STLRFNS's SparkPeople Blog

How did it happen?

Mon, 6 May 2013 21:54:06 EST

In early February, I reached what my sister and I refer to as Onderland. That is that beautiful spot where you weigh less than 200 lbs. I got all the way down to 196 - I was so proud. Yet, here I am today with a weight of 205.9 - really? Really! Really.....

So it started when my daughter started throwing up blood on February 6th. We went to the ER - they sent us home - nothing was wrong with her. We spent the next three weeks with her vomiting everything she ate. She had to...

I'm back because this is my year!

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 21:16:30 EST

So I stopped blogging in September right before I went to Vegas. I was so dedicated before our trip. When I got back, I stayed on track with my food but stopped working out all together.

I made myself a promise with the new year that I'm going to concentrate on losing weight, getting fit, and taking care of myself. I've been very proud of myself for not gaining any weight but I do notice that the clothes I wore in Vegas look different than they did then. I've lost a lot of de...

Sick and nervous

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 19:36:20 EST

I have been sick for the past two days - sicker than I have been in a really long time. To add to that, I have a second interview tomorrow for a new management position in my department. My first interview was Monday and since I was called within two hours of it ending for a second one - I'm thinking it went pretty well.

But how am I supposed to be in top form tomorrow. If I call in sick again which I should probably do, how will that look? If I go in weak as I am, how good of ...

Heading to Onederland

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 10:18:34 EST

My sister and I call being under 200 lbs - Onederland and I'm so heading there. I took my cousin's advice and have been eating 1200 calories a day and 1500 when I work out since Saturday. Imagine my surprise this morning at the 2 lb weight loss this week!

I'm feeling very accomplished because my birthday was Monday and even with my daughter making my favorite cheesecake - I'm staying on track. I think writing everything down is such a huge key for me. It really keeps me on trac...

And the light bulb went on

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 23:09:45 EST

I talked to my cousin before boot camp about my snail pace of losing. I love my cousin - she is an amazing person and she so helped me. #1 - we discovered that I have dropped about 8 inches total since February so add that to the 22 pound weight loss and that is great.

She also told me I have to eat 1200 calories a day no matter what. If I work out and burn 300 calories, she expects me to put the 300 back in there. She believes my body thinks it is starving and that's why it is...

I'm gonna keep swimming and swimming and swimming.....

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 22:56:47 EST

Well not literally but figuratively. The scale is not my friend - the scale is currently my tormentor.

I made a comment today to a friend that I feel like if I'm not focused on my husband, kids, and job - I spend all of my time planning my food and workout. And miraculously, I'm managing to fit it all in. So why is the scale such a hater. My calories are great, the type of food I'm eating is good, my water is good, and my exercise is good. Put it all together and it should equ...

Boot Camp Kicked My Butt

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 23:46:03 EST

Saturday, my friend and I went to my cousin's boot camp. OMG, an hour and a half of complete intensity. I still hurt today so it was a good workout! I'm the heaviest one and probably one of the oldest people there so I know it's all harder for me but I won't give up.

I went to the gym tonight but only did 11.35 on the bike in 32 minutes. I'm hoping it helps the soreness in my legs at least a little.

Happy Tuesday!

Do you hear that - that is the sound of the happy dance!

Thu, 6 Sep 2012 14:20:04 EST

Who would have ever thought that a .5 lb weight loss could generate so much joy? But when you have been on what feels like the longest plateau ever (not really - only a month) - it feels like forever. And I am doing the happy dance - jumping on the scale to see it was finally under 208 made my day!

Yeeha! 9

Finished strong - 159.53 miles in August!

Tue, 4 Sep 2012 14:28:54 EST

Well I did it - I beat my goal of 100 miles in August and managed to even beat 150 miles. Life is crazy so I don't always get a chance to document what I've done the day I do it.

I'm really happy that I made my goal - not sure what I'm going to do for September yet. I'm starting a boot camp on Saturday mornings when my sons aren't in soccer. I think I need to add weights to my cardio but sometimes that bike is just my zen after a crazy day. I find that I ride faster the better ...

115.62 miles and counting for August!

Sun, 26 Aug 2012 22:29:51 EST

Yesterday was super busy so I didn't get a chance to update my mileage. I'm up to 115.62 - I have a few days left in August to see where I end up. It will be a busy week though of meetings and kids' activity so I don't think I can make 150 but I sure would like to attempt it!

I'm an Aunt again!

Fri, 24 Aug 2012 23:47:38 EST

Emma was born today - she is beautiful and I can't wait to see her tomorrow. This brings my grand total to 27 nieces and nephews, 14 great nieces and nephews, and 2 great great nieces and nephews!

I have a very large family as you can see!

Only .15 miles left to hit my 100 mile goal!

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 22:59:02 EST

I thought I would do it tonight but I only rode 20.78 leaving me .15 miles short of my 100 mile goal for August. But guess what - I'm going to make it because I still have 8 days left in August! Now I wonder how close to 150 I can get?

We shall see.....

Staying on track but need to add some weights

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 22:46:32 EST

It is so easy for me to be lead down the path of sin or in this world bad food choices and no exercise.

I'm proud to say that so far this week I have walked 3 miles on Monday and today did 16.5 miles on the bike at the gym.

Tomorrow night is back at the gym. I need to start doing the machines but just keep going back to the bike - I know I need to tone and push my other muscles as much as I've pushed my legs but I just keep hitting the bicycle. Promising myself that to...

Can I really look skinny at 210 lbs?

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 00:04:27 EST

I am one of those people who never had to worry about their weight. I ate and drank what I wanted and never gained an ounce - until I had four children. Wow - did they pack on some pounds!

With every child, I weighed the same amount at delivery 221. Imagine my surprise when I got on a scale in February and weighed 229. I literally weighed more than I weighed when I had my kids and they were really big kids - 9 lbs 3 ozs, 8 lbs, 10 lbs 5 ozs, and 8 lbs. So literally not little ...

Snap Peas - Who Knew?

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 23:42:39 EST

I have a few friends at work who are like me and attempting better lifestyle choices. One of them offered me snap peas today. Ever a skeptic, I was like I don't think so - I hate peas. Another friend said she hates peas too and to just try one. What a pleasant surprise. I dipped it in light ranch and it was really good. A crunchy surprise to say the least. I'm hitting the store tomorrow to grab some - I can always use some new green veggies in my diet!

Back from the weekend - emotionally happy - physically ick

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 20:48:17 EST

I blogged last week that I knew this weekend was coming and the food pushers were going to be out and they were. I feel like I've had two days of eating someone else's food and I'm bodily paying for it. I just don't feel nearly as good as I have been.

Right before I left town, I was diagnosed with a double ear infection and double impacted ear canals - talk about painful. Saturday I woke up feeling better and ready for the trip.

Let's just say Saturday I was good beca...

Starting to worry about the weekend

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 23:16:00 EST

My sister, cousin, and I are going to spend a couple of days away from home with our aunt this weekend. I informed both of them that I refuse to go off of my eating plan just because we are going out of town.

My sister is on board with me as she is also trying to lose weight. My cousin, however, isn't. She has just lost 22 lbs which is amazing and I'm proud of her but her comment to me is we are splurging this weekend. I just hit a 5 lb weight loss - I'm gaining momentum - I do...

The scale likes me for the moment!

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 23:38:13 EST

No one would probably believe this but I do not own a scale. I never have. In order to weigh myself, I either have to go to my Mom's or go to the gym.

I stopped at my Mom's yesterday to pick up my daughter and was happy to see it finally shows me losing - I lost 3 lbs! It really helped motivate me today to stay on track with my food. While dinner was in the oven, I walked a mile.

We are expecting a lot of rain this week so I was glad for the opportunity to walk out...

Friends on the Same Journey

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 01:05:16 EST

Some people come into your life, leave, and you never see them again. Some people come and never leave. And sometimes a person who has left, returns and that's what happened to me and my husband.

My husband had a friendship that started 18 years ago. Dan fell out of our lives about 12 years ago when his life and ours were heading in different directions. Last year, he reappeared and their friendship resumed but with a bonus. He has a longtime girlfriend and 8 year old daughter...

Happy Happy Joy Joy

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 00:10:23 EST

I have been completely disheartened the past couple of weeks because the scale is just not moving at all - not gaining but not losing.

I've been tracking everything I eat even when it's bad. I've been working out - doing everything that I should and nothing! But I resolved that I'm going to keep doing what I should even when it's not happening because it has to pay off right?

This morning I got up for work and grabbed my jeans that I thought were the ones I usually wea...

I feel like I won today over emotional eating.

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 21:41:14 EST

Again today, my 10 year old son wakes up with a migraine. After four straight days of this, I'm beyond worried and tired. We call the doctor who directs us to the ER. My head is racing with what is going to happen, what are they going to do, is there something really more serious going on than just a migraine.

The ER confirmed a migraine and due to my vigilant record keeping the past four days were able to quickly move to what they thought would be a resolution. They inserted a...

It was a good food day!

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 22:24:46 EST

My son is still suffering from migraines and we are on Day 3. We have given him the last dose of meds and he is sleeping. Praying it works - otherwise, doctor said to hit the ER. I so do not want to do that.

I've had a headache from worrying about his migraines. Ironic, right? So the thought of exercise just didn't appeal today. I'm just trying to keep mine under control.

However, I did really good eating today so I'm taking it for the victory it is!

Her...

I fell off the wagon and then the darn thing backed up and rolled over me again!

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 23:33:42 EST

I was doing so well and then as always I let my emotions control my habits. I've been very worried about my Mom and son. I spent Friday with my Mom for a five hour glucose test. She has hypoglycemia but they think it may be turning into diabetes. So I completely derailed there and let the derailment continue with a busy weekend.

Yesterday, I had planned today and I was back on track. Then my son (whose 10) gets a migraine at 10:00 last night so I dose him with his migraine pil...

I Love to Dance

Tue, 6 Mar 2012 23:18:32 EST

So today I switched to Just Dance 3 and did the Sweat Workout. I seriously love to dance and was going to buy a dance workout when I discovered the 'Sweat' portion of this game.

I did 35 minutes of fast dancing and loved it. We had a basketball game to go to or I don't think I would have stopped until I had finished the last two songs. My food was also on track but my fats are still a little low. I have to figure out a better combination to keep the good food coming and hit my ...

I'm like that LMFAO song except 'I'm 40 and I know it!

Mon, 5 Mar 2012 23:07:08 EST

I bought the UFC Trainer workout for the Wii. Wow - can I tell I haven't been to the gym in a while. My legs ache and I'm sure tomorrow will be worse but I'm SO GLAD that even though it was late and I had every reason to wait until tomorrow - I didn't wait. I did it! I burned 81 calories because I only did the quick workout but I feel like I accomplished something and met my goals for today.

#1 - I'm only weighing once a week and measuring once a month - don't want to become ob...

One Step at a Time

Mon, 5 Mar 2012 00:45:12 EST

Life throws curve balls all the time and I often use that as my reason to not stay on track. But I'm sick and tired of being tired. So now it's time to start taking one step at a time.

#1 - I weighed and measured myself.
#2 - I have planned my food for tomorrow.
#3 - I'm going to exercise tomorrow.
#4 - Forgive myself for any screw ups along the way
#5 - Stay on track

I can do it - I know I can - now to just remember that......

Goodbye Vacation - Hello Reality

Sun, 17 Jul 2011 13:05:22 EST

I take two weeks vacation every year. The first week we travel - the second I spend with my kids. Today is my last day - tomorrow I head back to work and what I call reality. Work commitments - kid commitments - my life is not my own.

I've thoroughly enjoyed myself although the bags are not gone under my eyes. Seems no matter how much sleep I get - it just isn't enough. I think it's because four kids keep me so busy but I do feel better.

The bad part is that I weigh...

Pepsi Anonymous

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:43:12 EST

So I really need to get off this Pepsi. I've been on vacation for two weeks and it has become the drink of choice (it's my favorite). However, I'm remembering why I try to stay away from it - hello 3 lbs. I haven't missed you and you need to go!

I have a couple of more days off before I head back to my normal life. First point of order - give up Pepsi (again). Second - get back to the gym.

Now I just need to get this goals accomplished!

Good day - forgot about the taco salad

Wed, 8 Jun 2011 22:39:22 EST

I had a good day with food and exercise. I love this Parmasean Panko Tilapia that I have found for lunch. Low cal and oh so yummy.

After my Women's Weekend, I came home and bought so much fruit and veggies because I just felt awful. I have been eating fresh watermelon, cantaloupe, pineapple, and grapes. It is funny because I don't have a lunch bag so I've been taking my son's WWE wrestling lunch box to work. My employees find it hysterical but it keeps my fruit cold and I have...

Gained - yes, Surprised - no, Regret - yes and no

Tue, 7 Jun 2011 23:46:43 EST

I have had two crazy weeks - my daughter graduated 8th grade, we had last day of school, two family picnics, baseball, and Women's Weekend. I haven't been to the gym in more than two weeks.

I went back to the gym tonight and faced my hater - the scale. She wasn't kind - I gained 5 lbs but in her defense - I'm quite certain I was the cause of the gain and have no one to blame but myself.

I regret the gain because I know I'm going to have to work hard to get back down bu...

Self awareness - why didn't I realize this sooner?

Thu, 19 May 2011 22:38:49 EST

So last month I was dropping really well - lost 11.2 pounds. Was feeling awesome then I plateaued, then I gained two pounds, then I plateaued, then I just got mad.

So as I was venting my frustration this morning to a friend and bemoaning my two pounds - I started talking about things. Last month, I really worked hard to try and get my water in - this month I really haven't tried hard. Last month, I really worked to hit all of my nutrition points (especially fruits and veggies) -...

I need a personal shopper

Tue, 17 May 2011 23:43:21 EST

I would love to have a personal shopper to take care of not only making sure I have fruits and veggies in the house but cutting them up for me would be even better. I love them - I just sometimes have trouble finding the time to cut everything up. If it's cut up, I will always eat it.

This week has been hectic. The only thing I have going tomorrow night is the gym and I'm so grateful. I've been running full speed for a week and a half - no downtime to speak of. I would just ...

Struggling

Sun, 15 May 2011 21:05:40 EST

I've had one of those weeks/weekends where you are so busy that you are constantly eating on the run. Even when you try and make decent decisions - you still don't get enough water, fruits, and veggies. No fast food restaraunt offers really healthy choices - just less bad ones.

Tonight we had a nice dinner and I actually consumed some greenery. Trying to plan out our week as the next two will be crazy. My daughter is graduating from 8th grade, end of school year, end of school ...

I was an 8th grader today!

Sat, 14 May 2011 00:47:01 EST

I chaperoned my daughter's 8th grade field trip today. It was from 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Now I know you need a laugh so let me tell you about my day. Before the laser tagging fun, we went to ride Segways. I had to pass - when I saw how much balance they required, I was afraid of completely embarrassing my daughter. My older one wouldn't have cared if I looked foolish but this one is a little more sensitive. So she saved me for a our second activity - Demolition Ball. It is bu...

I'm just happy

Thu, 12 May 2011 23:06:20 EST

I can honestly say I'm truly happy right now. My marriage is wonderful - after 20 years together - I feel like we are in that 'new love' phase as I like to call it. That phase where you love being together just the two of you and we date and we have fun. My kids who get on my nerves are the greatest gift I've ever gotten. Each one different, unique, special - and yes, crazy - but I wouldn't trade any of them. They bring me joy in the most amazing ways. My job is always insane but I love...

My Kids are Cool!

Sun, 8 May 2011 23:20:14 EST

What an awesome Mother's Day. My kids each made me a gift this year and really took time to do something nice for me.

Staci is the oldest - she spent hours making a CD with pictures and music of different events over the past few years. It was so neat - it's funny how they see me. Some of the worst pictures of me - they just see their Mom not how crazy or bad I looked!

Kayla is next and she made me a centerpiece. It is hands of our family - I'm the middle and I'm...

Losing and loving it!

Sat, 7 May 2011 11:28:22 EST

Last month, my goal was 150 miles at the gym and I made that goal. I had lost about 10.2 lbs between March 17th and April 30th. I started strength training this week as well as continuing the cycling on the bike. I lost 1.2 in a week!

However, I think I need to look at the strength training. I ride the bike for 5 minutes to get my heart going, then I was doing 20 different machines, and then I cycle for another 30. By the time I got to biceps, my arms were already toast so I'm...

Cheekbones - where have you been?

Wed, 4 May 2011 23:16:04 EST

I noticed something yesterday - my cheekbones are more defined than they have been in a long time. I have dimples on both sides of my smile - always have but as I have gained weight the definition in my cheekbones has decreased. I always knew you could get multiple chins but lose your cheekbones? I'm excited because it is noticeable improvement. I've lost 10 lbs but I don't really see it. Yes, my clothes feel bigger but I don't look in the mirror 24/7 so you don't really see it - you ju...

Dora the Explorer Feeling

Sat, 30 Apr 2011 19:33:23 EST

I did it - I did it - I did it - yeah! (As Dora would say) I have officially clocked 151.5 miles on an exercise bike in the month of April. I set a personal goal of 150 miles for April. I am so proud of myself. I have ridden 65 miles since last Sunday to finish it off. I came home feeling amazing and accomplished. I just kept at it even when I wanted to stop and I am so glad that I did.

I think I leapt on my husband when I got home - LOL - I was so excited. Now to set some ...

Doing the happy dance!

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 00:38:06 EST

Very excited - made it to my next number on the scale. I'm officially 219.4 - it's been too long since I've seen the teens!

I'm doing good at work but the weekend is coming so I have to get myself prepared so that I'm not starving myself and start sending the scale the other way.

Yeah me!

The scale and I have made up!

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 23:08:25 EST

I have been very disappointed this past week. But after some good advice, I decided to just throw off the negative and go back to what I was doing that was succeeding.

I'm happy to say I'm back within .2 of where I was before vacation! I'm only 22 miles from accomplishing my goal of cycling 150 miles in April. I set this goal to challenge myself and it has been challenging.

I read a couple of articles on this website about motivation and using the scale as my only ind...

Prom Dress Shopping

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 22:29:24 EST

My oldest daughter is a freshman and is homeschooled by my Mom. We belong to a group that does all the social things with them like dances, parties, yearbook, prom, etc. The nice thing about the homeschool group is there is not a lot of pressure to have new dresses, etc. all the time.

My daughter being the money conscientious person she is tells me she is going to wear the dress she wore for winter formal for prom (which she borrowed from a friend). Last night around 11, she cam...

The scale is still my hater!

Sun, 24 Apr 2011 21:24:23 EST

I'm happy and I'm not happy. I'm happy because I set a goal of 150 miles in April and I'm at 108. By setting the goal, I have actually gotten myself to go to the gym even when I'm not in the mood. I have one of those personalities where I feel a strong desire to accomplish any and every goal I put before myself.

The scale hasn't moved since I returned from vacation. I know that my water hasn't been as great as it was - I know that's a problem. I also have trouble eating three ...

Vacation over - does the scale hate me?

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 23:34:05 EST

I can say I was a little disappointed to come back from my trip and have gained two pounds. I made some sensible choices. I think my problems lay in two areas - not enough water and not enough fruits/veggies each day.

I went to the gym last night and tonight. I'm back on my food - need to build my water back up. Can't believe how quickly that fell by the way side.

I'm getting back on track. The scale is not going to be my hater!

I'm going down!

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 00:24:36 EST

I'm happy to say that after a very hectic Thursday - I decided to weigh in. I really didn't know what to expect - yesterday was horrible. However, today I jumped right back on track. Due to a long weekend, I'm not sure that I will get a chance to weigh again until Tuesday.

To my immense surprise, I'm down another 1.4 lbs. People at work are asking my secret - it's not a secret. I track everything I put in my mouth and every mile I ride. Apparently, self awareness could be t...

Where did my positive energy go?

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 23:20:08 EST

I'm going to use today's entry to shake off the negative. It was a crazy day at work. I never got to eat breakfast. I looked up and it was 11 and I had to get lunch in before meetings started at 11:30 and went straight through to 3. Needless to say, my water, fruit, and veggie intake went straight down the tubes.

I'm short-staffed which is really nothing new but it seemed crazier today. Everyone needed me for something so once again my own job sits. I'm the only person I know...

Tears at the Gym (although not for the reason you would think)

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 23:40:38 EST

I often think I'm the only person who doesn't watch Biggest Loser. Well, today was a little crazy schedule wise so I didn't get to the gym til after 8. As I'm riding my bike and trying to find something to watch, I happened upon Biggest Loser.

As I sat there riding and watching these amazing people, I wonder why I haven't watched it? By the end I was crying as I was riding my bike. Luckily, no one stopped to inquire what was wrong with me!

I can't imagine getting o...

New Blogger (is that even a word?)

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 23:10:32 EST

I've never had a blog but I think if I write down my successes and challenges - I may actually be able to see this journey through.

I started this journey last year by doing a boot camp with my cousin who is a personal trainer. Due to scheduling, it got more and more difficult to go to her class. So I decided to join the BL website and I liked it a lot but lost interest after a while due to lack of support. I also couldn't seem to find any sort of exercise and stick with it. I ...