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!!

February Findings and Musings

Hello everyone!!  Happy Ash Wednesday!  Spring seems to be in the air today here in lovely Riverside.  It is 60 degrees in February.  Mildest winter I can ever remember.  So today I started out the day at Jazzercise, then made my way over to the old neighborhood to get to Mass for Ash Wednesday today.  I always call Wednesday my "Workout Wednesday", and today is no different.  I am going to take in some of this wonderful weather and take a walk in Parkville at English Landing Park.  I cannot tell you how much I miss my river park walking time.  I feel like my soul aches for that connection with nature and with God.  My body responds to the fresh air and the beauty of all the surroundings .  Then after a brisk walk I will make my way to 430pm Jazzercise, 530pm Zumba with my friends at work, get in a body sculpting class at 640pm and then a nice swim.  Its on!

I have struggled this week- a subject that none of us women wish to discuss- good ol' PMS.  It is my biggest diet sabotage and weight loss wrecker!!!  I have the strongest carbohydrate food cravings during this time and I succomb to them more than I want to.  So this week has been some major food disasters like pasta, chocolate, etc. Plus I havent worked out since Saturday (until this morning).  Because also during the dreaded PMS I get what I refer to as "Rip Van Winkle Syndrome".  I can sleep forever, I am literally so exhausted that I feel as though I am drugged.  Being in that state of exhaustion makes getting to workout nearly impossible even for someone highly motivated like me.  I read an article today that helps explain this phenomenon.  I am going to share it here with you.  For next month's bout with this I am going to use some of these tips.  Coping with PMS Food Cravings

Saturday I participated in an Aqua Boot Camp at the North Kansas City Community Center (my gym).  I really enjoyed it.  There were elements of kickboxing with different equipment used in the pool to get resistance, some water calisthenics, etc.  I enjoyed it so much that I signed up so for the next 4 weeks beginning March 3rd, I will be spending my Saturday mornings at the gym getting my swim on. Aqua Boot Camp   I am also getting ready to begin this year's session of Ballet Body from Jazzercise too!  I cant wait because I get to break out the ballet slippers yet again!!!!

I also forgot to mention in my last blog that a picture of me from the Groundhog Run was featured in my workplace employee newsletter back on February 10th.  I was so excited!  I love having my pic taken but to be publicized is even better.  Anything that shines spotlight on how wonderful I feel and the journey I am taking is AWESOME in my book!!

 I also recently traded in my work uniform shirts for smaller ones- they fit snug and exact but this is the way I get the best results.  I see my blouses getting looser and looser and its an awesome gauge to see where my weight loss is going.  Also, it keeps me from going overboard with eating because I dont want to look ridiculous or worse yet have to go back up in size.  I anticipate in 5-10 lbs. these shirts will look perfect.

Also at work we are starting our annual weight loss challenge on Monday.  This will give me a new kick in the rear to get going on my goal.  May is coming and I am feeling good that I will get to goal by my 40th birthday.  I know I have shared my list of things to do in my 40th year but I have a couple of additions.  1.  get to Omaha and meet my cousins, 2. get to Cleveland and see my cousins, 3. get to hike up Mount Rushmore, 4. ride a motorcycle, 5. go trail riding on horseback, 6. get to my ancestral homeland in San Teodoro, Messina, Sicily, 7. see and enjoy as many concerts as I can this year and 8. to participate in at least 10 races this year.  These are the biggies.  I heard that dreams are goals without a plan so now I need to plan!

Anyhow, my next race looks like the St. Pat's Westport 4 mile walk in March and the 4 mile Trolley Run at the Country Club Plaza in April.  I have a good friend who is organizing a walk for Preeclampsia and HELLP Syndrome Awareness in May and I am putting a link here for anyone who lives in the Kansas City Area who may be interested in participating or if you are interested in donating to the cause.  Promise Walk

Ok, I had something funny happen to me this week BUT it was a significant moment for me I want to share with you.  I had the pleasure of chatting with a couple of guys and one of them happens to be very attractive, muscular build, and the best thing of all he is nice and intelligent.  We were just chatting about different things and when I was getting ready to leave to go on to my next assignment, I came right out and told him "if you were available I would so date you because I find you extremely attractive".  CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT???  I can't.  If someone would have told me that I would have had the courage to say that to a guy even 6 months ago I would have told them they were crazy so this is monumental. It means my self confidence is rising with each pound I lose.  And if I can say this to someone, I can do it again and again.  Coolness!!!

I also wanted to share a couple of links to good websites based on fitness, motivation, and healthy living.  I am a believer in keeping motivational magazines around the house so I dont lose focus, checking out websites and keeping informed, etc.  Check these out!  Spry Living by Lisa Delaney Author of Secrets of a Former Fat Girl   Sparkpeople Live Big with Ali Vincent

Decided to give The Biggest Loser one more shot last night and even though there was drama it did help me feel inspired to get off the couch and that is key for me.  I liked hearing Cassandra express her feelings from her journaling.  Feeling the contestants struggle is how most connect with the show.  I havent watched in about two or three weeks being busy with workouts so I could definitely see a visible difference in the contestants and they are making progress.  SO that means I need to keep progressing too! 

Since being back at Weight Watchers in January I have lost 7.8lbs.  The scale is moving.  I will definitely keep you all updated.  PMS may have set me back but it wont win.  Have a wonderful week!!  I am off to the park because even though I love the internet as much as others, real life is more exciting!!! Until we blog again!

 YOU GOT THIS!!!



Fabulous Fierce Focused February!

I guess those words are what I would use to describe how I feel right now.  I am FABULOUS and you should tell yourself this every single day!  I am FIERCE and I feel that way when I workout, in my clothes, when I am smiling and laughing at my job with the people and my co-workers.  I am FOCUSED- my workouts have been stepped up.  I am working out 5 days a week and sometimes 3 or more hours at a time.  I also re-committed myself to Weight Watchers and lost 4.4 the first week!

For the past 2 weeks since my last blog, I participated in the Children's TLC Foundation Groundhog 5k Run.  It is held every year in the Hunt Midwest Subtropolis- an underground community of businesses, warehouses, etc.  This was the very first race I had participated in back in 2010. This is my 3rd Groundhog Run.  In 2010 I was about 260-270 lbs., it took me well over an hour to finish the race AND I was last-DEAD LAST.  But I was so happy because I had completed it, I went out there and I did it and I was hooked.  Like I have said before there is just no replacement for the feeling that comes when crossing a finish line.  This year I crossed the finish line in 47.26 which was not my best time in a 5k and being competitive with myself like I am this was emotional for me.  I was upset I didnt beat my best time, but so elated that I have come this far and the memories of the Groundhog races past overwhelmed me and I cried.  My good friends Loxie and Andi were there to comfort me.  Racing is an emotional and physical undertaking and I am so blessed that I can do them.  My friend Terisa was worried she would not finish the race in under and hour.  This is her 5th race to date and I could not be more proud of her!!  She finished the race in 58.00 even with foot trouble.  She was elated and excited- the sense of accomplishment these events bring is immeasurable.  I am posting a link on here to the photos from the race.  Check them out!  Groundhog 5k 2012 Race Photos

I want to take a few lines to talk about some things I keep hearing as I go along my journey into fitness and health.  I hear lots of excuses as to why people say they can't lose weight.  I also hear a lot of  "well she has money for a gym, jazzercise, etc"   Here is what I would like to tell you all about excuses.  Excuses kept me at 315lbs.  I too had a child who kept me completely focused on their life and BUSY!!  We were activity addicts- dance, Girl Scouts, Youth Volunteer Corps, Cheer, Drama, etc.  from the time she was 5 on.  I ceased to exist as a person and existed only as a cheerleader, taxi, cook, Girl Scout Leader, and employee of wherever I would be employed at that time.  So believe me I understand.  We lose ourselves giving to those we love and care for.  But what we all fail to realize and I was guilty of this as well is that unless we take time to keep ourselves healthy, to alleviate stress, to get that workout in, to eat healthier, etc. we cannot be at our best to take care of those people we dedicated ourselves so completely to.  I think of all the things I could have done with my daughter that I couldn't because I was so heavy.  Too fat to ride rides at Worlds of Fun, slowest and huffing and puffing on hikes and camping- so many things I cannot list them all.  Taking care of yourself is a must.  Time, kids, activities, marriage, etc. are not valid excuses.  We can make time for the things we really want if we set our minds to it. 

Now, that we have covered the time excuse lets move on to the money excuse.  When I weighed 315lbs., I did not have money for a gym membership, I didnt just decide to go to jazzercise-I was too unhealthy at first.  I simply took an old cassette (yes folks- a cassette- I said it) walkman to the park next door to my place of employment and it was me and Bon Jovi, and a pack of AA batteries (because the batteries would not make it through one 3 mile walk LOL), pavement, the river and calorie burn.  I also took advantage of my breaks at work and when the weather permitted I would walk in our parking lot with the same walkman.  I would also walk the 9 flights of stairs in the hotel and back down over lunch-especially through winter and rainy weather.  I made use of free things and the time I had that was mine.  My break time at work is mine.  My lunch time, mine too.  I also had a Weight Watchers exercise DVD I started using and to break up the drudgery and I would go roller skating at the local rink.  Yes I did say Roller Skating.  I returned to something I knew how to do and that I loved from childhood.  Cheap, good cardio and muscle building workout and fun!  Not being able to attend classes or go to the gym are not a valid excuse.  Here is a link to a video from trainer Harley Pasternak of the new TV show The Revolution on how to build a gym right in your own home for under $50.00.  Your health is worth $50.00!  I am also posting a link to exercises you can do at home that started Jennifer Hudson off on her weight loss journey that don't cost a thing and you can do at home.  Also- if you take your kids to the library they have fitness DVD's available for checkout from Dancing with the Stars, The Biggest Loser, etc.  Free.  Again, money is not a valid excuse.  I am fortunate to be able to do other things to challenge myself now but in a pinch or if I need a quick workout I go back to the basics from which the journey started for me and whence I came.  Harley Pasternak-Build a Home Gym for Under 50.00  Jennifer Hudson's Home Workout

Ok Ok- enough EXCUSES and enough soapbox from me.  This season of The Biggest Loser hasn't been so great-yet.  I am still holding out hope- but the past 2 seasons were incredible and I want to link a story on Season 11's Hannah Curlee and Olivia Ward.  They share their advice on how they were able to lose the weight but more importantly how they are keeping it off.  Check this out! OK! Magazine Article on Hannah Curlee and Olivia Ward  And my fave contestant from Season 12- Jennifer Rumple was featured on the cover of a new OK! Magazine spin-off called Reality Weekly.  Jennifer Rumple-Reality Weekly Blurb In the article she talks about Eating for Life and Working Out Smarter.  The pics in the article are amazing.  You can pick up a copy at Walgreens.

Surrounding yourself with positive media like fitness magazines, and inspirational TV shows help keep you focused on the goal.  Positive REAL images help too.  I remember seeing a picture of London Andrews a model who also does nude modeling  and seeing how realistic her body type was and how beautiful that can be was a real eye opener for me.  I thought to myself- hey I can look like that.  It was so much more attainable and frankly REAL than the images that I had grown up being told were the definition of beautiful like Heather Locklear, Pam Anderson, Denise Richards, you know- rocker blondes with big breasts and big hair and size zero.  That was so blown out of proportion in my mind but that is what we do when we are in our teens and twenties trying to identify with what will make us attractive.  A guy asked her on her Tumblr blog recently how much she weighed and guys are dumb because anyone knows you don't ever ask a woman her weight whether its a healthy weight or not- 1. its rude and 2. we are women HELLO we are VAIN!  But she answered his question publically on the blog and that just shows how comfortable she is with her self-image and in answering this question she actually inspired me even more.  She said 194 and that she fluctuates between 190-200.  194 is only 10lbs less than me!  She is always gracious in answering people's questions and one question from a girl was "Does it irritate you at all when people refer to you as thick or curvy? I have always hated when people can't call a beautiful sexy woman a beautiful sexy woman.  Why do we have to categorize as thick? And don't get me started on the term BBW..."  London's response was the following- "See, I don’t mind “thick” or “curvy”… because I feel like those things are positive and sexy. Guys who like skinny girls will say that they like “tall and thin” girls…. I think it is just a way to describe someone…..Things that I don’t like…. are fetishy words, like BBW (you can’t find porn for skinny women…. but they turned curvy into a grotesque fetish…) - I don’t like Big or the word Fat…. I just find those things to be rude and I don’t think they are compliments…"  Here is a pic of her- she is so awesome and kudos to her for showing me what I could not see myself when she did. 

London Andrews

Finally- I have to wrap this up because I have to get to zumba class-  Tonight's agenda- Zumba, pool, track/weights.  Here is a pic of me last week from Zumba wearing a belly dance scarf/wrap with cool jingles on it.


ZUMBA!

Finally here is how I started my day today- a Power Breakfast and keeping on track- Gotta jet for now but I hope that you will do what it takes to be healthy.

This is how I will have energy to do 3+ hours of workout today! 1 scrambled egg on a Mama Lupe's Low Carb tortilla with sauteed mushrooms, red and green onion, parsley and pepper mixes with 2tbsp of
salsa verde and a slice of tomato. smoothie with 0%fat Athenos Greek Yogurt, 1 scoop of Jillian Michaels chocolate whey protein, raspberries, blackberries and strawberries. a cup of coffee and of
course water. no doubt this is a lot of food and a lot of protein and I can be proud I made it all myself :) its a lifestyle FOREVER!

 I want everyone to feel as FABULOUS, FIERCE, FOCUSED AND HEALTHY AS I DO!  *much love and hugs*  Till next time and Happy Valentines Day- remember there are other ways to show love other than chocolate :)!

New Horizons-Keeping My Eye on the Prize

Hello!  Sometimes it is easy to get frustrated when the scale isnt moving so that is when we have to start looking at different things other than the scale.  Victories of a different kind if you will.  I find that as I get "smaller" (that still sounds funny to me!) that the weight comes off slower so I really have to look for victories in other places when the scale is not moving.  For example I can look in the mirror and see differences in my body, how my pants fit is a good guide, stamina in different activities and realizing how it wasn't all that long ago I could not have even attempted some things I do today, etc.  I feel absolutely amazing right now.  I feel as though I am in the best health of my life and for that I am truly blessed!  I have been given a second chance at life and I am grateful for that everyday!

This week I have tried some new things to get me going in the right direction.  I know that if I continue to keep my nutrition on track and continue to keep my workouts my number one focus that the scale will eventually begin to move once more.  I work at a wonderful place!  They have provided us a Zumba class and a Beginner Boot Camp at their expense for one month to see how we like it.  The instructors come to us at our workplace to do this.  I have to tell you I LOVE the zumba class and my co-workers/classmates!  It is really fun and I am feeling so good when I leave there.  I have class twice a week and tonight its on again and I can't wait!  I tried the Beginner Boot Camp for the first time on Tuesday.  I was really worried that I might not be able to do some of the things because of my arthritic knee but I surprised myself and was able to get in the floor and do the drills and I didn't overdo the knee so I left immensely proud of myself!  Boot camp is taught by a male instructor and this is the first activity that I've participated in that has a guy for the instructor.  He is very nice and I really liked the class and think that this will be the edge I need to push me into the next level.  If you are curious as to what Zumba or boot camp is all about- here are some links that describe it.  Zumba and Beginner Boot Camp

I went to Jazzercise last night and of course had a blast!  I love my classmates and the instructors there.  I also used my new gym membership on Saturday and Sunday to go swimming.  I do a variety of water aerobics, I walk against the current and with the current in the "lazy river" for warm up and resistance- 10 laps each.  Sunday I got brave and got in a lap lane and I did breaststroke and sidestroke for 5 laps back and forth and didn't get winded!  I was ecstatic because I remember when 1 lap was taxing!  I cant wait to get back to the gym and see how far I can push myself this time.  Here is a pic of my pool at North Kansas City Community Center

My knee is doing so much better.  I heard an acronym that I keep in my head in regard to keeping my knee healthy and in working order for me.  It is RICE- Rest-Ice-Compression-Elevation.  The best medicine for it.  I am also using turmeric, fish oil and glucosamine for inflammation that has really helped a lot! Plus the use of the magnetic knee brace has truly been a God-send!  (Thanks Mom!)

I am using Thursday and Friday as my rest days from exercise because 1. its when I go back to work and 2. to give my knee a chance to rest before I hit it hard the rest of the week.  Rest is important so you don't overtrain.  I have done this before and it actually does way more harm than good.

Just a mention on Biggest Loser- this season has went to the drama queens but I do have to say on a positive I am happy to see Cassandra make the kind of emotional breakthrough during her workout with Bob that she did.  I have moments like this sometimes.  I have cried in Jazzercise when I realize I have pushed my body to do things that I didn't think were possible.  I cry for a variety of reasons just because I am a very emotional being. But I watch the Biggest Loser because I identify with the people on the show as they go through their journey and because it inspires me to continue on mine with renewed vigor and confidence in knowing that if these people are willing to do this in front of a national television audience then I can do this too.

So to wrap this up for this week- if you are bored with your workout, try something new.  There are all kinds of new fitness class offerings out there now.  Explore and have fun!  Go back to basics when you feel you have exhausted all your options.  When it was cold out and I couldnt make it to class on Thursday I really should have rested but I opted to do the stairs in my apartment building several times just to say I had moved for the day.  Whatever it takes, continue on, have fun and remember its about the journey not the destination!

HAVE A FANTASTIC FIT AND HEALTHY WEEK!!!!!
and as one of my jazzercise instructors said- don't think about what you have to do, just do it.  Think me-1 couch ZERO!

A couple of pic quotes to leave you with-

Short and Sweet

Hey Blog Peeps!  This one is short and sweet for this week.  I have been sick so my exercise has halted until today!  I am ready to go try my very first Zumba class tonight.  They are providing a free class for us twice a week at my workplace for a month to see what response they get and if people like it.  I thought this would be a fun, new way to enjoy my dance workout.  So now I have Zumba AND Jazzercise!

Plus I live in a very cool little city.  My city has a Healthy Citizens Initiative.  They provide reimbursement for a gym membership at 3 local area community centers.  Since my Gold's Gym membership is up this month and I have cancelled my membership, I signed up for the year at North Kansas City Community Center and the City of Riverside, MO pays 75% of the membership and I pay the other 25%.  I paid approximately 100.00 for an annual membership and they have a pool there that I just love.  I am looking forward to getting my swim on! 

This is enough on my plate for now as this will keep my workouts fresh and different and moving.  At the end of the month I will resume boxing classes with my fave trainer Franchesca and I am working on my bucket list items that I mentioned in my last blog.  Actually now I have a couple of new additions to this list.

1.  I want to learn how to Flamenco dance.  The Spanish artform with castanets and all.  There are actually a couple of different places that offer this type of dance lessons in my area so I am looking forward to pursuing that- I think it would be FUN!  I mean can't you just see me doing something like this?? 

2.  I want to participate in the Susan G. Komen 3 Day Challenge race that is in select cities around the country this year.  The race goes on August 3-5 in Cleveland, OH.  If I join a team, I could walk 60 miles yes SIXTY miles in 3 days along the shores of Lake Erie.  I am excited.  This is the perfect time of year because then I could be there for the Feast of the Assumption in Little Italy and truly take my journey full circle to where this all began for me.  Susan G. Komen 3 Day Challenge  Feast of the Assumption Festival- Cleveland OH

Soooooo with all of this on my mind and my heart right now I have much in life I wish to accomplish and my life through weight loss and the journey it takes me keeps opening my eyes to how much more I really want to do and that I dont want to waste a single second!  I am reassessing everything in my life that does not empower or encourage me.  I am reading Joel Osteen's new book "Every Day A Friday" and it is SO good and SO motivational.  After I finish reading this I am ready to take on the new book by Jennifer Hudson called " I Got This: How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down."  I heard her story on TV this week and she is truly an amazing person.  I can't wait to read this book.  These things are truly tools of my journey.  Anything that gives a positive message and sends me in the direction toward making my life dreams a reality is a big PLUS in my book. :)

Wish me luck in Zumba class tonight- my goal is two Zumba classes this week and 6 Jazzercise classes and some pool time at the center.  Cant wait!  I am serious about this 35lbs by May.  Take care and have a great week! 

I am here to listen so drop me a line, what are your fitness goals?  What dreams do you have that you want to fulfill?  Motivation works both ways and I am motivated by motivating others so if you are in a slump or if something I am writing helps you out, LET ME KNOW!!  I will leave you with this awesome pic that a friend of mine shared on his Facebook page that fits my blog perfectly. 

Take care and have a wonderful week!!  *hugs!!!*

2012 Rings In and a New Chapter Begins

Isn't it wonderful how we can start over with a clean slate at the beginning of a new year so to speak??  The new year gives us a fresh perspective and also a new motivation to do things we didn't accomplish the year prior.  I am ready for some new motivation.

Christmas was good.  My best lifelong friend Angela was in town with her baby and I got to spend Christmas evening with her and her family before I had to go into work.  I am always happy to see her and miss our old times together.  Here is a pic of us before I went to work.

Me and my best lifelong friend Angie

The day after Christmas I spent an afternoon at the spa with my mom and she had a massage and I had an amazing facial and brow wax.  Nothing like a little pampering every once in a while! After our spa time and some lunch we went about our business for the day and met up again later to have dinner at Kato Japanese Restaurant.  I have exposed my mother to the world of fresh raw sushi, maki, nigiri, etc.  and she really loved it.  I love that place!  After dinner we went to see the new Sherlock Holmes movie with Robert Downey, Jr.  and it was AWESOME!  Rarely can you say a movie sequel is better than the first but this one truly is.  A must see.

New Year's Eve I was at work and each year we are allowed to wear cocktail attire for the night.  I look forward to this every year especially now that I wear a uniform for work.  I get to be my sexy self for one night.  Almost like Cinderella going to the ball.  It was crazy busy and I had a wonderful time.  Yes I know, I am at work on NYE and I had a wonderful time- I said it.  Here is a pic of me from that night.

NEW YEARS EVE 2011

I also made my 150 Jazzercise classes in the calendar year!!! I worked so hard for that!  I had the worst time here at the end trying to get the last few classes in before 12/31 because of my knee.  I have osteoarthritis in my right knee that keeps giving me the worst fit!  But I am determined this knee will not stop me from living the dreams I want to achieve.  I did low impact the entire final 14 classes I had plus I wore a knee brace and did some of the standing options for the abdominal work that is done on the floor.  I did whatever it took to keep going and to reach my goal.  Here is a pic of me in my new t-shirt! 

I DID IT 150 classes!!!


The Wednesday before I received my shirt, I had planned my day and when I would go to class to workout, etc.  my day off.  Then my mom calls and rearranges my plans due to her new plans and I was MAD!  So, I decided determinedly that this would not interfere with me getting in my classes that day so I went to the Jazzercise center in Independence, MO where she had me running to and I had a blast! I did a regular hour Jazzercise session and followed that with a Jazzercise Lite session.  Jazzercise Lite is all low-impact version and a lot of fun.  I am anxious to go back and do that again.  Everyone there was very welcoming.  Just goes to show that no matter what when you put yourself and your workout as a priority there is always a way to do it.  I went to classes in the morning and at night to get to my goal.  My knee was not happy so as a result I have taken a short hiatus from class but now I am ready to go back. So, tonight its on!  Its only been a week but I cant stand it I have to have my dance fun time.

I have talked about the Biggest Loser on here before and I have mentioned my fave contestant from Season 12 Jennifer Rumple before.  She was voted off in an abrupt way on Week 6 of the show.  But she did not let that defeat her.  She came back and won the $100,000 at home prize.  She is so awesome.  I was screaming in my living room when she won.  I can relate to her in a way I have not related to past contestants simply because she is so much like me.  She has been very encouraging to me and to many others.  She reads my blog, comments to different things on Facebook and she sends out motivational mantra on her page all the time.  Thank you Jennifer Rumple-BL Season 12.  I am going to copy something she had on her page for all of you here that is simply too awesome not to share about her views on nutrition/weight loss.  "Like" her page-its so inspirational.

The SIMPLE LIST:  (copied from Jennifer Rumple's Facebook Page)1) DO NOT EAT ANYTHING PROCESSED. Anything in a box, a can, a package ... do not buy. Do not eat. You'll be amazed how your palate changes and no longer needs the sugary, salty, fatty stuff for things to taste yummy! Trust me on this! Just give your taste buds time to adjust.
2) Stick to lean meats like chicken, turkey, fish, egg whites. Red meat is okay on occasion, but be sure it's a lean cut and ONLY on occasion.
3) Write down everything you put in your mouth and track your calories all day long. It's the best way to monitor your intake of food ... and know when you've hit your limit and you need to STOP!
4) Complex carbs are okay. Whole foods like apples, carrots, wheat pasta, multi-grain breads/cereals. Our bodies need these carbs because they contain incredible nutrients. I try to limit my carbs in the evening. Remember one of Bob's MANY truths ... "LEAN AND GREEN!"
5) Water, water, water, water. And when you think you've had enough for the day ... have another glass! :) It's key!
I've been eating organic everything and it's really made a difference in how my body responds to food as fuel! Give it a try! As far as calorie consumption ... as long as you have a deficit at the end of the day, you'll lose weight! The MAGIC to weight loss ... Calories In vs. Calories Out and move your body. It really IS that simple folks. The hard part is working on the inside and your triggers. Remember ... one meal, one day, one pound at a time. You'll get where you want to be ... eventually. That time is gonna pass anyway ... so why not MAKE THOSE HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES for YOURSELF?!

Check out her page for lots of motivation and answers to how she transformed herself.  Here is a before and after pic of Jen.  Every time I think I may stop or I cant get going to go workout I think of how she pushed her body to the limit, with a knee stress fracture to overcome and still came out a winner and if she can do that I can do this. 

Jennifer Rumple- Starting weight 330 and finale weight 185.  If 185 looks like this I WANT THAT!!

 Ok, finally on this long blog post I will share what I have in mind for my new year 2012.  Some of you who are my friends on Facebook have already seen this list so I apologize for the repetitive.  I posted this on New Year's Day. 

HAPPY NEW YEARS DAY A toast to have the best year of my life! goal weight by my 40th bday in May, a visit to Omaha and Cleveland, a hike up Mount Rushmore, possibilities to become a low impact jazzercise instructor, and
a trip to meet my cousins in San Teodoro, Sicily. i would also like to make two milestones in my career at work and just enjoy my life! CHEERS! SALUTE!

On another note I am excited that we are  getting our Weight Watchers at work group back and I have two 5k run/walk events I want to do in February.  One is the Buffalo Run 5k benefit for the Parkville Nature Sanctuary.  The other is the Groundhog Run that is done in these underground caves each year and a lot of fun.  Goal weight I mentioned above would be in 35 lbs so if I am dedicated to my workout, keep my nutrition going in the right direction I should be there. 

Life is too short not to be lived fully, to do the wonderful things we put off that we dream of.  I dream of being able to dance in a dance recital, I dream of finding a great love, I dream of robust health and accomplishment of beating my obesity.  I dream of a life that takes me on travel to enjoy the sites of our natural planet and connecting with family everywhere.  I dream of motivating others to take this journey and savor it all.  Someday I would love to do a marathon or triathlon.  I saw that the oldest woman who completed this year's Ironman in Kona,Hawaii was 75 years old.  I want that kind of superior health so I can do whatever I want for ALL of my life. 

I apologize that this has been so long and that over the holidays I didnt have the time to blog.  I am back on track now.  I will leave you with this quote I saw in my Weight Watchers magazine.  So appropriate in regard to my pesky knee issues.  "A setback is nothing more than an opportunity for a great comeback." 

I could write here all day but I will reserve more of my thoughts for my next blog perhaps next week.  Take care and remember as one of my Jazzercise instructors says - "DO SOMETHING FABULOUS FOR YOUR BODY TODAY!"  *hugs!*  Till next time!