My cousin Nicole posted this on Facebook- just wanted to share. It says how I feel about myself.
When you’re a plus size woman, people like to say "yeah, she's cute in the face", as if being full figured is such a disgrace. Honey, I’m cute in the face, and I’m thick in the waist. I look good whether I’m in cotton, leather, or lace. I’m beautiful, vibrant and above all, smart! And there's more to me than my weight, I also have a heart. Yes my clothes may be a bigger size, that just means you have access to a bigger prize. We all are not self-conscious about our weight, and we never have a problem getting a date. So don’t think your small frame gives you more pull, I’m a hot, sexy, curvy woman with a figure that's full. ♥
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Just a little saying to share
My cousin Nicole posted this on Facebook- just wanted to share. It says how I feel about myself.
I'm on the Edge, the Edge, the Edge, the Edge, the Edge, the Edge, the Edge, I'm on the Edge of Glory
Yes that is how I feel today- right upon the Edge of Glory. I am the smallest size I have been since I was about 19-20 years old. I went last night and bought my very first pair of size 16 Lee Jeans- yes that is right folks, me GINA LIPARI who used to wear a size 28 jeans (if I was lucky) now wears a 16. They are lovely! I also went and bought a new bra and it is a size 36. I will not give the cup size since I dont feel like that matters. What matters is the size around. Yesterday I went to 1 1/2 hours of Jazzercise after carrying heavy items to my Mom up her stairs and raking leaves in her yard SO I know I got some serious calorie burn!!! Today I went to the mall to walk around and wish/window shop while I was in that part of town running errands for my mother. I went into Sears and thought I would see if there were clothes in the Kardashian Kollection that I could actually wear just to say I can. I tried on this very cute hoodie and all the Kardashian stuff was on sale so guess what- their largest top/blouse/hoodie size is 14-16 and they are calling this XL but it so fit and looks so cute. I gave in and had to have it. Check me out!
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving holiday! I went to the Parkville Turkey Trot and being tired from a race that previous Sunday AND much Jazzercise to get my coin purse I was hoping to at least meet my race time from the Gobbler Grind but GUESS WHAT?!?!?! I beat it and now have run/walk/jogged a 5k in 46.03 minutes!!!! My best time to date and I was thrilled. I have posted my results here on the blog and also the link to the pics of me at the Gobbler Grind crossing the finish line! Check them out! My mother and I went to dinner at the Bristol Seafood Grill in the Power and Light District in Downtown Kansas City. Here is the flyer from that just to share- the food was amazing!! I really enjoyed it. Plus here is a pic of me and my mom on Thanksgiving.
I did meet my goal of getting my coin purse from Jazzercise. I am posting a pic of me on the night I received it. Now I am only 22 classes from getting my 150 classes t-shirt and I can't wait. I have to complete the classes by December 31st. I have no doubt I will get this done :)
Life in my corner of the world is good. I am dedicated to my health and weight loss and keep gathering inspiration from everywhere- and to all my friends and family who follow me on Facebook- thank you for all the support and wonderful comments to all my pics and Gina-isms. Right now I do truly feel on "The Edge of Glory". I have two "bucket list" items to share with you. 1. I want to be in good enough shape to become a part-time Jazzercise instructor someday. 2. I want to be on TV on Motion and do a hike through Mount Rushmore or the Smoky Mountains and feel on top of the world. Goals are wonderful things and keep your mind focused on what you want to do to live the best fullest life possible.
I really didnt have as much to blog this week as previous weeks- maybe because I am keeping current. I did also get a TON of long overdue scrapbooking done so I am anxious to share some pics of those pages with you all very soon.
Take care of yourselves this week- do something fabulous for your body everyday and remember my new thought I keep in mind everyday is FINISH WHAT YOU START! Love and Hugs to you all!!
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| Me in the dressing room at Sears with my Kardashian hoodie and size 16 Lee Jeans!!!!! |
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| Me and My mom at the Bristol on Thanksgiving 2011 |
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| my sampling of all the dishes-I went moderately so I could taste everything. |
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| me and my shiny silver coin purse at Jazzercise. I am wearing my GNR and Metallica concert T-shirt from 1992 and it fits!! Plus check out my new Ryka by Kelly Ripa tennis shoes *LOVE* |
I really didnt have as much to blog this week as previous weeks- maybe because I am keeping current. I did also get a TON of long overdue scrapbooking done so I am anxious to share some pics of those pages with you all very soon.
Take care of yourselves this week- do something fabulous for your body everyday and remember my new thought I keep in mind everyday is FINISH WHAT YOU START! Love and Hugs to you all!!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Gobble, Trot, Holiday Stress- NOT!!
Happy Thanksgiving week all!! I am trying to keep up with the blog! Have much to say this week so bear with me in the length of this one! ;)
I am down to 4 classes left to get to my Jazzercise coin purse and the 20 classes! Tonight will knock out two of them and tomorrow the last two. I would have gone yesterday but my legs were burning after the Gobbler Grind 5k race on Sunday followed by a full work night. So yesterday consisted of sleep, sleep and well, more sleep! Gotta get it in eventually lol!
So, many of you who follow me on Facebook know that I was in the Gobbler Grind 5k at Corporate Woods on Sunday morning. It was a frosty 32 degrees in Overland Park, Kansas that morning. This was the first time I have participated in this race. It was a good one! This race included a full and half marathon and the 5k. I am sure i have a couple of years before I could even consider a half-marathon but I know I will get there. I was a little self-conscious going into this race because of the inclusion of the marathon. I knew there would be super runner athletes everywhere and then there is me- the fat girl BUT I never let that stop me. I went anyway, I raced alone as I usually do and I got my best time in a race EVER!! So, I am improving! These races are inspirational to me and I do them for ME. I never get into beating other people because that just isnt a reality for me-yet. I have the goal in mind to beat my time from the previous race I participated in, to finish successfully without injury, to not finish last in my age division or last in the race overall and finally to enjoy the scenery going by as I listen to Motley Crue, Metallica and Ozzy Osbourne, etc. That is about it. I do admit that if I see someone looming over my shoulder or approaching where i can actually hear their footsteps above my MP3 player I immediately speed up, jog, run or power into my walk. But my thoughts are never- hey, I am going to beat so and so or anything like that. Well, at the finish of this race, there was a woman who was approximately 60 years old or older, and she was about 120 lbs. if that. She was healthy and athletic but did show her age. She approached me when I was picking up my medal and she said to me "I just couldn't let you beat me". I looked at her puzzled, but I knew exactly what she meant. She meant I just couldn't let a fat girl like you beat me. My response was well, I dont come to these races to beat anyone but my own best time. After that I proceeded to see the posting of the preliminary results. And I was thrilled! I have a link to the results here on the blog. My best time in a race is 48.41 but honestly I can not remember what race i got that time in. It isnt one I have posted either and its driving me nuts!! But no matter, I completed this race in 47.41 and paced a 15.23 mile! Pretty awesome accomplishment for someone who has to make up in speed for what I lack in stride (so I have short legs and this is a BIG disadvantage!) and then to top it all my size and THEN having been at work for the 10 hours prior to being at the race.
I am so happy!!! I took a picture of my little medal collection I have going now. The flower charm came from the Mother's Day 5k and I considered this to be my 1st "medal". It was the first race I had attended that I got something other than the t-shirt. The blue medal is my participation medal from the Riverside Riverfest Levee Run 5k and now my third one is the green one with the turkey for the Gobbler Grind. A lesson learned from this race is people will always try to say something to bring you down but you cannot allow it. Plus it showed me though I have come so far I still have a long way to go. And that my friends is motivation that will see me through my next race Thanksgiving morning at the Parkville Turkey Trot 5k that benefits the Parkville Animal Shelter and the Parkville Nature Sanctuary.
Next I am going to give big kudos to awesome Former Fat Girl Ricki Lake!!!! I got to watch the Dancing with the Stars finale last night and she was great!!! Her last performance of the night literally had me in tears as I watched from my living room!! Ricki Lake has come a long way from her size and demeanor in the movie "Hairspray" to the elegant determination she showed us on this season of DWTS. I loved her talk show back in the 90's and she continues to inspire me. My bucket list includes dancing in a recital and being the star of a show and this touched me and helped me to remember my dream. I LOVE TO DANCE!!! And as Ricki and Kirstie Alley and even Nancy Grace from this season showed, dancing is the most fun and effective workout you can get. That is why I love jazzercise!!! I am the star of my own show for two hours dancing to JLo, Lady Gaga, Britney and Beyonce and getting my dance ON!! Ask my classmates I am sure they will attest to my showing off. I hope Ricki wins, but even if she doesn't, she is the winner in my heart and I thank her for her bravery in doing the show and showing the world the reality of what dreams and hard work can do.
Speaking of fierce women- did anyone see Jennifer Lopez on the American Music Awards??? She is just so amazing and let me tell you I try to embody that fantastic Latina persona every single time I dance to her songs in Jazzercise- just call me GLo - LOL!! ;) She gave curves and having the blessing of a "booty" a good name and for that I must hail thanks to the mighty Ms. Lopez!!!
More news!! I finally dropped some more weight and on November 16th I weighed the least I have even before August!!! I am thoroughly excited. I credit this sudden loss to many trips up and down my Mom's stairs carrying things for her and my Pure Muscle class that kicked my @$$ and going to Jazzercise more to get my hands on that shiny coin purse!!!
I have also been on a healthy cooking kick along with scrapbooking. I have some pics of some recipes I have come up with and been on my personal menu at home. Last night I made mashed garlic cauliflower. YUMMY! I used Ali Vincent's recipe BUT I altered it slightly. I did not use a potato in mine and I used Philadelphia Savory Garlic Cooking Creme. 100 calories a serving and < 1g carbohydrates!! Here is a link to the recipe. Ali Vincent Mashed Cauliflower Recipe and a pic of my version!
I also picked up a butternut squash at the store and decided to try to cook this squash in a twice baked potato or stuffed pepper type of manner. I sliced a butternut squash in half, took out the seeds and cooked it with a little olive oil. When the insides were soft, I scooped them out into a bowl and added Ezekiel bread, celery, carrots, parsley, low sodium organic chicken stock, low sodium organic butternut squash soup, pepper, garlic and made a "stuffing". Put the stuffing in the shell of the squash and baked it and it was YUM!! Here is a pic of my little masterpiece.
Finally, I have also been in a snacky mood so I have tried two new dips that I have been eating with baby carrots for snacks. I used Athenos brand plain Greek yogurt but you could use a reduced fat sour cream. I used Simply Organic brand Creamy Dill Dip mix and Simply Organic French Onion Dip mix. I added to them by adding in minced garlic, pepper, parsley (my new favorite herb), minced onion and let me tell you these dips were DELICIOUS!! I am going to get more yogurt today. I cant get enough of it and it is such an awesome protein source and low in fat. I am a true fan.
I will leave you with a few thoughts. I am thankful for my health, for my life, for my family ALL of them- alive, deceased, close, extended and estranged. I am thankful for the most awesome rockin' job on the planet, good friends and for the many opportunities I have been given. HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU ALL! I will be wearing tight jeans to dinner with my mother at the Bristol Downtown Kansas City for the turkey day event before going to work to keep my eating in check.
Courtney Rainville from Biggest Loser Season 12 has some good motivational quotes on her Facebook page that I will share here with you before signing off.
1.
I am down to 4 classes left to get to my Jazzercise coin purse and the 20 classes! Tonight will knock out two of them and tomorrow the last two. I would have gone yesterday but my legs were burning after the Gobbler Grind 5k race on Sunday followed by a full work night. So yesterday consisted of sleep, sleep and well, more sleep! Gotta get it in eventually lol!
So, many of you who follow me on Facebook know that I was in the Gobbler Grind 5k at Corporate Woods on Sunday morning. It was a frosty 32 degrees in Overland Park, Kansas that morning. This was the first time I have participated in this race. It was a good one! This race included a full and half marathon and the 5k. I am sure i have a couple of years before I could even consider a half-marathon but I know I will get there. I was a little self-conscious going into this race because of the inclusion of the marathon. I knew there would be super runner athletes everywhere and then there is me- the fat girl BUT I never let that stop me. I went anyway, I raced alone as I usually do and I got my best time in a race EVER!! So, I am improving! These races are inspirational to me and I do them for ME. I never get into beating other people because that just isnt a reality for me-yet. I have the goal in mind to beat my time from the previous race I participated in, to finish successfully without injury, to not finish last in my age division or last in the race overall and finally to enjoy the scenery going by as I listen to Motley Crue, Metallica and Ozzy Osbourne, etc. That is about it. I do admit that if I see someone looming over my shoulder or approaching where i can actually hear their footsteps above my MP3 player I immediately speed up, jog, run or power into my walk. But my thoughts are never- hey, I am going to beat so and so or anything like that. Well, at the finish of this race, there was a woman who was approximately 60 years old or older, and she was about 120 lbs. if that. She was healthy and athletic but did show her age. She approached me when I was picking up my medal and she said to me "I just couldn't let you beat me". I looked at her puzzled, but I knew exactly what she meant. She meant I just couldn't let a fat girl like you beat me. My response was well, I dont come to these races to beat anyone but my own best time. After that I proceeded to see the posting of the preliminary results. And I was thrilled! I have a link to the results here on the blog. My best time in a race is 48.41 but honestly I can not remember what race i got that time in. It isnt one I have posted either and its driving me nuts!! But no matter, I completed this race in 47.41 and paced a 15.23 mile! Pretty awesome accomplishment for someone who has to make up in speed for what I lack in stride (so I have short legs and this is a BIG disadvantage!) and then to top it all my size and THEN having been at work for the 10 hours prior to being at the race.
I am so happy!!! I took a picture of my little medal collection I have going now. The flower charm came from the Mother's Day 5k and I considered this to be my 1st "medal". It was the first race I had attended that I got something other than the t-shirt. The blue medal is my participation medal from the Riverside Riverfest Levee Run 5k and now my third one is the green one with the turkey for the Gobbler Grind. A lesson learned from this race is people will always try to say something to bring you down but you cannot allow it. Plus it showed me though I have come so far I still have a long way to go. And that my friends is motivation that will see me through my next race Thanksgiving morning at the Parkville Turkey Trot 5k that benefits the Parkville Animal Shelter and the Parkville Nature Sanctuary.
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| My medal collection! |
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| Ricki back in the days of Hairspray |
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| GO RICKI!!!! DTWS Fierce Girl!!!! |
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| Go JLO! Dance for your Papi! |
More news!! I finally dropped some more weight and on November 16th I weighed the least I have even before August!!! I am thoroughly excited. I credit this sudden loss to many trips up and down my Mom's stairs carrying things for her and my Pure Muscle class that kicked my @$$ and going to Jazzercise more to get my hands on that shiny coin purse!!!
I have also been on a healthy cooking kick along with scrapbooking. I have some pics of some recipes I have come up with and been on my personal menu at home. Last night I made mashed garlic cauliflower. YUMMY! I used Ali Vincent's recipe BUT I altered it slightly. I did not use a potato in mine and I used Philadelphia Savory Garlic Cooking Creme. 100 calories a serving and < 1g carbohydrates!! Here is a link to the recipe. Ali Vincent Mashed Cauliflower Recipe and a pic of my version!
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| Gina's mashed garlic cauliflower "potatoes" |
I also picked up a butternut squash at the store and decided to try to cook this squash in a twice baked potato or stuffed pepper type of manner. I sliced a butternut squash in half, took out the seeds and cooked it with a little olive oil. When the insides were soft, I scooped them out into a bowl and added Ezekiel bread, celery, carrots, parsley, low sodium organic chicken stock, low sodium organic butternut squash soup, pepper, garlic and made a "stuffing". Put the stuffing in the shell of the squash and baked it and it was YUM!! Here is a pic of my little masterpiece.
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| Stuffed Butternut Squash- my new fall favorite! |
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| My French Onion Dip!! |
Courtney Rainville from Biggest Loser Season 12 has some good motivational quotes on her Facebook page that I will share here with you before signing off.
1.
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| Amen to that! |
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
"Nothin' Lasts Forever Even Cold November Rain..."
Hello Everyone! Here in Kansas City we are enjoying some dreary and wet fall weather. But it did not stop me from walking to the post office this morning or driving out to Independence to share my thoughts and happenings of the past week to blog here with you. :) If you are reading my blog for the first time ever, the story of how I began on my path to becoming a "Future Former Fat Girl" begins on my first blog post in April of this year so check it out!
I am still following Live Big with Ali Vincent from the Live Well Network. I wanted to post a link to a segment that features a friend of Ali's named Marcie who is her newest addition to the list of people that Ali is helping to reach their weight loss goals. Check this out! I really do love the show. Dancing Past a Plateau-From Live Big with Ali Vincent
A couple of weeks ago I reached my 100 class milestone in Jazzercise for the year! Plus November is my anniversary month so a year ago this month I took my fitness goals to a new level and joined Jazzercise. My life has been so different since then and I love all the instructors and ladies there! November 1st started a new attendance incentive program that if you complete 20 classes between 11/1 and 12/24 you get this stunning little silver Jazzercise coin purse. The last incentive program they did through the summer I did get through and the prize was a Jazzercise Leopard tote bag that I use for my swimming gear. Right now my very favorite routine we are doing in class is the Jennifer Lopez "I'm Into You". I get to shake my Latina money-maker in that one and show off- lol! ITS SO MUCH FUN! They have a yearly incentive program too. If you make 150 classes for the year you get this cool Jazzercise t-shirt that says "Jazzercise Rocks You to the Core". I am 41 classes away from that goal so I am definitely going for my classes tonight and tomorrow. I am loving my Pure Muscle strength training class and tonight is my last one. It has been a lot of fun. I love all the incentives because it keeps you going toward your goals.
This week another family member passed away. My cousin Rose's husband of 67 years Clarence died. He was such a wonderful person. When I first contacted them in 2004 to discuss family history and get to know them they were so open and wonderful and Clarence's memory and recollection of details truly breathed life into the people that I was researching, reading about, and had never seen the faces of. They shared wonderful pictures and video, etc. I am so happy to have had Clarence as a part of my life. I will miss him dearly. With that said, I am posting a picture of when I attended their granddaughter Heather's wedding back in 2008 and a pic of me now in 2011 going to my cousin Kristin's wedding. I have always tried to be at all my cousin's family events and even when I weighed over 300 lbs that wasn't any different.
Well I am going to wrap this up so I can make it to my 30 minute Jazzercise Express class followed by my Pure Muscle class. Gotta get that coin purse- it will be a cute and hot addition to my other sexy accessories LOL! Of course tonight is Biggest Loser Season 12 and I am anxious to see the drama in store and the accomplishments of the contestants. Its a weekly inspirational must for me every Tuesday night!
Take care of yourself everyone and my mantra for this week is "Keep Your Eye on the Prize". Until next week- peace out! *muah*
I am still following Live Big with Ali Vincent from the Live Well Network. I wanted to post a link to a segment that features a friend of Ali's named Marcie who is her newest addition to the list of people that Ali is helping to reach their weight loss goals. Check this out! I really do love the show. Dancing Past a Plateau-From Live Big with Ali Vincent
A couple of weeks ago I reached my 100 class milestone in Jazzercise for the year! Plus November is my anniversary month so a year ago this month I took my fitness goals to a new level and joined Jazzercise. My life has been so different since then and I love all the instructors and ladies there! November 1st started a new attendance incentive program that if you complete 20 classes between 11/1 and 12/24 you get this stunning little silver Jazzercise coin purse. The last incentive program they did through the summer I did get through and the prize was a Jazzercise Leopard tote bag that I use for my swimming gear. Right now my very favorite routine we are doing in class is the Jennifer Lopez "I'm Into You". I get to shake my Latina money-maker in that one and show off- lol! ITS SO MUCH FUN! They have a yearly incentive program too. If you make 150 classes for the year you get this cool Jazzercise t-shirt that says "Jazzercise Rocks You to the Core". I am 41 classes away from that goal so I am definitely going for my classes tonight and tomorrow. I am loving my Pure Muscle strength training class and tonight is my last one. It has been a lot of fun. I love all the incentives because it keeps you going toward your goals.
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| Happy Anniversary to ME! |
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| I have so loved this class! And it is TOUGH!! |
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My cousin Heather's wedding 9/27/2008. Clarence, Rose, my mother Valerie, my cousins John, Patti and me.  |
Take care of yourself everyone and my mantra for this week is "Keep Your Eye on the Prize". Until next week- peace out! *muah*
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
The Graveyard, The Wedding and Halloween
Hello Everyone! I hope everyone had a very fun and safe Halloween. I also hope that there wasn't too much damage done in the way of candy and goodies lol!
This week has been another challenging week but so much fun and part of the journey is to do as Ali says- and that is "Live Big'" and enjoy life. I was on vacation last week and I was busy getting my workouts in, I took a trip to the National Archives, I read Ali Vincent's book "Believe It, Be It" and that was the best read I have had in a very long time. She shares her personal struggle with weight loss and really touches on how the emotional issues are equally as important to deal with as the physical ones in the journey of weight loss. I am still working on those issues myself. I have not had time off work for 2 years so I was very ready to get some at-home projects done and enjoy some time off.
While at the library this past week I also checked out a Dancing with the Stars and a Biggest Loser Workout DVD's for at home to try out as well. I am usually not a fan of the at home workout stuff but in order to get some extra calorie burn on I am willing to give it a shot. I will let you know how it goes.
This Saturday morning after I got off of work I went home and changed clothes and made my way to the Historic Northeast neighborhood in Kansas City and participated in the Elmwood Cemetery Graveyard 5K Walk/Run. This was my first time at this event and it was a lot of fun. People showed up to run in costume, there were contests, etc. I was upset that I did not beat my best time on this race because I went the wrong way somewhere along the race and ended up passing the mile markers not once but TWICE!!! Ugh! Let me tell you I was very frustrated but, the bright side was that (1) I wasn't last in my age division and (2) I burned waaaay more calories running double the race distance. I got a nice t-shirt for participation and the weather was brisk but clear and sunny so now for next year I know what to expect.
So once i was finished with the run I had a couple of last minute errands to run while I was in the neighborhood before I returned home to get ready for my cousin Kristin Terranella's wedding. This was the most gorgeous, elegant wedding I have ever attended. She was married at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in the old Northend neighborhood where our ancestors lived soon after arriving in the United States. Many of our Sicilian ancestors were married there including our great-grandparents Vito Lipari and Vita Savoca. It was the perfect setting. My cousin was absolutely beautiful and I am so honored to have been there to share in her very special day. I haven't had an opportunity to get my pictures downloaded off of my camera as of yet but here is one I got from her that shows the family of the bride and groom together. Next week I will post a picture of me in my very hot dress I wore to the reception.
The reception was held at Argosy Casino in the main ballroom. It was stunning. I had bought a beautiful gold dress with a jacket and i bought these hot shoes to go with it. They are Fergalicious brand by Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas. Check them out!
Anyhow, the reception was a lot of fun and there was a DJ and they had Frank Vigliaturo come and sing. he is a local Frank Sinatra/Dean Martin crooner and he is awesome. The cake was beautiful and there were Italian Cookies as far as the eye could see. Again, I cant wait to post pictures. Eating challenges were definitely a part of my week with all the events taking place. It happens so now this week will definitely be all about getting my calorie burn on.
Halloween night I went over to my friend Terisa's son and daughter in law's home to their annual get-together. It was a lot of fun. Kristy (the daughter in law) made chili and there were cookies that looked like witches fingers, a cake, punch, candy and the list goes on and on.... The chili was excellent. Here is a pic of those cookies and me having fun with Terisa's grandkids.
Tonight I am on my way to Jazzercise the 30 minute Express class followed by the Pure Muscle class then home to eat dinner and watch Biggest Loser. I wonder what drama they have in store for us this week! I continue to follow Jennifer Rumple, Courtney Rainville of Season 12 and Courtney Crozier of Season 11 on Facebook. They always have some little inspirational motivation to post that gives me a little extra umph for the day. I am also continuing to follow Ali Vincent's new show Live Big with Ali Vincent and one of her three things at the end of this week's show is my new mantra for the week. She said- Finish what you start. And that is where I am. I have done a lot in the 100 lbs I have lost to date but I am not finished. Even though I feel good and look better than i have in my life right now i cannot settle because I am not finished. i am not at my personal best so its time to Finish What I Have Started.
I have a new goal- I am ready to lose 10-12 more pounds before December 21st. We are getting issued new uniforms at work and I want that uniform to be too big BEFORE I ever have a chance to wear it. And by my birthday in May 2012 when I turn 40 years old I will be at my goal weight. I have another cousin getting married in March 2012 and another in May 2012 so I will be working hard to get to my personal best before those milestones arrive.
Have a fantastic week everyone! I want to go enjoy the awesome weather and get going so I dont miss out on working out. Until next time!!
This week has been another challenging week but so much fun and part of the journey is to do as Ali says- and that is "Live Big'" and enjoy life. I was on vacation last week and I was busy getting my workouts in, I took a trip to the National Archives, I read Ali Vincent's book "Believe It, Be It" and that was the best read I have had in a very long time. She shares her personal struggle with weight loss and really touches on how the emotional issues are equally as important to deal with as the physical ones in the journey of weight loss. I am still working on those issues myself. I have not had time off work for 2 years so I was very ready to get some at-home projects done and enjoy some time off.
While at the library this past week I also checked out a Dancing with the Stars and a Biggest Loser Workout DVD's for at home to try out as well. I am usually not a fan of the at home workout stuff but in order to get some extra calorie burn on I am willing to give it a shot. I will let you know how it goes.
This Saturday morning after I got off of work I went home and changed clothes and made my way to the Historic Northeast neighborhood in Kansas City and participated in the Elmwood Cemetery Graveyard 5K Walk/Run. This was my first time at this event and it was a lot of fun. People showed up to run in costume, there were contests, etc. I was upset that I did not beat my best time on this race because I went the wrong way somewhere along the race and ended up passing the mile markers not once but TWICE!!! Ugh! Let me tell you I was very frustrated but, the bright side was that (1) I wasn't last in my age division and (2) I burned waaaay more calories running double the race distance. I got a nice t-shirt for participation and the weather was brisk but clear and sunny so now for next year I know what to expect.
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| Me after a 10 hour workday running in the cemetery for the Elmwood Cemetery 5k |
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| Left to Right- Mandy Wilcox (sister of Bride), Kimberly Terranella (sister of bride and maid of honor), Shirley Terranella (mother of bride), Victor Terranella (father of bride), Kristin Terranella (bride), Carl Gumina (groom), Rosa Gumina (mother of groom), Sal Gumina (father of groom), Tony Gumina (brother of groom and best man), Jamie Gumina (wife of Tony), and Adriana Gumina (flower girl and daughter of Tony and Jamie) |
Anyhow, the reception was a lot of fun and there was a DJ and they had Frank Vigliaturo come and sing. he is a local Frank Sinatra/Dean Martin crooner and he is awesome. The cake was beautiful and there were Italian Cookies as far as the eye could see. Again, I cant wait to post pictures. Eating challenges were definitely a part of my week with all the events taking place. It happens so now this week will definitely be all about getting my calorie burn on.
Halloween night I went over to my friend Terisa's son and daughter in law's home to their annual get-together. It was a lot of fun. Kristy (the daughter in law) made chili and there were cookies that looked like witches fingers, a cake, punch, candy and the list goes on and on.... The chili was excellent. Here is a pic of those cookies and me having fun with Terisa's grandkids.
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| witches finger sugar cookies- so cute! |
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| me and Terisa's grandkids- p.s. my hair is now dark again lol!! |
Tonight I am on my way to Jazzercise the 30 minute Express class followed by the Pure Muscle class then home to eat dinner and watch Biggest Loser. I wonder what drama they have in store for us this week! I continue to follow Jennifer Rumple, Courtney Rainville of Season 12 and Courtney Crozier of Season 11 on Facebook. They always have some little inspirational motivation to post that gives me a little extra umph for the day. I am also continuing to follow Ali Vincent's new show Live Big with Ali Vincent and one of her three things at the end of this week's show is my new mantra for the week. She said- Finish what you start. And that is where I am. I have done a lot in the 100 lbs I have lost to date but I am not finished. Even though I feel good and look better than i have in my life right now i cannot settle because I am not finished. i am not at my personal best so its time to Finish What I Have Started.
I have a new goal- I am ready to lose 10-12 more pounds before December 21st. We are getting issued new uniforms at work and I want that uniform to be too big BEFORE I ever have a chance to wear it. And by my birthday in May 2012 when I turn 40 years old I will be at my goal weight. I have another cousin getting married in March 2012 and another in May 2012 so I will be working hard to get to my personal best before those milestones arrive.
Have a fantastic week everyone! I want to go enjoy the awesome weather and get going so I dont miss out on working out. Until next time!!
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