Lazy Summer Days

Summer is here...my kids are out of school.

Eating is still pretty good. Most days are spent at the local water park or Six Flags.

I'm not obsessing about the gym or water aerobics...I'm getting alot of daily exercise.

My only goal for summer is to maintain...and not gain.

I will get busy again in August and shed the last 30lbs.

Time is short...I'm enjoying my kids for the next 6 weeks!

Easter Fun

Yesterday our family celebrated Easter in a different way than previous years. It didn't involve candy or eggs, no Easter hams with all the fixins. We spent the day at a local amusement park, Six Flags Over Texas. Arriving when they opened at 11am and leaving when they closed at 7pm...there was ALOT of walking involved. I would have NEVER been able to do any of this 97lbs ago! Returning to the world of amusement parks was a big goal and fun reward along my weight loss journey. No long afraid to visit one for fear something would not buckle on me.

Today will be an even BIGGER celebration in a much different way. I will not tell what just yet, but will be posting photos later!

Photo update

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but today's picture kinda leaves me speechless. We were up early today, off the meet my brother and his family for lunch, so I asked my daughter to take a new picture for me. My mind still hasn't caught up with the mirror..but hopefully one day it will.

The weather is beautiful here in Texas today. I had a great workout at the gym today and we are heading to Six Flags tomorrow morning for some fun! Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Sugar Free

This week my main focus has been to rid the last few items in my diet of sugar. Sadly I said goodbye to my friend {decaf} Coffee on Monday. Mainly because I don't enjoy it without sweetener and secondly I don't think it add anything to my health.

Last night I made up my first batch of 5-minute a day Artisan Bread! I baked one loaf this morning and it turned out beautiful! I tried a little end with some organic peanut butter and wow was that a treat! SO GOOD! Baking my own whole wheat, sugar free bread was something I'd been wanting to start for quite some time, I'm glad I tackled it last night!

I ordered a new swimsuit this week {for my water aerobics classes}. It arrive yesterday and I tried it on..LOVE IT. My 11yr old daughter told me I looked hot..LOL - KIDS!

Hope you are all having a good weekend - enjoy - see you Monday!

Glad to feel GOOD

Finally feeling back to my old self this morning. I went to my water aerobics class...It had been a week since I'd worked out. I just hate being sick.

I asked my daughter to take a couple of new pictures for me this weekend (as I am scrapbooking my weight loss journey). I am proud to announce I am 1 pound away from 90lbs lost. I am just dying to cross that 90lbs mark! It is shocking how time flies when your busy. I can remember being so proud at 20lbs. lost, 35, 50...to think of 90 or 100 was too far to stretch my mind. I have always worked off little goals. I constantly focus on making it to the next mark...not the overall goal - as it would be too overwhelming for me. I am just thrilled to have made it so far in just 9 1/2 months. I had hoped I could do 100lbs in a year...but never pressured myself with it, but as the time draws near I think it is possible to accomplish.

The other day my husband was complementing me on my hard work and success...he told me he thought I'd never do it. I guess after seeing someone try and fail for years one would just assume this was just another "Try". Most previous "diet" attempts lasted less than a week. While I was caught a bit off guard by the sheer fact he was admitting to me he never expected me to accomplish this...I can't blame him for it. Somewhere inside myself I might not have believed I could do it either in the beginning, but I sure am glad I stuck with it. The changes I've made have become a lifestyle, I have really never felt like I was dieting. That was the purpose of the journey - to make a change, to improve my health, my fitness, and my quality of life but not feel deprived. I am just ever so grateful that I have found success to this point as I know so many of my fellow bloggers have truly struggled alot.

Oh Happy Day

Well today is Happy for a couple reasons...

Happy Groundhogs day

&

Happy Birthday to my sweet 16 daughter Katie!

Today I tried a new recipe - KALE CHIPS

I was reminded of reading of the idea as I strolled through the produce department, always looking for something new and unusual to try. Simple put you wash your Kale, tear the greenery from the stems in 2-3 pieces per stalk. Add them to a bowl with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and totally cover them all, tossing with your hands and kinda massaging them.

Place them on a baking sheet, spread out, sprinkled with salt and bake at 200 degrees for about 30mins. Keep an eye on them - cause they can pass from done to burnt pretty quick!

While they were cooking I was a bit unsure what they were going to taste like, as I wasn't sure the smell coming from the oven was edible...but to my surprise they are amazing! I look forward to having them with a sandwich tomorrow!

MLK day

(this was typed yesterday - but blogger wouldn't let me post for some odd reason)

It was a good day...Kids were home today for MLK holiday.

We just had pj day mostly...the weekend was kinda busy shopping.

I did cook a favorite healthy meal - Tilapia with blackened seasoning, butternut squash and Brussels sprouts. (which my youngest calls "Russel Sprouts")

This particular recipe for Brussels Sprout is our FAVORITE. I got it from the Jan issue of Clean Eating. (Brussels Sprouts with spicy almond glaze)

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Monday Workout:

1 water aerobic class (50mins)

Perfect 10 update #2

My week has been a mess. After a traumatic death I'm about drained.
My daughter had her wisdom teeth removed today and that's been exhausting also.
I'm working to pull myself together and keep focus.

UPDATE #2

1. Continue loosing minimum 5lbs. per month - lost 3lbs so far for Jan.
2. To be a better blogger - post at least 3x's a week - done!
3. Measure inches once a month - done!
4. Do weights 3 days a week - done!
5. Continue Daily Food Journal - done!
6. Start scuba diving again - told my husband I would go for sure this spring!
7. Run at least 3 - 5K's in 2010 - in process, can't run Cowtown - hurt my hip
8. Go to an amusement park with my family - and RIDE the rides!
9. Go to a water park with my family - and WEAR a swimsuit (no t-shirts on top)
10. Complete the entire 9week "Couch to 5K" program - on hold - hurt my hip

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Random Fact #2
I'm left handed....the only one in my family

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Workout:
1 water aerobics class (50mins)

UNTIL

Yesterday started out so good...UNTIL
A wonderful loss and a new milestone met....UNTIL
Workout went good...UNTIL....the call

I received a phone call yesterday informing me that my mom's best friend had died.
People die right? That's part of the cycle. It wasn't that she passed from the earth, it was how.
She was murdered at the hands of her own husband of over 40years. Choked to death with his hand that for a lifetime had supported and cared for her. In recent years he has struggled with some mental illness, and evidently went of his medicine, missed some doses, or something critical to enter an altered state.

My mom is devastated to put it mildly. As kids we grew up calling this couple Aunt & Uncle...they've been to our Thanksgivings, Christmas', my wedding, the birth of my children, just everything. I am still in a state of shock and can not believe this has taken place, but I can not use it as a reason to derail me from my efforts right now, as the old Angie would likely sit and snack away the pain.

I made it to the gym today...I did 15mins of cardio and 45mins of weights.
It felt good if only for an hour of distraction between phone calls and tears.

There is no good way to call people and explain this situation.
I went to Walgreens to send a sympathy card to my friend, the daughter of the victim who was left to pick of the pieces and handle a funeral for her sweet mom...
There are NO appropriate cards to send for such a horrendous event, no one deserves to die like that, no child should have to loose both parents {essentially} in one day!

Crazy L.I.F.E.

It was a good weekend, we went out to eat a couple times (I resisted but got over-rulled). I hate going out to eat..I manage it just fine, but it's just not the food I want.

The entire family made it to the gym Sunday morning - that was great as we don't get to do that much with everyones crazy schedules.

Sunday Workout:
2miles on treadmill
45 mins. of weights

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Today was back to business. Food was good. Had to pickup my nephew from daycare, which always throws off our eating times, but life goes one. I'm tired...so keeping it short and sweet!

Monday Workout:
2 water aerobic classes 1hr 40mins.

It's the little things

This afternoon my youngest daughter was in the hallway. she was being silly and unusually lovey. She approached me and threw open her arms to hug me.
Afterwards she looked up at me and said "Hey your skinny"...LOL!!

Today's Workout:
lifting weights (1 hour)
2 water aerobic classes (1 hr 40 mins)

Spreading the Word

I want to share with you my new adventure. The Next Challenge from awesome blogger and friend South Beach Steve! Please click the link of the image to go check out the detail and join us in this life changing challenge to a new improved you!

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day eating went fine. I planned to allow myself a few treats. While I was eating I felt like I was doing horrible, but when I came home and wrote it all down...on paper it looks more reasonable than it felt doing!





I am constantly amazed at how my tastes have changed. I'd been dreaming of my mom's fudge, I ate a piece, but it wasn't as good as I remembered, so it was easy to stop at one piece. Same for other treats...some were just not worth the points when it came to taste, so they were abandoned after one bite.





I worked out Monday and Tuesday...but my local gym was closed wed, thur, fri, sat & sun. We got a ton of snow (which is so weird for Texas) so I couldn't go outside like I would normally. I found myself to mentally obsessed and almost mad inside that I could not just go somewhere and workout. I am now seeking to join a 24/7 gym to end this frustration...as my gym has short hours and no Sundays.





I got back in the grove today...up early and went to water aerobics...I loved it, but man it was hard to get motivated since it is still freezing here (literally 26 degrees)! I'm looking forward to hitting the gym tomorrow and getting back to the weights. I cease to be amazed at how my arms are shaping up!

It's only the begining

Last night was AMAZING! I ran my first race, the Jingle Bell Run - in Dallas Texas.

My daughter's both attended with me. My oldest Katie volunteered (for service hours for graduation) and my youngest Ivy, ran with me (kinda...lol).

We arrived at the location at 5-ish, registered and got everyone where they needed to go. The forecast said 30%chance rain, and the temps were supposed to drop - so I have on long sleeve under armor, t short sleeve t-shirt, plus the long sleeve run shirt they gave me...with yoga pants.

I was SO overdressed!

Race kicked off at 6 - it went well. Ivy had already informed me that she wasn't staying with me, she was planning to win this race...lol. I met up with her at about 1/4 mile...she was already walking. I encouraged her and walked with her a few moments, and got her going again. I hated to just leave her behind...so I slowed and stayed with her and we finished together. Slower than I would have liked...but hey, she's only 11. I did give her fair warning that she would need to train before the next race...or I would leave her behind!

It was an awesome experience. We found out information on two more upcoming races here locally. Everyone was dressed so festive and fun...we even saw frosty was running!

This was such a goal for me... I am so grateful I pursued it and completed it.

sorry for such an absence!

Life is just crazy - crazy good!



I've been doing well...alot of the same -o- stuff. Water aerobics, weights, StairMaster...eating has been good. Kids are finishing up their last week of school before the holiday break.

Last weekend we went to lunch with my parents. My dad hadn't seen me in about 5-6 weeks. When he walked into the restaurant foyer...he thought I was my 15yr old daughter Katie!!!
It was hilarious!

I attended my scrapbooking groups Christmas party Tuesday night. It was our holiday party and the final weigh in for our Biggest Loser competition. I WON!! I lost 10% of my weight since we began this second round in September. I was proud to win, the next competitor was at 8%....but inside I did feel a bit guilty to win both rounds, but I worked hard to lose every pound, and my motivation was not the competition, that was just a lil bonus!

This weekend my husband and I will attend his annual Christmas party for work. He works for UPS and they are Teamsters....so it's a Teamster Christmas party. Should be fun...always has been. I look froward to seeing a few shocked faces who haven't seen me in a year.(78 pounds ago!)



My biggest news is an upcoming race I'm participating in. The local Jingle Bell run. I can't wait. This will be my first race (actually fun run 1K) since I began running a few weeks back before Thanksgiving. I can't wait!

Great weekend

My hubby works odd hours. Friday night (Saturday morning) he arrive home around 6am. When he got in bed it woke me and we got to talking. After about an hour and a half he said he wanted to try the "couch to 5K" running with me. I was happy to say the least, but he wanted to do it right now..LOL! Well, I was already awake for the day, i had promised my teen daughter to take her with me also - so I woke her and off we all went, bundled for our run in 28 degree temps on a early Saturday morning.

It was truly a great. I could never have dreamed 6 months ago when I began this journey we'd all be running side by side like this! They both loved it...and felt like it was challenging them to do their best, but not too tough. I pushed harder of course too because they were with me. I do most workout alone, so it was quite nice to have them along.

That evening we had my nephew for the night. It was his parents annual Christmas party and he got to sleepover for the first time. It was a great day all around!

No problem!

Wow...I never expected to being sharing with you that I ended Thanksgiving day with points left over!!! I knew I had planned to be well in control on my eating, but even I never anticipated having a calorie surplus.

I began my morning with a run/walk at 8am in 45degree temps...it was such a personal accomplishment. I've never exercised on any holiday before. Next year I plan to be running in the local turkey trot.

I had a good breakfast, prepared the hubby and kids and went to the inlaws. We had a splendid time..better than I can ever remember. It was nice that my mom-n-law actually acknowledged my weight loss too. I am not motivated my recognition but I hadn't seen her in 6months so it was encouraging for her to say something, she is not really the kind to say much.

my kids: Ivy 11, Katie 15, Jared 20

Friday - I went shopping on Black Friday for the first time EVER. Never before could I have probably navigated the crowds - I am sure I would have NEVER been able to stand in the lines either. It was an awesome experience - beside what I was able to get on sale - just that I could go, participate, feel again like part of the human race!

Saturday - I slept in till almost 10. I am typically up like clockwork at 6:20. I ate breakfast, got the family situated and off to my run/walk. I completed Day three of "Couch to 5K". Week one is under my belt...complete....I can hardly believe it! I look forward to my first goal of Running in the Cowtown 5K February 26th...hopefully with my husband and maybe some friends.

We put up the outdoor Christmas lights and decorations. Then off for a family bike ride. We had a nice afternoon and evening. We ate homemade pizza, watched a movie and spent a nice evening with the girls. I look forward to Monday and a new week, new month, new challenges and new accomplishments.

I will update my HOT 100 tomorrow!

new eyes and a smaller size

This year I wish you Happy Thanksgiving thru new eyes and a smaller size!

Over just the past few days I have really been thinking and noticing so many new things I am thankful for. Yes, I too am thankful for all the typical things: God and Country, my parents, my husband and children, that my husband had a good job in a bad economy, that we are healthy, etc..

but now living my life in such a different manor than the previous 34 years...I'm seeing so many new things that just make me smile and be thankful!

I am thankful for:

• the extra room between my tummy and the steering wheel
• my feet and ankles no longer hurting just to walk
• seeing a smaller shadow in front of me on sunny days
• that I am leading by example for my children to live a healthy life
• that I am learning to run after being told I might never walk again 13yrs ago
• that I have finally found the courage and strength to put myself FIRST
• that I finally feel like I am becoming who I was always meant to be

I wish you all the same joy today as you celebrate Thanksgiving with your families!

That's my size!

Tonight while at the mall with my girls I went into a clothing store to see if I could find anything to wear to Thanksgiving. I came across a fabulous sale and got 4 new shirts for a mere $53.00 (including the tax).

The BEST part of the entire event was I bought them in the right size!

I have been overweight MOST of my life. With the exception of my childhood until about age 10, and in high school from 16 - 21 or so. As a child, money was always tight and we mainly shopped from the clearance racks. My mom meant well, but I wore clothing too small for the majority of my adolescent years until I began working and buying my own stuff around age 15.

I HATE tight clothing. I rarely even wear a jacket in the winter, because I feel they are "tight". As an adult I have ALWAYS purchase my clothing too big, even during the years when I wasn't overweight. Recently my dad gave me some money to buy cloths since loosing so much weight, I still bought too big. Several people have kindly approached me about this even. Nicely mentioning that they don't think I've absorbed the amount of weight I have lost. I even had to reorder a swimsuit recently 3 times...and I am still wearing one that is too large..LOL. My aerobics instructor/friend has mentioned it too. Well she was right...I tried on the size she told me to wear...I came out to be inspected by my children and they said I looked great.

It is something I will have to get adjusted too...but after being told by so many caring people in my life and the mention that wearing over sized clothes make me look bigger...I am going to force myself to wear the correct sizes from now on! I still can't really wrap my mind around the idea that I'm in "that size"...but I look in the mirror and it fits, so I guess they are all telling me the truth - haha!

Good Morning Monday

It was a great weekend. We invested in the entire family getting new bikes so we could spend some family time off the couch together. The girls got new bikes a couple weeks ago. After I was sure I could ride my oldest daughter's bike I was pumped to get my own. I am a frugal shopper but couldn't resist getting the PINK Schwinn cruiser...I just love it! My hubby picked something more rugged of course...black and yellow, shocks, blah, blah, blah!

I've been working on "Clean Eating" for the past week. I've done well. I was even successful through the weekend - until we at our weekly splurge meal, that ended up being pizza, but I did grab a salad also to try to balance that out!

I am thrilled with a 2lb loss for the week...I certainly worked HARD for it!