Current Weight: 11/01/2011

146.8 (-1.0)

I weighed in this week on Tuesday instead of Monday, as we had a MAJOR storm here in New England that left 300,000 people in my state alone with out power!  We were VERY lucky at our house; the power only flickered here, but most people were out for a minimum of 24 hours and some were out as long as 5 days!  We had some VERY bad tree damage happen in our backyard and I am thankful that nothing serious occurred from all the limbs that came down.

It was VERY scary listening to the limbs fall! I had my daughter sleep in my bed for the night just in case something serious happened.

On a happier note, we went out in the storm before it got really bad and had some fun playing in the snow!

As you can see we made snowpeople and YES those are pumpkins for Halloween!! The storm came on October 30 and postponed most trick or treat times!!!!  Trick or treating in November is SO odd!!  

Current Weight: 10/24/2011

146.8 (-0.8)

Not a great loss for my first week back, but I'll take it!  Here's hoping that next week will yield a bit of a higher number.

Life is a bit nutty right now as I am entering into the divorce process and its been pretty stressful and I need to work my way through this so I can start anew!  I know its not going to be an easy process, but in the end its best for all of us.  I know I have fought my hardest to do all I can to make my marriage work, but both people involved have WANT for it to work out.  I have fought and fought, but have decided its time to "throw in the towel" as I am tired of fighting to be with someone who clearly does NOT feel that same about me.  I am thankful to have had our daughter and she is the best thing that has come out of our marriage!  So please bear with me over the next few months or so if I ramble on about what is going on in my life other then my weight loss stuff.

Current Weight - Back at IT!

I am trying to get my life back on track as things have been WHACKO lately and I just want "normal" to come back.  I have changed my Weight Watchers membership once again and have gone back to meetings with my mum and my bestest friend has joined us as well; she had a baby in July and is working to get rid of the baby weight.  Anyways, I got on the scale at my first meeting this past Monday and I am up some from where I was in June when I went to the on-line program, but that's ok.  I did well this summer and fought with 3 pounds on and off until the end of August; I had some stress added to my life, but now it is gone so I can get back to doing what I need to do!

Current Weight = 147.6

Lost

My life has gone through yet another huge upheaval.  I wrote several months ago about my husband leaving me for another woman and I had things under control for a short time, but things are changing yet again.  I will write more about it later when my head is in a much clearer space.  I haven't been that great with my eating as of late or taking care of myself for that matter, period.  I have been completely knocked off my center again and I am gripping as hard as I can to stay in control and find my center once again.  I am going to take it one step at a time and get myself back on the saddle and continue to lose the rest of my weight.

*Remembering 9/11*

I have lit red, white, and blue candles in honor of all those who were lost on 9/11, as well as for the survivors left behind to deal with the wreckage, both physically and emotionally.

I know I have not blogged in a long time; I have taken a break as there have been a ton of things going on in my life as of late! I will be back shortly!

Menu Plan Monday: 8/15/2011

Monday: Honey Mustard Chicken, Green Beans
Tuesday: Grilled Steak Tips, Rice, Salad
Wednesday: Teriyaki Chicken over Whole Wheat Couscous
Thursday: Talapia stuffed with shrimp and herbs
Friday: Pizza with LOTS of veggies!
Saturday: Marinated Pork Chops on the grill
Sunday: Spaghetti with homemade sauce

Its a new dawn.. Its a new day...

and I'm feeling good!!!!

I feel so much better this morning after writing this post about how I was feeling and reigning things back in!  So far so good!  I have already had a decent breakfast, made a healthy lunch to take to work, and already know what's for dinner! YAY me!!!

I also had a pretty serious revelation last night about the craziness that has been going on in my life over the past few weeks and that was a HUGE help for me to get back in the saddle.  This morning I feel good and feel like I can tackle anything that comes my way! Its going to be a busy, busy week - I am animal sitting for a friend who has 2 dogs, 2 cats, and 3 reptiles, as well as working double the amount of hours that I have worked since the beginning of June, plus taking care of my sweet daughter who is such a hoot! Phew... I am tired just thinking about it, but its all good!   Here's to a GREAT week!!!

The Back to Work Count-Down has Begun!

:(

Yep, that's how I feel right now.  I am heading back to my full time teaching job in just 3 short weeks.  I am looking forward to the cash flow, BUT money is NOT everything.  I am so so so sad to be leaving my sweet girl to go back to work.  We have had an amazing summer and have done so many fun things!  I was looking back over her blog and its been amazing how busy we've been that it should be no surprise to me that its nearly over.

I have been having difficulty in the last week or so keeping my eating under control, as well as being pretty anti-social with my friends IRL (both of these things are for sure signs that I am stressed and down) and I realized today how very sad I am to be returning to work.  I have realized I have been doing some emotional/stress eating due to the upcoming changes.  I have not done stress eating in a long time and that's a major victory for me, but this week has been tough so I need to reign it in!  I am embarassed to admit all I have eaten this week and need to RECOMMIT once again to being on the wagon so I can keep off the weight I have worked so hard to maintain this summer!

Tomorrow is a new day and it all starts as soon as I open my peepers in the morning.  This week is going to be a nutty week with work at my part-time summer job, so I need to plan, plan, PLAN!  I am going to sit down a bit later and come up with a food plan for the entire week so that I can be successful! Once I have it I'll be back to share!

My Topsy-Turvy Garden

I have a Topsy-Turvy Planter that I bought last spring.  Last year I had some ok results from it, but this year has been GREAT!  I have 4 plants in it: mini-yellow bell peppers, orange bell peppers, early girl tomatoes, and grape tomatoes.

The early girl tomatoes are off to a great start! I have about 1 dozen of them growing and a bunch of flowers blooming!  The grape tomato plant has a bunch of flowers, but no tomatoes to speak of, but I am sure they are just around the corner!  

The mini bell peppers are growing GREAT and I have 4 good sized ones and a bunch of smaller ones that are just starting to grow.

The regular sized bell peppers are growing really well too; a few big ones and then a bunch of smaller ones!

There is something so satisfying about growing your own food!!!!  I can't wait until they are ready to harvest!

Beat the Heat Challenge: Week 5

Goals:

1. Lose 8lbs

2. Exercise 3x a week

3. Clean, purge, and organize more in my house

4. Read, read, read

5. Scrapbook 2 pages week

Positive Picture:

My little munchkin at a family fun night put on by our local library.

What have you done this week to work towards your goals?

I lost -3.2lbs this week(G1)! YAHOOO!!! I think I am back in the saddle again!  I exercised once this week(G2); still not doing great on that front, but I am working at it.  I did a TON of cleaning and purging in my basement(G3).  I threw out a TON of junk and wasn't sure if my trash pick-up would take it, but they did! I had just gotten out of the shower and was in my towel when they came by; I so wanted to run out there and KISS them for taking it all! LOL!!!  I am about half way through the book Handle With Care and I am loving it!! Its so thought provoking and intense(G4).  Did not do any scrapbooking this week(G5).  Boo.... :(

What have you done to make yourself feel fabulous?

I colored my hair!! YAY!!  

How are you finding your goals this challenge? Do you still think you can achieve them?

I think I am doing well with them for the most part.  As for achieving them - most of them are on going goals so as much as I hope to achieve them in the future, I know I will not achieve them all in this time period.

 Freebie! If you want to change one goal change it. Explain your decision even if you don’t change any.

No changing any of my goals here.  These are the goals I have been working on since pretty much the beginning of the year and as I mentioned in the last question they are on-going!!!

Fun Question: If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? Your funds are unlimited!

In all seriousness, I would stay right where I am.  Most all my family is around me and I couldn't live with out them.  However, I'd love to have a vacation home, maybe in a place like Ireland or Figi or.....  and of course if I had unlimited funds, I would build a custom house right here in New Hampshire, etc, etc. 

Re-birthday!

I have officially been on this journey for a year now (as of July 23).  WOW! What a ride it has been.  I remember in April of last year how I saw a picture of myself with my co-workers and realized, "Wow.. I am HUGE!"  At just barely 5'0" I weighed about 184lbs.  I began following the Weight Watchers program on my own with materials I had from the last time I signed up and failed (been there done that like 4 times); I lost some weight on my own and then in July decided, along with my mum, that it was time to officially go back on program and REALLY step up my game. I was 33 years old at the time with a beautiful daughter who I wanted to be a role model for.  I didn't want her to become fat like me and struggle with weight.  So my starting weight at WW that first time I stepped on the scale was 178lbs.  Now here I am, a year later, and I am down 41lbs! WOO HOO! Back then I could barely walk for any distance with out getting winded; I couldn't run to save my life if I had to; my body was rolls upon rolls of fat; I had no muscle definition anywhere on my body; I was in a size 16 jean and a large for shirt; I felt REALLY crappy about myself and really didn't like who I had become.  Fast forward to today, I can walk for long distances with NO problem and even run for FUN; I still have some jiggly parts to my body but they are getting smaller and less obvious; I have muscles that show in my legs and arms that I had no idea were there; I am now in a size 10 jeans and size medium (and sometimes even small) for a shirt; and most importantly I am really beginning to truly love myself for the first time ever.  I still have about 10lbs until I hit my goal and let me tell you, these last 10 have been the hardest to lose!  I WILL make my goal and I will learn to maintain my weight safely and in a healthy manner! Yay for me!

Beat the Heat Challenge: Week 3

Goals:
1. Lose 8lbs
2. Exercise 3x a week
3. Clean, purge, and organize more in my house
4. Read, read, read
5. Scrapbook 2 pages week

Positve Picture:

I am working really hard to forgive someone very important in my life right now.

What have you done this week to work towards your goals?

     I lost -1lb this week(G1)! YAY!!  I exercised only once last week, but its better then nothing right(G2)?  Didn't do too much as far as the G3 this week, but plan on lots of it during the next week.  I am still reading Handle with Care(G4).  I did scrap two pages(G5)!!  I haven't scrapped in forever and it felt great to get these two done!   

Sunshine and Papa replacing a few pieces of decking on one of our
 small decks.

Sunshine and her buddy Evan went to our local splash park! Such fun!

What have you done this week to make you feel fabulous?

     Hmmm.. I threw a fabulous birthday party for my daughter!!  Just seeing the looks of awe and happiness on her sweet little face are enough for me!  I also went to see Harry Potter!!!  It was FAB!

Do you have any gadgets that help you to your goals or are you a low tech kinda person?
Oh, I so love technology!!! Hehe... I have two pieces of tech that I like to use to help me towards my goals.  The first is my iPod; I have the Weight Watchers app to help me track my food on the go.  I also love my Wii and this is how I do about 75% of my exercise.

We are half way through the year, what have you achieved so far (in all aspects of life)?
Boy, this is a loaded question for me.  I am in such a different place now then I was back at the beginning of the year.  Back in January I was strictly in survival/panic mode.  Now 7 months later, I have learned how strong of a person I a really am and how I can survive no matter what.  

Fun Question: Tell me one of your secrets to achieving goals and living a happy life?
Be true to YOURSELF first and foremost! 

Birthday Party Sneak Peek!

Tomorrow Lil' Miss Sunshine (my daughter) turns 4 years old at exactly 6:22 PM! I can NOT believe it! I have planned a bash for her on Saturday and here is a sneak peek of the decorations I have created with my Cricut! I can NOT wait!!! 

Click on the image to see it lager!

NSV: My Butt Fits!

Crazy title, huh?  I couldn't think of anything else catchy though! LOL! Anyways, my part time job is working for a small childcare center.  We have the chairs pictured above in the classroom.  See how the legs come up over the sides of the chair????  Well, I can get my butt INTO the chairs comfortably!! There is no fat spillage over the edges!!! YAHOOOOO!!!

Beat the Heat Challenge: Week 2

Goals:
1. Lose 8lbs
2. Exercise 3x a week
3. Clean, purge, and organize more in my house
4. Read, read, read
5. Scrapbook 2 pages week


Positive Picture:

Sunshine and I were invited to go swimming at my sis/bro-in-laws house on Saturday night.  I tried on my bathing suit for the first time since I have lost weight.  I am pretty happy with how it looks on me this year.  Last year it was tight and uncomfortable.  


What progress have you made on your goals this week?
I exercised 2x this week (G2).  I did some work painting in my home this week and my dad very graciously came over and put the trim up around my door that we replaced 2 years ago; it makes me so happy to see it done (G3)!!!  I finished reading book four in the Sookie Stackhouse series and began reading Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult (G4).  I did not scrap any pages, but I have been using my cricut a ton this week to create decorations for my daughters birthday party that is coming up this Saturday (G5).


What did you do to make yourself feel fabulous?
I did a lot of work in my home this week - painting, reseeding some of my backyard, planted my tomato and pepper plants and spent time with with some  family and good friends.


Did you have a moment in your life where everything changed for you, an epiphany moment, or has it happened gradually?
My biggest moment happened this past January.  I realized then that I really needed to take care of myself and live life for me!  I have realized in the past 7 months how strong of a person I am and just how independent I can be.


What made you get involved with the Beat The Heat challenge?
I have enjoyed being part of the other two challenges that Amy hosted.  Its great being part of a community of people who are so supportive.


What is your favourite TV Show at the moment?
I am obsessed with Dexter.  I am anxiously waiting for season 6 to begin!!!!!

Naked Finger

I am really feeling sad tonight over what is happening in my life right now.  I haven't said much about it, but when my husband left me over 2 months ago, I took of my engagement ring/wedding band.  I wore my engagement ring for nearly 8 years and my wedding band for nearly 6.  I have been realizing the past few days how much I miss wearing them.  I miss what they represented to me - love, safety, strength, hope.  I am truly grieving the loss of my marriage.  

I decided I needed something to wear on my ring finger so I went through my jewelry box and found a ring I haven't thought about in ages - a beautiful garnet that my Aunt Linda gave to me many years ago.  This ring means a ton to me and I am so glad to have come across it; you see, my aunt passed away from cancer  nearly 2 years ago.  Now that I have it on my finger I feel so much better and warm.

100 Miles Fitness Challenge

I joined up with this great challenge called 100 Miles Fitness Challenge.  You sign up and pledge to do at least 100 miles between July 1 and September 31; I signed up to do 150 miles between now and then. You can read the start up post to get all the details and sign up if you want!  It will be great motivation for me!!

On the Wii Again!!

I started using the Wii again today! I started off with a BANG! I did the Free Step and stepped 3855 steps in 30 minutes!! YAHOO!    I am so pleased with myself!  I think this is a great start to getting back at my health goals.  I love using the Free Step in the Wii Fit as I ca set it and forget it! I can switch over and watch TV while I am stepping!!!  Its GREAT!

Beat the Heat Challenge: Week 1

Positive Picture:

Love this quote from the wise Albus Dumbledore!!!  

What are your goals for the 10 week challenge?

1. Lose 8lbs

2. Exercise 3x a week

3. Clean, purge, and organize more in my house

4. Read, read, read

5. Scrapbook 2 pages week

Why did you pick these goals? What makes them important to you right now?

These are basically the same goals that I have worked with for the last 2 challenges.  #1 and #2 are for my health.   #3 is for my sanity.  #4 and #5 are for my enjoyment.

Whats your biggest excuse/reason for not doing something and how are you going to stop it from getting in the way?

My biggest excuse is time! LOL!  I always say, "There are just not enough hours in the day."  Well the heck with that! No more excuses! I am going to schedule time into my day for these things!!!

Are you a planner or do you just go with the flow?

I am most certainly a planner, but can be flexible too!!!

Fun Thing: Tell us something that will help us to get to know you.

I am a movie buff! I love to watch movies!!!! Thank goodness for netflix!

Current Weight: Week Forty-Four

138.6 (+1.0lb)

No biggie. It's a little vacation fluff since we were away all last weekend.  It will be gone next week.

A Little Bit Stonger

As I have briefly mentioned I am going through a really rough patch in my life right now - my husband left me 2 months ago for another woman.  Some dear friends recommended I check out this song and its soooo AMAZING!

Friend Makin' Mondays: What in Your Fridge?

Join us over at Kenz blog for FFM!!!

1. List a few common items that can always be found in your fridge.  1% milk, some sort of diet soda, babybel cheese, apples, spaghetti sauce, butter spray

2. What kind of milk do you drink? 

1% for my daughter and I!

3. Do you prefer fresh or frozen vegetables?

Fresh all the way!!!!  But I will do frozen and even canned.

4. What do you currently have to drink in the fridge?

1% milk, polar seltzer, coke zero, capri sun (for my daughter), apple juice, and Kahlua

5. How often do you clean out your refrigerator?

Not nearly as often as I should.  Every 2-3 weeks, I guess.

6. What’s the healthiest thing in it right now?

Watermelon, apples, red pepper, carrots, romaine lettuce

7. What’s the most unhealthy thing in it right now?

The bottle of Kahlua!! LOL!  ;)

8. What do you wish you had in it that you don’t have now?

Hummus!! LOVE ME SOME HUMMUS!

9. How often do you shop for groceries?

Probably once every two weeks, sometimes 3.

10. What’s the weirdest thing in your fridge right now? 

Um....  nothing weird.  Yep, I'm boring!  ;)

Current Weight: Week Forty-Three

137.6 (-1.0)

YAY! Down a pound!  WOO HOO!!  Makes me happy! That's a total of 40.4lbs GONE!  I also went to my "last" meeting today; I am officially now an on-line member ONLY.  You see, I am a teacher and over the summer do not make nearly enough money to allow me to keep my membership in the standing that it was, so to save money I have gone to the on-line membership.  If I have not reached my goal by the fall when I go back to teaching, I will change my membership back.  I have also decided to change my WI days to Friday.

Spring Fever Challenge: Wrap Up

Yet another challenge has come and gone.  Here is my review!

My Goals:

1. Lose 8lbs!

I lost 3lbs.  I have really been struggling with losing weight lately, but I am NOT giving up! I am going to make my goal yet!  

2. Exercise 3x a week!

Failed miserably at this one.  Oh well.

3. C25k program!

I became a single mom shortly after this challenge began so I had to give this one up.  Maybe some day!

4. Scrapbook more!

I don't think I scrapped a single page.  :(

5. Read more!

I read 2 books during this challenge.  Makes me happy! Reading is good for the soul.

6. Continue cleaning, organizing, and purging in my home!

This is something that is always going to be a work in progress.  I feel like I got a lot accomplished but still have lots more to go!

Positive Picture:

Me and my little girl after her first dance recital!  She made mommy so PROUD!

Friend Makin' Mondays: Yes or No

Join us over at Kenz blog for FFM!!!

1. Do you use coupons? Yes, learning how to use them "better".
2. Do you like football? Yes/No... I could take it or leave it.
3. Are you in a relationship? Yes, if that's what you want to call it.
4. Is your phone always within arm’s reach? Yes, most of the time.
5. Do you like thunderstorms? Yes!!!
6. Can you cook? Yes, the basics.
7. Are you – or have you – lost weight? Yes, 40lbs!
8. Do you know how to read a map? Yes.
9. Do you wear makeup? No, not that often.
10. Do you read regularly? Yes.
11. Are you publicly affectionate? Yes, but not over the top.
12. Do you like picnics? Yes!
13. Do you have a/c? Yes! 
14. Have you ever been out of the country? Yes! Once, on my honeymoon.
15. Do you know how to ride a bicycle? Yes!

50 Followers!!

Hehe... I know that may not seem like much for those of you out there with hundreds or even thousands of followers, but I feel so privileged to have  50!! WOW! Welcome to all my newbie followers and thank you to everyone for following!!!!

Current Weight: Week Forty-Three

138.6 (-.2)

Not much of a loss, but at least its a loss!

Couldn't have said it better! Thanks Marilyn!

"I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best." 
— Marilyn Monroe

Spring Fever Challenge: Week 11

My Goals:

1. Lose 8lbs!

2. Exercise 3x a week!

3. C25k program!

4. Scrapbook more!

5. Read more!

6. Continue cleaning, organizing, and purging in my home!

Positive Picture:

When I began this journey last August, I was in a size 16 jeans! Now I am in a 10!

 What have you done this past week to help you achieve your goals?

I lost .2lbs this week (G1); its not much, but better then going in the OTHER direction!  I finished reading Living Dead Girl and picked up another book that I had gotten about 1/2 through (G5).  I also did some cleaning/purging of clothes that I haven't worn in FOREVER (G6)!

What did you do this past week to make you feel good about yourself?

I bought myself 2 new pairs of jeans and two new shirts! I also colored my hair!

With one week left, what is your plan?

Just keep plugging along! I know that might now seem like much of a "plan" but its the best I can do right now!

What time of day are you most productive?

Mid-mornings are the best for me! Its when I feel the most awake and motivated!

Fun Question: Are you reading a book right now? If so, share! If not, what was the last good book you read?

I am reading Dead to the World by Charlaine Harris; its book 4 in the Sookie Stackhouse series.   I just finished reading Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott.

abcdeFOOD!

I saw this over at Mel Gets Fit!

A: is for Apple, what’s your favorite variety?

Galas are SO yummy!

B: is for Bread, regardless of nutrition, calories, or whole grains what is your favorite type to have a nice big piece of?
Regardless of that stuff, Asiago Cheese Bread (click for recipe!)

C: is for Cereal what is your favorite kind currently (just one!)
I am not a big cereal eater, but I do love Cinnamon Life!

D: is for Doughnuts, you might not currently be eating them but what kind do you fancy?
A warm Krispy Kreme is the BESTEST!

E: is for Eggs, how would you like yours prepared?
Love them sunny side up or hard boiled.

F: is for Fat Free, what is your favorite fat free product?
Any kind of flavored fat free coffee creamer!

G: is for Groceries, where do you purchase yours at?
Shaws, Hanaford, Stop N Shop

H: is for Hot Beverages, what is your favorite hot drink?
Coffee

I: is for Ice Cream, pick a favorite flavor and add a fun topping.
Chocolate chip with hot fudge... boring I know, but my fav!

J: is for Jams or Jellies, do you eat them, and if so what kind and flavor?
Not a big fan of either, but my mother in law makes a KILLER apple jelly!

K: is for Kashi, name your favorite Kashi product?
Don't eat Kashi.

L: is for Lunch, what was yours today?
Weight Watchers Smart Ones Beef Pot Roast and water

M: is for microwave, what is your favorite microwave meal/snack?
Popcorn!!!

N: is for nutrients, do you like carbs, fats, or proteins best?
I am VERY much a carb girl!

O: is for oil, what kind do you like to use?
Olive

P: is for protein, how do you get yours?
Low fat dairy, lean meats

Q: is for Quaker, how do you like your oats?
Not a big fan of oats, but has to be instant oatmeal!

R: is for roasting, what is your favorite thing to roast?
Chicken and vegetables

S: is for sandwich, what’s your favorite kind?
Salami and cheese with mustard!!!

T: is for travel, how do you handle eating while traveling?
Usually when I am traveling I am on vacation so I eat like I am on vacation!  ;)

U: is for unique, what is one of your weirdest food combos?
American cheese dipped in mustard! (Yep, I like mustard A LOT!)

V: is for vitamins, what kind do you take?
Multi, viti D, calcium, and fish oil!

W: is for wasabi, yay or nay?
YAY! Mo' hotter, mo' better!

X: is for XRAY. if we xrayed your belly right now, what food would we see?
Chips and dip....  :(  

Y: is for youth, what food reminds you of your childhood?
Mac and cheese with cut up hotdogs

Z: is for zucchini, how do you prepare it?
Any old way!  LOVE IT!  

YOUR TURN!

Pick a letter and tell me what YOU like! Or let me know if you fill this out on your own blog!