Sore.. but GREAT

Good Morning all.

I thought I'd post early as we are going to drive to Cape May today to spend Memorial Day with our family.

I feel really great today, sore (shoulders and hip sockets), but GREAT. I am so glad I finally took down the last hurtle to my success, and committed to exercise.

I love spending time with family. Usually, the time is 'pig-out' time, there always being lots of great food and deserts. Today for me it will be a 'non-pig-out-zone' affair. I will resist all temptations, and stay focused. I know there will be good proteins available, salad and strawberries, so, that's all I need! I brought my drinking container and lots of single crystal light packets so I can drink and pee like crazy (I hope my skin is benefiting from all the water!!).

The lesson for today is, family get togethers are for eating and drinking in the atmosphere, the relationships and the bonds.. not every thing eatable in sight!

Everyone have a great Memorial Day weekend!

Slow, but steady... wins the race..

I think the cartoon pretty much sums it up...

Hi all. I love long weekends!~

Today is THE DAY.. a MOMENTOUS DAY... It's the day that I publicly commit, finally, to now include exercise in this new path that I am on. I hesitated at the beginning because I have problems with my hips, knees and ankles. BUT... I am just going to start slow, and increase increments and time as my body will allow.

SO... I feel great.. it's like how I felt when I decided to start this, and how I felt when I saw I was succeeding. This, for me, is really the last hurdle. I have 'been released' from the recliner weeks ago and have been more active, but committing to exercising is THE step, THE FINAL STEP, that is going to bring all of this together. The weight will 'melt like butta'. Exercise is essential!

So here is my commitment. I will accomplish some sort of exercise, at the beginning of this, at least 4 days a week. I am starting with walking around the track and swimming / stretching in the pool at my gym. Then a good steam in the steam room to reward and sooth my body!

This morning I went out with Ed and got all the stuff I needed, a gym bag, a couple of swim suites, a lock, some 'BIG BOY' towels, and other essentials. Then I came home, packed my bag and headed for 'Balleys Total Fitness' at the Oxford Valley Mall. I've had a membership there for almost 20 years now (since 1990). I put on my iPod shuffle, put on my DISCO MIX and was able to walk around the track at a good pace for 15 minutes before I had to stop. Then I changed, got in the pool and exercised in there for 30 minutes, doing laps , running in place and stretching. After all that I went into the steam room. I was at the gym a total of 2 hours, and I FEEL GREAT.. TIRED, yes, but GREAT!

I will go again on Monday. I will gradually increase the time around the track and in the pool.

As soon as I can do continuous laps in the pool, I'll start logging them. I plan to log my exercise with my meals on the 'Meals Page'.

So, all in all.. Great Day! Great choices, and another LIFE CHANGE!

I Have Arrived...

Yesterday, Don mentioned that I have a very stressful time ahead, and while this is true...I am not having trouble coping or feeling depressed to the point of turning to food for comfort.

My father was recently sent to a hospice from the emergency room where my brother and mom had to send him when he was found to be having a serious health issue. His health took a turn for the worse due to dehydration problems which effected his kidney function. And due to his age (90) and the fact that my mom can no longer care for him, it was suggested that he be put there by his doctor. Of course this caused much stress and confusion as to when and how my mom can get to see him, (she can't drive just yet, because she's had surgery on her foot) will he be alone too much of the time...etc. All legitimate concerns, but none too much to handle.

My brother and I simply put our heads together and decided just to be there whenever we can...and sometimes when we can't. It is just easier for me to deal with all of this stress now as opposed to before this journey, and I believe that is due to this new confidence level I've developed. I'm sure it comes with age, but I am also sure that I am thinking clearer, feeling as light as a butterfly most of the time, energetic beyond anything I've ever felt and more in control of my actions and decisions than I have ever been as well.

I haven't turned to foods that will not help me on this journey to make me feel less stressed, because I am finally helping myself instead of hindering myself. I am not about to undo all that I've done because something will taste good or feel good going down. Or overeating to fill a void or to feel some temporary comfort.

It's not what life is for me anymore. The solace I find now, comes from the fact that I am living a better life. I am not afraid to go out anymore, I am not lazy or procrastinating, I am a whole new me...these things are priceless to me. And that which has a price to pay, is not the way I choose to go. I paid long enough!!

Making good choices even in distress, tells me I am here. Not that I am going to be there someday, but that I've actually arrived!!

Thanks Don, for keeping it going and continuing to be an inspiration!

Paving the way...

... I've been thinking today a lot about paving the way.. For instance, last weekend I ordered these new 'Green' pans from HSN, to give me good tools to cook my meals (I had one pan that I love, so I ordered several more pieces).

Today I am really beginning to start to put together a plan for exercise (there, I said it.. I'm finally ready to start to commit to some consistent exercise.. Stay tuned for more details to come).. but anyhow, to pave the way for this, I downloaded 150 'disco' era tunes from iTunes to put on my Nano. I'll be inspired by the upbeat music as I walk around the track at the gym.

I think it's important to give good thought and preparation to the major steps along our path, not just follow some 'yellow brick road' blindly. I believe good planning has gotten Sunny and I this far, and now it's time to pick-up the pace a bit, and plan some more! I'm excited.

Also, today we had a great day, not only plan wise, but fun wise as well. Ed and I went out on our motorcycles and rode to Peddlers Village (in Lahaska PA), had a nice lunch out, walked around and just had a relaxing, rejuvenating day!

Things I'm grateful for today: (in no particular order)

Motorcycles

Warm Days

Pants that fall down

Butts that fit more comfortably in chairs (normal chairs)

My loving, supportive husband

Strength for a friend

I had a good day today, on plan with no slip-ups. All day I've been feeling 'kind-a-fat', which I know is something I just have to 'get over'. I am still heavy, and will be for quite a while, but I'm progressing in the right direction. No matter how 'positive' I feel about my changes, occasionally those things that I miss, that I have loved for so long in my life, creep in and try to mess with my mind. I am dedicated to keeping focused, though, and not letting those things (foods) knock me off track, because I AM IN CONTROL!

Having said that, I want the rest of this blog to be dedicated to supporting Sunny Girl. She is going through a family emergency right now that, I am sure, is putting an enormous amount of stress on her. I think it's probably the first time she is really being 'tested' to handle stress without resorting to old eating habits. Sunny, we love you, are praying for you.. and know you can handle anything. Look what you have accomplished, how much your life has changed because of your decisions. Stay focused, through the stressful time. I know you can do it!~

Incredible Day....Incredible Future!

What an incredible day!!! I spent it being busy at home, but it was no less stupendous than it would have been, had I spent it outside. I feel so good, I feel alive and free of the restrictions that 30 plus pounds will put on you, I feel excited for every new day, I wake up knowing I don't have to be unhealthy anymore and that's such a wonderful thing. When I walk down the steps in the morning, my knees don't ache!!!! I was actually going down sideways a couple of months ago :( I'm making plans and living them, actually doing what's on my agenda, I was such a procrastinator before I got serious about changing my life, but that's all behind me.

I am on my way out tomorrow, and I love the fact that I am so much more confident now, I don't feel like I need to wear layers of clothing so no one will notice the extra 100 lbs. hahaha!! Ridiculous I know, but that's how it was! I move and breathe with ease and my ankle is even feeling a little better. When I look at my hands, they don't even look like mine :) !! Yes, changing our lives has been amazing, we're on our way to our goals!

Reading Don's blog was so good for me tonight, I am even more energized mentally! We always seem to pick up on what each other is feeling on a given day, it's quite amazing actually, and I couldn't agree more, I too chose to live (instead of existing until extinction) by putting the emphasis on the people around me instead of the food! I don't even think about it anymore, I cook for the family and nothing I used to love even phases me anymore. I go to dinner and make all the right choices. I'm truly free. WE'RE truly free!

And may I say, I am so happy to have these new followers reading along and sharing in our journey, it makes it all the more exciting to know that people are pulling for us, people who appreciate what we're doing and why. Thanks, folks...we both really appreciate you right back!!!

I think.. therefore I am....

I had another good (and busy day today). I was talking to another co-worker today, someone who just started. She saw some pictures of me in a calendar in my workspace which Ed made for me and gave to me for Christmas last year. She asked... Who's that with Ed? WOW... who is that indeed. It's sure not me.. ANYMORE!

Peggy mentioned in her blog comment to me that she was astounded at the 180 degree turn-around she has seen in my attitude about food. She's absolutely right.. you see, she and I have been on cruises together, where the food abounds (as do the appetites) and has seen me go through 3 plates of food in a seating. The transformation took place for me ON THIS BLOG.. as I slowly resolved that my past behaviors and attitudes got me to where I am, and I realized if I want to continue living, I have to make a change. Once that 'clicked' in my mind, I had no choice but to change my perspective. I tried to constantly think about why I am doing this, what the benefits will be, how much happier I will be and how much easier my life will be.

I am a firm believer in the power of positive thinking.. and along those lines, I have adopted the attitude, I THINK, THEREFORE I AM~

Another day in the life...

Today was just another ordinary, extraordinary day. Each day on this journey that I have success is a blessing. I worked hard at a job I love, I didn't think about what I was going to eat next, every minute, like I used to do. You see, I don't live to eat anymore... I know this sounds cliche, but I now eat to live. I really don't give a thought to a meal until it's time to eat, no longer slippin-n-sliding in the slobber trail to the table. I have really morphed into a healthier, happier human being.. and I'm so jazzed! I honestly never thought I could successfully make this change. Thank God I came to my senses and decided to makeover the place where food lived in my life. I still love good tasting, fulfilling things, but now, fulfilling doesn't mean stuffed to the gills. It means smart choices and moderation!

Blocked

I am doing so well. I do have a bit of writer's block but that's because not much is happening, just basically trying to recover from my son's party and the helping out I did with mom today in Philly. If I don't take this ankle seriously (and those around me) I am going to be in big trouble. But my mother needs me since no one else is available to drive her places. Anyway, I have to go back Thursday and then I am going back to the doctor to find out what else I can do for it... *Sigh*

I wish you all a wonderful evening and a great day tomorrow, and thanks to the new followers here at the Journey....your input means so much to both Don and me.

Oh, I almost forgot, I got into those size 18's I was talking about, finally!!! Yeah, they're a bit tight, but they're on!!

Lighter in my loafers...

... those of you that know me.. don't smirk! Yes, I am a little lighter in my loafers these days, as a matter of fact, until recently, my feet were so swollen that I couldn't fit into my loafers!

I had a very good day today. Very focused, very busy... I was full of energy all day. I am so psyched about Sunny Girl and my progress. We are both strong, and just as committed as the first day we began. We are not in jeopardy of 'falling off the wagon' as we have both done SO MANY TIMES before.

I was sharing with a co-worker and good friend at work today about the success of my last weigh-in. I realized how much it means to me to be 'out' of the diet 'closet' and talking about my journey. This, more than anything else, I think, has helped to kept us both on track. As I told him, we are accountable to more than just ourselves. The 'publickness' (yeah, I know.. not really a word.. but you get my meaning), of what we are doing keeps us focused. We know we are reading each others blogs, and that our village mates are as well. We have 'pride' (deserved pride) in boasting of our successes, we feel free to speak of our fears without worry of judgement, we know that our friends will cheer us, suggest, and know we are all a 'team' with one goal.. our success!

Yes, I'm lighter in my loafers.. I'm proud of that fact.. and I thank you all!

Welcome to our new followers...

Thank you, MagicHands, Ginger Farnsworth and Fat(Free)Me, all for joining our village. We have been working very hard and kept 100 percent on plan for almost 3 months now and have had great success. We are headed in the right direction. We realize that it is the community of our followers who give us the added strength and determination to succeed. We appreciate you all!

Keep Your Cannoli!!

Yesterday was spent giving a party for my 16 yr. old son, it was a very hectic day. As the day progressed, preparation and planning gave way to fun and laughter. Through it all, I felt like I can do anything, in spite of my ankle, which hurts like hell, I had a great time.

There was pizza and hoagies and chicken wings and salad. Of course I had the chicken wings (parm and garlic... mmmm) and salad. Not one thing that is not on our plan went even close to my lips. The scale doesn't reflect it but, it shows in the way my clothes fit. Is my body changing?....Probably. It's the only thing I can think of. Don told me that someone (not sure whom) said we should measure ourselves as well as weigh, I think this is a great idea and plan to do it at the next weigh-in on the 1st of June. Maybe then I can see results in inches instead of pounds. I was wearing pants that were a size 26-28 when we began the journey! I am now going into a size 18-20, amazing!!

Yes, we are challenged every day, parties, meetings, dinners out on the town and it's not easy preparing for meals all the time, most of what we eat must be cooked and that's another challenge, especially for Don who doesn't always have the convenience of being close to his kitchen during the week. But we press on making the right choices, we're not deterred by an uncooperative scale or people who think that sabotage is funny....(I had someone pass a cannoli under my nose the other night)....it's all good though because our resolve is getting us through.
We are strong...steadfast and loyal to ourselves to the very end.

We are more determined than ever!!!

p.s. I don't even like cannoli's ;)

Getting up and getting out...

I feel really great today. I was up at 5:00 a.m. and by 7:00 a.m. I had a oven roaster chicken on the Ron Popiel 'Set-it and forget-it' rotisserie grill. It was a biggie and cooked until 9:00 a.m. We had half of it for dinner and the other half will be a meal this week. I did some busy work and made chicken salad (from canned chicken breast) and served it over salad greens for lunch.

After lunch I got out and did several things around town that 'needed-doin..'. I was home by 4:00 p.m. I had time in the afternoon to relax and have a great dinner. Now... the thing is.. in the past, my weekends would be mostly spent 'in the recliner'. I was so exhausted just from moving around I had no energy to do anything. Today, as I was walking out of 'Sam's Club' I thought to myself.. OMG.. I'm out and about.. and moving around.. and NOT SUFFERING... ;)

A definite sign of progress! I'm thrilled!

Constant readers, thank you for hanging in there with Sunny Girl and I. I'm so glad that you have chosen to share in our journey. It means the world to us!

Can't you feel ... a Brand New Day?

This is a song that has been running through my head ever since I sat on the back porch and BBQ'd our hamburgers for dinner. It's from the musical 'The Wiz' and was produced by Quincy Jones. Keeping in mind what Sunny and I are achieving, the lyrics are quite apropos and really express the joy I feel.

Everybody look around
'Cause there's a reason to rejoice you see
Everybody come out
And let's commence to singing joyfully
Everybody look up
And feel the hope that we've been waiting for

Everybody's glad
Because our silent fear and dread is gone
Freedom, you see, has got our hearts singing so joyfully
Just look about
You owe it to yourself to check it out
Can't you feel a brand new day?

Everybody be glad
Because the sun is shining just for us
Everybody wake up
Into the morning into happiness

Hello world!
It's like a different way of living now
And thank you world
We always knew that we'd be free somehow
And show the world that we've got liberty

It's such a change
For us to live so independently
Freedom, you see, has got our hearts singing so joyfully
Just look about
You owe it to yourself to check it out
Can't you feel a brand new day?

Jumpin' For Joy!!

I honestly don't know what to blog about today, Don pretty much said it all. It's all about staying in the groove and letting go of past issues with food and what caused them. It's not hard at this point...we're so dedicated to ourselves (finally) that there is no stopping us....we're skipping through the journey, we're leaping for joy and loving every minute of it.

Effortless CONTROL... and just LETTING GO...

Just Imagine this is me (try hard!)

So... today I've been thinking about how effortlessly I seem to be walking down this road we are on. I don't really think about all the things I can not have, probably because they ARE NOT things that I can not have, but things that I choose not to have. I don't really feel like I'm depriving myself.

Honestly, I miss some things, especially bread and butter, and chocolate, but, someday, I'll be able to have these things again. When I do have them again, it will be in sensible amount and with my 'urges' under control. I have proven to myself that I do have control. I HAVE NOT strayed from my course, not even once, since we started this together on the 10th of March.

For a long time I chose not to exercise self control. I had plenty of excuses... a crappy childhood, a crappy family relationship dynamic (with my family, not with my partners), low self esteem, and a love for food which was almost an addiction. When you look at these 'excuses' alone, they are all 'valid' problems, which deserve resolution, or at least conclusion.

The bottom line was, even though I had plenty of 'problems', I chose to use food as an escape. Now I choose a different solution. I choose to control myself, to get better emotionally, mentally, physically. Not having 'food' as an escape, has actually made me focus on the other 'problems'. Now that I have 'control' I can look at those issues without the destructive behavior. I can resolve / conclude them and let them go.

To Don...

8 Pounds!! What an accomplishment. You always say I am your inspiration and I am so glad I can be that for you.... well, you, beloved cousin, are mine!!
You're working so hard to stay on track and it shows!! 8 pounds is incredible...shout it, I wanna hear you from Jersey!!

Congratulations!!

Continued Inspiration...

First.. sorry for not blogging yesterday. I honestly just didn't get to it. I was so tired when I got home I just collapsed in my recliner and zoned out for the rest of the evening. I had a good day yesterday and stayed 100 percent on plan.

Now, to the inspiration. I am inspired by Sunny Girl. Her blog today about her successful loss is so RIGHT ON, both in attitude and wisdom. She will not let anything undermine her success, and, A LOSS is A LOSS.

We are both going to have good weeks and some so-so weeks, but... in the end, we will both get there!

Keep inspiring me, Sunny Girl! You're the greatest.

Soaring!!

Yes, today is weigh-in day!! I weighed in and lost 2 lbs. You might think that got me down, NO WAY!!! In the past, this would have been a sure way of making me dive down into the "let's binge" mode, ohh heck no, not this time! This time I am dedicated to myself. This time I am empowered to work harder, exercise more and MAKE THE CHANGE HAPPEN!! I will NOT sabotage myself. I am no longer a prisoner of the plastic box with the numbers. In fact, I adore that box, it moves in the direction I want it to. I am in control.

I feel good knowing that it's still coming off...2 lbs. is 2 lbs, as one of our "followers" said, "Pick up a lb. of butter and feel the weight of it." I've done that, it works. In fact, when I think about it, when evenly distributed, that's ounces of fat off of every inch of my body, better than gaining or loss of control, aye?

My clothes don't lie. I'm wearing pants with a button and zipper now :-D that's a HUGE improvement over the old lady, elastic-waist-band pants which slide down my ever slimming hips and I couldn't be happier! I've gone down 2 sizes in my tops and pants and I can see a shopping day (if i squint) on the horizon.

Let's hear it for 2 lbs, not losing control, never losing faith in myself and pushing forward, flying higher...no, soaring!!

New Day..New Body!!

Well, I was out all day today and tonight and when I got back, I had no internet. Who knows why, but here I am finally. I had a great day today, spent it with Gina and had a blast! The whether has been beautiful and it feels so good to shed the sweater and scarves. Just a week ago I was saying i missed them, and I did, I missed the comfort of hiding behind it...now, not so much.

I'm actually beginning to enjoy my new body....it's very user friendly, it allows me to bend more and walk without needing an oxygen tank!! I like that I can see my feet without feeling like I will fall on my face too! ;) And to think it will only GET BETTER!!

2 more days to weigh in and you know what?....I really don't care what that scale will say, I feel mahvelous!!! xo

Sharing our journey...

Today I had a great discussion with the director of the department that I am consulting for. Someone told me he was on a diet, so I went in his office and discussed it with him. He's doing a version of Weight Watchers and having success. I told him about my plan and my loss. It was nice to have something in common with him, it opened up new avenues of communication and was pretty damn cool.

I enjoy sharing what and how I'm doing. It's great to have the people around me interested.

Today I had a good day. I woke a little earlier than normal (up at 4:00 a.m.) so I had the time to make myself breakfast. We had a 'welcome lunch' for a new employee today and I had a salad, so I had a light dinner (just a protein shake).

I'm looking forward to another great day tomorrow. Night all!

Vision... keeping focused on the end result

This blog is in support of a conversation I had with Sunny Girl today. We both have a tendency to want immediate results, hey, after all.. who doesn't like instant gratification. Part of the reason we had to begin this journey was because we gave in to instant gratification way too often. Neither of us do that anymore! But... we have to realize that that 'expectation of immediacy' can undermine our spirits, IF WE LET IT!

I am so proud of where we are, and what we have accomplished since the beginning of March. We have not only lost a significant amount of weight, but we have also changed our behavior, our attitude and our lives in the process. We have gotten this far because we have stayed focused on the end objective, living a happy, healthy life.

So... although in the short term we may feel down, may wonder when that next pound will decide to shed itself (sometimes I think the fat cells depart, kicking and screaming!!), we can feel excited in the knowledge that we CAN DO IT and are doing it! For the first time in my life I can say (when I think about it), I really don't care how long it takes, because I know, we know, we will make it to the end of this!

Yin and Yang

Well, I've thought long and hard about this journey for the past few days and realize that I have to get back to basics. I threw the rock in the pond and the water rippled...now it's time to calm the water and start from the beginning.

I don't feel a change in my body as I did last month so I am going to go back to eggs, meat, fish, 4 oz. daily of cheese and the oldies but goodies; salads, broccoli and cauliflower.

I know I'm doing well, I know I've stayed the course and not once fallen off, but I do want to keep losing and that seems to be the only way to do it without having exercise.

Yin and Yang...opposites coming together, melding into one. My fat self and my thin state of mind, need to be harmonious while at the same time transforming one another...the only way I can be fat and still keep a "thin thinking" mind, is to keep moving, keep losing and hopefully this is the way to do it.

I'm looking at it as a sort of self-experiment. I have to see if immediate results are imminent if I stick to the Atkins plan with no variating factors.
Wish me luck!

Milestone Day

I had SUCH a day today (at work). I know lately I've been harping on work, but really... during the week I spend more time awake there than home. It's such a big part of my week. I love my job, and I love feeling 'needed', but, hey.. give a guy a break and let me come up for AIR...

What is good about this though, is I am not reverting to old, bad eating habits when under stress. I don't even think about food.. I just dig in and 'get it done'. It's grueling, it's demanding, but... it proves that I have made it past the 'dependance on food' part.

I thought about this on the way home from work. Tonight, my partner had to work late, probably not even home before I get into bed for the night. Before I made up my mind to change my life, I would have probably stopped at someplace like 'Taco Bell' and got WAY TO MUCH to eat, then probably stopped by Dunkin-donuts to get something sweet to boot. (YES.. Sometimes I was a closet over-eater). The old behavior flew through my mind, while I was driving home, but instead of giving in to it, I gave in to the realization that I don't need to do that anymore. I'm stressed, but I'm ok.... WHAT A HUGE REVELATION! What a Milestone Day!

That's My Girl!!

Yes!! Congratulations to my baby girl........Four years of hard work and diligence pays off!! The ceremony was beautiful.

It was a very long day, up early and off to the Kimmel Center in Philly for commencement day and Gina announced on the way there, that she isn't finished.....she plans on going back next year to further her studies so that she can receive her master's degree and I couldn't be happier.

I shouldn't have left the house with nothing in my stomach, but I did it. There was just no time and I came home starving!! We all were, but hubman had to work tonight and we couldn't celebrate with a dinner out...thank goodness there was food left over from the restaurant last night, as I did NOT feel like cooking. Pizza for the kids ;)

CONGRATULATIONS GINA!!!

Mother's Day

Mother's Day used to be spent with my mom, taking her to lunch, dinner...whatever. It's now become a tradition with my own kids and in the past, it would be all about my favorite meals. Breakfast that consisted of waffles, bacon and pancakes....etc. Then a lunch consisting of hoagies or cheese steaks with cheese fries and a Dinner of pasta and breaded chicken...etc. That day alone would put 5 lbs on me and stretch my stomach to the point of no return, no lie.

Today, I had a shake for breakfast and lunch will be something light, most likely a salad since we're having dinner out tonight. Gone are the days of celebratory, carbohydrate laden meals!!

What was I thinking??? Well, I know the answer to that, I wasn't thinking about my health. These days, it's at the forefront of my mind. Being healthy and living to see my kids enjoy their lives, thrive and become happy, well adjusted individuals, is what it's all about for me now. All the cheese steaks in the world can't give you that!!

I think I can speak for Don here too.......Happy Mother's Day to all our reader mom's and their mom's. We hope you enjoy a healthy, happy day!! xox

Every day....

... is a brand new day.

Sometimes as we journey down this road, it can seem to get redundant, even boring. I realize this trip is going to take a long time. I need to keep thinking of new things and new ways to keep it interesting, engaging, inviting.

It can be done through food choices, cooking the proteins in new and interesting ways. Last night, for instance, I cooked pork chops in a grill pan, but after they were done, put a dollop of pesto on each one. Boy, what a change, what a difference from 'just another piece of meat'.

What I learned was, it doesn't take much to spice something up, ... to 'change it up a bit', and the result is new interest, new satisfaction and renewed engagement in the process. Sunny and I both need to keep this in mind the entire journey.

As we get ready to begin week 10 (WOW.. week ten?? already??.. and we're 30ish pounds lighter... YEAH US!), we need to keep in mind to 'keep it interesting', 'keep it new'!

Behind every good Man...

Simulated Husband

... stands another good man :) (or a good woman, what ever the case may be). Today I have thought a lot about how much I appreciate my significant other. He has loved me through everything. He is a ROCK of support as my moods go up and down, and in and out.. and sideways... oh... hell... you get my meaning. This journey has played havoc on my emotions, and through it all, I can always count him.

Today I'm thankful for:

... of course, my partner (my hero)

Air conditioning

My children (all 7 furry faces)

Having a job in this economy

The drive to go on.

Life is Good!

Gina and I are headed to her Baccalaureate Mass and honors celebration today. I just hope my ankle can sustain me. Say a prayer.


Thankful for:
My eyes
The spring
Wrinkles (the map of life)
Water
Good friends who stick with you, no matter what!

I love my Mother-in-Law !

I know you don't hear that a lot, there are so many cliches about mother-in-laws and their relationship with their child's spouse.

Those who know me well, know that I don't have any type of a relationship with my genetic family. I was fortunate to be accepted into my loving partner's family, however. Each and every one of them make me feel wanted, valued and loved... and I love them all for their unconditional acceptance. Only since I have been a part of this family have I felt such a sense of belonging.

(Simulated Mother-in-Law)

I dedicate this blog to my 'mother-in-law'. I've know her almost 18 years now; she has ALWAYS been nothing but loving and supporting. She is the consummate mother, and would do anything for someone who she loves.

I am blessed for having her in my life.

Also, I had a great day on plan. I got to have breakfast out with my hubby and dinner with my mom-in-law and my hubby.

A Boring Day

Well, I woke up this morning and I'm still fat

;)

Feeling good though, better every day. Some days it seems like it's taking forever to get to the 15th and other days, it feels like I just weighed in. I am dying to weigh because, to be honest..I know I'm losing, but I don't feel like it's a drastic loss, as it has been in the past...10 lb. increments are nice, and I know that won't happen everytime, oh but I want it to!!

I don't like being bored either and this ankle thing is making me very very bored.
I must say, if this were 3 months ago, I'd be eating my way through my boredom and now, it isn't even a thought!

Off to make some delicious talapia for dinner, let's hear it for fish!!!

Back at ya... Sunny

I too had a good day! It's is always great to talk to Sunny Girl! You're like a touchstone for me in this journey. Every time we speak, or I read your blogs, I'm revitalized.

This has been an exceptionally 'LONG" week for me. Work has been so, so, crazy-busy. In reality, I like 'CraZy-BuSY'... but not so many days in a row! Anyhow, I'm glad the weekend is here. My hubby has the day off today too, so we have an extra long weekend together! Now.. if it would only stop raining.

I realized today, I'm not on a diet.. I've changed an aspect of my life. On a diet, you are constantly aware of the depravation you are 'enduring', but I don't feel that way. I don't really even think about 'what I can't have' anymore. There was a time when almost the entire 'focus' of my existence was 'what am I going to eat... next', but now that is gone, and for good, I think!

Just Another Great Day...

I had a great day today, spent it being busy....went out in all the rain again and came back and made dinner. I spoke with my amazing cousin today (actually two of them). I talked to Karen or as she's known now -anonymous - lol.......Then Don called on his way home to share our day, which is always a cool thing. The man knows every single thing I think and feel....we talked about how we're losing our pants (literally) and just getting a kick out of how in sync we are with this plan of ours. It's turned into one of the most life changing, as well as body changing experiences and it's been great to share with someone who is so educated about it and appreciates the success right along with me. Just showin' some love, cuz!! xox

Free To Breathe

...free from the asthma attacks that I had from having too much weight sitting on my diaphram. It's astonishing that I can now go up a flight of stairs without losing precious breath. I'm feeling good today, not much to say...'cept getting ready for the big Graduation celebration in June here at the house. A Yard dinner for about 85 guests....yep I said 85!

Hmmm...I've not much to write about either, since things are going faily well, I'm thinking maybe today, I should give 5 things to be grateful for...

My kids
Hubman for the roof
This compter I type on....I really enjoy having the world at my fingertips.
My continued success
The support I feel each day when I come here to my little blog haven.

Wishing you all a splendid evening!

In the ZONE...

Hi all. I had another busy, but good day today. Work has been ridiculously busy, and my days seem so damn long. I am out the door at 5:00am, get in at night about 5:15pm. Usually I'm in bed no later than 9:00pm, so 4 hours at home to myself a day seems a bit lacking. But, I put in the extra hours Monday - Thursday so I can have Fridays off.

Anyhow, I feel that Sunny and I are really settling into our stride on our journey. We know what to do, how to do it, the right choices to make and we make them without thinking much anymore. It has become habit, natural. It's really kind of great. Like long distance runners.. we are IN THE ZONE!

Close only counts ....

.... in horseshoes and hand grenades!

I almost didn't blog tonight. I had a very long and tiring day and just wanted to vegetate and watch TV. I sat here and thought, you know.. I really should.. but what should I blog about tonight.

I had a regular sort of day. I was in meetings all day, it seemed. NO time to think about anything.

It was close, I almost turned off the computer and just went to bed.. but I thought to myself.. naw... I can't 'NOT DO IT'.. I have to blog about something, even if it's about nothing....

So, as they say.. close only really counts in horseshoes and hand grenades~~~

Today I'm thankful for:

The rain, to quench the earth

The sun, to nourish the environment

A house, to keep me dry

A job, to keep me secure

Friends and family who sustain me

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Wow, it feels like it's been raining forever and I don't even care! I went out today, bad hair and all and had a great day, I went shopping with Gina. We took the scenic route and we played some music and sang out loud, like a couple of teens gone joyriding...and all I could think of was, This is the best!!

Not even three months ago would I find the strength or will to do that...there was always an excuse, the rain, the house needed cleaning, clothes done, whatever! Well, those days are over!

I'm starting to feel comfortable in my own skin, which is very cool. I am going to be 50 and fabulous. Losing this weight has really changed my thinking, it's moving me in a completely positive direction. I want to get out...I want to be among the people, I want a job, I want to completely be who I was meant to be. Age, weight, not even the economy is going to stop me. Anyone looking for an employee?...lemme know! *wink*

Just a short note

No real revelations today, I didn't think about food or what was 'next to eat' at all, all day. I actually stopped at the grocery store to pick up some things I couldn't get yesterday, like fresh salsa, some pre-chopped celery and red onions, stuff to make salad making better. The big 'kicker' there is, 3 months ago, you'd never find me going anywhere after a long day at work, except home. More energy, more focused, more driven.. all-in-all.. a very good day!

More tomorrow.. ! Night all

Nipping Boredom in the Bud...

What a lovely, rainy day!! I swear, I am like the Munsters, but only if I've nowhere to go. *smile*

It was a lazy day, and I spent it lazing....I chatted with my butterfliesarefree girl for a while today and that was pretty much the high lite of it all. We laugh so much in chat, I can't imagine what it would be like to actually meet, what a hoot!! Anyway, I was thinking a lot about my health and well being after our conversation and decided I cannot let myself become bored with these foods I've been eating, I can only eat what's brought into the house since I do none of the shopping, soooooooooo I asked Gina to pick me up some raspberries and blueberries so I can mix them in with a couple of strawberries and have a berry good evening!! I also made a great dinner tonight, bite size boneless chicken breast with some mexican peppers and a 1/2 onion and some adobo seasoning...mmmm very tasty!! That for dinner and berries later on?...what more could I ask for, thanks Gina!!

Forward

I was commenting on Don's last blog, but while I was commenting, I realized that I was indeed, blogging. So I decided that I should open up and blog about this as well....

I identify so much with your blog. And you know what cuz? It's true sometimes that you have to know where you've been in order to know where you're going. But in this case?...I don't know if that applies.

I've begun to stop worrying about what got me here (Fat and soon to be 50) and am only focusing on how to get where I need to be, want to be, DESERVE to be.
I was in a different place mentally than I am now and so were you, and I don't even want to know why I felt myself so unworthy of my health. I like where my head is now and I know you do too, I like that I don't ever want to be this way again and am taking steps to insure that it doesn't happen again, as you are!!

That pic of the road you posted above the page?...when i look at it, I am on the right side...I've already driven the left side to where I was, now I'm driving the right side to where I'm going.

Focusing on the past has only depressed me in the past, made me feel like I was being challenged, and I worked against myself my whole life, I'm not doing that anymore. I already took the challenge to come back from FAT LAND. I accepted it and I'm forging ahead....to hell with that person I was, I don't need her anymore, now that I know who I am and what shape I should be in.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, when you look in that mirror, tell yourself it's just a shell....then look inside and just love and enjoy who you are. Your body will catch up in no time.

The Man in the Mirror...

Mirrors have been a problem for me for years. We have a full length mirror in our bedroom on our 'tall boy' dresser. When I sit on the edge of the bed, I can see myself in it (side profile).

I stopped looking in the mirror, quite subconsciously. I guess I knew that I didn't what to see what was there. Today, I was putting on my shoes, and looked in the mirror, and was so disgusted with what I did see. No joke, I thought I was looking at Jaba the Hut.

I know that I've made progress and I feel great about that. I know that my body is changing for the better. What I don't know, is why I ever let my body get this far out of shape. Part of making all of these changes is to try to come to terms with what it was that took me from there (normal) to here (fat fat fatty fat).

I am going to be giving this a lot of thought, and blogging about it in the near future. I want to resolve the issues so that when I reach my goal weight, I don't just balloon back up again, like I have done so many times before.

I want my self-image to improve! I want to finally look in the mirror and say, 'Hey I know him.. that's ME!'.

To Pig-Out or not to Pig-Out...

The Pig-out monster is trying to get hold of me right now. I'm not really hungry.. it's 9:17 in the evening and I had all I need to eat today... BUT...

This little PINK PIG is sitting on my chest screaming in my ear.. DON.. EAT SOMETHING.. ANYTHING...

I've been sitting here in my recliner and trying to ignore the damn pink thing, but it just persists and persists... I thought... mmmm wouldn't a piece of chocolate be good.. or.. You know, I could have some of that shrimp slaw in the fridge..

But the truth is, I'm not hungry, I don't need to eat.. so I say.. PINK PIGLET, get the hell off my chest and off my back and out of my head.. I AM IN CONTROL.

God Bless this BLOG. (The pig is gone)

Me.. and... Misses... Misses....

Misses.... Sunny Girl!

We had a great time together today at the Communion party! The food was great.. and plenty of choices for us! There was roast beef, wonderful roasted chicken, sausage and peppers.. a nice salad.. and even food of the GODS.. Strawberries.

Sunny Girl and I caught up, shared our thoughts and feelings... and just BS'd away the afternoon. It is so important for us to be able to connect like this. Some people noticed we had lost weight, but really, that didn't matter, and was only secondary to the good time we had!

Right on Sister Sunshine.. Miss Sunny Girl.. Your the coolest! Thanks for the great time!

A day... just like any other..

Today is a day just like any other. We are going to a cousin's son's Communion party. As with any party, there will probably be little which is 'carbohydrate free', but... as with the wedding I was faced with when we first started down this road.

I have to keep in mind that there is always a way to cope with the challenge. I've eaten lunch early, so I'm protein rich and not hungry when there. If there is nothing I can eat, I just won't eat! Planning is key.

So, no mater what the challenge, we have to have the mind set that 'this is just a day like any other' and make the right choices for the situation we find ourselves in!

Look forward to seeing you there Sunny Girl!

Yes, I Had Crabs!!

My friend, Kathy called me yesterday afternoon and asked us to come to dinner. Hubman had to work, Gina was at a concert and my son was out with his girlfriend, so of course I said, yes! She told me that she and her husband, Paul were making CRABS AND SPAGHETTI!!!! Oh My Lord! My absolute all time favorite meal!!! I knew as soon as she said it, that I would NOT be able to eat those spaghetti, but there would be crabs :) I tell you, I feasted on them, they were amazing. I tasted a bit of the sauce, maybe a tbs. or two, and it too was amazing.

Not eating the spaghetti with the sauce???.... A Major step forward for me!!
If I could pass that up....I know I can handle anything that comes my way!

Oh yeah and I almost forgot....I picked up some dunkin donuts on the way and I wasn't even tempted, YES!

See u at the party later, Cuz! :)

High Five!!

Beautiful day, if you like rainy ones, which I do. I got up early and weighed in, it was amazing to see the 9 pound loss, it just felt good! But when I came down and logged on and saw that Don had done the same?....It just made my Day, week, month!!!

We really can't thank all of you enough for the support and the fun we're having with this blog. It's always a pleasure to come here and see that you've peeked in on us!! :) And yes, we're off to a fabulous start of another month of successes...large and small. Yipppeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!

Yeah Us!...

The past two weeks have been very successful.. Sunny Girl and I both lost 9 pounds! We are so excited about our result!. Any loss, even a pound would be great, but, success like this is really affirming and energizing.

Two months down now, and plenty more to go. We take all of this in stride, a step at a time, until we reach our goal. It's great to look back and realize we've both lost over 30 pounds now, can you imagine carrying that weight around in a bag? No wonder we are feeling better, lighter, more energized...!

Thanks to all our constant readers for continuing to support our efforts! We love you all!

SO, cheers and here's to our next two weeks of success!