Back issues, Weightloss and Wedding Plans

So when I came back from Mexico, I had an issue.  I couldn't feel anything from the waist down.  I've been to countless Dr. appointments since then and had tons of tests.  It turns out that I herniated a disc.  It's resting on my nerve.  My neurologist has given me steroids to heal it.  It's getting better, but it's certainly slow going.  The amount of steroids I'm taking is ridiculous!  Today, I'm taking 18.  

The neurologist is also a HUGE fan of me losing weight.  It can only help my back - obviously.  He loves the fact that I'm on a low-carb diet and is being very supportive.  He has also prescribed another med for me.  This one is supposed to help nerve pain, migraines and seizures.  It has a side effect of weight loss.  That is the reason that he put me on it.  He wants to help me succeed.  So far, this pill is going well too.  I've lost several lbs this week.  I'm .4 lbs from being under 250!  I'll see that tomorrow.  I'm very excited about that!

Speaking of weightloss, we all know why I'm losing weight...  The wedding... <3

SO on to wedding plans!  

There's alot going on right now.  I'm super excited.  We got our save the dates in this past week...   

We've given a few of them out, and will be mailing out most of them in the next week.  I'm excited to see people with them!  It was the first time to see our names and our wedding date printed!  <3  

On Friday, I got an email from David's Bridal about a sale.  The dress I had been eyeballing for so long was on sale for 500 dollars off!  I couldn't pass this up.  I called the people I wanted to go shopping with, and the ones that could come all planned to meet up at David's Bridal on Sunday at 12:30.  Elvis's Mom, Aunt and my friend Jazmin and her daughter Lylliana all came.  We got off to a rocky start.  The consultant wasn't listening to me.  She put me in a dress that I hated.  I felt pregnant in it and I was afraid that she was going to just pull a bunch of options I wouldn't like.  I pulled Jazmin over and told her that she wasn't listening to me and that I wasn't happy.  Jazmin took over!  She's incredible that way!  Total life saver.  We went thru several more gowns and eventually tried on the one that I had fallen in love with back in December.  We found out that they no longer had that dress in the size that I needed and I was crushed.  I didn't know what to do.  I told the consultant I was planning to wear cowboy boots with the wedding.  She had never really asked me about the day.  She pulled a dress that I had initially said no to.  But with the drugs and everything else, I was too tired to argue.  I figured that it was just a moot point and that I wouldn't be finding my dress that day.  When I came out, everyone loved it.  My entire body looked incredible.  I felt feminine, romantic, and knew that the boots would look GORGEOUS with the dress.  It was on sale, but not as much as the other one.  I was feeling very dizzy, sick and dehydrated.  I changed back into my clothes and we left.  We went to Starbucks so that I could have some tea.  We looked at all the pictures and sent the dress I loved to my mom and best friend.  I dehydrated and calmed down.  The price was more than I was planning to spend, so I decided I'd wait a little bit longer and order it closer to, when I had more money set aside.  I told Jazmin, and she relayed it to Elvis's mom.  It was at that point that I got the surprise of my life...  Elvis's mom wanted to pay for my dress!  She had already set the money aside and was prepared to pay for it today.  If I loved it, it was mine.  No holding back.  I bawled like a baby.  I was so surprised because I totally didn't expect her to ever do that for me.  Josh's mom was such a horrible woman to me.  She hated me and made no qualms about telling me so.  She never once tried to really reach out to me, or become a mother to me.  Elvis's mom has done more for me than I could ever imagine.  I'm so blessed to have Elvis's family in my life.  This is a kind of love that I've never known before.  I know my life is going to be so much different this time around.  

So I've bought my dress.  Yesterday, I ordered it in an 18W.  Last night I stressed and stressed about the size.  I called them back and ordered a smaller size this morning.  It was so easy!  They told me that they can even take it in 2 more sizes if I need to.  I ordered it in a 16W today.  I feel better, just doing that.  I can't wait to marry my groom.  Alot of people don't have to worry about the kind of weightloss issues that I have to worry about.  Yea, girls want to lose 10-15 lbs before their big day.  I want to lose another 50... and I've already lost over 55!  That's ok.  I'll get there.  The meds that the Dr. have put me on are working.  I'm going to get there.  :)

I feel like I'm rambling a bit...  I'm really excited, a little bit nervous and still walking on sunshine.  <3  I can't wait to marry my groom!

I am the Biggest Loser!

It was announced yesterday!!!  I WON!  I lost 22 lbs, which is 7.8%.  I don't have time for a post, but wanted to let all of you know, I WON!!!

I'm sorry!

Oh my goodness!!!  I'm so sorry it's been almost a month since I've been able to post.

Things have been seriously busy.  We've been to Mexico and back, Have booked our ceremony and reception venue, and so much more!

While I was in Mexico, I didn't stay on diet the whole time.  Infact, only the last 2 days did I stay on plan.  (The last two.)  I gained atleast 4 lbs in Mexico.  I have since lost all of those and over 2, almost 3 more...  (since this past Wednesday!!!)  The Biggest Loser finale is on  Monday.  I'll have lost 20 lbs atleast (I think.)  That's over 6%...  which isn't much.  I can only hope I win.  We really need the extra money for the wedding.

Speaking of the wedding, We've booked our location!  It is the beautiful Amber Springs in Conroe, Texas.  It's perfect for us, and we're excited to be getting married there!   Our date is April 12, 2013.  We are currently entered in a contest to win our location for free.

Click here, search for my name, Amy Shaver, and vote for us!

We've picked our colors, Teal, Purple, Tangerine and Lime Green.  It'll be a mexican fiesta with lots of color and it will be so beautiful!  There will be lots of papel picados and paper flowers.  I can't wait to see it all coming together!!!  :)

Here is our Ceremony Location:

Here is the reception location:

We're so excited!  :)

sigh...

Ok, so, of course my weight fluctuates.. so, for the week, I lost 3 lbs.  I'm at 259.4 today...  but that's ok.  I can deal w/ 3 lbs a week!  As long as the number is going down, that's all I care about.  Maybe I'll hit 50 lbs lost next week... probably not (will be in Dallas all weekend.) but that's ok.  I hope I win the biggest loser, but I doubt it...  I've only lost 15 lbs.  I'm sure others have lost more!

*fingers crossed*

:)

I'm loving this scale going down every day!  I'm at 258.8 today....  On Monday, I was 262.4...  lets see how much more I can lose.

I'm officially down 45 lbs from starting Atkins last year.  I wonder if I can hit the 50 lb mark this week?

But I'm so happy that to see that I'm under 260!

48.8 lbs til my goal of being half the woman I was the last time around!

Step by step

I'm at 260.4 today.  I'm .4 lbs from being under 260!  I'm so excited about that.  I've got 6.4 lbs until I've lost 50 lbs!  The scale is consistently going down, as long as I really pay attention to what I eat.  I watch my sodium intake, I eat my protein, and I eat my fat.  I try to keep my carb count as low as possible, but I don't count them.  I stress out when I count them.  Another key to my weightloss is not stressing out.  I might actually start swimming next week, when the pool opens up.  I've noticed that when I work out, it can slow my weight loss....  that makes me nervous.

Next Thursday, we're going to Dallas for A-Kon.  We'll be in Dallas all weekend.  Luckily, because it's just Elvis and I, it won't be too difficult to plan food that won't mess me up.  In just a few weeks, we'll be going to Mexico... I won't have as much control there, and I'm worried about that.

I'm happy about the loss I've already had, but When I remember how much I've still got to go I get overwhelmed.  I've got 50.4 lbs to go to my goal of being half the person I was at my last wedding.

Day 3, losing for the wedding

7 lbs in 3 days!  I got on this morning, praying for 262.  Well, Imagine my surprise when it said 261.8!!!  I'm so stoked!  I need to win this biggest loser.  We could certainly use the 1300 dollars for our wedding!  According to work's scale, I've lost 13 lbs from their starting weight.  That's 4.6% so far.  I need for my loss to continue.  I can't slack off, even a minute.  We are going to Austin and San Antonio this weekend.  I'm bringing fat bombs with me.  I'm also bringing food with me to San Antonio.  We're going to a water park.  I'm brining lettuce wraps and fat bombs.  Im brining my coconut oil with me every where.  Fat may be the key to me losing weight.  Making sure I eat enough of it every day... that is key!

51.8 lbs left to my goal of being half the person I used to be!!!

Quick diet news...

So I started this week on Monday , weighing in at 268.8 (yea, I keep gaining those same 5 lbs...  grrr).  This morning, I weighed in at 263.6.  That's 5.2 lbs in 2 days!!  I can totally get behind that kind of weight loss!  :)  I've been limiting my cheese.  Infact, the only time I eat it is in the morning, on my eggs.  I've also really upped my fat intake.  I have coconut oil in my coffee and usually that would be the extent of my fat intake for the day.  Now I'm having 2 fat bombs every day as well.  That's usually my lunch.  Maybe I'll see 259 this weekend?  Wouldn't that be swell!!

At my last wedding, I weighed in at 420 lbs and wore a size 32 dress.  I could barely move at all.  I was severely swollen and puffy. I want to be at least half of the girl I was then.  That means I have 53.6 lbs to lose.  I'd also like to be in a size 16 or less.  I can't wait to go dress shopping, but it won't happen til later this year.  No use in buying a dress that I can't fit into, or won't by the time the wedding is here!

I'm so happy.... so  so so happy... :)

SO incredibly happy!

So yesterday I got to share my news with the people I work with yesterday.  I got to grin - from ear to ear - for hours.  I got to talk about my incredible fiancé (I wonder when I'll get used to saying that) and how he asked me to be his wife.  I'm still super emotional and excited and happy.  I've bought several wedding magazines to help us with ideas.

I love the fact that he's excited too.  I sent a few places that i liked to him and he looked over them (really looked) and shared his true feelings.  I valued them so much.  I have a feeling this is going to be such a fun wedding to plan!

It will be a mesh of Latino and Texan.  Think papel picados and cowboy boots.  Think Texas wild flowers.  Think country.  Think romantic love.  You'll have an idea of what's in our vision.  One of the best things about it is that he has the same vision as me.  :)

On diet news, I went back on my diet yesterday.  I lost 2. 4 lbs yesterday.  But that's all weight that I gained over the weekend.  I can't stop this time.  I have to keep going.  I have a dress to fit into!

I haven't told the girls I'm thinking of asking yet.  I mean, Angie knows.  She's been my best friend since high school!  There's no way I couldn't ask her to be my maid of honor.  I'm going to ask Jazmin, Shelley and Tammy.   I met Jazmin through my ex-husband.  He worked with her and eventually dated her.  Oddly enough, we've become best friends.  I also met Shelley through my ex-husband.  She worked with him in another division.  Her entire family is such a blessing to us.  Her husband is going to officiate our ceremony and her daughters are going to play ceremony music.  For Elvis, His best friend will be his best man.  I think he is also asking Curtis and Stephen.  I'm not sure of the last person.  He's mentioned Nick, and some others.  As far as a flower girl and a ring bearer, if my sister can come, Zoe will be the flower girl and Zachary and Noah will be our ring bearers.

I'm so excited...  I could talk about this forever!

Finally, It happened!!!

When I started this blog, there were a few wishes I had for it...  1) Lose weight 2) Get Married and 3) Have a baby.  Well, I'm on my way to losing weight and after yesterday, I'm engaged!!!  :)  I'm so happy that I have barely been able to sleep!

Unfortunately for me, I went off my diet this weekend, and it caused me to gain... (not to mention the dreaded TOM), so I'm back at where I was a couple of weeks ago.  The next time I cheat will be when I'm in Mexico, and can't get around it.  I'll be sending a case of protein shakes down with Elvis's family though.  That way I can have a little bit of something I know.  :)

I'm super excited about our engagement!  :)  I'm sure you'll see alot about wedding plans, ideas and such over the coming months.  We plan to get married on April 13, 2013.  :)

<3

A trip

So we went to Orlando this weekend to visit my mom.  I'm happy to say that even in a place with MANY of my favorite foods, I stayed completely on plan!

Yesterday was my first day back to work, and I increased my fats by alot.  I had 3 fat bombs thru out the day, in addition to my coffee!

The scale finally showed me a number I'm happy with because of it... 263.4!  Under the dreaded 264 that has been haunting me for so long...  I haven't been to the gym this week... I'm working on Elvis's anniversary gift and that is taking up all of my spare time.  That's ok though, I needed a rest!

Anyways....  gotta go grocery shopping...  Time to start my day!  :)

Just chugging along!

So I am pushing along.  I've visited the gym every day and am continuing to do so.  I'm getting stronger every time and I think that's pretty cool!

I've stayed on plan and it's getting easier to eat that way.

I was "The biggest loser" last week but my weight is still not really coming off.  I want to see under 260.  My hope is that after I get used to this schedule, the additional sleep and the reduction in stress, we'll see this scale move down.

Keep your fingers crossed for me!  :)

Stomach bug...

So I have a stomach bug or a case of food poisoning.  Either way, yesterday, I tried to eat as normal as possible, and paid dearly for it.  Today, It's liquids for Breakfast and lunch.  We'll see if I feel better by dinner time. 

I still went to the gym yesterday, even though I didn't feel well.  That makes 8 days of exercise!!  :)  I'm proud of me! 

That's all I have time for right now... Hope your day is going well!

Stupid body... do what I say!

6 days in a row now, I've been to the gym.  It is the most checked in place on FB for me.  I'm busting my ass, ever time I'm there.  I've sweated more this week than I have in a long time.  The plan is to just keep it up.

I weighed in this morning after my work out.  I had already drank 16 oz of water and sweated my butt off.  :)  The scale showed 264.0.  Since Tuesday, I've dropped 3.4 lbs.  I guess that's pretty good.  But 264 is my wall.  I'm DYING to get below 260.  I'm hoping to see it by next Saturday.  I think Saturdays will be my weigh in day.  I don't work on Saturdays, I can get my work out in first, it doesn't seem like there is a down side to it.

I'm feeling kind of lonely.  I don't have really close female friends here in Houston.  The closest I have are so busy with their own lives that they forget about their friends.  : /  I'll be ok.  I just need to get out of my funk.  It always seems to happen when Elvis has to work on the weekends.

I went shopping last night because I had 75 dollars worth of Haute Cash from Torrid.  It was the last week to use it.  Because Elvis was in Dripping Springs, after my dinner and work out, I decided to take a shower and go shopping.  I spent 79 dollars and walked out with a pair of shorts, 3 tops, and a pair of underwear.   I'm watching my sizes go down.  I'm truly happy with seeing this.  They will continue to go down, because I'm not giving up!!!

I do have a question though...  Where in the hell am I going to shop, when I don't fit into big girl clothes any more?!  Since I was 16, when I met my best friend in the entire world - Angie, I"ve shopped at Lane Bryant.  In December, I discovered Torrid.  Their clothes are super cute, more trendy and less old ladyish.  Once in a while, I find something cute at LB, but for the most part, I'm a torrid girl now.  I just wish they had more coupons.

Sorry I'm rambling today... it's one of those days!

The Scale.. it moves!

FINALLY I'm seeing some results for my hard work!!!  The scale dropped!  264.4 this morning!  Yea!!!  :)

no time for a real post this morning.. but wanted to share my happiness!

Go Down already!!!

I'm busting my ass and not seeing results.  It makes me want a cookie.. and a brownie...  grrr

I did the 30 minute circuit yesterday.  I really enjoyed that work out and have decided I'll do it every other day.  (When possible.) 

I planned to cook last night, but it didn't happen.  I ended up making bacon and eggs, but my cheese was bad.  Unfortunately, I didn't realize it til after I put it on my eggs and had a few bites... So, I had bacon for dinner.  : /  Luckily, after I got home from the gym, I was famished and had a few pizza puffs and some left over brisket.  It was yummy.  :)  I wasn't really hungry at dinner anyways.  This morning, I'm paying for the bad cheese.. : /  *sigh* 

Tonight, I'm planning to cook Mexican Meatloaf.  The beef should be defrosted, the dishes are all washed and the kitchen is clean.  The stuff takes an hour to bake, but that's ok... at least most of it is just cooking, not preparation. 

Today, I'm planning to have subway for lunch (I'll get a sub w/o bread).  And then, I'm heading over to Sam's club to get some veggies, (maybe.)  I've just realized I shouldn't do that if I'm going to go work out... otherwise they'll be sitting in the car a long time..  ewe.  *sigh*

I'm so tired...

New Scale... *sigh*

Well... I bought my new scale yesterday... I brought it home, and got it set up.  It's pretty and shiny.  I'm quite happy with it!

I got on it this morning and it shows 267.4.  I'm not happy with this weight.  I know it's more accurate (it's 2 lbs off from the Biggest Loser scale at work, and that one seems to be really consistent.)  I'm doing all my working out, but I really need to work on my veggies.  I'm staying under my carb counts though... But I need to focus on getting 2 - 3 cups of salad veggies every day.  If I can eat of cup of salad for Lunch and Dinner, I can have other veggies along with it (if I'd like).  I really really need to focus on this.  :)  I just HATE eating salads though.  SO this is going to be my toughest challenge yet. 

Today at the gym, I'm going to try their 30 minute circuit.  It incorporates cardio and weigh lifting.  I'm curious to see how I fare with it.  I may also add the 12 minute abs work out to it as well, depending on how I feel.  I don't want to get bored with the elliptical.  Even though I don't really mind it, some times it is rather boring.  I'm thinking of joining the personal trainer for some sessions, as it's free and might give me more to think about.  I can also ask him questions about the best way to get rid of my fat ass!!! 

I really like this blog... it helps me focus, vent and think out loud!

Let's do this.. I've GOT to win this thing!  There's over 1300 dollars at stake here!

Biggest Loser - Start of week 3

Well today is the beginning of the 3rd week of the Biggest Loser!

I made it thru the entire weekend with no cheats!!  Huzzahs!  I'm very proud of myself for this... mainly because I wasn't in my home.  I went to Dallas for the weekend and still was able to do it!  However, I didn't get to work out, but I got right back to the gym this morning!

My scale died, so I have NO idea how much I weigh.  I need to buy another one today.  It's like an addiction that I can't feed.... LOL.

I'm changing...  It's a little slow, but I'm getting there!

I will be the Biggest Loser.  I know it!

Another day down!

I went to the gym again today.  I'm so incredibly proud of myself for going again.  Every day I'm challenging myself and beating the previous day's goals.  I burned 416 calories at the gym today.  I'm thinking of going for a walk with the puppies and my hunnie after dinner tonight... idk, we'll see how I feel after dinner.  I think we're gonna fly to Dallas tomorrow night, sooooo  I might need to do laundry and clean my house tonight... :)

I'm proud of me... :)  Oh, and my wrist bones are getting more and more prominent!

Biggest Loser - Day 11

So I've stuck to plan this week.  I didn't get to go to the gym last night because I didn't get home until really late.  I was stuck at the dentist for a LONG time yesterday.  Today, I already have my gym clothes and will hit it as soon as I get off!  I can't slack! 

I haven't lost anything additional, and my cheat days in Corpus Christi have really hurt me.  According to the Biggest Loser scale, I've lost 8.8 lbs... which is less than it was last week.  I can't be cheating.  It messes up EVERYTHING I'm working so hard for.  I'm going to Dallas this weekend, and I've already told everyone that I can't cheat.  I'll bring some quest bars if I need to, as well as some jerky.  If I need to find something to keep me from cheating, I will.  I HAVE to do this!  So far, my percentage is 3.13%.  I'd like to see it be 15% by June 25.  *fingers crossed*

I start a new bid at work at the end of the month.  It'll mean that I'm working 1230-2330 instead of 0400-1500.  I'll have off Friday, Saturday and Sunday instead of Saturday, Sunday, Monday.  While I hate that I won't have my evenings w/ Elvis, I will have mornings, and I'll get to sleep!  Right now, I get about 5 hours a night... It'll be nice to get a full night's sleep.  I'll be able to work out in the mornings and have an actual breakfast.  When I get up, I'll be able to go work out, and will do that first thing.  Then I'll come home and have a big breakfast.  Then I'll get to get ready for work at a leisurly pace and come into work fully awake.  I'm looking forward to this schedule! 

I'm still trying to get DANDR right... I have a hard time eating 3 cups of salad veggies, or 2 cups and a cup of something else.  I miss my veggies! 

I'm getting better at my work outs.  My goal is to work 1 minute more every day.  My calorie burn has been going up too.  Tuesday, I burned 410 calories!  When I switch to this other schedule, I should be able to devote a bit more time to working out as well.  :) 

Back on Track...

So I've been back on track yesterday and today.  I've also worked out the last 2 days.  Tomorrow, I have a dentist appointment, so I hope I can still work out, but I might not have that opportunity.

I'm trying to add fiber to my diet, to see if it helps me.  *fingers crossed!! * Thanks to my reader's suggestion!

I'm trying not to stress about the Biggest Loser...  But I REALLY want to win.  REALLY REALLY REALLY want to win.  :)

*fingers crossed*

The dreaded weekend...

So I did good all the way thru Friday night.  I even went to the gym, even though I was exhausted!  Then we got in a car to make the drive down to Corpus Christi with Elvis's family. Diet blown... big time.  :(  I wish I had kept my head on straight and just ordered things I knew I SHOULD eat.  I'd have felt alot better all weekend.  I need to gain more will power.  I just do.

My scale says I'm up to 273, but truthfully, I think this scale is broken.  I need to buy a new one...

The weekend is now behind me, and I can start again today.  I've gotta bust my butt if I want to win the Biggest Loser.  That means no more slip ups like this weekend.  Pray for me.

Biggest Loser - Day 3

Yesterday was a better day.  I stayed w/in my carb limits AND I worked out!  Yea!!!  I did 31 minutes on the elliptical and burned 375 calories!  I'll be back again today... and I'll be doing 32 minutes.  :)

I think I may need to buy a new scale.  Mine isn't registering right.  I weighed in at work (with clothes and all) and am at 275, down from 281.4 on Monday.  However, I usually weigh much less.  I need to stop stressing, I know it'll come off if I keep at it, but I'm terrified it won't!  Pray for me...

I'm on to Day 4 now!

Biggest Loser - Day 2

UGH... so yesterday SUCKED!

Food wise I did just fine.  I stuck to my carb goals and even stayed under.  I was travelling though, so I'm still not getting my 3 cups of salad veggies in... :(

However, When I was going back to the airport after training, my flight had been cancelled, along with a couple others.  Then Dallas had tornados.  We were evacuated at one point and to make a long story short, I didn't get home until around 10:30.  Needless to say, since I have to be up at 2:45 AM, I did not go to the gym.  I was bummed about it because I wanted to say I went every day of the challenge.  But it just couldn't be helped.  Oh well. 

I don't know what's wrong with me other wise though.  I'm SERIOUSLY bloated, even though I'm eating just like I'm supposed to.  I've also been pretty constipated, even though I had 5 tbsp of coconut oil yesterday.  I guess I'll take something to help that along, after I go to the gym today.  It's the second day I've been at 274.5.  That is so frustrating.

I'll go to the gym when I get off today.  Then I'll probably go to sleep and sleep until 2:45AM tomorrow.  OMG I'm exhausted!

Day one done... Odd results?

So this will just be a quickie. I'm sitting in the airport, waiting to go to Dallas for training.

Yesterday, I accidentally went over my carb count.  I had 2 Chipotle salads instead of one, because I didn't have time to cook.  Note to self... MAKE TIME NEXT TIME!

So I got on the scale this morning and was up to 274.  What the crap?!  I'm not exactly sure why, buf I feel seriously bloated.  Also, I can't poo,, again.  So today, I upped my coconut oil by alot.  I had 5 tablespoons full with my 20 oz of coffee today.  Maybe that will help.  I'm also laid out dinner stuff today.  We will be having pork loin and twice baked cauliflower.  Yummy!

The training in Dallas is seriously short, and I'll be back by 3 pm.  I'll go home, change my clothes and head to the gym. 

It's time to fly, so I'll update more later!  :-)

DANDR - Week 1 down!

Well, I weighed in this morning at 266.5.  That's still higher than I was before my birthday, but i lost 10.5 lbs today.  Thanks, I'll take that!  :)

This morning starts my Biggest Loser challenge.  So I'm making breakfast and coffee, then I'm hopping in the shower and heading to work.  I'll weigh in there, and then I'll go to the gym.  Time to start getting my sweat on!!!  :)  Remember, my goal is atleast 30 minutes a day.  No matter what.  Even if that means going when I'm on my period.  Even if I'm bloated and tired.  Even if it hurts.

Soooo I didn't have time to finish this blog before I left, so I'll do it now.

I ate my breakfast, showered, and had 2 glasses of water before I weighed in at work.  With clothes (work out on under my jeans), food, wet hair and 32 oz of water, I weighed in at 281.4.  Even though I knew what I had done, it still made me sick to my stomach to see that weight!  

After the weigh in, I went to the gym.  I shedded my jeans and then hit the elliptical.  I did 33 minutes and burned 360 calories during the time.  Day one of 85 days DOWN.

Ya know, it'd be REALLY cool to lose a lb every 2 days... (every day would be amazing, but I think impossible...)

Lets just see how I do this week.  :)  I'll post my scale vs. work scale results.  :)

DANDR induction - day 5

SO I've been on DANDR for 5 days so far.  I've lost 10 lbs!  I'm still heavier than I was before I cheated last week.  It's not been TOO difficult, however I find that if I eat fatty meat (last night I had Ribeye), I lose more.  It's such a weird thing for me!  I freaked out because I ate nearly 3000 calories yesterday.  However, I was down 3 lbs on the scale today.

My biggest loser challenge starts on Monday.  I have 11 weeks.  I'd like to see myself lose 25 lbs during those 11 weeks.  I'm going to work out - atleast 30 minutes a day - every day during those 11 weeks.  The Downside is that I'm going on Vacation a WEEK before the finale!  I'm going to Mexico.  I'm going to have to try my best to watch what I eat.  I pray I can do it!  Oh, and 2 weeks before that, I'll be in Dallas for an Anime convention!  I plan to bring my Quest bars because they can really help me.  Even in Mexico, Elvis and I can go for hikes and that will be nice.  While I'm in Dallas, I'll just have to pick a hotel with a gym.  The winner of the current challenge, the one that ends on Monday, will win over 1200 dollars!  The second place person will win over 400 dollars!  I could really use the 1200 dollars.  God knows I'm gonna spend that and SO much more on clothes.

I've been using the Fat Secret app to track my food.  It is really helping me to stay on track.  I can count my water (my goal is 160 oz a day), I can track my net carbs, and my fat intake.  It also allows me to weigh in.  I really like this app!  If you want to follow me, or add me on Fat Secret, feel free to!  Look for user wishfulheart

I know, however, that I have to find a way to manage my stress.  When I'm stressed, I don't lose enough weight.  My body tries to hold on to everything, and sabotage its' self!

People at work are watching me.  I get comments every day that they are noticing the weight loss.  It's really encouraging.  I try to remember not to say "Thanks, but ... ", and just say Thank you!

I like seeing my skin get looser.  I can always tell when I've gained anything because I can tell the difference in my stomach.  Maybe it's all in my head, but I really can tell!

Today I'm 267.  My goal is 130... Eventually.  I want to be under 200 by the end of the year.  Truthfully, I'd like to see myself at 230 by the end of the Biggest Loser challenge, but I'm afraid that might be too much weight to lose.  We'll see.  :)    All I can do is Eat, Pray and work my ass off....  :)

Well, I'm 30 now...

Sigh... Birthday is over!  Elvis surprised me with a surprise birthday party, we went to the sculpture gardens, the King Tut exhibit, a Quincenera, and then went to Seaworld! It was a great birthday weekend!  :)

Because I ate how ever I wanted for the whole week, I'm up 17 lbs!!!  OMG!  What the hell did I do to myself?!  I know most of it is water weight from all the salty foods I ate, but still...

I started DANDR induction today.  I plan to kick serious ass at it...  as long as I can!  My biggest loser challenge starts next week.  I'll keep on pushing and pushing as hard as I can!

Here's a picture from my birthday weekend... :)

30 looms...

Later this week, I'll be 30.  I'm dreading it so much... Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my birthday, but I'm not looking forward to being 30.  I also have NO idea what is happening for my birthday.  Elvis won't even tell me if there will be cake.  I've already reiterated that I'll be unhappy if there is no cake.  LOL.  I want cake!  :)  Obviously, I plan to cheat.  I plan to cheat for 3 days.  :)

I'll go back to my Atkins diet next Monday.  On April 2nd, I'm going to start a full fledged DANDR induction.  I've heard that it's going to help me lose weight.  I'll also be going to the gym.  Even if I'm tired, and even if I'm only there for 30 minutes.  I'm going to work out, in some fashion, EVERY DAY.  The other important part of April 2nd, is that I'm starting a Biggest Loser challenge at work.  It'll go on til 6/25.  My goal is to be under 230 at the end of the challenge.  That means losing right at 30 lbs.  This will take alot of work on my part, but i I win the challenge, I'll get some pretty good cash too!  :)  Please keep me on track.

I'm excited.  I hope I can stick to it...

once again...

I'm starting over, once again.  I got off my diet for a little over a week.  I ate whatever I wanted, and I didn't exercise.  I was TIRED.  Hell, I am TIRED.  I'm so tired.  During the work week, I'm only getting 4-5 hours a night.  The only way to remedy that would be to spend less time each night with Elvis.  I hate that thought!  They have gotten more work, and he's busting his butt, every day.  The only reason he even got a day off is because it rained.  Today, he's out pumping the water out of 36 pier holes, and pumping out all the water off the surface.  He's doing it all by himself.  Oh, and the worst thing?  He's sick.  I'm afraid he's gonna end up with pneumonia.  :(

Last week, I applied for a job in Air Cargo.  I interviewed really well, but I didn't get it.  They went with someone that needed less training.  The recruiter could give me no negative feedback about the interview, just said that they went with someone stronger.  I kinda wanted this job, but truth be known, I REALLY want the Ops agent position.  I've heard it will post soon.  I really really hope so.

I've lost 40 lbs so far, and I have so much more to lose.  So much more I NEED to lose.  I really want to get there.  I need to focus.  I'm important.

We are members...

We are now members of a gym...  We went to planet fitness and became members.

This morning we went to the gym and rode a bike for 30 minutes...  Then I was so tired that we had to stop for today...

But we'll be back... tomorrow, and the next day... and the next...  :)

Trapped, in my own skin

I feel so frustrated today...  this morning.  My knee is healing, be it slowly.  I can ride my bike and that doesn't hurt.  I'm not supposed to walk all the time.  I'm supposed to reserve walking for life needs.  I don't want to reserve it though.  I WANT to throw on my tennis shoes and get out there to walk!  I want to eventually start running!  I would like to dance.  I can do my physical therapy exercises.  I can ride my bike, but only with Elvis...

The scale isn't moving fast enough for me.  Hell, it's not moving at all, not really.  I keep staring at 263 - 268...  day after day, for a month!  I'm ready to be out of the 260's... Hell, I'm ready to be out of the 200's!!!

I'm debating on joining a gym.  There is a planet fitness right by my house, and it's only 10 bucks a month.  That is a pretty good deal.  I think it would be good to be able to do some strength training, use the elliptical and I think the elliptical would be one of the best things for me...  Especially for my knee.

Maybe I'd lose more weight by changing it up a bit?

What to do??

So surgery was yesterday...  I spent almost all day in a fog.  I slept alot, on and off.  Elvis took great care of me though.  He let me cry, catered to my every whim and made sure I was ok.  God how I love that man.  He's my best friend.  He makes sure I'm always happy and taken care of.  This morning, I got up at about 4 am and had to pee...  I forgot about the crutches and by time I remember them, I had already gotten all the way to the bathroom.

I'm certainly moving faster than I was yesterday, and the pain isn't so bad.  Don't get me wrong... it still hurts, but certainly not as badly.  I'm trying to get more movement in it.  I'm trying to push myself as much as possible because I want to be walking, biking, dancing and running as soon as possible!!!

Just because I'm laid up with nothing to do, doesn't mean I'm going to be unproductive while I'm here.  I'm working on my spanish, trying my best to be able to speak to Elvis's family with ease.  :)

Also, while I'm unable to really do anything else, I'm still eating my low carb foods.  Elvis and I made some mini quiche and some bacon before surgery.  I'm nearly out of my coconut oil, but more is on the way.  I can't wait for it to get here. I'm nervous it might not make it before I run out.  Elvis made White Castle pie last night.  It's our favorite meal, I think.  It's so yummy!!!  :)

Oh, and let me tell you some of my successes this week!  So my best friend was down this past weekend.  We haven't seen each other in over 2 years.  We've been best friends since high school.  We've always loved to go shopping together, so of course, most of our plans were around shopping.  Her main reason for coming was to celebrate New Year's Eve here.  On NYE, I decided I wanted a cute top to wear.  We went shopping at Lane Bryant.  I pulled tops in my normal size and in the size below it...  Every top I tried on was too big, or cut really funny.  Nothing fit me!  I was excited that nothing fit me in my favorite store!  But then I was like... well, what am I going to wear?!  So we went to Torrid.  Their sizes are weird, so I wasn't sure what I would wear.  I ended up in a size 1... which is a 14/16!!!  Yea!!!  :)  I was so proud of myself.  I looked incredible!  When I'm able to tolerate being on my feet again, I'm gonna have to go shopping...  I have no pants that fit...  What a great feeling!!!  :)