Commitment High; Chances Good

Tuesday, October 04, 2011

I stepped on the scale this morning uncertain how my last two weeks of travel had affected my weight. I told myself that any weight from 123 to 133 would be okay, but I'd work to get back into my range of 124-129.9 soon.

Well, I didn't need to worry. After two weeks of not tracking, limited exercise due to terrible cough, a few small indulgences and one BIG indulgence, I'm right in my range. I weighed 126.8 this morning.

Seeing that weight this morning was a big encouragement. You know, I'm thinking that my chances of long term maintenance are getting better and better. My commitment to healthy living and a healthy weight will not waiver.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

DONNABRIGHT 10/5/2011 9:01PM

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MEXGAL1 10/5/2011 3:10PM

That is just so awesome that you traveled and were able to maintain. I was away (and actually still away at the kids and with the grandkids until Sunday) and I think I only gained two pounds. My body must like it here as well at 112. I know I shouldn't complain as I am healthy and most people would love this weight..but I am really small boned and just feel better a bit lighter. I have been power walking six miles a day and watching what I eat again but the two aren't ready to leave me yet. Perhaps when I get back home to Mexico. thank you so much for the sparks goodie....made my day. It's funny that you say i am a role model, as I see you as such an inspiration. We need to keep supporting each other so we can continue to maintain. cheers Sallie Report Inappropriate Comment

AQUAGIRL08 10/5/2011 1:09PM

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KLONG8 10/5/2011 11:58AM

That's huge! Exactly what you want and we're thrilled to enjoy with you. Now THAT's motivational! Report Inappropriate Comment

RAYLINSTEPHENS 10/5/2011 11:40AM

Fantastic! Report Inappropriate Comment

CONTENTCHRIS 10/5/2011 9:27AM

You are doing great ! Report Inappropriate Comment

MONTY68 10/4/2011 11:50PM

Hi Marsha Congratulations on your successful vacation I truly believe that you WILL continue to maintain. I also think there comes a tome when we drop the maintenance and define ourself as living life. It doesn't mean we forget about maintenance, we have a new awareness of just knowing. Thank you for sharing Monty Report Inappropriate Comment

WATERMELLEN 10/4/2011 9:20PM

Wow! This is huge!! Well done, you've got the maintenance thing wrapped up with a bow on it, rockstar!! Report Inappropriate Comment

_LINDA 10/4/2011 8:21PM

Well done Marsha!! You did fantastic considering! You are rocking this lifestyle!! You go girl!! Report Inappropriate Comment

JOYINKY 10/4/2011 7:56PM

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HAPPYSOUL91 10/4/2011 3:25PM

Ok, glad things are looking up for you....you will do this Report Inappropriate Comment

PAPER_WINGS18 10/4/2011 3:19PM

Wow! Way to go! THat is definitely inspiring and motivating, so thank you!! Keep up the amazing job...You are doing this!! :D Report Inappropriate Comment

SEPPIESUSAN 10/4/2011 3:12PM

Sounds like you've MADE it! That's my ultimate goal - being committed and maintaining goal range for life! Report Inappropriate Comment

DREENAMT 10/4/2011 9:47AM

That is inspiring and encouraging to hear! Report Inappropriate Comment

I Am Now A Rockstar of Maintenance!

Monday, October 03, 2011

We've got a new and awesome leader on the At Goal and Maintaining Team. Her recent blog about maintenance is profound. It tells us that maintaining is difficult, but not impossible.

I'm very proud to be on her list of Maintenance Rockstars! If you are maintaining or are interested in becoming a maintainer, check out her great blog:

www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_jo
urnal_individual.asp?blog_id=4512102

I encourage anyone who is maintaining to join the team. In fact, you should probably join when you are 5-10 pounds from goal, especially if you've lost a lot of weight or struggled to maintain in the past. I found this team great support when transitioning from a "losing" mindset to a "this is forever" mindset.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

AQUAGIRL08 10/5/2011 1:07PM

Congratulations Rockstar! Report Inappropriate Comment

_LINDA 10/4/2011 1:17AM

I always knew you were a rockstar of maintenance, and now you know it too! Go Marsha!! Yes, this is a real go getter we have for a leader on this team! She is great! Report Inappropriate Comment

JOYINKY 10/3/2011 8:43PM

Thanks for sharing that blog Marsha! She did a great job and so have you. You certainly deserve your place on the "Rockstar" list! WTG! Report Inappropriate Comment

KLONG8 10/3/2011 8:41PM

Maintenance sounds a little difficult but I'm not there...yet. It's coming, it's coming! Thanks for showing the path. Report Inappropriate Comment

WATERMELLEN 10/3/2011 7:48PM

Ysy Rockstars . . . and thanks for giving 4A_HEALTHY_BMI a great shout out!! Report Inappropriate Comment

SLIMLILA 10/3/2011 7:29PM

Hey Marsha, Haven't seen you around in a while... wish I could join this team, but I can just congratulate you cuz I'm not there yet. Hope all is going well with you. I am still having my daily baby therapy and watching little Mya grow every day. Lila Report Inappropriate Comment

MIRAGE727 10/3/2011 7:10PM

Rock on, Marsha! I'm proud to have you as a SparkFriend and an inspiration. Report Inappropriate Comment

MEXGAL1 10/3/2011 6:53PM

Congrats you Rockstar! Good for you. Thanks for the post, I will check it out. Report Inappropriate Comment

MONTY68 10/3/2011 6:03PM

Hi Marsha Congratulations on becoming a Rockstar of Maintenance. That is so awesome. I know that you will continue to succeed. Thanks for sharing. Monty Report Inappropriate Comment

SLIMMERJESSE 10/3/2011 5:44PM

Congrats, Maintenance Rockstar! Report Inappropriate Comment

Wonderful Trip

Sunday, October 02, 2011

The trip down memory lane met every expectation I had. My mom remembered a great deal about her childhood, showing me the farm she grew up on and even the farm where her mom grew up. She told me some great stories I hadn't heard about her family and some of the stories I had heard over and over meant more when I saw the locations in which they occurred.

We spent some time at a lake my grandfather helped to "build," with 11 other men, all dredging with their teams of horses to make a dam around 1932. It is beautiful. We visited distant cousins on her mom's side and her dad's side. There are only 2 of her generation left and we saw them both. We visited several of her classmates and saw schools she attended, as well as the school I attended from kindergarten to fourth grade.

I did not enjoy the driving. Living in Florida I'm used to straight, flat roads and when I'm on the interstate I know which lane to get in and where to turn. My mom's old homeland is rolling hills, with twisty roads. It was beautiful, but I couldn't always look as I was trying to get us to where we were going in one piece. Getting around the airport in the city was challenging, too. Nonetheless, it was all worth it.

One bonus was that we got to see the leaves changing without having to endure any really cold weather. It rained a few times, but even on days it rained, the sun came out for part of the day and it was just gorgeous. I don't think it got under 50 degrees the whole time we were there. I got to walk every day, usually in a spot of great beauty. Unfortunately my cough was bad throughout the trip and I decided not to run. Hope I can shake the cough in order to train for my next 5K in 2 weeks and 10K in 6 weeks, but I'll just do the best I can. I suspect I really need to study immunities and make an effort to build mine as I've had 3 colds this summer that has really messed with my exercise plans.

I felt very good about my eating 9 of the 12 days, and not bad 2 more days. One day I really blew it, letting myself get too hungry and then having no good choices. I think I'll wait a day or two to step on the scales to let any sodium weight dissipate and then I'll see what action, if any, I need to take.

I sure wish my mom didn't live half a continent away, but I sure am glad we shared this very special time together.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

AQUAGIRL08 10/4/2011 5:23PM

That sounds like an awesome trip for both your mother and you. I call it "building memories on memories". Now you know a bit more about your heritage. You can now share more with your own daughter and granddaughters. That is priceless. Report Inappropriate Comment

BLUESKY_321 10/3/2011 2:01PM

Sounds like a wonderful trip! Report Inappropriate Comment

RAYLINSTEPHENS 10/3/2011 11:13AM

how wonderful you still can visit with your Mom! Report Inappropriate Comment

BESTSUSIEYET 10/3/2011 9:46AM

What a blessing to be able to share this with your mother! Hope your cough goes away soon ... If it's hanging on for 10 days, perhaps you need to see the Dr? Report Inappropriate Comment

FROSTY99 10/2/2011 7:05PM

Sounds like a wonderful trip and something you will treasure in the coming years. Don't work too hard if you don't feel good-a lot of stuff going around. Several friends have been pretty sick and now DH has a cough so hoping he isn't getting sick. Pat Report Inappropriate Comment

WILD4STARS 10/2/2011 5:56PM

Sounds incredible! What a gift you have given your Mother. Report Inappropriate Comment

WATERMELLEN 10/2/2011 3:40PM

Welcome back: glad you had such a great trip, sharing and building memories with your mother. And: time to ensure that you're getting enough rest/vitamins to sustain optimum immunity . . . Report Inappropriate Comment

JOYINKY 10/2/2011 1:55PM

What a gift to both your mother and yourself! I'm so glad it was a great trip; sharing old memories and making new ones; it doesn't get any better than that! Report Inappropriate Comment

AMANDAJCD 10/2/2011 1:09PM

It sounds like it was a great trip :) I'm a true flatlander myself -- I love mountains, but the embankments further north (not to mention hairpin turns and dropoffs of a thousand feet on the other side of the guardrail... yipes!) just give me the willies. Report Inappropriate Comment

PARKERB2 10/2/2011 12:08PM

Glad to hear your visit was an awesome one. Take care. Report Inappropriate Comment

_LINDA 10/2/2011 11:29AM

Welcome back!! Sounds like a fabulous trip!! So glad you had the opportunity to share this special time with your Mom! That is of concern you are getting sick so frequently.. Do make sure you are getting enough C in your diet, should not be hard where you can enjoy such fresh fruit..Make sure you are getting plenty of rest and sleep and not running yourself down.. Nice to have you back!! Report Inappropriate Comment

MOM23CUTIES357 10/2/2011 10:57AM

what a great trip. The lasting memories you both made together. Report Inappropriate Comment

DONNABRIGHT 10/2/2011 10:56AM

Just awesome that you could do this with your mother. So glad you enjoyed yourself. Report Inappropriate Comment

I'm Packed and Prepared for a Sentimental Journey

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Tomorrow I take off to visit my mom. I fly from Florida to Arizona, join her, and together we'll fly to Cleveland, Ohio. She's 84 years old and in good health. She says the first thing to go is your confidence. It's hard to think of her without confidence. She is a retired college professor and always seemed to me to be the epitome of confidence. I thought she had all the answers. I can hardly remember a time she didn't seem to know - absolutely and without struggle - exactly what to do in any situation. But we originally planned this trip to meet in Ohio. Then she cancelled the trip. A couple weeks later she asked if I'd be willing to meet her and for us to go together. Guess it is time for me to have the confidence for both of us.

One thing I do feel more confident about is the healthy living part of the next 12 days. WATERMELLEN, my great SparkFriend Ellen, suggested I review the Beck chapter on traveling. I just did that today. Beck recommended making a plan and reviewing it every day until and then during your travels. I realize I had already done that and even had a conversation with my daughter about how I would manage my weight and fitness. Last time I took an extended trip with mom, over a year ago, I was not as confident. I took quite a few of my own foods and turned down a lot of what she wanted to feed me. This time I plan on concentrating on the fact that I am pretty successful ordering in restaurants. When we are in relatives' homes and not in control of the selection, I still have total control over portions. I have workout clothes and shoes with me and plan to get some exercise every day, and more when convenient. I think I can do this trip without a gain, but if I come home a few pounds heavier, it won't be the end of the world. I will be able to get back in range quickly.

We are going to Ohio because that is where my mom was born and grew up. I was born there, too, but we moved to Florida when I was young. Some distant relatives are expecting us; we may surprise others. We'll visit the old family farm, schools she attended, the landmarks of her life. I expect it will be a beautiful way to celebrate my mom's beginnings and her amazing life. She calls herself the "little farm girl" who earned her doctorate and got to travel the world!

PS I felt confident posting this info because my hubby will be at home. No empty house here!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

EILEENV3 9/25/2011 7:42PM

Hope you've been having a great trip. One nice portable thing for working our is a small 1L water bottle with handle. Two of them make good weights or you can use them on a walk. Look forward to seeing you when you get back. Eileen Report Inappropriate Comment

VTORIA3 9/24/2011 4:15PM

I just love this blog. Your mom sounds like a very progressive and accomplished woman. Your closeness to her, makes me feel very sentimental and mushy for my own mom. We were the best of friends; she was a wonderful blessing for me. The apple does not fall far from the tree. I can tell you have your mom's determination, grit, self assurance, and love for life and family. Enjoy this time with your mom. Report Inappropriate Comment

JOHAL52 9/24/2011 12:44PM

Enjoy, enjoy!! Report Inappropriate Comment

AMANDAJCD 9/19/2011 10:27AM

Have fun, Marsha! My mother was born in Bucyrus :) Report Inappropriate Comment

_LINDA 9/19/2011 1:13AM

I LOVED to hear this!! This will be such a wonderful time for the two of you. I enjoy hearing about other people and their Moms. Will so look forward to the blog and photos all about it! We all know you will keep your weight in range, you have learned so very well how to be disciplined! Enjoy your trip!! Report Inappropriate Comment

FRAN0426 9/19/2011 12:05AM

Marsha, have a great time and I know you will be doing the best you can with exercise and portion control. You are a great daughter to change your schedule so that your mother is comfortable with traveling to her growing up hommstead, I'm sure she is looking forward to spending a great time with you and revisiting many places from her youth. What nice memories the two of you will be sharing of the past and time together. Report Inappropriate Comment

DWKINSEY 9/19/2011 12:05AM

Have a great visit with your mom and family! Have a safe trip. Report Inappropriate Comment

AQUAGIRL08 9/18/2011 9:03PM

Have a wonderful time with your mom! Report Inappropriate Comment

WILD4STARS 9/18/2011 9:00PM

What a great trip. Keep a journal and take lots of photos. Travel safe! Sorry for the duplicate. Everything locked up, when it unlocked there were TWO !! Comment edited on: 9/18/2011 9:02:22 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

WILD4STARS 9/18/2011 8:43PM

What a wonderful trip! Keep and journal and take lots of photos! Travel safe! Report Inappropriate Comment

FROSTY99 9/18/2011 8:13PM

What a wonderful things to be able to do. I am sure you will do fine and this is vacation, so enjoy yourself and don't stress out over everything. I lost my mother at 19 so I envy you still having your mother. Report Inappropriate Comment

IAMWINNING 9/18/2011 6:23PM

I hope the trip is eventful only in the respect of enjoyable things - and I do hope you have lots of enjoyable events! The memories of this trip will bring you much pleasure in the coming years. How lucky your Mom is to have to do this with her, and how lucky you are that your Mom is well enough to travel. Have a SUPER good time! Report Inappropriate Comment

RAYLINSTEPHENS 9/18/2011 6:15PM

Safe journey Marsha - enjoy your Mom - you are so blessed to still have her! Report Inappropriate Comment

DONNABRIGHT 9/18/2011 3:07PM

You are so lucky to have your Mom and to be able to make this trip together - have a splendid time together. Report Inappropriate Comment

WATERMELLEN 9/18/2011 2:27PM

This is a wonderful trip to take: and you've got the planning absolutely nailed down! We will miss you on line, but you're doing something very special with and for your mother. I do think that it's difficult to be a child of highly successful parents with respect to that whole "confidence" thing: would you agree? So sweet that your mother is able to be candid with you about needing to rely upon you now . . . Report Inappropriate Comment

TMW54812 9/18/2011 1:45PM

What a wonderful trip with your Mom! I am sure you will make many new memories as you revisit old ones. When my Mom was 75 she wanted to visit Ireland where both her parents were born. Me, my brother, sister and spouses all went for a two week trip we will always treasure. That was 24 years ago, my mom passed 9 years after the trip and my brother this year. We have 3 hours of video and an albumn full of pictures. You can imagine how much they mean to me and my sister. I hope you take many pictures and share with all generations of your family. Have a safe and joyous journey! Report Inappropriate Comment

Party a Success, But No Pictures Yet

Saturday, September 17, 2011

The party was great! I was a little worried about it. When I agreed to do it, I expected it to be on a day I did not keep the kids, but it got moved a day earlier, to her actual birthday when I did have the kids long hours. I usually have leftovers or easy supper on the days I have the kids through supper time. But it all worked out. Natalie and I iced the cake together with 2 knives and it turned out surprisingly good and reasonably attractive. She also helped with the deviled eggs, popping the yolks out into a bowl, helping to stir, and to fill the empty halves. She sat the table and I didn't even worry that the forks were on the right and the knives and spoons were on the left. It looked pretty good.

Very good news is that I really enjoyed. I wasn't stressed. I even got to talk to my niece's fiance and welcome him into our family. It was the first time I'd seen him since their announcement. I have a very good feeling about them as a couple. More good news is that I enjoyed a slice of honey baked spiral ham, half a biscuit, some lima beans in butter sauce, a couple spoonfuls of stewed potatoes, a couple celery sticks, a deviled egg half, some broccoli mix, and a big piece of yellow cake with chocolate icing. I bet it had been 6 months since I had cake. We made it with canola oil which I think made it taste better as well as be a little healthier. It was delicious and I enjoyed every bite. Like I said it was good news. I weighed in a Weight Watchers this morning and was down from my weigh in 2 weeks ago.

The little one could not have been cuter enjoying her party, her presents, and her cake. My daughter took plenty of pictures, but has not downloaded them yet. When she does, I promise to share a couple with you.

Hope everyone has a joy-filled day!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

AQUAGIRL08 9/18/2011 8:58PM

What a wonderful "Old Mom" you are Marsha! If I ever have grandchildren, I hope that I'm as good with them as you are. You really created a birthday filled with many memories! Report Inappropriate Comment

_LINDA 9/18/2011 12:24AM

Awesome day and that Natalie could help out too! You deserve a treat, you have been working hard! Can't wait to see the photos! Report Inappropriate Comment

MONTY68 9/17/2011 9:55PM

Hi Marsha What a awesome day for you and your family. Monty Report Inappropriate Comment

RAYLINSTEPHENS 9/17/2011 8:35PM

Sparktacular!! Report Inappropriate Comment

JOYINKY 9/17/2011 8:28PM

What a treat! Fun for all! Report Inappropriate Comment

DONNABRIGHT 9/17/2011 7:01PM

Sounds like a wonderful party. Report Inappropriate Comment

WILD4STARS 9/17/2011 4:57PM

Grandma's making memories. It doesn't get any better than that. They are so lucky to have you. Report Inappropriate Comment

AMANDAJCD 9/17/2011 3:59PM

It sounds like it was a great party -- and the cake and deviled eggs sound wonderful! Report Inappropriate Comment

WATERMELLEN 9/17/2011 2:46PM

Very fun! And great memories for Natalie! Report Inappropriate Comment

MOM23CUTIES357 9/17/2011 2:34PM

Sounds wonderful and heavenly all mixed up. What a great memory you made with your dgd. Report Inappropriate Comment