Tuesday, November 25, 2008

The last weigh in day of November!

Yep, it's true. November is almost over. The next weigh in will be in December! Can you believe it?

Well, I must be honest, I was a little concerned about how it was all going to "pan out" for me on the scale today, but I was pleasantly surprised. See, I had a date last night and we went to the Olive Garden. Sure, I didn't eat much, but probably didn't make the best choices either. I thought that rich food was going to show up on the scale. What do I know, maybe it did? Maybe I was supposed to lose 5 pounds instead? But I didn't! I lost 3! YIPEE!!! Trust me, the way my scale has been treating me, that 3 was a jump for joy! YEE Haw!!!! So, according to my records, I have lost exactly 75 lbs as of today. What an accomplishment!!!!!! I'm super excited and can't wait for more!! Maybe I'll make my goal of being 190 by my company's Christmas party (2 1/2 weeks)??? We'll just have to see, won't we??

So, it's true, I had a date last night. I must say, it went pretty well. I may even break the streak of being the "one date wonder". Typically, I go on one date and either I figure out how to not like them, or they figure out how to not like me. It's not that difficult really. But this guy is nice. He even pays attention to the things that I say and follows suit (who does that anymore?). I'm impressed. Sure, it took me little while to warm up, but I agreed to see him again. I look forward to seeing what is in store for me on the dating roller coaster.

Thank you all for sharing in this excitement with me. I look forward to many more good days!

Monday, November 24, 2008

Monday, Monday . . .

We're back at it again. The week begins, we go back to work tired and not as rested as we should be after a full 2 days off. But alas, we're back. The good thing about this week is . . . it ends (for work) on Wednesday!!! I can't tell you how happy and excited I am about having a 4 day weekend. Of course, I will probably STILL not get enough rest and I will have the same tired, worn out feeling next Monday morning. Yet, hopefully, I will not have the insomnia problem.

It's true, the insomnia has been back at it again. This time, I just can't catch up. I can't believe that I didn't even talk to my surgeon about it when I saw him last week. What was I thinking?

Anyway, the weekend was good, back and ugly all at the same time. The good was that I got to catch up with several friends whether by phone, email or actually seeing them in person. That was a good thing. I also scored a date to my company's Christmas party at the same time. And I'm so excited! Sure, my date is a friend of mine and it will be a purely platonic evening, but I'm super excited none the less!

The bad was having to say goodbye to a family friend. Sure, I wasn't super close to him, but he definitely had an impact in my life and he will be dearly missed!

The ugly was having to brave the stores in the midst of several other crazy shoppers. Since when does the craziness start so soon. It ended up being a good time because I was with a good friend of mine. That made it all the better!

So, all in all, the weekend was pretty good. I just wish I would've been able to sleep more! Next weekend?

Thursday, November 20, 2008

It's a small world after all . . . .

And I'm not joking about this one!

Ready for a funny story?

So, I believe that I've shared with many of you that I have "bitten the bullet" and have signed up with eHarmony.com to get myself into a more social atmosphere. Of course, I'm still not sure if this is a good idea because I'm incredibly skeptical of the people that are on there or even out there (thanks to the last date that I had). Yet, I'm wanting to get into the "scene" and get my "feelers" out there (as my sister has suggested) so there I find myself.

So, I've had one face to face meeting with an eHarmony-er and I won't be going out with that one again (if I have anything to say about it). Now, I've been emailing with a couple of others and thinking that we may be close to a face to face meeting as well. One of these individuals and I started sharing information over email. Of course, on email, he seems great. He's apparently intelligent, witty, humorous, adventurous, and hopefully many other things. So, things were going well and then I asked if he has lived in Fresno (the Valley) all his life. Well, as it turns out, he grew up in the small, itty-bitty town that I work in! WHAT?

Yes, I work in a very small town. The population is 20,000 people, but 12,000 of those people are prison inmates! So, with a small town, you get small town people and small town talk (Just a little background). Anyway, I thought this was incredibly funny. At this point, I don't think this gentleman shares my humor. I think he may be feeling a little bit insecure. But let's be honest, I'm not going to go around asking about it. I just think it's hysterical.

Of course, I don't know that we will ever meet face to face (especially now). I don't know that this will go anywhere. I just find it amusing that in such a big world we can have something so common between two people. It may be too much for him to bear, but I think it's absolutely hysterical!

So, now, of course, I wonder what it is he doesn't want me to know? Hmmmmm. Did someone say challenge?

Here's to Mr. Corcoran!!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

It's Tuesday weigh in day . . .

So far, it's been a good morning! Here's the recap . . .
This weekend we had a great time with family and friends. We had the "Family Fall Festival" at Uncle Carl's on Saturday. What a great time! We got together for a full day, the kids played hard, the adults played hard and we ate as if there was nothing else to do! I didn't feel really great by the time we had gotten home because I was not doing what I should've. I guarantee I didn't get enough protein, water, or exercise (but I did get some). All that being said, I had a fabulous time and would do it again in a heartbeat.

Unfortunately, all that fun I had on Saturday led me to a difficult Sunday. I wanted to do nothing but rest. Sure, I got some rest in, but when it was time to go at it again for a gathering of more food, fun, and friends, I was struggling. I had a huge headache (probably dehydration) and I was NOT up for eating. But I went, and enjoyed myself. It was a "last supper" type of deal for a friend of mine that is going through WLS tomorrow. I am wishing her the best and a quick, happy, healthy recovery!

So, the next obstacle - My surgeon's appointment yesterday! It went almost as expected. Their scale (which I had guessed) weighed me a bit heavier. Not to mention that I had jeans and shoes on (I typically weigh in my PJs), but they still showed a 65 lb loss! I wanted it to be more, but I'll take it. I'm still tracking my progress on my personal scale at home, but it's fun to see that we're close. The Dr. said I am doing great. He's encouraging me by telling me that I'm over halfway to a goal that some don't reach for 18 months and I've done it in 6. Well, that is exciting and encouraging. I'm just glad it hasn't stopped!

The other exciting thing was that I got to see 4 of the 7 people that had surgery on the same day as I did! It was GREAT to see them all and see the differences. It was also fun to share about the things we are doing and the things we can tolerate (or not). Everyone was SO different that it was just strange to hear. I loved it though. We were all grateful to have gone through the experience (even considering how hard the first 2+ months were), but it was amazing! I think we should all schedule our appointments on the same day for the rest of our lives! It would be great to see them all and catch up! I wouldn't trade those times for anything!

To top it all off, I was down on the scale today! So, I'd have to say that I'm off to a good start for the day and the week! I'm excited and empowered. I can't wait to see what happens next!!

Friday, November 14, 2008

Success of the week!

I'm still alive! Ok, Ok, I'm being dramatic, but I'm really getting sick of having this viral whatchamacallit. YUCK! I'm hoping to be fantabulous over the weekend. I've got a lot of stuff going on, maybe taking my mind off of feeling crappy will help me to have a good weekend and feel better too!

So, one success would be that I am feeling better than I did on Monday. That's gotta count for something, right?

Another success, I'm still in onederland. Nope, I haven't moved much at all, but it's still fun to think that I'm less than 200 lbs! Let's just hope that is what the doctor sees on Monday. Yep. I have my 6 month appointment with the surgeon on Monday. I don't know why, but I'm nervous. I guess there's a part of me that thinks I haven't lost enough or that I'm not doing everything in my power to get my weight down. It's been a struggle all of my life and even with having a bypass, it's a struggle. I look forward to the days when I don't value my worth or my achievements by the scale. Sure, 70 lbs is a big deal, but is it enough? See what I suffer through?

And finally, I have to mention this success: I found the mexi-melt and it's a great meal for me. I was super excited to realize that I didn't even get the afternoon hunger/munchies which I normally do. I didn't even eat again until 6pm when I had some rotisserie chicken from Costco (YUM)! So, that was a good sign. I'm going to keep that in mind next time too!

This weekend we are having a big family get together. I'm really excited about it. I'm a little nervous too because when we get together, we typically make our events eat-fests. I, personally, have taken the "fun" or desperate need for food out of my life, but I'm interested to see how I handle a whole weekend of nothing but eating. I'm planning to get some exercise in too (since there are plenty of places to walk/ride/play). This will prove to be the ultimate "pouch test". Can I handle it without making myself ill? We'll see.

I hope to have some great stories come Monday! :-)

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Mexi-meltalicious!

WOW! I've never experienced the Taco Bell "mexi-melt" before today. I must admit, that's a tasty little morsel! The other huge benefit of the mexi-melt is how much protein they pack in that little bite. there are 15 grams of protein! That's 6 more grams than my usual (the Crunchy Taco Supreme). I must admit, I was a little bit leery of trying this adventure because I don't really do well with flour/bread/tortillas. That's why the crunchy tacos work better for me, they are crunchy and don't typically swell up in the itsy bitsy pouch I've come to know and love. But, much to my surprise, I ate the whole thing. Sure, I'm pretty full right now, but it was a fun adventure that I wasn't expecting. I'm sure this will only be an occasional treat, but it was a fun find. Not to mention, Taco Bell is a common place for friends and family to go. So, now, I feel like I have choices and won't be quick to say, "Um, can we pick something else"?

So, besides Taco Bell brightening my day, the day has not been overly eventful. I have gotten a lot of work accomplished. I did get on my Wii Fit today and the BMI was down just slightly. I'm still over 30 (30.04 to be exact) but I'm working on it. I've not been exercising due to the illness that I have been plagued with, but I will get back on track soon. I feel the need to exercise. I feel like I've been so sluggish. I'm not near as proud of my accomplishments when I don't feel the energy or the pull of recently exercised muscles. I'll get back on and soon be singing the praise of sore muscles and back aches! YIPEE!

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Hump day!

Yep! It's the middle of the week. Honestly, I wouldn't have minded if it came a bit sooner. I'm ready for this week to be over! I've been battling a viral illness/infection (I know this because I went to the Doc for it today). There is nothing I can do at this point except for get a lot of sleep and over-the-counter medicate! YIPEE!!! Thank God for O-T-C medication!

So, today has been a pretty good day. I didn't get on the Wii Fit today because I was resting. I knew my appointment wasn't until 8 and that gave me almost an extra 1 1/2 hours to sleep in! Of course, it wasn't restful sleep because I was nervous about what the doc was going to say, but at least it was some sort of rest!

I, unfortunately, wasn't able to touch base with the friend that I was so excited about connecting with. Apparently I don't have her number anymore (or the one that I do have is no longer connected). It's sad, but hopefully we'll get to catch up soon.

On the other hand, I got a very unexpected phone call from a friend of mine that I haven't spoken to in over a year. It was nice to hear from him, but strange none the less. I always question the "out of the blue" phone calls. Don't get me wrong, I love them, but I always want to know what led them to call or reconnect. But, naturally, people aren't always up for sharing the truth behind it. It was good to talk to him. I hope to talk to him more in the near future. I even joked with my sister about the fact that maybe he got the "vibe" that I am in the dating game again and wanted to throw his hat into the ring? Probably not, but what a fun thought- right? Can't hurt my self esteem for thinking it!

I'm ready to start feeling better. I'm ready to stop feeling sick/under the weather. I'm ready to get my voice back and not feel like I have to explain myself or repeat everything I say. I will stay positive (and quiet, obviously) until it all gets better!

Are you doing any better??

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

It's weigh in day . . .

And unfortunately, I'm back to the "slow" process. I was down today - that should be exciting, right? But I was only down less than 1/2 of a pound. I'm not saying that I want that 1/2 of a pound back, but I sure would've liked for it to be more. It almost feels like I'm back to yo,yoing. Nobody likes that! I will be proud of my accomplishments and know that if I keep myself on track, I'll get to my goals!

I must admit, last week was a tough week. I didn't get my intentional exercise in. I didn't get to watch my protein or my choices all of the time and I've been fighting an illness. So, this week will be better, right? I'm back to the routine. Focus, Focus, Focus!

On a different (and more encouraging) note, I get to meet up with a friend of mine today. We met right before our surgeries and we had surgery the same day! We were keeping in touch really well at first, but then things get in the way and we don't get to catch up as much as we'd like. I'm super excited about seeing her. I'm sure she looks amazing!!! I haven't seen her in at least 30 lbs!!! It'll be fun to see the differences and to talk about the differences we each experience. I'm so excited to see her!!! Maybe she have some great tips and offer all sorts of encouragement!

I'm looking forward to a better (less busy) week. I desperately want to report some great success this week!

Monday, November 10, 2008

It's been crazy!

Yes, yes, that is my excuse this time. I can't believe I haven't had any time to keep my blog updated in the last week. It's been crazy! And I'm not just saying that! I had to prepare for my company's 10th Anniversary party, then a Safety BBQ, and then my first "eHarmony" date. It's been nuts!

I will say, the parties went swimmingly! They were both great. A lot of work, but it all paid off. I think everyone had a great time and I was glad to have a part in both of those events. The date, not so much. I find myself questioning if my standards are too high or if I have incorrect expectations in the whole "dating" way of life. I know exactly what I want (or I think I want) in my head, but is he really out there? Do I just keep going through the "frogs" until I find the right one? I may think I have found the "0ne" but will I ever really know? It's such a strange process that we have to go through. What happened to the days when you had so many friends that their friends would come around and you'd be interested? Or the days when you run into someone at a party/social event/gathering and the two of you hit it off like you've known each other forever. Do those chance meetings really happen? Am I just too much of a romantic? There's got to be some sort of an answer. Until then, I'll keep rummaging through the frogs in search of the prince (or something of that nature).

I got on the Wii Fit today and I couldn't believe that I hadn't had a meeting with that partner either in 5 days!!! Where has my world gone in the last week? Well, I'm happy to say, I'm back on. Wii Fit and I will be seeing a lot more of each other, especially considering that my 6 month appointment is in just a couple of weeks! OH MY! I've got goals, remember?

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

ONEDERLAND

It's official!!!! I'm in onederland and I love it! Sure, it doesn't seem real, it doesn't feel that much different (from 202 last week) but it's just that I don't have to say I weigh 200 lbs or over 200lbs. I'm UNDER 200 LBS!!!! Fantastic!!!!

I do think that the Wii Fit was trying to torture me for cheating yesterday. It didn't move at all! It was at 198.9 AGAIN! And, it even said, "you haven't lost any weight since your last visit" - so, does it really have to rub it in? I think not!

I got the official word yesterday that I have been promoted! I don't know what the exact title is yet, but I'm excited that everything is starting to change.

It also looks like I may have a date this weekend. Imagine that? Do you know how long it's been since I've been on a date? Just about 2 years! I'm taking this slow. We'll see how it all pans out.

It's a big busy week. I still need to get in my exercise and I still have to be eating right! I've got a lot to focus on, especially since I've made a goal!!!! I'm in ONEDERLAND BEFORE MY DR's APPOINTMENT!!!

Monday, November 3, 2008

I'm such a cheater!

So, I told everyone that I was going to be strong and not check my actually weight on the Wii Fit except for on Tuesdays (my official weigh in day). Well, I so wanted that to be true this morning. I did, I did. But when I saw that my BMI had dropped significantly, I just couldn't hold back. So, I did it! I checked. Do you know what it said? 198.9. WHAT? ARE YOU SERIOUS? There wasn't a 2 at the beginning? I didn't even know what to do. I didn't know what to think. There was a 1! Do you know what that means? I'm officially in ONEDERLAND!!!! YAHOO!!!!!!! I just had to share!

The weekend was good (you can tell by the pictures). Of course, I had several struggles over the weekend that have now been resolved, fortunately. But the cheating this morning did help! I also think the large amounts of walking helped a lot.

I got to see one of my beloved friends (former roommate) that I've been missing terribly. She is so amazing! She's so encouraging and always has great insight. Not to mention that she is one of those "skinny" people that don't stop moving (which means that when I'm with her, I don't either). So, we did a lot of walking, talking, hugging, and catching up. It was fabulous!!! And, it also made me realize how much more walking I need in my life. Even with the new found exercise regimes, elliptical trainers, Wii Fitting, I will be adding a whole lot more walking into my life!

So, all in all, things are going pretty well. I'm feeling good and I'm ready for a very, very busy week!!!