Perseverance Prevails

It's a new day and my determination is intact. The number on the scale last night was merely a small pothole in my journey. I took the time to go back over all my tracking to see if there were any "triggers" and I think it boils down to probably having a little more sodium than I'm used to. (Having had to watch my sodium intake for years has been a blessing, but there are times when I consume a little more -- what would be "normal" for most people -- and my body's not used to it so my kidneys can't flush it off quickly so it stores up in my tissue. Solution, cut it back down to what's normal for me and drink more water.) So, never fear, my mind set is still focused on the goal and my determination is as strong as ever. Here's to a great day :)

What just happened!?!?!?

Weigh In Day -- Wed 2/22/12

Ummm...I'm not sure what happened, but the scale went the opposite direction it was supposed to. By 1/2 lb. Not at all what I was expecting. Granted, I wasn't exactly expecting big huge glorious results, or the surprise from last week; but, I definitely was NOT expecting it to go up. Very disappointed! I can sit here and think of a few possible reasons why, but I am not going to offer any excuses. None. Nada. Zilch. Pfft.

C'mon, body, I'm doin' my best to treat you better than I ever have. Work with me here. Please?

Okay, off to finish up dinner. A healthy one at that.

grrrrrrr

TUE 2/21/12

It's the day before another weigh in and I've really struggled today. I've stayed within my WW points allowance, but I've just had the urge to just snack constantly all day. Thank goodness I've turned to fruits and/or WW approved snacks :)

Tonight when I got home from work, I had the urge to get outside and start my "Couch to 5K" again...but I kept trying to talk myself out of it. I was literally talking out loud to myself! *lol* I then imagined what the night would look like if I didn't go -- I felt like I would fall prey to the dreaded snack monster and just binge. So I hurried up and grabbed by tennis shoes, etc. and headed out the door! I did 1.9 miles and it felt good!!!

I am not expecting a big weight loss again this week...although I wasn't exactly expecting it last week either. But I'll take it!  As long as the scale goes down.

WED 2/15 - Weigh In Day

I was NOT expecting that!!! TWO POUNDS this week -- I lost another 2 whole pounds!!! What a perfect end to a rather yucky day :)

Tuesday 2/14/12

I'm sure this will not shock many of you, but I am a worrier. I worry about everything, even though I try not to. I even create scenarios in my brain and worry about those...how stupid crazy is that!? I am also a firm believer in communication, yet there are times when I tend to be the world's worst. How do I effectively convey my thoughts, feelings, concerns without the other person thinking I'm "blowing things out of proportion" or being defensive? (Here comes that worry thing again, right?)

Last night I was very introspective, quiet. It came across as being upset or angry. Even though I kept saying that nothing was wrong, I just couldn't bring myself to express why I was feeling the way I was. I just wasn't ready to express my worries and concerns. I just needed to hold them close to my heart. Protect them. And all I needed was a hug - an "I'm here for you"...and I'm sure I could have gotten that had I simply not worried about communicating that need.

Vicious cycle.

Yet this morning, in my devotion, I was reminded to not worry. To take all things to Him who loves and cares for me. To Him who holds my right hand. To Him who knows my every desire, worry, joy, fear, etc. "For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, 'Fear not, I will help you.'" (Isaiah 41:13) How awesome that reminder is to me today! I still have those worries & fears, but I must be reminded that my wonderful Savior is here to help me with those today and tomorrow. I have to trust that He works all things for good, to His glory...and with that I must be satisfied.

He has blessed me with a wonderful husband. Not a perfect one, but a wonderful one. Someone He chose just for me. I need to learn to communicate better, allow him to share my concerns. And I need to remember that my thoughts, feelings, concerns, worries, etc. are real - and I shouldn't be afraid to voice them out of fear of how the other person will respond. I cannot control their response.

And speaking of control...  Yeah, that's a whole other story :)

My Thoughts -n- Stuff

I just wanted to share about my feelings thus far...so bear with me.

1) My outlook is much more positive.
2) My confidence is stronger.
3) My determination is willing.
4) My willpower - even though sometimes wobbly - is good.

And most of this is a tribute to each of YOU, for your positive comments, reminding me that I can do this and to take baby-steps. Thank you! I love ya'll :)

Even though I still have a long way to go, I feel confident that I can (and will) do this. The first 25.6 pounds has been good. I feel much more energy! I feel so much better about myself! I have a bit of a spring in my step! My clothes are fitting looser and/or can wear things more comfortably than before!

I was just sitting here at my desk and started coughing, so I reached into my desk drawer to get a Hall's sugar free cough drop when I noticed something on the wrapper. Printed all over this little piece of paper were words I needed to hear, simple reminders for today:

It says: A PEP TALK IN EVERY DROP
"Hi-five yourself"
"Put a little strut in it"
"Go get it!"
"Turn "can do" into "can did"!"
"Don't wait to get started"

How appropriate are those!? I love it...so much so that I'm taping this to my wall so that I'll see it every day :)

WED 2/8/12 -- Weigh In Day

Down another six-tenths of a pound! (that makes a total loss of 25.6 lbs so far) Yoo-hoo :) I am just happy when the number on the scale goes down instead of up. I've continued tracking and perusing recipes (or ways to tweak old favorites to make them WW friendly) - all of which I attribute to my success so far. And I think tonight will be the first time this week that Chloe and I will actually be home at the same time, so maybe we can get that walk in together. Today is also special in that Don & I celebrate our 21st wedding anniversary. (But since he has parent-teacher conferences tonight, we plan to go out for dinner/movie/something this weekend.)

DAY ??? (I've lost track) -- Mon 2/6/12

I meant to post my NEW GOAL before now, but it's been a busy past few days.

So, without further adieu....(drum roll)...the NEW GOAL is:

15 pounds by Memorial Day

Can I do this? I'm gonna give it my best shot :)

Chloe and I plan get in some exercise together. I can't tell you just how excited I am about that! I love spending time with her...she's an incredible young lady who is growing up waaaaay too fast. Love this girl soooo much. It will be good for both of us, plus it will give us some "girl time" :)

Made some amazingly yummy egg rolls this past weekend for Superbowl Sunday:  Southwest Egg Rolls and Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls --- both baked! They were a hit...and only 3 WW points each. I'll have to share the recipe with you soon.

Have an awesome week, folks!

PHOTOS - February 1, 2012

Okay, here's the monthly photo challenge. Compare these to the ones on the right -- my "beginning" (even though not actually the REAL beginning).

(the bottom photo isn't the greatest -- taken at a downward angle)

DAY 32 -- February 1: The Day of Truth (aka: Weigh In Day / Did I Meet My Goal?)

First of all, let me say that being sick for the past week probably accounts for some of this week's progress. BUT A LOSS IS A LOSS! Right?

If you remember, I had set my sights on reaching my 10% goal on or before February 1st. Well, I am happy to report that I not only met that goal, I exceeded it!!!

Yeah me! :)

I know that next week will most likely not have that the 2.6 pound loss that I saw this week, but I'm okay with that. (Again, I am sure that being sick played a part in that amount.) As long as the scale keeps moving in that direction.