Shopping...a whole new experience!

Ok so if you ask people who know me whether I've always liked to shop, you would get an emphatic yes.  I liked going to the stores, looking for deals, and walking out with an armful of goodies. I have a big and beautiful collection of purses and shoes in my closet. I have gorgeous accessories whenever I need them. And my kids have more cute outfits than they know what to do with.  For these things, I loved to shop.

Now ask me if I liked clothes shopping for me.  To that you would get a head shake that will leave a headache behind. I hated shopping for clothes. I hated having to try on 30 different things only to buy one shirt that looked "ok". And I can count on one hand the number of times I felt really, really good in what I was buying. The only good thing was that I had limited stores to shop in so the torture did not last long.

What a difference 9 months of hard work makes. Today I went shopping for an outfit to wear for a Christmas party. I walked into a regular store, grabbed a handful of stuff and headed into the change room. As I tried on outfit after outfit I actually felt my confidence rise. The stuff not only fit, but I had to get the salesgirl to get me smaller sizes in some of them.

I ended up buying a beautiful top, skinny black pants and some gorgeous shoes. I actually got a complete outfit in one shopping trip...and I walked out thinking "I'm going to look good". The feeling was amazing! Pics will come on the night of the party.

The only issue now is that I have to get used to having so much choice...am sure I'm going to feel overwhelmed at some point. But what the heck...I've worked hard to feel overwhelmed to bring it on!! :-)

The purge

Today I decided to go through my closet.  My friends started telling me that I really needed to get new pants (LOVE hearing that!!!), but before I shopped, I needed to make some space.  I have always hated going through my closet - because it usually meant all the stuff in there was too small.  This time was different...more than half of the stuff was too big!

I decided regardless what the size was I would try on every pair of pants in there.  I wanted to really quantify what I've been working so hard on for the past 9 months.  Yes, my biggest goal was to be a runner...but truth be told I wanted to be able to wear an amazing dress to hubby's Christmas party this year and that meant shrinking a bit.

So I did...I tried on everything.  And more than half were falling off me.  Even most of my "sizes I want to fit into" pants were too big! It really hit me - I've lots of wonderful people in my life tell me that they really notice how much weight I've lost but in my head it didn't seem like it was a big difference.  I know - I'm nuts.  But it's hard to get rid of the critical voices when you've lived with them your whole life.  I think I'm on the road to silencing them a little bit :-)

Now I have a big pile of clothes to donate, I feel fantastic (was back out for a run this morning and it felt great) and I'm healthier than I've even been.  Gimme a couple of weeks and I'll post a pic of the fabulous dress I'm wearing to that Christmas party!

Happy Thanksgiving all!!

Check that off my bucket list!!

OK so I finally get to check something pretty big off my bucket list.  Today I started - and more importantly finished - my first 5K race!  OMG...do you have any idea how long I've waited to actually put that in writing?!  Anyone who follows my on Facebook knows that I've run a few 5K distances at home, but to have completed a race is a whole new WOW in my book.

I didn't run it the fastest, but I also didn't cross last.  I got passed on the route by other runners, but passed a few of my own too.  I did discover that I'm not a huge fan of running in a big crowd, but I found a pocket where I could zone out and just kept putting one foot in front of the other.  As I rounded the corner to the finish line, I wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry.  I think I did a bit of both.  As I got closer, I got to see all the amazing people there waiting to hug me when I crossed - including 2 of my running buddies who did an incredible job today and beat me to the finish.  I am pretty darn proud of us ladies.  Thank you to Sonia, Tina and Kelly for keeping me on track leading up to the 5K day.

And here is the really incredible part...we're talking about doing another 5K at the end of October and - wait for it - a 10K in the spring.  I created running monsters with my little "let's do a run" suggestion and I love it!

I also need to give a shout out to my hubby here.  He is my biggest cheerleader, and makes it ok when I say "I just have to go for a run".  Thank you my love...maybe you'll run the 10K with us in the spring!

To anyone who thinks they may want to try running - do it.  I never thought I would be able to run at all, but with a little determination, alot of sweat, a few tears, and some fantastic friends anything is possible.

Here is our pic after we all crossed the finish line...don't think our smiles could have been any bigger!

My experience with Isagenix

So let me say upfront - I am no affiliated with Isagenix other than being a user of their products.  Wanted to get that out of the way so you know that when I start to gush about my experience with their stuff, you'll know it's cause I really like them.

A friend of mine introduced me to their products a few years ago, particularly their 30 day cleanse.  I was skeptical - when I thought of a cleanse I thought of drinking nothing but juice and needing to be very near a bathroom at all times.  Was not thrilled at the idea of putting my body through something so drastic - and for 30 days?  Wasn't sure.

Lisa, the friend who introduced me to the products, convinced me to go to an information session.  Truth be told, what I was really interested in was to see how the products would taste.  If I was seriously considering it, it better taste darn good!  And it did!  I signed up and did my first 30 day cleanse that year.  Here's the thing - the program was shakes for 2 meals and you get to eat a sensible meal (plus all the other good stuff you take).  Within the 30 days, you do 4 "cleanse" days where you are drinking no shakes but more liquid.

So here's the thing...it was hard initially.  But the truth is it was more a mental thing than the program.  Small changes allowed me to fit the cleanse into my life - and I felt amazing after it was done.  More energy, food tasted better, didn't need as much coffee in my life.

I'm just about finished by latest 30 day cleanse...and I did it this time while I was training for a 5K.  It makes my mornings super easy to be able to throw a shake together as I'm running out the door - in fact I've decided to keep this part up outside the cleanse.  Oh and did I mention you get to eat chocolate?!  They are called Isagenix Delights and they are an amazing dark chocolate treat for when you need a boost.  I'm sure there is a scientific reason they let you eat chocolate, but really I'm all about being able to indulge once in awhile...and these little treats let you do this!

I have become a firm believer in these products - by far the best tasting protein shakes and protein bars I've ever had (chocolate tastes like chocolate!) - and the fact that I have a Coach who I can ask questions too (and who keeps me on track with her encouragement) makes the whole experience a good one.

Remember - like anything else you get out of it what you put in.  It takes some willpower to stick to it, but the beauty is even if you deviate from it, you can get right back into it.  If you want to chat more about the company and their products, or you want to see if the products are right for you, you really should get in touch with Lisa (http://LiveHappyHealthyNow.isagenix.com).  She is awesome, honest and can help set you up on your way to detoxing your life :-)  I know I thank her for introducing me to Isagenix!

Lessons from my journey to becoming a Runner

So my intention was to update my blog on a pretty consistent basis for those who wanted to follow me on my journey to...well wherever I was headed this year.  Um so that didn't happen.  It's been awhile, and I started out by going back to reviewing my last posts about where I was at with my running.

Last time I was here, I was running 6 minute intervals, and I had just run the program in the sweltering heat of Florida (ahhh Florida how I miss thee!!).  Jump forward a month - I am now running 25 minute intervals, and just finished doing 5.3K in 48 minutes.

Holy shit...can that be right??  Me, who 6 months ago could barely run 30 steps without feeling like I was going to pass out?  Me, who 6 months ago was sure there was no way I could do it because my knees would give out?  Me, who had managed to talk myself out of trying running every time I thought I might?

Yes, me.  I. Am. A. Runner.  I've waited a long freaking time to make that statement, so for good measure I'll say it again.  I. Am. A. Runner.

So how did I do it?  Other than lots of cursing when I didn't feel like going, and lots of sweat, there are a few things that I consider key:

1.  Surround yourself with cheerleaders.  You need to hear how great you are doing on those days where you think you sucked.  My husband has become my biggest cheerleader and tells me often how proud he is of me.  Sounds corny but it works.  And remember that the cheering can come virtually too.  A year ago I never would have posted anything about this journey on Facebook or Twitter...now I do it regularly and all the encouragement keeps me smiling - and running.

2.  Don't do it alone.  I have an amazing group of ladies who keep me on track.  Knowing that they are doing it with me (eventhough we have yet to run together!) keeps me pushing myself out the door.  And truth be told I'm a little bit competitive and don't want to look like a fool when we do run together.  Sonia, Tina and Kelly - thanks for keeping me motivated and listening to me bitch when I need to.

3.  Set a goal.  We registered for the CIBC Run for the Cure on October 6th.  My goal was to run the whole thing - however long it took.  Having that marker in the sand keeps me going.  My next goal may be to do a 10K in the spring.

4.  Ease up on yourself.  This was the hardest one for me to embrace.  I'm pretty hard on myself when "I think" I should be doing better - my own worst enemy for sure.  In the past, the headgame I play with myself would have me hanging up my running shoes.  I've realized that screwing up is inevitable - its how you turn it around that is important (doesn't that sound like a good lesson for my kids??).  I have skipped running days cause I was too tired - but I went back out the next day with gusto.  I've indulged in the foods I love, but gotten back on track the following day.  And I'm not beating myself up over it.  This is a lifestyle I'm embracing.

All sounds pretty easy, right?  Well it's not.  It's hard.  It's hard to find the time, it's hard to stay positive, it's hard not to give into the crazy voice in my head that tells me to just quit.  All I can say with utmost certainty is it's worth it. 

Start small, do what you can, celebrate the small wins and tell the crazy voice in your head to sit down and shut the hell up - she's not the boss anymore!

A Goal 17 Years in the Making

So I'm on vacation but had to write this post. I hit another milestone in my journey to becoming a runner.

I've been fortunate enough to be able to come to Florida every year for the past 17 years. And for the last 14 or so I've been walking from our apartment to the beach (about 40 minute walk). Every time I set out to walk that stretch, I've thought to myself "next year I'm going to run this". Next year would come and running I was not. I still felt pretty good about continuing to walk, but always felt a little disappointed in myself that another year had gone by and I still wasn't at the point that I could run it.

Until this year. This year I did it. I. DID IT!!!!  I ran my Couch to 5K program this morning to the beach. Not gonna lie...I squealed after I ran the first interval. After 17 years, this goal became a reality. And I'm hoping by the end of our trip, I'll be able run almost the whole thing.

Not gonna lie...it's way harder to run when it's humid and 39 degrees outside, but so worth it when you get to the ocean and jump in to cool off.

Lesson...no matter how long you've been wishing you could do something, no matter how many years have passed since you first thought "I want to" it's never to late to make that goal a reality.

I FREAKIN DID IT....going to ride this high for a little while longer :-)

Just keep running...

So I promised that I would keep everyone posted on my journey to becoming a runner...but you should know by now that my promises to blog can be pretty fickle.  But I'm here now and that's what matters!

Lots has happened since I took those first steps back in May.  Probably the biggest thing is that I actually stuck with the program!  I started the Couch 2 5K program that next week and have kept it up.  It means that I'm actually out running 3-4 times per week...yeah that's right - me who was sure that it would never happen, that I couldn't do it, that my knees would be sore, blah blah blah.  I am actually out there doing it.

And here is the best part - I actually look forward to getting out there with my running shoes and iPod on.  When I'm stressed or feel overwhelmed instead of crawling into bed my first thought now is "I need to go for a run".  I've gone out in sweltering heat, in the rain, at night - I've hit all the conditions that I used to use as an excuse.  I've even been pretty sick this week with a cold and still went out once (figured breathing was a requirement to run so haven't been out since but am on the mend and will get back out this week).  It's really weird to feel this passionate about something I've always wanted to do but waited a long time to tray...good but definitely weird.

So where am I at now?  I'm up to running a 6 minute interval - it's still a little hard so I think I'll do this week over again until I feel comfortable with it.  All to say I'm on track to do that run in the fall and I may actually be able to keep up LOL

Also really cool that since I started talking about this program, a few friends have also started.  In fact a colleague at work came to tell me that I inspired her to start it - she was cursing my name after day one cause she was not used to running, but she started and is still doing it :-)

One last note - you can find inspiration everywhere and from anyone.  I am a believer in Social Media, and its power is obvious.  This past week I drew inspiration from someone I follow on Twitter.  She was blogging and tweeting her journey to doing her first triathlon (uh yeah...pretty damn cool in my opinion).  As I was running my first 6 minute interval I actually found myself thinking "If she can do a triathlon I can freaking run for 6 minutes!"...and it worked.  I pushed myself because of what she accomplished.  Have never met her IRL, but I owe a huge thank you to @SharonDV (if you don't already, you should totally follow her on Twitter - she is funny on top of inspiring!!) for keeping me going when I wanted to fall over.

One last benefit from sticking with it - running has helped me stick to my weight loss goals in this season of white wine and BBQs.  Definitely an added bonus!

Am headed on holidays for a few weeks, so no posts from me - and I won't promise one as soon as I'm back cause, well I'm not good at keeping those promises :-)

In the words of Nike...

So I've heard myself often say "I think I would really like running".  I like the idea of putting on the tunes, feet hitting pavement, and the feeling of satisfaction when you make that final loop back home.  Don't get me wrong - I really like going to the gym for classes too when I can get there.  And there it is - that sentence that seems to undo every motivating thought I have.  There is always something else to do.  Homework to help with, dishes to wash, meals to make, laundry to get through.  So I focus on getting those things done and, after working a full day on top of that, I truly just want to collapse at the end of the day.

But here is what I've realized.  I can ask for help with all that other stuff - but I'm the only one who can make myself a runner.  I'm the only one who can get my ass to the gym.  I have also come to realize that when I say it out loud, or commit to it in writing, it tends to get done.

After the Ottawa Race weekend two years ago, I thought to myself "I really want to do that.  Next year I will be in the race".  I didn't say it to anyone else and, next thing I knew Race weekend had arrived and I had not done anything to prepare.

So Ottawa Race weekend 2013 was this weekend - I truly wish I could say that I participated but I didn't.  But here is what I did do...I called on "journey buddies" - that's what I've taken to calling them here - and I said out loud that I wanted to do a 5K.  I wanted that to be a goal...so we made it a goal.  In fact, one of them suggested we not wait until next year, but that we should find one in the fall to do.  My response - I'm in.  So even if I have to walk some of it, I will do it this time.  I will not be the one who says I'm not ready.

And its as simple as that to get your mo-jo back.  Say it out loud, commit, grab a couple of friends who don't mind hearing you whine every now and then, and Just Do It.

Step one - I walked 4 kms this afternoon...and it felt fantastic.
Will keep you posted on our journey to get there...

The usual...

So just a quick update...life feels crazy these days (is there ever a time when it won't feel crazy??).  Being "on the run" has meant that any sort of work out routine has flown out the window.  Having said that, I have been more conscious of what I'm eating so I'm still feeling pretty good about things.  I'm down a few more pounds since the last post, and definitely am feeling more energetic.

What I have been missing, though, is Weight Watcher meetings.  I really believe in the power they have to keep you on track, and I haven't been to one in a little while.  Mine and my buddies' new plan is to try to catch a meeting one day during lunch.  They offer meetings downtown not far from where we work, and I think that might work better than trying to fit in an evening.

For now, we "just keep swimming..."

Can I get a Woo Hoo?!

So after hearing of my buddy's success last week, I decided to venture into my closet and pull out some clothes from last year to see if they are any looser.  By the end of last summer, my capris were getting a little snug - I had just gotten back from vacation and was moving into the season of flannel and big sweaters so I didn't feel overly concerned.

When the weather started to get nicer this year, however, my panic started to rise a little bit.  I decided to bite the bullet and try on a few pairs and guess what - I've had 3 pairs on this week and they are all hanging off me. *insert happy dance here*

It's always an accomplishment when I get through the winter and my spring/summer clothes still fit - but to have them feel big on me instantly lifted my mood.

So now I'm back to being motivated...by the time we hit the fall I want to need a whole new wardrobe :-)  Dying to buy some cute fall stuff LOL

This week...

So after my a-ha moment last week, I set out this week to just go with the flow.  I didn't get to work out at all, but did manage to take the stairs a few extra times at work instead of the elevator.  And how did it pan out?  I'm down another 1.4 pounds.  So it seems that I can just "live life" - as long as I make good choices (which for sanity's sake includes a glass of wine or a few chips every now and then), I will be able to stay on track.

The more exciting news this week came from my WW buddy.  She pulled on clothes this week that she hasn't been able to wear in a couple of years.  To say I am over the moon excited for her is an understatement.  That is THE BEST feeling in the world when you're on a journey like this - especially when it seems the number on the scale is not cooperating!

And here's the important lesson about having someone to do this with - when you start to feel blasé or like it's just not worth it, something way cool happens to your buddy and you get motivated all over again.

Congrats to you my friend - and here's to staying on track together!!

A-ha moment

So I've been beating myself up about feeling so blasé about my weight loss for the past few weeks.  I couldn't seem to figure out why I no longer felt that I was "trying" to stick to the program.  And I was struggling to figure out why the scale wasn't moving as fast as I wanted it to.  I've been the same number for the last 2 weeks - even though I've been to the gym and my eating habits are staying under control.

Then it happened.  I had a bit of an "a-ha" moment.  I wish I could take credit for feeling enlightened, but it was actually after reading a friend's blog that it hit me (here is where I give due credit to Sonia for giving me perspective...if you don't read her stuff you should - http://soniasscrappingworld.blogspot.ca/2013/04/some-exciting-news.html).

The reason for the blasé attitude is that I had managed to incorporate the stuff into my daily life, and I no longer felt that I had to try to follow the WW program...I was just doing it.  I didn't have to convince myself the bowl of ice cream wasn't a good idea...I just didn't want it anymore.  And the stuff I did want (like a glass of my favourite wine), I could do cause I was making good choices everywhere else.

As for the number on the scale, I realized this week that my clothes were looking a little saggier on me.  What I decided was to make that my gauge.  I still like to watch the numbers fall, but it is a true sense of accomplishment to have my clothes feeling big.  And I put on a pair of freshly washed jeans that usually were initially hard to button up - and I had no issues!  YES!!!

I've always been a firm believer that you just have to live the change and stop thinking of it as a "plan" or a "program".  No one wants to feel like they're on a plan for the rest of their life.  We just want to live our lives to the best we can.  It just took me a little while - and some help from my friends - to figure out that was the point I was at.

Can't shake it...

So I truly can't  seem to shake myself out of this blah mood I've been in...and usually when I get blah I get even more blase about the WW program.  I find myself making excuses (I'm really tired, it's Easter so I have to eat the chocolate - you know the drill).  Usually at this point on my WW journey, I tend to give up.  I just quit and think "I'll start again when things get less crazy".

Here's the thing...it never gets less crazy.  There is always a thousand other things that need my attention, and a hundred reasons why it is easier to grab whatever is handy to eat instead of planning and making good choices.

This is where I really appreciate my WW buddy.  Knowing she keeps going, and has just as crazy a life as me, keeps me at least on the program.  It keeps me going to the meetings, and thinking even a little bit about what I put in my mouth.

Truth be told I skipped weigh-in last week - mostly cause I just didn't have it in me to face the scale knowing it would not be a good number.  This week I'm going back to the meeting and will face the music...and I will do it with my support system in tow.  Here's to keeping the truck moving forward!

Still blasé

So first the update - I'm down a total of 13 pounds.  Not bad considering I really don't feel like I've given up anything.  I still have an occasional glass of wine, and I enjoy pasta every now and then.

I did give up snacking at the office.  I have an amazing group of people I work with, but it seems that there is always chocolate or chips lying around to snack on.  I had gone completely off all "snackable sweets", but in my blasé mood the last few weeks have snuck a few in on occasion.  Bad idea - now my body remembers how good the sugar makes it feel short term and I back to craving it.

The good news is I caught it before it could get the better of me.  I still lost over the last 2 weeks, just not the amount that I'm used to losing.  Time to give myself the kick in the ass that I know I need and get back to it.

My WW buddy and I have decided on a goal by the time she turns 40, and another by the time I turn 40.  That's my target...and having my rewards along the way will do what I need to help me stay motivated!

Onward I go...

Back on track

K so last post I was pretty pissed at myself.  Was pretty proud though that I didn't do what I normally did and just throw in the towel.  I stepped off the scale with a resolve that I would just start again.  And I did.  And I lost almost 3 pounds - woo hoo.

But here's the thing...my motivation has tanked.  Not sure if it is because it's been so gray outside lately, or because I'm not sleeping very well...whatever the reason it has been very difficult the past week to keep myself in the mindset I need to be in on this journey.

Luckily I have my WW buddy who is helping me to stay positive and keep my head in the game.  And I have my reward list to work towards.  I'm hoping that this is enough to keep me where I need to be.

Whatever the reason, I need to come out of the blasé mode I was in this week and get back into my rah-rah space that I was in before my holidays.  Well maybe not today, but I will endeavour to do it before the weekend is over...wish me luck!

Gotta love holidays!

So I'm trying not to be pissed off at myself.  I was on holidays last week - in New Orleans.  Can't really go to New Orleans and not sample their food, or walk on Bourbon Street and not have a drink in my hand, right?!  We got back yesterday after an amazing time, and I decided to go this morning to see what the damage was on the scale.

I'm up 4 pounds.  4 POUNDS!!!  In a week?  Don't think that has ever happened.  I'm really annoyed that I now have to lose that 4 all over again.  The good thing is I know exactly why - not enough water, too much seafood, too much drinking.  I'm hoping this week things normalize again and I can post that they've come back off next week.

Oh well...did I mention the holidays were fan-freakin-tastic???

My reward list

So last time I did WW I created a reward list...I thought that if I had something to look forward to at little increments it would make reaching them even sweeter.  I mentioned it to my WW buddy, and we agreed we would do the same thing this time...so here goes.

10 pounds - manicure and pedicure

15 pounds - a facial

20 pounds - Spa day with my ladies

25 pounds - Lululemon sweatshirt - in a woman's size :-)

30 pounds - a new pair of running shoes

35 pounds - a "little" shopping spree to replace the clothes that will now be falling off me :-)

40 pounds - a new piece of jewellery (I'm thinking Stella and Dot)

45 pounds - a Spa day - ok this is a repeat but it's my favourite reward!

50 pounds - a tattoo.  I've always wanted one, so I figured it would be a good reward for hitting this lofty goal!

So although I would like to lose over 50 pounds eventually, I'll stop my goals at that marker!

Now I'm confused

So last week I worked out lots, really watched what I ate, got lots of sleep and lost 1.2 pounds.  Going to weigh in this week, I was sure things would be bad.  I've had sick kids this week, and have been running around to get ready for holidays, so there were no gym visits.  I also decided not to track...I wanted to see how well I would do without writing everything down (I've decided on holidays I was going to ease up a little bit).

So off I went to weigh in, tail between my legs expecting to have some explaining to do.  This is where my confusion sets in...I lost 3.4 pounds.  WTF?  Didn't see that one coming at all!  So now I've lost over 11 pounds, and hit my 5% weight loss goal. 

Immediately my spirits were up, and the fact that I haven't slept in 24 hours didn't seem so bad.  Amazing how much good news like this changes my perspective.  Now off I go on holidays...with a little more confidence that I can make good choices.

The results from this week

So I'm four weeks in to this Weight Watchers thing - and I'm down another 1.2 pounds this week.  On one hand I'm jumping for joy - on the other hand I'm thinking what the hell?  Only 1.2 pounds?  I worked out more than usual, ate the right stuff...why isn't it more?

At this point in past journeys, I would usually get discouraged and just come home and eat.  This time, though, I have a secret weapon - actually I have 2 secret weapons.  Two friends are with me on this journey and keeping me motivated.  One is my WW buddy (and we text all the time for support or to celebrate success), the other is a friend who is doing her own thing but having great success.  I've always been one to do things on my own, but having them to lean on is really helping me stay focussed on what I want to accomplish.

So yay for me...my goal for this week is to push the workouts even more and up my water intake. If I can do that I should get more positive results.  Next week hubby and I leave on vacation - and while I will watch my intake I will put the points calculator aside for the week and just enjoy all the things New Orleans has to offer.

And thank you to my ladies - your support and encouragement is truly appreciated...

2 Weeks in...

I've been pretty deficient in writing blog posts these days - life just seems to be crazier than a normal "post Christmas" pace.  Having said that, I'm happy to say that things have been going really well on the WW front.  Down 6.6 pounds in 2 weeks, and I'm really not finding it that hard.  The biggest thing for me was avoiding the snacks that circulate around the office, and cutting back on wine.  Ok the wine part was hard, but I still allow myself a glass every few days.

And that is what I love the best about WW...nothing is off limits!  I just need to manage the rest of the day around wanting that one high-point thing.  The other thing making it more successful this time is I have a buddy with me.  The support, and someone to share the small wins with is a really good thing.  This week my goal is to make it back to the gym.  I figure now that I have a handle on the daily points, its time to up the exercise.

Here's to adding more to my crazy life...but I will make room for trips to the gym!

The beginning...

So I did it.  I went back to Weight Watchers and stepped back on the dreaded scale.  Truthfully, the number wasn't as bad as I thought, but it certainly was not where I wanted it to be.

So far this week it's been pretty easy.  Made lots of good stuff to have my fridge stocked, and even managed to turn away from dessert at my in-laws today.  I am impressed with my resolve (especially since the dessert was cheesecake...talk about a test!!).

I have a friend doing it with me this time, so hopefully we can keep each other on track.  Can't wait to post my weight loss for the week!

Day One

So here is the first post.  A little background maybe?  I've created this blog more as a way to document my lifelong journey with my weight.  I do have another blog, but didn't want that one to focus on my weight struggles...it is centered more around me being able to find balance in my life.  This one will strictly be as a way to keep me sane as I embark, once again, on this journey to lose weight.

I have always struggled with my weight.  Even as a child I remember not being able to buy the cute clothes, but rather had to look for what they had in my size.  It sucked!

I have had some success in the past.  Then I got married, had 2 beautiful children and it all seemed to spiral out of control.  The worst part is I know all the steps.  Burn more than you eat, everything in moderation, make sure to exercise.  It's not rocket science - and whether I like it or not there is no magic pill or solution.  And I'm one of those weird people who actually likes going to the gym!  It's all just a head game.

I've decided this year would be the year I do a mind set switch.  I'm going to change my lifestyle to incorporate it all rather than making it try to fit my existing lifestyle.  I'm going to go back to Weight Watchers cause I know it works for me, and I will carve out gym time.  My family is supportive (which helps) so here we go...let's get this year started!!