Hi Blog Peeps!  Well this week I feel as though I am just muddling through.  I had a 1.4 lb weight loss last week but I have hit some obstacles this week.  I have continued to workout but I had a friend in town this week and I indulged in pizza, wine and tiramisu on Tuesday, and crab legs and desserts on Wednesday at the buffet.  *sigh* But I did go to the pool on Tuesday then I went to jazzercise at the Independence location yesterday sooooo not all bad I suppose. 

Today is definitely self made "last chance workout" day.  After I finish blogging, I am making my way to my park to walk.  I came to blog and charge the MP3 player just for inspiration and of course I need my music for my walk.  I am going to attempt to jog through some of my walk today in hopes of getting a little bit of extra calorie burn. I will definitely be making my way to jazzercise and swimming and indoor track walking tonight.  I wanted to share a link with you on some arm exercises called Six Weeks to Sleeveless on a show called Mirror Mirror from the Live Well Network.  With summer on its way it has some really good tips.  I have a real problem with hanging skin on my arms and around the middle because of my large amount of weight loss.  Even though I workout regularly there will be no way of getting rid of some of this.  But I still try to tone.  It brings tears to my eyes somedays when I would LOVE to wear something sleeveless or a tank top or a sundress WITHOUT a shrug to cover my arms.  Six Weeks to Sleeveless

Saw this t-shirt on Facebook today that was designed by Season 12 contestant Vinny and I just love it so I will treat myself to one for my birthday.  I really love it!

I have been in self reflection mode since Tuesday this week.  Where I have been, Where I am going and how I value myself.  Many of you dont know this but I was a young mother at age 16.  My daughter is 23 and a mother herself.  Yes reluctantly I must admit that I am a 39 year old grandmother. *ugh!* I have had a lot of difficulty accepting that dreaded title for many reasons.  One is my daughter and I do not have a relationship to speak of and havent for almost 2 years.  Secondly I think that since my youth was spent being a mother, doing all the things that moms do, school activities, Scouts, dance lessons, etc.  I had to grow up fast so just now as my body is changing, my life is awesome in respect to my job and my friends and my love of working out and taking care of me; I want to live a youthful, healthy and FUN life!  For the first time in my life I am getting attention from guys which is still so foreign to me but I love it.  It contributes to my feeling of attractiveness, sexiness, beauty, etc. 

A couple of weeks ago I went on a dinner date and the guy told me he thought I was 31!  LOL that is awesome!  It was a one time date but I had fun and hopefully the comment was sincere.  I dont feel as though I am almost 40.  I am ready to enjoy, savor and embrace all life has to offer.  Life is too short not to!  

Joel Osteen said in his broadcast called "The Promise is in You" that before you were born God knew you and planned out all your days.  He has solutions to problems you havent even had.  WOW!  It is hard to think that your life is planned out before you but its true.  I know that my life has a purpose and a plan and being the healthiest best me is part of that plan.   I am ready to step into the next faze of my destiny and celebrate myself and SHINE!

I made a commitment to myself that regardless of what comes and how long it takes I will get to my goal weight.  With that in mind like I posted last week I am tracking again.  I did miss two days of tracking this week but picked it up again today.  When I was at the pool Tuesday evening, I saw my old Weight Watchers leader Kelli and she was so uplifting and supportive.  I loved her as my leader.  Then walking in to take a deep water bootcamp class that was going on was my current Weight Watchers leader Jennie.  She is equally awesome.  I have slacked on going to my meetings to weigh in because of the weigh ins for the contest at work.  I hate feeling prize fighter like with multiple weigh ins.  But I benefit from the meetings and I need to make an effort to go again. 

I did get my new glasses yesterday and I love them.  Like I blogged before I have never felt attractive in my glasses but now I am beginning to feel confident enough that I can carry myself with total confidence in my glasses or not.  Check me out!

I guess I dont have a lot to say this week.  I am ready for my cousin's wedding on Saturday.  Going to a Pure Romance party with another cousin on Friday before I go to work so that should be fun and I am going out with friends after the wedding on Saturday night.  Life is so good and I am very blessed!

Inspiration comes in all forms and in ways we cannot begin to imagine. I am inspired by people like Jennifer Rumple here is her segment on 7live about finishing the LA Marathon.  Check it out. Jennifer Rumple Marathon Segment  I am inspired by Courtney Rainville, Courtney Crozier- all Biggest Loser Contestants.    I am inspired by anyone who has enough inside of them to do what it takes to live life fully and richly.  HAVE A FANTASTIC WEEK!! Until we blog again!! *HUGS*

Wednesday Beautiful Blog Day!

Hello Blog Peeps! Love that pic with Mohammed Ali!! As I am blogging I am listening to Joel Osteen online at the library.  He said in a previous show I missed that its all about vision.  You have to put new pictures in your frame, visualize yourself as you will look after the weight loss- just like I say- keeping your eye on the prize.  I see myself looking similar to Jennifer Rumple when I reach my goal.  Somedays the goal seems far and unattainable but its all about redirecting your thoughts and surrounding yourself in the positive.  And I know the image of myself I see in my mind will someday be the picture I am posting here for all to see.  I see myself as the healthy and whole beautiful, sexy party princess who loves life.  I work hard for that every day.  You may think this is silly but it really does work!  Don't lack in vision it can take you places! Power of Your Visions-Joel Osteen


My new tracking journal ROCKS!  LOL!





Today I bought some measuring cups and a large measuring cup.  I also bought a notebook to track in to carry in my purse and some fun colored pens.  My true weakness is tracking what I eat.  I have tried to use the cool trackers online, the fun purse sized ones from Weight Watchers and I tell you I start strong then slack off to nothing.  I think that a clean page I can write in my thoughts, my workouts, my food and everything together in purple and pink gel pen will help me continue to keep tracking.  I know tracking works.  When I first walked in the door at Weight Watchers this was so key and the weight came off.  So its back to tracking basics.

Yesterday I went to the mall and walked around as it was a gray and gloomy day in Riverside/Kansas City Metro area.  I went in all my favorite stores and stopped in and got an eye exam and I cannot wait to show off my hot new glasses in a pic on here next week.  I have always been very self conscious about my glasses.  I have been extremely nearsighted since 3rd grade.  But now I think I have finally found enough self confidence that I can rock any glasses I put on and still feel good about how I look.  I also got new contacts because there are times I feel sexier in the contacts.  I am also thinking its time for a haircut, brow wax - some feel good about me stuff. Whatever works right?  I also went to my Mom's and helped her out with some errands and climbed many many stairs at her house.  So I was exhausted when I got home and fell asleep in front of Biggest Loser in Hawaii :(  Oh well- I will read my friend Marie's blog and catch up on what I missed. LOL!  Marie's Journey of Faith and Fitness Blog

Today I am off to run more errands for my mom.  I went to Jazzercise this morning and I am going this afternoon to visit out at the Jazzercise in Independence then I will swim and walk the indoor track at the gym this evening.  I finally feel like myself for a change.  I also checked out a couple of workout DVD's for home.  If the weather improves tomorrow I will be back out at my park once again too.  Blessed to have a full happy life! 




I mentioned Jennifer Rumple Biggest Loser Season 12 At Home Winner above.  I follow her on Facebook and she is also the producer on 7Live, a TV channel out of the Los Angeles, CA area.  I am posting a link to her show here and she talks about some tricks she used to lose 145 lbs.  She is such an inspiration- I love her posts on Facebook!  Seriously if you are looking for inspiration- check her out!  Jennifer Rumple 7liveonline

Looking forward to my cousin's wedding on March 31st!  Gives me an excuse to buy something new to wear possibly!  I also have only 8 weeks till my 40th Birthday so I am really in training mode right now.  As with my previous blogs I am sharing some positive motivation pics that will get me going and hopefully inspire you as well today!  My friend Paul Berrian posted this one on Facebook and tagged me in it and I absolutely love it so when I feel tired and like I dont want to do anything I am going to think about this one for sure!  Maybe some of these excuses fit ones you use?  I know they have crossed my mind!

Just one more thought for the week- Check out Zonya Foco.  She is a dietician, nutritionist and motivational speaker.  She really has facts to back up everything she talks about and tells it like it is.  I am posting a link to her 8 Habits that Will Change Your Life.  Zonya's 8 Habits That Will Change Your Life Also Check her out on her show Zonya's Health Bites on PBS.  Here is a video clip.  Zonya's Health Bites

I also added to my list of things to do this year- I picked up a Royals Baseball Schedule and you can bet I am going to ball games this year and also I am looking at upcoming rock concerts so I know that I can have fun as well as be dedicated to my weight loss journey because living a full BIG life is really what its all about!  I also looked at the South Dakota website checking out Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Monument etc. for my trip I want to take in June. WOO HOO! 

I hope you have a fantastic week.  I look forward to blogging here and sharing my journey with you all.  But I wont get this busy day and all I have to do in if I dont get off the computer and live my life!  I will leave you with the final motivational pic message that truly says it all and I have to keep all of this in mind when I am feeling low and like I just cant keep going but deep down I know I have to because I see the girl I want to be in my mind- that vision has been there for a while and I am ready to see her staring me back in the mirror!!  Till we blog again!  *HUGS!!!*

It cannot be said any better than this.  Wonderful words to get you motivated!

I know I am blogging two days in a row people!  I went to jazzercise this morning and got to do the new routine to what I call "my theme song" (LOL) "Sexy and I Know It" by LMFAO!!  It was so fun and I can't wait until I know it well so I can really shake it like I am at the club. :)  That song is my ringtone on my phone and its what I listen to when I am getting ready for work so I can get my sexy persona on! 

Yesterday I had the best time walking in my park.  Beautiful weather continues and I will find myself raking leaves at my mom's house later this afternoon.  A workout outside!! 

Embrace yourself at any size

"It feels great to take care of your body. Do you take time to cherish yourself and feed your body healthy food, positive self talk, and movement every day?"  I took this from a site I like to follow called FormerFatChick.com.  I believe that we must cherish the body we have and love ourselves completely to achieve healthy and permanent weight loss.  Acceptance, feeling sexy all play an important role together.  This is a great clip from Live Big with Ali Vincent where she takes a woman named Alexandra to a pole dancing class to help her get in shape but also to begin that acceptance of her body and to feel sexy at any size.  Check this out! Pole Dance Fun and Fitness-Ali Vincent

Joel Osteen says a lot of positive motivational things in his sermons and many of them can be applied to the concept of healthy living, fitness and exercise.  Many I have needed to hear in the last couple of weeks and I will share two of them with you.  "You may have situations that look impossible. Don’t get discouraged. Don’t give up. Keep believing for unprecedented favor."  and "The way you defeat criticism is to shake it off and keep moving forward. Stay focused on your goals, and do what you believe God wants you to do."  Being healthy and living my life to its fullest in the best body I can have to help me achieve my goals is the ultimate prize and the biggest critique to beat is the voice inside our own minds that tell us we cannot achieve the ideas and dreams that are put there for us.

I read this article from sparkpeople.com and I also wanted to share it here with you.  It lists the 7 top things that successful "dieters" (I hate that word!) do.  I love the tips but I know there isn't a "diet" in the world that truly works- Its all about making healthy choices and changes in your life.  Good article! 7 Things

There are two other motivational TV shows I watch religiously that I just love.  They are on the Canadian ION Network.  One is called Body Fuel and the recipes, supplement information, nutritional information are the best and it comes from top fitness competitors and body builders who are also experts in supplements, nutrition and fitness.  The other one is called The Right Fit and they show different ideas to shake up your workouts with sending their correspondent to ice climb, belly dance, kickbox, you name it.  They also have people on that they help to achieve their weight loss or fitness goals.  Excellent show.  Check them both out.  Body Fuel and The Right Fit.  Between The Live Well Network and ION Life Television I rarely watch much else.  Even though they rerun a lot of the shows I still enjoy them. 

I cannot forget Dr. Oz of course!  Another of my favorites.  Here is a link to the Weight Loss section of his website that is a total plethora of information and good tips/advice. Cheers to Dr. Oz!  Dr. Oz Weight Loss Center

My Ballet Body class finally begins March 27th and I am excited to get that going.  In my last blog I forgot to mention that I was also discouraged because my Zumba class and the Boot Camp classes at work ended.  So now I am back a Jazzercise more again but would still like to do something "dancey".  I want a flamenco class or a pole dance class or a ballet class.  I am a dancer- trapped in a short stubby body with a big booty LOL but a dancer at heart all the same.  So next time I log on you may find me telling you I am dancing it up somewhere to shake my workout up again.

Some more motivational pics to leave you with as you can see littered about this blog too.  Lots of Love to you all and I hope that my motivation continues to rise from this point.  Maybe I just need to blog more LOL!  Take Care and

DO SOMETHING FABULOUS FOR YOUR BODY TODAY!!!

March Madness and Sudden Clarity

Hello Blog Peeps!  Now if only I could keep that positive message in mind on days like this my goal would not seem so far away.  I know I have made progress although slow.  It has been a couple of weeks since I last blogged.  I am currently in a funk so to speak.  As I mentioned in my last post I was having problems with difficult food cravings and fluctuations in my weight. Fatigue has also kept me from working out as much as I had been which was not helpful.  I was at my lowest weight on 2/19 but after my bout with the hormonal business I gained 7 lbs.  But I lost 3.5 last week so now I am only 3.5 over the lowest weight I have had on record. 

We are in the midst of our annual corporate weight loss challenge at work.  I am not really sure why but the pressure of these events actually seems to hinder my efforts.  So that is another reason I believe I gained earlier in the month.  But now yet again back on track.  Reflecting on my many struggles with plateaus and my hormonal issues with weight loss over the last couple of years I realized that my weight loss pattern resembles a crazy line graph such as this one lol! If I keep going down and working hard for every peak that happens during the crazy craving times will eventually get me closer to my goal.

I also realized today that I am only 9 weeks out from my 40th birthday.  So this means I really need to kick it into gear.  Lately because of my weight setback I have been mopey and unmotivated.  Some of this is also due to my schedule change at work and now the lovely Daylight Savings Time.  I was so scheduled with my workouts prior to our new schedule changes at work and I am just now getting back into a groove.  For example, last week I reached my first goal at Jazzercise for the year.  150 classes in a calendar year earns you a Jazzercise T-Shirt and the new one for this year is cute but runs small so I want to make sure that it fits well by the time I earn it.  They recognize each 25 class milestone.  I earned my first 25 classes so only 125 left to go.  Actually its less than that now but every class gets me closer.  Usually this would have me ecstatic but like I said I am in a slump.  I also felt like giving up last week.  Discouraged with the amount of time this journey has taken me.  I will have been at this 3 years in August and frankly I am getting tired. 

I am also experiencing some emotional issues.  Dealing with the reality of the complexity of the relationships in my life with family and close friends.  There are definitely still some underlying issues I need to get control of before my weight loss will be permanent and my life being lived to the absolute fullest.

Like I mentioned above today is the first day I feel some of my groove getting back.  I went to Jazzercise for 2 hours this morning and after I am done blogging here I will hit the park.  It is a lovely 82 degrees and sunny in Riverside, Missouri today AND MY PARK IS OPEN!!!  I think I need the sunlight exposure to boost my mood.  Since I work overnights my Vitamin D levels become low and at its lowest I start feeling this mopey depressed stuff.  My soul needs my river park! 

Remember I go through times that are tough and I did not lose over 100 lbs. without feeling like I want to give up on occasion or being discouraged by injury or plateaus or the family occasion with all the wonderful food.  I am human and have the same obstacles.  Support during these times is critical and it is when I turn to motivational reading, success stories, anything I can get my hands on to get my mind in the positive.

I am preparing for my first out of town outing of the season at the end of the month.  My cousin Hallie is getting married in Boonville, Missouri so I have the day off to go and see some of my cousins that live in Iowa that I never get to see.  I am excited to get out on the road even if only for a short distance. 

I was also asked a while back to help start a walk/run group at work so that is supposed to start later this month and I will go with any other employees who are interested to walk or run at the park, or the levee, or a 2 mile radius at the property.  I am excited and honored to get to do this and I know it will help my weight loss venture in a new direction and get me ready for the Trolley Run 4 mile race in April. 

I guess I will close this blog with a reminder that obstacles and life in general just happen but reigning yourself back in and getting yourself on track is key to permanent weight loss.  I know I am headed in the right direction.  Be kind to yourself no matter if you are just starting the journey or if you are frustrated like me in the middle/end of your journey.  This pic reminded me of where I have been and how important kindness to yourself is when trying to change your life.

These positive message images appear a lot on Facebook, etc.  And I love blogging them.  The final pic I will post is the kick in the pants that some of us need every once in a while.  I think I need to take a pole dancing class.... maybe thats what I need LOL!  Have a wonderful week and get active doing something.  Be kind to your soul and to your physical body whatever it takes!!