WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE???

I went from warm beautiful tropical no cares no worries from last post....Remind me why we had to leave Cancun.....Ok since being back home, it has been one thing after another..That is how it gets from Thanksgiving till the New Year...Some of our highlights Thanksgiving was very low key this year...I usually have the family all over but for one reason or another that kind of stopped...But this year, it was my Mom and Mother in law along with Autumn, Mike and I...that is it..Dad had to work...and So did Michael...First time in 18 years Michael wasn't at the dinner table for a holiday.. I was in tears when he left for work...it had me really wishing time would just slow down..and thinking back through the years. Well clean up after dinner was very easy..lol.. We did have a lot of deserts for people to stop by..Once again for one reason or another many couldn't make it or chose not to come..But good friends of Mike and I stopped by and Dad got home and ate..then we sat around and talked...it was a good time...but different.

This post is me catching up on the last month and half...The picture above is a centerpiece my Dad had got me and it is still alive...except some carnations.. I really love the container and live greens. It is special times like this gift that gives me that warm happy feeling and memories that are cherished.

Speaking of memories...This photo is me after receiving this beautiful Christmas basket full of wonderful items...The colors and items picked out were so perfect and all will be used and cherished for years...and when I take them out each year it will bring great memories of our yearly Christmas dinner out with our wonderful Italian friends..I so look forward to this every year...not my gift....our time spent together at dinner...that lasts ummm at least 3 1/2 to 4 hours.

This year my parents got Mike and I along with my brother and sister in law tickets to this Live Theater in Lancaster PA. We all went together for a nice long weekend the 6 of us. It was night time when I took this picture..it is so beautiful. We left Friday afternoon and got to our hotel..met later in the evening for dinner together..Saturday after breakfast we met up and went shopping at the Outlet's, and the sun was out..little cool but with sun and shopping we didn't notice...went to Apple Bee's for a drink and snack then to our hotel to get ready for the evening.

This picture was taken during the day when my parents went earlier in the summer...they enjoyed it so much they got tickets for us to go in December together. We saw Miracle of Christmas..it was nice and they used live animals...The way they portrayed Mary and Joseph in this play was done in such a way you can relate and truly feel the emotion Mary had of being the Mother of Jesus..Very well done.

This year I used our red and green decorations in the family room and on our tree. The last 4 years I have been doing the tree in glass, crystal, white, golds and much more elegant...This year I was in a more whimsical mood.

This year for Chistmas Eve things were changed around do to both of the kids work schedule..another first but we worked it all out. My mother in law had us over early before Autumn went to work on Christmas Eve...So we celebrated with her around two...autumn had to be at work at 5 and worked till 9....Once again I watched my other child head to work on Christmas Eve. I didn't let on like it was a big deal..she was such a trooper..So very proud of her and her excitement to work...anyway later in the evening we went to my brother's in laws, I had a good time. Always very festive and I got to spend time with my niece and nephew that we don't ever get to see till day after Christmas. It is so good having little ones around this time of year.. Love seeing all their excitement.. My nephew is at that perfect age of 3. Christmas morning we always do a big breakfast of Egg Casserole and Overnight Baked French Toast...so good. We did this a little earlier because Michael had to go to work 12 until 8.. then we usually go to see my Aunt and my Grandpa but this year I decided to fix a Christmas dinner for us, my parents and my mother in law...It was really nice..We ordered honey baked ham and a turkey..cheesy hashbrown potatoes and brocoli...we missed the sweet potato casserole for dinner...I will just say that my 77 year old mother in law's memory isn't what it used to be and she confused it and made it Christmas Eve instead of Christmas day...but we laughed about it and of course all had to make jokes about it at dinner..like wow sweet potato casserole would have really tasted good..or Could someone pass the sweet potato casserole please...all in good fun of course.. Christmas night Mike and I went to friends of ours for a little bit then home and enjoyed the rest of the evening by the fire, with the tree and mantel lights on.

Day after Christmas is a day I really look forward to...That is the day we all get together at my brothers and we exchange gifts...it is laid back and relaxed and much enjoyed.. This year I was the one that got harassed and teased...I will just say it has to do with me taking pictures of myself and my smile....Yep I was teased all night...Let's just say I have a lot of pictures to make up for all the years I never would get my picture taken because of my weight...At least they noticed I am smiling!!!!

I love this wall hanging i got at a craft show this year..I did craft shows with my girlfriend that makes jewelry that is one of a kind... I would keep her company and help get set up and taken down..When I first got there I saw these wall hangings at this one booth..she had beautiful things and wanted 35.00 for this..So I waited and would go back now and then and see if this was still there and it was..So towards closing time everything was about sold out and this was still there and marked down to 15.00...Wooo Whooo I said I will take it!!!! So in a nut shell that is what I have been up to since coming home from Cancun...Paridise....and of course all the other holiday things you do like sending Christmas cards, decorating, Shopping, wrapping...you know how it goes..

Oh ya and dinners out with friends...hold on to that thought..I will tell you about one of those dinners out on next post...hopefully tomorrow..

WE ARE BACK FROM PARADISE..

Home from Cancun Mexico area..We stayed at Excellence all inclusive all adult Resort. Very nice place. The picture above was one of the piers we walked out on and would sit, very pretty and the sand was like powder sugar...

One of the nights we went off the resort to a Mexican restaurant with a large group. They had it all fixed up outside by the ocean with white lights everywhere. As we ate our dinner these Indian's did a story/dance and it was very good.. The guy I am standing but is all painted top to bottom.

LOL... I will just say this was after our farewell dinner our last night..I started doing the stripper dance....I will just say...I enjoyed my Tanquray and Tonic...

My camera didn't do this picture any good but this was a ship they set up for our food table for the farewell dinner. We watched them all day down at the ocean setting this up on the beach... at 3:00 they called it to be switched to the ball room because of the wind...Great job they did...with smiles I might add.

Another drink of choice through out the week was chocolate martini's and mudslides...oh so good. There was a great Martini bar here... Apple Martini's are one of my favorite..but not a Mexican one..lol

Another evening we ate at the Italian Restaurant...this was one of our appetizers...this was beautiful..and the shrimp was even better...DELISH!!!

My dear friend Tammie and I at the Presidential Suite for Cocktail party before dinner...First I loved these Giraffe's..and second each year on our trip Tammie and I get a new Pandora charm for our bracelets that means something from where we are.. so that is what we are trying to show in this picture..We got the Aqua one with silver around it...reminds us of our trip into Cancun and stopped at the lookout of the beautiful Aqua colored water at that part of the ocean...

Oh boy this is another picture of me in trouble...See that big huge pepper grinder in my hand?? Well the joke all week was when I got to loud talked to much or got out of control someone would set a salt or pepper shaker by me...saying calm down...and then it also came with my Hubby taking my drink away and giving me water...Yep then I was cut off...even the waiters were notified...not good..But everyone sure did have good laughs..So this night...don't know what i did or said but I will say the BIG GUY!!!! got up from his seat walked over to the waiters tray and brought the BIG PEPPER GRINDER to the table and sat it right in front of me....OH BOY!!!!!

On Wednesday 10 of us went into Playa Del Carma a little town to do some shopping...This picture is showing how GIRLS...THEY WANT TO HAVE FUN UN OHHH GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN!!!! Sharlene,Tammie, Jamie and I found a great spot for my Hubby to take or picture...Oh the fun we had..

It was a fabulous trip...Our flight down and back was good. The weather this year was perfect. About 3 years ago when we where there it was so very hot and humid..we were wet the whole week not one bit of breeze...

We had an awesome welcome dinner our first night..with a show done with fire...on the ocean.

We saw a show one night that was a tribute to Michael Jackson...they did a fabulous job and the Mexican Michael Jackson was amazing..

I did a spa day.. while my Hubby went golfing....Can I say this was the most unbelievable spa.. They had a water hydrotherapy area you go through the stations before whatever treatment you are going to do...I have never done this or have I ever seen one like this...it was about an hour, then I went for my Deep Tissue Relaxation Message...I will just say.. the Mexican men may be short but the guy I had sure did have strength...I about lost my breath a couple times while he worked on my shoulder back area...Then I adjusted my breathing to breath through it...I was sore for 3 days after this massage but I had now stress and tightness at all...well till I got back home...lol I will say this particular message I did but won't do again..I like a much softer massage..therefore I will stick with my bi-weekly massages I get with my wonderful massotherapist...

We felt like we were on our honeymoon and totally enjoyed this fabulous week...I did take over 500 pictures....but this was a highlight of our week in paradise.

Our trip next year will be in Costa Rica...so I am going to get working on my strengthening and weight..we will be riding horses up the mountains and bungee jumping back down through the jungle and waterfalls...I feel if I ever want to bungee jump this would be the place..

I did a great job with my weight while gone..I gained 4.3 pounds and lost 4 of it already.. a lot of water retention...and um maybe those good drinks.....

Now on to preparing for the upcoming holiday's...

FIGHTING IT ALL THE WAY!!!!

And this body is not going to win...I have been dealing with the same 3 pounds for like ever. My body is saying no way you are not going to loose one more pound, I am telling it you are so wrong and I will fight through this.

When I hit 75-76 pound loss it has stopped...So I will keep going on about my life and when my body decides this isn't maintance time...I will continue with the next 65 pounds.

I can't get all wrapped up in these numbers and let them control my daily mood. I was getting all worked up and having panic when I wasn't loosing. It would set my mood for the day. If I got on the scale and it was down, I would be so excited and it was a good day...This isn't the kind of life I want daily...that would be leaving one control for another control over me.

I will continue on the path of a healthy life style and aiming for a better all round healthy living life.

As for other things going on in my life....I just celebrated 12 extra years that I have been given ...It was 12 years ago on October 31st that I had a ruptured Brain Aneurysm....I am a survivor by the Grace of God and many many prayers from family friends and many people all over the country. I thank everyone for this and for everyone that took care of my children, who were 4 and 6 at the time... It was a long year of recovery...but my solid rock and a big part of my recovery was due to my Husband...He was my support, nurse, doctor, therapist, house keeper, cook, childcare provider.....everything for over a year...The company he worked for gave him all the time he needed off and never asked when will you be back in the office...He worked from home for over 3 months..plus a month he spent with me while I was in the hospital...God was there with us the whole time...So on days I want to scream,yell, hate, leave.....list goes on...I think back to How blessed I have been.

Anyway didn't mean to get off on all that but, but it is and was a very memoral time in our life. So other things going on..Our youngest is still working and carrying a heavy load at school, plus her Tennis..she has been a trooper with it all. She is totally loving driving now and having her own money to do her favorite thing.....SHOP!!! She went and made a big purchase the other night...A pair of black sparkle Uggg boots...and she was so excited seeing that she has wanted these boots for several years now.
Our oldest is working and going to collage..just finished up on testing for the semester. He is branching out more and more in life and becoming more independent. Last weekend he took time off from work to go to Ohio State to spend with friends..He drove on his own and went to Cincinnati U first to pick up a friend then back to OSU...found his way and made it home....lol Had a wonderful time.
Mike and I are preparing for our trip to Riviera Maya, in Mexico coming up. We are staying at the Excellance Resort with many friends...we go yearly somewhere..Last year was Cabo San Lucas...next year I believe we will be going to Costa Rica..anyways so looking forward to this and I will post pics when we get back...Sure dont want to come back with much weight gain...looking forward to many walks on the ocean...

So till next time have a wonderful day..and try not to get so excited and caught up in Christmas that we forget THANKSGIVING....

Hugs to all...

HOW I WILL KEEP ACTIVE THIS WINTER...

Today was my first day on my own after signing up for Curves...I got a good workout, and feel great and it is a Monday...by the way the sun is also out...Wonderful start to the week. So Curves is what I will be doing now since the weather will be getting colder. This will give me resistance training and getting my heart rate up. I get and have met some wonderful ladies, and this will keep me from staying wrapped up in a blanket and complaining how cold and cloudy it is outside.

A long with Curves I will be doing Yoga...I have done this before and it was wonderful, the one I did before was yoga and Pilate's mixed..This will be good for keeping me flexible but will also help relieve my stress and anxiety I deal with.

There are so many different levels of yoga, but we can each take the class and work at our own level. Plus we have different things we are all dealing with along with different ages.. So love the mixture of our group.

Last but not least ZUMBA!!! Now this is where I get to use my love of dancing, and get to be out with the Ladies and still be working on getting stronger and loosing inches... The music reminds me of our time away in Mexico..I get lost in it all.

Here again we do different steps of dance like the samba, and different ones.. Some ladies have back problems and thats ok just do what you can do and what you can't put your own move in...That is the whole idea...JUST KEEP YOURSELF MOVING!!! This is what I plan on doing..

Weight update...Let me just say my body thinks it is on maintenance again...I will just keep it going and reminding myself I am building muscle and it weighs more than fat...So right now looking to loose inches and reshape my body as well as continue to loose the weight and get healthier. Can not wait to be in the world of ONE-DERLAND!!! To NEVER return to the 200's again.

AS LONG AS IT IS GOING DOWN!!!

I have finally moved, to a number I haven't been in a long long time, like 30 years..It has taken me over a month to get to 213.5... but I will take it. I have been bouncing around the 215 for like ever...The last couple weeks I have been eating things I haven't for awhile, a bite here and there of this and that has left me with horrible headaches, achy all over, tired, grumpy and my knees have hurt...I was thinking what is going on? But after realizing some of what I have added in my diet had sugar and more wheat and grains...hmmm.

So about three days ago I cut it all back out again and I have already noticed some changes...one being the scales...it will take awhile to get the stuff out of my system again.

I am going today to join Curves for the winter..they also have zummba classes and Yoga...So looking forward to doing this with a good friend. This will get me out of the house during the cold cloudy dreary days.

So glad to see October here and September gone...it was a stressfull, sad, full of emotions month. Just a little of what went on was, 10 of the children from my childrens school lost 5 parents in different situations all in a weeks time..Sad situation and a couple of them hit close to us. Then 5 students the following week were in a awful car wreak...One still in hospital and was given 3 percent chance of ever being normal again..Well God is answering prayers on this and he is recovering more and more everyday. Another one of the students won't be back to school for a couple more months.. still can't walk, she had a crushed pelivic and lung along with other ingury's. Then if that wasn't enough 3 of our students are being charged with aggrevated burglery and rape..of a couple in the neighborhood...Now your thinking what kind of neighborhood do you live in...I will just say middle to upper class and it doesn't matter any more who you are or where you live stuff happens...One of the guys was our Mr Football for our state 2 years in a row with a promising career in pro football if he wanted...It is all in the choices you make each and every minute of your life...
So on to October and the brillance of the colorful leaves..We had a gorgous weekend with temps in the upper 70's and we took advantage of enjoying it all.

Also my youngest got her first job 2 weeks ago, at a place she said she wanted to work at since she was in kindergarden...it is at a Greek restaurant that friends of ours own..she is hostessing and cashier along with taking carry out orders..She has been coming home with tips and we are like how are you getting tips? She said people do tip in carry out!!!!! Oh really I never thought of doing that if I am coming to pick it up...well good for her...
Another thing she is learning is that everyone pays taxes to Uncle Sam and that it isn't just mom and dad.. she was counting up her hours and said my paycheck will be....., and I said yes but you won't bring that home..they will take out taxes and s.s. and....The look on her face was priceless..she said are you serious...I thought you and dad payed that....LOL
Our oldest is still working and going to college...he is going through some life lesson's of his own and trying to figure it all out...Moving from teenager and high school to college and maturing into a man and what life is like as an adult...Not all about Fun and Games...
So untill next post hope everything is good with everyone and you are enjoying this fall weather wherever you live..
HUGS,
Jolyn

4 MONTH DOCTOR VISIT...

Went for my 4 month check up and blood work...and they were all so excited to see what I have done since my last visit...SO...

My weight was down 74 pounds since January 12th 2011. Next my blood work was all good, but we needed to make a change with my thyroid medicine since my pituitary gland got bottomed out...All I know about this or understood was it is from getting the fat out of my system and loosing the weight...Your pituitary deals with hormone's and growth in our body's..anyway Dr. lowered my thyroid med and I get blood checked again in 21 days. Dr. said I may even need it lowered more...this is great...

My Cholesterol number came down about 20 points since last 4 months and my hdl that is good cholesterol is doing better but still only 39...it was always around 52..Working on getting it up higher.

My Dr. asked me what are my goals from here...I told him I would like to get to 150...but not sure till I get there...lol So we looked at the BMI- body mass index.. and he said he would like me to get to 25...I am at 32 or 34 right now...To get to 25 would be about 140 to 145....

He also told me that platue's would last longer and more often right now..Not to get discouraged but to keep doing what I'm doing..

So meanwhile till my next blood work in 4 months...which will also be my 1 year of living a healthier life style...I will continue to better my health, get stronger, move more, and working on becoming the best me I can be....

IT'S BEEN TWO WEEKS WHY?

Well I didn't loose one ounce last week stayed the same, so truthfully I just didn't feel like posting it. It was first frustrating but...I went on how I feel and not on what a scale says. Plus I had to look at how far I have came in the last 9 months...
So after a very busy two weeks I have went from 217....to 215.2..... almost 2 pounds..I am just happy to be going in the right direction...lol
I go to the Dr. tomorrow and will get my results from blood work. It has been 4 months since the last one. Very excited to see the difference...
Had a wonderful day yesterday with friends out at the pumpkin patch (winery) they had a craft fall balloon fest. We had perfect weather. Then went out to dinner and came home and ended it with a glass of wine...
Till tomorrow have a great night..
Hugs,
Jolyn

WALKING THEN AND NOW AND WHY

Wow I have noticed, finally, that I am getting somewhere with my walking. I was like the picture above, a walk to the mailbox or to laundry room was getting walking in for the day. Then I started walking around the block....out of breath and tired and not walking faster than a stroll.

Now I have been doing more and adding in steps for extra strengthening of my heart. When I first started my new life style in January I did no exercising...until after I lost my first 50 or so. I started walking with a good friend now in the morning and my husband went on a walk with me the other night, after saying he needs to get walking again. I said lets go...he said but you already walk in the morning...I said I can still walk now...so away we went....he kept look over at me and laughing. I said why are you laughing? He said wow you are moving now, I am having a hard time keeping up with you. That was so neat to hear. It was usually me saying slow down...but now away I went...Progress is being made.

I must have thought if your thin you don't need to work out or why would you work out...I have found it doesn't matter how large or small you are, you must strengthen your muscles and heart..You have to keep moving your body. I could go on and on about why we need to be active but we all know we need this.

At times when I am walking I feel like I can't go any faster unless I jog. I have tried at different times to do this, but my head gets dizzy and the bouncing from it hurts my head...Now I did have a brain aneurysm and maybe that is why, the bouncing and up and down makes it so sensitive. Or maybe because of my weight and still being to heavy..I don't know..I will try again another time.

So friends lets keep active and keep moving doing something other than sitting around...

HUGS,

Jolyn

COME ON I'M NOT ON MAINTENCE....

On August 29th I hit my 70 pounds lost..Today, 10 days later I am still at 70 pound loss...Now I want to get frustrated but at the same time I have not been on my regular eating. For example over the Labor day weekend there was foods I don't eat on a regular basis. I had some strawberry cake,some different dips.... so I thank God that I have stayed the same, and also I was satisfied and didn't deny myself of anything.
As for the exercise I have done no walking or steps since last Thursday. I did do my stretching and arm and leg exercise on floor and standing.
I have been dealing with a lot of bloating, so I am trying to take care of that. This morning I made a blueberry spinach smoothie...very good, a lot of protein and some fiber.
I am going to walk the track this afternoon if no rain, instead of going in the morning..I have found I just can't get moving and feel good all day early...I feel better doing my exercise later in the day or evening, not that I am totally stopping my morning with my walking buddy, but when I got things to do or feel out of whack I will change..
I need to get back to simple eating for awhile so I can get to my goal of 80 pound loss by October 31...I am not liking this maintaining....I want to keep going see the pounds drop and not sit and stay the same...
SO 54 days...to loose this 10 pounds that is 7 1/2 weeks..so I need to loose more than 1 pound a week now...I WILL DO THIS!!!!
It has been 34 weeks today since I have started this new lifestyle... and get 70 pounds off. I doubt I will have 100 pounds off by my 1 year anniversary...but that is ok..I do want it off by May of 2012...That leaves my to get 30 pounds off in about 7 months...Now that is definitely do able...
I would also like to have my tummy surgery by April so I will be pretty much healed by the beginning of June...
So I have goals and I got work to do to meet them...

LAST WEEK WAS A FIRST....

Wow...what a week it was...Pain and Fun...well it wasn't actually fun fun...But I did workouts 4 days in a row...Now this is great for me...and was a first. It was also a first for starting this with a wonderful friend...We started the week off Monday by doing the steps..Now we seem to push each other that extra step...no punt intended...lol But up we went all 96 steps...walked around the top 3 x's and did 48 up and down of the side steps...Then we did them walking up sideways...ya we were having fun pushing it..( and really thinking we were marathon runners)...I also found four quarters....That will buy us each a vanilla cone at McDonalds...lol Hey that is my treat this summer..150 calories....Anyway we worked our self back down and then walked the front platform..we did it twice and I EVEN JOGGED....a little...

Me coming up one of the side steps of 48...

So on tuesday we walked around the neighborhood...and challenged our self with some foothills. On wendsday back to the steps...and we talked to a trainer out there that was working with a couple ladies...and she was working them hard..had some kind of roping hooked to a tree and they were doing push ups with legs in stirups off the ground...it was crazy wild...I got her card...but I am know where ready for that YET!!!!

Thursday we went to the High School stadium..and walked the track...we did two extra laps...it was humid and hot out...then I went home and before my shower started doing squats like the ladies at the steps and jumped in the shower...Let's just say friday I felt like I was beaten and battered...So sore...

Now it is Labor day weekend...and I didn't get any steps or walking in the last two days..hopefully tonight after family reunion.

So I will continue with Cindy on Tuesday...Last week kicked my butt because I am not a get up and move girl first thing in the morning...I now get up between 7-8 but not moving much till elevenish...So after work outs starting around 9...I was so off my regular schedule and would come home and sit and one day I fell asleep...Not that I'm complaining, just saying...

As for my weight I am staying right at the 70 pound loss...I haven't had the water I am used to the last two days... and with picnics and stuff not on my regular eating...but you know I'm ok with that..this is how I have to live...so I am enjoying it one day at a time...

Well time to get ready for or family reunion today so I will be checking in again soon. I hope you all are doing great..some of you I have left messages with...Keep up the wonderful job, and those getting ready to start the next challenge...I wish you all the best and want to see the goals hit for you all..

HUGS,

Jolyn

YIPPY YIPPY 70 LEFTYYYY

Wow it is getting harder to loose the weight now...Not because I am having a hard time doing it, but because I am hitting long platoes ...To get this ten pounds off it took me from July 5th till August 28th...now I lost 8 of the 10 fast but for 3 1/2 weeks I could not get the last 2 pounds off..NOT NO MORE...I DID IT...70 IS OFF AND GONE...

This is what I feel right now...I have got 70 off and once again I feel fat...It is hard to explain except to say..when I first started loosing I couldn't see a difference, only in my clothes...then about 50 pounds I could notice in pictures with my face and neck..But now I feel like a person that says I really need to start loosing weight...I feel saggy and impatient...I want this stomach gone..my loose skin on arms and legs gone.

Most my problem is in my core area...So this is where I will really work on...of course along with all over. To those Ladies that have a behind....be happy..mine is so flat...Ok enough of this negativity..I'm done venting..I am truly thankful to have lost every single pound.

So back to positive thinking. My next goal is 10 pounds off by October 31st. I will be doing walking, steps, riding bike, weights for arms, floor exercises for legs.

I will continue to drink my water and eat healthy, staying at 1200 calories.

People tell me I can't give up this or that, or I will get discouraged and stop what I'm doing. My answer to this is... I AM NOT DIETING!!!! I am living a more healthy lifestyle...when I choose to take a food out of my life it is for a reason..now that doesn't mean if I start to crave it or really want some I won't have a bite or a piece and go on. Now everyone is different on how they lower their weight and what works for them.

I do have to say once I get out of 2's and into 1's I never ever ever want to see 200 and something again...It is what it is why I was and am there..but it is a place I never want to return to.

My motto is now: I want to be the best darn looking 50 year old out there!!! Sorry Ladies step a side my 50's I will be living my life doing things I haven't been able to do in years...Now I do have 3 years to get to this FABULOUS 50 YEAR OLD... So till next post....I am a work in progress..hold on....I got things to do...

HUGS,

Jolyn

THOSE PANTS HAVE TO GO....

This outfit I got sometime in May for Michael's graduation...Since I had been loosing weight I knew I needed something nice for that day..I was so excited to get these from Macy's and they are a size 20 pants..a little snug at waist but that's ok I would be loosing weight. This picture was taken June 5th 2011

So this is a picture from August 14th 2011... It is kind of a funny story... We went out to dinner to meet some wonderful friends for dinner and I wore these...Boy were they comfortable...so after dinner my friend and I were walking to the Ladies room before heading back home...And SHE SAYS....It is about time to get rid of those pants...You need some new ones those are saggy in the butt...Then we started laughing...but they are comfortable.... She says and you have no BUTT!!!

She is right, I also have no hips...So we get outside to meet the guys waiting for us, and my dear sweet wonderful friend says to her hubby look at her BUTT... she needs to get rid of these and get smaller size....We were all laughing and I said I never knew a wife would tell her husband to look at another womens backside....lol I guess you had to be there... we were all laughing so hard...

The next day I took these pic's and they are now gone...To another wonderful friend....I am so thankful I can pass my clothes on to other Ladies that can use them...

I am also having a wonderful time shopping and trying things I could never try before... I am having a whole new world open to me all the time..

SUMMER IS FLYING BY....BUT THE POUNDS...

Aren't falling off...It has been real slow the last couple months. So while I am waiting for some pounds to fall off, I am adding some different work outs to my life. The picture above was taken at McKinnley Monument...I have always wanted to be able to run up and down the 96 steps and still live to tell about it...The night this pic was taken, I did it!!!! Hubby and I did the 96 steps and walked around the top area 2 times, then back down the steps and walked the lower level once around..It really felt good, well once it was over. Once I got to the top of the steps, my legs were like jello after about 80 steps...lol The next night was much cooler and no humidity, it was so much easier and we even did more steps...I can now mark this off my Bucket List!!!

As of this morning I am down 65 pounds since January 12th 2011.I have some goals I am working on right now. First goal is to loose a total of 73 pounds by September 22nd. I have a Dr.s appointment and have all my blood work done..So looking forward to seeing my new numbers on everything.

Second goal is to loose a total of 80 pounds by the beginning of November...We have something special going on so that means 15 pounds more to loose in 3 months.

How have I been feeling since loosing 65 pounds? I have been feeling good, more energy, I now get up anytime between 7:30 and 8:30am, if you know me you know I am not a morning person at all...well I wasn't a morning person. I now look forward to my 3 cups of coffee in the morning that my hubby makes. There are days I am up and waiting for the coffee to get made...now that is a huge change. Some of you may be asking yourself why doesn't she make her own coffee...answer to that is I have no clue how..Yes I know I could learn, but then it won't taste as good...lol Hubby grinds the beans everyday and actually I may be up but not real awake..
I have noticed I am not having highs and lows through out the day like I did before. Times when I would be so tired I couldn't do anything. Not now, I feel good all day, no spikes of sugar or tiredness.

Today we went to Bob Evans for breakfast, well it was 11:45 am, remember we had to have our coffee, and I have energy now so I got ready and washed a load of clothes.......So anyway I was looking at their menu and they have a section of food that is healthy and gives calorie count, fat and something else. I also noticed sugar free syrup, sugar free jelly packs...I was so excited. So I ordered the scrambled eggs (egg beaters), sliced tomato, dish of fruit-cantaloupe,grapes, pineapple chucks, plus 2 whole wheat cranberry pancakes....very good and filling it was about 360 calories plus your syrup 20 calories 1/4 cup...Thank you Bob Evans.

A new thing I have been reading on is fiber. Why we need fiber, how much we need, what fiber does and what foods are high in fiber. See not only am I working on my weight, I am working on having a healthy life style all around. This is working for me and I don't feel like I am missing out on anything. I am also not having cravings, well except that time of month and how I solved my need for some chocolate was by getting some Nuttela..Oh my goodness is this good. It just takes a 1/2 teaspoon and it taste just like creamy fudge...YUMMY!!! It is high in calories I believe 200 for 2 tablespoons but a couple times a month taking a tad is much better than a whole chocolate bar.

One of my extras this year through the summer has been a 50 cent cone from McDonald's. It is about 150 calories. If we are out in the vet, or out watching boats come inat the marina, we stop and get a cone. It is yogurt and refreshing.


Now you have to be thinking why in the world did you post this picture... And you did not leave the house looking like that did you? Let me answer....I wore this top, yes top last year and it was kind of tight around the leather belt area. So we were going out and I thought hmmmm wonder how this would look now with my white crops....lets say it got much longer since my stomach isn't taking up all the space...So, I am always doing something crazy...this time I put on my daughters wedges (that now fit since I have went down 1 size in my shoes and longer needing wide) slipped on my dress (top) and walked into the family room and said Honey do you think this looks ok to wear tonight or do you think it's to big????? Let's say I got a look that words can't express....

So till next time I wish you all the best and may you meet all your goals you set...

IT HAS BEEN 3 1/2 WEEKS....SINCE LAST POST

Look how happy Wynona Judd is...She did it!!! She lost 60 pounds..And guess what

Yep I lost 60 lbs also...

It is gone and gone for good may I add..Since my last post on June 12th when I weighed 56 pounds it has been slow going..Yes I did loose 60 pounds but then 59 then back to 60 and down 2 more to 62 then 60 then 58 and as of today it is 61...I have been back and forth within 3 or 4 pounds...UGGG that gets frustrating...BUT it seems to be what my body has done through this. I go back and forth a while then boom drop 4 to 5 overnight...

So I thought to myself...self it is time to sweat some...Now those that know me know I do not like to sweat...it totally grosses me out..It is bad enough when I would just GLISTEN...So the pic above is the bike I would love to have..Isn't is so cute...But I got my daughters bike out, cleaned it up and went to another city to try it out...Oh what was that...Why another city? Hub calls it pride I call it keeping my dignity...Do I want everyone I know and don't know in my town to see me on a bike...NO WAY!!! Well I quickly found out I need a different seat... OUCH!!! I found I have bones in my rear...that seat hurt...So now I got a big comfy seat...hmm maybe I can ride in my neighborhood..Let's go, so off I went for 1.3 miles on the flat straight road...What did I discover..# 1 I can't stop very well...lol and OMGoodness am I out of shape..(No Kidding) but I found out if nothing else I need to get this HEART in shape and keep this up..I got off in my driveway breathing HARD and weak leggs..So 2nd day and 3rd day..Now I have a neighborhood audience, yes I feel like I am running a race ( well I am I guess). I get keep going, Good for you, have fun, Good job getting out here and exercising, Good thing to do to get away from our teens..lol so you get the drift..

Me end of December beginning or January..Before 60 pound loss

Me now, after 60 pound loss...as of July 3rd 2011.

Goal is to keep going and to keep riding my bike adding distance as I can, and adding some water aerobics..and some weights with my arms...(weights as in Campbell's soup can)..lol My next update will be in October right around my birthday and leaving for a wonderful trip..

I would love to be down 75 or 80, but would be okay with 70 to 75...Stay tuned...

WHO SAID YOU CAN'T EAT THAT??

Sunday night I wanted Olive Garden...some of you might think What you can't eat there...well in the beginning of my weight loss..I would say no way...And personally until you know it won't be a problem and you can go and have control..Don't do it...But as of right now I just don't want certain things and even though bread was my down fall....it didn't even bother me a bit NO DESIRE!! Sooooo

I started with their wonderful salad...No I got the light Italian and Hubby wanted regular so are sweet waitress brought us each a bowl and I got mine on the side...

I took croutons off and hubs ate them..I had parm cheese on it and a tad drizzle of dressing...Now I said tad of dressing because I really never did like much dressing on my salads, well unless ranch but still don't like tons of dressing...I would rather have salt and garlic powder on my salad. Anyway this tasted so fresh and good.

No instead of going and saying I can't get that and I can't have this...I knew what I wanted from the commercial on tv....lol So I planned for this during the day. for breakfast I had cereal and skim milk...My breakfast like this is usually around 450 to 500 calories. I have 2 c of kashi and or special k or shredded wheat, usually mix 2 of them but a total of 2 cups with about 1 cup milk over it. The rest of the day I drank lots of water and this isn't good but I was busy and didn't eat a thing till 5 when we went to dinner...

But.....I ate 1 of the chicken breasts and 1 1/2 of the lasagna noodles stuffed with cheese..not all the garlic sauce..So for the whole dinner above the calorie count is 1210... I pretty much ate half so I if I ate say 800 calories plus breakfast of 500 I was at 1300..over by 100 or so ...

Now I so enjoyed this will I do this weekly? NO!!...But if I crave or want something now I will have some...But I have not had any cravings at all through this last 5 1/2 months..I also waited till my first 50 pounds before doing this...

Did it hurt me on the scales for eating here...NO!!! I am still loosing and as of this morning I have lost a total of 56 pounds..Still want to loose 63 more...maybe more but for now my goal is 15 more by October for total of 70...I would love to hit this goal by august and recalculate the October goal...

GRADUATION PARTY

A lot of pics on this post...We had a great turn out of close friends and family. We had Michael's party at a brand new park that opened Memorial weekend...Everything was new and clean.

Some friends of Michael's, actually he and David the one in the striped shirt have been friends since 1st grade...

My Grandpa and I....Grandpa is 87 years old and doing wonderful...So blessed to have him...Grandpa is a giver and always like to make people laugh...Oh the stories he tells...

Michael and David playing corn hole.

I got a whole sheet cake...plus we had 80 cookies...Reminder only 1/2 sheet cake for Autumn...Well maybe...with her we could be inviting everyone she ever new....lol she is miss personality and don't know where to cut....But we have 3 years to figure this out.

My Aunt Alice...you got caught...luv this....She was my life saver when Michael was born and almost the only one I would leave my baby boy with...She would show up and take over...many nights rocking him and calming him from his colic!!!! U r the Best..

My Mom and Baby brother...My brother is like one of Michael's idol's he wants to be like his Uncle Joe and have what Uncle Joe has and Live like Uncle Joe lives and....well you get the point Uncle Joe can do know wrong in Michael's eyes...Love you Joey..

Girls my Autumn in the middle.

Sister and Brother....Boy do we look ornery...

sister in law and my nephew Tyler he will be 3 in August...Let's say he had to have slept very good that night...He ran and ran....loved the rain when it came...FULL OF ENERGY!!!!

So loving the look on Michael's face...Aunt Kelly made this gift for him, he saw one she had done for her father and wanted one so bad....So of course Aunt Kelly made him his STEELER collage..

PRICELESS....something he will have forever...that is Aunt Kelly and Uncle Mike behind Michael..Now Mike is like Uncle Joe to Michael...He really truly loves them and I so appreciate them for taking Michael under their wing...And for Kelly for all the help and preparing him for collage and studies....Love u both!!

Now on to Uncle Joe's gift for Michael...Now this all started before last Christmas, when Michael asked for a cross necklace for Christmas...My brother said I am going to take care of that for his Graduation if that's ok, I already have something planned. So here is Michael opening his gift. Love how Joey is looking at Michael..

Michael opened a gold chain necklace in the pic above...but wait Uncle Joe has something up his sleeve I mean in his pocket......look at Michael's face...

Joey hand a little wrapped gift to Michael....The seriousness on Joeys face and Michael is thinking this is a joke what is it...

IT was a gold cross my brother wore for the last 18 years, he past it on to Michael with a lot of love and memories...What an awesome gift with memories and a whole lot of love. Michael was in shock...he said I can't believe he gave me his Cross...Aunt Lori is putting it on the chain...I don't know if Michael will ever take it off.

This picture says it all.

My sweet precious dear friends of ours from PA...Thank you all so much for taking time to celebrate with us...

My Meghan...we will be going to her graduation in 2 weeks..love her so very much...

Autumn and her friends...I think the girls were checking out all the boy's that came and went...lol

And we ended the party a couple hours short with this and storms that came through, along with tornado watches...So we packed up..well the guys and Kelly packed up and alot headed to our house and finished up the celebration their..

I thank My Family and friends for coming and celebrating this time in our first born's life, as he ends one journey and moves on to his next...Love to you all...