DAKOTANMISTY's SparkPeople Blog

More drama on the work front

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 18:48:19 EST

Ok, so this blog will be shorter than the last two....those turned out to be books rather than blogs LOL.

Work environment is still a struggle and full of drama. The other day I talked to my boss about a problem I was having with an employee. After I attempted to address her insubordination, she has been cold, and quite frankly rude to me. Apparently, rather than doing as I requested, to discuss with the employee (her, my boss, and me)--per SOP for write ups--my boss spoke to th...

Almost a month into the job/new career?

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 18:19:06 EST

Ok, so thanks to all those buddies that read my LONG blog about the new job. I really needed some words of wisdom/feedback. I will try to make this blog shorter than the last one; but no promises.

Now that I am officially the Operations Manager, I thought I would take some time to reflect how I feel about this new career path. The first few weeks, I was in training, which they called the Quick Start process. I had to take a test to move from Manager In Training (MIT) status to...

New career path and unsure.....

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 18:31:36 EST

Well, I haven't blogged in a long time. because I didn't have anything positive to say/share about my life. These are my thought, so sorry if it's gets convoluted and disjointed.....I can honestly say that I have been in a funk the last few months, brought on by a severe depression due to lack of job, no serious commitment/affection/empathy from my live in boyfriend, and just no joy or purpose to my life. Really, who wants to get out of bed, when all there is to do is clean a house and lo...

I have a new walking buddy.....

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 16:14:15 EST

I know this is going to make me sound like a crazy cat lady; but my new best walking buddy is my cat, Dakota. He is strictly indoors kitty; but he enjoys watching the birds, etc that now he gets to take walks in the neighborhood with me....in a pet stroller!

Opinion requested on what to wear to Garden wedding in New Orleans

Tue, 8 Mar 2011 17:06:04 EST

I have been struggling for two weeks now with deciding what to wear to a Garden wedding in New Orleans this weekend. The ceremony is at 11:30. Nothing like procrastination LOL. I have pondered this question on spark per my status and from the responses, I have determined that a long sun dress would be WRONG. Ergo, I have to face my poor body image. I like to cover up my legs because I don't like the size and shape. Especially the fatty area around my knees. I have done a lot of resea...

Trip to Colorado

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 15:47:33 EST

I have to say, that Denver, CO area is beautiful! I wish we had more time to check out the area. Waking up at 3:45 AM to get to the airport, was totally worth it! By taking the first flight out to Denver, we were able to drive around and do some site seeing before the family functions. We drove around town a bit, before checking into the hotel. Here is a shot taken from the car.

We went to see Red Rocks...

Before and Current photo comparision

Mon, 6 Sep 2010 20:57:18 EST

While I may be in a plateau, I am not discouraged because I have come a long way since I started this journey. I attempted the same pose, as this is taken the location. I am standing at a lookout point on the Foothills Parkway, past the Tennessee/NC Smokey Mountain boarder.

Feb. 2009 and August 2010

What do you wear to weddings in October?

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 17:33:59 EST

I need dress advice. In mid October, my boyfriend and I are going to his cousin's wedding. I have never met/spoken to this girl. The wedding is at 6 pm, and in Colorado. I know the wedding colors are silver and watermelon....

SO, if it was you, what would you wear? Pictures are appreciated ;-) Oh, and for those of you, who don't know me that well, I have a tattoo on my shoulder, that I would prefer not to expose.

I ask this because I have NO idea! I have a prett...

I am making progress with my declutter and organization project

Mon, 9 Aug 2010 18:10:07 EST

Part of my monthly August goals is NOT food/exercise based; but still related to lifestyle change. I want to get my home organized and de-cluttered. I am working in one room at a time, so it won't be too overwhelming. This past week, I went through a few boxes of clothes and dresser drawers. I started making two piles: keep and donate. I pulled out a pair of jeans and held them up, of course right at the moment, my DB walked into the room.....he blurted out something along the lines of "...

A new milestone

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 19:03:06 EST

Last week I was in Kentucky, visiting my cousin and her husband. While I was there, I reached a new milestone in my journey to a new healthy, self-confident self. I attempted to still eat healthy; but I didn't beat myself up if I didn't. On my last night, we went out to dinner. I have become so confident in new lifestyle and body image, that I was able to wear a mini-skirt. I don't think I have done that since, UM......maybe middle school? I have worn dresses and other skirt lengths thr...

A good eating day-100% clean and a tough workout

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 22:49:12 EST

My day didn't start out with a bang; but more like a thud. I woke up, and almost rolled over on my kitty. She gave me this look, as if to say, "Oh, look lazy butt is awake, wonder if she is going to feed me sometime today?" I squinted to look across the room, and was rather shocked to see the time. It was after NOON. I had slept 12 hours!

I slid out of the bed and walked into the kitchen, turned on the coffee pot and fed the kitties. I had to eliminate just about everythi...

I am 10 pounds from my GOAL weight; but I bought my reward

Thu, 27 May 2010 18:24:24 EST

Do you remember that song, "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini"? It was released before I was born; but I am familiar with it......thanks to marketing companies. Yeah, those silly commercials ;-) Anyway, the song basically tells the story of a shy girl wearing a revealing polka dot bikini bathing suit at the beach, who is too afraid to leave the locker room. The chorus is quite catchy.

Anyhow, I found the perfect reward gift for reaching my goal weight. I am 10 ...

I discovered a new

Thu, 20 May 2010 18:26:21 EST

I know this isn't a clean healthy beverage; but I found it really tasty. We went to Target this weekend, and I found this mixer on clearance. So, I thought I would try it. I made myself martini this afternoon......my sister always says that adult beverages make chores more fun. I had a lot of organizing to do this afternoon--this gave me the courage to stop pretending the project of unpacking/de-cluttering away and start working on it. After a few hours, I sorted through all sorts of stu...

Comparision photo

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 16:50:08 EST

It's been a long time since I last blogged, nothing really to report......so I thought I would take the time for a comparision photo to show myself the progress I have made this past year. Start photo vs current

Taken Feb 2009 and Easter 2010.

I think the weight loss is really noticiable in my face from these two photos posing ...

The ABC's of DakotanMisty :-)

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 18:15:39 EST

thought this was a cute idea, so I borrowed it from ANEWMACK's blog.

A is for Age: 35 years young..whoop! 236

B is for Booze: Vodka and Tequila. I LOVE my martinis and margaritas. 297

C is for Career; but since I have been out of work for over a year: searching and exercising is my current job. 331

D is for Dad's name: Herbert AKA Bud 36

E is for Essential items to bring to ...

:-)

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:39:42 EST

Today was an exciting laundry day.....yeah I know that sounds ridiculous. ;-) but while sorting the laundry, I thought gosh, "I wonder if I can fit into my DB's jeans?"

As long as I can remember, I have always wanted to be smaller than my significant other.......maybe I've seen too many movies and TV's shows, showing girl's wearing their man's clothes, or the marketing of "boyfriend jeans". I have always been heavy, so never thought it would be possible for me.

Well, ...

How to beat any food craving?

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 22:25:57 EST

I earned my one Spark point for searching for answers to "How to beat a food craving" then I clicked on this link http://www.theofficediet.com/2008/07/18/ho
w-to-beat-any-food-craving/ As I type this, I am starring at a bag of Reese's pieces, HUGE, (44 ounces) just like all products available at Sam's club LOL. Don't ask me why it's in the house, my DB bought it......

I have pasted this article for myself as a reminder and for other Sparkers....I know this is a struggle for m...

My New Year's Eve Celebration in the Smokey Mountains! (with lots of pics)

Sun, 3 Jan 2010 21:44:15 EST

Part of my Christmas gifts from the boyfriend was a trip to the Smokey Mountains to go skiing at Ober Gatlinberg. Due to the rock slide on the border of TN and NC that occurred this past October, we took an alternate route via VA. This detour added about 40 minutes to the drive, which wasn't that bad, considering the route was less intense mountain roads.

Here is a poster of what we did on New Year's Eve, . It wa...

My Achilles' heel

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:02:07 EST

An Achillesâ€™ heel is a fatal weakness in spite of overall strength, that can actually or potentially lead to downfall. While the mythological origin refers to a physical vulnerability, metaphorical references to other attributes or qualities that can lead to downfall are common.

To quote a slang phrase used on http://icanhascheezburger.com/........I haz it!

I know it was wrong, I caved! But, ...

I have LOST 50 pounds and I have no intention to go looking for em ;)

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:18:51 EST

It's been a long journey, these past 8 months. I am proud of my accomplishments and know that my new life is on the horizon. As of Saturday, November 14th I have lost 50 pounds!! 244 and 32.5 inches!! (total from bust, natural waist, waist at belly button, high & low hip, and thighs). I was wearing an 18/20 and now I can wear 8/10. My goal weight is 10 pounds away.

My BMI was 31.6 (obese) and now 24.0 (healthy). I have to admit, that just for fun, I plugged in...

Looking for motivation, try on the "START" jeans

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:47:08 EST

Ok, so maybe it's this rainy weather, it;'s so dark and dreary that I haven't wanted to do anything much today besides curl up in blankets with my kitties. I decided that to go find those "START" jeans. I have given away just about all the clothes I used to wear, except these jeans. I don't ever want to fit into them again. So, I am keeping them as a reminder, and today I needed that little push to put on my work-out clothes and get moving. I got the idea of taking the start jeans, and...

New Shoes

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 22:49:53 EST

I am two pounds away from my next weight loss goal reward, so this weekend, I selected a fitness shoe. I went to the Adidas Outlet store (Concord, NC) and purchased the Adidas Rava Microbounce. I am so excited about them. They are very light, have great support and feel wonderful. Because the store is an outlet location and it was their grand opening, I think I got a great deal. The shoe is normally $120 and I paid $75.00.

Here is a picture of my new shoes......the store g...

New ST program

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 20:09:09 EST

I have been debating if I was strong enough to do Cathe Friedrich's STS program for a few months now. I am pleased with my weight loss and strength improvement during this journey, but am annoyed with the current plateau. Perhaps, the free day on the weekend is killing me; I have been gaining, loosing and maintaining the same 6 pounds for several weeks now.

So, I decided that I am ready to step it up a notch. I want to get rid of these last 13 pounds. So, I bought myself an ...

I found my new favorite ice cream fix ;-)

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 22:58:46 EST

DB & I went to the grocery store to pick up a few items and when he went down the ice cream isle, I feared this was going to get UGLY LOL. However, I went to the Popsicle and frozen yogurt section, while stood in front of the freezers of the high fat variety. He picked up his favorite, cookie dough flavor & I found something just for me.....80 calories of total bliss LOL.

I tried the mint flavor tonight...

Recap of trip to Louisville, KY for my cousin's wedding

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:09:38 EST

I have been home from the trip to Louisville, KY for a few days now. I have been kicking myself for not talking pictures of family members outside of the wedding reception. I know the matron of honor had her camera with her during the wedding day salon time, so I am hoping that someone took pics of the rehearsal or the rehearsal dinner. When the bride and groom return from their honeymoon, I am hoping to have access to the professional pics (most days they are available on line).
...

You are number #1 and need to tell yourself every day!

Fri, 9 Oct 2009 17:18:14 EST

I have been working on my self-esteem, self-confidence and self-doubt during my journey to loose weight, get stronger and healthy. I have always been the bubbly outgoing friend; but also always the self-conscious. What should have taken me 10 minutes to decide on what to wear to meet friends for dinner/drinks/shopping etc. would take hours--Not because I was indecisive but because I wanted to find just the right outfit that camouflaged what I saw in the mirror. I realize now, is that no m...

New hair do for a new me!

Wed, 7 Oct 2009 18:33:25 EST

I decided that even though I am not at my goal weight, I still earned the reward of a new hair do. I wanted to be 150-155 pounds by my cousin's wedding (next Friday). Right now, I am pretty close to reaching that goal weight range.

After a lot of deliberation, I worked with my hair dresser and decided it was a good time of year to go darker with my hair, I am now closer to my natural color, which I haven't seen in about a decade! She pointed out that this was also an excell...

Pictures of my journey

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 18:08:01 EST

I got this idea from other fellow Sparkers that have posted various pictures before during and after their transformation to a healthy lifestyle. I have about 17 more pounds to loose before I reach my goal weight. However, I am proud of my accomplishments thus far. When I started the program, my BMI was 31.6 (obese category) and now I am on the high spectrum of the healthy weight with BMI with 24.9. I have lost 43 pounds and 5 pant sizes.

Here is a picture taken of me in 2008...

Progress Measurement Check

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 18:43:36 EST

As of today---
I have lost 41.2 pounds
I can now wear a loose 12s jeans and comfortable 10s jeans. I was was wearing an 18/20
I wear a medium top (sometimes large depending on the cut), I used to wear a XL
I can wear a size 8 halter dress---I have no have no idea, since I don't wear dresses. But, I checked my closet for the dress that I wore to the last wedding I attended--April of 2008. It is a size 14 Halter style cocktail dress
My BMI is 25.2 it was 31.6
I ...

Treadmill Improvement

Sat, 12 Sep 2009 13:10:28 EST

On Wednesday afternoon--Sept. 9th, I went into the Cruise ship's gym. I knew I had to do a serious workout, to make up for the time off and extra calorie intake. I turned on my Ipod and hopped on the treadmill. Once I was warmed up, I decided to jog (no incline). I told myself, just a few minutes, and then go back to walking, I figured intervals would be my best option. Well, I ran for 35 minutes! 186 198 244 . I didn't know I could do that! I am sure th...

Summary of today's interview

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:13:39 EST

Thanks to all for the well wishes on my interview today! I really appreciate the support and advice on what to wear. I have been out of work for almost a year now. This was the first interview in 7 months. It was a wonderful, nerve racking and stressful experience. I planned for extra traffic and arrived early. I reviewed my notes in the car before entering the building. The interview lasted about 40 minutes. I think it well. He thanked me several times for agreeing to meet with him at ...

Suit options for interview on Monday---final two??

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 14:56:00 EST

Thank you to all who left comments and suggestions to the question about which suit was the best for the account manager position interview. Here are the final two I am debating to wear. Help me decide which one is the best choice? I am meeting with the Vice President of Human Resources. Thank you in advance for your help!!!

One is black with white pinstripes and the other is brown with green pinstripes. The shirt is burgandy/eggplant.

Fri, 7 Aug 2009 10:46:31 EST

For the past month, the scale and I have not been getting along. The scale enjoyed showing me the results of working hard on weekdays and splurging on the weekends. So, for at least the last three weeks, I would gain one or two pounds loose it, or stay the same. Basically, hoovering over the boarder of a new set of numbers.

224 , I was so excited to see a different set of numbers on the scale this morning, that I took a picture of the display (after stepping on and ...

I rewarded myself

Thu, 6 Aug 2009 21:36:03 EST

I did well today with my workout today. I did a "new to me" cardio and weight workout, that burned 777 calories in 83 minutes (includes the warm up stretch cool down and equipment changes).

I did better with my food. My Carb / Fat / Protein Breakdown was:

Fats 39.9%
Carbohydrates 39.9%
Proteins 20.2%

I think the fats were drastically lower than this readout because I ordered my meal dry and no salad dressing; but no nutritional information with t...

My August Goals---Update-Didn't quite make them

Wed, 5 Aug 2009 22:00:51 EST

I have decided for the month of August to focus on strength training. Meaning, I am going to include upper, lower and abs strength training to my routine. After losing 30 pounds and several inches, I think I should be stronger? I know my cardio endurance has increased and flexibility improved.

So, my personal challenges this month are:

1. To be able to do regular push-ups. Right now, I can do drop sets on my knees.
2. Strengthen my core so that I can compl...

My ideal body weight

Sun, 2 Aug 2009 15:43:25 EST

Do you know your ideal body weight? Is your goal weight within this range? Do you only refer to the BMI charts to compute your ideal/goal weight? For years, people looked up their weight on tables drawn from insurance company statistics. While those are still around, this is a newer, more accurate way to calculate what is truly a healthy weight range for you.

You need to know what is your body frame size. Do this by wrapping your thumb and major fingers around your smallest part...

Shout out to my SP buddies on the Tae Bo Team

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 23:49:43 EST

I am taking this opportunity to exclaim my appreciation and love to my SP buddies on the Taebo team. 247 . Those girlies make me stay accountable to my fitness goals EVERY DAY! I was making all sorts of excuses to not do my afternoon workout. LNWOLF72 (an awesome leader who gives me inspiration and motivation on a daily basis) and SHEWRITES1 motivated me off the couch and away from the TV. After dinner, I got my sweat on, and burned 661 calories!!! That made my daily calorie...

Family Visit

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 20:59:34 EST

Well the past week, I've have been very busy--with Southern Hospitality! First, my mom and dad drove up from Atlanta for a visit and then my BF's Dad and Step mom drove over from Ohio for a few days. I am worn out! I slept until almost 12:30 today! It took every ounce of energy I had to get my cardio workout in this afternoon. Even then, I wasn't able to give it 100%. Jillian Micheals is one mean trainer! I walked in place several times, in order to catch my breath and lower my he...

I lost 30 pounds with Spark People as of Today

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:18:11 EST

Today was my weekly weigh in, and to my delight, the 192 went 55 . I am 30 pounds lighter 224 .

I am getting stronger and more self confident. I have complained in previous blogs about my BF's failure to acknowledge my progress; but I am over that. I know that I don't need his approval, comments or compliments because I am doing this for me!

The Snack Monster

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 23:53:48 EST

Why does my stomach want to eat at 11:45 at night?? I tried water, chewing gum and nothing seemed to work. I would go to bed; but I had coffee at dinner, so I am WIDE awake. The snack craving monster got me. The cravings got the better of me; but at least I made a smart choice by grabbing an apple.

Took the tags off the "I hope to fit into these jeans" today

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 18:41:17 EST

We have all done it. Bought a cute shirt, dress or pants that don't fit. You tell yourself, I will loose weight and fit them. Usually that piece of clothing goes into the closet or dresser and forget all about it. I pulled a pair of jeans out of my dresser drawer, that still had the price tag on it. I remember buying them, because I was so excited that the Calvin Klein jeans were on sale, $20 bucks! Well, 224 I tried them on and they fit! Even better, not megga tight, but...

Overview of my trip to Cocoa Beach, FL

Thu, 9 Jul 2009 21:56:37 EST

Over the Holiday weekend 283 232 , my DB took me to Cocoa Beach, FL. He said it was a way to celebrate my birthday and the 4th of July (my birthday was June 28th). We flew to Orlando on July 2nd, and rented a car to drive to Cocoa Beach (45 minutes).

We were really tired, so picked up McDonald's for a midnight dinner 489 486 ! Not a good start on my calorie intake on vacat...

I reached my first mini-weight loss goal of 25 pounds!!! WOO-HOO

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:40:21 EST

After a LOT of sweat and self-determination, I have 248 . Through all the temptations and sabotages from my DB, I am now 25 pounds lighter! 244 . Even though I gave into few temptations, and saw the consequences on the scale. I never gave up, and burned those pounds back off. The biggest challenge for me right now is my stupid BF. I really wish he would be supportive. When he is craving the BAD foods, pizza, wings, and beer, why can't he go out with his boys and en...

YAY for positive feedback on my weight loss journey!

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:51:08 EST

My weekend at the lake was a wonderful retreat. I truly enjoyed the time I spent with my sister and my parents. The weekend trip started out with a big ego boost. When my sister picked me up; she said WOW YOU LOOK GREAT!!!! You've lost a lot of weight. 244 30 . I hadn't seen her since our trip to Atlantic City (last weekend in March). She made me do that whole circle dance thing, you know where the person looking at you modeling can see all angles....
My mom s...

OH Happy Day!

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:33:31 EST

Oh Happy Day!!! The scale didn't laugh at me...it finally caved! I am no longer in the 180's. Granted, it's just 1.4 less than that number bracket; but it still gave me a BIG smile! Perhaps, it was the fact that I added Cathe Friedrich workouts. These new "tougher" workouts shocked my body and created BIGGER calorie burn. The new routine created a calorie differential of -1,360 on Monday and -1,208 on Tuesday.

I was so stoked, that while I was changing into my workout cl...

The elusive ticker

Tue, 9 Jun 2009 23:39:17 EST

I have been a champion of the belief that what the scale says is NOT the most important. I TOTALLY believe the endurance improvement (cardio strength) and the tape measure are important players in achieving my goal to healthy lifestyle. Lately, I seem to be obsessing over making the elusive ticker on my SP page move down. As I stood on the scale yesterday, I felt as if it was laughing at me. My 193 is semi-high tech.. it's digital and so it beeps as it calculates....I mention...

Was it a treat or sabotage?

Wed, 3 Jun 2009 15:13:40 EST

I am pretty sure I have complained about this before; but I just don't understand it. My lovely live in boyfriend stopped at the gas station on the way home from work yesterday evening. This particular gas station is one of those GIANT truck stops, that has everything! Including a red box movie rental box and Burger King. He knew I was cooking dinner, so he picked up two medium Strawberry Milkshakes from the BK. Holy Crap, that is 660 calories!! He can afford those calories; but I can...