NINNYBUM's SparkPeople Blog

I suck at life.

Sun, 24 Jun 2012 11:12:21 EST

Not long ago I blogged positive vibrant thoughts.

I was on my way to the new and improved me, and no one was allowed to get in my way. I had it all figured out, and I was taking on the world. Then it happened. I started to suck at life.

You know what I mean. When nothing seems to go right and you feel like you're running around in circles? Yeah- that kind of suck.

Suddenly my daily workouts were no longer routine, and my meals were un-prepared. I left the...

Little victories...

Wed, 9 Nov 2011 10:35:39 EST

So I've been delaying trying on my winter jackets- for obvious reasons.

I am currently 20 lbs heavier than last year at this time. I am however in the same size clothes since then. (THANK YOU STRENGTH TRAINING).

This morning as I was getting ready, I ran to the closet to grab my fall jacket. But before putting it on I glanced at my winter jacket.... "should I try it?" "If it doesn't fit, I'll let it get to me all day" " It shouldn't matter if it fits or not, it's ...

1st Week Challenge Update!

Tue, 8 Nov 2011 10:46:15 EST

So I am on my 8th day of the November Challenge. So far, so good. My first week I lost 2lbs, which is great! However, I thought that I would get a higher number since I've cut out so many carbs. But a loss is a loss, and I'll take it! :)

I also decided to order Jillian Michaels 30 day Shred DVD. I know my trainer, Scott, is probably thinking, WTH! I have a great plan for you, and there's not need for it! lol But- the fact that the workouts are only about 20-25 minutes long- i...

My letter to Friday....

Fri, 4 Nov 2011 09:42:55 EST

Dear Friday-

I'm so excited when you arrive. After a long week of work, sweat, and nutritional commitment- I eagerly await making plans with you. However, there is a problem...

While the anticipation builds for a couple of days rest, I start to get nervous. I worry about the social gatherings I must attend, and the possibility of taking the wrong turn on my path to a happy healthier me.

What if my friends decide to order pizza for a snack? Or invite us for ...

I'm AWESOME! Are you AWESOME?

Thu, 3 Nov 2011 12:21:53 EST

I'm a vibrant woman. If you asked my grand mother, she'd probably say I'm full of piss and vinegar! My mother would say I'm ambitious and courageous. My husband would tell you I'm focused and determined. They know me well.

So why can't I bring this side of me to the table when it comes to my career and social life?

I've spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to let people see the real me- but it's hard to be honest with yourself. It makes you feel vulnerable, an...

When did SP become the new FB?

Wed, 2 Nov 2011 11:22:18 EST

We all know Facebook is addictive.

You log in- check on your friends- post a few ha ha funny comments on their page- throw your opinion here and there on topics that should have probably never been mentionned on FB to begin with- and then repeat about a hundred times throughout the day thanks to your mobile device, and office computer.

But at what point did Spark become the new Facebook?

I no longer spend my free time checking up on my friends weekend getaw...

November Challenge: Day 1

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 09:52:04 EST

249

Yuck. Ew. Ugh...

Oatmeal. I've had difficulty eating it my entire life. The texture is gross. The taste is boring. The overall idea of it makes me want to vomit. For real. It took me like 35 minutes to get it down this morning! Why you ask did I chose it for breakfast? Because I thought I could make it yummi and fun. Well....Epic Fail on that attempt.

But no worries- I shall move on, and chose a better breaky tomorrow. Perhaps one that d...

November Challenge! Are you up for it!?

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 10:08:04 EST

There’s a lot to consider when you’re putting a challenge together for yourself.

What are your goals? How much time can you dedicate to succeed? Is it realistic? Is it really a challenge?

I could easily state that I will not drink soda, stay away from potato chips, and avoid desert for an entire month! You would read these statements and think wow. Good for her! But what you don’t know is that I already don’t eat those things on a regular basis, if at all. What kind ...

WOW! Eye opener!

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 12:39:45 EST

Salt.

It does such bad things to our bodies, and it's taken me this long to figure it out.

(Please note that I know SODIUM is necessary for our bodies. But the salt I'm talking about isn't the right kind!)

Below are a few images I wanted to share with you. I hope this opens your eyes as much as it did mine. The first image was taken on September 16th at my friends wedding.

<...

What I want- and how I'm going to make it happen.

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 09:49:08 EST

This whole "journey" isn't just about looking good. It's about so much more to me.

As much as the physical part of it will be a bonus, I just want to be happy.

Of course being able to wear a pair of jeans that make you feel sexy, and getting dressed up for a formal event in a dress that makes you feel like a vixen is great- but it needs to be about so much more than that.

I want to feel comfortable in my own skin.
I want people to see the real me, not th...

One step at a time...

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:40:33 EST

It's funny how one day you can wake up ready to take on the world, and the next day you're barely functioning.

My last real attempt at this thing they call a "program" or better yet "lifestyle" change was early August. I somehow let my old self take over and I've started to gain.

Luckily- I have only put 2 lbs back on. In those 2 and a half months I've been to Vegas for a week, and I've been away on 2 weekend getways. Damage could have been much worse. But I am sti...

I'm still here- barely....

Tue, 4 Oct 2011 21:45:29 EST

I'm really disapointed in myself.

Actually, a little furious.

I haven't gained, nor have I completely fallen off the wagon.

I have however, stopped making me a priority.

I have not worked out consistently in weeks. A workout here and there isn't going to do it. Work has taken over my life- and as much as I love it, and I'm good at it, it doesn't mean that I don't get to be a priority.

As discussed with my trainer earlier, tomorrow morni...

Ugh...don't want to be THAT girl, but I am. Today, I really am.

Fri, 9 Sep 2011 10:25:25 EST

So I knew there would be ups and downs on this "journey" of mine. To be honestly though- I thought I was finally over it. You know what I'm talking about. You've been there too.

- I've never felt so good in my life! I'm not going back to my old ways! I'd be crazy to. I feel too good in my skin right now.

- I've got this. I'm there. I still have work to do, but I'm there. I've finally committed to this lifestyle.

- I'm finally going to make me a priority. ...

ERROR on the SCALE! FOR real ! :(

Fri, 2 Sep 2011 16:18:04 EST

I just had to double blog today.

I just found out my scale was 10lbs OFF! I thought I was out of the 240's! BUT noooooooooo! I am right in there!!! When I thought I had 60 lbs left to lose, I actually had 70!!!

Omg- what a let down. I mean at the end of the day it doesn't change anything! I was still that weight when I started....but my goodness!!!

So my offical weight is now 245- not 235. Which I suppose is better to find out now, rather than later.
...

Halle Berry- Hot. Jessica Alba- Stunning. Jennifer Aniston- Gorgeous. Me- All of the above! haha

Fri, 2 Sep 2011 10:23:57 EST

Why is it that we admire women like Halle Berry, Jessica Alba, and Jennifer Aniston for their beautiful bodies- but yet hate on them so much for it!?

I mean seriously-

I am certainly learning a whole lot with my new lifestyle. It’s crazy how much your mentality changes once you start making these better choices.

For example-

How many of you have thought at one point or another that one of the above mentioned famous ladies, or any other for that mat...

Chunky Monkey Anonymous

Thu, 1 Sep 2011 12:19:09 EST

I have decided that today is the first day of @$$ kickin'.

Up until now I have been dedicated, and I cannot fault myself for that- but I need to really kick it into high gear.

The holiday season is fast approaching. The long winter days are soon on their way. The vacation down south with plenty of temptations is inevitable. I need to be prepared.

Today, I am signing up for Chunky Monkey Anonymous. 246

What is this program I speak of...

Why I am inspired every single day- What can you add to the list!?

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 12:15:33 EST

I know I talk about it all the time-

I realize it's probably getting a little repetitive-

I get that you might not want to hear it anymore- However....

Each and every single word, sentence or thought you post is what keeps me going every single day.

I log in. Track my progress. Share my thoughts, and read yours.

It never fails- I am in complete awe of every single one of you.

If only all of you knew, that you're all responsi...

Progress Pics! Almost 9 weeks on SPARK!

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 12:19:38 EST

Just another little blog to share some progress pics. I am terrible at taking good pictures, I should probably have my husband take them for me, but here they are non the less.

9 weeks ago

Today

9 weeks ago

This caught him off guard because A) he has a few beers. LOL, and B) this is not the kind of question I would normally ask.

He went on to say t...

I'm not a poet- but this one's for you Sparkies!

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 11:32:56 EST

I started on Spark just a few weeks ago,
With no intention of taking part in the flow.
The blogging, the posting, measurements and nutrition,
I’m constantly on this site, it’s my latest addiction.

The people who support me, get me and understand,
That without the right dedication things won’t go as planned.

Yes I’m overweight and I have ways to go,
I need to keep working for progress to show.
It’s not going to be easy, nobody said it would b...

Nearly Naked Workout!?

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 10:54:09 EST

Last night I met an old co-worker for dinner. She had invited me last week, and I agreed to meet her as long as I could get out of there early enough because I had scheduled a run that evening.

Well- it didn’t quite work out as planned. It was nice to see her and catch up, but we went on and on, that by the time I got home- it was dark out.

*Please note I behaved and ordered a salad and bruschetta combo! YUM!

Anyway, when I got home, my husband had still n...

Don't judge me by my cover!

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 10:25:10 EST

A few weeks ago a dear friend of mine started asking me different questions regarding my new found love for running.

This friend is about 5’8”, no more than 135 lbs. Every time I look at her I think to myself- “Wow, she must eat so well.” I know she doesn’t play sports or workout much, so her nutrition must be up to par? Some things can be deceiving.

Sunday, she came along as I shopped for a new dress and workout gear. We talked a little more about running, and she ...

Refrigerator makeover!!!

Sat, 13 Aug 2011 18:27:00 EST

Alright, so I decided to go through my fridge today and give it a complete makeover. I've been struggling a little with keeping track of nutrition, and figured the only way to stay on the right path is to make sure there's nothing there enticing me.

Enter exhibit A) The empty refrigerator.

I wish I would have thought of it before I emptied it. However, this will get me in less trouble with my tr...

Letter to my trainer.

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 11:04:51 EST

Dear Trainer-

You suck. I hate you. Every morning when I wake up, your demon voice whispers in my ear- “get your a$$ out of bed”. I’m tired. I want to sleep in, but no. You won’t let me.

Since we have met I have spent countless hours at the gym, rather than sitting my butt on the couch. I miss my television shows, and I hate the fact that I am not up to date on the latest of Jerseyshore. I take that back, I hate that smut and appreciate not being available to watch i...

Whale Blubber. Ugh...Enough already.

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 10:30:59 EST

I can be a girlie girl. I like to paint my nails, get my hair did and pamper myself from time to time. I've always worn make-up. Not in excess, but in detail. Concealer, cover up, blush, liner, eye shadow, mascara, bronzer, lip stick, or gloss. I have never been able to leave the house without ALL of it. As I was getting ready this morning, something inside of me just sparked.

- Why do I feel the need to cover my face with all of this junk?

Yes, I will always beli...

I'm so creative....lol Check this out!

Tue, 9 Aug 2011 10:44:50 EST

I was having a bad day and thought to myself....

So I called my friend, and she said to me.....

I then realized she was right and looked for some additional support and found out....

I read this quote- and felt really good abou...

What is a small victory?

Mon, 8 Aug 2011 10:56:00 EST

244 Painting your toe nails, and not having to stop in between each of them because you can't reach. I can paint 'em all without a problem!

244 Turning your head to look at your blind spot while driving, and not feeling your eight chins rub up against your shoulder. Eww. I can see ALL oncoming traffic without this being an issue now.

244 Going up and down the stairs to make it to my office, and not having to detour to a co-workers offic...

5 weeks on Spark + Personal Trainer = Great Progress Pics!

Sat, 6 Aug 2011 09:04:51 EST

Well here they are fellow Sparkies. A few before and after pictures of my lifestyle changes thus far. I can't believe that in such a short period of time, I have been able to make so many little changes to my body and mind!

First off my face. I have been taking a picture of my face the first thing every morning with my webcam, just so I could see progress over the course of this entire journey. Also, because I feel when I eat certain things my face swells up, and I am concerned...

I NeEd A bEtTeR sLeEp RoUtInE!

Tue, 2 Aug 2011 11:59:34 EST

I'm going to keep this short and sweet.

I am not making it to bed early enough.

I have so much on my plate, I cannot help but have a million things to do every night when I get home.

For example: Tonight I must prepare for a big presentation. Meet with a client which will take about 2 hours. Go home, pack for my over night trip- where I will be doing my presentation. Get my workout in because I didn't get to go this morning. ( I slept right through my alarm)....

The 100 Workout- You want in? PART 2

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 09:44:05 EST

So.... Today is the day!!! The 100 Workout Challenge is upon us!!!

I have to say I was really pumped for my workout this morning. I went to bed early last night to make sure I was well rested for the challenge. When I got to the gym I found out we had recruited one more person to join us! How cool is that?

I started off really strong this time! Better than last week, and I think that's what helped me finish in record time! 25:30! I SHAVED 4minutes, and 50 seconds OF...

After years, I found my best friend!

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 10:44:28 EST

I have to tell you this story-

It’s about an old friend of mine. She was a really great person who cared so much about everyone in her life. We always had so much fun- whether we were shopping for a new outfit, on a small getaway, or simply enjoying the company of friends and family.

We were really close. I knew everything about her. Her favourite colour, movie, song, the list goes on. She had a way of getting me and understanding me. She always knew what to say ...

One month on Spark- COMPLETED

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 09:54:15 EST

Today is weigh in day, and the end of my first month on SPARK!

In the past, weigh in day was the day to see big numbers drop on the scale.

Three, four, five even six pounds was not unusual. I was losing weight, and I was happy and excited about my progress every time I saw the numbers dropping. At this time, I wasn't measuring inches, although now I know better, and realize I probably wouldn't have lost many anyway.

My programs would include, meal replacements...

My husband was in love with another woman.

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 10:25:07 EST

Shocking- but true.

I have married an unbelievable man. At the young age of 19 I decided I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him, and we were married shortly after my 20th Birthday. This October we'll be celebrating 6 years married and I can honestly say we're still going strong.

But I'd be lying if I didn't tell you that at one point, I thought I was losing him.

When we first met we were both quite active. I was in the best shape of my life-
...

1/2 Marathon in Vegas?!

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 12:38:49 EST

Recently I expressed interest in training for a half marathon. I was so excited about it! My husband and I talked about training together, and then making our way to Las Vegas December 4th, for the Rock n’ Roll run. Pumped! Super duper excited!

Until…

I spoke with my trainer. After just 3 weeks of working on increasing my strength, I have seen great progress. I’ve lost several inches, 6.5 lbs, and my confidence is through the roof. So much that he forced me to take ...

The 100 Workout- You want in?

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 09:46:07 EST

This morning I completed The 100 Workout. Let me tell you a little more about it...

• 100 jumping jacks
• 90 crunches
• 80 squats
• 70 leg lifts
• 60 jumping jacks
• 50 crunches
• 40 squats
• 30 leg lifts
• 20 jumping jacks
• 10 minutes of running

Enough said.

I recruited my sister, and a cousin of mine to join.

For the first time in a LONG time, I was able to keep up, AND above all compete for time! ...

The Ugly Truth

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 09:55:13 EST

Well here it is- The Ugly Truth.

Hi my name is Karine, and I have actively participated in a fad diet. I have spent lots of money on something that promised me the world, without really improving my fitness. The program was to have me lose 25 lbs a month until I reached my goal. I was going to be thin and “healthy” in just months. It was going to be fantastic. Exactly what I needed. Until I discovered, The Ugly Truth.

This program that I chose to participate with w...

MAKE YOUR OWN CHOICES!

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 14:38:15 EST

I have recently been the victim of verbal fitness training choice abuse. It wasn’t pretty. It hurt, and made me confused. It made me question my choices, question my trainer, question my goals.

I see clearly now.

BUTT OUT! It’s my own damn business and there’s nothing you or anyone else can do to stop me!

That is all.

Make your choices. Be proud of them. And drop kick anyone who gets in your way!
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You're a real hottie! :p

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 10:03:33 EST
So- I got up super early this morning! Far earlier than I usually do, and so I decided to get an early start at the gym!

To my surprise, there were several people there already. Including the little janitor man that cleans up in the AM.

I would say he's probably around 35-36 years of age.

He always says hello to my sister and I, and tells us how beautiful we are. When he says this, I always think to myself that he is just acknowledging my sister, not me. ...

Life's little twists and turns.

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 09:48:56 EST
For the first time in a long time I was seeing clearly. I had a vision of who I wanted to be and how I was going to become this person.

It wasn't going to be a particularly easy path- or something that I was going to take on lightly. It was going to be something I long awaited for. Something just for me.

Over the weekend I received some news that has really brought me down. It is not particularly bad news, nor is it good news. It's just news that is dramatically tak...

Energy- How much do you have?

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 09:53:39 EST
I work in an office where our product warehouse is attached to the admin area. Yesterday, one of the workers informed me that he had been drinking 2 Monster Energy drinks a day, and he was loving the burst of energy he was getting form them! He believes these drinks are fantastic- and admitted that they make him crash around 8 or 9 pm. "That's okay though," he says, "I am full of energy all day when it counts".

WOW- what a statement. Over the last several weeks I have really pu...

My top 10 rules when going to the gym! (Before and After)

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 10:04:36 EST
BEFORE

#1 Wear something simple, and preferably black and baggy. That will slim me down right?

#2 Stick to cardio and maybe a few weights- You have no clue what you're doing you'll look like a fool!

#3 Make no eye contact. Look at all these people they are in much better shape than you.

#4 Make sure you look somewhat pretty- You'll be all sweaty at least if your hair looks good something about you will look good.

#5 If the gym is too bus...

It needs to be a personal choice.

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 09:46:36 EST
I have had a lot of negative feedback lately on my program.

I should probably say program lightly- What I guess I mean is- I am getting negative feedback on the choices I am making to lead me through this journey.

I go to the gym 5-6 days a week- That excites me.
I also run 4-5 evenings a week - That motivates me.
I am committed to a strict diet- That will make me healthier.
I am also revolving my life around all of this- That's because for the first time ...

It's okay to take a break, right?

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 09:28:59 EST
I have been ridiculously focused on my training and nutrition lately. I am at the gym early AM, I run later in the evening, I stick to veggies for snacks, and eat tons of protein and try to avoid an overload in carbs.

I am seeing progress- which leads me to believe that it's all working, which is fantastic! I'm super excited about it.

Someone ( a wise trainer man I know..haha) told me to listen to my body. I woke up this morning, and was feeling tired. A little wor...

Your face is shrinking.

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 10:18:08 EST
Skinnier face- Check
Oversize pants- Check
Comfortable shirts- Check
Increased endurance- Check
Gaining strength- Check
Tightening butt and other body parts- Check
Losing tons of weight- Nope.
Gaining from losing inches, getting stronger, and being overall better fit and confident. CHECK CHECK CHECK CHECK CHECK.

Don't rely on the scale- GET UP- GET MOVING- GET FIT.

I know I am! You can too!!

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If you run- Please check these out!!

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 20:37:22 EST
So today I picked up my first pair of Vibram Fivefinger shoes!

If you like the outdoors, and you enjoy hiking or running- these guys are awesome!

I bought the KOMODO SPORT ones- made for running and fitness.

It's like running barefoot! But being protected by a great sole, with lots of support.

You need to check out their site:

www.vibramfivefingers.com/index.htm

My sister has had a pair for over a year now- ...

Are you getting everything out of your workout?

Sat, 9 Jul 2011 15:38:41 EST
I wasn't. I was walking out of the gym feeling good about making it there, but unhappy with the workout. I felt like I needed more. I needed a challenge.

I contemplated how I was going to accomplish my goals. Get to where I wanted to go. And how I wanted to get there.

What did I do?I found a trainer. An online trainer at that.

Today was my first structured workout in years. I accomplished more today than probably all of my workouts last week! lol