Monday, November 30, 2009

It all comes to an end

And boy oh boy am I ever thankful for that!!!! I admit to not doing ANYTHING I planned to be/stay healthy, figures. But, I enjoyed the time spent with family and friends. I think that means something. I ate ONLY my favorites at Thanksgiving...but hate that I LOVE cheese ball and crackers! Those should be illegal or something. I also had a few chocolate chip cookies...that one right after another slipped in my mouth and melted away. Oh, and when the Hunney and I were making our "annual Thanksgiving cake" (different every year!) I ate spoonfuls of my homemade buttercream icing! Oops. But, I have to stop beating myself up...and move on. That's ALL you can do. So I'm thankful that Thanksgiving has come, and GONE. I'm also glad to be back at work and back into routine...it helps me. I DO hate the thought of stepping on the scale tomorrow...and wish I had a free day for GAG. But, I used those babies up already. So...tomorrow I will hesitantly step on the evil piece sitting in my bathroom.

Today is new...and I am back on track. There's nothing more important than that! I'm working on December's menu, and planning on visiting either the love of my life (Bob from the Biggest Loser) or the guy that kicks my butt every time (Billy Blanks) tonight before the Hunney rolls in. I'd also like to do a 15 minute interval training...but maybe one step at a time?

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!!! I hope you all take the time to be truly thankful for what you've got, what you've accomplished, and the person you have become!!!!

I'm very thankful for all of you joining me on this journey!!!!

Be safe and have fun!!!!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Weekend Recap, Weekly Weigh In

I'm in a slump...and trying to claw my way out. Ugh. Do you ever just get so disappointed in YOURSELF that you don't know what to do?! That's me. I KNOW what to do...but struggle with doing it. I am good for a few days, and then crash and burn. Very disturbing. But don't worry...I'm okay. I always pick up the pieces and try again. It's really all you can do, you know?!

Okay...so on to the fun stuff.

My plans were:
  • Journal and be a good WW
  • Drink my h20 - 80oz/day
  • Workout at least once
  • Enjoy Friday date night with the Hunney
  • Enjoy my Saturday with family and friends
Here is my outcome:
  • Did not journal ONE DAY! Pathetic!
  • Totally drank some h20, but on Sunday I was short of 80oz!
  • Did NOT workout. On Sunday when I was getting ready to go with a friend I realized my gym clothes (and more importantly sports bras) were at WORK!!!!
  • Had a wonderful date night with Hunney and saw 2012!!!
  • Totally enjoyed craft day at my house with my aunts and friends!!! We had a BALL!
Totally blew the weekend when it came to weightloss. But, life isn't all about weightloss right??

So today...weigh day. Gulp Was not looking forward to it. Like I said, I'm in a slump. No exercise in 4 days and no journaling the same! SCARY STUFF!!!

I was fortunate to see a MAINTAIN. I hate it...but I will take it. I mean, I deserve it...but I still hate it. I HATE that I'm not moving the way I want to. I asked myself this morning..."Mandie, you've lost 50'ish lbs, WHY is it so hard to lose the remaining 30?!!" One day at a time....


On to goals....

What I accomplished last week:
  • Journal and be a good "WW" - only got 3.5 days in
  • Exercise 3 days - again worked out 2 days
  • Continue with 30 days of affirmations - missed 4 days
  • Make 1 new recipe - YES, french dip in the crockpot that was AWESOME!
  • Finish the work on my desk (my personal goal with GAG) - YES 75% complete!
  • Take my Multi-vitamin- missed 2 days on the weekend
  • Drink at least 80oz h20 (weekends I struggle) - Only missed 1 day (Sunday)
And for new goals....

What I want to accomplish this week:
  • Journal and be a Good WW
  • Enjoy Thanksgiving (Free day) and make sure I talk about what I'm thankful for
  • Exercise 3 days, even if it's walking!!
  • Continue 30 days of Affirmations
  • December monthly menu plan
  • Get DESK clean!
  • Have fun Black Friday shopping with Mom!!


There ya have it... not too happy today... with myself. Need to reread some blog posts I made when I was motivated and map out my plan :) There...I put on a smiley... it's okay. It's Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday! And yeah, I LOVE food. I just hate this is such a struggle. Really...I do!

Friday, November 20, 2009

Weekend Plans

It's that time AGAIN! It amazes me how quickly it comes! Sooo....here are my big plans. Tonight, movie night with the Hunney! We very very rarely go out, let alone to a movie - he hates spending the big bucks for it, plus I have severe hearing loss and even with the LOUD theater surround sound, I can't understand half of what is said (it's certain tones I can't hear...we watch TV and movies at home with the captions on...I know, annoying for most, but my family has learned to deal with it and it's the ONLY way I can watch and get what is going on. It sucks. This should be a friendly reminder to turn down your mp3 players and ipods! SERIOUSLY people, this is what caused my PERMANENT damage (although it was way before cool mp3 players/ipods were around).

ANYWAY....back to my weekend. We will hopefully grab some Subway for dinner and then hit the 8:15 movie of 2012. I'm popping and sneaking in my own popcorn (shhhh!), I've got the Twizzlers (gotta have them, it's a movie tradition!) and just enjoy spending time with the Hunney.

On Saturday it is craft day at my house with my Mom, 2 aunts, best friend, and a co-worker (possibly 2 friends of my aunt too). We are all preparing some good lunch food. I'm making a WW slow cooker recipe so I can stick on plan! I'll share the recipe on Monday! I've made it before, but I can't remember it all right now. I also plan to work out! I MUST! I really want to. The Hunney is going to a poker tournament at the casino, so who knows when he'll be home, so I'll probably watch some good movies while he's out!

Sunday I am meeting a friend at the Y to get some good friend time and exercise in!!!! WOOHOO!

The exercise is coming because I snuck on the scales this morning and was NOT happy when it read the same thing as 3 days ago. WTF?! I've been OP...so I dunno what's up. So, I'm kicking it up a notch and gonna get it to MOVE!


Weekend Plan
  • Journal and be a good WW
  • Drink my h20 - 80oz/day
  • Workout at least once
  • Enjoy Friday date night with the Hunney
  • Enjoy my Saturday with family and friends

Hope everyone has a great weekend!!!! Eat less...move more!! Oh, and sorry about being quiet yesterday, I'm super busy working on getting my work done on my desk (a goal this week!)

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Ugh, that dreaded word....

One of my goals this week is to exercise 3 days. That doesn't seem hard...does it? Well, let's back up a bit. 2 years ago I restarted this journey (after the okay from my Dr - as I had just had a new baby). I joined the gym at my work, because a) it was so cheap b) payroll deducted c) convenient for me so I could go at lunch. I round up as many co-workers as I could, to go to the Faculty/Staff group exercise classes Monday - Friday. Amazingly I got 3 others to go with me. I figured if I had someone to go with, it would be easier to go - or harder to say NO when I didn't want to.

What a great jumpstart to my weightloss! I was doing awesome. Before long I got a trainer and learned all about how to do things on my own, and how to use the machines in the gym. Wow...the weight MELTED off!!! Slowly but surely all my co-workers fell off the wagon, and before long it was just me. Fortunately another co-worker started going with me though.

Let's fast forward to eh...I don't even know when it happened, but at some point that flame went out. The fire I once had for exercise somehow dwindled and literally disappeared. And honestly, I have been trying to relight that fire for some time.

Last week I made it to the gym 2 times. A day short of my goal. Argh. I again set the goal of 3 days this week, and I'm going to hit it!!

Today I decided maybe I should go "back to basics" and hit up the classes again. At least that way I was going. I wouldn't have to "think" about what to do...someone would be instructing me. Today's class was Strength 45. The instructor actually asked me if I was new, as she'd never seen me before! Lol! I told her I'd been to a couple of her classes, but that I had kind of got lazy the past few weeks/months. She promised to give me a good wake up a call and workout. Sure enough she worked me to death!!! It was great, and I'm super proud and happy I went!

1 day down...2 more to go!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Weekly Weigh In

So today was that day we all know so well. You know the day when you wake up and step on that scale naked,....on off, on off, on off...just to see if that number changes?! This weigh in I wasn't for sure what to expect. I had my first official "free day" on the weekend thanks to my birthday. And TOM. All I kept thinking was "please say 166".

166.4

I'll take it. The 166 is there...and then .4 is nothing. As a good friend said, less than 1/2 a lb. With what I am working with here - I'll gladly take it. It also fuels me for this week. With TOM out of the way, as well as no free days planned I'm certain I can have a great weigh in. I'm aiming for the 2lbs I need so I can reach my first goal!

Let's review last weeks goals, and how I did.

What I accomplished last week:
  • Journal (at least 6 days since I have a *free day* with my birthday!) - Completed!
  • Exercise 3 days - Nope...only got 2 days in
  • 30 days of affirmations (I'm currently on day 4) - Completed!
  • Make 1 new recipe - Completed! (Green beans and ham in the crockpot! YUM!)
  • Paint my nails - Completed!
And for new goals....

What I want to accomplish this week:
  • Journal and be a good "WW"
  • Exercise 3 days
  • Continue with 30 days of affirmations
  • Make 1 new recipe
  • Finish the work on my desk (my personal goal with GAG)
  • Take my Multi-vitamin
  • Drink at least 80oz h20 (weekends I struggle)

Next week is Thanksgiving, so I'm giving it my all this week. I know that Thanksgiving is going to be tough as usual, BUT if I can do well before and after...I can survive Thanksgiving!!! BTW, Thanksgiving is my FAVORITE holiday!!!

Monday, November 16, 2009

Weekend Recap

The weekend is over...how did I do?

My plans were:
  • ENJOY my birthday!
  • Take family pictures
  • Workout at least once
  • Drink my h20
  • Be a good WW 2 out of the 3 days (since I have a free day!)
Here is my outcome:

  • Totally enjoyed my birthday! One of the best yet!
  • Took family pictures, MAYBE happy with 1! argh!
  • Did NOT workout even once! Phooey!
  • Drank my water!
  • Was totally a good WW every other day!!
How do I feel about the free day?

Well, it was different. I felt very ... confused. Especially when the Hunney kind of gave me a look at the buffet dinner on Saturday night. (I used my free day Saturday night - Sunday morning so I could enjoy the buffet restaurant where we stayed). So I totally felt like I was cheating. I told him about my 4 day plan, and he even asked if that was "okay". Well, it's okay for me...because if I give myself these 4 day, the plan is that I won't need/want to splurge every other day during "the holidays". Does he get it...I don't think so. But this MY journey right?

So anyway, last night the Hunney says "I don't want you to take this the wrong way, but is there something I can do to help you with losing the weight?". I was surprised...and well honestly couldn't think of anything. I would love more than anything to include him in this...but I'm not sure how. Ideas anyone????

Hunney went all out and got me the perfume I wanted, and would NEVER buy myself (who pays that kind of money for perfume anyway?!!), as well as a Colts jersey. He was concerned with the size, said he didn't want it to be too small. But ALSO said that if it was, maybe that would help motivate me. He truly means well and wants me to be happy with myself.

All in all, it was a wonderful birthday. And can you imagine how thankful I am for such a loving and CARING husband?!!! WOW. Now, if only I can stick with this and show him what I'm made up. That I CAN do this! I want to do this.... (side note...TOM is here...and affects how I feel ... you know that BLAH feeling?!).

Friday, November 13, 2009

Weekend Plans, Thank You's, Pictures and a Recipe!

It has come...the weekend...my friends!!! We all love them, and we all sort of are afraid of them. The weekends becomes a time when we get out of routine, slip up, get off track, miss exercise, make excuses, and well GAIN WEIGHT. It's scccarrrry people!!!

But this weekend is different for me! I'm stoked! Well yes, of course my birthday is Sunday (Happy Birthday Me!), and the Hunney is treating me to a sleep-over at French Lick Resort and Casino! Yes, the kiddos will following along, but it'll be a fun time spent at the pool, bowling alley, and just "getting away".



I plan on taking our annual family pictures while there, and it is my first official "free day" for the holidays. Remember how I am allowing myself "4 free days this holiday season to not worry about points or tracking. I will be careful NOT to use those days as an excuse to eat everything in sight and go hog wild"? Well, my first one is this weekend! Woohoo! I think giving myself this free day will be good for me. I think it will help me stay in control, and I'm ready to give myself a bit of freedom to see what kind of choices I make.

Weekend Plan
  • ENJOY my birthday!
  • Take family pictures
  • Workout at least once
  • Drink my h20
  • Be a good WW 2 out of the 3 days (since I have a free day!)

Now time for some THANK YOU'S!

Thank you Jen @ Prior Fat Girl for posting my sweat picture yesterday, oh and your tough love!
Thank you Gayle @ Grocery Cart Challenge for all your WONDERFUL ideas!
Thank you Heather @ A new Heather for bringing me to the GAG Challenge!!
Thank you Kim @ A Transfigured Life for all your inspiration! WOW...I want to be like you!

I also want to thank my boys... for the cutest things they say!!! The other day I had on a dress (I NEVER wear dresses). And my oldest says "Mommy, I love your dress"! Awwww!! Even Daddy doesn't say stuff like that! When I put my shoes on (heels - which I again NEVER wear) he says again "oooh, and I love your shoes Mommy!". I of course didn't like how I felt and changed, and he says "but Mommy, I loved what you had on!". He's going to be a real heart throb ladies...watch out! Thank you Brody for being you and REALLY caring!!!!



And my little guy... thank you for being Mommy's little helper! From vacuuming, helping put the dishes away, dusting, folding laundry, and cooking (seriously!) he is every girls dream come true!!!! And let's not forget how sweet those smiles are, even at 2am when he needs to potty or wants a drink or can't find his blankie. Thank you Tucker for being SO helpful and loving...oh and sharing Mommy's love of OREO cookies!!!




And for now....last but not least, thank you goes out to my Hunney. Wow! Where do I even start!?! You are amazing all that you do for our happiness. Thank you for being you, making me smile and being the best Daddy to a bunch of crazy kiddos! We've gone through a lot in our short time together...but I wouldn't trade it for the world!!!




Now time for a Thanksgiving Recipe to share with ya'll! YUMMY! I got this over from Blog To Lose and I'm definitely going to be trying it! Portion control is one of my biggest problems, so all the help I can get...rock on!!!! Unsure of the nutritional count since I haven't added it to spark yet...but will do so. YUMMY!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Stuffin Muffins

10 slices Aunt Millie's Fiber for Life Light Bread ( or any bread where 2 slices= 1Pt)
2 stalks of celery, chopped( more or less to preference)
1/2 C chopped onion ( more or less)
FF butter spray ( I like Pam)
poultry seasoning
sage, thyme, Whatever seasonings you like!
Salt and Pepper


Saute the onion and celery in spray. Cover and cook until soft. Tear the bread into 1" pieces. Toss with the celery and onion mixture. Add water (or chicken broth, FF of course) while tossing until stuffing is of desired consistency.Not too dry, not too wet. Spray 6 cup muffin tin with Pam. About 1/2 C of mixture per well. BAke at 325 until browned. 1pt per muffin

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Okay ya'll...that's all I have time for today! Hope everyone has a splendid weekend (not sure I'll make it back online)!!!!!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Thankfulness all around

Well, as much as I hated to do it...I have decided to take a REST day from exercise! I know, I know...BUT it's for a good cause - I can't walk people! My quads are killing me like never before. So, instead of killing myself with Step Class today, I decided to make it a rest day, and kill em again tomorrow.

*FYI - this is a VERY long read. And can be a little monotonous... so you have been forewarned :)*

So it hit me a little while ago, I've never really shared my true beginning story and why I'm so thankful that the light finally came on. Here it goes...with pictures and EVERYTHING!!!

All growing up I was never the skinny gal. I hated sports, and loved food. In high school I joined the guard with the band and was fairly active and actually started dieting (anyone remember that horrid Cabbage Soup Diet where you could only eat certain things on certain days?! UGH!).

After high school I got married, to the jerk (he doesn't even deserve a Capital letter). Let's just say that it was ABUSIVE verbally and physically. When I left him nearly a year later I had put on some poundage and still clearly remember him saying "you'll always be a fatass". Ugh. That was the start of a LONG 15 years of hell and weight issues. I will always remember how thankful I was for that day our divorce was final!!!

Let me also state that I don't remember numbers...I'm terrible like that. I'm not even 100% sure I weighed back then. As you can tell my memory is a blur when it comes to that time and thereafter. He screwed my head up pretty bad. I'm sure I can dig out my old Weight Watcher membership that would say, because after I split from the jerk, my Dad made a deal with me. He would pay for me to go to WW with him, as long as I lost. When I gained, I would have to pay that week. He also gave me the deal that when I hit goal weight he would buy me all new clothes.

Well, being 18, I didn't care enough I guess. I wanted to hang out with my friends and party and what-not. So that didn't last long. Never reached goal. Quite a bummer too! I sure would've loved NEW CLOTHES!

YEARS go by, of course my weight goes CRAZY and I'm "dieting" the whole time, but again never remembering numbers (I suspect 200's?). Enter new boyfriend. We fall in love, get engaged and I work on losing some weight for the wedding. I suspect I lost about 20lbs with WW'ers and working out (Gutts and Butts classes!). After the wedding, well...who cares anymore...right?

My Dad, Me, My Bro and My Mom (with their skinny genes)


New husband and I want to have a baby...so we start trying to conceive. Ugh...NO LUCK?! I do too much research and think we'll have to go the IVF route. I'm crushed, depression hits...and the weight really starts to pile on. My all time highest (not pregnant) was 222 (that I have written down) in 1999 and 2000.



I finally got pregnant using a fertility drug, but miscarried VERY early on. New husband and I start to have serious problems. I start focusing on myself and I start to lose weight again, using WW. Dropped about 40'ish lbs before realizing new husband is a drug addict and is arrested. Talk about eye opener. My whole world is turned UPSIDE down. We were buying our FIRST home, thanks from the help of my parents, and now he's turned out to be a jerk and a druggie?!!! WOWOW! As you can guess the weight starts to roll back on, up to 217 (that I can find written). New husband and I decide to divorce. Too much deceit was there and other issues. Again...thankful for the journey, but even more thankful for the end!

In 2002 I start down the road again, and manage to lose almost 45lbs! I am on FIRE and feel wonderful. Get a new HOT boyfriend (can we say boy toy) and down another road. Eventually I find out the boy toy is um...10 years YOUNGER than me. But I have already fallen in love with him. This becomes the start of the worst relationship...even worse than the jerk. VERY abusive kid who has some serious authority issues, not to mention lack of morals. WHY I stick with this toy for so long still is a question in my head. But I got down to my all-time new low of 167!!!



Wouldn't you know that losing all that weight, and uh...having a boy toy would make it so I got pregnant?!! WOWZA! But we lost that baby, and a few months down another pregnancy. You can bet between the abuse I went through (physical), the depression from suffering 3 miscarriages and beginning to think I will never have children started taking a toll on me. I regain and lose the same oh 20lbs for some time. And then finally, I get pregnant again. This time I deliver (4/28/05) a healthy and happy bouncing baby boy (weight at delivery 233!). He became EVERYTHING to me. I can't even begin to describe how thankful I am that God decided I could be this beautiful baby boy's Momma!!!



The AH HA moment finally hit me. This kiddo will be looking up to me, learning from me, and depending on ME. 8 months into his life I kick the boy toy out and decide we are MUCH better without him in our lives. There is something wrong with a guy if he thinks it's okay to beat the sh*t out the Momma while holding the innocent little baby and the baby is screaming about it.



This began the real journey. Yes...the journey where Mandie finds Mandie. Where I learn how to take care of myself because now I am responsible for this little guy. He will be looking up to me. I want to show him that Momma can take care of herself as well as him. So now enters the new Mandie! I'm kicking butt and taking names. The boy toy continues to try and screw up my life (yes even to this day!), but the little guy (who becomes the big boy later) and I are doing GREAT on our own!!! Amazingly I'm down to my LOWEST ever to 155 (Spring of 06) ! WOWOW! I am on fire happy. For once I feel I really know what I'm doing, and really doing!!!! Exercising and eating RIGHT, making myself and my baby happy... who cares I'm a single Momma...I'm doing 100x better without the boy toy!!! I am beyond thankful that I've finally gotten my life on the right track and I'm doing a pretty good job of raising my son!


Then lo and behold the Hunney and I match up! This is truly like the sunshine after the rain. I can't even begin to tell you how different and how wonderful this guy is to me and my son. WOW! I haven't felt happiness like this ... well ... ever! We fall in love...and of course my weight stops, but at least it maintains. I'm comfortable...and oh so happy. THANKFUL.



In August 2006 I find myself pregnant again. WOW! I think the weightloss had to do with LOTS for my body!!! We're not so sure what to think and feel about this pregnancy, since we are a new couple...but we accept it. We end up having a rough patch...but again, we're a fresh couple...but very much in love. Guess who stopped caring about eating right and exercising? Yeah...me! I was so afraid I'd have another miscarriage...so I stopped working out immediately. And slowly but surely I started eating all those "bad" foods all again. I gain about 60lbs with the pregnancy and end up delivering another beautiful bouncing baby boy (5/7/07) weighing in at 213lbs. How thankful I was to again be blessed by God to be responsible for this little guy!!! I can't even express the gratitude and happiness I felt.


After my little guy comes, you can bet Momma is more than motivated to lose the weight again!!! Once the Dr gave me the okay I started working out, got a personal trainer, and really went to town! In August 2007 the Hunney proposed to me, and then I was even more determined to get that baby weight off!! We were going to become a family!!! I have never felt more thankful...wow! The guy of my dreams is going to be mine!!! I am cranking it now!




In March 2008, I got down to my pre-pregnancy LOW weight of 155 and we headed to Vegas and got married! When we returned from Vegas I ran my first ever 5k, and then my wonderful husband let me have a girls night out less than a month after our wedding...and I was on cloud 9!





Unfortunately in June 2008 our home was flooded. We had to demolish the house and start fresh. It was a LONG 10 months...and we spent it in my parents basement. It tested our marriage, our faith, but we came out ahead. We have never been more thankful for where we are now.


Well, you can imagine how tough, stressful and out of whack I went living with my parents. It was their family of 4 (my brother and his son plus my parents) and then my family of 4 all under 1 roof. Let's just say it was the toughest thing I've yet to endure. Cooking for 8 sometimes 9 and 10 when my step son would be there and my brothers other son...gulp!

Well, during these stressful times I regained 20'ish lbs. But I'm happy to report I'm back on the road again. We have been in our new home a little over 7 months. FINALLY I'm settled, and have finally found that path again. It was tough...but I'm here and more than ready to get to goal. In September I went back to Vegas when my girlfriend got married. After seeing those pictures helped me realize how I had let myself go. I'm thankful those pictures opened my eyes....because had they not, I'm afraid it was the start of where I had already been. And I swore to myself I would never get there again. I have 2 children that NEED me. They need to look up to me. And they NEED me to be healthy....

I'm in the yellow dress


So there you have it. How I got to where I am.... It becomes real clear to me when I write this where I let myself go and why. It's unfortunate. But I have the opportunity to take charge in my life and make it better. With the kiddos in my life it makes it easier. I know they depend on me.

Thanks for reading if you read this far!! WOWZA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Ouch and Love

I am happy to report that yesterday I finally made it back to the gym. It had been oh, nearly a month I suppose (strenght training anyway), so I really didn't want to go. But thanks to my coworker, she MADE me go!

It was weird walking in there, that's for sure. All the "regulars" were there, and honestly they were the people I didn't want to see. I felt all flabby, and unsure what to do. I HATE going to the gym without a plan. But, I got there, cranked my mp3, and did it! Really - I DID IT! I got myself focused, sweated like crazy, and you know what... I felt AWESOME!

I'm trying something "new" and "different" this month...15 minutes FAT BLASTING workouts. So, I did 15 mins of resistance training, and then 15-20'ish mins of high interval "tabatas". This consisted of jump squats, mountain climbers, box jumps (gulp!), jumping rope, jumping jacks, etc. WOWZA! It was tough...but it was worth it. I was so stinking sweaty I sent a "sweaty pic" to someone I stalk. Ya'll must check her out... I give her the credit for motivating me to get all sweaty. I'm SO THANKFUL FOR HER!!! Thank you Prior Fat Girl! What she has accomplished, and endured...inspires me. She keeps on keeping on...and for that, I love her!!!

Now today....I can BARELY walk! I'm telling you people....OUCH! And wouldn't you know that my favorite little coworker spunks up to me and is like "we're going today - right?". Ugh... are you kidding me, I can barely walk, and you're lucky I made it out of bed and to work!!!! But...okay...fine...if I must. Today I ran 2 miles, walked 1/2, did some ab work and lots of stretching. I'm slowly working myself back up to running...and hopefully in the next few weeks I'll get to start my 1/2 marathon training I want to accomplish in the spring. If I don't start training, well that mini is going to come QUICK!!!

So there ya have it...I exercised. I'm in horrible pain...but I love it! And I know after a week or so I'll be back in full swing and feeling like myself again. I HATE falling off that wagon, it's harder to start back up than even eating right. Well..maybe not! LOL!

On to something more fun....GAG! This weeks challenge is going to be AWESOME! We get to talk about what we're thankful for! WOOHOO!!! Let me just start by saying I'm thankful for lots...so this WILL be a fun "challenge". What I'm thankful for more than anything is my love and faith in God. He is truly what keeps me sane, strong, and ticking. I may not attend church weekly, but He is always in my heart and mind. It's so fun, because now I get to teach my boys all about God's Love and his Promises. It can be tough...because I dont' know all the answers they ask, but the one thing I want them to know is that God DOES hear their prayers and loves them unconditionally. Getting us to church is something I want to work on though...as I don't have all the answers. I want them growing up with Gods Love and a church family. It's hard making those first steps though... Anyway... that's what I'm thankful for, always and FOREVER!

Ouch...gotta try and walk to the restroom...ouch!!!

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Weekly Weigh In

It's that time again folks...time to WEIGH IN!!!! And, for the first time in a long time, I was actually excited and have a NEW BEST FRIEND.... Yes, that's right...the SCALE! WOOHOO!

It had been 2 weeks since I weighed, thanks to leaving the scale at work last week. Still, I busted butt and was OP all week long! Yay me! It paid off too!

Drumroll please....

The scale said - 166! That is a 5.2lb loss! WOOHOO!!!! And I'm only 1.6lbs from my "first" goal! Which I'm hoping to meet next Tuesday! YIPPIE!!!

I have lost 11.6lbs since starting the GAG challenge, and only have 11lbs to hit my goal!!!



So, I'm going to start some weekly goals to help me stay on track. Here we go...

What I want to accomplish this week:
  • Journal (at least 6 days since I have a *free day* with my birthday!)
  • Exercise 3 days
  • 30 days of affirmations (I'm currently on day 4)
  • Make 1 new recipe
  • Paint my nails
What I accomplished last week:
  • Journal 6 days!
  • Painted my toenails
  • Had a successful OP weekend
  • Started daily affirmations

Monday, November 9, 2009

Weekend Recap

The weekend has come and gone.... and after my several month hiatus of not being OP, I finally have an OP weekend!!! Yes, that's right ya'll...I DID! I journaled, and honestly made the RIGHT choices! I ROCK :) And for once I'm super excited about tomorrow's weigh in!!!! I just know the scale is going to be my best friend!!!

The Hunney and I packed up the kiddos, the van (well and his truck and trailer hauling the race truck) and went out of town to race on Saturday. This usually is the hardest part for me. You've been to a race track I'm sure...and KNOW the food that lingers at the concessions. We made one trip, I saw the prices, and saw they had no grilled chicken (only double greasy cheeseburgers, french fries, nachos, chili cheese dogs, and FRITOS). I bought the Hunney a double cheeseburger and asked if there were a McD's near by. Lol! When the kiddos and I got to McD's, I asked if they had a Subway in town - no. Well, okay...that means I have to eat something from here. Ordered the grilled chicken, no mayo, no value meal for me :) Then we went to the gas station and I bought some sunflower seeds, baked chips, lunchmeat and stuff for sandwiches later, and we were set! I kept myself busy at the track reading, playing with the kiddos and watching the Hunney race (he won by the way - yes he ROCKS!) We ended up pulling out at 9pm'ish...stopped at the gas station for gas and a diet coke (I'd struggle without the caffeine and a 2.5 hour drive home), and then he decided he wanted White Castle. When asked if I wanted something I - amazingly - easily declined! YAY ME!!!

Yesterday my Mom and and I headed to the fabric store, and then to grocery shop. I figured if I was buying healthy groceries, it were opt for her to do the same. I'm proud to say my Mom bought some Lean Cuisines! Hey, it's a start!!!! I brought some bagged lettuce for part of my lunch (yes we work together) so she'll have that too.

Honestly, this has been such an on track weekend that I'm SUPER proud of myself. I set some goals and plans for the weekend, and though I didn't get them all accomplished, I'm proud of what I did get done.

This next weekend is my birthday, and it is a "free" day I've given myself. I have given myself 4 days throughout the next 2 months. All other days I will be a "good weight watcher", I will stay consistent with my exercising, etc. :) 4 days...what a treat!!!! So Sunday will be a treat day for me! Am anxious about it, but know every other day will be on target!!!

Here's to a successful week!

Friday, November 6, 2009

Posture problems....and my Mom

First off...yeah, 2 blog posts in one day - amazing eh?! Well, I can't help it... I just had to talk about this. My Mom has been skinny her whole life ...yeah, her WHOLE life. I've always been so jealous of her because she could eat whatever she wanted. When my parents met she could eat a Whopper, and a large french fry, plus a 2 liter of coke! WOW!

Anyway, when she went through the "change", my poor Mom started gaining weight. I'm not exactly sure how much she's gained...but 50'ish would be my guess. At the same time is when I started focusing on me losing my weight. Selfishly I never thought to include her...well, not until a few months ago, and honestly now I'm not sure how to bring up the subject. I've found myself a little "pushy" I suppose is the word. "Mom, you shouldn't be eating that...". No one likes to be around someone like that... me for one!!! So, this is something I'm working on.

Okay Mandie...back to the subject here. Today at lunch for the first time in years I noticed my Mom's posture. It was HORRIBLE and slouched! My entire life my Mom has ALWAYS sat up straight while sitting at the table...and today, she looked like ME. I'm a terrible sloucher, and I finally realized that, of course blaming all the fat. Now my Mom has been attacked by it too, and it truly saddened me.

Now is the time when my Mom needs ME... I'm the one that has struggled with my weight my WHOLE life...she needs me to help her learn about good foods. So, that is my goal...I've got to figure out how I can get her on the same path as me... Gulp! This may be just what I need to help me stay on track and motivated...for my Mom...

Weekly Update

My goal this week has been to journal and stay OP with my Weight Watchers points. Well guess what... that's exactly what I've been doing! It feels good...really good. I love feeling in control, and more importantly I know I'm going to love that number on the scale come Tuesday...I just KNOW it!

So okay...I snuck on the scale this morning (yes, I finally got it back in it's rightful place...home) and I LOVED it. I don't think I've loved my scale in quite some time.... so it was a good feeling. I did it in hopes I would love it, and then making myself work even that much harder this weekend to stay on track and be successful so that come Tuesday I will loving it even more!!! That is my goal, that is my goal.

The goal for the weekend.... hmmmm....well, of course journal and stay within my pts., plus I'm going to really try hard and get some sort of exercise in. This will of course depend on if I'm feeling up to par...but I'm hoping I will be!

Don't worry friends...next week I'll be back to my old self, no more sickies, exercising again and determined!!!!

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Weigh In ... or not.

Last week I was mia because my littlest one was sicky with a horrid ear infection. Well, wouldn't you know that on Saturday morning I awoke to my throat hurting. Took some meds, lounged around...ate a good lunch...and then a few hours later I knew I was sick. I still managed to take the kiddos out trick or treating with the Hunney...but I was miserable by the time we stopped and waiting in the drive thru of McD's (which I ate NOTHING). On Sunday I was no better and knew I had strep throat, so on Monday morning I called the Drs office (7am!). They got me an appt at 8:30, so I was thrilled. It was funny though...because the receptionist said "have you been seeing another Dr?", ummm no, I just don't get sick that often. :) They tested me for flu and strep. As I was lying on the Dr table, which felt like my death bed, I worried that they would come back and tell me I had H1N1! I even had to wear one of those masks to protect everyone in the office...I wanted to be sure if I did have it, I didn't want to anyone else to get it from me. Anyway, no flu (whew), but positive strep throat. They gave me an IV with meds right there and I'm on my way to feeling better.

The funny thing though is that Tuesday as we all know is weigh day. And I was kind of looking forward to it. I felt I did pretty good all week long...so I wanted to see how good it was. But, wouldn't you know, I left my scale at work (we have a competition going on) and couldn't weigh!!!! So no weigh in this week. Here's to hoping next week is REALLY good!!!!

Here I am, still at home and trying to get better. I do feel alot better, but today I needed to get fully rested. That's what I'm doing.