Sacculina

Hi everyone. Hazard did such a great job making me feel welcomed that I thought I would say hello. I am hoping that I can find a supportive happy home in one of the guilds after I FINALLY finish a challenge. I am interested in bodyweight exercises (I want to see what my body can do on its own) and I thought that the assassins might be the place. Besides, you all sound like a cool bunch of folks. I'm struggling to stay active in the forums, but I hope that I get to meet a lot of you.

Hi everyone, I'm Sacculina. I'm in the L1 club, mainly because I haven't finished a single challenge to date. I've started a challenge more than twice, but I seem to let my piorities get in the way. All will change now. I was told that I could come in here, get to know people, ask questions, or simply hang out. So I figured I would just sneak over and say hello! Just to forwarn you, I like to cook so my challenge page may have a lot of food references in it. I'm paleo/primal (sometimes I can't resist cheese and plain yogurt), so it shouldn't be too bad, but I don't want to cause people issues. Can't wait to meet all of you.

Awesome! I'll have to meander around. I haven't been that active, but I'm trying to become more so.

Thanks everyone! I am sorry I haven't been able to update. Due to this crazy circadian-rhythm-destroying schedule I am currently on, I don't seem to have time to come in here and update. Anyways, I managed to get my meals down and I prepped on Monday. So Monday was our World Cup dinner, so I ended up eating not the greatest, but I had fun. I also had planned for it to happen so I don't fell quite as bad. Yesterday, I made the most amazing taco salad EVER! Okay, so I exaggerate. I sauteed some chopped up onions, bell peppers, and pickled jalapenos until the onions were softened. Then, I added lean ground beef and heavily seasoned it with garlic powder as well as some ancho chili powder and cumin. Once that was done, I piled in on top of some lettuce, cucumbers, avocado, and tomatoes. Then plopped some home-made Southwestern lime-cumin dressing (from Well Fed) that was thick enough to act like sour cream. OH MY! I was in heaven. I had it again for dinner and made a lot of people jealous. Today, I just finished making a crab soup, but I got a little carried away with the crab. Let me rephrase that... I, now, have a crab dish with practically no soup involved. Crab meat was on sale, so I took advantage of it. Seriously.... How in the world can you make this picture smaller?! Tomorrow, I was going to make some lemon-rosemary chicken, but it seems that I have plenty of leftovers, so I won't have to do it. Maybe I will do it on Sunday instead. Working out has been a treat. I realized that my hips are so stiff that squats (that I used to do fairly frequently) are hard as hell to get into the correct position, even to power curtsy. I need to work on some flexibility so I'll probably focus on that at the end of my work out. I managed to do one so far. I'm having issues waking up in time. I'm sleeping almost 12 hours a night. I'm starting to get a little worried about it. Tomorrow will be day two. This past saturday and Sunday, I did go to the pool for over an hour. I spent most of my time in the deep end where I have to tread water the entire time. I also managed to do a few laps. I also went on a 3 mile walk on Sunday with my boyfriend to explore our neighborhood a bit more as well as walked a lot on Monday. I am feeling good about the walking and swimming. Now, its just the strength and flexibility training that I need to work on. Oh side-note: I can drink coffee without adding sugar! Well, I do drink it with creamer, but at least there is much less sugar involved. Hot damn!

Hi guys! I'm Sacculina. I'm currently 208 pounds. I have lost about 25 pounds in the past two years, but I would like to become more efficient at losing weight and gain strength back. Truthfully, I am lazy and I would rather read a book or knit in a cool area than do something sweaty, but that's about to change. I am also a bit addicted to french fries, pizza, and crappy General Tsao's Chicken. I have a chaotic work schedule and work both evening and midnight shifts which means that cooking good nutritious food and exercise hasn't been a high priority. I am going to focus on a meal plan which will force me to actually have food for work instead of eating at the cafeteria. I am already eating a more primal/paleo diet when I do make my own food so I feel I am ahead of the game. Meal prep prior to the work week will allow me to have more time to focus on exercising. Main quest: To lose 20 pounds by the end of the year. Quest 1: Diet: Plan and prep meals no later than Monday. Grade: Meal plan and prep done each week (A+); Meal plan and prep done for 4 weeks (A); Meal plan only done for each week ( ; Meal plan and prep done for 3 weeks (C+); Meal plan only for 4 weeks ©; Meal plan and prep for 2 weeks (D) Quest 2: Exercise: Start bodyweight brigade from the Academy. Three times a week -- Starting 6/15 (need to find space) Grade: 3x5 (A+); 2x5 (A); 3x4 (B+); 2x4 ( ; 1x5 ©; 1x 4 (C-); 3x2 (D) Quest 3: Play! Since it's summer time, my play will be swimming in the pool for 30 minutes or more every weekend. Grade: Swim every weekend for more than 30 minutes (A+); Swim every weekend for 30 minutes (A); Swim four weekends ( ; Swim three weekends ©; Swim two weekends (D) Motivation: I want to feel more energy. I see my grandmother and my mom have issues with regular activities because of how overwieght and unhealthy they have become. I refuse! Also, kidney stones have started to plague me like some of the people on my Father's side. I want to be able to reduce my instances of kidney stones (THEY HURT!). Reward: The right to wear a Nerd Fitness shirt. Complete my first challenge with a C or better and I will get my shirt!

Sigh, It's been rough couple of months. I was able to pass my ASCP exam, but not with the grade that I wanted. I was studying trivial things, apparently. It was not how I was thinking it would be. After months of studying, internships, and high stress levels, I succumbed to the plague. Okay, it was walking pneumonia with a side of sinus infection, but it sure felt like the plague. I'm still coughing occasionally, but I am almost 100%...w00t! I'm now trying to find ways to reduce my stress levels since I am sure that is what causes me to over-eat and to become victim of the latest ick going around. I'm not joining the latest challenge this time. I'm a little behind and I don't feel quite up-to-par yet. So, I'm going to do the month Hard Hat Challenge. I just haven't decided what I'm going to EVERY day. I think this meditation before sleep thing might be one (as well as taking medications like I should). I really need to get myself back into the gym and back into being active. I think that I might try to focus on that, especially since I do pay for the gym and that money is going down the drain without me using it. I'm going to do yoga once a week. I feel super inflexible and going to yoga on Sundays has made me see the benefits. I come out relaxed and still sore the next day, especially hamstrings. Currently downloading Zombies, Run! 5k training program. I've heard such high reviews and I want to be that girl that is able to do some of these cool 5ks that have started to come out. There's a Zombie infested one that I probably won't be able to do, but if I train real hard, I will be able to do some of the cool ones in the early Spring. I have stopped collecting fitness magazines. I've realized how unrealistic the people are in there and the workouts are a little sad. One said the do 50 reps of 5lb weights...really? Can I just do 10 of the heaviest weight that I can comfortably do without killing myself and still get the same results? I sure hope so. Nutrition-wise: I have been able to steal days to do my own cooking. My grandmother has truly been enjoying it, but she always tries to guilt me into eating her food. It's been a struggle, but right now, we are at a stalemate. I'm cooking for a significant amount though. These last two weeks I have been doing my 1.5 mile walk with my dogs 3-4 times a week. We've been going at a brisk pace, but I want to do more. It's getting to be so nice at night too. And now, to get away from the computer and out doing something!

Hey guys, Just letting you know that I am still here. I had to stop the walking which I am finding super boring. I ended up not having asthma problems, but pneumonia. Heh. Figures. I have been keeping with the lack of soda drinking and trying to eat one clean meal a day. It's been a bit rough and I feel like I haven't been able to do much on this challenge. I'd put myself at a C at this point. I still have three weeks to get back and maybe make it a B. I am totally feeling like a loser...

Thank you everyone! I passed my exam! I was so scared to hit the submit button, but now it is all over. Now to celebrate by packing the books into a large container and shipping it to my storage unit. I may even exercise afterwards to celebrate my freedom from my studying! I, now, plan on being able to move about more often since my evenings will not be taken by books which means I can go back to my gym and the cross fitness class I was taking last year! YAY!

I have lost what day it is, but I will mention that I managed to complete my life challenge. I passed my ASCP registry exam. Now to celebrate by packing the books into a large container and shipping it to my storage unit. I may even exercise afterwards to celebrate my freedom from my studying!

Hello everyone. I have not been good again this week. Thursday and Friday was a high asthma day. I didn't even get out of bed when I was supposed to. I did manage to eat clean for lunches with a turkey sandwich on a multi-grain bread, open-faced as well as a fruit (plum and gigantor peach). Saturday, I had a migraine so I broke down and had a pepsi (uck! Doesn't taste good anymore). I had one and didn't have another even though I was tempted. Today....I cleaned. I am hoping that with deep cleaning, I can alleviate some of my asthma problems. Tomorrow is my life challenge: Passing the ASCP exam. Wish me luck!

Day 10: Walked over a mile, but less than normal. I was running late....seriously late. I had a hard time getting up this morning to do anything and the thought going through my mind was "you can miss today, it won't kill you." I refused, got myself out of bed and walking. Did over a mile in 22:53 minutes (I even jogged a few seconds twice!) Breakfast: 3 egg omelet with chedder cheese (I am a sucker for cheese) and my mocha coffee shake Lunch: 2 Chicken drumsticks with chipotle seasoning, diced potatoes, and a plum Snack: 1 serving of crackers and a laughing cow garlic herb cheese Dinner: Will be at panera with my knitting group. Not sure what it will be, but I always end up with the Smokehouse Turkey panini. So far, I have had NO sodas. None...zip...zero since the beginning of this challenge!!!

Day 10: Walked over a mile, but less than normal. I was running late....seriously late. I had a hard time getting up this morning to do anything and the thought going through my mind was "you can miss today, it won't kill you." I refused, got myself out of bed and walking. Did over a mile in 22:53 minutes (I even jogged a few seconds twice!) Breakfast: 3 egg omelet with chedder cheese (I am a sucker for cheese) and my mocha coffee shake Lunch: 2 Chicken drumsticks with chipotle seasoning, diced potatoes, and a plum Snack: 1 serving of crackers and a laughing cow garlic herb cheese Dinner: Will be at panera with my knitting group. Not sure what it will be, but I always end up with the Smokehouse Turkey panini. So far, I have had NO sodas. None...zip...zero since the beginning of this challenge!!!

Day 10: Walked over a mile, but less than normal. I was running late....seriously late. I had a hard time getting up this morning to do anything and the thought going through my mind was "you can miss today, it won't kill you." I refused, got myself out of bed and walking. Did over a mile in 22:53 minutes (I even jogged a few seconds twice!) Breakfast: 3 egg omelet with chedder cheese (I am a sucker for cheese) and my mocha coffee shake Lunch: 2 Chicken drumsticks with chipotle seasoning, diced potatoes, and a plum Snack: 1 serving of crackers and a laughing cow garlic herb cheese Dinner: Will be at panera with my knitting group. Not sure what it will be, but I always end up with the Smokehouse Turkey panini. So far, I have had NO sodas. None...zip...zero since the beginning of this challenge!!! I know how disheartening it can be. Even though I am not injured, I have had to deal with my lungs being stupid for the past few weeks. I heard from a friend with back injuries that she will take a break from the heavy workout, but still move around. I catch her walking all the time in my neighborhood, moreso when her old car accident injuries start to act up. Hang in there! I know that I feel like I am part of the gimp-along group since a ton of these guys are powering through and doing a whole lot with their challenge, it's hard for me not to compare myself with them.

The lack of caffiene can be kind of killer at first. I have to take Ibuprofen often when I'm trying to get off caffiene due to migraines. I usually go on caffiene breaks on the weekends since I drink a half cup of coffee in the mornings at work if I'm too tired. I hope that that doesn't happen to you and the fizzle feeling will go away shortly.

I do have access to a gym. I have a discounted gym membership that I haven't been able to use in almost a year due to my internships. I plan on going back after I take my ASCP exam (which has my week nights after work booked with studying).

Been doing a 6 week challenge. I am going to try and remember to repost in here as well as there. My quest is located here. Day 9: It was a dark and stormy day, Sacculina decided to put her walking shoes on, grab her dog, and brave the elements. The wind shifted as she walked out of her gate and onto the street. Will she make it back before it started to rain? Her music played softly in her ears as she started to move out. The wind picked up, but no sign of rain...yet. She did her first half mile and looked up to the sky. It seemed to be clearing up. The sun started to peak through and she started to sweat more profusely. The noises by the creek filtered through her earphones and she smiled happily as she quickly outpaced her companionable pooch. Her second half mile saw the clouds rolling in yet again. She sighed and picked up the pace a little. Nothing like getting caught in the rain wearing a white t-shirt. Finally, a mile and a half later, she was able to lead her dog back into the house and fix breakfast...just as it started to downpour. Woo, made it in time. Morning walk: 1.54 miles in 27:48 minutes. A little slower than yesterday, but at least I got out there. Kind of wanted to start jogging, but I didn't have my inhaler with me. Breakfast: vanilla greek yogurt with fresh blackberries; toast with lite veggie cream cheese; watered down apple juice. Lunch: Leftover peach bbq pork with clean cole slaw Dinner: TBD (grandmother is cooking...bum bum bum buuuuum) Snack: Apricot and string cheese

Thanks! I really was starting to get a little disheartened because of this cough. I've realized that it's my asthma caused from all the dang crape myrtles that are in my city. I do this every year, but I kept thinking that's a little too early in the season. On my walk this morning, I realized that they were in full-bloom. Also, it's been raining A LOT here. I think we haven't gone a week without two days of rain or so. The mold is going to kill me as well. The smoothie came out pretty good. I was wired all day because I realized that I had gotten espresso instant coffee. Woo. It was a little strong and my tastebuds wanted me to make it sweeter, but I managed to not add extra sugar in it. I think it'll be on my list to make often, especially if I am dragging. I bought an individual smoothie maker thingie. I am so far in love with it. It doesn't like to chop the ice up well, but it works (and I don't have to drag the huge blender out and clean it afterwards...bonus points!).

Day 9: It was a dark and stormy day, Sacculina decided to put her walking shoes on, grab her dog, and brave the elements. The wind shifted as she walked out of her gate and onto the street. Will she make it back before it started to rain? Her music played softly in her ears as she started to move out. The wind picked up, but no sign of rain...yet. She did her first half mile and looked up to the sky. It seemed to be clearing up. The sun started to peak through and she started to sweat more profusely. The noises by the creek filtered through her earphones and she smiled happily as she quickly outpaced her companionable pooch. Her second half mile saw the clouds rolling in yet again. She sighed and picked up the pace a little. Nothing like getting caught in the rain wearing a white t-shirt. Finally, a mile and a half later, she was able to lead her dog back into the house and fix breakfast...just as it started to downpour. Woo, made it in time. Morning walk: 1.54 miles in 27:48 minutes. A little slower than yesterday, but at least I got out there. Kind of wanted to start jogging, but I didn't have my inhaler with me. Breakfast: vanilla greek yogurt with fresh blackberries; toast with lite veggie cream cheese; watered down apple juice. Lunch: Leftover peach bbq pork with clean cole slaw Dinner: TBD (grandmother is cooking...bum bum bum buuuuum) Snack: Apricot and string cheese

Hey guys! Thought I'd be a little creative on my challenge post XD Day 9: It was a dark and stormy day, Sacculina decided to put her walking shoes on, grab her dog, and brave the elements. The wind shifted as she walked out of her gate and onto the street. Will she make it back before it started to rain? Her music played softly in her ears as she started to move out. The wind picked up, but no sign of rain...yet. She did her first half mile and looked up to the sky. It seemed to be clearing up. The sun started to peak through and she started to sweat more profusely. The noises by the creek filtered through her earphones and she smiled happily as she quickly outpaced her companionable pooch. Her second half mile saw the clouds rolling in yet again. She sighed and picked up the pace a little. Nothing like getting caught in the rain wearing a white t-shirt. Finally, a mile and a half later, she was able to lead her dog back into the house and fix breakfast...just as it started to downpour. Woo, made it in time. Morning walk: 1.54 miles in 27:48 minutes. A little slower than yesterday, but at least I got out there. Kind of wanted to start jogging, but I didn't have my inhaler with me. Breakfast: vanilla greek yogurt with fresh blackberries; toast with lite veggie cream cheese; watered down apple juice. Lunch: Leftover peach bbq pork with clean cole slaw Dinner: TBD (grandmother is cooking...bum bum bum buuuuum) Snack: Apricot and string cheese I'm really not sure how to stop my foot from cramping up mid-walk, but I am thinking I might find me a tennis ball and maybe use it to roll the cramp out when I get back. It's really annoying.

Day 8: Woke up this morning with a cough. Pretty much said "screw it" and went for my 1.5 mile walk. Did it in 26.11 minutes today. My dog was having a hard time keeping up with me. Think that when I finally get the courage to run, I will have to leave him at home. Right now he's passed out on the hardwood floors behind me. XD Meals for today: Breakfast: High fiber cereal with banana, 1% milk. Trying out a new protein smoothie from a fitness magazine that went under -- instant coffee, chocolate protein powder, vanilla extract, and unsweetened cocoa powder with some ice. Let's just say that it'll perk me up. Lunch: Planning on having a home-made sushi roll with a plum. Snack: Organic tortilla chips with hummus Dinner: Peach BBQ pork tenderloins with collard greens and homemade slaw (Made the peach BBQ sauce last night by hand). The meat and sauce is already in the slow cooker and it smells great! After work, I'm going to study for my ASCP exam. Next monday is the test date. I hope that I am prepared. I'm slightly nervous that I'll fail.

Day 8: Woke up this morning with a cough. Pretty much said "screw it" and went for my 1.5 mile walk. Did it in 26.11 minutes today. My dog was having a hard time keeping up with me. Think that when I finally get the courage to run, I will have to leave him at home. Right now he's passed out on the hardwood floors behind me. XD Meals for today: Breakfast: High fiber cereal with banana, 1% milk. Trying out a new protein smoothie from a fitness magazine that went under -- instant coffee, chocolate protein powder, vanilla extract, and unsweetened cocoa powder with some ice. Let's just say that it'll perk me up. Lunch: Planning on having a home-made sushi roll with a plum. Snack: Organic tortilla chips with hummus Dinner: Peach BBQ pork tenderloins with collard greens and homemade slaw (Made the peach BBQ sauce last night by hand). The meat and sauce is already in the slow cooker and it smells great! After work, I'm going to study for my ASCP exam. Next monday is the test date. I hope that I am prepared. I'm slightly nervous that I'll fail.

Okay so back in here after a few days hiatus and a bit of disheartening episodes. I looked at myself in the mirror yesterday while trying on new clothes and realized that I do not like how I look. I was utterly embarrassed that I couldn't ask the sales person if I looked alright. I have been in a pity-me mood every since. Blarg. Wednesday: Woke up freezing. My body ached with shivering so hard. I didn't sleep all that great either. Stood up to get started with walking and promptly had an asthma attack. I don't know if it was caused by the bee sting from Tuesday (which had been bothering me anyways). Decided to not go for a walk and take a day off since I could make up for it on Saturday. Thursday: Oops, didn't wake up until it was time for me to go to work. My lungs were still bothering me, but I could still do the walk. I felt like such a failure though. I am afraid that I won't be able to get myself into the groove. This is harder than I had at first though. Friday: Weather was uncooperative. I wouldn't mind going out in the rain because, even though I'm 27, I still love to play in the rain. I got dressed and had shoes on when it started to thunderstorm with quick and close lightening. I decided to do my walk when I got home. I, however, went line-dancing instead. Two hours of quick line-dance steps. I spent most of the night dancing and sweating. I think I made up for my lack of walking for that day. Today is another stormy day. My neighborhood is flooding so I would end up swimming and wading instead of walking. I guess today is a good day to learn how to cook a new clean meal. I keep thinking about spicy orange chicken with chickpeas. We shall see.

Okay so back in here after a few days hiatus and a bit of disheartening episodes. I looked at myself in the mirror yesterday while trying on new clothes and realized that I do not like how I look. I was utterly embarrassed that I couldn't ask the sales person if I looked alright. I have been in a pity-me mood every since. Blarg. Wednesday: Woke up freezing. My body ached with shivering so hard. I didn't sleep all that great either. Stood up to get started with walking and promptly had an asthma attack. I don't know if it was caused by the bee sting from Tuesday (which had been bothering me anyways). Decided to not go for a walk and take a day off since I could make up for it on Saturday. Thursday: Oops, didn't wake up until it was time for me to go to work. My lungs were still bothering me, but I could still do the walk. I felt like such a failure though. I am afraid that I won't be able to get myself into the groove. This is harder than I had at first though. Friday: Weather was uncooperative. I wouldn't mind going out in the rain because, even though I'm 27, I still love to play in the rain. I got dressed and had shoes on when it started to thunderstorm with quick and close lightening. I decided to do my walk when I got home. I, however, went line-dancing instead. Two hours of quick line-dance steps. I spent most of the night dancing and sweating. I think I made up for my lack of walking.

So today I was fussed out by a "fitness" guru who said that walking 1.5 miles in the morning was a craptastic goal. Now, this person is looking at me and can see that I'm a little irked by his random comment (as well as that I'm not in shape). I try to explain to him that this is a challenge to get me moving and in the habit of waking up and exercising. I hope that I might be jogging/running by the end of the six weeks, but he thinks that I should start with trying to run my first 5K! I don't know. Did I choose a too simple goal? Maybe I did the exact opposite of what I did last time I tried a challenge (I made it too amitious last time). Sigh. Also, bee sting still kind of hurts to the touch. Stupid bee I'll start double posting my challenge here starting tomorrow. Have a good evening!