Driver's Lisence Update

It has been two weeks since I began my new healthy lifestyle program. I'm excited to share some discoveries I've made.

My roommates and I are reading the following book together:
This book encourages you to completely cast off any and all diet plans you have been following over the years. It tells you not to count calories, not to restrict certain kinds of food from your diet, not to starve yourself to save up calories for a treat, not to cut out sweets, and more. Sounds too good to be true, right? It's not as easy to do as I thought it would be! When I'm in weight loss mode, I totally revert back to the idea that sweets are taboo. I have a REALLY hard time breaking away from that mentality.

The whole idea, from what I understand, is to really be aware of what your body needs. If you're hungry, eat until you are satisfied and full, NOT until your plate is clean, or when you feel like stopping. Since I'm still learning how this works, I've over calculated and had to pour stuff down the sink as I've realized I'm satisfied before I've finished. It's a very cool concept, and I've been enjoying it a lot.

The book talks about how toddlers are intuitive eaters. They eat until they are satisfied and then they are done. Parents often make the mistake of trying to force them to eat more than what they need because they are concerned about the child getting the proper nutrition. Basically, as always, becoming like a little child and relying on our intuition is the way to find our healthy weight.

I'm still working out almost every day. Progress is slow, but I can definitely feel and see change. I'm not giving up! Thanks to all of you for giving me motivation to keep on keeping on.

Remembering

This is the first post in a long time that actually has something directly to do with my job as a choir teacher. We got an email asking for volunteers to make home visits to incoming seventh graders. Dixon put together a little backpack for each one, which we gave upon meeting each student.

Never before in the two and a half years since I have been home have I felt closer to my mission experience in Brazil, with a few minor exceptions.

First of all, I got 2 lists of names and addresses that I had to find. It reminded me of carrying around the names and addresses of less active members and trying to find their homes. Second, it was blazing hot and I started out on foot. That last for about 5 houses or so until I gave up and took refuge in my air conditioned vehicle. Third, I got so thirsty I thought I would burst. I fondly remembered begging for water in the homes of strangers. This time, however, I took a mini detour to sonic and got an extra large strawberry limeade. I'd go to houses only to find out the student's family no longer lived there. I'd call and get disconnected phone numbers. Many people opened their doors just a crack and peered out at me warily to see who I was and what on earth I wanted. After 3 hours, I was absolutely beat. And, I'm only halfway done with my list of names.

I'm not sure quite how I managed to do that for a year and a half, but that just goes to show that the church is true and the Lord blesses His missionaries.

Here's a picture for old time's sake...

Driver's Lisence Update #3

I know you're all waiting with BAITED BREATH to get the update on how my diet is going (ha ha), so I thought I'd appease you this morning. I hope I don't lose readers because my life is so boring right now :-).

In years past, I've done lots of crash-practically-starvation diets that are really hard and not very possible to continue long term. This time around, I'm finally figuring out a smarter way to do it.

It's all about reduction, not elimination:

• 1 piece of bread instead of three.
• Sharing a few bites of dessert instead of an entire serving to myself.
• Seconds on vegetables and fruits only.
• Ordering a sandwich I want, but not getting french fries or soda to accompany it.
  

And so on.

My sister, mom (she's here in Utah for a few days!) and I did some Costco shopping together yesterday and I spent this morning cutting up and divvying up the fruit and vegetables between us. That's a great way to go. We split watermelon, yogurt, strawberries, pineapple, cucumbers, corn, high fiber cereal, clementines, and strawberries.

I've decided if I want a snack, I will go to my beautiful containers of fresh, cut-up fruit rather than fill up on fruit snacks or something else less healthy. I will also eat the high fiber granola bars that are filling, but tasty.

I've started my gym routine now that I'm back in Utah and it's feeling great. Come rain or shine, I'm going to try to go every day. :-/

As far as weight, I think I've lost a couple pounds! I feel better about myself and my clothes fit better. Although it's not a drastic difference (patience...) that's enough motivation to keep me going for now!

Let's get together, yeah yeah yeah!

My dad had to work in Hollywood again today, and since my mom and I are taking a flight from L.A. this evening, we have been lounging around in the office where he works. We only discovered towards the end of our stay that the couch where we have been reading is from the original version of the movie, "The Parent Trap"!

That made the day a bit more exciting :-).

Driver's Lisence Update #2 and some Book Talk

The biggest enemy in trying to lose weight and retain a healthy lifestyle is discouragement.

I made the mistake today of stepping on the scale after only about 3 days of last weighing myself and finding that my weight fluctuated slightly, but not in my favor. How could this be possible? I've cut my portions in half and I eat tons of fruit. I feel like I've changed my lifestyle significantly since I started this plan. It has been fairly easy until today...I started thinking, "This is so not worth it" and started wondering if I could really last. If I'm going to be honest about it, I really have about 35 pounds to go before I am at an appropriately thin yet healthy weight. How on earth can I keep going if I don't see immediate results? I rely so much on consistent success for encouragement.

I have realized over the years that one of the divine attributes I lack most is patience. And I've discovered, my friends, that patience happens to be the attribute I most need to develop in order to see this weight loss program through. Rain or shine, I'm going to weigh SOMETHING 3 months from now and it's a safer bet that it will be LESS if I keep on chugging with my plan of healthier eating and more exercise. As much as I hate to think about it, it may take three or four weeks to see any substantial progress at all. But if I give up, then I'll be sitting there three months from now thinking, "So what if I hadn't dropped the plan?" I may as well give it a shot, right? Right.

I've found something that grooves for me in terms of exercise. I enjoy going on vigorous walks. I am a huge talker and it is wonderful way to get some exercise, get outside, enjoy the weather, and develop relationships in the meantime. This week, I've gone on walks with both parents separately and I find that I become much more open with my thoughts and feelings as the walks progress. I'm able to discuss issues that trouble me and seek their advice for resolution. It is the same way when I go on walks with my roommates. Together, we can problem solve and share fears and concerns and become better friends.

I don't know why walking outside makes me feel so much more willing to express my true sentiments, but I think it must have something to do with being so near to what God has created for me. I look forward to someday being able to walk with the person I'll marry. I can anticipate it being a beautiful way to solve concerns and to escape from the troubles of our lives.

In addition, it's a fun way to stay healthy and see the world. My mom and I went and walked on a trail near the UCSB beach on Monday. It was so fun to be somewhere I don't usually go. Today, my dad and I walked on the trail behind Tucker's Grove park.

Walking outside is easier for me than running. Breathing is more difficult when I run outside, and thus my stamina decreases. I can usually only run for about 20 minutes before collapsing, while I can walk at a brisk pace for an hour. Besides, I can walk and talk but running and talking is pretty much out of the question.

Don't get me wrong; I'm a stanch believer in regular gym attendance. I love going to the gym. It makes me feel powerful to achieve my goals. I feel like a stronger woman and someone who can be successful. It relieves stress and makes me feel better about myself. But I don't think there's anything wrong with two exercise plans to change it up a bit, do you?

I read Enna Burning and River Secrets, the Shannon Hale books that follow The Goose Girl. I enjoyed them immensely. I probably liked River Secrets better than the one before it, but my sister Anna absolutely adores Enna Burning. I recommend all three books highly for my female friends especially. I love how they each contain somewhat of a mystery that unravels itself throughout the novel. Hale is very clever at keeping you guessing until close to the end of the book...and, she never fails me with the right touches of romance. These books are hard to put down!

I finished her Newberry award winning book, Princess Academy, today. What a fun book! I wish she had more to follow in the same series. It is very similar to the first three books I read; therefore, if you're looking for a change of pace, you won't find it in this book. However, for those of you who absolutely adore her novels like I did, this one absolutely will not disappoint.

I have a link to her blog below if anyone is interested in checking it out. Or visit her website at www.shannonhale.com. I found the mini bios about her life very inspiring and I like hearing the way she talks about her characters.

Drivers Lisence Update #1

Well, I haven't backed down. I know it has been a long time...5 days, to be exact...but I haven't given in to temptation. Aren't you impressed? :-)

Yesterday, in Hollywood, my mom and I both decided against sharing a dessert crepe and quickly passed by glass cases full of fudge, baked goods, and other delectable sweets.

So how do we get by without any treats at all in a world full of such sugary goodness? Allow me to introduce my new best friend, available at Costco:



NEW! GIANT Chocolate Cookies & Cream Bar (from Weight Watchers)
POINTS® value 2

Crunchy, chocolate-y cookie goodness. Low-fat chocolate ice cream is covered in delicious cookie crunch coating. Offered in a six-pack, each GIANT Chocolate Cookies & Cream Bar contains 140 calories, 4.5 grams of fat and 4 grams of fiber.

http://www.weightwatchers.com/shop/productList.aspx?gcmspid=1010551&gcmscid=1010601&navid=moreww

They are so delicious that you honestly can't believe what you're eating is low fat!

We also went to Costco and bought an enormous watermelon, which I spent a good amount of time dicing last night while rocking out to some of my middle school students' favorite tunes. Our entire family relishes the taste of chunks of ice cold watermelon. It's a perfect snack, suitable for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

I love cold cereal. I always have. At the beginning of the week, I refilled my bowl of honey nut cheerios about three times before I was finished. By the end of this week, however, I've learned a great trick. I pile fresh raspberries on top of my bowl of cereal; then, when I get to the leftover milk with no cereal, instead of filling it up with more, I put more raspberries in the remaining milk and finish it off that way. Delicious!

Another filling food item that has helped me when the desire to snack comes along is this:

http://www.fiberone.com/Product/bars.aspx

They are very tasty and filling. They really helped me through the first couple days of reducing the amount I ate.

So, that's the update so far! This is an adventure, and it is easier than I remembered it before. I think that's because of my last tip...PRAYER. I really believe that when we set worthy goals and work towards them (such as keeping our bodies healthy and thus keeping our self-esteem healthy), the Lord will meet us more than halfway in helping us achieve the things we desire.

Badda Bing, Bada Boom!

Words can't express the joy I feel about my recent clothing purchase.

My dad had to do some work in Los Angeles today, so my mom and I tagged along and hit The Grove mall in Hollywood. We roamed around the little carts and I found a beautiful piece of fabric!

What, you say? A piece of fabric? That's not an exciting purchase. If that's exciting, then your life must be pretty boring, Katie. Sheesh!

Maybe so. But before you jump to any conclusions, please observe below what my little piece of fabric can do!

The lady who does this clothing line has a website, www.silviasdesigns.com. There is even a "how to" video with (a little scary) ethnic music going on in the background while some girl wraps this thing around herself in a variety of different ways. I am spellbound by this whole concept!

BOO-YAH!!

VOILA!

Hey, hey, hey!!!

Work it!

Here are the advantages to owning this little number:

• It's reversable
• Every one of these puppies has a unique pattern...no one will have the same dress/skirt as you (at least, this is what the lady told me who sold it to me...not 100% sure I believe it, but okay).
• You can create 100 different styles with this little ditty, including dresses, skirts, beach cover-ups, and fancy shawls!
• Consequently, you can wear this baby to church for A WHOLE TWO YEARS and not wear the same thing twice!
• I've only tried about ten things so far, but the world is at my fingertips with this piece of work. It's a brand new hobby! This is probably one of the most exciting things that has happened to me...today.

Accountability

There are two things about me that those closest to me are well aware of. First, my constant need to divulge information about myself. My friends often laugh because I'll say to one of them in confidence, "Now, I just want to keep this quiet, so please don't tell anyone..." and then an hour later, when a few more friends arrive, I'll say, "Okay, I really have to tell you something!!" I wear my heart on my sleeve. No one need guess how I'm feeling or what I'm thinking.

Now, as I've gotten older, I've discovered the root of my urgent need to confess. I owe it all to a one little word: accountability. When I was little, I would tattle often to my parents, not so much to get another kid in trouble, but to relieve the gnawing guilt I felt knowing I held a secret piece of information my parents did not. I needed to make an accounting to someone of everything I heard and saw, or else I felt guilty. Strange as it seems, it has been a familiar "mode of operation" to me for some time now.

In light of this discovery, I have decided to put this interesting habit to good use. I want it to work for me, rather than against me. Which is why, ladies and gentlemen reading this blog, I am initiating a plan of action that I would like to make you a part of, for those of you so willing. I would like to make myself accountable to you. You don't have to do anything, except perhaps check in once in awhile to see how I'm doing on my "driver's license plan." I figure if I can make myself accountable to someone, I will be far less likely to falter in my conviction to achieve the following goal:

I am currently approximately 20 lbs above the weight listed on my driver's license. This goal is serious business, because how many of YOU told the honest truth about the weight you listed on your license? I got a new license when I came home from my mission, so the weight gain has been gradual since then. I have decided that I want to be the weight on my driver's license by the time school begins at the end of August. This will require cutting out junk food almost entirely and exercising daily. Because I don't have to work this summer, I plan to focus a lot of attention on restoring my body to a healthy weight. I'm on my third day currently of this new plan.

Here is the "before" picture (aka where I'm at right now). I will post maybe once a week an update on how I'm doing on my journey, making myself accountable to one and all.

Still traveling...vicariously.

While I am back in Santa Barbara and no longer visiting new places, I have discovered a form of traveling not only to different locations, but to different time periods as well.

It's called reading. Glorious, lovely, addictive, reading.

I started off with a book recommended by my mom called, They Love to Laugh by Kathryn Worth. It was written in the 1940's but set in the mid 1800's. It's a lovely little romance and right up my alley in terms of content :-). It's about a girl who finds herself an orphan at age 16. She goes to live with a family where she learns to do household responsibilities that she never before tried, such as baking bread and weaving. She also raises silk worms. It may sound trite, but it is delightful to read.

I just finished reading Goose Girl by Shannon Hale. It was recommended to me by two of my dear friends, Holly and Lisa. In fact, this whole post was Lisa's idea. She put book reviews on her blog, which reminded me that I wanted to read Goose Girl (which Holly recommended 2 years ago). Now, I'm doing the same on my blog in hopes of helping someone else out with summer reading ideas.

Goose Girl is about a princess who is tricked out of her title. She works as a goose herder as she saves money and plans how to take back what is rightfully hers. It is a fantasy, yet somehow believable, especially for those of us desperate to believe in fairy tales with happy endings.

I am anxious to get started reading the sequel to Goose Girl, called Enna Burning. I'll let you know how it goes!

Day Fourteen

What a vacation this has been! We have seen and done so much in a relatively short period of time. It was two weeks ago today that I had my very last day of school. Since that time, I've been to 3 different states and 1 other country! It has been so worth it. Every minute...

I have to say though, I'm READY to go home tomorrow and get into a regular routine. I'm ready to watch, "So You Think You Can Dance," again. I'm ready to start a regular exercise program and read the rest of the books in the Anne of Green Gables series. I'm ready to do....nothing. Absolutely nothing. A whole lot of nothing for a whole lot of days...in a row.

Pictured below are highlights from our day today. It was a fantastic one!

Here is where we stayed our last two nights in Nauvoo. We were in the room with the little balcony. Below us was a bakery and a store.

We had the opportunity to visit Carthage jail, where the prophet Joseph Smith and his brother, Hyrum, were martyred. It has been exciting to visit the Nauvoo church history sites after having taken a church history class from Susan Easton Black at BYU a year and a half ago. All the stories have been coming together for me with the actual locations where they took place. Below is my mom in front of the jail.

To the left is the window out of which Joseph Smith fell after being shot by his oppressors. I am grateful for his courage and dedication to helping restore the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am also grateful for the pioneers who did not fight back, but instead, risked their lives moving west in order to live what they believed.

Below is the actual door through which Joseph's brother was shot. There are two bullet holes; one grazed the lock and opened the door and the other hit Hyrum.

Hail to the man who communed with Jehovah!

20 years ago, our family took a trip to Chicago where we ate at a place called Walker Bros Pancake House. My mom never forgot the flapjacks! In an early celebration of her brithday tomorrow, we had dinner there. The pancakes were astoundingly good!

The past two weeks have been filled with experiences that I will remember forever!

Day Thirteen

Pretty cool souvenir, Annie...

After a trip to the temple this morning (what a great way to start the day!), we took a carriage ride around town to learn more about the history of Nauvoo.

We visited a home where John Taylor lived with his family. This is a rocking horse that belonged to John Taylor's son. John Taylor was the third prophet of the church and with Joseph Smith when he died. When John and his family left for Utah, their son cried incessantly. They asked him what was wrong and he said he missed the little rocking horse he had left behind in Nauvoo. Although John knew he was well-known among the mobs driving the Mormons out of town, he returned undercover at night by horse in order to get the rocking horse. It made it safetly with them to Utah and now has been donated back to the John Taylor home in Nauvoo. We loved hearing that story!

It was fun visiting the post office! We learned that in order to fit more on one page and cut on postage costs, people would write a letter from top to bottom on a vertical page and then turn it horizontally and write perpendicularly on top of what was already written.

Below is an actual mail sorter from the 1800's.

We visited the home of Calvin Pendleton. He was a doctor who decided to give his medical services for free. To earn money, he opened a school room in his home where he taught. He also worked as a blacksmith. He had a very inspiring life.



We got to see how newspapers were printed during the time the latter-day saints were in Nauvoo. It was very cool to watch the process. We learned that in those days capital letters were kept in the "upper case" and small letters were kept in the "lower case" (see picture below). That's where that terminology came from!


We loved getting to see Tina perform for a second night, maybe even better than the first time! They perform on an outdoor stage. The weather was beautiful. We snagged front row seats both times :-).




Anna and I were so inspired by our sister's performances that we decided to put one together of our own. Sorry that it's sideways.

Day Twelve

Nauvoo is amazing. There is a very sweet spirit here. We have thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the performances and historic church sites. This has been such a wonderful experience for my family!

Here are pictures of the cute bed and breakfast we stayed at last night (see my last post for details).


Above is the outside of the little home. Below are pictures of the cute room we stayed in. It was called "The Garden Room."




The dessert and breakfast provided were very beautifully presented! Here is a picture of the "We love Nauvoo Eggs."


This is our family having breakfast with the other couple staying at the bed and breakfast.

Our chefs (and bed and breakfast owners) David and Diane.



Candlelit dessert in the evening.



This picture (below) was in honor of the fact that I did my hair for the first time in twelve days.


I played beauty parlor with my mom (below) and fixed her hair. It was so fun!


We were so excited to meet up with Christina and see some of the sights...





This was a pottery demonstration. Back in the 1800's, they had to turn the wheel with their foot!


Below, we learned how barrels were made in the 19th century.

Below is one of the original "Sun Stones" that were found on the first Nauvoo temple before it was burned by those fighting against the members of the church. The purse I'm using is the one I got in Austin, made from a recycled feed sack.


The best way I can describe the temple is majestically beautiful. It is incredible.


The monument below is dedicated to all the faithful latter-day saints who lost their lives on their way to the Rocky Mountains on the trek west. We think we may have found some relatives listed among the 2,600 names.



The statue below is of the prophet Brigham Young with the prophet Joseph Smith.


The Missouri River

Anna and I were doing the Pocohontas classic, "Just Around the Riverbend" (above).



There are fun musical performances in many different locations around town. There is a group of young college students who serve a three month performing arts mission in Nauvoo every summer. They are extremely talented. We've enjoyed watching their shows, combined with senior missionaries and other performers. This is right up my alley! I love this kind of stuff! I would have loved to have done something like that.



The BYU Ballroom Nauvoo Touring Company



Christina had a featured foxtrot number with her dance partner, Caleb, called "Aint that a Kick in the Head." She was fantastic! Our whole family was brimming with pride.



We love Jared and his little hat.
I have seen such beautiful places on this trip. I feel so lucky!
My dad took this incredible picture of the Nauvoo Temple.