No Cupcake for You!

My personal accomplishments for 1-27-09

2009-01-28T01:22:00.006-05:00

It has been much too long since I had been to Ballys.
This morning my son said he was going to go lift weights and asked if I wanted to go exercise,
"Exercise" "I don't think so!"
It's 29 degrees and I would rather not go out and besides I don't want to find out how much I have gained. I have been carefully watching what I eat , because of my diabetes, but my portions have been out of control.
I started to think I have a paid membership that I am not using, when was the last time I had gone. Thinking back, it was just before Thanksgiving.
Why did I stop?
I realized that the treadmill had triggered my asthma and I needed to take my albuterol In fact that day I ended up taking 2 more. But I think I'll be okay this time I am on a longer lasting medication that is not a steroid.
I started taking SEREVENT DISKUS 50 mcg on January 1, 2009 and I cannot believe how fantastic I feel.
I have not had to use my albuterol inhaler once in 27 days.
So I said, "Okay, I'm going, but I want to take my scheduled puff before we leave.

There are two Ballys in our area, North Providence and East Providence. We go to the Bally at
50 Narragansett Park Dr., East Providence, RI 02916 (401) 434-1500.
They have a newly renovated building with a pool that has steps to walk into and the distance is shorter 15 minutes.
I felt I made the start, I signed in and went to the women's change area. First,thing I needed to do was find out my weight.
Here goes, I gained.
OMG My weight is now 172.
My short term goal is now at least 15 pounds before my next physical in April
I spent 20 minutes on one Lifecycle treadmill and then found out from Ron, who services the machines that there were newer ones that gave you your heart rate. I did another 20 minutes and found that my heart rate went from 96 to 120. According to the chart for age 60 it should not exceed128 . I was burning 68 calories with a speed of 2.5 Next time I will increase the speed to maybe 3.5
I actually worked up a sweat but my breathing was perfect. No need for the Albuterol which I had in my pocket, just in case.
I spent 30 minutes in the pool and 10 minutes in the Whirlpool the most enjoyable time. I love the whirlpool.
Total time 2 hours. Not bad for getting back in the swing.
Now when do I go back?

Update

2008-11-05T17:25:00.002-05:00

Ok...so my workout plans haven't exactly been what you would call "great." I missed one day last week and havent been this week, yet. Hopefully Mel and Vic will go tomorrow so we can get some butt burning done!

For Christmas I asked for some cute workout gloves. It would help me grip the machines better, and if you've ever worked out, the machines will make your hands feel very grimy afterwards. So I also asked for a cute gym bag. Right now I'm bringing my stuff to work in a plastic grocery bag. I know its sad. So anywho..update later.

Yippee!

2008-10-24T18:23:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was workout day. It was also weigh-in day. And........I LOST 3 POUNDS!! Yeah for me. I worked out pretty hard and felt really good afterwards. I'm also doing really good with my eating and watching my sodas. I've cut a lot of my sweets back, not completely out though, because I would have sweets regardless. I'm going back next week to work out some more, so wish me luck!

I'm still here!!!!!

2008-10-20T11:51:00.003-04:00

I was on vacation.....and boy I didn't like what my scale "tried" to tell me last night!!!! UGLY! I think I am up about 8 pounds from my lowest a few months ago. I can't wait to get back in the gym!!!! KElly....we will have a blast! How about Thursday Evening?

****Update****

Apparently, I am up nearly 10 pounds! I reset my ticker......ooohhhhh...I need to get back on the band wagon!

Not so wonderful, but I'll post anyway

2008-10-17T17:56:00.003-04:00

Okay, Kelly, I'll post!!! Geez.

The thing is, I don't have much to say. I am not doing so great with either eating or exercising. There are just too many good foods out there! And besides, I'm kind of lazy.

One thing--Jordan, Suzi and I did go for a walk two days in a row this week. It was actually fun. We put Suzi in the stroller and took turns pushing her while we walked around the neighborhood for 20 minutes or so. We tried to walk briskly (Jordan does anyway), and it gave us a chance to just talk. There was no TV to distract us and we got some fresh air. I think we are going to try and make this a habit, at least 4-5 times a week, and work up to walking for longer and longer and eventually start running. Ha! It's been years since I've run anywhere. Well--except across the parking lot when I'm late for work.

Jordan has been talking about wanting to get in shape, so maybe if he gets motivated it'll rub off on me.

How is everyone else doing? Come on... tell us.

Since I'm the only one!

2008-10-17T16:54:00.002-04:00

Since I'm the only one blogging on here, I'm thinking about calling it quits. I was so excited joining this blog but I feel as though it has been put on the back burner by everyone, including myself. I want it to be like the old times, everyone was blogging about their progress, etc. I'm being whiny, and that's OK. But for an update here goes...

I started the gym this past Tuesday. It wasn't so bad, the instructor just let me get a feel for the gym and some of the machines he wanted me to start working out on, at first. So I'm doing an elliptical machine, another machine (i can't remember the name) and then the treadmill, and a machine that sits on top of a table and you use your arms and hands to pedal. It's actually really cool. I guess I will keep you update, as long as "others" start blogging too!

The time has come...

2008-10-08T16:31:00.003-04:00

Next week I go to meet the trainer at the gym. I'm scared more than you'll ever know. I have this picture in my head of a drill sergeant. But from what Melanie and Vicky are saying it will be ok. I hope so because now I'm in it and there's no backing down. I need to do this and I will. So wish me luck...by the way.."Where the hell is everybody?"

My last post....

2008-10-03T10:55:00.002-04:00

Hey guys, I'm going to bow out of this site :-( I can hardly keep my normal blog updated. I will still read and comment though! :-)

My time is coming....

2008-09-30T17:49:00.001-04:00

Since Vicky has been talking about her experience at LifeChoice Gym, I figured, I would talk a little about me starting. I haven't officially started yet, I'm suppose to meet with Travis next week (10/8/08) and we're suppose to start everything then. I'm really excited about starting. I can't wait to get in there and starting working on my weight issues and getting my body in shape. I know I have a long ways to go, but I think I can do it and I'm willing to try. So we'll see how it goes. Wish me luck!

Details about workout

2008-09-27T22:33:00.005-04:00

Upon Jenny's request....I am answering her question on what I did during my first workout session with Travis at Lifechoice. :)

Travis first set me at a desk and asked a bit about medical history and what goals I had in mind. Like how much weight I want to lose and why. Of Course...I have the upcoming kidney transplant hopefully. MUSC wants me to lose at least 15 pounds before the surgery. I also had to sign a paper stating that when he pushed me hard that I don't call him names or hit him! Poor guy...I wonder if that has happened to him? I told him that I was stubborn and need someone to push me!

We then did the dreaded weight check, took my resting heart rate, oxygen level, and blood pressure. He showed me where my chart was so I can help keep up with everything I do at each workout. I started by warming up walking 3 laps around the inside lap, then it was cardio time!

I did 4 min. on a stair-like climber, 4 min. on a bike, 6 min. on a treadmill, 4 min. on a arm-like bike wheel thingy, and then......the killer.....
2 1/2 min on this glider thing that makes it seem like you are cross country skiing. Then about 6 laps around the track again to cool down. It doesn't seem like much on paper, but it was! My legs ached bad yesterday. They have cups and an ice machine with water....which is nice. My heart rate after the exercise was 149....which Travis said was perfect. He knew it was a good workout for me! You also have to rate your workout on a scale of like 1-20 on how hard you worked.

I like the many Flat screen TVs...Travis puts it on comedies. We watched an Everybody Loves Raymond rerun. Melanie came along too. It was fun. I can't wait for Kelly to start. It is hard, but worth it! I wish Jenny and Beth could join too!

I want to do the yoga class, but I am going to have to wait until next time it comes around. I will miss 3 of the 8 classes if I take it this time. I just don't want to miss that many.

Is it possible the queen of hating to excercise will like it???? Tune in to find out!

Workout Update!

2008-09-26T12:38:00.002-04:00

I started Lifechoice yesterday and my legs are aching a bit. I was put on the scale with full excersise garb on....I was up about 10 pounds according to their scales...this morning on mine I am up about 4 pounds. Needless to say I need to go the other way on the scale.

3,2,1....excercise!

2008-09-24T16:03:00.002-04:00

Yes.....I am finally doing it! I officially start Lifechoice tomorrow. I did take a beginner's yoga class yesterday and loved it! I don't think I will jump on the scales unless they make me tomorrow. I am still hovering around 18 pounds lost. When I get back from Rhode Island I will go full steam ahead on diet and excercise. Right now I will concentrate on working out.

Steady incline....No Yo-Yo present

2008-09-13T10:44:00.005-04:00

Why does it seem everyone is going down on the scale and I'm going up? This makes me sad...but also frustrated. I joined the wellness program at work, so hopefully within a months time I will be on my way to a new self. I tried to think of reasons other than ridiculous ones, as to why I was wanting to lose weight. Here are some normal and weird ones.
1. So I can leave a longer life
2. When/If I have children I want to be at a healthy weight for them and me
3. I want to be able to look in the mirror and take a second glance, not a second blink
4. I want to be able to go to an amusement park and actually ride the rides. Not just stand there and say it makes me happy to see everyone else having fun.
5. I want to be able to cross my legs
6. I want to be able to go into a regular store and actually find something
7. I want to go to Victoria's Secret and not fill dirty or wrong for being in there. (Cuz what is a fat girl really doing in there anyways)
8. It would be nice to turn heads, for a good reason
9. Maybe I can laugh with everyone, not be laughed at
10. I can buy new underwear (maybe at Victoria's secret)

For all who were wondering..I now weigh 374.

Received my dress I bought on ebay.

2008-09-10T21:11:00.004-04:00

It looks great on. I'll need a few minor adjustments. I may get Jenny to look at on me and see what she thinks....she has become the little crafty gal. I definitely will be getting it hemmed to tea-length. I have my eye on a vintage clutch purse now. :)

I was going to start the lifechoice gym, but I DON'T HAVE TENNIS SHOES!! I am serious. I'll have to get a pair this weekend after payday and start my work out next week. I need to pay particular attention to my upper arms....thanks to the dress I purchased. LOL

I guess I need to face the music and get on the scale again. I am praying that I am not up too much. If I had to guess.....probably 3 or 4 pounds up. I'll let you know!

Still truckin...

2008-09-01T18:26:00.003-04:00

Hey! I'm still on the wagon...yay!! Well, I did slip a little Friday and Saturday....but got right back on :-) I'm down another 0.7 from the last time I posted. I was actually riding a few pounds lighter the entire end of the week...but I guess all the salt I had in my diet over the weekend didn't help :-O At least I still came out with a loss right?

I'm really trying to be good....I even made a super yummy chili for dinner tonight...and if I only break it up into 4 servings for the entire crockpot...it's still only 5 points a serving!! Now adding a little FF sour cream and cheese might bump it up a bit....but hey, it's worth it :-) I tweaked my recipe a bit so if it turns out good I may post it. It has soy crumbles instead of ground beef....which don't always work out in every recipe, but I think they'll be okay in chili....since they'll absorb some of the other flavor.

How's everyone else doing? (dieting or in life in general)

I bought a dress!

2008-08-29T22:50:00.003-04:00

Ok...this is what I bought for the wedding I am going to in New Hampshire soon. I got it for $35.00 on ebay. Normally sells for $155.00!! (Imagine me doing a happy dance right now) It was worn for less than 2 hours for a previous wedding, non-smoking, pet-free, and no stains or rips! I am going to make it tea-length....so it is not so formal. I just hope my "girls" stay upright in that halter! I have a halter bra that should work. (fingers crossed) It is this same color...palm beach coral.....sounds summery, but when I went to David's Bridal to look at the color...it can easily pass as a fall color too!

I am going to wear a pashmina scarf/shawl. There are a couple colors I have in mind. I have peachy-orange pearl earrings, bracelet, and ring. OH....and defintely Spanx! Yes....the spanx will be worn! LOL

Back on the Wagon

2008-08-22T15:56:00.002-04:00

I know I've been MIA :-( Honestly we went to the beach, and then weren't home long before I left again to go to my parents for a week (and those who read my regular blog know how that one went!). Come to think of it, we got sick on each of the trips we went on! (or at least Elaina did)

But anyways....I "officially" restarted WW on my own 2 Sundays ago. I started at 162.6 on that Sunday morning and when I finally was able to weigh again this past Wednesday morning, I was down to 156.6. That's 6 whole pounds!! (however I realize part of that was having the stomach flu...but I'll take it) I have been up about 10 lbs all summer from my lowest weight.

The first goal I set for myself was to lose 10 lbs by the time I run my first 5K on September 27th. Looks like I'm on plan for that one if I keep things up. I only have 4 lbs left and over a month to do it.

That brings me to the running....originally I had wanted to do the Midnight Flight...however that is in one week. I haven't been able to run at all this week from being weak and sick....soooooo I don't think I'll make it. I COULD....but I'd be hurting by the time I was done. A good friend of mine is coming down to run the Race for the Cure with me in Greenville on September 27th. Anyone else interested??? Jenny? Vicky? Kelly? Kathleen? Anybody?

OK, I've run my mouth (or fingers as the case may be) enough for now :-) I guess I ought to update my weight bar...

YAWN

2008-08-22T14:27:00.003-04:00

Hardly any posts.....or comments....where the heck is Kathleen's posts? And how about Beth's? I am gearing up to post like a mad woman on here soon. You'll get tired of me! LOL I am excited to talk to a trainer and registered dietician soon!

I did find out that I had great cholestrol at 122! Woo-Hoo No meds or anything. At least I am doing something right.

Watching My Sweets

2008-08-16T10:13:00.003-04:00

I didn't get to weigh myself this past week (I'm SO upset, can you tell) but I know I didn't gain, well I don't think I did. I've cut back on my sweets considerably, and have tried to start eating more meals during the day. That's the hard put because of my stomach problem, but maybe I'll find something that won't make me sick, and then I can eat that everyday! My mom's new insurance plan will reimburse you for going to weight watchers and attending some many meetings within a certain time period, and I think I might do WW again. It really does work, but I need to stay motivated. Plus i hope to get my wellness check next week and then in about 3 weeks start the Life Choice Gym. Well I guess I'll just have to weigh next week!

KNOCK!!! KNOCK!!!

2008-08-15T08:52:00.004-04:00

WHO IS HERE??

Weigh In Wednesday!!

2008-08-13T09:29:00.002-04:00

I am exactly the same as what I was last week....I think my scale likes to play dirty tricks on me......then again I haven't committed weight loss whole-heartedly again. I did get my wellness check up at work. I get blood work done tomorrow for work and also for my nephrologist. The vampires and I are getting VERY close! I also get $100.00 for meeting goals in the wellness program....like I don't smoke, great cholesterol and BP, and I got the flue shot last winter. I thought I fell short on the 10% weight loss that they set for me last year.....but they knew I was on steroids and in essence I lost more than 10% because I gained nearly 20 or so pounds from those nasty little boogers that taste like rat poison. (prednisone)

I am joining the hospital's lifechoice gym by September and look forward to meeting with the wellness coach to design a program for me. I need something that works with my schedule...and helps me become healthier for the kidney transplant. I know after the transplant I will be on autoimmune suppressant drugs and steriods. I am not looking forward to this part. Many are weight gaining. BUT....this gives me even more incentive to continue to have a more healthy lifestyle change.

Weigh In Wednesday!! a little late

2008-08-07T09:20:00.006-04:00

Well, I decided to jump on that thing that sits in the corner of my bathroom floor. I am still up 1.6 pounds from my lowest a couple months ago. I plan on joining lifechoice gym here at work and at least get 2 or 3 hours of excercise in a week that I normally would not. I am also planning on talking to a registered dietician about a healthy weight loss plan for me. My insurance will cover this now because I am being referred to a kidney transplant list. If you wish, you can view more about those details in Sjogrens and Me.

I would like to lose a few more pounds before the actual transplant will happen. Most likely it will be early next year. I am at a point that I can be on a live transplant list and skip dialysis. We are waiting for a call from MUSC in the next week or so to get the ball rolling.

Here a few pictures of Charleston on the beach!

We made a new friend named Hermit!

Hubs being silly with my sun hat!

Up close shot of me!

Just checking in...

2008-08-03T08:12:00.002-04:00

I have gained back a couple of pounds and am closer to a size 10 pants now--all because I honestly haven't been trying. There were donuts and things. I have picked up some of my bad eating habits again. However, on the bright side, I have started walking a bit. We've taken Suzi up to the University a couple of times to run around instead of staying home and watching TV, and I'd like to make that a habit. I would probably get out more often if it weren't quite so hot (I know, excuses, excuses). As it cools down I do think I'll do a little better though.

Still Here...

2008-07-28T20:14:00.002-04:00

I'm just lurking lately....I've been hanging out around the 160's (give or take). I'll try to stick around here until vacations are over. Better to maintain than to gain right?

Vicky- glad to hear you've got some more energy! Joining the gym sounds like a good plan.

I hope everyone else is doing well...

Hello....anyone out there??

2008-07-26T11:21:00.004-04:00

I am still here....lurking a bit. I have gotten slack on my diet. I am still at 21-22 lbs lost, but not moving forward. I am going to recommit to myself after I get back from MUSC next week. I am HOPING and crossing my fingers that I am not put on steroids or a weight gaining medicine. If I am then I will be fighting to keep my weight where it is.

The good news is that my yearly check-up at the hospital is coming up next month and I think I am going to join our hospital's lifechoice gym and try to go a couple times a week. The one thing that stinks is that it has limited hours and isn't open on weekends. I am hoping Hubs and I can work out a schedule where I go on Tues, & Thurs. when we gets home from work. On the weekend I can do a family event for exercise. My energy is back up (thanks to the procrit injections) and I feel I can handle it. I think Kelly is going to do it with me. :) There is a specialist and trainer that customizes each person's workout. I have heard they stay positive and really "cheer" you on.

Update....Depressing

2008-07-22T15:24:00.003-04:00

Well I updated my little ticker. I don't really have much to say because I am very sad. I now weigh 360. The highest I have ever been. So...I'm leaving now

Am I done?

2008-07-14T10:45:00.002-04:00

Okay, I know my goal was 130. I made that goal when I was just starting out because I estimated I would be happy with my body once I reached that weight, but to tell the truth it was arbitrary. It was a round number. I am teetering around 135 right now, and I can wear a size 8 or 10 pants. I'm pretty happy! My question is, is it cheaping out to throw in the towel?

I'm thinking of forgetting about that number goal and making new practical goals. You see, Jordan and I do not eat so healthy and don't get much exercise. We were bad this weekend, eating cake, ice cream (well it was my birthday) and even stopping at McD's! However, we also got a lot of exercise from walking around at the games.

I'd like to start working exercise into our lives and making it a family habit, starting small and building on it so we don't get burned out. So I will make a new goal right now: Instead of camping out in front of the TV every evening, I will ask Jordan and Suzi to take a short walk with me. To start out, let's say at least twice this week. I'll let you know how I did.

After I conquer that, I'll start on healthier eating.

Long time, No post

2008-07-11T11:48:00.004-04:00

Here is an update. Obviously, I haven't written on here in a while. I figured since I'm not actively pursuing weight loss I didn't really want to post. But anyways..since this blog is about health, I can still give updates on my no-smoking pursuit. This Thursday totaled 7 weeks smoke free. Yippee! I do feel much better. I will probably be trying on the weight loss thing within the next couple of weeks. Unfortunately, everyone at home has been making little subliminal comments on my size, and the fact I like sweets. Just a little advice for anyone who is reading this. When something, such as food, goes missing, please don't automatically assume that the fat girl did it. Thanks

OH CRAP...it is weigh-in wednesday....

2008-07-09T09:22:00.003-04:00

I forgot to weigh myself this morning. I would guess I could be a pound or so over considering "george" is here. I woke up 30 minutes late this morning. The alarm clock is in a "better place". It passed away sometime between yesterday morning and this morning. We had 2 HUGE storms yesterday that may contributed to its demise. Luckily my back-up alarm went off at 6:55am this morning. He has blond hair and blue eyes and gives the best morning hugs......Braydon. Nolan was the 5 minute snooze....he gives great hugs too!

Monday Madness

2008-07-07T18:13:00.003-04:00

Yeah, let's not talk about how bad I was this weekend. I'm back up to where I was week before last. Booooo.

Weigh-In Wednesday!

2008-07-02T09:14:00.003-04:00

I lost .4 this week. Really it was more like 3 pounds because I went up last week. Unfortunately I had help last night....I got sick from the procrit injection. Thank goodness it wasn't a virus or food poisoning.

New Toy

2008-07-01T09:31:00.004-04:00

I posted this on my regular blog but I don't know who reads it and who doesn't :-) Yesterday (after looking at it for over a month now) I bought this cool new toy. You put this chip in your shoe (if you have Nike shoes, there is actually a slot UNDER the bottom lining to put it in...cool huh?!?!).....then there's a plug you put in the bottom of your iPod Nano (it only works on the nano right now...wonder why...)....and it tracks your walks and/or runs. Since I'm trying to work up to a 5K I thought it might be a good idea. It tells you your pace (to which I learned I run TOO fast outside and tire out quickly)....the time...and your distance. Once you get home you just sync your iPod like normal and it takes you to the nike website and you get a cool graph like the one below. You can join challenges with other people all over the world....and set goals for yourself...and it tracks them just by looking at your run/walks. I was surprised at the relatively low sticker price of $30. I think the only downfall I've heard of is that once the battery dies in the chip....there isn't a way to replace it (although I think the battery lives a LONG time).

This has been your friendly advertisement for the day :-)

Monday Madness

2008-06-30T08:11:00.001-04:00

And the verdict is.........158.9!!! That's a 2.9 lb loss from last Monday!!! (I knew WW worked if I would just follow it again....) How was everyone else's weekend?

D>>>D>>>>Double chin!!

2008-06-28T15:48:00.004-04:00

It is gone!!!! My double chin isn't showing up in pics anymore. WOO-HOO! This was at the carrie underwood concert with my sister.

My mom posted here has recently lost some weight too. She has lost 10-15 pounds. I am proud of her!

Lazy..Bones

2008-06-26T15:53:00.004-04:00

I haven't posted for a while, because really I haven't been trying to lose weight. My first focus was to quit smoking and I've done that, so now I need to get my butt in gear and start walking. It's so easy though, when I get off work, it's still hot, and I can convince myself it's too hot to walk. But for my health and future well-being I need to start. We really need to start a walking club or something.

By the way, today marks a month and a half smoke free. Go me....hey that rhymed!

Weigh-In Wednesday! alittle late...

2008-06-26T15:42:00.002-04:00

I have been avoiding this....I have gained 2 pounds. I honestly have been stressing the past week BIG TIME! I know.....not a good excuse. I need to hop back on the train!!!

Good Recipe (WW friendly)

2008-06-26T08:05:00.002-04:00

A friend sent this to me last night so of course I tried it for dinner. It was yummy (and pretty filling too!)

Corn & Salsa Chicken Packets

POINTS® value | 6
Servings | 4

Ingredients
1 pound uncooked boneless, skinless chicken breast, 4 breast halves, about a pound total
1 cup salsa, chunky
15 oz canned yellow corn
1 cup low-fat shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions

Also need 4 sheets (12-18 inches ea) Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil.
Preheat oven to 450.
Center on chicken breast half on each sheet of foil. Spoon salsa over chicken. Top with corn.
Bring up foil sides. Double fold top and ends to seal packet, leaving room for heat circulation inside. Repeat to make 4 packets.
Bake 18-22 minutes on a cookie sheet.
Sprinkle with cheese before serving.

(OK and even though I'm new to posting to this board, I'm gonna kick you all in the booty....the last person to post a post was Jenny....a week ago! Tsk tsk tsk) :-)

Working Arms in a Spin Class + 5K

2008-06-24T16:07:00.003-04:00

Ha Jenny, I figured this was easier...and in case anyone else was interested :-) Spinning classes are primarily cardio and legs....HOWEVER....when you pedal and do jumping jacks with your arms, bicep curls, tricep extensions, arm circles, etc...you then get an arm workout :-)

On another note....would anyone else be interested in working up to running the Midnight Flight on Labor Day weekend with me? (I can hear you all saying...I don't run! Let me tell you...neither do I!) It's on the Friday night of the weekend....there is a 1 mile that starts at 9:15pm, a 5K that starts at 10pm, and a 10K that starts at 11pm.

Monday Madness

2008-06-23T19:21:00.003-04:00

Yep, that's the name for now....madness. Of course I wasn't as good as I should have been since I posted Wednesday....and my weight was up. I won't post the number, but it was up less than 2 pounds. My shocker though came when I went to the gym and Laurie wanted to weigh, measure, and do my body fat today. Yeah....NOT good. Most all of my numbers were up. So of course she kicked my tail...which I need. I guess that's what I have to look forward to until she gets my numbers back down! Maybe this week will go better!

Size 8? Huh?

2008-06-19T20:54:00.002-04:00

I am a little confused. The scale says I am still hovering between 132 and 135, yet my pants say I'm a size eight! I know this is usually because exercise turns fat into muscle, which weighs more. But the thing is I'm not exercising. Hmm. Are my pants playing a cruel trick on me?

I have been doing a bit better now that the birthday fare is out of my house, but I'm not going to stress over having bad stuff every now and then, because I'm almost where I want to be! I'm still breastfeeding Suzi (with no end in sight, yet) and I'm sure that helps.

So... My butt has met its final goal but the rest of me hasn't, if that makes sense!

Weigh-In Wednesday!

2008-06-18T13:54:00.001-04:00

I am down .4 almost a 1/2 pound. It is getting hard....plus I am slacking on my diet. I have portion control down, but I still am eating baaaaad stuff! I am really needing to get refocused! I want to lose almost 20 more pounds before I go dress shopping in August or September! Kick my butt please!

Official Re-Start

2008-06-18T09:44:00.002-04:00

Yes, I know my post was like a week ago but I'm just now getting to where I have the motivation to re-start following weight watchers and making healthy choices. Some friends and I are going to the beach together at the beginning of August...so one of them and I have decided we're going to set goals each week to reach and we'll add to them as the weeks pass. This week (from now through Sunday...then I'll get back on my Mon-Sun week) our main goal is at least 6 glasses of water (straight water) a day and get 4 days of exercise in. (this is in addition to staying within our points for the week).

SO, I weighed in this morning at 160.0 even (which is actually down from the last few days).

(my ultimate goal is to be able to wear my two-piece that I bought...I'm brave enough to wear it around my pool when no one is here....but not in public!)

How is everyone else doing??

My First Post

2008-06-11T23:25:00.004-04:00

(Let me preface this by saying that I'm not very good at telling a story so I promise this will be choppy and I will probably leave things out but you'll get the idea!)

Hi! Some of you know that I've been lurking and comment occasionally. I had my own weight loss blog but I'm not good at keeping up with it...so.....here I am!

I am Beth and I live in Pendleton. I'm a nurse in the intensive care at AnMed. Let's see....I've been married to my husband for 5 years now and we met at Clemson in Tiger Band. We have a beautiful little girl named Elaina and she is almost 16 months old. I think that's all the info on me!

December 2001:
I guess I should start this blog with my story. I was always a small child until I hit the 4th grade. I guess it's called puberty :-P My brother was the same way. Once I hit 4th grade I gained a lot of weight. I remember being in 5th grade and weighing in the mid-160's. For that age when you haven't finished growing upward....I was the largest girl in my class.

From then on I had a self-esteem problem from my weight. It just seemed to climb from there. In high school I was in the 190's at one point. I always wore boy clothes...because as everyone thinks....big clothes cover up the weight right? Wrong. I had the ugliest prom dresses....it was just bad! Long story short....I was always the largest of my friends...in fact they were all tiny and I was big.I went to Clemson in the fall of 1999 and actually LOST weight. None of my good friends went there and I didn't like to eat alone so when I did go eat I ate a plate fast and left. Eventually I made friends in the band but the food there was never really good so I didn't overeat. I think I ended up in the 170-180 range but several sizes smaller than previously. In high school I wore a 16-18....at the end of my freshman year I could wear a 14 easily.

May 2002?:

The next few years my weight teetered.....with getting an apartment and not eating on campus I went back to my bad eating ways (although no nearly as bad b/c I had to cook my own food!)

May 2003:

When I got pregnant in the spring of 2006 I had just started to really lose weight and was 169. I used pregnancy as an excuse to eat anything I wanted to. The morning I went into the hospital to be induced I was 218.5.

January 2007:
After having Elaina I was in the 180's for a while and the weight came off slowly. I had kept my gym membership the entire time I was pregnant (even though I didn't use it) and finally went back for good at the end of July of last year. I began working with a personal trainer once a week in August and had a starting weight of 174.

2 months went by and my weight stayed steady at 174 (the clothes sizes started going down b/c the building of muscle but the weight wouldn't budge). At the start of November I started doing weight watchers again on my own. The next few months I lost a total of 20 lbs.

Here lately I've had trouble staying on plan....the exercise part is easy for me but the eating gets me. I'm here to keep accountable and hope I can give you guys as much support and I know you'll give me. (and I can always use a good kick in the butt....so kick away!)

Here's one of the most recent pics I could find:

Weigh In Wednesday!!

2008-06-11T12:12:00.004-04:00

Woo-Hoo!!! I lost 1.4 pounds this week.....I was over 2 pounds lost this week and all of a sudden...weigh-in wednesday comes...AND I ALWAYS MANAGE TO GAIN A BIT BACK!! I think it is some secret society out to get me...Miss Piggy is the ring leader. I am sure it has nothing to do with the fact that I ate Mcdonalds last night. I mean the double cheesburger wasn't too greasy...and I did have a diet coke to go with my large fries. *sigh* We won't count the 6 hershey kisses I ate too.

I eat when I am stressed....and in case those of you who don't know...a lady hit my husband's car (really my car..Sniff) and we are forced to get a replacement. It was totaled. Hubs is alright...thank God! It is really stressful to be on a time crunch to find another car...not to mention the price of everything....who wants another car payment????? We are trying to work it out so we don't. Say a prayer and wish us luck tomorrow while we shop for a car! Now where are those potato chips??? Just kidding!

Um. I had a little cake.

2008-06-08T23:46:00.003-04:00

Confession time. May is over and I did not meet my goal of 130. To tell the truth I've gained a couple pounds! After Suzi's party the house was filled with leftover cake, sandwiches, fruit, and CHEX MIX. It gets worse. There were sodas and ice cream too! Horrible. After getting the house all ready for several weeks, when the party ended I camped out on the couch and oversnacked. I am going to do better. It's time to clean out the fridge and get back on the wagon! My end-of-May goal of 130 is now my end-of-June goal. If I don't meet it by then I guess it'll be my end-of-July goal!

Yeah!

2008-06-05T17:52:00.001-04:00

Today marks my second week smoke free! I'm going to start focusing on my weight very soon! I hope everyone is doing well and getting healthy!

Weigh In Wednesday!!

2008-06-04T14:34:00.003-04:00

This is going to be short and sweet! I finally lost another 1.2 pounds. I am just short of 20 lbs lost. I hope to have 20 more pounds off by the end of August. I plan on going dress shopping in September for a friend's wedding.

ARGH!

2008-05-28T17:53:00.003-04:00

I have so not posted on here in a while. But I have a good reason.................okay maybe not, but it sounded good when I was thinking it. I don't know why I haven't posted on here in awhile, maybe because I'm super busy? Or maybe because I haven't weighed myself since I gained the 5 pounds back? I think the latter wins. I have been trying diligently to quit smoking, and have finally done it!!! TOMORROW WILL BE 1 WEEK! Man...why is the one so small compared to the other characters? That's just not fair.

I will try and start back weighing myself soon, I'm not very excited about, but who is? I really need to lose. To feel better about myself and to feel better in general!

Weigh In Wednesday!!

2008-05-28T09:31:00.001-04:00

Hmmmmmmm....is it really Wednesday? *blush* I forgot to weigh myself this morning. I weighed myself earlier in the week and I was still hovering just below 200. I think I am in a rut....a plateau....just stuck. My body apparently likes this weight...I don't! I have to make myself eat at times to make sure I am getting the points I need to help burn the fat off. I need to exercise....I know I can watch better what I eat too.

Any suggestions on how to get out of this "groundhog" day weight rut???

Two bathing suits and an embarrassing moment

2008-05-27T20:45:00.005-04:00

Vicky, here's my post! Thanks for holding us all accountable! I think that's the #1 component to losing weight. As for my May goal of finding a bathing suit, I found two and here they are:

You can't really tell, but the skirts are sleek and cute, not frilly and dorky. And the tank tops cover everything, including my stretch marks. I love them! And with two, if I decide to go swimming twice, I won't have to put on a cold, wet suit. Which is a real bummer.

My weight goal was 130 for end of May, and I'm not there yet. I'm hovering around 132, so I've come pretty close, and I knew the last five pounds would be the hardest. After I reach 130 I think I will be happy with the weight but not the pant size, so I'll maintain the weight and try to get more exercise to tone up!

Now here's the embarrassing part. We recently put up a swing set for Suzi, and tonight we went to Home Depot to purchase a swing and trapeze bar to hang from it. I had a trapeze bar as a child and LOVED it, so I thought I'd try to hang upside down by my knees like old times.

Hmm. Well, this bar does seem to be a bit higher than my old one...

This is not working.

Yes! Almost there...

Oh crap! Jordan, stop taking pictures and help me!

Yikes. So, I'm guessing one of those home stripper "exercise" poles everyone's gone so wild over would be a waste of money. Jordan, on the other hand...

At least we can both enjoy swinging with her!

THE GOOD AND THE BAD of my examination

2008-05-23T16:18:00.007-04:00

Yesterday I had my 4 month doctor's exam and follow-up to the blood work done on 5-19-08. The GOOD news first was that he and I were delighted with the hemoglobin A1c It had gone from 7.3 down to a 7.0 and the reading yesterday for my sugar was only 101

For a diabetic a 7.0 indicates( well-controlled). Hooray

However the BAD news, after telling me the good news he said I see that you gained 1 pound and are having difficulty losing. I now know the reasonwhy, your blood work shows that you have a low thyroid level of 6.1 and that causes your body to slow down, have poor metabolism, have low energy and does not allow you to lose weight even if you ran a marathon. I definitely want YOU to begin this prescription for LEVOTHYROXIN, it will be like getting EXTRA caffeine. You will find that you have allot more energy and you will begin to lose the weight. I know you dislike take medications, but this one is a necessary one if you want to live. You cannot let your body run down, it eventually will affect your heart. WOW I DID NOT EXPECT THIS BLOW.

As to my asthma, since I do not want to give away buddy and I sleep in a bedroom with carpeting, he wants me to continue taking Singulair and Loratadine daily. He did give me a prescription for Albuterol for emergencies and Serevent discus (inhalation powder) for controlling the asthma. I will need all that energy to work more hours to make the money to pay for these medications.

Up and Down like a YoYo Part III

2008-05-21T19:12:00.008-04:00

Up and Down like a Yo Yo was blogged on April 12, 2008 this is now my continuation as Part III to present. My life was going great No complaints, loving life and my family and work. I enjoying being a homemaker and an Avon entrepreneur and real estate agent.

Age 57 at my Mom's 80th Surprise birthday party

At 38 and feeling full of energy I won the Avon all paid 8 day expense trip to Hawaii in 1982.

Delivery day of 56 boxes that I had to pack and deliver December 1982
I was not concerned about my weight, I enjoyed eating and having fun. I wish I had taken better care of my health, because at age 59 I was in for a unexpected event. It all began unexpectedly I was going with my son, Mark and husband to a health fair at the Providence Convention Center. It was October 7, 2003 It was going to be a fun day, tasting healthy food and being entertained. Was I in for the surprise of my life. We decided when we entered that we would each go our own way and meet at the cooking stations in the rear in an hour. I decided I would enter and go to my right and the first booth were the nurses of Care of New England. I was approached and asked if I had ever been tested for sugar. I said "no" I was told it was just a prick on my finger and a meter would report a reading. I felt great, my weight I felt wasn't that bad at 168 , so I said "sure"
They tried 3 times to get an amount to put on the strip and finally the nurse said to me I think my machine needs new batteries, go to the next nurse and have her test you. My reading was 329 and I was told to go to my doctor and discuss have Diabetes type II.

I had no family doctor so the next day I went to a walk in Medical center and Dr Sue Clement said my reading was 268 and she began me on 5 mg of glucotrol. She told be to find a family doctor and be treated for this illness. I asked the nurses on duty who they felt would be caring and help me be proactive in my life, BECAUSE THIS WAS NOW A LIFE CHANGING MOMENT. I called a Dr Mark Rosenberg, who went over my lab results and had me attend nutrition classes and begin walking 15 minutes daily. My Hba1c was 7.5 He said he wanted it under 7. I was put on 500mg of metformin and 40mg of lisinipril. This was the beginning of me watching what went into my mouth and writing everything down. When I shop I look for

o grams-8 grams of sugar, I avoid fried foods and have practically eliminated the pasta and no more white bread. Today 4 years later I have the diabetes controlled, but if I can lose more weight and exercise more I might be able to control it without the medication. That is my goal.

Weigh-In Wednesday!

2008-05-21T08:48:00.006-04:00

Yuck! I gained 1.4 pounds just in the past day, but I think it is time for george to come. I feel bloated. I am still scheduled to get my hair done tomorrow despite not being quite at the 20lb. reward level. I'll just have a great weight loss next week. :) I REALLY REALLY need to start exercising...thank goodness my parents pool is ready....the temp. needs to warm up a bit though.

I saw my Rhueme again yesterday. She is convinced that I do have Sjogrens Syndrome, but not Lupus! HURRAY! This is the second doctor that has said this. I am going to MUSC soon. They will call me with the appointment. It looks like I may have another kidney biopsy done there. :( She also said that I do have a lot of inflammation some where according to my blood work. Probably kidneys! I really hope they are able to stop my stage IV CKD. The new pain meds she has me on work GREAT! I am not as achy and do not feel like a train has dragged me for miles. This makes me happy because I seem to have a little more energy for the boys and my family.

Hello....anyone out there???

2008-05-20T08:26:00.005-04:00

Dear fellow weight loss buddies,

I must say I am really disappointed with my team members on this blog....and yes I am going to call everyone out!!! If I offend anyone.... maybe I'll at least get some kind of response!

Megan.....where the heck have you been? You lose 5 lbs. and think you are done???
Kathy.....you comment every once in awhile.....but no post on your progress? We never saw part II of your story.
Jenny....I know you have almost met your goal....but UPDATE please. Post a good recipe too while your at it!
Kelly....Just because you have a little set back doesn't mean you throw the towel in! Where is terror tuesday????

SO....I EXPECT TO SEE POSTS ON HERE SOON.....or I will make you eat a dozen cupcakes each!

Yours Truly,
Vicky

Weigh-In Wednesday!

2008-05-14T09:11:00.002-04:00

I lost 1.4 pounds this past week. :) I am about 1 1/2 pounds away from my next goal and I can get my haircut. It needs it badly! I think I will make an appointment for the end of next week.

BTW- I am officially back in the 100's.....no more 200's. HURRAY!
NaAAAh nah nah nah...NAAahh nah nah nah....hey heeeeeeey good bye!

Milk and Honey pedicure & manicure

2008-05-12T13:07:00.002-04:00

Yes....you read that right. I earned my first reward after losing 15 pounds! It was 2 hours of bliss, comfort, relaxing, and better than #@X! My sister went with me and we sat side by side like two giddy girls. They offered us a refreshment (bottled H2O is what we chose.) The foot soak bath and massage chairs were like heaven. I especially loved the kneeding and rolling feature on the chair....the vibration was fun on my butt too! They had a menu with all the different pedicure you could chose from. I must say...if I could afford it, I would go everyday! I had a milk foot soak followed my a honey exfoliant scrub on my legs and feet. Then came the parraffin wax treatment, massage, and then all the normal foot care stuff including a polish. I picked a hot pink with sparkles...WOO-HOO...sassy! My hands did the same. I think next time I will go for the garden pedicure with fresh flower petals or maybe the mango pedicure......I can't wait!!

Weigh-In Wednesday!

2008-05-07T08:46:00.007-04:00

OK...I am happy. After the badddddddd weekend splurge that left me 1.4 pounds higher...I officially lost that 1.4!!! Ironically, I didn't lose anymore than what I gained. BUT THIS IS OK. I feel like I am starting from a clean slate and last week was wiped out.

This week's challenges....definitely mother's day brunch at the Hilton. Luckily I don't really care for their "foo-foo" desserts. I do love their Yogurt and fresh fruit smoothies. BTW- did I mention it was an all you can eat buffet? I'm going to get what I want in moderation!

Also on a side note...I see a new Rhuematologist today! I am looking forward to the visit. I will be glad to get away from my last rhuemee...that's another blog, but all of you close to me know why I am switching doctors.

****UPDATE****
I really liked my new rhuemee doc. She had different blood tests drawn and made the comment about what she wanted to find out about these tests and "IF" I in fact had Lupus. She also suggested that I may be a good candidate for MUSC in Charleston to have "the experts" in her field as well as the nephrologists take a look at me. I go back on the 20th to discuss what she plans on doing with my silly self. She spent almost 2 hours with me and literally checked me out from head to toe. It wasn't the less than 5 minute appointments I am used to with my old rhuemee.

Can't blame it on the dog...

2008-05-05T09:15:00.002-04:00

I wish I could. I am the only one to blame. I think McDonalds put a curse on me. I LOVE them....always have...always will!

Hi, my name is Vicky and I blew my diet this past weekend. It started with a double cheeseburger meal....ooohhh the french fries were so good and hot. I also had 2 birthday parties and 1 anniversary dinner to attend this past weekend. I'll spare you the details and get straight to the point....I gained 1.4 pounds. *sigh*

I am back on track today and hope by weigh-in wednesday to break even on the gain. I feel a little guilty....but it was soooooooooo worth it. Now, I need to get my mind off the cheeseburger and french fry thing.......what is that noise? I think my stomach is growling for it.....wish me luck to stay on track!

Doodie-Snaps

2008-05-03T12:25:00.002-04:00

I've been putting this post off for as long as I can. I had Terror Tuesday this past week and I wasn't just terrified i was MORTIFIED! I didn't lose weight I gained it ALL back!!! WHAT!!???? How did that happen. I believe I know why. I don't eat during the day. I'm so busy, plus I have a medical condition that embarrasses me enough, to not want to eat. So..that's probably got a lot to do with it. UGH! I also tried to quit smoking this week. Big mistake. I think I'm going to go to my doctor and tell him to give me some Chantix. I hope it works. I'm going to quit, but when? Well I'm not looking forward to the next Tuesday, because I will more than likely gain, but at least I'll know. Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Weigh In Wednesday!!

2008-04-30T09:30:00.002-04:00

Well......I lost 3 POUNDS!!!! Woo-hoo! I made my goal of 15# to get my pedicure, but I think I'll wait til mother's day weekend! Only 3 more pounds until my haircut. :)

My butt is in a ten!

2008-04-29T19:57:00.003-04:00

I've had a little difficulty with my pant size, but yesterday my jeans were so loose I realized I needed new ones. Jordan and I went to Ross and bought me two new pairs that are perfect. I know you all probably know how good it feels when you find a great pair of jeans.

But the big news is that I'm in a size ten! My original goal was an eight, and that is not so out of reach anymore. I am wearing size ten jeans and pants, like the ones in this picture. Jordan took this while I wasn't looking. I don't know why.

I've already met my goal of 135 for end of April. Now if I could only find a swimsuit that works, I'd be all set. I am pear-shaped, so if the top fits the bottom is too tiny. Jordan and I are taking Suzi to Atlanta at the end of June and we're going swimming, so I need one. My goal for end of May will be to find a swimsuit and my target weight will be 130. We'll see how it goes, and if I end up in a size eight when it's all over. Good luck everyone!

Weigh-In Wednesday!

2008-04-23T10:04:00.001-04:00

I didn't do so good this last week. I lost .6 of a pound. I was lower over the weekend...so I think I have some water weight on me. Plus, I drank 1/3 bottle of H20 before I realized that I needed to weigh myself. *sigh* I only need to lose one more pound to get my manicure & pedicure. Hopefully I make it by the weekend so I can treat myself. :)

Ta-Da!

2008-04-22T18:03:00.001-04:00

YEAH!!! I lost 4 pounds this week, which brings me to a total of 5 pounds! I can mark my first thing off the list. Let's just hope i keep it up! YEAH!!!

If I were 30 pounds lighter, I'd....

2008-04-22T13:53:00.011-04:00

get these dresses! I was just looking for fun. I have a wedding in October in New Hampshire to attend. The wedding is semi-formal. They also said to be colorful...it is autumn. I translate that to no black please. *sigh* I told my DH he was buying me a couple new dresses since he gets to wear a tux.

These would be cute for the dinner rehearsal. I know it will be chilly, so I would need a wrap or cute overcoat. They are knee-length. Both are under $40.00. WOW! What do you think? Now for the wedding...

The first one is halter-top like....the reviews say that if you got the "bust" to fill this out, then it looks great. I don't have to worry about that department. LOL It also said it was good for an hourglass figure.......that will be me if I can get my waist to shrink! SHRINK WAIST...SHRINK! The last one comes in a deep violet/purple (not the pink color you see). I like the simplicity of it with the flower accent. Both lengths are to the calf and both of these are less than $80.00!! Bargin! The wedding and reception will be on a boat on Lake Winnipausake (spelled incorrectly). The boat will be heated and enclosed where the wedding and reception takes place, but if hubs and I want to take a romantic walk around the deck....I will need some sort of wrap or coat or shaw....any suggestions? I know I could pick a dress with sleeves, but I havn't seen any styles that don't look like a "church" dress or mother-of-the-bride looking!

Hello darling, it's been a long time..........

2008-04-21T17:18:00.004-04:00

Hey ladies! It's been a couple of days, okay almost a week, but I'M BACK! Tomorrow is "TERROR TUESDAY"!!! I'm very nervous, but I think I will prevail! Let's hope so anyways. You can check out my blog Booda's Business to see the reward's list Vicky helped me create! Let's hope I can do all of them!

How becoming a hooker can help you lose weight!

2008-04-17T22:15:00.003-04:00

It has helped me a lot. Crocheting, that is. Here's why.

1) Have you ever been watching TV and thought "Gosh, I could really use a snack about now?" Even if you weren't hungry at all? And ended up eating potato chips/buttery popcorn/ice cream? I have. TV is designed that way. It will almost occupy your mind, but not quite. They get you at the commercials, showing you a close-up of the inside of a Milky Way bar, and before you know it you're on your way to the kitchen! You need something to do with yourself because you're bored, and since there's not much else to do, you eat! This has happened to me countless times and it almost happened to my mom the other day while watching a movie UNTIL she pulled out a hat to crochet instead. Next time you have a TV-time craving, try satisfying it with an activity rather than a snack. I prefer crocheting but it could be anything. Play with Silly Putty if you want; just find something to do with your hands!

2) It's an anxiety buster. I am an anxious person, and sometimes to get my mind off things it's tempting to have an extra snack. But crocheting is far more calming and rewarding, and I can do it as long as I want. This also works if you are angry or irritable. I sit down with my yarn and the tension just melts away.

If you haven't tried crocheting and want to, I can show you or there are many resources online. There are also books you can buy but I'd check around online first. I only know how to do a couple of things and I'm pretty sure I was making mistakes doing those, but luckily it didn't turn out half bad so far:
This is an old picture. It's bigger now, and I've had to buy more yarn. It's going to be a blanket for Suzi.

About my weight: I've lost almost as much as I want to lose, and without too much trouble. The breastfeeding has no doubt helped. However, my pant size is disappointing me. I am going to try to find exercises to tone up around my legs. Vicky suggested yoga, and I might try it although I never saw myself as a yoga person.

Weigh-In Wednesday!

2008-04-16T08:58:00.003-04:00

What would you do for a Klondike bar????? Cheat on a diet? Kinda....but I thought I deserved a treat this past Sunday....unfortunately that jingle keeps playing over and over in my head!! ANNOYING!

I lost 1.8 pounds this past week. Hurray! This weekend may prove to be a challenge. My youngest son is turning 2 and we have a small birthday party planned. You know....cake and ice cream. I figured I could get 2 1/2 gallons of ice cream. One regular and one that is non fat or sugar free. The cake will have to be a small piece. We may grill out hamburgers and hot dogs too. I'll have to get turkey dogs with whole grain buns. I THINK I can make it work that I don't veer too much off the course! Jenny will be there with Suzi and her hubby. She only has a few more pounds to lose, but she'll help me keep on track! I am going to invite Kelly too. We can support each other!

I am hoping by next weekend I can get my manicure/pedicure treat for myself. That means I'd be at the 15lb mark for weight loss. Then it will be another 5lb goal until I can get my haircut. Woo-Hoo!

On a more serious note, many of you know that I have Lupus and Sjogren's syndrome. Lupus is still in remission...I think. The sjogren's is being a pain in the _SS!! Ironically, the Lupus is the worse of the two evils to have, but for me it is the Sjogrens! It keeps messing with my kidneys and I still am classified as having Chronic Kidney Disease Stage IV. My creatine went from 3.2 to 3.4 the past 6 weeks. My metabolic acid is less/bi-carb up...which is good. Doc said that they would like to see the bi-carb between 20-25. Mine is at 18. He diagnosed me with anmemia too. BUT...it has been borderline. If it is still low in 2 months when I see him next, he may put me on iron supplements of some sort. I see a new Rheumatologist May 7th. I am hoping she has a new perspective on things and I am looking for a second opinion. *sigh* I am not looking for a pity party......just keep me in your prayers! Thanks!
I found an interesting segment on treating and living with Lupus. It was on the news just last week.

Bummer

2008-04-15T16:29:00.004-04:00

Today is "TERROR TUESDAY" and i didn't lose any weight. Not even a stinking pound. UGH. I'm at the same weight I was a week ago. I'm frustrated. Maybe next week. :(

Up and Down like a YoYo Part II

2008-04-12T22:09:00.007-04:00

Before I was married, I weighed my lowest as a young 23 year old adult female, I weighed 118 pounds, (size 9-10 petite) I was very active, dancing on weekends, teaching Mon-Fri 8-5pm (I worked extra hours before school and after school, tutoring, and helping my students to be studious and get the A's and B's they and their parents wanted.

These photos were taken before we were married at my Parent's 25th Surprise Anniversary Party at the Falstaff in Seekonk, Ma.

On June 28,1969 at 11:00am at St Francis Xavier Church in

East Providence, RI the wedding of Kathleen AnnMarie Pacheco and John William Corbett took place. We became Mr. & Mrs. John W. Corbett.

We lived in a Ferland Apartment at 80 Ashburne
Street in Pawtucket, RI. This is where we had our first child, John Michael Corbett on August 1, 1971
Our first home was purchase in November 1972

7 Mulberry Lane, Lincoln, RI. John Michael was 16 months old and I was working partime on my Masters.

I began selling Avon on November 28, 1972 because my husband had torn the cartilege of his knee and was unable to walk and needed therapy. A close friend, Gail Lacombe, told me that a great way to get some extra income was to sell Avon. This would allow me to continue my classes and spend time with my son going door to door meeting my new neighbors and getting customers and making some money. It was just before

Christmas and we had just moved into our new home. Timing was not the best, but we made out okay and I am still selling Avon, just made 35 years.

Getting ready to go Avon selling

By 1981, I was adding on the pounds, this photo

was taken in 1981 in my kitchen, weighing in at about 168.

When my sister Maureen Jean got married in 1981, I was gaining some more weight, at 170 size 16 gown. Mark Age is age 8 and John Michael is age 10 (I am age 37)

My 40th Birthday, 1984 weighing in at 175

John Michael is 13 and Mark Alan is 11

It is now 1996 and I am at a high of 180 It is my son Mark Alan's College Graduation University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

My yoyo up and downs continue, I lost a substantial amount of pounds for my First born's wedding in 2000. That shall be another blog as well as when I became determined to change by way of eating for a lifestyle change due to a diagnosis that was unexpected.

Thinking..........

2008-04-11T18:11:00.002-04:00

I don't really have much to say for this post, other than I've been drinking a lot of water and watching what I eat. I've also started cutting back on the sweets. Oh..chocolatey goodness, oh how i love you! I will hopefully be at a smaller weight next Tuesday on "TERROR TUESDAY" which is my weigh-in day. Wish me luck!

Weight Watcher's Cookbook

2008-04-11T09:24:00.002-04:00

My DH bought me a FABULOUS cookbook! It is the new weight watcher's cookbook with over 500 recipes. It tells you point, calorie, fat, and fiber counts. I will let you know when I come across an awesome recipe. Thank you John!

I also wore a shirt that I got for Christmas yesterday. It was too snug originally, and now fits!! WOO-HOO!!!

Weigh-In Wednesday!

2008-04-09T09:25:00.002-04:00

I have lost 2.3 pounds the past week. :) Post your progress if you would like. Kelly lost 1 pound as of yesterday! :) I need to go WALKING this week!!!! Everyone get me if I don't...OK?

up and down like a YOYO, that's me

2008-04-09T00:20:00.020-04:00

Growing up as a child I was rather skinny, except for my thighs, always had that problem even as I lost the weight through the years. My Mom always said I had large bones. Growing up as a child I walked and walked it seemed all over East Providence with my Godmother Isabel ( My Mom's older sister). As a family we would go roller skating, bowling, ice skating, and swimming.

AGE 7 at the Galilee Beach1955

At AGE 11, 1955- I began to add on some weight, I am with my first cousin, Donna Jean White. It was her First Communion, she was 7. I was the oldest in the family of all the cousins on both parents' sides.

Here is a family photo at the christening of my baby sister, Maureen Jean, January1958. Now I am a teenager and adding on the weight, age 14. My brother, Edmund is 10 years old.

We are 4 years apart. Being the oldest was tough, since I was told "you need to set a good example for your brother and sister."

Once I began Junior High, the peer pressure was on and I kept adding the pounds, I wanted to date but my parents were very strict and I could only go out with a group of friends or to school dances. I wasn't able to join scouting or even the band, since I was told we didn't have the money. All my teen friends were doing things that I could not. I ate to relieve my stress and frustration. I had strict curfews and could not wear even lipstick. My father was born in this country but had the old fashion ways of parenting. Children could be with adults and were seen but could speak unless spoken to.

My 1962 East Providence Sr High School Photo
Once I began the 10th grade and my High School years I lost over 20 pounds. I was very active in afternoon competitive Intermural sports, basketball, softball, soccer were my favorites. I was active in many clubs and took officer positions, I even ran for class secretary. I wanted to go to my Junior prom and Senior prom in a gown that was not for "chubby" heavy girls. I actually went from size 18 to size 12 during that time.

After High School I went to Rhode Island College and graduated in 1966 In the photo left to right, My Aunt Dudater (father's sister), Aunt Isabel (Mom's older sister), self and Aunt Dottie (Mom's younger sister)

This is my Rhode Island College class photo 1966.

I began my teaching career at Meadowcrest Elementary School where I taught 5th grade and was Safety Patrol Supervisor.

During that first year 1966-1967 I met my husband-to-be, John William Corbett. We met at a dance on February 11, 1967 and history was made, We fell in love.That is related in another blog. During the Summer of 1967, I attended Syracuse University where I was going to get my Master of Fine Arts degree, but I began to get homesick and missed my new lover. I returned to Rhode Island and became engaged, We were married June 28, 1969 (that is another story in another blog , too) Now I am really losing weight. I am in love, home sick and walking up and down the hills of Syracuse, New York, carrying heavy art portfolios. A really great workout. The art poster was one of my many creations, I majored in Art with specialties in Design and Ceramics. While I was in classes I received this special I love you and miss you bouquet from John. I went swimming in the Finger Lakes ( size 10 swimsuit)

Losing pounds after pounds, not eating much and constantly burning calories.

Returning to Rhode Island College in a Master of Teaching program at Rhode Island College, I enrolled part time. This is my Engagement picture 1968

I was now weighing my lowest in my adult life I was doen to 118 and my wedding gown was a size 9 Unbelievable.

To be continued.......once I am married and get pregnant twice, all those pounds begin to pile back on until I reached my highest during my first pregnancy of 188 pounds.

On my way?

2008-04-08T16:16:00.002-04:00

Okay..I weighed myself for the first time today, in like 3 months? Maybe is hasn't been that long. I lost a pound! Well...i don't really know if I should count. I guess we'll see next Tuesday! I guess since Vicky has Weigh-in Wednesday's, I'll need to come up with a Tuesday name. I would probably weigh myself more if I had a scale. At my house we have this really old scale that you slide the little bar to find your weight. That thing doesn't work! Any who...keep up the good work ladies and maybe this time next year we can ALL go shopping for bikini's. OK..I'll stick with a one piece, wouldn't want to make anyone jealous!

I finally broke down and...

2008-04-07T19:12:00.003-04:00

Started making a list. I didn't want to do it, but then I thought about all the little things I pick up and eat during the day without even thinking. A cookie. Half a piece of bread Suzi didn't finish. A little bit of candy. It can get out of hand! So today I started with my cup and a half of coffee and wrote down everything. Here goes, if you really want to know:

1.5 cups of coffee with Splenda and skim milk (40)
1 bowl Organic Flax Plus cereal with skim milk (220)
1 yogurt cup (60)
1/2 cup of quinoa with 1/4 cup of cheese (420)
1 bowl of tomato soup with 1/4 cup of cheese (300)
1/2 of an English muffin (60)

And here's what I'm planning to eat for the rest of the night:
Another bowl of cereal, but a smaller one (180)
A couple of yummy walnut cookies (120?)
An orange (50)

That ends up being about 1450 calories (I guessed on some of these), which is weird because I actually need more than that. According to kellymom.com I need 1500-1800 because I'm breastfeeding. I don't feel hungry right now, and if I do I always get something to eat! Have I miscalculated something? If not I will probably be in need of a midnight snack in a few hours...

About my goals. I didn't put my feet on the pedals every night, but I've done better! Most days I either used my bike or took Suzi for a 15-20 minute, um, powerwalk? I try to walk fast and we have hills in the neighborhood so it's a little challenging. I am also trying to squeeze in a little DDR here and there even though I probably look like an idiot doing it. It's fun. I would never, ever do it if I didn't have my own PS version here at home.

I am now down to 138 though! Yay! And today, for the first time in years, I wore a skirt that only comes to above my knees. It felt weird but good.

Grandma Kathleen's progress

2008-04-04T00:42:00.000-04:00

My Reward System

2008-04-03T09:26:00.003-04:00

I have come up with my own incentive program for losing weight and reaching goals. I have decided to reward myself every 5 lbs. starting after the first 15 lbs. lost.
I am at 10.2 pounds lost right now.

VICKY'S REWARD SYSTEM

15lbs- Spa Pedicure & Manicure
20lbs- Haircut (which I need soon!)
25lbs- Girl's night out
30lbs- I always wanted to get a professional spray tan...just a splash of color not oompa-loompa looking!
35lbs- Massage
40lbs- New Dress for Wedding to attend...maybe 2.
45lbs- Kameleon ring from Impressions
50lbs- Shopping Spree from Hubby, Part I!
55lbs- Shopping Spree from Hubby, Part II!
60lbs- A day at the spa...massage, facial, manicure, and pedicure! Ewwww sweet bliss!
65lbs- LONG weekend get-a-way with Hubby...maybe even a cruise!
65+lbs- switch gears on how to keep weight off...YMCA family membership would be awesome!

April's Fool...I mean food log ;)

2008-04-03T09:01:00.022-04:00

So, I think I need to write down what I am eating to be held accountable. I don't know if I will do this everyday, but I plan on just adding to this post for the rest of the month instead of creating a new one everyday. Make sense? Probably not...I am rambling. I also got a new weight watchers scale....it is digital. I am not too sure on how correct or precise it is. I will weigh myself one minute and it will tell me a number and less than a minute later it will tell me something different. Sometimes up to almost a pound different. Any suggestions or is this normal with a digital scale? It measures pounds and even gives you up to a .2 difference. I think I have lost almost another pound. HURRAY!

April 1st Mood-Positve
skipped breakfast- NOT GOOD...I KNOW!
1 serving of naked juice
1 nonfat blueberry pomegranite yogurt
1 banana
4 oz. beef stir fry w/ about a tbsp. of sauce
1/2 cup fresh mushrooms
1 cup of rice
4 glasses of H20

April 2nd Mood-Tired and a bit hungry
3/4 cup Cinnamon honey bunches of oat
1/2 cup skim milk
1 apple
1 cup coffee
4 oz. Baked cod
1/2 stewed tomatoes and okra
3/4 bottle Sprite Zero
4 oz grilled chicken
1/2 cup green beans
2 croissants (weakness)
4 glasses of H20
shared an apple with my son before bedtime.

April 3rd Mood- HUNGRY, but positive!
8oz. glass of red grapefruit juice
3/4 cup Cinnamon honey bunches of oat
1/2 cup skim milk
1 small banana
1 chargrilled chicken salad with light raspberry vinegarette dressing
12 tortilla chips with salsa
1/2 chicken quesadilla with 1 tsp. of sour cream
1 diet coke
5 glasses of H20
1 pet light ice cream sandwich (140 calories..60% less fat...and yummy)

April 4th Mood- Suprisingly content and positive!
3 oz. grapefruit juice
1/2 cup total cereal with raisins
1/2 cup skim milk
1 Light fat free yogurt
1 cup coffee
Turkey and provolone sandwich on honey wheat (NO EXTRAS) :)
handful of pretzels
2 slices of ham & mushroom pizza
5 glasses H20
1 diet coke

April 5th Mood- happy it is saturday, but noticed I had a hard time NOT snacking!
2/3cup special K w/ strawberries
1/2 cup 2% milk
1 light ice cream sandwich
3-4oz beef tenderloin on bun
1 TBSP. barbecue sauce
2 baby pickles
1 serving baked lays
string cheese
Handful of grapes
4 glasses of H20

April 6th Mood- a bit guilty. I went to a baby shower and TRIED to be good!
Handful of grapes
1/2 chicken and cheese quesadilla
8 wheat thin crackers
2 Tbsp. of cheeseball
2 oz. of swiss cheese
1 cup of strawberries and pineapple
1 small chicken salad croissant
HERE GOES THE BAD THING....1 slice of this sinful chocolate cake with truffle in the middle. :(
1 bowl wonton soup
1/2 eggroll
3 crabmeat ragoons
6 glasses of H20 and NO SODA...hurray!

April 7th Mood-Tired, but I am looking forward weigh-in Wednesday
2 slices turkey bacon
2 slices whole wheat toast
1 pat of promise butter
1 large spinach and lettuce salad with little cheese
2 tbsp. balsamic vingarette
1 individual bag of pita chips with cinnamon
1/2 bottle sprite zero
1 open faced bun with small amount of sloppy joes
1 HUGE pickle
1 banana
6 glasses of H20

April 8th Mood Happy and Hungry
Nothing for breakfast....had to have bloodwork...drinking a H20 right now
6 inch turkey and cheese sub with tomato
1 bag baked lays
1 diet coke
4-5 oz. baked cod
1/2 cup cream spinach (the kind that is good for you)
1 light ice cream sandwich
handful grapes

April 9th Mood-Good!
wheat toast with egg beaters
slice of cheese
Turkey on wheat bread
sliced tomato
big salad with mandrian oranges and grilled citrus chicken
Fat free vinagerette
banana
small rice crispy treat
5 glasses H20

April 10 Mood- BUSY! BUSY!
2/3 cup honey bunches of oat
skim milk
3 soft chicken tacos with lettuce and tomato (should of only ate 2, but was hungry)
diet pepsi
1 grilled cheese on wheat
1 large pickle
2/3 cup chex mix (YUMMY)
4 glasses of H20

April 11th Mood- HAPPY....the scale finally budged a wee bit!!!
2/3 cup honey bunches of oat
skim milk
salad with grilled chicken. It had apples and cranberries in it.
1/2 cup strawberry ice cream
grahm cracker with peanut butter (snack attack)
2 slices of pizza
diet coke
3 glasses of H20 (need to boost this up!)

April 12th Mood- Worried/my baby is sick
no breakfast (BAD>>>BAD)
100 calorie rice crispie treat
Salmon Stew (hubby made with 2% milk)
5 saltine crackers
chicken cacciatore
4 H20
light ice cream sandwich

April 13th Mood- In a cleaning mood!
1 glass grapefruit juice
1 banana
slice of left over pizza
100 calorie rice crispy treat
california salad with grilled chicken (has strawberries, mandrian oranges, & pecans)
light greek vinegarette
2/3 cup chex mix
WHAT WOULD YOU DO FOR A KLONDIKE BAR?4 H20(BAD)
diet orange soda

April 14th Mood- good and happy
1 cup honey bunches of oat
skim milk
1 coffee
2/3 cup chex mix
1 apple
3 small pancakes with sugar free syrup
a couple pats of smart balance butter
4 H20

April 15th Mood- not happy early in the day..
2/3 cup Honey bunches of oat
skim milk
coffee
turkey and cheese wrap with tomato
baked lays
8 wings....BAD BAD!
celery with blue cheese
4 H20
diet coke

Hello

2008-04-01T18:05:00.003-04:00

This is my second blog, after my third one, I will stop counting for you guys. I'm sure it's annoying. Uh..let's see, I haven't been eating as much chocolate as I usually do, which is hard, given that I was born with a hershey bar in my hand. I LOVE CHOCOLATE> WHY DOES IT HAVE TO BE SO BBBBAAAADDDDD!!!!!!!!!! AAGGHH! Okay much better. For those of you that don't know...I'm a S-M-O-K-E-R! Yes I said it. Hello my name is Kelly, and I'm a smoker. I have beening puffing for a year and a half now. I DO NOT feel good about it. So while this blog is about losing weight, it's also about regaining my life back. I'm trying to lose weight and try and stop smoking, which I have been told by my doctor is probably not the best way to go. Either try and lose weight first, or quit smoking. But don't do both at the same time. So hhmmm...smoke...or chocolate??? Should I really have to think about it. Yeah I do.

Drum Roll......

2008-03-28T18:14:00.003-04:00

Okay..this is my first message on our blog. I have SO been dreading writing this. YIKES. I guess I should start about who I am and what I need to lose/gain? I'm 23 and work with Jenny and Vicky at a mom/baby boutique. I have been EXTREMELY overweight my whole life. I remember very vividly, weighing in at 204lbs, when I was in the 6th grade. I weighed more than my teacher! I've always struggled with my weight and have never found something I could stick with. I have tried Weight Watchers many times, but had to leave when I hit a plateau and the money wasn't coming in. One of the things that bothers me most about my weight is that I know for a fact it holds me back in what I do. A lot of times I won't go somewhere, or do something because I'm fat. Yuck..fat is such a nasty word. I'll use the words my moms uses to describe me, "Pleasantly Plump." Honestly, there's nothing plump about me, more roundish? Okay I'm off the topic. Anywho....I'm currently the biggest member of my family, immediate and otherwise. I think about my weight everyday, almost every second. I won't go into too much detail right now, since this is my first post. Maybe later.........

Here's to the first five!

2008-03-28T12:58:00.003-04:00

My scale budged! Hoorah!

I'm excited to tell you the small changes I've made that worked for me, but first I have to say I had a little extra inspiration this week. My friend Bridgett, who is the epitome of class and has a very successful Mary Kay career did some spring cleaning in her expanse of a walk in closet. So, (envision me smiling and bouncing up and down) I got two trash bags full of cast off Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers, and Ralph Lauren!! (even a 100 % cashmere sweater). I feel like I won the lottery. The only downside- a few of the items are a little snug. So I chuckled to see Jenny's post about the green pants... because I now have a pair of Banana Republic green capris I need to lose about 5 pounds to fit into.

Now down to business. Unlike Jenny, I am not very successful when I try to stick to a strict diet (Go Jenny for being able to though!) I find it's easier for me to get active and have a treat now and then. Here's what I've done the past few weeks that have made a difference for me.

1. I've started "running". 3 times a week when Dave gets home from work I'm waiting at the door suited up in my running shoes, an old t shirt, and some of Dave's Adidas swooshy pants circa 1995. So I begin clomping my way down my street (which is a pretty busy street in Clemson) all the while being passed by college chicks in spandex and college guys in well.. spandex.
This is the work out I do:
4 min walk ---> 1 min jog
3 min walk 2 min jog
2 min walk 3 min jog
1 min walk 4 min jog
5-10 min walk (cool down)
(I'd like to add that when I first started I was often passed by old women power walking while I "jogged")
I think it's important to remember that it is not all about speed or perfection. It's about getting out there, raising your heart rate, and feeling good about yourself. And it's not about pushing yourself too hard. If it works better for you to walk quickly for a few min then slowly, thats great!
I try to increase the difficulty of the "run" every few days and then sometimes I just need a day off to walk and clear my head. But, I always do a little victory dance at the end and congratulate myself for putting in the effort.

2. Pace yourself. Like Jenny said- its too hard to think "Oh I NEED to lose 40 pounds". It's a lot easier to say "Look, I've lost 2 pounds, I'm about halfway to my goal of 5. Yay me!".

3. Encourage yourself. I stuck post it notes around my mirror that say things like "You're beautiful." "You deserve to take care of yourself". I also made a collage of my fitness (and life) goals and hung it on my fridge. It has a picture of a girl at the beach in her swimsuit, another of a mommy and a baby and it says quotes I like and things I want to remind myself to do (take a walk, set a good example for Aiden...). I recommend this to everyone. It just makes you feel good.

4. Keep a food log. I have a gorgeous friend, Helen who is in fabulous shape, but she still keeps a food log, just so she can be conscience of what she eats. Even if you don't change a thing in your diet, I feel like just being aware of how much is going into your body makes a difference.

5. Reward yourself!!!! Now that I have lost 5 pounds, Dave and I got on the Victoria Secret website and ordered some hot (slightly more sexy than cotton briefs) new underwear.
But, I feel like I deserve a reward every time I finish a work out so, if I am able to run just a little bit faster or longer, or if I just do a really good job eating that day, I get on itunes and download a new song to work out to.
When you reach those big 5s or 10s, get a new dress (wink Vicky), a new shirt, or go get a friend to snap some up to date pics of your hot new look. (Then post them on here so I can see : ) )

6. I pod Groupie Love. I have found that listening to my I Pod really helps me to keep going. You can get new I Pods or any mp3 player at Wal-Mart. The shuffles are pretty cheap. The apple website also has certified refurbished I Pods that are very inexpensive.
Like I said, I reward myself with new songs which makes me excited about going for a jog so I can listen to them. You can also download books on tape and even videos on the new ones!

I am so excited to see and hear all of the good news about your weight loss missions! I hope these tips give you some encouragement. Thank you so much for all of your advice and support! We can do it!

The green pants

2008-03-27T19:12:00.006-04:00

I got this pair of green pants for Christmas from my in-laws, and they didn't fit. They are a medium which is something I hadn't worn for a while. But I liked them and I didn't want to take them back because I knew I was losing weight. I stuck them in the drawer with tags still on and the receipt folded up inside them, vowing that I would wear them one day. Every week or so I'd try them on, and every time they were a little closer to fitting, until... YES! They fit! I have been wearing the pants for several weeks and have been meaning to blog about it. It meant a lot to me when I could fit into them.

Actually, I'd suggest this for everyone losing weight. Look in your closet and find a pair of pants (or a shirt or a dress) that almost fits you but is a little too tight. When it does fit it makes you feel like you accomplished something. It also helps you not obsess over the weight # which can be deceiving sometimes, keeps you focused on what you're working towards, and gets the message to your brain that you are in better shape. That's something I've struggled with; I know I am in better shape but sometimes I don't feel like I am. You may think the scale is broken, but your pants don't lie!

I'm sad to say I backslid a little over the past week. I was snacky and didn't make the best choices. Didn't lose any more weight but didn't gain it back either.

My goals are to:
1) Sit on the exercise bike and put my feet on the pedals once a day
2) Lose a pound before my next post!!!

I wouldn't want to get overwhelmed. I already got on the bike tonight and put my feet on the pedals, and once I'd gone to all that trouble I thought, I could pedal a little while. I ended up doing it for about 12 minutes and burning 100 calories! Tomorrow I might try putting on some shoes and walking out the door, and see where that takes me.

Holding steady at 140... (for now!)

Kelly's Progress

2008-03-27T17:11:00.000-04:00

My Six Month Adventure...

2008-03-27T11:31:00.006-04:00

On April 1st...April fool's day...I will get serious about my weight loss goal. I feel like I have played around with this idea and I have lost a few pounds, but I KNOW I CAN DO BETTER! My husband and I will be going to a good friend's wedding in New Hampshire the beginning October. My husband gets to wear a tux being in the wedding party. I want 2 new dresses and I want them to be smaller! We will be making it a vacation and visiting my DH's family too. I haven't seen some of them since I was pregnant with Braydon.

Starting on April Fool's day sounds funny....but there is no joke here. I won't be the fool. I have approximately 28 weeks. I need to buy a scale for my house this weekend. (I banned them a few years back). I want to lose 1.5 pounds a week. That would make me be 42 pounds lighter. I need a little luck...a lot of prayers...and a ton of self-discipline and will power. Great support from this blog is a definite plus too!

No, I didn't walk...

2008-03-20T16:34:00.002-04:00

That is my confession. I didn't make my goal of increasing my activity unless you want to count me pacing up and down the house while we had storms and tornado warnings going on last Saturday. I have increased my H2O, decreased my soda intake, and avoided that forbidden thing called a scale. I don't like to weigh myself but a couple times a month. I am bloated, cranky, and tired....so the smart ones out there know why I refuse to weigh myself right now! I will honestly try to walk this weekend....at least once.

Bridesmaid Dress

2008-03-18T21:47:00.002-04:00

My best friend Anna is getting married in July. Anna is a gorgeous 5'7" blonde with perfect bone structure and an athletic build. For her bridesmaids she chose:
Christie- 5'9 wears skinny jeans... SKINNY JEANS approx 130 lbs
Jenna- 5'7 perfect hour glass approx 135 lbs
Maggie- 5'6 one of those "just can't gain weight" chicks aprrox 100 lbs
Me, Megan- 5'3 approx... way too big for this dress

This wedding is going to be practically our high school/ college reunion. Here's a peak at the guest list (names have been changed to protect the innocent):

Ryan- high school sweetheart, broke up freshmen yr of college- he immediately got buff... I immediately dyed my hair.
Winter- college rival, once drew a swastika on my dog, I poured soda in one of her drawers
Morgan- high school rival, her boyfriend had a crush on me, I replaced her as a lifegaurd after she got fired, I stole her best friend (Anna) enough said
Eric- college boyfriend, I was supposed to be waiting on him... I met Dave
Misty- I asked her to be a bridesmaid in my wedding, never called me back after she found I was pregnant and was keeping my baby, she had had an abortion a year earlier

Among various others who would be secretly thrilled to see I have gotten fat.

How am I going to get into this dress and make everyone say:
a) damn i missed the boat
b) she had a baby? she's a freak of nature
c) wow she hasn't changed
d) all of the above

What's going to work? Teamwork!

2008-03-18T21:17:00.003-04:00

Thanks for inviting me to join your blog!! I really enjoyed reading about your life stories- esp Vicki b/c I already knew Jenny.
I just want to say Jenny, you're doing awesome! Keep on posting new ideas and things! It really helps to get some fresh ideas!

Also, Vicky, you look so gorgeous in your wedding picture and your picture with Nolen. I had no idea how much you have overcome. : )

Well, this is me:

I was thin in high school. I was a very active person I ran cross country and track and swam on the swim team from Feb-Aug. I also had several close friends who stuggled with anorexia and bulemia, one even resulting in hospitalization.

I was also under a lot of pressure to be thin and perfect.I had three best friends Anna, Amy, and Summer and between the three of them (not including me) there was a prom queen, a homecoming queen, a valedictorian, a class president, a state champion athlete, and a size d cup size with a 24 inch waist.

In college, I roomied with Summer and Anna. Despite their perfectness I was able to find my niche. I was a little edgy, a little promiscuous and a whole lot of eyeliner. Throw 6 piercings and a short lived stint of pink highlights and you can pretty much envision college Megs.

Anyways, I found the guys liked my corky laid back style and slim but womanly curves. I definitely did not have issues with my appearance.

Then came love, then came marriage, then came Aiden in a baby carriage.

I don't want to be this person I am right now, I don't feel like it's me. My insides do not match my outsides. I'd like to lose 20 lbs. I'm buying the quinoa, now what?

I did it!

2008-03-18T15:22:00.002-04:00

I am now down to my goal for mid-March of 140! Yay! I am also down to a small 12 pant size. Here are some tips on how I achieved this and hopefully they can help someone else!

1) Don't rush it. I only worked at losing a couple of pounds at a time and didn't starve myself (couldn't, because I'm breastfeeding). In the past I have tried crazy diets such as "don't eat ANY carbs, but have all the bacon, cheese, and fat you want." That didn't work for me at all, duh. Common sense is key.

2) Find replacements for most of your vices. I replaced a Hershey bar (270 calories, 16 grams of fat) with two squares of Lindt 85% Cocoa extra dark (105 calories, 9 grams of fat). Two squares of Lindt are a lot smaller than a Hershey bar, but it's super-concentrated and two squares is about all I can eat! It also has added benefits of antioxidants.
I've stopped using sugar in my coffee in favor of Splenda, and I use a little skim milk instead of creamer.
When I feel like dominating a big bag of something crunchy, I grab some Cheerios instead of potato chips. Even if you eat the entire box (and we're talking the BIG box) you won't have consumed all your calories for the day. It would also take forever to eat a whole box of Cheerios!
Quinoa makes a quick and easy snack or meal and is not an empty carb like some of the things I may be tempted to eat. If you haven't tried it, it's similar to grits with a somewhat beany taste. You can only get quinoa at Whole Foods as far as I know. Let me know if you need some and I'll pick you up a bag while I'm there. They're about $2.00.
If you start cutting sugar slowly, you'll soon find you're less and less pleased with high-sugar items. Bananas and fruit will start to appeal to you instead of cookies and candy.

3) Ditch your sodas for some water! Even if you drink diet soda. Water makes you feel better and, I don't know, it might help you lose weight! Drink it with lemon if you just can't stomach it plain.

4) Try to sneak in exercise little by little. I have my exercise bike now and I'd love to say I get on it every day for 20 minutes--but I don't. I can't use it while I'm watching Suzi because it'd be dangerous, and if I wait until she goes to bed I am too tired and then can't sleep when I'm done! The only solution is to tell myself I am just going to ride my bike for five minutes. When the five minutes is up, maybe I'll go for ten. If not, at least I've done five minutes! I can do another five later. This also gives me more energy for the rest of the day.

My next goal is to be at 135 and down to a size 10 by the end of April. To achieve that I'd like to plan more of our meals and get into the habit of exercising more regularly. The more weight you lose, the slower it comes off, but I'm going to do my best. Wish me luck!

I HATE to Exercise!

2008-03-11T10:18:00.014-04:00

Yeah....I'm the one who hates to walk, run, or go to the gym. I do like to float in water....and I guess swim a time or two. I do like to hike, but not when it is too cold or hot outside. I like to dance.....but who goes to a club and dance when your 30 something? I know. I know. I need to do something. I am at the age that if I don't do anything now, it will be with me for eternity. So, here is my story.
I was thin until I hit 10 or 12 years old. All of a sudden the weight slowly crept on year after year. I was never "fat", but a bit chubby. I would love to be chubby again. Being labeled as obese is for the birds. I would like to lose 50 LBS. Ideally I should lose around 65 lbs. BUT, I know I will never be that skinny girl ever again. I am not being pessimistic....just realistic!
Through high school I always had the extra 10-15 lbs on me. Depending on the right outfit I could hide it well. Then college started....between eating junk food and snacking late at night...the pounds piled on...probably 8-10 pounds a year. If you do that four years in a roll, it really adds up and before you know it your pushing 180. *sigh* I stayed at that weight for a couple years after college, sometimes creeping up and down by about 5 lbs. In 1994 I met my husband and the weight soared out of control. By the time I married in 2000 I was over 200 lbs. Then it got worse. By 2003 I was over 280 lbs. I think a little of that sudden weight gain had to do with depression and suffering from a miscarriage. I really wanted to be a mommy. Apparently, I found comfort in food. Any type of food that wasn't good for you. I developed fertility problems too. I wanted to get pregnant again, and it was mentioned by my OBGYN that my weight could play a factor in my recent fertility problems. I changed little things about my lifestyle. I gave up soda and high calorie drinks and only drank water. I did increase my activity, but I wouldn't call it exercise, and I watched what I ate in moderation. By fall of 2004 I was down over 65 lbs and became pregnant! I ate even healthier being pregnant and instead of gaining weight, I actually lost another 10 lbs. while pregnant. I developed gestational diabetes while pregnant so sweets were out of the question and carbs had to be watched because we all know carbs turn into sugar! I didn't diet, I ate A LOT. I just ate healthier foods and couldn't get enough fruit in me. Watch out produce section, pregnant Vicky could eat all the fruit within minutes! LOL

I breastfed when Nolan came around, so I lost another 10 pounds before I became pregnant with Braydon. BTW- I got pregnant on my own without fertility meds. I was now down to less than 200 lbs. I lost weight when I became pregnant with Braydon initially, but then I did gain about 4-5 lbs. with him. I also breastfed him and went down to 190. Wow....my goal of 150 didn't seem to be out of reach anymore.
Unfortunately the past 2 years since Braydon has been born I have gained about 28 pounds. I recently started to lose this weight and still have about 18 pounds to go till I get to 190 again. Yes, I weigh 208.5 right now. I blame the high doses of prednisone I have been on the past year. I gain 15-20 pounds every time I take that stupid steroid. I have Lupus and Sjogren's Syndrome and according to my doctors I need steroid therapy. BLAH! OF COURSE I know that if I would exercise just a couple times a week, it would be to my advantage.
It is getting warm outside and my hubby wants to walk and do outdoor activities with the boys. He would like to lose a few pounds too. My problem is by the time I get home from work, I am exhausted. My Lupus is in remission, but the Sjogren's is being ugly right now causing fatigue and stiffness. Am I making excuses? Hmmmm...I guess I really need to give walking a try. I have heard people say that exercise gives them more energy. I will have to test that hypothesis out and let you know!
I will set 2 goals for myself this week. One, drink more water and less soda. Two, go out and walk 2 or 3 times before the end of the week. I'll let you know how I did next week! Wish me luck.

Where I've come from

2008-02-26T17:23:00.007-05:00

For my first post, I thought I'd talk about my history and what I've struggled with in the past. To me, this is the best place to start because you have to figure out what you've been doing and why in order to change.

In high school I was skinny. I had never had a weight problem; actually part of the time I was too skinny at 105 pounds (underweight for someone 5'4"). I ran cross country my freshman year and stayed active in AFJROTC all four years. This picture was taken the summer before my freshman year and I was happy with my weight at this point.

I ate all the junk food I wanted; it made no difference between my high metabolism and the exercise I was getting in ROTC! This continued into college. Rather than gaining the freshman 15 I lost a little instead. I was in ROTC my first semester, and even after I quit ROTC I was in Tiger Platoon and stayed somewhat active into my sophomore year. (This picture was taken my freshman year in college.)

Then I got married and quit Tiger Platoon. My priorities had changed and so had Jordan's, because he quit his job as a Clemson football manager. We both gained weight and I began to dislike swimsuit season. This is what my sister-in-law Melanie explained to me once as high-school athlete syndrome. If you get used to eating all the junk you want because you burn it off in sports, the weight will descend upon you like the plague whenever your lifestyle becomes sedentary. It's hard to exercise without the encouragement of another, and it's even harder to stop eating junk--especially when those around you continue to supply it. Here we are at a wedding a few months before I got pregnant.

In September 2006 I found out I was pregnant, and it was a free-for-all. Ice cream. Chocolate. Chocolate ice cream. Fried whatevers from the hospital cafeteria. You name it, I ate it and I ate as much as I wanted. The pregnancy was like my golden ticket to a nine-month all-you-can-eat buffet. I remember us going and buying a gallon bucket of chocolate swirl ice cream. I had morning sickness so I wasn't about to eat anything as unappetizing as a vegetable! What's worse, I didn't exercise because we were in a not-so-good neighborhood, it got dark early, I was too tired after work, etc. I didn't worry much about getting fat because I figured people wouldn't notice anything but my pregnant belly. I ended up gaining about 45 pounds (normal is around 30 and with my previous weight 25 would've been plenty). I weighed at least 180 right before she was born.

After I had Suzi I realized I had a long way to go to get back where I had been. I lost 20 pounds in the first couple of weeks postpartum (eight of those pounds were Suzi herself). This was without diet or exercise, but I was breastfeeding and that helped a ton!

Then I got stuck at 160. The first 20 had come off so effortlessly I thought I didn't have to do anything to lose the rest! In December I decided I didn't want to carry around the extra weight anymore. I didn't want to see another picture where I didn't look like myself because my face was fat. That's when I started to change little things. I stopped eating Hershey bars and other high-sugar, high-fat chocolate and opted for hardcore 85% dark instead. Little things like this were my first steps and it was easy because I wasn't depriving myself. I must have chocolate, and I still do have it, just in a different way!

I am now at about 145 and hope to be down to 140 by the middle of March. I think the weight loss shows most in my face, but it also feels great to slide back into pants that haven't fit me since I was two months pregnant!

It's not just the weight I want to lose; it's mostly the pant size. Right now I am on the large side of a twelve, and I'd love to be down to an eight. Jordan and I have bought me an indoor bicycle to use while I watch TV or read so I can achieve this goal. I also like to walk outside with Suzi of course, but I can use my bicycle even if it's raining, snowing, dark--whatever. No more excuses!

No Cupcake for You!

My personal accomplishments for 1-27-09

Update

Yippee!

I'm still here!!!!!

Not so wonderful, but I'll post anyway

Since I'm the only one!

The time has come...

My last post....

My time is coming....

Details about workout

Workout Update!

3,2,1....excercise!

Steady incline....No Yo-Yo present

Received my dress I bought on ebay.

Still truckin...

I bought a dress!

Back on the Wagon

~~~~YAWN~~~~

Watching My Sweets

KNOCK!!! KNOCK!!!

Weigh In Wednesday!!

Weigh In Wednesday!! a little late

Just checking in...

Still Here...

Hello....anyone out there??

Update....Depressing

Am I done?

Long time, No post

OH CRAP...it is weigh-in wednesday....

Monday Madness

Weigh-In Wednesday!

New Toy

Monday Madness

D>>>D>>>>Double chin!!

Lazy..Bones

Weigh-In Wednesday! alittle late...

Good Recipe (WW friendly)

Working Arms in a Spin Class + 5K

Monday Madness

Size 8? Huh?

Weigh-In Wednesday!

Official Re-Start

My First Post

Weigh In Wednesday!!

Um. I had a little cake.

Yeah!

Weigh In Wednesday!!

ARGH!

Weigh In Wednesday!!

Two bathing suits and an embarrassing moment

THE GOOD AND THE BAD of my examination

Up and Down like a YoYo Part III

Weigh-In Wednesday!

Hello....anyone out there???

Weigh-In Wednesday!

Milk and Honey pedicure & manicure

Weigh-In Wednesday!

Can't blame it on the dog...

Doodie-Snaps

Weigh In Wednesday!!

My butt is in a ten!

Weigh-In Wednesday!

Ta-Da!

If I were 30 pounds lighter, I'd....

Hello darling, it's been a long time..........

How becoming a hooker can help you lose weight!

Weigh-In Wednesday!

Bummer

Up and Down like a YoYo Part II

Thinking..........

Weight Watcher's Cookbook

Weigh-In Wednesday!

up and down like a YOYO, that's me

On my way?

I finally broke down and...

Grandma Kathleen's progress

My Reward System

April's Fool...I mean food log ;)

Hello

YAWN