A mind is a terrible thing to waste and A waist is a terrible thing to mind!

I know it's been awhile since my last blog and believe me when I tell you I've fallen off the bandwagon plenty times since then but I finally found something to keep me focused and on track!  I started doing T25 with my friend from work...shout out to my girl, Toni...about 4 weeks ago, after we started the Biggest Loser Challenge at work.  We had our initial weigh in that day and I was so upset about what was starring back at me from the floor that I asked Toni if I could join her for her after work workouts with Shaun T.  She said, "Of course!" And so began our workout regiment.  We've been faithfully doing the T25 workout for the past 4 weeks and let me tell you, the results are phenomenal!!!  Not only are we both focused but we've both lost weight and inches.

But back to the biggest loser for a moment.  So our first weigh in was February 26^th at which point I weighed in at 180 lbs.  I was SHOCKED to say the least.  I've NEVER even seen that number in the last 10 years when I was at my heaviest.  So before I let it get me down, Toni suggested we start working out together.  She had already been working out with Shaun T's Hip Hop Abs and was looking fabulous.  So we made it a plan to begin that following Monday, the 3^rd.  It was the hardest workout I have EVER done in my life and had never sweat my ass off like that before.  

Our second weigh in was on March 19^th.  I was so afraid to hop on that scale but I did because I wanted to see if all my hard work had paid off.  I almost flipped my lid when I saw 170 lbs.  In 3 weeks I had lost 10 lbs!  I couldn't believe mine eyes.  I vowed at that very moment that I would continue the 15 week workout regiment and not give up for one hot second.  And speaking of HOT...dare I say results are quite visible...

The picture on the left was taken in Aug 2013 and the one on the right was taken on March 19th, after the second weigh in.  I haven't felt so fabulous in about 15 years.  I still have about 20 more pounds to go but I think I'm well on my way.

Last night I had so much fun shopping with my girls.  Something I haven't enjoyed for years!  They were so cute and very complimentary on my improved body.  They encouraged me to treat myself because "I deserved a reward for all my hard work!"  So I did...what do you think of my outfit choice?

External Motivation ... friends helping friends

Well, I'm back in the saddle.  As much as I enjoyed our time in Myrtle Beach in August, it really messed up my mojo.  I just could not get back into my routine.  As discouraged as I already felt, I couldn't get motivated enough to begin again but here I am after an 8 week hiatus, starting my Life Redux, with the help and motivation and basic bitch slapping of a very good and longtime friend, Angel.  

I saw him last weekend at my brothers house for a Wine Tasting party and when I realized he was there, I couldn't bring myself to face him as he is what got me motivated this past July in the first place and I felt I had let him down.  He didn't criticize me though; he just looked me dead in the face and told me it was OK and that I should just get back to it.  He said he would hound me everyday be it by text or phone just to make sure I got out there to do SOMETHING....anything.

Sexiness is in the eye of the beholder.
A great figure is nce, but it's
self-confidence that makes
someone really sexy.

Well, true to his word, he called me this morning and told me to get off my ass and start my journey towards sexiness.  He wasn't accepting any of my lame excuses either (i.e. – I just got out of the shower, it’s late in the day, my hair will frizz…blah, blah, blah).  “Give me 15 minutes and walk, that’s all I ask,” he said.  And so I did.  I set my Run Keeper app to track my progress and begrudgingly, at first, I set out to do 15 minutes, which turned out to be almost 33 minutes, I walked 2.18 miles burning 232 calories.  Boy do I feel great!  I need another shower but I do feel great and proud to have gone out.

So thank you, mi querido compadre, for caring enough to be true to your promise to get me back on my way to SEXINESS!!!

A Recipe for Success

Down 7lbs!!!

OMG!!! Just when I thought all was lost and despair was just about to rear it's ugly head, I saw a pinhole at the end of the tunnel.  I decided to finally jump on the scale, just for ha-ha's and nearly had a heart attack.  I was down 7lbs! Who woulda thunk that a lot of encouragement, a little exercise, some consistency, a bit of portion control and a copious amount of determination could produce such phenomenal results...and this is just the beginning.

Tonight I ran 2 miles (nonstop) for the first time in about a year, burning 400 cal in the process.  I was in my own grove, confident and so positive about ME.  There's no magic pill, my friends, just some hard work and dedication.  If you want it badly enough, get off your derrière and go get it!

Even on Vacation

Week 3 of my Life Redux ... I've been on vacation from work this week as my sister and her family were here visiting from Michigan.  This however did not stop me from fulfilling my obligation to self and no matter what transpired throughout the day, my nights were still dedicated to my fitness regiment.  I have NEVER had to pick Ed's jaw up off the floor like I did this evening when I walked in the door after my run.  He was at Sheridan's softball game while I was out ... IN THE RAIN and by the time I got home he was there.  As I walked in the door, he literally came out of the office with his jaw on the floor, the funniest look of surprise on his face.  I told you, Ed, I mean business.  Guess I do have it in me after all, to stay focused and to envision the prize at the end of the tunnel.

I haven't noticed any physical changes, in fact I am .5 lb heavier but mentally, I have a more positive attitude.  It's not been easy for me because I am normally not a disciplined person to make a plan and stick to it or follow thru, but I have to say that this road, though mentally and physically challenging for me, has thus far been very rewarding.

Hear No Evil, See No Evil....SPEAK NO EVIL

So, last night I had my first break down, and when I say break down, I mean I literally broke down and cried until I had no more tears.  As you know I've been faithfully working for 2 weeks but alas, I STILL LOOK THE SAME.   Lest we forget I am an instant results type B personality, or so I've been told. What can I say except that I'm only human.  Of course I haven't even weighed myself since last week so I'm not even sure if I've lost weight.

I did end up going for a jog but I went earlier than I have been going and it was incredibly hot and the air was so thick I could barely breath so, I jog/walked for about 1.5 miles and did my lunges to finish off my workout.  At least I made the effort!  Today, Ed and I set out to the gym to lift weights and that went well.  Hopefully while my lower half is shrinking, my upper half with grow :)

The moral of the story is that while one is working hard to fulfill their ultimate "push" prize, there will be times when one loses hope, or gets discouraged or even has moments of weakness.  One must get back on that horse and "push" forward, one wheelbarrow full at a time.

 The light is still at the end of the tunnel, one just needs to get there however long it takes .... and no more SPEAKING EVIL!

The Search Continues....

Why you look at me?  Because you like to?

As week 2 comes to an end, I find myself thinking...WHERE THE HELL IS MY NEW BODY. Discouragement has already set in as I'm a "give me results now" kind of person.  Luckily I have my giant teddy bear constantly encouraging me and telling me how beautiful I am.  I guess love really is blind!

I had a really great week "pushing" forward including denying myself a well deserved Dairy Queen treat after Sheridan's great softball game last night.  I opted, instead, to go for a jog.  I ran 2 miles non stop and did lunges for the last 500 feet to my driveway.  I was a sweaty, hot mess but proud that I did it.  I was so energized I felt like I could go out and run at least another mile. I've really applied myself wholeheartedly which I know will result to a new and improved me.  I'm so ready to grab the bull by the horns, so-to-speak, and take charge of ME!  I've never felt so focused before or have wanted anything more ... EVER.  I mean really, who wouldn't want to work towards a push ring like that!  In fact, I may even upgrade to something bigger and brighter...something that will look bigger than me.  

Thanks to all my loyal supporters who constantly encourage me via text and make drunken bets involving thousands of dollars as a reward at the end of my journey.  Though I may not take you up on that bet, having a new body (and a new ring to boot) will surely be reward enough.

L.I.T.

                                                   

For those of you who don't know me all that well, I'm known around these parts as LIT, short for "Lost In Translation."  Many interesting things have slipped from my mouth over the years.  More often than not, my mind thinks one thing, quickly translates it in my head and viola...the delivery is a hot mess.  The word LEGALS, for example, from my previous post was used in lieu of LEGS, to describe how they hurt after a good workout.

I think I get that from my mother who once asked my sister-in-law TO BE how her older sister would feel when her husband was "decayed." We had just met her entire family (she's one of 9 children) and one of her older sisters was married to man twice her age.  They say curiosity killed the cat?  Well it literally did that day....we laughed so hard, we nearly died.  Not entirely sure exactly what she was asking or even what she meant by it but she was definitely LIT!

My point is, as you are enjoying the reads of this blog, you may come across something that may not quite make sense.  Never fear, you don't have glaucoma or cataracts...it's not you, it's me and my diarrhea of the mouth!