Loving the Wii Fit!

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!

Today's DEHRT

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!

Stress..Stress...GO AWAY!

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

Am I concerned enough?

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

New Inspirational Site

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.

Baby Shower & new motivation!

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...

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.

Two Frogs

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 :)

Here come the sleepless nights.....

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!

Do Something About it!

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!

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

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.

Faith in your dieting????

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.

Pizza Pizza anyone?

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^th Protein 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.....

"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^th Protein 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

Sizzling For Summer Challenge Begins Tomorrow

I'm a challenge Junkie, so have joined Sheila's Sizzling for Summer Challenge

I join challenges and try to give it my all, but lately I've been 'giving in' to that evil voice on my shoulder. I am DETERMINED to kick the voice to the curb. I blew up my exercise ball tonight --I have 2 of them one that I bought with Core Secrets by Gunner Peterson, and then one that I got with one of Leslie Sansone's DVD's, since my abdomen is my MEGA problem area, I've decided I've GOT to start working on it.
My mission for this challenge is two fold.
1- To get BACK on track which means yet another 'start' over. I am going to start fresh with the 3 prep days even because I just need this kick in the pants. I am starting Lean for Life/Rite Aid Weight Loss plan TOMORROW AGAIN I think this is like the 10th time this year.
2- To incorporate some sort of Routine exercise program. I have at least 10 exercise dvd's and would REALLY like to get my money's worth out of them instead of them collecting dust. So I will be working on this as I get a feel for which ones I like etc. And I also have an elliptical machine that I can be using as well. I would like to maybe do like every other day Walk At Home DVD, then maybe do some Core Training/Ball Training and also add the elliptical machine in there, so I've got to come up with a routine, and hopefully will be able to do so in the next week, stay tuned..... I have 3 days off a week so maybe what I could do is WATP on my work days, then do WATP and a Ball DVD on my off days
My weight loss goal for this challenge is 15# that is doable if I keep at it. That's a little less than 2# a week. If I put my mind to it, and put my whole heart into it I can do it.

So I do have a confession to make...my weigh in in the morning is NOT going to be pretty....I went to Texas Roadhouse for dinner (my sister's treat) and had WAY too many Peanuts, had a steak, salad and loaded baked potatoe. NOT the best choice....I can't help it my Aunt Flo is visiting and my first few days are always KILLER on my diet. UGH! I'm sure I'll probably cry when I get on there....that's okay next week is going to be better.

Talking About it on Tuesday

Today, I'm beat, I went home early from work yesterday worked on the house some, made some more Kitty Krazies Catnip toys, and then Rob set up my new laptop (which we only ordered like a month and a half ago (valentines day to be exact) BEFORE Rob's hours were cut). It FINALLY came yesterday so he spent the evening getting Windows put on it, and then Installing Linux on it as the Operating System. I will use a virtual machine for windows as I HATE using Windows. Anyways we watching some movies, I was tired but didn't want to go to bed without him and he was in 'the mode' to finish it, he told me 1/2 an hour so I laid on the couch and fell asleep, woke up when my alarm on my phone went off this morning at 5:00am and Rob was STILL up messing with my laptop. He was 'obsessing' he says. Goodness somedays....So I sent him to bed! He has to work today the bugger! I am going out to the Texas Roadhouse this evening with my family, my sister is taking us all out to dinner for her 'monthly' Family dinner. We take turns doing Family Dinners, and since she's still single (39) she spoils EVERYONE and always pays for everyone to go out to eat at a restaurant, inlaws included.

As for the diet front, I need another kick in the pants to get me started. My cousin gave me her mountain bike like 2 years ago and it is still sitting at work, I SO need to take it home to start using, that's one exercise I don't mind doing is biking. Now that my living room is clean I have no excuses NOT to do the WATP Dvd's I've been using the excuse "My office" is messy I can't do it in there, there isn't any room. So now that I have ended 'CHAOS' (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome) on at least my main level...no more excuses! I was VERY excited as my Visiting Teachers from Church want to come over and for the first time in a long time, I don't have to make excuses because I'm too embarassed about the 'cluttered' house. YEAH! Feels so good, it is definitely motivating to have a nice clean house (main level only so far) and to be able to come home and not stress about it, not sit on couch 'thinking' I should get up and clean as it's clean. I've decided that Wednesdays are going to be my "Home Blessing Hour" where I go through and sweep/mop, vacuum dust etc, but you are supposed to be able to get it all done in an hour, which should be NO problem if I continue to "FLY" each day. I think the Flylady thing is definitely keeping me more on track with the diet as well.

Working my butt off

So yesterday I was at work essentially by myself, except for my brother as my daycare attendant was out of town. So I took advantage of a slow afternoon and got some exercise in by doing 'laps' in the big dog daycare area, and playing with the dogs. We have these 3 boxers who come quite regularly for boarding (Bella, Armani & Armada), and they are FULL of energy and excitement, and I must say after 30 minutes of nonstop play and exercise I tuckered them out! Their owners surprised us this weekend by adding a Cocker Spaniel to their family as well; Jasmine. Here are some pictures of Doggie Daycare
Cassie (black) and Strider (cream) are Standard poodles who just like to take it easy. Cassie is almost 12 years old so she tuckers out easily, and Strider will chase tennis balls but he's almost like a 'ditzy' blonde when doing so...hilarious to watch!

Bella with her paw on Jasmine trying to get her to wrestle, then Armada was watching my hand waiting for a tennis ball.

Armani & Jasmine playing of war.

Armani loves these "Hurley" Bones, and they are honestly one of the most indestructive toys we've ever had in daycare. We've had this in there for a good few years and it's barely nibbled on.

Armani, loves tug of war, and is always ready to play

Are you a Buzzard?

THE BUZZARD:

If you put a buzzard in a pen that is 6 feet by 8 feet and
is entirely open at the top, the bird, in spite of its
ability to fly, will be an absolute prisoner. The reason is
that a buzzard always begins a flight from the ground with a
run of 10 to 12 feet. Without space to run, as is its habit,
it will not even attempt to fly, but will remain a prisoner
for life in a small jail with no top.

THE BAT:

The ordinary bat that flies around at night, a remarkable
nimble creature in the air, cannot take off from a level
place. If it is placed on the floor or flat ground, all it
can do is shuffle about helplessly and, no doubt, painfully,
until it reaches some slight elevation from which it can
throw itself into the air. Then, at once, it takes off like
a flash.

THE BUMBLEBEE:

A bumblebee, if dropped into an open tumbler, will be there
until it dies, unless it is taken out. It never sees the
means of escape at the top, but persists in trying to find
some way out through the sides near the bottom. It will
seek a way where none exists, until it completely destroys
itself.

PEOPLE:

In many ways, we are like the buzzard, the bat, and the
bumblebee. We struggle about with all our problems and
frustrations, never realizing that all we have to do is look
up! That's the answer, the escape route and the solution
to any problem! Just look up.

Sorrow looks back, Worry looks around, But faith looks up!

Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly and trust in our Creator who loves us.

This was shared on one of my Chihuahua groups and I really like it. So many times in our daily lives we don't look up and ask for help. Especially in our weight loss journeys. How many times do we ask for help to avoid the carb fests or to avoid temptations of cheetos (a big one for me), or to stay strong when we eat out? I have been trying to incorporate his help more and more in my live only to realize that I need it more and more. I just wanted to share this really quick before I head out for work this morning.

Beliefs Dictate your Behavior

This goes along with a challenge over on C2L that starts today, I will edit this post more later, I'm off to the Dr with my hubby. For an update on my hubby please visit: http://robnheather.blogspot.com/2009/03/spent-day-at-drs-wrob-today.html

This is from my Lean for Life Rite Aid diet daily motivation:

Do you truly believe that you can achieve your weight loss goal and maintain it for the rest of your life? Did you know that your beliefs dictate your behavior?

These are two very important questions to ask yourself. When you believe in your ability to succeed, you begin to create the behavior and circumstances that then create your success.

Pay attention to the things you think and say about yourself. Negative, limiting thoughts and comments are a roadblock to your success.

How do you stop these negative thoughts? One way is by reciting positive affirmations every day. Affirmations are powerful tools to help counteract your negative beliefs and create positive results. What is your affirmation for today?

Choose your favorite affirmation. Write it on your daily action plan, and display it wherever you will see it often. When you catch yourself thinking those negative thoughts, replace them with your positive affirmation. This may feel strange at first—you may even feel a little silly—but stick with it. Your mind is powerful and it believes what you tell it. Need some help creating an affirmation? Feel free to use this one.

Today's Affirmation:
"I am lean, beautiful and healthy!"

I know I have a HARD time with negative thoughts as that was how I was brought up, I love my mom dearly but she was a 'nag' and not always the most positive person around. One of my favorite all time quotes is "Whether you think you can, or whether you think you can't...You're Right" How true is that? If we dont' think we will ever lose the weight how depressing would that be? VERY if you ask me, if we don't think we can live without our "Diet Coke" then it must be true, right? I am a hard core Diet Coke addict, ALTHOUGH I have done extremely well limiting myself to 3-4, I know I should give it up, but all in all there are A LOT worse things I could be addicted to. I am going to try hard to work on my 'negative' voices, and try to right things down as I think them so I can transform them into something positive.