Missing In Action!

So... I have been a major blogging slacker!!!  Life has been hectic, and while I'm sure I could have made time to blog it just hasn't happened.  I have been helping to care for a close family friend with Leukemia.  It has been quite the rollercoaster... It's extremely hard to see somebody you love go through something so devastating and painful.  It's been really rough, especially since the recent passing of my grandfather- It brings back all of the memories I shared with him.

But anyways, I want to be better with my blogging because it most definitely helps to keep my butt in gear! 

So I'M BACK! :]

Goal Check In! :]

Here are the goals that I set for myself a couple of months ago!  I have come so far since then, and I feel I am a completely different person- inside and out.  Here are the updates on how my goals have been coming along :]

 

Daily Goals:

• Workout 5-6 days a week (including resistance training 3 times per week)

Reward: After committing to it for 1 month- I join the Wisconsin Athletic Club :] 

 

UPDATE:  I have worked harder these past couple of months than ever before!  I have a completely new found confidence in myself, because I am doing things I never thought I would be able to do.  I am so proud of myself!- something that I haven't been in years.  I haven't been completely on top of working out 5-6 days a week, but It is something that I am working towards being consistent with. 

• Take the dogs for a daily walk.

Reward: Well behaved dogs! :] 

 

UPDATE:  I did a really good job with this goal in the beginning, however as it has been getting colder I have been slacking.  Besides... the chihuahuas can't really endure much of any extreme weather- I need a stinkin' lab or something!

 

• Track & write down what I eat each day.

UPDATE:  This is a continuing struggle!  It seems so easy, but I seem to forget and/or not make time from day to day.  I need to just buckle down and DO IT!  I know that tracking what you eat is so important, especially during times of struggle!

• No soda
  

Reward: Having teeth when I'm older :] 

 

 UPDATE:  Going wonderfully!

• Blog each day about my weight loss journey!
  

Reward: My blogging friends inspirational comments & motivation! 

 

UPDATE:  Well.. I have done pretty well with this for the most part, other than my 2 weeks of being shamefully missing in action :(  But I am back on track!

• Drink 6 8oz. glasses of water each day.

UPDATE:  Going great!

• Eat 5 servings a day of fruits/vegetables.

UPDATE:  Yikes... hehe.  Definitely need to work on this one.  I'm usually getting between 2-4 servings.  Meal planning time!

• Take a daily vitamin.

UPDATE: Good :]

Short-Term Goals:

•   Lose at a rate of 1 and a half - 2 pounds a week.

UPDATE:  I have pretty much had a 2lb. consistent weight loss up until a couple of weeks ago where I really struggled.  I am back on track & am hoping for a great loss this week :]

•   Lose 20 lbs. by November 3rd, 2009
  

Reward:  $50 Shopping spree (clothes) for every 20 lb. loss.

UPDATE:  I have lost 10.6 lbs, which means I have 10.4 more pounds to lose in about two weeks.  While this is achievable, I don't know that it is realistic.  We shall see!

Long-Term Goals:

• Incorporate running into my daily workout routine. 

UPDATE:  I, for the first time since I was a child CAN RUN!!!  I started incorporating running into my workout about a month ago.  While listening to my ipod I run during all of the choruses.  It's a great workout & I am so proud of myself!

• BE POSITIVE!

UPDATE:  I have a completely new and improved outlook on life.  I have been so much more positive and am beginning to learn to love myself.  This is an amazing milestone!  I know I have a long ways to go, but as long as I stay positive I know I will succeed! :]

• Reach my goal weight of 155 lbs. by: April 14th, 2011 (my birthday)

Reward:  I couldn't possibly think of a greater reward than reaching this goal!  What a great gift it will be! 

 

I hope everybody has a wonderful day! :]

Over the Top Blog Award

So I'm a little late, but I need to fulfill my duties to my "Over The Top" blog award.

Here it goes...

1. Where is your cell phone?   in my pocket

2. Your hair? blonde

3. Your mother?  the most wonderful woman I know

4. Your father?  kind & caring

5. Your favorite food?  Mmm... Pizza!

6. Your dream last night? I don't actually remember any of them...

7. Your favorite drink?  Pink Lemonade OR Hot Chocolate

8. Your dream/goal?  To be happy in life

9. What room are you in?  My living room

10. Your hobby?  Horses, piano, & traveling

11. Your fear?  Failure...

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years?  Happy & healthy with a beautiful family.

13. Where were you last night?  TGI Fridays with the family

14. Something that you aren’t?  Skinny..? hehe.

15. Muffins?  Mmm- blueberry!

16. Wish list item?  Get a new job.

17. Where did you grow up?  Milwaukee, Wisconsin

18. Last thing you did?  Checked my e-mail

19. What are you wearing?  Jeans & a Key West T-Shirt

20. Your TV?  Fox News :]

21. Your pets?  3 dogs- Tucker, Clifford & Bella

22. Friends?  They mean everything to me :]

23. Your life?  I love my life.

24. Your mood?  tired...

25. Missing someone?  yeah.

26. Vehicle?  Silver Mazda3

27. Something you’re not wearing? Socks...

28. Your favorite store?  Hmm.. that's a tough one.  Kohls? Old Navy? I dunno..

29. Your favorite color?  Pink

30. When was the last time you laughed?  Last Night

31. Last time you cried?  Friday...

32. Your best friend? Melissa

33. One place that I go to over and over?  Work

34. One person who emails me regularly? Sue :]

35. Favorite place to eat? Japanica.. I love Japanese food.. yum!

*Drum Roll Please*

I would like to grant the Over The Top Blog Award to the following bloggers!:

Tiffany

"Me" - What is your name anyways? hehe :]

Nicole

Missy

Tricia

Shmologna

I hope that everybody has a wonderful Sunday!

Boy Troubles...

So I'm really struggling right now with not wanting to hurt this guy's feelings... he is totally into me & I am just not feelin' it.. AT ALL!  On the other hand, I know that If I string him along and don't say anything It will hurt him more in the long run.  What do you say?  Help me ladies!!

Maybe if I wore my hat like this he would leave me alone!...

hehe :]

Hope everybody has a fabulous weekend!

*Short and Sweet*

I love all of my blogger friends!  You are all amazing, encouraging & inspirational!

I am so grateful for the great support system that I have in you all.  It's a great feeling to know I am not alone on this journey and that there are people out there who genuinely care about my success and happiness.

Thanks so much to every single one of you for making me smile each day :]

Love, Katie

Honest Scrap Award :]

So today I must fulfill my duties of receiving the "Honest Scrap Award".  Which means you will be learning ten things about me you probably didn't know... I hope I don't bore you :] hehe.

1.  I attended a Spanish speaking school for 4 & 5 year old Kindergarten.  Trust me.. you could never tell by listening to me speak it.  Yikes!

2.  I am a cowgirl at heart!  I love horses- I just sold my baby boy (Cole) a few months ago, because I just didn't have enough time for him anymore between work and school.  Hardest thing I've ever had to do :(

3.  I love to travel!- I have been a lot of places in the U.S, as well as Paris, France & South Africa :]

4.  Oh gosh... this is getting hard. haha.. Umm... I am going to school (well.. not this semester) to be a labor and delivery nurse.  It is what I have always wanted to do!

5.  I love photography.. I wish I were better at it.  But that leaves me much room for improvement!

6.  I have obsessive compulsive disorder... It sucks!

7.  I LOVE animals... they are the best! We have three dogs- 2 Chihuahuas and a Shihtzu/Toy Poodle Mix.

 

 

8.  I play piano :] & organ.

9.  I want to have a big family someday.  I love kids!

10.  I have struggled with being overweight nearly all of my life... It is only just recently that I have learned to love myself the way that I am.  I am so excited about the changes that I have made in my life to be happier and healthier! :]

Goodnight All!

+2.2 lbs.

Wow.. that was NOT fun at all to put as the title of this post, but it is what it is.  I figured why not just weigh in tonight (already a crummy day) instead of ruining my day tomorrow.  Well there it is folks... I gained 2.2 pounds these past two weeks..  But I am officially over it and moving on!

I AM going to work harder than ever before & I AM going to reach my goals, because I AM worth it! :]

Goodnight!

Blah...

 This is by far the hardest blog post I've had to write thus far.  I have been putting it off for almost 2 weeks now... :(  I have completely fallen off of the bandwagon.  I feel like garbage!  I haven't been working out & have been eating whatever I want...

Life threw me some stressful curves and I went right back to my old, crummy ways.  I am so disappointed in myself!  I have felt sick nearly every day from making unhealthy choices, but it hasn't been enough to get my butt in gear.  I skipped my past 3 weight watcher meetings (I have no idea what I weigh), but I would most definitely not be surprised If I gained all of my weight back.  Gosh!  How could I do this to myself?!

I'm really struggling right now with life in general and I guess I just gave up and felt I was no longer worth it.  I wish I were a stronger person... I wish that I was able to find value in myself and be more positive.  My self confidence has plummeted, but I know that I can get out of this slump.. I have to.  I promised myself that I would do this, and I am going to get it done no matter what.

I am going to weigh myself tomorrow.. face the news.. & move on!

I have missed all of my blogger friends :(

Kat- you're a dear!  You made me smile for the first time today :]  Thanks for the "Honest Scrap Award"

I will share 10 things about myself tomorrow when I am a whole new, positive, upbeat, happy, confident person :]

I hope everyone is doing well!  I am super excited to catch up on all of your blogs!

The Grand "Shred"-Nale!- 30 Day Check In

SoOo... today is the grand finale of the Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred Challenge! :]

When I look back on this past month I cannot believe how far I have come.  I have literally changed my life completely around!   I have done things I never thought I would be able to do... I have uncovered a new spark of self confidence :]  And most importantly, I have learned to love myself.

In just this short period of time I have already begun to accomplish so many of the goals that I have set for myself.  Here are a few:

• Be Healthier- Well this one goes without saying..
• Feel Strong & Fit- I feel absolutely phenomenal!  I have so much more energy & stamina.
• Not Fear Going To The Doctor- I went last week! :] :] :]
• Feel Better About Myself- I have come so far in this area... My self confidence has skyrocketed this past month.  I am living and loving life like never before & it feels amazing.

Here are my current stats & pictures after 30 days of shredding!

Bust-  52.5" (1/2 inch loss)

Waist- 43.5" (2 inch loss!)

Hips- 57" (1 inch loss)

Thigh- 31" (1 1/2 inch loss)

Arm- 19" (same)

Total Inches Lost:  5 inches

30 Day Grand Total:  13 1/4 inches! :]

Starting Weight: 315 lbs.

Weight After 10 Days Of Shredding: 309.4 lbs.

Weight After 20 Days Of Shredding: 306.6 lbs.

Current Weight: 302.2 lbs.

Weight Loss: 4.4 lbs.

30 Day Grand Total:  12.8 lbs! :]

Pictures From Day 1 Of The Shred:

Current Pictures After 30 Days Of Shredding & Healthy Eating:

Time To Go Shopping! :]

 Thank you everybody for your amazing support for me in this journey!  Congratulations to all of the ladies who accomplished the Shred Challenge.  & a special thanks to Syl for starting the challenge and being an inspiration to us all :]

Hope everybody had a wonderful day!  Goodnight & God Bless! :]

"Konnichiha"

Hello In Japanese! :]  So today I went to a Japanese Hibachi restaurant & it was absolutely delicious!  It's pretty much my favorite- super fun, amazing food & relatively healthy! :]  What more can you ask for?!

ANYWAYS... 

Shred countdown: 1 more day!  Can't believe it...

So Biggest Loser tonight:  I'm pretty sure it goes without saying- Tracey = hmm.. let me think of an appropriate way to say this... JERK!  She disgusted me... I mean come on- how selfish can you be?!  Other than that I thought it was a great show.  The loyalty that all of the teammates showed towards Shay was so great... It's encouraging to think of despite some bad apples, how many wonderful people there are out there!

Shout-out to my sister Annie!- HAPPY BIRTHDAY! :]

Today was a good day!  Ate healthy, got my workout in & had some fun in between.  I am super excited, because after working out consistently for the past month I have earned one of my landmark rewards- joining the gym by my house! :]  Woo hoo! I'm not gonna lie.. part of me is kind of nervous, because I dread I will be the "gym fatty" but I know that's not what it's about.  I need to walk in there with my head high & focus on my goals!

I absolutely loved Missy's blog post today!  Congratulations to her!- She has come so far & should be dang proud of herself!  I think it is so so important to recognize and reward yourself for your accomplishments.  I can't wait until the day I can look back on my journey smiling from ear to ear :]

Weigh In Day! (drumroll please...)

So because I missed Weight Watchers on Friday I was going to wait until the final day of the "shred challenge" to weigh in, but I gave up on that whole scenario. haha.

I just couldn't resist stepping on the scale this morning... Since I've been working my butt off it's hard not to want to see results, so I figured it was alright :]  However I WILL do my measurements & pictures on Wednesday for the grand finale of the shred.  I cannot believe the challenge is almost over.  I have never worked out this hard in my entire life... It has been such a mental and physical challenge for me!  & I am so proud of myself that I have been able to stick with it.  That dang Jillian sure is a butt kicker!

So to my thorough surprise and excitement!... I lost 4.4 lbs. this past week and a half!... That's more than my first week's loss.  I swear- I almost peed my pants. ALMOST!  I can't wait to see if the inches have been melting away along with the fat!  I am just so happy that I have committed to making this life changing decision.  It has been such a rollercoaster, but I know that in the end it will be worth every minute of it. 

SoOo... my walking/newly running shoes have been giving me blisters.  Do any of you wonderful bloggers have any ideas for some good, solid, comfortable shoes?!

I'm thinking these...

NOT! haha. The new Skechers-shape-ups...  If only it were so easy as to walk around in ginormous clown shoes to lose weight! :]

Have A Terrific Tuesday! :]

Viva South Africa!

So I completely forgot that I had an appointment this morning, so I had to miss my WW meeting.  I was not too thrilled about this, but I will get the update on what they talked about from my mom.  I absolutely love the meetings- they are like my rejuvenation for the upcoming week.  Boo for missing!  I will save my weigh-in day for the final day of the shred.  I am super excited to have almost conquered Jillian's challenge, but at the same time (I can't believe I'm saying this) I think am going to kinda miss it.  It's so motivating to have something specific that you are working towards.  But I will just have to pick something new :]

As I'm sure many of you know, right now Weight Watchers is doing the Lose For Good Campaign.  Depending on the weight loss of the members, WW will donate up to 1 million dollars! to help feed children and families who need it.  They are also holding food drives @ every meeting & other locations as well.  Did you know 1 out of every 6 children in America don't know where their next meal is going to come from?  I find this statistic absolutely devastating.

I think it's extremely important to be grateful for what you have.  I am so appreciative that I have been so blessed throughout my life!  When I went to South Africa a few years ago It was such a wake up call for me.  The extreme poverty deeply saddened me & made me want to make some kind of difference in the world.  I mean sure I have done volunteer work at homeless shelters & nursing homes, etc., but I wish I could do something bigger.  Until I find that opportunity to make a difference on a larger scale, I am going to make a strong effort to help others in small ways.  So that my friends is my new goal! :]

Here are some pictures from my South Africa trip.  Some of the best times of my life!...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hope Everybody Is Having A Fantastic Friday! :]

Adiós Fat Pants!

First of all, thanks for all of your support.  You are all so great, encouraging & inspiring! :]

So I've officially lost a pants size- borderline 2 sizes! :]  I'm pretty dang excited about this!  Woo hoo!  It's an incredible experience to watch yourself literally shrink.  I didn't think I really looked any different, but when I went out tonight with my cousin she right away said she noticed a huge difference.  That makes me feel great, because this can be such a tedious & slow process- It's nice to see some results!

However I am kind of nervous about my weigh in tomorrow @ Weight Watchers... I have worked my stinkin' butt off this week, but haven't seen any results on the corrupt & evil scale.  Oh well.. it is what it is.  I'm not worried about it, because I'm losing inches!

I hope everybody had a wonderful Thursday! :]

The Reveal...

Why have I chosen to make my blog "anonymous"?  What am I so afraid of?  What are the real reasons that I do not want to disclose my identity for all the world to see?  I know the reasons.. there are hundreds.  Mainly, I am embarrassed of what I have become.  I am humiliated by the fact that I have let things get out of hand and gained all of this weight.  I am devastated when I look in the mirror.  My feelings of self worth have diminished day by day.  I am saddened that I have allowed my health to get in the way of the things I have wanted to do in life.  I regret making poor decisions & not having the self control that I so desire.  I am under the constant stress of wondering what others may or may not be thinking of me.  I am a prisoner inside my own body.

This is no way to live life.  This is not me living up to my full potential. 

I have decided to make a promise to myself that I, from this point forward am going to live my life with dignity and respect.  I am on the path to a happier, healthier life & I am going to be proud of myself.  I will be happy with my accomplishments instead of thinking of what I could have done better.  I will love myself the way that I am.  I am not defined by my appearance, but rather who I am deep down inside- you hear that all of the time, but do you actually believe it?- I am going to.

As I wrote this blog post I was crying.  At first I thought it was because of all of the pain and hurt that I have dealt with most of the years of my life.  But now I'm beginning to realize that they may be tears of joy... I'm letting it all go & moving on.

Goodnight All!

Pizza Anyone...?! :]

Today was a great day! :]  I didn't have to work which was a major plus!  I got some cleaning done, went grocery shopping & afterward  I ran on the treadmill.  No.. I don't think you understand- I, Katie, RAN!  I don't recall the last time I've come close to any gait near a run.  It wasn't easy and heaven knows it wasn't pretty, but I did it!  I was pretty gosh darn proud of myself! :]  I have tons of great workout music on my Iphone, which has really made working out so much more fun! 

So tonight I made homemade pizza on whole wheat pizza dough! (Thanks Kat!)  I used a recipe from one of my Weight Watchers cookbooks and just kinda souped it up a bit.  I made it with Mozzarella & Parmesan Cheese, Pepperoni, Turkey Italian Sausage, Green Pepper, Tomato & Onion. Yumm :]  It was absolutely delicious if I do say so myself!  A statement from my most intimidating critic (my mother of course): "This might just be the best pizza I've ever had!"  What more could I ask for?  I pleased the chef! :]  1 slice = 4  points- TOTALLY worth it to me!  Gosh I love pizza..*end of rant*

(The picture isn't the best- it kind of looks burnt,

but it's the whole wheat pizza dough- I promise!)

I hope everybody had a great weekend!  
Thanks for all of your kind words & encouragement! :]

Day 20 Check In! :]

SoOoO... today marks 20 days of shredding & healthy eating! :] I feel absolutely fantastic & I am so excited about my new life!

Here are my current stats & pictures after 20 days of shredding!

Bust- 53" (1/2 inch loss)

Waist- 45.5" (2 inch loss!)

Hips- 58" (same)

Thigh- 32.5" (1/4 inch loss)

Arm- 19" (1/2 inch loss)

Total Inches Lost:  3 1/4 inches

20 Day Grand Total:  8 1/4 inches! :]

Starting Weight: 315 lbs.

Weight After 10 Days Of Shredding: 309.4 lbs.

Current Weight:  306.6 lbs.

Weight Loss: 2.8 lbs.

20 Day Grand Total:  8.4 lbs! :]

Pictures From Day 1 Of The Shred:

Updated Pictures After 20 Days Of Shredding: 

 

I'm off to work out!  Kind of late, but it's all good :] 

 I love my life.

Mmm!

Dinner turned out great! :]  Here it is:

Barbecue Chipotle Meatloaf (4 points)-

Baked Vegetables (2 points)-

Cheddar Mashed Potatoes w/ Scallions & Bacon Bits (3 points)-

All for a grand total of 9 points! :]

Well.. I'm off to work out! :]  I'm hoping Jillian is kind & compassionate tonight (hah yeah right!).

Have A Great Night Everyone! :]

I like to move it move it! :]

Wow... the shred was a killer last night!  I was not motivated at all to get off my butt and do it, but after I made the decision to "get er' done" I figured I would make it a really hardcore workout!  It's the hardest I've worked out so far & I was so surprised with my stamina!  I cannot believe how quickly consistent exercise can transform your body & energy level!- It's absolutely incredible.  I am so happy & excited about it! :]  Then later on when I worked out on the treadmill I decided to up the speed quite a bit & I was once again dumbfounded.   
Woo hoo for my new "love" of exercise!- I feel amazing.

After making it a goal to incorporate breakfast into my life I have been pretty consistent.  @ my Weight Watchers meeting yesterday my leader quoted the saying "eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper!"  In the past I have come home from work so hungry & tired, which is when I would eat the most.  I have tried to change this up by making breakfast my biggest meal of the day-  huge change for me!  It has worked!  I don't find myself craving as many snacks throughout the day & I feel so much more satisfied.  My breakfast this morning:

Peanut butter & banana on a whole wheat bagel (I ate 1/2), fruit salad (strawberries, raspberries, grapes & apples), & vanilla yogurt with granola.  The only thing I managed to eat all of was the yogurt, but I tried.

Lunch:

Subway... yummm! :]  I get turkey on whole wheat, no cheese, extra lettuce, tomatoes & a little bit of light mayo.  Then I crunch a few garden salsa sun chips on top. Delicious! :]

On the menu for dinner tonight out of my Weight Watchers "Comfort Classics" & "New Complete Cookbook"  is:  Confetti Meatloaf with Cajun Barbecue Sauce, Bacon Cheddar Mashed Potatoes & Baked Vegetables.  We'll see how it turns out- my poor guinea pig family :]

I hope everybody is having an absolutely fantastic day!

Goodbye 2.8 lbs! :]

Today was my Weight Watchers meeting for the week- fabulous as usual :]  We talked about red light foods (ones that are irresistible) & how it is perfectly fine to have them in moderation.  My leader encouraged each of us to make a list of our red light foods & to calculate the points values for each so that when we do eat them we are aware of the "damage".  haha. She didn't word it that way, however that's my version of it.

I will have to brainstorm a list for myself over this next week, however I would have to say my biggest weakness of all would have to be PIZZA! :]  I haven't really had any since I started eating healthy simply because It is absolutely irresistible to me!  I don't know what it is- It's a love of mine.  I hope that I will find a way to incorporate it into my life without going overboard.  So far my best bet has been either Weight Watchers Smart Ones or Lean Cuisine pizzas :]  Works for me..

When I weighed in at the meeting I was down 2.8 pounds for the week.. I am very happy with that! :]  I've got to admit... It's sometimes hard to be patient with weight loss (actually most of the time!).  When I think of the grand scheme of things & that I still have 150 lbs. left to lose, it can be kind of depressing.  I know that I have to fight these thoughts, but it's really hard.  However, I will stay strong and remain positive!

My Weight Loss Goals :]

GOAL: The result or achievement toward which effort is directed.

I am going to remind myself of this definition as I go about my weight loss journey.  Some people set goals which are not attainable & when they don't accomplish them they feel they have failed.  I have spent too much of my life feeling like a failure & having a lack of self worth, so I refuse to ever let a goal that is unaccomplished bring me down.  I strongly believe that goals are of great importance as a motivational tool, as well as a way to keep you on track- nothing more than that!  So here they are:

Daily Goals:

• Workout 5-6 days a week (including resistance training 3 times per week)

Reward: After committing to it for 1 month- I join the Wisconsin Athletic Club :]

• Take the dogs for a daily walk.

Reward: Well behaved dogs! :]

• Track & write down what I eat each day.
• No soda! 

Reward: Having teeth when I'm older :]

• Blog each day about my weight loss journey.

Reward: My blogging friends inspirational comments & motivation!

• Drink 6 8oz. glasses of water each day.
• Eat 5 servings a day of fruits/vegetables.
• Take a daily vitamin.

Short-Term Goals:

•   Lose at a rate of 1 and a half - 2 pounds a week.
•   Lose 20 lbs. by November 3rd, 2009
  

Reward:  $50 Shopping spree (clothes) for every 20 lb. loss.

Long-Term Goals:

• Incorporate running into my daily workout routine.
• BE POSITIVE!
  
• Reach my goal weight of 155 lbs. by: April 14th, 2011 (my birthday)

Reward:  I couldn't possibly think of a greater reward than reaching this goal!  What a great gift it will be! 

I will update my goals as I go along.  Wish me luck!

Just For You Missy! :]

Here's my beloved necklace I won last night! :]  I never win anything- go me!

 

Here is one I thought about buying, but didn't. Good story... I know :] haha. 

 

Have A Great Day Everybody!!! :]

I Didn't Eat Enough....?

Today was weird... I just wasn't hungry.  I used hardly any of my points (which I know is not necessarily a good thing).  However, I will take THIS over being really hungry any day!  SoOo... I ate a nice, big, healthy dinner & took care of some of those dang points!

Tonight was really fun :]  I went to a Lia Sophia (jewelry) party with an old friend.  It was great to catch up with her & I really enjoyed looking @ the jewelry!  The best part of it all.... I won a free ($50) necklace! :]  Woo hoo!  I was super excited about it.. It's really pretty!

Well I've gotta go work out!  But I leave you all with a couple pictures of my 2 little chihuahua "children"! :]

Bella

Clifford

Have a great night everybody! :]

Life Is Great!

I just can't get over how much my life has changed these past few weeks!  Since being on weight watchers, working out & eating healthy I have been in a better mood, lost weight, inches, & I have so much more energy!  Having this weight loss blog has been so motivational mainly because of all of you cheering me on.  Changing my lifestyle has been one of the hardest things I've ever had to do, & everybody's encouragement and uplifting comments have really helped push me along and have kept me positive!  Thank you all :]  It's also so inspirational to read all of your blogs- It's so nice to know you are not alone... that there are other people with your same struggles.  Good luck to you all- you are doing an amazing job & you should be so proud of yourself for caring enough about yourself to turn your life around.

That's really what it boils down to... how much do you care about yourself?  I sadly enough throughout these past years have lost so much of my self worth.  I suppose I didn't think I was really worth taking care of & that I was so far off track that I could never possibly be successful in regards to my health.  How ridiculous!  It's never too late... & I am SO worth changing my life over!  It makes me sad to think that I have "wasted" so many years of my life not being able to live up to my full potential.  But It's time to move on... It's time to forget the past and focus on the future.  Easier said than done, but I truly believe that I can do this!  I deserve it & owe it to myself :]

For BREAKFAST (which is a new meal for me)- I had a whole wheat bagel with peanut butter and jelly on it.  Lunch- Weight Watchers Smart One Meal (Quesadilla).  & for dinner I'm making whole wheat spaghetti with turkey meatballs.  I worked out this morning & I'll be doing the shred later on :]

I hope everybody is having a wonderful day!

Me+Breakfast=Disaster

So... I officially STINK at eating breakfast!  I know I know... "breakfast is the most important meal of the day" blah blah blah!  That doesn't help.. I need ideas to make me more motivated to actually eat it.  Any ideas?  :]

Today was a great day- I got a lot of cleaning done, worked out & ate well.

The End!

Woo Hoo!

Today marks the second week of me being on Weight Watchers.  I wasn't thrilled about getting up this morning to head off to the meeting, but once I was there It was great!  I can't even get over how hilarious my leader is... I feel like I'm paying to see a stand up comedian, who just so happens to have great healthy eating & weight loss tips!  It's absolutely fantastic! :]  I was a little worried about weigh in this morning, because of my little "slump" that I had this week, but I was very happy with the results.  I'm down 2 more lbs. :]  

This was a wonderful learning experience for me, because after last weekend I was so ticked off at myself for making poor eating choices & not working out.  This just proved to me that you can't let two stinkin' days dictate how you are going to live the rest of your week- It's not the end of the world.  Thanks for reminding me of that ladies!

Oh yeah... did I mention that my mom joined the program with me?  I was pretty excited about it, because it's always more fun to do something with somebody else :]  My mom is good friends with a lady who attends our same meeting, so afterward we went out for lunch.  We went to Ruby Tuesdays & I had the salad bar with two turkey minis.  It was delicious & I felt great afterward- not too full!

I have a lot of energy today & have decided I am going to work out like a mad lady tonight!  I am so happy with my results after the first 10 days of the shred & healthy eating :]  I can't wait to keep it up & shed the rest of these pounds and inches!  Woo Hoo!

:]

Day 10 Of The Shred :]

I'm happy to say I have officially overcome my "slump!"

I have been shredding my butt off, walking, & doing my Wii Fit! :]  I feel fantastic!

I can't believe today marks day 10 of the Shred Challenge!  I've never worked out this hard in my life & I am so happy with the results- mainly in the way that I feel! :]  Thanks to everyone for supporting me- It really means a lot!

Here are my current stats after 10 days of shredding & healthy eating:

Bust- 53.5" (1/2 inch loss)

Waist- 47.5" (3 inch loss!)

Hips- 58" (1/2 inch loss)

Thigh- 32.75" (3/4 inch loss)

Arm- 19.5" (1/4 inch loss)
  Total Inches Lost:  5 inches! :]

Starting Weight: 315lbs.

Current Weight: 309.4 lbs.

Total Weight Loss: 5.6 lbs! :]



Updated Pictures:

haha... I actually look worse in these pictures than in the beginning, because of the camera angles.  You can't really see well, but my pants are also getting really baggy, which is exciting :]

Congratulations Everyone On Your Accomplishments & Results! Goodnight!

Happy Days...? More Like Crappy Days! :/

So I have a confession...  There is a reason I have not blogged these past few days... they have been downright crappy!  I had a migraine & cramps... I haven't been working out consistently & my eating habits have been nothing to write home about.  However, I'm going to try super hard not to let this one weekend of weakness bring me down.  I'm really sad & disappointed in myself that I let it happen, but whatever... I've just gotta get over it & move on.

Tomorrow is a new day! & It WILL be great! :]

Goodbye 4 lbs! :]

So... today was my first weight watchers meeting.  It went great!  My leader is absolutely hilarious- I totally love her!  The facility is adorable- super colorful & bright!  & the group of people were super supportive and fun.  The best part of it all- I lost 4 lbs. this week :]

I had kind of a humbling experience while I was there... the girl behind me at weigh-in was super duper skinny and adorable.  I was kind of wondering what in the heck she was doing there... trying to make everybody feel like garbage or what?  During the meeting (she was sitting across the room from me)... I thought "maybe she's just here for some kind of confidence booster or something."  I'm not gonna lie... she kinda subconsciously ticked me off.  THEN our meeting leader announced that we had something to celebrate today!-  somebody had reached their lifetime goal... well you'll never guess who it was...???  Her of course!  She has been a member for a long time and has lost 60 pounds!  I felt absolutely horrible... how dare I judge somebody-  how dare I do the same darn thing that I worry people are doing to me.  As I said it was actually quite humbling & I'm glad I had the experience.  I am usually not a judgmental person whatsoever, but I have challenged myself to become better & I encourage everyone else to do the same :]

Well I'm off to work out! :] Hope Everybody Is Having A Fabulous Day!

Energizer Bunny! :]

As I blogged about earlier today, I really really had to push myself to exercise (shred) this afternoon.  But after that was all said and done and I got off my butt and did it anyways...  I have been like an energizer bunny ever since.  I shredded & then took my dog for a walk.  Then later on when I got home for the night I was for some odd reason motivated enough to work out on the treadmill AND do Wii Fit.  I feel like a little kid who had one too many pixy stix!  Yet I wouldn't trade it for the world... I haven't had this much energy in probably over 8 years- It's incredible!

My 1st Weight Watchers meeting is tomorrow morning :]  I'm pretty excited about it... it seems quite a few fellow bloggers have had a ton of success on the program & I'm hoping for the same outcome!  I decided to wait the extra couple of days and use tomorrow as my weigh in day as well.  I'm kind of nervous about that part... but we shall see- it is what it is.  Wish Me Luck!...

Goodnight! :]

Workin' My Butt Off... Literally.

So today I did NOT want to work out.  I thought of a million reasons that I couldn't, or didn't have time, or "I'm already so sore", I need to this- I need to do that.  Well it was all bull crap!  I kicked myself in the butt and did it anyway! :]  I am most proud of myself today, because this was the first time I had to really really push myself to exercise.  I didn't realize that the honeymoon phase would be over so quickly, however It just makes it into more of a challenge for me. And I love challenges! :]  (ask my parents).  haha.  I took my dog for a walk this afternoon at a much faster pace than usual... he definitely noticed the difference, because I was basically dragging him half way through.

On The Menu For Tonight!:

Spinach Fettuccine with Chicken and Broccoli. Yumm :]

Recipe:

Makes 4 Servings-

1 Bunch Broccoli Rabe, cleaned and chopped

6 ounces spinach fettuccine

4 teaspoons olive oil

4 (4-ounce) skinless boneless chicken breasts

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

1 onion, thinly sliced and separated into rings

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 head radicchio, shredded

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

1.  In a large pot of boiling water, cook the broccoli rabe 2 minutes.  With a slotted spoon, transfer to a bowl.  In the boiling water, cook the fettuccine according to package directions; drain.

2.  In a large nonstick skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of the oil.  Add the chicken, salt, oregano, and red pepper and saute until cooked through, 4-5 minutes on each side.  Transfer to plates.

3.  In the skillet, heat the remaining 2 teaspoons of oil; saute the onion and garlic until tender, 3-4 minutes.  Stir in the broccoli rabe and radicchio; cook, stirring frequently, until tender, 4-5 minutes.  Add the fettuccine, then sprinkle with the cheese and black pepper.  Serve topped with the chicken and sprinkled with the basil.

Per Serving:  (1/4 of pasta with 1 chicken breast):  Points Value- 7.

I just got the Weight Watchers New Complete Cookbook & I totally love it!  It has tons of wonderful, healthy recipes that I am looking forward to cooking! :]

Hope Everybody Is Having A Wonderful Day! 

Day 2 Of The Shred!

I just got done working out a little while ago & I feel absolutely amazing!  I really pushed myself tonight & it was great!  Every time I was tempted to rest I would think about what Jillian says... when it burns the most you are burning the most (something to that effect).  Woo!  I'm excited for the next 28 days, but more than anything I'm excited that this is the beginning of the rest of my life!  I'm so happy that I've committed myself to making healthy decisions :]  It is so empowering to feel in control of your body & to actually feel good about yourself.

Goodnight All!

P.S:

P.S:  It seemed my pants were looser this morning.  I was super excited!  It's only been about a week... is that even possible?!  Well I'm not complaining! :]  Woo Hoo!

Chipotle=Bad!

So today... I kind of.... ate a burrito the size of my head. 

I went out to lunch @ Chipotle with a couple of my friends & I told myself I would only eat half of the burrito (Tortilla, Chicken, Black Beans, Rice, Pico De Gallo, Cheese, Sour Cream & Lettuce).  Well.. the good news is that I DID only eat part of it.  The bad news... :(  I ate the rest shortly after.  Boo me!  I did however learn a lesson from this disaster- IT'S NOT WORTH IT!  I have been feeling so good & energetic lately and the ginormous burrito stole that from me.  What nerve!  Well It won't be happening again... that is "fo sho" :]

I worked late tonight, so I'm working out rather late as well.  But I am committed to working out long and hard tonight to work off today's "mistake (a.k.a. ginormous burrito)".  hehe.

Jillian, Here I Come! :]

 Have a great night everybody!

I Thought I Was Going To Die...

Well by the headline of today's blog you may think I had a usual near death experience, such as almost getting hit by a bus or falling off a ladder or being bucked off by a horse.  Well I am not referring to any of those things- my near death experience was.... the Jillian Michael's 30-Day Shred DVD.  Goodness gracious!  The woman was a nazi.  I thought it was never going to end- I suspect her voice will haunt me in my dreams :]  "strength, cardio, abs, strength, cardio, abs" over and over and over!  I knew it was going to be bad when I went to the bookstore to pick up the DVD... I asked a lady for help, because I couldn't find it and when I told her what I was looking for she said "Ohhh dear.. I love Jillian, but she is evil!" 

Don't Let The Smile Fool You! ;]

On the flip side- I felt incredible afterward.  I was rejuvenated & actually had more energy when I was finished- enough that I then worked out on the treadmill.  I can't say I necessarily look forward to the next 29 days, but I know it will be well worth it! :]  Thanks Syl!

Daily Food Journal:

Breakfast- Oatmeal

Lunch- Peanut Butter & Jelly and Vanilla Yogurt

Snack- Salad

Dinner- Baked Chicken, Mashed Potatoes & Broccoli

Thanks for everyone's support! :]  It is much appreciated!  Goodnight All!

30-Day Shred Challenge!

So today is the day.... (dun DUN dun)!  Let the fun begin!  It's shred time :]  I'm doing the Jillian Michael's 30-Day Shred with a group of fellow bloggers & it starts today!  I can't say that I'm necessarily "excited"- that wouldn't be the right word.  As with any workout I am most excited for the results not necessarily the process to achieve them! :] hehe.  But with the support of my friends, family & fellow bloggers I know that I will get where I want to be.  This is the beginning of a lifetime goal of mine to be happy & healthy.  It's sure to be a long and rocky road, but I am excited and optimistic about the journey ahead.

Oh dear... here are the much dreaded stats & pictures:

Bust- 54"

Waist- 50.5"

Hips- 58.5"

Thigh- 33.5"

Arm- 19.75"

I'll use my same (yucky) pictures that I just took the other day, because I look the same :]

 

Well I'm off to work-  I will blog later after my workout!

Have A Great Day!

Work = Blah!

So today was just one of those days... work seemed to drag on FOREVER! -  I thought I was going to lose my mind.  Hopefully tomorrow will be a much better & quicker day! :]

Daily Food Journal:

Lunch- Subway (AGAIN... gosh It's becoming a pattern)  I got the usual: a turkey sub on 9-grain wheat, no cheese, extra lettuce, tomato, & lite mayonnaise. 

Dinner- I made broccoli and cheese stuffed baked chicken breast.  I got the recipe from a fellow blogger- it was delicious :]

Dessert- Strawberry Slushy (1/2 cup fresh strawberries, half cup sugar free lemonade, & a 1/2 tray of ice cubes)

The other day I saw the movie Julie & Julia.  It was pretty cute & it inspired me to become a better cook.  I am going to make a strong effort to make healthy dinners each night for my family & I.  I am going to go through weight watchers cookbooks & any other healthy cookbooks/recipes I can get my hands on.  Wish me luck [or better yet- wish my family the best as they will be the taste testers... a.k.a. my guinea pigs :]

So I didn't work out today, but I did tons of shopping- does that count?  I am going to be joining the Wisconsin Athletic Club.  It's about 2 minutes from my house & is extremely nice!  They offer a ton of free group classes, indoor and outdoor swimming pools & all of the usual workout equipment.  I'm most excited to try out the spin class :]  Membership also comes with 2 free sessions with a personal trainer, so I plan on taking advantage of that as well to get me off on the right track.  They also have a 24 hour facility, which is only about 10 minutes from me.  It will be quite convenient for long work/school days!

I'm super excited everything seems to be falling into place :]

Goodnight All. Sweet Dreams!