Thursday, July 29, 2010

Don't Put Your Finger In Your Eye!

Ouch!! I was working on a new Chili Relleno recipe so I cleaned some fresh chilies for dinner and didn't wear any gloves - gloves are for sissies! Later on I forgot and then rubbed my eye - DOH!!! What was I thinking??


Well, I was thinking that for a born and bred Arizona girl chilies are a way of life and we use them all the time. Sometimes we get a little slack in handling them.

Boy was it a wake up call! What I really learned was we can't be slacking in handling our lives. Especially in regards to our weight loss goals.

So my take away from this experience is - be aware of everything. Wear your "gloves" when you handle something toxic - like a party, family gathering or dinner out.
You may save your eye!!

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

16 Laps Doing a Dead Man Float.......

yohoho and a bottle of diet root beer!! 15 laps doing a Dead Man's Float, yohoho.....................................You get the idea even if it doesn't rhyme.

It all started the year they built the new pool for the high school. It was a beautiful facility with a kiddies pool and a ginormous laned pool with a roped off "deep end" for the low and high dives. Best thing about it - they were going to offer free swimming lessons to the public!

Up until this time we had been swimming in a stock tank my dad had brought home. There it sat on our back porch - this huge round metal tank about 3 feet high filled with water and the neighborhood kids splashing and having fun. Our favorite part was to get everyone to the side and then we would all swim or run around the edge which would start a swirling motion with the water and we'd all stop together and get carried by the swirling current of water! That was the best!

So the year the pool opened my mother signed my sister and I up for the free swimming lessons. Every morning for two weeks my sister and I would put on our swim suits, grab our towels, put on our zori's* and walk over to the pool for our lessons.

Did I mention it was in Phoenix, in the summer where the pavement was so hot if you stopped your zori's would melt to it? Did I mention that we had to walk about 3/4 of a mile to the pool and that part of that walk was across a vacant lot where "sticker" plants covered the ground and every time you stepped on one it would stab your foot through your zori? Sorry I digress.

Once at the pool we would go through "testing" to find out which group we would be assigned. I hated testing! It was during testing that I learned a few things about myself:
  1. I'm afraid of water
  2. I'm claustrophobic and water on my face terrifies me
  3. That because of #1 & 2 every year I was put into the beginners group.
Well, spending so much time in the beginners group all those years I learned some very valuable skills. No, I never learned to do a front crawl or a butterfly, but I was the best darn floater in that pool!!

Turtle float? Childs play! Treading water? Oh please - can we say beginner!! Back stroke? Easy peasy! Dead Man Float? There's no one better! See I figured if I was ever in a situation where I had to save myself in water I'd better have a backup plan - since by "their" definition I couldn't "swim".

Which brings me back to today. Today I did 16 laps (1/4 mile) in the gym pool! Ok, I admit I "wrupfl'd" them - a combo of walk, run, paddle & float, but I did it! No, it wasn't pretty, no it wasn't really "swimming" by "their" standards but it worked! It got the job done.

Today you may have to "Wrupfl" it. You may have to make adjustments. You may have challenges. You may have fears and anxiety about going off plan or succeeding on the program. The key will be to just do it. Do it even if it isn't pretty. Do it even if "they" say it's not regulation. Even if you have to stay in the beginner class every day for the rest of your life - JUST DO IT!! What ever it takes. By doing it you just might be able to save your life!!


*Originally flip-flops were called zori's after the Japanese sandal style.

Original Post Date: Jul 20, 2010

Free Cake Tomorrow

FreeCakeTomorrow!

I bet that caught your attention didn't it! My brother had a sign in his pizza restaurant that read, Free Beer Tomorrow. It always made me smile, especially when the college kids would ask what day the free beer would be available ~ not comprehending that tomorrow never came.

So make a sign. Put it up in your kitchen, on your fridge, in your cupboard or where ever it needs to be to remind you that if you stay on plan TODAY that you can have free cake, cookies, beer, pizza ~ whatever you want ~ TOMORROW.

See the key is we want it now! Not tomorrow, not next week, but Now! It's that inner BRAT screaming to get out. And often times we give up our tomorrow, our hopes and dreams of an ideal weight or optimal health, so that we can have it NOW.

Which reminds me of a story that they used to tell us in Vacation Bible School.
I loved Vacation Bible School! I would go with our neighbor Mrs. Patterson and her kids each summer, and I remember the story they told us of Esau and Jacob (Gen 25:31-34) where Esau sold his birthright for a bowl of pottage (lentils). The reason he sold it ~ he was hungry. HE WAS HUNGRY??? He gave it ALL up, all the future had to give him, for food! Talk about a food addiction!!!

He sold his future of (fill in your word here like happiness, health, no medications, ideal weight) for a bite of (fill in your word here like pizza, bread, cake, beer)!!

The past is history,
The future a mystery,
Today is a gift,
That's why they call it the Present


Don't sell your future for a bowl of pottage or a bite of cake or pizza today! Take the gift of TODAY and keep it safe, knowing the future will bring you many more gifts if you hold tight to the Present.


Original Post Date: Jul 14, 2010

My Italian Job

I movies filmed in Italy! Beautiful sports cars driving down beautiful winding Italian roads. Shots of Venice, Rome and the Italian Alps. So the 'Italian Job' moves to the top of the list along with some of my other 'set in Italy' favorite movies like Oceans 12, Only You and Roman Holiday.

As with all great movies there are some quotes that make it into our everyday communications. Like, "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a d**m!", "You talkin' to me? You talking' to me? You TALKIN' to me?" and who can forget "I'll be back!"? But I really love this quote from the Italian Job:

John Bridger: I feel so optimistic. How do you feel?
Charlie Croker: [shrugging] I'm fine.
John Bridger: Fine? You know what "fine" stands for, don't you?
Charlie Croker: Yeah, unfortunately.
John Bridger: Freaked out...
Charlie Croker: Insecure...
John Bridger: Neurotic...
Charlie Croker: And Emotional.

Every time someone asks me how I am and I answer - fine, or when I hear some one say they are fine I think of the Italian Job's F.I.N.E.

So I found myself struggling lately with being F.I.N.E. - freaked, insecure, neurotic and emotional about my weight loss. I had taken some time off from active weight loss and had been maintaining for about 3 months, but I wasn't happy about it. Then I realized I really hadn't made it to my goal yet. Yes, I was down 60 pounds, which in my former life would have been goal and then some, but my final goal was really still about 25 pounds away. And I knew I really needed to get there.


So I kept asking myself, why aren't you getting motivated? You can do this! You know the plan works! Why aren't you doing it? Everyone else is doing it! I'd really lost my mojo! When it finally dawned on me the other day that I was struggling with my inner B.R.A.T. Yes, I was beign a BRAT!

Me: Why are you struggling?
Myself: Because I want to! I'm being a BRAT!
Me: You know what BRAT stands for don't you?
Myself: Yeah, unfortunately.
Me: A Belligerent...
Myself: Rebellious...
Me: Antagonistic...
Myself: Twerp Throwing Temper Tantrums!

I didn't want to give up my comforts! I had worked so hard to loose the weight that I thought it would be okay to just cruise for awhile. A little "treat" now and then wouldn't hurt. Where have you heard that one before?!!

Bottom Line: I wanted what I wanted and I didn't want to be told no!

"No! You can't have those mint filled chocolate chips on your brownie!" You know fruits are not on plan during weight loss phase, even though it is summer time and the only time watermelons are good. Or, I love this one "Just this one bite (of bread, or cheese, or nuts, or whatever non-plan food) won't hurt".

Don't get done in by being F.I.N.E. or a B.R.A.T.! If your weight loss is not going as well as you'd like, you've hit a "plateau" or you're struggling with perceived deprivations, take a minute and ask yourself -
AM I BEING A B.R.A.T?


Original Post Date: Jul 3, 2010

Floyd's Island

I was at a recent family gathering where one of the men started showing a video of a Scout trip he'd taken over spring break to a little known place called Floyd's Island.

As we oohh'd and awehed over the beauty of the flora and fauna in the video it dawned on me that reaching Floyd's Island is a lot like reaching our goal weight. It's a beautiful and idyllic trip when viewed from afar, but up close...............oh baby!

Did I mention that Floyd's Island, this beautiful idyllic place, is in the middle of the Okefenokee Swamp? Yep, I said SWAMP! Gators, Skeeters, Snakes and even Bears live on the "island".......... and it's not even a real island, but a "hammock" - an "elevated tract of land rising above the general level of a marshy region" (thank you Dictionary.com). Did I mention that the only way to get there is by canoe? Did I mention that you have to paddle through gator infested water? - OK I guess you figured when I said swamp that meant gators. Did I mention that there is no electricity, plumbing or other "modern conveniences" (yes, there is a "bio-toilet" for all you eco-people, which by the way the "bio" part is maggots - just a little FYI).


So, here's our analogy of our Trip to Floyd's Island:


Only access in is by canoe - 35 miles round trip

Weight is not lost overnight – it's an ongoing pursuit – and once in, there should be no turning back!

Permits Required

The 5&1 Plan, Eating 6 times a day using only plan approved foods

You pack it in, You pack it out

Open, Shake, Rinse, Repeat

No modern “conveniences”

Lean and Green – it doesn't get any more basic or "old-school" than that!

Alligators, laying in wait

Saboteur's, Nay-sayers, Denigrator

Yellow Flies, worse than mosquitos

Nagging thoughts of self doubt that continually plague us

Bears

Sudden unplanned events that throw us off plan

Insect Repellent

Knowledge and understanding of how the plan works, why it works and how you can be successful!

Sun Screen

Planning your meals. Being prepared for meals away from home or in social situations


These Scouts had a once in a lifetime trip. Something they will never forget.
  • It was a lot of hard work on their part, canoeing 35 miles through the swamp is not for the wimpy! There was no one there to bail them out when it got rough or dangerous - and there's no one to bail us out when it gets rough. If it's going to be - it's up to me!
  • The video shows them going in with abandon and glee (oblivious to the rigors ahead) and then coming out dragging their tails - but with the biggest smiles on their faces! They DID IT!! And you can do it too!
So today while you're slogging through the "swamp" just remember how great it will feel when you can also say "I DID IT!!"

Original Post Date: Jun 5, 2010

6-Pack Arriving Soon!

I got myself some great shorts for my trip to Arizona next week. Yes, my friends and family are going to be blown away - but not because of my weight loss, but because I'm an ALBINO!! My legs are so white the reflected glare is going to blind them!!! But that's another blog!

What I was excited about was the shorts are a size 12!! Not a "relaxed" fit 12 but an actual off the rack in the "designer" section of Kohls 12! YEAH!! I also noticed I didn't have a "muffin" top or a "Michelin" either! I started this journey as a 20+ (okay I'll admit it was a 22 - darn it all)! Now a 12 - and doing the happy dance!!

So when I got out of the shower this morning I thought "lets see what's really going on here". Usually I run really fast past the mirror in the morning!! Great exercise!

OK - TMI is about to be revealed - click back if you don't want to read anymore!!! WARNING!! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!

So I was checking it out in the mirror and I actually have ribs! If I stand up really straight and I suck it in a little and I've got 2 ribs! If I really hold it in I can begin to see the 3rd rib beginning to emerge! WOO HOO!!! Guess those Pilates and Yoga classes are starting to pay off!!

Now as for the 2 fried eggs hanging over the cloths line - I think all hope is lost! I think I need a wonderbra intervention - AND FAST!!!

Original Post Date: May 11, 2010

Are You One of the "COOL" Kids?

I didn't have the greatest high school experience. It wasn't bad, but it's not something I want to relive either. I wasn't one of the "In" crowd or even the "wanna-be In" crowd. Maybe it was because I was a band "nerd" or a home ec "geek". I didnt' go to any proms or school dances, but I could sew all my own clothes and cook up a lemon meringue pie to die for! All skills which have served me well over the years.

But now it's fun to find out I really am one of the "COOL" kids here!

C - I CHOOSE to maintain CONTROL

O - I have OWNERSHIP of my body and nobody can tell me what I need

O - I have many eating OPTIONS and they will all lead me to .....

L- being LEAN


So thanks for letting me hang with all you COOL people here! And a special Thanks to my friend Brenda for telling me how COOL it is to be on this journey!



Original Post Date: May 3, 2010

DO NOT RETURN TO ORIGINAL OWNER!!!

So it's official! I've lost 60 pounds since Dr. Death's pronouncement! YEAH!!! WOO HOO!!!

And since I've lost it - if you found it DO NOT RETURN TO ORIGINAL OWNER!!!

ARRIVEDERCI BABY!, BYE-BYE, 再见, ADIÓS , ในภายหลัง, AU REVOIR, AUF WIEDERSEHEN! No matter what language you say it - it's OUTTA HERE!!

Have a great day all my MF friends! I couldn't have done it without you!

Original Post Date: Apr 14, 2010

Pumping Iron

When I moved to the "big city" a few weeks ago my DH was so excited to finally be able to play raquetball any time he wanted at the local "big box" gym. Rather than stay home by myself I joined with him and started going to swim while he played, well mostly it was so I had an excuse to sit in the jacuzzi!!

While I was paddling back and forth in the pool (why I can't swim is for another blog) I was looking at the mural on the wall -
Before you can Achieve Anything you have to Expect it of Yourself
It got me to thinking about what I expect of myself and I came up with a few things:
  • I expect to continue my journey and achieve optimal health
  • I expect to share my journey with as many people as I can
  • I expect to be an example of what you can achieve
So I'm paddling back and forth and through the glass wall I can see all the other members working out and I say to myself, "Self - you can do that too. Get your fanny out of the pool and talk to the coaches - see what you can do!". So my Self and I did that!

This week started my first week with the trainer - and she kicked my f.......!

But the funny part is tonight I was in the "weight room" - you know where all the guys hang out - now I'm a grandma - I'm not now or never will be one of the beautiful people or "Barbies" at the gym - so I'm hanging out doing my bicep curls and I happen to see this big muscly guy laughing at me. Yes, I was quite a sight - there I was standing with my itty bitty 5# weights lifting with all my might!

My first thought was a timid - OK, we all have to start somewhere! But then the thought came to me
I HAVE BIRTHED 5 CHILDREN - NATURALLY!
YOU HAVEN'T SEEN NOTHIN' YET!!
BRING IT ON BIG BOY!
MOMMA IS THE HOUSE!!!!

I smiled all the way home!

Original Post Date: Mar 10, 2010

It's Been a Wild and Crazy Ride!

The new year has come in with a big bang and it hasn't stopped yet!

To put it in a nutshell - or better yet a "Chili Nacho Cheese Puff" (YUM) I survived a cross country move that involved me and the cat alone in the pickup truck for 5 days following the big yellow truck driven by the hubby from Oregon to Georgia!

Better than survived - I still lost weight! Those 2 pounds were worth all the crappy truck stop attempts at L&G, trying to open soy crisps at 65 MPH on the worst roads in the nation - yes, that's you Miss I-10 Louisiana - washing out shaker cups in motel rooms in cities no one has ever heard of, fire and brimstone when the trailer towing my car broke a wheel and flames started shooting up - I've never seen my now very skinny husband move so fast or look so good trying to be a firefighter - or breaking a nail as I four-wheeled it down the center of the California freeway after a semi pushed me off the road!

Yes, life is a great adventure! Hang on for the Ride! Now thank the Lord and Pass the Dutch Chocolate Shakes!!!

Original Post Date: Feb 5, 2009

Sweet 16 and Going Steady


I've been waiting to post this blog for about 2 weeks now - so close but yet so far - and finally this morning I can do it!

This morning the scale gods were smiling down on me as I stepped on with trepidation. Would today really be the day? You've been so close for the past few weeks. Would week 20 be my lucky week!
I DID IT!!! WOO HOOOOOO!!

I made it to the

Sweet 16 party!


Here's a funny NSV confession which arrived earlier in the month that I haven't blogged about yet:

I've been going steady - again! For you youngsters out there, back in the dark ages, before dirt - 1960 or so - 'going steady' meant you were wearing your boy friends class ring which was always too big. So you wore the ring on a chain around your neck or on your finger with LOTS of tape or yarn wrapped around it to make it small enough to wear without getting lost.

Well, I've been going steady with my DH for about a month now! Yep, the wedding ring is too big and falling off when I least expect it - so doing what any cute girl from the '60's would do - I taped it. You got it! A big ol' wad of adhesive tape to keep that baby on tight! (see photo attachment - I live in a very small town and yes I have looked for ring adjusters - no such animal here so tape it is and tape it will be! When I reach goal I'll have it professionally sized - can't wait!)

Wishing y'all a very HAPPY NEW YEAR and a VERY HAPPY NEW YOU!

Original Post Date: Jan 4, 2010

Beginners Are Many

I read a great article this morning and I thought I would pass along the thoughts to all you great supporters out there! We're all strengthened by your comments, thoughts, cheers, prayers and virtual hugs.

The title of the article was 'Beginners are Many, but Enders are Few' by C.S. Bezas. Boy does that strike a chord! This is a family activity but you get the idea:

Thanksgiving will be celebrated this week in the United States. This means that 2009 is nearly over. How did your 2009 New Year’s Resolutions turn out? Here’s a little lesson to inspire your family for even greater heights in 2010. Time for some Fun!

Activity:


Item Needed:

  • Roll of tape

Pass out a short strip of clear cellophane tape to each person. Ask them to affix it to one of their finger tips and press on it very firmly. Once a minute or two has passed, invite everyone to pull it off and look at it very closely. Ask them to see what they found on the tape (of course, if there are individuals who are allergic to cellophane tape, have them only watch).

Pass out a second strip of clear tape and have each person place it on their cheek and press firmly. Once it’s been there for a few moments, have everyone remove it from their cheek. Ask them to look at the tape closely and share what they see.

Invite discussion on why small skin flakes, tiny hairs, etc., now are on the tape instead of on each person’s skin.

Then ask: what might this activity have to do with “friends”? With “service”? With “goals”? etc.

Application:

Explain that we are like tape. Everything that we “press” ourselves against deposits a tiny piece of
itself on/with us. That is why we have to be careful with where our choices take us. That is why it is important that we pick carefully where we spend our time, who we associate with, and what kind of goals we work toward. Even our friends’ choices become part of our lives the longer we “stick” with those friends.

Stick to your task ’til it sticks to you;
Beginners are many, but enders are few.
Honor, power, place and praise
Will always come to the one who stays.

Stick to your task ’til it sticks to you;
Bend at it, sweat at it, smile at it, too;
For out of the bend and the sweat and the smile
Will come life’s victories after a while.

Author Unknown

When we choose wisely what we’re going to “stick” to, the results are always joyous ones. In closing, ask the family quietly to think what they’ve “pressed” themselves against this past year. Do they like the results of what has collected on/in their lives? If not, what would they like to do differently for 2010?

Testify of the power of “choosing” rather than “allowing”. Each of us has the ability to choose what they can “stick” themselves to, thereby influencing what “sticks” to them throughout life. Invite each one tonight to make some private decisions and to record those in their journals, so that by the end of 2010, they can be pleased with what has “stuck” with them as they’ve “stuck” with uplifting friends, activities and goals.

So my question to my Blog friends -

What are you "stuck" to?? And what is "sticking" to you??

Original Post Date: Nov 23, 2009

Wrong Store?? What The!!!

My clothes are falling off and puddling around my ankles! Good thing I've always had great looking ankles! So it was time to get a new outfit for church as I have to give a presentation tomorrow and didn't want to loose something in front of the congregation - if you get my drift.

So I went to my local "big girls" store and started looking for a new skirt. I was standing there looking through all the merchandise thinking "I know this size is too big for me now, may be this size?" When the sales lady walks up and asks to help.

I explained what I needed and she responds, "What size waist do you have?" I replied, "36" (which was the size of the new jeans I 'bought' at the GW a few weeks ago). Then she says, "Oh, you're in the wrong section. You could probably wear a 16." A 16 IS SHE KIDDING ME - I haven't worn a 16 in probably 15 years!!

Sure enough I wear a 16 and it's almost too big!
YEAH!!!! I'm STILL doing the HAPPY DANCE!!!

Original Post Date: Nov 14, 2009

The Neighbors are Talking

My DH is so supportive of me and is doing the MF program with me, which really makes it so easy. We each have our own schedules for our MF meals but we coordinate our L&G together.

So tonight over dinner he said to me, "The Neighbor came over this morning to borrow a broom. She asked me if I was loosing weight and I told her yes. (he's lost 38#'s in 11 wks). Then she asked if you were loosing weight too and I told her yes, we were doing it together."

Then he said the sweetest thing. He said to her, "She's melting right before my eyes, I can't believe how skinny she's getting!". To which The Neighbor said, "I can really see a difference".

I love it when The Neighbors are talking about you behind your back!!!

Original Post Date: Nov 3, 2009

Doctor Victories

In one of my earlier posts I ranted about my Doctor from H _ _L. Well look who's laughing now! I'm down 28 #'s in 11 weeks with MF, but it gets even better!

It was time to redo my blood work so I dutifully visited the resident vampire and waited for my appointment in great anticipation. TA DAH!!! ALL - repeat that ALL my blood numbers were in the LOW NORMAL RANGE!! And my cardiac risk profile had dropped! SWEET!!

But the best part was when my PA walked in and said, "What have you been doing?". The admitting nurse had commented to her, "I think she was heavier last time she was here." NO DUH!!! Down 39 #'s since the initial conversation with "Doctor Death"!

3 weeks later I'm still doing the HAPPY DANCE............................

Original Post Date: Nov 2, 2009

Airline Victory

I was invited to fly out to help a friend last weekend and the local airport only uses those little "cigar tube" airplanes - you know the ones - 2 seats on each side of the aisle, gate checked carry-on's and itty, bitty seats squashed together. The bane of any one over the size of 4 if you get my drift.

Since I was flying with her buddy pass I was standby and the flight out was long - had to wait 6 hours between availability after I got bumped, but I was ok. I had pre-packed my meals and had my pack with me along with my shaker cup. Kind of gross rinsing my shaker cup out in the restroom - tried to not think about that. But I was able to stay OP all day. Note to self: chicken rice soup is not a good travel item - no time to let it soak ):

I worked all weekend as the cook for my friends scrapbook retreat - but managed to do pretty well. Had trouble getting all my meals in as I was too busy to think about eating, but was able to make smart choices while surrounded by tons of very non-OP food.

It was on the way home when I was sitting in my little cigar tube seat reflecting on a great weekend and how I'd managed to survive a real world food barage, that I noticed I WASN"T TOUCHING THE ARM RESTS!! NO FREAKING WAY!!!! NO ARM REST DIGGING INTO MY SIDE - NO HANGING OVER INTO THE NEXT GUYS SEAT!! WHOO HOO!!! I sat there grinning the rest of the flight home - well that and wiggling from arm rest to arm rest just to make sure it was real (the guy next to me probably thought I was weird) !

It got even better when I got home and weighed my self the next morning to find that I'd lost 3 more pounds that week! 22 pounds in 5 weeks - added to the 10 I'd lost the previous 4 months and no wonder I fit in the seat!! Got to love it!!!

Original Post Date: Oct 3, 2009

Garlic Shrimp and "Pasta"

1 pound fresh frozen shell on shrimp
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons Johnny's Great Caesar Garlic Spread and Seasoning

Under running water peel and de-vein shrimp. Pat shrimp dry and place in a large bowl. Drizzle on olive oil and sprinkle on seasoning. Toss to coat all the shrimp.

Heat a non-stick skillet to medium high and add shrimp. Make sure each shrimp is laying flat on the skillet. Saute about 2 minutes or until the shrimp start to turn pink and then turn over, cooking 1 minute more. Remove from heat and serve over your "pasta".

Zucchini "Pasta"

2 large zucchini, julienned (cut into long thin strips)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Johnny's seasoning
6 basil leaves, chopped fine

Mix together zucchini, olive oil and seasoning. Toss to coat. Heat a large non-stick skillet to medium high. Saute zucchini until the strips become semi-transparent, but not over cooked. Just before serving add basil leaves.

This "pasta" can also be used as "spaghetti" or layered as "lasagna".

Original Post Date: Sept 3, 2009

The Rest of The Story

I've been on this journey since April when the **(insert curse here)** doctor told me to loose 80# or die. He told me that "lap band" was my only option - little did he know. So I talked it over with my DH and he suggested I join a popular weight loss program and see how I did (I had done this in the past and was not successful) - so I did. And I continue to go for the accountability.

So here is the story that I sent to my health coach:
I went to "X" last week and posted a very nice loss. At the end of the meeting they gave out awards - I got one BUT, they also announced the total weight loss for the group that week. Knowing they were going to do that I did a quick head count of the group - approx 30 people still in the room (not everyone stays for the meeting - so the number was probably higher). As a GROUP they had lost 30.? pounds that week. Funny thing was that out of that 30# - 5.4 of that WAS MINE!!!! YEAH!!!!!

Here's the rest of the story: In 1 week I lost 25% of the total weight I had lost in 4 1/2 months!!


Original Post Date: Sept 3, 2009

New Happy Weight

Was reading on the discussion boards tonight about a website that calculates your optimal weight called "Happy Weight" which calculates an optimal body weight based on height, frame and several other criteria.

While calculating my happy weight I realized it was about 13 pounds lighter than what I had been calculating. My original goal was based on a perceived notion of what would be doable for my age, stage of life and ideal BMI.

I think I'm now going to focus on my new Happy Weight and use a range of weights for maintenance. So I'll be re-doing my ticker (:

Original Post Date: Sept 2, 2009

Learning on the Journey

As in all journeys nothing goes as planned and it's your ability to adapt that keeps things interesting. A journey allows you to step outside your comfort zone and confront situations that you may find uncomfortable, scary or many times not to our liking.

Some of the things I learned this week are:
  • Stay on Plan - no matter what
    • Think "Follow the Yellow Brick Road"
  • Going off plan can have immediate and painful reprercussions
    • Think "Trip and Fall Down = Very Bad Boo-Boo"
  • People who truly love you will support you
    • Even if they think you're a little whacked (:
  • You'll find support in unexpected ways
    • An aqaintance asks if you're doing MF - they are too! Instant connection and support buddy
And finally ------ NOTHING repeat this NOTHING Tastes as Good as Staying On Plan!

Original Post Date: Aug 31, 2009

Survived Date Night

It's step 6 today and I survived my first restaurant dining experience! Every Friday night my DH and I have a date night. These are typically dates to local restaurants and since we live in a small town there's not a lot of choices. We had also scheduled this date w/ my baby bro and his wife to celebrate her birthday so we were locked in - what to do! where to go????????

Luckily, we do have a chain restaurant where we knew we could eat On Plan. Even managed the salad bar with grace and restraint! OK - the onion straws that came on the plate as garnish did me in (they weren't in the description of the dish - darn it!!!), but I only ate 2, each measuring about 1/2" in length - I was really proud of myself!

I'm starting to get more confident in my ability to stay On Plan! YEAH!!!

Original Post Date: Aug 22, 2009

Added Costs

Make sure to budget for toilet paper! I'm now using the Mega-Mega rolls to keep from having to change them so often!!

Original Post Date: Aug 20, 2009

Bumpy Road

Steps 2 & 3 were difficult! Minor set backs with having to eat L&G at a BBQ w/Friends and problems with my sleep disorder. Got cranky with the DH - he's OP too - who got cranky back. Headaches have gone away for the most part and today (Step 5) I'm not as hugry.

Saw my Dr's PA on Step 2 who gave me good results from my recent testing which is encouraging since the tests were done pre-MF! I had lost some weight before beginning MF but the lab results still were not encouraging. It will be interesting to see what happens when the new labs are done.

It's funny that the reason I even began this journey was because of a visit with this Dr's office. After the first labs were done the results were terrible - but better than in the past which meant changes I had already implemented were starting to work - but the results were still not good. At this point the PA called in the Dr to talk about the results and these were his words, "I have nothing more to offer you (meaning drugs). Your only choice is to loose 80 pounds or die. And I don't think you can do it. You should probably look into lapband surgery." Then he left the room. I WAS SHOCKED! That's it? Loose it or die? What kind of doctor speaks to his patients that way. I don't think it was "tough love" - I think he was obviously out of treatment options - as he knew it.

Well there is a way to do it! I am so grateful my DH found a mutual friend who was willing to share the program. Bless you Heidi and Mike!!

Original Post Date: Aug 20, 2009

The Journey

Last fall I traveled to China to fulfill a lifelong dream. As Lao-Tzu the Taoist Philospher wrote,

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step


Just as my journey to China began with one step, Sunday 8/16/2009 began my new journey. This is My journey and today is step 5!

Original Post Date: Aug 20, 2009