-to-face. I've also become interested in public policy because, here in Mississippi, child obesity is ridiculous, and a lot of it comes from the children being sedentary. Thanks to not-too-great parks, dangerous neighborhoods, and raggedy sidewalks. So, I think I've found my calling.

That's another reason I am so determined to lose this weight that has limited me for so long. Besides just being healthy and being able to fit into a regular size, I want to inform people and change their way of thinking. Why would someone listen to me talk about health if I don't look anywhere near healthy?

So yay! for motivation.

Well, I need to hit the shower, do some studying (crunch time...finals...ugh), plan my eating for tomorrow, watch Golden Girls, and hit the sheets!

'Night