Hello!
Well today is New Year's Eve. It's a day to reflect on all the events of 2007 and do some goal setting for 2008. I've been sitting here thinking about what to write, about where I've come from this past year to where I am today. I'm also thinking about where I'll be in a year from now.
Here are some of my accomplishments of 2007
1. Read "You On A Diet" by Dr. Roizen & Dr. Oz--it changed my life!
2. Began a regular exercise routine where I exercise a minimum of 5 times a week.
3. Cleaned out my home of "no no" foods and I no longer buy them.
4. Took responsibility for my own actions and how they affect others (my husband & kids).
5. Stopped being in denial about my weight, obesity and food addiction.
6. Joined a gym (and I use my membership ALL the time).
7. Joined realage.com where I met the most amazing "serious and committed" folks to the YOAD way of life. They have been my support network, my friends and my sounding board almost every day since May.
8. Joined SparkPeople.com in August. I have used that website for motivation, guidance, food and exercising tracking. It also has message boards and an email function. I have a personal web page with photos on it too (ShannoninAZ is my SparkPeople name, feel free to stop by anytime).
9. I have shared my success and my tools with all of those who have asked for my help/guidance. (Friends, Girl Scout leaders, family members, etc.).
10. Started a blog about my journey here on blogspot.
11. Kept track of my weekly weight and measurements since July. This has really helped me on my journey to health!
12. I've lost 67 pounds!!!
13. I can fit into a size 14 pants (although they are still very snug on me) and a ladies large shirt.
14. I have cleaned out my closet and donated all my former clothes. I no longer have a "fall back" wardrobe. I will NEVER be that weight again, NEVER!
15. I have led my family towards a healthier lifestyle, although at times it was kicking and screaming about it. My children and my husband have all lost weight too.
16. I have learned that leading by example is much sweeter than leading by my voice.
17. I've met some amazing friends on this journey (Elizabeth, Jim, Jenny, Rosemarie, Janice, Diana, J Lee, Cindy, Siri, Chris, Mike, Chari, Richard, Connie, Linda and all the rest of the YOAD gang).
18. I have more energy than I ever have had in my adult life.
19. I have become an inspiration to others (that one's pretty cool too!).
20. I've found some amazing quotes and mantra's to help me along my journey; fall 7 times, get up 8, a journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step and I'd rather life 1 day as a lion then 1,000 days as a lamb. (Good stuff!)
Here are some of my goals for 2008
1. Reach my goal weight (Although I'm not sure what that will really be yet. For the moment I have it listed as 150 pounds, which is a 105 pound loss from when I started. It's also only 38 pounds away from my current weight...YIPEE!!! I'm pretty sure my goal weight will probably drop a bit more, once I get there, but we'll have to see).
2. Continue my exercise regime of a minimum of 5 times a week.
3. Hike into the Grand Canyon and back out.
4. Hike the Rim of the Boulder Mountain.
5. Run a 5K or 10 K.
6. Blog at least 2-3 times a week (more really but I want to at least hit my minimum numbers).
7. Become a more creative chef and try new, more complicated recipes.
8. Take my GS troop to Europe.
9. Help my kids to get to healthy weights (even if I have to drag them there....LOL).
10. Work on becoming a more positive role model. (Avoiding family negativity and gossip).
11. Maintaining a positive daily environment for my kids & my husband. (People blossom when they are surrounded by positive energy. It's my job to "pump their tires" and be the "wind in their sails". They'll get beat down by the daily negativity of others, if I don't be more proactive with this role.).
I think those are pretty good lists. Some of those things will be fairly easy, at this point, while some of the others will be quite a bit harder. I'm game for them though. I know I can do this! I've come so far already. I'm pretty darn proud of that fact too.
It feels good to be me, inside & out! What a blessing this year has been. It's been one heck of a ride so far! :-)
All my best to you and yours! Here's to a healthy, happy and safe New Year to each of us!
*CHEERS*
Shannon
Monday, December 31, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Weekly Weight & Measurements from 12-26-07
Here are this weeks stats:
Weight 188.7 pounds
Abs 38.25"
Sucked In Abs 35"
Chest 42.5"
R arm 12.5" Largest Part 16.5"
L arm 12.25" Largest Part 16.5"
R thigh 23.5"
L thigh 23.25"
Neck 15.5"
Pannus 45.5"
I'm feeling good about these measurements. I'm thinking that next week I will start to see more of a downward shift in them. I'm happy with the weight. I'm OK if I lose this stuff one pound at a time. Now don't get me wrong, I LOVE the 3 and 4 pound drops but I know those are rare and really an unrealistic goal to have.
Guess what?? I fit into size 14 pants yesterday!! I tried on the clothes I got for Christmas and they FIT! Well, in a matter of speaking they did. I can zip and button them. I wouldn't wear them out anywhere yet because they are too snug. HOWEVER, by Valentine's Day I will be fitting into them so they are very comfortable. (That's my next short term goal).
Oh, Oh, OH!! I actually have 2 more "guess what's" to share!! 1. I fit into a size 14 formal dress too! Yesterday we were shopping for my oldest DD's winter formal dress and I saw one I liked. I was curious to see what it would look like on and to see what size I would wear. Well.....it's a 14 dress!!! YAHOO!!!!! 2. Both DD and I got on the scale at the gym yesterday and I'm only 8 POUNDS more than she is. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!?! Heck, I sure couldn't!! (I know she's not too happy about that, but I am thrilled!!!).
It's amazing how much has changed in me over the past 7-8 months. I'm practically a new person, inside and out. It really is wonderful. I am so pleased!! This journey has been a God send, in every sense of the word. *soft and huge smile*
On that amazing note, I'm off to get this day rolling. I've already been to the gym for an hour today. I think it's time to take down the Christmas decorations now.
Have an amazing day!
Shannon
Weight 188.7 pounds
Abs 38.25"
Sucked In Abs 35"
Chest 42.5"
R arm 12.5" Largest Part 16.5"
L arm 12.25" Largest Part 16.5"
R thigh 23.5"
L thigh 23.25"
Neck 15.5"
Pannus 45.5"
I'm feeling good about these measurements. I'm thinking that next week I will start to see more of a downward shift in them. I'm happy with the weight. I'm OK if I lose this stuff one pound at a time. Now don't get me wrong, I LOVE the 3 and 4 pound drops but I know those are rare and really an unrealistic goal to have.
Guess what?? I fit into size 14 pants yesterday!! I tried on the clothes I got for Christmas and they FIT! Well, in a matter of speaking they did. I can zip and button them. I wouldn't wear them out anywhere yet because they are too snug. HOWEVER, by Valentine's Day I will be fitting into them so they are very comfortable. (That's my next short term goal).
Oh, Oh, OH!! I actually have 2 more "guess what's" to share!! 1. I fit into a size 14 formal dress too! Yesterday we were shopping for my oldest DD's winter formal dress and I saw one I liked. I was curious to see what it would look like on and to see what size I would wear. Well.....it's a 14 dress!!! YAHOO!!!!! 2. Both DD and I got on the scale at the gym yesterday and I'm only 8 POUNDS more than she is. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!?! Heck, I sure couldn't!! (I know she's not too happy about that, but I am thrilled!!!).
It's amazing how much has changed in me over the past 7-8 months. I'm practically a new person, inside and out. It really is wonderful. I am so pleased!! This journey has been a God send, in every sense of the word. *soft and huge smile*
On that amazing note, I'm off to get this day rolling. I've already been to the gym for an hour today. I think it's time to take down the Christmas decorations now.
Have an amazing day!
Shannon
Sunday, December 23, 2007
The Eve of Christmas Eve
Hello!
I just got back from working my volunteer shift at the Cardinals Stadium. I'm tired and I feel crappy. I've been steadily getting sicker over the past 3 days. Someone sneezed on me, during one of my shopping escapades, and she got me sick. UGH! What a cruddy time to be sick. I've still got quite a few things to do. I've got a couple more presents to buy and lots to still wrap (although DH and I may still do the wrapping tonight). He's got the day off tomorrow, so we'll tackle any last minute stuff together (which will be really nice).
It really doesn't feel like Christmas to me this year, I'm not sure why. Don't get me wrong, I'm in a great mood and I love this time of year. The air is chilly (for AZ), the people are bustling and the kids are very excited for Christmas and all it brings. It's kind of strange that it doesn't feel like Christmas but I hope that will change in the next day or so. I usually love Christmas. It's my favorite holiday of the year. Hmmmmmmmm.....
I didn't get a chance to exercise at the gym the last few days. I've done LOTS of walking though, while shopping, so I'm not worried about the lack of exercise. I just prefer exercising in the gym at least 4-5 times during the week. If I feel better, I'll get in there tomorrow. If I don't feel better, there's no use at making someone else ill because of me.
I'm eating OK. I haven't done daily tracking but for the most part, I've done well. I had a soy light chocolate smoothy two days in a row, but other than that things are fine. I will get on the scale on Christmas morning, to see what Santa brings me this year ;-) . I'll be sure to post the weight and measurements here. I am a bit excited about that. There's quite a difference in Mr. Scale from last year to this year. That's SWEET!!
I better get going. I'm going to lay down. I may even go to bed early tonight. I sure hope I feel better tomorrow (c'mon Zicam and Vit C, kick in babies!!).
Hugs from AZ,
Shannon
I just got back from working my volunteer shift at the Cardinals Stadium. I'm tired and I feel crappy. I've been steadily getting sicker over the past 3 days. Someone sneezed on me, during one of my shopping escapades, and she got me sick. UGH! What a cruddy time to be sick. I've still got quite a few things to do. I've got a couple more presents to buy and lots to still wrap (although DH and I may still do the wrapping tonight). He's got the day off tomorrow, so we'll tackle any last minute stuff together (which will be really nice).
It really doesn't feel like Christmas to me this year, I'm not sure why. Don't get me wrong, I'm in a great mood and I love this time of year. The air is chilly (for AZ), the people are bustling and the kids are very excited for Christmas and all it brings. It's kind of strange that it doesn't feel like Christmas but I hope that will change in the next day or so. I usually love Christmas. It's my favorite holiday of the year. Hmmmmmmmm.....
I didn't get a chance to exercise at the gym the last few days. I've done LOTS of walking though, while shopping, so I'm not worried about the lack of exercise. I just prefer exercising in the gym at least 4-5 times during the week. If I feel better, I'll get in there tomorrow. If I don't feel better, there's no use at making someone else ill because of me.
I'm eating OK. I haven't done daily tracking but for the most part, I've done well. I had a soy light chocolate smoothy two days in a row, but other than that things are fine. I will get on the scale on Christmas morning, to see what Santa brings me this year ;-) . I'll be sure to post the weight and measurements here. I am a bit excited about that. There's quite a difference in Mr. Scale from last year to this year. That's SWEET!!
I better get going. I'm going to lay down. I may even go to bed early tonight. I sure hope I feel better tomorrow (c'mon Zicam and Vit C, kick in babies!!).
Hugs from AZ,
Shannon
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Measurements on 12-20-07
Prior to today, my last measurements were taken on 12-5-07, so I am comparing today's results with those.
Weight-189.9 lbs on 12-19-07
Measurements today at 2:40 PM
Abs-38.25" (no change)
Abs Sucked In-35.5" (up 1")
Chest-43" (up .25")
Neck-15.5" (no change)
R arm-12.25" (down .25 ") Largest part of arm-16.5" (no change)
L arm-12.25" (down .25") Largest part of arm-16" (down .5")
R thigh-23.25" (down .5")
L thigh-23.5" (no change)
Pannus-45.5" (no change)
I'm fine with today's measurements but am looking forward to seeing next weeks. I'm focusing a bit more to push those numbers downward. I've been stagnating a bit, and I'm ready to move to the next level. I have made the adjustments in the gym to move me in the right direction.
Keep moving forward everyone! Be proud of who you are and what you are doing! I know I AM!!
Hugs,
Shannon
Weight-189.9 lbs on 12-19-07
Measurements today at 2:40 PM
Abs-38.25" (no change)
Abs Sucked In-35.5" (up 1")
Chest-43" (up .25")
Neck-15.5" (no change)
R arm-12.25" (down .25 ") Largest part of arm-16.5" (no change)
L arm-12.25" (down .25") Largest part of arm-16" (down .5")
R thigh-23.25" (down .5")
L thigh-23.5" (no change)
Pannus-45.5" (no change)
I'm fine with today's measurements but am looking forward to seeing next weeks. I'm focusing a bit more to push those numbers downward. I've been stagnating a bit, and I'm ready to move to the next level. I have made the adjustments in the gym to move me in the right direction.
Keep moving forward everyone! Be proud of who you are and what you are doing! I know I AM!!
Hugs,
Shannon
Oh I'm still here.....NO going back to Fat Land for me! LOL!
Hello!!
I hope you haven't been worried about me. Never worry! Just because I don't post on my blog, does not mean that I'm not still chuggin' along on my journey. I am. There is no going back to Fat Land for me. I never want to visit or live there again! I'm still moving forward every day. So remember, don't panic if I forget to write, I am HERE in spirit every day!
Disneyland was nice. Unfortunately my Dad got ill though so I spent much of the time taking care of or worrying about him. He ended up feeling fine by the time we left. I did get a lot of walking in and I also worked out at the gym every day that we were there. I felt good about that.
I'm now 189 pounds, by the way. Did I mention that yet? ;-) Pretty darn exciting if you ask me! I haven't weighed that since my Junior year in high school!! Heck, I didn't even weigh that the day I met my husband. It's so great! I'm feeling really good about myself and that's awesome!
I'm pushing myself a bit harder with exercise and monitoring my intake amount a bit more closely this week. I'd like to see if I can move that scale down a bit farther this week. I'll keep you posted. Speaking of that, I need to measure myself still today. I'll be sure and do that and post them next.
I watched the Biggest Loser finale the other night. Wow, talk about inspirational! It's so cool to see how much those folks changed with their weight loss. You could just see the transformations from the inside out. I'm so happy for all of them! I'm glad they were able to transition the success from the "campus" to home. It made me feel good to watch it. It made me feel good about myself and my progress too. *happy smile*
On that happy note, I'm going to go get the tape measure. Keep on keeping on everyone!! We can do this!!
Hugs from AZ,
Shannon
I hope you haven't been worried about me. Never worry! Just because I don't post on my blog, does not mean that I'm not still chuggin' along on my journey. I am. There is no going back to Fat Land for me. I never want to visit or live there again! I'm still moving forward every day. So remember, don't panic if I forget to write, I am HERE in spirit every day!
Disneyland was nice. Unfortunately my Dad got ill though so I spent much of the time taking care of or worrying about him. He ended up feeling fine by the time we left. I did get a lot of walking in and I also worked out at the gym every day that we were there. I felt good about that.
I'm now 189 pounds, by the way. Did I mention that yet? ;-) Pretty darn exciting if you ask me! I haven't weighed that since my Junior year in high school!! Heck, I didn't even weigh that the day I met my husband. It's so great! I'm feeling really good about myself and that's awesome!
I'm pushing myself a bit harder with exercise and monitoring my intake amount a bit more closely this week. I'd like to see if I can move that scale down a bit farther this week. I'll keep you posted. Speaking of that, I need to measure myself still today. I'll be sure and do that and post them next.
I watched the Biggest Loser finale the other night. Wow, talk about inspirational! It's so cool to see how much those folks changed with their weight loss. You could just see the transformations from the inside out. I'm so happy for all of them! I'm glad they were able to transition the success from the "campus" to home. It made me feel good to watch it. It made me feel good about myself and my progress too. *happy smile*
On that happy note, I'm going to go get the tape measure. Keep on keeping on everyone!! We can do this!!
Hugs from AZ,
Shannon
Monday, December 3, 2007
I ran a mile in 12 minutes 13 seconds today!
Guess what?? As you can see by the title of the post, I ran a mile in 12 minutes and 13 seconds today!! That's almost a full MINUTE better than my previous best time of 13 minutes and 10 seconds. Isn't that great?! I was pretty excited about it. In fact, I almost hollered out at the gym but I kept myself restrained to an ear to ear grin instead. :-) I think I have just a tiny bit more room for improvement but we'll see the next time I do a trial. I've been trying to do at least two per month, to see how much I improve, since I started "running". (Which is actually a fast walk and a fast jog, for me. I walk at about 4.1 mph and "run" at about 5.5 mph). I usually alternate between walking 1 minute and then "running" 1-1.5 minutes. I'm working on increasing the "running" and decreasing the walking. I think its going well. I love the cardio aspect of it. It really gets my heart rate up (much better than the elliptical does).
I'm right around the corner from my Wednesday weigh in. I am hoping to be in the magical 180's. I'm really pushing with the exercise, so I hope it brings me down the 2 pounds I need. We'll see Wednesday. :-)
My DH left for Chicago today. He's there on business for two days. He's actually flying from Chicago to meet us in Disneyland on Wednesday night. I miss him already. He's a pretty good guy! I just got off the phone with him and he got into his hotel safe & sound. He said it's COLD in Chicago and he's glad he brought his big coat. I tell ya, we Arizonans don't like that sub 40 degree weather much. It's hard for us to adjust. We are more used to the 110 + weather instead.
We're all getting ready for Disneyland here at my house. We leave Wednesday and we'll get back Sunday night. We go every year and everyone is VERY excited, to say the least. I'm not worried about food at all. I know what I need to eat and I plan to eat it. I will not be derailed by the mouse and his friends. ;-) No churros for me this year but I will take advantage of the numerous fruit stands in the park. Lucky for me, Disneyland is jumping on the healthy bandwagon. YIPEE! I also plan on using the fitness center while I'm there, in addition to the oodles of walking I'll be doing during the time at the park. I think my DH and DD's will work out with me, if not, I'll work out alone or with one of my sisters. Fear not, I WILL work out either way. :-)
Today I became a "Community Team Member" on the SparkPeople web site. That's pretty cool! I'm excited that I get to be an "official" motivator there. It's been a crucial piece of my success, thus far. Between the YOAD message board, the SparkPeople web site and the gym I have found my success story and it is WONDERFUL! :-) Feel free to look me up on SparkPeople, I'm ShannoninAZ. It's a great site and has been SO helpful to me. I have used the motivational tools, the calorie counter, the exercise tracker and message boards. (I have to thank my friend Elizabeth for showing me that site. THANKS!!!).
OK folks, that's about it for now. I'll be sure and post again by Wednesday (sooner if I have some thoughts I want/need to share).
Hugs from AZ,
Shannon
I'm right around the corner from my Wednesday weigh in. I am hoping to be in the magical 180's. I'm really pushing with the exercise, so I hope it brings me down the 2 pounds I need. We'll see Wednesday. :-)
My DH left for Chicago today. He's there on business for two days. He's actually flying from Chicago to meet us in Disneyland on Wednesday night. I miss him already. He's a pretty good guy! I just got off the phone with him and he got into his hotel safe & sound. He said it's COLD in Chicago and he's glad he brought his big coat. I tell ya, we Arizonans don't like that sub 40 degree weather much. It's hard for us to adjust. We are more used to the 110 + weather instead.
We're all getting ready for Disneyland here at my house. We leave Wednesday and we'll get back Sunday night. We go every year and everyone is VERY excited, to say the least. I'm not worried about food at all. I know what I need to eat and I plan to eat it. I will not be derailed by the mouse and his friends. ;-) No churros for me this year but I will take advantage of the numerous fruit stands in the park. Lucky for me, Disneyland is jumping on the healthy bandwagon. YIPEE! I also plan on using the fitness center while I'm there, in addition to the oodles of walking I'll be doing during the time at the park. I think my DH and DD's will work out with me, if not, I'll work out alone or with one of my sisters. Fear not, I WILL work out either way. :-)
Today I became a "Community Team Member" on the SparkPeople web site. That's pretty cool! I'm excited that I get to be an "official" motivator there. It's been a crucial piece of my success, thus far. Between the YOAD message board, the SparkPeople web site and the gym I have found my success story and it is WONDERFUL! :-) Feel free to look me up on SparkPeople, I'm ShannoninAZ. It's a great site and has been SO helpful to me. I have used the motivational tools, the calorie counter, the exercise tracker and message boards. (I have to thank my friend Elizabeth for showing me that site. THANKS!!!).
OK folks, that's about it for now. I'll be sure and post again by Wednesday (sooner if I have some thoughts I want/need to share).
Hugs from AZ,
Shannon
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