I had my one year check up last Monday. They did an ECG and everything was good! I don't have to go back for a year, and I got to quit taking another medication. So that was all good.
It's been very snowy here in the Midwest. I'm tucked in under my blankets awaiting the second storm. I still made it to the gym this afternoon, I didn't do anything more than cardio though because the snow was starting. And of course it stopped as soon as I got home. But at least I got that in.
I downloaded this great new app on my phone. It's called Way of Life and it helps you track habits that you want to change. On the free version you can track 3 different ones. So I'm tracking exercise, not eating candy, and being on time to work. So far I'm doing good on the exercise, and candy. I am not a big candy eater at all, but there is always sweets and candy at work and it is hard to resist. So my goal is to stay away from all of that. I don't buy it at home so it isn't a temptation there. But I like the app because it keeps me motivated and helps me track how many days. They say that it takes 21 days to change a habit, so that is how I am tracking it.
Speaking of tracking, I left my fitbit on my work pants and it went through the washer and dryer. :( But, they are sending me a new one so that is awesome!
I'm not very interesting at the moment, so that's all I've got for now!
Monday, February 25, 2013
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Happy Valentine's Day!
Happy Valentine's Day everyone! This week has been really busy at work! Hard to imagine in the jewelry industry, I know. :)
More temptations sitting around with the chocolate holiday! I've been trying to avoid all the sweets, but it is so hard!
I have a few trips to look forward to, so that definitely helps keep me motivated at the gym. My hardest struggle with the gym is getting there in the mornings. It's easy for me to go after work, but I always feel so much better when I go in the mornings. If I wait, I feel like it is hanging over my head all day and then my evenings are so crowded! It's easy if I have someone to meet, like my trainer, but on the other days it is so easy to talk myself out of it.
I had several news stories this past month. It was an emotional week thinking of everything that happened a year ago. But overall, I think things are good. I have my one year check up with the cardiologist this Monday, so hopefully he says the same thing! The news stories turned out okay, I liked one better than the other. ST. Mary's hospital is also doing an article on me in one of their health magazines. If I can, I will post it on here.
Well I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day!
More temptations sitting around with the chocolate holiday! I've been trying to avoid all the sweets, but it is so hard!
I have a few trips to look forward to, so that definitely helps keep me motivated at the gym. My hardest struggle with the gym is getting there in the mornings. It's easy for me to go after work, but I always feel so much better when I go in the mornings. If I wait, I feel like it is hanging over my head all day and then my evenings are so crowded! It's easy if I have someone to meet, like my trainer, but on the other days it is so easy to talk myself out of it.
I had several news stories this past month. It was an emotional week thinking of everything that happened a year ago. But overall, I think things are good. I have my one year check up with the cardiologist this Monday, so hopefully he says the same thing! The news stories turned out okay, I liked one better than the other. ST. Mary's hospital is also doing an article on me in one of their health magazines. If I can, I will post it on here.
Well I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day!
Thursday, January 31, 2013
National Go Red Day!
Tomorrow is National Go Red for Women Day! Break out your red and show your support for women who battle heart disease.
Last year on Go Red Friday, I had a heart attack. This year I think I'll just stick with wearing red.
It's so crazy to think that it has been a year. Sometimes it feels like yesterday, and other times it feels like years ago.
As I reflect on the past year, it's important to keep myself motivated. I thought I would have been further along with my goals by now, but I just have to look at the positive changes that I've made and continue to make more of them.
Fox 4 did a story on me yesterday. I had no notice, so I did not look my best. A portion aired tonight at 5 and the main story will air Wednesday morning on the 9 am show. The interviewed the doctor that performed my surgery and saved my life. I stayed around and watched him show the video of my heart during my heart attack and then after. It was kind of emotional to see, but definitely interesting. There was kind of this gray mass and that was where my plaque was bursting, causing the heart attack. Then immediately after, you could see the heart beating and the blood just flowing through as normal. Crazy stuff.
Sometimes people look at me with pity, and I've had my moments where I have felt it on myself too. But really, if everything can continue to go the way it is now, and I can just continue getting healthier and hopefully not have anymore problems, then everything will be just fine. There are so many worse things that could happen and so many more debilitating diseases.
Going through this past year, I think I have passed through all the stages of grief. But I'm alive and I'm happy. I have a great support system. And this year is going to be so much better than the last!!!
Last year on Go Red Friday, I had a heart attack. This year I think I'll just stick with wearing red.
It's so crazy to think that it has been a year. Sometimes it feels like yesterday, and other times it feels like years ago.
As I reflect on the past year, it's important to keep myself motivated. I thought I would have been further along with my goals by now, but I just have to look at the positive changes that I've made and continue to make more of them.
Fox 4 did a story on me yesterday. I had no notice, so I did not look my best. A portion aired tonight at 5 and the main story will air Wednesday morning on the 9 am show. The interviewed the doctor that performed my surgery and saved my life. I stayed around and watched him show the video of my heart during my heart attack and then after. It was kind of emotional to see, but definitely interesting. There was kind of this gray mass and that was where my plaque was bursting, causing the heart attack. Then immediately after, you could see the heart beating and the blood just flowing through as normal. Crazy stuff.
Sometimes people look at me with pity, and I've had my moments where I have felt it on myself too. But really, if everything can continue to go the way it is now, and I can just continue getting healthier and hopefully not have anymore problems, then everything will be just fine. There are so many worse things that could happen and so many more debilitating diseases.
Going through this past year, I think I have passed through all the stages of grief. But I'm alive and I'm happy. I have a great support system. And this year is going to be so much better than the last!!!
Monday, January 21, 2013
Approaching One Year....
It is so crazy to think that it has almost been a year since I had my heart attack. At times it feels like yesterday, and at others it feels like years ago.
Since I wrote my last post, I have been working hard to get back on track and I am feeling better about the direction I'm headed in. I've been planning more meals and making better choices. And I've actually been getting to the gym more frequently!
Last week was a stressful week. My boyfriend found a stray puppy at his office and I took on trying to find it a home. Jason's secretary took it the first night. She was awesome and took it to the vet, got it supplies, and got it shots. Then I took it the next night and Sandi Jane was NOT happy. She isn't used to that puppy energy and it kept biting her little rolls. lol. So I was in a huge rush to try and find it a home. After some family members passed on her, I took to the internet. I posted it on Fox 4's facebook page and it was amazing. Over 200 people shared her. Out of all the comments I got, there were only a few that were real. And I didn't just want to give her to someone who wanted a free puppy, I wanted to be sure it was a good home. And I found one! I felt so good about how it turned out. My heart was happy.
WHEW. Glad I got this year's good deed out of the way in January. :) Kidding!
I can't stand the way people treat animals. I am pretty sure somebody dumped her and it makes me so sad. How could someone do that to these innocent animals. I know it happens all the time, it's terrible. If Jason and I ever do decide to get a second dog, I definitely want to adopt from the shelter. It was a crazy experience. But it also made me realize I am not ready for a puppy right now. Although, I do kind of miss her now that she is gone. lol
My trainer weighed and took measurements this morning. We are going to do it again in 6 weeks and there WILL be POSITIVE changes! I have been working with her for 6 months now, and I have not seen the changes I should. And it's not because of her lack of effort, it's because of mine. No more excuses.
On Saturday I did a photo shoot for the American Heart Association. I will be a part of their "survivor" gallery. The picture and my story will be featured with some others when you walk into their office, and it's also part of a traveling exhibit.
February is Heart Month. Make sure you get your red ready for Feb. 1st!
Heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women, it kills more people than ALL cancers combined. Take care of yourselves and spread the word!
Since I wrote my last post, I have been working hard to get back on track and I am feeling better about the direction I'm headed in. I've been planning more meals and making better choices. And I've actually been getting to the gym more frequently!
Last week was a stressful week. My boyfriend found a stray puppy at his office and I took on trying to find it a home. Jason's secretary took it the first night. She was awesome and took it to the vet, got it supplies, and got it shots. Then I took it the next night and Sandi Jane was NOT happy. She isn't used to that puppy energy and it kept biting her little rolls. lol. So I was in a huge rush to try and find it a home. After some family members passed on her, I took to the internet. I posted it on Fox 4's facebook page and it was amazing. Over 200 people shared her. Out of all the comments I got, there were only a few that were real. And I didn't just want to give her to someone who wanted a free puppy, I wanted to be sure it was a good home. And I found one! I felt so good about how it turned out. My heart was happy.
WHEW. Glad I got this year's good deed out of the way in January. :) Kidding!
I can't stand the way people treat animals. I am pretty sure somebody dumped her and it makes me so sad. How could someone do that to these innocent animals. I know it happens all the time, it's terrible. If Jason and I ever do decide to get a second dog, I definitely want to adopt from the shelter. It was a crazy experience. But it also made me realize I am not ready for a puppy right now. Although, I do kind of miss her now that she is gone. lol
My trainer weighed and took measurements this morning. We are going to do it again in 6 weeks and there WILL be POSITIVE changes! I have been working with her for 6 months now, and I have not seen the changes I should. And it's not because of her lack of effort, it's because of mine. No more excuses.
On Saturday I did a photo shoot for the American Heart Association. I will be a part of their "survivor" gallery. The picture and my story will be featured with some others when you walk into their office, and it's also part of a traveling exhibit.
February is Heart Month. Make sure you get your red ready for Feb. 1st!
Heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women, it kills more people than ALL cancers combined. Take care of yourselves and spread the word!
Monday, January 7, 2013
New year
Happy new year everyone! I am sorry for my lack of posting, the month of December is a big blur for me working retail.
I would be lying if i denied that I am happy the holidays are over. When I actually got to stop and enjoy them they were wonderful. I am very blessed.
I wish I could say I made better choices in the month of December, but I did not do very well. At work we have chocolates that sit out all day every day and everyone was always bringing in goodies. I had very little self control. I also did not get to the gym nearly enough.
So new year, fresh start. I am looking for motivation everywhere I can find it. I am pretty disappointed with my lack of weight loss over the last year, but all I can do is move forward and keep going. I am still working out with my trainer and trying to work on the mental part of losing weight and changing habits as well.
I just got back from Las Vegas last night, we had a great trip. Back to work tomorrow! I caught all this crud that is going around so I am pumping myself full of vitamins and have to get up and go work out with my trainer in the morning.
2012 was by far the worst year of my life for lots of reasons, mostly my heart attack. Hopefully 2013 cane a year of positive changes and lots of good health and happiness to us all!
I would be lying if i denied that I am happy the holidays are over. When I actually got to stop and enjoy them they were wonderful. I am very blessed.
I wish I could say I made better choices in the month of December, but I did not do very well. At work we have chocolates that sit out all day every day and everyone was always bringing in goodies. I had very little self control. I also did not get to the gym nearly enough.
So new year, fresh start. I am looking for motivation everywhere I can find it. I am pretty disappointed with my lack of weight loss over the last year, but all I can do is move forward and keep going. I am still working out with my trainer and trying to work on the mental part of losing weight and changing habits as well.
I just got back from Las Vegas last night, we had a great trip. Back to work tomorrow! I caught all this crud that is going around so I am pumping myself full of vitamins and have to get up and go work out with my trainer in the morning.
2012 was by far the worst year of my life for lots of reasons, mostly my heart attack. Hopefully 2013 cane a year of positive changes and lots of good health and happiness to us all!
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Time to be Thankful
So everyone on facebook is putting what they are thankful for each day. I decided I would just make one solid list on here. And these are in no particular order.
1. I am thankful for my parents. They have always provided a very supportive environment for me and been a fan of everything I did. They are always there for me and encourage me in everything I decide to try. And yes, they do spoil their only child, but I'm not complaining :).
2. I am thankful for Jason. I don't know what I did to deserve him, but I'll take it. He is so hard working and always there for me and pushing me to push myself harder and follow anything I want to do. He is funny and loving and makes every single day better. (well most days, I mean some days he can be annoying :) ).
3. My friends. I have the best friends. I may not have a ton, but the ones I have are quality. When I was in the hospital, they were there for me and helped cheer me up and they are all supportive of the journey I've been taking and only want to see me succeed. They are fun and always making me laugh. Even the ones that are far away, I know are still rooting me on and always a phone call away for support.
4. My dog(s). Sandi makes me happy every single day. She is always happy to see me and makes me get out and go for walks and play with her. She is the best cuddler in the world and the best listener. I don't know how people live without dogs. My parents dogs also make me extremely happy and I am currently plotting on how steal them away. I also have great dogs where I work, and they are way happier to see me than my co-workers ever are. :)
5. My Job. Today everyone should be thankful that they just have one. But I actually have one that I enjoy. I have great co-workers. We laugh and play pranks and I don't mind going to work. Everyone at work was extremely supportive when I had my heart attack. They always encourage me. I was also extremely lucky to have a job that was so understand and worked with my cardiac rehab schedule and only wanted me to get better.
6. The rest of my family. From grandparents to aunts and uncles (there aren't a ton) I am very thankful for all of their love and support. My Aunt Marilyn in particular has been extremely encouraging on my healthier journey and always makes me want to succeed. She encouraged me with seeing a trainer again and helped get me started when I was lagging.
7. Jason's family. They are always there for us too, and help us out all the time. They help watch Sandi and in so many other ways. It's nice to know that if my parents couldn't be there for me, I could call his and they would be there in a heartbeat.
8. My trainer. She is so supportive and pushes me harder than I would ever push myself. I am always pleasantly suprised when I accomplish the things she asks me to do, because I would never venture that far on my own, but she knows I can do it.
9. A great place to workout. I love Blue Springs Fitness. My whole life I was too terrified to join a gym. I always thought everyone would be thin and fit and judge me for not being that way. I have not once felt judged. Everyone is friendly and says hello. The owner is great and when he read my blog, sent me the nicest and most encouraging e-mail. It's things like that that keep me going and make me believe that I can be successful.
10. My lifestyle change. I don't think I am ready to say that I am grateful for having a heart attack. But I am grateful for being healthy now and feeling so much better. The way I felt a year ago and the way I feel now is night and day difference. Exercising and eating healthy has made such a positive change in my life, and I guess it had to take something so negative to kick me into gear. (But let's not do that again, k?)
There are so many things that I am thankful for. I have a very blessed life and have been so fortunate.
1. I am thankful for my parents. They have always provided a very supportive environment for me and been a fan of everything I did. They are always there for me and encourage me in everything I decide to try. And yes, they do spoil their only child, but I'm not complaining :).
2. I am thankful for Jason. I don't know what I did to deserve him, but I'll take it. He is so hard working and always there for me and pushing me to push myself harder and follow anything I want to do. He is funny and loving and makes every single day better. (well most days, I mean some days he can be annoying :) ).
3. My friends. I have the best friends. I may not have a ton, but the ones I have are quality. When I was in the hospital, they were there for me and helped cheer me up and they are all supportive of the journey I've been taking and only want to see me succeed. They are fun and always making me laugh. Even the ones that are far away, I know are still rooting me on and always a phone call away for support.
4. My dog(s). Sandi makes me happy every single day. She is always happy to see me and makes me get out and go for walks and play with her. She is the best cuddler in the world and the best listener. I don't know how people live without dogs. My parents dogs also make me extremely happy and I am currently plotting on how steal them away. I also have great dogs where I work, and they are way happier to see me than my co-workers ever are. :)
5. My Job. Today everyone should be thankful that they just have one. But I actually have one that I enjoy. I have great co-workers. We laugh and play pranks and I don't mind going to work. Everyone at work was extremely supportive when I had my heart attack. They always encourage me. I was also extremely lucky to have a job that was so understand and worked with my cardiac rehab schedule and only wanted me to get better.
6. The rest of my family. From grandparents to aunts and uncles (there aren't a ton) I am very thankful for all of their love and support. My Aunt Marilyn in particular has been extremely encouraging on my healthier journey and always makes me want to succeed. She encouraged me with seeing a trainer again and helped get me started when I was lagging.
7. Jason's family. They are always there for us too, and help us out all the time. They help watch Sandi and in so many other ways. It's nice to know that if my parents couldn't be there for me, I could call his and they would be there in a heartbeat.
8. My trainer. She is so supportive and pushes me harder than I would ever push myself. I am always pleasantly suprised when I accomplish the things she asks me to do, because I would never venture that far on my own, but she knows I can do it.
9. A great place to workout. I love Blue Springs Fitness. My whole life I was too terrified to join a gym. I always thought everyone would be thin and fit and judge me for not being that way. I have not once felt judged. Everyone is friendly and says hello. The owner is great and when he read my blog, sent me the nicest and most encouraging e-mail. It's things like that that keep me going and make me believe that I can be successful.
10. My lifestyle change. I don't think I am ready to say that I am grateful for having a heart attack. But I am grateful for being healthy now and feeling so much better. The way I felt a year ago and the way I feel now is night and day difference. Exercising and eating healthy has made such a positive change in my life, and I guess it had to take something so negative to kick me into gear. (But let's not do that again, k?)
There are so many things that I am thankful for. I have a very blessed life and have been so fortunate.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
No Repeats
Rosie O'Donnell was on the Dr. Oz Show recently talking about her heart attack and they said something that really kicked my butt into gear this week. They said that women who have had a heart attack are incredibly likely to have a second one within five years.
I do NOT want that to be!
I have to fight, fight, fight, every day to be healthy and make healthy decisions and work out and I do not want to be back in that hospital bed. No excuses.
Halloween has been hard. We have had candy at work and I bought candy for the house and we only had three trick or treaters. I was so bummed! So now I have tons of leftovers. I am sending it to work with Jason and putting it at my housewarming party, hopefully it will get eaten up!
I worked out with my trainer on Monday. She always makes me want to do better too. And she texts me during the week to check up on me which makes me keep going because I don't want to tell her that I didn't work out. So today I went and did another workout that she wrote for me.
I have a new guilty pleasure, the Vampire Diaries. I take my iPad to the gym and watch it while I'm jogging on the treadmill. It helps the time go by, you just have to be careful to keep your speed up and not get too involved in the show. lol.
I found a few yummy new recipes. I made this delicious funfetti cake dip. I found the recipe on pinterest. It was so good! Even Jason ate tons of it, and he normally doesn't like the "healthy" recipes I make. But funfetti cake has always been my favorite. Here is the recipe. (I'm going to make it again for my housewarming party)
I got this from a great blog, Eat Yourself Skinny. http://www.eat-yourself-skinny.com/2012/06/funfetti-dip.html
I do NOT want that to be!
I have to fight, fight, fight, every day to be healthy and make healthy decisions and work out and I do not want to be back in that hospital bed. No excuses.
Halloween has been hard. We have had candy at work and I bought candy for the house and we only had three trick or treaters. I was so bummed! So now I have tons of leftovers. I am sending it to work with Jason and putting it at my housewarming party, hopefully it will get eaten up!
I worked out with my trainer on Monday. She always makes me want to do better too. And she texts me during the week to check up on me which makes me keep going because I don't want to tell her that I didn't work out. So today I went and did another workout that she wrote for me.
I have a new guilty pleasure, the Vampire Diaries. I take my iPad to the gym and watch it while I'm jogging on the treadmill. It helps the time go by, you just have to be careful to keep your speed up and not get too involved in the show. lol.
I found a few yummy new recipes. I made this delicious funfetti cake dip. I found the recipe on pinterest. It was so good! Even Jason ate tons of it, and he normally doesn't like the "healthy" recipes I make. But funfetti cake has always been my favorite. Here is the recipe. (I'm going to make it again for my housewarming party)
I got this from a great blog, Eat Yourself Skinny. http://www.eat-yourself-skinny.com/2012/06/funfetti-dip.html
Servings: 24
Serving Size: 1/4 cup
Calories: 105
Fat: 2 g
Carbs: 20.2 g
Fiber: 0.3 g
Protein: 1.4 g
Here are your ingredients:
1 (18.9 oz) box Funfetti cake mix
2 cups fat-free plain yogurt
1 cup lite Cool Whip
Fat-free animal crackers
In a large bowl, mix together cake mix, plain yogurt and Cool Whip until completely combined and you see no more lumps. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to chill for about 4 hours. Garnish with additional sprinkles if desired and serve with animal crackers, enjoy!
Very Very Good! Everyone have a great weekend!
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