12 Weigh-In Wednesday

It's Wednesday...time to weigh in for the Spring Fling Challenge. It wasn't a good week on the exercise side, tweaked my ankle on Thrusday and tried to work thru it on Friday with no success.  I kept getting shooting pains even walking on Saturday.  So I have fallen off the Shredding wagon and am not going to be finishing the 30 day challenge with all the wonderful women who are doing a great job.  But I did stay on track with my food and points, even tried a Boca burger this weekend....and really enjoyed it!  So let' see how the scale responds this week.

Here are my numbers

Last Week: 152.2 lbs

This Week: 151.8 lbs
Current Loss: .4 loss
Challenge Total: -3.8 lbs

Go Team SynErgy!

This weekend will prove to be a challenge with Easter and the evil man known as Reese with this peanut butter and white chocolate combination....oh the evil!  But I plan to load up on veggies and turkey and hope that I can contol myself around the pies.I would love to report a loss next week or at the worst maintain. 

Have a great Easter everyone!  How did you do this week…go share your weigh-in with the Sisterhood!

1 Saturday Cell Phone Mosiac

(Click on the picture below to pull up my Picasa album and flip thru each image.)

From SCPM March 27, 2010

What a relaxing Saturday it ended up being.  It was the first weekend we didn't have visitors for a few weeks, so it was nice to just be able to leave when we wanted and do whatever.

I ended up getting my new cell phone Friday night, so most of the day was spent learning an tweaking it a little bit.  Can't wait to start fully utilizing all the features. I had a crackberry, but not the data plan...so I'm like a kid in a candy store with my I-phone!  Sweet!

Now go over and check out what Ace and friends were up to this weekend at If You Think Round is Funny.

5 I Workout Because...

I workout because I want to have some definition to my body. I am ...how do you say....curvy.  If I can whittle down my midsection....I would be well on my way to posing for a mudflap. Well not really, but you get the idea.

I workout because when I push myself to do something I have never done before, I feel great when I accomplish it!  All the pain and energy drain are pushed from my mind and the smile can't be contained!  I want to tell the whole world what I have done! (and if you are my facebook or twitter friend...you will probably hear about it whether you want to or not)

I workout because I am capable of  it.  There are so many people that have a condition that inhibits them from doing anything physical.  Who am I to take my health for granted?  While I may not be able to run a mile...I can walk it.  Some people will never be able to say that.

I workout because I want to enjoy Saturday cookouts and tailgates.  And history has proven that watching what I eat during the week and splurging on the weekend doesn't show positive results unless I have burned some extra calories.

I workout because it helps me to relive stress.  When Jillian tells me to punch it out....oh I punch it out!  Sometimes I line up the TV so she is my target, other times I'm punching at emotions.  Either way I feel better after I'm done.

Why do you workout?  Come share what drives you to push yourself physically with Shrinking Jeans.  You never know....what you write might be just the thing to push someone else to start exercising!

13 You Capture -A Classic Moment

In the midst of all the new talk of microbrews and wheat, lime and even tangerine flavored beers that are popping up on the market...sometimes you have to devert back to an old original and enjoy the moment for the timelessness that it holds.

My husband's grandfather known among the family as Pap, used to drink PBR when he was younger.  When he would say he was drinking Pabst beer, my husband (being a child) would interpret it as Pap's beer.  It wasn't until he was older that he realized that it wasn't his Pap's beer....it was actually Pabst beer.

Pabst Blue Ribbon...my husbands favorite beer.  Especially in tallboy form.

*Stop over and share your favotire moment of the week with Beth at I Should be Folding Laundry.

10 Weigh-In Wednesday

It's Wednesday...and you know what that means...time to weigh in for the Spring Fling Challenge. It was a good week, spent most of my weekly allowance points on Saturday grilling out with friends.  Enjoyed some wine, grilled pepperjack burgers and vegetables and even had a piece of apple pie!  I worked out everyday shredding so I was hoping to see a loss this week.

Here are my numbers

Last Week: 152.8 lbs

This Week: 152.2 lbs
Current Loss: .6 loss
Challenge Total: -3.4 lbs

Go Team SynErgy!

So I lost what I had gained last week! Score one for me!  My goal for this challenge was to get under 150, so I am back on track to be there in the next few weeks.  I want to go into Easter weighing less then I have this year...that's another mini-goal I guess!


How did you do this week…go share your weigh-in with the Sisterhood!

5 Calling all photographers...real or pretend!

It was a beautiful weekend here in Ohio, we finally got a chance to spend some time outside on Saturday.  I even wore flip flops!  It was wonderful!  The lillies have started to pop thru the mulch and the peonies are starting to push thru the soil.  And maybe I was just being hopeful, but the grass even seemed to be turning a little greener that day. The koi were even following me around when I peered over the edge of the pond thinking I was going to start feeding them again.  Not yet, little fishy....gotta wait till it's a little warmer!

So I decided to pull out my new big girl camera (Canon T1i) and take some pictures of the 1st day of Spring.  I have been waiting years for a real camera, and I find myself almost scared to use it.  Seriously if you could see the way I have it wrapped up in my case, you would laugh uncontrollably.

I put it on auto to capture pictures of our friends while we waited for the vegetables to grill.  I switched the wheel it to the flower to get some close-ups of the lily stems, I moved it to the action to catch one of Emma running along the fence line.  They looked pretty good to me, still amazed how much detail this thing can capture!  But I know there is so much more I can do with this camera...I can't wait to find out how much better of a photographer I can be!

This is where you all come in.  For those of you with a DSLR camera (Canon, Nikon or whatever you splurged on) what are some tips you can share with this photog newbie?  Any favorite settings you like to use for specific scenarios (faces, flowers, general scenery, etc)?  Anything that you have learned that made your pictures really pop that you wish you would have known when you first started out?  I appreciate any tips or advice you can give!

(P.S. I ordered a camera strap from SheyB that I think she (my camera) will look great in (btw-deciding on which strap I wanted was almost as hard as deciding which camera I was going to get), but I'm still thinking of the perfect name for her!)

2 1st Saturday Cell Phone Mosiac of Spring

(Click on the picture below to pull up my Picasa album and flip thru each image.)

From SCPM March 21, 2010

What I thought was going to be a boring Saturday spent cleaning out the garage, ended up being quite eventful!

I slept until 10...which felt great and I must have needed it.  Emma even slept in!  She is feeling so much better and is half way thru her antibiotics.  Started out the day getting my workout in, doing some cleaning, and enjoying a lite breakfast.  My husbands best friend and his girlfriend were coming over and we were going to grill out and enjoy the beautiful 64 degree day.  1st time we fired up the grill this year...and it tasted great!

I had some wine from last weekend that needed finished so I enjoyed that while my hubby enjoyed some PBR.  The food was tasty, the weather was good and the company was enjoyed.  All in all a great Saturday. (well that is until Kansas lost and ruined one of my brackets! And I also ended up with a stomach ache later last night, think it was either from the peppers or the grease from the burgers.)

Now go over and check out what Ace and friends were up to this weekend at If You Think Round is Funny.

7 I'm so lucky

St. Patrick's Day 2010

18 You Capture -Reaching

Keep reaching for the stars...or in this case the treats!  

Emma is feeling much better since starting her antibiotics, thank you all for keeping her in your thoughts.

What are you reaching for this week?  

Stop by and share with Beth at I Should be Folding Laundry!

10 Weigh-In Wednesday

Well time for another Weigh-in for the Spring Fling Challenge. If you recall it was a irregular weekend for me with Emma getting sick and company coming in on Saturday. Kinda nervous when I stepped on the scale Monday morning and saw that it was up 3 lbs! Thankfully most of that was bloat from my not so great sodium filled choices this weekend, but some of it stuck. Here are this morning’s results.

Here are my numbers

Last Week: 152.2 lbs

This Week: 152.8 lbs
Current Loss: +0.6 lbs

Challenge Total: -2.8 lbs

I managed to Shred 5 of 7 days this weekend, taking both weekend days off. I am bummed to have not gotten it in, but family and life come first.

I made myself track all of my food points and here is how my week looked.

Wednesday 23, Thursday 25, Friday 23, Saturday 49, Sunday 35, Monday 17, Tuesday 17

I am allowed 19 pts per day, 35 flex pts for the week and normally count 3 APs for my workouts. If I use all these points, then I “really” only used 4 extra points. And that caused me to gain. I looked back to my prior trackers, and I normally only don’t eat my activity points and normally have about 5 of my weekly points allowance left. So this kinda brought 2 different things to light.

1) I need to workout to keep losing at the rate I have been. I should not consider this an excuse to eat extra points. My body isn’t to that point yet. Maybe it will be one day, but not today.
2) I need to divvy out my allowance points. My Saturday consumption included a Apple Pecan salad, 3 glasses of wine, pizza, tortilla chips, texas caviar and oriental slaw salad (which is made with ramen noodles and cabbage). Oh and I had package of fancy cakes. Can’t forget those 7 pts of sugary goodness.

So while I am disappointed that I didn’t contribute a loss this week to Team SynErgy (sorry ladies!), I have learned a lesson. Just because your schedule changes, you have to stay focused. And its not going to be easy, if it was I would have reached my goal a long time ago So head is up, moving past this slight roadblock and pushing ahead to seeing a loss next week!

How did you do…go share your experience this week with the Sisterhood!

9 Poor Miss Emma

Our little girl was sick this weekend.  We discovered some blood in her urine on Friday after she had some accidents in the house. She NEVER tinkles in the house.  Like maybe only 3 times in her whole life has she not let us know. The poor girl was shaking and hiding under my husbands legs because she thought she did something wrong, she didn't understand what was happening to her and why she couldn't control herself.  We quickly called the vet and made an appt for the next day to get her checked out, they didn't think it was urgent because she was eating and drinking normally.

So we went out Friday night and bought some doggie diapers that we kept on her just in case she couldn't make it outside.  She had a vet appt around noon after a urinalysis and rectal exam (ouchie...sorry sweetie!) the vet determined it was a Urinary Tract Infection.  Who knew dogs could get a UTI?  So he sent us home with some medication that should make it go away over the next 2 weeks.

I left the vets office and broke out in tears on the way home, thankful that it wasn't anything worse and grateful that it should be able to be cured with antibiotics.  That little 12 lb dog means so much to me and has become such an important part of our life, thinking of her being sick or losing control of her ability to function makes me sad.

I didn't want to say it out loud, but it made me wonder how am I ever going to stay sane enough to have a child if I worry this much about my beloved pooch?  I will be a basketcase everytime they get a boo-boo or catch a cold. Then Emma turns around and starts licking away my tears, her way of telling me that she loves me.  I look into her brown eyes and realize that she is teaching me how to be a good mom and that everything will be ok as long as we keep loving each other.


Emma is doing better as of this morning, there is already less signs of bleeding and she hasn't had anymore accidents in the house.  Thank those of you who were thinking baout her after my anxious twitter updates.  I appreciate your concern and sharing of knowledge.  So does Miss Emma!

(I am sure the non-dog lovers out there probably think I am insane, but that's ok...the other dog-lovers know exactly how I feel)

4 Saturday Cell Phone Mosiac

From SCPM March 13, 2010

What a busy emotional Saturday it has been.  Emma had a vet appointment, we discovers some blood in her urine yesterday and made an appt ot have it checked out this morning.  She was up every 2 hrs to go outside because she couldn't control it like normal.  Poor thing!  The doctor said she had a rip-roaring UTI and gave her some meds to take, so hopefully she starts feeling better soon!  We have a few friends down for a visit, so I'm enjoying some wine while the boys went to a local pub.  I am so relieved that there is nothing more serious with Emma, and hope the meds make it go away.  I don't like my little girl being sick!

Confession: I did skip my 30 Day Shred workout today but will get back on track tomorrow.  Feel

Now go over and check out what Ace and friends were up to this weekend at If You Think Round is Funny.

16 Weigh-In Wednesday

Happy Wednesday!  Time to step on the scale for WI over at Shrinking Jeans.

Here are my numbers: 
Last Week: 153.8 lbs

This Week: 152.2 lbs
Current Loss: -1.6 lbs

Challenge Total: -3.4 lbs

Go Team SynErgy!!!

I am happy to report that I earned my first 5 lbs loss sticker at Weightwatchers last night!  Amazing how good a little star sticker can make you feel!  I finished the 1st level of The 30 Day Shred this morning, having done it EVERY.DAY so far.  Going to take measurements and pics tonight to see if I can tell a difference yet.  It feels like my muffin top is a little smoother so I'm hoping the tape reflects that.  Either way I know I am getting stronger.  I am glad that the bicycle crunches are done and am ready to move on to level 2 tomorrow morning.

So go step on the scale and come share your results with  Shrinking Jeans. If you didn't have the kind of week you wanted, make the decision to make next week better starting today!

3 Saturday Cell Phone Mosiac

From SCPM March 6, 2010

It was a very busy Saturday, left the house about 1 and didn't get home until almost 10PM! It was well worth it, got to see some family and came home with something I have been waiting YEARS for!


Click on the above Mosiac to scroll thru my web album and see how my Saturday was!

5 If I had waited....

I have been on this journey of losing weight and getting healthy for just over a year...and I am more than halfway to my goal. 

What would my life had been like if I hadn't started making changes when I did?

*I would be weigh over 200 lbs...remember I am barely 5 feet tall...this would not be good.
*I would probably have more trouble getting pregnant because of my size and physical condition.
*I would probably have diabetes just like my mom and grandma and be taking insulin at least once a day.
*I would probably have high cholesterol, clogged arteries and high blood pressure.
*I would be out of breathe everyday when I walk from the parking lot into work.
*I would be happy that it was still cold outside because I would not be in a hurry to go outside or wear capris/shorts/bathing suits.
*I would be grumpy just about all the time because I would not be happy with myself.
*I would probably be spending alot of time at home alone because I wouldn't feel like going out thinking people were judging me and comparing me to how I used to look.

But instead, because I did step up and started making changes to how I was living my life:

*I am knocking on the door of 150 lbs.
*I am continuing to work towards making a good womb for future bebe.
*I have significantly cut out excess sugars, fats and preservatives from my diet.
*I am exercising everyday and now don't mind parking out a little further.
*I can't wait for warmer weather to get a chance to start C25K again and go for walks with my husband.
*I feel better about myself and appreciate it when people compliment me on the positive changes they can see in me.
*I have meet some wonderul women who are on the same journey that I am, they give me motivation to contiue when I stumble or feel like giving up.

I am so thankful that I took the time and focused my energy on reaching my goals...I am happier then I would have been if I had continued down the path I was going.  I am worth it...and I am realizing that more and more with each day.

*This is part of the Monday Project at Shrinking Jeans.

16 Weigh-In Wednesday

Happy Wednesday everyone!  I have been working hard and watching what I eat, so I'm ready for the first WI of the Spring Fling Challenge over at Shrinking Jeans.

Here are my numbers: 
Last Week: 155.6 lbs

This Week: 153.8 lbs
Change: -1.8 lbs


Go Team SynErgy!!!  You ladies have kept me motivated this week!
Glad I could contribute to our team with a loss!

So glad to see a loss again, this puts me .2 lbs away from the lowest weight I have seen since December so it feels great!  I started Shredding on Monday and while it has been an adjustment getting up an hour earlier (please hand me the coffee), when I finish that 30 minutes I am glad I dragged my butt out of bed to do it.  Feeling a little stronger with each day!  Also I am sooo close to getting my 1st 5 pounds lost sticker from WW....next week it shall be mine!

How was your week....were your actions of the week reflect when you stepped on the scale?  Good or bad, come share with the girls and guy at Shrinking Jeans.  Everyone of us has our ups and downs...together we will make it an easier journey!

7 True Confessions Tuesday

Its Tuesday time to share what's on our minds...good or bad with our sisters over at Shrinking Jeans.

I have gotten 2 days of  the 30 Day Shred challenge in.  Yes I know it's only been going on for 2 days....but I'm hoping to continue this trend for the whole month.  Been getting up at 5AM to get it done before work, and so far I am glad I did.  While it sucks getting out of bed an hour earlier, especially when I wake up about 3:30 and have trouble falling back asleep, it's nice to have it out of the way.

WI tonight at WW.  Hoping to see a loss after last week's slight gain.  I have been good and stayed on track this week.

In that same regard, I resisted Chinese food this weekend.  That is an accomplishment because I love me some Lo Mein and eggrolls!

I'm trying to get the nerve up to post my before pictures for the current 30 Day Shred Challenge.  I know they are before pics, but I feel like an Oompa Lompa.

I am not convinced that I like my new running shoes.  They feel a little odd while I'm working out towards the outside toe area, but my feet don't hurt afterwards.  So maybe they just need stretched out.  I love the style and fit just am not sure if they will ever feel great.  Need to keep an eye on this before the 60 day return policy is up in case I want to try a different style.

I am officially back on the coffee wagon, counting my points for the SF creamer and even the full fat good kind I splurge for on the weekends, but the caffeine is definitely helping keep me focused in the mornings.

Hope everyone has a great day, I'm proud of myself for the good week that I have had and hope it continues and rewards me with a good number on the scale!

2 Courage

I posted this yesterday on my Project 365 blog, but wanted to share it here too.

Today starts the Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans 30 Day Shred Challenge.

Do you have the courage to join us?  

I bet you do...and I hope you reach for it!