Friday, December 30, 2011

Size 8 jeans and other joys!

I forgot to tell you that I was able to buy size 8 jeans at Old Navy!! They fit, and not too tight :)
 That makes for 3 size difference since I began 6 1/2 mos ago.
It's exciting to consider what I might be journaling this time next year:
Will I finally be at goal-talking about maintaining, being more active, and feeling younger!!
Yes I will-
Here's to a new year and a new us

Monday, December 26, 2011

Chocolate and other things

I have two sleeping baby boys here-while parents are out for a moment, so I'm checking in.
I think it was Katie who shared last week about her chocolate find. I may be wrong about that, but know that I've appreciated the info.
I tried the World Market 99% chocolate, S/C for 4 squares 1/1. I liked it...a lot. $1.99 bar.  I've eaten many brands of the dark chocolate-I believe this is my favorite, and you can't beat the price, too.
Food wise,  I haven't done anything too crazy over the holiday...except for a few diet cokes :|
I've eaten a few bites of this and that, but considering being away from home, etc...I'm doing really well.
I've also been reading Wheat Belly-it's an interesting and worthwhile read-in my opinion. I can only speak for myself when I say that I'm less likely to overeat when I stay away from bread (s).  If any of you are finding the same thing-check this book out from your local library. Enlightening.
That's all for today folks...I wish you all well

Friday, December 23, 2011

...look what I got for Christmas

6lb 3oz of sweetness...Merry Christmas to us.
...just having a chat
Benson with Grammy



Thursday, December 22, 2011

Sunny CA...and waiting for a baby

Greetings from CA...
We're just waiting on a baby-they've been in the hospital since early morning, and no word yet.  Grammy & Papa are on duty here taking care of baby #1 :)
Can I just tell you how amazing CA winters are... Plenty of sunshine today, and we didn't need a jacket to walk to the park!
I'm FT'ing it's going pretty well. I've eaten more fruit and nuts, and I had a diet coke (oh no chemical sweetener alert) but whatever. I still like myself!!
UPDATE:
Just got a call from my SIL and looks like the baby will be here in a few hours. Mommy is 6cm and comfortable w/ an epidural...all is going well.
What a great way to celebrate, huh!
Holiday hugs to each of you!

Friday, December 16, 2011

Ahh Friday-

I've been looking forward to today-all week. I'm spending the day getting ready for my trip tomorrow, being w/ my daughter & grand daughter & date night with my husband (wink!)
I fly out early tomorrow morning, so this will be my last blog post for a few days. I'll keep in touch.
I hope each of you know one of the best gifts I've been given this year has been your friendship and abundant support.  Thank you and happiest of holiday season to you all.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Finally-

I had to make a quick post...because finally I saw the 160's this morning.  It's been over 5 years since I've been in these #'s.
I got all giddy and teary...my first thought was to share it with all of you!!!!!
I know I lose slow-but I'm doing it. I average .5/lb/wk, and it shows itself about every 3 weeks...that seems to be a pattern--for now.
I hope you all have a good day-don't give up. That's a message for me, and for you too.
Take Care-

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Tuesday is Missing

Tuesday went missing...I went to bed last night and thought it was Wednesday night...do you ever do that?  I was telling my husband about the next day's schedule...still thinking it was Wednesday.  I had to grab my calendar to clear my head and figure out what was next.
I may be slightly losing it!
I wish I had some BFC/FT thoughts, advice, great recipe--something to give you all, but I'm knee deep, and obviously not thinking in my right mind.
But-please check out Pattie's blog...this one will make you smile.
Happy Wednesday...today IS Wednesday, right!

Monday, December 12, 2011

Sugar and other confessions-

I think this will be the first holiday season ever  (Halloween-until after Jan. 1st) that I haven't and won't overdose on sugar.  It's pretty remarkable how incredibly addicting it is when you think about it-or should I say---it is for me.
True Story: I could eat  a 1/2 a bag of Hostess powdered donuts...often more-and not be full :(
I wouldn't even consider that now.
I don't know if I'll ever be stating that I've OVERCOME.  At this stage, if I opened up that door again-I'd be right where I was before.  I won't be 'dabbling' in refined sugar.
True Story: I haven't lost any lbs. in almost 3 wks!  I'm not giving up, and I'm not even all that worried (yet). My sleeping is still wack-o, I haven't exercised lately, I've been sick, and I just feel over-stretched--out of balance, if you know what I mean.
 I've lived long enough to know that...this will pass.
True Story: I'll be gone for almost 3 wks caring for family and celebrating Christmas. I will keep in touch.  You all have become such an important part of my support system, and my self-care.  I've also started to think about my "crazy-A food" (my daugther's teasing comment) that I will bring with me: special chocolate, Stevia, Chia seeds, etc.
 They have a Trader Joe's close by, so I can get what I need. I know I need to be proactive if I want to keep focused.  It's easy for me to lose myself when I'm with family, so I just need to be aware.
I hope you all have a good day-and thanks for checking in.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

I'm still here-

December 1972 - Our first date (I was 15)
It's been a full few days finishing the 'home-made' Christmas gifts and new baby giftings.  I have  a few things left to complete-but I'm feeling  good to of gotten so much done. It's not done much for my exercise---too bad mental work isn't weight training or any other form of physical exercise...I'd be one fit girl :)
We did just complete the 'Story of Us' a book of pics of my hubby and me. I had to share this...this is crazy.
November 2011

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Transformation

Do any of you watch the Biggest Loser?  
I know it's a game- but for the last two years-I've been sucked up into the drama.
I cry during makeover week...
I cry when they cross the finish line at the marathon...
I cry when they go home and listen to their 'before' video...
I cry when the the confetti rains on their heads at the finale...
Yep- I get sucked in.
Whatever the tactics used to get the weight off --- these contestants become transformed. 
This idea of transformation is appealing to me.
Just a thought...



 




Monday, December 5, 2011

Checking in...

I was waiting all day for something profound to come to my mind to blog about. Sorry nothing entered in...
 That being said-there is something therapeutic about checking in with you all. It keeps me focused and accountable. 
These two principals: focus  & accountability keep me on track with my weight loss/health goals.
Well that's all I've got for tonight...thanks for checking in with me too.


Sunday, December 4, 2011

Looking back...looking ahead

Last night I was looking at some of my older posts & pictures.
It was beneficial to see where I was-and where I am.
I haven't been scale watching as much the last weeks-I'm still weighing in, but I don't hang my every emotion on that number.
Where I am...
* 10 lb loss in 2 mos:  I'm pleased to have those 10 lbs gone.  I won't discredit it by disappointed that it's been a slow process for me (which was my immediate reaction).
* Fast Tracking: FT'ing hasn't helped me to lose any faster-except in that initial week. That being said, I love it's simplicity. 
* I started BFC/FT'ing 6 mos ago: I've lost 21 lbs 5"/waist. My skin looks clearer, my clothes fit better, I'm happier and feel hopeful. 
There are many ways to measure success. The scale & measuring tape are powerful ones. It's necessary for me to 'measure' using emotional tools as well.
I've been thin before...and unhappy/unhealthy. Thin doesn't necessarily = happy. I personally know that.  I believe for me...to feel content with me...I must look at where I've been, and where I'm going.  I will be kind and patient with myself, and with my baby steps. (Notice how I said that to myself :)
 That  kind of walking  is going to get me to where I want to go. I haven't arrived at any place of nirvana, but I make a commitment to myself to be mindful, kind, and patient as I go. If for some reason I forget that-I will need to look back and remember-or maybe you'll remind me?
May you enjoy a lovely day!



Friday, December 2, 2011

When turbulence hits...slow down.

As you all know I'm in full swing here finishing projects--so I can go to CA at a moments notice. I haven't felt anxious like this in a long time.
It will all be worth it, so I'm not complaining about that. But perhaps explaining to myself why I'm running as fast as I can.  So there will be no tweeking my diet to lose faster, or even more exercise...my inner life feels a little turbulent, so I'm going to slow down some. And perhaps that means my weight loss will reflect that...we'll see.
I'm still Fast Tracking- so easy to not think about some foods (except when I wanted to pounce on that pie the other night at the grocery store...but did not). So I will keep moving in the direction I'm going...a little slower perhaps, but forward nonetheless.
I'm really proud of all of you, and so proud to know you.  I tell my husband I'm blogging with such a fine group of women. I see you working through your 'issues' too: maintenance, feeling stalled in your weigh loss, finding purpose in your life, family conflicts/worries, the holidays, body issues...but you're doing it. We all are.
Blessing to each of you.