Friday Favorites

I am SO Not a morning person! However when I put Mandisa's new song "Good Morning" I can't help but go get a little pep into my step! It makes me look on my day with an excitement at the possibilities that this day might bring. If you have not heard this song, you need to!






I am also enjoying my low calorie chocolate cupcake/muffin! When you are dieting & PMS hits -girls, this is the cure!!! I know there are several variations of this recipe but the taste & the texture is so right on my kids ask me to make them. Wow!





I just mix all the ingredients together with a mixer -real well so there is no "crunchy" part in my muffin. Bake according to the directions on the cake mix box. I use Duncan Hines Devil food cake mix, & then sprinkle 4-6 chocolate chips on top of batter in cupcake liner papers prior to baking.







I am also enjoying listening Zig Ziglar podcast, they are free on iTunes & are positive & motivational. Filling my brain with positive stuff as I work around the house.






My last favorite thing I am enjoying this week, is the above new foundation. I heard several good reviews on the product, & when I ran out this week I decided to give it a try. I am so glad I did! It provides good coverage with a light shimmer to deflect light and give a more youthful dewy appearance, can you say "yes, please!".

Well those are my Friday favorites. Hope everyone has a great weekend!

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You mean it takes work?

I have to admit it! I always thought that you either were naturally thin or you were not. I mean I had read the articles with super models who said that they did not diet, they just enjoyed biking and walking with their families. I saw countless of very skinny, tiny girls at church - I saw that during VBS they ate a chocolate chip cookie with the kids. I felt so overwhelmed and mad at my genes. I was so frustrated I wanted to be classified as a "skinny chic" who would look good in clothes. I did not realize that it took work! I am honest! I did not realize that other ladies worked at being thin. My own mom who is itty bitty - never seem to have to work at it. Oh, she occasionally would watch what she ate. Once she was passed 40 she started walking. However that just never seemed like it took a lot for her to maintain her youthful appearance.

I remember that I started my weight loss journey in January, thinking ok it is just a "food issue" I have to get this under control. "I wonder why some people can eat anything they want, but it is such a struggle for me?" Well you should have seen all my thoughts the first week I went to the gym back in March. I could not believe all the ladies I knew that I was running into!!! I was a little awe struck! Here I had admired some of these very thin, beautiful ladies from my previous church for years!! I had been jealous that they could shop, and & come to church in the latest styles. (I know jealous is not a good emotion, but I am trying to keep it real!) I was shocked that I saw some of these same ladies showing up at the gym day after day, putting in some grueling workouts. These ladies did not just have "great" genes! These ladies sacrificed for it! It was such a relief to me. It was an "Ah-Ha!" moment for me.

It connected in my brain that being in good shape, wasn't just about eating 100% perfect all the time! (Because really who can be 100% perfect all the time!) It was combining good eating choices, with exercise that pulls staying healthy all together. It finally made sense! To me it was like finding the perfect recipe for the best banana bread! It has started to click. I don't feel angry anymore that I have genes that allow the excess fat I store to be on my thighs. I am not frustrated that I have to make good eating choices. I realize for the most part everyone who is over 40 and in good shape probably has to deal with both of these issues - they may have just had it figured out before I did!

Size 16 baby! Down 51.1 pounds!!

You know what this is a picture of? You guessed it! It is a photo of me in a pair of size 16 jeans - zipped up!!! Woo Hoo!!! I hit my 2nd mini goal ! I am below 200 pounds!! Woo Hoo!!

I have to tell you I had 2 milestone moments this week! The first I have lost 51.1 pounds which has put me at 198.4 which being below 200 was the 2nd mini goal heading towards that large goal of 100 pound weight loss. The 2nd milestone that I hit this week was fitting into size 16 pants!! I almost cried I was so happy! This means that I can go shop at ANY store! be it Gap, Limited, Ann Taylor Loft. All the stores I have dreamed of shopping at, but could not because of my size. This really has been such a happy, happy milestone to hit.

Also it does seem like LOTS of people are noticing that I am losing weight. Yeah! That is such a positive thing since I have been dieting, and exercising and on this weight loss journey since January. I just can't believe it! I have 48.9 pounds left to go. So I am excited about continuing on down this road. My daughter and me were talking after I was able to buy some new pants, and some new tops! (did I mention that I bought tops in a size Large Woo Hoo! no, 2Xl, 3Xl, not even a Xl, but a L!!!!) about what size did I hope to end up. I told her if you had asked me in January all I would of hoped and dreamed for was a size 14. However I am in a size 16 with 48.9 left to go. They say that every 10-12 pounds is a dress size. I have found that pretty accurate. So Who knows I told her, we shall see where I am when I get there! The reality of this weight loss journey is becoming much bigger, than I had every allowed myself to hope for! (also I did 16 push up's in a row today in class!! Have I mentioned that when I started classes in March I could only do about 2 push up's in a row. I am definitely getting stronger!)

My favorite "Faux" dessert right now

Well the temperature is starting to warm up outside. I have been on a diet now for about 4 and 1/2 months. I have lost 44 pounds. (Yeah!) However, I tell you what -momma needs something sweet from time to time! This may sound so very simple (and it is!) and it is my new "fav" drink in the afternoon! I fill one large, cup with ice. Pour about a cap full of "vanilla sugar free syrup" found on the coffee aisle in the cup. Then fill glass with "diet root beer" -Ah! I tell you it taste just like a root beer float, but with none of the calories! Whew!

Yes, I know some substitute artificial sweeteners are not the best for you. I acknowledge this. However I also acknowledge that I have been dieting for 4 & 1/2 months and I need to taste something that taste like an indulgence every once and a while without blowing all the hard work that I have accomplished, and still need to complete (44 pounds down, 54 to go!)

"younger sexier you" book review

Well while I have been on my "weight loss journey", one of the ways I have tried to stay inspired is by reading book, after book on weight loss and looking good. The book "Younger sexier you" by Eric R Braverman, MD was one of those books. So how did this book stack up to the other books on my night stand?

Well I would would rate this book as "leave it at the bottom of the stack". (I know I feel so mean! This is the first book that I am reviewing that I did not love, or really "like") I thought that the book did not share any new, or at least "quick! grab a highlighter information". I could say that the book focused on what I believe was pretty much common sense info. 1), the better shape you are in the more you are likely to be up to having sex. (when you feel good about how you look, you are more likely to be "in the mood". 2) Also the better shape you are in, the more likely you are to be able to "actual" have sex. The last but not least, in fact I would go as far as to say the main theme of the book is:

"If you do not use it, you lose it!"

The main indicator that you will be an active senior having a good sex life, is by being an "active" ______(fill in your current age in the blank). Isn't that the truth to any activity we do, or stop doing!! I mean after all, have any of you ladies tried doing the monkey bars lately? or a cart wheel? If you don't use it, you will lose it! No matter what it is we are talking about!

My weight loss journey

I made my mind up that this would be my year, to lose the weight I had gained and losed and gained back in between each pregnancy and had now became a part of who I was. I don't think that the extra weight made me "less" of a person, or not as important as someone who was not. I did however noticed how it was often the very first thing that people noticed about me, and labeled me. I was not happy with this label, but I knew where my value was found. I knew that God, loved me and thought I was precious. I knew that my husband and my daughters loved me and thought I was precious. And truthfully I did not have the energy, the time, or the desire it would take even see "if" it was attainable to lose the weight that I had gained and put on over those 13 years. (I mean 99/100 pounds seemed impossible for my brain to even begin wrapping itself around)

However in December of 2010 my heart started to race, and my blood pressure was high for the first time and it scared me! I did not want to die an early death. I had a lot to live for! It motivated me to take a long hard look in the mirror, and at the scale and pray about it and decide that I wanted to make some changes for the right reasons! After all just because I was plus size did not mean that I had given up I made sure my hair was done in a cute style, my make up was done, and looked put together when I went out. I had gained weight slowly with time, and did not think that I had given up on my self.

I knew life would not continue along the same, enjoyable pace, if my health was starting to be an issue. So I needed to make some drastic changes. I first looked at how a lady in our town that had been plus size for at least 10 years had lost weight with out surgery. I had heard that she had used some prescription medicine. I thought this might be the right place to start. So I went to the clinic and got some RX that helped with appetite suppressant. As I losted the first 5 pounds I got very excited and thought maybe, just maybe this is doable!

The 2nd month in I was excited, after I had lost the first 15-17 pounds my heart stopped racing, and my blood pressure returned to normal. However it took me being very focused to stay committed to my weight loss because during this time even though I was losing weight no one, and I do mean NOBODY noticed! When you are really overweight you have to really lose ALOT of weight before anyone begins to notice! I used pictures and stories of Alli and others that had lost the weight (above Ali had lost 112 pounds! Which is so WOW! but do you think the first 5,10,15,20 pounds people said WOW!) Ali's website is Alivincent. I located other photos and videos on youtube as encouragement to keep going!

The 3rd month into my weight loss journey someone gave me a free "visitor pass" to a local gym. This has radically changed my life. I got busy moving, joined a body pump class that taught me how to lift weights. This and the stationary bike are my favorite things to do at the gym!!! Here again if you want to be strong and in shape, you do what the people or ladies who are strong and in shape are doing! I would not be intimidated away from the gym. I was commited! I am constantly surprised at how much stronger my body is becoming - who knew that I was or had become so weak! I guess since I became weak over time I had not realized it how bad out of shape I had become-I know you would think I would not have been so shocked! (below is a photo from my stationary bike)

The 4th month people have started to realize that I am losing weight! Yeah!! It is so encouraging to hear kind words of encouragement off the lips of others! (can you tell one of my love languages is words of encouragement). I am now down 44.7 pounds. I have gone down 4 pants sizes, almost 5! I have just started to get to shop in the "regular" ladies department or section of a store! (I will update after my next shopping trip!) I have been able to really research different nutrition and weight loss books and try some of the different approaches that I have read over the last 4 months. I have implemented changes to my diet as well as my families diet. This has really been a life make over, not just a weight loss journey. I still have 55 pounds to go!

(Here is a photo of me celebrating the royal wedding, forgive the shadow that the iphone casted) (I know I can be such a dork, but hey! me and my girls made a special memory together!)

I describe this as a journey because I still have 55 pounds yet to go. However this time is my time! I am losing weight, I am getting stronger, and I am going to achieve my goals! Thanks for all who are following my weight loss journey on my blog! (my next diet update I will post my full length updated photo of myself, from January to now.) I still have a ways to go and I am excited for the journey!!!

I am 40 pounds down!

I am so excited! Last week I hit the 40 pounds down mark! Woo Hoo! This is an amazing mark to hit on my weight loss journey! I am very excited! I am now only 9 pounds to go before I am below 200! This really inspires me to keep on keeping on!

diet update

I am down 35.7 pounds and still going.... (going strong, I hope so!). I think my second wind has kicked in and I am ready to keep on keeping on going down the diet roadway.

Party!

It's funny how you can be cruising along focused on your goal, working hard. Encouraged by the results you are seeing and then out of now where

Bam!">
All of a sudden yesterday, I was overwhelmed with weariness! The night before we had gone to small group and I was told that someone could tell that I lost a little weight in my face. Don't get me wrong I love compliments, but come on! I have lost 33 pounds, and have gone down 3 pant size. So depressing that nobody is realizing or noticing all the hard work I have put in. I almost cried yesterday, and was thinking "Why Bother!?!" I have been on a diet for 3 months now, working my bootie off and nobody can tell! Then I realized I was being hormonal! Did I mention I started craving, chips & Salsa and Brownies?

So I decided that I was being sensitive, and that yes, I was being hormonal. So I would allow myself "permission" to eat a higher calorie dinner last night. However limiting the amount of food to only one plate, and I would count my calories. So I made chicken fajitas, chips with salsa and guacamole, and had 1 piece of brownies. However that seemed to really, really satisfied the beast of hormones that was raging in me. I did not even have a snack later on that evening. I weighed this morning and I did not gain, I did not lose either but I am OK with that today. I feel more inspired to I was checking in on blog land and my favorite blogger Keelie over at RealFat had an inspirational post this morning that has really helped me get my head back on. I am staying committed -God has not brought me this far to head back into the wilderness! So I am about to head off to Body Pump class. I hope everyone has a great weekend!!!
Image by Cool Text: Free Graphics Generator - Edit Image

Image by Cool Text: Free Graphics Generator - Edit Image

1 degree can make all the difference!

I got home from the gym the last two days with a giggle. The First one, was after my second class called "Body Pump" -each class has a different instructor. This instructor was precious! Funny, kind, encouraging, and she wanted to know my name at the end of class, and encourage me to come back to class which I Really, Really appreciated!! But I got the giggles almost when she asked if I was a new member at the gym. (Did I happen to mention that I was the only Plus size woman in the class? I couldn't help but giggle and think, "hum, however could she tell". (The old me would have been to intimidated to go into class and participate, but not now! That old way of thinking though still roars it's ugly head every once in a while. )

Just as quickly as I can be encouraged something small can happen that lets the wind out of my sails! I am fighting through it! I ran into a good friend today at the grocery store that I used to see on a weekly bases, and haven't seen as much in the last 6 weeks. She did not mention my weight loss at all -boo hoo! (33 pounds! and she did not notice-ugh!) I kinda whined around, and had a little pity party for myself. However not a huge one, no following off of the diet wagon or anything.

So when I got home and was checking my emails I was very encouraged to find the below video being sent to me. So after watching it, I am more positive and I choose to cross the line!!

and keep crossing that line!! I also received my LoseIt weekly report from last week. I choose to celebrate my small victories, or choices each day, each week!

Exercise total for last week:

type: Total time: Calories burned:

Yoga 25 Min 64

Walking 5 Hours & 50 Min 1400

Stationary Bicycle 1 Hour 20 Min 831

Weight Lifting 1 Hour 15 Min 259

Total 2555

I hope you enjoy the video. Thank you everyone, who sends me an email, or comments on my weight loss journey updates! I really appreciate your encouragement!! (More than you know!!!)

Down 33 pounds!

I am very excited to report that I am down 33 pounds!!! Woo Hoo! This does my heart good! I have been working out about 2hours a day (total -not all at one time), and after I enter my calories for the day and my exercise (which on the LoseIt! site/app subtracts the calories burned from calories eaten) I try to keep the final number somewhere in between 800 and 1,000 calories per a day.

My favorite new thing to eat for breakfast is 1 packet of oat fit maple and brown sugar oatmeal, 1/2 T of peanut butter, 1 truvia packet, 1 tsp of flax seed-ground, and 1/4 tsp of cocoa powder. I get my fiber, I get my protein, I get my heart healthy omega 3, and best thing yet it taste like you are eating no bake cookies! This breakfast adds up to being 220 calories, but it keeps me full and gives me the correct fuel to work out!

If you are currently dieting or trying to cut back what do you like to eat for breakfast?

weight loss update

Well this is my weight update for the week. I have decided to take the advice of Keelie from RealFat and take photos of my weight loss journey. The below picture was taken on New Years Eve this year. I knew I had gained weight after breaking my arm in the fall, but I was really not prepared to see the below photo of myself. I was a lot, I mean A LOT wider on the bottom than I had even realized that I was. I guess I was hanging out in denial!

weight: 249.5

current weight: 222.5

down 27 pounds

Keelie recommends taking pictures of your weight loss journey so that even when other people do not notice your weight loss, you have record and confirmation that your body is changing. Whew! This was an emotional post today!

This week my weight did not change -Ahh! However, it was my birthday week I turned 41 this past week. So I had ate out for dinner (did I mention I ate my weight in chips and salsa, and had birthday cake and I did not gain! So I will take that as a victory of some sorts.)

How did I manage that you ask, well my weekly report was emailed to me for LoseIt! and it told me my totals for the week were:

walking: 5 hours and 30 Min's

Stationary bike: 1 hour and 55 Min's

I am making healthy changes, and I am taking better care of myself. I am starting this week to add free weights into the equation and see if that helps make a difference in my weight loss for next week.

A chubby chic's experience at Sky Gym

Well a friend of mine gave me a free week pass to the Sky Gym here in Tulsa, OK. So I decided to check it out. First off the facility is beautiful! It has all the amenities and more than you could even dream to be housed in a gym. I went yesterday mid morning to check out the gym. Upon arrival I checked in to the front desk, where the young lady working the reception gave me a cute little "Oh, bless your heart" smile. Which did almost make me want to turn around right there! but I thought, "nope, Amy put on your Big Girl pants (swallow, hard here yep! they are bigger than I wish they were!) You can do this!" So I smiled back, and said "yes, I am here to check this out" got my pass and proceeded back to the locker room to leave my purse and bag in the beautiful, locked locker that they provide for you!

On my way back to the locker room I passed a juice bar, and a spa. I quickly deposited my stuff and went out to the work out floor area. Where feeling like I had no idea, what to do, I quickly jumped on the first tread mill I saw. Now this first area of tread mills -allows you prime viewing of the workout area of the gym. From where I was walking I was able to "people watch" the weight machines, the other area of treadmills, elliptical machines, and bikes. The cross fit area. Where I have to stop and just admit the ladies who work out in the cross fit area are amazing athletes I saw them doing all kinds of moves that it takes real muscles and endurance to be able to pull off! I dream of one day being a cross fit chic! (In case you do not know what cross fit is I included a link for you)

Enough said about the lay out of the gym. The first thing I noticed, right away - guys can wear anything, AND THEY DO! However, the ladies were all dressed it black pants, (did I mention that I wore my light gray Capri work out pants-yep! I stood out as a newbie!). and all colors of cute brightly colored workout tops, and a few t-shirts. The amazing athletic girls in the cross fit area even wore these cool headbands that helped with the sweat drip page, and kept the hair slicked back. I want some muscles and a cute headband! Well I guess every journey starts with baby steps!

The ladies I ran into and got to visit with were all sweet, kind, friendly and very helpful and answering my questions. I think I will have to consider joining this gym in the fall after all my kiddos start back to school. (They do have a fab child care program -however my kids fall in the age of I think I am to cool for a babysitter, but mom would not feel comfortable going to work out for 2hours a day and leaving them at home by themselves yet category.) So I would say Thumbs up for Sky gym, and the only mildly offensive attitude I encountered was from a young girl at the front desk who was not even probably 20 years old yet. All other Sky gym employees were very nice and friendly! I think that is just life, sometimes you run into sweeties, sometimes you don't! So Sky gym is as wonderful as they say- and it would be a great gym no matter what size or fitness level you are! However take it from me, the next time I go I will definitely wear my black work out pants!

If you want to go by and take a look and check it out. Ask for Brittany Nichols, if you want to set up a time to go by so she can show you around you can reach her at ph#1-918-299-5500. She has been great showing me around, getting me familiar with Sky gym, and no hard sale!

**I am not paid, nor have I received anything to endorse this gym.

Down 27 pounds!

OK, well here is the latest diet update. I am down 27 pounds -Yeah! This puts my weight about what I was when I broke my arm back in August. Whew! That is a good start! I only have 70ish pounds left to go!
I am still using my "lose it" app from Itunes. I keep track of the calories I eat, and the calories I burn through exercise. I try to keep the calorie intake at the end of the day between 800 and 1,000. I walk or exercise most days 45 Min's to 1hour. I am currently enjoying Leslie Sansone 2 mile walk, and the "Calorie Burn Boot camp" on ExerciseTv. I have started to include a 5 min arm workout located on the Wikio news page. (I've included a link if you want to check it out) by Tracy Anderson, the creator of "The Method" work out, also Gwyneth Paltrow's trainer.

One of my Favorite New recipes to help deal with family breakfast on the weekend is this "Petite Cinnamon Swirls" recipe. My family loves it, and 1 swirl has 102 calories, so I can have this along with 2 tablespoons of scrambled eggs (46 calories), and 1/2 cup of grapes (50 calories) and have similar things to eat with the family for the weekends "Big Breakfast" for approx 200 calories. Not bad!

Petite Cinnamon Swirls

1 8 ounce tube refrigerated low-fat crescent dinner roll dough

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 teaspoons grated orange zest (makes a huge difference!!)

1/3 cup raisins

1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

1 Tablespoon fat-free Milk

Preheat the oven to 375.

Unwrap the dough - DO NOT SEPARATE IT!!!! Place the dough in one piece on a flat surface. In order, sprinkle with the cinnamon, orange zest, and raisins. Press gently into the dough.

Starting with one long end, roll up the dough jelly-roll style, making a log about 12 inches long. Using a serrated knife, cut crosswise into 12 slices. Bake on a nonstick baking sheet, placing about an inch apart. Gently press down on each roll to slightly flatten.

Bake for 1-0-011 mins, or until beginning to turn golden.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir together the confectioners' sugar and milk until well blended. Spoon over the rolls as soon as they are removed from the oven. Enjoy!

How are those of you doing who have been working on weight loss this spring, doing? Any recipes or tips you would like to share?

Well I am down 21 pounds so far!!!! Yeah!! Let me hear a Cheer! I am very excited to see the numbers on the scale going down! It is a little discouraging that I have lost 21 pounds and it is just now "Starting" to be a little visible to the eye. However I am trying to be positive focusing on these things:

1. The number on the scale is going down! not up!

2. I don't get so winded during my exercise routine until 1/2 way through (YEAH!_)

3. There does feel like there is less of me in the stomach area when I bend over and stretch, and do things like tie my shoes.

4. I am not as sore as I was when I started out exercising. (by no means, am I ready to run a marathon, but better getting into better shape I am._)

5. I have consistently worked out 6 out of 7 days the last 4 weeks!!!

Some people have asked what I am taking. I am taking a prescription called Phentermine at the strength of 37.5mg a day. This helps with appetite suppression, but does not make good choices for me, or work out for me, nor does it help in keeping track on my calories for the day. That is all me. However it is nice to be doing all this with out feeling like I am just STARVING! I do get hungry at meal times, but when I eat the appropriate amount I am full.

dieting

Well I have tried regular dieting - ugh!! I have tried the HCG diet - which I was loving until I started fainting - you see I am border line hypoglycemic and my body did not like the 500 calorie restriction. So I tried just exercising, the scale only budged -3 pounds, and I fell while jogging one morning and fractured my arm. (call me graceful!) So I took the fall off and made snow angels in the pit of despair. Until that is I heard of one lady in my small town who had lost around 80 some pounds and was looking fabulous!!!

I'll be honest the lady looked sooo good I thought for sure she had surgery to lose the weight! Well small towns are funny - you don't have to be "friends" with some one to hear about what they are doing. (isn't that crazy!!!) (I know!!!!) (one time I went to a movie premier umm... Eclipse and someone posted on my facebook page how they were surprised I hadn't posted on my status about the midnight premier. I tell you what low and behold before I could even respond - someone else had responded for me, that they had just seen me and I was there at the movie theatre! I got the biggest laugh at that one. Truly like Miranda Lambert song says "everyone dies famous in a small town!"

Well I had heard that this Sexy, hot looking momma had gone to a weight loss clinic to get an rx. I was shocked I had always been scared of Rx, but knew at this point I had tried about everything else but RX and surgery. So I did some research found out that the RX was safe. Also if I was a smoker who had smoked for a decade everyone would tell me to go get on a patch or get some RX to help me break the habit. So I decided that I would try the RX to see if it would help me break bad eating habits that I am embarrassed to say I have had the last 10 years.

I have been on the diet for 3 weeks now. The medicine helps curb my appetite where I am not STARVING all the time. I do get hungry for meals, but when I eat a correct portion I am satisfied! I do keep track of my calories (LOSE IT! app on the Ipod) (I am keeping my calories btwn 850-1000 most days!) and I am doing regular exercise (no jogging thank you) I am walking, lifting weights, and doing sit ups. I do go into the doctor's office once a week for a HCG and B12 shot. I have to admit I did not realize that I would still have to do all the things I had done on a diet when I tried it by my self but this time I think I can last to lose my 90 pounds because I am not STARVING and starting to feel desperate at week 3. In fact I feel completely in charge. (Thank goodness!) I am down 16 pounds so far, and counting!!!

Thanks for letting me post - I Admit this post is mainly for me, to help me document the start of something new in my life. Thanks for letting me run on!! If you have read all of this What have you done to be successful at dieting? What do you think was the best way to be motivated to exercise? What method of dieting was successful for you???

I am on the road again..

I have started a journey that is best described by this quote:

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Lao-tzu, The Way of Lao-tzu
Chinese philosopher (604 BC - 531 BC)

It's time to take the road less traveled- at least not successfully towards weight loss.

I just wish that admitting this did not make me "feel" as I failed or was ashamed of myself because I like the me "inside" and I feel like I have not let my entire being go to waste. I maybe overweight but I still do my hair, apply my make-up with care, care for my teeth, use perfume and deodorant, pick out jewelry to wear, and care what clothes I put on my body I have just happened to gain weight while doing all those things. (ugh!!!) I hate when people try to classify overweight people as lazy or not carrying about themselves. I do care about myself - however I have been a little busy oh giving birth to 3 girls, running a household, potty training, running everyone here to there, and I got a little tired and taking care of myself meant taking a long hot bath (by myself-precious! and maybe trying to read a book) . However now my girls are older and I have more time on my hand. So I can now try tackle this challenge.

On the other hand I think I have been in denial about what my my weight change really looks like - however pictures do not lie. I saw a picture the other night of my self that shocked me! I know I look at myself every day as I am getting ready, but this picture was a back view of me -AHHHHHH!!! I had no idea that is how my bottom looked in my Capri's!! (And no no amount of money would make me post that picture - you will just have to take my word on it)

So here I go yesterday was day one of my diet, I like to think of it as one step

Has anyone had a similar struggle, or has started down that road towards weight loss? What has worked for you or what do you recommend?

Dieting, PMS. Friends and other Random Thoughts!

Does it seem very fair to you that the female sex is the most concerned about their weight and it seems like most of us are either dieting or exercising most of the time, and we are the sex that has to endure PMS every 4 weeks!! Talk about a diet sabotage!!! I seriously crave chocolate, then salty, and become emotional during PMS which last approx 2-3 days (Thank goodness my family is muttering in the background)
Second random thought I am not a morning person nor am I observant of other people in their vehicles in the morning. I do pay attention to where I am driving, and the location of other said vehicles on the road - I am just not looking at "Who" it is driving those "said" vehicles. So thank goodness my friends do not hold that against me, because I never see anyone wave at me in the morning or after school in the car line for that matter!
Why is it one has to make a Huge mess to get organized or be creative and work on a project. Or is that just me???? Every time I go to work on a craft project to cut fabric, find ribbon, buttons, and plug in the hot glue gun. I have to string it all out and play with it. However in the end order comes from the chaos.
I think is is so odd that you can "face book" with some people, play "words with friends" with some people, but can hardly say 2 words to them in the grocery store. Are we inept at manners? Or are we just desperate for some time of human interaction but forget how to do it without electronic input? Humm.....

Thank goodness for Blogs, drive thru's, and Diet Coke -those are the rambling of me this Wednesday morning. Hope everyone has a great day - Enjoy!