The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

I don't even know where to begin. Clearly, I have not been committed to making my health a priority in the last 6 weeks. Somewhere between traveling for 5 weeks, coming home, accepting a FULL TIME JOB (YEA... I am no longer unemployed!), working 40-50+ hours a week, becoming a traveling taxi for a teen, catching up on chores at home, working on big projects and breathing... I have not gotten back into a routine of eating healthy or working out. I just can't seem to balance the tight rope... I want to do good, I say I am gonna do it but then there just doesn't seem to be enough time in the day to plan my meals, count calories or even to jump on my bike and ride.

Instead, I find myself day dreaming about losing weight... beating myself up because I have gained roughly 12 pounds of 62 pounds that I've lost. I am back in the hustle of bustle of everyday life and I finding that I have easily put myself on the back burner. I never intended for it to happen that way.

Even while traveling, I kept up my workouts... now, I was eating out every meal but I still worked out 5 days a week. I've been home since 9/4 and honestly, I have worked out only 3 or 4 times?!?!?! Not only have I not been working out, I am still grabbing food on the go, breakfast and lunch. Not only is it food on the go, it has turned into burgers, fries and greasy fried tacos.

I don't want to give in, I just have to find the balance. Most importantly, I need to stop beating myself and celebrate what I have still accomplished. I am still at 50 pounds lost and I have not smoked since 1/4/10 ... that is 9 months! WOW!

I want to thank everyone for encouraging and supporting me. Your feedback, comment and support means so much. I am going to take the challenge presented by many of you and prioritize my goals.

When I began my blog on Jan 1st 2010, my goal was to become healthy. I didn't have a plan however I committed to blogging. I haven't been blogging (partly because I am super duper busy ( I have traveled to 3 states this week, YIKES, while also trying to fit in my sons football game) and also because I don't want to acknowledge that I am not doing whats best for my health.

In the beginning, I committed to blogging about the good, the bad and the ugly... this just happens to be part of the ugly and I will begin to blog again on a daily basis... the good, the bad and the ugly... accountability!

One meal at a time, One day at a time. My journey continues...

Gotta work through this lack of motivation and find my way back. I am NOT quitting!!!

Just finished lunch, I'm at 523 calories for the day & feeling good. Now I just need to keep it up!

Getting back on the wagon

It's been a week and I still haven't seemed to jump back on the band wagon of living healthy. I have not "officially" worked out, allthough I painted my house which was a workout! I did eat a little better for most of my meals. I ate out 3 times which I guess is better than 3 times in a day. I drank more water but not nearly enough.

I found myself wanting to buy cigaretted twice, I hadn't really wanted to do that in a while. I fear I am entering into self-sabotage. Last night, I found myself at Wal-Mart looking at Diet pills. I know damn well the answer is not in a bottle of pills. It is counting calories, eating healthier and exercise.

I didn't get up and workout this morning as planned, I slept right through my alarm. The day is young, so I commit to myself atleast 30 minutes this evening to workout.

Time management, being prepared, logging calories, drinking water, exercise... I've got to get back on track!!! Get back on track!!! Get back on track!!! A few month's ago, it seemed so easy and now it is feeling like so much work. The good news is that it doesnt seem impossible, now if I can just get back on the wagon.

A little encouragement to help motivate me this week is that I did drop two pounds last week. Let's see what I can do this week...



One meal at a time, One day at a time.

Lucy's got some splan'n to do

I wish I would have forced myself to sit down and write this blog last Monday when I weighed myself but I just didn't find the time. As many of you know, I traveled for the last 5 weeks for work. I maintained working out however I ate out every meal, breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Initially, I really tried to eat healthy, as the weeks passed, I order a bigger steak, added cheese, ate fried foods and asked for extra gravy. I also wasn't sleeping very well which of course, does not help your metabolism.

I made it back to Dallas around midnight on 9/3. I was pretty exhausted because I was living on about 9 hours of sleep for the entire week. When I got home, I vegged out with my son for an hour and then hit the sack. We ran errands all day on Saturday and ate out for lunch and dinner. Sunday, we enjoyed a BBQ at my sisters house, it was great spending time with the family. On my way home, I stopped at the store and got some groceries. I was ready to cook healthy meals and get back on track.

Monday morning, I weighed myself


Oh my goodness, I gained 7 pounds in 5 weeks... this is my first gain since January. I have to get back on track. I was ready, I had a healthy breakfast, had a sensible lunch packed and even a few healthy snacks. I worked until 6:30, by the time I was home, it was pretty late, I had laundry to do so I picked up a pizza. Tuesday started off strong, breakfast, snacks and lunch ready to go. I wasn't ready for the candy bars that were sitting in the office when I got out of the classroom. And before you knew it, I ate three and two bags of chips. What the heck??? I lost it and binged. Wednesday was just as bad, except I was able to reserve and only eat two candy bars. Thursday night was another pizza night and Friday was Red Lobsters. On Saturday it was Olive Garden and Sunday morning it was Denny's.

Things are out of control. What really freaks me out, is that I can feel it in my stomach, it's bloated, I am uncomfortable and feel sluggish. Yet, I keep doing it. I honestly had to ask myself, what are you doing? I was only 3 measly pounds away from losing 65 pounds yet, I am eating like I have nothing to lose.

I am stressed, I am working on getting back into the groove of things but it really freaks me out to see how easy it was to fall back into old habits.

For an even bigger reality check, I weighed myself this evening and I nearly feel over

I have gained 7 pounds since 09/06. Yea, look at the dates on those photo's. What the heck is going on?

I'm gonna tell you, I have been careless, I didn't work out at all last week and I am not counting calories. VACATION is over (not that I was on one)!!! Momma is back and I have a lot to get a handle on.

I'm working on getting back into a routine and balance. I am not going to beat myself up, it is scary that I allowed myself to slip so far into a downward spiral but regardless, I have come a long way this year. I love myself and I will find the balance, after all, I want to be healthy. This is a life long commitment and this is only a small hurdle in the road.

My Goals for September (from this moment forward):
1. Drink 8 glasses of water a day
2. Track everything I eat
3. Exercise 4 days a week

One meal at a time, one day at a time! 2010 is my year and I am going to ROCK it!

Gym was full (3 machines) so I walked 3 beautiful miles in the rolling hills of Denver. Feeling good!

Off to the hotel gym even though I'm not feeling it right now. Happy Wednesday!

Just got off work, bags packed and ready to go, on my way to the airport! Dallas here I come, yehaw!

Doing laundry & packing so I can jump on a homebound flight after work tomorrow. Can't wait to see my son and sleep in my bed!

The busy bee

Hey All! Just wanted to say that I am still here. Things have been crazy busy in CO. I am so excited that I will be headed home this Thursday after class. I should arrive in Dallas around midnight, woo-hoo, to sleep in my bed!

My son began High School today, geez, time flies! He said he enjoyed his first day, of course, no school work, just getting settled into all of his classes. I really just can't wait to get home and spend some time with him.

I will be back in Denver on the 31st. I return to Dallas on the 4th for good. Yippee!

Don't get me wrong, traveling for work has been a very fun experience. I have had the opportunity to sight see and meet one of my most favorite SPARKERS SKTRAINOR! The weather in Denver is amazing and well, it is simply gorgeous here. My hotel is really nice but I have to admit, there is no place like home!

I kinda feel like August has just blown by. I have basically been out of the town the entire month and just don't know where the time has gone. Things will slow back down when I am home on the 4th and things can get back to normal. I can't wait to get on bike and enjoy a ride. It has been so long since I have rode.

I have plenty of blogs to sit down and write and gorgeous photo's to share. I've had the opportunity to visit the Rocky Mountains, Mt. Evans and Red Rock Amphitheatre, not to mention the beautiful Denver Botanic Gardens.

Right now I am focusing on keeping up my workouts. I have been doing my best to order healthier food but I am still eating out every single meal, 3 meals a day. I really feel bloated but I am not going to worry about it right now. I am working out and will get 100% focused when I am home and can count calories, cook my own food and ride my bike, do my exercise videos and so on.

I have set a new goal, my birthday is in October (the 8th to be exact) and would like to have lost 75 pounds by then. I know I am going to need to kick it into high gear in September but I know I can do it! One meal at a time, one day at a time!

Spent the afternoon in awe of the majestic beauty of Mt Evans in CO, Elevation 14,260

Where has time gone

On 08/05 I flew to Denver for work. In between working 10-12 hour days and fitting in some incredible sight seeing, I was glad to head back home last Wednesday. Of course, I worked from 7am to 6pm, jumped on an eight o'clock flight and made it home around 11:30. Even though I was exhausted when I arrived home, a second wind kicked in and I didn't wind down and go to bed until 1am. I worked on Thursday and Friday.

I washed laundry, did yard work and tried to get things in order. My son (love ya honey) finally came home from summer vacation (he has been gone for about 7 weeks, yikes) on Saturday. When he got home off to the streets we went. School shopping for high school. Oh my goodness, how surreal.

We got home late on Saturday, I cooked dinner and we hung out. This morning, I got up and finished packing my bags and headed back to Denver. It was hard to say goodbye and he wasn't ready to repack his bags either, but we do what we have to do.

I am going to be in Denver for two weeks this stay... I had hoped to download my pics from the Botanic Gardens and also from the Rockies but I never found the time. I am really hoping this trip I am able to rent a bike and ride a few trails and I also hope to make it up to Pikes Peak.

I have to admit, that all the locals say that Pikes Peak is overrated, but being a tourist, I just can't resist :)

I weighed when I arrived home last week and well, I gained two pounds. TOM was here but I also know I was eating much heavier than I usually do because I was out of town. I will continue my workouts but will work on ordering healthier food this trip. I was only 12 pounds away from 75 pounds lost and now, I am 14 pounds away. All is not lost, I will continue on, I just need to refocus.

When my son and I were out shopping, he said: Mom, you've lost more weight, your stomach has gone down. It felt great to hear that. It made me feel proud. I told him I have lost nearly 65 pounds and he just smiled. He asked how much more do you want to lose? I said about 135 more pounds... and he smiled and said, your gonna do it Mom, your already 1/3 there. What a smile it left on my face.

Dedication and Determination, it will happen!

Had an amazing day hiking the Rocky Mountains! I can't wait until I can post pics, simply amazing!

Text Blogging... not a good idea

Okay, so I attempted to text a blog. 45 minutes and one cramped finger later, no post!

So, what's the dill bill? Where has the 330 Pound Woman been, you ask? Well, I have been crazy busy. As most of you know, I am currently working a contract job and on Thursday, I flew to Denver for business. I will be here working most of month... basically thru September 4th.

I arrived late on Thursday (sat in the Airport most of the day, my flight was only and hour and fourty-five minutes). Was up a little late that evening, checking into the hotel, unpacking, a late night meeting, dinner, a quick trip to the office and then finally sleep. Friday, we were going to be in the office by 6am so I actually got up at 3:50am to workout. Yes, I thought I was crazy as well... good news is, I got in a great workout: 4.5 miles on the Elliptical which was 510 calories burned and gone forever!!! Woo-Hoo!

Yesterday, I had the awesome opportunity to meet one of my most favorite SPARKERS, KELLIGIRL1977 and her dear friend Cynthia. We went to the Denver Botanic Gardens (beautiful) and then to the 16th Street Shopping Center (amazing). We walked for about 5 hours. I'm not sure the distance or how many calories that were burned but 5 hours, it has to be off the charts! We decided to grab a bite to eat and headed for a Sushi bar. It was a first for me and well, it wasn't exactly my thing. I was excited to try it but I don't think I will do it again. The girls loved it though.. let me see if I can remember what we had. There was California Rolls, Lava Rolls, Poki Rolls, Spider Rolls and I can not remember the other. There was eel, crab, tuna and salmon, one was cooked and the others were marinated. If you enjoy Sushi, this would have been a hit with you. There was just something about the texture that I couldn't get past. But hey, to each is own.

Denver is gorgeous guys. It is full of life, entertainment and the sunrise is breathtaking. I actually meet four students at work on Friday that said they moved to Denver after visiting on vacation, I can understand why.

I have tons of pictures to share, I'm not on my computer, I am in the business center in my hotel so I will have to wait until I am at home to post. I will be home next weekend so take a peak back then and enjoy the ride :)

Today, my boss and I are going to find some mountains, I am so excited and ready to hike in Colorado! Rocky Mountains, here I come!

Text Blog Test. Does it work?!?!? Let's find out... pressing SEND!

WIPE OUT!!!

I have officially had my first WIPE OUT! Yup, it was destined to happen and finally did. Yesterday I went out with a friend for a 25 mile bike ride. I was hyped that I was ready to push myself and do 25 miles.

It was a gorgeous ride, a beautiful trail along the river.... plenty of trees, gorgeous scenery and the flowing water. I saw several horses during the ride, really taking it all in. About 8 miles into the ride there is an underpass under a major freeway, you pass a section where there are cars. Of course, using caution I passed. I crossed the road before my friend. As I look back to check on her I somehow winded up getting wedged between the concrete path and dirt, my tire was completely wedged and I couldn't get out of the grove. Looking up I see this wooden railing, I'm headed strait for it.... my heart is pumping, I'm losing control, I pull to the left as much as I can and then it happened, I was flying off the bike... I suddenly turned into the flying cyclist and landed hard on the concrete. Oh man, did it hurt!

Thank goodness, I really arched my back and avoided hitting my face, I jumped up quickly in the horror that I was about to be ran over by other cyclist. I pick up my bike and my friend helps rinse off my arm. Being a previous Boy Scout Leader, I of course, had Neosporin. I check out my bike, straiten my handlebar and hit the trail again. My knee and underneath my forearm, were throbbing... not to mention, the fact I was shaken up. About another 5 miles in, I found myself in the same situation, I over corrected and almost wiped out again. My adrenalin was pumping and well, I was just plain terrified.

With the adrenalin pumping up twice and the fear, I decided I better call it a day at 15 miles. It was a great ride, but I must admit, I wondered what Mother Nature was telling me. This week alone, I have been chased by a dog, almost hit by a car, ate a bug, wiped out and ALMOST wiped out again!

Today I am very sore, feel like I have whiplash in my neck, my ribs hurt (they took a lot of impact on the fall) and my knee is very swollen. I thought maybe I need to give my bike a break and maybe park it a while but then I realized something. Like all sports, you begin to get a confidence and you don't win them all. It's not time to park my bike, I will make a conscience effort to be more aware of my surroundings and my form. Most importantly, I will remember how much I enjoy the ride.

Of course, I have a few pics.... I considered reenactment of the crash, but just couldn't do it, LOL!

This is the railing that I almost hit, notice my bike track along the side of the concrete


This is my arm immediately after the crash


My helpful and concerned friend (awesome lady)


My arm today


Now this is getting random, but thought I'd let y'all know that I am a red head now


And this is a size 18 dress that I tried on today (I didn't buy it, but was super hyped that it fit)

Oh yea... a few weeks back, a friend of mine gave me some clothes (thanks Rai) and this is one of the dresses she gave me, I haven't worn it out yet, but I am thinking about wearing it when I go dancing with my friends... I am working up my confidence for it though. Oh yea, this is a pre-red picture (I'm a fiery red as of last night)

3.... 2 .... 1 .... Lift Off

Okay, I have been stuck in the land of 270ish FOREVER!!!! Almost two months to be exact, I'd move back in forth 278 to 275... then finally 275 to 272.... last week I finally hit 270 pounds and I was just ecstatic. It was my first time to actually hit 2 - 7 - 0. I pumped up my workouts and tried a new workout (Turbo Jam, gotta love it) and today, what do I see on the scale???



Yes, that is right... 268 pounds!!!! Oh yea, that means I have lost a whooping 62 pounds since January 1st! Woo-hoo!!! I am feeling stronger, emotionally and physically and I see my body changing. Sure, there are plenty of things I could pick apart but I remind myself, I am healthier than I have ever been as an adult and I am working on me, which also means loving every bit of myself.

Right now, I just want to enjoy the fact that I have finally busted through the 270's which means I am moving again! I am literally on cloud nine and cant wait to hit the 75 pounds gone.

To make this a little fun:
I have officially lost 200 sticks of butter and a bald eagle .... or
5000 BTU Air Conditioner, a Chihuahua and a rack of baby back ribs .... or
A small bale of hay, a human head and an ostrich egg

I am excited and of course, you know I am ready for a workout! I think I will take my bike out for a nice cruise! Thanks for celebrating with me!!! Woot-Woot!

Houston, she has left the building!!!

Canoeing, Kayaking & Hiking, that's what I'm talkin bout!

Had a great time canoeing, hiking and kayaking today! Here are a few shots from our day and let me just say, it was HOT HOT HOT!!! No worries, we drank plenty of water and enjoyed a few snacks during our adventure.

The three of us started out in one canoe, that was interesting! It wasn't very steady and honestly, we felt like we couldn't move without worrying the canoe would flip. When a kayak was available, we headed back to shore and I jumped into a Kayak. I wasn't sure if I would like it but I did. It was very fun but I had this issue, right right right, I kept going in right circles... crazy thing is... I am right handed, so I thought it would be left circles but who know's. None the less, it was very fun and let me say, the Kayak is a big workout... great upper body, core and obliques... I might be sore in the morning!

After canoeing and kayaking we enoyed a two mile hike... again, oh so HOT but none the less, we had a great time. Here are a few snap shots:

Busy as a Bee..... bzzzz.... bzzzz

Just wanted to let everyone know that I am still here and doing good. Back to work and well, things are on and poppin! Busy as a bee.

I have been getting in my morning workouts and bringing my lunch to work. I did eat fast food 3 times last week, twice breakfast and once for lunch. Let me just say, when you work out at 5am (how did I become that girl?) your stomach demands food by atleast 7:30. This week, I set my alarm clock a little earlier so I would have time to make breakfast at home... so far, so good!

It's hard to imagine that I was out of work for 8 months, I am so busy right now it feels like I have been working the last 6 month's. The irony, gotta love it.

Over the weekend a friend of mine gave me some new clothes (she has also lost weight) and I am proud to say that I have 18's and 1X clothing that fits... wow, exciting! I got many cute things, I will work on a photo shoot and post some pics soon.

In the mean time, I will continue to focus on morning workouts, breakfast at home and taking my lunch. As always...one meal at a time, one day at a time!

Making a Choice

Yesterday was a stressful day. Not sure if was the fact that Tuesday was my Monday or I was running behind on chores... it was just a tough day. When I left the office yesterday, I wanted a cigarette. Seriously WANTED a cigarette. You know, gut wrenching, need it right now and can't stop till I get it!

I stopped smoking on 01/04/10, yesterday was a true test. I stopped at Walgreen's (best priced cigarettes in town) and stared out them. The clerk asked if he could help me and I said no, I just stood there and stared at them. I wanted to smell or even just hold them but I knew it would be over. I asked myself, what the hell are you doing and got the heck out of dodge.

On my way home I stopped at Sonic and ordered Mozzarella sticks. From one craving to the next, huh? Yea, I caved, I snubbed the cigarettes and decided to go fried. I have to admit, the 5 cheese sticks were the best thing I have eaten in a good while, not literally but it did give me the comfort and ease I was looking for.

I don't feel guilty about my choice, if I did it everyday, it would be a problem but I stopped at the cheese sticks and I got up this morning and had a great workout. Life goes on.

I could sit around all day and try to understand why I allowed myself to turn to food for comfort but instead, I will remind myself that I am on an ever changing journey, new challenges and obstacles everyday. Just like wine, I will improve in quality over time. In the mean time, I will remind myself that In 6 months, I have lost 60 pounds and quit smoking. Now that is something to be proud of, what a choice!