Bye Bye Birdie

What is up with the birds lately?  They’ve been strangely absent the last few months. I have two feeders outside my kitchen window, and I usually have so many feathered visitors that I have to refill them every weekend.  But I haven’t needed to fill them for over two months now.

At first I thought it was bad seed. I picked up a bag at the grocery store instead of my usual place, and I thought maybe the seed was old. So I went back to my regular place and bought a new bag. Nope.  That wasn’t it. Still no birds. 

I haven’t seen very many squirrels either.  One little guy stops by and steals seed about once a week, but that’s it.  Strange.

We do have an amazing abundance of butterflies this year, though.  Maybe because there are no birds around to eat them.

Is it just me?  Is anyone else in the Houston area missing their birds this year?

Weighing In - Week Forty Eight

If I had written a post last week, I would have told you that I lost 1.2 lbs. But I didn't. Then I would have followed up with a post this week saying I had gained 2.8 lbs.  But I didn't.  So, since I've been lazy about posting, I can tell you that I gained 1.6 lbs over the last two weeks.  That doesn't sound as good as losing 1.2, but it sounds better than gaining 2.8.

My numbers for the week(s):

Pounds lost (-) or gained (+) this week:  +1.6
Total weight loss:  20.4

Inches lost (-) or gained (+) this week:  -0

Total inches lost:  33.0

My current motivation:  The Meet My Goals Challenge from Mom In Management. At the end of week one, I had met my goals, even though I didn't lose any weight.  My goals center around exercise (Jillian Michaels' Body Revolution 6 days a week) and snacking (specifically, not snacking), and this week I'm trying to drink more water.

Weighing In - Week Forty Six

It's been a rough week.  Lots of stress. But I did finally get all the way through workouts 5 & 6 of Body Revolution, which is good, because it's time to switch to 7 & 8. I really love Jillian, but I honestly think she's trying to kill me. These workouts are tough! I am absolutely certain that the tiny weight gain this week can be blamed on the muscles I'm building.

My week came to a lovely end on Mother's Day.  My son, who is home from college, presented me with a very thoughtful gift - a little red ceramic teapot and the most amazingly delicious tea; then he and my husband cooked me a lovely dinner of barbecue chicken.  I ended the day by sharing a cup of tea with my baby boy. It was a perfect day!

My numbers for the week(s):

Pounds lost (-) or gained (+) this week:  +0.2
Total weight loss:  22.0

Inches lost (-) or gained (+) this week:  -0

Total inches lost:  33.0

My current motivation:  Can't wait for this new challenge from Mom In Management to start!

Weighing In - Week Forty Five

I thought I was ready for Phase 2 of Body Revolution. Ha! Wrong. Phase 2 is really tough. Once again, I can't get all the way through without stopping, and I have to do the "sissy" version of certain moves. I know I shouldn't be so hard on myself. I'm at least 10 years older than the hard-bodies in the videos, and at least I'm making an effort. But, for once, it would be nice to say "I can do this", and know that I really can. 

I am happy to report that the challenge of Phase 2 seems to be just what I needed to jump start my weight loss. Here's to hoping that will continue... since I need to burn off the pounds I know I gained from my hubby's birthday dinner. 

My numbers for the week(s):

Pounds lost (-) or gained (+) this week:  -2.2
Total weight loss:  22.2

Inches lost (-) or gained (+) this week:  -0.5

Total inches lost:  33.0

My current motivation:  My friend, Daria, from Mom In Management is starting a new 10 week Meet My Goals challenge. I love these challenges, because they help me stay motivated. I can't wait to get started!