Saturday, February 28, 2009

Fabulous!

This picture is such a great representation of the happiness she brings to my life.
Tracy oh Tracy my beautiful, smart, funny, caring, compassionate, dear and precious, FABULOUS Tracy.
We spent some much needed and enjoyed time together today. I love my "T" time, we get together and talk and laugh. Even if it's about a heartbreaking moment in life, a stupid blunder or a rewarding growing encounter we have a great time. I love when I leave my meetings with her, I feel so uplifted and happy. We used to spend a lot of time together, but life and circumstances happen and we don't get that much quality time anymore. As part of my building a better me I am trying to surround myself with great people. I can't be happier that she is part of it. I wish I had more people like her in my life.

A little bit of my past

A little over 2 years ago my life changed drastically. There were many changes I made and it has been a long two years of ups and downs, but the one constant has been the improvement to my physical health. I had gained about 100 pounds in the few years prior but January 2007 I decided to get back to the me I had always known. So I changed my lifestyle and eating habits. It took a while but the weight finally started coming off. In this process I had a battery of test done and began working with my doctor to make sure I was being safe and healthy not just vain. I still have a little bit to go to my ultimate goal but I am very proud of myself. I did not use any pills or quick remedies. Exercise, portion control and moderation for those tempting foods was the key. I do not say that I am on a diet, I decided that when I told myself that I was "on a diet" that I didn't work as hard because it felt like a chore. Instead I began thinking things like, "do you really need to eat", "are you really hungry" and "is that what's best for, is it worth it". I would get cravings for things that I knew were not the best nutritional choice so I would get what ever I was craving but eat less. It seems like when you try to deprive yourself of what you really want a fill it with something else it doesn't work. Well 90 pounds down and my blood pressure is down and my cholesterol is great. I have more energy and feel lighter on my feet. I stop and put it in perspective sometimes. My 11 year old weights 84 pounds and I couldn't imagine caring him around all day but that's what I was doing, caring around that much extra weight plus. About a year ago my boss suggested that I start a chart to show my progress. I had plateaued for a little while and needed a boost. So I did, I have a chart that hangs at my desk that update weekly and see everyday. One day I came across a picture of myself at a much larger size and was shocked. I know that I was in bad shape but seeing it front of you is a WHOLE different feeling. So I went through some of my picture and made a weight loss photo time line. There are some gaps because face when we feel overweight and unattractive we don't like to have our picture taken. I want to remind myself that I never want to be that unhealthy again. It will always be a struggle but it's worth it. I'm worth it! I share this because I know that so many people struggle with this battle also and I want everyone to know it's possible. And even if you hit a bump or plateau in your journey if you stay positive and consistent it will get better. I don't think there is any idea size or a weight for everyone just be happy with yourself.

So here are the photos that I used for my time line.

















I will be continuing my journey and update you as it goes.







Monday, February 23, 2009

First of many...I hope.

Ok so I have been bitten by the blog bug. So here it goes.



I've never been great at writing, spelling or grammer but I have so many thoughts running through my mind at once I thought if I took the time to write them down it might help me to keep myself sane. I have found myself feeling worn out lately just trying to keep up with myself but love reading others blogs. I have received some great wisdom and quick pick me up from time to time so maybe mine can do that for others.