Journey 2 Fit {Day 54-57} Weigh-In #8 (I've skipped a few)

Three weeks at a stand still IS OVER!!  I think...I hope.  3 lbs down in the history books.  I am pretty sure the hike and the zumba had a lot to do with. 

Not to mention letting go of family baggage.

I am feeling so much more positive and free. 

Thank you for your support.  Looking forward to next week.

Journey 2 Fit {Day 50-53} Getting it back on track

Stand up.

Dust off.

Remember the goal.

Move towards it.

I am sick and tired of allowing things and people to get in my way.  I want this and I need this.  Screw everything else. 

For Christmas, I received two things I need and wanted.  New running shoes and Zumba.  Yesterday I used both and I'm all the better for it.  They reminded me that I have work to do and I don't have time to fool around with foolish things and people. 

Zumba was great fun and my whole family got up and did it with me.  It is a workout and I am looking forward to the challenge.

This is my choice and now I must be accountable for it.

Let me know if you want to come over and join me in a workout on the Wii with me.  I would appreciate the company.

Journey 2 Fit {Day 45-49} Wanted "Over Easy" but got "Scrambled" Instead!

Going back was not REALLY in my best interest.  It was more of a blow and I am currently struggling to get back in sync with everything.

Virginia Beach, although beautiful, is not a good place for me.  Let me rephrase that, VB the place, was not bad, but what I had to deal with, left me with no desire to return. The time {3 days} I spent there did a number on me.  I saw everything that I left back east and now I understand why I did and why it is good that that "stuff" remains there.

I saw suffering, struggling, anger, bitterness, hatred, dishonesty, envy, sadness, immodesty, lewdness, poverty of spirit and the list seems endless.  But I also saw, charity and hope.  Which struggled to survive in such an environment.

As I was a spectator in all of this, the only thing that kept creeping into my heart and mind, was "Choice and Accountability."

"Choice & Accountability"

I have always felt pretty strong about those two words, Choice & Accountability and I have had the blessed opportunity of seeing what my accountability to my choices afforded me. 

I have chosen NOT to drink alcohol.  That choice has given me a clear mind, to make decisions that I have been held accountable for.  Seeing how drink has destroyed the lives of many of my family has steered me away from it TOTALLY.

I have chosen NOT to smoke.  Which has allowed me to benefit with relatively good health.

I have chosen to fill my mind with education & art and gain beneficial knowledge about a lot of things.  Which has allowed me to able to understand & communicate with many different people around me and to teach my children.

I have chosen to be kind and open to differences, which has allowed me to have genuine friendships and good relationships. 

All of this and several other choices, I know have been nothing but blessings in my life.

So to go to Virginia to see my dad for the last time and say goodbye, we thought would be good for me and him... it was anything but.

I left with him screaming at me, because I had had it with him speaking to his wife in such an abusive manner and only to return home to my husband having been cursed out by my intoxicated sister.

This "Goodbye" was all supposed to have been done over easy, but it all ended up scrambled. {I hate eggs, because my father's abuse toward me and my sister with eggs}

It saddens me this holiday a bit, but I have a good life, with those who love me, all around me.  I wish the best for them back east, but I can never go there again. 

This is all I have been thinking about and the thoughts have gotten in the way of me moving forward.  Taking care of myself was moved to the back burner again. 

But that was the old me I can't let that "stuff" get in my way again. 

Journey 2 Fit {Day 38-44) What the Heck Happened!?!?!

I don't even know!!!  But I just got back from Virginia and I will say it was miserable!!!  I tried to do exercises in the hotel, but it was not adequetly outfitted with what I needed.  On top of that I did NOT eat right AT ALL!!! 

Monday is tomorrow and it looks like I have a mile to do for kimsueellen and 1 for me tomorow and get my smoothies back on track....get the system all cleaned out.

I am not going to weigh in until next Sunday to get everything back in order.  I think I will be doing some doubles this week too...anyone what to join me in some "Just Dance 2" before the holidays?

Journey 2 Fit {Days 35-37} Weigh In #5

I was a bit leery to get on the scale this morning.  But I had lost 1/2 a lbs. 

Lately, my mind has been spinning with all of the doubt from last week.  But what I think I have learned is that when a woman is getting close to that time of month, our bodies are experiencing something.

I know for me, my cravings go through the roof and I begin to feel sluggish and seem to drag.  It is truly a hard time for me.  I know I tend to hold on to fluid that seems to never leave for about a week.

Workouts are harder and I don't feel the motivation like I usually do, with that said, I SUCKED at last weeks workouts.  I did them have hearted and I know the 1/2 lbs. loss result is due to that, but a new week is coming!!  And new challenges.

Next week I am going to visit my dad in Virginia and I am hoping that I will have time to CTR (Choose the Right) meals and find the time to get in my exercises.  This should be fun never the less.  I am hoping to get at least one run in on the beach.  I HOPE!!!!

I am still pressing forward.

Journey 2 Fit {Day 33-34} A Fine Line...I can NEVER across again.

In worrying about my weight, I have thought a lot about how some people have achieved their weight loss.  Some have worked there butts off.  Others needed the assistance of a doctor and have taken the drastic WLS(weight loss surgery) way.  There are people who have reduce calorie intake to 500 calories while taking HCG products.  And the most scary way, in my opinion has been through a eating disorder.

My mom has in the past teased me about bulimia.  And today is the first time I will publicly admit that I did practice bulimia. 

I've come to understand that bulimia is not a food thing, at least not for me.  It was and still is a mind thing.  A self-esteem thing.  Something, I did to try to be like those around me, who were all thin and beautiful.  And some of those people are still thin and beautiful, even after kids.  My mother would often say, "Black women are built differently, I don't know why we (black women) tend to get 'big' after we have babies... 

My husband says, "I'm a man who likes meat of my bone."  I know he says that out of trying to make me feel better, but it often hurts.  Only because I think he's settling for something less than...and we have often told our children  that settling is not an option.

With all of that said, I will say that on this journey I have thought often about bulimia.  Especially in my alone times.  I have begun to come up with justifications as to why I should, but I come back to that day is high school, when I fainted and was taken to the hospital and was kept for over a week for observation.  Then I tricked the doctor's to thinking that I was just overly stressed with school, but it was because I had been purging for 3 days straight and it had finally caught up with me.

So I have come to that very fine line again.  Trying to figure out if I am going to be doing this the healthy way and putting in the time or going back to my old destructive ways...and I choose the hard road. 

I think I am at a turning point.  I now realize that my weight issue is more of a mental change in myself than it is physical.  I honestly believe that as I strengthen mentally the physical will follow.

I hope you continue to support me.  Thanks.

Journey 2 Fit {Day 32} That was WORK!!!

FOR ALL THE STARS IN THE SKY!!!!!  Yesterday's workout almost killed me!!!!  I have been so focused and worried about a stinkin' PLATEAU, I had no idea what was ahead.

I could only get through 1 Exercise. Before I knew it, I had to do them again to complete the rest.  Today is that day!!!!  I have to finish yesterday's exercises and still do 30 min. of running/walking. 

Today, I got on the scale and the number increased by one.  THAT PISSED ME OFF!!!!  But not to point of quitting...to the point of having a stronger resolve!!!!!!  Oh I have learned that I will not be looking at the scale daily...my son was doing that and I had to put an end to that...so what is good for the gander is good for the goose...NO MORE sneaking a peek at the scale until WEIGH-IN Saturday.

I am a WINNER!!!

...and working for a valiant goal never really hurt anyone.

My Goal:  A healthier me for ME & my family.

Journey 2 Fit {Day 30-31} Fear is NOT an excuse to quit

This morning I slacked and didn't get up to workout.  Not because I was tired or it was cold, but doubt has begun to flood my mind.  It is Day 31 of my journey and I feel stronger and healthier, but I am a visual creature, I WANT and NEED to see concrete numbers.

So just a little bit ago I went to check in on fit2fat2fit to see what exercises I will be doing this week as this new month brings new challenges....and I got scared.

First thoughts,  Oh NOOOO, I can't do this!  Then I kept reading Drew's post and in all caps he said, FEAR IS NOT AN EXCUSE TO QUIT. 

Can you believe, I actually placed my head in my hands and cried.  I was going to quit.  It was like Drew was calling me on my crap. 

I can't quit.  This is just the beginning of the change.  This opportunity is a blessing.  I have the benefit of a personal trainer, dietitian and coach ALL FOR FREE.  And I was going to throw it away because of  FEAR and a CHALLENGE.

What the hell was I thinking!?!  I just have to keep digging.  Even when I am tired and it is frustating...KEEP DIGGING!!!!

Journey 2 Fit {Day 28-29} Struggle of the Plateau

I am pretty sure EVERYONE has experienced the down in the dumps of not seeing the number on the scale reflecting the work you FEEL you have put into a new SMALLER number.

I feel that way right now.  Hubbs said about a week or so ago, "Honey, I think you are going to hit your plateau soon, if not now."  I couldn't help but scowl at him and snap, "Don't you dare say that to me!" 

Sadly, I think I have hit it.  The scale has not moved in three weeks now and I am feeling sad.  I am trying to be positive, but for me three weeks is like the Fat Monster laughing & saying, "I've got you now, SUCKA!!!" 

I almost feel like giving up.  Although, I know I can't. 

The number may not be budging right now, but I feel the difference in my clothing and the notices I have from people.  It even feels REALLY nice to run.  It does hurt like it has in the past.  So does the number really matter?

Not all numbers carry the same weight. 

How long does a plateau last?  I am excited that next week fit2fat2fit is going be adding new exercises, but I wonder if I have shot myself in the foot, by walking and NOW running so much. 

Starting to doubt my ability to win in this battle.

Journey 2 Fit {Day 26-27} Loving What I am Seeing

Getting ready to hit the 4 week mark on doing fit2fat2fit and I am finding that I am looking in the mirror more.  I don't like mirrors.  As a matter of fact there is not a full length mirror anywhere in my house.

I have not had one for several years.  But now I go into my son's room and look at myself in his mirror which is a little bigger than the medicine cabinet, which I sometime avoid.  Things are tightening up.

With that said, I was teetering there the last couple of days.  I was really craving a greasy burger, but I thought, I've come this far, why screw it up now.

As a matter of fact, I just got off the phone with my mother.  She was saying how she wishes she would have finished a lot of things in her life.  How things she has wanted to accomplish, escaped her because she never finished. 

I don't want to ever say that.  Although, I have said it before.  This is one of the reason why I am pushing along.  Why I can't give up and leave things undone.

So I will push for that extra step.  I will push to holdfast passed the temptation.  Thanks for being there, folks...I feel your cheers.  I know you are pulling for me.

Journey 2 Fit {Day 25} Just Thinking...

...about how I got to this position in my life.  It took a long time actually to get here...and TODAY it slapped me in the face, that it is going to take a long time to fix it.

I didn't just get fat all of a sudden.  I had to take care of "the fat."  I had to nurture it.  I had to feed it.  I had to give it what it wanted to grow.

Now that I know that I have not been nurturing my "healthy self," I have to really let "the fat" step aside.  The "healthy me," wants it's time in the sun.  NOW I will nurture it!  NOW I will feed it.  NOW I will give it what it needs to grow and be strong.

I don't want anyone to get the idea that I think fat is bad.  Fat is not bad, it can be abused though.  I have used it in that way, abusing myself with over indulgences.  I have allowed it to get out of hand and rob me and my family of a lot. 

I deserve BETTER...SO do you.

So get moving!  With me or not!  Eat aware! No matter what it is you are eating, be it a spinach smoothie or a triple-decker burger...KNOW WHAT YOU ARE PUTTING INTO YOUR BODY!!!

Thank you so much for your words of support.  It's working for me!!!  I hope I am being as helpful as you.

Journey 2 Fit {Day 23-24} Changes Noticed

Yesterday was a rest day and I took full advantage of it, knowing that this was going to be my week of harder work and even greater dedication.  So today I did all of my "scheduled" workouts and 3 miles. 

I'm Lovin' this feeling"

Today, my little one noticed something I hadn't really paid any attention to.  My Pants.

My PJ bottoms seem to be A LOT looser and very baggie. That got me thinking about, what am I going to do with all of this extra clothing? 

Being that I have been overweight for so so long and I have not been really into shopping for myself, I have not bought a lot of cute stuff for me.  I just didn't/don't have a eye for fashion at my current size, but things are changing.  With my clothing not fitting and I am starting to look droopy, I need some up-to-date stylish outfits.

Where is your favorite place to shop?

So changes are being noticed and that is the best feeling when others see your hard work and you don't have to even say a word.

Journey 2 Fit {Day 22} Weigh In #3

This week was a challenge and I was expecting to gain at least 3lbs. back of what I lost since last weigh in.

But to my surprise I gain CONFIDENCE and stayed right where I was last week.  HOOOOORAH!!!!!

That was scary!  I wasn't sure if I could handle Thanksgiving and all of the holidays.  Everything was so good.  It helped that I did the 5k, I am 100% sure of that.  So I am pretty sure that there will be another one that I will have to sign up for before Christmas.  Hopefully the boys will get up and go to this one.

So next week the game plan is to truly stick to the meal plan for the week and work a little harder with the exercises.

Thanks for checking in on me. 

By the way, I am trying to find non-traditional exercises you can do on a treadmill...Do you know of any?

Journey 2 Fit {Day 21} Habit or ????

I hear it takes 21 days to make or break a habit.  Is that true?

21 day!!!  That's all!!! 

So in the past 21 days I have:

• Exercised~ I physically moved my body in some way be it stretching or cardio, I've exercised.
• Food for thought~ I conscientiously thought about every bit of food I consumed.  Trying to make the better choice.
• Kind words~ I have thought and said kind words to myself about my journey, hopefully giving myself encouragement to be better.

I think I still need a few more days to make all of this concrete, but I think I might be on the right path.

What habits have you created or let go of in 21 days, be it health or otherwise?

Journey 2 Fit {Day 20} Happy Thanksgiving & 5K

• 4:30 am wake up
• 5:00 am get out the gear for the race
• 5:30 am drink my protein drink
• 5:45 am start picking up all of the other 5k-ers

This was so exciting.  The last time I did a race was the "Love your body" race and it was AWESOME.  This race I really wanted to just enjoy it and take in everything that was happening around me.  I was go glad that I did this one with a group. 

As I do every race, I always vow to make a new friend.  This year I met Gary Bohn.  He usually runs the 10k but had surgery two weeks ago and decided to walk even probably against doctor's orders.  He is a wonderful man from what I learned.  He wasn't sure if he would make it the full 3.1 miles but as we all talked we realized that we had made it by the end.  It was wonderful.  I am so grateful for him and JaNean.

This was a first time 5k for a lot of people in my group (Matt & Melissa Harris, JaNean Frandsen, Jessica & her husband and me) and they did awesome.  They got bit by the bug and already want to do another.  Matt wants us to put one together, call it "Run the West" (after all we are in "West" Valley).  Definitely something to think about.

I hope this Thanksgiving we can all just be grateful that we have each other and that we all are healthy.  I am grateful to all of you who visit my little blog and support me. 

Happy Thanksgiving and hopefully I'll get to see you at the next race.

Journey 2 Fit {Day 19} Falling and Getting Back Up...HELP

This week so far I have not felt like the lbs. have been moving as quickly, but 5 lbs. is one week is a lot, right? And that pace REALLY could not have continued, right? 

I couldn't wait until Saturday, so I stepped on the scale an I have gained 1 lbs. of the 5 I lost back...and I know exactly how I got it back.

Yesterday, I made a dessert for my Spanish class and my intention was to "just" share with them not partake.  I partook and then last night, my little one decided it was opposite night for dinner and so dessert was on the menu.  I made peach cobbler for "dinner." 

As a matter of fact, it's 10 til 6am and I hear my hubby warming some up in the kitchen right now!!  I will hold my ground and not eat any...not because I am trying to "deprive" myself, more like, Thanksgiving is tomorrow and I want to be able to enjoy it and "not deprive" myself.  Deprivation doesn't work anyway.

So I have fallen and I am getting back up.  Does anyone out there have any words of encouragement?...I need some right now. 

COMMENT BELOW PLEASE!!

Journey 2 Fit {Day 18} Gratitude for the Support

Everyday I look to see if more people have "joined this site" to check to see how many miles I will need to do.  As I look at all those wonderful people's names and even one anonymous, it makes me get a little quiver in the lip.

Support in anything is key to much of the success.  I am so full of GRATITUDE for all of you who believe in me and support me.  I hope that what I am accomplishing here is an inspiration to all of you. 

I will support you also in your efforts.  Every single mile I  walk/run, I actually think of those people, there to the right.  For me they are saying, "Nakia, I believe in you."  I know that sounds corny but that thought keeps me taking each step.  I am especially GRATEFUL when those voices come to my mind when I really want to stop.  It helps me to keep pushing!!

Thank you!

I would love to walk more miles to say "Thanks."  So I ask you to please tell your friends and family what I am trying to accomplish here and "join this site."

Journey 2 Fit {Day 17} Positive Progression

They say the hardest part of any thing is getting started.

I AGREE!!!

It is day 17 of my journey and I reflect on the the 1st day.  For some it may not be a big deal, but for us who have struggled this is a HUGE deal.

I got up PUMPED to start, but the first time I did the plank I wanted to cry.  I think I did  a little.  Now I can hold the CORRECT position for nearly a minute without struggle.  At first I shook like a leaf in a windstorm, but I feel stronger now.  I don't shake as much.

It was a little thing.

A little thing that was added upon other little things and here I am able to do it.  I am so PROUD that I have stuck to this passed Day 15. 

Today as I walk on the treadmill, I thought to myself that this is so what I need, so what everyone needs, time to see the positive progression of the things.  This is going to make getting up at 4:45 am to workout a lot easier for me....I hope it works for hubbs too.

What positive progression have you seen in your life?

Journey 2 Fit {Day 16} SAD Rest Day

It's a rest day!!!  YEA!!  But I will probably do some walking on the treadmill anyway...I just gotta be ready for the 5k on Thanksgiving.  In my last post, I said I would write a little about SAD.

I was going to put it in it's on post but thought today was just as good as any so here ya go.

When I first heard the word SAD as it relates to diet, I perked up to hear the rest.  I like everyone else love a great burger and don't get me started on my addiction on a certain "golden" french fry.  I actually would go to the restaurant, buy a large fry, several days in a row and hide in my car in a church parking lot,under a cloak of darkness, where no one would see me and eat them all, so I wouldn't have to share them with my kids!!!  I am not really sure if eat is the right word...it was something else.  I only would curb my visits down when the husband would notice that I was frequenting a certain "burger place" from the bank statements.


Now that's SAD!!!!


Over the years I have been faithful in my dedication to the S.A.D.  I have even subjected my family to it. 


So I have been doing my own research as to what S.A.D {Standard American Diet} is and what I have found has given me pause to think about what I am doing to my body and the bodies of my husband and children. 

The results of my faithfulness can be found HERE and HERE.

We spend a great deal of time talking about the obesity problem in this country and many diseases that are caused by it and some of the things we do contribute to it like eating:

•High in animal fats
•High in unhealthy fats: saturated, hydrogenated
•Low in fiber
•High in processed foods
•Low in complex carbohydrates
•Low in plant-based foods
(I found this information HERE)

Many of us are subject to this stuff, in the things we buy at the store, because these are usually the least expensive items we can find and in this economy you have to get what you can afford.  Some of us don't read labels.  I was that person.   Some of us are confused by the catch terms used on labels like, "light", "fat-free", and the infamous "reduced".  I was that person too.  But I had to learn and still am learning about food.

The one thing that I do know is that processed foods are not good for you.  I KNOW THAT!! With that little nugget of info I have really started cooking from scratch.  Learning how things are made and how I can make them better...this is not what is the norm.

But I am sure that there are ways we all an improve on the norm.  I have been trying to limit the animal fats in my families diet, making things from scratch because I know what I put into it, I have added more veggies to our meals and cut the amount of sugar and salt in those dishes. 

I am doing all I can and all I know.  And I will every once in a while enjoy a juicy burger, or some pretty delish fried orange chicken. 

It all boils down to MODERATION.



Journey 2 Fit {Day 15} Weigh In #2~ROCKIN' RESULTS!!

UNBELIEVABLE!!!!  UNBELIEVABLE!!!  Today the scale told me I lost 5.5lbs!!!

• I'm not hungry
• The exercises do not hurt!!!
• I'm not bored

All key to my success thus far.  Heck I had pizza last night (homemade of course) but, I had pizza!!  Which I thought would blow anything I had done the  week prior.  This only goes to show that if I am "good" the rest of the week I can splurge on the weekends.  Not go crazy but, enjoy a little of SAD (Standard American Diet).  A post on that is coming.

This is motivating!!!  Join me I would love to have a few people doing it with me.

My only question at this point is... Should I post pics?

{ If you haven't already, PLEASE support me by clicking on the Join this site link to the right there and I will walk/run a mile to say thank for your support.  YOU ROCK!!!!! }

Journey 2 Fit {Days 12-14} I'm doing it and it's working!!

Missed DAYS!!!!  How did that happen. 

Anyway all is GREAT.  I am feeling so good.  Last night I went to Zumba with a gal pal and it was so much fun, especially doing it with someone you know.  My toe didn't like it so much but my hips sure did!!!  I see how people get hooked on it.

Fit2fat2fit is so much fun and I am seeing a lot of success.

I am getting excited to step on the scale tomorrow!!

I think I need to post pics of my weekly progress...What do you think? {It's only week 2 and I see changes!!!}

To help me be more physically active, I signed up to be on a team for a 5K.  Wondering if I should wear my Getting {figure}d Out T-shirt?

I feel so positive today!!

Man of Wonder and Will

Never thought that this would be the place that I would record something about my husband other than his help in getting{figure}d out with me on my health goals, but alas, I write about him.

A lot of people have trouble speaking in front of groups.  I am not one of those people.  However, you take away my native tongue, throw in a curveball of a sick child ten minutes before depature, computer network shutdown as you stand to give your presentation....

...and you have a nervous breakdown in the making.

But today I was saved.

I go blank staring at my note cards and then I look up to see him. 

My man of Wonder.

A smile as bright as the sun, holding our sick son in the back row of the classroom.  I can feel his belief in me and I see no one, but him. 

Willing me through.

I could not even say my own name, but looked up again and saw him mouthed, "Babe, you got this."

My voice cracked with each utterance, but I saw only him and I regained composure.  The presenation went on and I nailed it.

I have been blessed with a great Man of Wonder and Will.  His support and dedication to helping me reach my goals and dreams is beyond my imagination. 

But that  is and has always been the man he is.  

Journey 2 Fit {Day 11) ~The Cook is off Duty Tonight!!

Missed a post day, but I think all is well in Denmark.  The last couple of days have been pretty good with minor slip ups.  Last night I noticed that I wasn't cavernous for carbs.  Dave cooked dinner and as always he heads straight to the spaghetti whenever, I am off duty in the kitchen. 

Being the supportive wife that I am, I told him good job and took a couple of bites and I was done.  I did eat the steamed cauliflower and broccoli though. 

I think I need to have a cooking intervention with him.  He admits that he is completely lost in the kitchen when he has to cook something...even when it is fully stocked with all kinds of good eats.  I guess that is one part of the change that I will have to bring about.

What does your husband make when put on the spot?  What is the one thing you'd like to teach him to make?

{If this is your first time here or haven't yet...follow me (over there on the right------->) and I will walk/run a mile to say thank you for your support}

Journey 2 Fit {Day 9} Weigh-In

This is the day that I have been working for, right?  The day to see if the work I have put in gives me the results I've been looking for, right? 

This week I have lost 2.5lbs!!!  That is motivation enough to keep me believing in this journey.  I know that there will come a day when the number will either not move or even possibly go up, but today, this number says, "Nakia, girl, you can do this!!!!"

Yesterday, was my rest day, so I have to make up for that by working out today.  I think I will do all of the stretching and core strength exercises that are assigned for today on fit2fat2fit. I will also spend a little time getting my groove on with the Wii and do some Just Dance with the boys.

I feel so good!!!

Journey 2 Fit {Day 8}

Didn't get anything done today.  Spent most of it working!!!  Tomorrow's my weigh-in and I am very nervous because I have eaten like crap last night and earlier today.  I've exercised everyday, so maybe that will help me.

G{f}O Inspiration

There is a great paradox in life. What we SEEK is not around us but IN us! This world of contrast around us exists to EVOKE from us the pure essense of WHO we ARE, WHAT we ARE, and WHY we ARE!! Our infinite unfolding toward, and manifesting of, this truth is our Divine calling! Seek it today, express it now!

Today IS the day!! Today IS what it IS! It IS what it IS, and it's OK!! It has to be OK, becuase it's all you have!! And the truth is... You CAN get THERE from HERE. You CAN get ANYWHERE from HERE!! But you must start HERE, in your NOW, where it IS what it IS and it's OK.  NOW is your moment, THIS NOW is where your power IS, NOW is where the magic happens!!

NOW is THE moment! And NOW will always be the only MOMENT! The only MOMENT that is real, the only MOMENT that counts! People, things, and circumstances will come and go, but YOU, YOUR moment, YOUR passion, YOUR chance is just that, YOURS! No one can take it, YOU'RE the one who will make it! The moment is NOW, it's IN YOU, it IS YOU, take it, it's YOURS!! Are you trying to change something? It's really an effort in becoming!

Consider these lines of thought and action... "if I looked like I wanted, how would that feel?", and pursue that feeling and all the action and resources that align with it, from the smallest inkling you can generate NOW, to the fullest experience of it at completion. "What would I be doing?" Do it NOW even in limited ways, ev...en in your mind, read about it, move in the direction of it until life unfolds and you emerge to experience it as you want it. "How would I be acting?" Act like it NOW to the extent that you can, becuase it's IN you, it IS you, until you've become the fullest expression that you desire.

Just know this, there IS NO I'll feel this way WHEN!! I'll feel happy WHEN, I'll feel strong WHEN, I'll feel hopeful WHEN!! If you don't begin reaching for the feeling, even inklings of it, in your NOW, then you won't! And you won't get there. But you CAN get there from here if you seek, find, and nourish those seeds of possibility that ARE there if you will but look for them. The seeds that once grown connect here to there. It's here, it's in you NOW, it IS YOU!!! Again, take it, it's yours!!~ J.J.M


Thoughts? Comment below. Thanks. I can actually pass them along to the author!

Journey 2 Fit {Day 7}

Last night Drew posted the grocery list!!!  I love how everything is something I already eat or like.  Also, the bonus is that I can cook the same stuff for my family.  That is one major obstacle when making a lifestyle change is getting everyone else on board.

I've been up since 4:30 and have been working, but all the while all I can think about is doing a plank or a sumo squat. 

I guess it is starting to get into my system.  2 Days until I get on the scale!!!  Nervous and excited!

Journey 2 Fit {Day 6}

Today was not as hard as I thought it was going to be.  David got up with me again.  Yea!  Does anyone else think the plank is the most torturous exercise in the world!!!??!!!  It is so hard, but I keep doing it because I feel tightening in my belly.  I love it and I hate it {...the exercise that is}.  The side planks are just as arduous. 

I am planning on participating in a 5k walk/run this Thanksgiving.  Anyone in?  Leave me a comment so I can contact you and we can plan...maybe have a team.  The race I am thinking about is the Utah Human Race.  If I get a group together, I would need a least 4 other people besides myself and I need to know by the 18th. of November.

Do you want to join me as Team GFO? 

Journey 2 Fit {Day 5}

The novelty of the experience is starting to wain.  This is the true test of commitment.  But I am up and getting ready to do my exercises.  I will say that I already feel a tightening in my belly area and I don't feel so hungry.  I think...I hope that I am adjusting to the portions I am supposed to eat.  I haven't visited the scale yet, but so want to, but I am going to wait until Sunday.

Here's a little nugget:  For a boost of protein...add a TBS of peanut butter to your spinach smoothie...AMAZING!!!  I'll write up my recipe later today if you want to try it. 

When you try it I would love to read your comments on how you liked it.

Journey 2 Fit (Day 4}

So today is day 4 and yesterday was not as difficult as I had planned it to be.  I was hungry a couple of times, but I figure that was the growling I have always answered to and over did things.  Yesterday, I listened to it and then drank water and that calmed it a bit until I was able to get home and eat something more healthy.

Pretty sure it will happen again to day, but I am prepared to let it be.  Do you think with time it will be less aggressive or am I in for a hurtin'? 

The exercises were KILLER.  I still feel them today.  Hubby, got up on his birthday and did them with me...not sure if he's going to make it a repeat performance...he's in bed right now begging me not make it get out of bed and be "tortured" again...He's getting up!!!  We are in this together.

What are your thoughts so far folks?

Journey 2 fit {Day1}

Hardest day ever!!!!  The first day is always the hardest, right?...It can only get better, right?  I started off great, but then the Halloween chocolate bucket beckoned me and I did eat...A LOT!!  So, here I am 5:40 in the morning of {Day 3}  So hoping it will be better...yes I skipped a day so that I can be on track with everyone else...CAUGHT UP ON THE JOURNEY!! 

See you tomorrow to let you know, if this day was any better and how I feel about it.

Journey 2 Fit

I know it has been a while since my last post.  Doesn't  mean that I have been nothing during that time.  I've gone on some walks with the hubbs, spent a day in my teenager's dance club.  Yes, he's in dance club.  They are putting together a samba routine they are preparing to perform in about a month and a half, and the last thing I have been doing is searching for the best way for me.

Well, I've heard about this guy named Drew on 97.1 ZHT a little while back and he is a personal trainer who "was" super fit and decided that in order to understand his clients struggle to lose weight he needed to do it from their perspective.  

So over the past 6 months Drew has gained something between 70-80lbs.  Unbelievable!!  I never thought one could gain so much in such little time, but I guess it can be done.  Ironically, that is roughly the same amount of weight I have gained in the last 16 years.  

Anyway...Drew has just started the back to fit phase of his journey and hubby and I are going on it with him.  You can follow our part of the journey here, but you can do it with us and get the details from Drew's site, www.fit2fat2fit.com. 

It is super informative and I really like the fact that he breaks is down for men and women.  So excited, mainly because hubby is going to get up in the mornings and do this with me.  Definitely need a buddy.  

So leave me a comment if you think you will join the journey, or just follow us or need someone to be accountable to...I will be accountable to you too.  I need someone to call me on my crap in the area of my life. 

Literature

A few weeks ago, I noticed a teacher friend of mine had lost what I think is a lot of weight, but really it is probably things just firming up and toned.  She looks HOT!!  But anyway...

I asked her how {of course, I had to ask.  Don't we all?}.  And she told me from a book called Run Your Butt Off by Sarah Lorge Butler with Leslie Bonci and Budd Coates.

I like running.

So I asked if I could borrow it. 

So far in my reading it all makes sense and nothing is out-landish.

I am thinking of starting a book club with this book and want to know if you want to read it with me and put it into practice. 

Make a comment below.  If I get enough people I will see if I can get a bunch on the books from the library or I am sure you can get a copy from Amazon or some other bookstore..

Who's in????  And if you don't live near by, join in the reading and I will setup a chat for us to all talk about our thoughts and feelings.

Going Public

I just went public.  I have/am truly letting it all "hang" out.  I {figure} if I want to have/get help I will need to just put it out there.  So here I am billions of people asking for your help.

For every person I who follows me (publicly, I have to see you to know you are following) I will walk a mile in your name {eventually run}.  This is to help me and to thank you for your support.  

I will get healthy{ier}.

If you want to join me, DO!!!  Can't do any of this alone anyway.

Obession

I think I am obsessing about weight. 

I can't get it off my mind.  I see all of these pictures of supposedly healthy people at sizes 0-4 and all I think about is sizes 0-4.  I know in my head I will NEVER be a 0-4. 

All I really want to be is HEALTHY.  Play with my kids and be sexy at any size to my lover.

I am trying to figure out how to be that.  But I don't want to be obsessive about....that's not working for me.  Thoughts?

It's Starting to Spread!!

I have been thinking about my weight a lot these days.  But what I have noticed is that my sweet husband is gaining weight.  Not really sure if it is due to age...my cooking...his lack of physical activity...etc...

But the one think I do know is that I can't let him end up like me.  I feel so much like a whale and I am trying so may avenues to get better. 

The most important thing to me is that we are here for our boys and each other.  They say that the mom is the the #1 key to the health of the family.  I have to agree.  I am not as active as I should or want to be.  And I can give a ton of excuses, but the fact is, I have to be better and do better for my family.

This year I have not trained or ran a 5k.  And I must say that is one of the one things I really liked doing. 

It is suppose to be really helpful if you do it with someone else.  I think I am going to sign my husband and me up for one.  He may not like it, but here is my effort to help us both and I think I will make a meal calendar for the family.

Not Feeling Like the Person I AM on the Inside

So for past few weeks I have been trying to figure out this strange feeling I have been having...no I am not pregnant, although I feel like I am the size of a lady having triplets.

But I digress...anyway...

I feel like I may have the disorder they talk about on all the various doctor shows about people (anorexics usually) seeing themselves as grossly huge when they are way to skin and bones, but I see the opposite.  I know I am obese, but I don't see myself in the mirror as being that heavy. 

The only time I have said, WOW girl, you are big is when I see myself in pictures.  My face seems huge in the photograph, but what I see in the mirror is NOT big at all. 

Recently, I just noticed that I am getting the dreaded double chin.  <<<PRIMAL SCREAM>>>

Today I was walking from the bank and I noticed how my body felt as I was going back to my car...

I felt the feminine sway of my hips, yet I knew that it didn't look right.

I don't like this feeling of my sexy, sensual self suffocating under layers of fat.

10 Lessons from the Wingback

Lesson #1:

• Life will soil you.  But that doesn't mean that you can't be cleaned up.

Lesson #2:

• As long as you have "strong bones" ~character~ there is still much for you to do and support.

Lesson #3:

• What counts is, what's happening on the inside.  When I was tearing down the outside of the chair my whole goal was to see what was going on underneath.  It was messy getting there.  Some staples were strong and didn't want to let loose, but patience and not giving up won out.  So when I saw what was underneath was not "bad," it really made me think the same about myself both physically and spiritually.  Yes, there is work to do, but it is very doable

Lesson #4:

•  Slight changes can make a huge differences, so although I thought that I knew what I was doing, I found that I was unpicking seams and redoing things.  All because I was not following the "pattern" ~the guide~.  We have guides all around us to help with our health, our emotions, our finances, our relationships, our spiritual well being, etc.  Are we listening to them?  This does not mean we have to follow them, just hear them out and take what we can use and apply.  We don't always have the right answers...at least I know I don't.

Lesson #5:

• Getting to the "root" of things requires WORK!  I saw and felt that, as sweat formed on my brow with the hours I put into getting beyond the surface.

Lesson #6:

• Everyone needs a break, a timeout, a respite.  This is does not mean you can just forget what needs to be done next, but take a breather and sit with/appreciate your accomplishments thus far.

Lesson #7:

• Get back to it.  NEVER LEAVE ANYTHING UNDONE!  In the words of my father, "Don't do a half-assed job!" 

Lesson #8:

• Putting it all back together takes as much patience and work as ripping it up.  Family discord, broken friendships, marital strain, all take time to rebuild and make better, but it can be done and be made even more beautiful than it was originally (I've done it and because I am not perfect still doing it).  NOT THE SAME, BUT SO MUCH BETTER.

Lesson #9:

• "It" doesn't have to be fancy or expensive.  "It" can be old.  "It" can be dirty. "It" can have it's problems.  yet, "It" STILL HAS VALUE!!

Lesson #10:

• Share your talents.

I know many of you only know me a little, but I sincerely thought of you and others as I went through this process of "rebuilding" this chair.  I know we all have had things in our life that has soiled us, or we've done some things we are less than proud of.  We've hurt others, ourselves, etc. etc., but we can be better and many of us are.  Congratulations!!!  I know all of you are a good people, I've seen it in the past or I am getting to see it now in many of you.  I know you have worked hard to be where you are by making decisions that have affected you, spiritually, physically, emotionally, financially etc. 

I know I still have much to learn and hopefully share.

In the end, you all have value to me. Thanks so much for being my friend.

{figure}ing out How to Reupholster a Wingback Chair Part II

This post has been moved to:

Lemonade and Porch Swings

my craft blog.

{figure}ing out How to Reupholster a Wingback Chair Part I

I have only really "reupholstered" one chair in my life and I have done it a couple of times, and I really wouldn't call it reupholstered...more like just put a cover on it, so when I was with my girlfriends doing our annual Parade of Homes thing this year {2011} I said out loud, "We should reupholster some chairs!" 

And I was excited...now here I am looking at this chair thinking what have I gotten myself into. I hear the task is a real workout...if nothing else good come of this adventure....at least I'll be burning some calories and getting good workout trying, right?

I found this beauty at Desert Industries {the DI, it's "the" major thrift store here in Utah...like a Goodwill, but better in my opinion} for $15.00.

There are tools for every trade and this is no different.  For this I used: 

 

• very thin flat nosed screw driver
• needle nose pliers
• a little hammer (or any size really)
• a bowl (a magnetic bowl was what I used and I high recommend it)
• a marker to label the pieces as you remove them (very helpful in remembering the order and position each piece needs to go back on as.
• TIME & PATIENCE

That last item is super essential, if you don't have the patience, I wouldn't venture into this.  The $300 or so you could spend buying a chair off the floor of some furniture store is well worth it if you don't have time or patience for this, although this method is much less expensive 

This does take a lot of time and I think if you really want to do it, it is worth it.

Now I will take you on to Part I of reupholstering this chair, step-by-step.

Step 1:  Remove the bottom mesh and make sure you label it #1 (the labeling will help you put in all back together, which I will show in in Part III, but I am doing this as I make this post so thanks for the patience).

Step 2:  Next remove the fabric from the back of the chair.  Stick a flat head screw driver between the seams and pull towards you.  There will be a TON of staples (this is where the magnetic bowl comes in handy).  Once you get the back off remove all staples (using both pliers and screw driver.  Oh and be careful those staples are sharp!!).  Label #2.

Step 3: Not all chairs have this little piece, but mine did, so just like the back, I just stuck the screw driver between it and the chair and popped it right off.  Label #3.

Step 4:  Now it's time for the sides.  Again there are a TON of staples so pull them out with the pliers and screw driver. If you are strong enough you can get a nice size piece of the fabric and YANK!  It worked for me, so it's just a suggest. Be sure to label like crazy, which is the top of the piece, which side of the chair it came from  and for good measure which end was toward the front and back of the chair. You need to do this for both side of the chair. (You can never label something too much in my opinion.) Label #4 (don't forget to mark whether it is the left or right side...muy importante!!)...So you should have two pieces, one with #4 left and #4 right.

Step 5: Those pesky wings are next. This chair had some seriously scary teeth that bite!!!  So be super careful!!!!  Just stick in the screwdriver and PULL!!  And of course more staples...I hope you've been putting those little devils in a bowl, don't want to get those under your knees.  Again Label #5 and which side it is from, left or right. (This is just the outside portion of the wings).

Step 6: You see that last picture above?  Well you need to remove all of those staples.  You need to, in order to get the inside wing and armrest piece off.  On my chair both were sewn to each other so it was one large piece.  Label #6 and right or left.

Step 7: Remove the backrest fabric.  Just like the rest of the other pieces it is stapled to the chair.  So remove the staples and take it off and mark it Label #7 be sure the mark the top and bottom also. 

That was the last piece I removed.  I left the bottom and plan to just cover it with a new piece of fabric.  But I did label it on the chair as #8.    So this is what a "nearly" naked chair looks like and the pile of fabric templates from it.

WOW!!!  That was work!!!  5 hours later and this is what I have to show for it.  I'm pretty sure this would have been fster if I has a partner in crime, but hey I do what I gotta do. 

I am going to take a couple of days off before I start the work of Part II, but it is coming.  See ya in a couple.

Here are the links for:

(as I get the other post done these links will work so check back in a little bit)

{figure}ing out How to Reupholster a Wingback Chair Part II

{figure}ing out How to Reupholster a Wingback Chair Part III