Well, on December 13, I had a total knee replacement.  I went into surgery that morning weighing 215 lbs.  I cannot begin to tell you how much my life has changed.  The pain that was caused by having bone on bone, is now gone.  While I am still healing, I feel SO much better!!  I wish that I could say that I have had great success with weight loss since then, but I haven't.  I did lose 9 lbs in the 6 weeks I was off of work.  HOWEVER, when I returned to work, my life began to become super stressful again. It was the combination of my online classes, taking care of my family, PLUS dealing with a bunch of changes at work and the drama that ensued!!

How do I deal with stress??  I eat!  SO, in the 3 1/2 months since returning to work, I have managed to put back on my 9 lbs and have ballooned back up to 218!  I promised myself that I would not allow myself to get back over 215!  The heavier I am, the more difficult time I will have with my knee!!  SO, today I am making changes in my life!  I have had enough!

NO MORE excuses!!  No more failed attempts.  I need to put myself first and let go of the things causing me stress!!  Does that mean I will quit my job?  NOPE!!  What it does mean is that I will go to work, do my job, and leave it and the stress there!!  I love what I do, I love who I work with, but I have to take care of me!!  Does that make sense??

I found that I had great success when I used the BodyBugg...but have decided that I don't want to spend the monthly fees associated with it.  I will be using my Fitbit.  I am participating in my wellness program at work.  I earn points, which will allow me to receive $$ to use towards co-pays and medical bills.  For each day I  walk more than 6,000 steps, I earn a point (up to 200 points).  

I've been hoovering around 5,000-6,000 steps a day.  To help me get my steps in and perhaps walk a little further, I have made arrangements with a co-worker to meet at 7AM every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at the mall to walk before work. 

Exercise is a small portion of the battle.  Eating is where the success is!  I need to eat healthier, not only for me but for Catey.  Essentially it's just the two of us at home, so I don't know what that will look like.  However, I do know that it has to be different.  Bless her heart, she is not at her healthiest weight either...probably has 40 lbs to lose.  I have been a horrible example and role model to her.  We have one year left before she graduates and I HAVE to make it count!!

OH, did I mention Travis is getting married??!!  1 month away...June 14th!  I REALLY need to get after it!!

Wish me luck, and hopefully I will do better with my blogging!!!

Today I am officially starting my weight loss journey AGAIN!  I am SO frustrated with myself for allowing myself to gain 50 lbs in the past 32 months!  My lowest weight was 184, this was during my visit to see my new nephew, Jack, in August of 2010.  This morning, I weighed 233.  I allowed people and situations to distract me from my journey to get healthy.  BUT...today is a new day!

My plan is as follows:
     - I will log the food that I eat in MyFitnessPal.
     - I will consume approximately 1400 calories daily.
     - I will attempt to consume more fruits and vegetables daily.
     - I will continue to keep soda out of my diet.
     - I will reduce or eliminate sugar from my daily diet
         (5 grams or less on the label and adding no additional sugar)
     - I will wear my FitBit to monitor my steps.
     - I will walk 10,000 steps daily.
     - I will log my progress weekly on this blog.

I believe this is a good starting point.

10 Exercises for Women...courtesy of Oprah.com

The goal is to do three sets of 10-15!!





Swiss Ball L Raise

Swiss Ball Tricep Extention

Split Stance Dumbell Curl

Single Leg Dumbell Straight Leg Dead Lift

Single Arm Chest Press

Scaption Shoulder Shrug

Offset Dumbell Lunge

Hip Raises

Mountain Climbers

First Half Marathon...the first of many!!

I have completed the first, of what I hope to be many, half marathons!
















It was a difficult day! I stayed with most of my group because I didn't want to run alone. We made 2 potty stops PLUS fought the wind the entire run! My goal was to make it in under 3:45...which we did!!















I was runner #1150 to cross the finish line, I was #152 out of 158 in my age group, and I finished with an official time of 3:34:21! My pace was a 16.22 mile.
















My goal for my next half marathon?!?! To finish in 3 hours or less!!

Training

I am currently training for my first half marathon, which will take place in November! I am LOVING my training group!! They are AMAZING!!

Wy weight is between 184 and 187...I haven't been as dilligent about tracking my calories!! I need to find my happy medium!!

First 5K

I did my very first 5K on July 17, 2010. I participated in the Girls Just Wanna Run 5K. I was runner #558 to cross the finish line, I was #197 out of 245 in my age division, and my time was 44:42:03!! My pace was a 14:39 mile. GREAT starting point!!

Heart Walk!!

Today was the Heart Walk!! I was nominated for a Lifestyle Change award...AND received it!! WOO-HOO!!!

193!!!!!

Ok...so after tweaking a few things, the scale is on a downward movement again!!! My original goal was to be 190 by the end of the month. I hope to be able to surpass that goal!!!

I went to Plato's Closet with the kids yesterday. I was drawn to their 15/16 junior section. I tried on a couple and they were too big!! Next payday, I am headed back with Beka! I will finish up clothes shopping for her and maybe pick up a couple of things for me!!!