Monday, November 1, 2010

Monday Weigh-In

Seems I am currently reduced to only posting my weigh-ins!  Work and weekends have been so busy I haven't had time to post or even read other blogs.

Good news on the scale today.  165.2.  Woo Hoo!

I would love to update my ticker but seem to have forgotten my pin number.......can't wait till things calm down enough to take a deep breath!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Monday Weigh-In a Day Late!

What a busy, fun weekend I had!  I'm finally starting to feel pretty good and getting more energy back!  Yeah!

When I stepped on the scale yesterday I was surprised to find 167.7 looking back at me.  I was expecting a bit of a weight gain since my appetite has returned and we ate all our meals out this weekend. But we did a lot of walking and raking so I guess the exercise helped.

Now that I can breath again it is time to add exercise into the mix of eating healthy.  The weather here is still good (no snow yet) so there is still time for me to walk outside before it's too darn cold and icy!

One more piece of good news.  My MIL bought a condo this weekend!  She should be moving out within the month.  Although it hasn't been bad having her live with us, she likes to cook and I don't mean healthy meals!  I've not said anything to her because I realize she is trying to help but it will be nice to get back to eating some "good for me" dinners again!

Off to catch up with how everyone else it doing!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

An Unpopular Decision

Just about the time I made the decision to get my health back and started this blog, I came down with a case of bronchitis that is just not going away!

The doctor initially prescribed antibiotics for one week and when that didn't help he prescribed another two weeks worth.  Three weeks worth of antibiotics and I'm still sick.  So a couple of days ago I made the decision to quit taking the medicine and will not be returning to the doctor.  This is a very unpopular decision with my family and friends.

I have stated before that there was a time in my life when I was very healthy. During that period I practiced meditation and yoga, I ate natural, healthy food and I exercised daily.  That all came to an end 5 years ago when we made a relocation back to Indiana and I fell into a mild depression.  I created the unhealthy situation that I find myself in and I believe this illness is my wake up call.

You see, deep inside, I believe that our bodies were made to heal themselves.  Yes, western medicine does have a place in assisting the body along but when illness lingers like this, I tend to think the healing properties we are naturally born with are "stuck".  The antibiotics have done all they can, it's up to me to help move myself towards wellness.

Luckily I have already begun eating healthy and cut all "junk" food from my life.  I have also begun taking 2000 mg of Vitamin C daily and started meditating daily again.  On my lunch hour today I put on my tennis shoes and did a slow walk around campus.  I felt like the sunshine and the beauty of the campus would do me good. 

My blog is focused on regaining my health and so, in addition to my weight loss, I'm setting new goals that will include incorporating meditation, vitamins, exercise and a general focus on my mind and spirit as well as my body. 

It's an unpopular decision with my family but one I know my online friends will support.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Monday Weigh-In

Because I am losing track in my mind how much weight I've lost I guess it's time to reveal the number.  I started out at 173.4 with a goal of 140 which is what I weighed for most of my adult life.

This morning I weighed in at 167.8.  This means I have gained some weight back that I lost last week, however, it also means I'm starting to feel better and have more of an appetite which is a good thing!

I'm taking the overall loss and calling it a happy day!

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Am I Overreacting?

This morning I was catching up on my blog reading and came across a posting from Trisha at A Crazy Little Thing Called Life that really struck a cord with me.  You can read the posting here.

Trisha is talking about a co-worker who is losing weight by not eating.  I think we all know someone who has tried all those crazy lose weight fast schemes (I've done them myself) but we also know the safest and healthiest way to lose weight and keep it off is by diet and exercise. 

Which brings me to the issue of my mother-in-law.  I posted a few days ago about my MIL moving in with us temporarily.  Not the best situation for anyone but one that is necessary at this time.  My MIL is a very beautiful, successful and tragically insecure person.  She has undergone a few plastic surgeries, had lasik done to her eyes a few times, does botox on a regular basis, and gets her hair and nails done weekly.  Not that any of that is bad in and of itself but when it is done in an effort to increase your self worth, it's sad.

My husband, who cooks dinner every night, has been a great support for me.  He has been preparing healthy meals for dinner and enough leftovers for my lunch the following day.  Because she is now living with us and eating with us she is well aware of my weight lose goals.

So last night she says she is going to Walgreen's and asks me to drive along with her.  So off we go to drop off her prescriptions and pick up vitamin C.  While in the store she calls me over to the aisle she is in and says "a lady I work with is drinking this juice that makes you lose weight.  She has lost 18 lbs. so I thought you might want to take a look at it".  Really.  A juice you buy at Walgreens that makes you lose weight.  Why doesn't the whole world know about this miracle juice! (insert sarcasm).

Somehow I'm taking this personal.  She tricked me into going to Walgreen's with her to try and get me to purchase this juice.  When I refused, she purchased it herself and put it in our refrigerator.  I'm upset and I am hurt.  I wish she would praise me for the weight I have lost so far and support me in my efforts to do this the healthy way.

So be brutally honest with me.  Am I overreacting?

Monday, October 11, 2010

Monday Weigh-In and a Blogging Award!

First up my weigh in.  I lost another 3 pounds but again I'm hesitant to get too excited.  I have been eating healthy for the past two weeks but I've also been sick and not too hungry.  Once I begin feeling better and my appetite returns then the challenge will be keeping the weight from returning!

Thank you to Christina from Never The Skinny Girl for my blogging award!


As a condition of the award I am suppose to list 7 things about myself and pass the award on to 15 blogs.  I'm going to keep it to 5 blogs because as a new blogger I am still finding blogs to follow.

1.  I just celebrated my 25th anniversary to my high school sweetheart.
2.  I work for the University of Notre Dame.  GO IRISH!
3.  My favorite movie is Julie & Julia.
4.  My husband does most of the cooking.
5.  I faint at the sight of blood!
6.  My husband and I invested in a nice Nikon camera and we only take photos on the auto setting because we don't know how to use it!
7.  I just learned how to do Sudoku and love it!

Here are 5 blogs I nominate:

Crazy Little Thing Called Life
My Last Weight Loss Journey
I am sick of being as big as a house
Gains and Losses: Life through Sharon's eyes

Thank you again Christina!

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Gettin' Sexy Challenge - Week 2 Check-in

Below are my goals and an update on how I am doing:

1.  Continue eating good, healthy food including lots of veggies and fruit.  I'm still sick but have continued to as much healthy food as I can manage.


2.  Cutting out all junk food from my diet.  My one a day candy bar and sweet tea habit has been kicked to the curb! Broke down and ate one candy bar.  I let stress get to me and sabotaged myself.  But I'm back on track now.

3. Finding some "girlie" colored nail polish and keeping my nails nicely painted for the whole month.  I'm a low maintenance kind of girl who is dying to be prettier. I took my chipping polish off on Friday and will repaint my nails tonight.


4.  Using the good smelling lotion daily instead of saving it for a special occasion. Using the good smelling lotion everyday!  Surprisingly, this is my favorite part of the challenge!


5.  Sleeping in real pajamas and not my husbands old tee shirts and sweat pants.  (This might be the hardest goal to keep as I'm not sure I fit into any of my pajamas!)  Like I stated above, I am into week two of bronchitis and am REALLY not feeling good.  Therefore, I have reverted to my comfy p.j.'s until I start to feel better.

Overall, I didn't do well this week.  Being sick has really knocked me off my feet.  I slept 10 1/2 hours on Friday night and 12 hours last night.  I'm really struggling to stay positive and stay on track.  I keep praying to feel better.  Maybe tomorrow.


Friday, October 8, 2010

Questionnaire

Christina at Never The Skinny Girl posted this questionnaire on her blog yesterday.  How fun!
 
1.  What was your highest weight, what do you weigh right now and what is your goal weight? I'm really trying not to focus so much on the number and more on my health but I would like to lose 45 pounds.  While this will not make me "skinny", I think it is a healthy weight for me. 

2.  What is your #1 motivation for losing weight? My health.

3.  Have you always been overweight? No.  I've had never been overweight until 5 years ago.

4.  When you want to give up what inspires you to keep going? I just started on this journey but reading blogs daily is keeping me on track.

5.  What is the #1 thing you look forward to when you hit your goal weight? Feeling more energetic and in control of my health and also feeling more comfortable in my clothes!

6.  Do you have support on your weight loss journey? My husband is semi-supportive.  As long as it doesn't interfere too much with his life!  Hahaha!

7.  What is your favorite exercise? Walking.  I love to walk!

8.  What is the most important thing you have learned on your weight loss journey? How emotions place such a large role in making good decisions for me.

9.  What is one thing you have given up that you miss the most? Desserts!

10.  What is your strategy for losing weight? Slow and steady.  Making good food choices each day and staying motivated by reading blogs.

You can answer all of the questions or any of them you want to.  I look forward to learning something new about each one of you.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Back to the Doctor

I'm finding it a bit ironic that the same exact time I decide to work at getting my health back I come down with bronchitis.  I'm out of anti-biotics and it is not clearing up so back to the doctor I go this afternoon.

I'm angry and frustrated and just want to indulge myself in a good cry.

That's all I have for today.....................................

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

The Biggest Loser


I freely admit to being a reality show junkie.  Give me a good episode of Dog: The Bounty Hunter or 19 Kids and Counting anyday!  But one show I have never watched religiously is The Biggest Loser.  Since I'm serious this time about losing the weight, I decided to tune in and watch this season. 

Last night I sat down to watch and quickly realized this is not just about losing weight.  It's strategy and game playing and making alliances ala Survivor.  And I'm not sure how I feel about that.  I did find myself rooting for certain people during the challenges and I guess that means I am forming an attachment to them.  I am interested to tune in next week and see how they are progressing.  But I guess I was looking for a bit more from the show.

They talked alot about "passing it forward" once you leave the show but does the show pass what they have to teach on to us?  I don't have a personal trainer at home but I would love to know what their workout schedule consists of.  I would love to know how many calories, what type of foods, and maybe some recipes of their meals.  (Besides the obvious "commercials" for certain foods they introduce the people to ie: Tina and the blender drink).

Does the show ever do this?  Do I need to give it more time? 

What are your opinions of The Biggest Loser?


Tuesday, October 5, 2010

My First Blog Award!



I have received my first blog award!! Below are the 5 questions I am instructed to answer.

THANK THE PERSON WHO GAVE YOU THE AWARD:  Thank you Christina from I am sick of being as big as a house!

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING:             
Describe your blog in 5 words: honest, personal, daily, theraputic, and real.
             
WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE ABOUT YOUR LIFE? I would love to see what it feels like to live my life without anxiety and panic attacks. 

NAME 10 THINGS PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME
  
 1).  I met my husband when I was 14 and married him when I was 22.  We just celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary!

2).   I used to train for 100 mile bike races….a mere 5 years ago.

 3).  I went back to work 5 years ago after being a stay at home mom.  It was the best “job” I ever had and I miss it.
 
4).  I have two sons.  One is a sophomore in college and the other a senior in high school.

5).  Disney World is my favorite place to visit!  I have walked beneath Main Street USA!

6).  I am a Reality Show junkie! 

7).  My favorite hobby is genealogy and I love old cemeteries!

8)  My dream is to rent a motor home and drive to Seattle and down the west coast!

9).  I started a book club at work last year that is still going strong.  Yeah!
 
10).  I am blessed with wonderful friends who love me just the way I am.

PASS THE AWARD ONTO 4 NEW BLOGS: Since I am new to blogging this was a hard one!  So I picked blogs that are new to me!

Stress, Thy Name is Mother In Law

My Mother In Law.  How do I even begin to describe her?

She is 68 years old, has been married many times and had many boyfriends over the 33 years I have known her.  All this results in one bad decision after another from which she has to be "rescued".  My husband, being the oldest, is the one who takes on the rescuing role. 

The distrubing thing to me about her is that she nevers sees how she causes her own problems.  In her mind they are always someones elses fault. 

Well, she has done it again.

9 months ago she met a guy online that she was sure was her "sole mate".  She sold her house, gave away her dog, quit her job and moved to be with this guy.  And guess what?  It didn't work out.  Shocking I know.

2 nights ago she and her latest bad decision got into a fight, she packed up her car and is headed home.  Home being our house since she has no where else to go, my brother in law refuses to get involved in anymore of her dramas, and my husband feels it's his duty to rescue her again.  So when I return home from work today my mother-in-law will once again be living with us.  This will be the 3rd time in my 25 years of marriage.It's suppose to be just temporary until she finds another place to live but I am worried about how this will effect my attempt at regaining my health.

My husband, even though he feels like he needs to take care of his mom, really resents the role.  He is very angry and tense around her and has very little patience.  My mother in law is deep in her own pity party and doesn't see or care how her actions effect others which frustrates me to no end.  All this causes me so much stress and when I get stressed........I eat.

Last night I let it all get the best of me and I ate a candy bar.  This morning I'm so angry with myself.  I'm going to have to come up with better coping skills then that if I am to survive the next few months and stay on the road to better health.

I'm so grateful I started this blog.  It gives me a place to vent my frustrations in a safe enviroment.  Thanks to everyone for reading and listening.  Any suggestions you have I'll take! 

Argghhhhhhh!

Monday, October 4, 2010

Monday Weigh In

I stepped on the scale this morning and lost 5.4 pounds.  I'm not excited about it because I'm sure it is from being sick and that some of that weight will return even though I continue to eat healthy.

I'm not too upset as my main goal is to get healthy.  Yes, weight loss is a major part of that but as long as I continue to eat my right and get in exercise as I start to feel better I'm okay with that.

I'm feeling a little better today and like I'm on my way to a full recovery! 

Overall, a pretty decent day.  Hope all of you are having a great Monday!

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Gettin Sexy Challenge - Sunday Update



Here is a review of my goals:

1.  Continue eating good, healthy food including lots of veggies and fruit.  I've been sick so I haven't eaten much at all but I did manage to eat some fruit.

2.  Cutting out all junk food from my diet.  My one a day candy bar and sweet tea habit has been kicked to the curb! No candy or sweet tea!

3. Finding some "girlie" colored nail polish and keeping my nails nicely painted for the whole month.  I'm a low maintenance kind of girl who is dying to be prettier. As you can see from the photo above, I managed to find a great color called "Girls Just Want To Play"!  Love it!

4.  Using the good smelling lotion daily instead of saving it for a special occasion. Forgot the good smelling lotion at home so didn't even use it for a special occasion (my 25th anniversary)!

5.  Sleeping in real pajamas and not my husbands old tee shirts and sweat pants.  (This might be the hardest goal to keep as I'm not sure I fit into any of my pajamas!)  I did manage to find a nightgown that fits and I've been wearing it everynight.

Hope everyone's challenge goals are going well!


Saturday, October 2, 2010

Not Feeling My Best

I am still out of town with my husband to celebrate our anniversary and am still not feeling well.

In addition to the bronchitis, the medicine seems to be upsetting my stomach too.

I'm sure I've lost weight but this is not the way to do it................

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Gettin Sexy Challenge


I'm taking part of the challenge that Katie posted for the month of October. As a part of the challenge I am suppose to come up with goals that will make me feel sexier by the end of October.  I love this idea!
Here are my goals:

1.  Continue eating good, healthy food including lots of veggies and fruit. 

2.  Cutting out all junk food from my diet.  My one a day candy bar and sweet tea habit has been kicked to the curb!

3. Finding some "girlie" colored nail polish and keeping my nails nicely painted for the whole month.  I'm a low maintenance kind of girl who is dying to be prettier.

4.  Using the good smelling lotion daily instead of saving it for a special occasion.

5.  Sleeping in real pajamas and not my husbands old tee shirts and sweat pants.  (This might be the hardest goal to keep as I'm not sure I fit into any of my pajamas!)

Thanks for the challenge, Katie, it is just what I needed!

Day 1 - Quick Update

It is bronchitis.

But the Dr. gave me three prescriptions and my husband and I have decided to go out of town anyway.  If we are going to just lay around for the weekend and relax we would rather do it out of town.  If we stayed home we would be tempted to do laundry, etc.

I'm disappointed in this small setback but it reminds me again about how important your health is and why I am so dedicated to getting mine back.

Weigh In - Day 1

I did it, I dusted off the scale and stepped on it. I knew the number would be scary and it was. I officially weigh more now then I did when I was 9 months pregnant. But it's okay, I'm not freaking out too bad. I think not knowing the number was almost worse.

On another note. I've been feeling sick lately and this morning I'm feeling bad enough to call the doctor. I really hope it isn't bronchitis, I'm suppose to go out of town tomorrow and I don't want to miss that trip. It's my 25th wedding anniversary and my husband and I really need this time together.

Off to call the doctor and eat a healthy breakfast.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

My Story

It's been an emotional 24 hours for me. 

Deciding to start this blog was making the decision to be accountable to someone else for my choices.  A very scary proposition.  However, within hours of my first post I received so many warm welcomes I quickly realized it was the best decision I could make!

I've been reading your blogs over the past week and am amazed at how brave you all are.  And how honest.  It inspires me to do this same.  This is my story.

My life today looks nothing like the life I lived 4 years ago.  At that time I was living in Florida, a stay at home mom raising my two boys.  We had been transferred there in 2001 and I loved it!  It was like living in paradise for me.  I was happy and active.  While the boys were in school during the day I would hit the gym and spend 45 minutes a day on the elliptical.  3 days a week I was lifting weights.  In the evening I trained for long distance bike races with my neighbor.  I was taking Yoga and Meditation classes.  While nobody would ever call me skinny, I was healthy.  Healthier than I had been in years. 

Prior to moving to Florida I was really struggling with Anxiety and Panic Attacks.  I was in therapy and working very hard at recovery.  But those years in Florida were anxiety free!  I felt great!

Then 4 years ago my husband's job was outsourced and we were forced to move back home to Indiana.  My boys and I were devastated.  It was a tough time for all of us but while they all seemed to adjust, I've continued to struggle.  We arrived home on January 1st in the midst of a miserably cold and snowy winter.  I immediately sunk into a depression.  I had to give up being a stay at home mom and return to the work force to help with the finances.  I missed being home for the kids and I missed all my Florida friends.  I completely gave up exercise.  Eventually the anxiety returned and over the past 4 years I have been slowly but steadily gaining weight. 

My oldest went off to college last year and next year his younger brother will be joining him.  I'm facing an empty nest.  Last year my husband and I separated and while we are back together we still have issues to work through.  It feels like along with my health, my life is also out of control.  Everything is changing and I need to change too.  I need to regain my health in order to face the challenges ahead. 

Thank you everyone for being my inspiration.  Tomorrow I'm going to face my first challenge.  I'm going to step on that scale and read a very scary number.  It's good to know you will all be there for support.

Good night everyone!

I'm Ready To Begin The Journey!

I owe the inspiration for this blog to Christina at Never The Skinny Girl.  It was the middle of the night last week when I discovered her blog while spending yet another sleepless night surfing the internet.  Her postings inspired me to take the first step towards regaining my health - acknowledging that I am the only one who can change my life. 

I've spent the last week debating whether or not I was really ready this time.  I've started so many "Monday Morning" diets and I don't want to go back to that pattern.  But over the last week I've read not only Christina's blog but many of the blogs she follows.  And, I am bursting with enthusiasm!  Thank you to everyone who has posted their struggles and their triumphs.  You have touched my life and made me believe that this time I CAN do it!

Let the journey begin!