2 weeks in a row I LOST??!!

Today was weigh in day. Although I always get excited for these days, I still dread them as well. After waiting for 6 weeks for that scale to move and a 2 lb loss {FINALLY} last week, I really didn't think I would lose this week. But I did! 2.2 lbs! The scale read 241.8. Do you see how close that is to the 30's???? 1.8 more lbs and I will be the weight I was when I went into the hospital to deliver Colin almost 3 years ago. I just never lost any of that weight and kept gaining. So I am really excited to break through that 240 #. It's my first real goal! So far a total loss of 23lbs

I also think I have officially gotten done with my size 24's. I am wearning most last years summer clothes that were too small, and they are 22's. They are still a little bit snug in the waist area, not too bad though, and it creates a bit of a muffin top, but I can pull them up, zip them, and button them and still breathe when I sit donw. I could't do that 8 months ago that is for sure. My tops I can for sure get away with 18/20 most of the time as well, which is really exiciting since I haven't worn that size in tops in 2 years! Not even last summer. I will be excited when I can fit in all the old clothes that I have stored in sizes 18 & 20, but in the mean time it's pretty exciting to be able to go to my closet and know that MOST things that are in it are going to fit me and I won't have to put on 6 different pants until I find one I get away with.

I have also decided to do the 10K on the 4th of July for SURE. I am scared and nervous, but excited as well. I've only done 4 miles one time so far. I am still pretty freaked out about running in the heat, but I'll get there. If I can get 5 miles done by that time, I'll be very happy. I can then save the last mile for the race if need be. I know I can finish it, even if I have to walk some of it. It just makes me happy to work up to something so wonderful! My next 5K is on June 6th, so just over a week away. I am excited for this one. And rather then a typical hot dog after meal party, we are having a pancake breakfast! YUMMY!! My favorite, I can NOT wait!

Dress shopping

I bought a dress. I hate dressing up. It's hard to find things to fit this fluffy overstuffed body. But with 3 weddings coming up, 1 next month, I had to get my butt in gear. This is what I found, what do you think???

20 lb Loss pictures!

I wish for the LIFE of me that I would know how to put 2 pictures together side by side. If anyone knows a simple way to explain to my idiot mind, please do. The top picture is from Jan. 265 lbs. the bottom is yesterday 244lbs.

Jan 2010

May 2010

Jan 2010

May 2010

May 2010 - 244lbs

Thought I would start taking my next set of pictures in shorts/tank since it's nicer out and you can see more definition in arms/legs

Side View May 2010 244 lbs w/shorts/tank

Something is better then Nothing!

Weigh in today!! I LOST! Finally. After a 6 week plateau. I was hoping for more, but will be happy with the 2 pounds! That 2 pounds put at the 20 lb mark (21 to be exact) since I started spark people & 23 lbs since my Doctor's appt in December when I was discusted with myself.

My 20lb reward is a hungry girl cookbook, so I am super thrilled to go to Target this weekend and pick one out! Any suggestions or recomendations on which one to get I'll take!

20lbs also means it's time for me to take new pictures. Full body shots. So I'll get around to that in the next couple days.

I still have a very sick 2 year old at home, so I haven't been able to get on much and catch up on things, so once things settle down I'll get back into routine!

10K????

Ok, this blog needs opinions for those who know me, or what I've already accomplished in order to Know if I am can do this or not. I know alot of people who are either running or training for 10K. Which has of COURSE "spark"ed my interest! LOL Actually my daugthers frineds dad mentioned it to me last weekend, that I should consider running the 10K on the 4th of July. I said someday I'd like to work up to it. Thinking nothing of it. Now KARV09 has me quite intriged and intersted in the 10K! {thanks by the way, you truly inspire me!} SO... when it came to running the 5K and doing the C25k Program, I had only been on spark for a couple week. Woke up one day and said I am going to do this. 9 weeks later, I run my first race, and have since run 1 more and have 2 for sure on the horizon, but would like to do more.

With that being said, there are only 6 weeks between now and July 4th. The 10K program is 12 weeks long. What are the odds that I can I can make this happen in that short amount of time? I don't want to push myself overboard and be disapointed in the end. I'd much rather you be honest with me and tell me its either impossible or that I possibly could make it happen. I can run 5K's and am fine. I can run a full 2.5 miles and not stop. When I run my races, I don't go in with the mind set that I will never walk. If I have to walk I am ok with that.

Any suggestions?? Opinions? Advice?? Come on friends, I know you have SOMETHING to say! :-)

Picture Comparsion!

Since I am clueless and can't figure out how to crop two pictures together, a friend of mine went and took a picture I took yesterday and a picture she found of hubby and I either on facebook or my family blog and cropped them for me. I am SO glad she did. Not seeing the numbers move on the scale is a bummer sometimes, and yes, the inches are coming off, but it's not the same as being a NUMBER. And yes the clothes fit better (today I am wearing an 18/20 top, from a 22/24!!) it's still nice to be able to SEE something, So here you go!



The first picture was taken in December at my daughters cheerleading banquet, so I was about 267 lbs. The other one is from yesterday. 246lbs.
It's just nice to be able to SEE progress!!
And thanks Peg for your help, love you!

Still NOT losing!

I have now officially been the SAME freaking weight since April 3rd, It’s May 12th! I am moving nowhere. Yes in those weeks, I did GAIN 2 lbs, and came right back to where I am at. I am super excited to weigh in today too, thinking I had to have lost something, I was excited to break into that 20lb lost category, and NOTHING!

I.AM.STILL.246.

 I feel like I am just going to be this same weight FOREVER now. In the past, I would have given up weeks ago. Saying this isn’t working anymore, screw it. I didn’t’ though, I pushed through it. But it’s hard to keep doing that week after week. When I saw that Same number on the scale today, that was the first thought that came to my mind. Why bother????? Just stop now, eat whatever the heck you want and screw the whole I want better mind set. I didn’t yet again though. Here I sit eating my Special K red Berries with Skim Milk and I’ll have apple slices in a little while for snack. I know I am doing everything I know how to do. I eat within my calories. I work my BUTT off at the gym. Seriously. Last week alone I logged 523 fitness minutes. That’s over 8 hours of working out last week. So what the heck????

I can’t think of a way to modify my workouts any more. I take a strength class 1-2 times per week. I try to get to Zumba 1 time/week. I do 3-5 days of cardio (elliptical/treadmill, running etc) I do weight training 2-3 times per week. This week I even did yoga 2 times and did an amazing abs class. And 2 weeks ago I did spin! All this while working full time, being a mom and wife. Making dinner. Being home for Colin’s therapy when it’s at home and being at Cadens school every Tuesday night for our parent group for 2.5 hours. I fit in what I can and then even some. Last night I didn’t even leave the house for the gym until 8:30PM. I got home after 10.

I just don’t know what I am doing wrong that my body won’t agree with me???

May Measurements

March 3, 2010 {2 months ago}
Upper Arm - 16
Thigh 25
Chest (above breasts) 45.5
Abs 49
Waist (at belly button) 53 (ewwww!!)
Hips 56
neck 15.5
Breast- 53


April 8, 2010 Last Month
Upper Arm 16 Same
Thigh 23.5 -1.5 inches
Chest Above breast 47.5 ?? Is that right? I'll have to see next month
Abs 47 -2 inches
Waist at belly buttn 51.25 - 1.75 inches
Hips 53 -3 inches
Neck 15.25 - .25 inches
And I didn't do my breast this time,

But I did do my calf, since those are changing like crazy 15.5 - however I believe they are getting BIGGER! From running that is!


May 10, 2010 Current!
Upper Arm 15 = -1 inches
Thigh 23 = - .5 inches
Chest (above Breast) 46 = -1.5 inches
Abs 47 Same
Waist (at belly button) 50 = -1.25 inches
Hips 55 = +2 inches?? Bummer - wondering though if this is right, we'll see again next month!
Neck 15 = -.25 inches
Calf 16 (getting BIGGER! LOL) must be from running. + .5 inches.

That’s a total of 4.5 inches lost. Since April. I’ll take it!

My 2nd 5K!

 Yesterday was my 2nd 5k race. It was in support of Heritage Centers, which is an agency for special needs children/adults. Being a parent of 2 special needs little guys, this race was very important to me. I was hoping to beat my first time (39:19) But when I woke up and saw the weather, I was going to happy just finishing within an hour. It was about 45 degress (not to bad) but 50+mph winds, and we were in Downtown Buffalo, so much colder/windier. and then came the rain!! We got there, got our number and shirt, and then went and waited in the car, since it was too cold to wait outside! They did have a nice breakfast tent with apples, oranges, yogurt, cookies and coffee and tea. So we grabbed our stuff on the way to the car. My mom and daughter were walking the race in honor of the boys also. there were a TON of people. 

At about 9:45 we got out and went over to hit the port a potty's up before the race started, then went to line up. It was So COLD! then off we went. I kept up the pace pretty well. I knew who the people were infront of me and knew who I wanted to keep up with. I actually ran w/o stopping until just before the 1 mile mark. We had to go uphill (which I ran up and down) and just after that I had to stop and readjust. My ipod was sliding down my jacket, so I took the time to maneuver that and get it back inside and get my 2nd wind. the 1 mile mark was just as you crossed into the marina. It was SO windy. It was crazy. I felt like 1/2 my face was caved in! Then came the WAVES. OVER THE WALL. We got SOAKED. There was a lake erie warning before we left for high waves, there were not lying! All I could smell was lake erie by the time I got back. Running through the marina was just over 1 mile and they had a water stop at the 2 mile marker. I was glad, since I was soaked I really wanted to get some fresh water down my pipes!! {I learned after the race, that they closed the marina down because of the dangerous conditions and wouldn't let the walkers through, they had to turn them around so they didn't get the the entire route. I guess after the last runner went through, that was it} 

that last mile is always the hardest for me. This was no different. Then we turned the corner into the wind tunnel. Serisouly. It's a huge valley type, where when it's windy, it can pick you up and move you. I was scared! At one point I had to stop and hold onto to a mailbox, and another point to a tree trunk! I've never felt so light in my life! LOL A that point I was running right behind 2 other young girls. So I kept them in my sights. Once we turned the next corner, it wasn't windy anymore (well not like that one street anyway!!) AND I could see the cones WAY down there knowing it was almost over. then I saw my mom with our umbrella and Mike running towards me. I kicked it up in HIGH gear and BLEW by those 2 girls. Mike was yelling to me to hurry, I only at the 37 min mark NOW, I can still beat my first time! I RAN!!  I still had a corner to turn but I saw that timer going!! I ended up crossing the line at 39:09! Beating my last time by 10 seconds! I was so freaking excited. All I can think is that having the wind behind me half of the way helped me get done as fast as I did. I NEVER thought I would finish this one that fast!! And this is what happens to my hair between wind/sweat and rain. I get curls!! Haven't had them since I gave birth to my oldest 13 years ago! 

We had a quick lunch, very quick because it was POURING and the winds were worse them ever. It ripped the food tent and blew the garage cans over!! They were offering free massages too, which would have been great, but i was COLD and just wanted to get home!! I knew my time was 39:09, just didn't know what I placed. 

So today i went to the website to see my time, and they got it WRONG! I was so mad!! I know my actual time, so I know that is all that matters, but still. It has me finishing at 40:59 and that is so not even close. They even had the people around me wrong. Like saying that a man finsihed after me, and there was 1 girl before and 4 ladies after. So who ever did the times/boards was not paying attention I guess. It still bothers me though!! 

And here are some pictures to leave you with.   

Lunch at the mall

*sigh* I am TIRED! Serioulsy though. A co-worker of mine and I printed out coupons for a free Cami from Lane Bryant (my FAV store!) offline and decided to head there for lunch today and grab them. I also had a coupon for $15 off $15 so I wanted to use it as well. We were also talking about tomorrow weather and everyone agreed that I really needed to get a windbreaker type of jacket to stay dry. So off we went.

First Stop, Had to look and see if they had a specific pair of sneakers in my mom's size at JcPenny's. Done

Second Stop, Lane Bryant. We were here forever! I have 3 weddings coming up. One in June, local. One in July in Oregon (we're not going) and one in Denver, Co (which we ARE going to) So I thought why not try on a couple of dresses while I am here with a great friend/coworker who will be honest with me. First I grabbed some shirts. Keep in mind I typically wear a 22/24. Most of that size looked a bit big to me, so we grabbed 18/20's and in one shirt a 22/24. Turns out the 22 was too big. So on went the 18/20. Which I got ON, first accomplishment. 2 months ago that NEVER would have even been an option at ALL. They were all snug, well for me anyway, but I am used to wearing larger clothes as well. In the end I got a 18/20 shirt that was way cute and really showed off my curves, just a bit snug in the back. So I might wait a litle bit to wear it, but for $11 after the coupon, I had to have it! Then came the dresses! I am so glad Amanda was with me. I could tell by her expression when I came out if it was thumbs up or down. First dress was this one

which I really liked on the hanger, but felt kind of hippy (as in wide hips, not hippy as in 50-60's)and wide in. Amanda liked it and I got lots of compliments on it from other shoppers which was really nice. I was having fun trying these on and i HATE dress shopping. I am NOT a girly girl by ANY means! THEN I tried on this one

I got in on, needed help zipping it (My arms don't twist that way) from the sales clerk and stepepd out to show Amanda ~ whose eyes and smile were HUGE! She loved it, and so did I! Way more then the first one that I still liked too. This one was pretty slimming, I think because of the solid color on top? And it was super comfortable. I didn't get, only because I didn't have the money, but still had fun and learned that I can like shopping once again! Since about last summer when I kept gaining, I gave up shopping and did only ebay or thrift stores. So I am liking this! and they were out of the free cami's to, which was a bummer, cause I really wanted a coral colored one, but they did replace that with a free pair of panties, and their undies are my fave!! So I left with a new 18/20 top for $11, free panties, enjoying trying on dresses and a bit more self condifidence that this IS working!

Next up, Dick's sporting good for a windbreaker/water resistant jacket of sorts. Let me start by saying first they don't have much to REPEL water, next they sure DO NOT cater to plus size women. Larger men, yes, not ladies, so frustrating. Even the XL ladies would be way too small for me. So after we walk the entire store and find nothing, we are heading out and saw an huge wall for of jackets. All by North Face ($$$) I wanted to leave, she wanted to look. We found one for $39 a ladies XL pullover, tried it on and it wouldn't go past my breasts! Typical. Then we found a 2XL in mens, in Gray, it fit! No mirrors though to see. then I spotted the SAME one in orange! Loved it! So I found a jacket to stay dry in And I even asked a cute man who was shopping in the same section if it looked ok! LOL And I got it for only $39 - not $80!

Went to the food court to grab lunch (bourbon grilled chicken, yum) and as we were heading back to the car We saw them selling Frozen Dark Chocolate Covered bananas for only $1!! Of Course we got them!! And BOY did we enjoy them!!

We sure did have a fun time though, and were back to work by 1:30. What a perfect break for a rainy friday afternoon.

Now to menally prepare for a COLD WINDY run tomorrow. Got a windbeaker to keep my upper body dry. Have pants that might work on the bottom half, got a hat for the head, just need something to cover my mouth so I can breathe, any suggestions?

Little Loss, but I'll take it

So everyone know's I've plateaued for weeks and weeks now. It's just so frustrating. Today I did manage to lose 2 lbs, but still didn't breakthrough my pleateau like I wanted to. I am at 246.4 today. I'll take it for a couple of reasons. One, It's a loss. Two, it's a not a gain. And Three, it's only 4oz away from losing that dam 20 lbs that I've been waiting for!!

*sigh* Today is Day 1 of my 12 week Biggest loser challange on spark. I am looking forward to it and hope it gives me the push I need to lose more! My goal for the challange is to lose 20 lbs. That equals just over 1.5lbs per week. I am hoping I can hit this goal!! IF I do, that means when we go to Colorado in August my toal loss will be 39 lbs since I started at the end of Jan. I am NOT getting my hopes up by any means, but need to be held accounatble, so here we are!! {and of course I checked to make sure the hotel we stay in has a fitness room!!}

AND dont' forget about my 2nd 5k in only 3 days!!! so excited!

Finding time to blog?? Not easy!

Saturday I decided to take my first spinning class. I was weighing it all on how Colin would sleep the night before. Wouldn't you know he slept ALL night long?? Must have been meant to be. The beginners class is only held the first Sat. of the month, so I didn't make it this time, I'd be done until June 5th. The class is 45 mintues long, with 15 mintues showing you how to adjust things on the bike and basic info and 30 mins of spin. Thank goodness! Holy spin. Holy ouchy!! My quads, hips, knees and girly parts were burning up to say the least! I did enjoy it, however not sure I'd be able to do an entire hour of it. 30 mintues was ALONG time. She worked with us at the differet resistance levels and showed us some different techniques that other instructors might use if we go to their class. We did it standing and sitting. It sure is a good workout, I don't deny that at all!! I was sweating my ASS off (I wish!) Thank goodness I grabbed a towel out the car. I sure did need it. I wish they had a regular class in either 30-45 min increments, since i am not faithful that I could do an entire hour yet. I'd like to try again, then I'd know for sure if it's for me or not. I have to give it anohter try before I deciede. Right now I am still on the fence about it. I must have knoced my hip out of alingment while i was doing it too, since I couldn't walk most of the day and my hip was KILILNG me. It's better today though. After class I went up and did 30 mins of strength training to cool down.

I've been trying to swith things up during strenght too to get myself out of this funk I am in. So I upped the weight and did 2 reps of 10. When I say up, I am doing between 40-75lbs depending ont he machine.! I remember when It KILLED me to do 10lbs!

Yesterday i went to the gym too and did my 1 hour strength class. We decided to change things up and only do 30 mins strenght and then 30 min stretch. I LOVE it. We use straps to get an extra stretch and it feels SO good! Hopefully all these new things will help me drop some much needed pounds, we'll find out on Wed!

I also got my team placement for BLC 13 today!! Super excited to be a saucy sapphire and to get the challange started. I am ready for some extra challanges in life not to menion kicking some butt!!

Tonight I plan on running and maybe on Wed. too, but then I am done. My 2nd 5K is this saturday and I want to give myself time to rest up. Did I meniton the weather for it??? No? well let me do that now. 50, and rain with thunderstorms. BAD rain. Seriously?? Can I get a NICE day for a race?? I guess i always have June 6th to count on.......