Gracious, where do I begin??  It has been awhile, but I am ready to get back to where I was.  Things have been so crazy and hectic here at my house.  My daughter Amanda's water broke at 31 week and she stayed in the hospital for 1 week till Chloe arrived at 32 weeks.   I was living at the hospital with her that week and when she had to leave without Chloe, we were going 2-3 times a day to see Chloe.  I am so exhausted.  Chloe came home late Tuesday evening, she is now 3 weeks old and weighs just over 5 lbs.  She is so tiny!  So now I have 2 grandbabies here at home with us.  Milana, who is 3 months and Chloe.  My beautiful office has now become a beautiful nursery!! 

As for my weightloss plan to be 160 by Thanksgiving...not gonna happen.  My weight today is 171.  With Thanksgiving only 3 weeks away, I hope to maybe be 165??  Going to start my walking again by Monday.  With the time change, it will be lighter outside at 5:30 am.  Oh, but it is so much colder....gonna hate that...Guess I wil need to bundle up.  I have been so tired lately, and I know it is because of how hectic everything is around here and not walking everyday and  my diet.  I still  have been keeping to better choices, but I have not been good with the water and have had a few diet sodas.  Still no burgers....

So the Plan??  Get back to walking 2.5 miles at least 5 days a week. That seems to work the best for me...the biggest issue will be the cooler temps.  I hate cold weather!!   Get back to drinking tons of water, avoid fast food and eat small meals during the day.  Keep my calorie intake to under 1200 a day and avoid fattening foods--gonna be tough during the holidays.  Set my goal of 165 by Thanksgiving and 160 by the end of the year.  I feel that would be attainable.  Also, get back to posting and keeping track.

My life has been so crazy these last few weeks, I am so ready to get back into a routine!!  Wish me luck and I will be encouraging all my buddies the same successes on their journey!!

Rock on People!  Lisa

Just a quick note...I have been sick for about a week.  Sorry I have not been able to post.  Still on the plan, but have not been able to walk for a week.  Today I feel much better.  Got on the scale, was alittle nervous about it since I have not been walking, but have been drinking water and watching my diet-even though I could not taste anything for a few days!! LOL!!  Today---drum roll--- 169 lbs!  WoooHooo!!  However, maybe just a fluke due to being sick!  We will see if that holds.  My first mini goal was 170!  That make 21 lbs. since July 6.  Got to go hit the road.  Have an appointment in Panama City this morning. 

Rock on People!!  Lisa

Don't you just love Autumn?  I sure do.  I think it is my most favorite season.  However, where I live, we have no fall colors.  I am originally from Ohio where we had the most beautiful fall foliage.  Here in the Florida panhandle...nothing except maybe a few bradford pears that have some color and the oaks we have turn brown-in December!!  At least you can feel it in the air in the mornings, and of course, tis the season for football!  Love going to the high school games on Friday nights-not just to watch the games, but to see my children play in the band.  Yep, I am a high school band parent and have been for 11+ years, not including middle school (add 4 more years to that!!).  All my children have been in the band.  My son Karl played Tuba, Cindy the French Horn, Amanda-Drums and Percussion Pit, Samantha-Clarinet, and finally Chelsea-Flute...She is the last and has 3 years to go.  Whew!!!  Alot of racket at my house!!  So, as I was saying about Autumn, since I do not have much color here, I decorate my house like crazy with tons of fall garland and decor...my family thinks I am crazy!  I have every doorway and arch with garland, all the tables covered, nick nacks, wall decor...I just go nuts with it.  I love it!!

Got on the scale this morning...171.8 lbs!  That was way cool!!  Maybe I will hit 170 by October 6, my official 3 month date.  That will make 20 lbs. in 3 months.  These last 10 took longer than the first 10.  Lost that first 10 in 1 month, 5 the next and hopefully 5 more by that date.  Maybe, just maybe I will get the last 10 lbs. off by Thanksgiving-about 7 weeks away.......

I have been able to walk for the last 5 days in a row.  So glad for that. The weather is just perfect, but I know cooler weather is coming and I am not too keen on bundling up just to go walking...I am so cold natured. 

Still struggling to get enough water in and I wonder how much of that is sabotaging my efferts.  Maybe I would have been able to get more off sooner if I can only stick with drinking more water. 

I still have been avoiding sodas at all cost--miss my dear friend Dr. Pepper and I will not even consider trying diet, to easy to justify having a regular Dr. Pepper. 

I still have not had a fast food burger since July or any burger for that matter, but have had french fries 2 times, with a grilled chicken sandwich.  I know I have made major improvement with the fast food issue.  A couple times I have had a grilled turkey burger at family functions...I just bring my own and cook them up.  We usually have burgers and homemade bratwurst (we have a very old family recipe from Germany-my family heritage).  I so miss a good bratwurst. 

My biggest issues, beside not getting enough water, seems to be salty stuff, like chips and salsa, popcorn, potatoe chips and fritos...I do not really crave sweets-cookies, cakes, brownies, candy...I am truly a sucker for a bag of chips!!!  God forbid the kids leave a bag of those around!!!    

This also is the season for amazing comfort food--casseroles, crock pot, soups and stews.  Need to figure out how to make them more healthy.  I picked up a great recipe book with lots of family favorites and how to prepare them to be healtier.  It is called "Family Favorites Made Lighter" by Better Homes and Garden.  It even has a section on a lighterThanksgiving meal-including pumpkin pie-yummy!!  I also picked up "5 Ingredient 15 Minute Cookbook" by CookingLight.   I have tons of magazines from Taste Of Home (over 5 year subscriber) and need to research through them to see what I can do differently.

This journey for me is more than just dropping a few pounds-it has been a learning experience and a lifestyle change- a new way of thinking that I have never considered before.  But again, I still want to enjoy life and will not beat myself up if a have a moment of weakness or want to try something, so to speak.  In the process, I hope that I can be of help in educating my children in healthier choices-even though all of them are skinny as a rail!  But, matabulism changes, and the effects of a not so healthy diet will eventually catch up with you.  It did for me...Now, if I can get my family to join me at 5:30am for a morning walk!!  LOL!!!  That will be the day!! 

Wow, this is getting long, and I needed to get ready for the day a long time ago!!  Have a wonderful and blessed day!

Dancing and Singing On!!!  Rock on People!!!  Lisa  

Out of sight does not necessarily mean out of mind.  I may have been laying low the last few days, but I have been "workin it".  I still check in several times a day to see how everyone is doing.  I love to read the current blogs, and catch up on all team news... I got my walk in this morning (2.5 miles) and have done so for the last 4 days.  Still watching my diet.  This morning, the scale was kind...I was at 172.2!!  18 lbs gone since I started this journey!!  I set my first mini goal to be 170 lbs.   Only a little over 2 lbs. to go!  I may be able to reach my first big goal of 160 lb by Thankgiving!!  That is 2 months from today. 

I know that I need to walk more or longer, but have not been able to fit it in.  My Dad had surgery, so my folks have not been walking with me, so I have been power walking these last few days.  I have been able to cut the time off of my route by about 10 minutes.  I love these Sketcher walking shoes.  You can really feel the burn in your thighs and calves.  Walking is such good therapy-such a stress reliever-sometimes I can hardly wait to get up to get out there.  It is amazing how many regulars in my neighborhood I see every morning.  Here I am, walking as fast and as hard as I can, totally focused and then here they are...so relaxed, enjoying the day.  I am looking forward to that kind of a walk.  Enjoying the scenery-all I see is the pavement and waiting to get to the end!!  We also have a few runners...how I envy them...

Yesterday, I was going through my closet (again) and pulled out several outfits and dress pants that I cannot wear!!  Way too baggy!!  I can hardly believe that I was wearing them just a little over 2 months ago.  What a difference!  However, when I see myself in the mirror, I still look like a big fatty.  Oh well...  I noticed that when I walk, my arms do not slam against my outer thighs, that is good.  Still not able to run, just too hard on the chest if you know what I mean...

Well, gonna get ready for the day...

Keep Fighting On People!!   Lisa

I was able to walk for the last 3 days.  It felt good.  Did about 2.5 miles each day, but I know that I need to increase the distance or go faster...Time is what keeps me from walking longer...Pain keeps me from going faster!! LOL...  It was so very humid this morning, and the temps have not really cooled down much. Still getting into the low 90's during the day. 

Got on the scale this morning.  174.6.  I think that I maybe be under that 175.  I was 175 yesterday.  Still need to work on the water thing, but still doing good on my food choices.  I think I have been keeping under 1200 cal. a day. 

Still want to lose 15 more by Thanksgiving, and possible 20 by Christmas??  Now that will be an undertaking!!  I also post a blog on a site called 3fatchicks.com.  I joined a club called 20lbs by Christmas.   

My hubby got on the scale this morning.  He has lost 14 lbs in the last 4 weeks.  It took me over 2 months to do that!!!  And he did not even try!  No walking, no watching everything he eats...Just water and working alot on the job.  I am so proud of him.  I guess he is just one of those fortunate people who can drop faster-higher matabolism...

Gotta get ready for the day...

Dancing on...Lisa

Gracious, I can hardly believe that it has been almost a week.  I have been so busy and overwhelmed lately.  Not to mention sick.  I walked about 4 times this last week, but got sidelined over the weekend and yesterday with illness.  Am better now, but need to take better care of myself and pay attention. 

Since my last post, we lost all the kittens, which was sad, but gained 4 mini dachshunds!!  They are so adorable!!  My granddaughter is now 6 weeks old and we finally got everyone settled in the house.  My Amanda who is preggo has had a set back.  Her platelet levels have dropped again (36) and today she was diagnosised with gestational diabetes...and not a mild case.  They almost admitted her today because her levels are so high.  So, we have to really watch what she eats and test herself often.  Her ITP (low platelets) is making this more difficult due to the steroids that she has to take to get the levels up.  They just increased her steroids to 100 mg.  That is a pretty hefty dose.  She is 28 weeks.  The next 12 weeks are going to be tough, just hope we can keep her and the baby safe and out of the hospital.  I have spent most of the afternoon just researching this new hurdle...I just hope nothing else hits us!!!  Just gotta take it one day at a time...

Have not been able to go to work for a couple of days and today my boss let me have it...inconsiderate thoughtless ****...Did I not say that no matter how good you are doing and what your levels are and the fact that you were number one in the NATION for sales that it don't mean shit the next month???   GRRRRRR.....

Well, gotta get dinner going...and figure out what Amanda can eat!!  I am still holding at 176...to be expected since I had to drink so much freaking cranberry juice this last week!!  But hey, at least I have not gained!! 

Rock on People!!   Lisa

OK, I am not going to get my hopes up too much, but the scale this morning said 174.4 lbs. !!  I will wait and see if that holds true for a couple of days, but it is so very cool!!   Did not get my walk in this morning.  I did not get to bed until nearly 3 am. this morning.  I was writing a letter and wanted to get it right.  I probably wrote it over and over 5 times.  It was one of those tough letters that is hard to write, very emotional, but needed to be done. 

So I was up this morning around 6 am and I am tired.  But I really have a long day and have things that I need to get done for my job and office work, plus we are going to a Musical tonight called "All Shook Up".  One of our dearest friends has a role in it and we love to see him act.  He is great!! Tonight is opening night.  I wish I could find a moment to get a cat nap, but I do not see that happening.

Last night our persian cat Sassy had kittens.  She had 3 but only one has made it and it looks like she is rejecting it.  My daughter Amanda and I are trying to keep it alive with kitten milk, but it is so little!  It is a beautiful kitten, pure white with a small tuff of black on it's forehead.

As I sit here writing this, my Dachshund Stella is having puppies!!  It is crazy here.  With my daughter Cindy back home with her 1 month old Milana, my other daughter Amanda preggo with her first due the first week in December, Sassy my cat had kittens and now Stella having puppies...alot of babies around here!! Stella has one so far, a beautiful mini dachshund in light brown with long hair.  She will probably have a least 2 more.  Gonna be a long day, and I really need to get to the office!!  I just do not know how I am going to do this today!!

Well, gotta get going.  Have so much to do and so little time today...

Watching what I eat and trying to get the water in.  Will get the walking in this weekend.

Running on empty.......Lisa

Had a great day yesterday, however did not walk yesterday-was playing with my new grandbaby!!  I was able to get the walking in today, 2.5 miles.  The weather is getting so much nicer-was 70 this morning.  What a difference a few degrees make, plus humidity was not too bad.  I am still struggling with water intake, but was careful with the diet. 

175.6 on the scale this morning!!  I am so looking forward to watching the scale keep on dropping down!!  What a rush!!

One the benefits that I have noticed in this journey is the extra energy.  And, when you are seeing results, you have a tendency to push on everyday. 

I think that is why plateaus are so freaking hard!!  You are out there watching what you eat, trying not to cheat, moving and then you hit the scale and see no change.  Such a bummer and it seems like it takes forever for the scale to MOVE!!  I truly hate plateaus and I can see why it is so easy to get discouraged when you hit one.  You feel like saying "what's the point" and you know you can justify anything in your own mind.  I feel that this outlet of blogging is such a great tool.  It is a written record of where you have been and where you hope to go.  And the added benefit of knowing you have buddies out there who are reading your blog, commenting and encouraging you, lifting and picking you up and just plain knowing that you are not alone out there truly helps when things get rough and let us not forget praising you when you have had a great week, even if it is a small victory--The absolute best motivation ever!!

Just wanted to say Thank you!!  I will do the same for you!!

Rock on people!!   Lisa

New Week!!  Did not make my goal of 175 by the 6th, was at 176lbs, but it is understandable...My daughter and new granddaughter moved back home on Friday and it is wonderful!  We spent the weekend getting them situated and I did not get walks in because I was helping her with Milana.  It is going to be so hard going to work when all I want to do is play with the baby. 

This morning, I was able to walk my 2.5 miles and plan on trying to get out there everyday.  Gotta get back into the plan of daily water, walking and paying attention to what I eat.  We had the family over for dinner on Sunday and I had a little of the forbidden foods.  Kept justifing that I will be back on track on Monday...you know how it is, you can justify everything. 

My Plan and focus:  5-6 small meals

                                64 ounces water or more

                                2.5 miles everyday if possible

                                Journal everyday if possible

                                avoid pasta, breads and starches, fried foods, red meat

                                no sodas of any kind (doing good on that one)

                                more fresh fruits and veggies

                                no fast food (already doing that)

I took measurements on August 16.  I have noticed a small change.  Will take again on the 16 of September and work up the nerve to post...maybe even a pic...we will see......

Gotta get ready for the day!

Fighting on....Lisa

Good Morning!!  Today is a beautiful day!  Jumped up this morning at 5am and got my walk in!!  Feels like it has been forever!!  Love these sketcher shoes!  It looks like we are in a stretch of great weather, so I will be hitting the roads every morning.  I sure am hoping my September is alot better than my August was for walking and weightloss.  I was just way to busy and overwhelmed with the J O B. 

The scale is not my friend this morning...176.4...grrr...  I have only myself to blame for that.  Not walking, drinking enough water and maybe, just maybe splurging alittle on the "forbidden" foods!!  I know I have not gone overboard, but again, there is definite room for imporvement and better choices.  But I still have until Monday to see the 175.  I need to put myself back in the mindset of saying to myself that I have tasted it before and I don't need it right now...(I love Krystal burgers), or like at the office on friday "that is the best potatoe salad I have ever had!!"  Back to the 5-6 small meals, fruit, veggies, yogurt, lots of water and what I know works for me...Just gotta say NO to temptation and put the goal back in front of me.

Finally got the schedule for Zumba in my area...no Saturday classes but there are 2 evening classes and 2 daytime classes during the week.  Not sure if I can make the day classes, but will try to get to the evening classes on Monday and Wednesday, just never know from day to day where I will be with the J O B. 

Well, gotta get ready for the day!  

Walking on...Lisa