Early Weigh In

As you know I said I wasn't going to weigh or measure myself until April 12 the one month mark of my journey, but based upon the doctor's advice I decided to make an early weigh in today.  Kennith and I, the dorks that we are, had a double doctors appointment yesterday.  Kennith was in for a second appointment for his mystery illness and I figured since I was going to be there anyway I might as well get my say!  I had to explain to the doctor that the new medicine I was switched to is making me very angry... like rip people's throats out angry... and I don't really feel like that is a healthy side effect.  Luckily she agreed!  So once again switching medications ~ the only downfall to this would of course be that a side effect of this new prescription is weight gain :(  Hopefully this isn't going to happen!

Well during my portion of the appointment the doctor mentioned that I should be weighing myself once a week because my calorie intake is going to change with my change in weight.  As a newbie to the whole world of weight loss this concept has skipped my mind.  So though I turned my back to the scale in the doctor's office and asked not to be told my weight I determined I would weigh myself this morning to check my progress.

I ended up sleeping very late today (and oh how it was so wonderful!!) so I actually didn't weigh in until later this afternoon but I was happily surprised by the results!!!  Below are the first day measurements and today's measurements of about three weeks into the workout plan!

First Day                                                                                                          Today's Weigh In

Weight: 198lbs                                                                                                  Weight: 185.4lbs

Left Bicep - 12 inches                                                                                      Left Bicep - 13 inches

Right Bicep - 12 inches                                                                                    Right Bicep - 13 inches 

Left Thigh - 27 1/2 inches                                                                                Left Thigh - 27 inches

Right Thigh - 27 1/2 inches                                                                              Right Thigh - 27 inches

Bust - 43 inches                                                                                              Bust - 40 1/2 inches

Below Bust - 38 inches                                                                                    Below Bust - 35 inches

Waist - 39 inches                                                                                            Waist - 35 inches

Hips - 47 inches                                                                                              Hips - 45 1/2 inches

Neck - 15 inches                                                                                             Neck - 14 1/2 inches

Success!!!  Improvement!!!   Results!!!  

First time I've been able to wear this shirt since I bought it!!!

Not to mention I'm also back into my 13 jeans which makes me feel pretty darn good!  This means I'm on my way to the ultimate goal!  I'm a little bit ahead of my May 25 goal which is good but I now that the results should slow down overtime so I am celebrating this victory but staying realistic about the ultimate goal. I have adopted a new tool to do this based upon the doctor's recommendation and I thought I would share my new toy with you!  

It is called Body Media Fit and it is a monitor that you wear about 23 hours a day and, based on your bodies chemistry, records all of the calories you burn, your sleep patterns, and how many steps you take during the day.  You then you sync it to your computer inputting the calories you eat during the day and it graphs it all so that you can see what you need to change and improve to burn the highest possible calories = lose the most weight.  It is clinically proven to increase weight loss by 3x's.  So I have mine charging right now and I'll be putting it on tomorrow to try it out!!  Check it out at www.bodymedia.com (though I found it cheaper at best buy).  

Body Media Fit - Core

Next week my P90X work out routine changes and adds Core Synergistic which should be rather interesting as it whooped my behind the first time I tried it! I'm stronger now though if the extra inch on my arms means what I hope it means!  I'm trying to recruit new workout buddies into my routine because it is easier to workout with a partner even if its just for the comedic relief!  So if you are in the area and you are interested in working out PLEASE let me know!  Its all about doing your best and forgetting the rest!!  

Ready For Work-Out Buddy Try-Outs!!!

I'm also looking into the next workout program I'll be starting once my 90 days are done.  I found several on the Beachbody.com website and I thought I would let you guys cast a vote to help me decide.  The leading candidates are...

TurboFire

http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/turbofire.do

Slim in 6 Workout

http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/slim_in_6.do

Hip Hop Abs

http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/hip_hop_abs.do

I'm a little concerned that two of these are pretty high cardio and that is my weakness but I figure I won't get better at it if I don't do it!  I'm really going back and forth between the TurboFire and the Hip Hop Abs because I like to dance... which one do you think?  Choices, Choices!!  Oh and I get to go play outside tomorrow!!  YAY!! Shooting and playing in the woods and the creek!  What girl doesn't want a Sunday of that?

Let me know what you think!!  texas_ginger23@yahoo.com or on FB!  

Theme Songs

The tools we use to get through our day range from an alarm clock first thing in the morning, to a hot shower, a vehicle to get where we are going, a phone to keep in touch, and of course we can't leave out the computer.  We seem to get wrapped up in our email and facebook accounts not to mention the other abundance of social media out there.  It amazes me how much technology has invaded our lives over the past few decades.  I myself due to my father and grandfather's professions have been around computers my entire life.  There are actually pictures of me when I was about three years old playing a game called KEEN on my grandfather's computer.  Not to mention all of the artwork I created on Paintbrush back in the day.  Technology has come a long way and with it so have we in many ways, both good and bad.  Granted I can't complain too much as without technology I wouldn't be writing a blog!

However I must confess I'm a bit conservative when it comes to technology though and as crazy as it seems my husband and I have already decided that we don't want our children having any type of video game in our home.  I am by no means judging anyone or their parenting methods by the way.  As I just mentioned my brothers and I have had computer and video games in our home our entire lives.  I just feel that with all of the benefits of technology there are downfalls as well.  Some of them being a growing lack of social skills and a loss of imagination in today's youth.  I remember as a kid waking up on the weekend and having to go outside and play, and for the most part we didn't want to come back inside.  If we were thirsty we drank out of the water hose or if we were lucky my mom would have some Pop-ice for us.  Thankfully my mom liked the swimming pool and we spent most of our summer days immersed in the water of the community pool.   I know its not a safe to send kids out for hours on end these days but I think its sad how attached we are getting to technology.

Unfortunately I seem to be no better than a kid playing xbox and find myself falling prey to technology as of late.  I confess I have become quite addicted to my Roku and even my workouts are on DVD.  (Which I am NOT complaining about because I'm actually doing them and loving it!)  It seems that I have gotten into a rather hermit like mode where if I'm not actively working, shopping, or driving I'm in my house watching TV.  This is NOT good!!  The ironic thing is that most of my hobbies involve being out of the house.  I have been aching to get back into my photography, I love to travel, and for goodness sakes I now have a dog to take on walks!  Why in the world is my behind even touching my couch before dark?  Or rather before my workout is complete?

My Sexy Hubby & Me

So I think I'm going to start taking time ~ change that ~ making time to start getting out of the apartment and exploring the community around me!  Not to mention the weather in Texas is about as good as its going to get before the temps hit the 100's so I better get my behind in gear!  So what are some of your favorite outdoor activities?  Walking in the park?  Playing with your kids?  I used to love playing catch with just about anything including a frisbee, football, or ball and glove.  Then there is the always fun combination of riding a four-wheeler through the woods, hiking when it won't fit any further, and then shooting whatever weapon you can get your hands on at random items laying around the forest floor, or if your really lucky, anything floating down the closest creek.  YES!  I spent a large part of my youth in the country and had a GREAT time! :)  (Also - Please Remember SAFETY FIRST!!)  What is your ideal Saturday outside? and No, shopping doesn't count... this time :)

Hopefully I'll be able to prove my new resolution to you with some photos taken around Conroe.  It probably won't be this weekend though as my husband has been running a fever for the past four days.  He is so very pitiful and I wish I could make him better but nothing seems to be working!  I swear he is on just about every medication under the sun at the moment and still feels like he's been run over twice by a truck!  :(

Now for one of the positive improvements in technology!  Music on the GO!  Most people now are able to bring their music with them wherever they go which to me is an awesome thing because I LOVE MUSIC!  To prove what a geek I am my first cd when I was in the fifth grade was a Kenny G Christmas CD... still one of my favorites.  As a matter of fact after I got it I would play it in my room and dance around acting like I was dancing with prince charming.  I suppose that was the prequel to all of my ballroom dance classes!  My second cd was Alanis Morissett's Jagged Little Pill - once again still a favorite.  (told you ~ Big Dork!)  The point is I think music plays a huge part in our lives and I think its great it is so easily accessible now!
I actually have the most random playlists in my Nano because I listen to music based upon the mood that I'm in as well as what I'm doing so I have a Romance playlist, a Workout playlist, and a My Girls playlists etc.  I also have a playlist of what I consider to be my Life's Theme Songs.  (we have already established I'm a dork so you don't have to roll your eyes again!)  This may sound crazy to you but if you take a second I bet most of you would be able to name a song that is about YOU.  Mine change over time but whichever song it happens to be at the time  I seem to get an extra boost of energy and motivation whenever I listen to it.  Do you have a "theme song" or maybe more than one?  Do you use music to get you through the day or maybe just a difficult task?  I know I couldn't clean an inch of my house without music playing in the background ~ how about you?  Is music one of your tools of motivation?  If not you should try it.  Music is a great ally!  and boy do I love that repeat button!

Okay so I know this has been random but its what was on my mind tonight!  Just an FYI I did complete my Arms and Shoulders workout last night and kicked butt at it!  I'm seeing little improvements here and there in the rep department which makes me feel a little better, and then tonight I did yoga.  I even tried to do the Crane but... well lets just say my life flashed before my eyes as the coffee table came flying at my face.  Oh and I got stuck in the plow position and my husband had to roll me out of it, but hey what place does pride have in yoga workout?  If they wanted you to look cool during that workout they wouldn't have created the downward dog... or the crane... or the frog...or the happy baby - so pretty much expect to look like an idiot.

Anyway so I hope everyone has a great FRIDAY!!  I hope my hubby feels better tomorrow because if not its back to the dr's office!  I'm just praying I don't catch the mystery disease that acts like the flu but tests negative for the flu.  Leave it to us to come up with an undiagnosable week long sickness!!

Don't forget!  I love hearing from you guys so feel free to comment on whats going on with you!  So many of you are doing such amazing jobs with your workout plans and I love hearing about it!  Keep up the good work and keep me filled in on your journeys!  You can use FB, Blogspot, or my blog email texas_ginger23@yahoo.com to hit me up!

Oh and by the way my theme song at the moment is...  Its Your Life by Francesca Battistelli the lyrics are as follows!

It's Your Life lyrics

This is the moment, it's on the line.

Which way your gonna fall?

In the middle, between wrong and right,

but you know after all.

CHORUS:

It's your life watcha gonna do?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FK6WRwxCsas

The World is watching you. 

Every day the choices you make, 

say what you are and who your heart beats for,

it's an open door, 

it's your life.

Are you who you always said you would be?

with a sinking feeling in your chest. 

always waiting on someone else to fix you, 

Tell me when did you forget?

CHORUS:

It's your life watcha you gonna do?

The World is watching you.

Every day the choices you make.

say what you are and who your heart beats for,

it's an open door.

To live the way that you believe,

this is your opportunity.

To let your life be one that lights the way,

Chorus:

It's your life watcha gonna do?

The World is watching you.

Every day the choices you make, 

say what you are and who your heart beats for,

it's an open door,

It's your life watcha gonna do? 

The World is watching you.

Every day the choices you make, 

say what you are, and who your hearts beats for.

It's an open door. 

It's your life, It's your life. 

It's your life friends!!  What choices are you going to make today?  Whatever they are make them count!!!

Desktops

My Workout Buddy Gidget

Last night I cried during my workout.  During the last six minutes of the workout while I was trying with everything I had to bust out six dive bomber push-ups I collapsed onto the floor and sobbed.  My arms were jello, my back hurt, sweat was pouring in my eyes and I just sat there hunched over on my living room floor and breathed in the scent of my puppy with each ragged breath.  Of course there was my husband, Kennith, coming to the rescue with every positive thing a girl wants to hear at a moment like that, reassuring me that "Yes, working out and eating right is making a difference!  Just stay with it!"  A few deep breaths later and I stood up and finished up the last few minutes of my cool down.  We all know that losing weight isn't easy.  Not everyday is filled with unlimited amounts of motivation and optimism.  I know that I'm not always 100% positive in these posts but this is my journey in its entirety including the bad days.  I think its important to share not only our successes but also our failures if we are to hold ourselves completely accountable and that is one of my goals in keeping this blog.

On a different note I was sitting at my desk this morning and took a moment to really look at the things posted on the wall in front of me.  I thought I would share these with you because I think they are all relevant to this journey!  The two largest items on the wall are two posters put there by a previous tenant.  The first details a problem solving process:



IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM
What are some signs that are indicative of this problem?


LIST SOME POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
What are the consequences associated with each of them?


IMPLEMENT THE BEST SOLUTION

EVALUATE THE OUTCOME
Did the solution work? If not, start the process again.  If so then CONGRATULATIONS!


The second poster is the acronym of STAR standing for:

STOP
THINK
ACT
RESPONSIBLY

The first item that I put on my wall is a poem by Emily Dickinson.  This poem really caught my attention when I came upon the first stanza some time a few months ago.  The poem is titled Hope.

Hope

Hope is the thing with feathers,

That perches in the soul,

And sings the tune -- without the words,

And never stops at all,

And sweetest in the gale is heard;

And sore must be the storm

That could abash the little bird

That kept so many warm.

I've heard it in the chilliest land,

And on the strangest sea;

Yet, never, in extremity,

It asked a crumb of me.

Emily Dickinson

One cannot forget the bright green HEATER sticker at the bottom that reminds me to turn off the heater under my desk before I leave for the day!  Then to the left of my poem, courtesy of Jaren, I have the Ultimate Butt Work Out posted so that if I have the time an inclination I have a workout ready for me!  The workout goes as follows: 

A. Front Lunges (ALT.)

B. Side Lunges - Holding Weights (ALT.)

C. Back Lunges - (ALT.)

D. One Legged Hip Lifts (L.R.)

E. Squats - Holding Weights

F. Side Leg Raises (R.L.)

G. Ste Ups Onto Bench

H. Curtsy Squat - Holding Weights (L.R.)

I. Plank - 60 Secs

J. Pushups

The worse part of this workout has to be the plank but when you do it you feel awesome about doing it!!  And last but not least - A wedding photo.  Now this wedding photo isn't posted to remind me of my big day but more so that I can see my starting point.  I look up at that picture and it reminds me of what I don't want to look like and where I am coming from.  

So how funny is it that I have all of this motivation and strategic advice all around me and I barely ever pay attention to it!  How often do we do that?  Miss some positive motivation in our lives because we are too busy going through the motions to take a second and focus on what is around us!  What little bits of motivation do you have around you throughout the day that you might not notice?  I'll tell you that last night after I got done crying all over my carpet I got a voicemail from my mom telling me all about how she had gone home and done 40 minutes of exercising.  You see while I was there this past weekend we turned one of her spare rooms into a workout studio complete with treadclimber, yoga area, and resistance bands.  I am so proud of my Mom for her hard work!  Hearing the excitement and satisfaction in her voice really helped get me out of the slump I had found myself in.  

After saying all of this I do have a confession to make.  I didn't make it through my work out tonight.  It was plyometrics and though I started out doing better than I had anticipated my head just wasn't in the game and I quit about with about 25 minutes to go.  I'm not proud of this and even tried putting in another dvd to make up the time but I just couldn't seem to get my body working.  Not to make excuses for myself but I think this mental slump has something to do with a medicine change.  You see a few months before my wedding I had a falling out with my best friend and it was about a week after that I went to the doctor and admitted to having some pretty bad mood swings and problems handling stress so she put me on an anti-depressant.  Its not something that I'm proud of but it has really helped me over the past few months.  Well two weeks ago I changed prescriptions and I don't think I've adjusted to the change just yet so I seem to be experiencing some dips in mood and motivation.  Hopefully this will equal out pretty soon!

Gidget offering her support...right under my feet!

So there you have it - Some desktop motivation and a ginger's confession of missing the mark!  On a positive note I did stay within my calorie count today.  Thanks to my husband for his support, my mom for her hard work and encouragement, and to you for holding me accountable.  Tomorrow is another day and I plan to kick butt!  Today my best wasn't what I wanted it to be but it was my best!

Life in Pounds

Everyone measures life differently.  Some measure life in minutes or hours, while others use moments or events.  Today I seem to be measuring life in lbs.  By nature I'm not the most positive of persons.  No one has ever accused me of being overly optimistic or just plane ole optimistic for that matter.  I'm your typical Worst Case Scenario kind-of girl.  This is of course one of the areas in my life I am trying to work on but sometimes life seems to get in the way.


Unfortunately I woke up in the throws of a hormone swing today.  Basically what this means is that the world is going to end, I'm always going to be fat, my hair is never going to fix right again, and it is a given I am going to meet the world's worst drivers on my way to work.  This all runs through my head before I get into the shower.  After a shower in which I realize I forgot my razor and face wash at my parents this weekend I get out and realize not only am I running late but I have groups this morning 30 minutes away and everything I need to hold group is at my office - like I said the world is going to end.  Can I just say that I am so happy to be born a girl.  I mean there are so many benefits to being a girl... and when I think of them in about a week I'll let you know.  Until then I'm going to be in the lovely world of wanting to claw out your eyes and then crying all over my blood soaked fingernails and all because my bangs didn't blow-dry the right way!


So while wrapped up in my own menstrual melancholy (sorry to any male readers but it is what it is) I realize that I have several things weighing down on my mind today.  This of course sets me down the path of random thoughts about how your emotional and psychological health is just as important if not more important than your physical health.  The more drama that I have going on in my life the heavier I seem to feel.  For instance one could look at it like this:


Fight with Father = 30lbs
Feeling guilty about missing a workout = 15lbs
4th grader asking me if I'm pregnant = 20lbs
Feeling behind at work = 10lbs


So with only four things in my day out of whack and I've gained an emotional 75lbs.  This extra emotional weight makes losing my physical 65lbs appear impossible.  I'm not giving up though!  I might be swimming in the deep end of the wave pool today but I'm managing to keep my head above water... at least most of the time!  The good thing about being at the deep end of the wave pool - Better work out in the long run!!  It appears that not only am I going to be working out my Shoulders and Back today I'm going to be working out my heart and spirit.  


Does anyone else feel this way?  I know I've got a pretty dysfunctional social life for the most part but surely I'm not alone in letting things get to me this way!  How in the world do I learn to take things less personally, and if I do learn how to do that am I going to lose my ability empathize with others?


On a different note - 


During my training last week we discussed different communication and learning styles and I once again affirmed that I am definitely a visual and tactile learner.  So in an effort to further motivate myself and get a better grasp on my goals I wrote them all out.  The following is my new graph of goals!  Is anyone else out there as anal as I am when it comes to this stuff?  I'm going to tack these up on my wall with a picture of myself to make sure I get the point across to myself!  I might even put them up on my fridge and pantry!


Main Goal: Lose 68lbs + 6 pant size


Deadlines:  May 25th - Biggest Loser Deadline for Work Contest
                    July 22nd - Deadline to order Bridesmaid Dress
                    Oct 13th  - Jaren's Wedding!

Reminds me I'm Beautiful

Breakdown: 


May 25, 2012


2 months
8 weeks


8weeks X 2.5lbs = 20lbs


Goal Weight - 178lbs

July 22, 2012

4 months

16 weeks

16weeks X 2.5lbs = 40lbs

Goal Weight: 158lbs

Can't wait to do this skinny!!!!

October 13, 2012

6.75 months

27 weeks

27 weeks X 2.5lbs = 67.5lbs

Goal Weight: 130.5lbs

I've also created a reward system for myself!  I've decided that for every 10lbs I lose I'm going to treat myself to  an hour long message and then when I get to the halfway point I'm going to get a spray on tan.  I refuse to do the tanning beds due to raised cancer risks and as a ginger tanning in the sun takes forever and doesn't stick so spray on it is!  It will be nice not to blind myself every morning when I look in the mirror.  :)  Finally my ultimate reward is of course clothes!!!  A new wardrobe of cute little clothes including those make-my-butt-look-good-MISS ME-jeans!!!

I'm allowed 1230 calories a day and I have been doing 1 hour of P90X a day.  Though granted I did miss Kenpo X on Saturday.  I don't plan on weighing or re-measuring myself until April 12th which is what I am considering my 1 month mark for P90X.  

By the way I also heard of another resource from work!  It is called My Fitness Pal.   I am still using LIVESTRONG but my mom couldn't get that on her phone so I found this for her on the recommendation of some co-workers.  It does all of the same things and is once again FREE!!  

So in closing... What encourages you to keep going?  What is your best kind of motivation?  I had this conversation with my mom this weekend because she is on the starting line of her weight loss journey.  We set up her work out room this weekend so that she will be able to spend some time everyday exercising!  I am so proud of her and can't wait to see her hard work paying off!  I know she can do it!  Do you like hearing the praise of others?  Seeing the results in the mirror or on the scale?  Personally I can't wait to move down a size!  I'm hoping that by the 12th I'll be in some of my packed away smaller clothes!!!  

Hit me up!!   I LOVE getting all of your comments!  I'm available on FB and at Texas_Ginger23@yahoo.com ~

Also if you have anyone who might be interested please share my blog!  The more people I reach the more accountability I have to reach my goal!!  My closet is screaming for skinny clothes! :O)

Unexpected Results

Desired Results:

1. Size 6 Pant Size
2. ...... yeah that was pretty much it

When I started working out 2 1/2 weeks ago my main goal was to be in a size 6 for my friend Jaren's wedding.  Of course that could be phrased several different ways as in ~ being able to stand in front of my husband and people still see he is there ~ or ~ be able to wear the "cute" clothes again ~ or ~ be able to get out of my car when parked in a very tight parking space without leaving a door ding in the car next to mine.  You see all basically the same thing: Size 6 = Better :)  Unfortunately I'm still not a size 6... which honestly I just don't understand considering how much I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY want to fit in those super-expensive-good-job-present-to-me-make-my-butt-look-fab-MISS ME-jeans.  So weird...

There are however been some pretty spectacular unexpected results that I am really coming to appreciate.

First off even though I am still wearing the same size and my clothes aren't fitting any differently as of yet - I feel skinnier.  Most would think that isn't such a good thing but for me its great.  I'm starting to feel better in my skin again and its been a while since we have been on any kind of positive terms.  Another benefit of feeling skinnier is that little added boost of confidence that comes with it which inevitably makes me walk straighter, throw my shoulders back, and suck in my, well what will at some point resemble abs, which is good for me anyway.  The fact of the matter is, anybody who has the least amount of character knows that confidence = sexy and that works for me!  Just think if I'm feeling this good now the world better watch out when I get those jeans!!

The second thing I have noticed is that I for real have more energy and I am EXCITED to work out when I get home!  This is a breakthrough for me because I have never been the "athletic" one and anyone who knew me in high school can probably recall me refusing to dress out in PE so I could sit in the stands and read.  Not only was I a geek but worse I squeaked by in high school PE with a 70.  (I'm pretty sure the coaches were just tired of seeing me sulk in the bleachers.)  No one is having to threaten or coerce me to workout and I actually have the energy to make it through the day whereas a few weeks ago I was dragging my behind and lucky if I made it through the day without a nap.  So Sad :(  Not to mention I am finding other ways to get my body moving during the day.  For instance, today during my training I found myself doing in and outs and leg lifts under the table!  Honestly it might sound vain but I am SUPER PROUD OF MYSELF!!!

Another pretty awesome thing is that I can already tell a difference in my bodies ability to make it through the work outs.  Granted Plyometrics is still kicking my butt, but I did better this week than last week, and during the other workouts I am upping my weight or my reps in just about every category.  Not to mention my flexibility.  I have NEVER been what you could call limber.  As a matter of fact when I was in elementary school I started gymnastics and had the breath knocked out of my while doing a cartwheel... not my shining moment... so the fact that I can extend further into my stretches for longer lengths of time is pretty substantial!

So despite the fact that my body hasn't dropped 60lbs in 14 days (To tell you the truth I couldn't tell you if I've lost an ounce because I made my husband hide my scale ~ It appears I'm a scale addict) I'm pretty happy about what IS happening to my body.  I know that a lot of you guys are working your behinds off too in order to reach your goals so what results did you see first and what has been you favorite result so far?  Sometimes I feel silly getting into this when I know so many of you out there are going above and beyond what I am doing!

Also I wanted to share some things that I have learned along the way.  I am by no means a work-out junkie or health-nut.  I don't read health magazines or browse work out web pages and I sure as heck don't look at skinny girl pictures because honestly at this point I just want to punch them in their perfect little faces and stomp on their abs! (Clears throught) I still super want Reese's Eggs (everyone knows the holiday Reese's are the best) its still a challenge to walk down the cake mix isle and not want to cry, and obviously I still have a gagillion things to work on, but I have come across some tools that were new to me and that have really come in handy.  Now some of you may already know of these but I didn't so I thought I would share them with you just in case!

LIVESTRONG.COM

For anyone who is calorie counting, mapping out their weight loss, needs help maintaining goals, likes the weight watchers program, or wants a way to keep track of this on your smart phone, this website is for you!  The best thing about it is it is FREE!!!  I had a weight watchers account and the first time around it worked great for me (I am by no means bashing WW) but for some reason this time around LIVESTRONG.COM is working out much better.  Its basically the same thing as the online WW as it does all of the functions I utilized on their website it just doesn't use the point system.  It calculated how many calories I need a day based on my weight loss goal and my stats and allows me to count calories, figure in my work outs, and has a graph of my weigh loss etc.  Its great so if you haven't checked it out I highly recommend it!

SKINNYTASTE.COM

I cannot say this enough - this woman is amazing!  She takes everyday favorites and reconfiures the recipe until she has created a healthy GREAT TASTING alternative.  There are some many things on their to eat that even the pickiest eaters can find something (the chicken nuggets are amazing as well as the chicken divan).  She not only provides the whole recipe + pictures she lists the serving size and all the nutritional information right there so you know what you are eating!  Fabulous!

P90X

Now I'm sure most of you have heard of this workout program.  I just want to let you know that it is NOT impossible.  I was so intimidated at first by what I had heard and honestly even though the cardio is keeping me humble the workouts are not as terrifying as I thought they were.  Don't get me wrong they are work outs but guys I can do it... nough said!  My mom has done this with me for the past two days.  Yesterday we did plyo and though we both took breaks we didn't stop and whimp out, and today was Arms and Shoulders and where I improved my work out from last week my Mom kicked BUTT!  I'm super proud of her because she hasn't been able to work out in a while due to a foot injury but she didn't quit!  She pushed through and brought it!!  Its like Tony says, "Do your best and forget the rest!"

Well enough endorsing things when I'm not getting paid for it!  I just wanted to take a couple of minutes and share these tools with you!  I know you guys are doing great at reaching your own goals whether they be health related or not!  Life is about moving forward and growing in all things and though each of us are in different places in our lives we should all have goals we strive to accomplish.  So what are your goals?  How do you keep track of them?  Do you write them down or keep a mental note?  How do you know when you have accomplished them and once you do how do you celebrate?

Thanks for checking out my book of thoughts!  Tell me all about whats going on with you at

Texas_Ginger23@yahoo.com

Oh and what is your favorite healthy snack?  I have a weakness for baked goods but I need healthy alternatives! :)

Count Your Blessings... Name them One by One ~

Gratefulness & Contentment

These are both things that I am constantly trying to work on in my life.  We very rarely realize the things we should be grateful for until we lose it so I thought I would take a few minutes to concentrate on the positive things in my life.

I have an amazing husband.  He is the essence of patience and supports me in all endeavors.  When I decide its time to workout he gives up the TV and either spends the hour as my coach or cooks us a healthy dinner.  He is my best friend, my biggest fan (unless you are talking to my mom) and always has my back.  I am the luckiest girl in the world to be married to such a wonderful man.

If you know anything about my family you know that we are by no means typical in any way.  In my world blood doesn't = family.  Love = Family.  I have the best dysfunctional family in the whole world.  My mom is by far the best even when we don't see eye to eye.  I have two Dads from which I have learned more about life from than anyone else and some of the best siblings in the world.  Of course, I cannot forget my family by marriage (I hate the term in-laws).  They are some kind of wonderful!  Every single one of them brings something special to the table and I cannot tell you how lucky I am to be a part of their family!  I'm sorry for all of you out there with in-law problems because honestly I LOVE my new family!  Without my family I would not be who I am today, and though some people may not think that is a great thing, I think I have a pretty good foundation to improve upon. 

My friends - Only the best.  They are human, they are flawed, they are fabulous.  Each one brings out something unique in me that makes time with each a special experience.  I tend to be fiercely loyal to a fault and if I consider you in my inner friends once, you will probably always be there (even if we don't speak for years - I still love you).  I will fight for you and fight with you, but I'll always love you (just don't mess with my husband ;)  

My job - I have a job that can be slow sometimes and I have plenty of moments when I wonder if it actually means anything, but then I have those moments when I can see the difference I am making and it makes it worth it.  Its those times when I look into a students eyes and I can see them start believing in themselves and what they can do with their lives that I get all fired up to do more.  Not to mention I have the most fantastic supervisor a girl can ask for!  She is wonderful and I can't imagine working for anyone else!

My home - Quaint - small - a work in progress - perfect for now!  I am so blessed to have a roof over my head and to not have to worry about putting food on the table.  To be honest I'm having the problem of putting too much of the wrong food on the table!  Either way we are extremely blessed to have a home big enough for the both of us and our growing puppy Gidget.  She is a rambunctious and waaayyyy too cute puppy who likes to chew on everything (including her owners) and can make you laugh with no effort on her part.  She has brought a lot into our lives and I am grateful my mother-in-law didn't pass her up that day!

All-in-all I have a lot of things to be grateful for and that is just scratching the surface.  I'm working on the contentment part of life and trying to figure out how to balance the need to grow and better myself in all realms of life while still being content with where I am and what I have.  All I know is that if you cannot take an honest look at your life and recognize the good, the bad, and the ugly bits how are you going to know what you want to keep and what you want to clean up?  A person cannot help changing, but when it is within their power, they can decide when and how it occurs. 

What are some of the things you are grateful for?  Celebrate the things that mean the most to you so that you can use that inner strength gained from contentment to battle the parts of you that need improvement.   What are some things you are working on in your life and what are you doing to overcome those "ugly bits?"  Its all about those baby steps!  

Thank you all so much for your support!  Your comments and your thoughts mean more to me than you know!  I look forward to reading every one of them and gaining strength from your encouragement!!

Tell me your story at texas_ginger23@yahoo.com!

Work in Progress

"You get tired and disgusted with me,
When I can't be just what you want me to be.
I still love you and I try real hard....
I even asked the Lord to try to help me:
He looked down from Heaven, said to tell you please;
Just be patient, I'm a work in progress."

Friday afternoon I had the privilege to go and pick out bridesmaid dresses for my friend Jaren's wedding.  As many of you know the day of her wedding is the deadline I have set for myself in my weight loss journey.  Obviously that is several months away but standing in that dressing room and having to try on size 16 dresses didn't do much to help my self-esteem.  Especially when I was stepping out not only to see myself in the mirror but Jaren's two beautiful (and by that I mean gorgeous on the inside and out) sisters.  So I'm squeezing into dresses 5 sizes larger than theirs and begin feeling overwhelmed by the fact that I want to wear the same size 6 by the time of the wedding.  Not a big deal some say - thats still seven months away.  But NO!  I have to order the dress by July which is only 4 months away.  Not only that but when I tell the sales girl that I don't want to order mine yet because my goal is to wear the six to the wedding she gives me that, "I've heard this before...Sure, thats a great goal but do you really think its going to happen look?"

Do people really think we don't notice that?  The look on their face that says "I'll believe it when I see it!"  As if convincing ourselves over and over again that we can get there isn't hard enough we to constantly stand up against the bombardment of those SMILE-AND-NOD responses.   I GET IT!!  Losing weight is hard and I don't have the best track record and it might seem impossible for me to lose 60lbs when you barely weigh 100 but you know what size 0 sales girl... I WILL REACH MY GOAL!  You see I'm a ginger and we are stubborn as hell, and though I might stumble and I might give in and make poor food choices some days, I am still literally working my butt off, and the great thing about it, when I'm done I'll still have a butt where as you have a cinch belt to try and imitate curves!!!     I have a great support system and I have amazing will-power (when I can find it) and I have a desire to better myself!  So I will Bring It, and I will NOT be the FAT GIRL on the alter!

I am a work in progress!  My weight does not reflect who I am - its just a place I am at in my life so that I can remind myself of how strong I am on the inside!  Like the song says I may get tired and disgusted with myself and I may not be who I want to be but I am a work in progress and that means I get to improve.  That means I get to grow and change and come out stronger on the other side of this battle.  It may be hard to feel positive and capable all the time but that just means I have to reach down further and grasp whatever tiny part of me believes that day that this is possible.

So what motivates you?  What do you tell yourself when you have a hard day that keeps you going?  Do you have the same problem when you tell people outside of your support group that you are trying to lose weight?    How do you remind yourself you are a work in progress when you are busting your butt and not seeing any results?  Please let me know either in the comments or email me at Texas_Ginger23@yahoo.com!

Thank you for all of you who support me even when I can't!  And as a side note I am still kicking butt at P90X!  I did the Stretch workout last night and it felt great!  Especially since my calves are killing me from the Legs and Back workout!!  I had my husband hide the scale so I would stop driving myself crazy jumping on it everyday and I have noticed a difference in my clothes yet but I just keep telling myself that busting my butt for an hour everyday and eating fewer calories HAS to be making a difference somewhere in my body!!

Thanks guys for reading and I hope to hear from you soon!

Nothing to Wear

For those of you who may not be aware, I consider myself a Native Texan.  I was born and raised right here in the Lone Star State.  I own several pair of cowboy boots though I don't wear them everyday, I own a gun (two actually), I have ridden a horse on several different occasions, and though I don't believe it is a strong one, I do speak with a Texas drawl.  Having said all of this I must inform you that no matter how many decades you live in Texas you NEVER get used to the weather.

You see last week at this time we were in the 40's and I was able to utilize my winter wardrobe that is still crammed into my closet.  This week however it is muggy and in the 80's which means my turtle necks and sweaters are very much out of place.  Then there is of course the conundrum of my office which normally averages in the "meat locker" temperature range despite the appearance of fire or ice outside my window.  So needless to say I have been utilizing that winter wardrobe for work since May of last year.  Now however I am finding myself more and more in the field which is a blessing and in need of Texas Spring attire (which of course means anything from a parka to a bikini).

So when I wake up late, because I stayed up until 1am reading Hunger Games, and I am already in my dim and not so chipper ginger morning mood, it really doesn't help to step into a crammed packed closet and not only have nothing "Springy" to wear but that most of my winter clothes don't fit!  Now normally I would just head on over to JCP or the mall and pick up something but NO!  I REFUSE!  You see yesterday evening I took my cousin shopping at the mall, and of course being the elephant next to the cute, youthful, fit, young adult, didn't really encourage my shopping mood (which my bank account didn't complain about).  So here I am thinking about how I need some cute tops for work and I can't help but notice that I can't fit into anything I like.

First Pet Peeve: (Remember Purely My Opinion)

Fat people clothes are UGLY!!!  I hate going into a store and walking through racks of clothes in my size that I wouldn't be caught dead in!  The old adage "the grass is greener" comes to mind because there I will be meandering through racks of horrid patterns and colors and I catch myself gazing longingly at the junior section with the cute little business clothes that would look so cute with that fantastic pair of shoes back in the shoe department.  Now don't get me wrong there are some stores that do carry some pretty cute clothes in my size but I have two things keeping me from shopping there.

1. I REFUSE to buy the next size up!  If I have to squeeze myself into a pair of pants, which of course ensures I will sport the famous muffin top, and not take a full breath until I can get home and feel the supreme satisfaction of sliding into my yoga pants, then so be it!  Am I the only one that feels that way?  Its almost as if buying the next size up is admitting some great defeat and I am not ready to surrender any more than I already have.  So I'm sorry to those poor souls who must see me walk around all day gushing out of my clothes but I am holding out!

2. Fat Girl Clothes Cost a Fortune!!!!   I mean what is it?  You think because I carry a bigger purse to offset my waist size and that means I have more money floating around in there?  I get it... you use more material to make my shirt than my cousin's shirt but not $20 more of material!  I can get a whole juniors wardrobe for what a couple of shirts cost me at some of these places and hell by the time clothes my current size make it to the sale rack there is nothing on there I want to wear anyway!  Lets get something straight here - I'm young (sort of) and over weight - I am NOT ready to give in to the dark side and be my great grandmother's twinkie!

So that brings me back to my closet situation.  So here I am feeling icky and uncomfortable not only in my own oversized skin but also in the not as oversized clothes I am wearing today.  I know I'm not going to see instant results from everything that I am trying to do but how great would it be to slide into my clothes and not see my back fat showing through a shirt that should be cute.  I keep thinking of all the cuter clothes I have in storage totes just waiting for the first 20lbs to fall off and can only hang my head and sigh.  It also doesn't help that feeling fat makes me want to eat fat.  How ironic is that - All through the mall yesterday I'm looking at all of these little clothes I want to fit in by October and all I can think is "It'll never happen!  Go get a cookie!  You'll feel better!!!"  So I do - but I didn't eat it!  Don't be too proud of me because we then went down to Marble Slab and I got a waffle cone with LOW FAT cake batter yogurt with sprinkles.  I did however suck it up and did my P90X Shoulders and Arm workout last night and I think I did a pretty darn good job!

Little Creatures with Cast-Iron Frying Pans

A new tradition has been started in my home.  On Tuesdays (and any other day I get lucky) my friend Jaren comes over and helps get my butt in gear.  The purpose of this weekly night in serves three main purposes:

My Inside Self Shining Through
Can't wait for it to Happen Again!

1. Work Out Accountability

2. Guaranteed Healthy Dinner

3. Time to Socialize 

You see Jaren comes over right after work and we either get started on the treadmill and follow it up with weight training or, now that I have P90X, we take advantage of my living room and BRING IT!  Well she does most of the "bringing it" while I mostly clamber along hoping not to fall and give myself a concussion.  It works out great for me though because there is that part of me that loves a bit of competition so I push myself a little harder so that she doesn't show me up too much! 

Naturally we started with Core Synergistics.  We are about ten minutes into the 55 minute workout and here I am thinking I will never survive 90 days when Jaren matter-of- factly informs me that this is a workout I won't actually be expected to do until around the fifth week of the program... I'm pretty sure in between gasping for my breath and trying not to fall over I rolled my eyes in her direction.  I'm not sure how but I was able to finish completing about 85% of the workout.  Honestly that was totally enough to make me proud of myself!

On Wednesday in place of my workout I attended my sister-in-law's birthday party quite loopy on Benadryl thanks to the beginning symptoms of a sinus infection.  Thursday however I decided to battle through it and take on Yoga X alone.  There I am alone in my apartment, spare my puppy Gidget, who like Kiwi, Jaren's cat, feels it necessary to act as personal trainer, putting in the DVD thinking, "Hey you can handle 55 minutes of yoga..." when the countdown clock pops up showing 1 hour and 30 minutes. "WHAT? YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!!"  is what runs through my head but I trudge through and finish the whole workout.  Well thats not true... I wasn't able to do the Crane and well my Plow was pretty pathetic but I have time to improve!  Then on Friday I get lucky and Jaren comes over and we tackle the Legs & Back routine!  What made the night even better was the fact that while we were making it happen in the living room our amazing men were cooking up a skinnytaste.com recipe in the kitchen!  It is amazing and I will include the link below!  

My Husband & Gidget

Then disaster hits on Saturday.  The sinus infection I had been trying to fight off with Zyrtec D with now success won and I opted for Urgent Care.  So not only could I barely walk from the abuse I had done to my legs the night before (honestly I looked like an old woman hobbling around) I could barely breath and I swear some little creature hit me in the face with a frying pan while I was sleeping.  I hope Gidget eats him soon!  So needless to say do to illness and an inability to stand up straight I had to pass on Kenpo X - FAIL!

I promise she does more than sleep!

Then of course today I get up to take Gidget out at about 7am and it turns out my ferocious puppy didn't eat the little creature with the cast-iron frying pan when he crept into our bed last night and my face is suffering for it.  Naturally that's not all because when I stood up a sharp pain shot through my right calf and hasn't resided all day.  I fear I pushed a bit too hard during the calf raises and now my leg is paying for it.  I'm about to take advantage of yet another hot bath and heating pad hoping to ease the pain enough to put my weight on it comfortably tomorrow!  Part of me wonders if I am just being a big baby but then I know I'm not.  At least tomorrow is Chest & Back so I'll be able to do most if not all of the workout without causing further damage!

So I'm making it - even if barely!  I'm still working on my eating habits and if you are doing the same I honestly recommend Skinnytaste.com and then check out Jaren's blog!  She has great suggestions for eating better and is my example to share with you!  Well time to let you go!

If you have any questions, comments, or just want to share your story send me a shout out at: 

texas_ginger23@yahoo.com

I'm seeing a lot of my friends on Facebook really stepping out of their comfort zones and finding the courage to share their journey!  I'm so proud of all of you because we know that its not easy to put it all out there, but the more we open ourselves up the more we can change!  

Here are some links for the Chicken Divan and a couple explaining why I lost at Yoga X!

http://www.skinnytaste.com/2010/11/chicken-divan-lightened-up.html

http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/info/crane-pose.asp

http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/yogapractice/theplough.asp

Its All About Me... Well at least the extra 60lbs of me

So according to the charts full of ages and numbers I'm what you call obese.  I just call it what it is... I'm fat.  Now don't get me wrong I don't go around looking at others and thinking they are fat but I can look at myself in the mirror, groan about how my pants don't fit, and then run into the kitchen and grab a snack cake to take my mind off the muffin top.  I know, obviously its a vicious, never ending, now-I-wear-yoga-pants-so-I-can-breathe cycle, but if you knew how much I loved those little snack cakes!  Unfortunately for the Little Debbie Company I have decided to make a change.  I'm tired of being fat, and though I dearly love my yoga pants I am pretty sure my butt will look much better in ones two sizes smaller than what I'm currently wearing.    I suppose now its time to tell you the whys and hows behind my battle plan against my body's bulge.

First with the whys.  The most obvious would be the morning mirror stare down (and lets be honest, the afternoon mirror walk by, the evening glare, and the middle of the night look of shock when the light is brighter than I thought it would be).  Its bad enough walking in the bathroom at 6:30am and seeing my crazy red hair and cranky blue eyes staring back at me, but I also have to come face to fat with my stomach, thighs, arms, behind, and well just my body in general.  For a person who hates waking up in the first place this does not help encourage me to face the day.  The next why would have to do with the fact that I was recently married (thank you for your congrats) and well lets just say this snow beast can stand in front of her very compact husband and you would have no idea he was there.  I would like to be able to tell you that my dress was just that Cinderella like but unfortunately thanks to gaining 10lbs the week before the ceremony that was all me.  We are just lucky I wasn't wearing yoga pants and a robe down the isle, but on some days breathing just isn't as important as one would think.  By the way my husband thinks I'm perfect.  I know he hit his head a lot as a child but I will totally take it!  This way when I am actually closer to my perfect shape he'll be so overwhelmed he will only mildly panic when I buy my new amazing skinny girl wardrobe!  

Now for the hows!  So I have this section pretty much maxed out and I'm sure there are plenty of you out there that will think I'm crazy...well honestly I am... a little anyway.  Not only have I turned my spare bedroom into a small workout area I have filled it with a treadmill, yoga ball, yoga mat, chin-up bar, resistance straps, a super sit up master thing, and a tv to watch my new P90x videos!  That's right people I am going hard core and taking up the challenge to Bring It!!!  Honestly though, I've done two days of workouts and my body is killing me but that just means I'm on the road to skinny.  I've also recently bought into the Sensa line of products that promise to help me eat less because I am all about the food!  Yummy Yummy Noms that make my mouth water and my hips expand.  Oh how I will miss you food!  (sigh - IHOP would be pretty awesome for breakfast, and I don't mean the healthy stuff...)  Where was I... Oh yes!  Food!  I will also be taking advantage of skinnytaste.com which provides awesome and amazing recipes that are HEALTHY!!!  I definitely have to give this girl props because her recipes are all pretty awesome!  My next tools will be my friends, especially J.S. who is my workout buddy and kick-my-butt-back-onto-track-buddy (She is a self-proclaimed "boss" and anyone who knows her agrees) and this blog.  This is going to be my venting and celebrating forum.  I'm going to share the details of my weight loss journey with you in order to hold myself accountable to reach my goal.  I'm counting on you to help keep me crawling forward on this new journey of mine!

The Goal: 

Lose 60lbs by October 2012  

            Why October you ask?  I will be standing in front of hundreds of people watching my BF get married and I want to rock that bridesmaid dress!

Current Weight: 195lbs

Goal Weight: 135lbs

Measurements: 

Left Bicep - 12 inches                                                       

Right Bicep - 12 inches

Left Thigh - 27 1/2 inches

Right Thigh - 27 1/2 inches

Bust - 43 inches

Below Bust - 38 inches

Waist - 39 inches

Hips - 47 inches

Neck - 15 inches

Fears: 

Giving up on myself without reaching my goal.  Working hard without seeing results.  Being a pansy and failing - just your usual weight loss fears I suppose!

Okay so now its out there.  The good, the bad, and the bulge!  I have the tools and the desire now just to follow through!  Obviously its possible because thousands of people have done this and as soon as I feel like its possible I'll let you know.  Right now I'm just trying to crawl through my first few weeks of diet and P90x.  I can do this...right?