VOSSEM's SparkPeople Blog

You're asking me?

Fri, 4 May 2012 09:16:08 EST

In the last two days, less than 24 hours apart, two people have come up to me and asked how are you losing the weight. What's your secret? And, my first thought is, you're asking me? I'm not weight loss expert. But, I have and use every tool, trick, and advice that comes my way. So, I ask them; "Do you want the long version or the abridged version?' Sometimes they stare at me like a deer caught in the headlights. Then, I ask the same question another way; "Are you wanting to know because you ...

Back in the gym

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 19:04:39 EST

Was back in the gym, today. First time in three weeks. Have a wonderful vacation in Germany at the spa. Lots of massages and swimming. Great food and wine and walks though the park. Gain 1 pound. As soon as we got home, got a message we had to go to Florida for my mom's funeral. Spent the week in St. Petersburg. The whole week was a blur. Gained 5 pounds. Then, flew home on Monday morning. Was still dazed for the next four days. Hubby took me to Holland to the Tulip Fest. Relaxed, walked arou...

Actually, I am fine. Thank you.

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:09:30 EST

Started Sparking late last year, and was doing well. But, I felt like I needed more accountability. When WW started an advertisment about going to meetings and doing a new program, I thought, yeah. That's what I need. So, I added the Tues morning meeting to my schedule. Did very well for 3 months. I lost 25 pounds. Even went on holiday and gained only 1 pound. Within an hour of getting home from vacation, my brother let me know that mom had died, unexpectedly. We flew home on the next flight...

Home, again. Really?

Mon, 7 Nov 2011 01:06:04 EST

I'm home! Again. I know, I just got back. But, we left on 28 October for India and just got back yesterday. We rode a train, a plane, a jeep, a safari open top bus, a rickshaw, a horse drawn carrige and an elephant. We ate lots of curry and rice and frank lots and lots of bottled water. We saw elephants, camels and cows wandering the strets and stopping traffic when they were in the mood. And we met so many interesting people. Young and old, short and shorter, and wise and wiser. The temples ...

Home, again. Really?

Mon, 7 Nov 2011 01:06:03 EST

Good to Be Home

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 08:11:57 EST

Traveling is always fun. I love to visiting and seeing new places. Recently, I was in Paris for two days and just loved wandering around, visiting the Louvre and seeing the Mona Lisa and sitting at an outdoor café and enjoying red wine.
A few days later we went to Munich and enjoyed the opening day parade for Oktoberfest. The food such sausages and fries, potaoe soup, and sauerkraut was simply wonderful. Our little group of six friends elected me the one person to get them home after a ...

Doing Well

Wed, 7 Sep 2011 16:53:37 EST

Today is Wed and so far, I am doing well. Very well. The nutrition aspect is going good. Exercise, however sporadic is also very good. This evening we moved a cord of wood from the front driveway to the backyard. That was a core workout!!

I have realized that my food choices are all about one thing: It's not about what I can,t have, but what I can have.

Starting over.......again

Mon, 5 Sep 2011 15:51:59 EST

Yea, yeah, yeah. Heard it before! I've read it; I've said it. But, this time I am feeling like I will make it. In the last few months of falling off the wagon, I have had a unique perspective. And, changed my mind about how to approach my lifestyle makeover.

First, I cannot be perfect. I am not perfect. I can make one change at a time. I can control my diet from day to day. I can control the amount of exercise I get each day. Anything else is bonus!

I am going to see ho...

The Little Devil in me

Tue, 24 May 2011 03:40:56 EST

I know I have a Little Devil in me who just waits for me to be at my weakest point for a snack. Yesterday, I just had to have some peanuts. Okay, peanuts are not so bad. If you only eat a handful. But, I had to have a personal snuggle time with Mr. Peanut and the whole can. In front of the computer. And I washed them down with a diet soda. The Little Angel in me thinks I was not so bad. I did not have a box of chocolate. Well, got that out of my system and will not do that again. Wonder if it...

Gone and Back

Mon, 16 May 2011 03:15:24 EST

Seems like every time I get on track, I get side tracked. Hubby with work demands (we have to go out to dinner with several colleagues, frequently), my illness and steroids, or traveling; to name a few. I wonder how everyone else seems to fit it all in and lose the weight. Of course I slip up now and then. Then again, sometimes, I just give up for a few days. Then, I look in the mirror and look at the "Ole Fat Broad" I have become and vow to never eat again until I am rail thin! So, my questi...

Sunny Days

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 13:16:32 EST

What a wonderful, sunny day. We planted red and geraniums in the new window boxes, and even used fresh dirt. On the back patio, we planted pink and purple verbena. Next door, the children are laughing and jumping on a trampoline. Our 15 year old cocker spaniel is being lazy, snoozing on a green patch of grass. Friends dropped by for a quick glass of wine and then wondered on down the street. We relaxed and enjoyed the sun in the afternoon. Then, fired up the BBQ and enjoyed grilled salmon, ...

The week in a blurrrrrr.....

Sat, 26 Mar 2011 03:30:22 EST

Holy Cow! Did a week just go by? Did I not Spark all week? Seems like I was running here and there just to keep up! Trying to get all the things done that were cancelled last week and added in a few extra things to get done. Did get to the gym and did get in lots and lots of exercise. Pretty much stayed on plan with my food intake. And, even rewarded myself with a massage. Then, hubby came in from work early, and we talked her into a massage for him. Yesterday, the neighbor came over and invi...

Hey, Hey, Hey! Friday!

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 18:05:28 EST

Woke up this morning and first thought was to go pee. Second thought: Today's Friday! Excitement turned to a moan because the next instant I realized I was going to spend most of the day at the gym. But, my hubby landed a nice cup of coffee on my night stand and kissed me good morning. Well, things are looking up, after all. So, quick as a bunny, in/out of the shower, dress for the gym and bounce down the stairs to make breakfast. Multigrain Cheerios, 1% milk, fresh blueberries on the menu. Y...

Kicking and Screaming!

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 16:46:21 EST

Yep, that was me today in the gym, kicking and screaming. I'm learning to kickbox. And, I was kicking the bag. And, I was screaming at it as I was lifting my leg, getting a bead on the perfect spot and just Nailing the leather. Oh, baby that never hurt so good! And, I loved it! Sometimes I forget I am 54 and somebody's grandmother. But, I'll try all kinds of exercise!

216

Ahhhhh... There you are!

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 17:27:48 EST

Looking at myself in the mirror, I saw the sparkle in my eyes, again. The determination and the fire has returned.

Well, I thought I was back.......

Wed, 9 Mar 2011 15:04:12 EST

Just when I get home from a tuff time at The Family House, we left again. Yep, I had forgotten that back in early January, we had bought a paid for a trip to THe Canary Islands. Within 24 hours, hubby and I were repacked and on a plane heading for fun in the sun. We did three things while there:
1. Eat
2. Drink
3. Sleep
In that order. For 9 days. Yes, we saw the sun and yes a cute little cabana guy brought me little fruity drinks with little a umbrella tucked inside. Wher...

Back to the Plan

Tue, 1 Mar 2011 11:43:50 EST

Thank you everyone who sent well wishes and condolences for my father-in-law's passing. He was a wonderful man.

Today, I am back on the plan. No one can go to Tennessee without eating Southern style. And, that means Calories, calories and more calories. I tried to be faithful. I even went to the gym while I was home. But, OMG, I ate what was put in front of me. The church ladies sent meals while we were caring for him at home. And, they can cook! I was up with him about every 2 ...

Funerals

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 06:30:43 EST

Funerals are not fun. Funerals for a close, immediate family member stinks. Dealing with highly emotional, prima donnas at funerals suck.
The fact that I let all of this get to me and I fell off the wagon big time makes me feel very small. So, I will quietly start getting back with the program and ditch the stress that I am feeling at this moment.

Everyone deals with grief in their own way. Everyone around me has fallen apart and had an opportunity to decompress. We fly home...

Flying

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 09:37:03 EST

What is it about flying that makes you silly? I actually LIKED the airplane food. And, not much of it was on my plan. Then, with a 3.5 layover in Atlanta, has fried catfish at Paschals. Best catfish I think I have tasted in 30 years! Of course, that was NOT on the plan. Did drink tea without sugar and tons of water. I have tons of resolve and tons of determination. But, let me out of the house for a day and I am crazy!

Thankfully, hubby is going to the market today to pick up some...

Secret weight loss plan, really works!

Sun, 6 Feb 2011 07:26:08 EST

Someone asked me recently to share my weight loss secret so far. And, the first thing that actually came to my mind was something my friend Dr. Negrone said when I asked him how he had lost 25 pounds, some years back:

"Less input. More output."

Nuff said.

People are starting to notice

Sat, 5 Feb 2011 04:55:43 EST

Last weekend, we met up with some friends we had not seen in a couple of months. And, they both said, at the same time, "Wow! You look great! What have you been doing?" At the gm, on Mon, Wed, and Fri, several different people at different times told me how great I looked and how they could tell I have been working hard. One gym rat buddy pulled me aside and and asked me for my secret.

And, my Honey came up behind me yesterday, hugged me and gave me a bouquet of beautiful pink dai...

I Have Great Numbers!

Thu, 3 Feb 2011 15:13:47 EST

I saw the doctor today. You know when you have to step up on the scale and the nurse takes your weight, you have that sinking feeling inside? Well, not me. Not today and not since I have been Sparking! I practically ran and jumped on the scale. I was officially 10 pounds down from my visit in December. Also, I have lost an inch off my waist and an inch and a half off my tush. And, you know when you have blood taken for Cholesterol tests and sugar tests, you think: Did I have fried chicken or ...

Party......Diet?

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 14:24:24 EST

Yes, I went to three parties this weekend. Yep, count 'em; uno, dos, tres! And, I am here to tell you that I was in control of me. I ate what I should have eaten, and I drank.........WATER! Right now I can say I had a great weekend and I have no regrets. Everyone around me was enjoying great wine, pizzas, desserts. I decided that this was an opportunity to get back into life and enjoy socializing with good friends. And I did.

I am in control of my thoughts and my decisions!
...

Fast Week

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 16:17:45 EST

Wow! this week has just flown by. And, I have ran from one thing, appointment, commitment or whatever all week. Finally, I had to say,"What is important to me at this point in my life?" Working on getting healthy. Going to a cooking class, going to a formal dinner, and going to a "coffee" were not part of the plan. So, I evaluated, what can I delete, and what can I modify? What can I do different and what do I really, really want to do? So, I did the cooking class because I had promised a fri...

Working Out

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 12:58:25 EST

I really like our gym The place is kind of like going to Cheers. Everyone knows your name. We smile, hug, laugh and get busy. No one cares what you look like or where you work. The vibe is very positive. The equipment is great and the staff are very, very qualified and helpful. So, no surprise today when I stepped on the scale and was down 1.5 pounds.

Today I did the elliptical for 45 minutes. For me, that is such an improvement over the 15 min. I started doing at the beginning o...

Asthma Meltdown

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 02:53:04 EST

Yesterday, I was ready for a big day for yoga class, treadmill time and my weightlifting class. Halfway into the yoga class, I had an asthma attack. They called an ambulance, but I refused to go anywhere. The instructor, got my inhaler out and was able to help me relax.

I was embarrassed and sad. My meds had been adjusted last week and everything was going well. We were weaning me off some and lowering others. I'm trying to get rid of all the steroids I'm taking. Guess my body is...

Week Two!

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 01:26:19 EST

Oh, yeah! Down two more pounds on my weigh in, today. Whose yur Momma? Whose yur Momma? I know today is a holiday, but not for me. Going to yoga class, hitting the treadmill and doing a weight training class. Then, maybe relax a bit before receiving guests for dinner tonight. And, they have to eat what I am eating: Salmon with a light lemon aioli, steamed fresh asparagus, and mushroom couscous. A nice little veggie appetizer and fresh fruit berries and nuts for desert. Simple, easy and I feel...

I Kicked Butt This Week!

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 10:22:12 EST

Second week is always a hard week to lose weight. However, this does not minimize the fact that week 3 is just around the corner waiting to set the record right. This week I went to the gym three times, did yoga class twice, body building class three times, hit the treadmill and elliptical and even was in the home gym doing my thing at 0630. My food intake was excellent this week and I can not even think of one time that I slipped up. My doctor visit was good and she was very happy with every...

Treat Myself

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 10:44:05 EST

Today, I went to the hairdresser and got the works. Shampoo, condition (the 20 minute kind), color and a cut. He finished it off with a lovely blow dry, quick and easy style! That's me. Quick and easy. This journey had been quick and easy, so far.
Also, went to the doctor's office today. She asked me to step on the scale and I was actually glad to do so. I know I have been making changes to my life and the scale is going to prove me right. And, it did. She was happy for me. I was happy ...

Time to kick some workout butt

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 10:24:51 EST

Today, @ 0630, I was in the home gym with my hubby in show of solidarity. He wants to work out, but needs a motivator. @ that time of the morning, I just want to hurt somebody. So, he does the elliptical and I do the weights, dumbbells and the bench. Then, @ 10, I'm starting yoga class. Today, even my wrists were sweating. When she called half way across the room to say my down-dog looked a little uneven, I replied, "My paws are a little sore." At 11, I was on the treadmill doing a 15 minute ...

My butt feels like ......

Fri, 7 Jan 2011 03:21:33 EST

My butt feels like somebody else kicked the stuffing out last Wed. at the gym. However, I know this is for my own good, so I am back for more today. As my mama would say before I was put in time out: This is for my own good. So, yoga class at 10, elliptical at 11 (and watching Dr. Oz), lunch at 12 and the weight training class at 1. At 2:30, a few minutes in a dry sauna, a quick shower and then home. I get to have a protein shake for snack, and prepare for a leisurely weekend. Hubby asked if ...

Get up and go!

Wed, 5 Jan 2011 00:11:58 EST

I got up early this morning. Still a little sore from the amazing workout on Monday. Since I was up, I thought I would use the quiet time to get a few things done. So far, in an hour, I have completed my spark page points, blogged on all my friends or sent a note, made a cup of tea and arranged the start of my day. The breakfast table is set, te coffee is made, the gym bag is in order and I have my cloths set out for the day. Amazing what happens when you are not a slug!!! Happy Spark Day eve...

Love to start with a new year

Tue, 4 Jan 2011 10:42:59 EST

Don't you love to start a new year? A clean slate. Exciting days ahead. Everything seems new. Last year's food sins are behind me and I am on my way to getting slim. Yesterday was a good start. Went to the gym and worked hard. Watched my food intake and had a quiet time with hubby.
Today was a good diet day, too. No stress!

Looking Forward to New Year

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 12:00:17 EST

Aha! That moment when you KNOW you need to make a life change. I knew when I was out shopping with some friends and picked out a couple of cute outfits and went into the changing room. The mirrors do not lie!!! And the outfits? Too small. And, I was out of breath, just changing dresses! I looked close at the mirror to closely scrutinize the lady in front of me. Not to criticize. But, to look for the petite blue eyed person who used to look back at me and smile. She's in there, I just know it...

Christmas party? Me?

Sun, 26 Dec 2010 17:04:54 EST

Oh yea. That was me enjoying the Christmas dinner with friends. And, that was me enjoying the wine. And, that was me who enjoyed the homemade apple pie. Oh, and I did skip the ice cream on the side. I have absolutely no guilty feelings about anything I ate or drank. And, I do not feel guilty about loosing the Charades game. But, oh dear: I do feel a little guilty about singing. The dogs howled, the kids cried, and my friends have taken up a collection for singing lessons!

Snow

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 01:38:23 EST

Woke up to more snow. I am now certain we will have a white Christmas. Am, I think this is a conspiracy to make me get out the door and shovel more snow to help me keep up my cardio. But, the snow is so pretty and the dog loves to get out and make little doggie snow angels. Today, maybe we can go for a walk in the park and enjoy the scenery.

425 444 425 444 425

A New Me?

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 15:24:39 EST

Yep! Yep! Yep! I'm going for the whole make over thing. The whole new make up and face cream, hair care and dressing with confidence thing. And working hard to lose weight. And drinking lots and lots of water!

Nutrition

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 16:56:48 EST

Trying to learn nutrition rules. How many portions for a 1500 cal diet. How much in a portion. Match the two numbers together. So far, Spark has helped me plan menus, but I need to learn how to do this myself. Maybe with time I will get the hang of the whole thing and will be doing it without even thinking.

Merry Christmas! !! 460

I love my life

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 17:36:05 EST

Today, a girlfriend picked me up and we went grocery shopping together. She offered to drive since I can't drive in the snow. In my hot little hand was my meal plan/menu for the whole week and the grocery list to match. As I was going through the store with my trusty list, a couple of other ladies asked my about my list. And, I told them about Spark and about meals and menus and exercise and being happy and all the love and support. I felt like a walking advertisement for SPARKPEOPLE! They s...

kEEP ON MOVING

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 02:53:31 EST

Going to Belly dance class today. This is such a fun class. Always look forward to Tues!

Getting Out

Sat, 11 Dec 2010 09:20:29 EST

Today is cold and wet. But, I am putting on my boots and getting out of the house for a few hours. We are going to a Christmas market. I'll try to be good, but the gluwein is so yummy!

446 444 106

Clothes Shopping

Thu, 9 Dec 2010 08:33:51 EST

My appt at the hairdresser finished early, so I decided to do something a little unusual. I went clothes shopping with absolutely no intention of buying a thing. One of the things I dislike about shoppong for clothes is trying them on. But, that was the purpose. Just looking in a three way mirror in a dressing room with this body is enough to scare me straight! That's right, when I am in the mood for chocolate, or want an extra helping of rice, just remember my little visit with the mirror. ...

Love /Hate relationships

Tue, 7 Dec 2010 10:08:01 EST

Ever notice how you have have a love/hate relationship with many types of people? Take for example my doctor. Love her: She was thrilled with my weight loss this week. Hate her: She wants to see me at the beginning of Feb and drop another 10 10 15 lbs by then. I know she is right. And, I have to laugh. She and I are about the same age and have gone through about the same medical issues. And, she dropped about 40 lbs. Really love/hate her!
But, she took blood and reduced my meds for anot...

Scales: Friend or Foe

Mon, 6 Dec 2010 04:02:20 EST

The moment just before I stepped on the scale this morning, all sorts of thoughts went whizzing through my head. What will that despicable scale say today? Will she be a friend and let me slide by? Will she tell the truth about those 3 chocolate cookies I ate just as they came out of the oven, yesterday? Why did I get a digital scale? Was it because it was easier to read? Silly me, thinking I was actually going to want to SEE what was down there winking at my toes. Why not analog? Was it beca...

Jingle Bells and Christmas parties

Fri, 3 Dec 2010 05:50:06 EST

For a moment today, I wonderd why in the world I decided to get on the program and lose weight in December! What was I thinking? Did I have a momentary memory lapse? Did I forget that this is the time for parties, and food and eggnog and food and champagne and food? Did I foregt that it's hard to get out in the snow and excercise? Did I forget that I can wear that same tent Omar the Tent Maker made for me last Christmas and no one will say a word?

In a word: Yep.

But ...

Snowflakes and People

Wed, 1 Dec 2010 18:18:39 EST

The snow fell quietly to the ground. As I watched in awe, I was struck with the thought that just as no two snowflakes are alike, no two people are alike. We have different colored hair, or different kinds of jobs or even enjoy different foods. And, yet, as the snow fell and got deeper and deeper, the thick white blanket started covering everything with a sense of peaceful calm. And, all the people gathered here are quickly covering me with warmth and encouragement. And, I feel an inner peace...

Rolling down the highway of weightloss

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 06:39:56 EST

Time to get in gear and move on. A great journey ahead.