199!!!!!!!

For the first time in a very long time, I have gotten my weight under 200.  Currently 199!  that means a total of 21 pounds lost since I started this journey.  That's just 4 pounds away from halfway to my goal and I still have over three months to get there!  I know Pride goeth before the fall, however, I am proud of myself.  

I didn't realize quite how selfish I kind of have to be to get there.  There are so many reasons to not work out or to eat something wrong.  I still haven't had any sugar since I started this except what is in normal items like bread etc.  For someone who could previously have eaten an entire bag of peanut M & M's that is really something.  

Last night we went bowling for a friend's 50th birthday party.  What a blast!  I wasn't very good but I did get better as the night went on.  Amazingly, I felt good.  I feel like the best part of exercising and eating better is feeling better, physically and emotionally.  I think I have always been pretty self confident but now I feel it is more justified.  I'm not calling this a transformation because I am fundamentally the same and always will be.  It's just a better same if that makes sense.  

Just a week until I get to see one of my sons and under two months until I get to see the other one.  For a brief moment in time I will be complete.  

So Close!!!!!

I have been working very hard and I really had hoped that I would have reached my first interim goal of losing 20 pounds by now.  I am so close!  I weighed in today at 201, a 19 pound loss! This really seems to be somewhat of a plateau but I keep on working.  If you think about it, that is 19 pounds in 5 or 6 weeks.  I am still on track for my goal of 170 by Hawaii!  The good news is that I have gone down a size wearing size 18 pants that are loose and some size 16 pants.  Soon I will be exclusively in size 16 and then on to my goal of size 14.  I feel good, I'm getting to where I want to be so it's all good!

Spring is supposed to be here but you wouldn't know it by the snow on the ground outside.  This snow storm is our own version of March Madness.  Speaking of which, I am so proud of my Cougars.  Even in defeat against the number one team in the nation I saw the possibilities.  Please stay Tony Bennett! 

I am looking forward to Pullman in two weeks for Mom's Weekend.  Besides seeing my son who I can't believe I haven't seen since Christmas, I get to see Elton John live!  Never mind the fact that our seats won't be the best, I will be able to move and groove to the songs that were important during my time of "coming of age".  It's perfect that I will be seeing him in Pullman.  After all, that is where I first really got into listening to his songs while getting ready for Saturday nights, studying for finals (or note) and getting over a guy or two.  Can't wait!  Also, can't forget the football Spring game and a Cougar baseball game!  

Then, just a little over a month after I get back from Pullman, my other son, again whom I haven't seen since Christmas, will be back in the lower 48 to start his summer adventure.  It will be great just to know he is close, be able to maybe cook his favorite dinner for him, listen to his music and give him a hug.  

So, if you think about it, right now, and in the foreseeable future, my life is pretty good!  Everyone should be so lucky!

Update from Anchorage

A little adventure is the best cure for "Empty Nester" syndrome. I am in Anchorage, Alaska on business but somehow work in a different state, nestled at the foot of the mountains just doesn't seem like work. Flying in, the pilot dipped the wings and we got a full on view of the mountains in bright sunshine. I believe the word "awesome" is overused but it is totally the right thing to say when describing these mountain.

For the week, I was down 2 pounds to 205 total but the inches, once again, remained approximately the same. I have lost 15 pounds in the 4 weeks I have been doing this and feeling better than I have in a long time. I am maintaining my workouts here in Anchorage using the hotel exercise room. The restaurants here are excellent but I am doing well eating the things I should be eating. I might have to stray a little one night though. There is a great Cajun restaurant in Girdwood and I believe the Shrimp Etouffe is calling my name. I will just have to work extra hard before and after that.

It feels good to be at least in the same state as my son. I know Anchorage is nothing like his island, however, I feel at least some of the wonder he experiences. My husband is here with me and looking forward to skiing if there is enough snow which I hear might be a problem.

I promise that once I am back home, I am determined to learn how to add photos to this blog and I will post some of the beauty.

The goal is the reward

I am confused this week but pleasantly surprised.  I feel great and I lost another 5 pounds for a total of 13 pounds in 3 weeks!  What is confusing is that I lost very few inches this week and actually gained an inch in the upper chest measurement and the waist.  I even increased the weights as the DVD's say to and did not stray!  I can only think that the weight is re-distributing or something.  My net total loss for inches was just 3 inches for total of 22 inches in 3 weeks.  

The first goal of getting under 200 pounds is within sight.  I have decided it is its own reward.  It will be over a month until I see my youngest son again and three months until I see the oldest.  I think they will both see a difference in me physically.  I am hoping I will be able to keep up better with them now and with their kids (adopted or not!) in the future.  I think that is why this is working so well for me.  The real goal is the real reward, more time and more value to that time with the family that is my life.  I am certain that will keep me going on the right path.  

Onward and downward (in weight I mean)!