Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving!



May the Lord richly Bless you this Thanksgiving! May your home be filled with family and friends. May it be filled love, peace and joy! Be safe and warm!


Above all else ~ take care of yourself! Get you exercise in, drink your water, eat sensibly. Don't lose the ground you have taken! Keep pushing forward and keep focused!!


Love love!

Saturday, November 19, 2011

What I Focus On...

I'm very visual, so if I can see it, then I can make it happen.

Example: When I was younger, I wanted to snow ski. I got everything I needed ~ Ski's, boots, poles, warm clothes and my lift ticket and I was ready to go. I looked like a million bucks, all decked out in my new duds! Without having a lesson, I went on the ski lift, not knowing that the area I was going to was for intermediate to advanced experts! Ah...that was so not me!! I had no business being up there because I was still struggling with the rope tow!

My friends that I went with skied before and they soon left me crashing and burning on the side of the mountain. I finally gave myself a break and tried to look pathetic enough for search and rescue to take me down the mountain. Unfortunately no one came to my rescue so I had to fend for myself.

After exhausting myself, I plunked myself into a snow bank and I began to watch the other skiers. From as far up as I could see them to as far down, I watched the movement of their body. I watched how they approached the moguls, how they bent their knees, used their poles, where they positioned everything.

Before long, I began to feel the "rhythm" of snow skiing. Once I got that into my head, I kid you not, I got up out of my snow bank, pointed my skis down hill and I was skiing!!! True story!!

So that's how I work!

Looking back I can see I've used this same technique in other areas of my life. Just never really thought about it. And unfortunately I kind of forgot about this, until recently, when I looked up one day and noticed my Focus Board!



I made this when I first started my weight loss and fitness journey. These were all of the things I wanted to add to my life. Some of the things I've never done before.


  • The athletic woman - That's how I see myself. Strong and fit!
  • The Dare to Dream - Is a reminder to me, that dreams can happen!
  • The picture of the bust and paintbrush - I so want to get my creative self back!
  • The words in the middle - Are just affirmations words about me!
  • The words about God - It says, "Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think about yourself." Romans 12:2
  • The butterflies - Well God spoke to me one day, using butterflies. This is my reminder of his promise to me!
  • The woman in the row boat - I still have the dream of rowing in the Senior Games (Olympics for old people) I'm of age now......
  • The women with the hat - It's about being a Woman of God!
  • The pen and the hand - I want to be a writer!
  • The woman on the ski - I so want to water ski again!
  • The word "Legacy" - I want to change my family tree and create a lasting legacy for my family....
  • The Sun - My mom always called me sunshine and to me the rays of the sun remind me how far I want to tough others. To the far reaches!!
Funny thing about this poster is, my Grand Daughter looks at it and says that the pictures of the women are me. She says, "That's you, Baboo!" (Her name for me!) She points to each one and says the same thing. So she's already seeing me there!!

I too see me there and some of these things are already happening! 

  • I am starting to see that athletic body!
  • I am dreaming!
  • I am getting my creative flair back!
  • God is transforming me!
  • God is keeping his promise!
  • I am a Woman of God!!
  • I can so see myself rowing!
  • I am writing!
  • I can see myself skiing!
  • I am building the legacy!!
  • And I am reaching other!!!!!
What I focus on is powerful!!! If you notice...nothing on the poster is looking back.....everything, shown, is pointing forward. Nothing negative.....ONLY POSITIVE!!

I'm on my way to making these things happen!!

How about you? What are you focused on?

Keep focused!!!!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

I'm focus!

Looking ahead for the day....I'm prayed up...I've got my plan....my food is ready, got the water bottles full, my attitude it in check and, today, I'm ready to make stuff happen!!!

This has been my attitude for the entire month of November. At the first of the month, I was logging in at 214 pounds tipping almost to 215 ~ Yikes!!

Focus, determination and just plain hard work is getting me closer to my goal. Today, I finally got back down to 208 pounds. I feel like I'm on my way again!
You know...if I work really hard and stay focused...I could almost be in "wonderland" by New Years!!!!Wouldn't that be awesome?

How about you ~ are you focused?

Just do it!!

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Holidays are here!

OK are you feeling the holiday pressure yet? I was starting to feel it take me down. But instead I decided to get my self together and get focused!

In the past, this time of year, would give me license to do and eat whatever I wanted! Most of the time I would be totally out of my normal routine and out of control with everything....too tired, too stressed, would eat too much and of course spend too much! Over indulgence, in everything, was the recipe for this time of year!

Not this year!

Already I've got my plan in place....

First of all I have my holiday "To do" notebook. The book has two sections for November and December. Each section has a page for each day. Each day I add my list of things to do. When planning my schedule, I make sure that the list is manageable and that I can get each item done that day. I only reschedule an item one more day and I make sure to get it done. If I can't, then I evaluate if the item is necessary to get done at this time. If not, I either reschedule it for a much later date or eliminate it all together.

Part of my daily plan......I put the most important things on the list first!!!

I make sure that I read my Bible, exercise, journal my food, drink water and blog (either writing or reading).

I also make sure that I plan my food out daily and stick to my menu. That way, if I "CHOOSE" to have a holiday treat, I can work it into my calories for the day!

Just because it's the holidays, does not mean that I have license to blow my health and fitness plan!

Also, the other important thing I need to do is get ~ REST!!!

No movie, TV show, book or whatever, is worth not getting my rest. Without it, I am not worth much the next day.

Sooo instead of being frustrated and stressed.....Get busy and sensibly plan your holiday festivities. You will be so happy you did!

Keep focused!!

Monday, November 14, 2011

Do you need a little motivation today to get off of the couch?

Having trouble getting your motivation to get to the gym?

Do you need a little nudge?

Well here's a little something I saw yesterday while I was at the vet...This might help!

I was sitting in the waiting room with my little dog Beemer, he was getting a vaccination. My total attention was on him, but in the background of noises and people talking, there was a ruckus going on. After this had been going on for some time, I finally directed my attention to this noise.

When I looked up, a woman as wide as a door was coming my way. She was coming slowly towards me, struggling with her purse and her two little dogs on leashes, one in each hand.  This poor woman was so large and out of shape, that she could only barely shuffle as she walked. I could tell that she was exhausted from her short trip from her car, which was parked right outside the door, to the waiting room. She was sweating, and huffing and puffing. The poor woman was on the verge of collapse. When she finally got to the bench, she plopped herself down, almost on top of me, because she did not have any more energy to move down a space to give her enough room to sit.

We had only a moment before my name was called and I was given my very excited Beemer. He was happy to see his Mama. Of course I was distracted from the woman and took my little doggy home.

While I as in my car, I was sorry that I did not take the time to talk with this woman. You see, she was about my age. We had that in common, oh and we had two dogs in common and of course we had a weight problem that we both share. I had my in...I could have taken the opportunity to help her or a least see if I could at least encourage her. Well I missed that opportunity and now, all I can do is pray for her..

Oh and of course, I can use this opportunity as fuel to keep me going and to encourage you.....We don't want to be this woman!!! We don't!! I remember struggling to walk 10 feet. I remember!! I don't ever want to go there again!!

So come on.......get your motivation....get to the gym....get your workouts done! Eat healthy today, drink your water and put on your winning attitude!!

We can so do this!

Are you with me?

Keep focused!

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Small Dishes

I have moaned and whined myself silly trying to figure this food thing out. No matter how I tried, I could not get my calories to 1700 per day. My range has been 1700 to 2600! This is not helping me lose weight. I would always pack sensible foods for the day and would do really well, but by the evening, I would be too hungry and could not stop myself and that's what killed my calorie count for the day. So I decided to make a change. I got new "smaller" dishes just for me!


Aren't they cute?

I decided I wanted to try "smaller" dishes because I thought...if I need to have fewer calories....then I need to eat less. Having less on a big place was just not satisfying to me.  Here's the difference in plate sizes we have in our house. I used to use the big ones and fill them up....



Big difference huh?

This is what my breakfast looked like today.


I have to tell you...I was quite satisfied and very happy eating this meal. I use to have this very same portion size in that larger bowl and you know...I never walked away from eating this very satisfied. I always wanted more!! Right now, I am very happy and I had that bowl of oatmeal about 2 hours ago. Anyway...this is working for me!!

During the past couple of months I've struggled with my weight. I was up to almost 7 pounds gained. Since I started the small dishes thing. I'm back down to 208 pounds and getting ready to lose more!! Whew!

Once again, I'm not the first to think up this brilliant idea. I just got some really good information from my medical provider backing up this idea. Happy reading!

 READ THIS ~ IT WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE!


Here it comes – the time of year when we trade our regular jeans for that slightly larger, looser pair, so we can comfortably enjoy all the holiday feasts that the season serves up. Turkey, gravy, stuffing, potatoes, pumpkin pie – who can resist? It’s no fun to say no, but after a couple of months of yes, even the comfy jeans start to feel uncomfortably snug. By January, we’re back to making the same old resolutions to eat less, work out harder and sweat the extra pounds back off. Is there any way around this yo-yo cycle?
There is one strategy that might help, and it’s the focus of our November resolution: this holiday season, instead of changing the size of your pants, try changing the size of your plate.

A resolution for the holidays, and every day

The advice is simple: Use a smaller plate, and there is a strong likelihood that you will dish up less, and therefore eat less – and you won’t even miss the extra food. Don’t buy it? There is a lot of research to back it up.
Brian Wansink, Ph.D., a researcher and writer on the psychology of food choices, has led a number of studies showing that the size of a plate, serving bowl or serving spoon influences how much people eat:
  • In his Super Bowls study, students at a party dished up snacks either from two large bowls or from four smaller bowls. The students who served themselves from the large bowls took an average of 53 percent more food and ate 56 percent more than those who dished up from the smaller bowls.
  • In a free popcorn study, moviegoers who were given free large buckets of popcorn ate 45 percent more than those who were given free medium-sized buckets. The size of the container made such a difference that even when people were given stale, bad-tasting popcorn, they still ate 34 percent more if it was served in a larger bucket.
  • In an ice cream social study, nutrition professors and graduate students were invited to a social event where they were randomly given small or large bowls and scoops and invited to serve themselves some ice cream. Those with the larger bowls were surprised to learn that they served themselves an average of 31 percent more, even though they believed and reported that they had taken no more than anyone else. The spoon size increased serving sizes, as well, even for those with smaller bowls. Those with both bigger bowls and spoons ate an ice-cream-headache-inducing 57 percent more than those with small bowls and spoons. If the nutrition experts can be fooled so easily, the rest of us don’t stand a chance.
These and other studies suggest that the amount we eat is often influenced more by visual cues – such as the size of our plate, or the amount of food we are served – than by how hungry we actually are. Some studies have suggested that you can decrease your portion size by 25 percent and feel just as full as you would with a larger serving – your mind and stomach can’t tell the difference.
So as the season of feasting begins, dish up – just use a smaller plate. By using a 9- or 10-inch dinner plate, rather than the typical 12-inch or larger plate, you will probably serve yourself 20 to 25 percent less food than you normally would, without even being that aware of it. That smaller amount of food on your plate will translate into good news for your waistband – one study found that the average person lost two pounds in a month, just by using a smaller plate for dinner.
Once you’ve made it through the holidays in the same-size pants, keep it up. Take these lessons and apply them to the rest of your meals and snacks – not just during the holidays, but every day. Switch to smaller serving bowls, serving spoons and cereal bowls. And when eating snacks, don’t eat out of the bag – measure out a reasonable serving, put it in a small bowl, and enjoy. You still may need to switch to a different pants size eventually – but chances are good that it will be a smaller one.
Are  you ready to give this a try?
Stay focused!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

So much fun!!

My party was a blast!! We had a great crowd, great food, funny speeches, a beautiful facility, decorations and cake!! I had a wonderful and memorable time! My Daughter did a fantastic job with the planning of the party. It was a huge success!

Here we are. Isn't she beautiful?


As you can see, I still have a lot of weight to lose, but I felt great in my new outfit. Everything I wore is a stretch for me, but I think I pulled it off quite well!

Other highlights of the party....My guests brought me presents.....lots of them!! I got....

A Luxury plush blanket
A black cap
Gloves
2 Jackets
2 Flannel Nightgowns
74 pairs of socks
10 tubes of toothpaste
Mouthwash
Shave Cream
Shampoo
Razors
Deodorant
5 Toothbrushes
Plus $95.00

All for the Portland Rescue Mission!!

I can't wait to take everything to the mission. I am sure they will be Blessed!

On the weight loss front. Here it was my birthday and part of what I needed to do before my party was to go to the gym. Before I met with my trainer, I put in time on the treadmill, getting in a 5k (walking & running). Then my trainer came in and we did my whole weight routine, push ups and planks, in intervals of 45 seconds each, ending with 10 minutes on the Elliptical....Then I got to do it all over again. She kicked my butt!!! I reminded her that I was now 50 years old and I needed a break. She literally laughed at me and pushed me harder! Two hours later I left for my pedicure, which was wonderful!

I did my small plate thing during the dinner at my party and ate a small piece of pizza, a little bit of salad, one bread stick and two chips with dip. I did have a small piece of cake, but I did not eat it all. Wow who knew I could do such a thing, even on my Birthday?

I have to say that I've never been in a gym on my actual Birthday. I have to say, it was pretty cool. So glad I did it and very glad I kept my calories under control for the day. I actually lost .4 pounds the next day. Woo hoo!

Have you ever been in a gym on your Birthday?

Keep focused!

PS: I actually was able to down load the pictures from my new camera all by myself....Amazing since I can't even turn on my TV!! I'm a big girl now!

Monday, November 7, 2011

I get to be 50 today!!!

It's my birthday today and I get to be 50!! Can you even believe it? I can't! Time sure flies!!

This morning my Hubby asked me if I feel 50 and I said, "You know, I don't! I feel the best I've ever felt in my entire life!!"

This whole weight loss and fitness journey is so much more than just losing weight and getting a skinny body.  For me, this journey has opened doors that I thought would NEVER open.  I feel like I can do it all!! The doors are wide open!! I guess a lot of people feel this way after graduating from high school or college. I never had that feeling that I could do whatever I wanted or that I...could have it all. Never felt good enough or worthy enough to even try.

Today I feel that I can do whatever I want. Well I do have some limitations, so I can't really do all that I want, but I can sure go through the appropriate open doors to things that are unknown to me today. I can walk through and see what there is for me. How exciting is that?

And I don't know what's happened lately, but not only do I have my health and fitness plan in motion and things are working....but because of all of the organizational skills and dedication that I needed to get that part of my life in order, these same skills are helping me get organized and focused for the things I've always wanted to do.

We are having a big birthday party tonight (I got a new camera and I'm hoping that I will (remember) to take pictures and then learn how to get them on my computer...I know....I can't even turn our TV on, but you know what....I'm going to learn to do this) Anyway, I have asked my guests to not bring me gifts (I just hate the Over the Hill gag stuff). Instead of wasting money on that, I asked them to bring things for the Portland Rescue Mission. So I'm hoping we will have a truck load of stuff to Bless them with. How fun is that?

Sorry I got off of my point...not only did I help with this event, but I've also, kept my house cleaned, laundry is done, my legs are shaved........come on ladies, you know when you're really busy that does not get done...am I the only one? Oh and my check book is in order, the bills are paid plus I'm taking two classes right now that have home work and on and on.......And I'm doing all of this in a very timely and calm manner...All because I took the time back in 2010 to focus on my health...and look what I've learned. I am so capable! It's amazing what good health brings!! I'm thinking of the energy I have, clarity of mind, hope for the future.....So exciting!!!

Of course, I'm not taking all the credit for this. I have relied so much on the Lord and His strength through this whole process and I know without Him and my very supportive family and friends, I would not be where I am today. I am soooo grateful!! THANK YOU...THANK YOU...THANK YOU!!!!

So Friends, celebrate with me today, I am almost a senior...got my first AARP letter in the mail...It made me laugh! Can't wait for my discounts!!!!

Are you getting so much more from your health and fitness plan?

Keep focused!!

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Well...Well...Well!!

I'm baaacccckkkk!!!!!

My computer has been repaired and I'm up and running. I tried the IPhone thing, but it just took too long to post things. Since my last post, I have been quite busy! Doing really good things, keeping focused and working on my plan.

You know, I've discovered this, and I'm quite sure that I am the first to realize this most amazing fact.....Anyway, I've discovered that.....

If you are working your plan for months or years and you are not getting any closer to your goal and if you keep doing the same thing over and over again and you keep getting the same results......Then what you are doing is NOT WORKING!!

Brilliant I know!

Example:  I set a goal to consume 1800 calories per day and without perfect planning...lately my calorie count has ranged from 1800 to 2600 calories per day. Do you think I'm losing weight? Ahhhh NO! Most of the time, I would look at my plate and say, "This is not a plate that a healthy fit person would choose! Maybe I should not eat this." Unfortunately, I would not listen to this brilliance and I would eat it anyway and then, guess what? No weight loss!

If I keep doing this over and over and if I don't make a change in my calories ~ I will not lose weight! I might even gain weight ~ Augh!

Another example.....Exercise. I have been exercising for at least 5 days per week for almost 2 years. Woo Hoo for me! I'm a lot stronger than I was when I started.....But I'm kind of stuck in the same place. If  I don't make a change and increase my efforts....You know work until I sweat.....I mean soakin' wet kind of thing....then I will never reach my fitness goal. If only I would be willing to do that...then maybe I'd be in a different place right now.

So far I've been at this for almost 2 years and when I started I had 125 pounds to lose. If I would have made better choices all this time....If I would have noticed that doing what I was doing was not really working for me....If I would have been willing to listen to my trainer, my Hubby, my Daughter, my body....I might be at my goal weight right now and enjoying maintenance.

Now I don't want to discount some of the good stuff I've done, I mean I have lost 66 pounds.....However, what I'm doing right now is not working!!!

I'm not progressing....

I'm stuck....

I've stalled out....

I need to change! 

So here's my plan.....

1.) I'm going to the store and I'm going to get new plates and bowls just for me. I want them to be pretty, but I also want them to be the size of a saucer and a cup. Almost kid sized. (I want a set for home and for work) For me....I have a big plate, I need to fill the big plate. I did this experiment last Thanksgiving, where I used a saucer instead of a dinner plate. I still did the 1/2 plate veggies, 1/4 carbs, 1/4 plate protein thing and I kept it to just one serving. The plate looked full and very appetizing. I ate it and I felt most satisfied. And you know what, I probably felt better than anyone else in the room because I did not eat too much. All in all, I probably had about a cup of food and it was enough! I should figure out the calories for a plate that size. Anyway, the smaller plate and bowl I use, the less food I eat...which means fewer calories!!!

2.) Next I need to get the crap out of my house!!! I've always allows some sort of sugar in the house...Well you know for the Grand Babies.....Anyway, my thought is that I need to discipline myself enough to be able to have sweets in the house. I mean why should I punish everyone else because I can't control myself. Does not seem fair....except for this is not working for me! The reality is....If it's in the house...I eat it and I eat a lot of it.  Except for when I put stuff in the freezer. It's like a vault for me. I put stuff in there and it's like I've lost the key and can't get back in. Last night, I was looking for a treat and my Hubby reminded me that we have cookies in the freezer. I said, "We do? What kind?" He told me that they are the Monster Cookies I made last month. I totally forgot about them......Well then, the minute he told me, I had to have one! Well OK...I had that one plus a bite from another one. (Can you believe I did that? Geez!) Anyway, I'm not in control with having sweets in my house. It's not working for me....sweets have to go!!!

3.) No more judgement or negative talk. No more!! I'm done with that!! Do you know....and I've done this before...where I've actually said something into existenace. When I was a kid I went to the pig barn at the State Fair and we saw these enormous pigs in their stalls. I came across another stall and all I saw was this vast amount of pink flesh lying in the stall. When I took a closer look, I realized it was a women, wearing short shorts, laying on a cot. She was huge!!! Probably the first really obese person I had ever seen in my life. (You know, back when I was a kid, the majority of the population was thin...very thin. I think I was the fattest person in my class until middle school. Then there was another one, just like me. Just two of us in the whole school) Anyway, when I saw this woman, I made this vow that I would never be like her and guess what....I turned out just like her....Maybe this was God's way of getting back at me for judging this woman. I don't know. It seems, when I'm critical of someone else, I get it right back on myself. So I'm not doing that anymore. I'm not judging others....I'm not speaking ill of others and I'm not speaking ill of myself. No more judgement from me. Well except, I saw this very thin person yesterday, and I quickly said, "Oh I would never want to be that thin"....Hee hee, do you think the reverse judgement will work?

4.) It's time to get SERIOUS about my exercise.  I am an athlete. I can do many things and this body is capable of more than I'm doing. I just need to be willing. And I think...I READY!!!

Anyway, my point is...what I'm doing lately is not working. I've been holding at the same place for months now and it's time to go to the next level. I ready to get the rest of this weight off. I'm ready to reach my fitness goals....I'm so close and if I really focus I could reach my goals by the end of Summer!

How have you been?

Keep focused!