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!!

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-