Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Disneyland was the greatest!!!!

I had so many fears about this trip.  I knew I'd lost more than the amount of weight I set out to, but I was still nervous about not being able to fit on the rides.  I haven't been able to since I took Joe when he was 4 years old.  That's 12 years of waiting to go on Space Mountain and other fun rides.  It's one of the reasons I lost weight.  I started thinking about all the things I love that I was missing out on.  Parts of me that were no longer me because of my size.  So naturally I was fearful that I still would not fit.  I literally chewed my fingernails off the days leading up to our trip.  Not to mention my fear of being in pain like I was when we went in 2009 for Christmas.  We went for one day and I had to stop every few minutes to rest and when we were done with the day, I was almost completely debilitated.  I could barely move and every step felt like I would collapse.
This time was a complete turn around from that woman I was in 2009.  We went on our very first ride, Space Mountain, my favorite roller coaster, and I fit great!  No problem at all!!!!  I was so overwhelmed with joy and happiness that I was actually on the ride again after so many years, I cried and laughed the entire ride.  We proceeded to ride it a total of 11 times over the coarse of the 3 day trip.  Every new ride I got on, I was a bit nervous at first but I fit fine in every one we rode.  The best part about the rides were that my kids and husband were so happy I was with them.  We got to experience that joy and thrill together as a family, the way it should be.  I truly felt normal.  Like the mom I should be.  One that can have fun with her family and be a part of every memory they have. 

I never got winded or tired either.  I mean sure, I was worn out by the end of the day because I stayed opening to close all 3 days, but I never had to stop and take a breath.  We must have walked 40 miles over the coarse of 3 days.  Up hill many times, one park to another, back and forth to the hotel, etc.  Never had to stop, not even one time.  In fact, many times I was leading the pack.  It certainly helps that I walk 3 miles 4 days a week uphill on the treadmill ;)  My feet hurt by the end of the day (so did everyones) but I was full of energy by morning and ready to go every time! 

I was extremely sad to leave, but the memories we made on this trip will be something that we will have forever.  I wasn't afraid to be in pictures with my family.  I felt so proud to be there with them, in every line, on every ride, in every photo.  I'm so happy that I am a coaster rider again and I am so excited for our next trip!  We're planning it for some time in October and I'm hoping to have lost another 60 pounds by then.  That will make it even better, if that's even possible ;)        

Saturday, April 14, 2012

100 Changes in 100 Pounds

I have been thinking a lot about how much has changed since I started my weight loss journey and while some of these things are extremely personal, I think they are important to share so if anyone sees anything on this list, they are struggling with, they can make a change.  I have never been happier and although some of the changes are big and some are small, they are ALL significant and important in every way!  I am looking forward to more changes and improving the changes already taking place!!

1. I can put both arms down at the movie theater
2. I can use all bathroom stalls without trouble
3. I can fit into a booth at restaurants
4. My chair at work stays up
5. I can walk my kids all the way to school
6. My back doesn’t ache when I’m walking at all
7. I don’t look for close parking spots
8. I can pull my pants up quickly
9. I can pull them off more quickly too
10. I have been able to buy smaller undies
11. I lost a whole cup size in my bra and 4 bust sizes
12. I no longer have to wear sports bra’s that goes over my head
13. I don’t sweat unless I’m working out, not just sitting in a chair
14. My ankles aren’t swollen
15. I no longer have to take blood pressure medication
16. I don’t have a hard time breathing
17. I don’t have a hard time sleeping
18. I can hold my daughter on my lap again
19. I don’t get winded walking up my stairs
20. I don’t get winded walking through parking lots
21. I get out of the car and walk into Starbucks instead of always driving up
22. I order skinny everything and fried nothing
23. I don’t have to wiggle into my seat belt or even move to get it on
24. My belly doesn’t come up to the steering wheel anymore
25. My feet don’t hurt anymore
26. My back doesn’t hurt anymore
27. I don’t get stared at while at the kids school…not even the high school
28. I am officially 2 sizes smaller in shirts and pants
29. Sometimes 3 sizes smaller ;)
30. My shoulders keep my bra straps up
31. I can feel and SEE my collar bone again
32. My legs are stronger
33. My fingers are smaller
34. My wedding ring is 2 sizes too big
35. I’m quicker when I walk
36. I say yes to my kids when they want me to play with them outside
37. I’m no longer lazy
38. I cook more often for myself and my family
39. I bring lunch to work every day
40. I can say no to fattening treats at work without wishing I could say yes
41. I eat healthy alternatives to the things I love
42. I no longer hide food
43. I don’t eat fast food
44. My undies and pants don’t leave painful marks on my belly
45. I can see my feet again
46. I touch my toes again
47. I’m not afraid to try new things
48. I’m not afraid to meet new people
49. I feel strength in my arms
50.  I have a jaw line
51. I’m losing my double chin
52. I completely lost the triple one : )
53. My glasses don’t fit
54. I love the taste of water
55. I joined a gym
56. I’m not afraid to talk to people about my weight
57. I like taking pictures more often
58. I can get off the couch easily
59. I can get in and out of the car easily
60. I can cross my legs “Indian style”
61. I can put my leg up on my other leg while tying my shoe
62. I can bend down to tie my shoes
63. I have no problem putting on my socks
64. I can bend my knees and put my feet up on the coffee
65. I don’t snore anymore (says my husband)
66. I track every bite of food I eat (whether I like the amount of points or not ;)
67. I am a positive person in my kids’ lives
68. My hubby has been getting healthy too watching me get healthy
69. I have inspired a dozen people to start Weight Watchers including my mom
70. My kids are making healthier choices
71. I inspire people to get fit through my blogs and posts
72. I have a belly button!
73. I have no more difficulty in the shower washing certain body parts
74. I have a personal trainer at the gym
75. I was approached by the owner of the gym to do a spotlight to motivate people
76. I care about my appearance more
77. I don’t have heart palpitations at night anymore
78. I can get up off the floor easily without having to hold onto something
79. I sleep really well at night
80. My feet are shrinking to a narrower and smaller size
81. I can paint my own toenails easily
82. I push myself to work harder instead of making excuses to stop
83. I have found a new love for fruit and veggies
84. I can feel my muscles moving when I walk
85. I’m not afraid of the word “fat” anymore
86. I can run around after my kids
87. I can feel the bones in my knees
88. I can shop at almost every department store
89. I can cross my arms across my chest
90. I don’t have a lot of time for TV. because I’m too active
91. My hubby can put his arms around me
92. I can fit my towel all the way around
93. I can see the bones in my feet
94. My wrists are smaller
95. I can feel the bones in my elbows
96. I am starting to see muscle definition in my upper arms
97. I can easily grab things off the floor
98. I no longer say the word can’t, only I can and I will
99. I have loads and loads of energy
100. I see a healthy future with my husband and my kids

Thursday, April 5, 2012

I did it!!! I passed my goal of 100 pounds by Disneyland!!

Tonight was a really great night at Weight Watchers.  I only needed 1.4 pounds to get to 100 and I am never sure what I weigh.  But I hoped for the best and brought my family with me to be with me in the event I got to that big number.  When I got on the scale I was so nervous!  When she told me I had lost 8 pounds, I was so excited!!!  I finally got to that monumental number and I am so proud of myself!  I really feel like I accomplished something special.  My leader was so excited for me!!  We had a little celebration and I received a gold charm and a certificate.  I cried of coarse because I really am so thankfull to everyone and I wanted them to know how much their stories encourage and inspire me.  It was so nice having my family there to be a part of it and they were so proud and just beeming. 

My initial goal was to lose 100 pounds in a year.  It's been 6 months and 20 days and I've lost 106.6 pounds!  What an amazing feeling I have.  I have worked really hard and have been 100% dedicated to changing my life style and it's worked!  I've never had this amount of willpower in my life.  It's all made possible by my husband who allows me to leave 4 nights a week to go to the gym and my meeting and happily takes care of the kids while I do that.  My kids who are always so proud of me and wait by the door to see what my weight loss is for that week.  My family and my amazing friends who cheer me on every day, I hear your cheers every time I have moments of weakness.  My weight watchers friends and leader who I learn from every week.  Thank you all so much!!! 

I am ready to start round 2 of this journey and know I have the most amazing, loving, encouraging and supportive friends and family anyone could ask for!  I am so grateful and so blessed to know all of you!