Now that I've found my motivation...

Tue, 21 May 2013 18:57:12 EST

there's no stopping me! I must say, it took me long enough to get it back.

I'm really enjoying being more active again. I'm also mindful of what I eat all the while thinking....If I have THAT then I'll have to exercise THIS much to make up for it....is it worth it for a few seconds of taste?? NO NO NO!!! It's not. When I think of how much I have to sweat just to make up for the calories I consumed when I can be exercising to take away the fat from the foods and drinks I've a...

Thoughts on today's weigh in....

Sun, 19 May 2013 12:16:10 EST

I've been working hard all week - sticking to program so when I stepped on the scale and saw I lost one pound this week I was a little disappointed....only ONE pound!
Then I remembered this....

and it put it in better perspective for me so I went on to take my measurements - down a few inches almost all over my body - yay!

I know from prior experience that sometimes the scale doesn't...

Feel like I'm on a roll.......

Sat, 18 May 2013 14:37:46 EST

I've been doing great all week, tracking my food, exercising and taking time to relax as well.

I got up early today - on a Saturday??? - and went to a zumba class. I did the same last Saturday and I remember how great I felt after - energized with the whole day ahead of me to get things accomplished. Quite a switch from sitting in front the computer drinking coffee till noon....my old habit which I'm working to break.
On Wednesday when I got home from work I felt pretty ti...

Found my motivation

Sun, 12 May 2013 11:45:51 EST

It tried to hide from me but I found it!! Now to continue moving forward towards my goal. Today I'm down 5 lbs. and a few inches - a good jump start. I'm eating better, exercising and taking time to enjoy my life. I've reset my priorities so I am able to do this for ME!

Not looking back

Tue, 9 Apr 2013 19:37:08 EST

I've been beating myself up for gaining back some weight. I have so many beautiful clothes that either don't fit me or are quite tight so I can't wear them. I feel tired and sluggish too often. I know other than the extra weight I'm quite healthy - had a check up recently and some blood work done. But I am smoking again.... a bad habit I will stop yet again! Right now it seems to be helping keep my stress levels low (my daughter told me I'm so much calmer when I smoke...lol... and she wa...

Finding the time to get back in shape!

Tue, 9 Apr 2013 00:05:50 EST

Week is off to a good start. Zumba tonight, line dancing tomorrow night and then, if I have the energy, Zumba on Wednesday. Eating healthy and it feels great to exercise and get out of the house. Lovin the warmer weather! But now time to rest as I know that is also so very important.
Stress levels are down even with all that is going on. Looking forward to my dance weekend.. less than 10 days! Keeping busy, and motivated. Zumba did kick my butt a bit tonight. Hope I can move tomo...

Slowly getting back on track.

Sat, 6 Apr 2013 10:59:48 EST

Not a bad week. Wanted to exercise more. Need to push myself even if I feel tired. I know exercise energizes me. Realize I really MUST track my food. I think I'm doing good but the scale says different. I know tracking is an eye opener. No excuses....it's time.
Planning to visit Florida in June. Must get the body in shape so I fit into my summer clothes. I will not buy bigger sizes!
Off to run errands then some yard work perhaps. Going to keep this body moving today and ...

I've been outta control

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 20:52:26 EST

and it STOPS NOW! I'm not going to dwell on the past. I have a million and two excuses I can give for slipping.....but the truth... and truth is the most important... I lost focus.. and I'm suffering the consequences for it.
The weight gain bothers me a lot. It bites! but I don't feel healthy. That bothers me even more.
Time to refocus and get the job done! There are always going to be problems in life, things we must face, deal with....and I'm going to do it in a healt...

Life is....

Sat, 26 Jan 2013 19:41:35 EST

many things. Wonderful ... yet at times, confusing , joyful, sad, empowering, over whelming, simple, difficult, clear, confusing, joyful, heart wrenching, challenging, fulfilling, hysterical, cosmic joke, fun, liberating, intoxicating, many more to add...but..
People are... loving , supportive, kind, unselfish, determined, helpful, uplifting, funny, intoxicating in a good way, forthright, honest, and yes...some are bitchy and deceitful...but that is not the norm!!! far from it!
<...

Old Blogs

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 13:02:32 EST

I've been reading some of my old blogs trying to get my motivation stoked. I'm reposting this one more for me because I think this was my turning point and I need to be reminded.

Friday, April 16, 2010
There is no magic pill you can take that will make the weight come off. You create you own magic by the food choices you make.

There is no magic exercise equipment that you can buy and the weight will magically come off. You create the magic by consistently usi...

Old Blogs

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 13:02:16 EST

gained ....

Sat, 12 Jan 2013 10:03:22 EST

I gained some weight because I quit smoking.... but I also GAINED better health. So it's a trade off and I can lose the weight.
I've actually been walking during my lunch - a little over 2 miles- and then during my breaks for 10 minutes. But I am eating a lot more - even though I'm not hungry but I'm taking healthy snacks to work. The eating is starting to taper off and I'm finding other things to do to keep my mind off smoking. I've stayed off the computer because I associate it wi...

Off to a good start!

Wed, 2 Jan 2013 21:16:28 EST

I have officially become a non-smoker!!! I'm so pleased with myself over this. I think because I've tried and have quit before and it was hard! This time was not so hard....which proves to me that I have a very strong will and I feel I can accomplish anything I set my mind to!

That aside, I'm starting off the year on a good high. Granted, I'm eating a bit more because I'm not smoking - I expected this might happen - but I'm trying to stick to healthy choices. But I am getting ...

More changes in 2013

Tue, 1 Jan 2013 13:25:29 EST

Like my prior blogs I still had things to finish in 2012...and I did. The biggest.... I QUIT SMOKING!! I'm 4 1/2 days off them now....I'm past the nicotine withdrawal - I decided to go cold turkey - and I feel so empowered that I did this on my own without any drug, patch, gum...whatever! I did it with just support of family and friends. Which is how I was so successful with losing weight as well.

Sure, I've put a few pounds back on....but now I'm going to take them off....an...

A new year, a NEW year , a new YEAR, a NEW YEAR?

Mon, 31 Dec 2012 21:22:20 EST

How about a NEW Commitment to being the healthiest I can be... in this coming year and all the years after... my years .... which could be many more if I take care of myself.
Sure.... the New Year makes us reflect on our lives... maybe that's a good thing.

As for me..... I'm only bringing positive things into 2013.... positive thoughts, good memories, healthy habits, exercise, eating right, laughter, smiles.... all the good things..... and most important to me... a sense o...

2012 ....not over yet... I still have much to do!

Sat, 22 Dec 2012 21:26:06 EST

I'm determined not to end this year in a bad way. I don't care what is going on in my life. I'm going to end this year on a positive note!
Taking care of me has to be my top priority! But I feel so selfish stating this. I need to let go of guilt because GUILT makes me not eat right, not exercise every day.. and it makes me too tired to make me a priority.
Yes... I have to be my best to take care of others in my life... but I also need peace as well.
My parents are ...

12 days left in 2012....

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 00:07:39 EST

and I'm going to make them count!
This year has not been one of my better years..but it was better than some. I refuse to let it get the best on me in the 12 remaining days!

It just seemed that with every corner I turned a new challenge presented itself. I could dwell.. but I would be wasting energy doing that... Energy that would be more productive looking for the positives.

First... I have a job... a good job... a secure job... and that's a plus. Even better,...

Half way thru December

Sun, 16 Dec 2012 19:02:59 EST

and staying strong! With the holidays looming I'm recommitting to my healthy life style choice. I'm eating pretty good and trying to exercise more. I'm also working on a positive mental outlook....things are improving!!!

Not looking ahead to the new year yet....still enough days in 2012 to make a more positive changes.

Welcome December!

Sun, 2 Dec 2012 19:41:33 EST

Let's make it a Healthy month!

Giving thanks for all that is wonderful in my life!

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 21:28:30 EST

I have so much to be thankful for. I have my health - which is so much better thanks to Spark People. I'm thankful I was introduced to this site and I'm thankful for all the wonderful people I've met on here. Thanks Spark Guy for your vision!!!!
I'm thankful for my wonderful daughter...the love of my life. She is my treasure.

I'm thankful that I'm employed in a good, secure job. My heart goes out to those that may not be as fortunate. I pray that things will turn aro...

Still trying but life seems to be getting in my way.

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 20:52:31 EST

I was doing really good..eating healthy and exercising (even with a somewhat swollen ankle.. I sprained it about a month or so ago). I was getting ready for my dance weekend, an event I look forward to and enjoy ever so much! I actually fit into some jeans I haven't worn in a long time. Yay me!
Got to the dance weekend on Thursday of last week....and I get a message... my dad was taken to hospital in ambulance. To make it short - my mom called the police on him (she has dementia whi...

Great day.... getting back on track!

Thu, 1 Nov 2012 19:32:58 EST

Welcome November!
Tracked all my food and did some cardio. I have clothes to fit into (my daughter's hand me downs....lol). Actually today I was telling her I can't wait till she loses a bit more weight because I have my eye on the jeans she was wearing.

We made it through Sandy without any problems - only lost power for one night and my basement didn't flood. Thank you higher power! I'm praying for all those who were not so fortunate.

Had fun at my Halloween p...

On a Kale kick.

Sun, 14 Oct 2012 19:22:10 EST

I love Kale...and it's so good for you! They call it the "new beef" because of all the nutrients it contains. I made some kale chips to pick on before dinner. I saw a recipe for it. They were quite tasty! I also made my kale salad* to take to work this week for lunch along with my 1/2 sandwich. Yes.... I only take 1/2 a sammy for lunch, on a whole grain or double protein bread and I load it with protein. I actually take a lot of snacks with me and I eat every few hours so 1/2 a sam...

Making it a great day!

Sat, 13 Oct 2012 14:51:56 EST

Always nice to sleep in a bit on a Saturday. I woke with a fresh attitude. I know what I want to accomplish. So I began with facing the scale. To my surprise I haven't gained any weight....I stayed the same since the last time I weighed myself which is over a month ago. I had a healthy breakfast, ran some errands, had a healthy lunch, did some chores and now I'm just taking a few minutes to relax with a cup of hot tea.

Going to have an early dinner - healthy of course - then...

The Queen of excuses!

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 23:57:44 EST

yep! that's what I've become. But in my defense...
About 2 weeks ago I twisted my ankle...was swollen and sore. So I rested it for the week....I didn't do any cardio....but...I could have continued my upper body workout...and my crunches.....but my ankle was sore and swollen....EXCUSE!!!
So...being a trooper...and loving to dance.... I wrapped the ankle tight and went dancing....I danced Saturday night (yes it got painful towards the end of the night...and I went home and elevate...

Some quotes

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 14:05:53 EST

Have a great day!

I'm learing to thrive on challenge!

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 21:41:48 EST

Sure, I get down, have my pity parties (too many sometimes) but I come out of the funk with a smile on my face. I've been smiling a lot lately. Not because things are great - far from it - but I wake up every morning ... I WAKE UP! That's something to celebrate! And I can get out of bed myself, without anyone helping me....another plus! We take so much for granted until we see other people who are not able to do even the little things for themselves.
I'm trying to find humor in l...

Back after a bout with the flu!

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 21:39:06 EST

My last blog was about my 3 day weekend.....which for about 2 weeks before I was getting home from work and feeling exhausted! But I pushed myself....till I couldn't move. I KNOW better.... when my body is tired it's fighting "something" but I didn't listen .. and my body spoke louder.... till I rested.
Now I'm feeling a lot more energetic! Normal again....lol

But my "sick" time gave me chance to read, reflect and re-evaluate my lifestyle. I found that I slipped back in...

Long weekend

Sat, 1 Sep 2012 10:48:41 EST

And I'm going to enjoy it! I hope to accomplish a lot AND find time to have some fun too. I plan on going dancing tonight but have a lot of little chores to do at home first.
I started by sleeping in late....till 8 a.m. and have been just poking this morning, having coffee, reading a bit, making a healthy breakfast and playing with the dog.
A friend is coming over to help me with some repairs.

I really would rather be at the beach but....maybe I'll take a few days...

Today's inspirations

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 18:11:17 EST

And my favorite......

Keep Sparkin'... it works!

Aging...

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 22:01:29 EST

Victim no more!

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 19:30:59 EST

Think I'm having yet another epiphany! Not certain why I always cast myself into a "victim" role. This time it's a victim of my circumstances. I may not have control of what goes on outside my being but I sure do have control of my reaction AND MY actions. Time to move myself forward...again. But, on a positive note, each time I do I get further and further along. Those small steps sure do add up!
I've learned so much about myself from my Spark People journey. I'm still on that journe...

Checking in.....aka grounding myself

Wed, 8 Aug 2012 23:19:35 EST

Writing blogs reminds me that I'm still working to be the healthiest I can be. I think I write these blogs more for me but I appreciate any comments because they make me feel I'm not alone. And it reminds me that I'm not giving up!!! Sure, I make take a step or 20 backwards.... but I still have the drive in me to accomplish the task of being the healthiest I have been in a very long time.

I want to write more but I'm so tired my eyes won't stay open. Let's see if I can get my b...

bought a used car....

Tue, 24 Jul 2012 23:37:59 EST

My first step towards taking control again.. well taking action to have more control. It's a used car but very low mileage. And now I have to think about making car payments again. But I'll do it! It's an great incentive to help me quit smoking. I've cut down so much... (see it in my cash flow...lol - such an expensive, bad habit!!!) But what I was paying for cigarettes..... compromising my health... it will almost make the car payment. And now I have peace of mind when I drive...but ...

Back from my mini vacation!

Sun, 22 Jul 2012 20:24:31 EST

Sometimes a few days away can help you to recharge. It rained almost every day (of course not the day we drove down - well didn't rain till we got there and then coming home today it was clear). But yesterday was sunny and we got to the beach for the day....it was a really beautiful day too! On the rainy days we headed out for walks when the rain let up so I got some exercise. Actually a LOT of exercise because we walked quite a bit... easy to do on when at the beach. We also went out d...

Got it under control?

Sat, 14 Jul 2012 17:36:35 EST

I've got it under control! If I keep saying this I will make it happen.
Better eating day...not perfect...but much better. I got 35 minutes of cardio plus the yard work I did. I don't even bother counting that unless I'm pushing the lawn mower....when I work that HARD I want validation....lol.
My body is craving red meat. Haven't had any in well over a month....so I'm treating myself to a hamburger tonight. I wanted to get a better cut of meat but....too expensive!!! I usu...

OMG...being bad tonight

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 22:00:01 EST

Sat on my deck drinking cocktails, smoking cigarettes and eating potato chips. What is wrong with me? My workday was good... my stress level is not as high as it usually is...maybe my coping mechanism goes out of whack on a Friday night! Off to bed.... going to get up and after coffee (I have trouble functioning before COFFEE... so NOT a morning person) I'm going to do an early workout...then outdoors to trim hedges and work on my non-existent tan! My legs are so pasty...like alabast...

I'm improving

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 22:13:30 EST

I'm eating right (but not tracking...bad girl!).. I'm exercising even though I'm tired and it's been hot (yay for me!..but still not tracking...booo!) And I'm trying to quit smoking...again! I've quit before, so many times..and for long periods of time. I know I will probably gain some weight.... a side effect... and I KNOW the health benefits outweigh the slight weight gain.... but it's such a hard habit to break! But I WILL do it! I'm going to focus on exercising instead of smoking....

Looking back is helping me to move forward!

Wed, 4 Jul 2012 18:45:00 EST

While cleaning I stumbled on some journals I used to keep...I always wrote down how I felt...what was going on in my life, etc. I just read some older blogs on here. I'm glad I wrote things down for a lot a reasons. I also was reading comments on my blogs. People took the time to make a comment which helped me. I want pay this forward!
So after today I've done enough looking back. Time to move forward...again. I've come a long way but I still have so much to do/accomplish. Not...

Being honest with myself

Sun, 27 May 2012 18:12:24 EST

I think it's the most difficult thing I've ever had to do. I find it easier to be honest with others but when I look at myself I wear those "rose" colored glasses. I don't think I'm alone in this either. But I believe in taking a completely honest look at ME I'll grow in a way that I never thought possible. I started today by taking my measurements. I found my measuring tape which was hidden away (wonder how that happened? lol) I know my weight is up but my measurements were not that b...

Some end of weekend thoughts.....

Sun, 20 May 2012 20:32:12 EST

Hope everyone had a great weekend. Weather was perfect here. Nice change after all the rain. I don't mind the rain but it really frizzes my hair and makes me look rather wild!!!
I wanted a busier life and for the past two weekends I've had one. I'm exhausted from the late nights (really, early mornings..lol)!! but I had a lot of fun out dancing with friends. I did find some time to do a little yard work. I'm going to do the yard things a little at a time and not let it consume ...

inspirations...

Tue, 15 May 2012 21:20:50 EST

Have a great week....make it COUNT!!!

Just a few quotes to share

Wed, 9 May 2012 23:54:14 EST

and...my favorite....

When I woke this a.m. everything HURT!!!

Sun, 6 May 2012 18:13:12 EST

My own fault...I've been a bit lazy lately and then I overdid yesterday...lolol. Thankfully my daughter's boyfriend came over and finished mowing the lawn for me....such a wonderful young man! My daughter did almost all of the inside chores.... such a sweetie! This freed me up to do some basic things that didn't require too much movement. The lesson learned......... start exercising and working out more consistently so I don't have another day like today! I actually felt almost helpless...

Accomplished a lot today!

Sat, 5 May 2012 18:04:49 EST

But I feel like I'm going to die...lol... began mowing the lawn. had to wait till afternoon for the grass to dry a bit. It's so high!!! I mowed for a little over an hour..burned a lot of calories but my body is feeling the workout! Tomorrow I'll do another hour or so... I really want to finish it. It usually will take me close to 1 1/2 hours if the grass is shorter but it's not....so I have to go a bit slower so the mower doesn't get jammed..which it kept doing so I had to restart it qui...

Getting psyched for a weekend of yard work!

Fri, 4 May 2012 20:07:12 EST

Really not exciting but it needs to get done..and I find it therapeutic.... trimming the hedges, weeding the flower beds.......and mowing the lawn is great exercise. I know it's going to take a lot of time....just gearing myself up for it... Hey...it's a Friday night... I have places I can go but no money to go there so I'm resting up for a weekend of yard work! I know it will tire me...but will also make me feel good when it's done... accomplishment!!! The only job I'm not looking forw...

CATTI53's SparkPeople Blog

Now that I've found my motivation...

Thoughts on today's weigh in....

Feel like I'm on a roll.......

Found my motivation

Not looking back

Finding the time to get back in shape!

Slowly getting back on track.

I've been outta control

Life is....

Old Blogs

Old Blogs

gained ....

Off to a good start!

More changes in 2013

A new year, a NEW year , a new YEAR, a NEW YEAR?

2012 ....not over yet... I still have much to do!

12 days left in 2012....

Half way thru December

Welcome December!

Giving thanks for all that is wonderful in my life!

Still trying but life seems to be getting in my way.

Great day.... getting back on track!

On a Kale kick.

Making it a great day!

The Queen of excuses!

Some quotes

I'm learing to thrive on challenge!

Back after a bout with the flu!

Long weekend

Today's inspirations

Aging...

Victim no more!

Checking in.....aka grounding myself

bought a used car....

Back from my mini vacation!

Got it under control?

OMG...being bad tonight

I'm improving

Looking back is helping me to move forward!

Being honest with myself

Some end of weekend thoughts.....

inspirations...

Just a few quotes to share

When I woke this a.m. everything HURT!!!

Accomplished a lot today!

Getting psyched for a weekend of yard work!