Hope everyone had a wonderful CHRISTmas!!

The week after Thanksgiving my cousin and I went on a cruise to Jamaica and Grand Cayman Islands. I had no idea how fun they would be. We are already planning our next one!!! And we have decided that we will have healthier bodies by the next one (Dec again). These pictures will be a reminder of that.

our first day, no tans (i am on the right)

a little color!

The next couple weeks after we got back moved so quickly - it is all kind of a blur. Work was crazy, plenty of baking yummy cookies, chocolates, party mixes, etc!! NOT good for my belly! I did somewhat good throughout the last few weeks. Gained 4 pounds now. I know that isn't great but it is better than 1o lbs!

I am actually looking forward to starting my exercise regimen up again and blogging! I am going to be getting my old workout videos out and working them.

Be back in the next couple of days with an update!!!

Week 2: Weigh In

2 lbs lost, YAY!
Not sure how I accomplished that since I only exercised twice and I feel like I ate like a horse.. (I am NOT complaining!!) I will take it. As you can see I did not reach my short term goal, but I am still right on track.

Thanksgiving tomorrow! Yum, I can already taste my dad's delicious mashed potatoes, mom's dressing, sweet potatoes, dinner rolls, homemade amish peanut butter and strawberry jam, greenbean casserole, and of course TURKEY (etc, etc)! Ha, I and my belly love this time of year. I plan on still eating everything but just be cautious/aware of my portion sizes.

Hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving!

I have been stepping on the scale every morning this week and the scale is not budging. I am not at all impressed. The first of the week I exercised for an hour and half Monday and Tuesday. On Wed I had church and frankly did not get my lazy butt downstairs. Oh and last night, NEW MOON!! Ah, the day finally had arrived. 12:01am this morning. Ha, I wasn't one of the "crazies" who dressed up and/or wore glitter but it was fun to be around all the hoopla. Anyway, so I guess I see why the scale isn't moving that much- because I HAVEN'T been moving. Also, for some reason I have just been so hungry lately.. I can't get enough food. I would like to see if I can loose at least 1 lb by Monday.

Can you believe that next thursday is THANKSGIVING! Then Christmas a month later. My oh my. I remember last year around Christmas I started my goal of losing weight and becoming a healthier person. For a few months I was on ball and lost about 20 pounds. Almost a year later I have almost gained those 20 pounds back. That stops now. I am calling this my fresh re-start! Taking it all back and I am in control. I control what goes in my mouth and I control whether I workout or not. I vow to make these changes for me and me alone.

Have a happy weekend-- TGIF!

Week 1 (restarting with bb)

this week was great! My hard work with counting calories and some exercise paid off. This next week I will need to work harder with exercising everyday. My goal is to drop 2.5 lbs but I almost think after a 4 lb loss this week it won't be all that good. All I can do is my best.

Thank you..

I want to let all the vets know how thankful I am for all they have done for me! Thank you so much!

Monday I signed my bb back up. Normally today is weigh in day, but I want to keep up to date with the bb so I will weigh in again next Monday.

Went to see the men who stare at goats tonight .. it was funny but it was somewhat anti God. All the new age crap was unreal.

My goal for the rest of the week is going to be trying to balance work, school/homework, and working out daily. I miss my social life- so tonight was wonderful!

1 pound down..

I have lost one pound for the week! Pretty excited. It isn't 2 or 3 but slow and steady will win the race.

Have no fear..

My bb has now been found! My awesome father went to the barn and got out the luggage that was used for our trip - and there it lay, all tucked away!
I will for sure be using it tomorrow.

It will be one busy day tomorrow. My mom has her Longaberger open house which mean I will be serving food all day. I just have to try my hardest not to eat ALL day too!

Woke up early this morning and worked out to Slim in 6. Three days in a row - that is a record. I really like how I feel in the morning after working out. I feel more awake and ready. Plus, it def starts my day out on the right foot. I am more aware of what I put in my mouth throughout the day because I do not want to jeopardize my hard work and lack of sleep I already put in. Mornings are definitely a staple for now on.

And this evening I did the video again.. well half of it!

bb is still at large :(

About that 'groove' thing..

Debbie Siebers is back in my life. Debbie as in, Slim in 6, Debbie. I bought Slim in 6 what seems like just last week, but really it has been 2 months ago. On Sept 2 I started and it didn't last long.. work, school, social life, tv programs! Well, last night I got inspired and decided to finish what I had started.. 6 days, 6 weeks with my dear friend Debbie. Tonight I am on my second day and I feel great.. I love feeling sore. I opened up the notebook that carries all my measurements, weights, etc and since Sept 2 I have gained 3 inches. If that isn't a slap in the face. Enough of this gaining crap, it is time for those numbers to go down.

I have seemed to misplace my bodybug. I took my bb and all the cords with me to Toledo a couple wks ago, so I could track my calories while I used the hotel gym. Well, it is now no where to be found. I won't and cannot let that be my excuse for not working out though.

I believe that is all for now, more tomorrow.

back in the grove

The last few months have flown by. I barely remember May, the month I stopped blogging and crazy enough, the time the weight started piling back on. Fat, REALLY likes my body, ha. I know, I know sick.

I have been all talk for awhile now. The will and want is there to lose weight and be healthy, but the drive and do isn't. I know I am not alone in this- but I also know I should not take comfort in knowing that.

The bb is being reinstated in my life starting tomorrow. Enough talk and wishing. I am going to take my life back.

On a side note, I am excited to see that fat cube and mike are back to the blogging world.. also thankful that Kim stayed with it! You all don't know how much I enjoy reading and keeping up!

Week 4

Last week is NOTHING to brag about. I didn't gain but more importantly did not lose anything. Not exercising at all was the culprit! I have every intention in doing better this week. I would love to loose 10-15 pounds before I leave for Florida.

Week 3

Half way to my goal!

Day 14

Let me just say, I am happy. I for once am above schedule.
I just need to keep it up.

Day 7 Weight In

So far so good. I am starting off well. Down 2.5 pounds for the week. I guess a little off from my goal weightloss. But I am thrilled with what I have accomplished in one week.

Starting Fresh

After taking a month off from exercising and wearing my bb, I decided to reset my goal and start over.

Reflection: I started my bb experience in January and since then I have lost a total of 14 pounds. Not a significant weight loss, but is a loss- so I am pleased with my progress. Averages out to about 4.5 lbs lost a month.

Today marks a new beginning for me.

My daily goals- exercise anywhere from an hour to three hours, drink 9-12 cups of water, and keep my food intake within my bb calorie limit.

June 22-29 will be spent on the luxury beach of Siesta Key. Just 2-3 months away!
CANNOT WAIT! :) I am hoping to lose 20 lbs before then.

On a side note, did you see biggest loser a couple weeks ago when Nicole returned and something like 87 pounds at home- on her own!?! I couldn't believe it. Isn't that around 7 lbs a week? How in the world..

Day 72, weigh in

Been a week since I last updated. Things are going well. Lost two pounds last week.

Yesterday I worked out with a friend at Jayco. They have a wellness center for their employees and I got to take advantage of that. Let me tell ya, I had no idea what to do with a lot of those machines!! I stuck to the elliptical, treadmill, and weights. We were there for a little over an hour. We are hopefully going back Saturday and I cannot wait!

Tonight I am continuing with curves and maybe a late night walk/jog- if it storms, that won't happen!

As soon as I update my charts I will post my graph.

Day 60, 61, & Weigh In!

Lost 2.5 pounds for the week. I wish I could see that number every week!

Day 60- Tuesday did not quite meet my goal.

Day 61- Wednesday I also didn't meet my goal.

My goal for this next week: I hope to be able to run 1/2 -1 mile straight without stopping. 1/2 mile is more likely- but I want to aim big!

Day 59

Day 58

today kept me busy- which I like.
I took an amish couple to church, then I headed to my church. Ate lunch. Went at picked the amish couple up and took them back home. did homework. Then tonight at my church we had a men's night in. Where several ladies served the men and provided entertainment for them. It was a sports theme, so the ladies all dressed in sports attire and we had different game shows. Too much food yummy food. sub sandwiches, 3 types of wings, chips, veggies, brownies, ice cream, hot fudge. what a hoot.

My projected burn is another 256 calories which means I will have hit my goal of 1208 calorie deficit.

Day 57

Day 56

I did two dvds yesterday. Biggest Loser cardio and Jillians 30 Day Shred.

I find it interesting that I burn about the same amount of calories in 1 session at curves compared to 2 dvds.

Met my goals for the day- score.

Day 55

Do you call it a blessing or a curse when you cannot eat?

Day 54

I just made my goal for the day

Day 52, 53 & Weigh In

I gained 1 pound this week. It happens.

I got braces yesterday and my mouth HURTS! I am doing lingual braces- where they are on the back of the the teeth. He also put on an expander. He said my mouth was 'tricky' -- great, thanks! ha. I am down to eating soups and liquid types because if not the food gets stuck in the expander.

Day 52 was not the best day. I did my workout at curves and nothing else. The deficit was about half.

Yesterday (day 53) I went to curves and also walked/ran.

Day 47- weigh in day

Today marks day 47.

I have been sick the last couple of days. Low grade fevers, coughing, ear ache. Not fun. It is down to just a cold but I can't seem to shake it. To say the least I haven't been exercising or wearing the bodybugg. Today I am going to start back up again.

Down 4 pounds for the week. Which I suppose makes sense because I wasn't eating too much. Hopefully I won't gain anything this week as my body gets back on track and as I start eating again. Although, my bodybugg man LOVED that I was down 4 pounds! :)

Day 40

Day 39

Day 38

I got so CLOSE yesterday at reaching my goal! If I would have known I only needed 51! more calories to reach my goal I would have done jumping jacks or something!

I weighed in today and have maintained. Which means I need to up my exercise.

Day 37

Yesterday I was shy in reaching my 1225 deficit. I weigh in tomorrow and am hoping to see good results.

Day 34 & 35

This weekend I went up to Michigan and helped my cousin move into her new apartment. Moving is hard work!! I am posting a graph of Friday and Saturday because yesterday I didn't wear the bodybugg.

DAY 32

Met all my goals for the day.

I walked 23 minutes tonight- 4 of those running. That was a mile. I am slowly working my way to 3.1 miles. It seems unreachable. But I cannot let myself get discouraged.

Day 31

Yesterday was a lot better. I got 41 minutes in on the treadmill and I thought I was going to die. Tonight I am going to shoot for an hour.. just mind over matter. After the work out my family was going to do a little shopping- so I tagged along and then we ended up eating at Steak n Shake. I couldn't resist. I had my 'usual' of a frisco melt, cheese fries, and chili. Granted I only had half of the frisco melt but the chili in itself is a load of calories. I can honestly say I won't be doing that for awhile!! When I had my body bugg session she bumped me up to doing 1 hour and 30 minutes of exercise. That is a struggle for me, but not unattainable. Just something I need to work at.

When I weighed in on Sunday I finally saw good results. I haven't been losing weight for the last couple of weeks- but that is my own fault. I am down 3.5 lbs.

Day 27

Day 26

day 22

Today was filled with homework. homework. homework. I am exhausted and not near done. I didn't do any exercise today because frankly there was not time.

Day 21

I have not been giving the bodybugg 100% of my effort. Tomorrow starts week four. I am going to start fresh and give it everything I have got. I have new goals in mind and WILL achieve them!!

The first one of those goals is to run my very first 5K. It may not sound like much- but let me tell ya, for me it will be HUGE! :) I am pretty much a couch potato! It is great though because I found this awesome website- cool running- which tells me exactly what to do to get me prepared for the race in just 2 months. The article is even called "Couch to 5K". Perfect. The race is May 30 so I have just over 4 months to train. I am hoping that is enough time. My plan so far is to start out on the treadmill since it is blitzzen cold outside! It hit -22 just 2 days ago! Granted the weather is getting back to normal at 20 degrees I am opting to train inside for the first couple of months! Then in March/April I will take it to the pavement. I will be running with two girlfriends of mine who are both fit- which will hopefully be a motivation for me because I surely do not want to slow them down!

My next goal is on June 20. The Pumpkinvine Bike Ride. 15, 26, 44, 67 and 104-Mile Routes. I am aiming for the 26 or 44 mile routes. I was planning on doing this last year and missed the deadline so this year is a must!! http://www.pumpkinvine.org/html/2009_bike_ride.html#Bikeridehome

Those are my two newest goals- along with being less than 190 lbs by NYC!

I have appreciated Mike, Cube Monkey, and Kim for keeping my accountable. I love reading your daily progress. It keeps me inspired!

On Wednesday I am starting Massage Therapy School. That will surely give me extra calories burned since that is hard work. I am looking forward to it. Along with Massage School I am also going full time to a local commuter college. Plus working 32 hr weeks. It will be a busy year but I cannot wait!!

The following chart is of yesterday.

Day 9

Day Eight

Today went really well. I did two videos. I don't know if it was of the exercise or what but I didn't find myself all that hungry- I only ate half of my calories for the day. I hope my body doesn't count that as starving and shut down. I am absolutely sore and tired after working out and cannot even imagine what it would be like to burn 1500 calories when I do eat all my food for the day! Hats off to all three of you guys!

Weigh In Day

Down 1.5 lb. Not 2 but it's in the right direction. I made myself an exercise chart tonight and cannot wait to use it! Hanging on my wall for all to see. Just another motivation factor. I am starting school again tomorrow. The break went by too fast. But it will be good to get back into the swing of things.. have a set schedule

Day 5

A good friend of mine moved to Texas to go to school and I took over her job. Her parents own a concert hall (mostly bluegrass music is played) and she ran the concessions. Well, that is now my task and I love it! It is on the third floor of an old bag factory, which makes for lots of walking- carrying coffee pots and jugs up the stairs. Plus I get to enjoy great music! It seems to be getting easier to add a little bit more to my exercise plan daily. I haven't made my chart yet and hopefully that will give me another visual to utilize.

Day 3 and 4

My friend Megan and I are living at her grandparent's house for the winter while they are in Texas. As I am just commuting to college, it is absolutely wonderful to have freedom and my own space. We took full advantage of our "own" home and had a small gathering last night and boy oh boy there was A LOT of awesome food to choose from. During the day I just had a slimfast shake and veggies because I knew I would need those extra calories for later in the evening.. I think I did ok considering not time for exercise and all the food. We ended up having about 8 friends, which was nice. Spent the night playing SCUM! bingo and laughing a lot. Finally got to bed around 4am. I hope you all enjoyed your new years evening and now onto the next year! May God bless each one of you.

The following Chart is from Wednesday night (day 3)

Today went well. It was nice to have a day off work. I needed that. Went to see Twilight with a few friends and LOVED it! It didn't quite do the book justice- but it was still great! When we got back from the movie my roommate Megan and I went on a 30 minute walk/jog around the subdivision and a bike path that is nearby. I got most of my food and exercise in.

I don't wear the armband while I sleep. I put it on after my shower and take it off once I go to bed. Would anyone recommend wearing it at night?