Where's the cheese?

Been almost 2 months on WW

2011-07-29T15:31:00.001-07:00

I went back to Weight Watchers (WW) in May. It was a good decision for me. I did really well on it last time and I plan on keeping it in my life to come.
My husband is happy about it since now I really am aware of cooking and eating out. Travel has been hard. Its harder to stay focused when your not in control of where the food is coming from. Although I believe I did ok while away over this past week. Its what I could do with what I had.
Down again and so I've lost 21 pounds over the last 8 weeks. I think its great and I know right now I continue on. On this running sticker I bought it says its not how fast you finish, its as long as you finish. Although I will never be done with my weight struggles or food issues there is a finish with the aspect of weight. I won't always have to "lose" weight. However managing is a whole other story.

SO it been a year...

2011-06-11T01:09:00.000-07:00

Lots can happen in a year. A woman can already have a 2 month old, for heaven sakes. Not for me though. Last year after I wrote that very last blog until now things went spiraling out of control.
I am an emotional eater. I do not really know how to control it. I just push down the feelings with "yummy" foods. I am not trying to excuse it. I mean I know what I did to myself which makes me sick to think about. See my mom went into the hospital last year right around now. Well I believe its actually a few days from now. It was a scary scary thing. I know many people live without their mom's, but for me I just never ever imagined it.

I started on track 6 weeks ago...

2010-06-03T00:00:00.001-07:00

In that time I've learned this journey is hard. Just when you think your in control another food ball is sent your way.
Why am I so obsessed with food? I try harder to be more obsessed with exercise. I try thinking constantly of what I can do to MOVE my body. When I can move my body.
In the past 6 weeks my husband joined the gym with me which totally helps. SO far he has helped me get to the gym.

I lost 22 pounds in this last 6 weeks. Helps for the race I am about to do. I don't know about "racing" I am going to walk it though. Doing a 1/2 marathon is always good. It helps boost my sense of accomplishment. Which helps me stay focused.

Wish me luck!

Hiking and my love, hate relationship

2010-05-16T09:22:00.000-07:00

Like any form of exercise sometimes I just have a battle. Its mind versus body! The battle of oh if I get up now and just do it, I'll be done. It will be over.
Yesterday I signed up to go hiking with a group and was contemplating up until the very last minute on whether or not to actually go. I keeping think well if you go to the gym ah you only have to be there for like an hour. Then my brain is like but its so nice outside. Then I thought oh you love to hike... its the best feeling of accomplishment. (You know there is nothing like climbing over these hills, up & down and all around then looking across the canyon and seeing where you had once been)
Am I totally strange or what. It seems like everything inside me constantly battles over what or what not to do.
DOES others feel like this?.... UGH!
~ So I ended up going hiking. I at the last minute told myself to quit acting lazy and get my butt ready and go. I dragged my husband along. He wasn't reluctant or anything but he said I told him he didn't have to the night before. Hhahah I think I was watching tv when he asked.
Anyway I didn't think I would be gone too long. I knew I could choose to do 4 miles or sometimes they tacked on an extra loop which added about 2.5 more miles so a total of about 6 1/2 miles. Normally no longer then 2 1/2 hours.
So you know what I put in my pack.... AN APPLE! Thats it. I thought I would be good.
~ At the cut off people where waiting for me. I was the caboose and thank heavens for a supportive husband he stayed back with me the time. When I know he could have walked so much faster. His legs have gotten so strong since we started exercising regularly. Well he's always been strong but now he's getting in really good shape!!!
Anyway I felt good. I was actually feeling those "endorphins" they talk about which push you on. SO when asked if I wanted to do the extra 2 miles I said sure.

WELL collective group who continued on decided oh lets go this way... I wasn't up by them when they decided this little maneuver, when I got up there they said we're going to take off on this path... its new to us.
Ok so when I noticed the name of this trail I was like hmmm honey this trail is one we usually take from the otherside of the park. We hike from another entrance of this same park and I recognized the name. I was thinking omg we're going to hike over to almost the other side of the park. I didn't think that though until we were about 1/2 way there.
Sorry to make a long story sort of shorter we ended up adding 4.5 miles to this hike. My total hike was just about 8 1/2 miles for the day. It took just about 4 hours.

Needless to say I was starving. My apple was not as satisfying as a sandwich or other food could have been. Thank goodness I have some other emergency items in my pack. I ate this jelly, type energy thing I got from a 10k I did. I had to I needed some energy.
I was running out of water... I was struggling. I started to get cramps in my legs in the weirdest muscles. It was a very exhausting hike for me.
I wanted to quit. But you know what you can't... the thing about being on a hike which is sometimes good or bad. Your out on a trail you can't just get off a machine or in 10 minutes oh the class will be over and you can just leave now.

I feel like I over came an obstacle yesterday afternoon. the questioning I have about myself. As to what I can accomplish... about what my body can actually do.

NOW I do think though next time I am bringing more snacks and definitely more WATER!!!

OH and I say bring on the 1/2 marathon I am READY! I am going to get a better time then my last. I don't know excatly how much slogging (slow jogging) I will get done in the 13.2 miles, but I do know I can do better then last time!

Wow its been a long while since I wrote.....

2010-05-14T12:34:00.000-07:00

It has been too long. But you know every now & then you relapse.
Went to my WW meeting and last nights topic was support. How to ask for help.

I think Ive been doing so much better (and I've said this before) when most of everyone around me is trying to accomplish the same thing.
Like it still iterates me to some degree when I'm told don't want to hear about all the WW stuff.
It's like are you kidding me. Its part of me. How can I not talk about it. Plus almost my whole group of friends, we need to start talking about it. Not nessaryily about WW's but fitness & health and eating better.
We're not all in our 20's anymore and if we were concerned about each other then we do need to talk about.
-I know there's a differance of forceful and just talking about it.
-I know not everyone is like me but I think a lot people feed and drive off others. Studies show if your around people who care about their health and want to take care of themselves eventually it starts to wear off. I mean the obesity in my group is something we could work on, something we should work on.
Sometimes just like everyone else its like oh I don't care. I can't!

Awhile ago my friends saw me going down that path again, the one I was on before. They started seeing destructive behaviors in me that I use to have daily. *With food & fitness.
ME being Unhelpful to myself.
*Eventually I started to see. Telling myself "I have lost all this weight, I can't revert to my old ways and just watch myself lose control."
Sometimes it takes a friend to help you take a step back.

I know I can't worry about everyone else… I need to focus on myself and my family. Even though I consider my group family, its tough - I can't wrap myself up in what people do or don’t do. Its really hard.
All I can control is myself. And what I choose to do.

My Husband is helping me be the person I want to be it's so incredible
Ok omg I am going to start crying. Thinking about how supportive my man has been is just... hard to explain.
That time of the month you know more emotional then usual!

This weight loss thing is a trip... a long journey of learning.
Everyone's different.

I don't think I will ever be able to change my worrying but I try. Preventing an untimely death, I mean you wouldn't continue to watch someone drink & drive, or abuse themselves with drugs... or at least I can't.

My dilemma of the month!

So I feel like I am getting back into the grooove...

2010-02-13T10:52:00.000-08:00

Oh gosh this weight loss thing is just not as cut & dry emotionally as I once thought. Its a total mind game. With yourself & sometimes others.

I've been getting back on track with my diet & exercise too. Its mind tricks I try playing with myself, like this morning I so didn't FEEEEEL like going. But I did it anyway and feel really good.

I am a slacker...

2010-02-02T23:29:00.000-08:00

Its been way too long since I sat my happy butt down and wrote in here. With my facebook account I feel like I say just about everything so no need to do the whole "blog" thing anymore.

Well not really. I mean I never talk about my weight on FB. Well not usually. I am so lost right now, Unmotivated! I'm working on it. I read another ladies blog its called Cranky Fitness. She cracks me up. I recently read an old blog post of hers about motivation. That its a job to get yourself back there. Yep thats how I feel. Like every time I am getting back into the swing of things I just do something stupid to fall back in my same routine.

A few days ago I signed up to do my 2nd 1/2 marathon. My friends were kind of giving me crap about spending the money to do it. All I was thinking was why would I be worried about the money if it gets me back into the frame of mine I need to be in. That is PRICELESS in my opinion. Its hard, I don't know how some people in WW's get so far with hardly any set backs. I mean there was a change in me. I want to be different and process things differently but its just been a rough road this last few months.

So yea signed up for a 1/2 marathon. I am hoping to actually run most of this. I mean my last I walked almost all of it. I walk pretty fast on average, but I know I can do way better!

Need to get some of this weight back off my body so it will be easier for me to actually run.

*Results not Typical

2009-10-13T14:13:00.000-07:00

*I want to be a asterisk!

If your like me you have done many weight loss programs. Usually when starting any weight loss program or even eat whichever program's food, it has a warning label attached, or maybe not so much a warning per say but a message stating they don't guarantee you results. Hence
*RESULTS NOT TYPICAL!

I've been "on" WW's for 2 1/2 years now. In that time I have been really close to being more then 100lbs lighter then my heaviest. I imagine I am actually more then 100 pounds lighter but back at my largest I didn't really weigh myself. But for WW's starting weight I have only lost 98 at my highest lost.
I've been wavering back and forth about 10 pounds for 1 year now. I am fitting better into clothes compared to last year and my fitness level is better but for some reason I can't break into that <*> category!
I have some sort of block, laziness, mind issue that just seems like I don't care or want to get under that magical #...

So I joined the gym again, since I haven't been hiking as much as I once was to justify not joining the gym again. Plus looks like the weather is starting to get icky so may as well get myself back into the habit of getting sweaty with everyone else.

Training for a 1/2 marathon and while I train I need to also lift weights and do other types of cardio and I think being a member of 24 hour fitness (you know the chain gym, the McDonalds of gyms) is going to help me achieve this.

I'll keep you all posted, yea whomever you are who actually reads my twisted sense of weight loss!

Its sometimes all about the company we keep....

2009-09-02T10:29:00.000-07:00

In times when its hard for me its much more helpful to be around people who are also going to help me be strong in my fight!
I don't care about what others are eating per say or what their doing… (I've had to get use to that)
But its emotionally draining to be around others when I am fighting a battle in my own head about food and then no one else cares about it.
It’s a head thing, its weird because I don't exactly know how I feel just know I am not way motivated. When I am around other people in my life who are struggling and they just throw all of the hard work out the door and sor tof give up, I feel it too.
I've started to become a little unglued in my inspiration of losing, I think it has to do with not having a loss in over 2 weeks. I am not saying I need instant gratification but when I am doing what I am "suppose" to and not losing it drains on my own self esteem. I think it might be too that its that time of the month right now so I just want to eat as opposed to being ok with what I've got...

Maybe the fact that I haven't written anything down over my food issues...that's been bothering me!
I have been "fine" and now I'm not. When does this process fix it self. When does my mind catch up with what I am doing and when does this stop being so hard?

How to convince my brain to stop overeating???

2009-08-27T17:37:00.000-07:00

The obvious fact is that all my life I've eaten too much. But why?
Throughout our evolutionary history, food has been scarce, so in order to ensure survival, humans have been conditioned to eat as much as they can whenever food is available.
Unfortunately, when food is abundant and rich in calories, as it is today, the results can be ugly.

~ SO that is an ad for a new product, but it really describes how I feel a lot.
How do I convince my mind I am full before I am SO full???
Got any ideas...

I feel justified

2009-08-13T22:15:00.000-07:00

So today I was kind of dreading but also looking forward to my weekly WI. I dreaded it on one hand because I would be disappointed if all my struggling over how the choices in foods I ate while I on vacation didn't work out, meaning I lost nothing or even gained I would feel like I went through all that for nothing.
I was looking forward to it because I know I did really good with portions and I stayed within my guidelines of what I am looking to achieve.
So with my loss of 3 pounds over this last week, well I feel justified for all my actions.
I feel like I am on the right path and I am starting to get this. Even though my mind doesn't always want to cooperate. I don't always want to do whats best for well being because its hard. I want to be like everyone else sometimes. I mean I don't know exactly what that means but if others are just eating like they don't care, sometimes I want to do that too!
But unfortunately for me I have to be very vigilante of what I do because too many slips will send me sliding down the path I don't want to be on. So alas I carry on doing what I know is right for me.

What is wrong in my mind... This is about food of course!

2009-08-10T16:01:00.001-07:00

~So why in my mind does one of my very first thoughts about going on vacation turn to food?
~ Why is it that in my excitement I also get all mixed up with achy feelings about food, seriously what the heck is up with me?
Like I get all "oh where can we go eat!"
I'm like thinking about food from the moment we leave.
I try in my mind to plan every meal & snack. I'm a freak almost, at least in my thoughts. (I have never shared these most crazy & personal feelings)
I'm so weird, at times I wonder are other people this excited, curious & crazy about food?
Seriously though sometimes I am all oh let's do this or eat this. I
try very hard not to get too much off track, I try my hardest to be
prepared for what might happen. I think of all my usual hang ups or
hinderances to my success!
~Snacks, I'm equiped with the tools that will keep me on the path
to healthiness. Examples I take lots of fruit... Bananas, apples & I
even pick up others to help me be as successful as possible.
~Munchies, I make sure I have similar items to what others might be
eating. Example being for chocolate, I will bring some fiber one bars!
Or I'll eat something completely different 94% fat free popcorn.
Carrots & Hummus instead of chips.
I do all of things to try and keep myself successful. There are so
many obstecles in my way, it just so hard to predict.
When it comes to being with family or anyone else who just doesn't
care about their own health how can they even be supportive or care
about MINE?

Sometimes the enemy!

2009-08-06T13:57:00.001-07:00

So yea too of my favorite things that I do not have complete control over. I mean I LOVE cheese. If its around I usually want it. My solution so far being in the lifestyle change mode is to have Fat Free cheese around or light. I use light laughing cows which are rich and creamy... feels almost like I am cheating!

The bread OMG the bread. What I can't stand anymore is that its put on my table at dinner. I seem to just MINDLESSLY eat it.
How many pieces was that? Oh 3 now. I don't even need the butter when its nice and warm. Sometimes I want the bread, because I have the "extra" calories left in the day to eat it. Most times though I don't want to be tempted by it or even just like I said before mindless eating happens. I know its rather confusing to my friends. Sometimes I am like yea give me bread and then next time I am like keep it away from me like its the plague.
I am a complex girl with FOOD ISSUES! Sorry its so hard to understand me.
So what is it that I can say to my friends... in a nice way, I will not go out to eat with you if we have the bread, chips or cheese biscuits on the table.
Some of my friends don't have a weight issue or even a problem with food or if they do they don't care. So how is that I bring it up when I am sometimes ok with it but other times I feel like i will go running and screaming out the door if its brought to the table!

Today I was told..

2009-08-04T22:57:00.000-07:00

I have no right to be so picky! Well all I have to say is I have no apology for how I want to eat. About what I choose to eat, or what I request to eat.
I've done it the other way for a long time. Look how well that went for myself.
Granted a day of less than healthy menu is fine once and a while but for an every day event, its not something I choose to do.
~ There are 100's of birthdays or going away parties or even potlucks in the year!
There are 4-5 meetings a month at my work, but for myself that doesn't give me license to eat off my plan. Off of the new lifestyle I have chosen.
For the last 2 years I have put myself 1st and I can't stop now. I have my whole life to live!

Found some great quotes....

2009-08-02T22:24:00.000-07:00

"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeeded is always to try just one more time." Thomas Edison

"It's NEVER too late ~ never too late to start over, never too late to be happy." Jane Fonda

Also I am loving the song from Miley Cyrus ~
The Climb
Songwriters: Alexander, J; Mabe, J;

I can almost see it
That dream I am dreaming
But there's a voice inside my head saying
"You'll never reach it"

Every step I'm taking
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking

But I gotta keep trying
Gotta keep my head held high

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down
But no, I'm not breaking

I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I'm gonna remember most, yeah
Just gotta keep going

And I, I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on

Keep on moving, keep climbing
Keep the faith, baby
It's all about, it's all about the climb
Keep the faith, keep your faith, whoa

SO that song totally express how I am feeling most often. Its my new anthem of my journey through this! I hope Miley doesn't mind. Isn't it strange how songs effect us, but the 1st time I heard this song and started to listen to the lyrics I was like OMG this girl is singing about my struggles right now.

Its August already...

2009-08-02T00:27:00.000-07:00

So I am still on my path to a healthier & better life. I struggle almost every day. It seems like food consumes everyone. Or maybe because I have a lot of difficulties with food I just see that. I don't know.
Today I had a party with most of my friends. We could all gain from losing weight and becoming more healthy. Most of us have struggled with weight in our adult lives. The last couple of years since being on WW most of the group has gotten better with dishes brought to potlucks or just the amount of food we have at a party in general. Although today its seemed like we had more than enough.
The longer and longer I take to get it, that FOOD shouldn't control my life, I get somewhat stronger. Or maybe its just an illusion. I know right now thought I can't sit in front of food for any long period of time. Even after I feel that I've satisfied my hunger, if I sit in front of chips, bread or any other reachable food I seem to just grab it. There is no purpose for this eating, but it still happens. Why is that? Why do I feel this need or desire to still eat after I already had my share? I don't get it.
Today though I stopped myself, I came to the realization that right now I am not strong enough to over come this. At least for now I can not sit with food in front of me because I will just mindlessly eat because others are doing the same thing.

I know I am rambling and by this time not making much sense but its something I had to write about. I feel like getting my "issues" with food out here helps. Well see :)

FOOD PUSHERS!!!

2009-07-27T20:36:00.000-07:00

The next topic I want to vent about because this is my blog and I can write about anything here in cyberspace.
(Although, many of my friends and family know my blog so yea its not much of a secret) I haven't posted in forever so maybe everyone's lost interest.
Oh well writing for me seems to be helping with my issues so I am going to keep it up! (besides its going to make great material for my psychologist when I need to go see one for my food issues!) I can hand this over and say here read this tell me how to fix me!!!

So I want to know what the deal is...
(Now all my thoughts are going to come out and may not make sense to anyone but here goes)
I don't understand it....why when you tell someone no thank you, I'm fine, or I already ate some they still insist on you having MORE FOOOOD. I have had a weight issue all my life. I am not sure if some of it has to do with me not saying no! (I mean of course a lot is my own fault for not staying active or taking care of myself by watching what I eat, but now it seems like a constant struggle)
Sometimes I just feel like its so much easier to just give in. Its not worth the time, energy or fight about it!
What is it... My GF the other day brought up the same subject. She also thought that maybe the "food pushers" are insecure because of your not eating. I don't know folks I can't explain it. It happens a lot to me.
ALOT at work! Well I guess its just one of the places you spend most of your time so of course there's going to be sooooo much pressure.

Ok so reasons I came up with FOOD PUSHING/Food Pushers:
1. They think your hungry...even though you told them you already ate.
2. They are trying to be a good host... but you've tried something else on the table that is a better choice for your lifestyle.
3. They don't care!!!
4. They're jealous you are doing so well!!!
5. Insecure because if your not eating you think their food is not good
6. Insecure that you can be in control (trying to sabotage your success)
7. I don't know its just me and my crazy thoughts!!!

I am going through this journey some how trying to stay sane. (yea I know what a thought hahahha)
I know I can't control anything anyone else does or what they do with their life, but why oh why are there so many people out there willing to mess with mine?????

So not sure if you noticed...

2009-07-25T17:21:00.001-07:00

The last 2 posts have been about my thoughts and feelings all about food & weight loss. I am starting to write it down as an outlet to maybe look back at & figure out why I am soo messed up when it comes to food & eating.

The hungrys

2009-07-25T16:41:00.000-07:00

So what is it about boredom?
Why does it have your crazy mind thinking... hmmm you must be hungry.
Then I am all 2nd guessing myself,
~Wait am I hungry or just THINKING I am hungry???
The mind games I play while trying to live a healthier lifestyle seem to be never ending.

So what is one to do?
Make something or just wait around longer in your boredom to see if it passes.
~So after 15 minutes I decide to give in I started to make something. Since I'm unsure if I am really hungry or just thinking I am hungry, I have no clue what to cook.

I start out with chopping up some veggies... put them in a pan with some olive oil, so I can get that oil in for the day.
Next I start building upon the few veggies by adding some garlic & onions, a little seasoning. Next what do I do with the veggie mixture... do I add some meat, polenta, or eggs (egg whites).

What I don't get is how come there's no real sign! I think the best I can do is control the urge to just eat crap and actually eat something good for me as apposed to just eating out of boredom.

Its a constant battle in my head sometimes. Why?

Free food...

2009-07-24T23:43:00.000-07:00

What is it about "free" food that makes some so crazy.
So I work at a large company that has meetings, often. Now most of the
group meetings don't include me or my group. There seems to always be
food ordered, not healthy meals either. I guess for more "normal"
indiviuals this doesn't pose any problem, but for some of us that have
an addiction to food, its sometimes hard!
Ok so because all those people who aren't included in the "food"
getting meeting it makes the food (I guess) so much more desireable! I
belive because it's FREE? Or they feel like since they work here to
it's their right or part of the perks, maybe it's a better meal then
they brought. What I'm trying to say is I'm not exactly sure what it
is. It's probably different for everyone.
So the point of this story is because everyone else wants/
desires to have some, for some reason it makes me have to have some!!!!
I know this may sound crazy to some, but I'm perfectly fine and
content with my own food usually! On "food" meeting days though I'm
not my focused self.
Not sure if its my competive nature, it maybe the "hunt" or the oh I'm
getting something you don't have. It's almost like I feel as though I
win if I get some FREE food, food that some of my coworkers really
desired but weren't able to abtain themselves.
What is that??? I'm not hungry or craving it by any means, so what's
my crazy addict food mind & body thinking???

OMG I cant even make it a week!

2009-05-05T22:47:00.000-07:00

So I was so trying, obviously not hard enough though to post on my blog.

OK in my defense FACEBOOK. really I am telling you I am on there! Playing FarmTown... it takes up a lot of my "free" time.
Any how the deal is nothing was SWEET today.
Maybe a little Bitter Sweet. So it was 2 year anniversary for me and my friend of when we started WW's.

So the news... since I haven't been doing my regular meeting attendance & haven't exactly been exercising to my usual standards. I have back slid. Which I didn't think was a big deal. But it left me only losing 17 lbs this whole year!
So yea not so hot!

I have decided it time to fight back to be me again.. time to recommitting to the SUCCESS of myself. TO BE ALL I CAN BE!!! Um hope I don't get in trouble by the Army for using their catch phrase.

~ Anyway thought I would share!

Only day 2

2009-05-03T21:51:00.000-07:00

& I almost messed up. Ok maybe this blogging every day for a month is going to be too much.

~ I was busy busy busy today, getting ready to go back to work.
~ I went shopping (for groceries & Household things) 5 different places.
~ Did some laundry so I would have clothes to wear.
~ Had dinner with some friends.

OK so whats sweet about any of that... well I also went to Sonic & had a Sonic Blast, Reese peanutbutter cup...Yum that was sweet!

So didn't workout today but am getting my things together for tomorrow.

National Blog Posting Month..

2009-05-02T19:17:00.000-07:00

So this months Theme is ~ SWEET!

Now what am I suppose to say about sweet. Um I LOVE sweets!!
So there has been a lot going on lately that I haven't been posting. In my previous posts I've said I'm on facebook!

Its taking up some of my blog time. I am playing this game called Farm Town. Its addicting planting, plowing & harvesting.
I got some friends playing too, so thats SWEET!

I recently went to MN to visit family and friends. I got to visit with my mom, I hadnt seen her in 2 1/2 years. Hadn't been back to MN since my Dad died, 3 1/2 years. I had a wonderful time seeing some old friends, I went to the Mall of America.
Got a new purse. Its super cute.

Its my newest pride & joy.

So over the last month I was also upset over the Sharks losing in the 1st playoff round. I can't believe how well they did during the season and then come playoffs time lose it.

My church calling has been pretty amazing. Its been fun helping people with their food storage needs. We also have been able to built up our own.

What's wrong with me

2009-03-26T13:20:00.000-07:00

I haven't been here to post anything lately. Well I guess its because I am just into facebook. I post updates there. Yea so if your not my friend on facebook then yea I guess you don't get to know whats going on with me.

OMG my cousin contacted me on facebook. Yea I know not such a big deal for most. But I haven't been in touch with my Dad's side of the family since he passed away. I am happy he found me. I wouldn't have been able to find him.
I am loving facebook though. As you can probably tell by my many mentions of it in the posting.

Lets see what else has been going on. Well I went to the chocolate salon in SF. It was um A LOT of chocolate. I don't think WI today is going to be that fabulous. Oh well its life... its happens.

Steve and I are thinking of going camping next weekend. Its still a little chilly at nights but should be ok. We went in November so I think I can handle April!
Maybe I can go horseback riding.

I've been doing some meetups lately. Whenever my migraines aren't bothering me too much. I miss a few hockey games too in the past couple of months. When I am not feeling well its hard to go into a crowded area with screaming people. Yea not good for headaches.

SO other then that not much else going on. Steve and I will probably go to the Temple on Saturday.

Wordless Wednesday...

2009-03-11T22:48:00.000-07:00

Pretty much ADDICTED to facebook.

2009-01-10T17:14:00.000-08:00

I feel like I can't go anywhere or do anything "like leave the house" before I write in my status message.

Yea I am crazy...

Happy NEW YEAR!!!

2009-01-04T23:29:00.001-08:00

So this is my family on my DH side. We went to a reunion during the holidays. We were able to see 50 of our relatives. We're all wearing shirts made for us for the reunion. They represent the number of our place in the family. People who have left our family had a number but no shirt was made of course.
Only 2 didn't show on purpose because they were with their other family and couldn't be present.
There were 2 of my cousins on their missions who were also unable to attend. The one in Canada, the other in Louisiana. They however are represented in the picture (they're the cardboard cutouts)
It was so nice to be around family again. Its like they understand you...or have to understand you hahahaha!

Lost again...

2008-12-16T23:35:00.000-08:00

So I have been trying to get this darn weight from my vacation 2 months ago. Then not really being committed to my WL journey I just fooled around for about 1 1/2 months. I was kind of a drift. Well one of my friends said just maintain for a few weeks and then you will know what needs to be done to lose again.
Well I took that advice & I am on that losing track again

1st week of Dec - 4.4 pounds down
2nd week of Dec - 1.4 pounds down
3rd week of Dec - 2.6 pounds down

So now I only have 2.2 to lose which I am so trying to lose by the end of the year...would be even better if I could lose 6 then I would really be at 100 pounds gone! 6 pounds is kind of difficult though coming off the weeks I've had.

I just tried my 1st attempt at Spin class. It was kind of awesome. Except my booty kind of hurts, they really didn't make those seats for bigger booties! I sweated like I haven't done in a long while. I think it really helped. I'm going to try it again. People say its good to get bike shorts with the extra padding in them...yeah I wonder?

Anyway thats how I have been lately....
I am following this one person's blog that cracks me up. Cranky Fitness
She has some really good blog posts that I can so relate to.

Niece & Nephews... new pics :)

2008-12-08T01:40:00.000-08:00

This is baby Sean..had to update my post to include him :)

This is my niece Zoey she turned 5 today...can you believe it? This is a new dress she got...isn't it cute :)

Opps another of my nephews Jacob needed to be shown also :) Oh my gosh if he ever grows his hair out long he will really look Steve :) (this is my sister-inlaw, Stephanie's child and well she looks a lot like Steve only female but shorter hair then him)

Secret Santas in 3 states spread cheer, $100 bills

2008-12-06T17:11:00.000-08:00

This story is so wonderfully uplifting to the spirit! When I read it of course I cried. I try my hardest to pass to others who need it too. Either volunteering my time, giving some money or even donating items I buy. So this story was so touching to me.
What a wonderful man Larry Stewart was. I'm so glad that one of his friends also got into.
Give me hope for humanity.

Secret Santa story

Christmas cards

2008-12-02T13:50:00.001-08:00

Well I sent out my 1st Christmas card.
I am finishing up the rest tonight so I put them in the mail tomorrow.

Oh I feel soooo on the ball :)

A hiking I will go...

2008-11-29T01:36:00.000-08:00

So I went on a little more then a 5 mile hike yesterday. It was a good thing for a workout after Thanksgiving. Not that I over ate or anything but it keeps me on track. My plan like I mentioned before is too lose this week. & I know exactly how I am going to do that. So the weather was very cool! Cold in fact. I started hiking at about 10:30 & there was no sun. I think though it was nice because if it had been sunny that hike would have been harder + very hot. There weren't too many shady spots.
We did go by a ranch and the horses in the pasture were so nice. They came up to the fence for petting or wanted a treat. I sometimes wish I had a horse... I miss that about MN. My mom had a horse for quite awhile. It was a lot of fun for riding.
Anyway hike was great. Plan for today is also to go on another hike. I am checking out a bunch of new places. Expanding my horizons so to speak. Who knew there were sooooo many great places to hike in my "own backyard".

One more thing I want to share...

2008-11-28T09:12:00.000-08:00

I am an auntie again! My newest nephews name is Sean Edward. He is shown here in a picture after being born w/ Emily on the left & Sarah on the right. His birthday was the 26th.

I didn't make it...

2008-11-28T08:53:00.000-08:00

So my goal of logging in and posting something every day, well just didn't work out. OH WELL! I can try again next month right!

As long as I don't give up on my WL goal is what matters. My migraines have been come and go so that wasn't the problem.
Guess I just didn't know what to log in and write about.

Lets recap what's happened since last week.
Over the weekend I went to Reno w/friends. It wasn't a planned trip and it actually happened while talking at dinner Friday night. Vegas came up in the conversation and all of sudden it turned into...
Lets go to Reno right now. It was fine and a good idea since I was going to have to be home alone all weekend. Steve was driving his dad to AZ. So I was happy to take my mind off Steve not being home.
So Mat & Laura, Norman & Lisa and me piled into his SUV & took off.

Monday I went to the gym...yea not so newsworthy but in fact it kind is. I haven't been in like 2-3 weeks. So well it was a big feat to get me back in the gym. Then its started the keep on going chain reaction.

I also went on Wednesday with Jen. We even stayed working out for an hour and a half. I don't know what got into me. Um maybe the fact I want to kick start losing weight again. I have sort of been stalled the last 2 months. Partly because I went to Jamaica and that threw me all off track and there isn't anything harder then trying to get back the motivation. (I think you have to have weight issues to really relate)

Thanksgiving which was yesterday was nice. I slept in a little and woke up with no headache in sight. I decide to head the gym since I found out they were open till 2pm. I also thought if I go to the gym I will not feel bad having some bread & butter with my dinner. I was surprise to find so many at the gym. I guess others had the same idea :)
For dinner Steve and I went to Black Angus - they had a Thanksgiving special. Now don't feel sad for me because this was the best scenario ever... I didn't have to cook & have all kinds of left overs. As much as I love being around family there is nothing as tempting in the world then just stuffing yourself all day on food. (Again I think you have to have weight issues to understand) I know for most people it would be like "well just stop eating" but yea it doesn't always work for me. & especially when I am around all my family. Last year during the holidays I had to put my foot down more then once.
* Partly because I have struggled with my weight my entire life and I know Steve's family has seen me @ 230 pounds before only to gain it all back. They have seen me at my highest weight of 325 too. So to them its the holidays and its ok "for 1 day, why not" Its hard to explain that 1-2 days can turn into weeks for me.
Last year I was very focused too. This year it was soooo nice to not have any pressures.
Steve and I also went to the movies last night...its a family tradition to us. Has been the last 11 years. We seen Four Christmases. I don't think it was that great. Guess because I was expecting something a little different.

Which brings me to this morning!!! Well I am off to go hiking :)

Ugh I really would like...

2008-11-19T23:18:00.000-08:00

for my migraines to STOP!

Yea I'm still having them and I think they're never going to go away. The doctor said it should help when I lose weight. So I've lost weight. She said try not to have stress in your life... well I don't have that much stress in my life.
Cut foods out... Well I pretty much don't eat hard cheeses, not like I use too.

So I am just left in a dilemma to just carry on with pain & act like nothing is wrong.... or what?

My WL is not going very well because when my head is hurting I do not want to be at the gym or listening to loud music...
I like music when I'm working out.

World of Warcraft friend has birthday today...

2008-11-18T22:59:00.000-08:00

So today was our friend's birthday! "Sigmai" thats a game name turned 23 today he is from Poland! His real name is Greg. We so have wanted him to come visit us so all our friends here could meet him. Steve has know him online for like 5 years now...at least 5 years. He met him while playing WOW in beta.
Yea Steve's connection at Apple got him into playing WOW. Blizzard came to them (steve & some coworkers) to "test" WOW on macs. Well he's been playing ever since.

Well Happy Bday Sig! We love you :)

Wow what difference...

2008-11-17T13:47:00.001-08:00

Hawaii Aug 2006

Jamaica Sept 2008

Steve & I on cruise Feb 2006

Steve & I in Jamaica Sept 2008

So looking through some old photos I noticed that wow 90 pounds does make a huge difference in how someone looks.
I thought before I didn't look that bad...I don't know weird...
Well here is picture proof I was nuts. Glad I woke up and started to try something else.

'Meh': Apathetic Expression Enters Dictionary!

2008-11-17T13:30:00.000-08:00

So what you don't know is that I knew someone from WOW who said that word all the time! While playing World of Warcraft. Or just in conversations.... it was always 'Meh'. So it totally cracks me up that its being put into the dictionary.

So this Courtney the guy I knew from WOW who said it all the time!

whatever post...

2008-11-16T23:16:00.001-08:00

Yea can't get the thing I want posted...
Oh well so here is a cool website for different teeshirts

So dang it I missed a day!

2008-11-16T22:09:00.000-08:00

Somehow being out all day & coming home last night I didn't post anything.

So yesterday I woke up @ 9:30 was out of the house in 15 minutes so I could drive to do Air Aerobics. I had to be there by 10 am I usually leave a little earlier but I was just tired. Got done by 11 am and drove home.
@ noon I headed over the Hellyer Park for a Sagway picnic. My father in-law was having a lot of his Sagway friends to the park and riding on the trail there. The weather here in CA is still really nice.
At about 4 we left the park. Came home & left again. I finally got my old big clothes out of my hallway. I had 6 huge bags full of clothes....
NOW I CAN NEVER GAIN THAT 90 pounds again...I have no clothes. (It was kind of weird I even held onto them this long)
About 5:30pm we got over to Dad's house. They realized that there was an unfinished project outside that could be done if we went to Home Depot. So headed there and picked some lava rock up....Yea its a landscaping project.
Got home about 6:30 and Steve + Jim through the rock around the tree.

Afterwards we went out for dinner it was about 7:00 maybe? We then ate and came back to Dad's.
We left Dads and got home around 8:30 but I was so tired I went to lay down. Didn't get back up till like 11:30 & just didn't think to post anything.

So LONG story short I wasn't home really yesterday ....
No post, Sorry

50 true things about me...

2008-11-14T20:23:00.000-08:00

1. I love my husband too much I think... if he were to die I would be completely devastated & that scares me sometimes

2. I am happy a lot

3. I have really good friends

4. I'm 33 years old

5. I LOVE CHEESE

6. I love watching hockey

7. I have season tickets to the SHARKS

8. I am usually very friendly

9. People like to talk to me...I mean like strangers ask me questions. Maybe because I seem friendly

10. I like to play craps more then anything when I go to gamble

11. I only call my mom about once a week

12. I'm original from a small town in MN

13. I now live in San Jose CA

14. I LOVE CA

15. I like to go hiking with friends

16. I LOVE the color purple - before it was in!

17. I like glittery or sparkly dresses or accessories

18. I value the opinions of my friends.... I don't always listen but I do value their opinions

19. I donate to charity

20. I'm a member of KIVA

21. I have 3 savings accounts...it helps me manage my money best

22. I have been married for 12 years

23. I have a BMW... it was always my dream car, I always thought I would have "made" it by owning one

24. I've seen less then 20 concerts in my life

25. I get migraines regularly

26. I have been trying to train for a 10K run... I haven't done much yet to be honest

27. I've lost 91 pounds

28. I'm still doing WW (Weight Watchers)

29. I am still overweight by about 80 pounds

30. I am Mormon

31. I attend church practically every Sunday

32. I've been inside 5 different temples... Mesa, Oakland, San Diego, Dallas & Seattle (opps forgot one)

33. I want a dog... but my husband will not let me get one

34. I want to go horseback riding again

35. I upset easily

36. I love to watch high school drama type shows on tv

37. I'm very impulsive

38. I've traveled more then I ever thought I would

39. I come from a poor family

40. I went to New Orleans only a year before Katrina... thankful I took the city, cemetery, plantation & bayou tour while there

41. I've been to Mardi Gras

42. I plan on going to Spain next summer

43. A lot of movies make me cry

44. I miss my sister terribly... I try calling her almost every 2 days

45. I use to play WOW (World of Warcraft)

46. I love meeting new people

47. I like going out to eat

48. My house is messy and so I have maids

49. I love that my husband has a big extended family

50. I don't want to have children... but I wouldn't mind maybe having foster kids (my husband doesn't know this)

Wrath of the Lich King

2008-11-13T19:06:00.000-08:00

So the big news in our house tonight...well actually since Midnight last night. World of Warcraft's newest expansion is out! Steve has got his copy and also bought a copy for my character although I don't play hardly at all anymore.
He played last night into the wee hours of this morning. Went to work way late and then came home early (although he did say he was feeling sick)
His online friends already were saying "oh why did I go to sleep I am already behind!" Um do think this game is addictive...Um yea!

I am going to try and upload a Youtube video. Steve lined up last night @ game stop around 11:15pm for his copies. He said the crowd there was crazy.

2008-11-12T22:38:00.000-08:00

It is so hard for me to write anything because I don't feel much like talking. There is soooo much going on here in CA. Its hard not to think about it all the time. Guess I've never been attacked before on my religious beliefs and its weird because it is really bothering me. I just don't know why its ok for anyone to take away my right to worship freely without fear or call me names when the same group argues that I took away a "right" of theirs. I guess its a right for a right.

So people think being religious is "old" fashioned... out of date, crazy, or just being hateful. I've never ever thought of myself as hateful or hurtful. I followed a religious rule and guidance from my prophet. Now I am suppose to feel like what I did was the wrong thing because a mob wants to force its will on me.
They desecrate my place of worship and think that will make me see a different point of view.
Actually it makes me feel like what I did was the right thing.
Its so weird because I've never thought of myself as a really "religious" person, but now I guess I've crossed a line into it.

If I have to choose a side I know where I want to be.
Its what I believe in... Faith, my church & God.

"How Can I Be"

2008-11-11T23:31:00.001-08:00

Video

How Can I Be

Adam Ashby, Ben Mataele and Uaisele Fa singing "How Can I Be" with the ukueles

So yea I came up with this video because my friend told me to go check out Youtube tonight and after I listen & watched the thing she wanted me to see I went in search of something inspirational to me.

Anyway hope you enjoy...

Back from camping

2008-11-11T23:24:00.000-08:00

So it was a lot of fun. Being away with Steve and "roughing" it...
Really I don't rough it much. I mean it isn't say as luxurious as staying at a hotel but it isn't tent camping either.

We were pretty much alone after Sunday afternoon. It was like a ghost town.
We were @ Bodega Bay Dunes State Park:
Sonoma State Beach features coastland with beaches, reefs, coves, tidepools, headlands, and natural arches. With more than ten miles of shore, 5,000 acres, this state beach is one of the largest in the state. The park stretches from Bodega Head to the Russian River. There is a five-mile trail system in the dunes. The beach is home to one of California's largest seal rookeries. In the winter, Bodega Head is one of the finest whale-watching sites on the North Coast. The park is also home to many kinds of seabirds. The ocean bay and river frontage offers perch, salmon, steelhead and smelt fishing.

Steve and I did some exploring but mostly we hung out at the camp ground and the ocean.
The wind was pretty strong on Sunday and the waves were incredible to watch.

2008-11-08T08:20:00.000-08:00

Going camping! So dang it I canceled a horseback riding for today with about 10 people because I thought it was going to rain. Um the sun is out shinning. How horrible I so wanted to go horseback riding too.
So Steve and I are just going to leave early for our trip. I don't think I am going to be able to post until Tuesday. Its not that I am trying to get out of my responsibility of posting 30 times in 30 days. Although I have more then 1 post on a few days so that should count towards something.
I love taking the camper & going to the woods. Yep I am funny. But seriously last time Steve and I went it wasn't all bad. I totally learned how to put the trailer up & put it away. I felt like I was in the KNOW.
Anyway I chose a place 2 hours away on the coast. Hope its good. The last 2 times I made reservations they all turned out pretty good. So I am not too worried.

Just wanted to tell you where I took off to if you were all wondering why I'm not posting. Maybe there will be internet service. Hahhaha Usually there is not! Of course.

Went out last night...

2008-11-08T08:12:00.000-08:00

So all the girls in the 1st picture below are who I went with. Those are all my fun coworkers! We went to this dive lounge that looked as though was out of the movies.
It was all lounge like with the comfy vegas style benches on the outer rim of the place. & then had little tables with the cushy style arm chairs around the tables.

So there is this place called Cardinal Lounge that is similar but different because there is no restaurant attached.

Oh forgot to post these pics from Halloween

2008-11-06T23:59:00.000-08:00

So for Halloween I wore my Eeyore costume. Other girls @ work dressed up too. So we got some pics taken of us. Its kind of nice to be in an office where others participate in the spirit of the Holidays.

Sharks Win in Shoot out tonight!

2008-11-06T23:11:00.000-08:00

2-1 after 1st period...tied up in 2nd. Then 3rd period was very exciting only because we were behind then tied then behind & tied.

Went to shoot out & we pulled it off! Thanks to Nabby getting us our Shoot Out WIN!

P.S. We haven't lost @ home yet. Its pretty fun to watch our Sharks win so much!! So far 8 wins at home. I hoping we can keep this up.

Normally I am not that religious on my blog...

2008-11-06T00:16:00.001-08:00

"Truly understood and properly practiced, faith is one of the grand and glorious powers of eternity. It is a force powerful beyond our comprehension. "Through faith … the worlds were framed by the word of God." Through faith, waters are parted, the sick healed, the wicked silenced, and salvation made possible. Our faith is the foundation upon which all our spiritual lives rest. It should be the most important resource of our lives. Faith is not so much something we believe; faith is something we live."
--Joseph B. Wirthlin

But I could not help it by posting this because I think it is so fitting to how I feel and it just popped up online when I was reading my scriptures tonight.

If your interesting in knowing more about Joseph B Wirthlin click on his name it will give you some information about him.

Historical Hump day 2008...

2008-11-05T22:26:00.001-08:00

For other wordless wednesdays

OBAMA predicted WINNER...

2008-11-04T22:56:00.000-08:00

As of right now I am reading that Obama has 338 electoral! Wow that is just crazy but I am so excited to see what will happen in our country.

In other news the Sharks won again. They are doing the best! They haven't lost a game at home since the regular season has started. Its been exciting so far to watch them play. Their different, I think they're hungry!

Manic Monday

2008-11-03T22:23:00.000-08:00

So today was alright day. Wasn't too busy @ work, huh who am I kidding. MY job function as work is changing a little. They have a back up girl that is training to take on part of my work. Which is a huge help. Should help free up some headache.
Didn't really have much pain today.
Forgot my drinking container at home...made me kind of upset.

Oh there was something I was going to say....

GO VOTE!!!

So now the challenge is upon me

2008-11-02T22:17:00.000-08:00

SO today I went to brunch w/Norman & Lisa to Marie Calendars. Yea fun & exciting stuff I know. Well why does food need to be sooo damn tempting. I ate more then maybe I should have.
Then we went to Santana Row..its a shopping center for those of you who read my blog & didn't know.

We went to Z gallery & La Sur Table. I love looking around stores. We walked a bit and went back to the car.
This whole getting dark early thing is bothering me. Its so weird. I guess I'll get use to though.
We went to a great little restaurant in Palo Alto, well actually its a creamery. Long time ago we seen it on a tv show and since then we've loved going there. Since I've been on WW's though I don't frequent the establishment. TOO SCARY for my lifestyle now.
I was planning on doing the whole shake/malt thing but I got something else on the menu instead and then was too full to go there.
Came home got on my exercise bike for 1 1/2 hours while watching some tv. Great way to exercise and get the DVR recordings watched too. So got caught up on 2 episodes of ER. I stopped watching that show awhile back, got too crazy for me. The only reason I started watching again is because its the last season, so I feel kind of obligated in a way...old loyalty. Yea I am a bit crazy and have weird reasoning. It was like when Friends was ending too. I HAD to watch the last season.
Alrighty off to wonderland now.

NaBloPoMo

2008-11-02T22:09:00.000-08:00

It's National Blog Posting Month! which of course gets shortened to NaBloPoMo(try saying that ten times fast!) The goal of NaBloPoMo, is to post every day for 30 days.

So I know I missed the 1st day but that was because I was unaware. So now that I know I am so going to try this.

Who I am supporting

2008-10-29T11:33:00.000-07:00

I'm an Aunt again :)

2008-10-24T11:08:00.000-07:00

My nephew was born this morning @ 9:05. Weighing in at 5lbs 4oz.
His name is Jonhanthan Steven.
Yep his middle name comes from my DH! Steve's sister asked while she was out here for his birthday if it was alright to use his name.

Can't wait to see the newest addition to the family. I think we're going to Disneyland in Dec. If not Christmas time. So 2 months.

Anyway just wanted to fill you all in.

Sharks Win in OT

2008-10-19T00:06:00.000-07:00

So went to Sharks game tonight. They've had to play 2 back to back games in the last 2 weeks. So I am proud of them for coming back from this one & winning! Hopefully their back to back games are over with.

Hubby was getting upset at how they were playing but I was hopeful. They had a ton of shots on goal. More then the Flyers.
We doubled their shots every period. The Sharks are having trouble scoring on THEIR power play. This needs to turn around too.
Was a very exciting game to watch, there were a lot of confrontations. (fights/scuffles/just plain ol' pushing & shoving) In hockey though its usually called roughing unless its like really good long fight.

So anyway I had bought some peanuts & cashews. They were so super sweet though because they were covered with a sugar coating. I was thinking after eating a few...no wonder america is overweight. We have junk like this everywhere. I don't think there is a healthy food item served in the arena.
I've been struggling lately with WW's. Its been hard for me to get back into the total swing of things coming back from vacation.
I've learned a lot from WW's and I know what to do. I need to stop eating things that are making me crave more fat & sweet!
Anyway its not like I stopped going or anything just been very lax in what I've been eating for the last week.
Tomorrow is a new day and I already told my DH that I am cleaning the cupboards out and the fridge so if there is anything he wants to eat then it better be gone.
Going shopping for all my fruits & veggies...whole wheat couscous and rice.
Need to get back to what I know is good and healthy for me.

Oh the Sharks won 5-4 in OT if you wanted to know

Break the Bottle Water Habit

2008-10-16T18:31:00.000-07:00

I'm into quizzies right now...

2008-10-15T21:10:00.000-07:00

Your Political Profile:

Overall: 50% Conservative, 50% Liberal

Social Issues: 50% Conservative, 50% Liberal

Personal Responsibility: 25% Conservative, 75% Liberal

Fiscal Issues: 75% Conservative, 25% Liberal

Ethics: 25% Conservative, 75% Liberal

Defense and Crime: 75% Conservative, 25% Liberal

How Liberal Or Conservative Are You?

Life score 7.8!!! Above average :)

2008-10-13T05:52:00.000-07:00

This Is My Life, Rated
Life:	7.8
Mind:	6.5
Body:	6.8
Spirit:	8.4
Friends/Family:	6.9
Love:	9.1
Finance:	8.8
Take the Rate My Life Quiz

I'm a puppy???

2008-10-13T05:35:00.000-07:00

You Are A: Puppy!

Beloved by all, puppies are energetic, playful, and loving. Your playful and outgoing nature is part of what makes you a puppy. Known for their loyalty, puppies make great pets for young and old alike. And an innocent puppy face can melt anyone's heart!

You were almost a: Pony or a Lamb
You are least like a: Chipmunk or a Turtle What Cute Animal Are You?

3-0 SHARKS!!!

2008-10-12T22:53:00.000-07:00

SO the Hockey Season has started on a big bang of goals! The home opener was a win 4-1, Saturday game was another win for my Sharks 3-1..too bad Steve could have had 4 pizzas this week hehehe.
Then tonight's game was 1-0 in L.A. was a well played game though. 2 "goals" were waved off because of interference & a kick in on the Kings side which made one of them mad enough to break glass.

The series between these two hockey teams is going to get intense as the year goes on. I know its crazy to be so excited we have a LONG season to go. But so far the team is coming along well. We have some puck handling issues and passing that needs to be worked on but over all ok for this point.

Cheecho excited over goal in 1st game!!!

Setoguchi waiting in crease to make plays happen...

Excitement after scoring 1st @ game in LA tonight! Score came from Kaspar. Who Steve and I aren't sure if we like yet. In the first two games he's made some mistakes that made us think "what the heck is he doing on the ice with the big boys?"
But he did a great job tonight. With slapping the puck towards the goal-tender which made it go in. Good for him. 1st NHL goal. Sure he's excited.

Steve and I are so excited to see how things progress this season. Hopefully we'll get further in the playoffs. Its soooo time!

Been over a month....

2008-10-12T21:26:00.000-07:00

Hello to all my fans or whatever. Its been way over a month since I put anything on my blog which is "BAD MARLENE" huh?

I know you all want to know what I've been up to. Especially since Steve and I just got back from Jamaica. SO let me post some pics from our trip.
Ok where to start hmmmm. How about the reason I gained 10lbs while I was on vacation:

Yea those are just some of the food items I had to contend with. I still haven't gotten a handle on taking it easy. I so know this struggling with my weight will be an ongoing life thing. I know I didn't have to eat as much as I did. But everything was pretty good. I tried almost everything which is part of my problem. Although I went to the gym 3 mornings and also did a lot of walking + went snorkeling twice it still wasn't enough. Boy if I really would have stuck to being on plan I think I could have lost 5-6 pounds.

Next let me show you all the scenery of where we were staying...flowers included!

This was a room with a private swimming pool in the courtyard between bedroom & the sitting room area. We went on a tour of our resort side and our driver showed us this room in person...it was fabulous! Not sure its worth like $700 a night though.

Next I want to show you some pictures of things we did...

This is me @ Dunne River Falls we actually walked up the falls!!! Its was fun but kind of crazy. Its a huge Ocho Rios attraction. Mother nature at its most beautiful.
This is me horse back riding...on the beach. One reason I was trying to lose weight all year. Wanted to go horse back riding in the ocean. Was exhilarating!!!

Me going down waterslide in one of the pools on our side of the resort.

Steve climbing up the pole to go zip-lining. He really enjoyed this...I however did not participate in that activity my fear of heights kind of got to me.

This was our favorite employee of the week, Jackie. She was the head of activities or something. She snuck us into a private buffet dinner for a convention that was going on there. That was kind of fun. There was a steel drum band...plus pretty good food.
This picture was actually of our last night. Norman, Lisa, Steve and I dressed up fancy and went to the nicest restaurant at the resort property in Ocho Rios. See Sandals has this shuttle that will bring you to any of their properties in the same area. SO we could go to Dunne's River Inn. Nice place but a lot smaller then our resort.

Trying to think of what else to show you...oh I loved that they raked the beach every morning & night that I took pictures.

Down 3 lbs....

2008-08-27T09:59:00.000-07:00

So my birthday hike MUST have worked because I am down 3 more pounds and thats all I can think of that helped! It was a nice killer hike that helped. Everyone who went on it lost 2 or more pounds.
Terry one of my WW buddies she made it to goal today. Not only did she make to goal. She totally wiped out! she lost 4.4 when she only need .2 more!!! It was such a day of celebrations for us.

We went out for dinner afterward our little group to celebrate the Aug birthdays plus all the celebrations of our achievements.
Oh so my total is 93 pounds & counting!!!

33 has came & gone...

2008-08-25T22:19:00.001-07:00

So on Friday my friends & I got together and had a little cheese party. Hahah I say little but actually there were 18 cheeses for tasting. 2 of them however where in a fondue. I had brought the bread, crackers, apples, pears & grapes all to eat with the cheese. There were 7 of us in all who ate the cheese but 9 of us in total present. Wendy she hates cheese...yea she is crazy or deranged haven't figured it out. Marcella well she wasn't feeling quite well enough to eat the cheese her stomach has been bothering her.

So in theory my friends were to bring 1-2 cheese a piece. But instead 2 of the friends brought the most! It was like they got really into this. I loved it though, had a blast.

On Saturday I went on a nice hike...killer hike to work off the cheese from the night before. It was a great goal of mine and I hadn't done that much of the whole park before. It was WONDERFUL!

Memory Game

2008-08-21T18:35:00.000-07:00

I saw this on my aunt April's blog and thought this was a fun idea. I'd love to hear the memories we share together!

The Memory Game

Heres what you do:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you.It's actually pretty cool (and funny) to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

OMG its been a month & I haven't posted anything...

2008-08-21T12:27:00.000-07:00

Well 1st of all Steve's party went well...
He was surprised. Stephanie came for a visit and she took us out to dinner at this fabulous restaurant called Alexanders.

Dinner was wonderful. Although it didn't help in my weight loss endeavors. I am still at the 88-90 pounds gone. Which I am playing back & forth with over the last month.
I need to just quit fooling around and getting moving on down the scale again.

Jamaica trip is fast approaching. I am happy with all I've accomplished but I can do better then this yo-yo-ing.

I bought Steve a tandem bike for his birthday, well its kind of for both of us.

We haven't rode it seriously yet. Although him & his Dad put it together and we had a chance to test it out.

Pictures from my walk....

2008-07-22T14:52:00.001-07:00

This is dinner before on Friday night with the team..Urban Dog Walkers Unite

ONLY .2 to go to get to camp...THE FINISH LINE for the day :)

Oh mile 19!!! woo hoo

My Walk...

2008-07-19T00:33:00.000-07:00

So my walk went great...

I accomplished more then I set out too.
I've done this walk twice before. Both times I've only walked the required 13.1 on both days (26.2 total) and last time in 2005 I even took a sweep vechile on the second day because I was scared of the hills so I didn't even walk a full 13.1 the 2nd day I only walked about 11 miles.
Well on Saturday I walked 19.8 miles (I wanted to walk more then the required 13.1) so I walked first 16.4 took a sweep to the top of the big hill at the golden gate bridge and they said it was 3.4 from there to camp. I was like I walked over this bridge and I can do it again...SO I DID! I walked over the bridge and down the hill & into to camp...4 blisters and all!

OH I was pretty sore, Then Sunday I walked out at 1st pretty slow. Sluggish I guess. Turned on my ipod with my speakers that were stuck in my fanny pack. I don't think I could have made it w/o my music. (Steve had to come up to San Francisco on Sat night because my ipod had died during the walk. I told him I couldn't make it w/o.) It took all that was in me to get across the finish line. But the motor cops who throughout the walk were there at the end cheering me. They were there at the last few 100 feet and it was a grand site! As I walked down the hill and finished although I'm sad to say I was one of the final walkers to come in for the day, I did finish!...but there is something to be said for that too.
You know why? Because then everyone is there to cheer you in. Its so awesome!!! Everyone you've met throughout the trip. People where saying Marlene Marlene we're so happy to see you. Thanks for finishing. You did great!
OMG as I walked through the finish did my 32.9 just short of 33 miles of walking I wanted to almost cry! Tears kind of did run down my eyes I was so proud of myself for making it to the end though! The last mile I was kind of praying for help I was so tired. I did train for this and don't get me wrong I am so much more fit now. But it was still hard. The sun was hot. I am just not use to walking almost 20 miles one day and then camping and getting up and walking another 13. It's just hard...but GREAT! Plus I as I read on a survior's shirt blisters don't require chemo.

I did go to bed last night on Sunday night at 8:30pm hhehehhe.

I've already signed up for the walk next year. I've never been so sure of something in my life. I met some incredible people this year. The team I walked with they were amazing! I will train with them so I will be in even better shape to take on this challenge.

I've already got a few fundraising ideas!!!
Well I want to try and raise $3000 this time around. I know I have big goals, but I know I can do it! :)

WOO Hoo its Friday...

2008-06-27T16:54:00.000-07:00

Happy Dance Day! I don't have to work for 9 days!!! Yep I am off on V_A_C_A_T_I_O_N!
OH & ITS FRIDAY! PAY DAY TOO! um I'm happy. Work was good today. Things went smoothly...my desk is all cleared off and my schedule is all scheduled! The things I was all stress over and upset about yesterday got worked out.
Today was just a fabulous day.

Ok so plans this weekend I think I'll workout and get ready for my trip...I need to wash clothes, pack and print out my boarding pass hehehe :D
Steve and I will probably go to the Temple tomorrow to. Who knows. Its vacation time....Relax :) Thats my plan

Hard day @ the office

2008-06-26T16:35:00.001-07:00

Yep this is what I wanted to do a few times today. Frustrating! My job, can be so frustrating at times. I schedule jobs to be done for customers. I want them to get done for customers. I like to have good customer service. I like being there for both the crew & the customer. I don't like it when there is this total disconnect between the system. I don't want to be the missing link I want to be a fluid system. Maybe thats my problem I care too much. I always have. When I worked as cashier taking payments I stressed when we had long lines and I tried to speed up and go faster because I myself waiting in line would want a cashier to do that. I always try to put myself in the customers shoes. I think sometimes people in the business I work in think they've been there for sooooo long that it doesn't matter they have a job, they can do whatever.

So I've had a hard day. Stressful I feel like pulling my hair out at some of the responses I've heard from the people I with today. But its all part of the job. Don't get me wrong not all jobs are peachy every day. Can't complain. It pays the bills plus some...

Going on vacation soon, only have 1 day left of work then I have 9 days work free!!!! Get to go see my Lil' Sis and the beautiful city of Seattle which it shouldn't be raining now. hehehehe :D
I am then going down southern CA to visit some WOW friends. My sis and I have some plans. Well I have want to get my nails done. Pedis & manis! I want to go to this restaurant I seen on food network. On Diners, Drive-ins & Dives.
So the place I want to go is Voula's Offshore Cafe
www.voulasoffshore.com

I also want to check out Bainbridge island you have to take a ferry across to get there. I have tried to go there twice now. This time I am going to make it. REALLY!

Lost again...

2008-06-24T22:36:00.001-07:00

I believe my hike on Sunday had something to do with it! Or at least helped. I lost another 3 pounds. Boy am I loving WW's. Why did I never do this sooner. Well I guess there is always a time a place for everything...right? I mean you have to come to a realization in your life and its different for everyone, if its a addiction to food or drugs or alcohol.
Well I am done. I am so done with being unhealthy and I am on this path of healthy living. I have chosen this lifestyle. Its kind of hard though, not saying by any means its easy. You can slip up & beat yourself up over eating and be back gaining again all over.
It all psychological. Or at least for me a big part of it is. Its not always about the food.
Don't get me wrong. I LOVE some foods. But there are so many games I play with myself. Its ridiculous at times. Its a struggle. I wonder if other people go through this too. I wonder do other people think about these dang choices this much too?

I have so much to do before I leave I feel like I will never get it done. Its crazy at work! UGH :)

Been awhile...

2008-06-21T21:34:00.001-07:00

Since its been like a week I have a lot to talk about. First I spent the day at a convention for Homeowner Associations. I know weird huh? I am on the board here @ the townhouse Steve and I live in. There are so many interesting things you can learn by going to those meetings. I just learned all these new laws and about amendments just passed previous on laws. Its crazy about all this stuff you need to know or should know being on a HOA board. Wow the insurance needs to be covered for lawsuits alone is just nuts!!! At 1st I was upset I wasted a Saturday to go this convention but I guess it was a good idea for us to go. I mean having as many board members certified is in the best interest for the HOA as whole. If I wasn't on the board and just lived here I would think it was a wise way for my dues to be spent. Knowing that my HOA members were update on what was going on with CA law.

Anyway work is going pretty great! I am totally loving my job. I love most the people I work with...or for I guess I would say. I schedule the gas & electric crews. I think I said that before. The small 2 man crews only. Its fun in a challenging aspect because I feel like I am needed and people value me. Its nice to be busy but not tied to a cash register in front of customers...does that make sense...I am busy in such a different way!

I am going to go visit my sister in 1 week. I am so excited. I am going to see her from Sunday - Friday so June 29/July 4 then fly to Burbank and stay down there for 4th of July weekend and drive home on the 6th. Steve will probably drive down on the 3rd to visit Bryan and Chandra earlier. We haven't seen them in so long. I think almost a year. I think their going to freak when they see me. Well with me losing so much weight.

That reminds me the lady at the Mongolian BBQ restaurant said " Oh my what happened to you" - refering to my weight loss. Its rather nice to have soooo many people noticing all the time now. It kind of makes me blush.

I know I need to post some need pictures. I will I will I need to get some taken when I am up visiting my sister.

OH in other news my walk is super close only 21 days away now...
If you feel like you would like to make a donation to my walk since I am still a little short on my fundraising!
Please Click on the link below to make a donation. No donation is too small!!!

My Avon Walk For Breast Cancer

Um who knew

2008-06-13T13:48:00.000-07:00

That changing all this blog stuff took so much time and effort.

All I wanted to do was change the background because I was getting bored with my old one. Well When you go and get a background from somewhere they mark it all up with their logos. Which I get. Yeah they want credit. After all they worked hard on it. That being said since I never went to school for computers or html I just had to pick random stuff. I think I'm getting a better grasp at what you can and can't erase or it won't work. I changed some of things on my blog.
Thats why mine is purple & pink. I like to be funky and um yea!

If this came in purple it would have been ideal but you know.
Anyway. I can't figure out if I can change the graphic to purple yet. Anyway I changed some of the colors of the other things too.

But once you change the layout then I had to go back and re-enter all my add in stuff again which seems a little ridiculous. Why isn't that all just saved on to the sides and stuff. Its kind of stupid. Well since I had to go change it anyway. I added some new songs and changed my music player a little its kind of cute. It has a picture in it now.

Yea I am a dork so what.
Still working on this blog which is crazy. Its just journal of my life not suppose to be so important, right?
Oh well its almost done now.

I am in the 230's

2008-06-07T19:39:00.000-07:00

Ok I know my posts are always about my weight loss. Its what I am most proud of right now. Its such an accomplishment. I never thought I could do it like this when I started. Weight Watchers is WONDERFUL. Yeah I am a commercial for them.
So I can see small changes in my body every day. It seems like my stomach is getting smaller. I can't wrap my head around not eating as much sometimes. Its so weird because it just seems like I should eat more. I try to think like I am eating similar to a "thin" person. I only need FUEL for my body.
I went jumping with Wendy today. Trampoline Aerobics. Wow its such a killer going back after about a month of not being there its brutal. But I am glad I went. Its like I am soft though from doing Aqua Aerobics. Like it isn't as strenuous :) I know its totally helping though and strengthening because I could do 25 push ups today. When I 1st start jumping I did like only 5 and by the 5th my arms were shaking. Today it took till 25! So it is making me stronger. Obviously whatever I am doing is working for now. Because I am still losing weight pretty well. I am excited and still motivated to keep going.
I can't wait till I've lost more weight then I still need to lose that is going to be an awesome day & one awesome feeling!!!

Guess who's lost 80 pounds???

2008-05-27T22:47:00.000-07:00

This fish pictured above weighs the amount that I've lost in the last 13 months! Crazy huh...Think about it. I had this fish on my body.

At WI tonight I lost another 2.6 pounds and so it put in the next bracket of weight loss. Its so awesome. In the last 5 weeks it just been amazing. I am so happy with WW's thats what I said today when my leader asked how things were going. What could I say. My family was so supportive of me when I visited in Dallas. They asked what I wanted to eat or where I wanted to eat. It was so wonderful. They never pushed anything on me or judged me. Well I am off to bed. I am so tired.

Down another 2lbs

2008-05-21T13:04:00.000-07:00

So when I went to WI yesterday I was down another 2 pounds. I could hardly believe it. It was kind of unexpected. Because I kind of ate a lot before Bay to Breakers and dinner after our walk wasn't exactly what I would say my healthiest meal of the year either. But I am still so HAPPY! The thing I don't get is how come my friends...ok can't say all my friends just one in particular can't just be happy for me too. Why must she be sooooo negative or pessimistic. This is the 4th time so 4th week I have lost and she has said to me, " Now at some point your body is going to slow down and stop losing, you need to start preparing yourself for that."

Um Ok fine great. But you know what I am so sick of hearing you say that. I am getting tired of reporting my success back to her because I am growing tired of her attitude towards my weight loss process.

Right now I am happy, I am upbeat, I am so joyful, grateful for all I have been able to accomplish. I have had so much support from so many people. My husband & my friends. My meeting leader and also the meeting attendees. This process I grow from daily and I just don't think I have time for that negative attitude anymore. I think I will just stop telling her what I am doing with my life unless she asks and even then I am going to be cautious because I don't want a downer. I do understand that its reality....I get that but I am not there yet so why do I have to get all "oh whoa as me I am stalling out" when I haven't even come to that point. Ok yea I am rambling. Not blogging.

Steve and I are also off to Dallas for Memorial Day. I am excited because we're going to go see family. My "favorite" Aunt hehehhe. When I 1st married Steve she told me that it was ok for me to call her that. ahhahaha! She is bubbly, happy, loud and tells you like it is, kind of like me...maybe thats why I love her so much.

We're going there to see the family and also go to the Temple to do some work for my ancestors...FINALLY! Yep its time. I have my stepdad to do work for. Also my great grandpa & grandma. Great-great Grandma & Grandpa & all of their children. So I am soooo excited.

Have a Great Memorial Day!

Bay to Breakers...

2008-05-19T06:43:00.000-07:00

I'M BACK.....
So I just noticed I didn't post before I left for San Francisco and Bay to Breakers.
I did the race Sunday morning. Its a 12k the weaves through downtown to the Bay. Its a huge party people wear costumes or lack there of.
I counted a total 26 naked men & 2 naked women. My husband said you counted and I'm like yeah, what else do I have better to do for 7.5 miles.

So not only did Laura & I walk 7 1/2 miles yesterday. We walked 1 1/4 miles to the start line from our hotel. Yea for some reason we didn't think it was quite that far but that really wouldn't not be that big of deal.
But what was a big deal was the part after the race....you have to walk about a mile to this concert area in Golden Gate park where they have bands and your "free" participant tee-shirt that said you accomplished this race/walk.

Oh we finished in 2 hours 31 minutes I was 18,791 person. Which doesn't sound that great. But really I seen others who I thought wow how did I finish before them. Apparently not too many people take this walk/run very seriously.
I am not exactly sure how many people came but the starting area was packed.
My goal was 2 hours 15 minutes. But at one point we met up with some of our ww friends who walked slower then us. We never should have stayed them as long as we did. But then again I never told my Laura of my personal goal for the race.
I am doing it next year my goal will be to run after the 11% grade hill so after 3rd mile. She said she is in for jogging after that point too. But well see. She might have to be just cheering me on because for all she knows she'll be pregnant then.

Oh well also be in better costumes too. This year we kind of had a theme. But not really a costume per say. All those walked wore shirts with writing on the back that said " Results Not Typical" & I put a big WW on the bottom of the shirt. Because thats where we all met! Some people came up to our friends and said oh what weight watchers do you belong to. They new what it met. So see we got our point across. I guess I could have put something like Loset 75lbs so far or whatever with our weights but I don't know if anyone else who have wanted to share that like I do.

Oh must tell this....
After we met up with my friends Norman & Lisa who came to watch us come in @ the finish line...how supportive huh? They took a picture of me & laura running in. Oh yeah once we realized that the bay was the end we started to run. hehehehe I was so happy Laura was up for it. I was like come on this is the end lets run...well jog I can't really RUN.
Ok well anyway back to the other part...so we have this public transportion that is suppose to take us back to the beginning of the race or drop us off at 3 other connecting public transit stations. Well OH MY that was the worst possible mode of travel EVER! We stood in the ridiculous line for like 40 some minutes only to get onto a bus to STAND for another HOUR.....YES an HOUR bus ride back to the other side of town. So after walking 10 miles that morning I stood in like for 40 minutes and then on a jerky stop and go bus for 1 HOUR. My legs were officially JELLO when we got off the bus. I turned to Laura and said no more I can't walk anymore. Taxi cab! I said ok I will walk across the street but thats it :(
So anyway thats my Bay to Breakers story. Its crazy and no animals were harmed in this production.

Only 100 pounds to go now!

2008-05-13T21:10:00.001-07:00

So I've been on program a year going into todays WI @ WW's and I am proud to say I've lost 75.4 pounds. I feel so dang proud of myself and actually believe I can lose 100 more. Crazy, because when I started I was thinking I have too much weight to lose. I'll lose 40-50 maybe. But its been such a great ride so far. What a wonderful year. My friends have been so supportive. Laura, who attends meetings with me is inspiration. She just keep plugging away too. This program has been the best. I really think I will be able to do this for the rest of my life. Not that it will be easy. But not that many things in life are EASY.

So my job is still kind of crazy. Still learning stuff and how it all works and how everything fits together. How it all blends. I like it though! I love the hours. I get to go to Aqua Aerobics twice a week. & I'm walking with a lady from church 3-4 times a week too. Its so wonderful :)

I am in the 240's

2008-05-08T19:00:00.000-07:00

SO I have been @ WW's for a year now. I have lost almost 72lbs. Look up! you can see exactly where I am I update every week :)

The Sharks unfortunately lost and are out of playoffs. Its sad. I don't know what they're going to do. They played an epic game on Sunday. 4 Overtimes and lost. Its crazy, now we'll see how Dallas does against Detroit. Its the DD final.

My new job is interesting. I am going in there and stirring up some new stuff. hahahah! Its fun though. I am new and want to make a BIG impression. They're impressed though that I could learn so fast. I think they're use to people who don't really want to work and don't usually catch on very quickly.

Ok so in other news...

2008-05-02T23:17:00.000-07:00

Today was my last day in customer service @ the local office for PG&E. Yep I am moving to my other job now. Not exactly sure what I will be doing just yet. I know it will be kind of Office Clerk type position but I will post something once I find out. I report Monday @ 7am. Yep early hours now. Teachers hours. 7-3:30 I can get off work be home & the go workout before Steve even gets home. Crazy huh!

Work was great today. Being my last day and all, it was a breeze. TGIF!

I plan on doing my jump aerobics this weekend and also going to the Temple.
I also have lunch plans for Sunday after church.
I plan on watching the game of course Sunday evening.

Sharks Win in OT

2008-05-02T22:52:00.000-07:00

above Joe Pavelski shoots game winning goal only 1 minute & 5 seconds into overtime to win us the game.

The game tonight was so exciting. I can't even begin to explain how happy I am that the Sharks won! I mean I was confident going in but after Dallas had scored 2 goals & we were down I was not ready to give up, but I was just wondering how playing the way the guys were playing we were going to come back. BUT WE DID IT! They came out 3rd period and dominated most of the play. Nabby did save us a few times...infact he kept us in the game. I take nothing away from the guys who scored our 2 goals in regulation play. But there were a few times play broke down and the score could have been worse.

Anyway we live on to skate another game. This one I can not go to Dallas for. They will just have win it w/o me cheering in the stands! I will however be cheering for either my friends house or my fil's or a food place somewhere.

SHARKS win for us in Dallas!

2008-05-01T22:43:00.001-07:00

Ok so we brought our camera in with us & why we didn't take any pictures...well I will never know. FORGOT in all the excitement I guess. There were quite a few Sharks fans in the area. More then I thought. We had great seats for standing up in and cheering the whole game. Well ok not much to cheer over in the 1st period. But the 2nd & 3rd I was standing and screaming a lot.
I was jumping up and down on Marleau's break away.

All in all it was a good trip to Dallas. The fans there were not very mean to us. I figured they would be so much worse. But we didn't razz them and so we didn't get much flack back either.
I'm hoping for a nice win tomorrow too!

Celebrations!!!!

2008-04-23T11:04:00.000-07:00

Last night the Sharks won!!! So we're playing Dallas now. SO interesting news on that subject. Steve and I are flying to Dallas next Wednesday to go to the game. The couple who sits behind us who are also regular Season ticket holders made a comment last night saying they were going to go to game 6 in Calagary. I said wasn't that expensive? They said about $200 a piece and then tickets would have been more though.
Well I found hockey tickets for under $200 in lower bowl. Then I found flights for about $500 both of us. Yep I'm crazy I know. Here is my reasoning. I am stimilating the ecomony. Yep I am spending my refund from the government. Anyway its done and I'm hoping now the Sharks do their part and WIN in Dallas for us SHARKS FANS spending the money to go see them!

In other WONDERFUL news...I am down another 3lbs! Yes I know almost unbelieveable with my losses the last couple of weeks. But true as of last night. I was shocked when my WW leader told me. OMG I am just about 1/2lb away from 70!
So I think I can make before my year!

Hiking is good fun

2008-04-21T15:26:00.000-07:00

So like I said hiking is good fun. Yeah I went on a nice long...peaceful hike high up in Rancho San Antonio on Saturday. One of my WW meeting friends, Lelia went with me. We hiked for 3 hours. We only went 6 1/2 miles though. We had walked high into the hills so it took awhile. It was wonderful weather, was a bit windy but once we started walking it was not noticeable because you worked up a sweat. Anyway it was great training for my Breast Cancer walk which is only 82 AWAY!
If you want to make a donation to me don't hesitate and go to my site. Remember no donation is too small :)
Click here to make a donation to my walk :)

SHARKS WIN LAST NIGHT 4-3!!!!

2008-04-18T01:12:00.000-07:00

Clowe scores, Cheechoo scored twice & Marleau scored once. Thats how a captain steps up :) Now the Sharks take it on the road again & hopefully go to wrap it up in Calgary on Sunday! Things were getting pretty dirty though it will be a rough game.

Lost 3.4 & totally shocked

2008-04-17T07:35:00.000-07:00

So tuesday I weighed in and lost another 3.4lbs and was pleasantly surprised but shocked. Just last week I was up a little & the week prior I was down 4.8lbs. SO in the last 3 weeks. I've lost OVER 7 POUNDS! Well I have increased my workouts & I changed to a different program on WW's. They have 2. This one is center more around fruits/Veggies and less processed foods. I guess thats what I would say. Hard to explain it. Anyway I am so happy because I was kind of struggling about a month ago with not losing as much as before.
So I am just hoping that I can keep this up. Not necessarily the 4 & 3's every other week although nice that is rather fast. But 2lbs a week is good hehehee.

In other news How About my Sharks! Joe Thorton scored in the last seconds of the game to win! He tied up the Series and now the Sharks are home today.
Steve and I hope for a BIG WIN! They can do it! We want it more really :)

Yesterday was my friend Wendy's birthday she is the same age as me but OLDER! hahaha :) We went to get massages. I took half day off work. It was fun the spa was very nice. Our other friend Laura came too. Laura and I had a couples massage as always, its funny. Thats like our 3rd couples massage now.

Ok so its been a month

2008-04-12T00:08:00.001-07:00

I know I've been so bad lately about updating my blog.
Sorry!
I've added music to my blog for you listening pleasure. While you read now you can listen to some songs.

Um lets see whats happened in the past month.

I've lost like another 9 pounds I'm in the 250's! My clothes are about falling off. Um yea I should buy some new ones. hehhehe :)
I am almost to the year on WW's point. Can you believe it.

Its hockey time! Play off time and the Sharks took the Pacific Division which gives this home ice advantage. But really we know they've been the best team on the road. But we love to see them winning at home too. They're tied up in the series right now. But off to win the next 2 games away... I'm hoping for that anyway :D

Steve and I are still going to the Temple often. We've got a lot of work done for our ward sisters & brothers. We've also start working on our own genealogy so soon we'll do our own work in the Temple.

I got a new job. Not exactly sure when I'll be starting the new position. Its in the same company I'm working in right now. But free parking & in a different building w/different people also different schedule.

Anyway thats all I have to say for now. So I will try to keep posting more often because I know this monthly posting kind of sucks.

Lost 2.8 :)

2008-03-12T19:12:00.000-07:00

So I lost @ Wi last night! Down another 2.8 pounds! I'm excited that my weight is moving again. Well it was my fault that it wasn't moving I wasn't exactly doing all that I should. But back on track so now I'm good.

Oh in other News the Sharks have now won 10 in a row! Exciting! The race to the Playoffs is getting very exciting :)

Went to the Acupuncturist again today because I've had 2 migraines in the last 2 weeks. Which isn't good. So thought I better go to get some Acupuncture done. I hadn't been there in 2 months but I hadn't been having migraines either.
Anyway thats the latest with me.

Hoping I do good @ WI tomorrow

2008-03-10T20:44:00.000-07:00

Well I am going to WW's tomorrow and I planning on doing well! I've WO'd a few times this week and have eaten well. So I think good #'s will be there for me!!!
I'll report back later....

Only 1 ME!!!

2008-03-10T20:41:00.000-07:00

HowManyOfMe.com

There is
1
person with my name
in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

Hello I am here

2008-03-08T07:11:00.000-08:00

Yes I know its been nearly a month and there hasn't been a post from me on my blog. I don't have any really good excuse.
Just busy I guess.

We went on our cruise then I got sick. That next weekend we went to Az to see James before he headed back to Afghanistan. While he was here we had a chance to go the Temple. We went the Mesa temple this time. ( Our temple ) Hhehhehe it was so nice. We went as a family and did work for our family so it was great.

Works been pretty good we've been busy and I've been traveling around lately to different offices to help out. I guess since I drive my boss asks me over other people. Plus I don't really mind. Its fun to get out and travel. Plus I get paid mileage and overtime travel so whats not to like.

The Sharks have been doing great! They've now won 8 games in a row. They're pretty dang HOT! We watched them when it hurt to watch but we were there this season and we're still here :)
Its getting pretty exciting in the final stretch of the last 15 games. Our division is the closest race for the finish or at least last time I looked it was. But things change all the time.

We've got some pretty exciting players at trade deadline, makes for some excellent game play. Also very interesting to watch.

In other news Steve and I went to the Oakland temple this past week and we did some work for our Ward. It was nice as always. I already long to go back. Its so weird once you start going (at least for me) I just always want to be there. So we're already looking at when we can go again.
I fed 2 sets of Missionaries this week. I took them to a place that Mongolian BBQ. I think they really enjoyed it. They ate till they were bursting. Because Steve doesn't really like the place I had to have Norman drive them there though and Lisa & I went in a separate car. One of Elders was surprised at how much food you could eat.

Ok for todays busy plans....I am off now to go to the church for the Humanity Service Project for the Stake and in a hour or so I have to leave for Air Aerobics. That class lasts an hour. Afterward a light snack lunch. Then get ready for a babyshower. Then after that I'm going to a crabfeed with a bunch of friends. Then well it will be like 8pm.
My husband has a friend down from Davis for the weekend so he's entertained at least. This is the busiest weekend I've had a long time. Crazy!
Love ya all have a great week...

I know I know

2008-02-12T00:00:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted anything. I don't know why either. Busy???
Well I've been just doing the usual I guess working out, trying to lose weight. Down a few more lbs. Seems like its taking forever to lose weight. My leader just keeps saying you didn't put it on over night your not going to take it off that way either.
But working out is so much harder then sitting around. It should make it just come off right??? Dang
Went to a Super Bowl party but couldn't watch the end. Had an appointment at church. Steve and I are going to be going back to the Temple more regularly again now.
If you remember about 2 years ago Steve and I were going practically every saturday. We did this for almost 7 months. I don't know what happened or why we stopped. I think we kind of stopped going to church regularly so it didn't feel right going to the Temple either.

So we plan on going again the Saturday after we get back from our cruise. We're going on another cruise. This one is by ourselves. It's also to Mexico. It was kind of spur of the moment. We're going out of San Diego to Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada. Its a 5 day cruise on Carnival so I am way excited.

So I also wanted to say I have been lucky and that I haven't had any migraines in a very long time. Which makes me very happy. I haven't missed any work. Just to go on vacation but thats all planned out.
I am trying to go & see James too. Steph's James he is coming back for leave. I am going to see if it will work out and maybe we can go on a Temple run with them. Its so nice to go the Temple with family.

The Prophet of our Church died today....

2008-01-27T23:41:00.000-08:00

Gordon B. Hinckley, the president and prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints died today @ in Salt Lake.

I am have mixed emotions over this. I am saddened because ever since I've been a member of the church. He has been the Prophet so he is the only one I have known. I also know that he was 97 years old and his wife died almost 4 years ago. Which I am sure left a hole in his life. I can hardly imagine my life w/o Steve. So thats what I learned this evening. If you read newspapers you may have already seen it posted else where. Its in the NY times its also on the our church website.

Its my little sisters 30th Birthday!!!

2008-01-27T12:31:00.001-08:00

This is my sister after I went to see her and she got her hair dyed. She doesn't even look like she's 23! So I don't know what's worried about. My 30's have been GREAT so far!!!

Formal Cruise Photo

2008-01-26T22:59:00.000-08:00

So this is most of the group we went with on the cruise. There are 3 people missing from the photo who did not want to be pictured. Oh well maybe next time. This was formal night so notice the dresses and Steve in his tux. Wow that was the best deal ever. I bought that on Ebay 5 years ago for like $50 total w/shipping I think its costed me an average of $5 per wear now! Wow what a bargain huh? So this is the nice we should act like adults photo and below is the we're actually crazy on a cruise people with nothing better to do then acted weird photo...

Made it another week...

2008-01-25T18:29:00.000-08:00

WOO HOO made it another week ladies & gentleman. Only 13 work days till my next vacation. Ah don't you love holiday weekends you can just add extra vacation onto them to make them longer!
Anyway love the Fridays that are pay days along with the end of a work week!!! PARTY!

Heath, WL, Sharks, Cruise....so much to say

2008-01-24T23:05:00.001-08:00

REST IN PEACE...

Its so sad that such a young actor has to die & under such strange circumstances. He has a 2 year old daughter who no longer has a father. He was a nice face to look at in the movies. Ok in all seriousness it is tragic. My friend Sabina usually covers all the gossip about celebrities but hasn't posted anything on her blog just yet about him. Wonder why? Maybe she didn't like the movie Knights tale or Broke Back Mountain. Personal never seen BBM even though everyone raved on and on about it. But I am excited about the new Batman movie that Heath was doing so I guess its a huge loss. I wonder if he was done filming enough of his stuff for the movie to be finisihed?

He was only 28 wow I'm 32 having lived 4 more years then someone...I've gotten to do a lot of things in the last 4 years that I wouldn't want taken away. I imagine he is in a better more peaceful place now. His body and soul are resting or at least I hope so.

Sharks won at home again which is great! 4-1 against the St. Louis Blues. Yea we needed this win. Because in our Division Dallas & Anaheim were able to sneak on past us with our previous 4 losses. So its good we pulled these last 2 wins out. Oh another great thing about the game Cheechoo scored 2 goals. He hasn't been doing so hot since he's been back from his injury so maybe he's finally getting into his grove. He use to be so exciting to watch play.

So I went to WI on tuesday night like usually but it was after coming back from my cruise. I lost another 1.8lbs!!! So woo hoo. This WW thing really works. Um I am really liking this lifestyle change so far. While on the cruise ship I could totally tell what my changes in behavior were from last year to this year. It was easy. The food thing for #1. I didn't care about the Buffet. Who wants to sit there stuffing themselves. Its just food really and it isn't that great anyway. They did have some fabulous sugar free deserts though. I did exercise while on board. #2 I walked around the ship on deck making it a point to get my pedometer steps up. I also visited the gym on Saturday. Because Saturdays are one my normal gym days. I was thinking I would have never ever done this before. I am so changing my life. Wow good for me :)

Me & Stevie just relaxing on Sunday up on deck 11 of the cruise ship. The one thing I love about going cruising I think is that you don't have to be anywhere usually at anytime. I mean not really. If you have port excursion then you have somewhere you have to be but otherwise is pretty laid back. I love it. I also really love going with so many people/friends year after year because you get to know them more and more each time we go. This is our 3rd year now going. I know you'd think we were bored of it but were not!

Me dressed up with 2 friends Dev & Whitney fellow cruisers. Once I get some more pictures I will post them. I forgot my camera in my rush out the door. So I have no photos of me and Steve dress up. Only those of what other people took of us. Crazy huh. I am depending on others right now Ekkk!

KIVA & Kenya

2008-01-14T21:41:00.000-08:00

I lend money in the micro-finance sector but in order to do that you have to do it through someone. Well almost 1 1/2 years ago I found KIVA. I started before it appeared on Oprah or the Today show. Not that it didn't help because it was so cool to see the businesses on Kiva flourish when it gets publicity on TV. Any I got this letter today to update me on the status of two of my loans....

Dear Kiva Lenders,
I wish to thank you for your continued concern and support during this
very difficult moment in Kenya’s history. We have been a peaceful
Country in a generally troubled region and people sort of took the
peace for granted.

The country is now battered almost to a pulp and blood spilt with
vengeance, senseless killings and wanton destruction. Markets, food
stores and shops have been looted. Hospitals are dysfunctional and
health centers incapacitated by riots and barricades. The violence,
death and destruction witnessed in the Country for the last couple
weeks has jolted the Nation into conscience and every body is now
craving normalcy.

While peace is slowly returning to all affected parts of the Country,
the impact of the riots has been devastating. Hundreds of people have
been killed turning thousands of innocent children into helpless
orphans and over one million people have been displaced, becoming
internal refugees over night.

The impact of the riots is most felt in the micro and small business
sector. Over 1 million small businesses were looted and or burnt down
destroying the only source of income to millions of Kenyans. Most of
the fighting and destruction occurred in slum areas in Nairobi,
Mombasa, Nakuru and Kericho in Rift Valley. These regions are home to
over 70% of Ebony Foundation’s clients and as you can imagine almost
all of our clients in these regions have been affected by the riots.
Only one region- (Mount Kenya) which is home to about 20% of EbF’s
clients was spared the violence. The economy in this safe region is now
getting stretched as the residents have to now house the displaced
population.

We have recently completed auditing the riot’s impact on our clients
an das of yesterday about 4,900 of our clients had been badly affected by
the riots:

-- About 1,532 of our clients were displaced and both their homes and business premises burnt down. This population is currently housed in church compounds and police stations.

-- Another 2,479 clients had their business premises burnt down or looted leaving them with no source of income at all.

-- 833 clients had their homes looted or burnt down and about 56 clients are missing and feared dead or critically injured.

We arrived at these figures through a survey being administered at
holding grounds, police stations, and through reliable reports from
groups and community leaders. Our staff and local group officials have
also been committed to conducting field assessments. I am sending a
photo today which you may share with the lenders. The biggest tasks at
the moment are to feed and house the displaced people, and to finance
the reconstruction of the small businesses that were affected in order
to enable the people to reclaim their source of income. In addition,
Ebony Foundation is now helping other MFI’s audit their clients.

Eb-F has formed the following committees to address the above issues:
-- A humanitarian committee that is working with the International Red Cross to provide food, shelter and medical care to the victims.
-- A business reconstruction committee that is working with the affected clients to re finance and rebuild the small businesses that were looted and/or burnt down.
-- A compliance committee that is studying the legal and contractual aspects of the affected loans to arrive at the best policy action.

Thus, we ask for your continued patience as many loan repayments will be late, and it even may be impossible for some loans to be repaid in full at all. Thank you for your patience as we work hard to address all of these difficult issues, to serve our borrowers and help them recover, and to repay loans as quickly and as much as is possible in the coming months.

Sincerely,
James Maina
Executive Director
Ebony Foundation

After this journal entry there was a ton of responses from many lenders saying their loans were forgiven. It was such a wonderful out pouring. THey were even saying when their people needed money for loans again to contact them again they would be happy to loan to them again. I know what they mean up until about 2 months ago our loans were paid in a timely fashion.

I could hardly stop the emotions. Hubby was asking me what is wrong. I said well you know I lend to businesses all the way across the world right? Well I mean you kind of know that I did this. Well this is the letter I got about the situation in Kenya. I read him the letter. Now Kenya was the 1st place I started lending money to. Its one the places I wanted to help the most. Being some of the hardest working people I ever see on tv when ever filmed I just wanted to help. Besides when you loan through KIVA its $25. I'm not saying its not a lot of money and I don't need it back but if I can make someone else's life better by loaning it them for a small amount of time. Then even if I had to go without going out for lunch for 2 days I would. I am just so hoping my 2 people are not dead. Its so sad the things that seem to go on in other countries.
I am so grateful for the many blessings I have.