Feeling Like a Success!

It's been awhile since I updated my blog, so I thought I would take a minute this morning before I head out on my walk. The weather has been very winter-like the past couple weeks. I had some exciting experiences trudging through 0 degree temps. Brrr....this morning it looks a bit warmer, in the 30's and rainy. I almost think the rain might be more of a challenge to me because I am going to get soaking wet. I don't think I even have a hood on a coat that I can wear. Oh well...all in the name of better health. As long as it doesn't give me pneumonia, I should survive it.


I am on the last few rows of finishing the last afghan. Yay! It was quite an undertaking getting that many done, but I think it will be a success. Olivia texted me yesterday that she received the drawing I made for her on her birthday. She said she liked it. I hope so. I really should get busy and make one for Kristiana...her birthday is right after Christmas and I could send her flowers like we did with Elisha, but maybe this could be a new trend. I have to think on it a bit.

Weight loss. It's going great! I can't complain. In the past couple days I have REALLY noticed a change in the way my clothes are fitting. Back in September, I was visiting Jim in Portland and Trey and I went to Walmart. While there I bought a leather belt to wear because the jeans I have, have a very wide waist band and I couldn't keep the things up. Trying to find a belt that went around my waist was a challenge, but I did. I could just barely squeeze me into the last notch and so I bought it. Well, now I am comfortably down a notch and really could take it to the 3rd notch if I wanted to. This is easily 4 inches. I never took measurements when I started this all but I think if I had, I would be pleasantly surprised at how well I have done. It's not just my waist....my arms and back and shoulders are different too because shirts that I put on are now fitting loosely where they used to be quite snug and binding. I think my face has even lose some of it's extreme roundness and wobbly chin area. I hope so! but either way, I have lost a total of 27.5 pounds!! I have also walked a total of 60 miles since 11/23. I have the goal in mind of making 100 by new years. I think it is still very doable.

In general, I am still very positive about everything. The Nutrisystem is really helping me as far as food goes. I basically am eating 5 mini meals a day and a snack in the evening. When Jim was home this past weekend, we allowed for one meal out at a restaurant, and that went well for me. I think I made a pretty good choice all considering and was satisfied but not over-full when I left. I still had a nice loss on Monday morning, so all in all a good result. I also think the walking has made a big difference in how my weight loss has been cruising along.

I will admit, I have my up and down days...but they are more mood enhanced than anything, and even writing down my progress here has motivated me to get my sneakers on take my walk!

First Successful Month

I had a very great first month with my new lifestyle change. I am feeling motivated to begin on another and see where the journey takes me. Here are the most recent stats:


(And yes Jim, I am finally 'fessing up to my actual weight and their real numbers because I know you love every inch of me whether it's squishy or not.)

November 4, 2009:

• weight: 274.5
• BMI: 45.7

December 6, 2009:

• weight: 251.5
• BMI: 41.9

Drum roll....that's a 23 pound loss! What things have I noticed changing so far?

• I have lost some of the puffiness in my face and hands. My wedding ring is getting a bit loose!
• I CAN bend over and tie my shoes with a lot less huffing and puffing
• I am freezing all the time and think that is because I have lost a layer of insulation....(it's a theory)
• my cravings have diminished for the most part (there is an occasional desire to eat something fast-foodish...but only when I put myself into that situation without eating on my schedule)
• Less short-windedness when I am walking or climbing the stairs
• clothes are fitting more comfortably, some are too loose and most in my closet now fit me which hadn't in a long while
• My hair seems so much more healthy (I think it is the extra protein I am eating)
• Should have been my #1: My blood sugars seem to be in control and within a healthy range
• Sleeping much better
• Overall more positive feelings about myself

I could probably have added more, but you get the picture.

More Afghans and Accomplishments

I finished up another afghan last night! Two more to go. It seems I will get this accomplished after all. :) Last night I was pretty excited when I was able to motivate Trey into taking a walk with me. I told him that it would only be for 30 minutes..etc and so on. He really didn't want to get up out of his chair. He was comfortably reading a book there and the idea of putting on shoes and braving the cold did not appeal to him. But he grudgingly did and we proceeded on our walk. The first half went fairly well. He wore his new coat and a scarf I found for him at the dollar store, so he was bundled up nicely. he decided to try jogging a little way back home. Before too long he had jogged the whole way home! He actually told me he thought it was a magic coat he was wearing because it gave him the energy. I don't know where that idea came from, but I allowed him to believe it! Whatever works...you know? Afterwards he told me he wanted to run every night. I sure hope he keeps this motivation alive.


This morning he and I did our catch up weigh-in. Technically it would be on a Monday, but after the Thanksgiving feast that lasted for 4 days, we decided to give ourselves 2 more days to get back on track. He has now lost 5 pounds! YAY! As for me, I am now down 17.5. I am also happy to report that my BMI (Body Mass Index) has gone from 45.7 down to 42.8. With a goal of 25 in the future, I am on my way!

Goals for today? Start on the last 2 afghans. I am working on Trey's at the same time as I work on the last one for Jeremy. That way, Trey will still see the yarn out and think I am just taking my time with Jeremy's and not question anything. It's hard to surprise that kid...he is so aware of everything! I also need to run to Winco this morning and stock up on our food add-ons. Fruits and veggies and low fat milk...that sort of thing. But before I do anything else...I need to get out there and do my walk!

Arts and Crafts

I finally finished up the portrait I made for our new daughter-in-laws birthday. I am fairly well happy with the results. I do this sort of thing so seldom that it really makes me a little sad when I create something and then send it away somewhere I may never see it again. Silly thing I guess. I hope she likes it. Often times people don't like this sort of thing because they don't like seeing themselves. Maybe she isn't like that though? Here is hoping. I thought I captured my son fairly well though. *sigh


I did my morning walk today. Body is aching everywhere too. I have done little else all day though. (Well, besides get that drawing done, of course). I need to get some packing tape so I can send my christmas packages off into the mail.