"Reinvention"

As promised! 

The Oct/Nov issue of Her Living Magazine. The article is on page 20. Feel free to leave feedback and comments!

The Cupboard Clean Out

I just finished throwing out all my nasty foods. We all have those boxes of Hamburger Helper from three years ago... that half empty canister of instant breakfast... the dusty jar of "party peanuts". Yep. I cleaned it all out and even the "might-not-be-so-bad-but-still-not-healthy" foods-- GONE.

So, that only means one thing. BACK ON THE WAGON! Yep. Hard core-ing it again! Some have called it my "crack diet" but I assure you... there is nothing illegal about it. Just good old fashioned sweat and strict diet.

I find it's best to not force the diet. I may want to get back on the wagon, start working out but the true motivation is not there. Motivation is not hype. Motivation is movement and action when it comes to weight loss.

Indian Taco, taken just before consumption. Yankton, SD

Take for example this past weekend. I went to a friends 10 year high school reunion. The home town the reunion was in was also celebrating River Boat Day's which means... Fired food on a stick and as much beer as you can ingest.

After I got home I was all about the water. Before I knew it I had drank 67 ounces of water by 4pm. I wanted to get active. Move, ride my bike, simply enjoy the non-confinement of a car or office. Today, again, 67 ounces of water before 4pm and tonight meditation, stretching, and a very nice core workout.

My food intake has been right on point. Although I did get the late night, boarded, munchies last night but solved it with an apple and a stick of string cheese.

For months I've been grumbling to myself to get back to my healthy ways of last summer... but the true motivation was not there. Tonight's cupboard clean-out was proof that the true motivation is BACK. Why? Because it wasn't a premedated thought to clean them out, there was no list instructing myself to do such a thing, it just happened.

A little over 48 hours after the mass-intake of horrendous foods and liquids, I can finally see the veins in my feet and hands again. lol

ask and you shall receive

The previous post talked about being famous. Famous for who I am and what I am good at. I am just out the door of my interview with Sandy Lemke Editor for Omaha Publications. She Facebook chatted me last week asking to do an interview for the Omaha publication, Her Magazine. She said she wanted to do an article on my weight loss story. I was flattered of course and accepted. We scheduled the interview for the article today. Since I work in the building it worked out perfect.

How is that for workout motivation!? As I talked of my motivation, my routine and my loss... I couldn't help but think I can do this again! Go even farther! Trim down, tone up and rock a bathing suit photo shoot. ... Ok, I may be going a bit too far with this but you get the idea.

I wanted to be smaller. Now I want to be smokin!
*ask and you shall receive

sexy peppers.. hmmm...

Amazing what a new CD can do for a workout.
I just downloaded the new Kanye CD... its AMAZING.
Speaking of workouts... today was another first in the workouts/weight loss journey: two workouts, one day. YEP! Two-a-day!! I got my ass up at six AM, cleaned off my car, drove down to the gym, got my heart rate up (starred at the one-and-only sexy man in the gym) then came home and got ready for work. Worked my normal shift and continued with my regular workout over my lunch break. *proud smiles*

*one perk to joining an actual gym... SEXIES roam FREE! And that is better than a personal TV on any cardio machine, ANY day!

I am at a point where I can now decide how I want to continue with my maintenance program. Do I stay on the super healthy kick (ie ZERO fast food, preservatives etc), go quasi super healthy (occasional fast food but maintaining the ideals of limiting preservatives, controling portion sizes etc) or just winging it.... I think I will probs go with door #2.

That way I can maintain the healthy life style and still enjoy my faves like Pizza, starbucks, cupcakes but find new favorites like Hiro Sushi :) ... and who knows what my taste buds will discover. I am kind of excited to taste things like yellow and orange peppers, carrots and ketchup (I guess they will taste super sweet) and french fires. I wonder if my super healthy ways after 6 months will alter what I once found SO irresistible and attract new tastes and flavors I once turned my nose up to.

Happy first snow...

I have been sorta in the holiday mood and I thought once the first snow came that it would kick-start my holiday shopping but all I really want to do is make chocolate chip cookies and watch Love Actually under my heated blanket.
Too bad I don't have time or space in my diet for any of that... but shopping, shopping I have time for, although it's far more enjoyable to shop for myself than for others.

I am tightening up my routine. Yep. Even more. Bed by 10; up by 6. We may even through in a morning workout if I am super up to it. I am leaving the last hour of my day to prepare for the next day and introducing an extra 20 oz of water to my diet (bringing my total intake to 84 oz a day).

I've got 36 more pounds to loose to reach my goal. 46 more for my SUPER goal. Its do-able by NYE this year! That will make my 2010 total loosing at a solid 90 lbs. *I currently have lost 64.

No news on the man front. I'm finding more and more men are attracted to me (a strange feeling at first) and yet far less attractive/possible mates. But all in all I'm not wasting any time on the questionable ones... I keep doing me and if they stick around long enough, then they will pique my interests.

Shoe count is DOWN. :(
I have had to purge my shoe collection due to insufficient fit. No one enjoys a heel that doesn't know the meaning of stay. (my feet have shrunk in the 64 lb loss) I am down to 8 pairs of shoes. 8!!!!! There was a point in my life that I counted over 30 pairs of shoes. This weight loss is costing SO much more than I had anticipated. I figured the cost of the food and supplements but not clothing and I certainly didn't include a whole new shoe assortment!

I will keep you updated on the new wardrobe purchases in my upcoming posts. This lady needs to get to bed... its 9:30!

Jonesing for fall.

The apples are delicious. The weather is simply amazing. The colors are brilliant. The fashions are inviting and the loom of the holiday's is surprisingly enticing. (I know I'm shocked too...)

All I need is comfy sweater, classic pair of black leggings, ankle boots, a scarf, a protein hot cocoa drink (to replace my starbucks mocha, which are very tasty--think swiss miss) a fire place, a fine looking man and an animal.... *BLISS*

As I went to get groceries today; a rather mundane task to some but to me it is a constant reminder of how much TERRIBLE food I still crave. As I was checking out I rather impromptu-itively bought a Real Simple magazine. Its full of delicious recepies, fantastic fall decorating ideas and simple fashion for those women who can only manage simple fashions. I didn't buy the magazine for the fashion section... but rather the cover. Weird. I know. As I drove home I could help but ask myself "Why am I so nesty?" No worries, I'm not prego-- but weird how fall has got me all ready to prepare for winter.

Perhaps preparing for winter could be a little more fun if you have someone to spend winter with. Sorry, folks no official details yet... But let's just say.... I MIGHT have someone to hold me tight during those long winter nights.... ;)

All Smiles!

WHAT a beautiful day, today has been!
From the weather to the activities of the day.

Woke up and test drove the new XJ Jaguar and 2011 Range Rover... both stunning vehicles! I was thought I would be torn but the Range Rover won my heart! Its rugged capabilities combined with the elegance and sophistication suited me like a glove! The Jag was supremely luxurious however and quite surprising to me, just a little too much for my tastes. ... Now if I could only find a man with the same ideologies as the Range... We'd be in business! haha

Another beautiful part of today has been the ultimate freedom! No meetings, no clocking in, no alarms, no commitments; simply me. I have been reflect on my achievements over the last three months and appreciate all that the world has given. I feel more healthy, beautiful, successful, independent, radiant than ever before. All the while still maintaining the idea that I am always on the presuppose of something great. Its enlightening and motivating simultaneously.

I weighed it at an even 205 today. I have already lost 45 lbs and 38 inches. Currently shopping the size 12 options. Just purchased my first fitted button-up top in a size Large and there's plenty of room! It's strange when clothing fits in the areas I used to consider a problem area. You know the one area that if its too small it's going to be in the ___ (arms, butt, thighs, calves, shoulders, you name it). My problem areas have shifted. My current problem area is my rear. I never thought of my butt as big-- no matter what size I was. Now I'm finding pants slide right past my calves with ease, through my thighs and fall short of the booty... "Almost there!" -- It's good to know I haven't lost my ass yet! I am VERY thankful I have had an even weight loss. Maintaining proportions can be very difficult, especially when you leave the weight loss up to your body.

I will leave you with my new favorite quote: "The important thing is not where you are or where you where its where you want to get."

Whoa-O! I'm half way there!

tomorrow will be official third month and the half way point of my weight loss journey.
today i was able to celebrate reaching the loss of 40 lbs.

as walked away from the scale I wondered what 40 lbs looks like. I mean I've noticed the weight loss on myself but what does it look like in one sitting. So I googled it, like any sane person would, and here is a little bit of what I found: ... enjoy!

Lazer focued.

wow.... where to begin. The delay in posts has nothing to do with laziness or forgetfulness, trust.

I have been one BUSY girl. and mighty FOCUSED.

Lets start with the fun stuff... oh wait, it's ALL fun!

(Fuse):

• The website will go live this Sunday.
• Newest client to join: Aso Omaha. Bring the total number of clients to 5.
  
• Roof Top photo shoot was complete last night. (See photo right) ... I know its pretty hot, if I do say so myself.

Weight loss:

• Total lost to date 21lbs!
• Current dress size: 14!!
• I have started getting the "How did you do it?" questions... I laugh and reply-- OLD SCHOOL! Eating right and working out!
• Con's to the whole weight loss thing... yes, there's a couple cons. 1. Fish Oil is making me BREAK OUT like crazy. No Me Gusta! 2. All my clothes are huge and if I do go shopping I know the new duds will be just as big in a few weeks... so I'm doing my best to rock the baggy look...
  

Dating:

• To damn focused to date.
  
• period.
  
• I did go on a date earlier this week... I'm just not feeling it.
  
• In my new smaller-sized-confidence I have been getting more attention from unwanted suitors; I have learned to be a bit more upfront. "Hey, you should let me take you out to lunch sometime..?" .... "Maybe... NOT." LOL... It felt pretty damn good to walk away from that convo.

keep on keepin on!

Check me OUT!!

Ladies and gentlemen... I (for the first time in my LIFE) just walked into Express (yes the store) and simply tried on a top. and I (for the first time in my LIFE) could actually wear it out of the dressing room!!!!!!! A beautiful sequin top for the (Fuse) photo shoot taking place next week. I will post pic's as soon as I am able.

Three years ago I joined a gym and paid (mega bucks) for a trainer. In my initial consult with the trainer he asked me where I would go shopping once I lost the weight. My response was Express. It, until today, remained the one store I would turn and quawk as I walked passed the store front in the mall, in wonderment of the fashion's I knew I could never wear. The training/trainer didn't last long but the dream lived on. Today I almost (I really tried to) cried in the dressing room. It was unbelievable. I was donning an Express top, beautiful, sequined, fashionable and best of all well-fitting.

As of Tuesday, July 27th I have lost a total of 17lbs since June 18th; 25lbs since last summer. According to a very fast mathematician I have lost 10% of my weight... WOW. Still have a long way to go... but this little mile stone is just another motivation point along the way!

Fake whoo-hoos.

I came back to work from my 10th workout day-in-a-row, needing to celebrating my accomplishment. The nearest lending ear happened to be my cube-neighbor who dully responded only after hearing the fact that this day marked the 10^th day of… "who hoo..".

I'll stop rubbing my intention to be skinny and do something with my life; it’s clearly a resounding effect of an annoying Chi Wawa. Instead I will explain with my actions that I am not a complacent, middle of the road, overweight soccer mom, who once had dreams but got knocked up and gained 150 lbs, minivan driving, over compensating kind of person.

Nope, I hear you talking shit, like “Oh someday you will change your mind…” bull… I hear it but I don’t accept it, a turn my head and walk away from it. Cocky? No, confident that I am nothing like you. Confident that I am capable, ready, able and stable enough to achieve all that I wish. Confident that my life will span far beyond my years, touch lives beyond my knowledge, and bring meaning to more than those who are legally bound to me in the eyes of the law or who I birthed. You average Jane’s can keep hating cause its only motivating me more to do more than they EVER dreamed they could achieve.

Saturday July 10, 2010

Seems like a Monday… well because it is my Monday. Today is break thru in the way of weight loss. Yes, two in one week, I’m pretty stoked too! For years I have pressed myself to” just work out at least 3 times a week”. Often times getting to the gym once a week was a hassle and in reality it was more like once a month. Today marks the very first time I worked out seven (7!) days in a row. When I started working for PayPal I set my work out goal as “as many times as I can get it in…” I set the goal in hopes of negating guilt for not working out and bringing a sense of pride that I had actually worked out. Sure I wanted to get in my usually “3 times a week” but without the pressure.

Turns out it worked! Maybe it’s the results of Friday’s weigh in that keeps me going or perhaps the second-tighter hole in belt but whatever the inspiration its working… so Imma keep it movin, foiks! Without the pressure there is no pressure to impress anyone at the gym either. Doing my thang and getting it in is what it is all about.

I have also learned how to be comfortable really going hard and working up a decent sweat then coming back to work smelling of post-workout *don’t get that confused with B.O.* I’ve got that managed!

I’m kick the bad and welcoming those healthy habits with those SKINNY thoughts.

DAY 19: 10lbs DOWN

Today marks the official 10 lb mark and DAMN, and damn does it feel good!?

No food or chachkie could bring the joy as signing the 10lb poster brought. Good news here is that I will never have to loose that FIRST 10 lbs EVER again!

As you already know I do like to reminisce. The most obvious is the 1 year mark: what was I doing, where was I in my life, how happy was I, where did I work, what major events where about to take place? It is so easy to remember a date. July 9th 2009; ok I'm not that good but I remember the events and activities of the week.

But a new time stamp is my weight. Where was I the last time I weight this much? Where did I work, what were my habits, how did I feel about myself/life? Because I didn't associate weight with events it more difficult to pin-point the last time I weighed this much. I can guesstimate around 2008/2007. When I think of weight loss in those terms it almost becomes time machine mentality. To go back and live the life of a smaller-me with all the knowledge that I have acquired since, its a pretty refreshing thought.

UPDATE: 6/25/2010

DAY: 7
TOTAL LOST: 4.5 lbs.
NOTES:
significantly lowered blood pressure by eliminating added sodium.
major cravings: wheat, sugar, flour (i.e. cupcakes). recognizing moments of craving, time/place/activity and mentally conquering them with thoughts of SKINNY.
thus far major "snacky" moments include: boredom, TV viewing and late night hunger.

It's a beautiful day!

Today is the official start to my new way of life. No breaks, no rule bending, no starting and stopping, nope.

No booze. No cake. Not even ketchup. I'm going to be a skinny bitch. Well probs not THAT skinny but more healthy for sure. I've thrown out ALL the bad food, brought in the good stuff, got my menu planned and my food scale ready.

Its amazing how good I feel JUST preparing for the change. I can't imagine how amazing it will feel to be free of 75 lbs.

That is the official goal: 75 lbs down. I would LOVE to loose an extra 15 on top of that so I will have to push myself to reach the 90 lb bench mark.

Wish me luck, no wait don't wish me luck, I'm already lucky (save the luck for yourself). Instead think SKINNY thoughts! I will definitely keep you posted with my results... and perhaps some proof of loss via pictures... if YOU are lucky! ;)