I promised....

Ok, so I promised to post today...and here I am. I got to see what is left of both Julie and Kristina today. Wow, it is amazing what a few months of very hard work can do to a girl! Anyway, here is a before shot of me. This is at my highest weight after having my daughter, Atira in 2000. I was 165 there. I had gestational diabetes with her and I knew I needed to get healthy so I would not someday become a diabetic. I am now down to 141, but I have been at an all time low (since adulthood) of 135. That is my goal, to get back to the 135. I had gained back about 14 pounds, very slowly over about 1 1/2 years. But I knew I needed to get back on track and here I am. This week has been tough, we had a conference we went away for last weekend, came home to the fourth, which was not so bad for me. But I have had a heck of a time getting motivated again. I do great all day and then dinner hits and I am not in the mood anymore. We have also been to the movies several times and that popcorn was calling me. Dangit! Well, today has been great, I am on program and will stay that way today. I lost my water bottle so I am not drinking my water like I should. I need to go out and buy a new one. So, there is the story of me lately. Still trucking along. I have until August 28 to lose the weight or I will have to pay for another 3 months at Ediets, so that is my goal. 6 weeks to get off the last 6 pounds. I think that is doable..we will see. If not, I will sign up again and keep at it! Oh, I just recently purchased (by mail) a new workout, Core secrets, anyone ever try it? I am trying to jazz up my routines again. I think I have workout ADD. I get bored very quickly with them. Ok all, keep it up, keep away from the mochas and all holidays. That should do it. Off to try and steal my tv back from the kids.
Gnight,
Tina

Just a small pitty party

Tonight I am having just a small pitty party. I have had two of my best friends move away this summer. I know these friends are still friends but I will miss the day to day interaction that we have had. One is moving to NJ due to a husband's new job. We can still talk on the phone. The other has moved 6 hours away to West Texas. One of my love languages is quality time. It is hard to have quality time over the phone.

I am making some new friends but it takes time. Tomorrow I am spending time with a fellow homeschooling mom with children similar in age to mine and she is even going to be using AmblesideOnline . We will both be using Year 1 and this year should bring many opportunities to be together. Our kids like each other. The mom is shy. I am not. It just takes time. I want to eat over these feelings but I am not going to . This too shall pass.

The woman, who lost the equivilant of a ten year old girl!

Here I am with Julie's oldest daughter. She is ten years old and weighs 65 pounds. We thought you might get a kick out of a visual. I certainly did! : )

Eleven.

I know it's been a while since I posted my calories. After going to Cape Cod, we then had my niece and nephew here for the weekend. Good fun, but very busy! Last week I was finally back on track 100%. And it paid off! I was down 3.2 pounds this week for a total of 11.4 pounds in six weeks!! I'm so thrilled. I think my mini-goal of 20 pounds by the end of August is totally doable, which makes me so excited!

Today, at work, the girls were asking how much I had lost and saying they already notice a difference. For someone who has alot of weight to lose (total undetermined at this point fo my motivation's sake), that felt really really good.

Here's the proof! (the first two days I was way under, and not totally sure why. I kept better track after that though.)

Monday, 7/3/06: 999 calories, 14 glasses water, workout
Tuesday, 7/4/06: 1132 calories, 14 glasses water, workout
Wednesday, 7/5/06: 1312 calories, 14 glasses water
Thrusday, 7/6/06: 1475 calories, 15 glasses water, workout
Friday, 7/7/06: 1359 calories, 11 glasses water, workout
Saturday, 7/8/06: 1279 calories, 11 glasses water, workout
Sunday, 7/9/06: 1434 calories, 13 glasses water

fresh start

Hey y'all,
its been forever since i wrote anything official. I finished up my school year student teaching, which was awesome. Then I jetted back to NYC for ten days for job fairs for when I move out there in August. I got back in time to celebrate the 4th, which I'm sure you'll all agree is not the easiest way to stay on track. Oh well, I'm back on track now, eating my bowl of cheerios in the morning. On the last phases I finished with Prism I lost 7 lbs, which considering the stress and traveling I've been doing is great by me. I just bought my first ever pair of size 8 jeans!!! Pretty sweet. I love wearing them. This week I'm back on the program, and doing pretty good. The water is always hard for me, but I've been getting exercise in and losts of fruit. Little by little, I'll be full force. Thanks for all your updates, it really does encourage me that I'm not alone in this. :)
Mandi

Mochas are evil........Mochas are evil...........

Just keep telling myself that right? I have had FOUR in eight days! I am sticking to the rest of my plan, but can't stay of my drug of choice. How does that bible verse go? "....like a dog returning to it's own vomit." Yep that is me right now. I am just stuck. Uuuugh!
SueAnne

Starting Over

I have officially stalled. I have gained and lost, gained and lost, gained and lost the same 2 pounds for about a month now and my motivation is at an all-time low.

So I'm starting over.

I'm one of those people who has to be able to see how far they've come, who as a point of pride have to show real progress. Once I have done that, however, motivation kind of falls apart. So I'm resetting my ticker and my butter-stick count as of today. Hopefully this will kick me back into gear.

I'm sorry I haven't posted for awhile, but things have been a little crazy. My office is moving downtown (and if you've ever moved a law office, you know just how many boxes and files you have to go through before you can move). But my reward is next month I'm going to spend some time in Guatemala - I'd like to be in the position where I won't be worried so much about counting calories of the local fare while I'm there, mostly because I'm not sure I can!

Much love to you all,
Lisa

Sitting area

Here are the pictures of the patio sitting area we just put together.

I think I've been over celebrating. I checked the scale this morning and it wasn't kind. Good thing I don't have to weigh in until Wed. I need to re-adjust my mouth and mind and get back to it. I haven't been eating the wrong things, just too much of the right things. I walked three miles yesterday and will do that again today, and for the rest of the week plus the gym stuff. I've also been getting in all of my water....so back on track (choo choo).

It was six months ago today ...

It was six months ago today, on January the 8th, (our wedding anniversary)that something just resounded in me. I was miserable with my physical appearance, as I had climbed to my heaviest weight ever. I had no energy, and I remember putting on my makeup to go out on a date with my husband. As I looked in the mirror, I was depressed. Because no matter at what angle that I looked at myself, I was fat. No matter how perfect my makeup and hair looked, I felt so very unattractive. And it was on that day, that I had made up my mind, that tomorrow, I'm getting my butt out of bed, and I'm going to work out if it kills me! It was on that day, that I had decided to take back control of my life, to take back control of my appetite.
You guys, when I weighed myself this morning, I had broken into the 180's, and I almost cried. When you start off at over 250 pounds, all you can think about is how much you have to lose just to get down to 200. I'm down to 189, and have lost 66 pounds exactly. Maybe I'm p.m.s.-ing, because even now, I feel so happy that I could cry. Just when I think it's impossible to lose any more, I lose more. It's an amazing thing to me. It's an amazing thing.

How to take time for me-

I was in the shower this morning thinking about my life and this idea popped into my head. Why is it that when the going gets tough my needs get placed on the back burner? I have to really ask myself this question often. I am continually amazed at how often I bend and go out of my way to handle certain situations, or to soften the blow for others. Now don't get me wrong- this is not a complaint, just an observation. The last 3 to 4 weeks of my life feel like they have been lived on autopilot. I feel as if there has been so much to do and so many obligations that I have been treading water, so to speak, to just keep from drowning. Now that things have slowed down the rebellion kicks in. You know the rebellion that says I have earned that mixed drink or I am to darn tired to go workout. I can come up with all kinds of evidence that I am justified in my rebellious relaxation by just looking at how stinking busy I have been.

I am recognizing a pattern of self neglect. I have often called this self neglect "motherhood". You know that if the baby cries in the middle of the night you have to go feed it regardless if you feel like it or not. Well my babies have grown out of that stage and I still find myself in that "mothering- do it all" mode. Often it comes in the form of projects. The CD project of my hubby's, our homeschool projects, our home improvement projects, extended family obligations etc.... Pretty soon I am looking at my food journal and realizing that I haven't eaten a real food item all week. I have survived off of carrot sticks, energy bars and diet Pepsi. ( I know carrots are real food but you can't live off of just carrots!)

Well, needless to say this is not okay with me. Somehow I have to learn to work in me time everyday. Even when everyone else is standing around me screaming for my attention. In fact on those days I need to work in EXTRA me time. It is so hard for me to get used to doing that. I go into fix- it mode, and I put myself at the end of the list. I weighed in today and I have lost .8 pounds for the week. Not a lot, but still a loss. I have also slowed down enough to realize that I have been running at full steam and putting myself last. If this weightloss plan is going to be something I can maintain I need to be eating things that are healthy. I think the hardest part for me is that I have known I wasn't eating super healthy and I kept doing it because it was easy and fast. Alas I have found the only error in the Weight Watcher points plan. It doesn't matter what you are eating as long as you are only eating a certain amount of points. You can have chocolate pudding, energy bars, a mocha and a bowl of popcorn. See what I mean, not a sustainable way of eating. Now I still love the program and I am still losing weight. I am just making a new commitment to taking the time I need to make healthy choices.
This means planning ahead and putting me first occasionally. It means being prepared with healthy snacks and pre-made meals for life's unexpected chaos. It means taking my vitamins and drinking my water. ( I have done better in this area lately!)
I guess there is a little bit of guilt associated with putting myself first. Somewhere I feel like that isn't my job. Funny hu? So... this week I commit to putting myself first and meeting my goals.

Jenny V.

P.S. My dear hubby said to me tonight- " I am not sure you should lose anymore weight, there will be nothing left of you." Isn't that the sweetest! Of course I promptly showed him all the jiggly parts I still have left to lose so he wouldn't worry about me wasting away. Ba,ha,ha!!

Cholesterol test results

Hey all, I went to see the Doc today to discuss my cholesterol test and there is some good news: My overall number has gone from 247 to 221. And she was really impressed by my weight loss and all I am doing at creating a new lifestyle for myself. Ultimately, though, she said that there is probably little more I can do to change my cholesterol through diet and exercise. It is heredity that has given me the numbers. But as long as I am working out and eating right, the numbers can't harm me and I am decreasing my chance for cancer as well as any heart related disease. She said she would not even consider putting me on any medication or anything. So that was super news. I learned a lot too.

AS far as my last two weeks on Prism goes, I am definitely back on track. I have journaled each week and I am staying within my limits. So hurrah for me! I still need to make it to the YMCA more often. That will boost my metabolism. We are putting our rental house on the market next week so I have been doing gardening and working a lot. I have been very active, just not involved in "official" workout time.

Love you all. Thanks for keeping this blog alive and well and thanks for giving of yourself to others.

Jules

Quote of the week...

My younger sister in Atlanta called and left a message on my voice mail the other day. Upon receiving some recent photos of me in my new outfit. She said, and I quote: 'It looks like we've got to give you a new knick name... Kris- skinny! It is really amazing how much you have changed!' Oh, sisters, sometimes they know just what to say. : )
Anyhow, I haven't recored my calories and such on line for a while because I left like a weeks worth over at Julie's house. So I'll just pick up from this week.

Day 182: 1,569 calories, 14 glasses of water, workout
Day 183: 4th of July, no journaling
Day 184: 1,254 calories, 13 glasses of water, workout
Day 185: 1,374 calories, 13 glasses of water, worked out twice!

Phase 2 weigh in

Hello Everyone!
It is time for me to weigh in again. Phase 2 was not as impressive as Phase 1 but I know why ( a few chocolate detours on my journey). But I am still happy and on track. Phase 2 loss:

5 pounds (23 total)
2 inches (17 total)

I weighed and measured a couple of days early so that I would not be right on my cycle at the time. Anything to boost the numbers! My goal for the next six weeks of my program is to add two strengthening sessions to my workout schedule and to break the HALF WAY mark. Just not quite there!
Blessings!
SueAnne

Neener Neener Fellow Classmates!

I am so excited for Kris' High School Reunion that I couldn't help but post a silly photo of her as well!

Three Cheers to all of you who are sticking to your plans! If you're wavering, STAND ON! You too can have the smug look of satisfaction you've earned as well!

So - Here's to the BEST REVENGE; LIVING WELL!

Building a patio was the key

This week I weighed in 1.6lbs lighter and I think the genie in the bottle was building a new patio for a seating area with a firebowl. (I'll post a picture when the rain stops) I'm almost down to my lowest loss!!! Another pound and I'll be under. I can't believe it. I had gained almost 10lbs in a teeter-totter of gains and losses over the last 2 years and struggled with a plateau for the last year. I really want to see this over, but 'me body' is just too used to the reduce calories and the gym workouts. I'm going to have to continue shaking things up. I finished with the yard (sigh) and there's no more totin barges and liftin bales. HELP! I may have to add a day or two to my spinning class and walk on my weight lifting days. Boy, I hope it isn't going to take all that to maintain, once I get there. I know I will continue to eat right and exercise, but I hope I don't have to kill myself.

More shots up of 1st of July party

Face Kristina, originally uploaded by Shutterbugphoto.

Ok, I worked through Flickr to get these photos up. Blogger was being persnickety. Happy 4th to one and all!

Mandi! I'm sending you a high five!

Girl, you didn't post your seven pound loss! That is GREAT! Especially since you spent that 1 1/2 to 2 weeks in New York, looking for a teaching position. Now that, could be stressful. Good job Mandi. Now, time for some more photos. : )

A few shots from Jule's party

Julie hosted a 4th of July party a few days early, and there were more in attendance than I can count. They have the perfect home, and yard for entertaining. It was such a blast! Jules looked great, and Elicia looked fab, as usual. Not every one can pull off a spaghetti strapped top. : )

Down 41 Inches!

Kristina measured me on Thursday. I am down another 10 inches from April. 41 inches gone! I have lost 8.5 inches from my waist, 4 inches off my bust, and 6 inches off my hips. I only lost 3 lbs. last phase, but I am back on track and moving in the right direction. I am putting myself first again. I went in yesterday for a blood draw to check on my Cholesterol levels. That will tell the real story, my friends. I will report to you when I get the results. Thanks for the support and Happy 4th of July!

Jules

Down another 1.6!

I actually lost some more weight. I'm up to 63.6 pounds now. I keep expecting to gain, or at least stay at the same place. Even though I'm still working out five days and eating well, I don't know, I just don't fully expect to keep losing. Even though that is my aim. It's like, you set this enormous goal, and you hope to attain it. I still can't believe that this plan is working so effectively. I'm feeling so great. But it's a little weird too. I'm getting a lot more attention from men, like when I was younger. It's been so long since the opposite sex has paid me any mind,( Except for my hubby, of course). I'm trying to sort through the feelings. Naturally, I enjoy feeling attractive, but then you get the gawkers, and I don't like that... I REALLY don't like that. I had some real issues with men before I was married. I've had to deal with a whole range of emotions. And now, it's like some old things,(attitudes) are resurfacing.
Well, that about ties up my time on the counceling couch this morning. Now you know me just a little bit better. I hope you don't think that I am pridefull, or, well, I don't know. I just feel like I really put myself out there today.