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Showing posts from 2015

November Update

Okay, so I haven't posted in a little while. I thought I would bring you up to date with how things are going for me. I am doing so-so with my eating. It is still hard for me to venture out in terms of trying new things because I don't enjoy cooking at all. I will have to say that today is the happiest with food I have been as of yet. We found a home cooking grill to eat at for lunch and I would go so far as to say it was the best plate of liver and onions I have ever had and that is saying something because as a Southerner, that is one thing that we get right. This was so fresh and made just right. Anyways, I am getting my snacking back under control better. I am now down to 175 pounds...a loss of 155 pounds since December of 2013 and a loss of 105 pounds since surgery last September. My doctor is happy and most importantly, I am happy. I still have a ways to go. My original goal weight was 145, although "normal weight" for my body frame and size is 130. I wouldn'

Pushing On

I took yesterday off, so today I really did not want to do anything. I was overly tired and wanted to nap all day. I did nap some, but I did make myself get up and work out. While I was catching up on missed shows, I did my strength training which included 150 sit ups and 100 squats. Then this afternoon, I took my walk. It was a little over the 3.1 miles because I did our loop which is about 3.7 miles. You know that story you heard from your parents or grandparents when you were younger about how they walked to school up hill both ways in the snow? Well EVERY direction from our house is up hill. This is no joke. It is not snowing yet, but give it time. I am not sure what I will do when it starts snowing. I guess I will have to get me some good walking boots. The only thing I don't like is having to walk on the main roads. I know it has to be frustrating for drivers trying to get around even when walking on the side of the road. Oh well, pressing on...pressing on.

Restarting the Journey

I haven't had any updates lately so I haven't felt the need to write, but I may change my mind and try to do this more often. I finally have something to say. I have been hovering between 175 and 180 pounds for a while now and I think it is time for a change or restart. This past weekend, a close friend sold me her ticket to an Insane Inflatable 5K. It was pretty cool and we had a great time. I felt this need all of a sudden to get more active. I am not saying I haven't been active at all, but I haven't been super motivated. Being out of work has been a not so good thing for me. I know it is through no fault of my own and the folks at my place of employment hate to go through this as well, but we can't control what the governor does or does not do. Without the budget being passed, many are out of work or having to go find loans to survive. I am not depressed, but I am highly unmotivated...to do ANYTHING. Well I decided that I would try something new to get myself go

Happy Surgiversary to Me!!!!

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 Well, today is my 1 year surgiversary. My journey started in December of 2013. I weighed 330, my BMI was 58.5 and was in really bad shape physically. Before surgery, I lost 50 pounds and was on a variety of medications and machines. September 22, 2014 I went in for surgery. My pre-surgery weight was 280 and I measured my body. As of today: I weigh 180, my BMI is 31.9, and I have lost a total of 79.25 inches off my body. Incredible. I would like to take full credit, but I cannot. God has been my main source of strength. My awesome host of family, friends, and co-workers have been my incredible source of hope, motivation, and support. I love them all. I don't know what the future holds regarding any further loss, but I am finally comfortable in my own skin. I am still working towards my goal of 145, however I am happy to be where I am. Thanks to all who have gotten me here and praise goes to my Father in Heaven for allowing me to finish a great work. Things to keep in mind: 1.

A Review of "Good Things: Seeing Life Through the Lens of God's Favor"

I want to begin by saying that I am a reviewing an advance copy that was provided by the publisher free of charge for the purpose of review. I received it through the Blogging For Books website. You can purchase the book   HERE . The author, Kevin Gerald is best known for his communication of practical, biblical principles that empower people to live successful Christian lives. He is the founder and Senior Pastor of Champions Centre, one of the largest congregations in the Pacific Northwest. This book gives a fresh perspective on how to live believing that God's favor is always upon us. The point is made that grace and favor are intertwined and we are never without both. Despite hardships that come our way God's favor can give us a different perception in how it will affect our lives. While I do differ in opinion about how easy it is to relish in God's favor, I found the material to be uplifting and encouraging in the Christian faith walk. I would recommend this book for pe

Finding the New Me - My Voice Matters

Why does what I say matter? Because it matters to me. Only you can make what you want to say significant to yourself. What it means to others falls on them in how they have been shaped by their own experiences. Everyone's voice makes a difference, whether you agree with them or not. I am shaped by my experience and by my beliefs. Because I may not agree with how you view the world or God's word does not mean that I do not love you just as much. We all have opinions and the "right" to say or express our feelings. Sometimes it is not worth saying and sometimes it is. There will NEVER be a time when our beliefs will align with everyone or when politics will simply be real and unadulterated. Why do we have to then argue about every single issue? Is it going to change anything really? This life is short. God meant for us to love and for his love to reach others through us. We are not to compare ourselves to others because we were only meant to be ourselves and not those ot

Please don't call my daughter's baby a "baby doll."

I think sometimes adults forget what it was like to be a kid. The imagination should be celebrated and encouraged instead of broken down. There is a difference between healthy imagination and delusional fantasy and we should be able to tell that difference in order to create a balance for our children. My daughter is heavily into baby dolls right now and she is always searching and shopping for more. I am not encouraging her to spend money mindlessly, rather entitling her to dream about the possibility of saving for what she wants. I was tempted to get upset with her because this particular baby she wanted was a lot to spend and she kept referring to her as "real." Several of us reminded her that it was "just a baby doll" and she needed to keep that in mind that if we would buy this for her that it was a birthday gift and it was not real. Since receiving it for her birthday, she has treated her like a real baby; she even buys real baby clothes and wanted a real bass

First Book Review

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I am new to the blogging for books world and so far it is treating me VERY well. I enjoyed this book very much. In the beginning it was a little hard to grasp who the characters were and what roles they played, however as I continued reading the story began to unfold. At first it seems like a ordinary romance story but when delving forward, I began to notice a mystery that the heroine has to get to the bottom of to understand her family. It is a tale of love in hardships and the threat of losing love during a time of war and secrets due to Jewish heritage. All of the characters were well played and the ending left me wanting more from the story. I am not truly happy that I have to wait until 2016 for the sequel, however I know that it will be well worth the wait. Hillary Manton Lodge has proven herself to be an inspired fiction writer and I look forward to reading more from her.  http://www.hillarymantonlodge.com/blog.html http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/author-spotlight.php?authorid

Trying new things

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Well...I did it. I am finally venturing out in matter of food and I wanted to share this recipe with you. It turned out SOOOOO good! Here is the link to more post bariatric surgery recipes: http://www.froedtert.com/bariatric-surgery/recipes Zucchini Boat Recipe SERVINGS: 8 INGREDIENTS 4 medium zucchini 1 pound ground turkey breast 1/2 cup chopped onion 1 egg, beaten ½ lbs sliced mushrooms 1 large tomato— diced 3/4 cup spaghetti sauce 1/4 cup seasoned whole wheat bread crumbs 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded low fat mozzarella cheese DIRECTIONS Cut zucchini in half lengthwise; cut a thin slice from the bottom of each with a sharp knife to allow zucchini to sit flat. Scoop out pulp, leaving 1/4-in. shells. Set pulp aside. Place shells in an ungreased 3-qt. microwave-safe dish. Cover and microwave on high for 3 minutes or until crisp-tender; drain and set aside. In a large skillet, cook ground turkey and onion over medium heat un

The Numbers Are Moving!

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Well, the numbers are slowly moving again! Today's weight = 180 pounds. Unbelievable. I don't even know how to process this. I have lost 150 pounds to date since December 2013. BMI down from 58.5 to 31.9. Only 35 pounds to goal weight. I really never thought I would see even this amount gone. A year ago I was on track to lose 50 pounds before surgery. I wish my friends, family, and supporters knew how much they have truly helped me through this journey. I love you all. God has brought me here. He has been transforming me into the woman he created me to be and that is fabulous! What a gift to work along side my Saviour and friends to strengthen my character and body into a spiritual, physical, and emotional warrior. 74.25 inches off of my body since September of 2014. My year anniversary is coming at the end of September. I am hoping to be at goal weight in 72 days. I may make it. That is only 3.5 pounds per week on average. If I don't, I am still over the moon excited

Trying on new clothes

So today I had some time to kill, so I decided to window shop. I have not tried on clothes for a very long time. I have no idea how to fit this new body. I still have a ways to go and more working out to do to refine, but I have no idea what looks good or how to shop for me. When you have children, they come first and shopping for clothes always comes to them first. That is just the way it is and no mother or father ever regrets it being that way. So as I was trying on clothes, I went to a couple of places that were not they typical buy it because it is a bargain places. I started picking up pieces that I truly liked and then proceeded to try them on. I was pleasantly surprised at the sizes I was able to get into. Some things just didn't fit right and looked funny on me so I put them back. As I went to another store, I found even more that I liked. I found jeans that looked good on me. I tried on several dresses and found one that fit me perfectly. It was the first time EVER that I

Horizontal Stripes? YES!

Well, today I did it. I wore horizontal stripes AND sleeveless! I don't really remember the last time IF EVER that I can say it happened. I was so excited because I have been looking at this dress for several months now and Friday it was on clearance for $4.00! That is my kind of deal. I couldn't pass it up. It fit me so good, in fact that I actually fit into a Medium but went for the large because it was longer. I felt so confident in it. I don't know how it looked but my husband said I looked Audrey Hepburn cute. I may even go out and cut my hair that short too this coming week. We'll see. Yes I did and it felt great!

Strange New Day

I am starting my day off kind of strangely. I got up as usual, washed my face, brushed my teeth, took my vitamin, ate breakfast. Then...nothing. No work today. I have been temporarily laid off. There's absolutely nothing they could do about it. Until our governor signs the state budget, I will continue to be laid off. I am glad the government will be able to continue to get paid. I would hate it for "them" if they had to go without for a while. Don't get me wrong, I don't think we will go without. God has graciously always provided for us and I don't expect him to stop now. We will be taken care of, it will just be tight for a while. Anyways, I will act like I am working and take care of the behind housework and church work that I have to do. I will play with my children and teach them this summer that we can still have fun on a budget. I will spend quality time with my handsome husband. Most importantly, I will spend time with God reflecting and learning abou

Transformation Testimony

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UPDATE Wow. What a journey this has been and it is far from over. God has brought me so far since moving to Pennsylvania in November of 2013.  I remember before we moved, I was in terrible shape. I remember praying the song "Revelation" by Third Day to God on an almost daily basis because I really didn't know what direction to go. So many mistakes, so many moves, going back to college in later years and then only to graduate with no prospects of a job. For over a year I wondered what would I become and how I could get out of the prison that I had made my body over the years. I was trapped. This body was taken over by high blood pressure, asthma, sleep apnea, and 185 pounds overweight. I have been carrying this for over 20 years. I went to my doctor and she told me I was not a candidate for weight loss surgery because I would just go back to my old habits and never be successful. I was depressed.  We had not applied to any ministries because honestly, they never

A New Attitude

How do you readjust your attitude? I would like some feedback on this because I would be interested in seeing some of the techniques you use on a sometimes daily basis to change your outlook on life. For me..this time..I am choosing to focus on how God wants me to act and react. Today for example, as I was reading Romans, I came upon verses that apply to my job. Romans 12:7, " If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well ."   and Romans 12:16, " Live in harmony with each other. Don't be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all! " I haven't really considered myself a teacher because I have few clients, but in all actuality I should look at this daily to see how I can be a better teacher to them. I am also a mother and I need to look at how I can better teach them no matter what age they are. God has called me to use my abilities and if I have a negative attitude, I am of

Out of sorts but still doing fine

Well, I did my first 5K this past weekend. It was a mud run and lots of fun especially with our team. I plan on doing it again and would like to try more of that variety. I don't look forward to running in any but hiking like that would be great. I have reached a point in my journey where I am not exactly happy with myself and I know I shouldn't feel that way. Perhaps if I got out every day and walked like I was supposed to I would feel different. I wonder if anyone else gets to this point and when will I be happy enough with myself without beating myself up about it. I know how far I have come but I still look ahead to what I still want to accomplish. Is that wrong? And, if and when I reach that goal will it be enough for me then? Okay, moving on to updates. Lee is still doing fine, although it seems as though I really don't get to talk with him much these days due to schedules and scouts and exhaustion. Chris is still doing scouts and needs to get his butt in gear

Guess What Happened to Me?

I stepped on the scale this morning. It is something we do more than we should but I have been trying to break a barrier. I set my sights to get under 200 and guess what?! It finally happened!!!  199. I know it is only a pound under 200, but I will take it!!!You know why? Because EVERY little pound counts. I have lost another 4 inches as well. I am so happy because I feel so much better about myself and am healthier than I have been in a long time. For my friends who are still struggling with weight loss and similar issues. Keep on keepin on! I still struggle with the snacking issue. I always will, but I have to keep on going  because I am important, not only to myself but to my family and most importantly to God who gives me more strength and credit than I deserve. Family Update: Lee has lost some pounds as well and still looking good! Chris is still getting taller and his voice deepens every week. Jamie is still struggling with allergies and eczema and is starting to

Spring Update - 6 month Checkup

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Well, my doctors are pleased with my progress so far. I don't know if I will ever reach my goal weight, but I am happy with my health progress thus far. I feel amazing and it is nice when people notice the change. I would like to take credit for it all, but I know that God has brought me through this journey and He will not leave my side as I continue. I give all glory to Him because He made me strong enough to handle this. I weighed today and am happy to say that the scales are moving again. I am down to 202 - down 128 pounds from when I started. I still have an addiction to snacking so I am working on not buying things like that. Even though they are not bad for me, they are bad when not used in moderation so until I can conquer such a problem they are off the menu. I have lost another 5 inches, which means a total of 64.75 inches off of my body since September. Hallelujah! AND we took a family trip on Monday and had a great time. We stopped at an overlook to take some pictur

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Well. today marks a special occasion for me. I got into a size 14 today. This may not sound like a lot, but let me tell you where I am coming from. Before my weight loss journey, I was a size 26 without hope that I would ever see a size 14 ever again. The last time I saw a size 14 was right before I got married (24 years ago this June). Yes, they are still a little snug - but, I am wearing them today and they look good. I still have about 63 more pounds to go and a ways to go physically, but I am a very happy girl today because this means a lot. I will do my happy dance today while celebrating St. Patrick's Day.  Family Update: Lee: Is amazing. He hasn't been feeling well lately so pray that he will get better soon. Chris: Is almost as tall as his dad and is doing very well. Jamie: Is changing so much especially lately. Kobi: Dogs really don't change that much. Penny: I think she is going to stay small which is okay for a cat. Geoffry and
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Well, Here is my update: I am feeling so good! I remember the Frosted Flakes commercials with Tony the Tiger saying "They're GREAT!!!". That is how I feel. I am down to 218. I haven't been this weight for over 19 years. Exercise is something that I want to do now. I don't even really dread it. Zumba was fun this morning and when I get home I will do my weights and more cardio and strength training. I feel alive. God is teaching me the value of caring for myself so that I can be of value to Him and my family.  Speaking of family: Lee is doing well. He is helping me by being my cook and telling me how good I look, plus he started a challenge for himself today so we can do this together. Chris is slowly turning into a man. He cut his hair this past weekend and it looks Marine-like. He looks so grown and is doing well and serving in the church. Jamie is okay. She has been sick for a while, but I think she is just fine especially when her &quo
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Wait for it.....Celebrate with me!!! As of today, I have lost 100 pounds and 44.75 inches off my body. My journey that started when I moved to Pennsylvania in December of 2013 is over half way to goal. I am COMPLETELY off of medications and machines for blood pressure, asthma, and sleep apnea. I feel great and not looking too shabby, if I do say so myself-(it is okay because others say so too). Thanks to a lot of prayers and support from so many people, I am on the right track. Thanks to my Great and Holy Savior who is teaching me more and more each day about how great life can be.  Family Update: Lee has been a little on the sick side this week, but is on the mend and happy. Chris is getting taller and handsomer by the minute. Jamie is getting her tonsils taken out tomorrow-we're hoping it will help with her allergies. Kobi is still a dog and sweet sometimes and annoying all at the same time. We have a new addition since Christmas, Penny a beautiful calico kitten.