BOOM!!!!!!

Did you hear that - a loud thunderous sound - yep - that was my balance ball going POP!! One of my May goals was to make my balance ball work for me at my office. I tried it a few weeks ago with another ball, but it was too low in air and I had to do some re-adjusting at home before trying again. Tried again today. I am not sure if it was the fact that I have a limited desk area or that the little cupboard just to the back of me that has a hinge sticking out of it might have caused the big explosion, but whatever it was, it really didn't work out today. I thank my lucky stars that there was NO ONE within ear shot or was even in the office when the big blow up happened. I fell hard onto a very hard floor - so much for that carpet that went out almost 10 years ago under my seat. Had to share my little laughable moment with you....

..................And now..................................drum roll please..........................

37 - 20 - 20 - 37 - hut hut hike!!!!!

ROARRRRRRR - (can you hear the crowd in the background)

TOUCHDOWN!!!!!

Mer has lost 20 pounds

Mo has lost 37 pounds

We are still both at it - working hard and hard working!

Many goals to still accomplish, the path is clear to us both and we are so glad that all of you are helping us achieve many mildstones!

Looking forward!

Never turning back!

We are doing it!

You are doing it!

I am doing it!

Mer & Mo

AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

Ok - I think I am just going to have to vent for a few seconds - because, well, this is the week I have been having. This is why I am "losing it" and this blog is called We're Losing It - because this week, well, it needs to be done and gone and hopefully I can look back on it and laugh.

I work in construction and this week alone we had 7 jobs that we decided to bid in five days! Three by computer, then a notary class to take that would mean having me gone from work for a full day. We got one of the bids on the day I was gone and I missed out on the Wine Fest of celebration. The three jobs we submitted via computer program didn't work and in the 11th hour we had to fax it and we (Oh - Wait - I mean I) struggled with the issue of wanting to throw my computer across the room and then get on the phone and tell the person who actually thought this was a good idea that it wasn't - how some engineers think that you can submit a bid electronically is beyond me, but I am so old school.

Not to forget to mention this - it is the last week of school for Aman. Now, my son is a good guy, but he does have his moments. However, he has not had any "moments" in over a year. This year has been great, or so I thought. Might be the weather - is it going to be a full moon this week? Monday afternoon I go to pick him up from his After School Program and I have to have a discussion with the director. Hitting involved, with a mix of frustration in regards to a 4 square game (remember that game - love it), and well, a punishment had to come down. Then Tuesday - in the midst of pure mess at work - I get a call from the Principal - yep, the big boss at the school - pulling of an arm and more frustration and well, a bloody nose to the one who started it - my son - and more punishment. COME ON - its the last week of school!!!!! Wednesday, the fun keeps going - something about he got in trouble, but didn't get in trouble, but I don't have all the facts. I had to work overtime and well, my week is just not going well at all. Got it all cleared up on Thursday, but really, seriously, this is how the year is going to end?! HEAVY SIGH!!!

Wednesday I had to go pick up Pizza for the guys at lunch! I wanted to just open the box on the drive back to the office and pick at the toppings on that combination, but I didn't. I didn't even have one piece. Then you know when you purchase something just oh so yummy and the smell lingers in the car for hours. Yes, at 6:30 pm that night I got back in the car and I almost drove over and picked up another pizza for my dinner - the temptation was that strong.

Just imagine me screaming into my computer right now because I keep hearing the estimator say "its basically done" and I just want to clean up my desk and start the long weekend without a worry!!!

There is a silver lining to all this ahhhhhhhh moments. I am totally on track with my eating. I decided to try a new menu this week to give me the chance to discipline myself. I will share with you details next week, but I am happy to say that I have stayed on task. All week - not just a day or two, but all week. I am even going to my girlfriends house tonight to help her put together a new bed and I already told her I was bringing my own meal. I am so proud of how I have done and I can't wait to see my full results on the morning of the 8th day!

Here's wishing everyone a great weekend and for us in the U.S. hoping that you all have a long three-day holiday weekend!! If you see a military person or a Veteran in your comings and goings, make sure you say Thanks for their service! Memorial Day - not just a time to remember, but a time to be thankful for all that have served our country!!

STILL - Staying MOtivated MO

Confetti Moment

Last night was the Biggest Loser (US) season finale show. It is gone until September - how did I miss it? I used to make sure I watched every episode - start to finish. However, for the last two seasons I have had a DVR and have had every intention of watching the shows via "taped", but it just is not happening. I might be busier or just not interested or avoiding the fact that I have watched all those people before drop all that weight at such a fast pace of time, but what about me? Where am I in that equation? On rare occassions my son would watch part of the show with me and a few times I think he has seen the finale. When he asks if he can be up on that stage with me, with the confetti,   music, audience and being the Biggest Loser, I have to tell him that I would be away for more then 4 months. Oh, nope - that is not an option for him - Mom can't be gone for that long. Maybe someday. I then think about it - as much as I would love to be at a special ranch, work out every day for hours on end, lose my lunch because I was working too hard, cry and scream at the trainers because they are pushing me too hard, even have an eye opening moment.....I feel like I have that now!!

I have a special ranch - my new home - and I have done a pretty good job making my "gym" fit for me at my home. (Mo's Gym). Everytime I am on the punching bag of fun I think that Jillian or Bob is pushing me to the next level. I even think of all those others out there that are struggling with weight and being healthy. If they can do it, I can do it. I am not working out as much as I could, but I am making good use of my time and making my workouts fit into my schedule. I am proud to say I have not exactly lost my lunch during a workout - do I really want to?? And I have had many eye opening moments. Putting on clothes that haven't fit well in years,  feeling better, waking up refreshed and ready to hit the "gym", wanting to use my balance ball for a chair at my desk rather then actually sitting on a chair, eating more vegetables and drinking tons of water, getting a guy to notice me, people saying things to me about looking better, the high five I got from my older sister when I told her I was down 31 pounds (that was awesome), and the most eye opening thing for me is this - I am so glad I am doing this now!! Taking care of me - I am feeling less stressed about life in general - feeling recharged - taking things as they come to me - loving my new life for what it all has to offer me.

It is amazing how dropping pounds, taking the time to exercise, eating better, and making yourself feel better can make you feel like a STAR!!! When I hit my goal I want to have a party - a confetti, crowd screaming, music blasting event - that will be my moment - my recognition and just for my son we should have a "stage" for him to celebrate with me.

 

Keep it up - stay strong - continue on the path of success - soon all of us will reach our goals!!

Staying MOtivated MO

Dancing Fool

I got to go out on Friday night. An invite to a last minute surprise birthday party got me jazzed !! We ended up having dinner at Chevy's Mexican Restaurant. I munched up a cup of blueberries before leaving the house, because it gave me that "semi" full feeling to avoid too many chips. I did order a yummy Pomegranate Martini, but I limited myself to one. My friend and I split an order of Fish Taco's, which was a great idea, because it totally kept me in check for the night. I didn't touch one piece of rice, as I am trying to limit my carbs lately. I also think the waiter was laughing at me because he filled my water glass about 5 times during our meal.

The best part of the night - we went out dancing!!!

I love to dance! I have always wanted to find a good dance partner where we would go out each week and just dance, dance, dance. My partner would have to love to dance all kinds - hip hop, rock, salsa, fox trot. Yes, I have taken some lessons, but not as good as I would like to be in ballroom fashion. Just getting out on a good dance floor gets my heart racing. With my friends or with a guy - one of my most favorite things to do! Our night out dancing started out slow, but soon the DJ music was on the ball. I danced for 3 hours. Our horse drawn carriage was going to turn back into a pumpkin, so we had to head home at about midnight. I would have enjoyed staying until the 2 am hour, if I could have. I love to dance - oh, wait - I already told  you that.

The only thing that I don't like about dancing is this, I hate how much I sweat. My hair gets all wet, my face is just dripping and I have to reach for a napkin just to wipe myself off gingerly without losing too much of my makeup. At the end of our night we went into the bathroom and yikes - look at me - gross!

One of my goals is to be able to dance the night away and not sweat so badly. I always look around and see some of the other girls dancing just as hard as I am, but I don't see anything dripping off their faces. Is that because I am big? Am I dancing harder then them? No, they are moving just as much as I am, right? I do believe all that sweat is because of my size and that my body is not used to my dancing activity. I will keep telling myself that I will continue to get fit, keep working out so my body is used to the extra activity, I will keep dropping the pounds and soon I will have to grab a napkin to only help hold my drink.

Staying MOtivated MO

Busy Buzzing Around

I just looked at the calendar and I only have 9 more days of school! 15 more days until I leave for my trip to Alaska. Although I have been away from the blog I have been doing well. My job went berserk with distict-wide science fair, assessment scoring and I started taking an online course to add to my credential.  I am not letting my busy life get in the way of taking care of myself. I am still going to bootcamp 3 times a week and I am still going to Pilates on Sundays at my sister's studio. I am still portioning out my meals and I allow myself to eat whatever I want one day a week. 
The biggest things that help are-

• When I eat out I ask for a take out box and I put half in the box so that I can eat it later
• I started weighing myself daily to keep myself on track
• I exercise every day even if it is just 20 minutes of walking
• Protein powder and flax seeds are great supplement
• I am starting to eat more fish for those omega-3's
• I drink 10 cups of water daily
• I stretch my body and meditate even if it is only for 5 minutes
• I carry gum or mints in my purse for those food emergencies when I want something to chew on
• I eat breakfast every morning no matter what
• I keep in touch with Mo

So know I am still here, but will not be online much. With my summer coming up fast that will be my time to really hunker down and get this thang done. 
STAY STRONG!
STICK TOGETHER!
SUPPORT EACH OTHER!
WE CAN DO IT!
Always,
Mer

Temptation Avoided

Some success this week -

I received some Hawaiian Macadamia Nuts - all covered in Chocolate - and well, I have decided that those things just can't come into the house. I love the gift and I am not being an Indian Giver, but my son does not eat that many sweets and if that box did officially make it into my house I would proceed to eat the whole box in the course of just a few short week(s). For right now I just have to be generous. I asked my son what he wanted to do with the box, take some for himself and then I would take the rest to work or did he want to give them to his teacher at school (and she could share or just keep for herself). Well, the decision was for the teacher. She thanked him for the gesture and somehow in the course of giving it to her Aman proceeded to say "my Mom doesn't want sweets in the house". (so true). The response from his teacher was this - "that is a great decision and please do tell your Mom that she is looking really good these days". When Aman told me that story he got this really big smile on his face and proceeded to give me a big warm hug. I can see that he is seeing the change in me and that others are too. I am glowing about that comment and moment!

I had a meeting last night - had to drive some 45 minutes one way to get to it and it really was not productive at all. The plus on this - I packed my healthy snacks and munched on them when I felt the need, didn't eat them all at once. I even enjoyed a nice collection of Blueberries on the way home. I treated one of the ladies that works so hard on my day camp registration forms in the Boy Scout office to dinner. She was happy with Subway and I was thrilled when I avoided the cookie temptation to upgrade my "meal". And true to form, as in a post I read the other day, they really don't give you that many vegetables on your sandwich unless you ask for more, even then it is limited.

I then walked into my meeting and wouldn't you know it - cookies and munchies. I happily declined. Even had a laugh when I saw that they had chocolate milk. Oh - and I declined the offer of a piece of chocolate earlier in the day when I said I was a bit drained. I guess they felt it would be a good pick me up or make me feel better, but I was happy with my water and some gum tucked in my purse in case I did crave a sweet treat.

Going to enjoy some time to myself this weekend. I love love love my son, but have had Aman for 25 days straight and even if I do work and did have some "sitter" help those days, it really never is a "break". Happy to know that I can do "me" stuff and not rush home or be on the clock for much of anything this weekend. Grocery shopping at the oh so early hour of 6 am, or what about hearing good music at the local bar on Satruday night - ohhh - better start planning. Sending everyone happy thoughts for a most wonderful weekend!!


Staying MOtivated MO

This is My Time - My Pace - My Journey

As most of you know (or don't know) this blog is being ran by two of us - Mer and Mo - long time college roommates and friends forever (this August will officially be 23 years). You know it has been a long time when you both get a high school graduation announcement from your other dorm mate of her oldest getting ready to go onto college. We still keep in contact with many of our dorm buddies and they are all lifetime friends. Camping this summer with some, wishing it was with all......now where was I again - oh, that's right - the blog....

...Mer and I are doing this blog together, but we are both doing our own lifestyle change to fit our own lives. Neither one of us sat down and said to each other "I am doing Weight Watchers, how about you?" -  Or -  "Let's try that No Carb thing - that would be fun, right?" - Or "What about running?" There has never been a push or a shove to get me to put on running shoes. Heck, the only thing that I wish I could join Mer for are  her Boot Camp mornings, but the commute would be a killer for that. We both decided (kind of mutually agreed without really saying it out loud) that we were going to do the blog to keep in contact with each other. Give each other support and the best part is this - that when I am typing I feel like I am talking to her face to face or on the phone and sharing my week, my thoughts, my accomplishments and even my let downs. We are both doing this our way, with just a good friendship to keep us going with it.

Well, just the other day I was talking to another friend. She is a huge huge diet workout want to be a body builder kind of person. The gym is her friend at 3 am each morning, the protein shakes, the vitamins, the 6 meals a day, yada yada yada and I applaud her for that. However, when you tell her that you are doing a new "lifestyle" she gets all hyped up. Ok - I will admit that I am using a eating plan she recommended to me, but it took my sometime to actually put it into work. I am just careful what I say to her. Just like the other week I made the mistake by telling her that I had lost more then 20 pounds. She got all excited. Then she started to do the calculating in her head as to how long it took me to lose, so that by July or August I would be down another 30 or was it 20 - I don't know. I told her to stop doing that, because I did have a moment of plateau that lasted for about 2 months and she then says - "oh, you should have called me, I could have done so much for you and your eating habits"! I ask you this - WHY? Why would I do that? She means well, I know, but I haven't hired her to be my personal trainer. If I did, then I would have made that decision on my own! I know she is just trying to help, but for me this is NOT the Biggest Loser. I am not on a TV show trying to beat the others out of the money. I would SOOOOOO love to be on the Biggest Loser, but I do have a job, son to raise and all that.

For me, this is what I remember everyday - when you have decided that you want to make this new journey - YOU are the one that has made that decision for YOU!!! This, my friend, is MY TIME - MY PACE - MY JOURNEY!! Yes, I am grateful to be doing it with Mer (and many other bloggers), but if you push me, wag your finger at me, tell me I am doing something wrong or not "pushing" enough then there is the "might give up factor". I am We all are changing our lives for US - ME - OURSELVES and I. You need to do this at your own pace - the pace that you are comfortable with. When I first started out in January I decided not to do 100 things, but I started with about 20 things, then I added another 10, eventually getting to all 100 things that are going to help me on this losing weight journey to make it a daily, weekly, monthly and everlasting habit.

I will not get frustrated when the scale is not going down - I will not cry when those pants are not fitting on the day I want them to fit - I will not stop until I hit goal !!! Slow, fast, tortoise or rabbit speed - it is all up to me and I will make it work for me!!!!

 

I hope that both Mer and I have helped some of you and are giving you the support you need on the good days, not so spectacular days and your journey!! We all need more then just a good friend to lend us that "helping hand" when we are looking for it! Thanks to you all for helping me and I look forward to many more applause along my Doing this the MO way journey!!

Staying MOtivated MO

Just being Mo

Disclaimer - just an oh so silly kind of a post, but I need something to get me out of a weather funk today, so sharing my Tuesday morning "meeting" with you.

It has been cold and rainy here for a few days and more is on the way. Today would have been a good day to stay home, curl up with a nice warm fire and have some quiet time. Where is Spring when you are looking for it? Tempting to keep the world out today, but not today, oh, no not today -  it is WATER DAY.

Yes - to all of you that keep up with my water delivery guy heart beating moments - it was water day again today. (and if I ever do go out with this guy, I will NEVER tell him about my blog - LOL). I have been drinking tons of water at work. I even can calculate how much the water bottle will go down from day to day. It is a good way to keep me on track and try to hit that goal each day, because I just don't drink enough. The funniest thing was that over the weekend someone "stole" our water. A 5 gallon bottle was replaced on Friday morning and I knew that it was about 90% full when I left that evening. Monday morning the bottle was bone dry. I got really excited when I knew that we would have to replace 4 bottles, that would mean I would get a few extra minutes with "him".

I made sure I was looking good today. The hair is rockin (even with the wind/rain factor), I put on a nice looking pair of dress slacks, jewelry and just a touch of perfume. It was Tuesday - I wanted to get dressed up. All the ladies at work know I have a crush on this guy. One of my co-workers comes walking in and says "he's here, he's here". Oh come on, she was just excited that we were going to get water again, since we were totally out yesterday (we don't drink from the faucet, because gross....they would have to install a Brita filter to make me drink out of that faucet.). Then another co-worker pops her head in and says "here he comes". I am now smiling and having a good laugh. He comes in and I proceed to do work that requires me to stand up. Yes, I was hoping he would notice a new me - maybe even the new "figure" that I am working on. Luck of all luck - he did notice!! When he proceeds to ask me why I look so good today, I sort of freeze. Saying - "no reason" - "no, we don't have a meeting", but I do manage to say "I just felt like looking extra special today". By the third time he asked me about the special look I should have just said - "Well, yes, I do have an important meeting today, and thank you for joining me" or something like "yes, my meeting - well that was at 8:20 this morning and you were right on time for it" - giggle giggle giggle....window of opportunity opened and I missed it. That's ok - it is just nice to flirt and I do feel that I am getting my MOJO back. Date or no date, a look or no look, I feel good when he comes in and that is just worth it to me. So glad that my office allows us the luxury of having water delivered.

Enjoy the rest of your day -

Staying MOtivated MO

3 of My Favorite Body for Life Meals

I have been still eating 5-6 meals a day.  I can tell you that it helps to make sure that I don't have cravings for the "bad stuff."

Here are 3 easy fast meals that keep me going throughout my day-

Cinnamon Oatmeal
I eat it in the morning or afternoon. A tummy filling meal!

1 packet of plain instant oatmeal
1 scoop of protein powder
1 packet of splenda
sprinkle of cinnamon
3/4 c. water

Mix protein powder and water together and mix until completely dissolved. Put in microwave for 2 minutes. Then, dump instant oatmeal, splenda, cinnamon and stir.



Yogurt/Cottage Cheese Fruit Mix
 This makes a great evening dessert like meal.

1/4 cup. Fat Free plain yogurt
1/4 cup Fat Free Cottage Cheese
frozen or fresh berries
1 packet of splenda
Mix all together and top with blueberries.

Eggs Scrambled on Toast
For breakfast or late evening I like a protein filled meal.

3 egg whites
1 whole egg
green onions chopped
salt and pepper
1 whole wheat bread toasted
olive oil

Scramble eggs with salt and pepper. Cook them up in olive oil on medium heat, don't over cook. Top toast with eggs and sprinkle green onions on top.

With a little planning anyone can do this thing!


RECOMMIT TO YOUR PLAN DAILY!
NEVER GIVE UP ON YOURSELF!
IF YOU CAN BELIEVE IT-
YOU CAN ACHIEVE IT!
Always,
Mer

Day 69- No cheating allowed

From 100 Days of weight loss by Linda Spangle-

So sorry it has taken me to do a post on this book, but life has just been busy! I have been on track, but keeping up on the blog posts have been a challenge since I am just tired at the end of my work day, the end of the school year is almost here and I am starting a new online class to yet again gain another credential. I am also gearing up for my trip to the University of Alaska, Fairbanks to learn more about Biomes and Seasons.  It is a fully funded trip with out family so I am looking forward to that adventure.

I am so proud of Mo for being a trooper and she keeps this blog alive and well while I am "Losing it!" Hence the name of this blog. I am sure I will be posting this summer while she is running day camp for the boy scouts so it is a joint effort for one of us to be in bloglandia.

Here are a few key quotes that stood out for me in this part-

'If you confess that you "cheated" on your diet, that indicated that you believe the diet is in charge. You also label yourself in a way that gives away your power."

"…you can't cheat with food! It is impossible. The word cheat refers to something illegal or immoral and food is neither of these. "

"As of today, completely stop using the word cheat when you refer to your eating plan. Instead, use the words choose or choice to describe behavior."

 

Here are actions to take to change your habits of mind from "cheat" to "choice"-

·        Write your plan down and share it with someone using the word choice. Notice what it feels like to use "choice."

·        In your magic notebook, write the last three choices you made around food today.

·        When you make a lousy choice, figure out how to describe it without using "cheat."

 

My plan:

·        I choose to eat good foods for my body and mind like: carrots, celery, bananas, strawberries, lean cuts of meat, and whole grains.

·        I choose to drink 10 glasses of water daily.

·        I will eat 5-6 meals a day. 

·        I will exercise daily for at least 20-60 minutes a day.

·        I will support one person with their healthy lifestyle change.

Never say "cheat"
Say "choose"
Never Give Up!
Stick to your plan.
You can do it!
Always,
Mer

A Switch and a Pic....

As I was getting online tonight I see that there is an MSN article about how there is a "Master Switch" for obesity....can we shut it off, would that be possible? Yes, it is fairly new study and with all this and that and that and this studies out there, it is amazing how they are researching your Obesity "switch" when really, I do believe it is your own switch. It is up to you to make the switch - click off the cravings, turn on that switch to get up and exercise, what about the switch that tells you that you shouldn't go for that second helping?? Short article - and thought I would post it for fun....http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43039330/ns/health-diabetes/?gt1=43001

On another note, I have been doing a lot of cleaning and organizing at home. In the midst of this, I took the time to review my Picture file in my computer. I was searching for a picture to post of myself, but the funny thing is that when you are the one that is taking the pictures, well, you are never in them. And then I had a good chuckle when I would find a picture of me and most of the time I am "hiding" behind someone, or to the side of someone - always "hiding" the true me. There were a few pictures of me from March 2010, but they are when my son is sitting and I am standing, not very attractive either - especially in my scout uniform...oh, heavens. not the uniform....

I then came across a picture of myself at work one day. Now, you see, this is not where I actually work, or what I actually do, but it is what my company does - excavating the dirt out of one area and into the next, or in better words - moving the dirt so they can build. This one particular day was a visit to a mining establishment and having worked at this particular company for over 4 years, this was my first opportunity to see how the big machines work.

My job, well, I am a estimating secretary - more of a paper pusher then really a secretary, but I do so well at making sure the papers are not pushed into the trash. I love my job, wishing it was more of a challenge, but that is for another day's post. No hard hat or vest for me, oh no way - my working attire is a pair of jeans, white tennis shoes and a casual, sometimes a bit more dressed up casual then anything kind of top....but I thought this would be a fun way to introduce a picture of me to you....

I don't know, but the big tires behind me make me look "little" - does it make me look skinny, too??

This picture was taken in August 2010. By December 2010 not much had changed, except for maybe another 5 - 7 pounds heavier. I think I should try on my work vest and wonder how it will fit now?

So - there you have it - me at one of my finest hours. I never did make it up the steps to the drivers seat of this big machine, too self concious that my big size would not be able to make it up the steps and then to have to get down. More embarrassed then anything, but the best part is this - I AM DOING something about changing that and I am so glad that I am !!!! No turning back!! Another week is beginning...more gym time...another pound down or maybe even two...only time will tell.

Staying MOtivated MO

Expanding my Vocabulary!!

I was going through withdrawal yesterday and this morning. Still doing a bit of that - since I am finally able to get back on blogger, but totally missing the post I made yesterday - hoping they get it back for me, IT's BACK - because it was is a really good story of Mo & Mer having a visit.........Here is today's and hoping it does not go away - :)

I learned a new word this week. HA UGE - yep - that's it - HA UGE - not HUGE - but HA UGE - it was pretty funny to hear. My friends daughter was sitting next to me on Sunday and as we were having a good laugh over a kids book on the couch she turned to her jeans and pulled on the tops of them. Well, the tops of the thigh - pulled at the fabric and it came up - she then proceeded to say - wearing her size 10 pair of jeans (I do believe they were size 10) - "these things are so HA UGE" - I feel fat in these things - I am going to have to change that".

Then just as she kept saying it I realized that my pants were HA UGE too. They pulled up even further then hers. I got this glow on my face, started to smile from ear to ear and realized that my pants have not been HA UGE in a very long time. Always tight, snug and well, never any room to breath. I am making progress!

The other girl on the other end of the couch pulled at her size 3 pants - yep, size 3 and didn't have any room to say that new word. I want to be like that. Maybe not a size 3, but to actually pull on my pants and not have anything to pull. And to actually be happy with the size I am in and that they are not tight, or stuck to my skin because I forced myself to get into them, just the fact that I will look good and feel good about the size I am wearing.

They both didn't mean anything by it - it was just a fun word. I didn't go into the fact that I do feel HA UGE in jeans, in pants, in shorts or anything else for that matter. That there are times I do feel HA UGE when I look in the mirror or see my reflection in my shadow.


I am working on getting that word out of my brain waves. I will have to think of another word in the coming months - how about

SKIN - NEE - ME, what about

LOOK - N - GLOW- MO, or another one -

MARV - O - LADY

Hey, look....I CAN expand my vocabulary...........

Staying MOtivated MO

A Mer & Mo Moment ---- together

So - I got to see Mer this last Saturday. It wasn't a very long visit, in fact, it was shorter then I wanted it to be. We were going to meet for lunch at 1:00, then it turned into 1:30, then trying to get to the meeting point took even longer and before I knew it I was finally enjoying a nice lunch with Mer, my god-daughter and the little munchkin on the patio of the very overcrowded mall at about 2:20 pm....it was a good meeting spot, but it just amazes me that so many people go shopping on such a wonderful, sunny and not so windy day. Really, seriously - do you have to go find those nice looking jeans now?? The visit was not long enough - only about 45 minutes, if that. I had a traveling companion with me and I didn't want to keep her, but at the same time I had been on the road since 8 am and we did a lot of shopping for my Day Camp preparation, in fact it was very liberating, but taunting. Mer looks good!!! She really does. I can totally tell that she is rockin it out and getting it done in regards to her weight loss journey. I can't wait to see her the next time as I know she is working hard towards her final goal.

My wonderful, special god-daughter listened as I talked about my jeans and how they are really not the right size anymore and she wanted to know if we were going shopping. I had to decline the offer. First of all, did I really want to go shopping? No. Second, I want to wait until the next size down to do a good new jeans shopping trip. And even if I have always said that finding a good pair of new jeans is like finding a man - when you least expect it you will find the right fit. I just really needed to get home - the day had been too long and was going to be longer with our 2 hour drive home. I will have to remember her offer of shopping the next time I visit.

Mer is busy with getting things ready for her Science Fair - it was just yesterday and from the quick text I got from her yesterday and even a simple FB post I know things are going and did go well. She has done this every year, but this year they were at a new site. I am missing her postings, but she will soon be back up and blogging again, I know for sure. Oh - Oh - Oh - I hope I can say this, but Mer got her ticket for Alaska and I am so excited that she gets to go and do a Science Workshop in a most wonderful place. I hope she will get time to do some sightseeing, but that is what Science is all about - exploring, right?

Mer gave me a new journal to fill up and am filling up - thanks so much for the gift!!!

We had a huge laugh over the fact that I wanted to take a picture of the two of us. We could not stop laughing as her little munchkin wanted to be in the picture. We let him be in a few clicks, but then as a distraction I totally got him to go get me a slice of apple - not once, but twice. I felt bad afterward, because I felt like I was being selfish, but even if we don't post the picture I wanted to have one with just the two of us. It was pretty funny, oh - the joys of distracting a little one.

I am hoping to do another visit with Mer soon, but it might be far from now, since my Day Camp duties are going to keep me very busy until the middle of June. We might have to wait until our annual River Camping trip in July. Oh, the wait is going to torture me......but to relax, have fun, walk down to the River, enjoy the sun, the time with the kids, no worries, no reality.....see - now I am wanting to go next week. Maybe I might be able to have her come up and help me one weekend with Day Camp - yep, that's the ticket - LOL

OH - and wanted you all to know that I have been enjoying my May breakfast mornings. The flowers in the backyard are giving me such joy this month -

Flowers from the garden, morning paper, 1/2 glass of milk, 1/2 c of berries, 1 1/2 cup Cheerios....and the sweet sound of the birds in the morning - a great way to start my mornings!!

Enjoy your Day ----

Staying MOtivated MO

Mother's Day Glow

Yes - I am a proud Mother - had the best Mother's Day this past Sunday - my little Aman loves me!!

         Scambled Egg Breakfast in bed - first time EVER - didn't even know he was making them - I heard noise in the kitchen and figured it was going to be cereal. I didn't move because I knew something might be coming my way and I didn't want to spoil it. To my surprise, he used the stove that I have been teaching him to use and the eggs had just the right pepper and salt - was a great way to start my day!! (Wish I had thought of taking the actual picture, but this will do - he did a great job)

                                                                                          

I then got a CREWpon book - yes, it should be Coupon, but we have been talking about those internet new things called Groupon and he was so cute and creative with naming this little book that he made at school....

here are just two of my many Crewpon's from my book - loving that he is going to give me money, but I would never "cash" this in

Love the Card - and the fact that there was a treasure hunt map on the back to go find my gift

 

Received this little VASE that he made at the Mud Mill (pre-made ceramics shop that let's you pick the item and then you decorate)

Loving my gift!!!!!!!!!

I then went into my backyard and cut tons of roses to enjoy. This is my first Spring in my new house and wow - do I need to do some trimming, but look at them blooming. Realized that this satisfies one of my May goals - now I don't have to go spend money on flowers - totally free in my backyard



Mer gave me this floating vase several years ago - what a great way to enjoy my blooming garden!!

We finished off the day with dinner in Sacramento with friends and family!! The best Mom's Day I think I have had in a very long time!!! For all those Mom's out there, I hope you enjoyed your day, too!

Staying MOtivated MO

The Journey has just begun!!!!

I had a goal this weekend. I wanted to have the scale show me that I had lost 30 pounds!! I was really focused on it and didn't allow myself to go off the schedule, eating plan or exercise...but I didn't starve myself either. Sunday was the goal - I wanted to see the number on Sunday. I normally let the scale talk to me "officially" on Sundays. Last week was the end of the Chubby Bunny Challenge, so it was Saturday - so I in fact got an extra day. What a wonderful start to my Mother's Day celebration and a great gift to myself - down 30. The best part, the scale actually gave me 1 more pound. So - I am very excited to share with all of you that as of Sunday, May 8, 2011 - I have lost 31 pounds!!!!

I did look in the mirror and I don't really see a huge difference. My clothes are seeing it, but I am not. Sorry to say, but I am being honest here. You see, I have been doing my research and according to 3 or 4 different websites I have to get rid of A LOT to get to a "goal" weight. Yes, it is time - time to tell you all - oh, this is hard for me, because I never tell anyone - not even my best friend or my closest sister what my weight is. In fact, I hate getting on the scale at my yearly doctors appointment because the look that I get. I step on the scale and the Nurse will set the mark at 200 and when I move it up past the 250 the Nurse will look at me (viewing me with that up and down head bob) and wonder why I am moving it. Then they have to move up and up with the little nob and my heart just starts to race - I hate seeing that number, but I never have done anything about it. I have been more then 250 pounds for more then 10 years. Wait - oh wait, correction - nix that - that isn't true - back in 2007 I dropped about 15 pounds and was down in the 240's, but I put it all back (and then some) just short of 1 year later. I know that I have not posted a picture on this blog, (contemplating it), but let me "paint" you a picture. I am 5'6" and I feel that I am a pretty promortioned kind of gal - I carry my weight all over the place, but hate my Dolly Parton chest (LOL) and I do thank my lucky stars that my mother & father gave me the lack of a large stick out kind of butt or huge hips....kind of funny when I write it down. I have been able to maintain my weight at about a 260, or say 265 norm for several years. That is just awful - having to say that I "maintain" such a huge size. What the heck was I thinking!! That is not healthy, but for me at the time it was what I was only able to call healthy. Heck, I even had a full physical last year and the doctor was impressed that all my "numbers" were excellent. The only concern was that there was the impending threat of diabeties, but not that bad. Numbers or not, I was ready, thought about it, talked to Mer and before you knew it I started and so glad that I did!!......so before I keep going on and on and on.....here it is....the numbers......

September to December 2010 another few or more pounds were put on, must have been that 1/2 of pie I finished off in two days.  January 2011 my official weight was 275 (yep, you read that right). According to several websites I should have a  healthy range of weight say 154 to 132, or what about this other site that says 155 to 118....or another one says 186 - man, which is it. I can lose 86 pounds or lose up to 157 - I figured I need to lose another 3 more 30's. No matter how I look at it that is a lot of weight that I am carrying around. However, I am not looking at those LARGE numbers - the final goal. What I am looking at are the little numbers - the 1 to 2 pounds per week, the numbers on my jeans that are going from 24 to 22 to 20 and I think I might be able to get into an 18 by the end of this month, even the next 10 or the next milestone - what about 40 and 50 pounds down - that for me will be an even more joyous occassion!!!

So - there you have it - my losing weight journey - how it began this last January, where I am now - currently at 244 and LOVING that I have just started my trip down the "yellow brick road". I am feeling recharged, energized, excited and taking each week as it comes. For me, this is just the beginning and for sure not the end!!!

Thanks for everyone - especially my BFF MER!!!!!!!! for helping support me, encourage me, give me a laugh from time to time. I am reaching for the BRASS ring and soon it will be in my hands and I won't let it go!!!

Staying MOtivated MO

Happy Mother's Day

For all Mom's
Wishing you a wonderful Mother's Day Weekend 

Before I was a Mom, 

I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.


Before I was a Mom, 

I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.


Before I was a Mom, 

I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.
 

Before I was a Mom, 

I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put them down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a Mom. 

 
Before I was a Mom, 

I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body..
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.   


Before I was a Mom, 

I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth,
the joy,
the love,
the heartache,
the wonderment
or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom 


May you always be overwhelmed by the Grace of God
rather than by the cares of life 

Mo's May Goals

A lot of thinking went into this list - I know I can do it - going to stay fully motivated: 

• Go to bed no later then 10 pm (if not sooner) - that means....teeth are brushed, in the bed with lights turned off ready to count sheep 10 pm kind of thing....
• Wake up about 4:30 am (yes, I know it is early).
• Work out 5 days a week from 5 am until 6 am - Going to do things I enjoy, but still breaking a sweat!! On Saturday and Sunday I can sleep in, but still put in a 30 minute workout!
• Continue new eating plan for the whole month of May
• Take a walk at work at least 3 days a week. Movement is good!!!
• Try to make my Balance Ball work at my work space.
• Strive to hit the goal of being at the weight I was in 2007- almost there - about 5 more to go!!
• Strive to lose the last 14 pounds of my Aman Going to Santa Cruz Challenge. Total Challenge was to lose 20 pounds by May 27th (since March). Aman has to get his grades up. My plateau put me behind a bit, but finally broke it. I am doing well and think it just might happen.  

and on a personal note - not only to stay accountable, but I want to see other rewards, rather then just in weight change.....

• Enjoy the morning paper & breakfast out on the back porch at least 5 days a week - the weather is great and heck, I have a wonderful backyard to enjoy!!
• Each evening work on Day Camp for 2-3 hours - 200 Scouts coming in 6 weeks - OMG - what did I sign myself up for - LOL - weekends I have to work longer....its all for the kids and I do enjoy it!!
• Take a break from the Day Camp madness either on Friday or Saturday - do something for yourself, see a movie, go for a walk with a friend, get your nails done, go to the Farmers Market...try something new
• Get flowers every other week - just to brighten up your day

Staying MOtivated - Recharged - Energized - LOVING Life - MO

Just a quick moment - and a noticing moment that made me smile!!

 Well, here it is - the 3rd day of May - I started to write and write and write, but I only have a moment or two.....so this short and sweet (for me that is)...

Got to talk to Mer on Sunday. We laughed and chit chatted for just a moment - but I get to see her on Saturday and I am very excited!!! She gave me motivation to clean out my closet. So - Sunday afternoon (and rather then buying something new) I pulled out the pants I haven't worn in over - well, in a very long time - and as luck would have it many still have tags on them. Wow - how did that happen? Oh, I know - they looked good when I bought them, but not that good. Having all the intention of losing the weight or that I was losing weight at the time and I would get into them. I have gone down 2 pant sizes (with certain cuts and brands), so a few of the pants I never even put on. I just put them next to my body and they just looked too big up next to me, so why even put them on - I told myself that they were 2 sizes too big - get rid of them!! Into the Give Away Pile they went. I then realized, as long as I continue to wear that workout shirt that is too big I will never get motivated on a day to day basis. I pulled out several shirts that I have not worn in several months (t-shirt types) and made a plan to wear a different one to work out in each day - tight or not - because the next time I wore that shirt (maybe even the next week) I will start to see the difference. The scale can not be the only factor I am seeing!!!

Got up on Monday morning and realized it was a new month. I said to myself - you really need to make a month to month goal plan. You did the Chubby Bunny Challenge and you finally got past the plateau and dropped another 6 pounds - total lost as of last Saturday morning was a triumphiant 28 pounds!!! I am feeling good and never looking back.

Tuesday - water day!!! I got a huge compliment from the water guy today. He said he liked my shirt and he even put his arm around me today!! A few weeks ago it was a hug, now a nice touch - ok, ok - you are saying it is weird and he is a big flirt, but heck, I was thrilled. I totally thought about my rolls when he did it - that my pants were not hiding that roll, but I didn't waiver. I am going to get rid of those rolls and even if it is a flirting kind of thing - not only am I doing this journey for myself, but now I can see that I am doing this journey to get confidence, a "boy" to notice me and that I am looking good!!!! Yep, I am smiling right now!!

May Goal list to come in the next day or two - have to run - work is keeping me on my toes today!!!

Staying MOtivated MO