Valerie's weight loss journey

Monthly Weigh In Day October 1, 2009

2009-10-01T17:12:00.003-04:00

I'm so bad at this...blogging, I mean. I have been back on plan for the better part of the month of September. I gained back up to 293lbs after "having just a bite" and here we went all over again....sigh...when will I ever learn. July 1st I was 276 lbs. Got comfortable..eating on plan about 50% of the time. Well, 50% is not gonna get me healthy..only 100% will do that so as of September 9th I'm back on lo carb. Weighed in this morning at 280 lbs. So I lost 13 lbs in September. The same lbs I've lost and gained a thousand times. But I'm back in full force. Next goal is 275 lbs which I hope to hit in the next week or so. After that 250 here I come! So that's my update. Feeling so much better physically since I'm back eating lo carb. I swear it's what my body likes. When I eat off plan, I feel yucky! :) So 280 it is. :)

Monthly Weigh In Day July 1, 2009

2009-07-01T23:24:00.004-04:00

Well, here I am...halfway through the year. It's a good time I think to stop and reflect on how far I've come and how far I've still got to go.

Well, first things first...I lost 4 more lbs this month. Yay! That's pretty good considering I've only lost 2 lbs each month for the past couple of months. So I'm down to 276 from a starting point in January of 2008 of 336 lbs. What a minute! That's 60 lbs! Yayyy! (I'm a little slow with the math thing LOL) Sure, I could have probably lost 160 lbs by now but no use looking back. I've enjoyed the ride so far and it hasn't been too hard. I fell completely off the wagon June - Dec 2008 but have done pretty good so far this year. Sure, I see people on the boards that have lost like 60 lbs since March of this year and I think, Wow, if I could just be more diligent. But then I see the ones who've done that and a year later are back saying "I gained it all back". So that leaves me putt putting along at my slow pace but seriously thinking I can do this and never gain it back. I feel so good about how I'm doing it. Stick to plan 90% of the time but do eat a sweet every now and again and had a hot dog on an actual bun at the softball game last week. People were like "Wow, you're eating bread!" LOL And my sweet boy will be turning 5 years old this Saturday, July 4th and I plan on having a nice piece of Pirate birthday cake. :) I can't be like "I'll never let sugar touch my tongue again". Some people can and that's awesome for them. I'm just not one of those people. I only get one shot at this living thing and by God, (how southern is that?) I'm gonna do all I can to enjoy it.

That being said, I know I need to be healthy to stick around for as long as possible so I'm trying to balance it all out. Ok, so 28 lbs lost this year. 6 months in. That's an average of 4.6 lbs per month. If I lose just the same as I have been I'll weigh 248 at the end of the year. If I step it up a bit, with exercise and a little more determination, I could still meet goal of 199 by January 1, 2010. What's that...77 more lbs...give me a minute..I told you I'm not good in the math department...12.8 lbs a month for the rest of the year. Hmmmmm, completely doable but will I do it?? It's doubtful to be completely honest. I'll probably have better months than others and I'll do my very best. But the best part about it is, if January 1st comes around and I step on the scale and it says 230 or some other 2something number..that's ok too. Because I've finally realized (and I've said this before) I'm in a race with no one. I'm learning more and more everyday about who I really am and what I can truly do..not only in the weight loss thing but every thing. So many times in my life I have doubted myself and my abilities and questioned my decisions in so many things. I'm coming to realize in recent happenings that you know what??? I've done a pretty damn good job and I'm a pretty decent human being and I'm gonna get the most out of this thing called life as I can. Okay, I know that was a little random and most of you are like "what???" but some will understand and it's ok if no one does...I do. :)

Anyway, there's the halfway point. 28 lbs down. Goal was 50. Didn't make it. It's okay. Still heading down the correct road. There's a few curves in the road. Potholes here and there...hell, there will probably be another complete roadblock trying to hinder my progess. If so, I'll just take a leisurely walk through the woods on the side of the road and bypass it completely. :) As I age, I've learned that sometimes it's better to work with the things that come your way. Fighting and trying to climb over and bust through is not always the best choice. Chill out. Lay back. Relax. "Let go and Let God" is currently one of my favorite sayings.

I know this is a long post, but heck, if I'm only gonna get around to doing it once a month......:) Love to all!

Monthly Weigh In Day June 1, 2009

2009-06-02T03:36:00.001-04:00

280 lbs. 24 lbs lost so far this year. Only halfway to where I wanted to be at this time. Oh well. 2 more lbs lost in May. Better the scale moving down than up I guess. I keep telling myself it's a journey....not a race.

Weigh In Day was last Friday...

2009-05-10T23:28:00.002-04:00

Weighed in last Friday...277 lbs!!! Woo hooo!!! TOM has arrived (Saturday) and I had myself a cheat weekend...that's right..not a cheat meal..not a cheat day..but a whole freaking weekend..Kirts bday weekend at the lake...chinese and pizza friday/baked spaghetti/birthday cake Saturday/Mom's home cooked turkey/dressing/macncheese/etc for Mom's day today. There goes the NO Cheat month. Sigh....:) But back to it today. Hopefully, I haven't hurt myself too much and with TOM and the cheat..they'll kinda blend together and if I get right back to it, all will be good! :)

Update/Catching Up

2009-05-05T00:50:00.002-04:00

Wow. I havent' posted since the first of April and now here it is the 5th of May. I so need to be better at this. As time goes on, I'm gonna want to look back on this blog to remember my journey!! Well, as you may or may not remember I began April at 284 lbs. Well, May 1st weigh in was 282 lbs. So a big whopping 2 lb loss for the month of April. But I know exactly what happened so it's no big deal. April was my birthday month so I allowed myself some cheats. ie birthday cake/meals out when we went to Charleston/etc. I ended the month with a loss so I'm happy with it. Well, not exactly happy but content I would say.
Again, I started May at 282 lbs. But a funny thing has happened. I realized that I really haven't been doing Atkins at all. The reason I say this is that I reread the Induction phase portion of the book and I've been eating to many veggies/carbs/sauces, etc. For example..I might get 10 wings at Zaxbys...barbecue..thinking I'm doing a good thing..come to find out they've got like 50 something carbs in them!!! OMG!!!!!! And the Zaxby's salad..too big. Anywho, come to find out I'm only supposed to be having like 3 cups of salad or 2 cups of other veggies per day. So that's why I haven't been seeing the results I wanted. I knew I haven't been scarfing mac and cheese and pasta down my throat so was wondering "What's the problem???"
So saying all that, and understanding that I've allowed myself some cheats here and there, here's what I'm doing. Since May 1st...4 days ago. I have been eating mostly all meat with a small salad w/ Ranch dressing once a day. And I've felt great!!! I mean, it just simplifies things so much. You can have this and this or this and that's your choice. Any kind of meat I want..eggs any way I want em and a small salad or veggies. Drinking water/diet Pepsi/Coffee every day. And I stepped on the scale today (May 4th) when I got up and I was at 277!!!!!! OMG!! That's 5 lbs in 4 days!!! Wow!!! Yesterday (well actually the 3rd) I was at 278. The 2nd I was at 280. so the weight is falling off of me with the new way of eating. And I'm never hungry. So I officially met my first goal for the year to lose 25 lbs on May 3rd. I wanted to have lost 50 by June 1st but that would have me losing 28 lbs this month. Definitely doable but is it probable?? We'll see!! I'm super excited. I will have absolutely NO CHEATS this month in my express journey to reach 254 lbs!! Since my official weigh in is not until Thursday I'm not posting to my ticker the 277 but wow!! I'm finally out of the 280s!!!! And when I began this journey I was wearing a tight size 28 pants. We went to Charleston for my birthday weekend and I bought some new clothes. Size 22!!!!!!!!!!! Woohooo!!! OMG, it's really happening this time!! I'm finally doing it! Slowly, sure, but it's working!! LOL Ok, I'm rambling...got to go. But all is well. Will update at Thursday's official weigh in!! Love to all!

Weekly Weigh In Day Week 13

2009-04-02T22:13:00.002-04:00

1 day after the monthly weigh in. 283 lbs. :) Weight fluctuates on a daily basis so who knows. No cheats lately. Worked out yesterday and will work out again tomorrow morning. Can I please just get out of the 280s! I mean, sheesh!!! :)

Monthly Weigh In Day April 1, 2009

2009-04-01T10:35:00.003-04:00

284 lbs. So that's a 7 lb loss this month. Not bad but not spectacular either. Worked out this morning. 30 min treadmill/10 min elliptical/weights/then went back to treadmill for 5 minutes on high incline. Still looking for that 279 to mark my 1st goal of losing 25 pounds. Seems like I'll never get out of the 280s!!! Anyway, that's it...284...a loss is a loss is a loss I guess.

Today I.....

2009-03-30T00:46:00.002-04:00

worked out...30 minutes on treadmill....bumped up the weights a little to see if I could feel a little burn...and did 10 minutes on the elliptical!!! Woot!!!! That's right! 10 whole freakin minutes. Which is surprising, seeing as I only worked out once last week. I went the 5 minutes and then was like ok, maybe i'll try 7 or 8 today. Was feeling pretty good so why not?? Got to 7, then 8..and then I said to myself, ah to hell with it...do 10!!! And I did it. Now I was sweating like crazy and feeling like I was gonna pass out (a little) but I did it! And felt great afterwards. There's no telling what you can do when you put your mind to it! Good day today. Love to all!

Weekly Weigh In Day Week 12

2009-03-27T21:40:00.001-04:00

Weighed Thursday. 285 lbs. Up a lb. Ugh! Enuff said.

Exercise

2009-03-20T21:12:00.002-04:00

Exercised today..had to so that I could get that third time in for the week. Regular treadmill stuff, weights, and 5 minutes on the demon from hell elliptical machine. That's right! 5 whole minutes!! Woohoo! I skipped on past the four minute mark I was shooting for and just went to 5. It dang near kicked my butt for sure but I did it! Woot!

Weekly Weigh In Day Week 11

2009-03-19T21:11:00.002-04:00

Thursday again...My TOM came yesterday ..ugh..ugh...ugh...so I wasn't expecting to still be 282 lbs like a was a few days ago. Stepped on the scale...284 lbs....3 more lbs lost this week!!! Wooohooo!! I'll take it! 5 more lbs to my initial goal of 279. Maybe I can do it by April 1st. That's what I'm shooting for. 20 lbs GONE!!! Didn't work out yet today. The second day of TOM is always a rough one for me. Cramps and all. Didn't seem to be quite as bad this month though. Wonder if the exercise had anything to do with that?? Hmmmm..something to ponder. They say it works wonders in alot of different aspects of your life and well being...Exercise that is...Anywho, 284...Rock on! :)

Random Post

2009-03-17T00:50:00.003-04:00

Well, I worked out again today. Woot! Same story...treadmill, weights, 3min on elliptical..but the elliptical wasn't that bad today..may try for 4 minutes next time around. Thursday is my weigh in day, but I did a little weekly thing on the locarbfriends forum and it went from monday to monday and so I weighed today. 282 lbs!!! OMG!!! Maybe there is something to this exercise thing after all!!! I don't update this blog until my weekly weigh on Thursday but Wooohooo!!!! Feeling good and moving on! :)

Slight Change of Plan

2009-03-15T03:30:00.005-04:00

Umm...ok...tried the 3 on the treadmill today...not so much...stuck w/ 2.5/30 minutes/ran a little/0 incline. Not gonna try to rush things. I did do my weights. Mark went down with me and showed me some different things I could do with the weights and showed me better form than what I had been doing. So that helped and it's always nice to have his (and anyone elses) support. Makes me feel good. Oh!!! And I did get to 3 minutes on the elliptical!! Woot! I can see that thing really getting me some results quick if I can hang in there with it. Gonna try to add a little time each time I go. Felt GREAT after my workout! Hoping for a great loss this week. I feel so much better already. I'll have ADHD by the time I'm at goal! :)
One wonderful thing about this is that I have more energy to hang w/ my kids. Kobe and I played like crazy tonight..play fighting/scaring each other, etc. Before, I would be like..."not right now, honey, Mommy's tired" or some other lame excuse. Ugh! No more of that! Bring it on, little man!!! :)
And....Kirsten's got a new boyfriend. Got to get back to my fighting weight....in case he decides to do something stupid....like hurt my baby girl or anything!! LOL Or, on the flip side, she decides she's grown and wants to test ole Mama out! :) Come on with it! I'm ready! LOL Ok, I must be sleepy...I'm rambling...anyway, gotta go!

Workin' Out

2009-03-14T04:23:00.001-04:00

Ok, I worked out 3x this week. Saturday, Monday, and Thursday. Workouts are consisting of 30 min on the treadmill at 2.5 speed..no incline. That comes out to 1.25 miles walked. I've ran all of about 1 minute tops during the 30 minute session. Then I move to the weight machine and work my arms and legs, etc. Been working on only about 10 lbs. I've been told more reps/less weight will help you lose and not bulk up. Then I climb on the elliptical for as long as I can take it. Which is laughably about 2 minutes tops so far. Sigh. Oh well, gotta start somewhere, right. But ok, feeling pretty good with that but I think I'm going to bump it up a bit this week.

Starting today, Saturday, I'm going to try and move my treadmill up to 3 speed/0 incline/and whatever gets me to 1.5 or 2 miles walked. We'll have to see today and see what that gets me too. Weights will be 15 lbs/3 sets of 10 on each thing..(that's funny that I don't know what to call it, so I just say thing...but you get the idea) and then work up to 3 minutes on the elliptical. I know that sounds terrible, 3 minutes, but that thing kicks my tail for sure. :)

Alright, I'm working out...I'm eating right...should hurry things along a bit to get me to my first goal....hopefully by April 1st. 279 lbs by April 1st. Here's to hoping! :)

Weekly Weigh In Day Week 10

2009-03-12T10:05:00.002-04:00

Well, today is Thursday. Yet another weigh in day already. 287 lbs! 3 lbs this week! Woohoo! Finally, some movement! Granted, I have eaten very clean this week. Only cheat was a piece of birthday cake and ice cream at work Tuesday night. And I paid for it Wednesday though...had no energy at all. Worked out 2x this week. I'm feeling really good. 88 more lbs to go til my yearly goal. 9 more months..hmm...what's that come out to monthly??? A little less than 10 lbs a month. Completely doable!!!

Weekly Weigh In Day Week 9......

2009-03-10T03:08:00.003-04:00

was last Thursday...290 lbs. 1 lb loss. Well, at least there is movement on the scale. And I've actually started a normal, regular work out schedule. Saturday, I went to the fitness center...walked 30 minutes on the treadmill..no incline..2.5 speed..1.25 miles and worked with the weights a little. Monday(yesterday) same thing. Feels good. Sweated up a storm. Goal is at least every other day to do the same regimen for about two weeks then move it on up..time, incline, or speed..whichever..or all three. Eventually I want to become "addicted" to exercise as people say you will. Better than being addicted to food, I guess. :) Went to Kameron's first softball game this evening...They won 19-2!! Wow! So proud of her. Had a great time with the family. It's always fun to see my family. I luv them! :) Anyway, maybe with the exercise and eating clean this will be a good week! Still looking for that first goal of 279!!!

A Few "During" Pics

2009-03-03T10:23:00.003-05:00

I haven't posted pics in a while, so I thought I would post a few "during" pics. I've got a few before ones up and I'm a long way to my after..so here's a few during. 290 lbs. No makeup. LOL

Snow Pics

2009-03-03T10:08:00.003-05:00

Here's a few pics of the snow.

This is no where near what it got to looking like but I had to go to work and no one else took pics. :( But it was beautiful.

Monthly Weigh In Day March 1, 2009

2009-03-01T19:40:00.002-05:00

291 lbs. Sigh....Only 1 lb loss this month. That's crazy. But it is what it is. Keep on trudging along with this thing! On a brighter note, it's SNOWING! I'm gonna post some pics when I get em. I love it. It's so pretty! So I've lost 13 lbs so far this year. Not bad but not too good either. Could definitely be doing a better job. But any downward movement is better than upward on the scale! :)

Weekly Weigh In Day Week 8

2009-02-27T22:57:00.002-05:00

290 lbs. UGh. I had lost 2 lbs during the week but stepped on the scale Thursday and there it was. 290. I had a cheeseburger plate all fries today. Figured might as well. Almost said to hell with it. But I'll keep going. If I don't lose any poundage tomorrow (and it's doubtful thanks to my lunch today) I'll only have lost 2 lbs all month(that's if I don't gain any from lunch) Oh well. 290 it is.

Weekly Weigh In Day Week 7

2009-02-20T21:25:00.001-05:00

290 lbs. Ok....that's a little better. :) Still looking for that 279 by March 1st though. Be a miracle if I get there.

Weekly Weigh In Day Week 6

2009-02-15T21:27:00.003-05:00

...was last Thursday. Let's just say the weighing once a week thing was not so great. Stepped on the scale and it read 296 lbs. WHAT THA F***???? I gained 5 lbs in a week? Dear Lord! I had a cheat or two with biscuits and gravy at the monthly girls get together and the Amish bread I baked, but I didn't think it was 5 lbs worth. That's where getting on the scale every morning would have shown me to reel it on back in...but lesson learned. I will be stepping on the scale daily to keep myself in check. Today when I got on it read 292 so we're headed back in the right direction. Not sure if I'm gonna meet my 1st goal of losing 25 lbs by March 1st but still gonna go for it. That means I have to lose 13 more lbs in the next 2 weeks. Not likely but ya never know. All I know is that there will be no more cheats for this month at least! I really wanta stay on track with my mini goals so that I can reach that 199 by December 31st. Exercise has been out the window lately. I've had a cough and cold that I can't seem to shake. So exercise is still an issue. As always. But I'm trudging along. :)

1 Year Ago Today......

2009-02-06T21:32:00.003-05:00

My dear friend Jackie passed away. She is still alive and well in my memories and forever will be. It's still terribly hard without her here to confide in, talk to, laugh with, and love. She will forever be remembered, will always be loved, and I will for eternity cherish the 20+ years of friendship that we shared. I love you and miss you, J.

Weekly Weigh In Day Week 5

2009-02-06T21:25:00.002-05:00

291 lbs. 1 lb this week. GRRRR!! And it's not even really 1 pound. I don't post the .whatever ounces but I think it's been like 292.4 and Thursday morning it was 291.8. So there you are. 1 lb. I'll take it but I've gotta stop watching Biggest Loser cause I see them losing 14 lbs in a week and I'm like I wanta do that. But of course, I'm in the real world! LOL Anywho, you know how I'm a scale obsessed individual right? I mean, I wake up, pee, and step on the scale...daily...no matter if I'm off work and getting up in the morning or working and waking up in the afternoon...I step on the scale. I don't think I'm going to weigh again until next Thursday's weigh in. That way, if there is any difference, I'll be surprised..and if not..I'll be pissed...LOL But I think I'm going to try that. I mean, I know I feel better, look better and all with just 13 lbs gone, but in my mind it's all about that number on the scale. So even though it's going to be TERRIBLY difficult for me, I'm laying off the scale til next Thursday. We'll see what happens.

Day 2 of Month Long Exercise in February

2009-02-02T22:32:00.002-05:00

Did the Taebo Basic workout today. I think it's about a 20-30 minute workout and I'm loving it so far. Kirsten has been doing it with me. And by the time we're done, we're sweating up a storm! :)

Monthly Weigh In Day February 1, 2009

2009-02-01T21:07:00.002-05:00

292 lbs. So no more loss for the month. Ended up with the 12 lbs for the month of January. I'm cool with that. Got to lose at least 13 in March though to reach my first goal. :)
Took measurements today but did them myself and I don't think they're very accurate so I'm not going to post them just yet. Gotta get Mark to do it for me to make sure they're right. He's been the one measuring me all along :)
Did my Taebo tape today for day 1 of daily exercise for the month of February. Again, I'm going to see how much of a difference it makes. That's it for today! :)

Update on Last Measurements Taken

2009-01-31T22:03:00.002-05:00

Hey, again. I'm gonna post this so I don't have to find it again tomorrow. These were the last measurements I took last year. May 29th I think it was. Anyway, I'll be able to see any difference up or down by posting it here.

As of May 29, 2008

Head: 23.375
Neck: 16.25
Upper left arm: 17.5
Left forearm: 11 3/4
Upper right arm: 18 1/2
Right forearm: 12.25
Waist: 45 1/2
Hips: 54 1/4
Upper right leg: 31
Right calf: 22 3/4
Upper left leg: 31
Left calf: 20 3/4
Thighs: 48
Bust on: 45
Bust under: 41.5

Weekly Weigh In Day Week 4

2009-01-31T21:51:00.002-05:00

Thursday was weigh in day. 292 lbs. No loss this week. But it's my TOM so that may account for some. And I had a cheat day on Saturday when we got together with the girls. Nothing drastic. But we had homemade pizzas on pita bread and I had a piece of friendship cake. But hey, you gotta treat yourself sometime. So no loss this week. Monthly weigh in day is tomorrow. So if I could lose another lb or so it would be great but if not, 292 is ok too! :) That would be a 12 lb loss for the month. Not great but not bad either. I'm going to measure tomorrow as well and see where I am with that. I haven't measured since probably June of last year so gotta get back on track with that too. I know I've said it a thousand times before but I AM going to exercise this month. New month, new plan. Same eating..but putting some exercise with it. I don't care what it is....just do something! I did my TaeBo tape today. Pretty cool workout. Haven't done it in years. So if it's Taebo, couch to 5K, treadmill, dancing around looking stupid for 30 minutes, I don't care...as long as it's something making my tail move for 30 minutes EVERY SINGLE DAY! Let's see if it makes a difference in February. Remember, my initial goal for 2009 is to lose 25 lbs before March 1st. That means I have to be at 279 or below by weigh in day March 1st. If I've lost 12 lbs already, that's another 13 lbs I need to lose in February. I can do this! ;) I'll check in tomorrow w/ monthly loss and measurement updates! Love to all!

Weekly Weigh In Day Week 3

2009-01-23T06:10:00.002-05:00

Ok, today...well, yesterday now..my days are so screwed with working third shift, was weigh in day. Stepped on the scale.....drum roll pulease 292 lbs!!! WOOHOOO! YES! 5 whole lbs this week. Hell to the yeah! (Does anyone even say that any more??) Anyway, I'm super excited.
I also got my family (including the two dogs) off the couch this evening for a little exercise! I'm gonna try the Couch to 5K program. For the first week, it's a 5 minute brisk walk, then you alternate 60 seconds of jogging w/ 90 seconds of walking for 15 more minutes for a total of 20 minutes. You're supposed to do this 3x a week and each week gets gradually harder. ie more jogging/longer time frame, etc. I'll post the steps when I can. But anyway, I did fine (if you count huffing and puffing just to catch my breath after the jogging part fine) until the last jog time and I was like hoooo, I'm gonna walk this time around. But I was really proud of myself for just getting up and doing it. And I'm going to faithfully do it 3x a week and see what a difference it makes in the weight loss. It'll have to speed it up I guess. And even if it doesn't speed up the loss, I'll be exercising! LOL So it's a good thing either way.
So that's my weigh in day week 3. A total of 12 lbs lost in the 3 weeks I've been back on this thing. Awesome. And I'm feeling great! :) Love to all!!

Here's Ur Sign.......

2009-01-21T02:36:00.002-05:00

Okay, you guys are gonna be so proud of me. :) You know my ...well, let's just call it like it is...hatred of exercise, right? Well, I finally decided that dang it, if I want this to happen, I just gotta do it. So this afternoon, I put on some exercise clothing, grabbed a water bottle and my not so enthusiastic 16 year old daughter and headed down to the fitness center in my neighborhood. It was FREEZING cold outside. So we're walking down to the fitness center and I'm thinking...okay, Val, this is cool..you'll do some walking on the treadmill, maybe some weights...start slow, work yourself up...You go, girl!! You're finally doing it. So we get to the door going into the fitness center and there's a sign on the door that states, "Dear Residents, the door to the fitness center will currently not open. We have contacted ADT and should have the problem fixed shortly. We apologize for any inconvenience." The first thought that popped into my mind was that guy, Bill something I think that toured w/ Jeff Foxworthy who does the jokes....Here's your sign....LOL..I was like, ummm, ok. So needless to say, the only exercise I got today was walking to and from the fitness center in the freezing cold. It was really comical. :) Anyway, I'll try again tomorrow!

Weekly Weigh In Day Week 2

2009-01-19T04:18:00.002-05:00

Thursday, January 15th was weigh in day...297.4...no loss this week. Drat. :) Oh well, I experienced the same thing last year. But it was on in to it a little I think. Gonna keep on doing what I'm doing and hopefully soon talk myself into doing some exercise....

Weekly Weigh In Day Week 1...Was yesterday

2009-01-09T23:16:00.002-05:00

Ok, so I'm a day late. Oh well...yesterday was Thursday. Weekly Weigh in day...As I've already said, I'm feeling good and back on lo carb for sure. So I step on the scale and it reads 297.2. Woohoo...here we go!~!! I love those just beginning big numbers. So I started last week at 304. So that's a wonderful 7 lbs lost this week. The first week is always a pretty big number. 2009 is off and running! :)

Side Note - Not alot of time

2009-01-05T22:49:00.002-05:00

January 5th - 5 days in ...still doing good and feeling great! I love this lo carb thing. I forgot how good it felt! Can't wait for Thurdays weigh in to see what's happening if anything! :)

Weigh In Day Thursday January 1, 2009

2009-01-01T23:03:00.002-05:00

Ok. I've always weighed in on Tuesday because that's when I started last year but New Years fell on a Thursday this year so it will now be Thursdays. Didn't get a lot of sleep today. For those of you that do not know, I work 3rd shift. Usually 10 hour days. 8:45pm - 7:15am but with the holidays I've been working 8 hours so 10:45pm - 7:15am. Groggily stepped on the scale today and it read....304.4. Argh! (That's my disgusted with myself pirate sound :) by the way) Anyway, there it is. My starting point on this years journey. Did well today with the food. No cheats. Completely lo carb. No exercise today. Not enough sleep and it was cold outside. Pretty much laid around in my pjs on the couch and read my new Steven King book when I wasn't laying down attempting to sleep. Ok, that's it.

New Years Eve 2009

2008-12-31T23:41:00.003-05:00

Okay, here we are. December 31, 2009. About 11:44pm. About to embark on a brand new year. Brand new goals. Brand new possibilities. I'm ready! :)

Let me first get this over with. The thing I've been dreading for a few months now. Facing the truth. Facing this blog. Facing that I've failed. Well, okay, I won't say failed. Needless to say, I didn't make my goal of weighing 236 by December 24, 2008. I lost 54 lbs in 2008. And gained 20 back. ARghhh! I know. Trust me, I know. I was doing so well and then June happened. With the move and getting married and .....well, I could probably think of a thousand more excuses to type..but I won't. I didn't fail. But I didn't reach my goal. I don't weigh 236 lbs but then again I don't weigh 336 lbs either. As of today and it is my TOM. I was at 302. Sigh. Over 300 lbs again. But I am back on lo carb as of now. I've eaten myself into oblivion this past month. Whatever, whenever...that is over as of this very moment. I have written out my 2009 goals and when I have a little more time I will post them...but for you guys out there that supported me this year....Thank you...I'm back..and I may not lose 100 lbs in 2009 but I'm gonna damn well give it my best shot. My goal is to lose 25 lbs by March 1st..50 lbs by June 1st...75 lbs by September 1st and 100 lbs by December 31st. Well 103 exactly. My motto for the year??? 199 in 2009!!!! I want to weigh 199 by December 31, 2009. But I will achieve that by achieving the smaller (more attainable) goals one at a time. I'm back, people, with a vengeance. :) I failed no one but myself in 2008. I won't do that in 2009. I deserve this, dammit..and I'm going for it. Laura, I got your message but this computer at work won't let me respond. Let's do this thing, girl! We can do it. I'm there for you. More posts to come! I promise!! :) HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Update!

2008-07-07T03:21:00.003-04:00

Okay, I've been a little lax on the blogging. I know. June was a very busy month. First of all, we moved to a new place and of course, we got married! Yay! But busy to say the least. Busy equals fast food in my world so my weight loss plan was terrible in June. I missed weigh in days/ate whatever was fast and cheap and of course, didn't blog. So when I got back in town from Gatlinburg on July 1st, I was really hesitant to step on the scale. Morning of July 2nd...stepped up...292 lbs!!!!!!! I had gained 10 lbs in June! OMG!!! I couldn't believe it but then again I could. I had been eating like crazy whatever I wanted. So I weighed in again today and it was back down to 287 but I'm still not eating like I should. It scares me because I was doing so well and then boom...I go off of it. I tell myself every day that I'm back on ...but then...I eat something completely off plan. And before you couldn't PAY me to eat off plan. So there I am...July 7th and 287 pounds. Goal is 236 by December 24th. Got to get back on this thing. I'll post again real soon cause I think the posting helps me to stay on track. And I have to post some wedding pics! :)

Weekly Weigh In Day Week 23

2008-06-16T01:20:00.004-04:00

Last Tuesday was weigh in day..heck it's almost weigh in day again. I weighed 281 lbs. So a 1 lb loss. Loss is not much so far this month. We are getting married in two weeks, we're in the process of moving and lot is going on with work so I'm not doing so good. In a hurry just to get a bite of anything and I've eaten off plan a good bit. No gain so far but not a good month as far as weight loss goes. Got to get back on it strong. I'm giving myself more "treats" and "oh just this one meal" than I need to. Tomorrow is weigh in day and I'm afraid I'll be up for this week. But if I am, I am. No need to beat myself up about it but I do need to get back into this thing. I feel to good to sabotage it now! :)

Weekly Weigh In Day Week 22

2008-06-05T04:35:00.002-04:00

Was Tuesday. Only a couple of days past monthly weigh in day. Was still at 282. TOM was still here then. Gone now. Been eating a little off plan a few days during TOM. Giving myself a little more freedom. Gotta get back on plan to keep this weight loss going!

Monthly Weigh In Day

2008-06-01T14:59:00.002-04:00

Well, today is June 1st. Another month gone by. Weighed in at 282 lbs. TOM is here. So that may account for the 2 lbs up from weekly weigh in day. So that's a total of 11 lbs lost this month. Which is awesome. I finally broke that 8 lb trend I've been on since the first month I started. That's a total of 54 lbs lost so far. I'm really feeling awesome lately. I feel like I'm living again. At 336 lbs I was just kinda here. Didn't feel good about anything most of the time. Being obese really affects your entire world. Cause everything is about the weight. What you can and more often, what you can't do. So, I'm feeling pretty good. Got a long way to go but I've already come a long way. So I've got a little less than 6 months to reach my initial goal of 236 lbs. If I keep at it, I'll definitely get there. The wedding planning is going along fine. Got my dress, got Kirsten's dress finally. Hopefully will be going to get the flowers to get them done this week. Moving right along. We've only got about 27 more days. So all is well at this point. :) Love to all!

Monthly Measuring Day

2008-05-29T14:45:00.004-04:00

Well, today is the 29th. The dreaded measuring day... Here goes:

Head: 23.375 Mark says it's 1/8 inch smaller??? Weird. I'm not counting into total.
Neck: 16.25 Lost 1/4 inch
Upper left arm: 17.5 Lost 1/4 inch
Left forearm: 11 3/4 same
Upper right arm: 18 1/2 lost 1/4 inch
Right forearm: 12.25 Lost 1/4 inch
Waist: 45 1/2 Lost 1 more inch
Hips: 54 1/4 Lost 1 1/2 inches
Upper right leg: 31 same
Right calf: 22 3/4 same
Upper left leg: 31 same
Left calf: 20 3/4 Lost 1/2 inch
Thighs: 48 same
Bust on: 45 Lost 1 1/4 inch Of course! :( Grrrrr!
Bust under: 41.5 Lost 1/2 inch

So to summarize:
Lost 1/4 inch in neck, upper left arm, upper right arm, and right forearm
Lost 1/2 inch in left calf and under bust
Lost 1 inch in the waist
Lost 1 1/4 inch on the bust
Lost 1 1/2 inches in my hips

Lost a total of 5.75 inches this month. That makes a total of 31.25 inches so far. I can definitely tell a difference in my clothes and my overall feeling. I "feel" smaller. Everything's just "drooping"....LOL So there you go. Another month. Another measuring day. Weight's been up a few lbs the last few days. Wonder if the 280 on Tuesday was a fluke cause I got alot of sleep that night or what. Sunday will be June 1st. Guess we'll find out then. Should be about time for TOM. Hopefully, I'll break the eight lbs mark anyway. I've lost eight lbs every month since the first month. Would like to lose at least 10 lbs a month. Hmm, guess I need another mini goal. How about 270 lbs by June 28th. That's our wedding day. We'll go with that...270 by the wedding.

Weekly Weigh In Day Week 21

2008-05-27T07:40:00.002-04:00

Ok, got on the scale as I do every Tuesday. Well, I'm obsessive so every day really but I only post Tuesday's weight. 280 lbs. I'm so loving it. The wedding is in 4 weeks. I may have to have my dress taken in!!! Who woulda thunk it?? Ha! Anyway, 280 it is. What's that? 56 lbs. Wow!

Weekly Weigh In Day Week 20

2008-05-22T03:38:00.002-04:00

Again...was Tuesday..It's now Thursday morning. Oh, well! I'm getting around to it. LOL 288 lbs. So I'm back to where I was prior to the going-to-Gatlinburg-losing-my-mind-eating-all-those-carbs catastrophe! LOL
The wedding planning is moving right along. Got my dress being shipped to me as we speak or type or read or whatever. From the measurements I think it's going to be great but I'm so scared it's not going to fit...I'll have to go on a starvation diet for the next few weeks if it doesn't ...lol... I would post a pic but my hunny reads this blog and he's not supposed to see it. Isn't that funny? We're so not the traditional couple but yet they're somethings we want to keep traditional. We're a funny bunch...I tell ya! But that's all I have for now! Love to all.

Another Comparison Pic

2008-05-17T17:51:00.002-04:00

I just thought of something. We went to the same place to ride horses and fish in 2006 when we went to Gatlinburg with Kim and Jackie and the guys. Well sure enough, I found a pic of me fishing that day so thought I would compare them. You can definitely tell a bit of a difference here. I know I felt alot better this time around walking and stuff...So here you go:
This one is from July of 2006:

This one is last Saturday...exactly one week ago today:

Oh, I forgot some Gatlinburg pics! :)

2008-05-17T17:36:00.005-04:00

Kirsten riding the horse!!!

Me fishin!

Me and my babies!!!

Our self portrait on the parkway!!!

Kobe riding the trolley!!!

Me and Kobe on the parkway!!

Me and the Birthday girl!!!

Me and my hunny!!!

My beautiful family!!!

Kobe fishin!

Weekly Weigh In Day Week 19

2008-05-17T17:14:00.002-04:00

Was last Tuesday. I know, I know..I'm late. :) I think I'm just now getting over the shock of what I saw Tuesday morning when I stepped on the scale. 295 lbs. That's right. 295...it's not a typo. So from that Friday to that Tuesday I gained 7 lbs. No way, right? Oh, way. We went to Gatlinburg for Kirsten's 16th bday and to scope out wedding chapels. Ok, that's all fine and good. So I got off work Friday morning...came home..slept for 2 hours..got up...drove to Columbia (about 1 1/2 hour trip) to pick up Kirsten's friend...drove back...loaded the car..and then we were off to Gatlinburg...(about a 3 hour trip from here) Mark drove to Gatlinburg..So I was working on 2 hours sleep in 24 hours...I was about to fall out on the way up there. So, we stop for a potty break and I think..I'm going to get me a cup of coffee to wake me up. Well, they don't have any coffee at 4pm so what do I do? Grab a Mt Dew and a bag of Gardettos thinking I need some carbs to perk me up. Ok, that's fine. Ate them..so be it. So we get to Gatlinburg, check in ..take off walking up the parkway. Got LOTS of exercise..we walked forever..so then it starts storming and about to pour down rain so we duck into Bubba Gumps for supper. I couldn't find anything I wanted to eat so what do I do? Order the fried chicken/mashed potatoes and corn. (I'm allergic to shellfish) Do I respectfully ask that the mashed potatoes be replaced w/ steamed veggies? Nope. So I eat it. Next day..not so bad..ate pretty much on plan until dinner. Went to No Way Jose's Mexican Cantina. yummmmm...really good food. Ate burrito plate/chip and salsa/and a side of
RICE! Walked like crazy so I thought...not gonna hurt me. Sunday morning...mother's day...the girls wanted to ride horses again so Mark and Kobe took me to Mom's day breakfast. Ordered the sausage omelet (fine) and PANCAKES! With peaches and whip cream on top! Why is it when I go out of town I completely lose my mind with the eating thing? Anyway, I said all that to say I messed up. Gained 7 freaking pounds that I had to lose all over again. But I'm happy to say that I got on the scale today and I'm back down to 288. I've weighed every day this week and it's been coming back off a little every day. Ate totally on plan all this week. So..I guess it could've been worse. I could've gained all 48 back plus some. So I guess little mess ups are okay as long as you jump back on.
As for the wedding...we found the chapel. It's going to be at Creekside Wedding Chapel. It is very nice. So we got that booked and are starting in on the details. There is so much to do. I was thinking by going to a chapel like that it would be easier. And I'm sure it is. No worry about chapel decorations/minister/photographer/videographer..it all comes in with the package. But I need to get everything else. The dress for me/Kirsten who is going to be my maid of honor..the guys need to get tuxedos. It's just Mark/my Daddy who is going to walk me down the aisle/Marks dad who is the Best man and Kobe who is my ring bearer. Mark's neice Hayleigh is going to be my flower girl. Her and Kobe are only 5 weeks apart so I thought that would be cute. So anyway, that's where we are right now. Got to get the invites out and get everything else. So that's my week. In summary/I screwed up...fixed it...and am planning a wedding! :) Maybe I'll drop a few more pounds before Tuesday so I'll be at 50 lbs lost so far! Love to all.

Weekly Weigh In Day Week 18

2008-05-07T17:31:00.003-04:00

Was yesterday..:) I lost 5 freakin pounds this week! Woohooo! 288 lbs! Thank you Whoosh Fairy..I needed that.
Sorry my posts have been just the basics lately. This 3rd shift has thrown me for a loop! But I'm loving my job! Ummm..okay, I have some news..Where do I start?
Ok, first...we have finally set a date for the wedding! Yes, I know..I've been living in sin for almost 5 years now and engaged for 4 years. I understand! :) But I was always waiting till I lost the weight and Mark was always saying when we get the money. Well, I'm never gonna have the money :) (just kidding) and why wait till I've lost the weight? I may never get to my goal weight..other loved ones may die before that day..anything can happen. So with my new way of thinking..included in that being live for today cause you may not have tomorrow..we decided to go ahead and do it. We're going up to Gatlinburg and get married in one of the little chapels up there. I've always loved them since my brother and sister in law got married up there in 1991. So we set the date for June 28th. I'm really excited. Mark is truly a great man and I'm blessed to have him in my life. I couldn't have picked a better guy. Of course the credit goes to the Lord above. Thank you!
We're going up to Gatlinburg this weekend to celebrate my baby girl's 16th bday. Wow! My baby is going to be 16! That seems unreal to me. Just yesterday they were laying her in my arms for the first time. She's going to be my maid of honor for the wedding. Anyway, we get to celebrate her bday and look at chapels all in one shot! I've got lots to say but I gotta get going! I'll be posting about the wedding as the time goes by! I'm just very excited to finally be saying I do to my sweetie. I love you, honey!
Oh, and I'm only 2 lbs away from 50 lbs lost. Halfway to my goal for the year! Woohoo! That totally rocks!

Monthly Weigh In Day

2008-05-01T17:59:00.002-04:00

May 1st. Monthly weigh in day. 293 lbs. No big surprise there. That's exactly where I was Tuesday. TOM is still hanging around. UGH! So another month...another 8 lbs. Slow and steady wins the race they always say. 4 months in and 43 lbs down. :) Looking for that 286 number. That would bring me to 50 lbs lost and halfway to my goal for the year! Should reach it in May! Yayy!

Monthly Measuring Day

2008-04-29T17:24:00.002-04:00

Okay, here goes. Today is measuring day:

Head: 23.5 same I don't think you lose weight in the head :)
Neck: 16.5 Lost 1/2 inch Bye Bye Double chin! :)
Waist: 46 1/2 same
Upperleftarm: 17 3/4 Lost 1/2 inch
Left forearm: 11 3/4 Lost 1/2 inch
Upperrightarm: 18 3/4 same
Right forearm: 12 1/2 Lost 1/4 inch
Bust under: 42 same
Bust on: 46 1/4 I think this is where I'm supposed to measure
Hips: 55 3/4 same
Thighs: 48 Lost 2 1/2 inches
Leftupperleg: 31 Lost 1 inch
Left calf: 21 1/4 Lost 1 1/4 inch
Rightupperleg: 31 Lost 1/4 inch
Right calf: 22 3/4 Lost 3/4 inch

So to summarize: Lost 1/4 inch from right forearm and right upper leg
Lost 1/2 inch from neck, upper left arm and left forearm
Lost 3/4 inch from right calf
Lost 1 inch from left upper leg
Lost 1 1/4 inches from left calf
Lost 2 1/2 inches from my thighs

For a total of 7 1/2 inches this month. Not bad...could be better with exercise. 25 1/2 inches so far.

Weekly Weigh In Day Week 17

2008-04-29T17:22:00.001-04:00

293 lbs. 1 more lb this week. Was looking for more but TOM came to visit so we'll see in a couple of days what the month of April came up to be. But only 1 lb this week. But hey, 1 pound at a time....as long as it's going down, I'm happy! :)

Non Scale Victory for sure!

2008-04-27T20:46:00.006-04:00

We went to the Kenny Chesney (yummy) concert last night at Williams Brice stadium in Columbia, SC. Wow...did we have a great time. Mark, me, Todd and Kim went and had an absolute blast. We had to park probably 1/2 a mile from the stadium and we were in the very top upper deck of the stadium. So we walked and walked and walked and then got to the stadium and had to walk up this never ending ramp to the top section and THEN walk up an ungodly amount of steps to our seats! (The nosebleed section ROCKS! hehe)Well, as I was walking up the steps I was thinking Oh dear God, please don't let me fall out! Well, I MADE IT! Now, I was sweating like a hog and breathing hard but I did it....and didn't die! LOL I told the others there would have been absolutely NO WAY I could have done that 44 pounds heavier. I remember Mark and I went to Lowe's Motor Speedway to see a Nascar race one time and I had to keep stopping to catch my breath cause I was so dang huge. But last night I was able to do it all...and walk back down and the 1/2 mile back to the car. To some of you that may not seem like a big deal, but I'm telling you....when you weigh 336 lbs the simplest life things can be impossible. So here's to getting back out into the world and enjoying life. That scale number going down is fabulous but it's the everyday victories that mean the most! Thank guys! I really enjoyed the time we had. Here's looking forward to the next getaway! Muah!

Weekly Weigh In Day Week 16

2008-04-23T03:17:00.002-04:00

Quick post while I'm at lunch (at 3:18am :) ) Weigh in day was yesterday. I lost 2 more lbs! Yayyy! Weighed in at 294! Woohooo! Started 3rd shift last night. I'm hoping the rearrangement of the schedule won't screw me up! Love to all til next time!

Weekly Weigh in Day Week 15

2008-04-15T20:21:00.002-04:00

Ok, guys...are you ready? Today is Tuesday...weigh in day...stepped on the scale this morning....drum roll...it read 296 lbs!!!! Woooohoooooo!!!!!! I am O-FICIALLLYYYY out of the 300s!!!!! FOR-EVAH!!! I am so freaking excited! There is NOTHING edible in this world that tastes as good as this feels! And not only am I out of the 300s but I've now officially lost 40 lbs. 3 1/2 months in to this thing and I'm almost halfway to my goal for the entire year!!! Awesome...just plain awesome! I'm loving it!
In 2003 when I lost that weight, I had lost 35 lbs and gotten down to 274. So once I get down to 273 I'll be the smallest I've been in alot of years! And I'll get there. I just got to keep moving on!
Still need to work on the exercise thing. Haven't done too much since beginning of March when I was on a roll. Got to get back to it. I'm losing the weight but everythings ummm...ahem.. drooping if you know what I mean. :)
Clothes are getting super loose. I've even had to give up 3 pair of my favorite pants. 2 pairs of jeans and one pair of dress slacks. They just fell off of me. Which is a good thing but I'm having to be pretty creative finding sales on clothes cause I don't want to spend a bunch of money on clothes that I won't be wearing for long. So anyway. Non scale victories are exciting too. :)
That's it for now. Good news all around. Thanks to everyone who is supporting me on this journey. Whether it be leaving me great comments (thanks Joy and Susin :) ), cooking some really great lo carb meals (thanks Mark), not giving me chocolate when I only want "a piece" (love you, Kirby) and anyone else who let's me know how great I'm looking or how proud they are of me (too many to name :) ) You're love and support are the reason I'm succeeding at this. You mean the world to me! Muah!

Let's see if we can see a difference!

2008-04-09T18:09:00.002-04:00

The top picture is August 2007 at the National American Miss pageant.
The bottom picture is this past Sunday in Charleston.
Same shirt. Kinda the same pose. 36 lbs lighter. Can you see any difference?
Dang, I think I looked better in the first one. How goofy is that?

Today is my BIRTHDAY!!!!

2008-04-09T16:49:00.003-04:00

Yayyy!! Today is my birthday! I am officially 36 years old. Wow. 36, huh? I remember being 14 and thinking I was invincible. I was going to conquer the world. Oh well, I haven't done too awfully bad for myself. And I'm getting healthier now so there's no telling where I'll end up. 36. Jackie died at 36. Monica and Karla called me today to wish me a Happy Birthday. From Jackie's phone. I looked down and saw "Jackie cell calling" and it felt like a knife was being buried in my heart. They didn't think nothing about it I'm sure. I knew Delwin still had it on but I haven't used it or seen it show up on caller id since she died, so it was a surprise. She always called me on my birthday to wish me a happy birthday and say something crazy like about how old I was getting. I used to always tell her, yeah but I'll always be younger than you! Wow. The things you think about. If I had only known. Ok, now I'm crying on my birthday...that's not good. :) Let's see...I remember my parents being 36. Isn't that funny? But really a birthday is like everyones own personal new year. So Happy New Year to me! :) I never thought about being 36 years old. Or 35 or any other age for that matter. I've always lived in the moment. Is that a bad thing? I'm not sure. But the years have certainly snuck up on me. Quick. Maybe I should think about the future more. But why? When none of us are guaranteed a future. I find myself thinking more about the past than the future. Oh well...I'm babbling! 300 lbs at 36 years old. Hmmm...my goal this year is to be 236 lbs by Christmas Eve. Maybe I can also do my next goal after that. 199 lbs by the time I turn 37 years old. Yeah. That sounds good. Below 200 by 37. Oh well, the Good Lord willing and the creek don't rise.....as my Grandma Barnes used to say! :)

Weekly Weigh In Day Week 14...was yesterday! :)

2008-04-09T16:45:00.002-04:00

Oops! I missed posting on a weigh in day. Probably because I was frustrated. Last Friday, I peeked at the scale and it said 298...I was so excited. Below 300..yay!!! Well, then we go on a weekend trip to Charleston and I gained it back. Weigh in day yesterday I was 300 lbs. Crap. Only a 1 lb loss this week. I didn't go crazy in Charleston but did eat some off plan stuff. Oh well....you gotta live a little right? And I'm right back on plan. So whatever! :)

Weekly Weigh In Day Week 13 AND Monthly Weigh In Day

2008-04-01T17:33:00.003-04:00

Killing two birds with one stone, as they say...April 1st fell on a Tuesday so my weekly weigh in and monthly weigh in day are the same. Ready?? Well, I didn't meet my mini goal...bummer...but I did lose 3 more lbs this week! Yay! So that's good. So I weighed 301 lbs this morning. Sooooo close! hehe Should get under that 300 mark next week unless TOM totally blows it. So for March I lost another 8 lbs and 8 1/2 inches. Okay...doing good. As long as that number is going down, I'm good. And they (whoever "they" are) say that you should lose 1-2 lbs per week. So I'm right on track with that. But let me lose 5-6 lbs a week and you won't hear me complain! :)

Measuring Day

2008-03-30T02:10:00.003-04:00

March 29th..technically yesterday...was measuring day. I have not kept up with the exercising every day thing that I was so gung ho about at the first of the month. Hope to do better in April. But I got out the measuring tape and set to work. Mark measured me earlier but then when I sat down to enter them..they seemed to be too big of a difference so I remeasured and there are some differences. Will the time of day or whether you've eaten or not make a difference in the measurements? I wouldn't think so. But I went with the measurements that gave me the smallest loss to be sure.

Head - 23.5 same
Neck - 17 same
Waist - 46 1/2 Lost 1/2 inch
Upper left arm - 18 1/4 Lost 1 1/4 inches
Left forearm - 12 1/2 Lost 1/2 inch
Upper right arm - 18 3/4 Lost 1 1/4 inches
Right forearm - 12 3/4 same
Bust - 42 Lost 1/2 inch
Hips - 55 3/4 - Lost 1 3/4 inches
Thighs - 50 1/2 Lost 1/2 inch
Upper left leg - 32 Lost 1/2 inch
Upper Right leg - 31 1/4 Lost 1 3/4 inches
Right calf - 23.5 same
Left calf - 22.5 same

So to summarize:
Lost 1/2 inch from my waist, left forearm, bust, thighs, and upper left leg.
Lost 1 1/4 inches from my upper left arm and upper right arm
Lost 1 3/4 inches from my upper right leg and hips.

For a grand total of 8.5 inches this month. Not too bad. But could have been alot better had I kept up the exercise. I'm not thinking this is going to be a good month for the weight loss either but we'll see that on Tuesday. So there you go. That brings me to a total of 18 inches lost since I've started measuring. :)

Weekly Weigh In Day Week 12

2008-03-25T16:36:00.002-04:00

Okay, it's Tuesday. Got on the scale. 304 lbs. So only a 1 lb loss this week. Your probably saying hey, that's not bad...but it really is. I went completely off plan this weekend. Johnny passed away Friday. We went down there Friday night to be with the family and I had a small plate of spaghetti and 3/4 of a breadstick. Then I had 1/2 piece of pizza. Went over there Saturday, I had a hamburger with the bun. Sunday, I had KFC chicken, potato salad, mac and cheese, dressing, and a few cheesecake squares!!! AAGGHHH!!! I've completely lost it! You know when someone dies, there's always food. I did okay when Jackie died. Stayed on plan. Not this time. Friday morning when I weighed I weighed 302. I was excited. I had already lost 3 lbs since Tuesday. Today, I was back up to 304. Sigh....I hate losing the same lbs over and over again. But I'm back on plan...started my job yesterday..so far so good. I'm taking lunch and a snack so I won't be tempted by the dreaded vending machine! So there you go. 304 lbs. Still wanting to see that 299 by April
1st!

In Memory...

2008-03-23T13:26:00.003-04:00

The past few days have been rough. I've lost yet another person whom I loved very much. My "Uncle" Johnny has passed away. He has been sick for a while now and he went to be with the Lord on Friday, March 21st. Good Friday. He will be missed. I am yet again heartbroken. The fun times we shared with Johnny and Linda and Starr and Todd growing up will never be forgotten and we are now making new memories with them and their children. I love you, Uncle Johnny...thank you for being Daddy's best friend and fishing partner and my 2nd father. Your smile and laughter will remain with me forever. I know that your no longer in pain and can now take the deepest, sweetest breaths ever. You leave behind a large extended family that cares for you more than you could ever have known. You'll forever be with us in spirit and we'll always remember you with a smile.

Weekly Weigh In Day Week 11

2008-03-18T08:32:00.001-04:00

Well, here it is..Tuesday again...weigh in day...I've felt pretty awesome these last few days so I thought..surely, something is happening..and IT DID! Stepped on the scale this morning and it read 305 lbs! Three more pounds this week! Yayy!! That brings me over the 30 lb mark to a total loss of 31 lbs. Wow! I'm so freaking excited! I can really tell the difference now. 6 more lbs to TWOTERVILLE! I want to be 299lbs by April 1st. That's almost 2 weeks. 3 lbs a week. Not my norm every week so we'll see. If I don't make it by April 1st, it'll be ok..as long as the number keeps falling! :)
I cleaned out my closet Saturday. Tried everything on to see what I was keeping and what I was getting rid of. Because even though I had a closet full of clothes, I never wore 90% of them. They were either too tight or wouldn't even zip up. Well, I'm proud to say that I now have a whole new wardrobe and I didn't have to spend a dime! I even had to get rid of several things for being TOO BIG! :) I can wear all but about 6 or 7 things left over from my weight loss a few years ago. Which is good cause I didn't want to have to go out and buy new clothes for work when I was losing weight. Yay! There's a non scale victory for ya!
Also, Mark said yesterday that he can really tell the difference in me. He said you can really tell you've lost weight. :) You can tell from your face, from the front, the back, the side...everywhere! :) He's such a sweetie! He also said he can tell a difference in my energy level and I definitely can too!
So there you go. Week 11. 31 lbs. I'm doing this thang! :)

Friday

2008-03-14T18:03:00.004-04:00

Ok, it's Friday. No big deal. :) But I have a few updates!
First: I got my hair cut. I was gonna wait until I lost 30 pounds. A haircut was gonna be my "reward". But I went ahead and did it, anyway. Got a lot cut off. It's finally in a "style". I think the hair-syling people of the world call it a "graduated bob". Whatever. I like it. It feels sooo much better not having all that hair just hanging there. I never could do anything with it. So there you go. Here's a pic:

Second: I got the job that I went to interview for on Wednesday. Have I posted about that yet? I don't think I have. It with the Records division of the County Law Enforcement Center. Part time. 32 hours a week. I'm really excited. One, I think it will be an exciting job. I'm a huge (no pun intended :) ) fan of crime shows like CSI and The First 48 so I think it will be kinda interesting. And two, I'm excited to be getting out of the house for a little bit. Not that I don't love what I do, but sometimes I miss the social part of working outside the home. And three, (of course) the extra money is going to be nice. Hell, who am I kidding...it's going to be great! So yeah, I'm pretty stoked about the job thing. I start on March 24th.

Ummm, what else? Oh, I tried a new recipe tonight. Pizza with cauliflower crust. I know...sounds crazy but it was good. Kobe (my "I'm not hungry..ever" 3 year old) even loved it. And yes, I love pics...so here's a pic..the crust is actually cauliflower and cheese! And yes, I left it under the broiler a little too long but it was still yummy!

That's it for now!

Same Day - Different Parties!

2008-03-11T15:29:00.003-04:00

LOL So after we left Jackie's party Saturday night, we went down to Johnny and Linda's (you've read about them in previous posts) for Johnny's 65th birthday party. Him and Jackie's birthday are on the same day. We got there a little late but still had a great time. Same thing there. Cake, cookies, chips, etc. But they had grilled hamburgers and hot dogs so I had a couple of hamburger patties and a couple of weiners. :) No bun..just a little ketchup. I did, however, have about a tablespoon size bite of the big cookie Mom had got him for his bday. Damn those things! I love em! :) Oh, well...no biggie..I had a bite and moved on! Had to confess, though. Here's a couple of pics from THAT party! :)
Me, Mark, Todd, and Kim

Me

And if your wondering why I only post pics with me in them, it's because I want to be able to look back on here and see how far I've came. Believe me, I have tons more pics! :)

And while I'm at it, I might as well post about Saturday day. (we were busy that day) We went down to Betty's for the girls get together. Mom and her cousins have been getting together once a month for awhile and some of us kids and grandkids tag along sometimes. Betty cooked some really great stuff. Margaret brought a dessert that looked yummy but I passed. It looked sooo good though!!! I had some chicken salad, egg salad, and turkey on a wrap with Mayo. Yummy! And a few strawberries. Good stuff, good times, making good memories. And isn't that what it's really all about??
The Gals!!

Weekly Weigh In Day Week 10

2008-03-11T14:30:00.005-04:00

Tuesday...weigh in day...you know the drill...:) 308 lbs! 3 lbs this week. But only 1 pound from two weeks ago when it wasn't my TOM. So I'll take it. That brings it to a total of 28 lbs. Yayy! My mini goal is to be under 300 lbs before April 1st, so I'm on target. Woohoo!
We had a little get together Saturday night for Jackie's bday. I did good. Didn't drink anything. In fact, I only ate a couple of pieces of cheese while I was there. There were cookies, cake, chips, dip, and wings dripping in sauce. And I didn't eat any of it. So I did good. It was really nice getting together with everyone...kinda sad at times, but that's expected. Here's a few pics of the evening:
Karla, Amy, and Me

Me and Jayden (Jackie's daughter)

Update

2008-03-07T12:27:00.003-05:00

Well, today is Friday, March 7th. Update on my movement. Wednesday I didn't do any kind of formal exercise but Kobe and I went shopping with Mom. Walked all over the place! :) So that has to count for something. Yesterday, not so much. I worked all day and went and got the kids..normal stuff...then when we got home I scrapbooked until about 10:30pm and went to bed. So, I can't really count any of that as movement. And yesterday was also 1 month since J died. So I thought about her all day and didn't want to do any dang thing. I know, I know, I'm making excuses. But at least I'm honest. TOM is over so I'm hoping to see a bit of a loss at next Tuesday's weigh in. I've really been trying to up my water intake but have been kinda slack on that the last 2 days as well. Been eating the same. No cheats. I did map out a walk around my neighborhood yesterday that adds up to exactly 1 mile. So I'll definitely be doing that when it quits raining and warms up a bit. I would so rather walk outside than on a treadmill. So anyway, that's my update for today. :)

March Movement Day 4

2008-03-04T18:04:00.002-05:00

March Movement...cute huh? I just at this very moment thought of that as my title for exercise posts this month. I know..I know...I definitely need a life. :)~ Yucky day today weather wise. Rained all day. We needed it though so no complaints here. I just had to climb aboard my arch enemy..or is it arc enemy?...anyway, random thought there...I had to get on the treadmill (shuddering at the word). UGH! I so have a love/hate relationship with that thing. But I did it. Walked a mile...changing my incline a bit to liven it up...(if that's possible) ..I'd so rather be outside. But anyway, mission accomplished. I moved today. :)

Weekly Weigh In Day Week 9

2008-03-04T07:58:00.003-05:00

Tuesday...weigh in day...and as I suspected, I'm up 2 pounds. 311 lbs. Oh well, I figured it cause it's my TOM. No biggie. Should come off when I'm done. Moving on!! :)

Movement!!

2008-03-03T20:13:00.007-05:00

Okay, so I told you I was going to get some movement going on and boy, did we move this weekend!! Saturday morning we got up and got ready and went up to Furman Univ. to feed the ducks, then went up to Paris Mtn and then to Paris Mtn State Park. The park has different hiking trails..some easy..some moderate...some difficult. Anyway, we walked around the lake up there. The trail was 1.2 miles and was scaled easy to moderate. My daughter wanted to do the hard one which was like straight up a mountain and I said yeah, and you'll be calling an ambulance to get me off that mountain!!! LOL But I did do the lake trail and LOVED IT! It was so much better than my treadmill. And there were a couple of steep hills that really got me breathing hard but hey, I did it! (See pics) And then we played at the playground and threw the football around. Sunday after church we took the kids and the dogs to Simpsonville City Park...walked around the track up there...it was fun! Maybe there's something to this getting off the couch thing!! :) Today, Mark and I cleaned out the garage and went for about a 20 minute bike ride. So there you go...3 days into March and so far so good. I've moved and exercised in some form or fashion everyday!! I'm posting a few pics from the weekend. The hills are the ones on the trail..I had to go down one and up the other. :) Which may not look that bad, but try carrying 309 lbs up that bad boy! :) LOL And another perk to this.....I'm having great fun with Mark and the kids!

Tomorrow is weigh in day. Tuesday. I just weighed on Saturday for my month end. So tomorrow may not be any change...or it may be up cause its my TOM.....but we'll see!

My two wonderful kids at the park!!

Kobe being silly on top of Paris Mountain

Came down this one!!

Had to climb up this one!!

Me at the end of the trail! :)

Monthly Weigh In Day

2008-03-01T08:41:00.002-05:00

Okay, so today is March 1st. Weigh in for monthly loss. If you remember, I had hit 309 and then jumped back up to 312 for NO REASON! (Okay, so maybe there was a reason..Mutts BBQ, maybe? hehe ssshhhh) But anyway, stepped on the scale with fingers crossed....again with the drum roll please....309 lbs! Woooohoooo! Thank goodness! I was hoping to end this month with at least an 8 lbs loss and I did it! So 8 lbs for February..it's not 19 by any means, but it's headed in the right direction. And again, that's with no exercise, so we'll see what March brings when I force myself to MOVE! My goal for March is to be in Twoterville (below 300 lbs) by April 1st! And of course, to add in exercise in some form EVERY DAY! So I'll keep you updated. 27 lbs in 2 months. Can I really do it this time? Of course I can!!! I feel so good at 309, I can't imagine what I'll feel like at goal weight!!! I think I want to run...I don't remember running..I don't think I've ever been a runner...even as a child..I hated to run...I was fat..why run? :) A friend of mine in Charleston once said while we were talking about our weight woes..."Here's a positive to being fat, fat people don't get kidnapped" :) She is hilarious..but that got me to thinking..If someone was after me I would have to fight cause flight would be impossible...:) hehe anyway, I think we're going to the park today...movement, in any form, is good.

Measuring Day

2008-02-29T17:56:00.002-05:00

Okay, so here it is. Measuring Day..it's been one month since I measured myself on January 29th. I wish I would have measured at the beginning but I didn't so here are my measurements for today and the difference, if any, from last month:

Head - 23.5 same :) I'll always have a big head! :)
Neck - 17.0 Lost 1/2 inch
Left Upper Arm - 19.5 same
Right Upper Arm - 20 Lost 1/2 inch
Left Forearm - 13 Lost 1/2 inch
Right Forearm - 12.75 same
Bust - 42.5 Lost 1.5 inches (Wouldn't you know it) ;)
Waist - 47 Lost 2 inches Wooohoooo!
Hips - 57.5 Lost 2 1/2 inches Again....Wooohoooo
Thighs - 51 same
Left Upper Leg - 32.5 Lost 1/2 inch
Right Upper Leg - 33 Lost 1/2 inch
Right calf - 23.5 Lost 1/2 inch
Left calf - 22.5 Lost 1/2 inch

So, to summarize, I've lost:

1/2 inch from my: Neck, Left Forearm, Right Upper Arm, Left Upper Leg, Right Upper Leg, Right Calf and Left Calf

1 1/2 inches from my Bust

2 inches from my Waist

2 1/2 inches from my Hips

For a total of 9 1/2 inches lost this month! Yay!

This is with no exercise. Starting tomorrow, March 1st, I plan on exercising every day. Some type of exercise...Taebo tapes, treadmill, walking at the park, aerobics...something. So we'll see if that makes a difference in next months measurements. Tomorrow is weigh in day for the month. We'll see how many pounds I've lost to go along with these inches! :)

Non Scale Victories

2008-02-28T18:42:00.002-05:00

Okay, with my last weigh in not being that great, I've been thinking of other changes I can see since beginning my lo carb lifestyle:

1. My rings are "slipping". My size 10 rings are beginning to "roll around" on my fingers. I'm always having to turn them back around. :)
2. My clothing is looser. Shirts don't "cling" as much, and pants are not as tight. This is a biggie!
3. Much more energy. I no longer need that afternoon nap to get me through the day. I can go all day long. Find myself not sitting on the couch as much. Laundry seems to be caught up more often. :)
4. Positive outlook. I used the think, Ah, why even bother? But now, I look forward to things. Summer, family get-togethers, waking up in the morning, etc.
5. Plantar faschitis has gone away. That's heel spurs. My heels used to hurt so badly I could hardly walk. It was really a struggle to even go anywhere. Everyone had to wait for me to catch up.

That's just a few. There are more. But you get the idea. So, even if the scale isn't moving, I can definitely feel the difference. Tomorrow is the 29th. Measuring day. We'll see if any of my measurements have changed since January 29th. Boy, I hope so. I "feel" smaller, but we'll see. Wish me luck!!

Weekly Weigh In Day Week 8

2008-02-26T08:50:00.002-05:00

Well, it's Tuesday...weigh in day...after the 309 showing the other day I was excited to get on the scale this morning...well, I did. And it said 312lbs....AAAGGGHHHHH!!! crap, blah, ding dang, ugh! So I stepped off and then on again...and again...and again...hehe...still 312. Took Kirsten to school. Came back..Tried again..still 312...:) Maybe the BBQ waited a few days to show up! :) Or I'm thinking it's about time for my TOM so maybe that's it. Anyway, not what I was wanting to see this morning. But what can you do? Nothing. Just keep going..so that's what I'm gonna do. End of the month weigh in will be Saturday so maybe that will be better. Or maybe I'll have a big whoosh after TOM. We'll see.

Oh, and a few of you have told me you tried to leave comments on here but couldn't. I figured out the problem. They had it so you have to have a google account to leave comments. So I just changed that to where anyone could leave comments so that should fix that. Thanks again for all the support.

And another oh...big congrats to my hunny Mark. He had gotten up to about 270 lbs. Well, he weighed Sunday morning and he was down to 239!!!! YAYYYY! Way to go!! That's 31 freakin pounds! He's just been cutting back on portions and making little changes..(I hate men..it's really effortless for them) but I'm really proud of him. Way to go, hunny! We'll be hotties in no time! :) LOL

I think I'm going to go weigh again....:) LOL Just kidding....

Wow! I'm blessed beyond belief!

2008-02-24T17:55:00.003-05:00

Can I just tell you....my family and friends are the best EVER! Ever since I "put myself out there" with the telling people what I'm doing here, I've had had lots of emails and atta girls from some of my family and friends. You guys will never know what that means to me. Just that you took the time out of your day to let me know you support me in my endeavor...well, that just ROCKS! :) I was very wary about letting people know...one reason, is that they've heard it all before...ok, Val's on another diet...here we go...and two that I wasn't very confident in myself when I first started. But here I am...almost 2 months in and I'm working this lo carb thing!! :) One special support story I'll tell you about warmed my heart considerably..and he don't even know how very special it was. Last night, my niece called and said Daddy wants to know if ya'll want to go out to eat BBQ with us. Sure! I'm always up for a get together! :) My two kids were with my Mom and Dad so it was just Mark and I. So we went over to my brother, Eric, and his wife, Karen's house. And while my niece and nephew were getting ready, I asked where we were going to eat. He told me and I was asking what they had. Trying to "preplan" my meal..you know..so I wouldn't get there and be rushed to say...ummm, french fries! LOL Well, he told me some of the things they had and I said okay, (cause I can find on plan things to eat about anywhere) Well, he inquired as to why I was asking and I told him I was doing the lo carb thing. Well, he said, "Hey, I support you all the way with that..do we need to go somewhere else? Cause if we do that's cool." Oh, my goodness! That may not seem like a big deal to a lot of people...but to know that my big brother supports me means the world to me. So, Eric, if you ever read this, thanks man. That really meant alot. I love you. So anyway, we went to the bbq place and I had pulled pork, fried okra, and sweet potato. Yummy! It was really good. We had the best time!! Maybe a little more carbs than I've been eating but I wouldn't change the time spent with family for nothing! Oh, and I got on the scale this morning and it said 309! Shhh, I can't count it yet...it's not weigh in day...but man, did it feel good!

Exercise should be a 4letter word

2008-02-21T09:58:00.003-05:00

Here's a pic of my sweet little boy..running on the treadmill..He loves it! Why don't I???

Okay...as you may have read in an earlier post, I exercised ...walked 30 minutes on the treadmil......once. In the 7 weeks, I've been doing this new way of life, I've exercised once.....UGH! I just hate it. Once I do it, I feel really good. But it's just doing it that's the problem. I know my weight loss would be even better if I would, but I just can't talk myself into it. Blah, crap, ugh!! I've got to somehow work it into my day. It's not like I don't have time...I do. Not only would it speed weight loss, but it would help in so many other ways. Build muscle, which as we all know, muscle is better than fat. Help with the loose skin that I'm so freaked out about but know that I will have. And so many other ways. I keep making excuses...saying oh, when I get below 300 I'll start a regular exercise routine..why? That's only 11 more pounds. Why not start now? CAUSE I DON'T WANT TO!! AAAAGGGGGHHHHH!!! Okay, now that I've gotten that out of my system....I've just got to somehow do it.

Weekly Weigh In Day Week 7

2008-02-19T09:29:00.002-05:00

7 weeks in to my new lo carb way of life....Tuesday....weigh in day...drum roll please......311 lbs!!!! WOOOHOOOOOO!!!!!! I've lost 5 more lbs this week. Wow! I really needed that. I needed a little light in what has been 2 weeks of darkness in my life. That brings my total loss to 25 lbs. I'm so excited. I really feel like it's going to happen this time.
We went to a Daytona 500 get together this past Sunday. It was at the home of Johnny and Linda. They are friends with my Mom and Dad. Can't even really call them friends. They're family. I grew up right next door to them and grew up with their kids. And now our kids are hanging out. I love it. Family and friends are so important. Everyone always seems so busy to keep in touch. Busy..busy...busy. Busy doing what? Working? Cleaning house? Running errands! Blah! None of that crap matters in the end. Every moment spent with those you love should be cherished. I for one am no longer using the "I'm too busy to call...go out..etc." line any more. None of us know how much time we have here. So I say LIVE! :) Anyway, I said all that to really say I did pretty good on the eating that day. We had BBQ ribs (thanks Todd...they were yummy!!), some pulled pork Mom made (good too), potato salad, slaw, baked beans, and other goodies...cupcakes, apple pie and ice cream..etc. I ate 2 ribs...some pulled pork...and a spoonful of potato salad( I know...I know.the potato salad was a nono..but seriously, it was 1 spoonful) :) No thanks to the cupcakes, apple pie and ice cream and other nonos. Great job, Val! I'll give myself a pat on the back for that one! :) So there you go. Weigh in day..week 7.

Putting Myself Out There

2008-02-15T14:09:00.002-05:00

Ok, I did it. Today, I sent out an email to some of my family and friends to share this blog with them. Only a few of my low carb online friends and Mark and Kirsten knew about it before. What was I waiting on? I'm not really sure. I really started this thing for myself. To keep myself accountable and to keep up with my progress. And maybe I wanted to be sure that this time I was actually going to do it. :) Well, I'm focused on the goal and after Jackie's death (that don't even feel right; saying or typing it...Jackie's death) I feel a renewed sense of urgency to keep in touch with those I love. So if you've found yourself here....welcome. Try not to judge...I may falter at times. But, I'm thinking.....with more eyes upon me and watching my progress....I think that would be more of a motivation tool. So yeah, that's why I let em know. To share my good progress and be there to encourage when I don't do so well. So again, welcome...and come back from time to time. It may be boring at times but you may just learn something about me and even at times....yourself.

It's Valentines Day!

2008-02-14T00:17:00.002-05:00

Today is February 14th...Valentines Day...and I'm still grief stricken over Jackie's death. I guess I forever will be. It seems that it's all I think about. Sigh...I miss you girl....:(
But since it is Valentines Day, I want to say something about my Valentine...Mark...he has been fabulous. All the time. Not just in the past week. But he has really stepped up to the plate in the past week. Since Jackie's husband called last Wednesday morning at 5:30am and I ran out the door screaming, "Take care of the kids!", he has been an angel. Doing whatever needed to be done so that I could be with her family and other friends in the planning of the funeral and trying to be there for Delwin and Jayden (Her husband and 5 year old daughter). Thank you, Mark...I'll forever be grateful for that.
But also, in my weight loss journey...he has been a doll. We've been together for 5 years. We met at my lowest weight in a while which was about 275 lbs. He loved me then and he loved me at 336 lbs. Never once has he said anything about my weight. We have talked countless times about how we were unhappy with our weight and wanted to do something about it. But we never did..or we'd start something and never go through with it. So since I told him I was starting this new low carb lifestyle he has been great. Him and the kids aren't doing it with me but he has been great about encouraging me. And since he's the better cook (yeah, I can admit it) he normally does the cooking around here. He makes sure to make me something on plan when he cooks and makes a "regular" dinner for himself and the kids. Even going out of the way to try low carb recipes that I've found online. Such a doll. Don't know of any other man (at least in my experience) that would do the same. When I first started, I was really kind of a bitch...really ill...I mean, you take fattening food away from a fat person...what do you expect? :) But he stuck right in there with me. I'm very grateful for him. Even if I don't always show it. I love you, sweetheart. Thank you for everything. And Happy Valentines Day!!!

Weekly Weigh In Week 6

2008-02-12T16:07:00.000-05:00

This has been an extremely bad week. I lost one of my best friends. I'll not blog about that here but suffice it to say it's been the saddest week of my entire life. She passed away last Wednesday and the funeral was Saturday. Today was my weekly weigh in and I weighed 316 lbs. So no loss but no gain either. Stayed on plan for the most part minus a bite or two of macaroni and cheese and a taco shell. Haven't really wanted to eat anything...much less alot. Pending the results of an autopsy, it may be found that her weight contributed to her death in one way or another. All the more reason for me to continue. She would want me to I think. This blog is about my weight loss journey..I'll keep it to that. But I will post a memorial here in remembrance of my friend. 20+ years of friendship. I can't believe she's gone......

Quick Post of Weigh Ins and Other Stuff

2008-02-05T18:45:00.001-05:00

I'm going to post this from time to time so I don't have to keep looking back to check my progress.
Starting weight: 336 lbs BMI 56 "Extremely Obese"
Week 1 weight: 327 lbs BMI 54 Lost 9 lbs
Week 2 weight: 321 lbs BMI 53 Lost 6 lbs
Week 3 weight: 321 lbs
Week 4 weight: 321 lbs
Monthly weigh in: 317 lbs BMI 53 Lost 4 lbs for a total of 19 lbs month of January
Week 5 weight: 316 lbs BMI 53 Lost 1 lb

Measurements taken January 29, 2008: This is harder for me to post than my weight. Why you ask? Oh, maybe because my upper leg is as big as my waist should be...UGH! :)

Waist: 49'
Bust: 44' That's under the bust..is that right? Not sure if it's under or on? Oh well!
Hips: 60' (bout run out of tape on that one!)
Forearms: 13.5' Left
12.75' Right
Left Upper Arm: 19.5'
Right Upper Arm: 20.5'
Left calf: 23'
Right calf: 24'
Neck: 17.5'
Thighs: 51'
Left Upper Leg: 33'
Right Upper Leg: 33.5'
Head: 23.5'
(Yeah, I know...but I figured I would measure everything) LOL

Hmm, what else...wearing a size 10 on my ring finger...size 28 pants...3x top...size 10 shoe. Ok, I can't think of anything else. We'll see how everything changes. It's not all about the scale! :)

Weigh in Day Week 5

2008-02-05T18:17:00.000-05:00

Well, today is Tuesday...weigh in day. Didn't expect much...1 because it's my TOM...ugh..and 2 because of my big whoosh last week at my monthly weigh in. But I got on the scale nonetheless...And I'm down another pound! Woohoo!! I'll take it!!! :) That puts me at 20 lbs lost!!! 20 lbs in 5 weeks....not too bad.

The Whoosh Fairy Came!!!

2008-02-01T16:57:00.000-05:00

Ok, here it is..February 1st...1 month since I started my low carb lifestyle. So I get on the scale to mark my 1 month loss...fully expecting it to be the same as the last two weeks....stepped on the scale....317.4 lbs!!! Woohoo! I was like, YES! FINALLY! So of course I had to do the happy dance...which on a 317 lb woman at 7am is probably not a pretty sight!! LOL My dear hubby is sick..bless his heart..and was telling me how bad he felt and I was like, "Yeah, but I lost 4 MORE POUNDS!!!" WOOHOO!!! Again, bless his heart..:) My teenage daughter told me that was awesome and did a half assed happy dance with me...but my 3 year old son was all for it! Happy dance...didn't really realize what all the fuss was about but hey, it was an excuse to dance crazy for a minute so LET'S DO IT!!! So that brings my January total to 19 freakin pounds!! I am like ecstatic over here. Last time I truly tried to lose weight was back in 2003. I lost 35 pounds total..(and gained back 65) :( Low calorie/low fat(starving myself really)..1st month I only lost 11.5 pounds doing it that way. And with this way of eating, I haven't been hungry or craved anything at all! It's fabulous! So thank you, dear whoosh fairy...I needed that whoosh..it's proved to me that I just need to keep going! And thanks to everyone who had positive feedback for me when I was complaining for the past 2 weeks! :)
Oh, and I bought some of those ketone sticks to test to see if I was in ketosis and it's been DARK purple...so I must be doing it right!!

Ok, What is REALLY going on?

2008-01-29T19:17:00.000-05:00

Tuesday, January 29th...Weigh in Day....Week 4...Weight you ask? 321 lbs! No freakin movement at all? CRAP! Am I just destined to be huge for the rest of my life? I mean, really. Really? It was 319 yesterday but it doesn't count because it's not weigh in day. And this morning it was back up to 321. That's 2 weeks in a row that I haven't lost a single freakin pound. 1st week 9lbs....2nd week...6 lbs...3rd week...zilch....4th week....zero. I am truly following this thing. I promise. So, I've thought all day about what it could be. Water intake could probably be upped a bit. I mean, all I drink is water but when I count the glasses it's more like 5 or 6 instead of 8. Exercise is another factor that could be upped a bit, I'm sure. I read on the boards about this person losing 30 lbs in a month and this other person losing 25 lbs in 23 days and I'm like yay for them but grrrr, what's wrong with me? So, I did good eating today although I was a little irritated at the whole thing. I made baked spaghetti for my family this evening (one of my previous favorites) and I had a salad. No problem...didn't even get tempted by the spaghetti. I feel fabulous... much more energy than before...not needing that afternoon nap...but the SCALE WON'T MOVE!!! AAAAAGGGGHHHH!!!! I ordered three books online about a week ago. The Atkins Essentials...Atkins for Life...and the Atkins New Diet Revolution....I got them a few days ago...(Yes, I'm a little backwards...I started the program without reading the books) BUT, I have been doing exactly as the induction directions state. So, I've already read completely through the Atkins Essentials book which is pretty much a condensed version of the New Diet Revolution book...Now I'm on to the New Diet Revolution book...so with more knowledge I'm hoping to get this stuff kickstarted again. So, I'm keeping on plan and pushing through. I so hope it will pan out for me. I truly want it this time and am willing to stick with it where in the past I've fell off the wagon soon after I got on the trail. And I did measure myself on the 25th so measuring myself to see if any inches are lost probabaly won't help at this point. I'm going to measure monthly. I'll post the measurements later. And I'm going to weigh in on Friday, Feb 1st to get my 1 month weight loss. Man, I hope there's a few lbs difference from now. But we'll see.

New Scale/Adjustment of Stats

2008-01-28T11:05:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I finally got my new digital scale a few days ago. With a 2 inch LCD display, so my blind tail can see it. But there's another issue. There is a 4 lb difference between my new fancy scale and my old analog scale. So when I first got it, I sat the scales side by side...got on the analog scale it said 325. Got on the digital scale it read 321.4. ARGGGHHH! (But I do like the number on the digital scale better :) ) So how do I do this? Since I'm almost 4 weeks into this..do I go with the analog or the digital? I've thought about this and I think I'm just going to adjust my previous stats...there's a 4lb difference here. So instead of a starting weight of 340, maybe I should say starting weight 336....1st week weigh in 327(9lb loss) , 2nd week weigh in 321(6lb loss). That will get me to where I can use the digital scale...still having a 15lb weight loss but not having to weigh with 2 scales and constantly trying to figure in a 4lb difference to keep up with the stats I've posted. So there you go. That's what I'm doing if you wonder why my stats changed. I've done pretty good this week. Yesterday we went to a family restaurant after church. You know, meat and 3 veggies kind of thing. Usually, when I go to these types of restaurants, I don't even have to look at the menu. "I'll take fried chicken, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, and ummm, fried okra, thank you very much. Oh, and can we get some more rolls, please?" LOL Wow, like carbs much? :) But yesterday, I looked at the menu....and looked....and looked...boy, did that mac and cheese call my name! :) But, I ended up ordering baked chicken, tomatoes and okra, and sweet potatoes. The sweet potato wasn't truly on plan but the portions were small and instead of meat and 3, I only ordered meat and 2 and drank water. So, another day, another smart choice...Yay for me! :) Tomorrow is weigh in day! Please, please, please, let there be a difference in the weight. I would love it if I were out of the 320s. I'm feeling good but need that scale to MOVE!!!

Weigh In Day Week 3

2008-01-22T19:38:00.000-05:00

Ok, so today was my official weigh in day. As you can see from my previous post, I didn't expect much today. Not sure what it was going to be. Well, I stepped on the scale and sure enough ...325 lbs...no gain but no loss either. It looked like it might be at 323 or 324 but it's an analog scale so I couldn't really tell so I'm gonna say 325. (Not only am I fat but I'm half blind too :) ) So, I'm definitely going to invest in a digital scale. But it was my 21 st day today. I read somewhere that it takes 21 days to break an old habit. So there you go. I guess I accomplished something! :) I'm not tempted to cheat.....I don't crave breads, or pastas, or sweets..so that's awesome for me. I think I've finally realized it's not a diet...it's a new way of eating...a new way of life actually..so even though I didn't lose any weight this week, I know it's coming. I can see the goal! :) (and me in cute clothes!)

WTF???

2008-01-19T08:27:00.000-05:00

Today is Saturday, January 19th. I have weighed everyday since my Tuesday weigh in and the scale hasn't moved. I'm not doing anything different so WTF? Somedays it's 325 and others it's like 328 or so. Maybe I shouldn't weigh everyday??? Maybe I should just do my weekly weigh ins... But the scale draws me in....LOL Like I just gotta know. Crap. Oh well, I'm not giving up but alot of my motivation comes from seeing that scale move. But I'm moving forward and pressing on!! :)

Weigh In Day!!

2008-01-15T13:23:00.000-05:00

Today was my weekly weigh in. Stepped on the scale.......drum roll please..........325 lbs. I lost 6 more pounds this week!!! Woooohoooo! Yay! All that wonderful stuff. That makes it 15 lbs lost in 2 weeks. I'm so freakin excited! When I see the scale moving, it just keeps my motivation going strong. I can't believe it. Is is really gonna happen this time? Can I stick to it this time like I never have in the past? Again, I think I have to approach it like I did when I quit smoking. One craving at a time. Working through each one, eventually I think I'll find that the temptation is not as strong. Anyway, feeling pretty confident today. Till next time, I'm moving forward and pressing on! :)

Getting up off my a$$

2008-01-15T03:22:00.000-05:00

I exercised for the first time today...well, actually it was yesterday, the 14th. I walked a mile on the treadmill. Felt pretty good. I haven't exercised in a while but I thought I could at least devote half an hour each day to walking to start out with and then add in some strength training as the weight goes down. I'm working overnight tonight and boy am I sleepy! :) Will be weighing in later on today. crossing fingers :) Hoping for a good one! :)

Stats

2008-01-14T14:01:00.000-05:00

Hey...quick post here. I realized I have not posted my stats to date...

1/1/08 340 lbs BMI 57
1/8/08 331 lbs BMI 55

Again my long term goal is 149 lbs with a BMI of 25 or less. This will put me in the "normal range" for my height. My goal for 2008 is to lose 100 lbs by Christmas Eve 2008. This will put me at 240 lbs with a BMI of 40.

I think I need to do my measurements as well...hmmm, now if I could only find that measuring tape thingy....oh well....

Tomorrow is weigh in day! Cross your fingers! I'm hoping for a good loss this week! :)

Daily Temptations

2008-01-13T20:45:00.000-05:00

Well, here it is Sunday, January 13th. 13 days in. We went to church this morning. We've been going to different churches in the Upstate trying to find a church home. This morning we went to Redemtion World Outreach Center in Greenville. Everyone was super nice and we had a nice visit. Well, one of the things they do for new visitors is give you a loaf of banana nut bread. It looked and smelled soo good! :) It was such a nice gesture. No, I didn't eat any of it. LOL But I sure wanted to. :)

Last night, Mark and I went to a buffet dinner in Simpsonville that had a live band. Well, I go up to the buffet....first thing I came to....rice and gravy...ok no, can't have that...moving on....next thing...macaroni and cheese....next!......fried fish.....ok, so I got a piece......green beans....ahhhh, green beans....finally, something I can eat....got some on my plate...next...fried catfish...moving on down the line....baked fish....wooohoo....got some...hush puppies...nope...baked chicken...that's a big yes sir....so finally, I came away with a piece of fried fish, baked chicken, green beans and some baked fish. And ice water to drink...So I was definitely a carnivore..lol...especially because the green beans were nasty! blah! :( But we had a great time!

Message here being that daily I have to face a new temptation....the trick I think is just working through each one! I came away from both experiences both not eating the wrong thing and feeling pretty proud of myself! :)

A Picture is worth a thousand words

2008-01-13T20:34:00.000-05:00

Let me just say that when I look in the mirror, I don't see me as I truly am. I mean, yeah, I know I'm a big girl...I'm not blind, for crying out loud, but when I look in the mirror, I see a much cuter chick. :) It's the pictures that always get me. I think I'll be looking cute and when I look back on the pics I'm like....dayummm! :) So here's the pic to end all pics. Christmas Day 2007. When I had just gotten up...opening presents with Mark and the kids and pictures are being taken. BAM! When I first saw this pic I couldn't really believe that was me! I'm like who is that opening presents with my son? Well, it's me. Wow! How am I even still walking? So when I think about eating anything I'm not supposed to...this pic helps me to NOT eat it!

Catching Up

2008-01-12T23:32:00.000-05:00

Ok, as I said in my earlier post, I began this journey on January 1, 2008. Well, it is now January 12, 2008 so let me catch up with this post. What am I doing to lose the weight? Well, I guess you could say it's a Valerie version of Atkins. Low carb. I've cut out breads, pasta (my favorite by the way), sugar (I miss my sweet tea!), etc. So I eat meat, veggies, some fruit. Drink water, water, and more water. The reason I chose this route this time was last year January I did a "fast" with a friend from work. (Hey, Kay!) Her church was doing a fast. So I decided to join in. I not only needed to lose weight but needed God's intervention in the sale of my house in Charleston. Well, the fast cut out sugar, caffeine, starches, etc. Well, lo and behold, I lost 21 lbs in 3 weeks. So I was like hmmmm, there might be something to this. So a year later, here I am. If I'd had stuck with it last year, I'd be down those hundred pounds already. GRRRRR! But I didn't. So I started again this year. I will be weighing in weekly on Tuesday. This past Tuesday was my first weigh in. I knew I was already feeling better but didn't know if I'd lost any weight. Stepped on the scale.......looked down......and I weighed 331 lbs. I'd lost 9 lbs the first week!!! WOOOOHOOOO!!! I'm sure alot of it was water weight but who cares!! Now I'm 9 lbs closer to my goal!

Getting started

2008-01-12T23:12:00.000-05:00

First of all, let me give you some history. I am a 35 year old female who has been heavy most all her life. I was the fat girl in elementary school with the coke bottle glasses who was made fun of alot. Not to say I didn't have alot of friends. I've always been outgoing and pretty popular but the fat girl nonetheless. Middle school same. Fat. High school...less fat but still fat. I'm one of those girls that's always heard "You have such a beautiful face". You know what that means right, "yeah, your pretty but your huge" LOL I think I went on my first "diet" at about 9 years old. I've tried this, that, and everything else. Anybody remember the Cabbage soup diet.? UGH! That one was rough. I've had some success dieting. Losing weight. Going back to the same old habits and gaining back double what I lost. Which has gotten me to this point. As of January 1, 2008 I weigh........drum roll please.......340 lbs! Trust me when I say that I'm ashamed to publish that. But the whole reason for me starting this blog is to keep myself accountable. Does that make sense? Let me try to explain. For so many years, I've set a New Years resolution to "lose weight". No specific goals. No plan. Just lose weight. Well, it has failed so I'm gonna try something new. This year I've made several New Years Resolutions. The one regarding weight loss if pretty aggressive. My goal is to lose at least 100 lbs by Christmas Eve, 2008. I want to get down to 149 lbs. That's my long term goal. But 100 lbs this year. If I put myself "out there" by publishing this blog, it's just another motivational tool to keep me going. Also, it lets me look where I've been and the success I've had so far to keep me going. So if no one ever reads this blog, that's okay. It's truly just a tool to aid me in my journey.