No Time to Weight

Yep, I'm still alive!

2012-01-12T18:07:00.000-08:00

Goodness, it has been a while since I last posted. I thought of just wiping everything and starting over, but I have some pretty awesome posts and motivational things on this blog, so I decided that I will just start over, but keep the posts! My life has changed quite a bit this last year, I lost my 'full' time job and had to find a new one (owner retired and closed his location) I do like my new job, and it's still working with animals. I dabbled in selling Park Lane Jewelry for a while, but because of my introverted personality and anxiety issues, I decided it wasn't for me at this time. I am still battling the battle of the bulge and I would love NOTHING more than to get rid of it. I am sick of splitting my scrub pants because of my thunder thighs, sick of being a chunky monkey, sick of being out of shape, sick of not having any energy....so 2012 it is! I am going to watch what I eat portion wise, and try to drink more water than I normally do....I am a Diet Coke addict! I drink AT LEAST a 2 liter per day...and would like to exchange that for water. My goal by the end of 2012, is to lost at least 50#, which is about 1# a week, which isn't 'out of range' if I focus right.

My husband just recently had a couple of surgeries and the Dr really lectured him on his weight as well so we are definitely both going to be on this journey. Stay tuned for updates, have to go finish 'FLYing' as we have company coming over tomorrow. Have a great night!

My starting weight 233.4# My 'goal' is 150# (we will see how I feel/look when I get there), but for now I am working to about 175# I haven't been under 200# in a LONG LONG time (about 6 or 7 years for longer than about 2 days lol), so I am super psyched for this goal and I KNOW I can do it!

FLYing again & getting back on track....

2011-01-05T18:58:00.001-08:00

LONG TIME NO SEE, ha ha....Have been working on FLYing today www.flylady.net , and have rebooted my laundry 3x so far (even folded/put away in actual drawers & closet lol 2 laundry baskets worth, working on shining sink now (1 side is soaking), have done 2 loads of dishes in dishwasher, cleaned/scrubbed removed rust off the counter (thank-you Barkeepers friend & CLR) & cleaned maybe 1/4 of the counter, 2 loads of garbage dumpster :-)

I am SUPER Motivated all of the sudden, we went and saw the Dr today for a followup on Rob, he is still concerned about things but was VERY happy & pleased to hear of our diet change & the weight Rob has lost since August (30#), he would be less but he hasn't been taking his water pills the past week because he hasn't felt good. He does want him to start exercising, so he put me in charge of 'motivation & support' to get Rob to exercise....he's still hurting with his joints, but I think exercise will help that, as well as losing more weight.

I found an app for my android phone that's a checklist and it has really helped motivate me to do things, like yesterday and today I actually have drank more water than Diet Shasta w/splenda which is a MAJOR shock. Yesterday was even stressful and I usually rely on Diet Shasta for that.....but doing great! Have even put 15 minutes of Loving Movement (Exercise) on my daily to do list so that's helping keep me motivated as well. I hope everyone is doing great.

Going Grain Free

2010-08-26T09:25:00.000-07:00

My husband saw the Dr on Monday for a followup on some of the things he's had going on for a long time. Well the Dr has concluded that Rob is allergic/sensitive to grains, so we have to go on a grain free diet. My husband just turned 40 on Tuesday, so this is a bit of a shock to our systems. We did go through our pantry and gave away all grain inclusive items in our house. It was a ton of different things! We had Rice, Rice-A-Roni's, instant potatoes, regular potatoes, flour, sugar, splenda, cake mixes, tortilla chips etc.

Here is where you can learn exactly what a 'grain free diet' entails: http://grainfreerecipes.com/2009/06/what-is-a-grain-free-diet/

It is not going to be easy, one of my husbands favorite meals for breakfast is hashbrowns & eggs, but that's no longer a possibility. We went to Good Earth store yesterday and picked up a whole bunch of different things such as Tapioca Flour, Arrowroot Flour, Coconut Flour, Buckwheat Flour, Quinoa, Quinoa Flakes (can be used for a 'hot cereal'), Puffed Millet (really Yummy) Agave Nectar. So you will probably be seeing different things here on this blog. Will focus on my diet & exercise regime, but it will be grain/sugar free (for the most part).

We have created a blog where we will post our journey, recipes etc: http://healthygrainfreeliving.blogspot.com/

We even enjoyed a Grain free Pumpkin Spice cake yesterday, that was really good, so go to our new blog to check it out!

Achieving My Destiny.....

2010-06-25T19:43:00.000-07:00

Weight: Down! Will post once a week on Wednesdays :-)
Breakfast: Bagel w/cream cheese, banana
Snack: Turkey Hot Dog, 1 slice Velveeta Cheese
Lunch: Grilled Chicken Salad, Cucumbers, Cheese, Light Ranch Dressing
Snack: Cucumber slices, 2 Slices Velveeta Cheese
Dinner: Stroganoff, Corn, Garden Salad
Water: Yep got it all in and then some!
Exercise: Zumba 20 Minute Express

"Your Destiny will be achieved when you plan your journey!" Julia Griggs Harvey
I really like that quote, as how can you know where you are going if you don't plan it? Just like you need a road map to go on a trip, you need a roadmap for your dieting journey. My #1 Vice right now is probably Diet Coke w/splenda, and you may be thinking, well it's diet so that's okay....well in moderation maybe....but I drink 6 cans a day, which is way too much for the caffeine part. So that is my #1 Vice I am going to be working on replacing Diet Coke w/Water, so far so good...only had 1 can today. Rather than trying to change everything about me overnight, I am taking this one step at a time, one action at a time...I really like that philosophy. I know in the past I have failed miserably at dieting and weight loss because I try to bite off more than I can chew. I am also starting to create a vision of things to come....not just the weight loss but how I will feel and act, and the things I will do when I lose the weight. You don't have to have the perfect body to start visualizing who you want to become. I did struggle a little today with doing the exercise....I had a very long day at work, groomed incredibly hard huge dogs, and was just beat....but I can't start making up excuses in week 1 so I did exercise.

The Life I Want!

2010-06-24T11:11:00.000-07:00

Current Picture of myself:
Will be posted later tonight:

This is a picture of the life I want :
135# (My FINAL Goal Weight for a healthy BMI)

***No this isn't me (above in the bikini) but she weighs 135# which is my goal weight and where I am going to be!

I want to tell you a story about a person. This person is a very happy person, she loves life, and lives to be happy, she is active indoors and out. She is friendly, outgoing and enjoys motivating everyone she meets with her enthusiasm and spark for life. She loves to be seen in public and enjoys meeting people. She eats a healthy balanced diet all things in moderation. She makes healthy eating choices like they are 2nd nature, not having to think about treats and temptations that will throw her off the beaten path. She is extremely happy in her marriage, and is married to her best friend, she is a great mother to her children. This story is about the ME I am going to be!

How much water is adequate for me to drink each day? Weight 232#/2= 116 targeted ounces of water each day.

I am feeling great today, still feeling the exercise burn (good thing though) in my legs/thighs which makes bending/sitting/climbing stairs slightly uncomfortable, but I am excited as it means my muscles were worked and are going to get stronger! YEAH ME! Today for exercise I am going to probably work on some balance exercises on the Wii Fit, tomorrow I will be doing the Wii EA Active Sports workout again.

My new Adventure

2010-06-23T20:30:00.000-07:00

I have begun an new adventure on my path to health and fitness, and I am really excited about it. It is called the "Vice Busting Diet" http://www.vicebustingdiet.com
I am on day 2 today and am really excited about it. It is more of a 'change the way you think' type of plan by taking your 'vices' and replacing them with healthy habits. You can sign up for free and get access to sound clips, an E-Book, a couple of workbooks etc all for free! Or there is a book available. You also have a daily affirmation that you read out loud twice a day
"I believe in my ability to improve my health, my attitude and my life. I am worthy of the best that life has to offer and today I have the opportunity to get closer to realizing my dreams and goals."

Anyways I am going to be sharing some of the things I will be doing in the workbook as well as how I am doing on giving up my vices....bet you can't guess my first vice to go will be "Diet Coke" while not as bad as regular coke, I am addicted and the caffeine isn't that good for my body!

Anyways here is excerpts from Day 1
This week's goal is to be 'busting' soft drinks. Todays goals are to get several water bottles and always have a water bottle with you when you leave the house, pop tops are the best as they are the easiest to get water from. You should have a water bottle within reach at all times in the bedroom, at your office, in the car, wherever. I like how it's not focusing on what you're eating or exercise, but will be getting to that....it's all about making SLOW changes over time, so as not to get discouraged or overwhelmed with losing weight. I LOVE IT!

Todays Actions:
Step 1: Carry & Drink from a water bottle throughout the day...everyday!
List 10 Adjectives that you feel now descrbies yourself"
1- Fat 2- Ugly 3- Miserable 4- Disgusting 5- Lazy 6- Compassionate 7- Caring 8- Crafty 9- Loving 10- Chunky
These are mostly words that describe my BODY not ME. You have to start choosing your words wisely, for what you say about yourself is a reflection of what you think of yourself. In this we are going to be changing our thoughts to believe in ourself and our abilities.
Now 10 Adjectives that would positively describe ME:
1- Compassionate 2- Caring 3- Crafty 4- Loving 5- Fun 6- Helpful 7- Sharing 8- Considerate 9- Beautiful 10- Bright
The mindset is that your body does not have to be a reflection of the person YOU are.

Now mind you, I am making changes along the way by exercising and eating better foods, so I am doing that.

What was positive about today? Finding The Vice Busting Diet, realizing that my body doesn't have to describe who I am, made me feel better about myself. I also exercised today, although my body is achy and I can feel the difference in the front of my thighs and calves, but it is a good feeling to know I am working to improve myself.

What one or two things can I do tomorrow to make it a more positive day? Remember who I am, and that I am worth it, Find projects at work to stay busy :-)

PM AFFIRMATION: "I am thankful for today and the chance I had to improve my life. I forgive myself for any shortcomings I may have had, and I look forward to the opportunity that tomorrow brings to take action toward my goals."

Loving the Wii Fit!

2010-06-23T16:51:00.000-07:00

I am LOVING the Wii Fit Plus! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the EA Active Sports Workout, you work with a personal trainer and it's realistic, like if you're not doing something right she/he will tell you how to correct it, or what a good job you are doing. I have done the workout 2 days in a row now and both days were completely different workouts, so it won't be the same repetitive boring thing every day. I also love the Wii Fit Plus workouts where you get to chose, but like the 'already made' for you workout in the EA Active. Anyways just wanted to share, I am loving it. I am scheduled to do the EA Sports Workout 4 days a week, and hope to do some Wii Fit Plus workouts on the off days, even if it's just a little like working on my balance etc so I can improve that, either that or I thought of doing WATP on my 'off' days so I'm still active but not working out so hard (does that make sense?). Rob is afraid it is going to collect dust after the excitement wears off...I hope not, I'm trying to stay motivated and going to do this---this time :-) I would LOVE to be skinnier by New Year's!

My Measurements June 23, 2010

2010-06-23T05:54:00.001-07:00

Here are my measurements (scary as they may be), am going to be exercising at least 4 days a week with the Wii Fit and hopefully I will FINALLY see these inches go down. (I know these are SCARY measurements).

Bust: 43 & 3/4"
Chest: 37"
Waist: 38"
Hip: 53 & 1/2"
Thigh: Right: 32" Left 32"
Calves: Right 21 & 1/2" Left: 22 & 1/2"
Upper Arm: Right 15 & 1/2" Left 16 & 1/2"

Wish me luck! I will come back once a month to update the stats with lower numbers each month! (At least that is my plan).

It is me again...

2010-06-23T05:33:00.001-07:00

Bet you had thought I had given up on my journey....not quite just took a bit of a detour but have received a new spark to my motivation. Hubby finally broke down and got us a Wii he saw how much I enjoed playing the EA Active sports and this morning we went to walmart and picked up the Wii Fit. I completed 2 workouts and a few games on the wii fit plus and boy am I feeling it. Never thought a workout could be fun...and challenging on a game console.

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Friday April 23rd Healthy Me Day 5!

2010-04-23T20:30:00.000-07:00

Food:
Breakfast: Protein Bar, Apple
Lunch: Garden Salad w/Tuna Tomatoes & Light Ranch Dressing
Dinner: Cream of Mushroom Soup, Chicken over Rice
Snacks: Pretzels w/Laughing Cow Cheese Wedges
Water: 110oz
Diet Cokes (Shasta Diet Cola w/splenda): 4
Exercise: walked on the elliptical 3mi on Apr. 23, 09:18pm (Time: 17:00)
Today's Thoughts: Well today I went in to work 3 hours late because a local grocery store was having a great sale on meat, we got 60# of meats for $40, chicken quarters were 39 cents a #, you can't beat that. Then I helped Rob separate and vacuum pack them down so he didn't have to as tired as he was. I did have every intention of getting out of bed early so I could exercise before work, but TOM is really painful this month, who am I kidding, it's painful EVERY month. Anyways get to work and have 5 grooms, so I am 3 hours behind on all of them, didn't eat my lunch until 4:30, did have a couple snacks here and there but I was STARVING! I am proud of myself as I didn't turn to Diet Coke like I normally do when stressed out. Everyone kept calling to see if their dogs were done yet, and that stressed me out, but I grusfrabaad and just let stuff roll off my shoulders best I could. Rob texted me and wanted me to make Brownies for his work's Friday Night Feast they have every few weeks...we were out of eggs, I was going to go pick up what we needed at Costco on my lunch but since I didn't get a normal lunch I left work 1/2 hour early and went and picked them up...ran into my 'boss' at costco...my dad...that was funny! Anyways I really didn't want to exercise today and kept trying to find excuses (I'm really good at that) but when all was said and done I did exercise, not a whole lot because of cramps but at least it was something.

Thursday April 22nd: HHM Day 4

2010-04-22T19:10:00.000-07:00

Food:
Breakfast Protein Bar
Lunch: Tuna Salad no dressing because I'm a dunce and left it at home
Dinner: Baked Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Green Peas
Snacks: Pretzels w/Laughing Cow Cheese Wedges
Water: 110oz
Diet Cokes (Shasta Diet Cola w/splenda): 4
Exercise: Going to skip it today and opt for a bath in epsom salts...I am too sore (shoulder/neck pulled muscle) to exercise. But so far I've done 3 days and have 3 more days left so I think I will be fine.
Today's Thoughts: My shoulder/neck was hurting off and on all day so that really made me have a lazy/hard day at work today as a lot of what I do I have to kind of sort of use my left arm/shoulder for cleaning/lifting/computing etc, and since I was there by myself I couldn't have anyone else do stuff for me, so needless to say, I over did it so have a sore shoulder. I am somewhat stressed as I have a baby kitten (5 weeks old) that I am nursing back to health, she had giardia, but she isn't getting over it like she should and is super skinny, not growing etc. I am making her a concoction of kitten vitamin paste/nutrical/maximum calorie canned cat food/meat tenderizer (digestive enzyme) to try to help her along but I fear I might lose little Miss Daisy despite all efforts. She does have a mom, but I have been bringing her home to give her extra care as her brothers/sisters push her out of the way and she's kind of a loner because she's sickly. Wish me luck~

Wednesday April 21, Healthy Me Day 3

2010-04-21T20:11:00.001-07:00

Food: Calories: High end of calorie range today
Breakfast, Left Over Spaghetti, 2 slices homemade honey whole wheat bread.
Lunch: Protein Bar
Dinner: Lasagna Pasta in a box
Snacks: Popcorn
Water: 110oz
Diet Cokes (Shasta Diet Cola w/splenda): 3
Exercise: walked on the elliptical 3.5mi on Apr. 21, 08:59 pm (Time: 20:00) Burned 347 calories
Today's Thoughts: Today was my day off, I normally blow it and blow it hard on my days off. But although I was on the high end of my calories I still stayed within my limit. Probably the most difficult thing today was exercise. It was raining/thunder & lightening so outside walking was out of the question. I slept wrong on my shoulder sunday night (I think) and pulled a muscle or something but my left shoulder/neck has been really bothering me since then, it still hurts, so was trying to use that as an excuse not to exercise, then my exercise clothes were upstairs in the bedroom and I didn't want to go wake Rob up to get them, then I just wanted to goof around with PSP/Incredimail on my computer, I have horrible gas (EVERYTHING I have been putting in my mouth lately is making me gassy) but I gave myself a swift kick in the behind and said to myself, "Heather, seriously who uses GAS as an excuse NOT to exercise? Get off your butt and go do it!" So I used my elliptical while making dinner, was only going to do 10 minutes but I pushed myself and went for 20 minutes. YEAH!

Tuesday April 20th, Healthy Me Day 2

2010-04-20T19:15:00.000-07:00

Food: Calories:
Breakfast, Protein Bar
Lunch: Salmon Patty, Frozen Green Beans
Dinner: Spaghetti, Green Beans & Corn
Snacks: Protein Bar
Water: 110oz
Diet Cokes (Shasta Diet Cola w/splenda): 4 (I am trying to limit myself to no more 4 per day which is going to be really hard for me right now.
Exercise:
walked on the elliptical 2 mi on Apr. 20, 07:56 pm (Time: 00:11:00) Burned 191 calories...did this while cooking dinner!
walked 0.83 mi on Apr. 20, 08:36 pm (Time: 00:19:24) I am not sure the distance is accurate as I walked twice around the loop and yesterday it said I walk .6 something of a mile? Maybe time to take the car around the loop to see how far it is.
Today's Thoughts: Busy day today, had a very happy day we have a cat we have had for adoption for almost 3 years get adopted today, she is my cat Mini Dee's sister Mini Dee and Victoria both have something called Cerebral Hypoplasia which is caused by the distemper vaccine/virus in their mother while she was pregnant. It affects their motor skills, a good definition is it looks like they are drunk while walking, wide stance, falls over sometimes. Tori has trouble hitting the litter box all the time so we are very excited that she found a great home, they have a cat that already has CH, and they actually moved to a different house to accomodate their cat better (they have a hard time with slick surfaces). They drove 3 hours one way to see her! Anyways I couldn't WAIT to get home today so I could exercise! How crazy is that? Anyways having a good day!

April 19, 2010: Healthy Me Day 1

2010-04-19T18:17:00.001-07:00

Food: :cheerleader: Calories: 1494
Breakfast, Hashbrowns & Eggs
Lunch: Tortilla Chips w/cheese
Dinner: Pork Roast, Spinach
Snacks: Protein Bar
Water: About110oz
Exercise: :cheerleader:
Using Cario Trainer on my phone:
walked 0.76 mi on Apr. 19, 06:22 pm (Time: 00:12:04) ***This was just taking the garbage out 3 times up a slightly steep hill and back.
walked 0.64 mi on Apr. 19, 08:34 pm (Time: 00:10:52) Once around the inside of our townhouse loop.
Not bad considering I have hardly got any exercise for months....
Today's Thoughts: It is hot and miserable today, but I pushed myself and exercised, am going to try to do a little more when Rob leaves for work, undecided if I will walk outside some more or try my elliptical. Will update after I've done it. Decided to go for a walk, it was starting to get dark fast so only did 1 loop, that and my legs were turning into jelly.

My Personal Healthy Me Challenge

2010-04-19T18:16:00.000-07:00

So I have decided I am going to get fit, in health, mind, and body! I am going to start by exercising at least 30 minutes per day 5 days per week, this means that on my work days I will either have to crockpot dinner or do a WATP exercise DVD inside. I have downloaded a couple of helpful applications on my phone that will keep track of my exercise, how far I go and time, as well as a tracker from sparkpeople.com (that's too cool they have an application), and a pedometer. I am really excited for this and am starting to day! I will use this place to keep track of how I have done for the day. Wish me luck!

Weight Loss: 10# in 10 weeks...I know it's a small goal but I figured I would start out small since I am just getting back on track.

As my 'nutty' self I like to keep track with the little smilies
Daily Goal Completed
Daily Goal Not Completed:

Food: Going to Count Calories (have cool widgets for calorie counting too)
Water: Drink 1/2 my body weight per day which is 218 right now so 109oz per day
Exercise: 30 Minutes 5 times per week
Today's Thoughts:

Who's Fault is it Anyways?

2010-01-20T16:50:00.001-08:00

As I sit here on my couch reading one of my favorite blogs: http://zeusmeatball.blogspot.com/ as he truly inspires and motivates me, as well as my encourages me that if he can lose the weight, my husband and I can lose the weight. He has lost over 200# in 2 years, he still has some to lose, but how amazing is that? He has done it without surgery even. WOW! Anyways as I sit here pondering about things, it struck me, "Who's Fault Is It Anyways?" That I have been stuck in a diet rut for the past year? I was 212# a year ago in December (2008) and today I weighed in at 219.0# (which was a loss from yesterday but still), I have let stress, and drinking too much regular coke get to me. It is MY fault that I haven't been as strong as I know I can be. I lost 70# back in 2003/2004 so I KNOW I can do it! I just have to keep focused and not let stress get to me. It is MY fault that I prefer (or am just that lazy) to sit on the couch and watch TV instead of exercising. It is MY fault that I chose to eat fast food instead of eating a healthier lunch which I do sometimes. I have an exercise partner (my Golden Retriever, Shellie) and I KNOW I can do it, granted there is snow on the sidewalks right now and I don't want to hurt her paws/feet but I can exercise inside using my elliptical, stability ball or any of the 10+ Leslie Sansone WATP DVD's I have. So while my weight, lack of exercise, and lack of drinking proper amounts of water is MY FAULT, NO ONE force feeds me, NO ONE chains me to the couch, NO ONE forces regular coke down my throat (I have apsartame poisoning so can't drink regular diet drinks), It may be MY FAULT, but ONLY I AM THE ONE WHO CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! I am the one who can get off the couch, eat proper foods, exercise, chose water over Coke. If it is to be, it's up to me!

Love the savings!

2010-01-20T15:59:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone is having a great day! I was going through some photobook pictures and found one from last years Ho Ho Ho Challenge (2008) and I was at 212# EEK! I was 219.0# this morning. Definitely gotta do something about that! Rob and I spent a good majority of our morning looking for his little network crimping tool, we finally found it then he hooked up our network so we have computer/internet access to our Media PC (we have wireless but it isn't always reliable for watching movies etc). So then he went to take a nap, I went to the bank and went and picked up some more Fruit at our favorite store...got 30# of fruit (Apples, Oranges, Nectarines & Tomatoes) for $12.00 I LOVE it! I have thoroughly enjoyed having the Fruit to eat/snack on. It's helping me stay on plan instead of eating crap for snacks. Then went and saved $3.50 on the Cheer detergant I buy for our whites (I make our own laundry soap for everything else). If I would have known that it was that on sale I would have boughten a few more. It's normally $8.39/bottle for 32 loads at 2x strength. Maybe I will go back and get more. As that savings it definitely worth it. I have done a little cleaning and stuff today (laundry/dishes) and here in a few minutes am going to do my WATP so I can get my exercise in before Rob wakes up for the evening, so I can spend time with him.

Shellie Says....

2010-01-19T19:45:00.001-08:00

Exercise Balls are E-V-I-L!!!!!! Yesterday I took down our Christmas tree, and rearranged/cleaned our living room...well I had put my exercise ball on the couch and it rolled off, Shellie was coming in the room and totally wigged out about the ball, grumbling at it, growling, barking, and crouched down really low to the ground investigating it cautiously. Then a cute shot of my baby girl Zoey all snuggled up at work today.

Rob's New Roaster

2010-01-17T17:40:00.001-08:00

Last week Rob decided he wanted Roasted marshmallows so he used out toaster to make them. So I know not exactly 'Diet Friendly' but I am very proud of my hubby, so wanted to share this. Well last night I was cleaning and pulled out our old toaster and asked Rob if he wanted me to throw it away, his eyes lit up and said hey.....so last night he modified it and made a desktop 'roaster' out of it! It was broken, it's an electronic one and the circuitry that told the toaster the toast was done and to pop up was broken so it would burn the toast (to the point it caught on fire), so we bought us a new one. Anyways, he even made it 'Heather' proof so to speak, bending a 'rack' to protect from the inner heating elements. He is so smart, I married a Genius! It roasts them really well and even roasts hot dogs!

Today's DEHRT

2009-12-18T10:36:00.001-08:00

More to come....
"The past does not define us, the present does" Jillian Michaels
Diet: Discovered a WONDERFUL website http://emotionaleatinghelp.org/, it has a lot of great tips on it, as well as talks about an Emotional Eating Bach Essences kit which I picked up the essences for yesterday, I must say I think it is already helping, normally when I stress I eat, eat, eat, and drink TONS of Diet Coke (with splenda) well today I am remaining calm and not really obsessing about eating my stress away.

Exercise: Planned: WATP DVD

Housework: Goals for today:
1 load of dishes
Put up christmas tree
1 load of laundry put away and folded

Religion:
Taking care of me: Discovered Bach Essences, and OMG what a difference, the past few days have been extremely stressful with work, have had a few 'fires' with complaints I've had to put out, normally this TOTALLY stresses me out and I am on edge, but the combo of essences I am taking TOTALLY are helping me remain calm. Like this morning Rob was late with the car, so therefore I wasn't able to leave by 6:15 which is my normal time I leave for work by, normally I get pissy, and agitated, and I was able to just take it all in stride. YEAH!

My DERHT Challenge

2009-12-18T10:35:00.000-08:00

Diet:
I have been REALLY REALLY bad about drinking all my water lately, relying a lot on Coke (regular not diet) so add that to the BLOAT and #, and lack of losing weight
1- Drink my water 110oz per day (which is about 1/2 of my body weight)
2- Cut the carbs, I eat way too many of them, and my body doesn't process them right
3- Prepare meals night before (breakfast/lunches) for work days
4- Lose 6# before January 1, 2010 (2# average loss per week)

Exercise:
1- 5 Days a week
2- Variety so I don't get bored

Religious:
1- Read Scriptures Daily
2- Attend Church Weekly
3- Be my hubby's missionary

House:
1- End the Chaos (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome) by starting FlyLady again
2- Scoop Kitty Litter boxes daily
3- At least 1 load of dishes per day until caught up
4- Actually Hang up & fold the clothes so Rob doesn't have to go laundry basket treasure hunting to get dressed for work

Taking care of me:
1- Take pills 2xday
2- Daily Shower
3- Daily put on makeup (I hardly ever wear it anymore)
4- "Me" time at least 1x week (bubble baths etc).

Inspirational: Woman won't let disability keep her from weight-loss goal

2009-12-17T21:18:00.000-08:00

Wow! What a story...she is paralyzed from waist down yet still goes to the gym and has lost weight!
ksl.com - Woman won't let disability keep her from weight-loss goal

Long time...no see....

2009-12-17T19:31:00.000-08:00

First off, I must apologize for my absence. I am not the worlds greatest blogger, and we are heading into winter now, I suffer from depression and it can be worse in the winter times. I am not too thrilled with my weight as of late, I am up to 220#, I was diagnosed with Aspartame poisoning in October, yep that artificial sweetener that is in Diet Coke....it can cause MAJOR problems, I now have an 'aspartame' detecter in my pinky finger....lol, any time I eat/drink anything with aspartame in it, my pinky finger tingles. It was in my pinky finger/ring finger and part of my palm on the right hand. The Dr scared me to death telling me that aspartame has been linked to MS (Multiple Sclerosis) and MS type symptoms. I have had maybe 1 or 2 actual diet cokes or coke zero's since I found out, which is MAJOR for me, I am still drinking soda, but not as much and trying to stick to regular coke (not good for calories) or diet coke sweetened with splenda. So if you are a diet soda drinker.....use caution! I was actually having extreme side effects from one of the depression pills I am on (neurontin) as it is a nerve drug, and my nerves were on edge from all the aspartame I was drinking....pretty scary stuff.

My Uncle Larry passed away a little over a week ago, he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer the end of august. It was hard, but I am comforted with the knowledge that I know I will be able to see him again someday, and that he is with my Grandfather and my Aunt Lorna (whom died before I was born). My Grandpa died when I was a senior in high school, I actually lost 3 of my grandparents in 1 year...it was tough, and I really haven't lost anyone super close to me since (1995).

Anyways I just wanted to pop in and say, yep I am alive! I finally updated my blog it is no longer halloween time :-) I hope to be able to blog again soon.

New Weight Loss Support Message Board

2009-10-26T11:43:00.000-07:00

A message board I have been a member of for almost 2 years is shutting down :( (Choosing 2 Lose) so in an effort to stay in contact with some of the friends I have made there, my darling hubby has set up a Weight Loss Forum/Message board for me, I would love to see you there!

http://nttw.rnht.net/

It doesn't matter where you are at in your weight loss journey, beginning, end (at goal) etc, this message board will be there to support you through it all! There will be a great bunch of ladies who will be there! Hopefully will get some men supporters as well :)

I have a drinking problem......

2009-10-02T20:17:00.001-07:00

Water that is! (no alcohol for me) Today this is what I drank:

32 Oz Water w/cranberry energy powder stuff
52 Oz Bubba Keg, Ice Water
52 Oz Bubba Keg, Ice Water
32 Oz Water w/strawberry energy powder stuff
33.81 Oz (1 Liter) Coke Zero
20 Oz of Diet Sunkist

Which totals to be 221.81 Oz and I'm not even done for the day, it's only 8pm and I am usually awake till about 11pm! I do not feel water logged or bloated or anything, so what gives? I know about 104oz were consumed on my drive home from work (it took 1 hour 45 minutes due to a BYU Football game...unfortunately I live about 20 miles North of BYU..average speed on the freeway 20mph UGH from about 40 miles away from the stadium! And I got home 45 Minutes AFTER the game started...sorry just my rant). So you can imagine...I was about to pee myself when I got home, had to park, run in and pee then unload the furkids. LOL. I have a Dr's appt on the 12th to discuss side effects of the Neurontin I'm on (seriously feel like I'm having an out of body experience when I take it....yet I've been on it for 5+ years...it's just recent), so I am planning on discussing it with him to see what he thinks. I do know that drinking Diet Coke increases thirst, so that may come into play, however I did not consume that much (for me) diet coke today.

From what I have read I should be drinking about 102.5oz of water per day (1/2oz per pound), what do you do if you are still thirsty after drinking that much water? How do you curb drinking too much?

RIP Sweet Viggo

2009-10-02T10:22:00.001-07:00

RIP Sweet Viggo

I am posting this as there are several who read this blog who have worked at Camelot Pet Resort, and probably knew him:
Yesterday my sisters dog, Viggo, a miniature schnauzer passed away suddenly. My dad let the dogs outside before he went to an orientation at school (he teaches vet tech students), and my mom went to let the dogs in about 20 minutes later and all the dogs but Viggo came inside, my sister was talking about taking Viggo to work with her for her trainee to learn how to groom schnauzers so my mom thought that is where he was so didn't think anything of it, so when my dad got home they called my sister and she had not taken him, so they went to go find him, and found him dead outside. He had an autopsy performed today, and his heart basically ruptured, it had a hole in it. He wasn't showing any signs of having any problems, was always a very active sweet boy, he was our Little Doggie Daycare Mascot at work, so I got to seem him 4-5 days a week, as he came to work with my dad, as well as I lived with my sister for the 1st year of Viggo's life. So please keep her in your thoughts. He was only 5 & 1/2 years old.

Hungry Monster....

2009-09-30T07:45:00.000-07:00

1- On Plan: I ate WAY too much.
B: Banana, 1/2 Cup Shredded Wheat w/skim milk
S: Broccoli w/lite ranch dressing
L: Nachos w/cheese
S: Banana, Apple, Broccoli, Carrots, Trail Mix, Nachos w/cheese
D:Chicken w/Four Cheese Potatoes
2- Water Only had 4 diet cokes which is a good thing for me, considering that we are broke until next week and I can't afford to buy more...I'm rationing...good for the diet
3- Exercise: Only exercise I did today was walking to the dumpster which is about 9 townhouses up the hill...so not a big exercise day...it was rainy and dreary, even snowed a little today although it didn't stick.
4- Productivity: Can we say I was VERY lazy today? Took a 2 hour nap with my hubby, then woke up and played on the computer/internet for hours! Then ran to the bank and was going to pick up some cat litter but their machines were down, so I came home, did a couple loads of laundry and cleaned up a little bit, took some garbage up to the dumpster, but I am quit dissappointed in my activity levels today....it was my day off I spent the majority of it on my fat a#$. I should put I shocked my husband as I did 4 loads of laundry today and even got them hung up in the closet and folded and put away in the drawers (my usual is just to leave them in the clothes baskets...I'm lazy what can I say?)

Daily Summary: It was my day off...I was very lazy, I didn't watch a ton of TV, but did watch Criminal Minds and then about 1/2 of CSI New York, where I fell asleep in my chair and woke up around 1:00am then went up stairs, I feel horrible as I left my dog Shellie outside, from about 9pm till 1am and it was VERY VERY cold last night, and since she's not an outside dog she doesn't have any shelter outside to keep her warm I had a hunger that would NOT die today, I felt like no matter how much I ate I was still hungry.

Quick Question for my readers? What do you do when you have those days where you just can't get enough to eat, no matter what you do? I tried sipping on water, drinking peppermint herbal tea, munching on vegetables. It just seemed like I wanted to keep shoveling crap in my mouth. How do you keep the hungry monster at bay?

Tuesday September 29th

2009-09-29T07:43:00.000-07:00

1- On Plan:
B: Onion Bagel w/cream cheese
S: Broccoli w/lite ranch dressing
L: Chicken BLT Salad w/ranch dressing
S: Celery w/peanut butter
D: Grilled Salmon Patty, Mixed Veggies, Small Baked Potatoe
2- Water I did reasonably well but I still drank too many diet cokes.
3- Exercise: 15 Minutes on Elliptical while watching TV
4- Productivity: I put a yes and no on this one as I did better than usual, but still watched TV. This was a hard one as the NCIS TV Shows were on, but what I did was worked on folding laundry while watching them, and on commercials worked on picking up things, load of dishes etc, which is a lot more productive that my usual.

Daily Summary: Today I drank a lot more water as I was using the Crystal Lite powder mixins, but I still drank too much Diet Coke, weigh in today was up, which is no big surprise with the free for all weekend I had, so I am gonig to stay on track this week so I can lose it again! Sometimes I think my body subconsciously does not want to get below 200# either that or I have some bigtime fear of doing so which I do not understand as it seems like everytime I get within range (5# to go) I sabotage myself...but I WILL do this. The thigh seam on my scrub pants started to split today...luckily my mom owed me some scrubs for my birthday so I begged her to take me to walmart as I live 30 minutes away so it's not just like I can run home quick and change. This has me to thinking I need to do something about my "Sims" thunder thighs (I get them from my dad's side of the family I think). As this is the 2nd pair of pants I have split in a week!

Monday September 28th

2009-09-28T17:21:00.000-07:00

Well I decided that I would start keeping track today, since this weekend was my birthday and I wasn't exactly very on plan, as hubby spoiled me big time! And I know I have mega water gain because of it, so I would have been posting a bunch of no's, but I am back on track. So here goes nothing...
On Plan Exercise: Water:
Breakfast: Onion Bagel w/cream cheese
Snack: Broccoli & Celery dipped in light ranch dressing
Lunch: Garden Salad, Roast Beef/Swiss Grilled Sandwich
Snack:
Dinner:
Exercise: 30 Minute Walk with my dog (ever tried walking a dog that is in heat? NO the funnest of times...she's wearing a cloth diaper but had a couple boys who thought that she needed a boyfriend....she's getting spayed about a month after she finishes her heat cycle....not only does she have health issues, but I don't think I would like to pass on her OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder and Hyperactivity to her puppies, I don't think I could live with myself :P.
I will come back after dinner to finish posting. I have decided to start over with the FLY Lady thing, I started and did well for about 2 or 3 weeks, then let stress and depression get in my way of keeping up with things. But I'm once again tired of living in CHAOS, and am going to do something about it. We have decided we have a fork monster that is hiding all our forks, we only have about 4 that are in the drawer right now...

Words to think on....

2009-09-28T15:58:00.000-07:00

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence. -Helen Keller
-----
"Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act. There is no other route to success."
-----
There are many fears in the minds of man, but none so subtle, yet so effectual, as fear of failure.

We are so afraid we've been unwise and wasted valuable time and it makes us wonder how many times we've failed those who depended upon us, and how many times we've failed ourselves.

Time seems too short to make up and overcome the things long past. It seems sometimes that opportunities are there and gone before we've had time to make use of them. We condemn ourselves so much for the lack of knowledge when we most needed it. But if decisions were made on afterthought, they might not be as wise as those made quickly, without time to think.

We should no longer think about past failures, nor give undue thought to our chances for future ones, but only begin now to do the very best we can.

True failure comes only to those who stop trying, for no age, no time, no place can stop the person who decides to try one more time. As Frederick William Farrar, English author, has written, "There is only one real failure in life that is possible, and that is, not to be true to the best one knows."

By Joyce Sequichie Hifler

My new personal challenge

2009-09-24T08:51:00.001-07:00

I do better when I have to be accountable so therefore I am starting another 'personal' challenge (personal as because I suck at organizing and keep up with a bigger challenge, I can participate but not manage one), this time I am going to stick with it, I think this is the 3rd or 4th one I have started this year and so far have remained the same except for the Biggest Chooser Challenge (Over at Choosing 2 Lose--Awesome Weight Loss Forum) where I am down 11# + FINALLY! Well I had a goal last year/new years to be at my goal of 150# by 2010, well seeing as how that's 50# away I don't think there is anyway I will make that in 3 months, I would have to lose 16.67# a month, which could happen but I don't want to set my goal too high. So I am going to shoot for 30# which will be a 10# loss each month until Jan 1st. That will put me at 175#, and 25# away from my ultimate goal. I AM going to do this!

I am TIRED of getting winded just walking up the small hill to my mailbox/dumpster, I am TIRED of waking up each morning in pain from my joints because I have extra weight on them, I am TIRED of having NO energy because I am fat, I am tired of splitting my scrub pants on my thunder thighs, I'm TIRED of wearing out my thighs on my pants because my flabby thunder thighs rub together then I walk, I want a thigh gap! And last but not least, I am tired of having empty arms! I do not know if my lack of conception is due to my weight or my hubby's weight or not but I'm sure it's not helping. I want a baby! I'm DONE With FAT gosh dangit!

I am a big time list person so I hope you don't mind my list of how I am going to accomplish this goal of mine.

I will do the following to reach goal:
1- Stay on Plan (Tips on how I am going to do that)
a- Prepare breakfast/lunches for work night before including snacks
1- Eat Healthy Snacks NO MORE Bags of dorritos
2- Drink more water than Diet Coke/Coke Zero
3- Exercise at least 30 minutes 5 times a week
1- Walking
2- Walk At Home DVD's
3- Elliptical Machine
4- Crunch/Squats/Lunges Challenge (200)
4- Limit couch/tv/internet time, be active in some way whether cleaning/scrapbooking/sewing/playing with dogs/cats/chinchillas or whatever NO Addiction to TV
1- Get home from work by 7pm, work on dinner and cleaning until hubby leaves for work around 9pm then spend an hour unwinding with tv/internet then prepare and go to bed at 10pm.

Since this is a Christmas Challenge for me here are my trackers:
No
Yes
I will POST my status each day/week to keep track of how things are going.

__________________

Brrr...it's cold outside.

2009-09-22T10:37:00.000-07:00

It is a COLD day, had to pull out a jacket, we are starting to get freezes here....I HATE living in Utah some times. Before long we will have snow on the ground UGH! My legs/joints are so stiff and sore because of the drastic weather changes here, we were in the upper 80's last week. I hate it! It wreaks havoc on my bones. I was slightly disappointed in my weigh in this morning not even a pound loss...but hey it was TOM so I guess I should be grateful it wasn't my normal 5# water gain. I haven't been exercising as 'hard' this week as I was having issues with my legs and potassium, but I got me some bananas, and have been eating baked potatoes and they seem to be doing better so I'm going to kick it back into gear. The new TV season has started, and I did exercise a little yesterday while watching some tv, I was using my elliptical machine. I'm going to have to work hard not to become a vegetable on the couch this tv season, I am an ADDICT to many shows....CSI NY, Miami, Vegas, NCIS, The Closer, The Mentalist, Numbers, Two and a half men, Cold Case...this list could go on and on....but I am going to make it a goal to be active while watching TV whether it be exercising on my elliptical or working on websites or stuff on my laptop, and not just veg, it is also my 'weak' point for eating mindlessly so will have to keep that in check too.

Oh and found out today my dog, Shellie (golden retriever) has a bladder infection, we put her in doggie daycare and all the boys were going NUTS trying to hump her, so I pulled her out and checked her thinking she was coming into heat, nope she has blood in her urine, this will be her 3rd bladder infection and she turns 1 tomorrow. She has a recessed vulva so we are wanting her to come into heat so it swells and pushes it out so she's not as prone to infections, sorry if TMI. She's my special girl she also has Diabetes insipidus (can't concentrate her urine) so has to have injections twice a day.

One Day at a time

2009-09-18T15:09:00.000-07:00

I am such a bad blogger lately! I must apologize for that. I have been mega stressed with work, had to let someone go (first person I have ever fired by myself) and that was really sucky! But it was long overdue. Things already are running smoother, I am not wondering whether or not we will be lucky enough to be graced with her presence each day. (she had MEGA attendance issues). Anyways it's nice not to have to worry about it any longer, it was really stressing me out...As for the weight loss goes, I have lost 12# in the last 2-3 weeks, right now I am a little stalled as it is TOM and I always gain water weight then. I'm proud of myself at work instead of just sitting around, my brother and I set up a 55 gallon tank that's been sitting around for over a year in our cat room, it's gonna look so cool when it's all said and done, I will post pictures. I *might* be getting 2 chinchillas (adorable little soft as heck critters). They are up for adoption cage, supplies and all and they are 'rare' colors so are normally over $100 each plus the cage and supplies...just have to convince hubby that we need them :) ...which I am working on...he's almost there....Here are some pictures of them right now there names are Snowball and Dexter, I am thinking of Snowball and Midnight or Salt and Pepper :) Snowball is a Pink White and Dexter is a Black Velvet for their colorings.

2009-09-07T10:39:00.001-07:00

More to come later.....

Remember why....

2009-09-05T19:50:00.000-07:00

Today's post is going to focus on remembering why I am losing this weight...or attempting too....It was an afternoon in July 2008, when I had just gotten home from shopping at Walmart and Harmons, I bought a lot of junk food, and it exhausted me just bringing in all the groceries. Then I went to put on my 'lounge' pants and split the seam on the thighs...that was my defining moment, the moment that made me say, enough is enough, and the moment that changed my life. I decided then and there that I HAD to do something about it. Granted my journey so far this year hasn't been all that it should/could be, but I am focusing on the future, not the past, I am doing pretty good this week, losing weight well and exercising each day. I am losing this weight for better health, for a chance at conceiving (hopefully...if that's in the cards for my hubby and I and God's will). Also so that slight exercise won't wind me and make me exhausted, stiff and sore....such as walking up the street to pick up the mail.

Saturday's Food Intake 9/5

2009-09-05T10:34:00.000-07:00

On Plan: Water: Exercise:
The scale is going consistently down each day, something that I haven't seen for a while. YEAH! I just hope I don't blow it this weekend as I ALWAYS blow it on the weekends when I am home, it's a lot harder to stay strong for me, guess I just need to keep myself busy and then I won't be tempted to eat crap, although with as broke as we are right now, we don't have much in the way of crap in our house at the moment. YEAH!
Food Intake: B Green Smoothie, Steak, 2 Eggs, Cheese, 1 Banana
L: Green Apple, Garden Salad w/tuna, carrots w/low carb dressing, steamed veggies
D:Orange Garden Salad (Grilled Salmon, Cucumbers, Olives, Cheese, Romaine Lettuce) w/low carb dressing, Peanut Butter/Soy Sauce Chicken/Bell Peppers Low Carb Tortilla Wrap
Snacks: Green Bell Peppers, Cucumbers, Activa Yogurt Key Lime
**Green Smoothie: Parsley, Ginger, Pineapple, Honey, Water, Splenda
Exercise:40 Minute Walk with Dog, 10 Minutes Leg Exercises

Stress..Stress...GO AWAY!

2009-09-03T20:12:00.001-07:00

On Plan: Water: Exercise:
***Warning....I'm kind of verbose today*** :) Woot Woot! No frownie faces yet! I have had such an incredible amount of stress this week, I think it's a test to see if I will break my diet. Today I broke down in the bathroom at work and cried for 30 minutes. The business that I love and have put a lot of effort and my life into is struggling to stay above water. It breaks my heart. We are trying to turn things around but it's looking very bleak. Then we have a little adoption kitten who was pulled from the shelter with a fractured leg, we surgically repaired it (put a metal pin in it) and about 5 days after we got him he started getting sick, he has a respiratory infection, but it's extremely severe and with pneumonia, so he has been on deaths bed for a week. Here is his picture, these were taken the day we got him before his surgery. He has been severely dehydrated and hasn't eaten on his own since last Friday...we are giving him subcutaneous fluids, medications for his infection/pneumonia and putting drops up his nose to clear it out so he can smell so he can eat. He is also on a heating pad. He is improving today though, I thought we were going to lose him yesterday, he went hypothermic on us (temp 95) and was barely responsive. But he's looking better today, and even purred. Poor little guy has lost a lot of weight. Sorry for going on about him...animals are my life....next to my husband....I have a lot of compassion for special needs animals.

I was so depressed about the business, and the kitten, I was having an incredibly hard time, Hubby told me that I should pray to help take some of the 'doomsday' feelings away, and I did, it helped throughout the day. Now mind you I am the one who served 18 months on a religious mission, not my hubby, he is a convert to our church, and he is such a strong man, he is always the one who has to remind me to talk to my Heavenly Father. I was able to stay more focused on positive aspects of the business and get work done better, I was efficient this afternoon...depsite everyone deciding to show up at once right before my lunch break. I am quite proud of the fact that I was able to stay on plan as usually at the first sign of stress, I start eating badly. So far so good. (It helps that we are broke beyond broke right now so I can't rush to walmart to pick up junk food.....lol) I think I have 2 more days on the detox drink, my tongue is still slightly white, that's what they say to use as an indicator. I am proud of myself though instead of coming home and sitting on the couch with my laptop I did some cleaning in the kitchen and organized the 'dog' corner (where we keep all their stuff etc.)
Food Intake: B Green Smoothie, Detox Drink, 1 Apple
L: Detox Drink, Green Apple, Garden Salad w/tuna, carrots w/low carb dressing
D: Detox Drink, Garden Salad (Grilled Chicken, Cucumbers, Olives, Cheese, Romaine Lettuce) w/low carb dressing, Steamed Broccoli
Snacks: Green Bell Peppers, Cucumbers, Detox Drink, Celery
**Detox Drink Lemon Juice/Maple Syrup/Cayenne Pepper
**Green Smoothie: Parsley, Ginger, Pineapple, Honey, Water, Splenda
Exercise: 30 Minutes Walking with my dog

Stress....knicked in the bud....

2009-09-02T21:56:00.001-07:00

I am going to start using a 'checks n balances' type system as I am a nut :) I am going to start keeping track of my days with my little smilies:Yes:No:
On Plan: Water: Exercise:
Well for as stressful as today was, I did amazingly well.....it was a VERY long day at work 15 hours altogether including commute time (I'm on salary so no overtime :( . My only dog I groomed today was a Schnauzer who had bad teeth and arthritis so she really didn't want to be groomed too badly, they wanted her face shaved and it was causing her pain.....so she was a battle to groom. We had an emergency come in at 6pm (closing time), it was a Shih Tzu newborn puppy who was born with it's intestines outside it's body, then the mom was having complications so we had to assist her with the delivery, we were able to poke everything back in and sew the puppy at, it has a 50/50 chance of making it. I was there until 9pm. Which totally stressed me out as the people were there from 6pm on waiting for my dad (vet) to get there as he was teaching school, puppy was not in immediate danger so I stabilized it, then we waited for him to get there at 8pm, Rob has to leave for work by 8:30...it takes 23minutes for him to get to work and right now we only have 1 car....so that was MEGA stressing me out. But he woke up with a bad belly so called in sick to work today...that eased my mind. I walked with my dog, Shellie in our doggie daycare room at work since I figured it was gonna be a late night.....30 minutes. So that was my 'bonus' for the day.
Food Intake: B Green Smoothie, Detox Drink, 1 Banana
L: Detox Drink, Green Apple, Garden Salad w/low carb dressing
D: Detox Drink, Garden Salad (Grilled Chicken, Cucumbers, Olives, Cheese, Romaine Lettuce) w/low carb dressing, 5 french fries
Snacks: Green Bell Peppers, Cucumbers, Detox Drink, Popcorn
**Detox Drink Lemon Juice/Maple Syrup/Cayenne Pepper
**Green Smoothie: Parsley, Ginger, Pineapple, Honey, Water, Splenda
Exercise: 30 Minutes Walking with my dog

New Month...New Game Plan

2009-09-01T09:03:00.000-07:00

This is this mornings weigh-in....UGH! What happened? I am so disappointed in myself. I have been teetering and not doing what I should do for months now, am going to get back on plan today. I am doing a 3 day detox to see if that helps jump start the losses again. Then I am going to get back on track and STAY ON TRACK. I would like to lose 30# by the end of the year. Not my 'loss' goal but it will be considerably closer than I am now. I am going to start exercising again, I must, not only for my sake, but my poor Golden Retriever is going stir crazy (which drives me crazy as well) without our daily walks. Hubby just loaded my Ipod with tons of new books so I'm set. My books of the moment are JD Robb's "In Death" series, I've listened to about 4 of them now and am hooked....Nora Roberts is one of my favorite authors. Anyways I listen to my Ipod while I am grooming, depends on the day whether I am in the mood for music or books, but it's nice to have. My hubby says I have listened to my ipod more than I ever listened to my creative player that I've had for a while. In my opinion the ipod is easier to use. Anyways getting off track here, just wanted to say I AM back on track...or getting there...hopefully no more de-railings!

I lost 12 inches today.....

2009-08-26T13:05:00.000-07:00

Of HAIR! I have been growing my hair out since 2005, and decided since I always have it pulled up and off my neck, it was time to cut it! So I cut off over 12" of hair today! Here are some pictures, the first one was taken before, then a few afters, sorry my face is a mess...had just finished shopping and unloading groceries and it's SUPER hot today. My hair is naturally curly and shortness REALLY brings out the curls. What do you think?

Epiphany of the day....

2009-08-21T10:52:00.000-07:00

Today has been somewhat weird...well my cat Munchie had to visit the vet today...he HATES car rides as when he was younger he had both knees operated on and one of them got infected so had to visit vet/grandpa lots. Well ANYTIME he rides in the car he poops, pees and vomits in his carrier, usually getting it all over himself. So today was no different, within a minute of getting in the car he did his normal poop/pee/puke....so much fun have to smell it for 30 minutes in the car. So I am giving him a bath and I express his anal sacs/glands...if you don't know what those are they are glands that sit on either side of dogs/cats rectums and are similar to the scent gland of the skunk...they STINK to high heaven...anyways I squeezed his sacs and the contents went flying all over me, my shoulder, face, glasses, eye....hair...I stunk to high heaven, so I had to take off my jacket and wash it and try to find something here to wear in the meantime, had to wash my face and my hair AT WORK, we had another groomers jacket but it was a medium, I am wearing a large to x-large in my tops, so I decided I had to wear it, it zipped up but was tight around my ghetto booty (rear end) so I had to slit the sides of it to wear for an hour or two. Well It wasn't too snug around my chest/stomach area, so I have decided I need to get my butt into gear and make it so I can wear mediums again. It felt nice.

So my ghetto bootie is out the door....anyone know some good fanny exercises I can do to loose my lower half? I AM going to get back on plan next monday...I know I should start today, but my hubby has his birthday this weekend and we already have plans for some not so good foods.... :) Anyways that was my epiphany today...I'm going to lose my fanny, I want to be Hot for the Holidays! I am going to do the Lean for Life Diet, that worked for me, and was pretty easy to stay on a few years back, I just have to be determined, no more lame-o excuses.

Here are some pictures of the 'medium' top. My top that I am wearing normally is a Large. I have a 'slender' waist, it does have a little bit extra on it but I'm excited.

Am I concerned enough?

2009-08-13T09:03:00.000-07:00

I work for a veterinarian, and we have this sweet client who owns beagles, anyone who has worked for us over the years remembers her and knows her well. She is very concerned about her pets, she has no skin kids, so she calls us numerous times a day with every little thing that is going on in her pets lives. She lost her older beagle (16 years) back in December just before Christmas, she has a new little one and she calls with questions and concerns about her as well.

This got me to thinking today, am I concerned enough with my health, my wellness, my weight? I have little to no willpower and need to improve. Yesterday it was a struggle for me to walk up to the mail box, which it was about a year ago when I started this journey, sad to say I haven't been exercising like I should, I have been in a mega slump when it comes to exercising and eating right, but I am pulling myself up, getting back in the saddle and am going to do this! I have done so well, I started at 250#, and am now at 214.6# which is a gain from my lowest, but at least I have lost. I have lost 35.4# (14%) that is definitely something to be proud of. I have been invited to several challenges, and I'm still debating on whether or not I want to join them, I feel so overwhelmed sometimes keeping up with everything, I have a lot going on in my life right now, so I am considering them.

So my challenge to myself for this next week is to get off the couch (I am addicted to TNT shows) and exercise, either that or use my Elliptical Machine while watching TV, that I can definitely handle...just have to declutter it...it's collected a lot of things on it! I will do this! Today at work I am doing doggie daycare so that is keeping me somewhat active. YEAH! Every little thing helps.

For a cool weight loss percentage calculator: http://www.fitwatch.com/qkcalc/calculate-weight-loss-percentage.html

Am I allergic to sugar?

2009-08-11T14:44:00.001-07:00

So since Friday I have had MASSIVE gut aches to the point that I curl up in a ball and don't move, It is right below my rib cage, and taking my licorice root for my GERD (reflux) helps, I'm taking 2 capsules as needed. Anyways I called and talked to my Dr today, and we think that my body may be 'reacting' to sugar...guess that's my body's way of getting my butt back on plan. Today Reese's Pieces set it off. I only ate a handful and within 15 minutes my gut ache was there. So he suggested that I cut out sugars, refined/processed foods and eat more natural things for a week and see how I do, if not improved I will go in for an ultrasound. Anyone have any tips and/or suggestions on how to do this? Any cool recipe sites or informational sites that anyone likes? I have NO clue how to do this. Does this mean I should cut out Diet Coke? Would Diet Rite be okay since it's sweetened with Splenda or would that make me react too? He suggested I go and talk with his nutritionist, but we just can't afford that right now. My bloodwork all came back good except that I am STILL Vit D Deficient so have to increase back to 5000 IU twice a day again.

On a sadder note...my weigh in this morning 215.2# EEEEKKKKKK!

Nothing short of a miracle...

2009-07-22T15:14:00.000-07:00

I haven't gained weight these past few weeks. Probably because for the last week my throat has been swollen and sore...yet again! Sunday night I thought my hubby was going to have to take me to the emergency room. He had me use his asthma nebulizer and that really helped. I have strep throat (am pretty sure, going to Dr next week) again, with a sinus infection , this makes #3 this year. Wondering if I need to have my tonsils removed.

I am 209.2# as of this am, and that is a miracle to me as I haven't been eating very good, staying on plan or anything, but starting tomorrow I am back on plan. Am considering doing the lean for life as I really need to kick my butt back into weight loss gear. I think my throat is still a little too swollen/raw for exercise as just walking up to the mailbox last night killed me. Anyways just wanted to pop in quickly and say hello.

Update Face Pictures

2009-07-09T09:54:00.000-07:00

This first picture was taken back on 7/14/08 (which was about when I started this weight loss journey)
The other 2 Pictures were taken today. One with my hair down and one with my hair up, I normally wear my hair up at work.

I'm alive.....

2009-07-07T21:50:00.000-07:00

Well this cartoon fits me perfectly lately...well for the past 6 months, I have literally lost and relost the same weight over and over again. I am now 1 year into my weight loss journey and have a measley 40-45# (depending on the day) to show for it. I could be at goal, if I would quit giving into my stress eating, and would start giving it 110% for my diet and exercise routine. I've been doing semi-better lately. Although hubby bought an icecream maker (it is automatic makes icrecream/sorbets in less than an hour WITHOUT requiring salt and ice! It's amazing!) so we have been tinkering around with different recipes, and such. I am bound and determined to get back on plan and stay there!

Fabulous N Fit by Fall Week 2 Checkin

2009-06-18T15:03:00.000-07:00

Name: Heather T (No Time To Weight)
Pounds Lost This Week: .2# (not bad for being out of town)
Total FNF Challenge Pounds Lost:2# total (209.8#)
NSV's This week: I stayed pretty much on plan while I was out of town, having only 1 cheat!
Day's Exercised: 4, I was sick
Inches Lost (optional): Didn't Measure but did today so we can see next week's loss.
This Week's Motivation: My motivation this week was a website/blog http://zeusmeatball.blogspot.com, this guy has lost 200# in about a year and a half! Amazing!
Weekly Summary: It went well this week, especially for being sick and being out of town.
Room for Improvement for next week: Less 'crap' foods when at home, more exercise. Got to get back into the routine.

Are you Serious????

2009-06-17T15:05:00.000-07:00

Today I made a quick trip to walmart to pick up some stuff, and I always end up getting a cold drink out of the end displays...well I LOVE Sunkist, so I grabbed a regular one as Walmart very rarely has the Diet Sunkist in the little bottles up front, as that's what I was craving at the moment. Anyways I was looking at the bottle after I had drank some and OMG....what a shocking moment that was!

Calories in 1 cup (8oz) 130
Calories in 1 Bottle 320

Holy cow! Can you say that is about a meal? Good grief! That was definitely a learning experience! Check those labels! What I have done in my 'diet coke' addiction.....is buy the 2 liter bottles and then fill 20oz bottles to take to work with me, it ends up being cheaper than can's that way. I usually buy the Walmart brand "Sam's Cola Zero Calorie" unless Diet Coke is on sale (79 cents is a good buy for me), then I get the Coke Zero. Anyways this has got me thinking about 'serving' sizes as well, as I know oftentimes we are in a rush, routine or whatever you want to call it and end up eating/drinking more than we should.

Here is an informative article I found all about Portion sizes:

Portion control and knowing what a portion or serving size looks like is so essential for not only losing weight, but also maintaining your weight. Did you know that there are some basic ways that you can remember what a portion size looks like, or be able to assess how many portions you are about to eat? Too often we eat without measuring, therefore we might think we are eating sensibly, but in actuality we are taking in double or even triple the serving size. Below is a fun and easy guide to refer to for identifying one serving!

Use these comparisons to keep your portions in check. (Nestle.com)

A baseball or size of your fist- would be one serving of vegetables or fruit
Tennis ball- measures to about ½ cup of food (for example, ½ cup ice cream)
Golf ball or large egg- is about a ¼ cup of dried fruit or nuts
Six dice or one domino- would equal one serving of cheese
Deck of cards or the palm of your hand- equivalent to a serving of meat, fish or poultry
Tip of your thumb- about one-teaspoon of peanut butter
Computer mouse- one serving of a baked potato
CD (compact disc)- equals the serving size of a waffle of pancake
Check book- equals a 3 oz. serving of fish
A rounded handful- about one half cup cooked or raw veggies or cut fruit, a piece of fruit, or ½ cup of cooked rice or pasta

Other friendly tips:
1. Look at your plate of food. Roughly half of your plate should be full of vegetables, one-quarter should be your protein, and the last one-quarter should be your starch.

2. Read food labels. Every one of them displays the serving size. It’s usually not one entire package.

Here is another one that shows serving sizes using your hands as a guide:
http://www.prevention.com/cda/article/handy-portion-control/ccd688dc78803110VgnVCM10000013281eac____/weight.loss

I am going to print both these charts up, laminate them and put them on my fridge and in my lunch bag so I can have them at work!

New Inspirational Site

2009-06-15T14:23:00.000-07:00

This blog was shared with me on a forum, and I've been reading it all week! I am quite motivated by him, he has lost 200# since Jan 08 with diet, and exercise. He reminds me a lot of my hubby. http://zeusmeatball.blogspot.com Anyways I just wanted to share this motivational blog.

Back to the Grind

2009-06-15T14:12:00.001-07:00

Well I got back yesterday. It has been a long week, lots of fun. It rained pretty much every day which DOES NOT make an outdoor show very fun. Especially when you have poodles! Although it did hold off pretty much for the times she was showing, although some breeds were not so lucky! Jewel is a pretty girl, she's very refined. Here are some pictures of her on Sunday. I am still not feeling 100% with my sinus infection still draining crud (it's yellow now), so I'll be talking to my Dr. again. I have today off, and go back to work tomorrow. Unfortunately, my staff is not as efficient as I would like them to be so whenever I take time off it is very frustrating to go back to work and trying to sort things out, my main receptionist apparantly called in sick on Friday...AGAIN! I've got to talk to her on Friday about her attendance AGAIN! Anyways back to the grind, back to the diet, and back to lots of laundry and catching up on housework...if I can pull myself away from the show "The Closer" I LOVE that show. I pick up my kids from the pet resort tomorrow and hopefully they have missed me :) I can't wait to get back to walking my golden retriever. We found out this weekend, that my 8 month old golden retriever has Diabetes Insipidus (which is water diabetes), she can't concentrate her urine (process it properly) which is why she drinks/pees so much. So she has to get shots everyday, you can do eye drops, but apparantly that isn't going to work for her as she fights it going into her eye, so I get to give her a shot every day. I've only had her for 2 months and she was a rescue (she needs surgery on her shoulder). But apparantly as usual, my animals sure know how to pick me :) My dad is a veterinarian so it makes for easy treatment of my 'medically' challenged kids.

Eating on the go....

2009-06-12T18:06:00.001-07:00

I am writing this from the hotel, here's a few things I have learned. Double CONFIRM that there will be a fridge/microwave accessible! They told me on the phone there was one, but not when I got here and it was midnight so I was exhausted and not about to hotel hunt, so I had to go buy a cooler (that says it keeps food cool for 5 days) and a microwave. My sister wants me to go to dog shows a lot for her, so I'll just 'pack' the cooler and the microwave in the future.

Things are going well on the diet front. Having breakfast bowls with a piece of fruit for breakfast, a wrap (using those flat out wraps from walmart), with lean meats, cheese, and lettuce, then 100 calorie rice crispie treats (yummo), and then a Lean Gourmet for dinner with a salad and a piece of fruit. For snacks I did some veggies, and then some 100 calorie snack things

As for the dog show....it's raining, and an outdoor show and they are STILL going on with the show....oh the joy! It was hailing earlier today. Luckily, my friends motor home is like right across from the rings so we can watch to see when we are up. Here is the dog I'm showing:

So I

Hotel Meal Ideas???

2009-06-08T17:16:00.000-07:00

I am going out of town on Wednesday until Sunday, and will have fridge/micro in room. During the day I will be spending the day in a motorhome with my friend will have access to her fridge. I am looking for easy and fairly inexpensive 'healthy/diety' type meals/snacks to take.

My thinking is Breakfast Bowls (egg beaters, bacon bits etc) for breakfasts, Lunches I was thinking Deli Meat Wraps, and Dinners I'm stumped but was thinking maybe Lean Cuisine or something? Anyone have any other 'easy' hotel meal ideas?

Right now I'm doing lower carb/calorie counting.

CC 4th of July Challenge Check In/Family Challenge Checkin

2009-06-07T20:47:00.000-07:00

Name: Heather
Pounds Lost this Week: 1.8# (But have gained since last check in
Total Challenge Pounds Lost: 0 Right now (I'm up to 210.0# started at 209.6#)
NSV's: Did reasonably well being sick this week
Weekly Summary: It was an AWFUL week, I have been really sick with a sinus infection/chest/head cold, feverish and everything, so have been eating lots of comfort foods.
Strategies for Success for the Coming Week: Getting back on plan, and exercising again, haven't felt well enough to exercise that much this week.

My Family is also doing a "Biggest Loser" challenge. We all have to pay $50.00 entrance fee, then the winner at the end of the challenge gets the entry fees. It ends in September.
Starting (Last week) Weight: 211.8#
This week Weight: 210.0#

I have a fever today (100.8) but I think it just broke, I need to go check it, I've been feeling better today but I tend to get worse at night. I took a 4 hour nap this afternoon which was MUCH needed. I'm hoping to feel well enough tomorrow to exercise some.

Still alive...I think.....

2009-06-06T20:43:00.001-07:00

UGH! I got sicker yesterday! I have fluid behind my right ear, and my entire right side of my neck is extremely tender and painful. My sinuses are KILLING me, and my ear hurts. I picked up some homeopathic ear drops, am taking antibiotics, and flushing my sinuses with saline 4-5 times a day following up with a spritz of colloidal silver up my nose. I have yet to get back on the diet, still just eating comfort foods....dang it! I wish I felt better. Hubby really wanted me to stay home today but I was basically the only one who could do what I do at work (I'm the Pet Groomer) and I had a HUGE dog to do today....
Here are a couple dogs who are members of our "Pet Shedder's Anonymous Program"
Sadie is the first one she is a Husky/German Shepherd mix, and then Yoshi is the 2nd one he's the one I did today, I spent probably at least an hour brushing him/de-shedding him. I got an entire garbage can full of hair out of him....his owners have his treatment done about every 3 months and it reduces his shedding about 80% at home!

Quick Update

2009-06-04T21:43:00.000-07:00

Not doing so hot this week....will get my scale photo posted soon for the Fabulous N Fit Challenge I just have been dealing with a very sick hubby, he has asthma severely so when he gets sick it usually is 10x worse than a normal person. He has had the flu as I have the past few days, got it from a worker of his who decided to stay/go to work even though he was sick...wasn't that nice of him, it's all I have been able to do to go to work and such. My work is very short staffed and I'm a manager so can't really afford to take 'sick' days a lot. Anyways this week has been stressful, and tom, so my weight has ballooned. UGH! But starting tomorrow I'm back on plan and detoxing to get rid of this water/bad eating weight. I'm sick of the yo-yoing I've been losing the same 12# over and over since Christmas...time for a change...a new front is on the horizon!

Fabulous N Fit By Fall Challenge!

2009-05-28T22:11:00.000-07:00

Everything is just about ready for the challenge to begin! YEAH! I have decided to have an entire blog for the challenge as I find it easier to keep up with things that way. Instructions and Details of the challenge are located on the new blog.
http://fabulousbyfall.blogspot.com
I'm really excited for this challenge. Everyone who joins, gets' their own 'tree' in the Fabulous N Fit Weight Loss Grove! You get leaves on your tree as you lose weight and check in each week! WAHOO! Who's gonna have a pretty fall tree with me? We will have 2 winners as well! Although anyone who gives a concerted effort and loses something is a winner! :P

My cute little nephew!

2009-05-28T21:04:00.000-07:00

I met my little nephew for the 1st time today. He is almost 2 years old (September) and lives just 90 minutes away, however my brother and his ex-wife are going through a nasty divorce and Jon has only been allowed visitation in HER home, with only my dad and my other brother and his wife (who were friends with the ex before all this happened) allowed to go there. However she went out of town on one of Jon's visists so we got 'court' ordered visitation at my Aunt's home which is located in a neighboring (to my parents) town. Jon's attorney encouraged us all to go and visit him. It was a lot of fun. Chandler is a cute little boy and looks a lot like his dad. Almost spitting image!

The picture with othe rpeople in it is my sister Jen, my brother Mike and his 2 kids Brigg is in the red/white shirt and Braden is held by my brother.

****Update on the up and coming "Fabulous N Fit By Fall" Challenge, I am working hard on it, had it just about ready to go then I had a complete, brain storm moment and started over! It's gonna be really cool! Anyways I will be working hard on it and should have it ready by Sunday! SO....stay tuned :)

End of the Sizzling Hot For Summer Challenge

2009-05-27T19:15:00.001-07:00

Starting Weight April 1st: 211.6#
Ending Weight May 27th: 206.4#
Total Lost this challenge: 5.2#

Why I love my husband

2009-05-27T06:08:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful conversation to start off the day ;) This is an AIM Conversation. Just gotta love his 'kissing' up don'tcha? Makes me feel not so bad for taking a butter knife to my laptop keyboard the other day and popping off the spacebar key (trying to get the piece of food out from under it)....this is coming from my hubby who is a computer geek by trade.

6:57:20 AM) heather Love you
(6:57:32 AM) rob love you too.
(6:57:36 AM) rob oh dso I love you
(6:57:51 AM) rob you are the bestestestest wife in the whole world.
(6:58:05 AM) heather why?
(6:58:14 AM) rob the most caring, kind hearted, loving, UNDERSTANDING person in the world.
(6:59:13 AM) rob and you love your husband to no end and would be happy, near estatic to do anything for him.
(7:00:52 AM) heather What do you need/want?
(7:01:05 AM) heather ;-)
(7:01:11 AM) rob I need $20
(7:01:19 AM) heather What now :-*
(7:01:19 AM) rob I can pay you back when I get paid
(7:01:42 AM) rob um, I need you to stop at walmart and pick up a new keyboard.
(7:02:10 AM) rob cause um, I won't have time to fix yours until this weekend..
(7:02:25 AM) rob O:-)
(7:02:38 AM) rob it was an accident
(7:03:05 AM) heather What did you do?
(7:04:17 AM) rob um, I went to um set some ice on your desk, and um there was a cup there that um I kinda set there the other day so I um wouldn't knock it over, and well um it kinda fell over and um emptied itself into your keyboard, the um entire glass.
(7:05:17 AM) heather So you took it upon yourself to have a heather moment did ya?
(7:05:46 AM) heather: Speaking of which....my brother is harassing me about his puters
(7:05:57 AM) rob and see we um payed like um $20 for them so um I thought you could pick one um up and I would clean the old one um on the weekend and have it as um like um an extra in case um heatherism strikes again.

Tuesday May 26th

2009-05-26T07:57:00.000-07:00

Tuesday May 26th : Weight 207.0#
Morning: Started the day off with a Ginger/Parsley/Honey/Lemon Juice/Pineapple juice drink,
Breakfast: Yogurts, Fruit, Almond Smoothie
Snack: 2 Cheese Sticks
Lunch: Salad w/salmon patty/cheese
Dinner: Baked Potatoe/Chilli/Cheese
Snack:
Exercise: 30 Min Walk w/dog
Water: Drank it all

Not suprised that my weight is up with all me excess snacking/munching yesterday. Need to start scrapbooking again or something so I'm not so 'mindlessly' munchie on days off. As long as I keep busy I don't have to keep shoveling stuff in my mouth.

On a sad note, this morning I discovered one of my budgies passed away during the night, Skye, she was egg bound (bled to death while having an egg). Here is a picture of her:

Happy Memorial Day

2009-05-25T06:24:00.000-07:00

glitter-graphics.com

Monday May 25th : Weight 205.6#
Morning: Started the day off with a Ginger/Parsley/Honey/Lemon Juice/Pineapple juice drink,
Breakfast: Yogurt/Fruit/Almond Smoothie
Snack: Apple
Lunch: Hummus Veggie Pita Plate, again really yummy, hubby hates it but I LOVE hummus
Dinner: Tuna Bake, Potato Chips
Snack: 100 Calorie Popcorn, Frozen Otter Pop Type Things, way too many of them at 20 calories each....UGH, Potato Chips
Exercise: 30 Minute walk with my dog
Water: Drank All My Water

Just had a lazy day, spent a good majority of it relaxing, doing laundry and dishes. Also reflecting on the wonderful freedoms I have because of all the wonderful military/navy etc men and women who sacrifice so much for me. My Grandfather was in the Army was in WWII, and when he was older just before he died, I did a project where I started going through his pictures and labeled them, he had Alzheimers so was sketchy on what he could remember. But it was so amazing to hear some of his stories, as well as at his funeral the salute he was given. He died just after my Sr year of high school in 1995 (actually lost 3 grandparents that year, January, April and November). I had never lost anyone close to me other than a little boy I had babysat, so that was a very tough year. When I was on my mission in WV there was a gentleman, Marvin who was one of the most amazing men I have ever met, he was in the army severed in WWII and he took us to a memorial in Virginia. It was so touching to see his reverence at the memorial site. I am honored and blessed by all those who have served and the families who support them. THANK YOU!

Snacks, Snacks Snacks...What to have?

2009-05-24T20:04:00.000-07:00

Sunday May 24th Day 5 : Weight 206.0# Down 0.4# 1290 Calories
Morning: Started the day off with a Ginger/Parsley/Honey/Lemon Juice/Pineapple juice drink,
Breakfast: Berry Fruit N Yogurt Parfait w/almonds
Snack: 100 Calorie Popcorn
Lunch: Thai Peanut-chicken wrap
Dinner: Navajo Tacos
Snack: 100 Calorie Chocolate Bar, 100 Calorie Protein Snack
Exercise: 30 Minutes WATP DVD (It's raining here), and 2.5 hours cleaning at work...very active
Water:Yes

K weekends are ALWAYS the hardest for me, as you can see I've eaten a few more snacks than normal. It is so hard for me, it's like I have to have something in my mouth, not so sure if it's because I spend a lot of time on the couch, or the computer chair just vegging, trying to think of ways to be more active on weekends so I can stay more occupied as this sucks! It's been such a challenge today. So I'm looking for 'healthy' 100 calorie snacks, either the ones you can buy or the ones you make yourselves. What are some of your favorite snacks to have?

Simply Saturday

2009-05-23T19:55:00.000-07:00

Saturday May 23rd : Weight 206.4# 1.6# Loss 1290 Calories
Morning: Started the day off with a Ginger/Parsley/Honey/Lemon Juice/Pineapple juice drink,
Breakfast: Oatmeal, peanut butter, banana for breakfast, it was really yummy!
Snack: Apple
Lunch: Thai Peanut/Chicken/Bell Pepper Wrap
Dinner: Chicken Fajitas
Snack: 100 Calorie Popcorn
Exercise: 45 Min Walk w/dog
Water: Drank it all

Recipe:
Thai Peanut Chicken Wrap
2 tsp peanut butter
2 tsp light soy sauce
1 tsp honey
2 oz cooked chicken breast, cubed (I seasoned mine with Garlic, Onion Powder & Seasoned Salt)
1 cup red bell peppers, sliced
1 whole-grain tortilla

Blend Peanut butter, 2 tsp water, soy sauce and honey until smooth. Mix peanut sauce with chicken and peppers, and wrap in a tortilla.

Today was saturday, and I LOVE working on Saturdays, why you might ask? Because my day is cut 4 hours shorter than my normal as I only work 9am-4pm and things are generally a tad bit slower on saturdays so I am able to get some 'busy work' and tedious tasks done. Today I did doggie daycare and it was fun, we have a lot of dogs boarding this weekend:
Saturday we had 6 standard poodles in doggie daycare, 1 golden retriever, 1 Bernese Mountain Dog, 2 German Shepherds. In little dogs we had 2 schnauzers, 2 jack russels, 1 shih tzu and 2 chihuahuas. Just about EVERY noisy dog that ever boards with us is there this weekend, the only quiet ones were 4 of the standard poodles, the bernese mtn dog (only noisy for attention) and the chihuahus. So you can imagine the headache I endured :) But I like it when we have a lot of dogs as there are more playful ones there and they can 'entertain' themselves easier....i.e..find someone to wrestle with.

We have a client who for the past 7 years has 'blended' her dogs food up and frozen it into individual servings. It's a german shepherd and she has something called Megaeosophogus so she can't swallow properly. She is a little skinny but doing amazingly well for her condition, most don't live this long at all. She's such a good girl, she stands on her hind legs on a counter to 'lap' up her liquid food mix, then after she eats she has to stand for 20 minutes on a chair to help gravity. She is so good she stands there for the entire time....you might ask while I'm telling you this....because It made me realize that preparation is the key.

I try to make my meals the night before, well at least when I work I make my breakfasts/dinners as it makes it so much easier in the mornings, and I have less chance of not taking something healthy. If I'm running late, I don't have to worry about not having time to make up my meals n snacks if I prepare them ahead of time. What do you do to prepare yourself to eat healthy?

Slimming Green Smoothie Recipe

2009-05-22T21:38:00.000-07:00

Here is the recipe for the "Slimming Green Smoothie Recipe" it is pretty good, if you aren't used to 'veggie' drinks it's a little different at first, but I really enjoy it.
**Added: this recipe came from the "All You" Magazine from Walmart, it's the June issue that's pink with Lemonade on the cover**

Green Honey Ginger Drink
1 Cup fresh flat-leaf parsley (leaves and stems)
1/4 cup pineapple (fresh, frozen, or canned; no sugar added)
2 tsp honey
1 inch fresh ginger peeled and grated
1 T fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup water
***Am Loving Rob's little cute blender we got him, it's a small basically just one-two serving size blender perfect for smoothies and drinks. I LOVE it! Makes it easy, and I HATE the noise of regular blenders, I plug my ears LOL!

Ooh...I did not know this:
Slimming perks: Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that dissolves lymphatic toxins to smooth away fatty pockets in the belly and thighs. Plus, bromelain neutralizes bradykinins, polypeptides that promote fat storage in the lower body.

I look forward to it every morning. Was wondering if anyone knows if it would hurt to keep it up after the 7 days? It doesn't really say anything in the magazine article. Oooh, I've read this article about a dozen times and have MISSED a crucial step:
1- Start each day with a special drink (Green Honey Ginger Drink) and END each day with a cup of peppermint tea (I missed this step! MMMM gonna go make me a cup, love my herbal teas).
2- Then basically stick to 1200 calories it has a lot of 'healthful' fats in it so it is more filling than typical diet plans (nuts, avocados, olive oil)
3- Get 30 Minutes of Moderate Exercise in.

It also suggests when you have cravings to have peppermint tea. It's weird but this REALLY has helped me. I add a little splenda and calorie free!

Way to go!

2009-05-22T19:34:00.000-07:00

Friday May 22nd : Weight 208.0# (I'll take a maintain after having cookies yesterday) 1290 Calories
Morning: Started the day off with a Ginger/Parsley/Honey/Lemon Juice/Pineapple juice drink,
Breakfast: Oatmeal, peanut butter, banana for breakfast, it was really yummy!
Snack: Apple
Lunch: Hummus Veggie Pita Plate, again really yummy, hubby hates it but I LOVE hummus
Dinner: Garlic/Onion/Chive Seasoned Salmon Patty w/sauteed kale and brown rice seasoned with lemon pepper
Snack: 100 Calorie Popcorn
Exercise: 30 Minute walk with my dog
Water: 2 Diet Cokes only...miracle for me, and drank all my water.

I'm so happy, excited and proud of my Aunt Joyce! She won her works Biggest Loser Contest with a loss of 60+ # since January! Wow! I'm so amazed! I could be there too if I'd quit slacking. This totally gives me renewed spirits and motivation. I'm psyched! Still doing good on plan (day #3) so far. Had a couple cheats at the baby shower yesterday but I made dinner sacrifice and made sure I got my exercise in as well. Update on the upcoming challenge. I'm working on it, going to get it all going this weekend. I've been busy with making the shower gifts and work. I am thinking of having it start on the 2nd (that gives us a week to recover from Memorial Day Festivities) with weigh-ins on Tuesdays (but you can check in any time during the week as long as it's before tuesdays as The Fall Equinox is on Tuesday). Is that cool with everyone?

Baby Shower & new motivation!

2009-05-21T22:10:00.001-07:00

Thursday May 21st : Weight 208.0# Down 2.2# WOOT WOOT! Aiming for 1290 Calories
Morning: Started the day off with a Ginger/Parsley/Honey/Lemon Juice/Pineapple juice drink,
Breakfast: Italian Toast (Cottage Cheese/Tomato/Basil on toast)
Snack: Apple
Lunch: Pita/Veggies/Hummus Plate (cucumbers/green peppers/carrots)
Dinner: A small plate at the baby shower I went too (fruits, a chicken salad, and yes I had 2 cookies :(
Snack: None seeing as how dinner wasn't on plan
Exercise: 30 Minute walk with my dog, Shellie, she had ants in her pants today because she saw some cats on our walk and was freaked out by them so kept the walk short.
Water: 2 Diet Cokes (doing good in that regard), yes I drank all my water

Yes I did go 'off' at dinner time, but I kept portions small and didn't eat another dinner or snack tonight to hopefully 'balance things out'. I went to a baby shower for my cousin Kristen tonight. It was a lot of fun. I made a baby journal and a photo album as well as took some gifts. BTW If anyone is in need of any baby items (pacifier, paci pocket, diaper bags) I am selling some items on my hubby & I's personal blog http://robnheather.blogspot.com
Also got some new motivation! My Aunt Joyce (who is one of my favorites if not my absolute favorite Aunt :) She's just one of those 'fun' people, very active in the outdoors, and always good for advice & very supportive! She also was the person who introduced me to Fresca when I'm sick. I don't remember how old I was but I was sick and she came and picked me up from school once and gave me Fresca, I've been drinking it ever since any time I have an upset tummy) has been doing a 'Biggest Loser' challenge with her work, and has lost quite a bit of weight, she looks AMAZING! Great job Aunt Joyce! Her contest ends tomorrow and she was in 1st place last week so I'm rooting for her to get the pot! (I heard it was a huge cash prize). Anyways she was saying how I have lost weight and how she checks my blog to see if I'm still going! That boosted my spirits as well!

I was quite pleased with my weigh in this morning down 2.2#. It was a nice surprise and made my day start off good. I am working on The Fabulous N Fit By Fall Challenge, and just about have things ready. But I wanted your opinions, what types of things do you look for/like in a challenge? Weigh in pictures? Mini Challenges? Prize at the End? Daily inspirations? Measurements? Leave your comments about things you like about challenges so I can gear this towards what you like!

Please by water...

2009-05-20T11:43:00.000-07:00

UGH I am NOT happy with this weeks weigh in at all. In fact I broke down and sobbed, loud enough my hubby came running upstairs to see if I was alright.
Last Week: 201.6#
This Week: 210.2# (Gain of 8.6# since last week WTH!)
WTH? I know I wasn't as good as I should have been this past weekend, and I think the scale is showing it, I had a lot of crap/salty foods, and ate more than I should have. I'm so upset with myself. I'm NOT throwing in the towel, and NOT going to lose myself in food, in fact just the opposite. I read about a 7 Day Diet in the magazine ALL You that will help you lose water retention weight, so I'm gonna give it a go to jumpstart my diet, then I plan on following their 1600 calorie per day plan after that. We'll see how it goes. I hope to get back down before next weeks final Sizzling Hot For Summer Challenge Weigh In. I'm so upset about this weigh in. See I told ya I can retain water like crazy. Back when I first started I gained/lost 15# in one week due to water retention.

Wednesday May 20th : Weight 210.2# 1290 Calories
Morning: Started the day off with a Ginger/Parsley/Honey/Lemon Juice/Pineapple juice drink,
Breakfast: Oatmeal, peanut butter, banana for breakfast, it was really yummy!
Snack: Apple
Lunch: Hummus Veggie Pita Plate, again really yummy, hubby hates it but I LOVE hummus
Dinner: Dijon Maple Salmon w/sauteed kale and brown rice --really liking the food so far it's been delicious
Snack: 100 Calorie Popcorn
Exercise: 30 Minute walk with my dog, have been doing 45 minutes, but she was having a hard time with her shoulders today so kept it brief.
Water: 2 Diet Cokes only...miracle for me, and drank all my water.

Yes the foods are 'carby' but I haven't been doing so hot on the low carb plan so I figured I would give a different plan a shot. I am not a huge fan of calorie counting (due to laziness) but I'm willing to try just about anything.

Healthy Choices

2009-05-19T19:18:00.000-07:00

Today was a busy day at work, sadly all I had to eat all day was some pepperoni (not on a pizza) just the pepperoni, I take it to snack on but It was really good, I was busy and just didn't make time to eat lunch. So when I got home I was STARVING and lately I've been making nachos (yes with the tortilla chips) and cheese when I get home to stave off the hunger until dinner is cooked. Well not today I toyed with the idea, but I decided to have the salad I didn't eat for lunch instead! WOOT WOOT! I'm so excited. Anyways just wanted to share. Weigh in is in the morning for the Sizzling For Summer Challenge.....let's hope it's a good one. About to go change so I can go exercise. Have a great night everyone!

It's Routine!

2009-05-18T19:12:00.000-07:00

I am participating in several challenges right now, but one in particular is making me move and making exercise more routine for me. It's the Spring SEXC (Spring Exercise Challenge) over at choosing 2 Lose. It has been geared towards getting you exercising, and boy what a difference it has made! It is such a routine now, I don't have the inner self battles I used to, it's more, it's 8:30 time to go for a walk, not but my favorite TV show is on. I'm loving it! One of my challenges the Sizzling For Summer Challenge is ending soon :( I'll be sad it's been great, and the support of the other challengers has been awesome! I've been toying with the idea of hosting a "Fabulous N Fit By Fall" Challenge, more because I want to be SEXY by my birthday (Sept 25th) which is just a couple days after Fall Equinox, which is about 17 weeks away! Healthily I can lose 30# by then, which would put me close to my goal! I'm gonna go for it. Would anyone be interested? Just let me know, I will be posting details about it within the week.

Chubby Chick's Fourth of July Challenge Check in Week 14

2009-05-17T16:14:00.000-07:00

Name: Heather T (cprcheetah)
Pounds Lost this Week: Weight 201.6# haven't checked in here for too long :(
Total Challenge Pounds Lost: 8#
NSV's: Hubby said my butt is looking good!
Weekly Summary: Have had a rough few days but back on track now. Exercising is going really good since I got my big dog!
Strategies for Success for the Coming Week: Continuing to exercise, getting and staying back on plan

Two Frogs

2009-05-17T09:09:00.000-07:00

Two frogs fell into a deep cream bowl,

One was an optimistic soul;
But the other took the gloomy view,
“We shall drown,” he cried, without more ado.
So with a last despairing cry,
He flung up his legs and he said, “Goodbye.”

Quoth the other frog with a merry grin,
“I can’t get out, but I won’t give in.
I’ll just swim ’round till my strength is spent,
Then will I die the more content.”

Bravely he swam till it would seem
His struggles began to churn the cream
On the top of the butter at last he stopped,
And out of the bowl he gaily hopped.
What of the moral? ‘Tis easily found
If you can’t hop out, keep swimming ’round.

My sister Jennifer sent this poem to me while I was on my religious mission in West Virginia/Virginia. I was having a tough time. I have a magnet that she made on my fridge that basically says, if you can't get out, don't give in, keep swimming 'round'. So many times on my weight loss journey, I get so discouraged as I'm not seeing the results I would like, or worse even though I'm doing everything right I'm gaining weight. UGH! I was reminded of this poem this morning as I was trying to decide what to eat for breakfast. It was so tempting to be like the gloomy frog and just have crap, but I decided I'm not giving in, I must keep swimming 'round! I'll get to the top, I'll get to my goal, no matter how slowly I go...I'll get there :)

You are what you eat?

2009-05-16T18:33:00.000-07:00

***Disclaimer***
Hubby passed this on to me today, and while comical, I am not in any way endorsing the fact that we should all go out and eat french fries so that we are 'toothpicks' like fries instead of round like lettuce :)

Here come the sleepless nights.....

2009-05-15T21:52:00.000-07:00

First thing this morning I get a call from Petco, wanting to know if we could take a tiny kitten into our adoption program, of course I said yes, I'm a softie and have a special talent of raising baby orphaned kittens. 2 Years ago I had 12 kittens (3 different litters) that were at the local shelter at the same time. It was tough but rewarding, my cat Sissy LaRue is one of the kittens I raised. Anyways the guy brings the kitten in, she's a beautiful probably medium to long hair probably will be a blue tabby althoug a little hard to tell tabby at this point. She's about 2-3 weeks old and was found INSIDE this guys trucks engine. SCARY and lucky she didn't get eaten up in the engine. So for the next week or two I will have to get up every 2-3 hours during the night to feed this little one milk replacer with a bottle. I've named her Mercedes since she was found in a truck.
The first picture is of her snuggling with 'surrogate' mama a stuffed kitten that has a pouch for a heating pouch, and a 'beating' heart that tends to calm baby kittens, the 2nd picture is of the 'mama' then a picture of Mercedes in my hubby's hand, I should say that my hubby's hands are HUGE, and then just the little cutie, she has a NICE set of lungs on her, she's very noi

Today I was SO excited to get home from work and go get the mail, as Shellie's new "Walking Harness' came today. It's called a Gentle Leader and it goes on their face 'mimicking' how where their mother grabs them when they are puppies, the back of the neck and the nose. I have been using one to walk her, and I ordered her a 'deluxe' one that is decorated and padded, it came today. I was SO excited to walk her my 'excuse' that tonight was the season finale of "Numbers/Ghost Whisperer and Flashpoint" did not even PHASE me (besides, hubby has them recorded for me every day). Here is Shellie in her new 'gentle leader' You can read more about it here: Gentle Leader Dog Head Collar Website (btw, we did 45 Minutes walk tonight)

And for ANYONE having a Hard time getting off the couch and exercising, might I recommend an AWESOME book called "Every Excuse In the Book by Jeanne "Bean" Murdock, it is AWESOME and has helped me, when I don't feel like exercising I grab the book and it 'debunks' the myths as to why you 'can't exercise. Here's what excuse #99 shows:
"There is a good show on TV and I don't want to miss it"
There are so many good things she says about it, take your tv with you, buy a sony watchman that can be held in your hand...just make sure you do it in a quiet area where there are not a lot of cars or other hazards :) Another thing she mentions is exercise at a gym where there are TV's. Or there is always buy a stationary bike or treadmill for your home and put it in front of your TV. See you don't even have to leave the house to exercise. And for 'excuse' queens...If you can't afford a piece of equipment, walk or jog in place, just get yourself off the couch! See how helpful her tips are? I love them! There are 120 Excuses that she debunks!

How I Spent My Day...LOTS of pictures

2009-05-14T21:23:00.000-07:00

First off I went to Walmart and picked up a few essentials, then came home and went down to the park for a walk n play with the dogs, well they were doing some work there, so we came home and spent some time in the backyard:
Zoey, my chihuahua in her carry bag, it straps onto my chest so she can go for walks with us.

Shellie LOVES tennis balls, notice the dirt progression, she kept putting it in her water then it would end up in the dirt.

EWWW Dirty!
While we were outside, I decided to take advantage of the good weather and weed a little (anyone who knows me knows this is a MAJOR undertaking for me, as I hate weeds, bugs, and am allergic to a lot of plants/trees/weeds), the part behind the fence is going to be Shellie's potty spot in our backyard we are just waiting for the grass to grow, as our backyard is mostly deck with dirt/flowers around the perimeter. Right now we have Lilacs and Tulips in our yard, both are pale purple in color (purple is my favorite color--no we didn't plant these).

Then I came inside, did some dishes, organized our tupperware cupboard which was a MAJOR undertaking, here's the finished result:

I made a healthy mixture of 'food' for the dogs to entice Shellie to eat better. It consists of 1# of hamburger, 1 grilled chicken breast, 1 salmon patty, 2 cups brown rice, 1/2 cup cottage cheese, 4 hardboiled eggs, 3 cups mixed veggies all were ground in a food processor and all were cooked, Munchie the kitty is the supervisor, and Shellie was Quality control...as you can tell she LOVED it! I only give like 1/4 cup per feeding to Shellie and then maybe 2 teaspoons to the chihuahuas mixed with their dry food per feeding. I separate it out into storage containers freeze some, and keep 1 in the fridge.

I also did about 4 loads of laundry, cleaned a little in the kitchen, mixed up the dogs weekly foods, since they are on supplements and such and to save time I portion out their am/pm feedings for each day add the powdered supplements and put them in rubbermaid type containers...BIG time saver! I do this about 1x a week. Yah my babies are spoiled. I also went for a 45 minute walk with my dog, Shellie, while listening to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's stone on my Zen player, I'm almost finished with it, should finish it tomorrow. YEAH! I've watched all the movies and have listened to them before, just re-listening.

Chicken Dijon Recipe

2009-05-13T11:07:00.000-07:00

This is one of Rob's favorite recipes. We have it quite a bit in the summer when we can grill it on the barbeque. We prefer Basil on it, and watch the salt content in the mustard or it can come out really really salty.

From: Lean For Life Website

Makes: 4 servings

Prep time: 00:05:00

Ingredients:

4		Chicken Breasts
4	Tbs	Dijon Mustard
2	Tbs	water
2	tsp	garlic powder
2	tsp	Marjoram or Basil

Instructions:

Mix Seasonings, Marinade Chicken Breasts for at least 2-3 hours

Cook on the grill or in the oven until done.

Items Needed:

Chicken Breasts
Dijon Mustard
water
garlic powder
Marjoram or Basil

Sizzling For Summer Week 6 Check in

2009-05-13T10:50:00.000-07:00

Sw: 211.6
Cw: 201.6
Amount lost this week: 1.4 lbs
Overall loss in this challenge: 10#

Wow! I am SO close to ONEderland! It has been a tough week, mothers day was hard due to squabbling with my hubby about my anxieties. I haven't seen him that upset in a long long time. We don't really fight have only had maybe 2 major fights in our marriage as we generally take time to talk things out. But we did on Sunday. But then we made up for it...if you know what I mean...and again on Monday Maybe the extra activities made the loss this week, although I've been being pretty good, and exercising EVERY day :) WOOT WOOT!

Just for Fun....

2009-05-12T18:54:00.000-07:00

Health Questions answered by a Doctor:
Q: Doctor, I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life; is
this true?
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... Don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up our heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.

Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.

Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up!

Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.

Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good!

Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!!! ..... Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?

Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.

Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans! Another vegetable!!! It's the best feel-good food around!

Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.

Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?
A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape!

Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had
about food and diets.

And remember:

'Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of
arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather
to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other -
body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming 'WOO HOO,
What a Ride'

AND.....

For those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on
nutrition and health. It's a relief to know the truth after all those
conflicting nutritional studies.

1. The Japanese eat very little fat
And suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat
And suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

3. The Chinese drink very little red wine
And suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine
And suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

5. The Germans drink a lot of beers and eat lots of sausages and fats
and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

CONCLUSION

Eat and drink what you like.
Speaking English is apparently what kills you.

Sizzling For Summer Week 5 Check in

2009-05-06T22:00:00.000-07:00

Starting Weight: 211.6
Last Week: 204.8
Current:203.0
Loss This Week: -1.8#
Total Loss: -8.6#

This week was a hard one, I was busy busy, but I kept on working at it, I exercised a lot and that really helped. My dog is able to go for slightly longer walks without it affecting her shoulders so I am excited about that. We did 45 Minutes today, and she's not bouncing off the walls tonight. I LOVE it. Maybe I need to get up 30 minutes earlier and go walking in the mornings too...then she will be tired all day long :P It is really great going for walks, I'm meeting people whom I haven't met in the 8+ months we've lived here, everyone wants to pet the doggie. So that's cool. My neighbor who is just 3 doors up might consider a 'walking' buddy, that would be cool!

New Upper Body Workout :)

2009-05-03T14:43:00.000-07:00

Having a new big dog is so much Fun! Shellie definitely is keeping me on my toes, I HAVE to go for walks or she drives me and my hubby BATTY with all her energy! She also LOVES to play tug of war, you can see from the pictures! We have a huge park just down the street in our complex and Shellie LOVES to go there. She is such a happy friendly dog, she goes absolutely out of her skin whenever she sees ANYBODY, especially children. We are hoping to get her into a constructive obedience class soon so we can work on some things like the excitement she feels when she sees anybody.

What a week

2009-05-01T20:40:00.000-07:00

So it's been a week since my last post. It has been a very hectic, tiring week. We are haing Dog Show's here locally so I have spent a lot of time helping my sister get her Standard Poodle ready for the dog shows. Wednesday I bathed her for Jen and it took 3 hours to bathe, and hand dry her. I've been coming home from work so exhausted it's all I can do to make dinner and walk the dog and go to bed. So I apologize for being an absentee blogger. I promise to do better :) We still have 2 more days of dog shows. I am loving having a big dog, I am actually becoming more active, and even though it's TOM I only have gained less than 2# which is a nice change for me. My new dog, Shellie needs a lot of training and work, so I am spending quite a bit with her trying to 'shape' her into a 'great' dog. She's still very puppyish and mischievious. And boy can she pull me hard! This morning she got so excited about sprinklers she pulled me on the ground so I ended up scraping my elbow/arm and knees pretty good. So that's something I have to work on.

Rescue Me

2009-04-23T21:36:00.000-07:00

Today was a VERY busy day for me. I got up early (7am on day off), immediately got to work, I made the laundry soap for my work, my dad is VERY excited about it. Then I went to walmart and picked up a couple of essentials. Came home put them away, sat on the couch and vegged for a bit catching up on emails, reading blogs etc then I went and cleaned out my car which was in DESPERATE need of needing cleaning. Then I drove to meet my new dog. Her name is Lilly (*subject to change as that is already the name of my guinea pig---considering Tawny or Shellie--Shellie is the name of a Golden Retriever that comes to the vet I work at that was missing for 4 years and found because of a Microchip --You can read about Shellie the missing Golden Retriever HERE) It was an awesome experience when the shelter called me to verify who the dog belonged to I seriously got goose bumps! Lilly reminds me of Shellie before Shellie went missing --her physical features etc) Anyways that's besides the point, Lilly is a 7 month old Golden Retriever who has a shoulder condition (Osteochondritis Dissecans), which is basically she has a piece of cartilage that has detached from the bone so causing her pain. Her owners due to the financial crisis of the economy can't afford surgery (which is normally $1700.00 PER shoulder) but didn't want to put her to sleep so they put her up for adoption on a local classifieds site. I saw her ad and felt a 'nagging' to rescue her. My dad is a Veterinarian so the surgery won't be a problem, and he gives me a nice discount as well. Lilly is a sweetie, she is only 7 months old yet is very well trained, she sits & waits for her dinner and waits until you release her to start eating it. After she has her surgeries (one in the next week or so) then the other shoulder in about 4-6 weeks) and has recovered she will make an excellent exercise companion. Right now she weighs about 53#, she is probably going to be around 70# full grown.

Then as I'm coming home from picking her up, my hubby called and wanted me to go pick up his pills from Walmart as well as take care of rent, then texts me that his head was killing him, so I offered to bring him his pills (blood pressure ones he's been out of for a week thanks to an idiot Physicians Assistant). So I took him his pills and we enjoyed a few minutes on the bench outside his work, it was nice. Then I came home did a few things on my to do list, made some dinner, got my exercise in and am just about to head to bed.

Sizzling For Summer Week 4 Check in

2009-04-22T21:33:00.000-07:00

Starting: 211.6#
203.0# Last Week
203.0# Today's weight
Pounds Lost this week: -0.00#
Total Lost for this challenge -8.6#

Considering how badly I've done with staying on plan this week, I'm glad that I didn't gain 100#. It was seriously a BAD week. I think it's pms coming on cause I just can't get enough to eat. ARGH! I hate it!

Since I didn't do so hot with my goals from last week, I'm keeping them the same.
Next Weeks Goals:
1- Exercise Daily
2- Don't give in to easter candy temptations (even though they are low carb) as it's not worth the gut ache the sugar alcohols are giving me.
3- Track eating better (I was doing better when I was blogging daily.)
4- Blog Daily, I have been slacking on the keeping track and finding motivation in my Lean For Life book each day and it really helps.

Tuckered out on Tuesday

2009-04-21T21:26:00.000-07:00

Today was busy at work, I groomed several dogs, and I'm really starting to enjoy it more and more. I love taking the 'messy' beast and turning them into a beaty. I will have to post some pictures for y'all to see.

Food Intake Meals & Snacks:
B: 3 Hot Dogs 2 String Cheese
L: Salad w/greens, nuts, guacamole, low carb dressing
D: Bread Crumb Chicken
Snacks: Pepperoni, Cheese Sticks, Almonds

Blessing my body with loving movement:
Today we had the dog show training class and it wore my butt out! My legs were like Jello afterwards, the class lasted 1 hour and was outside, and little miss Jewel (the dog) was being a FIRECRACKER on steroids. She was SO hyper and hyped up. She is definitely a 'look at me, look at me' type of dog. Poodles are so funny with their antics. Anyways I was going to come home and exercise but my legs said otherwise. I couldn't hardly move.

Do Something About it!

2009-04-20T18:49:00.000-07:00

Are you frustrated and burned out? What are you going to do about it?

Is there something you really want to achieve? What are you going to do about it?

Have you just become aware of an incredible opportunity? What are you going to do about it?

What are you going to do today, right this moment? What actions will you take to end your frustration, to achieve your dream, to take advantage of opportunity?

Success and achievement depend not on how much you complain, or on your ability to garner sympathy from others, but on what you do. And right now is the time to start.

Go ahead and move beyond the frustration, begin to work toward the dream, and make the most of your best possibilities. Go ahead right now and do something positive and effective about it.

-- Ralph Marston

Read more: "The Daily Motivator - Do something about it" - http://greatday.com/motivate/090401.html#ixzz0DHGyMqQH&A

This is something that came into my in box a while ago, and I really like it. I think that today I fully 'did something about it'. I exercised not only 1 time today but twice today. I feel great!

Food Intake Meals & Snacks:
B: Left over Steak
L: Salad w/greens, nuts, guacamole, low carb dressing
D: Pork Chop, Salad, Garlic Butter Noodles (low carb)
Snacks: Pepperoni, Cheese Sticks, Banana Bread 1 slice

Blessing my body with loving movement:
I didn't really feel the 'burn' like I normally do from my morning workout, and I've been itching to see if my Chihuahua can keep up with me on a walk, so I went again this evening. He didn't really keep up with the pace I would have liked to have gone, but did good, so I had to slow down a bit, but he did pretty good.
30 Minutes (2 Miles) Walk Slim DVD (in morning)
30 Minute walk outside with my dog, Sebastian

STOP the Cravings! ARGH!

2009-04-19T22:17:00.000-07:00

So I know I haven't blogged for the past few days, I've been a little stressed, a little in the slumps (depression), and have been in a Jelly Belly daze so to speak. I am stressed as my hubby is going to graveyard shift (they are doing away with swing shift), and I really do not like/feel comfortable being home alone at night without the 'comfort' of a big dog. Those who know us know that my hubby is NOT a huge fan of big dogs....so I'm working on him :) My face is breaking out in acne so bad right now and it's the horrible kind that leave marks, UGH! I have been coming home, sitting in front of the TV and digging in to the Jelly Bellies, amazingly enough I haven't gained a hundred pounds this week, just a few since my weigh in (which I'm diligently trying to lose)....which makes me even more depressed. But on a good note, I am an Aunt again, my older brother Danny & his wife Kristy had their 6th kid yesterday, a girl, not sure on the name yet. They don't find out what it is until she has them. They have 2 boys and 4 girls now much to the eldest boys dismay, he really wanted another brother :). Anyways on to the subject of my blog post today. I am fighting so bad with the cravings right now, it's been heck on wheels on me. I am taking this from the Lean for Life Book on how to STOP those insane cravings we all have.

STOP: Visualize a stop sign and hear the word "Stop." Immediately Stop what you are doing
TAKE: Take a deep cleansing breath. This creates a "window of opportunity" during which you can become aware of the temptation you're facing and can start over.
OBSERVE: your situation, yourself, and your options. What's going on? How are you feeling? Are you hungry, angry, lonely, tired? What are you wanting? What are you needing? What really matters to you? What choices do you have? What actions will help you move toward what's really important to you?
PLAN: of action. Choose a plan of Action based on one or more of the options available to you, and put that plan into operation. Shift the focus away from food by doing something: taking a walk, calling a friend, sitting quietly for five minutes and letting your attention rest on breathing, going window shopping, listening to music, working on a project, or reviewing your Motivator Cards to remind yourself why becoming Lean for Life is important to you.

If you find yourself thinking "I'm tired of not eating what I want --I'm going to have a treat" make an active choice to focus on the benefits of maintaining your Plan of Action. Let yourself hear whatever voices inside of you are suggesting that you abandon or sabotage your Lean for Life program, and pause long enough to acknowledge and respond to those voices. Encourage yourself as you would a close friend.

OLD WAY: Food thought or craving --> Give In --> Eat --> Feel Guilty --> Give up
NEW WAY: Food though or craving --> STOP! --> Take a Deep Breath --> Observe --> Plan of Action

The more often you do this the more easily and effectively you'll be able to do it. That's because after you do something successfully again and again, it starts becoming spontaneous and natural. It becomes part of you, It becomes a habit.

I hope you don't mind me sharing the tips that I am learning from my book, they help me, and writing them/typing them out, help me stay on track even more.

Making Excuses

2009-04-16T20:37:00.001-07:00

I think I have found EVER excuse in the book this week as to why I can't exercise. Lets see
1- Gas because of Sugar Free Candies, so my belly hurt
2- Got home late (had dog class so that was sort of exercise)
3- Too tired because I didn't get to bed on time
4- It was easter, why exercise on a holiday?

Well I am SICK of my own excuses. I am NOT going to let the excuses win ANY more. Here are my 'combats' to my own excuses
1- Gas becuase of Sugar Free Candies...that's easy...DO NOT eat the sugar free candies
2- Got Home Late, I was still up for 2 hours, that is PLENTY of time to get in a 30 minute WATP DVD, it was just an excuse to get me not to exercise
3- Too Tired, exercise gives you energy, so that would have helped with the tiredness. As for the getting to bed on time, Hubby right now works Swing shift so gets home at 10:00pm and I like to spend time with him. He is switching to Graves in 2 weeks, so therefore I won't have to stay up to see him
4- Who says you can't exercise on a holiday? What a way to celebrate it by blessing my body with loving movement.

So my goal for this next week is to get at least 5 days of exercise in.

Frugal Tip of the day....

2009-04-16T15:51:00.000-07:00

I found a link to make your own Laundry Soap off of my friends page on Facebook:
http://www.thefamilyhomestead.com/laundrysoap.htm
Or a Video made by someone else: http://www.metacafe.com/watch/821928/make_your_own_laundry_soap/
The ingredients are:
1 Bar of Ivory Soap unless you can find the Fels Naptha Laundry Soap then 1/3 bar
1/2 cup of Borax
& 1/2 cup of Super Washing Soda (NOT baking soda)
& Water
***We doubled the Borax and Soda for added cleansing power.

It made 2 gallons and we figured out it cost us $1.12 to make 2 gallons which is 64 loads using 1/2 cup which equates to $.02 per LOAD of laundry. Lately I've been using Gain Expressions for $4.75 for a 24 load bottle which is 20 cents per load. I use one of these per 3 weeks. Its gonna save us so much money, and was super easy to do. I estimate that the 2 gallons is going to last us at least 3-4 months.

And if you are wondering if it actually works, I am on my 3rd load with it, my whites came out so much brighter and cleaner, hubbys handkerchiefs are brighter and cleaner! I'm very impressed. They are less stained as well.

Sizzling For Summer Week 3 Checkin

2009-04-15T10:54:00.000-07:00

Starting: 211.6#
204.8# Last Week
203.0# Today's weight
Pounds Lost this week: -1.8#
Total Lost for this challenge -8.6#

I didn't do as well on the exercise front this week, and you can tell with my weight loss. I was so worried I was going to gain, but I didn't phew.

Next Weeks Goals:
1- Exercise Daily
2- Don't give in to easter candy temptations (even though they are low carb) as it's not worth the gut ache the sugar alcohols are giving me.
3- Track eating better (I was doing better when I was blogging daily.)
4- Blog Daily, I have been slacking on the keeping track and finding motivation in my Lean For Life book each day and it really helps.

Sizzling for Summer Week 2 Challenge Healthy Recipe

2009-04-14T21:01:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite comfort meals is cream of mushroom soup with chicken over rice. Since I am on low carb diet, I missed the rice. Until I found a recipe for Cauliflowerd Rice http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/lowcarbsidedishes/r/caulirice.htm

So here's how I make it:
4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts cooked and shredded (I season with Garlic & Onion Powder, and Seasoned Salt)
2 Cans Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 Can of Cream of Chicken Soup
1/2 empty soup can of Sour Cream

Cook the chicken & shred, add soup & sour cream, mix all together. Serve over rice or noodles....or low carbers cauliflowered Rice :)

***Added as I use the 97% or 98% fat free soups so that cuts back on fat :)

Faith in your dieting????

2009-04-13T12:13:00.000-07:00

Sheila asked a question over on her blog today: So, here is a plea from me to you ~ how to do bring God and your faith into your "diet"? Do you? I have "faith", but I surely need someone more experienced to help me.

I am a firm believer that you cannot do it alone, you have to have faith, but you must also have the works to go along with it. I don't feel like you can lose weight by faith alone (although wouldn't that be a nice though? I honestly believe in this verse from the bible:
James 2:17-26

¹⁷Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

¹⁸Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

¹⁹Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

²⁰But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

²¹Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

²²Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?

²³And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

²⁴Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

²⁵Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?

²⁶For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Faith without the works to go along with it is dead, meaning you must do the work AND have the faith in order to rely on God for your weight loss journeys. Which means, you can't stuff your face full of crappy fattening foods, candy, and the likes, sit on the couch all day and do nothing, drink soda etc and pray that you lose weight (that is unless you have the metabolism of my oldest brother Danny who can eat anything without gaining weight). You must pray for his help, to have strength to overcome and avoid temptations but you must also put forth some works/effort in your weight loss, you must eat healthy (whatever works for you whether it be calorie counting, low carbing, weight watchers, etc), you must be active and exercise, and you must drink enough water so your body can process the food you put into it.

So I hope this helps. I am a firm believer in the fact that you must have 'faith & works' and not just faith alone. God is standing at the door knocking, we have to open it and let him into our lives, and allow him to help us.

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T11:54:00.000-07:00

The Jelly Bean Prayer

I really have always loved this! Anyways I hope you all had a great Easter. Rob and I got some sort of food poisoning and spent the majority of the day in the bathroom, I guess as a bonus, it means that since everything was passing straight through...I didn't gain weight :) My family has a dinner almost every major holiday, I had taken some immodium and felt well enough to go, although hindsight 20/20 probably should have stayed home. Rob stayed home. My sister put about $60.00 in many different plastic easter eggs around my parents front yard, we only had 2 Grandkids there, one is 3& 1/2 the other I believe is 2, they had a blast. Then we had dinner, (see below) it was really good. My mom made a 5 Minute Key Lime Pie and boy was it yummy! It used 'low' fat Jello, Yogurt and Whipped Topping, and I ate it without the crust so that helped cut back on the carbs. It was SO good. Here's the recipe: Recipe for 5 Minute Key Lime Pie

April 12^thWeight Loss Day #6

B: 2 Hot Dog Links, Apple Actual: 2 Bratwursts, Chili, Onions, Cheese
L: See Above
D: Ham, Cheesy Taters (Funeral Potatoes), Green Bean Casserole, Roll, Key Lime Pie Dessert (Low fat)
Snacks: Cheese Sticks, Hard Boiled Eggs x2, 1 Chocolate Caramel Egg, 2 Peanut Butter Eggs

56 Things you never knew

2009-04-10T15:54:00.000-07:00

I am responding to Sheila's blog today:
1. What time did you get up this morning? 5:30am (slept in)
2. Diamonds or pearls? Pearls
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Gran Torino
4. What is your favorite TV show? CSI (All 3 Vegas, NY, Miami
5. What do you usually have for breakfast? Microwave Scrambled eggs w/ham or bacon & cheese
6.What is your middle name? Elizabeth
7. What food do you dislike? Okra
8. What kind of car do you drive? 2004 White Chevy Malibu Classic
9. Favorite sandwich? Turkey or Roast beef, and even before I was low carbing I would eat it without the bun, my body and I dislike bread.
10. What characteristic do you despise? Phonyness
11. favorite item of clothing? Lounge Pants
12. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation? France, England or Australia
13. Favorite brand of clothing? Cheap ;)
14. Where would you retire to? Anywhere with dh
15. What was your most memorable birthday? Bad Memory or good? Bad was when my best friend accidentally told me my boyfriend was cheating on me. Good, probably with my hubby, he makes them all memorable
16. Favorite sport to watch? Dislike watching sports IMMENSELY, unless it is a dog show :)
17. Furthest place you are sending this? Canada
18. Person you expect to send it back first? Don't know!
19. When is your birthday? September 25th
20. Are you a morning person or a night person? More a night person
21. What is your shoe size? Shrinking...was 9 & 1/2 but am 8 & 1/2 now
22. Pets? Yes 2 Dogs --Chihuahuas Zoey & Sebastian, Lots of cats: DeeJay, Mini Dee, Munchie, Mittens, Sissy, Pipsqueak, 2 Guinea Pigs Lilly & Ginny & lots of budgies & lovebirds
23. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with us? Not really
24. What did you want to be when you were little? A Veterinarian
25. How are you today? Annoyed (with my staff at work) but doing okay
26. What is your favorite candy? Take 5 Candy Bars
27. What is your favorite flower? roses
28. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? August 24th (hubby's b-day)
29. What's your full name? Heather Elizabeth Thompson
30. What are you listening to right now? Country Music on internet radio
31. What was the last thing you ate? A Cheese Stick
32. Do you wish on stars? No
33. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Purple, Regal, Beautiful & Crisp
34. How is the weather right now? Overcast but warm (59 degrees)
35. The first person you spoke to on the phone today? A client
36. Favorite soft drink? Coke Zero or Diet Coke
37. Favorite restaurant? Olive Garden (hubby HATES it with a passion)
38. Real hair color? Brown with natural blondish highlights
39. What was your favorite toy as a child? Barbie dolls & my cats
40. Summer or winter? summer UGH I hate winter
41. Hugs or kisses? both
42. Chocolate or Vanilla? Depends
43. Coffee or tea? Herbal Tea, the smell of coffee makes me nauseated to the point that even walking down the coffee aisle at the store upsets my tummy.
44. Do you want your friends to email you back? Nah! Just post on your blog if you want to!
45. When was the last time you cried? Today (we had to put a dog to sleep who didn't really need to be euthanized just because the owners were cheapskates, but the dog had been SUFFERING for a month with a NASTY uterus infection so badly to the point she was just basically oozing pus, blood and blod clots from her pee pee, mind you this is 3 years AFTER we told them if they didn't spay her she was going to get Pyometra GRRRRRRR)
46. What is under your bed? Not sure...do I really want to look?
47. What did you do last night? Spent night cuddling with hubby catching up on CSI shows
48. What are you afraid of? SPIDERS, Preymantis, Grasshoppers....EWWWW!
49. Salty or sweet? salty
50. How many keys on your key ring? 6
51. How many years at your current job? 20+ (I've worked for my dad since I was 11 years old)
52. Favorite day of the week? Sunday & any day off!
53. How many towns have you lived in? 11 Towns: 3-- 1 for 18+ years, 1 for about 6 months in college, one for about 6 years Until I went on my mission then 4 on my mission in West Virginia/Virginia, and 3 since
54. Do you make friends easily? No, I am VERY VERY shy in person. But once you get to know me WATCH out!
55. How many people will you send this to? Whoever reads it on my blog
56. How many will respond? I am not psychic, I dont know! (good answer Sheila!)

This was really fun to fill out! I hope others post as well!

Happy Anniversary to me!

2009-04-09T20:20:00.000-07:00

It's our anniversary today! 4 Glorious years. It's my normal day off and Rob was lucky enough to get the day off so we could spend it together. We spent the day snuggled on the couch watching TV, and we had homemade pizza for lunch, are having Steaks w/baked potatoes me--> Loaded Broccoli instead, salad for dinner. We are going out to eat at Outback Steakhouse on Monday (Thanks to my sisters: Jen--she gave me a gift certificate for making Bandanas for her, and thanks Lara as she gave me some $$ for printing her up some stuff.). We may try to see a movie as well. I have attached some of my favorite pictures from our wedding....not all of my favorites though :) I was about 160# at my wedding size 10 dress. I felt really good, but probably could have lost a little more and been happy.

Weigh N Measure Week 3

2009-04-09T11:09:00.000-07:00

This weeks Measurements for the Measuring Up for Summer Challenge at Choosing 2 Lose
• Chest 34 & 1/4"
• Waist 34 & 3/4"
• Belly 38 & 1/2"
• Hip 47"
• Thigh 29 & 1/2" Left 28 3/4" Right
• Upper Arm 14 & 3/4" Left 14 & 1/4" Right
Inches Lost this week: 8.25"
Total Inchese Lost: 12.75"

This weeks Weight for the March into Spring Challenge at Choosing 2 Lose
Last weeks Weight 208.6#
This weeks Weight 204.6#
# lost this week: 4.0#
Total # for this challenge: 5.4#

Sizzling for Summer Weigh In Week 2 Starts

2009-04-08T16:17:00.000-07:00

211.6# Starting
204.8# Today's weight
Pounds Lost this week: -6.8#
Total Lost for this challenge -6.8#

What went well:
***On Plan: I restarted my LFL diet and did exceptionally well, with only 2 cheats for the week. Which is a HUGE improvement over my norm.
***Exercise: I exercised every day which is a MIRACLE for me. I seriously woke up feeling 'skinnier' after the 3rd day of exercise
***Focus: I am more aware of what I am putting into my mouth.
***Weight: Yes I lost a considerable amount for 1 week, however I was also finishing up TOM in which I normally gain up to 5# each month with so the water weight went down, as well as adding exercise. Both those things helped.
***Sodas: I have cut back considerably, am only have maximum of 2 Diet cokes per day, I do drink some of the RC Diet Cola the stuff that's sweetened with Splenda and has no caffeine. This is coming from a Diet coke addict who can EASILY clear at least 6-12 a day.
***Learning: By reading my Lean for Life Diet book and others blogs I am learning SO much. It's awesome

What to improve on:
Cheats: NO cheats. Have some 'handy' snacks to just grab n go. Plan ahead, we are going out to eat on Monday for our anniversary (which is tomorrow April 9th --4 Years).
Sleep: I need to go to bed earlier (I'm getting 5 hours of sleep)
Me time: need to relax as well to 'destress'
Exercise: Figure out and start a 'jogging' program
Easter Sunday: Not use the 'holiday' as an excuse to go hog wild, and stick to my diet, as otherwise I know I will gain 50# :)

Dogs kicking my butt....

2009-04-07T19:46:00.001-07:00

My sister has a show dog, a silver standard poodle named Jewel. Jen has asked me to show her in the AKC Conformation shows for her (like the ones you see on TV). Well we enrolled her in a handling class so she can get used to the ring environment etc. Tonight was the first lesson. And OMG, I forgot how much moving they do. Basically everyone runs (when I say RUN, I mean RUN!) around the ring showing off their dogs. The class was for an hour, and I think we ran around the ring at least 12 times if not more. Jewel is a mover, I'm gonna have to get faster to keep up with her. She's still very much a puppy (just turned 8 months old), so is still silly, and inquisitive about everything, wants to play play play so it's going to be fun :) I'm going to have to start jogging so I can keep up with her. She's FAST! . She has a show coming up here locally the 1st weekend in May. So we've got a lot to do until then. Hopefully we'll be ready! We have to find something she likes as 'bait', Strider (my sisters finished Champion) was VERY picky and really only liked grilled chicken strips....which although are healthy aren't the most practical to cart around at dog shows. Here is the pretty dog, that's my older sister with her (and yes she needs some more love and happiness in her life ;).

Today was a bit stressful at work but I didn't let it get to me, just 'grusfrabah'd' the situation and moved on. (I fired a client of ours...she REFUSED to leave her dogs for grooming for longer than 1 hour), we can get them out fast but not have 2 dogs bathed, dried, clipped etc in less than 1 hour. It was a mess but she ended up picking her dogs up WET cause I had already had them bathed when she was upset. Anyways that's besides the point. ....I'm just proud of myself. Also it is one of my workers birthdays today, so I am making a cake, and got ice cream for tomorrows staff meeting....and I'm quite proud of myself, while I won't be having any cake, I did get the Carb Smart Ice Cream so I can at least have a little of that.

Does anyone know of a 'start your jogging' routine? I am NOT a jogger but apparantly I might need to start. I do have arthritis in my ankles, knees, hips, hands etc (yep I know I'm a youngun...had it since 19 basically). My dr thinks that part of my problem is Vit D deficiency that I've had a lot of symptoms of since I was in Jr. High. Anyways..sorry for rambling.

Food Intake Meals & Snacks: Protein Day #4
*I'm supposed to do 3 protein days, but I sort of cheated last night and had a sprite float, I couldn't resist, so to kick my body back into ketosis I did another protein day today.

B: 3 eggs, Bacon pieces, 2 deli ham slices, 1 T cheese
L: 1 Salmon Patty
D: 3 Hot dog links with cheese
Snacks: Cheese Sticks, 4 oz Cottage Cheese, 2 ½ oz Lean/Fat Free Cold Cuts

Blessing my Body with Loving Movement: (Exercise):
1 hour of Dog Show running around :)
Stability Ball DVD Strength exercises (figured I got my cardio in with the class).
10 Minute firming exercises

Weight: 205.0#

New Progress Pictures!

2009-04-06T12:13:00.000-07:00

I'm in my 14's they are tight in some places but these are my ALL TIME favorite pants, they make me feel young and skinny, mind you I just noticed that they are a 'misses 14', not sure if that's going to make a difference in size. These are a pair of pants that I was wearing when hubby and I met, they were lots looser on me then. In July 2008, I was a tight 22! I do hold my weight very well, and my biggest problem areas are my butt, tummy and thighs. My upper body is pretty slim, well except my arms. My calves are large but they are mostly muscular, I've never been able to wear boots that go up over my calves because of that. I am feeling a thigh gap coming on. I have noticed that I'm not wearing out my scrub pants at my thighs as quickly now. YEAH! I would always wear a whole in the upper inside thigh part.

Taken Last Wednesday:

This was in August at 228.8#

This was around my highest 250#
:

Many blessings on monday

2009-04-06T11:00:00.000-07:00

Today was a good day. I went to the Dr. with my hubby for a followup on his sleep study. He has Sleep Apnea you can read more about it on my personal family blog here: http://robnheather.blogspot.com/2009/04/another-update-on-rob.html

I must say that I know that God's hand has been in Rob's doctors and care lately, we are getting to the bottom of his issues (Blood Pressure, Asthma, Sleep Apnea) and getting him on the road to better health (and added longevity).

I have been doing Flylady's baby steps for about a month now, and am really enjoying it. My house is MUCH better as well, I don't come home frustrated because it's a mess. It's so easy to do the 1 hour Home Blessing Hour. I still have a little bit to go like the upstairs (office, scrapbook room, master bath) and then the basement storage mess.

Food Intake Meals & Snacks: Protein Day #3 of 3
B: 3 eggs, Bacon pieces, 2 deli ham slices, 1 T cheese
(I'm only supposed to have 1 protein serving but I am on medications and If I don't eat more I get sick and toss my cookies shortly after taking medications.)
L: 3 Hot dog links
D: Chipless Nachos
Snacks: Cheese Sticks, 4 oz Cottage Cheese, 2 ½ oz Lean/Fat Free Cold Cuts

Blessing my Body with Loving Movement: (Exercise):
30 Minutes Elliptical

Weight: 205.0#

Pizza Pizza anyone?

2009-04-05T17:00:00.000-07:00

I have to add...I told Rob I was doing the "Sizzling Hot for Summer Challenge" and his reply was "Why, you are already sizzling, get any hotter and I'll get burned". LOL. Such a sweetie I love my husband....he's such the practical joker. He keeps things 'interesting' to say, the least. We have discovered how to make a 'really' easy pizza using Pita breads as the crust, I'm on my protein day so am avoiding carbs, so I just ate the toppings. Anyways the pizza on the right is the one he made for me....it's on a ritz cracker :) He pulled this trick a while back with "Sprite" Floats...see here: http://robnheather.blogspot.com/2008/12/my-husband-and-i-are-equals-in-every.html
t
There are a couple of great quotes in my Lean for Life book I'd like to share today:
"Motivation is a decision. Remind youreself several times every day why you'weightve decided to become lean for life."
"Losing weight---and keeping it off--has at least as much to do with what we put in our minds as what we put in our mouths."
Both quotes are from Dr. Stamper.
Anyways they just hit home with me today as I really believe that what you tell yourself affects how you act. I tend to sabotage myself a lot, and I'm really trying to overcome this. I am making many adjustments/behavioral changes etc in order to become "Lean for Life" and in order to get this weight off, so I can be healthier, and make it easier on my body to have a baby if that's in God's plans for me.

April 5^thProtein Day #2

B: 2 Eggs, 1 Sausage Patty
L: Pizza Toppings
D: Salmon Patty w/cheese
Snacks: Cheese Sticks, 4 oz Cottage Cheese, 2 ½ oz Lean/Fat Free Cold Cuts

Exercise: 30 Min Walk Away the Pounds (I was going to not exercise today, but I just felt like it so I did)

Weight: 205.2# Woot Woot! This is my lowest so far with this journey! YEAH!

Here are my cutie pies: L-R: Munchie, Pipsqueak and then DeeJay is the one on the kitchen table. Munchie is 2 years old, Pipsqueak is 10 months and DeeJay is 9 years old. Can you tell we were in the kitchen cooking? This is Munchie's 'favorite' chair and he plays 'cute' so he will get little tidbits.

Mind over matter.....

2009-04-04T06:46:00.001-07:00

"What lies before you and what lies behind you are tiny matters compared to what lies within you." Ralph Waldo Emerson

This is from my Lean for Life Book:
Words can make you blush. Jokes can make you laugh. Movies can make you cry . Conversations can make you sweat. A card or call from that special someone can get your heart racing. The connection between your mind and body is undeniable. The thoughts you think, the emotions you feel, the images you see, and the things you do all affect your behavior and your body chemistry. Likewise your body chemistry and your behavior affect how you think, how you feel, your impressions of what you see, and what you do. So my book is going to teach me how when I'm feeling sorry for myself to do things that will give me pelasure. If just thinking about exercise is making me tired, it will help me think about it differently. If I am feeling edgy, it will show me ways to relax. If I'm frustrated, they will share success of others who've experienced the same feelings and have overcome them. If I'm overwhelmed, it will suggest ways to refocus my thoughts and energy.

I'm going to explore the importance of treating myself well, clarifying my goals, and cultivating an "achievement attitude". I will become an effective problem solver, learn how to mentally rehearse being successful, and understand what I can do to change my body chemistry.
I will share more on these subjects as I learn more about them.

But this totally makes sense as I think a lot of things in life are 'mind over matter'. One of my favorite quotes is "Whether you think you can or whether you think you can't...you're right" I've been having a major slump essentially since Thanksgiving of 2008, because I just wasn't seeing good results which is why I went back to lower carb eating instead of WW, but I let myself be loose and 'slack' about my eating so I wasn't 100% on plan, I would say maybe 50% on plan, and then I wondered why I wasn't loosing? We'll thanks to Mrs. Sheila I'm back on plan and not going to let things get slack, as I want to be "Sizzling for the Summer" Who knows maybe I'll be brave enough to wear a swimming suit :) I hate my body in a swimming suit..always have, I have varicose veins in my legs and I have huge muscularly calves from years of soccer playing as a kid, and I just feel goofy. Any ways here are todays stats:

April 4^thProtein Day #1 of 3 initial (then it's once a week)

Todays Weight: 206.2#
Meals
B: 2 OM Cheese Hotdog links 2g
L: 1 Salmon Patty 2g Carbs
D: 3 ½ oz Chicken Breast
Snacks: 6 Cheese Sticks, 4 oz Cottage Cheese, 2 ½ oz Lean/Fat Free Cold Cuts, Yogurt

Exercise:
Walk Slim Fast Start 2 Miles (30 Min)
10 Min Firming Exercises