Leash Training

I've been working on leash training our cats. The weather has been cold and foggy in the mornings but warmed up nicely in the afternoon, so a couple of afternoons this weekend, in between household projects, we would harness up the kitties and take them outside to enjoy the sun.

This one enjoys being outside, but does not understand the leash concept. She would rather play in the grass or sunbathe instead of follow the person on the other end of her harness. She did follow me once quite well, but was chasing the fringe at the bottom of my pants leg. I think she will learn in time as she's quite smart.


The other one, is a bit younger, very good about following, and is used to a collar. The combo seems to work in our favor, as he's much better about the whole leash concept. He's also feeling much better in general. Thanks to more meds than I ever thought possible, his secondary infection has cleared up and he's off antibiotics. He still sneezes now and then, but it appears it's allergies at this point. He's more susceptible in the mornings when it's cool, and quite often when we are also stuffy. He has gotten a lot more active and is even growing! It looks like he's not going to be the runt in the family!

Pumping up

Well, today I learned the techniques behind the lifting. Amazingly proper breathing and new techniques helped immensely! I actually increased my "maximum" tolerance from Wednesday's 90 to 165 lbs! I was pretty happy to say the least. Today we focused on legs, so I didn't get to try the barbell to see if that could improve as well.

I have the feeling I'll be REALLY sore this weekend, but at the moment I feel GREAT!

Measuring up

Ok, so I'm a relatively pretty fat person... my height helps hide the weight. (You definitely won't see me posting a picture of me in shorts or a swimsuit!) After my last post, I met with a personal trainer, and signed up for some much needed help. My first session was Wednesday at 5:30 AM! (This from the person who has a hard time getting to work by 8:00!) I am working on scheduling my sessions around 6:00 AM going forward, as I almost threw up I had to get up so early. Unfortunately, I am so drained after work that I don't think evening is an option. We'll see how it goes.

My first session was spent taking measurements, with enough time for about 15 minutes on the elliptical machine and 15 reps on some of the equipment to see what my "baseline" is. Let's just say, my baseline was hilariously sad. I did ok on the legs, but my upper body was very week. I was lucky to make 15 reps on some things. (Although my hand grip is off the chart for a woman, so I guess that's good.)

Towards the end, I had to try the bench press. Luckily my trainer took the weight off of the bar as it still seemed a bit heavy. (I later learned just the bar alone weighs 45 lbs!) I was so exhausted, I could only manage three, before it wobbled out of control. I was shocked at how out of shape my muscles are.

The sad part is, for the little I did, I am sore. I look like an old lady getting out of my car. Tomorrow I start the real work out, and from what I've been told, a lot more pain is to be expected before my body gets use to this new form of torture. Wish me luck!

Drastic times..

There isn't a pillow big enough to hide the fact that I'm twice the girl I was only a few years ago. I have an entire closet of clothes that are too tiny that I someday hope to fit into again.

The sad part is, I really try to eat healthy. Whole wheat breads and pastas, a variety of vegetables, and occasionally fruit. I don't eat at fast food joints, I stopped drinking sodas and other high calorie drinks years ago, I avoid junk food, and contrary to the photo, I am far from a couch potato.

That said, I do have a desk job staring at a computer for hours on end. I don't go out for lunch, and tend to eat a granola bar to tide me over until dinner. I stopped exercising over a year ago, to focus on conceiving, and instead the only thing I've managed to accomplish is baby weight without a baby. I have become another statistic--FAT.

My husband has remained the same weight most of his life, +/- 5 lbs. No diets, no avoidance of foods, just good DNA. Unfortunately, I am not blessed with his genes.

The sad part is, I continue to think of myself as thin and pretty. That is until I have a photograph taken and realize that my perception may be a bit skewed.

So on Monday, I'm starting a diet and exercise program. Hopefully this will help my vision and that of the camera match, and I'll be back to my smaller self in no-time.

More Meds

My cat is still sick. Just barely, but enough that we've extended his meds another 14 days. (Which ups the total to 48 days of antibiotics.) Hopefully this last batch will do the trick. He is looking better, and a lot more playful. I guess time will tell if this will be the last bit of meds he needs for awhile. I really hope so!