Progress Picture for December

This has got to be one of the things I like least....posting a picture.

Yet it was a picture/video that motivated me to lose weight...and to be honest the more weight I lose the less I dislike getting a picture taken.

I decided to use the first pictures I took with my "progress picture" outfit on...and put it side by side with a Christmasized decorated Dec. picture.



Even with the shadows in the Dec. picture I am seeing a difference. I will mentally tuck this comparison away for those times in the next few weeks that I am tempted to indulge in too much Christmas goodness.

There is nothing that tastes as good as being skinny feels....there is nothing that tastes as good as being skinny feels...there is nothing that tastes as good as being skinny feels...there is.....

I'll let you know how well it works.

And So It Begins

Yesterday started the Christmas treats for me...not that I'm eating them but that we are receiving them and starting to make them.

Peppermint fudge, seven layer bars, cookies, peanut butter fudge, milk chocolate fudge ...and a Christmas party for the youth that I am attending tonight...oh my!!!

Maybe my stuffed up nose is a good thing....:-)




So far I've only nibbled on the peppermint fudge...yummy. I've not had much of an appetite right now due to illness and while I really dislike being ill....at least it keeps me from wanting to indulge in the sweets. So there is some good to come out of being sick.

Decimals are confusing

Saturday was my weigh in day....and was I surprised!!!!

I knew I had lost some weight because even though my scale isn't accurate it was showing a loss...my problem is that I don't know how much of a loss. So, it's always a surprise when I officially weigh in at the meeting.

Anyways....I lost a whopping -4.8 pounds.... not bad considering I haven't been able to get in any real exercise....ok, real isn't the right word....intense would be better. I did get in some walking and that is real exercise...I just did'nt do it as intensely as I would had I been doing my water aerobics.


This whole decimal .8 stuff is a bit confusing for me. For the longest time I thought .8 = 1/2 a pound...since there is 16 oz. to a pound. So I would read this weight loss as 4 and 1/2 pounds....but that is not true.
My husband let me know that it's very, very close to 5 pounds because it's by 10ths. He's very logical and I am more abstract so decimals and fractions can be very confusing if I don't "see it".

But now I understand...at least I think I do....

An Amazing Experience

This has been and incredible week. And it has nothing to do with food.

My first grand-baby was born yesterday. Sweet little Skylee made here dramatic entrance around 2:40pm and I got to watch...and take pictures...and pray...and be amazed at the miracle.



This was the first birth I got to witness live that wasn't my own. It was amazing!!! Unfortunately there were some complications with her lungs and she was taken to the "special care" unit. Her lungs were not responding correctly... so she had lots of tubes put in her and she had to remain still. But thankfully she is responding and today my daughter was able to hold her for an hour. And hopefully she will be coming home by Sunday.



Since this is a blog about weight loss I will mention that I am learning how to make better choices in all kinds of situations. Take being in a hospital waiting the birth of your grand child.

We were up very early and I was able to eat my standard breakfast at home. I also brought along some "point friendly" snacks which came in handy as the morning made it's way into the afternoon.

Around 10am a friend and I decided to take a walk around, my hubby joined us. We ended up at the cafeteria because my friend had not eaten breakfast yet and my husband was tempted by the smells. I resisted getting anything because I really wasn't hungry although in the past I would have gotten something just because.

Later in the room as I got hungry I would eat one of my snacks...an apple, a fiber one bar, and a single serving bag of pretzels...5 points total for all three.

Around lunch time my hubby was wanting to go down to the cafeteria for lunch but I was concerned that we'd miss the birth since our daughter was getting very close to pushing. Finally around 1:45 we sent our other daughters down with orders. Gee, I wonder why we didn't think of that sooner...lol!!! I chose a turkey burger and a bag of baked chips. I didn't know that fries came with my sandwich...I did eat two fries but then gave the rest away. And wouldn't you know it...baby Skylee wanted to make her appearance while we were eating...

We left the hospital close to 5pm and had entertained the idea of going to Chili's for dinner. But none of us were really hungry and we'd been away from the house since 7am so the boys had been by themselves all day. So, we decided to stop at the store and get some frozen pizzas. I thought I'd get some low point soup. But I ended up walking down the frozen food aisle and getting a lean cuisine chinese chicken and rice meal. It wasn't bad.

The hubby and daughters picked out ice cream for dessert and I decided I'd try the Weight Watcher's mint ice cream. I must say it was very good and only 2 points.

After I totaled up my points for the day I only dipped a few points into my weekly allowance. And about the only thing I ate that I wasn't planning on was about 5 Hershey Kisses which wasn't too bad considering all the food available in the room for me to eat.

I really believe that this new attitude will last...I see it long term...not just something I am doing now to lose weight.

The 50's

I am officially in the 50's....well, the 250's. I am talking about weight after all.

Saturday was another day that I went to my WW meeting and dreaded getting on the scale. I talked to my hubby on the way there telling him that I will be happy if I kept it to at least a 1 pound gain. But secretly I was hoping for a maintain.

As I stepped on the scale I prepared myself for the news.
I watched the face of the lady checking me in and after she fixed the sticker in the book she looks at me and says...."good job!"

I was like....WHAT!!!! I couldn't look fast enough at the sticker....I actually lost -1.6 pounds.

I think it was all the sneak activity....cause I ate all my daily and weekly points plus some of the activity points.

That 1 pound loss has catapulted me into the 250's and I am thrilled. Bye- bye 60's....I hope I NEVER see you again with a 2 in front.

A Little of this...a little of that....

First...tonight I had the pleasure of meeting Tracy Yukish from Biggest Loser Season 8. My girls and I were shopping in Target and around the corner this lady comes pushing a cart with a little girl in it. I just happened to make eye contact and we both smiled at each other. After she passed I got all excited and tapped my girls on their shoulders telling them that we just passes Tracy from The Biggest Loser....one of our favorite shows.

Both of them were a little disappointed that they didn't see her so we backtracked to find her. At least so we could introduce ourselves and let her know how much we enjoy the show and how entertaining we found her. I love that she was open about playing the game from the get go.

She looks fantastic and is very friendly.

One tip she shared with me and I'll pass on to you is....have a "free" meal once a week. Sit at the table to eat it...once you leave the table....you are done.


Second....I ate out for breakfast and lunch today. I knew I would be doing this all week and did pretty good staying on point. Of course had I not used up almost all my weekly points on Sunday I wouldn't have had to be so careful today, another day that I am very hungry.

I came home from eating breakfast [egg beater western omelet lite on the cheese and half of my side order of hash browns] and ate an apple because I was still hungry. We went to Mimi's for lunch and I ate a Cobb Salad with a low fat dressing, half a blueberry muffin, and their chocolate mousse dessert....but at least I left their feeling like I actually ate something. I also stayed within the points I allotted myself for today...YAY!!!

Lastly....I've been doing good "sneaking" in extra activity. The other afternoon I was sitting on the floor playing a game with my children. I started doing various floor exercises and even had one of my children bring me my elastic band so I could do some resistance exercises. The biggest problem was that I would accidently knock the game board and we'd have to guess which spaces were covered. Glad my children are good sports.

And I am still parking further away when I go to an establishment. Two benefits of parking further away is that I don't have to get stressed about getting the closest parking spot....and....I never have a problem finding a spot...:-) Of course with this cold wind cutting through us I don't blame anyone for wanting a close spot...but on the positive side....the cold wind just makes me walk faster.

Purposefully sneaking in activity

Yesterday my hubby and I went on a Christmas shopping date. Because of his work schedule we are very limited in the time we get to share together so anytime we can do something alone it's considered a date.

At the first store we stopped at my hubby was planning on getting a front row parking place but before he could pull in I asked him is he would park further away from the store so we would have to walk a little further. That way I could get in a little more activity.

Of course he obliged and was joking about how far away to park but he picked good spots that gave us more steps but not so far away that it was ridiculous.

We went to a total of 9 establishments and it's funny how we are geared to find the closest parking spot. I had to constantly remind my hubby to park further away and then I laughed and said that if we were looking for close parking there probably wouldn't be any but since we weren't we were constantly tempted. :-)

We were out a little over 5 hours and with the extra walking and the walking through the stores I could safely guesstimate that I spent around 2 hours walking. Possibly more but since there was a portion of that time sitting in the car and standing while looking at something, plus we sat to eat dinner I felt that 2 hrs. was realistic. Plus I'd rather under guess than over guess cause getting activity points for no activity only hurts me in the long run.

So, if you are looking for ways to increase your activity, especially during the holidays....park further away from the store you are going to.

Another tip I heard from a lady who has lost 96 pounds is that once you are in the store, walk the perimeter of it before you start to shop. I haven't done that yet but if I am only going to one store I may give it a try.

Eating at a Chinese Buffet

I went to a Chinese Buffet tonight!! I'm pretty sure this is the first time since joining WW that I dined at a buffet. I ADORE Chinese food...it is my choice of food whenever my hubby and I go out to eat. Thankfully he doesn't mind Chinese.

I felt like a contestant on Biggest Loser when they have a challenge, like having to eat out all their meals every day for a week. When I have gone to a Chinese buffet pre WW I loaded up on stuff like fried egg rolls, fried chicken, fried biscuits, and all the good food like sesame chicken or orange chicken and dumplings....lots of dumplings...yum

But not tonight....I had to do good, especially since I blew through my points yesterday.

It was probably good that the food selection looked "sad". Very dry and most of the food wasn't even warm. I thought I'd try the sweet and sour soup, which I've never eaten before and the lady next to me in line was telling me how good it was but as I was standing there I smelled a most disgusting smell...like a combo of rotten food and socks. I didn't know where the smell came from but when I went to eat a spoonful of the soup I found out....blech!!! It tasted like it smelled. Awful!! It was so bad it about spoiled my eating of anything else. Thankfully I had some wonton soup and that tasted good and took the yucky taste out of my mouth.

I sit here recalling the less than pleasant experience of dining at this establishment and my stomach is feeling a bit queasy....hope it's not because of the food. The best part of the meal was sitting across from my husband. One thing I can guarantee it that it's the last time we will be going to this particular restaurant.

Oh yeah....I stayed within my daily points. I had 1/2 c.steamed rice, 2 non fried chicken on a stick, broccoli, 1/2 serving of baked fish, 1/2 c. of wonton soup and two cookies. I also had a bite out of two different egg rolls but I didn't like either one so I didn't eat any more.

We are planning on going out to a different Chinese Buffet for Christmas Eve but somehow I don't think it will be as easy....cause the food is much, much better. But at least I have an idea now of how to tackle that when it comes.

***added the next day-
just in case you are concerned...I did not get food poisoning...I think just remembering is what made me queasy...:-)****

A Lesson Learned

If last night is any indication.....this week is going to be tough.

We had "home group" last night. We meet once a month at a friend's house from church and they ALWAYS provide fried chicken while the rest of us bring a side and/or a dessert. I make allowances for one piece of fried chicken because I love it and I know the point value and can work around it and it's only once a month.

I did good in bringing a salad for a side dish. But I did horrible in bringing an apple cake as a dessert. I had bought some Macintosh apples a week ago but didn't know they were soft apples until I bit into one. I like my apples crisp, crisp, crisp. Well, I didn't want my apples to go bad and I didn't want to throw them out so I thought..."I'll make an apple cake." I've made it before and it's very yummy.

So, I make the cake and then I sit down to figure out the points. OH MY!!!

I piece [about 2x2] was 7 points.... Good thing I made a salad too. I figured I'd eat my chicken and salad and have a piece of cake. My points we going to be higher than usual for dinner but not too bad.

My plans did not turn out the way I thought....

I've traced my evening and have decided that this is where they "went bad". I ate lunch at 1 p.m. but we didn't eat dinner till 6:30. I was hungry when we left the house and had planned on eating some carrots to tide me over, but in our rush out of the house I forgot them and the caramel topping for the cake. [thank goodness my son drives and was willing to bring the topping to us...it "makes" the cake] So, by the time we ate I was very hungry. Too hungry if you know what I mean. I was starting to show signs of low blood sugar and that's not good for one trying to control what she is eating because when low blood sugar hits I could eat a house.

As I went to go get my food I realized they did not have the fried chicken I knew the points of....they instead had bought fried chicken tenders. Hmmmmm....how many points are in one? In my head I figured two tenders probably equaled one fried chicken breast. WRONG!!!

I made a salad, had my two chicken tenders and about 1/4 c. of mashed potato's and decided that I'd "splurge" on a roll. I don't mind using up some of my weekly points. After I finished eating I was still hungry....like seriously still hungry...so I went back and got one more tender and some cake. But instead of one piece of cake, cause they were so small and I was hungry, I decided I'd "splurge" on two. It's the beginning of the week for me so I knew I had weekly points I could use.

Well I am happy to say that after all that I felt satisfied and my low blood sugar symptoms had diminished. And the food was very good.

Then I went home to track my points....and I was SHOCKED!!!!!

My dinner had more points than what I ate for lunch and dinner on Thanksgiving combined. WHAT!!!!! How can that be??? Apparently each chicken tender was 7 points....times that by 3 and it came out to 20 points.....[ww's math] Will I be eating tenders again? I don't think so.... I had figured they were around 4 or 5 points because they were not that big....whatever....

Of course I had splurged on the roll and extra cake so add on another 18 points.....4 for the roll and 14 for the cake.

Lessons learned....

• next month I will go better prepared
• I will grill a chicken breast to take with me just in case they don't have my fried chicken breast.
• I will take a side of veggies worth 0 points that I like to eat.
• I will NOT make an apple cake...or I will look at trying to make it lower points.
• I will eat a snack between lunch and dinner so I won't be so hungry

It's a good thing that each day starts anew.....I still have a birthday breakfast and lunch for a friend to get through this week but I am going to combat that with getting more exercise and building up my activity points....cause I only have 12 weekly points left.....[sigh]

My Thanksgiving Strategies

Wow!!! 2 posts in one day....how unusual. But since I didn't blog about Thanksgiving I thought I would jot down what helped me make it through Thanksgiving without gaining weight.

Besides gearing myself up mentally, my "best friend" was the measuring cup.


We were only going to have one Thanksgiving meal and since I was cooking it I wasn't too concerned...and then we were invited to my oldest daughter's grandparents family get together. It was pot luck style and I wish I would have taken a picture of the dessert table because it was loaded down with goodness. Pumpkin pies, chocolate meringue pie, apple caramel pie, a variety of cheesecakes and a pumpkin roll.

I used one of the strategies mentioned at our last WW meeting. If you are going to eat/indulge then do it with foods you don't usually eat or make. That's what I did at the afternoon meal at the grandparents. And of the food I took I only took enough for a bite or two and by the time I was finished I was satisfied.

Later that night at my house we had our big meal. I had gotten on etools and recorded my points before I ever ate them. When the time came I waited till everyone got their food and then I pulled out a 1/4 measuring cup and went around to all the dishes and only served myself what would fit in the cup. At first I thought it wouldn't be enough but considering we had 5 or 6 side dishes it all added up to enough. A fourth of a cup of potatoes by themselves would have been a joke but sitting next to stuffing and sweet potatoes and green beans and corn....it was plenty.

I liked that I waited till the end of the line because there was no one asking me why I was using a measuring cup...or making comments about how that wasn't very much...it's nice to just go about my business without the questions sometimes.

The best part of the day...I never once felt deprived. I ate whatever looked appealing but I ate it in a smaller quantity.

I even took this approach at the dessert table. At the grandparents I didn't even bother with a piece of Pumpkin pie since I was serving that at our meal later that night. I perused the selections and which ever dessert caught my fancy I just took a bite size piece....just enough to get a taste. And it was enough.

Some Patterns Aren't Forever

I have been weighing in each Saturday since July 25th and I noticed a pattern. About every 5th week I don't lose weight. I usually have a very small gain of .2 or .4.

But NOT this week....this week I expected to "maintain" since it's my 5th week and it was Thanksgiving. However, I broke my pattern....I did "maintain" but I had a -.2 loss....

When one loses or gains only .2 of a pound you can see why I call it a maintain, especially since it usually doesn't make the whole number change. I happen to like having a maintain with a negative number much better than one with a positive number.

Curves in the journey

Originally we were only going to have one Thanksgiving meal but my oldest daughter's grandparents invited us over and since we won't be eating our meal till late we figured we'd pop in since we haven't seen them in a few months.

One Thanksgiving meal was something I could handle but two.....eeekkk!!

And on top of dealing with tomorrow... today was a challenge. Originally I was going to stay at home and do some cleaning and baking. But a friend was celebrating her son's birthday and since her husband was out of town she asked me to help. So, being the good friend I am...I said yes. The only problem is that we were taking the boys to....

Amazing Jakes....along with being a fun place to play it has a buffet. And there aren't a lot of good choices. We were there for 5 hours...I wish I would have been more prepared but I wasn't. Let's just say it's a good thing I have weekly points. I am trying to save them for tomorrow but used up a few today.

Looking at the buffet and seeing how many points I used for such a small amount of food was another reminder of how my eating is changing. I ate a salad and two slices of pizza, choosing the smallest slice available. I had two small oatmeal cookies with about 1/4 cup of soft serve ice cream. If I would have left that's all I would have eaten, but we stayed for 5 hours and since we ate the first hour by the 5th hour everyone including myself was hungry. I ate two more small slices of pizza and two more small oatmeal cookies. I used 27 points...and I didn't really eat a lot, at least in comparison to what I would have eaten pre WW. I can't even begin to imagine how many points I would have eaten in this 5 hour period in the past. And let's not forget the drinks. I do know that I would have drank coke and many refills, but this time around I drank water or unsweetened tea with sugar free lemonade. That save me points.

I came home tonight and around 9 I had a strong urge to go walk. Thankfully my 18 yr. old son agreed to go with me since it was dark and we live on a road with not much light. I only walked a mile but we walked at a quick pace and I feel so much better getting that little bit of exercise.

So, even though my day didn't go as I originally planned...and I ate a lot of points at lunch...I enjoyed playing with my boys and spending time with my friend.

I keep reminding myself....this is a journey I am on and there will be many curves in the road but I am learning how to safely make it around the curves and while some curves may slow me down they won't stop me from reaching my destination.

Thanksgiving Potluck.

Our church had their Thanksgiving potluck this past Sunday. Potlucks are not the best place to be when one is wanting to lose weight.

But I preplanned this event which is something I NEVER would have done in the past. I was in charge of cooking two of the turkeys so I was able to weigh out my portion of meat. I also cooked up some green beans because I love green beans and they have no points.

This would allow me to indulge a little in some of the good stuff.

I was in charge of the potluck so I was busy from the moment I got to church until we left. I did get a little reprieve when I sat down and listened to the message. Otherwise I was on my feet and moving, which was good because it kept me from wanting to eat.

After we got the tables set and the food out I went ahead and made my plate. Besides the green beans and turkey [2 oz] I added a small amount of corn casserole and a bite size amount of sweet potatoes.

Once everyone had gotten their food I proceeded to sit down across from a couple to eat my food. The husband said..."you should have made a plate." My reply..."I did." He then says..."you should have made your plate before everyone went through the line." My reply..."I did" I know he was looking at my food and feeling sorry for me...lol!!! But I was perfectly content with what I had. I then told him that I was willing to eat less so that I could indulge in some of the desserts which seemed to make him feel better. I didn't mention points or that I am working at losing weight and adopting a healthier way of eating. And I don't think it would have mattered because at special holidays like this most people expect you to over indulge in the goodness.

I must say that it would have been easy to do and I did see many doing just that...over indulging. But I am not the same person I was and I was actually repulsed a little to see some of the over indulgence of others, knowing that in meals past I was that person.

My indulgence was the desert table. But even there I made conscious choices. I wanted some pumpkin pie and pumpkin pie is what I got....but only a sliver...just enough to enjoy but not so big that I would regret the points used on it. The lady across from me was commenting on the cheesecake so I went and tried some...about a 1x1 square...just enough to get a taste.

After everything was cleaned and we were leaving I was completely satisfied with my choices and amounts. I didn't leave stuffed and I didn't leave hungry. I left knowing that I made wise choices and that it is possible to go to a potluck, enjoy the company and enjoy the food without over indulging.

Feelings are not facts

Today was weigh in day and I really didn't want to go. I still haven't gotten a swimsuit so I haven't been getting the exercise lately that I normally get. I have gotten out and did some walking but in comparison to what I have been doing it just didn't seem like enough.

I woke up on this gray, cloudy, misty day feeling very tired and "fat". The alarm went off and I thought it was part of my dream. When I realized it wasn't I hurried and turned it off and then made myself get out of bed. And as I do every morning I stepped onto the scale. My scale very rarely ever shows the same weight twice in a row so I have a general idea of my weight, but not precise. The weight reflected back to me was not the weight I was feeling. It was showing the same weight as last week but I was feeling so much heavier.

Anyways, I got ready and made my way to my weekly Weight Watcher meeting. Feeling fat, feeling bloated and feeling extremely tired I stepped onto the scale and once again I am shown that I can not base reality on my feelings. Because in reality I did lose -1.0 pound this week. But based on what I am feeling I would have said I gained at least 5 pds.

There is more I'd like to ponder on in regards to feelings vs. facts but honestly, I am too tired to think straight and am off to take a nap. Once I wrap my brain around this then maybe I'll be able to share.

A smaller pants size

A month ago I was blessed with some smaller sized clothing from a friend. Today I realized that I am in need of new, smaller sized pants. So, while I was out with the family I tried on some pants.

The last time I tried on pants in Wal-mart, I wore a size 24-26. And I could barely get them buttoned. Actually I was so disgusted because this was the largest size they carried and I couldn't believe they almost didn't fit.

Well tonight I grabbed a couple of size 20 jeans. Took them into the fitting room and tried them on. When I first unfolded the pants my first thought was....these are too small...they don't look like they will come up past my thighs....I was so convinced, I almost didn't even try them on....

But I put both feet in and pulled...and viola....I got them past my thighs and around my hips and buttoned. Whoo-hoo!! But then I thought....these are the stretchy kind and they just fit...but I am losing weight and I'll be out of these in a flash....and I really don't have the money to buy lots of clothing....so, I decided to try on a size 18 with the thought that even if they are a little small, I'll be wearing them soon.

Out I go, giving the size 20 to the lady and proceeding to find some size 18's. Once back in the fitting room I was a bit apprehensive about trying them on because I didn't want to discourage myself if they were way too small.

But instead of being too small they were only a teeny, tiney bit snug. Then I stood in front of the mirror and did a happy shuffle. I would have squeeled with glee out loud but since I didn't want to scare anyone I just squeeled in my heart.

Now, when I can fit into a size 18 that are not stretchy....well that will be newsworthy too....

Progress Picture for November

I weighed in on Saturday and was shocked when they told me I lost -3.8 pds. I was expecting around a half a pound but I'll take a three pound loss any week.

I have now lost a total of 40 pds. on Weight Watcher's and a total of 47 pounds from the beginning of trying to lose weight.

Here is my November progress picture as well as last months picture. One thing is for sure...I need to teach my daughter how to take a picture...:-) And these pictures are odd because I look thinner in my heavier picture. I'm going to have to figure out a better way of documenting my progress....hmmmmmm

More weight bites the dust

I am happy to say that my suit held up at the Natatorium but sad to say that it was the last time I could wear the bottoms. They have now found a new home in our trash can.

And "Aunt Flo" came to visit so working out in water isn't an option right now. Looks like I will be doing lots more walking....glad the weather is so nice!! I might even get my bike out cause it's not as hard on my joints. Either way, I do have other types of exercise I can do until I get a new suit.

Saturday was my weigh in day and I am happy to report that another -2.8 pounds has left me. And I also made it to my 16th week which means I received special recognition and a charm. The disk represents 25 pounds.

A dilemma

Now, in the scope of life and all the issues I could have, what I am about to post is actually pretty minor. But in my trying to lose weight life it is a big problem.

One of the ways I get in my exercise is to go to the Natatorium and participate in their water aerobic classes. And the most important thing you need to wear is what's causing my dilemma.

I need a new swimsuit. I bought a swimsuit three years ago that lasted me till this summer. I am now on my 3rd swimsuit. The chlorine is killing them.

I spoke with my instructor to see how she keeps hers from falling apart and she told me about a website where I could go and order a swimsuit that will hold up in chlorine. Yay!!

So, I went there and I like that they are suits designed for exercise and not flaunting body parts. The cost isn't too bad but right now it might as well be $1000. I am learning more and more to live by faith and this is one of those times.

I don't know how many more times I can go swim before my suit exposes parts of my anatomy that was not meant to be seen in public. It makes me nervous. But working out in the water is better on my joints right now and I really need the exercise.

So....how long till this suit totally gives out? Do I keep up my exercise schedule and risk exposure or do I stop doing the water aerobics until I can get a new suit? I am leaning towards the second option but I am taking my children to the Natatorium for p.e. tomorrow. I really want to enjoy it with them instead of watching on the sidelines. Pray I can get at least one more wear out of this suit.

A new goal

In Weight Watcher's you are given two goals initially. First is 5% of your body weight and the second is 10%. After you reach your 10% it is then up to you to pick your next goal. Some choose 5 pds. , some less and some more. I've been pondering what my next goal should be.

And I've come to a decision....

My next goal is to lose another 10%. That means I need to lose 27 pounds to meet that goal. And I have the holidays to get through....I'm up for a good challenge. It took me 3 months to reach my 10% and I'm hoping to reach this next 10% loss in at least 3 months.

I'm also hoping this goal will keep me focused through the holidays. More on that later...

Overdue good news.....

This is a little over due since my last weigh in was two days ago. I have been thinking of posting but I've been super busy working on a power point for my daughter and three of her friends who are celebrating their 16th birthday with a group party. I volunteered to put together a power point for each one of them...yes, I'm a little stressed.

Anyways, I weighed in on Saturday and I am thrilled to say that I have lost -3.8 pounds. I also lost a daily point because this weight loss took me into a new, lower "decade". What do you call it when you go from the 270's into the 260's??

I had gotten to this weight 31/2 years ago and then got pregnant. I ended up miscarrying and my body went into a tail spin and I ended up gaining 40 pounds.

I am hoping with all that I've been learning that I will NOT see those higher numbers ever again.

Patterns

Today was weigh in and one thing I have found most intriguing is that I am developing a pattern. I've never noticed it before but since I have been tracking my eating it has become very noticeable.

So, true to my pattern....I maintained this week. Actually I had a very small gain...+.4 or in other words...I gained 1/4th of a pound. But it's such a small gain, so small it doesn't even show up on my scale, so I consider it a maintain. The good thing about noticing a pattern is that I was not surprised today at my weigh in. I was expecting it. Not to say that in the future it might change but since I started Weight Watchers the last week of July it's been predictable. And that's o.k.

So funny how our body works. Last week I was hungry, hungry and ate every single daily and weekly point available and lost weight. This week I wasn't as hungry and didn't eat all my weekly points and I maintained.

Oh well, if all goes as it's been going I should expect a loss this next weigh in.

Not my normal kind of week

I had all sorts of plans and ideas of things to write about this week and now the week is over and I've yet to write. Well, I am writing now but still...

This week was unusual in that I had my first grandbaby's baby shower on Sunday, a daughter's birthday on Monday and a son's birthday today. I started off the week a little "stressed" about how I was going to handle this week. And now the week is over and I look back and see that it was easier than I thought.

The baby shower was nice and there were some good things to eat. Thankfully there was also a veggie tray. I snacked on carrots and actually enjoyed it. I did have a bite of the cake and a couple of treats but at the end of the day I had only used about 4 of my weekly points. Not too bad..but I still had a daughter's birthday to celebrate on Monday.

Monday comes and we ended up eating at Genghis Grill for lunch. I got about 4 oz. of chicken [wish I had brought my scale to of made sure] and then I loaded up with veggies. I love that I could go to their website and find the nutritional value for the sauces and stuff and when I added up the points it came to 11. A little higher in point than I usually eat for lunch but not too outrageous either.

Dinner consisted of chicken fried stead, mashed potatoes and green beans. For dessert the b-day girl picked out cheesecake bites which ended up being 2 points a piece. I allotted 6 points for dessert. I did by pass a Hawaiian roll with dinner, figured I'd rather spend those points on a cheesecake bite...yum!!

One good thing on Monday is I got up super early to participate in a water aerobic class. The class was from 6am to 7am which is hard for me since I am not an early bird but I did it because I knew I wouldn't have any other time to exercise all day.

Wednesday I ended up sick with a virus and had no appetite or energy for the whole day. I was nauseous and ended up eating saltines because it was the only thing that sounded good and helped with the nausea. Between the crackers and some yogurt and pudding I was able to accumulate some points. Not enough to meet my dailies but enough to show I did get some nourishment.

And here I am tonight. We had ham, twice baked potatoes, apple pie and ice cream. That's what my 12 year old son picked out for his birthday dinner. I measured out my ham, ate my potato like a regular baked potato and then indulged in the apple pie....the homemade apple pie....and it was well worth the points spent on it.

Tomorrow I weigh in. I have no idea how I've done other than I think I probably have maintained, which is o.k. with me. It's been strange not getting in the exercise I usually do during the week but I also am o.k. with that because my body is still recuperating from being ill.

My mind is getting use to the concept that this weight loss journey is just that....a journey...NOT a race. I enjoyed this week [ other than being sick] and I ate moderately considering all the things I could have indulged in. I started the week apprehensive about all the eating challenges and ended it very happy that I only used 10 of my weekly points.

I reached a goal!!

Today was my weigh in day and all I have to say is that it's a good thing I don't get weighed in for my "feelings". This past week I have eaten every daily AND weekly points available and I wasn't feeling any loss. I drove to the meeting today thinking and girding myself up for either a maintain or a slight gain. Mainly because I don't usually eat all my points as I did this week.

Imagine my shock when I was told that I reached my 10%.....

I REACHED MY 10%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am thrilled!!! Excited!!!! Amazed!!! and Shocked!!!!

30 pounds gone..............

Now I have to set another goal. I'll ponder on that and share in my next post.

October Progress Picture

It's been a month since I last posted any progress pictures. So, I am posting some today. Now before I post just know that trying to figure out what to wear that will show my body and yet keep me modest has been an issue. I seriously considered my swimsuit but I hate being seen in that enough in public as it is...so, I ended up with some "biker" type short [hugs the figure] and the same shirt I wore in the picture last month.

I'm posting the pictures from last month and this month side to side ... I've lost almost 10 lbs. even if you can't see it. [I am starting to feel it though...:-) ]

Ok...I am having issues getting these pictures on the page so I am going to leave them as are...even though they are not exactly as I'd like them....but at least you can kind of see a change.

As you can see from my last post...it's been a while. I had a huge project hanging over my head so any free time was devoted to that and now that I'm done I have some free time to blog.

The State Fair was great. I saved up all my points and ended up only using 4....yep, only 4. I went with the thought that I would eat some fair food but instead I barely had an appetite. I couldn't even eat all my dinner which consisted of 3 fried chicken strips and french fries. I ended up giving one of the strips to my son, the same son who also helped me eat my fries.

Now we did end up trying some fried butter. For $4 we got four dough balls about the size of a donut hole. We ended up buying two servings since there were eight of us. We all got one. I took a bite into mine expecting to taste something delectable...instead I bit into a uncooked piece of dough. Blah!!! It tasted like a biscuit with butter....what a waste of money.

Now the highlight of the evening was meeting up with friends to watch Jason Castro perform. It was a great concert even though we had to stand through the whole thing. There were no chairs. But I figure I had to burn some calories since I was constantly moving to the music.

Actually the State Fair is a great place to get in some exercise. We arrived around 1:30 and left after 10 and for the majority of that time we were in motion...walking here, there, and all over.

I ended up losing -3 pounds at my weigh in the next day.

This last week I had one of the hungriest days ever....I just wanted to eat and eat and eat. I managed to make it through the week without eating over my points. But I did eat every weekly point I had.

I went to my weigh in this last Saturday expecting to either maintain or gain. So when I step on the scale all I hear is the lady say..."2 pounds" And I immediately say..."I gained 2 pounds?" She said..."No, you LOST 2 pounds". Whooo-hooo!!!! I did the happy dance....literally. I was so thrilled because I was not expecting it.

I like when I go....not expecting to lose weight....and I actually lose....compared to going feeling like I lost weight....and find out that I actually didn't.

So I have lost a total of 25 pounds so far.....

Going to the Texas State Fair

This past week has been pretty busy since I am working on a power point for a friend's daughter's 16th birthday which is a little over a week away. I've been thinking of blogging but the night ends and I am too tired.

Tonight I am blogging first because I just feel like sharing my thoughts about tomorrow.

Tomorrow I and my family are going to the Texas State Fair. It's opening day. I've never gone on opening day before but when we found out that one of our favorite singers, Jason Castro, was the opening act...well...we didn't have to think twice about which day to attend.

However, this whole week I've been thinking about the food. Not so much because I want to eat it but rather, what can I eat. Or rather, how many points are in the food. Trying to find that kind of information has been a challenge. Now I realize that one of the reasons people go to the fair is to eat the food but I can honestly say that has never been my reason. With as large of family as mine, eating at the fair is a huge splurge and one we usually don't get to indulge in very often, mainly because we go early to the fair and bring a lunch and leave before dinner.

This year it is going to be a bit different. We are leaving our house after lunch and staying at the fair till closing, or pretty close to closing. We are also planning on eating dinner at the fair.

So, this week I have been saving ALL my weekly points for tomorrow. I want to be able to indulge if I feel like it. It will be interesting to see how it goes because there is nothing at the fair I really want to eat. And in a way I am feeling a bit competitive in that I want to see how little of the weekly points I dip into.

Yes, I know that's what the weekly points are there for....but like I said...I am feeling a bit competitive.

And I must say this is also the first year of going to the fair that I've even cared about what food or how much food I eat.

I will be taking my own snacks along with snacks for the rest of the crew. I am planning on having a funnel cake...well at least sharing one.

Guess I'll report back and let you know how it went. I am taking my camera so I may even get some pictures of the food that tempted me the most....or maybe disgusted me the most.

That feeling.....

Today was my weigh in day....and I knew before I ever stepped on that scale that I would probably not be losing any weight this week. I've really been in tune with my body since I started this journey and I could just feel it...that bloated feeling...

I ended up GAINING +o.4....not bad but definitely not as good a loss.

I was a little discouraged because I know I've done well this week. I've gotten in some good exercise every day and I've eaten within my points. Actually I had points to spare.

Of course I needed to "vent" so I called a friend....but she didn't answer her phone. So I then called my hubby. Usually I would call him first but my friend has lost a considerable amount of weight and knows how hard I've been working and is such an encourager and she's a girl....I was needing that.

But my hubby pulled through....he too greatly encourages me but he is a "guy" and doesn't always understand my "way of thinking". However, today he helped me to focus on the fact that this is long term and I am making lifetime changes. He too sees how hard I am working and even though he brings home "treats"....I know he wants to see me succeed.

As I was posting my weight on etools I happened to look over my weight loss history and noticed that the same week last month I had my only other"small" gain....hmmmmm....a pattern...and I KNOW it has to do with my "cycle"...

My husband encouraged me and I know my friend will encourage me later.....but noticing this pattern is like the "icing on the cake"... I am at peace. I won't be over indulging or giving up or not caring [like I might have done in the past]........I accept that I am a woman and I still have my cycles and that does affect my journey....but only slightly....

I am resolved that I will continue doing what I have been doing for the last 8 weeks and I know that I WILL see more losses on this path I am traveling.

I'm changing...

So I've been hungry the last couple of days.

Tonight my daughters and I went with a friend and her daughters to try and find the girls a dress to wear to a "Masquerade Ball" that their friend is having to celebrate turning 16.

I had hoped to go bike riding earlier but with all the rain I was not able to go. But I think with all the stores we went to...all the getting in and out of the car...and all the walking, I got some exercise. Maybe not as intense as when I ride my bike or swim...but a lot more activity than had I stayed at home.

We planned on eating dinner at Chick-fil-a, but changed our minds when we saw how crazy busy it was. Instead we went to Arby's. I am getting to where I don't like eating out when I spend almost half my points on one meal....and a "bad" meal at that.... Yes, I left satisfied and that's good considering I could have eaten this meal and still be hungry.

However the next leg of our shopping was even busier than the first part. We did a lot more walking and moving and by the time I got home guess what??? Yep, I was hungry.

I have some good choices I could have chose from but what did I eat.....candy!! Guess my hubby stopped by the store for some battery's and brought home a "treat". Two bags of candy.

And guess who indulged. Yep....me.

Can I reiterate once again how much I love the point system. Because in the past when I would have come home and was hungry and saw a bag of candy....well, let's just say there would have been a lot of empty wrappers at the end of the night. Instead I looked at my points and weighed out how much I would like some candy. I saw that I had some points I could spare and I indulged. And I only feel a tiny bit guilty. Not bad!! In the past if I was trying to lose weight and I ended up eating candy....I would have felt terrible....so bad that I may have just given up on the "dieting".

Oh...and before I forget. I did try on a pair of capri's tonight. 4 sizes SMALLER than I the last time I bought capri's..... whoo-hoo!!! Now that is exciting!!!

Hungry like the wolf.....

Not actually but I have been hungry today....more than usual. I have noticed in the almost 8 weeks that I have been doing WW that I do have some days where I can't eat enough to meet my points and other days where I have no trouble meeting my points or even dipping into my weekly points.

I don't feel guilty dipping into my weeky points because that's what they are there for...however, I don't include them in my daily eating. I try to eat my daily points and IF I happen to be hungry...really hungry...then I will find something that will satisfy my hunger but not use up a lot of the points.

At the beginning of the week I wasn't very hungry, but today I have been ravenous...

Maybe it's because I've ridden my bicycle? As I wrote in my previous post, I rode 7 miles yesterday. Today after I dropped my daughter off for her volunteer stint at the library, I drove to a park and rode my bike for 40 minutes.

I hadn't been to this park before but I really liked the path. It wound through a lot of trees and there were a few wooden bridges I had to ride over. There was even a spot I made it to that was also a historical spot. I love history so I stopped to read the sign.

And even though it was overcast and there was a lite drizzle I thoroughly enjoyed my ride. When I was finished I called my hubby, excited to share a new place to ride.

It's getting late and the hunger I was feeling earlier has been taken care of with a bowl of Quaker Oat cereal and a little bit of milk. I am so glad to have the weekly points for times like these.

Alternatives to my normal....

This week has been different when it comes to getting my exercise. I have been going to the Natatorium and doing various water exercises but this week the Natatorium is closed for cleaning.

So now I am trying to find alternatives.

Yesterday was a very wet day....it rained ALL day long. I was supposed to meet a friend and bicycle down a trail but we called it off because of the rain. I really wanted to do some kind of exercise but I was losing motivation. My two favorite forms of exercise were not available. What did I end up doing???

I put a workout video in and spent the next 20 minutes working up a sweat. I can't even remember where I got this video...I think it was at the thrift store. It's called Walk Away the Pounds. It is one of the shortest workouts I've done. 20 minutes. But I liked it and would do it again. It was low impact. There was a 5 minute warm-up, 5 minutes of higher intensity, 5 minutes using hand weights, and then a slow down and finally a stretch. I ended the 20 minutes feeling like I did something and glad I finally tried out the video. I think I had this video tucked away for probably two years....

Today I really wanted to go for a bike ride. One of my tires was majorly dead so while my hubby was out going to various appointments he managed a trip to the store to buy a new inner tube and then came home and fixed it. Not only did he fix it....but he was willing to go for a bike ride with me. And I was very happy because I was wanting to try riding somewhere different. Usually I ride my bike in my neighborhood. It's not too bad but it gets boring because there are only two roads in my neighborhood. If I follow them around in a circle it's about 2 miles.

Anyways, I wanted to transport my bike in our truck to a gas station that is on a "country road". This road has a very wide shoulder to ride on. I took a timer and planned on riding for 20 minutes and then turn around. This road we were on is actually a peninsula and it ends at a State Park, so once you get to the end you basically do a u-turn and head back in the direction you just came.

The first half of the ride was nice....a lot of it was downhill. Yep, I knew what that meant!! We reached the State Park in 16 minutes...not bad. However, the return trip was a bit different for three reasons. #1 Most of it was up hill. #2 We were riding against the wind [which I didn't realize till we started back] and #3 My bike doesn't like me to use the 3rd, 4th or 5th gears...which of course were the very gears I wanted to use going up the slow inclines. Our return trip ended up taking 22 minutes and I must admit there were a few times I wanted to stop. But I kept going, lagging further and further behind my speedy husband. And finally I made it back to our truck...feeling very accomplished.

Afterword we drove down the same road to see how far we rode. 7 miles!!! Not bad...the last time I rode 7 miles on my bike I weighed 130 pounds less and was 28 years younger.

Don't believe everything you hear....

Yesterday at my WW meeting we discussed pointers for eating out. One of the ladies talked about how her friend wanted to go to McDonald's but she didn't cause there really wasn't anything low point to eat. But they got on the internet and saw that a happy meal was 6 pts.

After the meeting I went to my water aerobics class and then to the grocery store to buy last minute items for one of my daughter's birthday party which we had today. Anyways, it was after 1pm when I finished shopping and I was hungry. There just happens to be a McDonald's at the end of the parking lot. So, I figured why not get a happy meal....it's only 6 points.

I went through the drive thru and I have to admit I felt a teeny bit guilty asking for a happy meal for myself. I felt even more guilty when they asked if it was for a boy or girl. Of course I said... "a girl". And I even had a mental picture of them not letting me have a happy meal when they realized I didn't have any small girl child in my car. Yep...I can get some silly thoughts.

A hamburger happy meal is not a very big meal...I think the bun is bigger than the burger. But I was hungry and by the time I finished the burger and fries I was satisfactorily full.

Once home I got on the internet to put in my points. How surprised I was when I typed in happy meal and saw that my sorry excuse for a hamburger and the small fries were actually 13 points. Yeah.....13 points!!!! What a waste of points. Had I realized there were so many points in this little meal I would have chosen something else.

A hard lesson learned....Don't believe everything you hear....

I am ready to cross over...

Today was my weigh in day.....and I LOST...-2.8 lbs.

That has made a total of 20.2 pounds lost since I started Weight Watcher's 7 weeks ago. I've only lost this much weight once before and that was about 3 years ago. I then had a miscarriage and ended up gaining 40 pounds....ugh!!!

I was getting to the point where I thought something medically must be wrong with me because I was not able to lose weight. Seriously!! I thought my hormones were all messed up from the miscarriage because I couldn't understand why I wasn't losing weight. I had even started exercising this summer and instead of losing I gained....NOT GOOD!!

But since I joined WW and grasped the point system I've been able to lose weight. And I realized it was not a medical issue....it was not hormones....it was the food I was eating. Not necessarily the amount..... but the type. Working out made me hungry and I made poor food choices, like going out to Pei Wei afterward with my workout buddy. Now I understand that I ended up eating all my daily points just for lunch...no wonder I wasn't losing any weight.

I LOVE WW!!!! I LOVE the point system!! I LOVE losing weight!!

And I LOVE that I am at the threshold of a whole new me....once I pass this 20 pound loss I will be crossing that threshold into a whole new place. I will have broken through that invisible barrier that seemed to keep me from succeeding. I have been trying for over 10 years to lose the weight and for the first time I KNOW that I will be able to do it....I WILL succeed.

How big would we get?

One of the questions asked at my WW meeting was...

"I walked thru the door [of WW] because_____________________"

And in listening to the responses I heard pretty much the same answer......I saw a picture of myself.... WOW!!! I was a bit surprised by how many felt the same way. Not sure why I was surprised but I was and if I am honest, a bit comforted too. It's nice to know that I am NOT the only one who feels this way. And there is HOPE!!! I have lots of life-timers in my meeting and it's very encouraging to know that it is possible to not only reach your goal but stay there too.

Another thought held by many was that....we don't see ourselves fat...not until we see ourselves in a picture. And lets be honest....how many overweight/fat/obese people actually WANT their pictures taken...or if we get them taken how many of us are hiding behind others....yep, I too am guilty.

Towards the end of the meeting and older lady made this statement....

"How big would we get if we didn't see a picture of ourselves?"

Now that's something to ponder upon!!

As much as I hate getting my picture taken, I did have my daughter take these today because I want to show my weight loss journey in pictures too...and also remind myself why I need to keep on this journey...:-)

What's a bike rider to do?

I love to have choices of how to get in my exercise. Today was a great example.

Originally, I planned on going to the natatorium tonight to take the river botics class. That's a class where you run/walk in the lazy river, sometimes against the current. But as the day progressed I just wasn't feeling it. Usually I look forward to my water classes but tonight I wasn't.

However, the natatorium had no classes yesterday and I usually do the evening deep water workout. Figured I'd go tonight.

Feeling a little tired this afternoon I went to my room to lay down and read, with the thought of maybe getting in a nap before I had to go exercise. My husband came into the room close to the time I needed to get moving if I wanted to make it to class and we got to talking. I said something about not really wanting to go tonight but I still wanted to exercise, like maybe take a walk around the neighborhood. The hubby said he'd go for a walk with me. Now, how could I pass that up. I love to spend time with him and getting in some exercise too....easy decision.

So, I got off the bed to go log in my daily points because I was hungry and dinner wasn't ready yet and I needed to see what I could eat. In between getting off of bed and putting in my points, my hubby and I decided to go bike riding instead of walking. While eating some yogurt I remembered I was supposed to drop a movie off at the store and swing by a friends house to get some items for my daughter. No big deal since I was going to be leaving the house but now that I decided to stay home...well that got me to thinking.

When Chris walked in I suggested going to the park to ride. He was up for that and so were three of the kids. After taking the back seat out of the van, loading bikes in, and filling water bottles up we were off.

I was NOT expecting how crowded it was at the park. There were more people there than I have ever seen. Lot's of soccer and cheer leading practice going on. We finally found a place to park, got the bikes out and took off.

This park has a nice wide sidewalk around the perimeter. I could see lots of walkers and runners, but no bicycle riders. I almost thought I wasn't supposed to ride my bike on the sidewalk but once I got going I did see others on bikes.

I LOVE riding my bike! After working out in the water it's my next favorite way to exercise. But while riding around the park I have come to realize that bike riders are those who really don't have a place.

We could ride our bikes on the roads, and many do, but it's so hazardous around here, especially since there is usually not a shoulder to ride on. And let's face it....coming up on a bike rider when you are driving your car is a bit frustrating. Especially if you have to slow down until you can pass them safely. And around here the bike riders who ride on the road are the serious riders. It's very rare to see a casual bike rider out on the road.

So the other option is riding my bike on the sidewalk. But walkers and joggers seem to think that the sidewalk is for them and bike riders are nuisances. I can't tell you how many times I had to slow down or drive off the sidewalk and into the grass to avoid running into someone. Now when it's a solo walker or rider it's not a big deal. But when it's two people walking or one person walking their dog...then it's like they are king of the sidewalk. Now don't get me wrong, the majority of walkers/runners are nice and will make sure there is enough room. However, I feel like they would rather bike rider's not ride there.

So, I feel like I am in a "darned if you do and darned if you don't" place.

I love riding my bike. I just wish there was a place I could do it where I didn't annoy others.

Are we prepared for the risks?

I received a phone call this morning from my pastor. A new family in our church had just experienced a death and I was asked to co-ordinate meals. I called the family later this afternoon and made arrangements to take them a meal tonight.

I was so thankful that I had just made a trip to Sam's and had enough spaghetti sauce and noodles and salad to feed at least 15 people. My daughter made the 30 minute trip with me to deliver the food.

After taking the food inside we took a few minutes to visit. I'm not quite sure how to act in these situations since I don't really know this family; I have no relationship with them other than saying hi to them in church. But being able to take food to them was a blessing and a joy and I hope that this is just the beginning of a deeper relationship. The short conversation we had has left me intrigued with getting to know them better.

And while there wasn't a heavy sadness in the home, hearing about how this mother/grandma died brought a sadness to my heart. Apparently sometime in the near past, she had gastric bypass surgery. And while she lost weight, her body wasn't absorbing nutrients. They were able to put a feeding tube in her last night but she ended up passing away in the early morning. My heart goes out to this family.

This news about someone I hadn't even met has left me pondering a lot about my weight and life tonight.

Many who choose the bypass, do it because they don't believe anything else will or has worked. They desire to get healthy. They don't want to be fat....obese. Many opt for this surgery because they are concerned with dying an early death due to their weight/health. I guess that's why this is so sad to me. The very thing that is supposed to help actually hurt.

The risks are so real. Are we really prepared for the risks?

This isn't the first person I've heard of who has died from this type of surgery. I also have a friend who has been suffering ever since her surgery. And while I know of success stories and I am thrilled for them...I can't help but feel sadness for the ones that weren't successful. When we go into surgery they always tell us our risks and that death could be one of the risks. Yet how many actually believe that it will happen.......to us?

I am thrilled that I weighed in today with a loss of -1.8 lbs.

But this news of someone dying from gastric bypass has put a slight damper on my enthusiasm and makes me realize this is serious. Losing weight is serious!! Being healthy is important!! And what we chose to reach that goal can have some serious risks!!

I am more determined than ever to be successful in my weight loss through Weight Watcher's.

There is a part of me that want's to see bigger results than losing 1-3 lbs a week. And even though there are "dangers" to losing weight too fast, I'd like to think I wouldn't be the one at risk. I'm sure this lady who passed away today thought she wouldn't be the one at risk either. It's a very sobering thought.....

In this journey of losing weight are we really prepared for the risks if we choose options that have serious consequences? Gastric bypass, diet pills, and losing weight too fast to name a few.

I really need to be content with my small weight losses....because in the long run it's safer and those little losses do eventually add up to big losses....

RIP dear lady...even though I never met you, your death has impacted me and has forever changed the way I view weight loss. And I am happy to hear that you had a relationship with Jesus Christ....one day I will actually get to meet you.

Climbing a Mountain

This last weekend we went to Little Rock, Arkansas to visit family. We arrived Sunday evening at my brother's house where we celebrated my nephew's 16th birthday. My sis-in-law made some of her fabulous lasagna. Yummy!! Yes, I dipped heavily into my weekly points but it was well worth it.

We were also in town to celebrate my dad's 71st birthday and my parent's 46th anniversary. More of that later.

Before we left for Little Rock I had suggested to my hubby that we take the boys to Pinnacle Mountain. We planned on going in the morning but Chris, my hubby, walked outside to a flat tire on our van. It took the rest of the morning to get the tire fixed. We decided to go after lunch.

First I must say.....it has been a looonnnggg time since I have climbed Pinnacle Mountain. And second....I really don't consider Pinnacle a mountain but a very large hill. I've seen the Rocky Mountains!

My husband brought an extra shirt to put on for afterward, because of sweating. It was a cool day...who's going to sweat??

We started our trek up the "mountain" and by the time we were at marker 1, I was huffing and puffing. By marker 2 I was having to stop to catch my breath. Not sure why I was having so much difficulty breathing...I mean I have been doing deep water aerobics for 3 months...I shouldn't be having so much trouble breathing so soon. My hubby though is a sweetie and he would stop when I stopped.

By the time we got to marker 5 I decided I was NOT going any further up the "hill", especially since Chris told me it only got harder. I was gasping for air and my shirt was drenched with sweat. I figured I'd let the guys continue upwards and after I rested I would head back down.

So I sat on the only bench on the trail. The scenery was very peaceful and the breeze felt wonderful. I played around with my camera taking pictures and I watched a few people pass by. Pretty soon I was breathing normal.

But instead of going back down........I decided to keep going up. At my own pace. It wasn't too much further going up when I see my husband and one of my son's resting. They had not gone to the top but had decided to head back since I had. Except I hadn't.

I told them to go ahead on up and I was going to follow at my own pace. Of course my son was thrilled and he raced on ahead to find his older brother.

Anyways, upwards I trudged. One rock at a time. Try climbing stairs of uneven heights for 30 minutes and you'll start to get the idea of what I was doing.

I have no idea when my climb went from something "fun" to something "personal". Maybe when I was smack dab in the middle of the rock staircase and everywhere I looked all I saw was rocks.


[The top picture is looking upwards....see my hubby?]
[This bottom picture is my view looking downwards]


In the midst of these rocks, I started to think how my battle with losing weight was similar to this climb. In the past I would start out on my weight loss journey but I never could make it "to the top". Somewhere along the climb I would stop and instead of completing the climb I would start back to the beginning.

This climb came to represent my own personal journey. And now I HAD to make it to the top, no matter how long it took. No matter how many "baby steps" I had to take. And believe me I didn't progress at a fast rate. I'd climb 5 or 6 rocks and then I'd rest and catch my breath. Then I'd look up and pick a spot to aim for and start climbing again. Once I made it to my spot I'd rest up till the next goal.

And that's how I am tackling losing over 100 pounds. One small goal at a time.

I finally reached the top! Sweet Victory!! If I had the energy and coordination I would have jogged in a circle with my hands over my head like Rocky did when he made it to the top of the stairs. But I had a lot further to fall then he so I just asked my husband to take a picture. Here I am with two of my boys...do you notice that I am the only one who is sweating!!!



Of course now I was at the top and all I could think of is...how was I going to get all the way back down? My legs were already feeling like jell-o. But I made it down the same way I made it up...one step at a time.

By the time I reached the bottom my legs were quivering and I was soaked with sweat. In one way I was feeling pretty nasty but in another way I was feeling pretty GOOD...pretty darn good!! [you may not notice that from the picture but inside I was jumping up and down..LOL!!]

And I want to point out what the sign says...

West Summit Trail
Length 1 1/2 miles roundtrip.
Please allow two hours to complete.
Trail is steep and rugged and requires strenuous walking.

My first goal!!!!

I made my first goal....5 %....WHOO HOO!!!!


Today was my weigh in day and I LOST -2.8 lbs. I was still nervous getting on the scale because I couldn't tell if I had lost weight. I've been doing everything right but that doesn't always mean a loss on the scale.

I'm excited!!!

My next goal is 10%

I feel like the cookie monster

Remind me NOT to let my daughters make homemade chocolate chip cookies when I am in my hormonal phase of wanting to eat things I shouldn't.

There hasn't been any food that has tempted me lately as much as these cookies. We've kept them in the freezer so they are very hard and crunchy, which appeals to me even more...lol!!! Keeping them in the freezer was also to be "out of sight, out of mine"...[right!!]

Two cookies are worth 3 points. I have used 6 - 9 points on these cookies the last few days.... daily!!!! I guess I could congratulate myself in the fact that I have not lost all self control and just pigged out on the cookies like I would have in the past. I would have eaten as many cookies as I wanted and not really think of the outcome.

But assigning points to the cookies really makes me evaluate if I want to eat them or not. Lately eating them has won out. And really it hasn't been too bad because I am still with my points, however it has also kept me from eating something healthier.

That's the beauty with Weight Watchers. I have my allotted points and I can determine what I want to eat. Now if I was to make a habit of this then that wouldn't be good. But that I can indulge with self control in limiting how many cookies I'll eat is a breakthrough for me. I am able to satisfy the craving without going overboard.

However, I will not be letting the girls make these again anytime soon. And most definitely not during my "hormonal phase".

Glad there are only 9 cookies left....and I get at least two of them tomorrow. :-)