My first half-marathon...

It was freezing out... barely 30 degrees when we started! Kevin started in corral #9 and when his corral started to go, I chickened out and moved back to #13 (out of 15). It was perfect for me! Kevin started with the "professional runners" and I was with the "professional speed walkers." I started at a great pace and at mile 2 was wanting to jog a bit but held back so I would have energy come mile 12. Miles 2-3 were along the river & it was an amazing view... and a lot of fun to look at all the clothes the runners had taken off and thrown on the side of the road, in the bushes & even in the trees! I had to stop to pee at mile 3, 4, and 6. I was also given 1 packet of energy jelly beans (that's all Kevin could spare!) and those were gone by mile 5. Mile 4 has an awesome drum band from a Methodist Church in front of the Convention Center. Between Mile 5-6, we ran past St. Jude's and that was a great reminder of why we were doing this. There was this little boy, Luke, who did not survive his battle with cancer but his family placed about a dozen signs around the course thanking us, motivating us, and inspriring us (with some great bible verses related to running). I kept going for Luke and so there doesn't have to be any more Luke's! Mile 6 had a sign stapled to a tree saying "Ashley, will you marry me? Tell me at the finish line!" Mile 7 we cut through the zoo (but it was wooded so we couldn't see any of it!). It was boring and I had to listen to some music (Ice, Ice, Baby- It's Tricky- TLC). I also started feeling a bit weird, like something was off in my body. I drank some nasty powerade at mile 8 but then God sent me 2 angels at the end of the zoo in the form of 2 girls cheering & offering up candy & granola bars. That granola bar was the best I've ever eaten!!! Miles 9 and 10 were kind of a blur. Mile 10 did have a DJ and I got to hear the Rocky theme and "Push It" by Salt-n-Peppa. Great tunes! Mile 11 was the killer for me. At that aide station, there was this group of women rapping and it was hylarious & put a big smile on my face. Then came the longest mile ever... even another group of women walking agreed. Just as I thought "are we ever going to get to mile 12?" another woman said it out loud! My leg also started hurting. When I finally got to mile 12 all I could think of "please let this end soon." I thought it never would. The people cheering were saying, "you're almost there" and I just keep going with a spuratic pace. I kept passing these 2 women who clearly kept the same pace the entire time. Finally came the home stretch and I could see Autozone park and where we entered in. I started to run and that lady who was also suffering through mile 11 yelled "you go girl! It's all you!" I replied "I'm going to finish and soon if it kills me!" I ran in the stadium and got excited, then some guy told me "just a little more to go!" and I saw the finish. They made us run on gravel (which is idiotic since you feel like crap by then & you can barely run as it is). I got to the finish and put my arms in the air and tears welled up in my eyes as I said "I did it!" I so wish somebody I knew would have been there waiting for me. I felt a little alone for a moment but then a man said, "that way to the runners food area." The dumbass race people made us walk up the steps from the field to the top of the 1st level to go eat. Yeah, walking those steps were a breeze!

But oh, the reward... the food area! As I stated earlier, at mile 8 I got hungry. Lord did I eat! Screw WW points!! I had a cup of McAlister's broccoli & cheese soup, 2 slices of cheese pizza, a Krispy Kreme donut (heaven on my lips!), an orange, banana and some Nutter Butter cookies (to go!). I waited on Kevin who was about an hour & 20 minutes behind me.

We kept texting each other throughout the race. Here's what he wrote & my reply:
K> mile 6...ok?
H>@ mile 3...wanting to run but taking it easy! go marathon!
H>@ high point pinch! doing a 15 minute pace =)
H>1:55 @ mile 6... started 18 minutes after start time. does that mean I'm @ 1:38??? a 2:00 marathoner just ran by...looking 4 u! LOL
K>19.5...hurting
H>you can do... stay strong! More prayers coming your way! (I had just finished the half at this point)
K>25...
K>26...

I got a spot on the deck where all the marathoners came into the park. I saw him & yelled "Yea Kevin! You rock!" He smiled & the look on his face said "I'm glad I'm almost done & glad to see you!" When he got in the food tent (because I wasn't leaving the area since you couldn't get back in!) we hugged and it became a battle of who was prouder of who. We declared a tie- equally as proud of the other for achieving more than we imagined we could! Then I went in Mom-mode... making him rest while I got hot cocoa or whatever else he needed. He admitted he was worried about me (as he should have been) and I admitted that I never doubted him finishing! He said he may stick to half marathons and just work on getting faster. I declared I was going to take up running and run an entire half marathon. I think he's shocked & impressed with my enthusiasm. I don't think he ever imagined he would be married to a runner. Maybe we'll have a family of runners!?!?!

That night we went to Neely's where I ate more (believe it or not!). I had a BBQ bologna sandwich, part of a sausage and cheese plate, some of Kevin's BBQ spaghetti and pulled pork. I also ordered sweet tea as my reward but an odd thing occurred... I haven't had it in so long (b/c of WW) that when I drank it I said, "oh this is too sweet." Kevin said it was great & the best he's had in a while. I was a little happy for my change in my taste buds and when the waitress came for a refill I got a Diet Pepsi instead.

Kevin was hurting (as he should be!) so he stayed in that night. I went to visit with Carrie- my college roommate, dear friend, and personal "e-trainer and cheerleader" as I named her. We sat and chatted for over 4 hours. It was great to catch up and I got some advice on how to start running regularly. I also informed her that her job as my "e-trainer" had only begun!

It was a great race & I'm so proud of Kevin but more importantly, myself. I doubted if I could even finish and my goal was under 3:45... I did both! I can't wait to keep on this... I've discovered a good thing =)

I ROCK!!!!

Well, I did it... I finished a half-marathon... and under 3.5 hours! 3:26:01 and a 15:44 pace =) I felt so empowered and so proud of myself. I had a sense of pride I haven't had for myself in ages. Yeah I'm proud that I've lost all this weight but to set a goal and achieve it with such definitive results was amazing. Carrie was also right... it's easy to get addicted. I'm a bit sore but ready to begin running. I'm going to start running so the next half-marathon I do, I can run it... well, at least 90% of it! I NEVER thought I would consider myself a runner but am excited to. That's a great way to define myself!!! Kevin wants me to do the Nashville half in April but I'm sure I won't be ready. I can't commit to that extensive of training plus too, I have no intention of training out in the cold any time soon! I'll start on the treadmill but I can never do more than 3 miles without getting bored to tears. Hopefully by the time I can actually run all 3 miles it will be warmer out!

I still have another 4 pounds to go until I can reach WW Lifetime status (i.e. pay $100 and I can go free as long as I don't gain more than 2 pounds) but another 9 until I reach my own goal. I'm a bit pumped & now that I'm officially a "future runner" it should be easier for me to do it!!! Kevin said I'm not allowed to walk/run for 2 weeks so my body can "recover" so I guess I'll just stick to the Wii fit for a week (maybe 2)!!!

I'm going to do another post and journal my Half-Marathon mile by mile!

**love & skinny hugs**

Getting closer!

I am only 6 pounds away from my "healthy weight!!!" That is AWESOME! I want to lose a few more than that but still. I can't believe it. The half-marathon is 2 weeks from tomorrow. SCARY! I walked/ran 10 miles on Tuesday and thought I would die. My legs were so sore Tuesday but by Wednesday they were better (sore again that night). The one thing I did wrong, is Kevin said I should have ate some protein after I finished. All I had was a banana and 2 small pieces of left over pizza (9 points!). That's a big lunch for me but on days like those, I can't worry about points- just about content.

I'm also on this coffee kick. I am not a coffee drinker... I'm a froo-froo flavored latte drinker. Those went out the window when Weight Watchers started (a tall is like 3-5 points even with skim milk). Here's my new coffee (for only 1.5 points!!!!)... oh & since I'm not a "coffee drinker" I also don't have a coffee maker. I use the Maxwell House coffee bags; kinda like a tea bag. I make that in one of our reusable Starbuck's mugs then I add 2 TB of Splenda, 1 TB of sugar-free instant cocoa mix, and 1.5 TB of Peppermint Mocha non-dairy creamer. SO GOOD! If I stay on this, I may invest in a coffee maker (like a $10 one at Big Lots!!). It's a nice, guilt-free change!

Thanksgiving is Thursday... at my Grandma's!!! I'm getting nervous =) I am taking my work-out clothes with me so I can walk at least once (fingers crossed!). Hopefully this week doesn't set me back too much; or if it does, the half marathon the next weekend offsets it!

Many blessings this Thanksgiving! **love & skinny hugs**

I did it!!!

I hit the 25 pound mark! This is according to WW from the day I joined in March 2008. I am pretty impressed. I still have some more to go but I have faith that I can do it. I've learned that going to the meetings is key for me. It's just something about somebody reading your weight and writing it in my book. I'm trying not to write everything down but I may just have to until I lose it all. I do think of everything that I eat and mentally log it. I just don't want to have to be tied to writing every bite that goes in my mouth for the rest of my life! My leader did say that she'll go without writing her food down and she'll put on a couple of pounds and start writing again and be back to where she was in a week. That'll probably be me. It's just really hard with Kevin not being concerned with what he's eating and me wanting to eat healthy. I'm also learning that will also be another life struggle for me. Maybe he'll eat healthier as he ages... I still hold hope!

I do slightly fear Thanksgiving this year. It's the first time I've been serious about what I eat PLUS I'll be at my Grandmother's house... lots of yummy food & lots of calories =) I just hope I can stay the same! The next weekend is my half marathon so hopefully that off sets it!!

**love & skinny hugs**

I'm back on track!!!

Well, I rejoined Weight Watchers last week. Online just wasn't cutting it anymore. I had last 3 pounds since my last WW meeting in May. I guess I wasn't very successful on my own- LOL! At this week's weigh in, I lost 3 pounds! How much a difference a couple of meetings can make!

I'm still training for the half-marathon. The farthest I've gone is 6.3 miles (over half of a half!!) Tomorrow I'm going to do 8 miles and actually looking forward to it! I was unable to run/walk last week because the girls were on fall break plus my mom & grandma were visiting. I actually missed it so much!!! I learned something by not walking those 2 days... I need to walk: physically, emotionally, & spiritually. The exercise it great but the rejuvenation I feel afterward is so much better. Being with the girls all week long, I was emotionally drained. Saturday I walked for an hour plus spent the evening with just Kevin. On Sunday, I felt like I was starting over new!!

It has been a little daunting though because my MP3 (read: Kevin's old one) died so I've been having to use his Zune. I'm not a fan of the touch ones... I never can get them to work right. I've got to get me a new one!!! Especially so I can download my daily devotionals. I love doing one or two when I start walking. I always, always, ALWAYS have to walk to my church's Praise Team CD. It is so motivating to start walking to "I walk by Faith!"

Wish me luck... tomorrow I am walk/running 8 miles- my most ever!!!

**love & skinny hugs**

It's official...

...I enjoy training for the Half-Marathon! I did 4 miles on Tuesday and it wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be. Granted it took me 1 hour & 6 minutes; meaning it will take me over 3.5 hours to complete the half. Today I did 3 miles and had amazing paces: 14:41, 17:10, & 15:30. You can tell I did a lot of running the first mile and had to slow it down the second mile and I thought I'd be done after that but was able to pick back up in the third. That is what really excited me! Oh & I got up at 6:30 am to do all this (HUGE accomplishment for me!) Every time I set out, I learn something new about me- physically or psychologically. This is turning out to be a great experience already!

Oh, and I haven't been tracking my food (or doing Weight Watchers) so I haven't lost any more weight.... UGH!!!!! I also got a coupon in the mail for 6 weeks for $60 so I think God [literally] sent me a sign that I needed to get back on WW to lose these last dozen (or so) pounds! Maybe next week ;)

**love & skinny hugs =)

Yes, I admit it...

... I've been avoiding my blog, weight watchers, and weight loss in general! I took a "sabbatical" that included 3 weeks of no WW or weight loss efforts and ended with a trip to the beach! Who would have thought I'd take a break right before going to the beach?!?! I just couldn't do it any longer and was getting burned out... bad! I do have some bragging to do... in the month [total] that I took a break I didn't gain a pound! Granted I didn't lose any but I think NOT gaining is a much bigger accomplishment!!!

I got back on track last week- kind of! I started tracking my food for a few days but got some stomach bug and got off track. I have been working out at least 2 times a week for a few weeks now. I even worked out in the fitness room while I was on vacation! I actually wanted to! The girls & Kevin were napping & I wasn't tired and wanted to walk. It was 95 & humid so I chose the fitness room instead and put in time on the treadmill & bike. I also started back at Curves last week. They have the new "Curvesmart" program to help track my workout and give me feedback. I think it will be good for my cross-training.

I have officially started training for my half-marathon. I have been walking 2 times a week and am going up to 3 times a week. I've even moved up to adding in spurts of running. My pace mile is down to about 18:30!!! I started at 21:00 and my goal by race day is 15:00 so I know I can do that! I walked 2.5 miles this morning. I have noticed that walking outside is much easier than on the treadmill (thank you God for the beautiful fall weather, please let it stay this way!). My pace was 17:45 today and I didn't feel like I was pushing myself all that hard. I think Hayley helped; she really got into the running parts but the last half a mile, I was dragging her! I guess she only needs to walk with me on the short runs! On the treadmill, doing 18:30 feels like I'm pushing myself (a good thing). This has all got me really excited and looking forward to actually doing the HM. We'll see how training goes. 2 weeks from today, I'm scheduled to do 5 miles. I've never walked/ran that far for fun! I'm nervous but I think that's just the challenge I need to boost my confidence!

So I'm hoping these last 13 pounds I'm holding on to will be lost somewhere along the road in Oakland Farms!!! If you see them, don't bother returning them either!!!

xoxox~ love & skinny hugs =)

Time-Out!

So this week I GAINED 0.2 pounds. Not only did I fall off the wagon, but after falling off, I got up, brushed myself off and stuck my tongue out at the stupid wagon!

I took Sunday off... it was Kevin's birthday & thought I'd help him celebrate! I did go a little overboard with a cupcake & piece of cake. Not to mention the Mexican for dinner (my stomach made me pay for that!!) That lead to taking Monday off too (We had a pot-luck dinner at Katy's preschool open house... just another excuse!). I did talk to Kenna at open house Monday night and she said she's trying to get another group started. I told her "please get one! I need it! I can't do it alone any more!"

I just can't get myself motivated. I didn't track again today. I'm pretty sure I didn't go over but I just can't bring myself to even log onto WW.com to track my food. I'm going to give myself this week off. Maybe that's all I need?!?! I still have at least 10 more pounds to go but I just can't continue as of now. I'm not sure what it's going to take. I am just down & in this funk and all I know is I need to snap out of it & fast!

**love & just-a-little-bit-skinnier hugs** =)

well....

...I lost the 0.2 pounds that I gained last week... but that was it! I really wish I could find some miraculous motivation to get me to do some excessive movement. Just lowering my points down to the bear minimum is not enough. My Curves membership is "on hold" until September 1, so I'm just going to let it reinstate itself then. I thought about not renewing it and working out on my own but I have proven, if left to my own devices- nothing will get done. I put my membership on hold in June because the only time I was able to workout was after Kevin got home (because I didn't have anybody to watch the girls regularly) and by that time, I was exhausted from the day. Come September, I'll have Tuesday and Thursday mornings to work out... and walk/run!

I also have to get myself in a pattern of getting out of bed before 8am so I can get us all out the door by 8:45. I know, I know- I am spoiled by my girls not being early risers. I'm not sure if it's in their DNA or if it was taught (which it was!). Katy does get up early most days (7 am or even earlier!) but she just turns her TV on and lays back down or plays in her room. I hear her on the monitor & then turn it down so I can go back to sleep (Kevin usually tells me to turn it down before I can get to it- so it's not just me!!). I think in establishing a new AM routine, I'll be sure to fit in some walking/running! Of course, I'm going to have to ease into this [just like I did with weight loss]. I can't expect to wake up at 6am all of a sudden and feel great. I do have to promise myself this, it can't 7 months to start getting up earlier on a regular basis [like it did for me to start a serious weight loss regimen]!

When is all of this going to get easier??!?! Oh, that's right... NEVER! Ugh =) I guess that's what keeps like interesting!

**love & skinny hugs**

Ugh....

This week I gained 0.2 pounds!!! I know it's not a big weight gain but it's still a gain. I did really well with my eating and points last week but I didn't exercise a bit. One more proof that exercise is a vital player in this whole saga. I'm sure next week will not be any better. Both girls had surgery on Monday (Katy had her adenoids & tonsils removed & Perri had tubes put in her ears). My sister took Perri on Tuesday and my dad took her yesterday and today, which has given Katy & I some much needed one-on-one time. I've also been having to get up and give Katy her pain meds so I've been super tired (I've even taken 2 naps this week!) which means NO energy to exercise! I did adjust my daily point allowance on Tuesday so I'm down to 21 points a day. I thought it would be tough but it hasn't been so bad. We'll see if that helps when I weigh-in on Tuesday! So my goal to make it to Tuesday is to stay on track with my points and, at least, get on the Wii Fit twice!!!

**love & skinny hugs**

Props due... props given!

THANK YOU GOD!!! I had another great week last weigh in!! I lost the 2 pounds I put on over 4th of July PLUS another 1/2 a pound!! I was just estatic! Last week, during one of my devotion times I spent the entire time thanking God for my success with weight loss. When I went to the doctor one year ago and realized just how big I was and just how much I had to lose to get to my healthy weight (before Katy was conceived) it scared me. The week after that appointment, I joined Curves. I was not ready to change my diet but I learned to enjoy exercise. That was the first step of my journey. Then after I turned 30, when I VOWED to lose weight, the opportunity came through Weight Watcher Meetings at my church. That's when I realized that I didn't have to give up my past life, I just had to learn some new habits (like how amazing garden fresh vegetables are and exactly WHAT constitutes 1 serving!). So as I sit her typing today, 35 pounds lighter than I was one year ago and only another 15 pounds to go, only One that deserves the credit is GOD! He taught me to have Faith in Him and myself; to believe I can do anything I want with His guidance and assistance. I could not set out on a 50 POUND weight loss journey without God's help. This was bigger than anything I've ever done and I was so scared and lost but He has walked with me during this journey. I've learned to rejoice in the little accomplishments because before you know it, you realized that you reached some pretty big accomplishments! So for all you do, all the challenges you may be faced with, or all the short-comings you feel... GLORIFY GOD! All it takes is 5 mintues (not just today, but everyday) to thank God for all the amazing gifts He has blessed us with. Every "parent" feels a deep sense of joy and pride hearing their "child" thank them (not just for feeling appreciated and loved but also for using their manners!!! LOL!)... have you thanked your "Father" today?!?!?

***love & skinny hugs***

My first bad week!

Well, it's official... I gained 2 pounds this past week. I was pretty disappointed but I'm trying not to get too down. In the 17 (+/-) weeks I've been doing this, this is the first week I've had a weight gain. The thing that worries me most though, I'm still in the "weight loss funk." I'm tired of being in losing weight mode & am just ready to get to the maintenance stage. I hope this doesn't make it worse. It did teach me that if I return to my old eating habits, all the effort I've put forth will be erased and so will the 24 pounds I've lost. I don't EVER want to be that big again. I did great tonight though... we grilled out for my BIL's 30th birthday and I had myself a turkey dog & veggie burger! Of course I caught some slack (Kevin's family loves to tease each other!) but I just said I had to if I wanted to lose weight... then they moved on to somebody else :) Kevin did stick up for me (after calling it my "poop" burger b/c that's what it kind of looked like!)... he said "I guess if I would eat poop burgers, I could also lose 25 pounds!" Maybe posting this in sunshine yellow will make me smile & get excited to keep losing weight (hey, whatever it takes!)

So here's to getting back on track and praying for losing those 2 pounds this week (at least!).
**love & skinny hugs***

Look what I lost!

Do you remember how Oprah wheeled in a wagon full of lard/fat to show how much weight she had lost (it was in the late 80s or early 90s)??? Well, in telling Kevin how much weight I have lost to date it dawned on me that Perri weighs 26 pounds! So here is the picture of what I have lost so far... which is a much better picture than a wagon full of fat!

Tuesday is weigh-in day and we'll see how I did... I ate very well this weekend at the Lake. I didn't count points... I didn't think about it until Saturday then I got scared trying to recount everything I ate the past 2 days! I'm not going to get too upset if I gained weight this past week. It'll be the first time during the entire process I've had a setback. I'm just going to keep a picture of Katy around to inspire me because now I can't wait to post a picture of her on here when I reach that goal (btw- Katy weighs 32 pounds!).

**love & skinny hugs**

Trip to the lake...

We are leaving tomorrow to go to Paris Landing with Eddie, Jessi & Alex. We are planning to spend the days swimming in the resorts pool or the lake (while Eddie & Kevin golf all day). In packing for the trip, I decided that I should try on my 2 swimsuits (one from the summer after I had Katy and the other from last summer, after I had Perri)... I took a deep breath and put on the one from last summer (when I was my heaviest) and it was a little big but it also looked good! The tankini top flowed below the empire waist and the skirt bottom was flow-y! I think that was how it was intended to look! I'm pretty sure it didn't fit that way last summer! The swimsuit from the summer after Katy was born fit but it was a little tight but definitely wearable... and not obscene!!! Every year I say that I have to get in shape for swimsuit season and this is the first year I actually am! That is the true accomplishment!!

We are also planning on cooking-out every night! My only goal is to not gain weight this week :) I have lost 26 pounds since starting WW so I want to stay at the 25 pound mark (so I don't lose my fancy 25 lb. star on my weight chart!!). I will also do a lot more activity (swimming, chasing kids, etc.) so that should help. I also hope to walk at least once during the trip... fingers crossed!! In packing our food, of course I put in some better alternatives! My other saving grace will be Eddie... he's diabetic, so there's sure to be lots of sugar-free choices :) I'm sure Eddie would have never thought his diabetes would work for my benefit!!!

Here's to America's independence... and my independence from fat!!! HAPPY 4th!
**love & skinny hugs**

Blah...

Ok, so I'm getting a little burned out on losing weight. Yes, I'm still losing 1-2 pounds a week and that's great but I'm tired of doing it & just want to reach my goal already so I can begin the "maintenance" stage. Luckily, I'm not bored with my food... I can eat whatever I want (that's why I love WW). I'm kind of tired of tracking what I eat. I've learned from meetings that if I don't, I won't lose weight. Now is no time to quit. It's like... "ok, I learned what to do, did it, had success so now let me fast forward to the end result and just chill there forever!"

I did my walking last week and loved it. I really liked getting up and having that 40 minutes to myself and starting out the day right. I did take Hayley with me too and she loved the walks (she also needs to lose weight but I don't see that happening with Perri feeding her all the time!). Katy has been sick for the past 3 days and waking up at least twice a night so I haven't had the energy to walk in the morning. I also had my blood tested for anemia because I was feeling really tired even though I've been eating right and exercising... it came back fine so only God knows why I feel tired a lot (oh, they also tested for my thyroid and that is also fine). A medical mystery but I'm not too worried about it. The funny thing is, I actually want to walk but am so tired in the morning and in the evenings it's hot and I'm ready to be done with the day. I think that's what I'm going to do tonight... even just for 10 minutes... put the girls in the jogging stroller and go! Hey- maybe I can actually jog! LMAO!! Right... jog- doubt it :) I need to try that in the morning when there aren't many people out in our sub- not at night when everybody is out! I've been told I "run like a girl" by Kevin, which is appearantly not a good thing.

For July 4th, we are going to Paris Landing with the Pruett's. I won't have internet access so I'm going to take my WW stuff with me and do it the way I started it all... on paper. I'm also not going to obsess and actually try to use up all of my 35 bonus points. Maybe that's all I need, is a break from losing weight or even gaining a pound to get me excited and back on track. Trust me though, I am NOT setting out to gain weight. That will just piss me off but I know I'm pretty motiviated when I'm pissed!

Here's to getting out of this rut I'm in! Hey, at least now I'm 23 pounds lighter so climbing out of it shouldn't be as hard :) **Tons of love & skinny hugs*** xOxOXoXo

Insightful Question...

Why is it NOBODY tells you how fat you are or how big you are getting?!?!?!? What I mean is almost anybody I see (even on a regular basis), tell me how great I look or asks how much weight have I lost or something to that effect. Never before did I hear "wow, girl, you sure have put on a few pounds... what are you doing???" Now don't get me wrong, I love people noticing my weight loss (which, FYI, I've lost 23 pounds since March!). It reminds me that I need to focus on that and appreciate what I have accomplished; not focus on the flabby skin I've aquired since losing weight. Granted, it was always there but filled with fat so it had a different look to it! This is just one of those questions I was pondering :)

On an exercise note: I'm beginning training for my 1/2 Marathon this week! I'm going to walk [at least] 3 times this week for at least 30 minutes each time. I know this is in no way going to get me up to 13.1 miles but I have to start somewhere. I really don't like to walk so I kind of have to get used to doing it. I've also been working out on our Wii Fit! It is awesome! I love the Hula Hooping and am getting pretty good at it. They yoga poses kick my @$$! I've also learned that I have terrible balance so hopefully the Fit will improve it! I'm sending up an extra prayer that I'll be able to accomplish training this week. I'll worry about next week's training next Sunday night :)

**love & skinny hugs**

Help!!!!

Be strong, you can do it, eat healthy. I feel like Stuart Smiley (from SNL in the 90's!) Ok... last weekend we were in Dallas & I did pretty good (used up most of my 35 extra points but still lost 1 pound so I was happy!). I did have 1 splurge... we went to eat at a brewery & I got a burger... a big, fat, juicy, succulant burger (with carmelized onions!) that was worth EVERY point! Now, this week I am in Michigan visiting family. We're staying with my grandmother so I don't have to eat out but I think I'd fare better if I had to! You know grandmothers... the BEST cooks God put on earth, but only using oils, butter, breading, etc. You know, all the "good stuff." She made pork chops last night that were to die for... all 8 points a piece (my chops come in at 3 points!). Now it's lunch time, I'm about to starve & eat my arm (weight watchers doesn't have a point value for "arms" either). Ok, I have to be strong & get myself to the supermarket and at least buy a bag of lettuce! Something to help a sister out! Give me carrots & celery or give me death... well, I won't go that far. I'm not about to die for a vegetable. Oh & did I mention that I'll be eating with my BFF tonight??!?! This girl can eat and has stayed the same weight for like 10 years (nope, not one of those "skinny bitches" either, just a normal size girl... like I'm trying to be!). My fingers are crossed for a good salad or grilled chicken... and not too much ridicule :) I need to go & run around this Michigan block once or twice & that will help (they are better than TN blocks that go on for miles!). Yeah, Me!

*love & skinny hugs* xoxo

Goal #1... check!

I did it ;) I lost 10% of my weight in 10 weeks! Technically, I lost 10% PLUS 1 pound! I lost 2.4 pounds this week... which I have been trying to do the past 8 weeks- lose 2 lbs. a week (I always stayed at the 1 - 1.5 lb. mark). The best part was- I was the only one in the group to do it! During our meeting, in discussing how I did it, I was the only one that wrote down everything I ate for all 10 weeks (well, minus 1 day... see earlier post!). I think I found the secret to success! This was our last meeting. I think I'm going to join Weight Watchers online to keep me on track. I've done good but I need to be accountable some how. Plus too, I'll be online more so that means more blogging ;)

Let me just state this... it feels damn good to have set a weight loss goal and achieve it! When I first set out on this journey, all I could focus on was the finish line... the final number! Then once I started focusing on the weekly number, it didn't seem so big & daunting. I'm about half-way to where I want to be but I'm not intimidated or overwhelmed any more! This has been so fun & I'm still so pumped to continue on. I'll be blogging more... so until then- love & skinny hugs XoXo

Whoa, oh... I'm half-way there!! (and still Livin' on a prayer!)

I hit the 15 pounds loss mark!!! How great is that?!?! I'm half-way to my "conservative" goal!! Just when I was getting down about it, too! Last week I had only lost 0.6 pounds and I worked my butt off! I was pissed and wanted ice cream... the real stuff- not the weight watchers kind. My level-headed husband, told me that would only make my weight-loss less the next week & piss me off more. DAMN HIM FOR BEING RIGHT! I was also told by the WW leader, that I need to use all of my points EVERY day. Huh?!? She said that my body thinks it's in "starvation mode" so it stores what I'm eating instead of using it... I'm already cutting back what I eat so I don't want to go overboard. I was skeptical about that but I did it & lost 1.6 pounds. Maybe there is some truth to this after all.

Next Tuesday is my last meeting. We don't have enough to have another 10 week program at FUMC & I'm not going to go to the YMCA one (too many people there). I'm going to continue to do WW online... and blog about it! People told me today how hard it would be to be accountable since it's just me but I think I'll do fine. It will be easier for me... Plus I have the blog! Nobody that I know is reading this but they might, someday :)

love & skinny hugs *muah*

All 24 points used... at one meal!

Yesterday we had a birthday lunch for Kevin's grandmother full of good southern food... BBQ, roasted chicken, baked beans, sweet cornbread & worst of all- a Dairy Queen Cake!!! In the rush to get out the door to church that morning, I didn't eat breakfast but it was probably a good thing. Lunch used up all 24 points!!!! I felt so guilty for using all of them up (being the point-hoarder that I am!) I had a good dinner that only used up 5 points so I didn't starve myself the rest of the day. I just have to be extra conscious next time we eat over there. I doubt their will be a DQ cake though so I should be ok... but is was worth all 7 points!!!!

A forgotten feeling...

Last night for dinner, we got Subway. I got a 6" turkey & ham on wheat- no chips. I was saving those points for dessert! Earlier that day, I went grocery shopping and decided I was going to make banana pudding... the easy & low-point way. I got fat-free banana cream pudding, bananas, low fat Nilla wafers & light Cool Whip. So I made me a parfait after dinner and ate it up... all for only 4 points! A few minutes after that I had this very uncomfortable feeling but what was it?? ...I was STUFFED! I hadn't been stuffed in weeks and I had forgotten what it felt like. It was terrible & I did not like it. How did I do this at so many meals before?!?! I am loving this "new" body and "new" feelings... again I feel like I'm on the long road to a healthy lifestyle. I was so dreading turning 30 but I am loving every second of being 30... my body & mind are finally working together & they are one hell of a team!

love & skinny hugs...

Let the Weight Loss Begin!

I decided I needed to blog my weight loss as incentive & encouragement. Here's a little background info... First let me start out with NO WEIGHT YET! I just can't type it yet but it will come- it's a goal I'm working towards!! I got pregnant in April 2004 with my oldest (Katy) and was at a great weight. 55 pounds later came a 9 lb, 2 oz. bundle of pure bliss. Faster than I could imagine possible, I was through a first birthday party. 2 weeks after that, I turned 28 and decided I wanted to get rid of some of the 30 pounds I was still holding on to. Then, what?!?! I'm pregnant again?!?! Katy wasn't even 15 months old when I found out I was expecting again! At least this time around I only gained 25 pounds! So life with a newborn & 2 year-old was nothing I could have thought up in my wildest dreams. I had no problem making dinner for Katy but when it came to me & Kevin... fast food it was. I did eat good breakfast & lunch b/c I was breastfeeding so that's how I rationalized fast food 4-5 times a week! I went to my 6 week check up and lost 15 pounds so that was a relief (by the way, Perri was 9 lbs. even- so another big girl!). But when I went for my yearly in July- just 5 months later- I had gained 10 pounds. That's when I knew it was go time... after all, I was turning 30 Jan. 08 and couldn't be getting older & fatter!! My total weight loss goal is 40 pounds! That will put me 3 pounds less than than when I got pregnant with Katy.

I joined Curves in July 2007 and had lost 8 pounds up until January 2008... that's all I did. Work out 2-3 times a week and did nothing in changing my diet. At my church, they were starting a Weight Watchers group on March 4 so I talked to Kevin about joining it. We had just let our bi-monthly housekeeper go (because I was no longer wore out from my newborn & keeping up with my 2 y.o.... my "baby" was 14 months old and had been sleeping through the night for 10 months!) The cost for the 10 week program was the same as 1 month of cleaning so he said go for it... no change in what we spent for another month! I was skeptical- more about me than the program! Then came the first week weigh in... I LOST 6 POUNDS!!!

This was the motivator that I needed! I became a "Point hoarder"! It became a game- how many points can I have at the end of the day??!?!? Only 1 rule to it: I'm not allowed to feel hungry at the end of the day. Week 2- lost 1.8 pounds... Week 3 [this week] lost 2 pounds! HELL YEAH!

Let me tell you a little bit about week 2... Easter was in there. I decided that I was "getting off the wagon" for that day. Let me rephrase that- I was jumping off the wagon and not looking back! I ate that day without any worries of "how many points is this worth?!?" Let me tell you- I felt great. I ate what I wanted but instead of 2 huge spoonfuls of food I took 1 small one & allowed myself another, if I truly wanted it & was still hungry (which I did with the baked beans b/c Kevin's aunt makes the best!). I still enjoyed some of the girls' candy & Grandma Fisher's trifle but I didn't stuff myself like I have for so many other holidays & family get togethers. Then Monday morning, I caught up with the wagon & got back on with my head held high. Eating breakfast (a piece of cinnamon toast & milk) that's when it hit me... I've made a lifestyle change! This is might actually work & work for good! I worked out this morning & kicked butt! I felt great and want to do more. I think I even got that "high" I hear runners' talk about b/c when I finished my second circuit, I didn't want to stop. Another perk- I bought new jeans for our family pic & had to get a size smaller!! DOUBLE BONUS!

Kevin started running 1/2 marathons last year. He's doing his third next month. In December, he's doing his first marathon & I said I'd do my first 1/2 marathon with him. FYI... a half is 13.1 miles & full is 26.2 miles! Up until now, I didn't know what I was thinking & thought I was just talk. I can't do that. Now I know I can do it and start training.

People keep telling me I look smaller but of course I don't see it (I only see the imperfections anyways!). Kevin hugged me 2 nights ago, and said "wow, you are really losing weight!" It was innocent, but so sincere.

I've got a lot I want to work through & this is the outlet I'm choosing... maybe someday I'll tell close friends & family that this page exists! Right now it's just me (& whoever happens to stumble upon it!)

Love & skinny hugs...