Spotlight...

This spotlight is really more of a flood light. It's on the amazing friends and family in California. If you want or need a confidence boost to feel like a million bucks seriously come here for a visit. Everyone made me feel so special. Nadina, who was the catalyst in this journey for me was so happy to see me and proud of me and always listens to my blabbing about weight loss. She is such a precious, vital part of this journey for me because she is who I thank everyday for my push into it. Nadi's dad, Marty, was complimenting me so much and kept telling Andrew he had a skinny wife. I'm not skinny yet, but I will be ;). Laila was amazing and noticed that I looked more narrow. She also commented on how I move quicker and with more ease. Matt was so great and said how good I've been and complimented me. Nadi's mom came over and said how proud she was and really loves reading my blog. Thanks Doris ;) I enjoy writing it. Matt's mom Sue was also so so sweet to me! She always tells me I'll be on a commercial someday. That would be super cool! My sisters reaction was the most special to me. She hugged me in the parking lot and I brought tears to her eyes at how different I look. She's is one of my biggest fans snd I am definetly hers! Overall this trip has been so wonderfull for my confidence. A lot of the people I talked to said how I've inspired them to eat healthy or work out. I never would have thought in a million years that I could make other people feel inspired. But the truth is they are all playing an important role in my journey, through their inspiration, love, encouragement, support and friendship. I really, really love you all. Thank you for helping save my life.

Spotlight...

So this spotlight is really on a couple of people. I touched on them in my initial blog but I really love the people in my meetings. My leader, Maria, is so sweet to me. She has always been so amazing and supportive, encouraging and kind. She makes me LOVE my Thursday night meetings. Also, Beth who is an assistant. She always gives me praise and a big, sweet smile. I know it is in their job description to be this way to an extent, but I have been to other meetings and no one does it better. It's just who they are. My mom's boss joined Weight Watchers and she goes to a different center. She had heard about a girl from another center who had lost nearly 80 pounds. So she asked my mom what my name was and when she said my name, she said they were talking about how well I was doing and they use my story as a motivational method. That makes me feel so special. It tells me they are genuinely proud of my accomplishments. This just makes me want to continue making them proud.

If I can be an example to people on will power, commitment, courage and determination, that is the best gift you can give to someone. Cause this works. I am living proof that your goals are reachable if you want them bad enough! I just hope one day, when I get to my goal weight I can inspire people on a bigger level. But for now, I am proud and inspired to be doing it in my little corner of the world.

I am getting more and more comfortable in my own skin...and I love it!

I'm really starting to feel more comfortable being me. I used to be so worried about people staring at me everywhere I went. People used to look at me when I would buy certain things at the grocery store. I knew what they were thinking, "Should she really be buying that" My kids school was the worst place for me. Kids would stare at me like I was some kind of circus show. But now people just smile. Kids treat me like any other mom at school picking up their kids. Maybe it's just my confidence but I don't see very many people staring at me anymore. Of coarse it's something I notice and look for. It would make me feel so awful before. Now it doesn't even matter because I know I will get to a point where it doesn't ever happen. It's not only that. It's so many other things. It's bending over to tie my shoes or picking something up off the floor, getting dressed, even showering. All those things used to be difficult for me. Today, I was driving out of the grocery store parking lot and I saw 3 runaway carts getting ready to hit someones car. I threw my car in park and ran to the carts to stop them and put them away. When I got in the car, I thought to myself, "Did I just run to those carts?" Yes, the old me would have been way too lazy, not to mention embarrassed, to stop them. I know that seems silly, but it's one of those aha moments that are significant in my journey. I am just looking forward to life!!!

Played tourist on the strip and it was AWESOME!!!

My hubby and I took the day off yesterday and played tourist on the strip! This is something I truly used to dread when we had friends or family come to town. I would always make an excuse to stay home because being on the strip always leads to a lot of walking. I used to get winded, my back would be throbbing and my feet would hurt with just a hundred steps. Well yesterday was a different story entirely! We walked everywhere!! According to my pedometer we walked nearly 30,000 steps!! My feet did not burn, my back felt fantastic and I certainly did not get winded!! I didn't even sweat and we never had to stop for me to rest!! What an amazing feeling that was!!! I was so proud of myself! We followed up our great day with taking the kids to Reforest Cafe and I ordered a grilled chicken sandwich, salad and grilled veggies! My kids had such a great time and I love being able to enjoy family time instead of turning it down out of fear I wont lose weight. Because I know I'll still lose. I'm making very healthy choices and working out so much that I am confident I will meet my goals!!!

All I Can Say Is....WHAT???!!!

I can't believe I have lost 70 pounds!!!! It's so amazing, crazy and unbelievable!! When I first started this journey I never dreamed I'd get this far and every step was a great accomplishment. When I got to 15, 20, 50 pounds...Each milestone was special to me and something to be proud of. I think the best part for me is having a support system. I am so lucky to have an amazing husband who has always loved me for who I am and kids who run to the door on Thursdays to get my weight, best friends who cheer me on and keep me brave and friends through facebook who give me kind words and tell me how much I inspire them. Yep, each of these people have encouraged me in so many ways that there is no chance I'm letting myself or anyone else down! I will keep reaching for my goals...I know I can do it!! I've come so far and nothing can stop me now!!