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!!