Weekly Weigh In

I weighed in this morning at 278 pounds.  That's.6 less than last week.  I'll take it.  It's another step closer to Onederland.  My goal for next week is to stay off the scale until Next Tuesday.  You have no idea how hard this is for me.  I'll weigh before my shower, after the shower.  I get obsessed and if I am going to talk the talk of not letting a number define you on the scale than I better walk the walk.  Heaven help me because I don't think I can go 48 hours. <pondering> Maybe I should set my goal for 48 hours.

Seriously, in my mind it makes sense because you can't change what the scale reads anyhow, it is what it is.  Your weight fluctuates throughout the day. If you're doing what you need to do, then in the end, it will get done. In it's own time.  It's so easy to get hung up on the number being the ultimate ruler in how successful you were in the past week or yesterday.  It reminds me of The Biggest Loser and how they rely on a number.  Jillian was right when she said that Nathan didn't deserve to go home.  The rules caused him to go home but I saw a spark in him last night prior to weigh-in where he got his "juice"- I can't wait to see where his journey took him after he went home in the end.  I'm a Nathan Fan. I've said it. I'm committed.  

This is my first season watching with Jillian because up until two seasons ago, this show was off limits in my house.  I didn't watch it because I didnt' want to face reality.  I didn't want to be reminded of anything to do with my weight and sure as hell didn't want to sit and watch someone "getting it" and "doing it" while I sat on my couch and played the victim.

I wish I could box her up and take her home with me.  I at first didn't love her tough love approach but have to say, sometimes that's what it takes.  I find that every time, I think she is too harsh, I find I'm having victim thinking.        I have to laugh at some of the tweets about Jillian.  My favorite was "If Jillian talked to me that way, I'd *&)(#@#$ beat her **&!" Really, would you now? I'd like to watch you try!

I've got some busy work to do at my desk this afternoon, so I'm going to tune into some of her You Tube videos.  Daily Dose with Jillian Michaels.  - How to be the Best you Can.

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Following the Golden Road to Happiness in 10 Steps: Part 5 of 5

The final step to Following the Golden Road to Happiness is when you lay your head to rest, write down at least five (5) things you were grateful for today.  You can state the obvious like food, shelter, clothes, but as you continue this habit you'll realize you have an abundance of things you're grateful for.  As your awareness of being grateful broadens, so will your heart and mind open up to the other things in your life you weren't seeing.



Today's journey and every day after: 

1.  List out the things that made you smile in your journey today. How many can you find? 
2.  What did you celebrate today? 

3.  Forgive yourself and others. 

4.  Make a list of all your accomplishments - don't forget the little things! 

5.  Where can you put more color in your life? 
6.  What did you do to move today? 
7.  Add to your list the new things bugging you.  When you complete a task, scratch it off!  
8.  Do something today that nurtures you. What was it? 
9.  Plant the seed of happiness. What did you do? 
10.  Write down at least 5 things you were grateful for today. 


Now that I've taken you on the complete journey, it's time to create your own.  Print out the Golden Road to Happiness to start yours.  

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Late Night Update- I am the Trouble Champion

Today was a fun family day.  While hubby went grocery shopping, I revealed to the kids my new game I purchased for the Wii on Thursday.  I think they were more excited to play than I was.  We danced our socks off to "Just Dance" Greatest hits.  We were are all moving and grooving and definitely working up a sweat.  It was good quality fun time and got us all moving too.

This evening all four of us played Ants in the Pants and Trouble and then later played SSX Tricky on the PS2.  Ants in the Pants felt like we were all competing in Minute to Win it.  It was a lot of fun! I was champion in our Trouble Match!

I have good news to report on the Dannon Light & Fit Greek Yogurt. I absolutely loved all 5.3 ounces of it for 80 calories, 0 Fat and 12 grams of protein.  The texture was thick, yet creamy and reminded me of mousse or a really thick pudding.  It has a great flavor just like the Light & Fit brand is known for. I find myself looking forward to the next time I have it again.  It's a great breakfast or snack item that I'm adding to my list of favorites.  I tried the Cherry last week and hubby brought home the strawberry and blueberry flavors today.  The other flavors are Vanilla, Peach, Pineapple and Raspberry.  The vanilla also comes in the quart size.  You can look to see if it is in your area here.

My wellness coach suggested adding peanut butter and a banana to my protein shakes so I plan to try that this next week.  He tells me it's important to jump start myself in the morning and to put some calories in the first half hour after getting up.  I don't like to eat when I first get up so I've been really trying to at least do a protein shake.  This helps me to get 1/3 of my required protein in before I ever leave the house and sets me up for a super day.


1. List out the things that made you smile in your journey today. How many can you find? 
Today my family made me smile today.  Fixing dinner for my family made me smile and getting up and moving made me smile. 2.  What did you celebrate today? 
I remembered to take my vitamins on the weekend!!

3.  Forgive yourself and others. 

Today, I'm harboring no ill feelings toward anyone or myself. 

4.  Make a list of all your accomplishments - don't forget the little things! 

I exercised today, spent quality time with my kids, remembered my vitamins and ate on plan! 

5.  Where can you put more color in your life? 
I need to put my color in my office at work.  I need more mental reminders. 6.  What did you do to move today? 
Just Dance Greatest Hits 7.  Add to your list the new things bugging you.  When you complete a task, scratch it off!  
My closet needs to be re-organized. It's driving me nuts. 8.  Do something today that nurtures you. What was it? 
While I didn't do anything specific just for me, I had a very relaxing day spending it with my family. 9.  Plant the seed of happiness. What did you do? 
I sent a tweet to one of my followers congratulating her on the great day she had with exercise and food journaling. 


Tomorrow is the season premiere of Biggest Loser and this season includes children.  Dr Oz had Jillian, Bob and Duvet on the other day and asked about how they'll be handling the children portion of the show.  Jillian responded that it would be fun and positive experiences for them and they would not be weighing.  I'm torn about them even being on the show.  As an obese child, I wouldn't have had the courage to be put on TV as it was just one more validation that I was fat.  Heck, I wouldn't even write Richard Simmons because I feared he'd really show up at my door.  It's almost like if I didn't face it/or admit it, no one knew it. I know .. I had a very warped sense of my self.  So, I'd like to know, what are your thoughts on children being on the show?

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Following the Golden Road to Happiness in 10 Steps: Part 4 of 5

Today our steps take us to nurturing our bodies.  We must first take time to take care of us first.  I find I like to sing with the music turned up and then next thing I know, I'm either shaking my booty or getting those pesky tasks marked off my nag list.  Sometimes, when I'm alone, which isn't very often, I take a hot shower and spend extra time shaving my legs and using my favorite body sprays.    After that, I'll put on some cozy pajamas and settle in with a good book or movie.  Other times, I'll call a friend and we'll find ourselves laughing and giggling over the past or our busy lives.

Our last step for today in Following the Golden Road to Happiness is to plant the seed of happiness in others.  Can you imagine the garden we'd grow by just planting one seed at a time? It doesn't have to be something extravagant.  It can simply be saying hello with a bright smile to a stranger on the street, dropping off a card at someone's desk or maybe even shoveling that not-so-friendly neighbors's sidewalk.  Think back how it makes you feel when others do for you and then remember how good it feels when you do for others.  It's uplifting and it's contagious.  We are only one person but if we all take the time we can make this a happier world.

Today's journey and every day after: 

1.  List out the things that made you smile in your journey today. How many can you find? 
2.  What did you celebrate today? 

3.  Forgive yourself and others. 

4.  Make a list of all your accomplishments - don't forget the little things! 

5.  Where can you put more color in your life? 
6.  What did you do to move today? 
7.  Add to your list the new things bugging you.  When you complete a task, scratch it off!  
8.  Do something today that nurtures you. What was it? 
9.  Plant the seed of happiness. What did you do? 

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Following the Golden Road to Happiness in 10 Steps: Part 3 of 5

As we embark on our journey to happiness today, our next steps start with looking where we can put more color in our life.  I used to hide behind the color black.  My closet is now a rainbow of colors from greens to reds and can you guess? PINK! Bright colors make for a bright heart.  Shine some light on yours.

The next step is to start moving your body.  It doesn't matter what it is but start moving every day. I remember my first trip to the gym at work with a friend and I was so afraid I wouldn't be able to go very long.  I expected 3 or 4 minutes but I pushed myself to 10.  That feeling was empowering. My heart was beating and I felt alive!

Our 7th step is to start marking off the things you want to get done you keep putting off.  All they do is nag at you and weigh you down.  Don't you have enough to carry around? Move them out so you can let happiness move in.

Today's journey and every day after: 

1.  List out the things that made you smile in your journey today. How many can you find? 
2.  What did you celebrate today? 

3.  Forgive yourself and others. 

4.  Make a list of all your accomplishments - don't forget the little things! 

5.  Where can you put more color in your life? 
6.  What did you do to move today? 
7.  Make a list of the tasks or things bugging you.  When you complete a task, scratch it off!  

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Following the Golden Road to Happiness in 10 Steps: Part 2 of 5

In our second set of steps to Following the Golden Road to Happiness, we must forgive ourselves and others.  Carrying around the extra baggage only fills our mind and hearts with negativity.  Free yourself from these burdens so that happiness can radiate within you.  I wrote a letter to myself and forgave myself for abusing my body all these years.  I wrote to my father who has passed and forgave him for his alcoholism and how it affected my life.  I gave him love again rather than my resentment and it was freeing.  Others, I was able to put aside and say it doesn't matter anymore because it was time to move on.  I can't say what will work for you but it's important that you take this step.

Next, we need to list out all of our accomplishments.  What are you proud of? We all have them, you just have to admit to them. Some of mine are raising my children, getting my Master's degree. paying off my new car, surviving Cervical Cancer and of course loving myself.

Today's journey and every day after: 

1.  List out the things that made you smile in your journey today. How many can you find? 
2.  What did you celebrate today? 

3.  Forgive yourself and others. 

4.  Make a list of all your accomplishments - don't forget the little things! 

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Honey, I Shrunk the Mom: Random Acts of Kindness

Honey, I Shrunk the Mom: Random Acts of Kindness: Random acts of kindness are something that I try to do on a regular basis. Not because I want something in return, but because it just feels...


Please read this and consider what you can do in honor of the little children that were taken from us too soon.

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Following the Golden Road to Happiness in 10 Steps: Part 1 of 5

This week , I want to take you on a journey.  An interactive journey to find your happiness.  People who are happy are more likely to naturally take the actions to meet their goals.  What I mean by finding your happiness is to choose to surround yourself with the things that make you happy every day.  

First, you start by focusing on your journey.  I don't mean that day of the journey when you meet your ultimate goal.  I mean the steps it takes to get there.  What good is the end result if you aren't enjoying the ride? I remember the first time I took the stairs at work by choice after surgery and how freeing it was to know that I had already come so far.  Every step I took, I smiled a little brighter and the top step didn't make me any happier than the first.  Every time I made a healthy food choice in the cafeteria I smiled because I knew it was getting me one step closer to my goals.  Every time I joined a friend in the gym at work and walked on the treadmill for 10 minutes or 30 minutes, I smiled because I knew I was getting stronger and it meant future play dates with my kids.  Every time I stood with my family in line at the amusement park this summer, I smiled because this was where I wanted to take them when I reached "my goal" and I had just begun the journey.

Second, I learned to find something that makes a tingle in my heart every day.  When you make a conscious effort every day to find a celebration, your mind will start to do it automatically.  Before you know it, you'll be your own cheerleader of your journey.  I can tell you that every ride I fit into, I celebrated.  I celebrate getting up in the morning and having life. My children's school programs, volunteering at their school, helping at a food bank, going out with friends, date night with my hubby, walking down the pier at Lake Michigan, family dinners, playing in the yard and even cleaning my bathroom. I celebrate it all.  All of those things fill my heart with happiness. All of those things are important to me in order to have a fulfilled life.

Today's journey and every day after: 

1.  List out the things that made you smile in your journey today. How many can you find? 
2.  What did you celebrate today? 

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A Deliberate Life: How in the h*ll did I get here..and How do I get out?

A Deliberate Life: How in the h*ll did I get here..and How do I get out?

Powerful and Spot on.

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The Day After the Gumball Dropped

I really enjoyed my last day of vacation with my family today. 

For breakfast, hubby made a full course.  I enjoyed a 1/2 piece of toast with about a teaspoon of peanut butter, 1 turkey sausage patty, 1 scrambled egg (with catsup) and about a tablespoon of hash browns.  All for 245 calories and 18 grams of protein.  The sausage patties were new to our house and they were pretty good.  I would have preferred a little spicier but nothing a dash of Red Hot won't fix.  

8 grams of Protein per Patty

 

 My four year old, "K", helped me make dinner today and she turned her nose up at every turn.  Especially at the mushrooms I covered the main course with.  She exclaimed she was not going to eat that and I explained to her that sometimes we have to eat things that are better for us in order to eat the other things we really like to eat.  She wasn't buying that so I reminded her that yesterday she got to pick Chicken nuggets for dinner and tonight it was my turn to pick.  She seemed to accept that a little easier.  

She was obsessed with the ball dropping last night or the "gumball" as she referred to it.  She was out like a light within 20 minutes after the stroke of midnight.  Bless her heart, she was a trooper.  She spent a good deal of the day wanting to play "Happy New Year" all over again.  

My hubby went to the store and picked me up some new Greek yogurt I haven't tried.  I'll let you know how it pans out.  I'm not a big fan of Greek yogurt but I sacrifice for the protein punch it gives me.  One day, I too, shall find one I like or resort to throwing in a 1/2 scoop of unflavored protein into a low-fat one.  

Tomorrow, on the blog,  I am starting a series of "Following the Golden Road to Happiness.  There will be five posts throughout the week.  I'm excited for you to join me on the journey!  It's inter-active, so I'm excited to see your responses.  

I'm going to wind down the rest of my evening watching some television with my family and visiting some other blogs.  TLC is re-running My 600 Pound Life if you haven't seen it, it's amazing.  

With that, I leave you a picture of Poochy, part of the inspiration that created this blog. 

Poochy

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Weekly Weigh In

Today is the last day of my vacation before returning to work.  Having the last nine days off have been nice spending time with family.  I'm excited to get back to the grind with a new refreshed mind and attitude. I'm excited to have a blog up and running again.  I can already tell a difference with my mind-set and staying focused.  My blog makes me happy.

I weighed in at 278.6 pounds today.  That's a loss of 152.6 since October, 2011.
This also marks 20.6 pounds away from being the weight I was when I married my first husband in 1990, 70.6 pounds away from when I graduated high school in 1987, and 78.7 pounds away from Onederland.  I am so close I can't stand it!

My son and I dropped the dog off at the groomer's yesterday and then went and had our own hair cuts.  Later, I went to the mall and took back the blouse that I had originally intended on wearing to the company Christmas party with token black pants. When the cashier asked me the reason for my return, without thinking, I said, "Well I found this little cute dress." And I stopped for a moment in my head and thought, "Oh my, I said that about me.".  I'm still a work in progress but I'm polishing up quite nicely, if I do say so myself.

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Poochy Pointers: Get your Food Choices on Target

Have you seen this page?  This Food Target was created by Chris Johnson of On Target Living. The idea is to select your food choices by getting as near to the center of the target as possible.  I've printed this and keep one copy at home and one at work.

This shows you that even by making little changes like moving from white potatoes to red-skinned potatoes or to purple potatoes, you're making better choices and making progress.

So tell me, how many food choices do you make a day are at the center of the target? 
How many food choices are at the center of the target you've never tried? 
Can I get you try 1 new food you've never tried at the center of the target for 1 meal? How about eat an entire day from only the center of the target? 
If you do post about it on your blog and leave me a comment so I can tell you what good choices you're making! 

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New Weight Loss Blogs in 2013

If you started a new weight loss blog in 2013. I want to hear from you! Let me know where you are so I can give you support. You can either comment below or join the forum and post under the "New Weight Loss Blogs in 2013" 

Do you have a favorite weight loss blog that inspires you? Tell us about that here.  I would expect you to list your own there as well - because you are your own inspiration.  You knew that; right?

I'm here for support too! Follow me if you like the blog, I have so much more to say.  I'm going to really stretch my goals this year and work on 2013 followers.  Can you imagine what a thriving inspirational community this would be? Will you help me?

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Poochy Ponders: To Tell or Not to Tell

Poochy Ponders

That's today's ponder. While I am no Hamlet, debating on whether you tell people you've had weight loss surgery is a heavy subject.  Since my surgery, I've had six friends have one procedure or the other and the topic of telling people is always at the top.

I personally, share my story as I feel it's a way to Pay it Forward to the next person.  I've always been pretty open where no question is off-limits.  It's a personal decision.  I have in the last year encountered situations where I felt uneasy sharing my surgery story.  I've realized that you really have to trust the person.  When my wellness coach asked me to tape a testimonial for their website, I did it to Pay it Forward; but when I found out that they wanted to share it with the entire company I work for, I freaked out.  In that situation, I was able to figure out why.  I was afraid of what other's might think or how they would judge me or what they would say if they saw me eating a wrong food in the cafeteria.  I didn't want them to hold me accountable.  It took me a long time to work through the fear.  I knew that it was another test of how far I'd come and that I can be empowered by it rather than hindered.  They shared the video and I never heard anything from anyone except praise and kindness and those that were mean - I don't know about or care.  They have their own demons if they're worried about mine.

Recently, I was thinking about the future and flash-forward 10 years from now with new people that have crossed my path. Is there really a need to tell the story? Are you really still living in a fat-minded body by continuing to tell your story? If so, how can I continue to Pay it Forward if I stop the story.

I'm interested in what you think about this. Do you tell your story? Who do you tell? Who do you not tell. When do you stop telling? That is the question. 

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Top 10 Steps to a New You in 2013

Do you remember December 31, 1999 when everyone said the world would change at the stroke of midnight and all our technology would go to hell?   What about just a few days ago when the world was going to end, yet again? Well this year, 2013, I am going to stick my neck out on a limb and say this is the year you succeed!

Here are the top 10 steps I took in 2012 - I'm happier, focused and going to be even more successful in 2013.  You can be too!

1.  Find your happy and do it.  What do you truly live for? What gives you that tingly feeling?
2. Discover an exercise you really enjoy or look forward to.  If it's playing catch in the back yard or   dancing to your favorite music, do it!  Exercise doesn't have to be painful. As long as you're moving, you're burning calories.
3.  Quit looking for the "why" - the why doesn't matter. It can provide insight but the answer will never fix the problem.
4.  Choose your thoughts.  If you focus on the positive, your behavior will follow.  What you think affects how you feel and what you do.
5.  Find your comfort.  Food is not it.  As a child, I was comforted by my mother with food while my father would be raging drunk in the other room.  I associated food with comfort.  As an adult when ever I needed comfort, I turned to food.  It's a vicious cycle and a learned behavior.  Find other ways to comfort yourself.  If you're feeling alone, get with friends.  If you're angry, go for a walk and clear your mind.  Don't turn to food.  Food is not your friend and will never give you comfort.
6.  Love yourself.  No one will ever love you like you should love yourself.  Be kind to yourself.
7.  You only have to worry about today.  If that's too much do it by the hour and so on.  Sometimes the focus on "the rest of your life" can drown you.  As the days add up, you'll have created new habits and a new way of life,.
8.  Take responsibility and stop making excuses.  An excuse is only a way to permit yourself to have a certain behavior.  You're an adult - admit your shortfall and be responsible.
9.  Don't worry about what others are saying or thinking.  First, they're probably not thinking what you think they are and second, they're going to do it any way.  From now on, your give a damn is busted.
10.  Nurture yourself with what makes you feel good.  Is it make up? Is it jewelry? Maybe it's a long hot bubble bath.  Take care of you.

Remember, There is nothing selfish about taking care of YOU.  

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Pre New Year Challenge

Have you read this woman's blog? If you haven't, you're missing out. Holly had the same surgery I did, the VSG, and she looks amazing!  I know first-hand the struggles a 400 pound body has and if you haven't read her story, please do.  I know there are parts that I could totally pick myself out in and I'm sure you could too.  Holly wrote about a challenge called "Throw a Wrench in it" and how there are 7 days before Christmas and New Years. I can't give it justice so please stop over and read it.  It's powerful.  I'd been using this nasty cold as an excuse to not get off my duff and move and with Holly's inspiration I pulled out my "still in the package" Bob Harper Power Band and did the first set for beginner's.  Thank you Holly, I feel great! Are you using the same old excuse year after year to wait for the New Year? Come on throw a wrench in it and get off your duff!

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Find Your Happy

I spent a lot of years pondering the reason I was fat and why I abused food.  I blamed my alcoholic father, my dieting obsessed mother, the kids who teased me in school, the boy who broke my heart, and the list could go on and on and on.  Today, if I let myself, I could make excuses every time I don't eat enough protein, have an extra peanut butter cup, or miss my vitamins.

I always thought that if I figured out the "why", I could fix it.  I now know that the "why" doesn't matter. Once I gave myself permission to not worry about the "why" things started to click.  I abuse food.  I have to change that no matter why I do it.  I am fat. I have to change that no matter why I am.  Sure, I may have learned to binge to cope with problems or reward myself with food from my mother but at some point, I became an adult and I am now responsible for my own actions.

I also thought that if I could just reach my goal weight, I would be happy.  You can choose to be happy now.  If you're waiting for permission, you have mine. It's ok to be happy.

I've mentioned peanut butter cups a lot on this blog already and there is a reason for it.  My wellness coach helped me see that it's important to find out what makes you happy.  For him, an Olive burger from Smashburger does it for him.  For me, it's peanut butter cups. We don't eat them every day but occassionally, we do.  They make us happy.

Playing with my kids and taking them to events make me happy.  At 400 pounds you don't do much but sit on sidelines and watch life pass you by.  Having that kind of life did not make me happy.

I've learned that taking a walk around the block really helps me clear my mind and regain focus.  I don't go for a walk to exercise.  Exercise is just a benefit.  Walking makes me happy.

I've learned I love date night with my husband.  I no longer dread that energy it takes to get ready and be out in public.  My husband makes me happy.

I've learned that wearing make up and jewelry make me happy.  I wear it often as I don't feel happy without it.  It reminds me of my past when I didn't have the energy or the desire to pamper myself. Don't mistake this for it makes me feel pretty. I am pretty with or without make up and jewelry. :) Pampering myself makes me happy.

I've learned I love to make jewelry.  I took a class and plan to make more.  Being creative makes me happy.

I've learned that I love doing volunteer work.  Helping others makes me happy.

This winter I am going to go sledding with my son and rather than sit and watch from the car or stay home while his dad takes him, I'm going to go sledding down the hill with him.  If I break my leg, I won't be happy but I'll be creating memories that will make us happy for a lifetime.

I used to think that all food and great quantities of food would make me happy. It would fill the void of whatever was happening in the moment. Unfortunately, it hindered the happy in the future.

Figure out your happy.  You can be happy now no matter what weight you are or where you're at in this journey.  I can honestly say that if I never lose another pound, I am happy and love myself and my life. See, that's why this is working.  I wasn't fixing the right problem, and created another one in it's place.
Bottom line, eat less and move more.  If you need help, get it.  You have to put yourself first before you can do for others. You are worth it, you deserve it and you deserve to be happy.

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The Token Resolutions Post

The new year is fast approaching.  Everyone is in a rush to finish up the year or make their resolutions for next year.  I, too, have goals for the upcoming year.  Are you setting goals, making your lists and checking them twice?

I would like to quit smoking again.  I quit prior to my WLS surgery and continued as a non-smoker for 9 months.  I really thought I had the habit kicked and then I did a really stupid thing and tried an electronic cigarette. What was I thinking? I never associated it with being "like" a cigarette. I heard her say, "Try this, you won't believe how real it tastes!" I didn't associate it with how real it really would taste.  I fought the urge to go back for about two weeks.  Hubby had quit for 7 months and we were both being strong for each other until that 3rd Saturday when we'd spent the day at the beach with the kids. We got into the car and I said, "Let's do something fun like rent movies and smoke!" and that was all it took. Pretty lame story but that's what did it.  We spent the next week telling each other one more pack, one more pack. And then we bought a carton. I sit here struggling with a winter cold either my daughter shared with me or my father-in-law during our Christmas celebration and can't help but kick myself in the rear because I never had a cold all last winter when I was a non-smoker.   I know I can kick this again and I won't be a smoker in 2013.

My second goal is to go to Onederland in 2013.  To type that phrase is so surreal to me after weighing over 400 pounds.  I can't tell you when I weighed in at a number that started with a 1.  I know that I graduated high school weighing 208.  For years and years, it felt like impossible to even lose 30 pounds and I'm excited that I only have 80 or so to go.  I will be in Onederland in 2013.

Those are my goals for the year.  You will probably find me setting more as the year goes by but I find that I'm more successful setting small goals.  I need to see results fast to keep my momentum going.

Having that "I want it now" attitude can be a handicap and make it easy to "to throw the towel in".  For example, let's say you typically set a goal of 10 pounds a month.  That's roughly 2-3 pounds a week, which is considered a safe weight loss to have.  However, if your body isn't willing to lose that 10 pounds that month no matter how "on plan" you've been, it can be devastating to your mindset.  I suggest setting the goal for 5 pounds a month and if you reach 8 pounds in the month, imagine what the extra 3 pounds does to your mindset? Under promise and Over deliver!

What are your goals and how to plan to reach them?

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I Talk to Myself

What defines perfect? Dictionary.com defines perfect as entirely without any flaws, defects, or shortcomings: a perfect apple; the perfect crime, a perfect 10

I will never be perfect.  And I'm all right with that.  After losing 150 pounds, my skin hangs in places that shouldn't.  Some days, my face looks droopy and my legs still look like clubs.  One thing I know though, I've come a long way, baby.  These "flaws" are all gentle reminders of where I've been.  What really matters is how my inner-voice defines these "flaws" today and the day after.  After years and years of negative self-talk, I've had to learn to retrain my thoughts because thoughts can become a reality if you let them.  Take advantage of your thoughts and think yourself perfect. 

These are some of the affirmations I use daily. 

• I am beautiful. 
• I am worth it. 
• I treat people the way I want to be treated. 
• I am healthy. 
• I love to exercise and stretch my body. 
• I bless people with my words. 
• I love myself. 
• I can do anything. 

I have a list of my affirmations at my desk.  I read them daily usually first thing when I come into work.  It helps shape my day.  You could also place sticky notes on your mirrors, your refrigerator or in your car or  make an mp3 of your affirmations to listen to at work or in your car. 

What do you say to yourself? 

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This Is My Story

My name is Mary and my alter-ego is Poochy.  I would like to say I was born fat but I left my mother's womb at a normal 7 pounds 6 ounces.  I didn't start to see an issue with my weight until I was about 4 or 5 years old.  I could safely say that I was one of the fattest girls in my class throughout grade and high school notwithstanding that little bout at the beginning of 7th grade when I'd lost weight over the summer.  It's funny how I knew the secret to weight loss back then and and still thirty some years later like to fight it. Eat less and move more. How boring, right?

I've tried a ton of diets even at a young age.  I think my first Weight Watchers meeting was around 10 years old and then there was TOPS and when Jane Fonda had me making it burn, I was busy analyzing if taking laxatives to lose weight was really that dangerous.

I have spent tons of money on diet products from hypnotists, Deal a Meal, books....OMG do I have books!  I never did diet pills much maybe once or twice and I never had my jaw wired shut because when I was researching that, I realized that I, too, could suck raw cookie dough through a straw if I really wanted to.

I'm now on this new weight loss surgery kick.  I had the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) in October of 2011 weighing in at 431.2 pounds and I'm down roughly 150 pounds.  It's by far twice the most weight I've ever lost.  I'm in the 2nd year with my opportunity to lose closing in and I need to make sure that I don't lose my focus.  You know that phrase I wrote above... Eat less and move more.

Some days I do really good and others well, I'm normal.  I like my Reese Peanut Butter Cups just like some of you do.  I definitely move more but I'm not a gym rat.  I am fortunate to have a wellness trainer where I work and he's so proud of me, he asked me to shoot a video for their website.  He's also the one that told me to buy the little black dress and to not give a damn what other's may think. Wow was he right!  I never had so much attention.  I felt like a million bucks.   I often tell him that I wish he was that little guy on my right shoulder shouting these things to me every time my inner-voice keeps trying to tell me the opposite.

The Little Black Dress
279 pounds December 2012
152 pounds lost. 

My goal weight is between 140 and 150 pounds but I really try to not concentrate on the number on the scale, there's so much more important things like Reese Peanut Butter Cups  living life and doing what makes you happy.  It really is important.  I've spent so many years trying to figure out what made me fat that I could write about it for the next 50 years or so.  If only I had concentrated on what truly makes me happy and then doing it.  I encourage you to do the same.  Dig down deep and find your happy.  I promise it will make your journey so much easier.

I should admit my downfalls... let's see you know about the Peanut Butter cups and no, I do not like them with my eggs.  Catsup or Ketchup is for eggs. I suffer from Squirrel Syndrome - dogs playing frisbee sees a squirrel and runs... that's me. It is also known as "something shiny syndrome"  I will try to stay on topic but I can't make any promises.  Especially, if Shameless is on Showtime or Jax does something on Son's of Anarchy, or I must rant or rave about The Biggest Loser.

I have a family.  A super, great family.  I am on my second and last marriage for the last 4 years.  He would have been my first, but he wasn't old enough.  That officially makes me a cougar. He brought to the marriage two wonderful children I have the pleasure of helping raise.  We are a normal family that fights one minute and loves the next.  My husband has a few television obsessions as well.  The Food Network being one. I fondly refer to it as Food Porn and the second, being Dr. Phil.  I haven't nicknamed this obsession yet, because I can't gauge how long it will last...

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