It's been an interesting month...

I just realized I haven't blogged in a month!  I'm still losing weight and working out, but it's been a busy month...vacations and work...work and vacations.  I guess that's what I work for.  In the last month I have only lost about 6 pounds, which is nothing really special to report.  I am however, extremely happy about the progress I've been making on my work outs!  My trainer (I love saying that) has increased my workouts from a 10% to a 100%!  He has me running sprints on the treadmill, then I go to 4 ab exercises, the 4 core balance sets and then to the weight room for 8 different sets of weights with 2 sets each.  This is extreme sports to me.  I can't even believe my body is allowing me to do this.  When I started this weight loss journey in September of last year, I couldn't even go around my block without gasping for air and stopping at least twice and it still amazes me when I finish my hour and a half work out consisting of all those strenuous activities.  So I've been told I'm gaining muscle, but I just don't know.  I think it has to do with the fact that lately I have been saying oh one bite won't hurt and it's really not like me to do that.  So I will get back to basics and start over with my strict regimen and hopefully I can get over the plateau slump I'm in.  One thing is for sure, I could not do any of it without going to my meetings every week and definitely not do it without the support of my friends and family...love you all!     

Goal is set...now it's crunch time!

OK, I came out of the gate pretty strong with my weight loss...but now I feel like I am at a strange plateau.  I'm not gaining weight at all, but I am not losing a lot either.  I make really good choices with the food I eat, I'm at the gym a minimum of 3 days per week and I have never missed a meeting at Weight Watchers and yet, I'm still only losing a small amount each week.  I still have not gained any weight, but I'm always so fearful of that especially when I go to my meeting and only lose .4 pounds.  This could have easily swung the other way.  I'm in a phase right now where I am experimenting with different ways to boost my work-outs, metabolism, etc.  Anyway, I fully expect to continue on this journey with these ups and downs.  My next goal is 150 pounds lost by September 13th.  That's exactly 1 year from the day I started Weight Watchers.  I figured it out and I need to lose a minimum of 1.8 per week in order to meet this goal.  I think I can obtain this and in the past when I've had a very specific goal in mind, I have made it work!  Once again, I am so lucky to have the supportive family and friends to help me along and support these highs and lows.  Lots of love to you all!!

Beachin' summer day...

I had an amazing day yesterday at the beach with just about everyone I truly love here.  Missing my family of coarse and handful of other people... but overall everyone came out to Newport for a birthday party..yeah, I want to have my birthday at the beach too ;)  It was glorious and beautiful.  I love the ocean so much.  So peaceful and serene.  I was so relaxed.  The best thing about it was comparing it to my experience in the past.  Last summer I had the hardest time walking in the sand from the car to the water.  I had to stop to catch my breath, I was winded and I dreaded having to walk back to use the bathroom because I knew I'd have to tackle the awful walk back through the sand.  I was so debilitated.  I just lived with it for so long and accepted that I was no an active person.  I was wrong.  I did have an active person inside just hiding behind my weight.  This experience was way different.  I walked several times through the sand.  I ran through the sand.  I RAN through the sand....WTH???!!!  YES!!  That feeling was amazing.  This was nothing like I've experienced in a really, really long time.  I even surprised myself.  My body continues to amaze me as I find new things it can do that it could not before.  I am so proud of myself for this accomplishment.  I remember dreading summer in the past.  The heat, the outdoor activity, the bathing suit...gooo.  But now, I am so happy it's summer.  These are the months I will now look forward to from now on.  Yay summer!

Came through a plateau with flying colors...

I haven't blogged since I got back from vacation mostly because I was in a rotten plateau, something I've been dreading since say one of starting Weight Watchers.  Everyone warned me about it, but I stayed a step ahead of it at every turn.  So when I went to Disneyland, I thought all the walking would help me out in keeping the dreaded plateau at bay.  However, my body thought differently and it happened.  In fact, I only lost 1 pound over a 3 week period of time.  I was devestated each time I stood on that scale and only lost .2 or .4.  UGH!  So frusterating!  I was not going over my points at all.  So, a couple of weeks ago I got really sick and thought for sure I would gain weight, but I didn't.  I drank a ton of water, ate really fresh food and I ended up losing 11 pounds.  Thank goodness!!!  I finally went back to the gym after 19 days of being on vacation or sick and it felt amazing!  I really feel my body craves the gym.  I went 3 days in a row and then weighed in last Thursday for another 5.4 pounds!  I even had a stay-cation with my hubby and we had room service and cocktails and still came out with a "W" for the week.  I know it wasn't much of a plateau, but for me and the dedication I have to this journey, it was rough for me.  But now I know I don't have to be afraid of it because it will happen again and I will get though it. 

One thing the dreaded plateau can not take away from me is how great I feel.  I have so much more confidence in myself.  I feel so comfortable in my own skin.  I even bought a new bathing suit and didn't have to wear a cover up or stay wrapped in a towel by the pool.  Thats a first for me in years and years.  I couldn't be more happy and I'm looking forward to getting even more fit!  What a great summer this will be :)

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 ;)        

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

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!