Significant Milestone Award

266 has created an award and given it to me for a significant milestone reached. In my case, it was hitting the 50-pound lost mark. Thank you so much!

I am going to pass this award on to two people who just recently had significant milestones:

Missy who reached goal!!! It doesn't get any more significant than that!

Dawn who doesn't participate in awards (that's okay!) but I just have to share this anyway because she reached ONEderland!

Thank you, 266!

Over the Top Award

Debbie and
Little Miss Fatty Pants have awarded me the Over the Top award! Thank you, ladies!! I'm honored. =)

The rules of this award are:

Copy these 35 questions and change the answers to suit you then pass it on. Once you have filled it out, be sure to pass it on to 6 of your favorite bloggers and alert them that they have been awarded! I have also seen this where you are supposed to use one word to answer, so I'll take a stab at one word.

1. Where is your cell phone? breadbox

2. Your hair? messy

3. Your mother? deceased

4. Your father? deceased

5. Your favorite food? pizza

6. Your dream last night? dogs

7. Your favorite drink? chocolate milk

8. Your dream/goal? health

9. What room are you in? kitchen

10. Your hobby? genealogy

11. Your fear? everything

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? 50/healthy

13. Where were you last night? kitchen

14. Something that you aren’t? mean

15. Muffins? chocolate chip

16. Wish list item? happiness/good life for son

17. Where did you grow up? Wyoming/Colorado

18. Last thing you did? coffee

19. What are you wearing? nightgown

20. Your TV? off

21. Your pets? shedding

22. Friends? patient

23. Your life? boring

24. Your mood? tired

25. Missing someone? daily

26. Vehicle? Pontiac

27. Something you’re not wearing? shoes

28. Your favorite store? Kohl's

29. Your favorite color? pastel

30. When was the last time you laughed? yesterday

31. Last time you cried? ?teary often, both happy and sad tears

32. Your best friend? husband

33. One place that I go to over and over? blogger

34. One person who emails me regularly? friends

35. Favorite place to eat? Taco Bell

I pass this award to:

Missy

HopeFool


Christa

Mae Flowers

The Black and Orange Kittehs

MackAttack

We're Back!

We had a blast.

I was so completely exhausted yesterday upon arrival home that I took a good, long nap. My now 14 year old had me going, going, going.

I didn't take any exercise DVDs, but with the amount of activity I got in--namely walking, walking, walking and getting in and out of the car and walking some more, I wouldn't have had the energy to exercise. We did swim both nights, and I did many stretches in the pool--amazing how limber one is in the water--and I also ran in place for quite awhile. I did a few "light" laps, but mostly just had fun.

Food was fine. I did not count points at all on my son's birthday. I had my breakfast that I brought from home, some movie theater popcorn (ouch, I know that's high) and then we had Fuddrucker's for dinner. The nice lady at the counter was very accommodating to me and allowed me to order a kids meal. When my hamburger arrived, I was shocked. It was the same size that I make at home, bun and all. I noticed the menu the smallest burger they had was 1/3 pound. I never eat that much! I even had a little bit of cheese to dip my small amount of fries in. Because it was my son's birthday, they gave him a free shake. Our entire dinner cost $12. Amazing how cheap a kids meal is and how it was just the right amount of food!

That day I kept in mind: If this is a lifestyle change, I need to be flexible when there is little control. Being mindful of what I ate worked. My weight was great this morning. Yet now I'm in a place where I can control things, and control I will!

We saw the zoo, a small (pathetic) museum, a butterfly pavilion which was lovely and would be fun to visit when it's 20 below zero. We went to the mall, to Target, to used game/DVD stores, to thrift stores, to a double-feature movie. I did not enjoy the movies--Toy Story 1 and 2 in 3D. I walked out of there with a nasty headache and tears running down my face. I had a huge headache. I wish we had only gone to one of the movies, but that was kiddo's request, so we did it.

It was a whirlwind trip. We did something very similar last year, and I did notice that my energy level this year was way higher! I didn't have to stop to rest, I didn't have to rely on my husband to walk over yonder at the zoo because I was too tired (and because he didn't go with us lol) because I could do it. I felt very victorious. Yet, I still was very tired and know I have a lot of work ahead of me still. It gives me great hope, though, comparing the difference from last year to this year--what will next year be like? We'll have to do it again just so I can compare.

It was a great time, I enjoyed being away from it all with my son, having some Starbucks, going to book stores, laughing. He's a great kid. I cannot believe he is 14. Wow, time flies.

~~~
We went to many thrift stores and didn't find a single FIRM tape. Not a one. I was actually a little down about that, but when the mail arrived yesterday, there were three tapes from Missy which I didn't have--and I was thrilled! I'm a little obsessed with this FIRM business, but I think it's a good obsession. Hubby even mentioned that last night--it's a positive, it brings me great joy and better health! Can't beat that.

Hubby said the funniest thing last night. He just stopped and looked at me for a minute, then said how the person left behind is more appreciative of the people who aren't home, and then he said: I really like your black hair. lol Little does he know that the next time I color it, I'm using a lighter shade and hope over time and repeated dyes, it will lighten up a bit.

I scrolled through blogs last night and there is no way on the face of the earth I will be able to catch up. So I'll be starting fresh. I hate missing out on stuff, but I've got school to teach, laundry to do, a house to clean, FIRM tapes to work out to...

Packing Up, Leaving Town

The clothes are packed, the birthday present hidden in the suitcase, errands run, snacks bought. We're packing up and getting out of this small town and hitting a big city tomorrow!!!

We still have to pack our snacks. Going for total health here (NOT) I bought a bag of Baked Cheetos. Oh, I haven't had them in ages. I will weigh out the proper portion and put it into a sandwich bag.

Since we're on the road, I didn't want to bake and take a cake, so at the store, my son requested a box of Twinkies! Yes, I bought the box. No, I won't eat one. I have never liked Twinkies. Ding Dongs--yes, Twinkies--no. We have the candles ready to go, too.

Like the last time I left town, I am weighing out my cereal with a sprinkle of Splenda on it and putting it in Gladware. So easy to take with me to the breakfast bar in the motel, where I can have some of their fruit to go with. =)

Also, we'll be packing lunch fixings. Bread, meat, cheese, chips and if I have enough Gladware, some salad, too.

Dinners we'll eat out. Olive Garden, which I can handle well, one night. The next, Fuddruckers. I forget who gave the link (sorry!) to the nutritional info for Fuddruckers, but after perusing that site, I've decided I'll indulge in a kid's meal--if they'll sell it to me. More points than it's worth, but that's where DS really wants to go. You can't quit living life, and I love their burgers, so that's a happy substitute. =)

My baby isn't a baby anymore. He'll be 14. I just can't believe how fast childhood is.

I know we'll have lots of fun!

~~~
Cross your fingers for me, as the day we leave town, we're hitting thrift stores. I printed out the Google Map with all the thrift stores, and I'm hoping that I can fulfill my obsession with The FIRM and find some more tapes!

Have a great week, everyone, and I'll be back Friday!

Monday Morning Weigh In

Weight: 231
Loss: 1 pound

This was surprising. All week I was either 232 or 231.5. I'll certainly take it!

Weigh-in on physical changes:

Wow. Lots of things were noticeable this week.

My arms--I can see my triceps and biceps and delts in the mirror when I move my arm. (Darned fat, if it weren't there I'd really be able to see them when I'm not moving!) My arms are a whole lot firmer--I mean amazingly firmer than when I started workout out.

I mentioned before I have lines in my stomach where my obliques are--faint, but I can see them. That is extending further and I can feel the firmness/tightness in my stomach--only the oblique area, though. Once again, darn fat--if only it wasn't there. lol

My legs have made a lot of changes. I can see shin bones! My calves are shaping up, my swelling is reduced in my right leg, although it's still larger than my left leg. My quads and the leg biceps (back of legs) are tight, drum tight.

My rear end and hips are firming, too.

I am amazed at the difference in my body. Granted, I am still surrounded in layers of fat, but it's exciting to see and feel changes. I am building muscle. I'm building my strength and endurance.

My husband and I were talking about this last night. He said that what is making a tremendous difference for me right now is that I found an exercise program that I love. True. I loved Richard Simmons, but this is different. It's new, and exciting, I haven't been doing it for over 20 years off and on. Also, the rebounder is wonderful. I've worked my way up to a 15-minute health bounce/light jog on it. I hop on it several times a day and bounce. I think this is why the swelling in my right leg has been reduced.

All week I was a bit frustrated with the scale, but I had to come to a conclusion. My goal is overall health. Part of that is getting my body strong. I'd rather be developing muscles and firming up, than have great losses on the scale because that is furthering my health. I was a bit shocked to see 231 on the scale this morning. 1 pound--1 pound after all that hard work. Yet I wouldn't change the firmness for anything. So I may continue to be a tortoise with slow losses, yet I know my body is getting stronger and healthier. That's what I'm aiming for. So each weigh-in day from now on, I'm going to celebrate some non-scale victory as well as what the scale says because it is a complete package.

Clothes

Me again, prolific poster today, I guess.

I cleaned the closet and filled an entire bag for donation. It was hard, I got a bit teary eyed, dragged my hubby into the room, explained why I just didn't want to get rid of them. He rolled his eyes and said, "If they don't fit, lose 'em. You're never going back." He's right, which is why I called him in there to begin with. Why do women get so emotionally attached to their clothing? Or is it just me?

I then went through my smaller sized clothing. The shirts all fit but they're too short. I remember that period of time when I bought them, shirts were shorter then, which I hated. I'm not happy with short shirts and my big gut. I have enough that are longer that will get me by for awhile, though.

The jeans? Well, I have one size 20 mom jeans (elastic waist) hanging in my closet. I have one size 20 zippered jeans hanging in my closet. They fit perfectly. I have two size 18 zippered jeans that I got all the way on, and had to lie down on the bed to zip. They are just too tight to wear without fear of a blowout. I put them in the closet anyway because in a month I think they'll be fine.

The size 16 jeans? I tried them on. The went all the way up, fit perfectly in the legs and butt, but the big gut hung out and I couldn't button them. I showed my hubby and he thought it was gross. lol (It was. A big blob of fat with granny panties showing.) I really, really wish that my gut would start shrinking some more. I'm losing in my arms and legs, but not that spare tire. I would really love for that spare tire to disappear and to go down in cup size. Is that too much to ask? lol

I am toying with the idea of running to Walmart tonight to buy one pair of jeans. Three that fit would be very, very nice even though I'm close on those size 18s. I'm going to be out of town for three days, and I don't like wearing "worn" jeans when I'm out and about. (Jeans that I've worn the previous day.) Why do I stress over a $20 pair of Wally World jeans? I'm a tightwad, that's why.

I am also toying with the idea of getting a couple more pair of the Danskin exercise pants. I have the shorts and capris (size 16/18!) and I like the snug fit. The design, they're not too small. I think instead of wearing sweatpants around the house, I might enjoy those exercise pants. I don't feel as sloppy.

I have also found that I prefer working out in t-shirts as opposed to my Danskin shirts. The t-shirts catch the sweat, and when I wear the Danskin shirts I drip all over. Since I work out on carpeting, I figure it's more sanitary if I'm not dripping on the floor. lol Plus there's the cool factor of looking at a sweat-soaked shirt when I'm done. I don't see that with the Danskin shirts.
I do my floor work on a beach towel, but I can't march around on a beach towel.

I wish I were rich. No, I wish I could go to Kohl's and just buy a whole bunch of stuff. But, what's the point if the clothing will only be temporary? A couple nice outfits, I have. Beyond that, since I don't work, I just need enough to get me by. I think buying one more pair of jeans is fine. I guess I'd rather save my money for when I get to goal so I can buy a real wardrobe then!

Sunday

Another blogging friend had an amazing victory! Dawn reached ONEderland. Congrats, Dawn. Dawn is an amazing person, and I am greatly inspired by her. I am just tickled pink for her! (And yes, again, I did get teary eyed.)


Friday I pulled a muscle in my back. Saturday it was still hurting, but I did a very easy FIRM tape with no weights. Instead of getting any work done yesterday, I rested. I used my heating pad, we snuggled up and watched a movie, and my son used his magic elbow on my sore back and worked the kink out. Today it's barely noticeable, but I'm not going to work out. I think in our quest for health, we sometimes forget how very important rest is. That doesn't mean we need to take a day off all the time, but it does mean we need to listen to our bodies. Mine today says rest from exercise.

We have a lot to do for my son's upcoming birthday trip. Why is it that it takes so much preparation to go away for two days? He's very excited and wants to do more than we can pack into that time frame. Luckily my energy is so much better that I'll be able to do more than we did last year. Luckily he wants to go see Toy Story in 3D, so I'll get a good rest during that movie. That was one of his favorite movies when he was little, so it will be fun to re-visit it--in 3D!

The Epilepsy Foundation in Minnesota comes to our small town about every six-eight weeks in good weather months to pick up curb-side donations. This is my favorite place to donate to, as my son has epilepsy. They'll be coming in a week, so today I need to go through my closet yet again and bag up my old clothes that are in good enough condition to donate. I also need to wash those smaller jeans that I found awhile back so I have clothes to wear. Our weather finally turned, so I have to say goodbye to my capris. It's going to be difficult to clear my closet of them. Scary. Not the smartest thing to donate in the fall, I suppose. I've been smart and pulling the clothing that is too big out of the dryer and putting it into a bag that I keep right there. So I will have a nice donation bag for them. It's quite amazing that my husband has more clothes than I do. I used to have so many clothes that I took up a couple closets--back in the days when I worked. Now I have very little. There's comfort in numbers, and it's scary for me to let go. Yet if I don't, there won't be room for me to grow.

Now it's time for me to get up and tackle that closet.