Nikki In Progress 2.0 Experiment: Update

I hope everyone is doing well!

Last week I posted my goals in what I had hoped to accomplish with my weight loss journey.  As promised, I wanted to give you an update on how I did on my daily goals.  My weekly goal update will be next week ...

I had set three daily goals to hit.
The first, was to drink my weight in water daily.
I'll be frank - this one sucked (lol).

While I felt very hydrated, and made frequent trips to the bathroom - after my 4th bottle (each bottle is 4 glasses), I felt put off.  I understand if you were less weight (i.e. 120 lbs) how this might be more obtainable.  I did hit my goal twice in the last 7 days.  What I am taking from this, is that drinking water is important ... but it's baloney to drink in such excess.  I will stick to my 8-12 glasses a day!

The second goal was to eat like a King for breakfast, a Queen for lunch, and a Pauper for dinner.
I did okay for the first few days.  Then I derailed.  I am actually going to adopt this goal again for the next week, because I found the days I adapted to this, I felt 100 times better.  My body likes to be fueled in the morning.

Finally, my third goal was to have one cup of green tea a day.
Perhaps because of my excessive water consumption, I was not hitting this goal.  I loved the taste of my green tea though, when I did drink it.


Conclusion: Try again (ha, ha, ha).  Seriously though - the water goal was obnoxious.  In theory it seems good, but by day 3 I was over it.

For this upcoming week - I plan on just doing two goals.  The goals are the same as I tried to hit last week, but I'm hoping to do better:

1) King / Queen / Pauper
2) Green Tea

We are also starting a biggest loser competition this week ... I'm hoping between that and my goals that I stay on track.

Thanks for reading!

Nichole
~Be The Thermostat, Not The Thermometer~

The Nikki Fu Expriment: Goals

Hello my awesome readers!

Tomorrow I begin ... again!  I am pushing the reset button (1 week before a biggest loser competition begins).  Since I am making this apart of a blog series, I wanted to list out the first series of "goals" I have for myself. 

It's all apart of the experiment!

I hope to take popular tips, etc. and apply them to my program.  I'll report back on what's working and not working.  Hopefully I'll learn some new things, and help show to others what can work (and what doesn't!)

I am breaking it down by daily, weekly and monthly.
Just a couple under each bracket.  The daily I'll keep for a week, weekly I'll keep for two weeks and then the monthly I'll review on a monthly basis.

I look forward to seeing what works for me, what may work for you, and what doesn't work (for any of us!)

Here is the first set:

Daily

1)  Drink my weight in water.  (I already aim to drink 8 glasses of day ... but I have seen a tip that whatever you weigh, you should drink that amount in ounces.  I know there is a risk for drinking too much water - but that's if you hold it, never pee, drink all at once, etc.  So I plan on drinking it over the course of the entire day.  And peeing often!)

2)  Eat in this order: King, Queen, Pauper.  (The idea behind this, is that you eat your biggest meal for Breakfast, a moderate meal for Lunch, and a smallish meal for Dinner.  I can understand the logic behind this, because you burn more calories when you're awake.  It may prove to be difficult with my family, but I am hoping to stick it out a week to see how it goes!)

3)  Have one cup of green tea a day.  (The green tea is supposed to help boost my metabolism.  I'm hoping by having a cup a day, aka the afternoon pick up, it will help me wean off of soda as well!).

Weekly

1)  Do 30 minutes of cardio, 5 times a week PLUS 2 days of weight lifting/resistance training.  (This shouldn't be super terrible - but I'm slacking as of late.  So this may be the kick in the butt I need to get moving again!)

2)  Have a meatless dinner once a week.  (My husband is NOT thrilled with this one.  He loves meat ... steak, chicken, whatever.  Yet I have read so many tips and posts about going meatless one day is not only good for your body - but good for the environment!  So I am hoping to win him over with some bean dishes, or quinoa!)

3)  Read from a non-school related book 3x a week.  (This falls under the "make me" category.  I am going to be swimming hard with school, Relay, work, and life in general.  This does not mean I should stay up until midnight reading books, and sacrificing sleep.  But it means that maybe I call it quits early one night from school, and spend that last hour reading more smut from E L James!)

Monthly

1)  Get to the doctors for a wellness check up.  (This one may be more difficult if we run into hiccups under Josh's medical.  Yet from what we've gathered, we're all good.  So the goal is to see a doctor for a general wellness check up, along with a dentist *which I know won't be good report, ha ha* and a dermatologist *having my best friend as a melanoma survivor, this is UBER important that I get checked*  I know that while I'm trying to improve my body on my own, I need to have a doctor check me out too.)

 2)  Get a date night in.  (Being healthy is more than just a "me" thing.  It's more than getting physical exercise ... or seeing a doctor ... or drinking a crap ton of water.  It's about having healthy relationships.  My marriage needs to be healthy, especially during these crazy times.  I must remember that us time is just as important as me time.  One date night per month, per some advice read, is perfect to help keep sanity in the marriage.)

So there it is!

My goals for the next month.  I look forward reporting back a week from today on how the daily ones went, and how I'm doing on my other ones.

Do you have any tips that you've heard?  Leave them in the comments below!  Maybe I'll add them in my next round.



Thanks for reading, and keep your eyes peeled for updates!

Nichole
Be The Thermostat - Not The Thermometer

Time to Buckle Up!

Ladies and Gentlemen ... this is your captain speaking ...

Thank you for following the blog Nikki In Progress 2.0.

It has been a pleasure so far serving you, with fun stories and from the heart thoughts.

We're about to take off on our next trip, but before we do we want to go through a few annoucements:

Over the next few months, Nichole will be managing a full schedule.  Her focus will be on family, school, work, Relay and fitness.  Blog posts will reflect these major areas.

Nichole wants to apologize in advance to her friends, and some parts of her family.  Her schedule is going to be pretty tight and there won't be a whole lot of free time.

Nichole also would like to remind everyone that she only wants positive influences in her life.  While haters may indeed be her motivators, sour attitudes and those who only bring drama to her life will be handed a parachute and be asked to exit the aircraft.

From time to time, we may need to land the aircraft and refuel.  This is important to help make the distance in our journey.

In the event of an emergency, cell phones and email may be used to reach out to close friends and family for support and advice.  Your computer cannot be used as a flotation device.

In board snacks and beverages will be served on this flight, and it is encouraged to indulge.  Especially on the beverage part.

As your captain, I thank you again for choosing Nikki In Progress 2.0 as your blog of choice.  We hope you enjoy the flight, and we'll see you in December.

School starts tomorrow.
Relay is beginning to pick up speed.
Work is gearing up for some major projects.
My next 5K is in a few weeks.

Time to get my game face on.

"Rabbit, put your game face on."

Finding your passion

No - not this kind of Passions!

 

It's important to be passionate about something.

 

Whether it's a cause ... a hobby ... or a goal.

 

Some people are passionate about their family.  Their spouse.  Their job.

 

I attended my first Relay For Life committee meeting last night, as co-event chair.  It was exciting to be in a room with people who are just as passionate about the cause as I am.  There was hugs, and laughter.  We're more than just volunteers for this great cause.  We're even more than friends.  We're a Relay Family.

I wanted to share with my readers my passion.
My passion for a great cause, which is Relay For Life.  My passion for my kids.  My education.  And my fitness.  As cheesy as it sounds, I wanted to share the passion I have for my husband.

I know - "gag me".  Ha, ha, ha!

 

I think it's important to have a passion for something.  For me, it personally helps motivate and drive me.  I'm an emotional person (deep down), which can sometimes derail me on my path towards the ultimate goal.  People's words and actions cut me deeper than they know.  It is my passion that saves me, and puts me back on track.  Which is why I think I have such a passion for my kids and husband.  They help me pick up the pieces and get back on track.  This includes Relay and my Education.

 

My passion, from what I've been told, is infectious.  Like my smile (yes, I take pride in my "eye disappearing" smile), most people get inspired hearing me talk about my ambitious goals.

 

For example, this years Relay, I have my initial personal goal set at $750 - but I'm striving to be a Grand Club member this year ($1000).

As a Co-Event Chair for my relay, I also have big goals for my event.  I want to bring in as many vendors as possible to make our event fun and inviting ... thus turning into a successful event!  

 

I also am excited for my school year.  Hopefully, I will be done with my AA by the end of the summer ... of course, this may push from being a full summer quarter, into a full fall quarter.  I am meeting with my counselor at the end of this quarter to look into what needs to be finalized for my application to Washington State, but it is my passion to continue my education that is helping me move forward.

 

I have actually begun looking at new goals for what I can do to combine both of my passions - raising money for a great cause, and providing for my family.  I hope to look into non-profits after receiving my 4 year degree to see how I can combine my passions.  Don't get me wrong - I enjoy the company I work for.  I am just not passionate about my current job.  It's nice, pays the bills.  I strive for more, though.

 

I also want to provide the best life I can for my husband and children.  Providing the best life isn't necessarily marked by how much I bring home financially.  Instead, I want my children to laugh a lot.  I want them to be able to express their feelings without feeling scared or ashamed.  I want them to treat others as they want to be treated.  I want to provide them the life that I was given - a life that isn't always easy, but it's worth it.  I also want them to explore their own passions (which will change multiple times as they grow older and learn new things, which is okay).  I also want them to know that as their mother, I am always here for them.  And as their father, Josh will also be there for them.  As individuals, and as a unit - we strive to be the best parents we can be.

 

To be the best parents we can be, that also means being passionate in our marriage.  Before having kids, we made a promise to ourselves not to put our relationship on the back burner.  To ensure our marriage is also healthy, we go on date nights.  We hug often.  We kiss often.  We talk through our feelings, though some days its easier said than done.  Josh and I also laugh together, a lot.  Laughter is sometimes the only way we can get through some things. Thank goodness for laughter.  I am grateful that I have a partner in life that is passionate and supportive.  Josh and I believe in each other, and I think that is why our marriage has been successful (considering how long we have been married, and how young we were when we got together).

Now it's your turn!
What is your passion?  Is it for a cause, or your own goals?  Or maybe just as something a little as "passionate about getting a walk in every day".

Whatever your passion may be, please share!

Thanks for reading!

Nichole
Be The Thermostat - Not The Thermometer

P.S. - if you would like to check out my relay page, please click here!

The Nikki Fu Experiment - A Preview!

I left before vacation talking about a preview of September.  Part of it was going into a little more detail about my first blog series!

Well, I'd like to give you a preview regarding a series of blogs over the next few weeks.

I call it ...

The Nikki Fu Experiment!

Yes, that is me.  Halloween 2008.  One of the best (and worst) pictures of me.  Ever.

Let me be honest for a moment.

I am over weight.  I'm not "a little chubby" or "needing to lost a few pounds".  No, I could qualify to be on the biggest loser.  I am a classic case of a yo-yo dieter.  I would do something, lose a bunch of weight, gain weight back.  The cycle is vicious.  I have been within 30 pounds of my "ultimate goal weight" and well above my heaviest (where I'm teetering at now).  I give myself a little more grace now, because of having two babies within two years.

JJ, however, turns 1 next week.  Rachel is now 2 and 1/2.  The execuses and grace period is coming to an end.  Now is the time to act, before my metabolism gets any worse (and science shows, the older I get ... the worse it's only going to get).

My experiment, is to explore healthy living, diet and exercise tips.   Set goals to incorporate these ideas into my routine (daily / weekly / monthly) and see how I succeed.  The ones that work, stay.  The ones that flop, go.

It sounds sad - but this is not my first rodeo going on this adventure.  I just hate being unhealthy like this.  Sure I'm active and running, but even then that has taken the back seat over the last month.   I have a 5K this Saturday that I am not fully prepared for (thankfully it's a fun run, and it's not meant to be taken too seriously).

I'm ready for a full on, life style overhaul.  I tried to challenge myself this summer.  I joined Weight Watchers again.  I did an Insanity Challenge.  It helped, and I lost weight.  Over these last few weeks though, it's like I'm letting myself slip.

Tonight I say: No More.

Tomorrow I say: Bring It.

While my experiment won't kick off until next week, I wanted to share with you what you'll be expecting in the next few months!  I will share with you my progress ... my slip ups ... and all my victories.  I'll be tracking my numbers, and will share them with you as my journey moves forward.

Before Monday you'll see a post regarding what my first goals will be (Daily / Weekly / Monthly goals), plus my plan.  I do plan on reconnecting with My Fitness Pal account (find me here).  I also plan on going back to WW (it's a great system/plan.  I want to follow through on it).  Plus an array of other things, that I will detail out better later on.

Many of my family and friends either have, or currently are, struggling with their weight.  Some are struggling with being fit and active.  And others are just struggling to be healthy.  My hope is that this series will show what tips are realistic and can work ... and what silly ideas should be just left alone.  I'm also hoping I can inspire others in taking steps to be healthier for themselves.  Stay tuned in the next few days for more!

Thanks for reading.

Vacation Hangover!

Do you ever feel like you need a vacation after your vacation has already ended?

Yup.
You are suffering from a vacation hangover.

Sure, part of the want for another vacation so quickly is going back to work ... responsibilities ... life in general ...

But lets face it.  Your vacation flew by, and here you are.  Back on the plane, to return to your regular life.

This is where I'm at today.

My vacation was fantastic.  Filled with shows ... pool side lounging ... and of course, drinking.  We were in Vegas, after all.

Can I go back, please?

Yet, here I am.  Drained.

 

I relaxed.

I didn't rush things.

Why am I so drained??

I'm hungover.  From my vacation.

 

That's all it really boils down to.  It's not a terrible thing.  Smells and certain songs immediately transport me back to the gambling floor of the MGM, or into the Flamingo Restaurant where we frequented for Breakfast.

 

I'm glad to be home.  I'm glad to have my kids ... my friends ... my family ... my life.  Even work - kind of.

 

Okay, maybe not true about work.  My co-workers, though, is what I'm glad to be back to.

   

Vegas is my escape.  An escape that I crave and look forward to every couple of years.  In a city nicknamed "Sin City", I find peace and a calm there that I forget about here at home.

 

I think this "vacation hangover" is a reminder that I need to balance my life a little better, so I don't overdo it when the big vacations do come around.  Maybe cook a little more elaborate meals ... or have a glass of wine with dinner more often ... something to break the "norm".

I'd say take more baths.  But I have kids.  Toddlers.  Me taking a bath won't happen for another 18 years.

 

I promise myself that I will indulge a little more in my daily life.  Even the smallest of things will make a great impact.  I may not be returning to Vegas anytime soon, but it doesn't mean my vacation high has to fully go away.

I may need to remind myself of this many times, especially as life is about to get a little crazier ...

Thanks for reading.

Nikki
Be The Thermostat - Not The Thermometer

  

You are amazing

I would like to apologize in advance.

I haven't posted a whole lot in the last few days.  I've been in a weird place, emotionally.

It started with a memorial on Thursday ... followed by a series of events Friday ... and here we are.

It's weird, really.  I think a lot of people right now are going through stuff.  It's just weird, because I shouldn't (in my mind) be feeling this way.  At least for this long.

I feel like I should write this, at a minimum, until I can sort out these thoughts and put something together that's not completely random.

Be true to yourself.  Let no ones opinions or judgements sway or change your ways.
Who you are, is what makes you special.  You will not be able to be friends with everyone.  Not everyone will appreciate or understand you.  And as long as they don't try to bring you down or take away from your life, it's okay for them not to try to put in the effort to be better with you.
People are going to hurt you.  People close to you, that you never thought would, are going to let you down.  People that you never expected will also surprise you.  They will comfort you in times of darkness, and relight your fire.
You are the one who makes the choice on how react to what you've been dealt: Do you change who you are?  Do you retreat and suffer alone?  Do you flip the bird and move on?
As long as you are okay with what decisions you've made, no decision is a wrong decision.  Deep down though, you should remember and realize that changing who YOU are is not the answer.

You're human.  You're allowed to cry ... scream ... get mad ... and be sad.  You're allowed to go through depressed stages and want to cut yourself off from the world.  You're allowed to get more loud and let everyone know that you're not going to take it lying down.

You are just perfect the way you are.

I appreciate, and respect, each and every one of you.  Thank you for enriching my life, and I hope I have done the same for you.

Are You Ready For Some Football??

It's true.

I am a football nut.

I love the game ...

I love the atmosphere ...

I love the beer ...

Growing up, I rebelled against it.  Just as I had rebelled against pink ... country music ... and other things that I felt were "uncool".  What a silly preteen I was!

Now, I love watching football on Sunday's with the family.  We don't have cable at the moment, but I am seriously contemplating getting basic HD back.  It's a terrible time, considering that my husband just got laid off.  Yet I know how much we both miss watching football on Sunday.  I am almost thinking about making it Josh's birthday present this year (ha, ha).

This year, I choose to do something new.  I was invited to participate in two fantasy football leagues this year!  As I write this even, I am in the midst of my 2nd draft.  I went in a little less prepared than I wanted to - yet my good friend Michelle helped me out with the hook up on a great research forum.  Plus, the help of my hubby & even the drafting sites themselves (I have one league that is using www.fantasy.nfl.com & the other is using espn.com).

Both drafts were snake style, with my 1st league allowing 90 seconds and my 2nd league allowing 60 seconds for each pick.  I felt I got lucky with my first draft, having 14th pick (out of 14 people).  So my picks were back to back!  The 2nd league, I also did pretty well with my luck!  I ended up with 2nd pick (out of 12) so I got one of the first picks, and my picks are pretty close together.

Each draft, had the same #2 pick: Seattle Defense.  I was lucky enough to snag them for my 2nd league - my original game plan was go get my top RB.  After I saw how quickly the D was picked up in the 1st league though, I didn't want to take any chances and I snatched them when I got the chance!

My 1st league is with my co-workers.  The name of my team is "Jalapeno Business!"

"What does a nosey pepper do?  It gets Jalapeno Business!"

This joke served as the inspiration for my team name.

 

The smack talk was running around, but it was in all good fun (when you're playing with your boss, gotta refrain a little!)  Here are the top picks for my draft in the 1st league:

 

1. Drew Brees, NO-QB
2. Seattle Seahawks Defense, SEA-DEF 

3. Adrian Peterson, MIN-RB

4. Russell Wilson, SEA-QB
5. Marshawn Lynch, SEA-RB

6. Adrian Foster, HOS-RB

7. Ray Rice, BAL-RB
8. Doug Martin, TB-RB

9. Andrew Luck, IND-QB
10. C.J. Spiller, BUF-RB
11. Jamaal Charles, KC-RB
12. Aaron Rogers, GB-QB
13. LeSean McCoy, PHI-RB
14. Reggie Bush, DET-RB **My pick

Reggie Bush wasn't my my top choice, but he was in the top 5.  So I went with it - random choice, in a way.  Considering he wasn't even in the top 5 for the nfl.com top picks.  Yet I felt he was going to be awesome this year.  So I went with my research, and my gut!  I think going with my gut/feelings is half the fun of this, anyway!

The rest of my team for "Jalapeno Business" is:

QB - Jay Cutler (CHI)
RB - Mark Ingram (NO)

RB - Reggie Bush (DET)
WR - Golden Tate (SEA)

WR - Greg Jennings (MIN)
TE - Jermaine Gresham (CIN)

W/R - Denarius Moore (OAK)

K - Josh Brown (NYG)

DEF - Chicago Bears

BN - Jake Locker, (QB - TEN)

BN - Jonathan Stewart (RB - CAR) *He is on the D/L right now ... doh!

BN - Darrius Heyward-Bey (WR - IND)

BN - Rob Gronkowski (TE-NE)

BN - Adam Vinatieri (K - IND)

BN - San Diego Chargers (DEF)

Most of my choices I felt great about - except for my Jonathan Steward pick.  Doh!

The 2nd league I'm playing with is with my south end friends (including my best friend, Tricia!)  The name of this team ..............

Yup.
I went there (ha, ha, ha)!!

This group of friends and family is a pretty open minded, so my team name fits quite well!  They should be a hoot to play with.

Here was the top picks for this league's draft:

1. Adrian Peterson, MIN-RB      
2. Seattle Seahawks Defense, SEA-DEF  **My pick

3. Marshawn Lynch, SEA-RB

4. Adrian Foster, HOS-RB
5. Aaron Rogers, GB-QB

6. Drew Brees, NO-QB

7. Golden Tate, SEA-WR         
8. Doug Martin, TB-RB

9. Ray Rice, BAL-RB
10. Jamaal Charles, KC-RB

11. Alfred Morris, WSH-RB
12. C.J. Spiller, BUF-RB

It didn't surprise me that a lot of the same players were in the 1st round for both leagues.

My team line up turned out like so:

QB - Robert Griffin III, aka RGIII (WSH)
RB - Reggie Bush (DET)

RB - Darren McFadden (OAK)
WR - Sidney Rice (SEA)

WR - Cecil Shorts (JAC)
TE - Kyle Rudolph (MIN)

W/R - Miles Austin (DAL)

K - Josh Brown (NYG)

DEF - Seattle Seahawks

BN - Jake Locker, (QB - TEN)

BN - Mark Ingram (RB - NO)

BN - Denarius Moore (WR - OAK)

BN - Heath Miller (TE-PIT)

BN - Julius Thomas (DEN)

BN - Garrett Hartley (K - NO)

BN - Baltimore Ravens (DEF)

RGIII was a risky choice.  I feel that he's got something to prove, and that he's going to come out swinging this year (pun totally intended!)  I hope he follow through.  If not, Washingtonian Jakey boy better step up (he's on both of my team's back up ...)

Overall, I feel that my team in my work league is a little more balanced ... but I like the risks I've taken with my 2nd league.  I will keep everyone posted as each week passes.

Do you participate in a fantasy football league?  Do you have any strategies ...  good luck charms ... traditions?

I look forward to reading your comments!

GO SEAHAWKS!!!!!!

Nikki
"Be The Thermostat - Not The Thermometer"