Dawn’s Weight Loss Journey

 

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Well, I really didnt even intend to blog today buddies…

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But, as I took my lunch time walk, a picture presented itself to me that I just had to share…

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So, I walk in a really pretty park here in a historic district off of downtown Columbus. Right across the street is a Catholic School. They often use the park as part of their recess or Phys. Ed.

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So I often see gaggles of school kids in the standard Catholic uniform. White shirt, blue or green bottoms…

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Today, for whatever reason, I decided to really look at these kids…

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Probably 6-7 year olds…Perhaps 20 of them?!?! I was actually surprised to see that almost half of them were overweight…And not just chubby, childhood, cute little roundness. I mean, out and out obesity!

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I was truly stunned.

I know we have a childhood obesity problem here in America. Obesity is a passion of mine, clearly, not only personally, but in my work with hospitals, insurance and benefits, I know well how it drives up health care costs…

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I guess I was just soooo surprised that these little kids have this burden to bare at such a young age…

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I mean, I am 35 years old and struggle with it…What would I have done at the age of 6???

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To top it off. The heavier kids…The ones that had bellies, that if I had to guess, would have to say were carrying an extra 20-30 pounds!!! A group of mabye 5 of them. were standing off to the side, while the other kids were running and playing…

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It made me incredibly sad to see it…And I just felt the need to share..

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Ugh…We owe it our children and our children’ s children to stop this…We really really do…

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Hello buddies?This is my second attempt at a blog today. My first one ended up floating out into cyberspace, I think?Darn it?It was a good one too! I must have been too long winded for old buddyslim kicked me out, and took my blog with it! UGH!!!

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Oh well. I will summarize for you?

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I had a nice holiday weekend. I will go on record as saying I was about 60-70% on plan. There were things I didn?t do that I should have. And many things I did that I had not previously?

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My biggest accomplishment, and what I set out to do this weekend, was to STAY ACTIVE all three days?DONE?I walked a 5K on Saturday. Sunday I went on a 5 mile hike with my family. And Monday, I took the dogs to the park and we ran our butts off?So I am glad for that?

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I didn?t use the excuse that the workout room was closed. I used fitness combined with being outdoors with my family, and we ended up feeling sooo much better all weekend?

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Food wise, well, I had three cookouts and one picnic. Oh. And a lot of beer!!!

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All and all, I did, OKAY. I am not thrilled, but I made as good of choices as I could. And, you know, I did much better then in years past?Heck, two or three years ago I would have eaten to my hearts content and not lifted a darn finger in the form of exercise, so you know, take that for what its worth!

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Still, I will know what, if any, damage was done by Friday?s weigh in, however, I will say that I actually feel pretty good this week about the weight loss. It will come together for me I think. No more major social events for a while, so I have time to get fully in my groove?

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More important to me right now then a number on a scale is how I feel and my fitness level, and I can say with absolute certainty, I am in the best shape of my life?Better  even then back in my thin days (Yes, I did have those once!)

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Now, onto other matters?

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This is my last week at this job?I am not sad, really, as this has never really been a good fit for me?However, the company is extremely laid back, and well, I have a lot of time on my hands, as you may have noticed by my blogs, logging on, emails, comments, etc?

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I have no idea what my new job will bring?But I am welcoming the chance to be busy again?I like to be busy?

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Soooo. Next week is going to be full of changes for me?And well, we all know that I don?t handle change very well.

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I hate starting new jobs?Finding new friends. Getting new routines down?I feel like a kid again on the first day of school?

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I am both excited and apprehensive about this next phase of my life?

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So I may be MIA for a few days here and there. As I switch gears, find my new footing, learn once again how to juggle and balance?

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But don?t fear. I will still be here when it?s all said and done. For sure?

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I am reading your blogs?Just haven?t had a chance to comment on them all?Lots of new people here, and I am sorry I haven?t welcomed all of you properly! Hopefully you are finding you way around Buddyville! And to some of my old friends, well, it?s been a while since some of you blogged?YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!!! So fill me in on your lives!!

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Take care buddies!!!

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Ahhhh. I love my early mornings! MY TIME!  

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Husband sleeps away, dogs are curled up at my feet…And I, well, I can take care of my own things! Blogging. Pictures. Emails…

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I love my mornings!!!  I do need coffee tho!!!

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Happy Sunday buddies! I hope you are all having a GREAT Holiday weekend…

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Mine has been busy. But fun…

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Movies and dinner on Friday…5k yesterday and a cookout at a friends house…Today we are going hiking and to another cookout…WHEW…I need to rest!

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So yesterday I did another 5K. The Pet Promise Rescue Run. Buddies. I did well. Truly. I ran this one, some…I would run until my lungs burst. Slow back down to a walk, catch my breath, and run again!! I had never attempted that before!!

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I was fairly proud of myself. My husband was extreemly proud of me, and really, the only battle scars I bare today are some very sore butt muscles!! (Seriously, feels like a truck hit them!!)

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What a fun day…

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Buddies. I HIGHLY encourage you to try a walk…They are so fun. So addicting. And most of them are for a great great cause. You will not beleive how great you feel when done. HUGE sense of accomplishment! I have added some additional pics to my profile of all my walks too…

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Sooo. Thats about it for me. Steve and I are gonna go hiking today at one of our local Metro Parks. Just to get some more good hard exercise in…We are trying very hard to stay active this holiday weekend to off set some of the cookouts. So far we are doing great, and I would say I am maintaining about a 75% on plan weekend…I was shooting for 100, but you know…I will take 75!!

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Have a good Sunday kids!

 

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Just a quickie today buddies…Sorry…I know you will be most devestated by the lack of a true, in depth blog!!

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I am not weighing in today…TOM is here. And he sucks. And I hate him. And when he is here, I just dont weigh in. Period. (HAH…No pun intended!)

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I feel great tho! I feel THIN and happier today then I have all week.

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My motivation seems to be creeping back in, and I have started ALMOST visualizing myself thinner. And I DO think I can do this buddies. I do…

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I might not reach 135-145 like I first thought I wanted, but I have NO DOUBT that I will get significantly thinner this summer!!!

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Well, I have another 5K tomorrow!! WOO HOO!! Thank you to Erika, Scott, and Avangeline Janis for donating to my Pet cause! YOU GUYS ROCK and I will think of you while I am walking…I am actually going to attempt to RUN this one…ATTEMPT being the key word there!!

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Of couse, I will post pics tomorrow!! You know me by now!

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Other then that, I have stayed on plan ALL week with the exception of TWO cookies last night at another exciting Condo Board meeting…

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I am heading into this long holiday weekend with physical activities planned for ALL THREE DAYS!!

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I am DETERMINED to get through this weekend! Exercising ALL three days. Logging in my journal, and keeping all food consumption to a respectable level. I figure if I can make it through this one, the rest will be a breeze!

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Take care all, and I will talk to you later!!!

 

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Happy Hump Day Slimmers!!

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Well?I gotta confess. I am in a MUCH better mood today! WHEW?

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My green blob fog has lifted quite a bit?I don?t think I am 100% yet, or completely motivated, but I did have two things happen last night that kind of made me reassess my current FUNK status?

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First, my invitation arrived yesterday for the previously mentioned fancy family wedding I will attend in July. Seriously, buddies. This is a paternal cousin. Fathers side of the family that I see maybe once a year?As a matter of fact, last time I saw this part of my clan was last April?

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So I am excited. It?s a black tie affair, which means the husband will wear his Tux?And I shall have to buy a new fancy dress. Bummer, huh?? Another new outfit?O, the horror!!

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But what is kind of getting me excited, is that these folks made a HUGE fuss over my weight loss last April, and I was at around 207!! Even if I lose NOTHING further, I am over 30 pounds lighter?But how wonderful if I could lose even MORE?So there is one motivator!!!!

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Then, the husband and I went to work out last night. At our clubhouse, you must have a photo ID pass to get in?Well, mine is from like 2000. The picture is ancient, and this year they are making us all get new photos and updated passes. This is in an effort to cut down on the hooligans who try to use our pool from the surrounding neighborhoods?

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So, the young man takes my picture last night. And I am NOT thrilled. I am in my workout gear. My hair is pulled up haphazardly on my head, and I am quite certain I look like a giant idiot?Not to mention, they are using the most CUTTING EDGE photo technology, the dreaded POLAROID?UGH?Is this 1970????

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Well, he hands me my new pass, and I kind of just stare at it in awe?Besides being completely washed out and looking like a phantom,  I looked GOOD. ESPECIALLY in comparison to my old badge. I just kept looking at them side by side?

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The most exciting development??

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Buddies, I now have a neck!!! Honest to goodness!! A NECK!!!

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In my previous photo, it looks like someone stuck a glob of play dough directly on my shoulders and called it a head ?

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Now, even in my workout gear and silly hair, I had a longer neck?Distinct. Attached to my head and my shoulders?I showed it to Steve with a bit of wonder in my eyes and he too, noticed it right away!! WOW?

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It was motivator number two?When you can see a crappy picture of yourself, and appreciate how much better you look, well, that is motivation to keep going?

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So, as I was sweating bucket full?s (Literally, the AC is still broke!) I just kept staring at those pictures?And I felt so darn good!!! I HAVE come a long way, darn it?I can do this!! For sure!

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I got a crazy ass summer coming on?Weddings! Birthday beach bashes! My sister coming home soon!!! And now a brand new job!!! Certainly, amongst all those things, I can find the strength and the courage to keep my feet planted FIRMLY on the trail to success!!!!

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Thanks for listening again today buddies!!!

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Love you all!!!

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Now, everyone has heard this story, no????

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Well, I was originally going to title this “Confessions of a lazy dieter” but honestly, I am NOT lazy and I didnt want to lable myself as such…

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But I do feel like a tortoise!!!

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This diet journey has got me down kids…Honest…

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Someone pointed out to me yesterda that I am tired of the journey…And I think they are right. I am tired…

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I have been on this road a long long time and frankly, I am weary of it all…

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So sure…I can sit down and take a break. That is certainly an option…

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I can get off the trail all together, and although that is considered an option, it really isnt for me…For if I get off, then I end up right back where I started. And well. I will NOT allow that to happen to me…I cant…

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I will never ever ever be the 241 pound me again…I swear it!!

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So, because I am so tired, and I can never decided whether to take a break or not, I do continue to go…Albeit, at my own horribly slow pace…

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And this is what has stressed me out this week…I cant seem to gather the strenght, the conviction, the motivation, to tackle my weight head on, and quickly…

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This whole journey has seemed to just go sooooo slow for me…And MOST days, I am okay with that, and then somedays, like yesterday, today, I think WHY?!? Why IS it taking so long??

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Do I want it less? NO

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Am I lazier? NO

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Do I not really want to be thinner? NO

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So why?????

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I have reflected and reflected. I have reached out to a few buddies here too, for honest, truth telling feedback, and well, I still dont know buddies…I dont know why I lose in 20 pounds increments, then stall for a while…Its not my body. ITS ME!!!!

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I know what to do. How to do it. And when I do it, I do it damn well…

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But my motivation seems to come and go a bit more frequently then others out here…

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I do well for a few months, then I self sabatoge…UGH!!

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Well, after a self thrown pity party, and some deep soul searching yesterday, I find I really have no choice but to continue…I really dont…My journey isnt done yet, and I know I want to complete it…

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So until my motivation comes back, I am putting my head down, and putting one step in front of the other, and I will continue, regardless of how tired of this all, that I feel…

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So yesterday I had an absolutely 100% on plan day. This is my first in two weeks, and I know most of you know what a big deal that is. Its a start. I will now attempt day two…And I know I will be fine. Eventually..

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Just hate feeling this way. I hate being a tortoise…Although, I do have a soft spot for them, I much would prefer to be the hare. At least once!

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Oh well. Heres to day two!!!

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Special thanks to Wonder Woman, Tasha and Scott…For listening. For the tough love. For the advice…Its appreicated!

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Take care buddies!!

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Happy Monday Buddies!

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What a weekend I have had!!!

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As you know, I did my first 5k of the season. It went incredibly well. I am ever so glad I did it. And I had NONE of the after affects I normally have!! No sore, aching muscles?I truly think this is because I am in some of the best shape of my life!!!

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I have another walk this Saturday, and I am VERY excited for this one since it?s a cause very near and dear to my heart (Homeless animals). It?s also the first time I have gotten to walk this one, so I am really stoked. I am taking my beagle Michaela with me as well, she has done several 5k?s with me over the years?But THIS year, I bought her, her very own little doggie t-shirt!! TOO CUTE it is!!! And I decorated it with all the dates and titles of the walks she has done!!! Buddies?It is waaayyyy too cute!! She is one stylin beagle!!!

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So, other then that, the only other news worthy event of my weekend was a SHOPPING SPREE!!!! Yes, my friends, the husband took me shopping yesterday for some new office attire?I am moving from a business casual office which borders on casual, to a business casual office that borders on professional! Additionally, I just got rid of my last skirts last week, as I have outgrown (undergrown?) them all!! So I DESPERATELY needed dress clothes?

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Man. Did I ever tear up the sales racks at Kohl?s!!!! I am not a big Kohl?s shopper. But they were having some tremendous sales. And I had a gift card to spend?WOW?I will have to go there more often?The best thing??? All my pants were size 14, but my skirts, I am now in a size 12 (I don?t know why, really?) so that was MOST exciting. I haven?t been a size 12 since back in my youth!

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On a weight loss note, I did kind of have a bad day yesterday?I really felt a bit out of control yesterday?I should say, the last two weeks caught up with me yesterday and I felt incredibly guilty?Week one was due to birthday celebrations, and this last week was due to job celebrations?I really don?t like that out of control feeling at all anymore?And I was very sad, even with my walk and my new clothes?Very disappointed in myself that I didn?t hold better to my own diet principles?

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So I had yet another long talk with myself. I also talked to my husband, and we made a plan to recommit this week…I want to lose 10-15 pounds by the second week of August. That is when I will be attending a 40^th birthday bash for my BIL up on Lake Erie (Put N Bay)?This translates to hanging on the beach all day, all weekend long, in a BATHING SUIT?With 60 people I don?t really know!! UGH?So I gotta feel good in that suit!

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So I bought a new food journal yesterday, a cute little notebook, because sometimes, it helps me to start a fresh new journal, when I have a fresh new goal?I also bought new tennis shoes, and two new workout outfits?I got up early this morning for my run, and I hit it pretty hard?So I am really hoping I can keep the motivation going this summer and meet that next goal?

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I don?t know why its gotten so hard for me to consistently lose the weight. Honest?I do well for a month, then I slack off again for a month?I know what to do and how to do it and I know I want to do it. I really don?t know why there is not more ?Pressure? to get it done quicker for myself?Very odd?Something I shall have to ponder?

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OMG!! I forgot the bestest news!! I went to the workout room yesterday and FINALLY after three loooooong months, all the new equipment is in!!!! THREE ellipticals and TWO treadmills?And the new treadmill and the new elliptical are wicked cool!! I have never seen an elliptical like this one?It?s gonna take me a while to figure it out, but MAN, am I sooo excited?And my pool opened up this weekend too, so another form of exercise for me?YAY!!

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Well, have a great week all!!!

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Starts with one Step…’

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Thats one of my favorite ‘Walking’ quotes…

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This is where I was this morning buddies:

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This was the beginning of the Susan B Komen Race for the Cure. Downtown, Columbus Ohio…

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This is my fourth year walking this. This is the bussiest, most crowded walk we do!!! This is aproximately 30,000 people!!!

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CRAZY!!

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The walk went well…Met some old friends I used to work with. We had a BEAUTIFUL day!!

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And buddies…The best thing??

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It was NOTHING…Seriously, about mile Two, Steve looked at me and said, ‘How you feeling?’ and I was like, ‘Fine, why??’ His reply???? ‘This is when you normally start whinning!’

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BUTTHEAD…But no, he does have a point buddies and he and I talked about it. This walk went soooo well. Our time was under 45 minutes (very hard to get an accurate time tho, because you cant walk so fast with all them peeps, strollers, dogs, in front of you!!!)

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This is the smallest I have ever been…I am 30 pounds lighter then when I did my last walk last year (September, 10k!)

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WOW…What a difference 30 pounds and daily workouts made!

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We totally rocked this walk buddies…

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My next one is next weekend, of course, the Pet Promise Rescue Run…If you havent visited my page, please do so…Even 5 dollars helps these homeless pets!!

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http://www.firstgiving.com/DCraley

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I am about 15 dollars from my goal…

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Well, have a great weekend buddies!!!

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Well buddies. This is gonna be a long one?So I apologize in advance, but man?I have a ton of things to say!

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First, I apologize for being MIA for a few days?I had some big news I wanted to share, but I had to wait till I told those in my immediate circle?I certainly didn?t want them reading it on the internet first! UGH!

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So. If you will remember, back in December/January, I listed for Miss Jo, as part of her Roadmaps/Goals for 2007, THREE things?

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To get my life (ME) back in order-This is done! Truly! My mental state is better then it?s been in months. My marriage after taking the beating of a lifetime in the Fall, and then a small hit again this Spring with Steve?s health concerns, well, even with that, its honestly stronger then its been in years. We have become more open and honest with each other, we talk all the time now, and really, we truly are a partnership now as opposed to me doing my own thing and he his?

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Mentally, I was able to shed some baggage. Let go of some errors in judgment I had made and I was able to embrace the life I have been given!  I have found the strength to let go of a lot of my own personal hang ups with me, my weight, my relationships, etc?And I feel GREAT about me, my life, and where I will be this year?It?s a good good feeling?

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To find a job I was passionate about- Well, I am very pleased to announce that I have been given the opportunity of MY lifetime. I have been offered a new job which will start the first week of June. This job is in an area that I adore. In a new venture for an established company. I will be one of the founding members of the Human Resources crew, and will HOPEFULLY then grow with the company?And the best part??? A large large salary increase!

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Buddies?It has been a tough Spring for Steve and I financially. We made some pretty stupid mistakes, and have been trying very hard to correct them?He had even started a second job to help us?Now he will not need too. The lord truly does work in wondrous ways?

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What I am trying to convey, I guess, and to just give you a bit of background here, is that buddies, I do NOT have a college degree?Most of my early career was in food service. I waited tables for 10 years before I tried to enter corporate America. I am self taught. And in the last 8 years, I have moved myself right on up the corporate ladder so to speak?I don?t mean to toot my own horn, but, I gotta say, I am very very happy and feel incredibly blessed that people continually decided to take chances on me?Even without a degree?I will now be making more money then I have ever seen in my lifetime. Honest. WOW?Little old me?A former welfare kid?It?s very humbling?

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So those are two of the three things I wanted done this year?And it?s only mid May?WOW?Can?t wait to see how the rest of the year plays out!

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And the final thing?? Weightloss, of course?To reach goal this year?Well, in all honesty buddies, the weight loss has taken a back seat this week as I went to interviews, made phone calls, had celebratory lunches, etc?It didn?t fall off my radar, it just became less important?Temporarily?I have committed to get on track FIRMLY come Sunday. And I know I will be fine?

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See. Here?s the thing?I am really not sweating this goal any more?I really know I am getting there and I will continue to get there. It?s not a race and I don?t need to compete with any one or against any thing?

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As Scott once said, you don?t reach goal and stop?There is no ticker tape parade, or balloons released when you get there?So what?!?! You reach a certain number on the scale?And then you still have to keep working?

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I know I will work on this for the rest of my life?So I am no longer even sure what my ?Goal? is?I don?t want to say 150. Or 135. I want to be happy and healthy?And well, right now at 178, I AM. I just had a complete physical last week. Got my results back. EVERYTHING?My sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, etc?All of it was normal?

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And happy? You bet I am. I like my body. Even if it is still fat?I like it. I am having fun with life again, and not letting weight hold me back?

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And isn?t that what it?s all about???

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So, I will get goal number three done this year?I will. I know that by determination and stubbornness alone, I will get there?It may not be the number I first thought, but I know in my heart at some point this year, I will reach that spot and say ?This is good for me?.

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So I am not stopping by any means?Buddies, do not be alarmed?

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But as this next, new, exiting chapter of my life starts, I plan to enjoy it too! I have learned the hard way this year to enjoy each phase of your life, for all to quickly, it?s over, and the next one is shoved on you?And you spend a lot of time looking back saying ?If only I had done this? or ?I wish I would have done that one more time??Well. Not me. No longer?

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Each moment is precious. Each life phase is important and necessary for our growth. I truly believe that. There is a reason for everything, even if I can?t see it?

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It?s the journey, friends?It is NOT the destination. I believe that with all my heart now?

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Take care and stay healthy!!!

 

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Happy Tuesday Friends…

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Well, I started off yesterday with wonderful intentions…And in restrospect, I would say I maintained about a 75% effort most of the day…Getting back on track…

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I did get up early yesterday for my run…However, I walked instead of ran…

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I did go for my walk at lunch…However, I only made it one time around the park, instead of three, due to time constraints brought on by what I will refer to as the “ATM” incident…

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I did work out last night…However, the air conditioner was brokend in the clubhouse, so I only did 15 minutes on the elliptical instead of 30…I DID do a full weight circuit tho…

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And then…I had dinner. Not too bad. NOT great. I did log it all in my journal…

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And then, for reasons I just can’t fathom, I found myself on the computer, eating a package of Pop Rocks and Fun Dip (Some left over 80’s party candy)…The Fun Dip was kinda gross. But I kept eating it…The Pop Rocks were great. I loved them. So did my dogs!!! (Please dont call PETA on me, I swear the loved them!!)

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So with my little trip to CandyLand, I was over by about 150 calories for my day…

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So my DAY ONE back OP was a bit less then stellar…However, I did make a GREAT attempt…Yesterday just turned out a little rougher then I expected…Got some disturbing news in regards to my husbands health (I am trying to hold my OCD at bay, but it is very very difficult) I had a difference of oppinion with a good friend…All and all, just not a great night…

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So my lesson learned???

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I am still at a large large risk of eating when I am stressed. Although, I have come far with this, and do it rarely, it does rear its ugly head from time to time…There was no other reason for any of my actions yesterday except that I had a bad day and was stressed…

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Buddies…This is NO excuse…Really…

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So I am shaking it off. I got up again this morning and RAN not walked the dog…

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I will walk my full three laps today at lunch…

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And I will do 30 minutes on my elliptical regardless of temperature…

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There. That is my confession…Bless me Father for I have sinned! (Sorry, flashback to Catholic School!)

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I feel better already…

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OKAY. Just a reminder. My first walk is this Saturday…The Komen Race for the Cure. Breast Cancer 5K walk…Send a warm thought my way at about 8 a.m. buddies! I will of course, post pictures when done! My first walk of the season and I am MOST excited!!! YAY!

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Have a great day all!!!!