Time to put them down!

Eleven years ago I did something that I said I would NEVER do, I started smoking.  Since then it has become a habit that I just can't seem to put down!!

Before I started I can remember telling my husband that it wasn't as hard as he thought it would be to quit; but now I know differently! :)

About 4 1/2  years ago he went to the ER with chest pains; thankfully, it had nothing to do with his heart!  However, he did decide to quit smoking and I was amazed at how easy it appeared to be for him.  I guess the fear over-rode the want for a cigarette!

Lately, I have had a cold that I just can't seem to shake and I know that cigarettes have a lot to do with my congestion, and coughing!  A few days ago I was thinking about quitting and actually waited about 3 hours to go to the store to get a pack.  During these hours it was amazing how easier it was to breath and that I didn't cough any during that time.  However, as soon as I lit one up on the way home I started coughing and was all stuffed up again. UGH it is so frustrating knowing that these things are causing this; yet, I still don't have the drive to put them down!!  BUT... I have to do this for my health; and I am tired of smelling like a cigarette!

A while back I purchased the Nicotine Transdermal System (Step 1 & 2), but I haven't started using the patches yet (for some reason).

My husband is like a anti-smoking commercial (lol) and  is always telling me that I smell like an ash-tray when I get near him after having a cigarette.  The kids have also made comments about how much the cigarettes stink & my youngest tells me often how bad they are for me (things she learned in health class).  I know it would be better for me & everyone else if I quit; and I could save a lot of money, but I just don't know if I have what it takes!?

Since my husband quit smoking he has gained about 45 pounds because he says that food tastes and smells so much better; and he is bored and I think he eats more because of it.  I've already gained the weight I lost about 2 years ago back and I just don't want to take a chance of gaining even more because I quit smoking!  I have to have something to replace this habit with, but I have no idea what that would be!!  Any ideas?

As of this minute I want to put them down ....  but I have to get a plan in place!

Starting this week I am going to smoke outside.  This should help me cut back some, and this will be good because I am up to a pack and a half (if not more) a day lately.  Then, come Monday I am going to try to start using the patches some ... So, wish me luck!

Have you ever quit smoking?  If so, tell me below how you did it; and if you put on weight in the process!!  Thanks!!

~Ginny

London, England

Last summer I traveled to Europe and it was the most amazing experience. I always wanted to visit England since I was a little girl and I finally got the chance. I had never been on a plane, never been out of the country and especially never thought I would take such a trip alone, but that is what I did. I was really out of my comfort zone, but I loved/lived every moment of it.

I figured this week I would give the people who read my blog posts through my friend Ginny's blog a break and talk about something upbeat and positive for a change.

On July 12, 2014 I turned 40 years old. The next day I left home at around 9 am and went to my parent's home, left my vehicle, and my brother Donnie drove me to the airport in Raleigh, N.C. Now, granted I had never been on a plane before and I was trying NOT to think about plane crashes, so I busied myself with making sure I had everything packed and I was texting friends and family letting them know that once I made it to Georgia, I would be cutting off my data on my phone and go off the grid for the entire week. I was going ghost and I was SO looking forward to that.

I had a slight case of the nerves, because my brother dropped me off and I was on my own. A woman on a mission......to conquer my fears and try something new. After waiting around for about an hour or so it was time to get on the plane. So, I made my way and found my window seat. I sat beside a man named James on this particular flight and I was secretly wondering if I looked like a first time flyer. We really only spoke small pleasantries before take-off, everyone seemed a bit on edge or maybe it was just me.

Before the plane took off I began to get a bit misty, thinking of family and friends, and of the pain I was trying to leave behind. Then the plane began to move down the runway and I felt invincible almost, like nothing could touch me. I could feel the hummmmm of the engine, the announcements from the flight attendants, the air from the air conditioning, and I was about to soar.....Do you know what I did? I put my nose to the glass and I had my eyes wide open.....I was thinking to myself ...BRING IT WORLD..... Nothing can touch me now.

A few tears did escape when we got up in the sky because it was the most beautiful scene my eyes have had the pleasure to see. My beloved North Carolina, my home, below me and it looked spectacular. Everything was a miniature version of itself. The vehicles looked like toy cars and the buildings did also. I began to relax and enjoy the ride, after all I was on my way to Georgia for my connecting flight.





TO BE CONTINUED.....................................London, England: Part 2

Positivity

The sun is shining and today is a good day....hehe I hear that Ice Cube song in my head...today was a good day. Anyway, I feel pretty good today because I exercised on the elliptical yesterday. Right now I am doing 15 minutes a day until I can work myself up to 30 minutes. My rationalization is that I need to work myself up to 30 minutes after a week then after that try doing it for an hour. I would be happy to listen to any suggestions that anyone might have. All you have to do is leave me a comment in the box below.

I'm also feeling pretty good mentally. My tax money has arrived and I am paying off bills and I have bought some things for my children. I have also gotten into my old storage unit where a good portion of my belongings have been for the past four and half years. This is stuff that I am sifting through, mainly looking for all my old photos and such. My ex will be picking up his things once I am through getting my stuff. I am very proud that I have not cried opening the unit, I am just so happy to see my old things mostly because it has sentimental value not monetary value. Some of this stuff I have been carrying around since I left home at age 17. I feel like all the dust is beginning to settle now as I am truly looking forward to what my new future has to offer.

JoAnne

Tuesday Morning Weigh-In

Good Morning, Everyone!

Well no weight-loss this morning, but NO gain either!! :) I figured with the way last week went and my friend visiting for the month (my cycle) that there wouldn't be no loss.  However, I was expecting a gain and that wasn't the case; so, I am happy about that!

My schedule recently changed and I have an extra hour in the mornings to work with; therefore, I am hoping to make the most of it and exercise a few days a week (at the very least).

I few months ago I purchased The Firm's burn, sculpt, and tone DVD with resistance cord at the Thrift Sore for only $4.99; and I think it's about time to give it a try!!

I have the The Firm VHS tapes with the Fanny Lifter; and I loved those, but when the VCR went out I never purchased another.  I hope that the new DVD is as easy to do but still works!!

Wish Me Luck!!


Have a Great Day!!! :)

Balance

I went out and bought me an elliptical. I got on it last night for 15 minutes and I slept like a baby last night! I could definitely feel the burn. I am so out of shape but that is okay because I am taking it one day at a time and I know I can do this.

Last week I was so emotional and I felt like everything was erratic. I am still dealing with feelings of grief and anger over the loss of my marriage. Even though we aren't divorced yet, sometimes I still struggle with my feelings because they are all over the place. I feel happy most days, but then there are those moments when the memories creep in and I remember how it used to be.

As you can tell I am in a strange place in my life right now. And all the feelings I am having about the loss of my marriage play into the whole weight loss thing for me. I am trying to find the right balance.

JoAnne

What to eat?

I am a few days into this weight loss journey, in which I am really trying. I am struggling with the "what to eat portion" of this journey. I have noticed that most quick foods that I can grab running out the door in the morning are processed or they are starchy. I don't know about you but I do believe I could live off potatoes!

I have to go grocery shopping tomorrow and stock up on healthy foods. I have searched the internet and come away with a 30 day meal plan that has options and has food on it that I actually eat. It also gives the recipe and how to prepare it as well. I am going to try to start implementing it today for lunch. An example is I can actually have a black bean burrito for lunch, which is really good because I love black beans. I need to find a recipe for a black bean burger if possible.

I did workout last night. I am hanging in tight with the Pilates door knob exerciser. My thighs and tummy are feeling the burn. I can also feel it in my arms, the bicep part. I have been looking at getting an elliptical soon, but I am still walking when I can and taking the stairs at work instead of the elevator.

Until tomorrow..........................
JoAnne

Acknowledgment is the First Step!

For a while now I have been avoiding her...

I don't want to hurt her feelings by telling her how off track she has allowed herself to get in almost every aspect of her life.  But she needs to know:

• How she has allowed herself to fall back into that dark hole by letting the stress take over.. I hate it when she allows it to run her life when its out of her control.  Or is it?
• How she has allowed old eating habits to creep in and take over again.
• How she can't focus on what lies ahead or the things that are here in the moment.
• How un-engaged of a wife and mother she has been lately.
• How she has lost her vision of what the future holds.
• and How much disappointment has entered in my thoughts of her lately!

Can I tell her these things!?  How will she react?

I have been avoiding her because I know she knows all of this, but once I bring it up there will be so much more to acknowledge; but I know I need to say it, and hear it too!

I've been avoiding seeing her looking back at me; acknowledging that I have let myself drift off the road I want to be on!

Her, the girl in the mirror,  needs to be told to stop barring herself in the stress of the things she is unable to change.  Set new goals and achieve them. And make the most out each day she is given.


... I think I'll have that talk tonight!

                                           ~ *Acknowledgment is the First Step!

This and That

Today is January 18, 2015. I really messed up yesterday. I do believe I ate everything in sight, but I still managed to exercise yesterday. So, no pounds lost and no pounds gained. My friend Ginny has talked me into doing this blog. I really need to be held accountable for the stupid decisions I make when it comes to eating and exercising. What worked for me in my twenties is not going to work for me at age 40.

In my twenties I could eat Doritos and drink mountain dew for breakfast. If I wanted to lose a five pounds quickly I wouldn't eat after 6pm and I would drink a couple of beers. I can't do that anymore. My body has changed as well as my metabolism. My priorities have changed also. I am at a point in my life where I have no excuses to lose weight. I have a ton of free time on my hands now that I am single, so I can go walking and I can cook the things I need to so I can eat better. My plan is to keep doing the pilates door knob exerciser and walking right now. I want to buy an elliptical at tax time so that while it is cold outside I can hop on that and get a good work out.

A big step for me is I know I need to list my weight. I am not quite ready to share that just yet.....gotta build up the nerve.

JoAnne

Nothing is Real if you don't

What motivates you?

Every journey that we set out on has it's challenges..  

           So, why should losing weight be any different!

What motivates you?

~ Knowing or Finding something to help motivate us is a way to reach the ending goal.

EASIER SAID, THAN DONE!! ~ Right? (lol)

I think over the past few years I have tried many things to help motivate me... a new outfit, competing with friends, beach trip, fitting into an old pair of jeans (that's an awesome feeling), etc.

A while back I joined DietBet (http://www.dietbetter.com/" ) after clicking on a link to a contest that Jillian Michaels (from "The Biggest Loser") shared for a charity. I have to say, it's a great motivational tool!

CHECK IT OUT>>>  DietBet allows you to start & join contests.. I'll let you see for yourself!

After watching the video, What do you think?

Is this something that could motivate you?  It sounds like if you reach your 10% lose (which isn't that much weight in 6 months) you'll win your money back + a portion of what other money is left to split by players who didn't complete the challenge.  Sounds like a win-win, you get your money back at the very least... Thoughts?

I think this could be fun among a bunch of competitive friends or all with the same goal.

A few years back a few friends and I done a Biggest Loser competition among us all... we weighed in each week and put like $10 in a jar; and the winner would get the $$; however, no one was motivated and so we all took our money back.

Sad, but true!

In order to make a change, I believe that We have to get the mindset of succeeding because being motivated is an important key to success!

What is your motivation when it comes to weightless?  Would a competition like DietBet help you succeed?

I want to hear your thoughts/experiences about this!?

Let's Get Started!

It's time to STOP talking and GET started living a healthier life!! 

I have No real plan going in... So, I am going to start by changing a few things each week until I get where I feel I need to be!

Getting my mind set is the number #1 priority right now, because If that isn't set.. I will never succeed!

This isn't a diet, it is about getting healthy!  I don't want to be on a ton of medication for health problems that I could have prevented, or so insecure about my body that I live in sweats or don't want to leave home!  That just isn't the way to live!

So.. I have a few thoughts that I know I will put into place next week (tomorrow) in my journey to a healthier, happier, more confident.. New ME!

(Hope you will use these in your journey & share your own with me as well)

 

Thought #1:

  "It's not about the number on the scale, it is about how I feel!"

I will weigh once a week; same day & time (when possible).  Getting on the scale daily will only be a discouragement that I do not need! 

Thought #2 

"Add Water!"

Water is such a benefit to our body; and it will help boost our energy levels..
               Why not include it to our daily lives!

Thought #3

 "Walking increased blood flow to our heart and is a great exercise to start out with!"

I plan to add at least 30 minutes a few times a week of walking to my daily routine.

---

*Join me on the journey to a New Me; and have a happier and healthier you!  

                 

      ..... Please, Share your own tips, thoughts, success, and goals  below!  I'd love to hear them and help motivate and support you along the way!

A Plan to Change

Been feeling sick & tired for a while now, denying that I need to get things in order with my health and mind.
This laziness has hindered me and my immune system too! 

I have decided to get motivated by sharing my personal journey with you!  This is going to be a challenge,  but I gotta start somewhere!!!!  or Nothing will ever change!

I don't have a plan.. but We can learn together!

Procrastinating any longer.. will make no difference (lol).

So... today is the the day!

I already got my water so I will be Grocery shopping today to get some salad mix and a few other things that I will need to started off right!

I want you to join me, if you need to make the healthy changes too.. Let's Do This!

Share what works for you, your challenges,  and your success.  Lets support each other!

This will help us all... join me!

We Can Do This!

Does Weight Hinder Who You Are?

A uniform is what I wear 6 days a week, PJ's on my day; and hardly ever wearing jeans.  Today I decided to dress nice and meet a friend for lunch, and to my surprise none of my jeans fit comfortably anymore!

This is such a disappointment.. I lost the weight, and have gained every pound of it back!  Just seems like it all came back in different places (lol)!

... When I was this weight before I never realized how lazy feeling almost depressing, having little to no energy, not wanting to do much of anything fun, and how grumpy I felt! BUT.. I remember all-to-well these days... since I gained it back.

You never realize how much weight hinders who you are until you loose it and gain it back! It's so hard to get the right mindset and shed the pounds, but it is so rewarding when you do!

... The weather is cold and it's hard to want to get outside once I get home, but it is time to get my butt in gear and drop these pounds!

I have been feeling 'sick' for weeks  months now.. wore out & drained; and I know that some of it is my hectic schedule, but a lot of it is my weight!

I do not want to be on medicine for blood pressure or other issues that weight plays a huge part of; and I want to be comfortable (have something to wear) when summer gets here, I want to be able to run and play with my kids outside, and I want to like what I see when I look in the mirror!

Getting back into many of my old habits & wearing this baggy uniform has allowed my weight to creep back up on me without me even realizing it; but I did it once and I can do it again!

... If I "Stay focused & Believe in myself"!

... So, there is no time like to the present to get my plan in gear and get it done!!  Are you with me?

Feeling IT!

Lately I've been feeling 'IT'  .. and by 'IT', I mean the laziness and the UGH feeling of being overweight!!

I want to get started on a weight-loss goal and get it accomplished again; but I am just NOT motivated AT ALL!!!  I just don't know why because I know that I need to get on the ball and get it done!!  This is not healthy and I can see how much it REALLY does weigh on you physically, mentally, and medically as well.

I'm wanting to get started, but I do so much better when I have someone to help motivate.. this in return motivates me!!  Anyone interested?

I've been considering starting a group on FB or somewhere to help others and myself be motivated and feel better about ourselves!  I know there are others who are walking in the same shoes that I am and I want to help!

I am so tired of feel 'ugh'.. I just want to get it DONE!! I want to feel energized and healthy; and I know that's NOT going to happen until I DECIDE that I am going to do it!!

If your interested comment on this post or like it; and keep a look out because I will updating things and trying to get something going by the 1st!!

.. "Stay Focused and Believe in Yourself!!"

A free Ab Machine.. Must be a sign (lol)

  So.. today my neighbor was out in his yard and called me over to ask me if I wanted a piece of equipment that he no longer used.. Exercise equipment.

  "Hummm".. I thought, "I don't necessarily WANT it, but YES I NEED IT! (lol)" Then, naturally  like anyone who is self conscious of their weight does, I wondered if he was calling me fat. (lol)

  He explained that (lol) "10 years ago he would keep it, but he was too old to be on that thing".  I guess everyone has something that has an insecurity in some form.

  I told him I would take it and try it out... But I wanted to know a little about the machine itself and how to use it; you know, I don't need no injury (lol).

  I think it's an older machine because this is the only video that I could find on the Body by Jake's Ab Scissor machine... check it out!


It looks like it could work.. and I think I will give it a try! I will let you all know the results.. (lol)

Life: Just Believe!

Life: Just Believe!:   When you look into the mirror, what do you see...  Do you like the person looking back at you?  Do you believe that they can accomplish an...