Wednesday, December 29, 2010

The Power Of One

Power of One Challenge

The Power of One is the new Challenge over @ shrinkingjeans it starts today and goes through February 23rd. If you are loooking for a support group, motiviation or whatever you need to get those extra holiday pounds off, and even the ones that aren't from the holidays, head over to shrinking jeans and join us.

I missed the last challenge, and truly missed it. So I am glad to be back in to the swing of things with the gals at the sisterhood.  This challenge is exactly what I need, and need it badly. I will be getting married in 12 weeks. Although its going to be simper and there will only be a few people there, or it may only be the two of us (thats the greatest thing with keeping it super simple, no fuss and you have alot of time to decide) either way I don't want to feel like the Goodyear Blimp when I get married.  Two weeks after our marriage, we are heading to Bermuda, on a week long cruise. Second reason why I don't want to feel like the Goodyear Blimp.

My goals for this challenge and the New Year are :

1. Wrap my mind around the new Weight Watcher Points Plus program and run with it... getting the old way of doing things out of my head for good.

2. Water, Water, Water

3. Stay motivated and not get discourage. Even when I screw up or the scale doesn't show all my hard work. This is a difficult one for me, and the reason I haven't been successful in losing weight.

4. Be happy with myself no matter what! I hope to do very well on this challenge a shed as many pounds as humanly possible lol But even if I don't I am striving to love myself anyway and not beat myself up over it.

So the Stats:

Previous Weight 205.5
Current Weight  205.5

I think its awesome that despite the holidays I manage to not gain a single pound! Go me!!

Sunday, December 26, 2010

December 15, 2010

December 15th is a day that in the end one full of good news and brought Bobby and I closer together. It could've however been the total opposite. Bobby had found out several weeks before that a stent that had been placed in his heart several years was no longer properly working. They needed to go in and see if it had moved or what was going on. After being with him while he was being prepped, and hearing the risk factors and numbers on complications including death I was getting nervous and worried about what could happen.

After he is taken back to start the procedure I do my best to think positively that everything will be ok. We were supposed to meet back in the waiting area an hour later to hear the results of what they found and what the step was going to be. The doctor shows up early than planned, which freaked me out too, with the news that the stent had totally closed and the artery was completely blocked. Fortunately for Bobby, his body had already started creating new arteries to take over where the other had closed, and we were told the best thing to do was to leave it alone and let his body do the work. Had his body not created the new arteries to compensate for the blockage, he would've had to have undergone major surgery to create just that.

So for the most part all was well. He was extremley loopy from the "happy juice" they had given him. He was awake for the whole procedure. Which is the same procedure that they would've done had they had to replace the stent, like he originally thought was going to be done. 

Because this procedure is done by going in and up through the groin, after you are made to lie completely still for several hours. He was then supposed to be released once, he was able to get up and walk. Unknowingly to him when the numb him, they also hit a nerve in the leg that completely numbs you from the top of your thigh all the way down to the ankle. So... trying to stand up on one leg... lets just say that didn't go over very well.

After getting situated and sitting again, about an hour later he almost gave me a heartattack of my own. He said he was feeling sick to his stomach and I handed up the trash can as I went next door to use the restroom. Wasn't gone but a minute and I walked in he was pale as I have ever seen anyone, couldn't hardly talk he was trying to tell me to get a nurse, I couldn't understand him but knew he needed one.  They FINALLY got into his room, made him lie back, he had been feeling hot, sweaty. and at the point he was going to pass out where everything was starting to turn black. Once he was lying back and beginning to feel a little better, they take his bloodpressure. 69/42!!!!!!!!!!!!!! UMMM HELLO!  That means when he was sitting up feeling worse, it was probably even lower!!! Eventually his blood pressure came back up to what they considered normal, but not to where his usually is. They assured us that, that was just one of the side affects of his body responding to what it had been through and it was completely normal. Once he felt better and was able to walk they released him and we were on our way.

I am so thankful that his leg being numb made him stay longer, because had his blood pressure dropped after we had left the hospital.. OMG I don't know what I would have done or what would've happened. Thank God it all turned out fine. He had a few days off work and everything has returned to normal.

Weight Watchers

After seeing and hearing all the hype about the new Weight Watchers Program, Points Plus, I decided to last week to go and see what all the fuss is about. I am having a hard time grasping the new program. Carbs, Fiber, Fat and Protein all count this time. There is no little slider for you to conveniently figure out points. You must use online tools, or the calculator or books that you can purchase at the meetings. Fruit and Veggies (for the most part) are zero points and everything else has increased in point value. As well as increased daily point value and extra weekly points too. The problem is I still have the old way of counting points in my head and I can't seem to get a grasp on the new way of thinking.  Before there was an equation you could go by also to figure out points and I liked that. Now something is so many points, just because thats what the books says.  There is no logic for me to figure out. That and the fact that I knew the old points system inside and out, I could tell you the points value for almost anything in the snap of a finger. So.. I don't know.. do I do my best to adapt to the new way of how things work, or do I stick with the old plan that I know? I've heard the new plan is awesome once you get use to it...but can I get myself to that point????

Monday, November 22, 2010

This Thanksgiving, what are you thankful for?

Thanksgiving is approaching and many of us are reflecting on all the things and people in our lives that we are thankful for. This Thanksgiving, November 25, 2010 will mark the two year anniversary of my divorce... and I am OH SO thankful for what I do not have! lol Each person bring joy into our lives, some when the come into our lives and other when they leave!

So this year I am giving thanks for what I no longer have and the wonderful blessings that I do. A Happy Turkey Day to all!!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!

The cake I made for my mom's birthday. She was thrilled, and it tasted GREAT!!


Halloween

I haven't dressed up for Halloween in such a long time, I had forgotten how fun it could be! A group of us dressed up as the Super Hero Assisted Living Community, complete with a calendar of activities for us old washed up super hero's to take part.lol




We had  Wonder Woman, Batgirl, Zorro, Cat Woman, lava girl, and our "invisible man" with his own orderly and nurse. Neither my fiance` or BFF could tell the picture of me dressed up was me... lol






Wednesday, November 3, 2010

The wake up call to get healthy

When I met Bobby over a year and a half ago, he told me of his concerns when it came to being in a relationship with someone as far as his health. His family has had health problems and one that seems to hit all the men is health issues. His father has had 2 and a year before Bobby I met he had one. From the stories that I have been told about the incident he is very lucky to be alive and infact the doctors told him that most people who went through what he did usually didn't make it through.  Since then however, as far as I know other than changing up meds and that type of thing all has been fine. He just recently went to the doctor who ordered a stress test because he didn't think something was quite right. Afterwards, the tech told him everything looked ok and he would be getting the official results in a few days. Well, today the doctors office called and he has to undergo another surgery. One of the two stents that was placed in his heart before has moved or is not properly working. 

I know this shouldn't surprise me, knowing the history, but I suppose I was hoping that nothing would happen or at least not for a very long time. I guess its better to find an issue and correct it than finding out later by something bad happening. Although I know this, it doesn't make me worry any less. I pray that the surgery will go well without any problems and he will really get serious about getting healthy.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Shrinkvivor Week 6

This week has been so crazy, on Wednesday I didn't realize it was Wednesday. 9 p.m. came and went and it hit my right smack in the forehead about 9:30 that I never reported my weigh in for Shrinkvivor. I made it to week six, three people were on my time, and I FORGET!!!! I was less than amused with myself.  Not that this week was any different than the past month, I am stuck at 208.5, yet again. But that I disqualified myself from the challenge, because of too many things going on and too much on my mind. Not. Happy. At. All

Sunday, October 17, 2010

The Great "Giveaway"

You know how you have those favorite peices of clothing that you just don't want to get rid of? The ones that "someday" you will get back into. Along with that, everytime I had clothes that I "someday" wanted to get back into, I had people telling me, "Oh keep them, you will get back into them". I decided to go through all those things a few weeks ago. I had saved SO many clothes, no one would ever believe it. Pretty much everything looked brand new, some as old as probably ten years ago.

So, really needing the extra room and fed up with all of my "someday" clothes I decided to start digging them out and boxing them up for the Goodwill. Someone had filled me in on a donations calculator that I used to figure what I could deduct from my taxes.  I had ALOT, I mean ALOT of things to give away. So much, I'm kinda afraid to claim that much on my taxes.

I went from having at lest ten totes crammed full of things I *might* get into, to one tote of clothes that I can probably get into if I lose a few pounds. My spare room is finally cleaned out and rearranged. And all of this is now at the Goodwill (BTW this was what I took on my SECOND trip to the Goodwill).....


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Shrinkvivor Weigh In #5


A little late getting week 5 results up. This week, for the third week in a row.. there was no change. Still holding on to 208.5.  Not much else to say here. I'm a little frustrated, but at least the scale didn't turn in the opposite direction and show again. For that I am happy.

Halloween Toes

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Wednesday, October 6, 2010

It's All About Me!

That's the mindset that I need to have once in a while. I need to put aside the things that I feel like have to do, that the people in my life are counting on me to do and focus on me. I need to just say to hell with the laundry, the dirty dishes, the fact that some days my house looks like it has been turned upside down. You know what? All that will still be there when I get around to doing it.

I have let the housework and laundry and what ever else that ends up on my to do list keep me from doing the things I need to do for me. Things like exercise, planning meals and making sure there are healthy foods to eat. I rarely have time to just sit down in front of the t.v. and just relax. I love to read, haven't had a chance to sit down and read in ages. But this past weekend, I attended a library booksale and added about 50 books to my collection. So I plan on picking that little hobby up again real soon.

I started tonight doing for ME. I signed back up with Weight Watchers and attended my first meeting tonight. Since being promoted at work the girls I worked with before were my support system. I rarely see them, and co-workers now, either don't need to lose weight, already have, or just don't care. So I realized a part of my problem with staying focused is that I have nothing to keep my grounded when it comes to my eating. No support system there. So what better way to be around folks that are working to drop pounds then at a Weight Watcher meeting.

This week I had a preggo scare. Happens every few months, but I always like to make sure. The one time I take it for granted and not worry about it, would be the time I really would be and not know it. So, for now no babies here. This happening again made me REALLY think, what if... I dont want to be pregnant at this weight. I am miserable now, I can't even imagine putting on baby weight on top of what I have. Then trying to lose it all after.... sounds like a nightmare that I probably wouldn't be able to escape. More reason to try to shed these unwanted pounds, in the event that I am blessed enough to be a momma :)

What are you doing for yourself?

Shrinkvivor Weigh in #4

Last week, I was crossing my fingers (and toes) that I didn't get booted off my tribe. Guess what I made it one more week. However, this week didn't fare much better for me. Although I didn't gain, I didn't lose either. I am exactly where I was last week at 208.5.

If I ever get to my goal weight, I will be damn good at maintaining.. I think I've got that down to an art form! lol

Did my best at tracking miles on the treadmill. FYI-I usually workout on an elliptical and I HATE the treadmill. So this was a REAL challenge for me. I have too many aches and pains when using the treadmill that I don't get with the elliptical. But I pushed through it. Unfortunately, I had to walk it, every attempt to run didn't last long enough to report. So my fastest mile was 16 minutes.

I Love Me

The month of October is the Month of Love. Over at the sisterhood I am taking part in the pledge to love myself. (Go on and check it out, or say the pledge posted below, and post about it on your blog.)

Just like everyone else, some days I love myself, other days I love myself a little less. But for this month (which will start the process of a great habit) no negativity. I love myself, and will do what I need to take care of me and my needs instead of what everyone else in my life needs. I LOVE ME!

Won't you take the plege and love yourself too?!

The Pledge to Love Myself.




I pledge allegiance, TO MYSELF.

Today I will proclaim it

out loud,

TALL AND PROUD

I LOVE MYSELF.

From this day forward,

I promise to be nice.

TO myself and ABOUT myself.

I will accept my quirks and I will love my faults.

I will love my shape, whatever it is

My bones, my muscles, my hair and my face.

My body, all of it, inside and out.

Because that is what makes me, ME.

And there is only one of me.

I will finally allow myself

to see what others see.

My kindness, my spirit, my love.

And starting today, I will share some of it,

with ME.

Because I deserve it.

I will fight for myself, because I’m important.

And I deserve to be everything I am capable of in my life.

I deserve to find my greatness and live my life fully and completely.

With no regrets.

There is so much I want to do in my life,

but first, it begins with “me.”

I LOVE MYSELF.

Today, tomorrow, and every day after that.

I LOVE MYSELF, DAMMIT!

And no one can stop me.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Shrinkvivor: Week 4 Challenges

Shrinkvivor Weekly Challenges #3


Each week we are given a new set of challenges. I will admit so far I haven't been doing as well as I should. And I would be suprised if I am not reporting from Exile Island next week. I'm keeping my fingers crossed, but....

This week my own challenge to myself is to not let myself get so overwhelmed that I don't make time to do the things I need to do for ME... like exercise. 

The Shrinkvivor challenges this week are: A min. of 5 fruits and veggies a day, no fast food, drink 1/2 your body weight in water daily. The fitness challenge is to log your fastest mile... wondering how fast I can go..

Now I have that song that features Alvin from Alvin in the Chipmunks " How low can you go" instead "How fast can you go, how fast can you go" Great! 

Shrinkvivor Week #3

Shrinkvivor Weekly Challenges #3


Week #3 Weigh in is upon us already. My life these days are somewhat of whirlwind, and at times I don't even know what day it is. I have been working OT for the past several months, and am about at the end of my rope. I haven't been feeling well the last week or so, I think my body is trying to tell me to rest or it's going to make me rest its way (which I don't want).

When it comes to weight loss, I have been like a yo-yo. Up and down, Up down and this week back up again 1.5. I am frustrated because I know I didn't do what I needed to see improvement on the scale. I just can't seem to find the energy after getting up at 4:30ish working an extra two hours a day then making an hour (or more) commute, making dinner and cleaning up the mess. After all that I'm ready to just fall out on the couch. I know I need to find time to implement some exercise if I am going to get anywhere on this weigh loss journey...but where? Can we add a few more hours to the day? Shorten the work day? Something... cause I can't seem to fit it all in.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells....

Yes this is the song that I have stuck in my head at the moment. I have been attempting to teach myself how to play the guitar and jingle bells is one of the few songs I can play so far. So playing this for the last few weeks has kind of gotten me into the Christmas mood already.

Its almost October already, where has this year gone??!! I decided to start shopping for Christmas early (like I used to do) and be finished with it by Thanksgiving. I made a few purchases tonight, I am hoping to really be finished by Turkey Day.

I hate the stress of trying to shop when it gets closer to Christmas, the crowds at the stores, worrying about not being able to find what you are looking for,etc. Plus, shopping early a little at a time makes it a little easier on the bank account too.

So, what about you? Have you started thinking Christmas yet?

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Shrinkvivor Week #2

Shrinkvivor Challenge at the Sisterhood!






Wow! This week went by super fast! I somehow almost totally forgot today was Wednesday. But whew! I made it to post my weight in for this week. This week has been totally freakin crazy!! All I have been doing is working overtime and attempting to sleep. Sleep is something that is not coming very easily for me. I have no down time, working overtime tied in with my hour (or more) commute, but the time I get home and make dinner, its time to go to bed.

So in saying that, I did not get in many miles this week. Not nearly as many as I had wanted to. But with the sleep issues I am having, I surely do not wanna be doing exercise close to going to bed. I am having hard enough time winding down and going to sleep. But enough about that.

I am down to 207 this week. That is a 1.5 pound loss for the week. I will take it! Will be doing my best to figure out some way of getting in more activity with all of the craziness of working overtime.



Derringer

A few weeks ago we brought Bobby's cat Derringer to live with us. Bobbys parent's had been previously keeping him where he was confined to a very small room in the house, thanks to the big "mean" dog they also have lol. We all decided it would be best for Derringer to have room to roam and not have to worry about a big dog trying to eat him.

The night we loaded Derringer into the carrier, he was scared to death, meowed constant and loudly all the way home. And I do mean all. the. way. home.  We get him here he is afraid to get out of the carrier then runs to one of the back rooms and is out of sight. For a few days we had no idea where he was.

I being worried about him (and the thought of what he could be doing to my belongings) and grabbed a flashlight and started out on the mission to find him. He was balled up in the far back corner of the bed in the spare bedroom where no one could get to him. After about an hour of me trying to coax him out, and him moving from one side of the bed to the other. Hissing and batting his paw at me... he FINALLY decided to come out of hiding.

It was very slow at first and he was extremely timid and EVERYTHING made him jump. Since that night.. he has adjusted very well and has made himself feel right at home including... sleeping on our bed.

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I have heard that when dogs and cats sleep on their backs (feet in the air lol) that is a sign that they are happy and content....... he must be very happy with his new home

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We went out and bought him a few cat toys. Guess what he decides he wants to play with.... Somewhere, somehow he found the pull tab off of a gallon of milk. That folks, is his toy of choice. Coulda saved my money lol

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Recipe: Fresh Broccoli Salad

You may think you wouldn't like this dish by looking at the ingredients, but let me tell you this is super yummy! The recipe in its present form is not one that is easy on the waistline, but can be tweaked by using light or fat free mayo instead of regular mayo, and using turkey bacon instead of regular bacon,etc.



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Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Ready in: 30 mins

Ingredients:

2 heads of fresh broccoli
1 red onion
1/2 pound bacon ( I used the pre-cooked, so cook time was about a min in microwave)
3/4 cup raisins
3/4 cup sliced almonds
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup white sugar
2 Tablespoons white wine vinegar ( I used red wine vinegar)

Place bacon in a deep skillet and cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Cool and crumble.

Cut the broccoli in bite-size pieces and cut the onion into thin bite size slices. Combine with bacon, raisins, almonds; mix well.

To prepare the dressing, mix the mayonnaise, sugar and vinegar together until smooth. Stir into salad and let chill and serve.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

The "New" Addition

Several weeks ago my fiance, Bobby moved in with me. Included in his belongings was this:

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His cat Derringer (all of his pets at one time were named after guns...yeah, don't get it either). Up until this point Derringer had been residing with Bobby's parents because he couldn't have him where he had been living. We thought the cat would be better off in a home where there were not other animals to harrass him.

I have never had cat, and have not been much of a cat person/lover. Dogs are more my thing. Have had dogs on and off most of my life. So I am not really sure what I am instore for with a cat. Not sure what to expect or what to do with a cat.

Derringer is a very friendly cat, and is always wanting attention. So much that it is annoying when you are trying to do something or when I am trying to rush to get ready and out the door in the morning.

I think having Derringer around will be fine... but he's just not a dog.

Shrinkvivor Week 1

Shrinkvivor Challenge at the Sisterhood!


New challenge @shrinkingjeans, shrinkvivor started TODAY. I am apart of Tribe Lilac, with a awesome group of gals that I can't wait to get to know. I'm a little nervous about this challenge because you never know what the sisterhood has in store for the weekly challenges that we are gonna be facing. I am super excited though to be participating in this awesome challenge.

This challenge goes hand-in-hand with my 39 week challenge I have given myself. Thirty nine weeks until I will be going on my honeymoon, a cruise to Bermuda. I want to get healthy and fit. What a better way to do this than with the sisterhood.

Today was "opening day" our first weigh in. Last week I really slacked with everything, since I was on vacation. I knew the number on the scale would probably go up, but it wasn't as bad as I anticipated *happy dance* I attempted to take a picture of the scale to help keep myself accountable, but the cat would not leave me alone long enough... he kept standing on the scale in front of my feet. So you will just have to take my word for it. (If I was gonna lie, I'd make myself look alot better than this lol) This week I am at 208.5, that is 1.5 up from last week.

How did everyone else do????

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

You Capture Signs

Signs, Signs everywhere a sign. Blocking up the scenery........ and you all know how the song goes. Thats what popped into my head when I saw the assignment for last week. I was vacationing in Virginia Beach, prior to knowing what the assignment entailed, I saw all kinds of interesting things that would have been GREAT for this post. But of course once I knew what I was to look for and have the camera in hand... nothing.

I was able to capture this sign (which I thought was kind of interesting)

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This sign is posted all over Virginia Beach. When I first saw this, it was actually on a T-shirt in one of the novelty stores. At first I thought it was some sort of joke. I later realized after reading another sign that was also posted, and seeing the above sign everywhere it was no joke.

This sign is a no profanity sign. If caught you will be fined. Yes I am serious! They also have a law that states that you will be fined if you are caught wearing revealing or inappropriate attire in public! WOW!

I say kuddos to VA Beach for keeping it a family place, but wow!

Vacation

Last week my fiance and I were on vacation in Virginia Beach.

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We had a great time! Ate lots of food, did lots of walking, and caught a few rays and waves too.

While we were there we were able to visit the Virginia Beach Marine Musem, listen to some live Blues music and on Saturday, all major roads were shut down for the Shriners Parade. Which I must say had some interesting things in it to be seen.

We did alot of relaxing and acting goofy as well.

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Although we were totally exhausted by the end of the week and really needed a vacation after our vacation to rest, we had a great time and didn't want to come home!

Friday, September 3, 2010

After the move

Today is a week since we made the move from Leesburg to Martinsburg. I spent last Friday, Saturday and Sunday moving, cleaning and doing my best to put away and make room.. each day I worked myself to complete and utter exhaustion. I have also been working overtime at work. A week later, still working the OT, still trying to get things put away and find a place for everything, and still exhausted.

I went from waking up for work at 6 am to waking up at 4 or 4:30 am (depending when I am going in and if I am carpooling. Today I was able to sleep until 4:45!!! I didn't have OT and I drove myself to work.  I am wondering if I will ever get used to waking up that early. I don't know how I ever did it.

All I wanna do is sleep.... but when I go to bed I'm so exhausted I can't sleep. 

Did I mention between all this unpacking, Bobby and I are on vacation next week and instead of staying home and getting things situated and relaxing, we are going to the beach. Normally I would be super excited about the beach. However, looking around and seeing all the mess and all the work that needs to be done... I can't really get excited about coming back to all this chaos.

I feel like I am the only one doing hardly anything to get this place organized and back to some type of normalcy. He acts like if he spends a few minutes hanging a picture or two he's done something for the day.  So yes, I am also very frustrated.

Although I am hesitant about being away for a week, I think it will do us both some good. I know I can use a week to relax, and do nothing except what I want.  One problem.... 'cause Earl (hurricane earl)had to do die... goodbye... earl.. na na na hey hey  Hopefully all will be well with the weather and the ocean will have calmed down enough by Tuesday for us to enjoy a little bit of time actually on the beach and in the water.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Down & Dirty # 3&4 (Weeks 6 &7 of 39)

I have been MIA the past few weeks. Packing and moving.. unpacking and doing all over again. Finally everything has been removed from Bobby's apartment and the apartment has been cleaned. I am offically done there.. however my place is a total disaster. I have worked my self to the point were I was literally ready to drop. Apparently all my work wasn't quite enough... because I am up a pound. Getting close to TOM so maybe that is the culprit in my gain.

The good news is.. I should now be able to get back into some sort of exercise routine and just normal life routine since I am no longer trying to live between two place.  That in itself is totally exhausting.  So I am looking forward to a better week next week.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Vacations

Fifteen more day to go.. then I will be mid way through my week vacation, and will be enjoying myself at Virginia Beach! I SO can't wait!!! This will be the first (and probably one of the few) vacations Bobby and I will have alone. Everything we plan always seems to turn into a family affair (with his family).  I understand family is important to most of us but geesh. I really would love to be able to have a vacation with out family being included.

We had planned to book a cruise next March for our honeymoon. We wanted to go to Bermuda, but couldn't afford the ones we found so were going to settle for a different one, that I am sure would have been just enjoyable. A few days before we were going to book said cruise, Bobby get a call from his parents, who proceed to tell us about Bermuda cruise in April (that is in our price range) so now, my honeymoon is turning into a honeymoon/family vacation. I am less than thrilled about this. But saying anything about it only causes trouble.. so I have decided to roll with the punches. I only hope we do have some time to go out and do our own thing, and not have the whole family around 24/7.

But no matter what the outcome ... I am going to BERMUDA!!! Which I am SOOOO SUPER excited about.  I will make the best of it no matter what.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Week #3 of Down and Dirty (6 of 39)

The past few weeks along with the week ahead has been and is going to be hectic. Last minute moving, and getting things in place before the final move on Friday. Along with that focusing on what I have or have not been eating has kind of fallen to the way side a bit. So I was pleasantly surprised to see that I didn't do as bad as I thought, and stayed the same this week. Still have a long way to go, I really don't want many weeks of staying the same, but it sure does win over having a week of gaining.

After the move is complete and things are finally back to some normalcy, (and I am finally not trying to go back and forth between two "homes" ) I am going do my best to find my exercise groove again. Once I find it, I will be ok.. just getting there is the obstacle.

Along with the move, I will also resume commuting to work everyday, which is an hour and a half each way, if I don't run into any issues. So with all that extra sitting (on top of the sitting I do at work all day) I REALLY need to get moving.

My game plan is this (hopefully I can stick to it):

Walk 20 minutes on the treadmill (equals 1 mile) before work to get the blood flowing.

Since I will be carpooling, and looks like I will be arriving at work about a half hour to forty-five minutes early (they like getting to work super early for some crazy ass reason) I will take advantage of the time to walk before beginning work in the morning.

Walk my 15 minute morning break at work.

I am also going to try to get in the habit of taking lunch with me (trying to spend less money too) and trying to walk a part  (or all, if I can manage to eat while I work) of my half hour lunch break.

Then finally utilizing my gym membership that I have been paying for and not using in the evening after the long commute back home.

Sounds like a lot, but this is what I did before... its works. I feel better and I was able to lose weight pretty quickly. Just have to stick with it this time, and not let anything get in my way or throw me off track.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Weekly Check In # 2 Down & Dirty (Week 5 of 39)

Looks like I am finally on the right track! Two weeks in a row the scale is going DOWN... even if it is only a pound again this week, at least I didn't gain a pound. I am so thrilled, hopefully I am out of my rut for good. It has been really difficult to fnd time to exercise with all of the overtime at work I have been putting in at work. Although I need the exercise and to lose weight just as much as I need the extra money, I kind of let exercise fall to the wayside. 

Looks like things will be calming back down at work soon, so that means getting back to the gym and getting my workout on. Looking forward to a big drop on the scale next week.

Hope everyone did a great job this week!

Thursday, August 5, 2010

The Simple Things

When was the last time you stopped and looking around at your surroundings? I mean really look and take notice? There are so many simple things in life that we take for granted. We get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the stress of jobs and families.

When things seem to feel a little overwhelming, take a moment to step back and look, really see those little things that we often pass by and never realize they are even there.

Sometimes all it takes are the simple things in life to put a smile on your face.

Here are a few of the simple things I found to put a smile on my face this week.


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So relax, and sit back and enjoy some of the little things life has to offer.

Week #4 of 39 and Down & Dirty in 30 Weigh In #1

Last week was the first weigh in of the new challenge over at the Sisterhood.  Also week 4 of my 39 weeks until my vacation/honeymoon. I was down a pound this week...honestly, not sure how. I have been on a sweet junk food kick since I had to celebrate 100 birthdays (ok maybe not 100 but 4 or 5).  This past Tuesday was my fiance's birthday and on Sunday, I made him a cake (my first attempt to cake decorating)

Bobby's birthday cake

I have only had one peice of his cake. Half of it went to his family, because neither of us really need to be eating it.  So, now I need to somehow leave the junk alone! I've never had such issues with junk food, I almost feel addicted to the stuff. Crazy, since I'm usually not one to eat alot of junk food.

Heading to the store tomorrow (payday) and stocking up on some healthy food for the next week or so. Hoping for a better week next week.

Monday, July 26, 2010

After the Storm

The storm that came through yesterday evening brought high winds and a lot of rain, in some areas even Tornado warnings were issued. Other than the drenching rain, nothing was effected in my area. However, the apartment complex where my boyfriend lives is a different story. Downed trees on vehicles, part of a tree split in half and landed where I usually park when I am there. Luckily my vehicle was not there, this is what would've been on top of it.

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There were a few ducks out and about enjoying the calm after the storm....

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Monday, July 19, 2010

Thank Goodness it's over!

This past week has been crazy with birthday celebrating. Aside from my own on the 13th, I also participated in birthday parties for my two baby cousins, Ross and Lucas who turned 2 years old on the 7th and 14th. With their birthdays being celebrated, one before mine and one after, I requested that there be no cake to celebrate mine. I had plenty of cake and everything else I shouldn't have been eating without having my own.

Here are the two birthday boys




Now that the crumbs have cleared, I am trying to get back on track, I guess these little cuties were worth the extra calories! : p

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Birthdays

Birthdays are hazardous to your health. Yesterday I spent my birthday shopping and eating, shopping and eating....  by the end of the day I had eaten way to much food and spent way to much money, and literally shopped till I dropped. I was totally exhausted and in bed by 8:30. This is something that NEVER happens, my usual bedtime is 10 or 11.
This morning the girls at work had more food to celebrate my birthday.

Now that the birthday is over and the crumbs have cleared, I am wondering if I have gained back in one day the six pounds I worked so hard to lose last week. I am hoping the scale will be nice to be next week, but I am so not looking forward to weigh in day.
MUST. GET.BACK. ON. TRACK. PRONTO!

Monday, June 21, 2010

Summer Sizzler Challenge

I received an invite to join a new challenge over at the daily mile. This couldn't have come at a better time! I was looking for that little bit of motivation, well my lovely friend Carolyn gave that to me. ; )

The challenge starts today, June 21st (the first day of summer) and goes through September 22nd (the first day of fall). The challenge is to log in 300 miles within this time period.  So I am gonna be lacing up my shoes and getting those miles in and hopefully dropping a few pounds along the way. Utimately, I hope that I can re-establish my exercise every day habit that has falling along the way side for quite some time now.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

You Capture - Water

I have often viewed fellow bloggers post who participate in the You Capture weekly picture assignment.  Since I love taking pictures, but usually don't have the opportunity, I thought participating in these weekly assignments would give me that opportunity. So my first ever You Capture post.

I know the whole purpose of You Capture is to go out and take current pictures, but I can't help but to share these that I had previously taken. If you have ever had the chance to see the clear blue turquoise waters of the Caribbean, you know there is nothing in the USA that compares.




This was taken from the balcony of our Cruise ship will in the Caribbean



Atlantis Resort  Nassau/ Paradise Island Bahamas



Cozumel, Mexico


Bannister Island
Belize City, Belize


Key West, FL


Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Losing It with Jillian Michaels

I totally love, love, love this show! Although Jillian Michaels is definately a hard ass when it comes to making you stick to a plan in the gym, she is amazing at helping people find that end result. She pushes you when you think you can't go any further and proves to you that you can. She digs deep into your soul to pull out those inner demons that we all try to hide. The ones that we don't realize are hampering our ability to do our best at losing weight and feeling under control. She makes people realize that no matter what they think, they ARE worth it! The results these people find with their weight as well as the help Jillian gives them in getting the aspects of their life together are amazing.

I really need Jillian to make a trip to the east coast and kick my ass into shape!

Shrinking Days of Summer - Weigh in #3

After gaining the first weigh in and not even looking at the scale last week, I am happy to say that I finally have gotten my mojo back! I am down 2.5, one more pound to get rid of those few pesky ones I found the first week. Still not feeling up to par, but it doesn't seem like the sinus infection that has invade my body is ever going to evacuate.  I have been on antibiotics for 8 day, 2 more to go as well as Zyrtec D, seems to help some and just when I think its going to be gone, I eye popping headache hits me again. I'm sick of being sick and I'm not going to let it keep me down... the end!

Friday, June 11, 2010

Shrinking Days of Summer Weigh in #2

Wednesday was the second weigh in for the current challenge over @shrinking jeans. I have been avoiding posting and wasn't going to because I simply didn't weigh in. I know the result wouldn't be a pleasant one, and I just avoided it. I am having major issues staying focused on what I need to be doing, and I don't know why.  I just can't seem to keep the junk and food I know I need to eat on a very limited bases out of my mouth. But I know what I need to do; just need to do it!

Thursday 3

Three things I am looking forward to this summer...

1) Vacation...even if I don't actually go anywhere, having a week off from work and being able to relax is always amazing.

2) I always love summer because I don't have to drive to work in the dark, and there is plenty of sunshine left after I get home too

3) Being able to spend more time outside enjoying the sun and warm weather.

So there you have, just the simple things in life are what I love the most!

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

True Confession Tuesday














The past week I was gung-ho about getting in all my exercise and kicking butt this week. That was until the head cold/turned sinus infection reared its ugly head again. I finally decided that the over the counter meds weren't just going to cut it, and I went to the Dr this morning, indeed a sinus infection. So for the past two weeks I have been feeling totally blah. No energy, no drive to do anything. Although I did manage to get to the gym twice.. I know not a lot, but better then nothing. Now PMS is kicking in full force. Like the sinus headache, pressure and congestion isn't enough. Top that with junk food cravings and moodiness...look out world!

So my confessions for the week are that I didn't do what I set out to do, which was go to the gym every day. I totally threw the concept of counting calories out the window, and after about the 2nd day of the week I didn't have a clue that water existed.

So now that I have my meds, I should be feeling better in a day or two and maybe in turn I can control my PMS issues a little better and get myself back on track.

I only have about 2 1/2 months until we are (if time permits with the move) going to the beach. I REALLY don't wanna look like a beached whale when I get there. That SHOULD be motivation enough right there.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Shrinking Days of Summer Weigh In #1

With Memorial Day being right smack in the middle of the first week of this challenge, I knew I was in a little trouble. I was super busy all weekend long, felt like I had to go back to work to get some rest. lol I was hoping that keeping moving all weekend long would've helped with all the eating the went along with it, well not so much. I apparently had one to many spoonfuls of baked beans or something. :p 

I really did not want to face the scale, and I REALLY didn't want to blog about it. I hate blogging about gaining weight. It seems like I am on a yo-yo that I can't get off of. Up and down the same three or four pounds, for what seems like forever. So this week the yo-yo was back up 3.5!!!! I know I have no one to blame for the gain but myself. So there it is. I know facing the consequences is better in the long run then trying to ignore them. Kinda like when you were a kid and you had to finish your vegetables before you could get up from the table. You were told it was good for you, but boy did you hate having to eat them!

I have recomitted to going to gym this week as well as getting in all my water. So here is to a better weigh in next week.

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Thurday 3: If Only I Had Known

If only I could go back and change the decisions I made in the past.... how many times have I said that? Alot. But if we could it would only change who we are today, and the choices we've made and the struggles we have had to overcome have made us that strong person we are at this very moment.  If I had to pick a few that probably impacted my life the most it would be these:

* I would tell that 15 year old girl that growing up and being independent isn't always easy. To be happy that you have limited responsibilites and enjoy yourself more as a kid/teenager instead of wishing your life away wanting to be older. To not get a job at 15 and enjoy the things that your are supposed to be enjoying at this stage in your life.

* I would've told the 19 year old girl to stay away from that guy that everyone warned you about. The one you argued with your dad about and didn't speak to for weeks because of it. To open your eyes and see that he wasn't the type of guy you can marry or count on to be responsible. The one that caused you to begin the path of being unhealthy and overweight because of him telling you all the time how you were too skinny. To realize later he just wanted to you to be overweight so you would put up with his BS and stay with him.

* I would've told the young woman, the guy that she thought hung the moon, didn't. I would've been happy with wondering "what if" the rest of my life instead of allowing this fool (ok I'm the fool) to rip out my heart, not once, but many years later a second time before I FINALLY realized just what a dog he is. Yes, there have been many mutts in my life...lol 

I could go on and on, but really none of that is important any more. I learned from each expericence, and today I could teach those guys a a thing or two if given the chance. I am stronger and wiser because of each of those situations I had to overcome.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Shrinking Days of Summer


Since returning from vacation about a month ago, I have had issues with getting back on the right track. I had a few obstacles of having food poisoning a few days after I returned to work from vacation. How many people get food poisoning from the cafeteria at work??!!  Then once I battled that I have had sinus/upper respiratory issues. Which had left me extremley sleep deprived for a few weeks. I am now almost back to 100% but was still having a problem with really focusing again and doing what I needed.

Well the fine people over at the Sisterhood, must of known, I woke up this morning to find an email telling about the new challenge. That was all it took. I am totally psyched and ready to go once again.

Being Wednesday, I knew I had to step on the dreaded scale. I had ended the last challenge a few weeks early because of my vacation, and came back six pounds a little heavier than I was went I left. The scale has been teetering up and down since then. So, I step on the scale, and was very pleasantly suprised to see that I am back down to where I was before the vacation. I lost the six pounds I gained. I am once again a pound from my first "mini" goal.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Seize the Moment

Too many people put off something that brings them joy just because they haven't thought about it, don't have it on their schedule, didn't know it was coming or are too rigid to depart from their routine.

I got to thinking one day about all those people on the Titanic who passed up dessert at dinner that fateful night in an effort to cut back. From then on, I've tried to be a little more flexible.

How many women out there will eat at home because their husband didn't suggest going out to dinner until after something had been thawed? Does the word 'refrigeration' mean nothing to you?
How often have your kids dropped in to talk and sat in silence while you watched 'Jeopardy' on television?

I cannot count the times I called my sister and said , 'How about going to lunch in a half hour?' She would gas up and stammer, 'I can't. I have clothes on the line. My hair is dirty. I wish I had known yesterday, I had a late breakfast, It looks like rain' And my personal favorite: 'It's Monday.' She died a few years ago. We never did have lunch together.

Because People cram so much into their lives, we tend to schedule our headaches.. We live on a sparse diet of promises we make to ourselves when all the conditions are perfect! We'll go back and visit the grandparents when we get Steve toilet-trained. We'll entertain when we replace the living-room carpet. We'll go on a second honeymoon when we get two more kids out of college.

Life has a way of accelerating as we get older. The days get shorter, and the list of promises to ourselves gets longer. One morning, we awaken, and all we have to show for our lives is a litany of 'I'm going to,' 'I plan on,' and 'Someday, when things are settled down a bit.'

When anyone calls my 'seize the moment' friend, she is open to adventure and available for trips. She keeps an open mind on new ideas. Her enthusiasm for life is contagious. You talk with her for five minutes, and you're ready to trade your bad feet for a pair of Rollerblades and skip an elevator for a bungee cord.

My lips have not touched ice cream in 10 years. I love ice cream. It's just that I might as well apply it directly to my stomach with a spatula and eliminate the digestive process. The other day, I stopped the car and bought a triple-decker. If my car had hit an iceberg on the way home, I would have died happy.

Now...go on and have a nice day. Do something you WANT to...not something on your SHOULD DO list. If you were going to die soon and had only one phone call you could make, who would you call and what would you say? ;And why are you waiting?

Have you ever watched kids playing on a merry go round or listened to the rain lapping on the ground? Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight or gazed at the sun into the fading night? Do you run through each day on the fly? When you ask 'How are you?' Do you hear the reply?

When the day is done, do you lie in your bed with the next hundred chores running through your head? Ever told your child, 'We'll do it tomorrow.' And in your haste, not see her sorrow? Ever lost touch? Let a good friendship die? Just call to say 'Hi'?

When you worry and hurry through your day, it is like an unopened gift....Thrown away.... Life is not a race. Take it slower. Hear the music before the song is over.


Author Unknown

Monday, May 10, 2010

"I Wish I'd Said......"

What do you say to people who always seem to be negative about your weight loss and what you are or are not eating? Although 99% of the time they don't mean it to be negative, but it still does something to us that almost undermines all of our efforts. We know our Points values, or how many calories we are supposed to eat (or whatever the basis of your weight loss program), we know we are living better and making better choices for ourselves. I've heard, "how can you be on a diet?" "Healthy food is nasty" My answer, I'm not on a diet I am changing my lifestyle and what/how I eat. Healthy food can be just as good as unhealthy food. You just have to find the right substitutes. So why let these people get us?  After all only we know how we feel and how we want to look. No one else can make those decisions for us. Don't let anyone steal your joy, your power or willingness to continue acheiving all that you can and all that you want.

"A few sneaky snacks will give you tight slacks"

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Can we please add more hours to the day?

If only there were more hours in a day, I just might be able to get everything accomplished. To whomever is in charge of adding the extra hours, please add them to the end of the day, after the work day is over, m'kay, thanks. As hard as I try I can't seem to stay on a workout routine. There is always something that comes up, or something I feel like I need to get done instead of going to the gym or popping in a workout dvd. What is more important than being healthy, fit and feeling great (physical and mentally)? Absolutely nothing, so then why do I continue to put all that on the back burner at the drop of a hat? What happened to the "me" that HAD to work out, every. single. day. OR I was  totally  a bitch with out my adrenaline fix. I need to figure out how to get back to that, and stop letting people and "things" get my way. I just can't seem to find that person these days.

Happy Mothers Day!

Hoping all mothers everywhere had a fabulous day! I was able to spend most of the weekend with my mom. Told her the great news, that I would not be permanently moving closer to work. I have mixed emotions about it, but it made her extremely happy!

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