I'm baaaaaackkkkkkkkkkkk.. with good news!

I know, I know, I've been an inconsistent blogger. I guess I've felt a little more hands on than theoretical. Good news is that it's paying off.

Guess who's lost 75 lbs? You stand correct. It be me.

Just another 25 to go before I hit goal!!!!!!!!!!

I've been spending quite some time thinking about what I'd like to do career-wise. While I'm willing to return to school, I haven't quite found the direct route to what I want to do. Ideally, I'd like to be somewhat of a Weight Watcher leader but not contracted to Weight Watchers and more on an individual level. I'd really like to work with people that have struggled with food issues and help them towards a happier and healthier life. If anyone has any suggestions, I'm all ears and eyes.

Happy Labour Day everyone!!!

Almost out of the plateau

I was down 2.2 lbs at the last meeting. This is good news for me as I'm now .2 away from hitting 70 lbs. I was a bit disapointed that it was a mere .2 away, but better next week where I can know that I'm safely in and not just on the nose. I've been juggling the same numbers for months and I'm just fed up. The only person responsible for this is me and I've got to kick it up and get out of this funk. I keep losing and gaining the exact same lbs over and over. The longer I keep doing this, the longer I'm financially tied to WW and that much longer from goal.

Next week will be celebratory. IT'S ONNNN!!!!!

I'm a Twitter'er

Just an FYI, for those that are on Twitter. You can follow me @butterfli8




Have a great weekend!

Where does the time go?

Thank you to those who sent me messages to check in! While I've neglected my blog, I'm still moving full steam ahead with my fitness routine and eating. Granted, there are always some bumps along the road, but I'll still keep on going.

I promised myself that I would see this through the end, and I will. I've changed b.c.p pills twice in the last month and have caused some internal chaos. The initial prescription left me feeling exhausted, bloated, withdrawn, depressed, the list goes on. As a result, my weight hit a plateau. No matter how well I stayed on plan, the numbers were not budging. I've been on the newest prescription for about a week now and I'm starting to feel more like myself again. I'm definitely not the social butterfly that I usually am but slowly I'm starting to peek out of the shell I grew and venture back into my social life.

Since I haven't peaked at a single blog in over a month, I've got some major reading and catching up to do.

I'm back and pumped!

I realize it's been a little while since my last post. Last weeks' w.i had me down .06, todays' had me up 3 lbs. This is a result of too much partying, laryngittis, a back injury that had me out of the gym for a week ( I took a little tumble) and eating birthday cake for breakfast. Todays' meeting was all about motivation and remembering why we signed up and where we want to be. Our homework was to write out a list of Top 10 Reasons You Want to Lose Weight. Here's mine, in no order of importance:

1. To have a positive self-image

2. To be one of those girls with a 'rockin bod

3. To finally have my permanent clothing and not just transition pieces

4. Top of my physical fitness, to truly be the best I can be

5. To have an added abundance of energy

6. To complete what I've started and not give up 75% of the way there

7. To not be the fat girl

8. To not fear rejection because of my body size

9. To say buh-bye to thigh chaffing

10. To feel good in my skin

I might come back and modify some of these reasons, but for now this is what I'll hold myself to to make sure I get there. If I can do it, anyone can. 

Adios water retention!

I was down 6.2 lbs yesterday, so I've cancelled out that evil,evil gain. Food & "beverages" have been a challenge as it's birthday central this fine long weekend. I have a BBQ with the whole family at my parents house tomorrow, another birthday supper on Tuesday night, and then my very own birthday next Friday. I went out for breakfast with a friend of mine from the Weight Watchers meetings so it was easy to stay on track and make wise choices when you have that kind of company.

Let's see if I can at least stay the same this week. New work out is in effect. I love it, but my arse hurts :)

That's all folks. Gonna go read up on my bloggies!

My hormones hate me

Today had to have been the worst W.I ever. I was prepared for it, but nothing can turn this frown upside down. I had a perfect WW week. I tracked, I stayed within my points, exercised like a mad woman, and I was up..... 6 lbs. I know it's water retention, I know it'll go away, I just can't help but feel completely and utterly depressed.

My whole body is aching from the fluid retention and it seems toilet paper commercials are able to bring tears to my eyes today. Bring on the pamprin! If the retention persists, I'll go see my doc & ask them to switch the meds. I can't live like this.

I'm not going to let this get me down.  I could have said " to hell with it all" and ate whatever I wanted and sat on my couch like a bump on a log, but I didn't. Things could have been a lot worse.

Failure is only the opportunity to begin again, only this time more wisely - Author unknown. This would have been a great quote had I sabotaged my week so I'll remember to refer back to this post in the future. Hope everyone had a far better week than I had!

Tuesday update

Well, I couldn't expect the weight loss roll to continue so perfectly. I was up 2.2 lbs at last Saturdays W.I. I'm somewhat ambivalent about it. Normally I'd be a little frustrated, but it seems I'm just used to the process. What is frustrating me is that the #'s on the scale seem to have risen since Saturday as well. I've started a new B.C.P after a two-year hiatus so that's most likely what's triggering it. We'll see how the rest of the week pans out. I've still got quite some time to make this week work.

I've been kind of neglecting my blogging. I've had my nose is some books and they seem to be occupying most of my free time. I'm off to see how everyone has been doing.

post-week end update

My week end was wild. Kind of reminded me of that SATC episode where they all go out and meet sailors. Going to WW Sat morning on 3 hrs of sleep while still feeling pretty intoxicated was quite amusing (not to mention hard on the ears). The replacement leader is quite the loud talker so as you can imagine the meeting was a little uncomfortable. I was down 1.6 lbs, so I'm pretty happy about that. Turns out the week before I stayed the same.

I don't know why this annoyed me, but replacement leader was chit chatting with me after she weighed me in, freaked on how much weight I've lost, and then starts offering tips. Yes, I know, that's what they're paid to do, but at this stage in the game I think I've got the hang of it. She was offering food suggestions like " have you tried egg whites" or " have you ever bought frozen fruit".  Maybe this conversation would have been interesting a year and a half ago, but I could actually be giving her words of wisdom in the food dept. I've lost more than double what she has (not that it's a competition, just a statement) and I'm pretty sure I've heard of egg whites. I did find out that our regular leader will be coming back next week so I'm just stoked.

What I asked her was where do I find the old me from last year who wouldn't bite like or taste anything without writing it down. Where is the girl that wrote points values on all the food and had the portions already seperated & measured? I don't entirely miss that obsessive lifestyle. I think it's a normal stage when anyone begins WW but as time goes on, you get more and more comfortable and you realize that you needn't obsess. This is a permanent lifestyle change, and I certainly don't want to be permanently writing all over the food I buy. 

I've got another 25-30 lbs to go and nothing is going to stop me but myself. I've promised myself that I wouldn't give up or stop 90% of the way (which I've been known to do) and finish what I've started.

Tired Tuesday

I didn't look at my book from last weeks' weigh in. I just didn't want to know. I was watching the scale and I wasn't to thrilled. Now granted, I had a huge loss the week prior so I could only expect a minor gain regardless of my efforts. I usually strongly encourage myself and others to know the facts and move on. I was in such a great mood that I didn't want to cloud my happiness. I'm working on not being so scale obsessed.

Have been working my arse out every day and loving it. Today's workout was a little weak. I must have been tired or didn't have enough protein as I really couldn't keep up with my usual pace. I was sweating buckets and felt like I was going no where.

I wonder what my body is trying to tell me.

I've been trying to look up the answer to this online but with no results. A few hours post-workout, my body temperature seems to drop and I get chills. I'd really like to find out why, but all of the information I've found online is suggesting that it's sweat related. The chills occur well after my workout, shower, and dinner. What makes me so cold? What can I do to avoid this?

I'm hoping blogland will have some answers :)

Welcome to the 70's

I decided to switch things up this week and it worked.  Even though the foods I was eating were within my points range, my body was used to the daily menu. I also changed my workout schedule to going after work instead. I went to the gym three times this week instead of five.

I was down 4.8 lbs this week, so after a lonnnnnnnnggggggggggggg time in the 80's, I weighed in at 177 this morning. Goal is getting so much closer!

The only thing that comes to mind that I'm not too thrilled with is the thought of losing another food point. Somehow doesn't feel rewarding: " Hey, you lost weight and now you get to eat even less!". I cancelled out this thought with the fact that dropping a dress size as being the huge reward.

I'm a very tired and happy camper and am off to take a nap. The long week end has resulted in a lot of nights out and time with family. I'm running on three hours sleep right now and I'm feeling it!

Happy Passover & Happy Easter everyone!

Gloomy Monday

Nothing crazy to report. Stayed the same this week W.I wise. I think I should get a new scale. All week it seemed that I was going to have a great week. My scale at home showed 3lbs down, so you could imagine my disapointment when I weighed in and was told that I stayed the same.

It's a dark and rainy day Monday. We've fallen back to close to the freezing point. Mother Nature sure likes to play tricks on us :)

Gimme a pound!

Another -.04 for this weigh in. I'll take it. Anytime I lose while Tom is in town is a great one for me. I had two birthday dinners this week and went to the gym 3 times instead of my usual 5. Next week will be a very very good weigh in. I am 2 lbs away from getting out of this "decade" and I'm going to do it. I was kind of hoping that yesterdays' meeting would have been free to make up for the lack of a leader last Saturday. They gave us vacation vouchers, which is nice enough. Apparently now you only get two vacation coupons when you first sign up and that's it. If I'm not mistaken, you used to get one every eight weeks.

I made some delicious 2 point muffins. I took a box of lemon cake mix, 1 can of diet sprite, and a cup of blueberries. Mixed all together, baked in the oven, and voila- deliciousness. I had quite the productive Sunday. I went to the gym in the morning, cleaned up my place, did 3 loads of laundry and ran errands with friends. On our way around town, we all came to the conclusion that we were starving. The driver opts for Burger King. After reading the menus and the caloric information, my friend and I shared a combo. I forget what they're called, but they're these mini-burgers. One combo gives you four, a fry, and a drink. We split it and it was plenty. I might have had all of 6 fries and my two two-bite burgers so all in all could not have been more than six points.

It has probably been over a year since the last time I ate Burger King, and will most likely be another until the next visit. Wasn't all that delicious as I remembered, and I could think of many,many other things I'd like to have in the place of BK.

Off to catch up on my blog reading!

I want to be a leader

I was down .04 lbs this week. I'm kind of frustrated with these miniscule gains and losses. I'm tracking, eating the right stuff, and am going to the gym religiously. Why can't I lose a normal amount of weight? I know I know, muscle mass. Everyone keeps telling me "muscle weighs more than fat, you know".

A pound of feathers weighs the same as a pound of bricks. The size of one pound of feathers in contrast to a pound of bricks is different, so essentially what I'm doing is just condensing my mass.

I'd really like to get out of the 80's. It's so close I can taste it. I'm just fed up of teetering around the same numbers. I'm going to try shaking up my diet this week to see if that will help.

On another note, this week's meeting was quite "interesting". The leader never showed up. Our regular leader has taken some time off and we've had a replacement for the last few weeks. The "weigh in" ladies did not know who the leader was supposed to be and were just as surprised as we were.

Instead of leaving, we made our own meeting and it was a lot more entertaining than the last few weeks with the replacement. I already knew what this weeks' topic would be from a friend of mine who goes to the Thursday night meeting so we just spoke about triggers, what to do when you don't have the tools that you need, and the best: what would you eat for the rest of your life if you could not eat anything else. The meeting actually ran a half hour longer just because of that topic alone.

One of the women there got pretty emotional when we finally realized that a leader would not be showing up. Her eyes welled up with tears and she said " You know, we all get up so early in the morning to come here and do something better for ourselves. We do this to improve our health, our general well-being, and we pay for this. We rely on this meetings to keep us going. I'm not concerned about being compensated for the lack of meeting, but am simply discouraged that I didn't have my weekly motivation".

Hopefully the meeting that we improvised helped. It made me realize all the more how it would be something I'd love to do once I reach goal. I would love to work for Weight Watchers part-time and help other people. That is definitely an added incentive to get there!

Trying out Windows Live Writer

Just wanted to see if this tool was at all efficient.  Having a great O.P week. Nothing crazy to report (thankfully). Gym bunny is hopping along- ha ha!

I think this guy goes to my gym. Correction, lives there.

 

I’m not quite sure why anyone would want to look this way. I can’t imagine being addicted to body building. Could you imagine having muscle-induced thigh chaffing?

 

Saturday Weigh In

I was up .6 for this weeks' W.I. I'm not even upset about it because I know exactly what caused it. I ate like a fool last Friday, and spent every day at the gym this week trying to get rid of the evidence. Both Saturdays and Sundays were insane workouts. I spent 3 1/2 hrs each day there, which amounted to 1200 calorie burn offs each day. The rest of the week I just continued with my usual hour in the morning.

It was a quiet Friday night in, I rented some movies and popped by the grocery store for some dinner items. I ended up buying a ristorante pizza (those delicious Dr. Oetker ones)with the intention of only cooking part of it. Well, the obvious part is that I ended up eating the entire thing to myself, drinking an obscene amount of diet coke, and thawing out some two-bite brownies that were hiding in the freezer. Who knew those things were 140 calories! I did up my weights by 2.5 kg on most of the equipment so I could claim that there's some added muscle mass that may be this weeks' guest on the scale show.

Went to the movies Saturday night, brought along some Weight Watchers pretzels, and we bought our own candy. I picked up a single serving-sized bag of Swedish Berries. Better than a chocolate bar, right? WRONG. I ate the berries thinking I was having a light guilty snack but I was so wrong. Later on that night I took out the crumpled wrapper from my purse to read the nutritional info. Ready for this? 240 calories!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There's approximately 20 little gummies in the bag. Sneaky little devils! I would have thought 80 cals at most. I guess this was a reality check that I needed:make sure there's money in the bank before writing a cheque.

Had another crazy workout today and I'm dead tired. I'm supposed to go to the movies again tonight and you can bet I won't be buying any Swedish Berries! I'm supposed to go out bar hopping after, but I have to do some new software testing for work and the testing starts at 4:00 a.m. In theory, I could drag my butt from the bar to my computer. The reality: I do have to be alert and sober.

Really pumped for a successful week. Our leader will be away for an undisclosed period of time and I'm not the replacements biggest fan. She talks quite a bit about herself and I miss the class participation. A lot of people are feeling the same. I may just go W.I on Thursday night instead, but I'd be losing a W.I day.

So despite a teeny weeny gain, I had an on point "business week" and was a little gym bunny.
Happy week end everyone!

The Hungry Monster won't mess with Blueberry

Very impressed with Miss Blueberry @ http://aberryblueberryblog.blogspot.com/2009/03/777-gone.html

Looks like the scale rolled in some lucky numbers for her and she deserves an applause.

Please stop by her blog and spread some cheer. She's so very humble & honest and I read every post.

All better

I can't believe how long it's been since my last post- I'm getting sloppy! I`ve been thinking about everyone here and wondering how you`ve been doing weight loss/workout/motivation/everything-wise.

It took me a full week to get over my bug. I dragged my congested head in to WW last Saturday and was mildly surprised (relieved may actually be a better adjective) to find out that I was only up 1 lb. The freakishly alarming #'s that I spoke of earlier appeared to be around the 5+ range. I figured this could just be due to the added weight I was carrying around in my sinuses. I seemed to have been going through a box of tissue every day. I'm so thankful that's over!

Went to Weight Watchers at lunch today to weigh in and was down 2 lbs. I'm very happy and am inching my way closer to being out of this weight "decade". I've got a mild case of the when-will-winter-end blues and have been feeling kind of bummy. My workload is getting lighter and although I'm grateful for this, not to mention the fact that I work in the financial sector and I still have a job, but I still feel a little glum. I don't feel appreciated at the office. I've been putting in a ton of extra hours and I've been pretty much carrying the workload of five people. I do this because I care about what I do and I want to make sure our clients are well taken care of, but at the same time it would be really nice to get a mere thank you from my manager or some sort of acknowledgement for my efforts. Something as simple as "your hard work is appreciated" is all it takes. I'm not asking for a raise, or a big song and dance, but just a little appreciation would make all the difference.

To some extent, I feel like because I've shown them just how much I can do and am a constant over-achiever that I've somehow set this expectation from management. Even though others can get away with doing the bare minimum, I'm depended on to exceed and carry the weight. If one day I'm working at 190% instead of my average 200, eyebrows are raised.

Ah, I'll stop whining. The grass is pretty green on my side, I've just got to stop looking at everything in black and white.

Springs around the corner, I'll start to feel alive again. The countdown to flip flops begins!

sickies

I'm off from work today. The tickle in my throat last night developed in to OMV (old man's voice). It hurts to breathe,cough,talk etc. My whole body is aching. Felt strange to call in sick. It's not something I ever do. Was hoping I could make it in to March without catching a winter cold. Ah well.

The scale is showing some freakishly alarming numbers. At least I'm not hungry! Today will be a day of tea and rest. Hopefully I'll be back in good enough shape tomorrow.

Rawrrrr!!

Up .8. I know it could just be muscle gain, or water retention from TOM's imminent arrival, but it still has me growling! Just frustrating when you're on track and you're working out 5 days a week.

Oh well! I'm not going to let this throw me over. I had two weeks of nice numbers so next week will be even better.

I weighed in Friday morning because I knew I'd be going out last night and I wanted to be able to sleep in today, as much as I love my 9:00 a.m. Saturday W.I's. I may or may not have had 3-4 smirnoff ice's. I may or may not have indulged in finger foods at the bar such as calamari, cheese and bread, and pickles. I may or may not have had a big mac combo at 3 a.m. either or too.

I may or may not be rather upset with myself for allowing myself to eat such junk. I have absolutely no restraint while under the influence (when it comes to food choices).

I am definitely going to eat well today. I am certainly going to the gym this afternoon. I am most likely going to just get over what I did and realize that I can indulge every so often. A year ago, I would have had no qualms with any of it! I did eat well during the day on Friday so it's not completely terrible!

Today is a fresh start. Cheers to being on track! - and yes, that's a glass of water I'm holding up!

Still truckin'

I've been a terrible blogger lately. I work such long hours and send about 100 e-mails a day out that I hardly feel like writing at the end of it. Thankfully, the workload seems to be lessening and I'm starting to see the light.

I was down 1.8 on Saturday which is just great. I've lost more weight in the last two weeks than I have December/January combined. I'm definitely officially back in the groove of things and I'm pumped. I've been thinking a lot lately about where I am in my life and where I want to be. I'm going to really buckle down and keep focused. I wanted to be at goal by May. I've now realized that May is really just around the corner, and it while it is possible, losing another 40 lbs by then is just unrealistic and unhealthy.

My goals aren't really all about the number on the scale anymore. I'm focused on challenging myself physically to be in the best shape my body can be, as well as eliminating a large percentage of processed foods and eating a more natural diet. Sugar substitues and 100 calorie packs have been a great crutch for getting me where I am today, but again, they're crutches and I want to eliminate them from my diet. I've got to rid myself of the training wheels!

Still going to the gym Mon-Thur in the morning, and then again on Saturdays. Feels great. Been doing a lot of cardio and really working the triceps. I don't want to have flappy arms so I'm doing what I can to eliminate the dammage I've done and prevent any further. I can already see definition in my biceps. Who knew there were muscles under there!

And bless this machine: Wave . Wanna have some killer thighs & buns? This baby will do it!

Ok, I'm seriously going to go catch up on my blog reading.

All work and no play makes me... lose weight!

Saturday Mornings' Weigh In, in the words of Borat, was a Great Success! I was down 4.6 this week! I haven't seen these kind of numbers in months! Thrilled is I! This is just the type of result I needed to see to keep me motivated.

Here are some wedding pics from December. I can already see a visible difference in my appearance since then.

'Tis the season to go crazy fa la la la la.....

If it wasn't for going to the gym in the morning, I'd be one unhappy camper. The Y keeps me sane. I've been basically working round the clock thank you tax season. Clients have received there statements and only now have realized that the market took a hit and want to know why and where and who. BOO. I work from 8-4 at the office, and then log back in at home until I go to bed around 11. It's a bit crazy but someone has got to do the work. I am proud to say that my runners are on the treadmill at 6:15 a.m. sharp. I need this and will continue to go. It's now part of my routine.

Been sticking to the plan. Eating well, and well, working my ASS off- literally. I was up 1.8 lbs last week which was slightly discouraging because I tracked,worked out and followed the plan to a T. This is the first time where I could say that I honestly did do everything and still gained. The answer to that equation is simple: (eating the allowed points) + (tracking all my points) - (TOM)-(a new fitness routine) = GAIN.

I've been monitoring the scale at home and looks like this Saturday's W.I will be a good one.

Back to work for me- but first I must catch up on my blog reading/commenting.

It's fun to stay at the Y-M-C-A... SING IT WITH ME!

My mojo has been returned- in better condition! Oh how I missed it! I joined the Y on Saturday, and have been every day since! I went both Sat & Sunday and have gone before work yesterday and today as well. I plan to continue for the rest of the week.

Waking up before the paper hits the door is a challenge, but I'm up for it. I haven't seen 5:00 a.m. since New Year's and that's only because I went to bed at that time! I've only been doing cardio so far as I haven't met with the trainer yet to set up a plan. Unfortunately joining the gym in January has me lumped in with all of the New Year resolutioners so getting an apt with someone was difficult. Luckily there was a cancellation for this Saturday or I would have had to wait until March!

What I love about the Y is that the trainers are included in the membership. I don't have to pay thousands of dollars extra to get assistance. I also love the "technogym". The machines operate by a smartkey system. Once you've met with a trainer, they input the plan on the smartkey. When you go to workout, you simply plug the key in and the machines adjust the speed/resistance for you as input by the trainer. Everything is mapped out. The machine will tell you when it's time to switch machines and all so it's a mindless routine. I love it. If I find that I'm not being challenged enough, I simply shoot the trainer an e-mail and that way it'll be adjusted for the next time I'm there. I'm very excited to meet with them and have a course of action.

So far I've been trying to get in as much gym time before work as possible. I start work at 8 and the gym opens at 6 so doesn't give me that much time but I'm able to get in a 45 min workout. I warm up on the treadmill for 10 mins, 15 minutes on the bike, and then 15 mins on the elliptical.

Feels great!

I think my mojo was brought back simply from the wonderful comments and support I've received from my bloggies!!

I lost my mojo!

My blogging has taken a back seat lately as everything has been so chaotic. Tax season has us working what seems like 24/7. I was down 1lb last Sat for my W.I, which means I'm 3 lbs away from being back at my pre-holiday weight. I can't believe it's already Thursday. This week has just gone by so quickly!

My one year WW membership anniversary is soon approaching. February 15 will mark one year of continuous attendance. I've had some major changes in my attitude, my lifestyle, my eating habits, and of course my appearance.

Although I am very happy with how far I've come, I can't help feeling like I didn't go as far as I could. Starting in early December, I began to lose my weight loss "mojo". My tracking started to dwindle, my exercise, and my eating habits began to change a bit too. I started allowing myself to make exceptions whereas when I first started the plan I wouldn't touch something if I didn't know how many points was in whatever was being offered. My gym membership recently expired and I decided that I would change gyms as I was fed up of the same scenery. Well, I've let my "searching" go on for a month and a half now. I'm joining the Y on Saturday so hopefully exercise will then trigger my eating habits to fall back in to place too.

I just wish I could have stayed as motivated as I was back in February. It'll be back, I know it. I just have to do it!

Can you see it in my face?

Here I am on the left holding a delicious tray of fruit at girls night last week end. On the right is me in NYC June 2007 post-Sbarro pizza!

On the left: size 12. On the right: size 20

On the left: healthy food and happy me. On the right: pizza-stuffed & angry for eating it.

I dread looking at old photos of myself. At the time I didn't realize just how unhappy I was. I see it now and it makes me all wishy washy. I'm glad I stopped when I did.

Food for Thought

I love food and I love thought. Combining the two-fantastic.

Mark Salinas of http://blog.marksalinas.com/ really hit the nail on the head for me this morning. I wish I was had seen this quote yesterday to use as a rebuttal when a colleague commented on my food journaling.

I'm all about self-improvement. Notice the word self. Tracking what I eat is a necessity for me. It keeps me accountable and aware of what I'm putting in my mouth. "Forgetting" what I ate is what led me to become 100 lbs overweight to begin with. If journaling helps me stay on track, who's business is it but my own? One of my colleagues (who knows everything about weight loss since she lost more weight than I have in a shorter time frame on the Smart for Life Diet), once again had her two cents to give on what I'm doing. She peers over my desk at lunch hour and says " Oh wow, you still write down everything you eat. Don't you get tired of it? See that's why I didn't do Weight Watchers. It's too much work all the counting and writing down everything. I prefer to just eat and not have to think about it". I retorted with a simple " It's part of the plan and I like to be accountable".

"Oh, that's just too much work for me. It's crazy to be obsessed like that with writing everything you eat". She replies. Well then.Normally I'd have something to reply to that, but this time I just turned around and said nothing. It's not worth it. One of the most evident changes I've noted in myself is my self-worth. I don't look at taking care of my health as "too much work for me". I need my body to be in tip top shape to do the things that my brain wants me to do. I don't want to be held hostage in a body that can't keep up with my mind.

Mark's quote said it perfectly: "Obsessed is just a word the lazy use to describe dedicated." Had I had this, I might have said something instead of replying with silence.

Next time I'll tell her to keep the change.

Welcome 2009

I don't typically set resolutions with a deadline of December 31st but they always have a start date of January 1st. The focus seems to taper off somewhere around the 7th of January.

What I am just thrilled with is that I had no clue I would be where I am this time this year. I said I would lose weight and be able to run for more than 5 mins. I said this, but as we all know actions speak louder than words. Call it procrastination, lack of determination, desire, and faith combined. I underestimated myself.

The difference in 2008 from previous years was that I acted. This alone surpassed any expectations that I had for myself. I didn’t actually believe that I would lose weight. I’ve always frustrated myself with my lack of consistency and drive to finish things through. 2008 was my year- I said I was going to do something and I did it. I did not say ‘this year I will lose x amount of lbs”. This could be interpreted as me not wanting to set myself up for disappointment but when I look at the big picture I was just working in baby steps. This could very well be the reason why I was successful. Celebrate each and every NSV and SV because they all add up.

This year I’d like to focus more on life goals. I don’t want to obsess over objectives/habits that I promised resolve to accomplish/nix.

My goal (not resolution) is to continue on my path and keep up the momentum. I’d like to reach my weigh loss goal this year, but just as anything else goals change along the way. I want to keep living a healthy lifestyle. I want 2009 to be the year of consistency.

Blogging has played a major role in my success as well. The initial intention was to journal my thoughts. I am continuously amazed with the tremendous amount of support and encouragement I’ve received. It’s truly refreshing to know that complete strangers can be genuinely kind and encouraging. I thank Blogland for connecting me with so many people that I can relate to. Thank you all so much for your unconditional support.

What have you set out for 2009?