Welcome Back to ME

Wow!  I can't believe its been nearly a year since my last blog post.  Things change so rapidly.  I have missed my blog.  I have missed my blog peeps.  I have been through an amazing journey of different sorts since my last blog.  When I last posted, I was a single woman, able to workout 5-6 days a week and do whatever I wanted.  I was lonely sometimes, but I had so many jazzercise classes, races, etc. to do that it kept me plenty busy.  Then one day my daughter whom I hadn't had contact with in almost 2 years decides to contact me.  She was having big problems with her boyfriend/baby daddy and needed to move out asap.  I helped her and my adorable loving grandson Zander get out of that awful situation but little did I know then that this would be the beginning of many more issues to come.  Also around this same time I began dating my current boyfriend and LOVE-Jack!  I was having fun going to sporting events, meeting friends at the casino, and just hanging out together.  We like to watch movies at home and just be with one another.  Here is a pic of me and the men of my life:





So to make a long story short, I have ended up with temporary custody of my now 21 month old grandson Zander who is my life.  I had to become a mother again at 40 and it changed my life.  I am happy and LOVE LOVE LOVE this baby!  Also I had to learn what it is to be in a normal, happy and loving relationship.  This has also changed my life.  I am happy and LOVE LOVE LOVE this man!  But with positive change has come some negative change as well.  My weight loss journey was put on hold.  I began going out and eating and enjoying life.  I wasn't prepared for a baby and quickly learned how difficult it is to just leave your house much less work my graveyard shift at the casino, stay up to take care of the baby and go workout.  Needless to say convenience took over.  Convenient fast food and finishing food the baby would leave; convenient stay at home as opposed to go anywhere; and 3-4 hours of sleep a day to perform at my job.  Bad food choices, inactivity and no sleep.  My life made a drastic 180 degree turn. 

I have been feeling so guilty over my weight gain.  I complained a lot about how my weight loss wasnt progressing in this blog and now I would give anything to be the girl in this picture again.  This was taken in June 2012 at the Hospital Hill Run. 



Life is definitely full of ups and downs.  I have had to look in the mirror and see my fuller face, I feel the tightness of my clothes.  I have cried and felt sorry for myself.  I went to see Bon Jovi a couple of weeks ago with Jack and our friends and took pictures and cried at the sight of myself in those pictures.  I went to the doctor and had to face the reality of the scale and couldn't do anything but cry through my entire appointment.  I know failure, I know grief and to see my hard work and endless time spent working out and counting Points, etc. slipping away has been a tough cross to bear, but I would not trade this past year and the happiness I have gained along with the pesky pounds for anything on this planet.  So I have decided that my greatest triumph is yet to come.  I did not fully appreciate my body at the neverending plateau I was experiencing when I last posted a blog.  So now as I go through this setback and see how difficult this struggle is for other mothers who work full time and have little time for themselves will help me to inspire more people than I would have before.

I have also experienced a death in my workplace family.  My boss and friend Joe Puma passed away the day before Easter.  I took this extremely hard.  He reminded me so much of my cousins in Cleveland, Ohio.  Only my grandfather wore a suit as well as Joe.  Joe was a mentor and so fun to be around.  He was particularly supportive of my weight loss efforts.  But I dealt with death the way I usually deal with difficult emotions and that was to eat.  My gain has been pushed up as far as I am going to allow and I vow to learn how to cope with emotional issues in different ways other than running to the nearest box of Lofthouse cookies.

My work schedule has now changed and I get out of work earlier so I can take advantage of my workplace gym Club Fitness when I finish my shift.  Also, my grandson has to have a weekly unsupervised overnight visit with his mother on Wednesday nights and my date nights are now Thursday nights so WORKOUT WEDNESDAY at the community center in the pool and on the track are back.  I am hoping to get back to Jazzercise also.  I miss it terribly but with the baby my financial situation has also changed. But I am going to find a way to get it back.

 I belong to a support group of local women on Facebook who are posting their workouts, recipes, and helpful motivations.  We posted pics with our goals written on them to be accountable.  This was a few months ago but I am finally now in a good place with a good schedule, and time for myself to get myself back on track.  Here is my pic with my plan.




It has taken my quite long enough but now I can blog and keep motivated.  I have seen a few of my cousins start to get motivated to also be healthier, happier and take their health into their own hands and this is so amazing and I want to be there with them.  I have been on this journey for almost 4 years, but I have come to realize that the journey is not with a destination of a certain weight to be at but that this journey is one I will be on forever.  I have shed my tears, I have felt my guilt and shame and now I am moving on.  Like I said earlier, I feel like my greatest triumph has yet to come.  Its game on!



I have learned a lot so I will continue to keep posting.  Motivation and inspiration comes from all around. 





Do whatever works for you.  Do not give up.  Do not be defeated.  I wont be that 325lb girl again.  Setbacks and sometimes life and weight gain happen.  Its how you dust yourself off and get up off the poor me pity pot and deal with it that separates the achievers from the dreamers.  I wont be the girl who dreams of a healthy sexy body because I will achieve it.  I want to be the best me for me and so I can be at my best to take care of Zander and to be the most awesome girlfriend that Jack deserves AND BE THE HEALTHIEST SEXIEST POSSIBLE FOR ME ME ME!!!!



I am going to be in the 4 mile Trolley Run tomorrow and my goal is to just finish it.  It will be a good way to get outside and begin walking again.  The weather will improve and my hope is to walk with friends in the park and take the baby in the stroller to do this and just be more active as much as possible on top of my workouts.  I worked out 4 days last week and today will be day 2 out of this week. I feel like my old self a little more with each passing workout. 

CHEERS TO NEW BEGINNINGS!!!

Until we blog again and I am committed to this- it may be a couple of weeks but it wont be nearly a year again.  You can also follow my health and fitness motivation pin board on Pinterest.  Pinterest

Here are some more inspirational/motivational quote pics to keep the focus, the drive and the faith going. 

 ITS SO AWESOME TO BE BACK BLOGGING AND IN THE RIGHT FRAME OF MIND!! CIAO FOR NOW!!

 

 



Setbacks are a Set Up for a Comeback

I have said this to myself many times before.  Two weeks ago I finally sucked it up and went back to Weight Watchers to try and get myself going.  Trying to count calories on my own has not been successful.  I am the same weight as of my last weigh in but then as soon as I get motivated and hit my very first 25 minutes on the elliptical machine ever I get sick.  I have a condition that causes extreme pain during certain times of each month.  It is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS.  I usually can maintain with lots of pain medicine and hot baths and an alcoholic drink or two to help me sleep but this time it came with a vengeance.  Food cravings OUT OF THIS WORLD.  It caused me to miss the casting call for the Biggest Loser that I wanted to attend.  I missed work one day too.  So for two weeks I have been on an alcohol, food binge and since I was unable to get out of bed I havent exercised.  This is the longest period in 3 years I havent.  So yesterday for the 4th I went with friends to swim and watch fireworks.  The first movement I have really had.  So now feeling heavy and tired I have to get back to it.  Seeing myself on TV on Ali Vincent's show was motivation but also made me feel guilty that I have been unable to accomplish the 40 pound goal.  I have some time left so I hope to get as much weight off as I can prior to her arrival back in Kansas City for the Live Well Expo 2012.  I posted a link to the TV appearance that was taped in April so if you havent yet, take a look at it.  Here is the link again.  Ask Ali in Los Angeles, Kansas City and Spokane




Me being taped for the Ask Ali segment of Live Big!  With Ali Vincent


I think I have also been discouraged because I was working out SO HARD and SO OFTEN and nothing was happening even when I was watching my food intake that when I got sick I was more susceptible to the cravings for pizza, beer, tequila, fast food garbage, etc.  I couldnt cook or get out to the store in the amount of pain I was in so I was set up for failure.  I have learned that in the future it has to be planned for.  I need to have "healthy" junk food substitutions for these times and have it ready at home. 

I have also been less and less interested in jazzercise.  I am usually so into the promotions, etc.  But I havent been motivated to go. My favorite instructor moved to another center that is inconvenient to get to , they are on a push for these young instructors that I just cant relate to.  But when I do force myself in that door I have a good time.  It just seems as though I have been more interested in swimming in my pool at the apartment and working out in my workplace gym and going to Flirty Girl Fitness class than anything else really.  But I know less exercise and more food intake is only going to send me one place.  So this week my goal is to get to jazzercise 2x, Flirty Girl Fitness on Wed., PiYo on Wed, and swim 2x and workout in the gym at my work 2x plus the race.  I have to get myself back on the sweat high that I was on before and pick myself up out of this depression.  Frankly Blog Peeps it has been a very LONG time since I was this down.

I have also had some outside emotional upsets.  My good friend at work moved to another shift so I felt left behind and sad. I love having someone to talk to all the time who knows me and now I dont.  So that has been an adjustment.  There are some milestones that are also emotionally triggering.  My daughter turned 24 on July 1st.  I havent spoken to her in almost 2 years.  Her son; my grandson ( I still cant even say it without choking on the word) I have never seen will be a year old on July 8th and my mother turns 60 on July 12th which makes me feel old.  My family issues are really a mess.  But that is a blog for another time and another day.

On a very positive note I finally healed from my injury I sustained at the Hospital Hill Race.  Now its time to race again.  I am participating in the Major League Baseball All-Star Game 5k Race this Sunday, July 8th.  I am very excited and I will get a new medal to add to my small little collection.  Our horribly hot weather will cool down to low 90's and for race time should be less than that.  This week also we get to wear MLB jerseys for a fundraiser at work so I am excited to be sexy in my Royals jersey that I am going to buy today.  I have a Cleveland Indians' one that I could wear when I was 300+ lbs but Its big but I may have to wear it one day this week during the time so I have enough time to wash the new one.  I get to wear it for 4 days.

My inspiration Jennifer Rumple has a new blog she has started and one of the posts shows her riding a beautiful horse on a beach trail ride.  That has been something I have longed to do is ride a horse again.  So I think I will focus on that and hope to do a beautiful fall trail ride here somewhere in September or October.  A good focus for me.  Here is a link to her blog so check it out!  Aspire to INSPIRE!

Well I am closing this blog for this week.  Hopefully I will have an outstanding week to report for my next blog and pics from the All Star 5k and more.  Take Care and remember we all get set back occasionally.  I did not lose over 100 lbs overnight and without plateaus and setbacks.  If it takes me 5 years to do this I will have still accomplished and the time will pass anyway. *peaceout!*

I am on TV!

Hey Blog Peeps!  I havent posted a new blog for two weeks and this is really not an exception.  I will write a full blog this week.  But I wanted to post a link to the new episode of Live Big!  With Ali Vincent that I am featured in.  She was here in Kansas City in April and that is when this was taped but it just aired this past Thursday.  I have 2 months to lose as much weight as possible before she returns.  40 pounds has eluded me but I wont be defeated.  Enjoy the episode.  I am in the middle segment when she is in Kansas City.Ask Ali in Los Angeles, Kansas City and Spokane

Revelations and Inspirations

  

I was so inspired and my eyes opened by this week's edition of Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition.  It comes on Monday night so since I have to be at work at 8 I miss some of the show.  But I did get all the highlights on the Revolution yesterday and their guest was the participant Jacqui McCoy.  I have a fellow blogger who blogged on the show and said why she related to Jacqui's story.  Jacqui weighed 355 lbs.  she and her husband were unable to have children due to her weight.  She showed photos of herself at 13 where she was cute, curvy but not by any means overweight, and full of life.  Then she showed a photo of herself at 15 and she was at least 50lbs. heavier and that shine and zest for life was gone from her expression on her face.  Not only did she shed her clothes to sports bra and bike shorts for the world to see her physical broken body, but she revealed a secret about her past and revealed her soul for the world to see.  Sometimes the latter is more difficult than the first.  She admitted that at age 14 she had been at a party and was sexually assaulted at the party.  She was ashamed, did not want to tell her parents and the attack left her feeling guilty and worthless.  Not only can I identify with Jacqui on a weight loss level and how hard it is to lose weight in the first place, BUT, I related to this story for her revelation of her sexual assault.  She said in her interview on The Revolution that she felt for the longest time that she was good enough for someone to have sex with her but not to be someone's girlfriend.  Blog peeps I cannot tell you how many times I have said that to myself over the years.  Those very words.  It struck a deep chord in me.  I have said on this blog before that working through emotional issues and the physical issues of why we are overweight go hand in hand.  We see this on The Biggest Loser when the contestants are emotionally overwhelmed and breakthroughs happen that help them succeed. 

TRULY AMAZING!!  Jacqui before and look at her now!  365 days between the two.

I was sexually assaulted in my family's home at the age of 19.  I was fortunate to have survived and be here to blog or speak about it today.  The person was a "family" member and it was violent.  I was supposed to have been left for dead in an area known for its high crime and prostitute population but by the Grace of God I survived!!!   I had friends who surrounded me and protected me when my family would not.  Over the years I simply existed.  I never attended counseling, my attacker did not receive civil justice for what he had done even though the evidence was there to prosecute, I was forced into not pressing charges.  Years later I had learned that forgiveness is not for the person who hurt you but for you.  The hatred I felt for this person overwhelmed me for a long time.  It wasnt until I gave myself permission to forgive that I began to heal somewhat.  But my weight skyrocketed after that.  I did exactly what Jacqui talks about in her interview that she had built a wall of fat to protect her from men.  I did the same.  I wasted almost 20 years of my life being sad, scared and overweight and let my rapist take my life from me.  It wasnt until 10 years ago that I felt safe when he died and after that more healing began and look at me now.  I am no longer broken.  I am no longer sad or existing in life.  I took my life back.  Now I intend to live it in the largest happiest most fulfilling way possible.  Jacqui has a new life with her husband and the hope for children.  I have a new life and the possibilities are endless.  So when my friends see my smile, I will tell you its because I am happy for life, I am grateful to have a life and now with my continuous transformation I will live life in an appreciation that I never had before.  Thank you Jacqui McCoy for sharing your story.  You helped me to achieve something I didnt think I could do and that is share my story in a public forum to hopefully help others and to finish the healing process and move on to the next step in this journey.  THANK YOU! 

I have put a link here on the site to the episode of The Revolution with Jacqui's interview.  Her pics are unbelieveable.  The hosts mentioned that after her massive weight loss Jacqui had to have surgery to remove 6 feet (yes that is correct) of skin from her body.  Someday I should be so lucky so I can have skin removal surgery as well.  Every episode of The Revolution also takes one person's weight loss journey and ends it with a makeover and reveal.  Amy is the greatest one I have seen just because she started out close to my weight and now she is AMAZING!  Check this out- you wont regret taking the time to watch. The Revolution 6/13 episode- Amy and Jacqui


I got a message from Biggest Loser Season 12 At-Home Winner Jennifer Rumple on Facebook asking me how I am doing.  This was my response to her and I havent heard back from her yet but I know whatever she tells me will be amazing.  I am sharing my post just to give you some insight that even though I am working hard, plateaus are normal, my feelings of disappointment do happen and its ultimately how I handle them that makes this journey work.  I will keep going as long as it takes but that doesnt mean I dont get impatient every once in a while!

POST TO JEN-
 I am a bit down today. I keep hearing you say trust the process. I workout 4-5 days a week and 2-3 of those days 3-4 hours. I have been following the rules of lean and green after lunch, an apple and berries everyday, water, water, water. I know I am getting the 100g of protein a day so why why why am I not losing???? I am trying so hard. I am pushing hard. :( Today I went to my job where they opened a brand new fitness center for us. my best friend asked me to show her how to use the equipment today. She is down 50+ lbs from 335. and we decided we would do this on wed afternoons together. So... Between my gym, jazzercise, flirty girl fitness, piyo, my pool here @ my apartment, the fitness ctr @ work, kettlebell class@ my gym I dont know what else I can possibly do. I was happy @ the fitness ctr @ work that when I was helping my friend people would come by and ask me questions and tell me how great I have done, etc. But until I am able to crossover into one-derland that is still a pesky 8-9lbs away I am not going to be happy! In August I will have been working on my journey for 3 years. I should have been under 200 By now so my frustration is building and disappointment overwhelming... But I am not giving up I do trust the process its just so so so SLOW! What am I doing wrong here???

I will keep you updated on her response.  She is so helpful and inspirational.  I do want to post a link to the action pics from my Hospital Hill race.  I was in such pain at the end and you can see it in these photos.  Take a look.  Hospital Hill Action Pics from Race

This week saw another workplace Challenge event.  This one was a Pizza Eating Contest at a local pizzeria/bar.  It was fun and NO I did not take part as a participant only as a cheerleader for my team.  I am ready for the Softball event next week.  My confidence is at an all time new high and I actually surprised myself and verbalized something that I would NEVER have done before to a friend and for that I am so glad because it means I am making such wonderful progress and not to mention wonderful new friends :)

This week saw the grand opening of our new fitness center at my place of employment.  I was the first to get in there and use it.  Yesterday I was in there showing my best friend Terisa how to use the machines both weights and cardio.  She enjoyed it and so did I so I am going back today for another round before I have an at work meeting to attend.  As I was in the fitness center many people came and poked their heads in there and I had some ask me questions and also want me to show them how to use the machines and some just congratulate me on my progress thus far.  I hope that as others see me in there they will also become curious and want to use our brand new, free, 24 hour facility.  We work for a truly awesome place and I am so so fortunate.  The place I work has been a life changing reward to me ever since I started there 5 years ago.  So without further ado I must go.  HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK FB PEEPS!! MUCH LOVE!  ***hugs and smiles while trusting the process***  I am off to the "Club" ;) 

Groundhog Shadow Sightings in June?!?!

Punxsutawney Phil in Kansas City?  In June? NO!

Well sort of... this girl saw her shadow at the 19th Annual Hospital Hill UMKC School of Medicine 5k this past Saturday, June 2nd.  As far as I know Punxsutawney Phil did not. I will explain.  I took part in a very challenging race that is known for its degree of difficulty with many hills.  It was an enjoyable race.  I had worked my regular shift all night before the race (note to self- take the day off next year!).  I was tired and I had a bit of muscle strain in my right calf but still went forward.  I met up with my friend Melinda there who was there to run in the Half Marathon.  YOU GO GIRL!  This is a HUGE race that is even bigger than the Trolley Run.  People come from all over the region to do this.  As a participant I got my t-shirt, a pair of running socks, a finisher medal and finisher flip flops that say "Hospital Hill 2012 Finisher".  TOO COOL!  Ok, now back to the shadow.  Well, as I was finishing the race, exhausted and in slight pain having that inner-conversation with myself that I could do this;  the sun was in such a position that as I was making my way down the last hill of the course I could see my shadow in front of me. 

Now all you blog peeps know that when it comes to pictures or looking at myself in the mirror I am not shy and tend to overdo both so I see my reflection or likeness often.  BUT nothing could prepare me for how seeing my shadow in front of me MY "SKINNY" SHADOW would affect me.  I was emotionally overcome by the sight of this shadow that I knew was me but didnt look like the me I know.  Despite my slight injury that kept me from running or jogging as I would have liked, despite my exhaustion from a full night of work, or that I made this race 2 minutes slower than my very best 5k time did not matter when I saw the girl in front of me.  That shadow was worth it all.  Now I know how Phil feels LOL!

So now all of a sudden I have a new bug for the racing.  I got a ton of info on upcoming races from the Health and Wellness Expo that the race sponsors prior to the race.  Here is what I have coming up so I will definitely break the 10 races for the year goal I set for myself.  Anyone up for doing these with me let me know.





                        

                                           Me before the race- Look I am starting to have a waist!

 









Me after the race!



RACES

Wednesday, June 6th- National Running Day @ Macken Park 530pm

Saturday, June 30th- NKC Centennial 5k- 8am Macken Park

25.00 by 6/15.  After 6/15 30.00 Day of Race 33.00.  T-shirt included in registration by 6/15

NKC Centennial 5k Brochure

Saturday, July 8th- MLB All Star 5k- Power and Light- 730am.  Registration before 7/3 30.00.  Finisher Medal, t-shirt

MLB All Star 5k

Sunday, August 12th- Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure- Union Station- 7am (Argosy Sponsored)

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure-Greater Kansas City

Saturday, August 18th- Rivalry Run 5k- 8am- Power and Light



My Finisher Medal!



The Rivalry Run

September 9th- Broadway Bridge 5k- City Market, 7am (Argosy Sponsored)

Saturday, September 15- Run for the Sumatran Tiger- 4mile 830am, Kansas City Zoo

Run for the Sumatran Tiger

Saturday September 15- Riverside Riverfest Levee Run (Argosy Sponsored)

I am not sure if I can do this since I really want to do the zoo run.

Saturday, September 29- Pony Express Run- Historic Downtown St. Joseph- 8am.  DAY TRIP!

Pony Express Run

October 27th- Halloween Hustle 5k - RACE #1 OF HEALTHY HOLIDAY FUN RUN SERIES



Me and Melinda 6.2.12



November 17th Turkey Trails 5k-RACE #2 OF HEALTHY HOLIDAY FUN RUN SERIES

December 15th Candy Cane Course 5k-RACE#3 OF HEALTHY HOLIDAY FUN RUN SERIES

finisher medal and t-shirt for each event then a series medal for completing all three races

Healthy Holiday Run Series

Today is National Running Day so I will be taking a walk with Melinda at Macken Park in N. Kansas City this afternoon.  Wherever you may find yourself today take a walk, jog or run! 

This past Friday night was another Challenge event at my workplace and this time it was shooting hoops for the Basketball Shot event.  I have never been one to shoot any hoops, I mean for real I am all of 5'2 so short and overweight do not equal basketball in any form to me BUT I went out on a limb and gave it a try for my team and I made 3 or 4 out of the 6 baskets so I was super proud of myself.  It was great!  I love trying something new it just makes life taste so good! SWISH!!!

I want to invite any of my Kansas City or Independence blog readers to join me every Friday morning in the month of June for a free Jazzercise class.  I blog a lot about my experiences at Jazzercise and its a lot of fun so hit me up if you are interested.  The class times are 8am and 9am.  



It is also time for the Jazzercise summer promotion to get people to come into class.  I won the leopard bag last year.  I hope I can get the classes in to win the tank top they are offering for this summer.  Me and sleeveless anything do not have much of a relationship unfortunately.  Since I have had a massive weight loss I have hanging skin (wings-lets be real!) on my arms that I do not care to share with the rest of the world.  But I love the top so I can wear it at home.  My hope is that someday I will be able to wear tank tops, sleeveless tops, sundresses, etc.  but plastic surgery will have to happen before I can do that.  If you are younger than 35 and reading this blog PLEASE do not wait till you are my age to start a healthy lifestyle!  Your skin still has elasticity that mine does not and now surgery will be the only way to correct the skin on my arms and around my waist.  Sometimes just the thought of it makes me tear up.  I have worked so hard but yet I still have limitations.  Wish me luck on getting the top!

Today I got up and used my brand new swimming suit and new swimming athletic shoes at the pool!  I swam 20 laps in the lap lane and did a LOT of water aerobics.  I was there 2 hours.  Now after I go to the park I will be at PiYo and swim again.  WORKOUT WEDNESDAY!  Tomorrow I will be back at it and at Flirty Girl Fitness at 930am and Zumba at 5pm and Jazzercise after for express class.  Thursday is a tough day but I love getting my workout in.  Hopefully I can manage a walk at my park too.

Yesterday I was over at my Mother's home helping her out and she gave me one of my old rock t-shirts she ran across and I was overjoyed it was my old Sex Pistols t-shirt and I have not worn that shirt since I was 20 and it fits!!!!!  Sid Vicious plastered across my chest once more- wow!  I love moments like that.  Now I have my Sex Pistols and my GNR shirts from 1992 that I can once again wear.  They make good workout gear!!  I will post a pic next blog of me in it when I was 19 and one now.  FUN!

The good fight is still on and I am working hard to get myself where I want to be. My goal is to be 165-170 lbs.  I know I can do it.  I better wrap this up so I can get to the park.  If I think of anything I forgot I will blog again.  Until then- keep going peeps!! WE GOT THIS!!!! Its a daily struggle and as long as we keep those inner dialogs with ourselves going that inner voice that says I AM WORTH IT it is totally possible.  Until we blog again!!! Take Care!

      

  

The Future's So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades!

Hey Blog Peeps!  This one won't be AS lengthy a blog as normal but I do have some updates I want to share.  I got a great response on my Facebook page from Jennifer Rumple- Biggest Loser Season 12 At-Home Winner.  I blog about her a lot because she is so inspiring.  Check this out.  I posted a link to the blog here on her wall and she keeps up with me here too.

Hey Jen!!! Still busy here fighting the good fight. I got a copy of Bob's book for my birthday. I too am now 40! I finally posted a new blog. love reading your posts and keeping up with you! *hugs*

               Jennifer Rumple

• GINA! Not only do you LOOK great, in the pouring rain I might add ... you LOOK like you FEEL fantastic! I am so incredibly proud of you and what you are doing for YOURSELF! You set a goal ... stated it out loud, told the masses to hold you ...accountable and you are following through with your word to make you a better, healthier you! That takes courage and self-love lady! It only gets better from here! So proud of you. Please ... continue to send me links to your new posts. I DO have you bookmarked, but when you inform me of a new one ... more chance I'll check it out! SO PROUD OF YOU! Keep going! x #INSPIRE 

May 22 at 8:28pm ·

                   

• Gina Lipari
• Thank you so much Jen! I DO FEEL AMAZING! I also finally dropped a couple of pounds! Today I weighed in at 209. Only 4 lbs down from when I met Ali in April but I am shooting for the biggest number I can get before she returns to Kansas City in Sept. Thanks for all your great posts. This last one with the before and current pics is spectacular. Your story is so similar to my own and sometimes your descriptions of things sound like my own. Thank you for your openness and willingness to share. *hugs* THANK YOU FOR THE INSPIRATION AND CONTINUOUS ENCOURAGEMENT!

  

BTW peeps here is her before and after she posted.  CAN YOU SAY AMAZING???

Jennifer Rumple at 345 and today

Ok  now for some updates.  Last Saturday I participated with my friends Dusty and Heather Blegstad in the first annual Promise Walk for Preeclampsia in Blue Springs, Missouri.  I always enjoy spending time with them and seeing OMI!  Here is a pic of me with Dusty and Omi from that day. 

Dusty and Omi Blegstad with me at the Promise Walk 5.19.12

After the walk I decided to stop by the mall since I was off work and I was out so far east of the city.  So when I went I stopped by Torrid (my favorite clothing store) and they asked me if I wanted to try on the jeans in the store because they were having a denim sale and they said they would take my picture as Torrid Diva of the Day and post it to their Facebook page. Of course you know I said YES!! I mean you dont have to ask me twice to get my pic taken.  So here it is to share with all of you and yes the jeans are Source of Wisdom brand size 16 and they are the most amazing jeans EVER so you know I bought them.  :)

LOVE my new skinny black jeans!!!

Life is amazing at 40!  I am enjoying my life like never before.  Every year at my workplace we have a Challenge between the departments that lasts for about 6-8 weeks.  There are different events and the team with the most points at the end of the Challenge wins a big trophy and party for the department.  It is competitive but FUN!  Anyway, there was a 1 mile walk/run on Wednesday and I went down there and I made the mile in 13.11!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  YAY!! I have never run a 13 minute mile before.  My best was 14 and odd seconds but still close to 15.  I was so excited and I placed 6th and got 30 points for my team.  Here is a pic of me at the end of my run at the Challenge I took with my phone LOL!

GO GRAY!!!

This was a great week for me.  Last Monday I had my kettlebells class and with a different instructor and it was AWESOME and I am sure that it helped me bump off the 2 pounds I finally lost this past week. We did a full on kettlebells class as opposed to a circuit training.  I felt that class all week in my quads and hamstrings.   I am now down to 209 and 199 is only 10 pounds away!!!!  COME ON ALREADY!

   I worked out really hard this past Wednesday and Thursday.  Swimming, walking, PiYo.  My friend Melinda came to my gym and went swimming with me on Thursday.  The instructor I worked with for Kettlebells was talking to me and that is how I found out about Flirty Girl Fitness being offered at my gym.  I was so excited.  Before she got there I had attended my very first Flirty Girl Fitness Class.  IT WAS FUN TO GET MY SEXY DIVA ON!!  I worked up a good sweat and I am so anxious for tomorrow's class. We did 6 dance routines in the hour class and one of the moves was called the "Flashdance".  One of my very favorite dance movies of all time so getting to do a move from that was SO COOL!!   Check out Flirty Girl Fitness at Flirty Girl Fitness.  They were calling this class "Cardio Dance" until the instructors got their "Flirtification".  Now the class is on.  The concept began in Canada and I had seen it featured on one of my Canadian wellness shows called Alive and Well with Michelle Harris where she attended a class at a Flirty Girl Fitness Club in I think Vancouver.  So that is how I had heard about it before.  I love the sexy dancing stuff because it is truly when I can become my sexy girl alter-ego LOL!

Flirty Girl Fitness is FUN!

When I got to the pool after class my friend was waiting for me and I swam 22 laps in the lap lanes and did some upper body work with a noodle.  I was there almost 2 more hours.  It was a great workout day.

I was also excited to learn that my workplace is again offering free Zumba classes.  I have missed that.  So tomorrow would have been my first class but I have a committee meeting to attend at the same time so I guess I have to wait until next week.  I love getting my Latina dance on.  Its like I picture Shakira, JLo or Selena in my mind and just go for it LOL! 




The Zumba party resumes at my workplace YAY!!!

I am still awaiting the opening of my pool at my apartment complex.  It is going to really help me when I am crunched for time.  I can get a quick workout in and then go to work without having to leave my home.  Its really the only home workout I am interested in.  You know how some people are turned off by going to the gym or going to a class and would rather stick in a DVD in the privacy of their own home- that is great if that gets you moving but I would rather do pretty much anything than that.  So come on already with the pool!

I am also awaiting the summer schedule of roller skating at River Roll to start.  It gives more options when they are open so I can sneak in a roller skating outing.  I LOVE TO ROLLER SKATE!  I can dance and skate and its too awesome.  Roller skating is a total body workout and burns approximately 400 calories an hour for someone at my current weight and height.  If you are curious how many calories a certain activity burns for your specific weight and height check out Calorie Burn Calculator at Fitday.com.

 

YEP YEP!



 This Saturday I am participating in the Hospital Hill 5k.  It is my first time at this race so I am excited.  This race consists of a 5k, 10k, Half Marathon.  It is a LARGE race.  People come from all over to take part in this one.  So next week I will be posting some pics.  My goal for the race is 45 minutes but if it is hot outside and since I have worked an entire 10 hour shift prior we will see how that goes.  Wish me Luck!!!  Hospital Hill Run

I got the Bob Harper Book "The Skinny Rules" for my birthday and I have been reading it and following what I have read so far.  One of the rules is to drink a LARGE water before every meal.  It does make you feel fuller and water intake has always been a difficult thing for me because I associate water with swelling in my body BUT since I have done this I am losing so it works!   Also following the protein at every meal and for someone who weighs 200 lbs or more should be taking in 100 grams of protein a day.  This is hard to do but since I have been I am losing so again, Bob the MAN knows!  He also says you should eat an apple and berries every day.  The fiber in an apple is high and helps the body with natural cleansing process.  I have also been doing this.  Another rule of the book is eating Lean and Green after lunch.  I have also been following this.  Get your good healthy carbs in at breakfast and lunch.  I cant wait to weigh in next week because this week is a water retention week (aka PMS).  GET THIS BOOK!  An example of a breakfast for me that is high protein, high fiber:  1 smart alternative bagel (110 calories and YUMMY!) two slices of canadian bacon (60 calories and 12 grams of protein per serving) I like Brie cheese but it is fatty.  But for breakfast I feel like I can afford the calories.  1 oz of brie is 95 calories and 5.9 grams of protein.  Then I use spicy mustard and a slice of tomato and two eggs (eggs have 6 grams of protein per egg)  and it is awesome!  I also use Hood brand Calorie Countdown Reduced Fat Milk that has 1g carbohydrates, 5g protein, 70 calories per serving.  I will use this with Special K protein plus cereal that has 10g protein per serving.  Greek yogurt also a fave of mine has 14g of protein per serving and it comes in many flavors etc.  Just be careful some have a lot of sugar and also look for 0% fat. I have also been on an avocado kick too.  But again be careful they are full of healthy fats but have a lot of calories.

Panera Bread restaurants have a new Turkey Avocado BLT that is 260 calories for 1/2 sandwich and 16g of protein.  I pair that with the You Pick 2 deal and get a 1/2 Greek Salad 190 calories 5 g of protein and the apple.  I love Panera because the calorie values are posted right there on the menu for you to see and pick the best choices.  The only downfall is being there with the muffins, scones, etc. and if you cant say no to those dont go in there!  They also have a wonderful Acai Berry Unsweetened Tea that is awesome!

Over the weekend I got to spend some time with my Rodriguez family to celebrate my cousin Bryanna's 8th Grade Graduation.  I was glad they had grilled chicken and deviled eggs.  PROTEIN!  I had a small spoon of the mac and cheese and a small spoon of the potato salad and a slice of the black icing cake.  I freaked out because I had to work that night and I had black lips from the icing.  That will teach me to eat the cake!!! It wore off in time THANK GOODNESS!

Me and Bryanna

Memorial Day weekend I made my way to the cemeteries to have conversations and visits with my great-great grandparents, great-grandparents and grandparents, great-aunts and uncles.  I have been going to the cemetery since I was a little girl.  My grandfather would lovingly cut fresh roses from our front yard to take to my grandmother.  It was never any of the plastic or silk stuff we have today.  If you are Italian you understand.  You go early just before the weekend to make sure your stuff is out for any other visitors to see.  Its tradition.  I look forward to this time every year.  Thankfully we have had some beautiful weather here and it wasnt too hot.  I go to approximately 50 graves per year of my ancestors.  But this year I only made it to 10.  Next year I will be more prepared.  I even got in some walking.  Always park a bit from where you are going and walk as much as you can.  Get those extra steps in

             

                                             My beloved "Paw and Grandma" and 

                       My wonderful Great-grandparents "Nani and Nanu" and Uncle Theodore

           My Great-Great Grandparents                    My Grandparents- I never got to know

I had some time to talk with my cousins while at Bryanna's party.  My cousins and two of my aunts listened and encouraged and had questions all about my weight loss journey.  I am always excited to talk about this.  Its my passion in life right now.  We talked about everything from my run, to my goal weight, to walking around looking at yourself naked in the mirror and sexual activity (yes my aunt was appalled but hey), to female issues and complications to weight loss to emotional issues concerning my daughter and yes my grandson.  My cousin admitted that when I first started that she didnt believe I would actually do this.  I know that all of my family probably had the very same thought.  But it all comes down to that I did this for my health and that being sexy, 40 and happy are all perks of that. I knew when I started that there would be doubters, I also knew that as I progressed and was successful that there would be "haters".   Its all about your frame of mind.  I was tired of simply existing and I WANTED TO LIVE!  I mean not just breathe, eat and sleep.  I mean, experience, enjoy, savor, reflect.  I wanted a life that I can say was rich and fun and meaningful.  I had to let go of the painful emotional barriers that concern my complicated family relationships with my father, my brothers and my daughter go so that the weight would also, well, GO. Emotional and mental barriers to weight loss are also important to confront or else the weight will not come off.  You have to love yourself.  You have to get that emotional support from other sources if you cannot get it from the ones you love.  This talk made me feel really good and Veronica, Melissa, Aunt Sandra and Aunt Theresa- I LOVE YOU!

Well so much for not being lengthy.  I got my fan photo from my birthday outing to the Royals game that I posted on FB but I will also post here.  I had a great time and I think the smile says it all.  I am happy, I am healthy and I feel sexy and as my body progresses toward my goal.  40 is FABULOUS and I am in the best place I have ever been in my life.

 There are those shades I am referring to! 

 It is a simply gorgeous summer day here in Kansas City and I cannot wait to get out in it.  I am at the genealogy library as I post this blog so I am going to do some research then hit jazzercise @ 430pm out here in Independence then go to PiYo at 630 and end the day with some swimming.  Tomorrow is a full day of fitness as well.  ENJOY YOUR LIFE- ENJOY LIVING THAT HEALTHY FUN LIFESTYLE and as Ali Vincent would say LIVE BIG!    Till Next Week Blog Peeps- *hugsandsmiles*