Just Do It...

Just Do it.....I wish I would have thought up this slogan first!! It is AWESOME!! Such a simple, but powerful statement!!! If only we would ~ Just Do It!

I've been reading your posts ~ reflections on 2010 and goals for 2011 ~ There was so much hope for 2010!!! Some of us had success, while others of us have fallen short of our goals. I certainly did not achieve all I wanted to this past year!! It's fun to see the expectation and hope for 2011. I personally am looking for really big things to happen!

I've been thinking about the past year, for the most part it was an OK year. I mean I did lose 54 pounds - never done anything like that before!! Plus there were so many other changes that were beneficial that helped me to achieve losing the weight. However, I did have my share of things that were not achieved. In thinking about 2011, instead of the dread of making new goals only to not achieve them ~ I see success!!! Because this year, instead of making goals and waiting for something to happen. I'm going to set my goals and Just Do what it takes to make them happen!!!

I'm reading a book about creativity. It talks a lot about the energy that we put out and the energy that is all around us. Sounds a little weird, but I kind of get it. One of the things the book talks about is putting my energy toward the things I want to do. Then it struck me that I've never really thought about what I want...in terms of something big!! I know there is something more for me to do, it's big, but what is it? I am a fairly successful person, I have a great husband and family, beautiful home and a great job. But other than that, that's what I have. I know there is more for me....it dogs me every day...but I've never really stopped to think about what that something is.

Something said at Bringing Pretty Back got me to thinking. In her December 28th post about "Who do you think you are", she said, "I need to take the ideas floating around in my mind and make them concrete". That statement got me all excited because I do have ideas, a lot of them, in my head, that I want and need to get done!

Up til now, I've never stopped long enough to really formulate what they are. I think it's time for me to get them out of my head and on paper and once that's done ~ I just need to do it!! Whatever the goals are...whatever I have to do...I just need to put my energy there and make them happen!!

The fun thing is...and the only thing I know for sure is that I can see that my weight loss and fitness journey is the first thing that needs to be accomplished. Because reaching that goal will help me go on to the next one!! I see there is a grand plan designed, just for me!!! It's out there, but I have to do the work, one step at a time, to get there.

No more waiting around and dreaming about my goals, it's time to JUST DO IT!!!

What about you? Do you feel there's more out there for you? Are you going to be in the same place next year or are you going to do what you need to do to achieve your goals? MAKE IT HAPPEN!!!

Keep focused!!

Finally - I'm Back!!

Wow I have been struggling. Not so much with the food and exercise, it's been what I've been thinking! If I could just do what I know to do without analysing it and worrying about everything I would be so much better off!! I've been struggling since last September!! So frustrating!

The past months, I've been going through the motions, doing what I'm supposed to do, but I've had the biggest ugliest cloud handing over my head. It's like the biggest sense of dread ever!! Daily I was having trouble facing the grind of it all!!!

Today it feels like the clouds of depression have lifted off and I'm seeing nothing but blue skies ahead!! Thank God, because I could feel that I was slowly losing myself to the dark side!!

Now I feel like I can do what I need to do. Already I got one thing done that I wanted to do and that was getting a new workout outfit!! I found the cutest top and jacket!! They are form fitting and very comfortable!! Of course the shirt is pink and very bright. This is usually not a color I would pick, I'm an all black girl!! You know, because black makes you look slimmer ~ right? Anyway, wearing this shirt will be a stretch that I'm willing to take!! Oh and then it's tight fitting that's another stretch!!! (Get it?) Anyway, just finding this stuff in a regular clothes store is encouraging!! So much fun!

Even though I'm still injured, I can just barely get out of a chair without screaming, I am excited to get back to my exercise. Fortunately I'm able to walk, so I will be able to hit the treadmill ~ well at least do what I can. So happy that I at least want to exercise and I'm excited to get back to my routine!!

Also, I'm already back to my regular food, which is making me feel a lot better. It's not that I had too much food, just a little richer than I'm used to. So glad to get back to normal!

Anyway, I don't know what was up with me or why I had to go through this, I'm excited that I finally feel like I did prior to September!! I have hope again, I CAN DO THIS and I will achieve my goals!!

How about you? Are you doing well?

Keep focused!!

From Bandaids to Back Braces!

This is getting ridiculous! Another stinkin' injury!! Yesterday was my first day of vacation where I could do something fun. I was in my craft room working on my friends quilt and I reached over my worktable to get something and all of a sudden I experienced extreme pain in my lower back!!!

So here I am, totally extended over the table and I try to stand up but the pain was immense!! The only thing I could do was stand hunched over and to try to slowly lower myself into my chair...once I got there, all I could do was just sit ~ I was unable to move! It took a long while before the extreme pain subsided. But it did finally and I was able to walk, gingerly.

Today my back is a little better. I was able to get on the treadmill for about 38 minutes, at a very slow pace, but I got on the dumb thing!!

I am so frustrated with injuries!! This past two years has been one thing after another! First it started off with the Hemi facial Spasms, which included months and months of doctors and tests. Then since last January I got a knee injury (still healing), chest wall contusion (healed), tennis elbow (still working on this one) and now my back.


It was strange...because just the other day I was thinking how "lucky" I was that nothing has happened to my back. I've always felt strong there. Hummm...wonder if I jinxed myself!


Anyway, I am truly at a loss as to why I keep getting these injuries. It's not like I'm doing stupid things and I'm getting what I deserve. No these things (the knee, chest wall and tennis elbow) were from exercise over use and now the back problem is from just moving my body.


I often think the reason I have bad experiences or times of trial is because my experience will eventually help someone else out. Because I've been there, I will be able to be more compassionate, understanding and an encouragement to others while they go through the same experience. Most of the time it is true and am able to help and most of the time I'm OK with this process.


However, for whom ever I'm going through this trial for, I wish you would get it, so I don't have to keep doing this!!


No really, this is probably for no other reason then I'm just getting old and I have to realize I still have 70+ extra pounds on this body and I'm just not ready to put it to test like I've been doing in the past. I really push too hard!!

Anyway, just as always, I'm not going to let this injury get me down. I mean, gosh...I know the drill...Anti inflammatory, rest, ice, heat, taking care of myself and time. I've done it all before, I will do it again!!!


What about you...are you staying injury free!! I hope so!!

Keep focused!


Hey - word of warning!!!!! Just because a tiny chocolate santa looks innocent. Don't believe him!! I just ate 2 - 170 calories each!! Yikes!!

No really you have to keep focused ~ ON EVERYTHING!!!!!

New Pants Again!!

Bummer...I had to go shopping again for another new pair of pants. Just went a couple of weeks ago and purchased a pair of size 18's (Could not fit into the 16's). Well now the new pants are way too big already. I can slide them off without unbuckling them!! Woo Hoo!!!

So today I went to the store, blew right in, grabbed a pair of size 16's right off the rack, put them on and they fit - GREAT!!! Then I found this great black sweater, sized 14-16. It's form fitting and looks wonderful! I actually have curves!!! In all the "RIGHT" places!!!

What a great place to be for Christmas Day!! I have not been this weight for years!! Finally I think I can allow pictures taken of me without running from the room. Can't wait for the family to see me in my new outfit!!!

This....this is just another great reason to keep going, to stay focused and to reach for and achieve my goals!!!

I'm going to do this thing!! How about you ~ Are you with me?

Keep focused!!!

Merry Christmas to you and your family!!!

Cracked!

Since about September, I have been pushing myself beyond my limit!! Funny thing is, I did not really know it until last night...

I have to tell you ~ I cracked!!

Because of my lighter body and new found energy, I am finally living my life. I want to do EVERYTHING!!! Unfortunately I have learned that I can't do it all ~ even if I WANT TO!!

Since September I have not stopped. I have always put my exercise and healthy eating first, and then I've kept up with my home, super involved with my family, involved with my church and worked a full time job. And then the holidays came.

Then not to disappoint, ANYONE, I maintained my usual routine and added the holiday festivities. ALL OF THEM!!! STUPIDLY I forsake allowing myself any free days, and or hours, or maybe even minutes for some down time. It's been non stop...push...push...push!!!! Not only did I not get my down time, my activities started to eek into my sleep time. Then I noticed that even meal time was filled with reading, paying bills or doing something else other than taking a moment to relax.

My home life has been so chaotic and stressful and a lot of that is my mistake. Unfortunately I have not even had the luxury of going to work to rest ~ not that I would do that or recommend doing that. Work has been nuts too!! It's just one thing after another!! No down time at all!! Even church has been stressful ~ There is always something to do!!!

All this has brought me here today!! My fatigue level is over the top. I am so tired and stressed that I'm not coping well. Finally got through work last night, knowing that the next thing on my list was....gym time with my trainer (45 minutes - at least), then I need to finish my Christmas cards (about 25 or more), then I need to bake my special cookies for the people at work (usually a 2 evening process), next I need to wrap one more present (will it ever stop?), probably should pay some bills, and finally start the fleece blanket for my friend (who I will see this Wednesday). Can I just say "YIKES!!!!"

You know I love the holidays. For me it starts in September where I decorate my house for fall, then it pumpkin patches every weekend, my work harvest party, then my family harvest party in October. Then November it's my birthday, Thanksgiving and prep for Christmas and then it's Christmas time!! For me I love to drive around and see the lights, go to Zoolights, see the lights at the race track, see a play, go see Santa with the grand babies, shop, have a cookie day with my sister, a Ginger Bread House "Smack Down" with my kids, etc. I usually have a blast. This year, it's been stressful!

Anyway, after work, I was faced with all of the things I had to do. I so did not want to do any of them. I almost cancelled my trainer. I said, almost! But I decided to go. I figured I would go through the motions with her, get done with that and get to the other stuff that needed to be done. Unfortunately, my trainer had other things in mind. We did not go to the weight room where we usually go, we went to the dance studio instead, where she had dragged out all of this stuff....She had plans for me! I saw a jump rope, medicine ball, a ladder type thing (that sits on the floor), a weight bar, and a mat. First thing she asked me to do was jump rope.

Honestly I have not jumped rope since 6th grade....and I'm old!!! She said to get to it and I really could not remember how to do it. So I did the best I could. Then of course my knee did not like that activity and started to hurt. So five minutes into my work out, I'm frustrated!!!!

Then it was skipping (with large legs - only way to describe it) and grapevines and lunges and funny feet things. Then it was fancy footwork on the ladder, up and down, then up and down again. Then it was curls with the bar front and back. Then it was throwing the medicine ball. I kind of liked throwing it at her!!!! And then it was push ups and planks.

Can I tell you it was like a Jillian Michael's moment on the Biggest Loser. I was a blubbering puddle after I was done!!! She broke me~~~I cracked!!!!

Either it was by design or just stupid luck, that this was the day, she changed up my routine and pushed me to a new limit. On one of the worst days ever, where I had nothing left. It happened.

After the workout was over, I was really able to share with her what was going on. She said she's known for a while that I have been pushing too hard. Said she knows that I want to get this weight off so bad, but there's a block there that's keeping me from reaching my goals. Said I'm putting in so much effort for everyone and every thing except where I need to put it and that is in myself. Said I needed to make some changes and put things in the proper order!

So on the way home, I was able to reflect on this day and the past months. And I made a decision, that I did not ever think I could ever do. And I've decided to quit my weight loss and fitness journey. No no no!! I am joking (got to get in my comedy relief somewhere!!) No I decided that I am going to put me first. So tonight, instead of tackling all the things on my list. I'm going to enjoy the evening. Right now, as I was typing this, I had a Christmas movie on. The house was warm and cozy. I've had all the Christmas lights on, fireplace and candles lit and I enjoyed my evening!!! I enjoyed Christmas!!!

Some of the stuff on my list is just not going to get done and you know what? I'm OK with that!

I am asking the Lord to restore my peace and Joy and I'm going to spend the rest of the week enjoying the reason why we celebrate Christmas!!!

There is always next week to do what has to be done.

Keep focused on your weight loss and fitness journey. Do what you need to do for yourself and your family. Enjoy Christmas!! Really everything else can wait!!

Merry Christmas!!

Focus or Quit?

What does it mean to focus? According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, (Point #5), Focus means:

Point #5

a: a center of activity, attraction, or attention...my example:

great health, fitness and weight loss>

b : a point of concentration

That's right we are focusing on ourselves, doing the work, paying attention and concentrating on getting this weight off.

I've read many blogs lately where people are giving up. I've heard things like...it's too hard, I'm too busy...my plan is not working...I can't/won't do it...It's not for me...I've lost some, I can maintain it...This journey takes too much time...I just don't want to do it anymore!!!!

I hear ya, I don't mean any disrespect. But I would like to remind you. If you don't focus on this journey, on getting fit and getting this weight off, I can guarantee you, you will be focused on something else.

Like....

1.) All the new clothes that you just bought because you've lost some weight are getting too tight. Now you have to spend time, energy and focus to get bigger clothes. Can I just say, you will need to put some focus and creativity into your budget. New clothes are expensive!Remember buying your clothes at the fat lady store? Do you remember how expensive they are. Even with a sale?

2.) Another new focus will be....Fretting and worrying about fitting into the airplane and theater seats, worrying about breaking furniture, worrying about your kids and being a poor role model for them, worrying that your kids are being made fun of because of you, another budget worry....fast food is expensive!!!

3.) Oh how about the doctor....What's it going to be like when you go for your annual visit? How happy will your doctor be when they see that you've gained your weight back and then some. Oh, don't tell me that won't happen....How many times has it happened in the past? Oh and what about the costs of the meds you will have to go back on. Hum....lets see....Blood pressure meds, cholesterol meds, thyroid meds, diabetes...Just to name a few!!!

4.) Remember when you focused on your health and fitness...you had so much energy!!! Remember that? Well just think about how you're going to feel when your friends want you to go hiking or water skiing, or your kids want you to play outside, or you want to run after your grand kids, or you want to ride your bike. Sadly you won't be able to. You took your focus off of your fitness goal. Now you "GET TO?" sit in front of the TV all day eating junk food. I remember thinking, at my highest weight, that the only thing I was really good at was watching TV and playing video games. How sad is that? Now I can do many things...ride bikes, water ski, surf, run!, shop til I drop, clean my house without dying, climb stairs, keep up with everybody, go to shows, and explore the world ~ Could not do that from my couch!!!!

5.) Remember when you first started...you wanted to change your family tree...you wanted to stop this heinous beast of obesity... you wanted to create a new legacy for yourself!! Remember ~ ~ ~ you wanted to make a difference in this world!!! What happened to that? Do you think you can do that sitting on the couch or isolated in your bed, depressed and so unhappy with yourself? I don't think so!!!

Now pick yourself up, dust yourself off and re~focus!!! Lets do what we have to do to make it through the holiday. Eat as clean a diet as you can, move your body ~ minimize the damage the best you can. I mean it is the holidays, but it does not mean you have to take big steps back. We can do this and maintain what we have accomplished this whole past year!!!

Now lets focus on the new year...Get your GAME PLAN ON!!!! Set new goals...set yourself up for success...AND LETS GET THIS THING DONE!!!

ARE YOU WITH ME!! Dang it ~ I want to hear from you!!!

KEEP FOCUSED!!!!

Still Human!

Lately life has been stressful for me!! Too much to do and not enough time to do it. Work is busy, which is good, but there are no breaks there. Home life is very busy with Christmas preparations, cleaning, making cookies (for others), events, paying bills, laundry etc......So there's no break there!! Then of course I have to add in my health and fitness plan. Still putting that first, even while struggling with injuries (Tennis Elbow and sore knees). So no break for enjoying the season! Just too much to do!!

Yesterday I did something that I don't ever remember doing...

My sister was coming to my house for our annual Christmas cookie baking day. We usually make enough cookies for her friends and co-workers and for my friends, neighbors, co-workers and for the rest of the family. So that's a lot of cookies!

I got up at 6:00am and got started. First of all my house was a mess, I was wrapping presents so there was wrapping paper, ribbon and boxes everywhere. So I hurried and got that cleaned up. This year, we were baking sugar cookies, so my plan was to get the cookies baked before she got there, well most of them anyway. I thought I would get most of them done and then when she got there I would continue baking while she decorated. The next thing I needed to do was make lunch and finally I had to get to 3 stores.....all before 1:00pm.

I was doing pretty well until she called at 11:00 to let me know that she was leaving early and would be at my house at noon. ONE WHOLE HOUR EARLY!!!


Now I'm the kind of hostess that when I invite you to my house, everything is done so that we can just enjoy ourselves. I never want a guest, family or anyone, to come and see me cooking or cleaning while they are there. That just never happens!!


Her phone call sent me into a super ultra fast frenzy mode!!! At the point of her call, I was just finishing up my house stuff and I had most of the cookies baked and was getting ready to go to the store. So I put it in fast mode, got myself ready and was out the door. I was on the road and a couple of blocks away when I remembered I needed something from the house. So back I went. Then I was back on the road again and just got out of our neighborhood and remembered I forgot something really important and I went back again!


Can I tell you that by this time, I was a little stressed!!!


So I prayed and prayed to God to help me.....I prayed that at the first store, my favorite parking spot would be available, it's right next to the front door....Nope!!! It was full and I had to go to the big lot....So I ran to the store...Rushed in and one of their workers greeted me at the door and started to ask me if she could help, but I guess the look on my face said it all, because she just let me fly right on by!!!


I got my business done there and went to the next store, just praying they had everything I needed. I walked the entire store and did not find one thing I was looking for.....Then an answered prayer came and I saw the section I was looking for. It was really like a bright light came on and showed me the way. I was really excited!!! I got my stuff from there and went to my final destination. Again, I prayed for an up front parking spot. So I got closer to where I wanted to park and I see it, I saw MY SPACE...It's all mine....I'm in the clear.....It's MINE...and then...and then... and then.....this big ole SUV rushes in and takes my spot!!

Can I tell you....that made me MAD!!!!


So I get into the store and the next thing I know I'm in the car. You know I was in such a state that I don't really remember anything about my shopping experience...

Some how I got through the store, paid for my stuff and was in my car without me even realizing what was going on. The only thing I became aware of was a cheap bag of generic Cinnamon Bears. Dun Dun DUNNNNN!!!! (That's my dramatic music ~ Get it?)


Here's where the human part comes in and the part where this never happens to me (at least not in the last year)......I tore open that bag of Cinnamon Bears and stuffed them one after another into my mouth. I literally went from an out of my mind high stress, to a place of consciousness, an almost serene state, a place of peace in seconds!!! (Birds would be chirping at this moment) I could feel myself calm down. The Cinnamon Bears were like a crazy red squishy drug!!! Quite wonderful at the time!!!


After about 12 bears, I finally woke up and realized what I had done. I was shocked and embarrassed!! I wondered what others may have thought of this crazy women stuffing bears into her mouth...of course while I was doing this, everything and everybody were invisible. In my manic episode there was no one else around, cept me and my bears.....


Anyway, I recovered from that, raced home and started cooking my soup. My sister arrived while I was in the process of that and the rest of the house was a mess!!! Probably a little shocking to her, but it's not my fault...she was early!!


We ended up frosting 49 fancy cookies for her and did not even get mine done. All that work, all day long for her to take home her fancy little treats....Hummmmm!!!! (The music from Friday the 13th comes to mind)


Needless to say, I cleaned up a little after she left and sat in my hubby's chair, with my blankie and a movie. (Why do guys always have the best chair in the house?!?) Anyway, about 2 nano seconds later I was asleep. Hubby comes home from work a couple of hours later and the house is a disaster!!! Usually I would have had it all buttoned up and shining before he got home. I'm sure HE was a little shocked by what he walked into. Oh well!!!!


All this to say.....Are you taking care of yourself during this busy season? Obviously I did not take care of myself yesterday. Let me tell you that won't be happening again!!! I need to put myself first. Fortunately I did read my Bible, exercised and I ate good food ~Except for them bears ~ Ahem!


I thought I would list some things to think about and areas that might need some attention. Getting these things done may help smooth the rough patches in your day. Help you feel like you've accomplished something for yourself. Help you so things won't pile up and make you crazy. Those bears are always calling your name!!!

Here's some ideas.....

• Fix your boo boo's ~ Do you have hang nails and paper cuts on your hands? Get the ointment out and bandaids and take care of them today!! Hey how about some lotion? Not a bad idea to slather it on!!!
• Bills ~ Do they need to be paid? Get them done early, so you don't have to run around and get them paid later!!
• Laundry ~ Is it over flowing? Do one load at a time. Wash then fold. Don't do what I used to do...Wash a ton and then fold the mound. That is discouraging!!
• Gas in your car? Are you getting close to empty? Go now and get it filled up!!
• Injuries - Nurture them!!!
• Food out of whack ~ Take the time to plan your food. Don't hit the fast food drive thru - EVER!!!
• Exercise ~ Are you doing it? Keep your focus!! It really helps to relieve your stress!!!
• House Clean ~ Get everyone in your household to help!! Keep it picked up daily!!
• Work ~ Work as diligently as your can, don't let things pile up. Keep focused!!
• Pets in the house ~ If so, pet them, they are great stress relievers! Make sure to give them a bath if needed and a good brushing. They will love you for it!
• Give and get hugs ~ Makes you feel warm and squishy inside!!
• Time ~ Allow yourself some "YOU" time to rest, read, get a pedicure, maybe a massage. You need it!!
• Do old fashion stuff with your kids....string some popcorn, make paper chains, make ornaments, go caroling, bake...cookies...hum..., make candy, put on a Christmas play, visit someone in the hospital, visit your neighbor - get to know your neighbors, make things for people, let the kids send the Christmas cards. Just do it together, have some fun and enjoy this amazing season!

I almost cracked yesterday....Not a good thing! I know I am doing a lot of good things for myself, but obviously need to take a closer look at what I have on my schedule. Definitely over worked with too much to do. Not enough fun stuff!!

For the rest of the season, I'm looking at what's most important, cutting out the rest and I'm going to ENJOY myself!!

How about you? I would love to hear your comments on how you are doing!!!

Keep focused!

I Fit with Room to Spare!!!

I kind of lost my mind yesterday....after visiting my wonderful mom in law....It was her birthday...(she's so cute - she always says, I get to be whatever her birthday is. So yesterday, with a big ole' grin on her face, I heard her say, "I get to be 79 today!!" So stinkin' cute) Anyway, we went to her favorite restaurant ~ Red Robin.

We used to go there almost weekly before I started my weight loss and fitness journey. Yesterday was a "Treat!?!", so I was excited to go. She always wants to sit in a booth, which prior to losing 54 pounds, would almost send me into a full blown tizzy....I was always scared that I would not fit!!!!

At my highest weight, I could fit ~ barely....with just enough room that I could breath!!

So yesterday, I approached the booth....held my breath...then slid in......and guess what???

I FIT!!!!



With 5-6 inches to spare!!!

So EXCITING!!!


While I was enjoying this new freedom.....I looked around and saw others in the restaurant who
are in the same state I was last year. Stuffed into the booth....Boobs on the table....slopping stuff on their shirts.



OH...I JUST HATE THAT!!!!



I pray they will turn their lives around...get healthy...get fit and get that weight off!!!

So glad I did!!

I have a lot of weight still left to lose, but I'm focused and I'm going to get this done!!!

How about you....Are you doing it?

Keep focused!!!

Inky Black Fingerprint

In looking for inspiration for my blog, I was walking around my house, asking the Lord for a topic. I walked by my beautiful glass table and I heard the word ~ Fingerprint....

What in the world? What could I write about fingerprints that would correlate to my health and fitness journey?

After some thought, this is what I came up with.

This kitchen table is beautiful. It has a sturdy oak base, case iron legs and a beveled glass top. Really not practical for a person with 2 grand babies or the gremlins in my house who like to put their marks upon the glass.

Every day, sometimes multiple times, this table needs to be cleaned. This can be quite a chore, as this table is usually set with some sort of holiday dishes or centerpiece. So many times, all of this stuff needs to be taken off, glass cleaner is sprayed, then all the smudges and prints are removed and then everything is put back in its place.

Unfortunately there is a perpetual smudge of prints. Inky black ones. Seems they are there everyday. Don't know who puts them there or how they get there, but every day, they present themselves for me to see.

The table is me...I have a strong foundation in my life, I'm sturdy, purposeful and beautiful. However I can get very smudgy with the dirt and grim of life!!

I liken the daily, sometimes multiple table cleaning routine to my fitness and weight loss journey. It's a daily inspection to see if I'm on task. I'm looking for the smudges of things that need to be cleaned up, removed or wiped out of my life. Things that hurt me and don't help me on this journey. They are rubbed out and removed from my life. This is done every day!!!

Daily I look to my "Center Piece", which is the Lord. Am I serving Him as I should? Do I get my alone time with Him, read His word? Do I rely on Him to help me through this journey? Need to keep focused on what's most important!

I look at my "dishes" ~ My plates and cups...What do I have going on. Do I have too many things to do? Am I over extended? Am I stressed? Am I on task?

My "Glass Cleaner" which is my food and calorie book. It helps me plan and strategize my day and helps me to stay on track.

The dish towel "My Decisions". It is used to help me decide to make good choices. It helps me wipe away the mess of life and restore it.

But some times that Inky Black Fingerprint lingers. It just won't go away.

That's how I've been feeling for a while. Still fighting the Tennis Elbow ~ Going to physical therapy 2 times a week, and it still does not feel better. Now both knees are acting up. Having pain and a lot of popping and snapping! Then I got my first ever tension headache. Never had one before. My head feels like I have a tight cap on the back of my skull. Some times it feels like I have a face mask on. The pressure is intense!! No pain though...which is good, but the sensation of the pressure in my head feels horrible!!! Things feel cloudy and I feel disoriented. Not a fun thing!! Then finally, stress. I am so trying not to go there, but, unfortunately, I'm stressed!!!

I am still focused on my plan. I examine my routine of exercise and food intake daily. Nothing has changed there....It's just the gloom of injuries and sickness that I am having a hard time shaking off.

This Inky Black Fingerprint of pain needs to go ~ NOW!!!!

So in the whole vast configuration of Inky Black Fingerprints.....The solutions is....

Do what you know you need to do ~ Daily!!! Push through the hard stuff. Eliminate stress where you can. Keep focused....And don't EVER, EVER, EVER, EVER GIVE UP!!!

We can do this!!!

Are you with me?

Face in a Window...

A while back, on my way to work , I was stuck in gridlock traffic by the school near my house. As I was "happily" sitting there waiting for the traffic to move, I looked over and saw a school bus that was stuck in the same traffic, only it was going in the opposite direction. It was a cold frosty morning that day, and as I looked at the bus all the windows were frosted over so I could not see any of the faces of the kids who were on the bus, except one.

This particular window had a perfectly clear circle, and through that circle I saw a face. It was the face of a very round teenage boy. You see, this boy was sleeping and his head was tilted toward the window and as he breathed, he created enough warmth to clear the window of the frost. I have to tell you that the circle in the window was quite large. This was a very big boy. Very Big!!!

It sadden me so, as I drove away, I thought about that big boy in the window. I wondered what in the world his life must be like? Why would he want to get so big that he could not even take a ride on a school bus without falling into a deep, long sleep?

Now I know there may be many things that would cause a young person to do this. Maybe he stayed up all night studying or playing video games. Maybe his parents were fighting the night before or maybe he's homeless and this was the first warm place to sleep. Or maybe he was just too physically out of shape and exhausted by the extra weight he was carrying around.

I don't know....just made me feel really sad for that young man.

Then a couple days ago, I saw that same young man again. This time the school bus was waiting for him, holding traffic with the flashing red lights. He was walking or should I say shuffling toward the bus. Don't think I've ever seen a young person move so slow! He finally arrived to the bus and boarded. Seems we were waiting for him ~ forever! Once he was on board, it took more time, before the bus driver would turn off the red lights so we could go. You see, he had to make his way down the narrow aisle to his seat. Finally the red light turned off and we were ready to go.

I have thought about this boy so much. My heart breaks for him. I am sad his youth has been stolen by obesity. He probably does not know or can't remember what it's like to run, ride bikes, sit and play on the floor, play sports and just do the normal things kids do. Now he's facing dating, college and the rest of his life. Fat, barely able to move and/or stay awake!

What's it going to take for us to realize what's happening? For parents to intervene and help their kids, for us as adults to help ourselves to beat this monster of obesity? What's it going to take?

I am passionate about getting this weight off and helping others to do the same. Please know that I am not judging this young man or others like him. Believe me, I pray like mad for them and ask the Lord to intervene in their lives. I'm not judging him, can't judge him, because you see I was once that face in the window....

What are you doing today to make changes in your life and lives of your family? Are you making the right choices to change yourself and your family tree? Can we get this done? Can we change a nation? Can we help young people like my friend in the window?

I think we can!!!

Do whatever you can today, to reach your health and fitness goals. No matter what happens, and I mean what EVER happens. DO NOT QUIT!!! Keep focused!! Do it for yourself first, then your family and then others. We can do it!!!

Let's get this thing done!!!!

Are you with me?

Are you Busy?

Busy...Busy...Busy...


Me too!!! So busy...but I'm focused!!!!







During this busy season, be sure to keep close to your health and fitness plan.

Put yourself first!

Get your exercise....

Plan healthy meals....and eat them!!!

Drink plenty of water....

GET YOUR REST!!!!!

We can go through Christmas and New Year's strong, losing no momentum, losing weight, and getting fit.....if we just stay focused!!!


Lets finish this year strong!!!

We can do it!!!

Are you with me?

Get Sassy!

Something happened to me last night that sparked a new thing!

For the first time in my life, I went to a dance class. Well it was a cardio dance class, kind of like Zumba. This teacher was AWESOME and I had a blast!!! She had me doing moves that would make my grandmother roll over in her grave!!

Anyway, I did my best and was able to keep up for the most part. There were only a couple moves that I could not figure out, but I am very....very....very determined to master moving my body to the groove.

The class was so fun and so totally out of my comfort level. To me I think I looked like a hip grandma shakin' her groove thang, but mostly others probably thought I was a mess. I did not care!! Oh and by the way, I was the largest person in the class!! Did mind it at all!!


The other fun thing is the class sparked a sassy part of me and got me to thinking about my wardrobe. I remembered that I had a sassy black skirt that I could not previously wear. I dug it out and tried it on. It fit beautifully!! Then I matched it with a tight fitting black sweater and accessorised it with a beautiful red scarf, tights and cute shoes. I look SASSY!!!

I love the way everything feels. The tight fitting clothes feel great ~ No more yards of fabric to deal with. I love the swishy skirt. Makes me feel fun, cute, sexy (oh....that is so funny!!) and just plain Sassy!!


I would highly recommend doing something that puts a little spice and sass back into your life! It's great fun!!!


Keep focused!!

I'm Stuck....

Today I wanted to write about how I feel like a race horse stuck in the starting gate. It's like I'm loaded in the gate, I'm ready to run, I want to win the race, but the gate won't go up. I'm Stuck!!

Well...I thought that was where I am. I thought that before I did my research on race horses and starting gates. Hey, guess what? I'm not ready to win the race, I'm not even ready to run. I'm not ready, because I'm barely in the gate!!!

I found the following information from Horseracing.com (Horse Racing Tips - Editor - 22 October 2007)

I have modified the article to fit where I am today:

Unfortunately, all the sales talk that the gym representatives use to sell gym memberships does not guarantee that a person is going to enter them. Trying to reassure someone that the gym has been out fitted with the best equipment and safety, does not always convince a person of why he or she wants to go there. We have all seen sights of rearing athlete wannabees, bucking and reversing away from the gym doors before a workout. Most people put it down to the person being difficult, but many people have either not been been given the necessary instructional training, or they have had a bad experience in the gym and refuse to enter them again.

Some people are not bothered by the gym, while others are terrified of them. It is solving this phobia that is the key. Working out in the gym is an important part of our health and fitness training. When training, the aim is to ensure that the athlete move towards and into the gym, calmly and unafraid. While in the gym, the athlete, should be still and quiet, as not to cause injury to themselves or others. All this is accomplished by patience, reassurance and trust of their personal trainers.

It is important to first lead the athlete to the gym. Let them sniff around...NO NO NO that is bad!!! Let's just let them gain confidence that nothing about the gym poses a threat. Then start walking them through the machines, weights and treadmills and let them put some time in. After the athlete is comfortable going through their routine, have the athlete do it again. Let them walk through the open gates. Now they are able to go inside the gym and workout for a while before moving on to the next level. All that is left to do, is to close the front gate, they will exercise; walk or run on the treadmill, lift weights, ride the bike or row on the rowing machine. Once they are in the gym, giving it their all, the gate is closed.

When the athlete is completely comfortable to working out in the gym, their trainers often introduce other more strenuous exercises and routines, to simulate the atmosphere of race day. The athlete will then start to learn how to leave their idle ways and be ready for when the gate swings open, first at a walk, then a run and so forth, until he/she is able to break away from the starting gates at a gallop ~ ready to win the race!

That's it my friends, before I can win the race, I have to at least be willing to get in the gate. I've got one foot in, but have not been willing to go to the next level. I put in my time at the gym, but have not put in my best effort. I'm not satisfied standing outside the gate. I want to be in the gate, ready, filled with anticipation for when those gates open, so I can run, run like the wind and win this race!!

Are you with me?

Keep focused!!!

Loss for words...

Last Monday my trainer asked me what clean and healthy items were we serving on Thanksgiving Day....I was embarrassed because, honestly, I had not even given that a thought. I did not know what to say...

First of all my hubby and daughter were planning our menu, as the week before I was up to my eyeballs in making cookies for the homeless shelter. Anyway, when she asked me the question, I got to thinking about this whole weight loss and fitness journey and wondered if it was really necessary to change our whole tradition just because I'm the only fatty in the house.

Because of my lack of involvement in the meal planning and because the food was already purchased, I decided that I could not change what we were serving, but I did decide that I could and would change my usual Thanksgiving behavior.

Instead of doing what I always do on Thanksgiving, which is overeating and inactivity...this is what I decided to do instead.

First things first....I made sure I had a healthy breakfast and lunch and I drank a ton of water all day. Then, while setting the table, I made sure I found the smallest plate for my place setting. The plate was just a little bit larger than a saucer. When the meal was finally served, I had a little bit of everything. Probably had no more than 1-2 tablespoons of each item and gratefully I had only 1 roll. The only thing that I struggled with, during the day, was potato chips. Don't even know why they made it into the house, but there they were. I had too many. It's not that I sat down and had a bunch...it was that every time I went by the table, I had one. Usually a small piece, just to get the taste, but definitely more than I needed. Do you know that potato chips make my throat hurt and today, it still hurts and there's been nothing I can do to make myself feel better. I hope I will remember this for future use....potato chips are not good for me!!

The the other thing I did for myself was walk. My hubby and I took a 2 1/4 mile walk in the morning and then we went again with my daughter in the evening. That's 4+ miles for me...on Thanksgiving....I've never done that before. Also, I probably ran about 1 of those miles, as my daughter was challenging me to push myself. Kind of proud of that!!

Finally the absolute worse thing I did was I did have a piece of cheese cake. Thankfully it was a very small piece and I enjoyed every bite of it. I mean it is Thanksgiving after all ~ Geez!

All in all, I did pretty well, certainly a ton better than prior times. I am just glad it's over and I'm happy to be back on track today!

How did you do?

Keep focused!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I thankful for my Father in Heaven, for He is so good to me!!!

I think about, and pray for those who don't know Him.

I am thankful for my beautiful family ~ Hubby, 2 Sons, Daughter in Law, Daughter and Son in Law, 2 BEAUTIFUL grand baby girls, 3 moms, and T :-), Sister and her family and Brother and his family, and my awesome friends!!

I'm thinking about my friend Darren, who right now is in Haiti, on a missions trip, helping those who have suffered so much from the earthquake. He's missing Thanksgiving with his family to help others who are in desperate need!

I am thankful for my warm beautiful home, the things that I own and my refrigerator stuffed with delicious healthy food for our Thanksgiving meal.

I am thinking about my friends at the Portland Rescue Mission, who have just suffered through the night in freezing cold weather. They have no home, no job, no money, no food, no comfort what so ever.

I am so thankful for my new, healthy and fit lifestyle. This morning I only counted 6 small things that hurt or are uncomfortable on my body. (Stuffy nose, ear is bugging me, paper cut on my thumb, cut on my foot, sore muscles from exercise and the Tennis Elbow)

I am thinking about my beautiful Sister in Law who is fighting stage 4 brain cancer. She's courageous and a fighter! She inspires me!!!!

I am thankful that I woke up this morning and weigh 4 pounds less than I did in 1992.

I think about last year....about how sick I really was...so out of shape...had Hemi Facial Spasms, High Blood pressure and Cholesterol, Sleep Apnea, chronic ear problems, could barely walk from my car to my office, and had high fatigue.

I am Blessed and so thankful....how about you?

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Keep focused!

Another Injury!!

Went to the doctors the other day. First time I saw her since May. That is an all time record for me, as last year I was in her office at least once a month or more for one ailment or another. I was trying to hold off from seeing her until the first of the year. I wanted to wait until my physical so I could dazzle her with how I look after losing 50+ pounds.

Unfortunately I was unable to wait. For the past month or so, my right elbow has been causing me some trouble. It hurts right on the bone that sticks out. Well you can finally see mine, no more fat there!! Anyway, the pain kind of gradually increased to now, if I bump it, it almost sends me through the roof.

I suspected I had Tennis Elbow and wrote to my doctor to see if she could give me a home remedy. And wisely, she said I had to go see her for an official diagnoses. Bummer!

So off I went...I'm sitting there waiting for her, anticipating her response to my new found health and fitness and she finally flies into the room and says, "Well, stand up and give me a twirl." Which I happily did. She gushed on and on and said how proud she was of me. We talked a little bit about my goals and my blood pressure which has not gone down. Perplexing...I thought with weight loss and exercise I'd see improvement. Not the case at this point.

After her thorough examination she said, "Well doc...you had the right diagnoses...you have Tennis Elbow." Bummer.....

So she's shipping me off to my friend, the physical therapist!! We are quite familiar with each other....

After my doc gave me the official diagnoses, I said, "I've had 3 exercise overuse injuries in eleven months....knee, chest wall contusion and now Tennis Elbow....What's up with that?"

She said, "Well what you are doing is a whole lot better than getting...sitting on your butt, watching TV injuries. Those lead to death!"

Well said!!!

So I have a choice to make. I can be bummed out because I have to take the time and money to get my wing fixed. And/or I can turn back to my old ways and just give up ~ I mean I have more parts I can injure, if I give up now, I would have less chances of having more injuries? Save me the trouble!!!

Or I can buck up...get to my Physical Therapy and do everything they say to do. And I can continue to strengthen my body (to hopefully prevent more injuries) and keep pushing through!!!

I chose the latter. I'm gonna fight through this thing. I gonna get to that finish line. I don't care what it takes!!

How about you...are you fighting through injuries. If so, keep focused!!!

I was recently tagged by my blog friend Kimberlynn over at mindingmyweigh. I've never been tagged before, but the rules of this 'Tag' are unique in that I get to pose four new questions to four new people when I'm done. Sounds like fun, huh? Well, first things first.


Here are my answers to Kimberlynn's four questions.


1. Once you hit goal, are you worried about gaining the weight back? Why or why not?

No, because what I'm doing I can do for the rest of my life. I did not start a new diet, I changed my lifestyle ~ FOREVER!


2. What is your favorite vegetable and how do you prepare it? I love a lot of vegetables, but if I have to choose one....it's cooked carrots. I cook them until they are just soft, then I add a smidgen of butter and I mean a smidgen, then salt & pepper. Real simple, but they taste like candy to me. Oh and I also love, love, love beats!! YUM!!!

3. How does blogging help or hinder your weight loss efforts? I love talking to people, getting ideas and sharing what's going on in my life. Sometimes I put too much time into my blog and neglect other things or even my health. There have been nights that I stay up too late to get caught up on reading blogs and then I'm too tired to function the next day. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS BEHAVIOR!!! . What, if anything, are you giving yourself as a reward once you've reached goal? I am working for a Charm Bracelet from Tiffany's. It cost around $400 or so. I would never, ever buy something like this for myself. So when I get it, and I will, it will be a treasured gift, because I know how much effort and sweat went into getting this prize!


Now, here are four new questions...


1. What has been the most difficult thing for you to overcome in losing weight?


2. What's your favorite form of exercise, how often do you workout, and how long do your workouts take?


3. Do you take time to pamper yourself, and if so, how?


4. If you could change only one bad habit, what would it be and why?



Tag...you're it!!!



Finding the thin within

For Real, This Time!

Hello, to the real me

More Love per Square Inch!

I don't think I followed Kimberlynns instructions, oh well. Have fun with this!!

Keep focused!!!

Do you need to change your story?

Every day we hear and see millions of things, people, trees, flowers, words and phrases. Most of them we register in our brains and file away the information we hear and see. Some of the information is useful, some not. I saw this phrase the other day, that stuck out and registered something big in my brain. So big, I had written it down. It was something I needed to reflect on, something that might change my life. This phrase held something I needed to face...something big...I just could not face it...not that day!

Since then, that phrase has been bugging me...

I've had it on a little Post It Note in my schedule book and I see it everyday. I just keep shuffling it around all of the other "important" stuff I have to do. Every time I see it, I'm like, "Not today, can't face it", and I reshuffle it back to the bottom.

Well today, is the day ~ I'm going to face it. No longer am I going to push it back under the other things, that are "less" important than this one phrase. Now I have a burning passion to really look at this and analyze it ~ Once and for all....


And that phrase is....


(Holding Breath!)

"Do you have a story in your head about why you can't lose weight and achieve your health and fitness goals?"


Oh boy, do I have stories....I have some real ones that I've lived with for almost 45 years. Mostly the self talk of why I can't goes way back to my childhood - I have to tell you I am far from that time - no need to hang on to those stories anymore!! And I have made up some stories, some real whoppers, to keep me safe from doing the work I need to do to really reach my potential of what I was created to do. Easier to hide behind a ton of weight ~ no risk there, than it is to put myself out in the world and achieve what I'm SUPPOSED to do.

Do I really need to list all of my stories of why I can't do this? Do I really need to or want to drudge them up, once again...validate them again...relive them again? NO! I don't have to do that. You could probably write mine. I'm guessing we have a lot of the same ones!


Let me just list a few.....

I'm not worthy...

I don't deserve to be healthy...

My mom/dad did not like me...

I was molested as a child...

My parents got divorced...

My husband left me...

I'm not loved...

I'm not lovable...

My husband tells me.....

I don't have the support I need...

If I lose weight, I might not remain faithful to my spouse...

My husband likes me fat....(REALLY?)

I don't deserve it....

I'm too busy...

I can't do it...

I'm not that big...

If I do get healthy, I will be expected to do more...

I don't think I look so bad...

Fat Grandma's / Grandpa's are better...

I really like my armor of fat, I feel protected...

Being overweight is not a BIG DEAL...

I'm too embarrassed to go to the gym...

I don't look so bad...(At 274 pounds there were times when I felt tiny - WHAT A LIE!!!)

I don't know how to lose weight...

I don't have the energy...

I'm sick...


There are so many more stories I could list. But you know your story. You know what you're thinking. You know what you're holding on to and what's keeping you from achieving you health and fitness goals. I know mine!

The thing that I've been thinking about and what is bugging me is ~ Is my story true? Do I really believe it? Is it reality? Do I really want to hang on to it for one more minute?

NO!! My story is a lie!!!! I'm holding myself back! There is no compelling reason why I can't get this done. There is nothing in my way...nothing but me!!!

It is time for me to face this issue. It's time for me to put my old story away. I need to rethink the way I think about myself and I need to change my story ~ Forever!!

How about you? Do you need to change your story?

Don't forget to check out my guest post at Sarah's blog!!!

Keep focused!!!

Guest Post

I am so honored that Sarah from Fat Little Legs asked me to write a post for her Healthy Living During the Holidays week. Check it out!

Be sure to follow her, you won't be sorry!! Sarah, is a wonderful person! She has lost over 100 pounds. She's healthy and fit and runs 5k's . She is such an inspiration to me!!! You will be Blessed to know her!!!

My post is scheduled to run tomorrow. My topic is about...Making the Holidays about People not about food.

Check it out!!

Oh yeah....and KEEP FOCUSED!!!

Walking the Talk!!

You have not seen me around lately because I'm doing what I'm always preaching about. And that is...

I'm taking care of myself!!!

Things have been nuts around here!!! A couple of weeks ago, I got this crazy idea, that I should bake and decorate cookies for the Portland Rescue Mission, as a Thanksgiving gift to the homeless and less fortunate people of our city.

Great idea!?!

When I had a meeting with our church group leaders and the leaders of the mission, they thought it was a FANTASTIC idea and they asked if I could make enough for all of the people who will come to the mission on Thanksgiving Day. And I said "yes". Ahem..."and how many would that be?"


Oh....about 500 people!!!

Can I just say YIKES!!!


Originally I thought I would make them myself....but the wise wisdom of my team and my hubby and of course God (who knew I could not do this on my own) decided I needed help.

So this has been a week long process. Last Monday I made 33 batches of dough, then last Thursday, I spent my holiday, at our church, rolling, cutting and baking the cookies. Fortunately I had 4 fantastic helpers and we whipped em out in no time at all.

Then the big day came....Saturday. There were four of us and we piped the edges of the cookies (which is basically creating a dam for the runny frosting), then we flooded the cookies (with the runny frosting) and then we put decorative swirls on each one. We were able to complete 320 cookies that day. Whew!!!!

Then Sunday we were scheduled to complete the rest. Unfortunately, one of my helpers cancelled and the other helper had been with me through the whole process and was looking a little peaked by this time. In addition, she's planning on preparing and serving 80 people for Thanksgiving (for the step up group from the mission). I could tell she was starting to unravel, so I told her I would finish it up myself.

No sweat right?

Well....Sunday, I bagged and put ribbon on all of the finished cookies ~ all 320 of them!! And then I piped, flooded and swirled about 80 more!!

Then Monday, I was back at it and bagged and tied ribbons on the 80 I did on Sunday and last night I frosted 44 more. And finally tonight I will bag em!!

I did not quite make my 500 cookie goal. But I think it's what God wanted us to have and I'm happy with what we got accomplished!!!

Hey, I did not really know how this was going to come around to weight loss, but here's something that just occurred to me.

Since January 2010, I have set two goals. The first one was, I wanted to lose 60 pounds from January to the first of September ~ for our sons wedding. Well, I did a great job, I put in a ton of focus and I really worked it, but I came up 10 pounds short of my goal.

Then after that goal, I decided that I needed to set a new goal. So I announced here, to everyone, that I wanted to lose 20 more pounds by Christmas.....

Crickets Chirping....

I have lost 3 so far and I have a month to go. I don't think I'm going to make this goal. "Sniff!"

Part of me wants to stop setting goals. I'm mean what's the point, can't achieve them anyway. Can't even do it with the cookies.

But here's what is just coming to me. I think it's necessary to set goals. I need something to focus on, to strive for. Then I need to do the work, do the best I can and then some. And then the rest is really up to God.

I was disappointed that I did not hit the first goal. But it did not stop me from feeling great at my sons wedding. He was so proud of me!!

I am disappointed that I did not get 500 cookies made. But you know that I have worked myself as hard as I can to get this done. Not to mention that I've worked a full time job, had family over to my house one day, gone to church and helped serve there...And I've kept my eating and calories under control, got my water in, exercised all week and got to bed on time each night. Did not let the stress of this whole thing take me down. I did what I had to do, but I also took care of myself!!! I put myself first!!!!

I am really proud of what I got done. I know that there will be just enough cookies for all of the people who come through the line for their Thanksgiving meal. I trust God, he knows exactly what we need. I trust that he won't disappoint those who need a little extra love!

So for this Christmas goal of losing 20 pounds.....Probably not gonna make it. But I'm going to give it my all, I'm going to keep pushing and keep focused on this goal. Who knows, I might just make this one happen!!

How are you doing during this busy season. Are you focused???

Keeping Up

Just got back from my cardio class ~ I had a blast!!!

The class is packed with people of all ages. There are teenagers, young moms, older mom's like me, some really old mom's and one guy. I'm right in the middle.

I had a blast tonight because I was able to keep up with the teenagers, while some of the young moms and people my age could not keep up. That makes me sooo happy!!

My fitness level is increasing every day. I am pushing myself harder and harder and I'm really starting to see some results. My trainer weighed me today and said I was down 3 pounds from last week. I think her scale is whacked because I'm still holding at 221 according to my scale. Anyway...It does not matter what it says, things are happening, I'm losing inches and I'm feeling great!!

How about you. Is your fitness level getting better every day?

Keep focused!!!

Reving UP

Is your calendar filling up? Do you have a lot to do and not enough day? Are already feeling the holiday stress? Are you sick? Are you tired? Are you already sick and tired?

If you said "YES" to any of the above. It's time to slow down, I know that a nutty thing to say, but it's time to slow down and "Evaluate" what's most important!

And that most important thing right now is "YOU"!!!!

Sure...sure, I know you have 30 people coming over to your house in a couple of weeks. Oh you're cooking your first Thanksgiving meal for your new husband and his "MOTHER"!! Yikes!!

Or maybe you're going through a tough time right now ~ your finances are tight, there is no money for a Thanksgiving meal...or there is someone in your family who is sick...maybe you're sick right now. Too much to face right now.

And some of us have Thanksgiving under control and have already moved on to Christmas. The frenzy has begun!!

Whatever it is...take some time for you. Get out your notebook and "STRATEGISE" the holidays. See what really fits into the festivities. If that thing does not fit, DON'T DO IT...It's OK!!! While you are strategizing, make sure you get your health and fitness onto the list!!

I have a festive notebook that I keep my "To Do" items in. I have numbered each page..day 1, day 2, day 3 and as it goes until the big event. On the inside cover of the notebook, I list all the things that need to be done. Then I take those things and list them, in priority order, into my schedule. I probably have 25 things I need to do for my event. If I list "some" of them down each day, it does not make the task so daunting. It's very manageable. When I think of new things, I just put it on a day that I can "HANDLE" that item.

After the lists are done and I'm faced with a new day. I always make sure I take care of myself first. Up at 5:00am for exercise. I take time to spend with the Lord ~ praying and reading my Bible. I make sure I have a bottle of water and my breakfast and then I get ready for work.

On the way to work, I drink another bottle of water. During the day, I have a snack and water, a good lunch ~ Oh yeah, I work my butt off for my employer and on the way home I have another bottle of water.

After work is when I get the bulk of my "To Do" things done...and I always...well if it's out of my control I don't...but I always have myself in bed by 10:00pm or sooner!! I make sure I get enough sleep!!

Weekends can be nuts. Keep the same exercise, food and water routine. And for goodness sakes, don't stay up too late. Get your rest!!!

Bottom line is...if you don't take care of yourself...you won't be good for anything or anybody. Look how bad off we were before we started all this. We don't want to lose any ground or go backwards. We want to get done, what needs to be done and do it without compromising ourselves.

For the first time in our lives, lets be stress free, organized, have fun and really enjoy the holidays.

We can do it!!

Are you with me?

Keep focused!!

I get to be 49 today!

I get to be 49 today and I could not be happier!!! I feel and look better than I have in years. Probably in the best shape physically since I was a child.

Nothing but hope and excitement ahead!!

Have a great day my friends!

Keep focused on your health & fitness!

WE CAN DO IT!!!!

Celebrating & Still Losing!

It's my birthday tomorrow and for some reason, maybe this is the same for everyone, but when it's my birthday, it turns out to be a week long celebration!

This is what the week looks like so far. The celebration started yesterday with goodies at work and dinner and movies with hubby, I don't have any anticipated goodies coming in today, hubby is making a special dinner for tomorrow and I have a couple of lunch dates scheduled for next week - Phew!!


My strategy is....Just because it's a special day or time, it does not give me license to abandon my plan!! My strategy is...I am staying focused!!

So far I have had success and here's what made the difference for me ~ careful planning.

Yesterday was the start of the celebration and this is what I knew ahead of time. We were going out to dinner and a movie.


So I got up and did my usual time on the Treadmill, except this time, I added an extra 10 minutes and ran a little. Made sure I burned at least 200 calories...Then I planned my usual breakfast, snacks and lunch, not knowing that there would be birthday pumpkin bars at work. So instead of bowing out of this delicious goodness. I googled the calories, for the pumpkin bars, and replaced one of my snacks. I was totally happy and excited that I could still indulge in my birthday treat, fit it into my plan and have it without guilt!!


Then it was off to dinner. I tried to google the restaurants menu calories, but nothing was listed. So I relied on what I know. Instead of ordering a fat juicy steak or a huge pasta bowl, I opted out for the grilled halibut, veggies and no bread. It also came with about a 1/2 cups of pasta. I tried to resist, but it was just too wonderful! The flavors of everything together was amazing! Then of course, they found out it was my BD so they served a complimentary Creme Brulee. Now normally I would not be happy to do this, I would want my own, but I decided to share my delicious sugar with my hubby. He got the lions share of this deliciousness, but what I was able to get to my mouth was amazing!!!


After dinner, we were off to the movies. For the first time in my life, I went to the movie theater without buying popcorn, soda, or candy. It felt great to be satisfied and filled up enough, that not even the smell of the popcorn was enticing enough for me to overindulge!


Here's what happened next. So hubby and I are sitting in our seats in the theater. We are not eating or drinking anything. (Well I did smuggle in some bottled water ~ I know....bad, bad girl!!) Anyway, we are sitting there, the previews had not started yet, and all we could hear was paper ripping, chomping and chewing all around us. It was the most disgusting sound ever! Then the smell of popcorn, not the good popcorn smell, but this, I don't even know what you call it smell, came over the room ~ it was awful. I had to cover my nose with my shirt to help keep me from wanting to hurl. So I am sitting there looking ridiculous and I'm observing the people all around me. They were talking and drinking and cramming their popcorn and candy into their mouths so fast, it make my head spin. Hey I'm not judging....I used to be just like them. But as the outsider of this thing, looking in, it was gross and disgusting. Hubby and I both noticed this and were wondering how we had never noticed this before. I said, it was because we were just like them. We did the same thing. We were so busy with it, we did not even notice what we were doing or how we looked to others. Kind of like when you eat garlic with your spouse, you can't smell it on each other. But if one person eats it and one doesn't, it is offensive to the other person. Know what I mean?


Anyway, the group finally ingested their goodies and the theater quited down. It was a great movie and hubby and I had a fantastic time!!


Here's the real point. It's a celebration week. Yes, there are foods coming at me, some expected, some not. But each day I plan to do what I usually do ~ Keep meals within my calorie range, allow a smidgen of indulgence, continue exercising and getting my water in. Status Quo!


And you know what. If you stay on your plan, you will get your reward. My reward came to me today with another pound lost. I'm at 221!!!


I am finding that life can still happen and I can still lose weight!! The key is careful planning and staying focused!!!

What about you....Are you still losing weight during your celebrations?

Keep focused!

Plateau BUSTED!!!!

Finally after 2 months the scale has moved! I am down to 222.8!!!

All during the months of September and October I have been fluctuating between 225 & 224 pounds. I've done a ton of things right and made some mistakes. Attitude was kind of frantic and frustrated. Just a couple of days ago, I decided to change that attitude. I decided to just do what I know to do, keep fighting the good fight and look what happened.....The scale moved!!!!



Am I fired up ~ YOU BET!!!



Got to go, I have a date with my Treadmill!!!



What about you...have you changed your attitude?



Keep focused!!!!

Are you stronger than you think?

Every day I find out new things about myself. It's like when you go from an infant to a toddler, all of a sudden, the whole world opens up to you and you begin to explore.

That's what's happening to me, again!!

I don't know what happens in life, but it seems you go from a child to a teenager, so full of expectation and excitement for life. I remember thinking I could do anything I wanted to do and felt like I could conquer the world. Then I got married at 18 and had 2 kids by the time I was 22. Then the next 27 years of my life, I filled my time with being a wife and a mother.

Not really conquering the world, but definitely making a difference.

Now that the kids are gone, my world has opened up again and I'm able to explore.

Fortunately because I got smart and started working on my health, I have the energy to get out there and do things.

From the time I was about 30 until last January, I allowed my health to deteriorate. I had Hemi Facial Spasms, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, both knees and feet problems, chronic ear problems, iron deficiency, Endometriosis, Carpal Tunnel, bunions, sleep apnea, and of course I was 130 pounds over weight.

Because of my health problems and length of my sedentary lifestyle I forgot how to, squat, kneel, do jumping jacks, run, sit like a lady, and many other things. Quite often, I will do something and realize that I could never do that thing prior to January 2010. I was either too fat or too weak to do it.

Prior to last January, the best I could be was a good wife, good employee, good mother & grandma, and the greatest TV watcher in the whole world. That was me. That was the best I could do.

Now.....Because of the weight loss and my new fitness level, the WHOLE world has opened back up to me!! I am able to do so many things!!

Now I am a great wife, great employee, great mother, and grandma. Plus I can now be a good friend, volunteer my time, be creative, run errands, spend a lot of time on my health & fitness, do fun things and explore the world. I am having a blast!!!

Here's where the stronger than you think thing comes in....Every day I get a little stronger, every day I push myself to a new limit, just a little at a time. However, last Tuesday, I decided to try something new....

I think I've shared my experience with the Elliptical. Not a friendly machine to me. The first time I got on the thing, in just about 2 seconds I experienced extreme pain in my hip and could only do it for a short time. Then my AMAZING trainer kept after me to try it again. Reluctantly I did. That time I was able to do it for 5 minutes, still experiencing pain in my hip, but I did it. Then she asked me to do it again. This time for 10 minutes, doing intervals ~ 15 seconds at super speed, than back to normal speed. Well I did it and lived!! Whew!!

So last Tuesday, I needed to burn about 200 calories and I had a limited amount of time. I could do it on the Treadmill, but it takes me 40 minutes to get there. I searched out the other machines in the gym and realized that my salvation lies within my "NEW" friend ~ the Elliptical.

Without hesitation, I approached my friend, got on it, gave it all I had.....and I was able to do it for 30 minutes without stopping, without pain, sweating like a pig and achieved my 230 calorie burn I needed!!!

Do you think I busted a new belief barrier? YOU BET I DID!!!

I did not think I could do it. But I did!!

There are so many things in my life, that I "THINK" I cannot do. However, I am learning that when I change my "ATTITUDE" and set my mind to it. I CAN DO IT!!

How about you.....do you "Think" you can't do things? If so, change your ATTITUDE!!!

Keep focused!!!

Attitude

Attitude ~ How's yours lately?

Is the stress of daily life, the holidays and this weight loss journey getting you down? Are you feeling a little anxious or agitated? Do you have uneasy feelings ~ maybe feeling a little edgy? Do you feel unnerved and snappy? Do you have the feeling that you want to run and never come back?

Me? Nope I'm doing great!!!

Not ~ I am feeling many of those things....

I usually have an easy going, "joyful" attitude. I just take what being dished out, make my lists, set to work and get the job done. I don't usually let things slide. But lately I have allowed the pressures of everything to get to me down.

When I go to this place, I usually shut down. Unfortunately I don't have the luxury to do that right now. I need to be on top of my game, focused and ready for whatever comes my way.

For the most part, I can't really change anything that is going on right now. I can't make things better or easier. The only thing I can do is change my attitude!!

So today, instead of feeling gloomy, stressed, angry, and frustrated that there is so much to do. I'm going to change my attitude. I am ready to take on the challenges with enthusiasm and gusto!! I'm going to get organized and prioritize my day. I'm going to get to work....make things happen....and I'm going to be joyful, happy, helpful, encouraging, successful and live this life to its fullest. It's my choice!!

No more grumpy pants for me!!!

We have a choice to make. We can choose to tackle our life with joy and enthusiasm or not. It's that simple.

How about you...How's your attitude?

Stats...

Here are my weight loss and 10k stats....

Starting weight ~ 274 / BMI 47 (Morbidly Obese)

As of 11/01/10 ~ 224 / BMI 38.4 (Severely Obese)


19 Total Inches Lost

Chest - lost 4.5 inches
Waist - lost 5 inches
Hips - lost 4 inches
Right Arm - lost 2 inches
Right Leg - lost 3.5 inches


Would I love to be further along in this journey ~ YOU BET!!! But I have learned to love every baby step toward great health and fitness!! I don't take anything for granted!!!

I have come such a long way....From the best TV watcher in the world....to someone who finally cares enough about herself to do what needs to be done to get fit and healthy!!! After 10 months, I'm still focused and excited about this journey and can't wait to get up in the morning to live my life!!

Just a couple of things I have got to do this year...things I never thought I could do!!!

1.) Rowed a Dragon Boat for over an hour and was not tired!

2.) Went swimming with my grand kids!!

3.) Went on lots of camping trips!!!

4.) Went on many bike rides and one day rode over 28 miles on one trip!! (And I did not even fall down!!!!)

5.) Can sit in an airplane seat and still have room on both sides!!!!!

6.) Participated in 2 5k's and 1 10k!!!!!!

7.) I can wake surf!!!!!!!

8.) Can shop in a regular store - Wearing size 16's!!!!!!!!

There are so many things to be excited about!! So many changes. I am really not the same person I was last year. I just keep getting better and better!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now for the 10k info.....This was my first one. Now mind you, this was a "Run"...Not really a walking event. However they allowed people to participate, even if they only wanted to walk. So out of the 20 - 25 of us who walked (cuz I could see them all - the rest of the pack left us) I finished at 1126 out of 1139. My official time was 1 hr 41 minutes!!

I think I did well for my first time!! I had a blast!!!

Just look at my happy face!!!

How about you...How are you doing on this amazing journey?

Keep focused!!!!

Outsider Looking In!

Went to a high school football game on Friday. Except for my friend and her husband, I did not know anybody on the team, on the band, on the cheerleaders squad or on the bleachers. So I was the outsider, looking in, and this is what I saw and experienced.


It was such a surreal night. It was like everything around me was foggy. Well it was really foggy weather wise, so this could be part of it. But what I mean is, the regular, every day things I saw looked hazy, foggy and just out of my normal sight. But the things of an obese nature were life sized and up front. Bigger than life!


Here's what I mean....


First thing I noticed were the cheerleaders. They were your typical teen aged all American girls. All thin and of normal size except one. This one girl was quite large, fat really!! Poor thing, here she was in her cheerleader outfit, stuffed like a sausage. Every time she did a move or a cheer, she had to pull her shirt down, adjust her skirt, and pull fabric from her rolls. She looked awkward and uncomfortable. I felt so bad for her.


Wait a minute....stop the presses. I was that girl!!

I was always the fat one in the group. Still am the fat one. Unfortunately there are a lot more of us now. But when I was a kid, there was only one other fat girl in my class. It was awful!!! I remember thinking how great it would be if there were more fat people and less skinny people. Well we're living that right now folks! Sorry I don't think it's better. I hate being just like so many people I see, I don't want any of us to fat and unhealthy!! I want us all to get fit!!!


I would say that 80% of the people on the bleachers all around me were over weight or obese, including my chubby self ~ no judgement here!!! In my foggy state, all I can see is chubby hand and faces and food being shoveled into gaping mouths. It was like, when you go to the movies and everybody is trying to cram in all their food before the movie begins. They were shoveling it in ~ FAST!!! I prayed several times that the team would not score another touch down or make a good play, because every time they did, everyone would stand up and cheer. Each time they did this, I felt the flooring of the aluminum bleacher buckle and sway. I was truly afraid it would collapse under the weight!!! (I'm usually not a fraidy cat, but this was frightening!!!)


One lady I was mesmerized by. She was a non stop...popcorn eating machine. Then it was potato chips and then some other things I could not see. It was almost like she could not stop herself.


Wait wait....reality check....I was that woman!!!


There have been a zillion times I was just like her. Could not get food into my mouth quick enough! Never satisfied, always wanting more!!! Insatiable hunger, a bottomless pit! That was me!!


Then something happened on the field that warranted the coaches to run out to talk to the players. One of the coaches was soooo fat, he could barely walk. I was wondering to myself, how effective is he with his team, when he talks about the nutrition needed to do what they do? Or how can he encourage his team to be diligent about the running and weight lifting needed to do the job? Or how can he explain passion and the importants of all of the components of this game, when he has personally lost his passion for doing the important things in his life?


How credible is he? Can he really make a difference in these young men's lives when he obviously does not take care of himself?


Pardon me......Ahem.....I am that man!!!


Where do I get off, telling anybody, anything about being fit and healthy? What do people think of me when they see me waddling down the street? What about at a restaurant ~ is what I order and eat being scrutinized and judged? What about the young people at work, the ones I lead....how credible am I? Can I really make a difference in their lives?


I am just like every fat person out there. No way I can hide what I've done to myself. I am judged, left out, made fun of, thought less of, taken advantage of.....yet I still do what I do.



I am that cheerleader, that woman and that coach!!!



It's a new day my friends. A hard one for many!! I know, I know....it's a day of celebration. But before you stick you hand in that candy jar or pick up that cookie....Remember we were people obsessed with food and junk.



BUT NOT ANY MORE!!!



We are not the same people we were last year. We aren't the same!!! We are on a new journey of health and fitness. And one day at a time ~ we are going to get to the goal!! We are going to be the people that God created us to be. We are no longer outsiders looking into to things. We are making things happen and making a difference in this world. We are changing our family tree. We are breaking the chains of obesity ~ One day at a time!!

Keep focused my friends ~ WE are making it happen!!

Holidays and Celebrations are great..

But before you put that piece of candy, sweets, or sugar in your month. Think about this.....

Because I'm fat...These are the things that I have experienced during my holidays and celebrations that have caused me pain....

I just love starting the New Year faced with beginning a new diet plan. Doesn't that make you feel great? I just love it! So fantastic going to the gym, again, for the first time since the last January before, with so MANY people!! It's just great!! We all cram in and work our butts off for the month and never go back until the next year. The best thing is, we keeping getting to send our money to the gym, even though we don't go there anymore! Super!

On Valentine's Day ~ Nobody ever buys me candy. Imagine never receiving one of those stupid red paper hearts filled with delicious chocolate. NOPE ~ Never got one...

Easter is a bummer....You can't wear a black Easter dress ~ you would stick out like a sore thumb. Instead, I always get the pastel tent and try to look like the other thin mom's who look great in their Easter finest. Oh and I never get an Easter basket either!!!

Weddings...Remember I told the story of the outdoor wedding that I went to, where I went to take my seat and all of a sudden I heard a large "CRACK". I totally broke the chair. Do you know that I sat in a sitting position for the entire wedding and the chair was totally broken. There was nothing supporting me. I used my legs and pretended to sit the entire time. By the time the wedding was over, I could barely walk. My legs were so cramped and sore. Needless to say, there would be no dancing for me ~ Not that I would ever do that to begin with.

Lets see...what the next event. Well there's graduations....always worry about what the seating will be like...Will I fit? Can I stand the heat??? What food are they gonna serve? Yum!

Then there's traveling. I hate to fly, always worried about getting down the aisle and fitting in my seat. Oh yeah, what about that seat belt. Would I have to ask for an extension? I was always embarrassed when they would ask if I wanted a meal. OF COURSE I WANTED A MEAL....you skinny......Ahem! Other things I worry about when I travel...amusement parks, would I have enough energy to walk everywhere and would I fit in the rides? Oh, here's a fun one, what will my stomach do with all of the extra crap I would be eating? Having stomach cramps, gas, and pooping in the motel with your family all around is awesome!!! Have you tried it?

Then I struggle with camping. Would I have enough energy to set up camp, cook, clean, have fun, walk to the bathroom a thousand times, or fit in the bathroom stall? Would I be able to walk some more, and then finally, would I have energy to tear down and put everything away when I got home? Exhausting!!!

Picnics...Love them, but would I be able to do any of the activities? Most likely I would opt out, maybe watch the kids for an excuse not to participant. Of course their activities would be limited, don't even ask me to "catch" anything!!!

Don't even get me started on boating. I just love wearing a moo moo, to cover my fat, when it's 100 degrees. It's just awesome! Oh and what about the life jackets, will they fit. Heaven forbid I hurt myself in the water and they would have to pull me into the boat. Can we say, Free Willy? Then the other thing, I don't want to try anything fun, do you know how hard it is to pull a 274 pound body out of the water, holding onto a 6 inch handle? HARD!!!! IMPOSSIBLE!!!

Fall is my favorite time of year. I love it. I love the pumpkin patches, smells, food ~ everything about it!! I remember so many years where I wanted to dress up with my kids at Halloween. Every year, I had to choose a mass of some sort of fabric to cover my body. Never could I be the cute cat, or princess, or even Peter Pan. Nope, it was Hobo's, scarecrows and fat M&M's for me. Oh and then of course, there were times that I'd cut our trick or treating time down, because I did not have the energy to keep going. Well at least I did not drive the kids around. That's something, isn't it? We really walked it, but not very far, to be sure! Then my favorite was confiscating the kids candy and eating all the good stuff, leaving the yucky stuff for them. Yep, Mom of the Year ~ that's me!!!

Another favorite is Thanksgiving. I love it!!! I always plan on wearing my "Fat Pants" Thanksgiving Day. That way I will be guaranteed to be comfortable. Unfortunately, after the things I would consume during the day, my fat pants soon would become too tight and I would have to unbutton them to breath. Can you gain weight that fast? I guess I did. Oh and my super favorite was....My Grandma, who I loved with all my heart, would greet us kids when she would finally arrive at our house. To me, she would give me the once over, from head to toe and say "hi" and to my Sister she would say, "Oh XXXXX, you are looking so thin. You look great, your hair....blah.blah.blah.blah.blah". Such a great welcome ~ I just loved that!!

Finally there's Christmas, also my favorite. Can every holiday be a favorite? Just asking? Anyway, my most memorable one was last Christmas. I was at my highest weight. I woke up on that crisp morning, filled with anticipation and excitement. Could not wait for the day to start.....And then I was kind of noticing a curious smell ~ very unpleasant. Thought it was something in the room I was in. As I moved about the house, I realized the smell was everywhere. Geez what could it be? Smelled like something had died. So I run up to the shower and striped off my clothes and I realize that I was the one who smelled. As I was washing my body, under my huge fat stomach roll, I rubbed my hand across that area and I experienced tremendous pain. When I got out of the shower, I hoisted my fat roll up and looked in the mirror and the entire area, everywhere where skin touched skin, was flaming red, with open, weeping sores and that was where the smell was coming from. Smelled like rotten skin!!!! Oh, that by far was one of the biggest highlights of my fat. Something to be really proud of, right?

Absolutely NOT!! That's why, I want you to think about what you are doing before you put that candy into your mouth. Do you really want it? Is it really worth it? Do you really want to prolong your weight loss? Is that candy worth all of the above pain and suffering, that you've caused yourself. Is it really, worth the price you pay for abusing your body?

Think about it!!

Keep focused!!!