I've Lost It

Most of you know that recently I have been dealing with being on new meds and the effect they have been on me.  If not, I will update all of that real soon, I know I haven't been here as much as I should be.  I just want to say if it's not the meds that is doing it, I don't know what it!!!

For the past month or so I have been weighing more so than normal, I think because of my husband... he is becoming paranoid with that number since he put on a few pounds.  (lol)  It's not funny, but it is!  He just to be skinny as a toothpick and he's put on about 40 pounds since he stopped smoking; and I remember me doing these things and his comments... lol Sometimes I reshare them with him.  ((LMAOOO))  Since weighing weekly I saw I had lost a couple pounds and then I started the meds and cut back on my soda.. since I'm a Ticking Time Bomb!

Since the meds I lost a few pounds in a few days, but it flip-flopped up and down a few days and is sticking close to 170, which is about 10-15 give or take.  Not sure what it is, but I sure will take it!!  :)

I have been running slack on jeans since I only had a few pair and jeans I bought before regaining weight I'd lost that no longer fit. The bigger ones I've been wearing are wearing out and getting a liottle droopy!  I had found a pair that fit better (which boosted the confidence), but they split down the pocket and you could see my a$$ (lol, glad I was headed home when it happened).

So, today I cleaned out the closet between work.  I found about 10 pair of jeans that I had bought and didn't wear too long, some old lady looking, and some new...

I looked at the tags and thought maybe the few that were the biggest.. lol  The scale only has me 10 pounds down, and I bought these when I had lost 25.  So I doubted they would, but I tried them on. AND THEY FIT!!  Whooo Hoo

Matter-Fact... They all fit!!  Even the smallest sizes!  I'm so excited!  Now, I just wish I could get my heart rate and energy levels up enough to want to go somewhere and wear them!!!

Whooo Hooooooooooooooooooooo!!! I've Lost them few pounds and I want to stick with losing more & getting healthy because all of this medication ain't cutting it!!


Have a great day  ~ Ginny

A Ticking Time-Bomb

As I sat there listening to the Doctor, his previous sentence echoed through my mind ...  How did I get here?  He's full of it, and don't know what he's talking about!  I always said I would never be here, but I kept talking and didn't act!  ... All of these thoughts rushed through my mind as his words, "You're a Ticking Time-Bomb for a Stroke!" repeated in my thoughts!

I went for a checkup and  a refill on my Blood Pressure medication and left taking 6 medications a day!

When I started this Blog my goal was to get healthy and prevent being on a basket of medications a day, like my mom is currently!!  All I did was talk, NO actions and look at my situation!  I could kick myself in the a$$.  However, the Doctor says that most of the issues are hereditary!  I'm on the fence there!!

I know, I know.. these things are hereditary and I may not be able to reverse being put on all this crap; BUT, I plan to try!!  I know many people who have changed there lifestyles and didn't need the medications any longer.. SO, That is my Plan!!

I have another appointment in 4 weeks and I plan to see a smaller # on that scale, smoking less than I did on Friday, and making better choices when it comes to what I drink and eat!!    Even if these changes don't allow me to stop taking all this medication, they will improve my quality of Life in some way or another!!

"You're a Ticking Time-Bomb for a Stroke!"  That is scary!!

All the way home I thought about the importance of my life and the things that truly matter to me, and soda nor cigarettes were at the top of that list!  It's time to really do as much as I can to get healthier because I want to live to see my girls get married and create families of their own; and be able to enjoy grandchildren when that time comes.  Plus, I want to be able to enjoy life with my husband after the kids are moved out... none of this can be what I visualize if I don't change things and end up having a stoke!

SO... wish me luck!!

Healthy Eating & Exercising

The last 3 weeks I have been on a fitness craze. The last time I was attempting to eat right and exercise I feel that I put myself in a failure zone. I posted pictures on the blog and was stating my actual weight, like I was fat shaming myself. I had it in my head that if I posted pictures of myself at the size that I am then it would somehow motivate me to get healthy. Not true.

Anyway, I have been laying off the sweets and bread. I still eat them in moderation but I have been eating more veggies and fruit. I have lost 4 pounds and I am trying to keep going. I have also been walking and trying to drink more water. So far, all I can do is get down one bottle of water all day. I am taking this one day at a time until I reach my goal.

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

What weight-loss shows lack?

Do you watch weight-loss shows?  If so, which ones are your favorites?  I have to admit that I watch a few of them myself, and there is always a new one every season!!

The Biggest Loser is by far my favorite because I have watched it from the beginning and it really shows how hard work and eating right makes a huge difference!!  It's amazing to see the difference in the contestants outlook, self-esteem, and emotional changes that go along with the weight-loss.

Extreme Weightloss with Chris Powell is also a good show, I think.  In the earlier seasons Chris done it all alone, but now his wife accompanies him in the journey which really helps some of their clients.  Over a years time they work to achieve the weight loss goals and motivation needed to accomplish the unthinkable... most of the time, 100's of pounds gone!!  Amazing!!

This year a new show has started, Fit-to-Fat-to-Fit... which I really thought was ridiculous when I seen it advertise.   Why would someone who is Fit and Healthy risk it all to become over-weight & unhealthy just to lose it again with a client!?  So, I set it to record on the Genie just to check it out and see for myself.  After watching a few episodes, I see the point!  It shows the client that they are serious, that the trainer also struggles with the exercises when they are overweight, and that they can really do it if they are determined to get it off... and I think it motivates the client a little more because they know that this trainer put on all this weight for them! However, this is unhealthy and some of the trainers have put themselves at risk of medical issues and I think that is just crazy (in my opinion)!

These are the ones that I watch, which one's do you watch (if any)?

Over-all I like watching these shows because they're inspiring and motivating for my own journey!  It is encouraging to see that it can be done! However, they all lack something important... none of them show us the nutritional side --> what to eat, what seasoning to use, oils that are best, etc.  I really need to know how to cook better & stuff like that in order to be able to really do something and stick to it forever!!  You know what I mean!!

I think that these shows should make it a point to include the nutritional side of weight-loss more than just showing all the hard work in the gym, just my opinion!  Many Americans are over-weight & unhealthy (me included) and I think that showing us how to cook better could really help the millions of people who tune in every week to watch!

~Ginny

My Older Sister

My sister, Lois, is older than me by three years. I have always looked up to her because she has charisma and has always been able to talk to anyone. When we were kids she kind of raised me and our little brother for a while. Our birth mom would leave us home by ourselves and my sister would look after us. She was 6, I was 3, and our brother 1. The reason I mention this is because having to take on adult responsibilities at such a young age changed her. Eventually our Dad won custody and our birth mom faded into the background. She didn't fight for us and deep down I think all three of us know that and it stings a bit. Then we had to contend with other bull shit but that's a story for another day. 

Lois has had a rough life. She hasn't always made the best choices but her heart was in the right place. Over the years her weight has become a real problem for her though she never seemed to mind. My sister weighs over 300 pounds but guess what? She is going to the gym now with no prompting from anyone other than wanting to get healthy and get in shape. You know this cannot be easy for her but she is doing it. She has told me about how she is going to sit down with a personal trainer so she can tighten up while she is losing and really gain an understanding on how to lose weight and keep it off. My brother has gotten a jump start on her, he has lost 30 pounds already but his weight loss is a motivating factor for my sister and for me. 

I have done this before. Tried to lose weight and not really put much effort into it but I am really going to try because if my sister, who has never set foot in a gym, but is trying to turn her life around, can do it, then I can get off my lazy bum and do it too. I might randomly blog about me but I really want to blog about her and what she is accomplishing. We have been begging her for years to get her weight under control and she is finally taking steps to doing that before it really is too late.  

To my sister..............

A Sudden Health Kick

My husband is on a health kick... this can't be good ! ((LOL))

A couple of days ago, out of the blue, my husband says "I'm Fat".   I asked him what in the world triggered the statement because he came from left field, and he isn't fat!  Yes.. He's put on about 45 pounds since he quit smoking a few years ago, but he is still under 200 (getting close, but still under lol).  This is the heaviest he has ever been in his life and he said that lately he can tell the weight is really affecting him, he gets out of breath sooner than he used to and isn't as capable of doing as many things as he used to.

A few short minutes after he made his "FAT" comment he called my mom to see if she still had her exercise bike that she is trying to sell.. and she did, so he asked if he could use it.  He hung up the phone, walked out the door, and a few minutes later returned with the exercise bike!  He carried it inside and got right on it... road it for about 20 minutes!  He's a man on a mission!

Yesterday I got home from work and he explained how he had only drank water and ate salads ALL day.. if you knew him you would know that this is HUGE because he drinks a lot of soda and eats junk-food like it is going out of style!! (LOL)  What is going on with him, I thought; but told him Great Job!  At dinner he said I had to cook something healthy...  So, we grilled some boneless-skinless chicken.

This morning he gets up and gets on the scale.. and he has lost 5 pounds in 3 days!  I'm so proud of him!!  Wish I could be so motivated all at once and get the job done so quickly!

At dinner tonight we had salads with what was left of the grilled chicken cut up into them and I have to say that they were really good; so, I guess I'm gonna be on a health kick to and start to finally get motivated because of his sudden health kick!


Wish us luck!!!
~Ginny

Drum Roll Please, Week 8 Weigh In

Week 8 Weigh In: 260

Woo Hoo, another pound down. It's coming off slowly but I am changing the way I eat and the way I live. 

You guys would be so proud of me if you knew me personally! I have been drinking water, eating veggies and getting on the elliptical. 

Week 7: Weigh-In

I didn't get a chance to post my weigh-in last week (things have been somewhat hectic lately), but I was down to 183.6 (YAY).  However, this morning when I stepped on the scale for my week #7 weigh-in, things had changed!!!  Back up to 186.. 

I'm not sure if this is correct since I twisted my knee on Friday and it is severely swollen still... I think I'm ok thinking that this gain could be from it, but I could be wrong!!  I guess I really won't know until it goes down and I weigh again! 

I have been slacking these past few weeks, not exercising yet, and not really adding water to my daily intake.. However, I have been trying really hard to eat more than once a day and it seems to be helping.  I have been losing a little along and I've been ok with that thus far... 

However, this week I hope to step things up and get serious!  I know exercise is definitely out of the plan.  I don't want to take no chances on hurting this knee more than it already is! But adding water and cutting some soda is a start to a healthier/smaller me!!

Week 6 - Weigh In

Weekly Weigh In: 263

I am very frustrated with myself today. Like I said before, I start out with the very best of intentions but somehow this feels very much like failing miserably. I thought if I put my actual weight up here where everyone can see it, then I would be motivated to make that number go down. 

What has worked for me before:

1. No food in the house - Not an option anymore because I have children.

2. Going through a divorce - I'm divorced now and I'm not going to get married any time soon...so, no to this. 

3. Drinking water everyday and nothing else - Okay, I can do this.

4. Eat healthier - Lay off the bread JoAnne!

5. Begin a food journal - there has to be someway to incorporate this into a type of blog entry. +Ginnyland you are going to have to help me brainstorm with this one. 

6.  Log my exercise everyday - the winter is coming and I do not want to get sedentary. 

7. Do not beat myself up over this - small steps at a time!!

Week 5 Weigh-In

Stepped on the scale this morning and to my surprise, I lost a few pounds.. down to 182.6! Woo Hooo

My Weight Chart:

I'm loosing it slowly,  and as the old saying goes, "If you loose it slow it will stay off longer!"
Who knows if there is any, actual evidence, that backs this up?  

I'm down 5.4 pounds, which could be better, but I'm loosing!

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Plans For Week 6

*For week 6, I really gotta get my stress levels in check. I've read that stress can be a contributing cause for retaining weight & for not loosing; so, this week that is my main concern!

*Drink WATER!!! I still can't bring myself to add this in full time. I hate the taste of water!! (Shake-ups really do help with that)

*Focus on the Goal

*Believe in Myself!

Monday Morning Weigh In Week 5

Weekly Weigh In: 259 

I am definitely at least maintaining. I did walk one mile yesterday, and I go back to the Doctor today for post op. I am going to ask if it is okay to get on the elliptical now. 

I do see where I am making mistakes. 

1. Start food journal today. 

2. Exercise more.

3. Eat better. 

I went grocery shopping over the weekend and bought boneless, skinless chicken breasts, broccoli, and some water. When I first begin any new regime I tend to stall out at first...I am getting on the right track. 

Week 4 Weight Loss Challenge

Weigh In for this week: 258 1/2 

So, I have lost half a pound this week. That isn't so bad, I am not going to beat myself up about it. What can I do this week to make that a bit better?

One, I have noticed this week that I have eaten more bread than usual. Step one is to cut out some of the carbs. 

Two, I noticed I need to drink more water. 

Three, I need to get moving more. 

I can do this!! 

Week 4: Weigh In

Good Morning, Everyone!  Wow, week #4 already, It has flown by!!

To be honest, I haven't been motivated.  I have been super stressed out lately, exercising & dieting hasn't been a priority (but that's another Blog post topic).

Surprisingly, when I stepped on the scale this morning to weigh in for the start of week #4... I had LOST!!  Whoo-hoo (lol).

Although, 2.4 pounds in 3 weeks isn't nothing to brag about, it is a loss & I'm celebrating it!

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Stress is a part of life and I have got to figure out how to Free My Mind of all the clutter that I can't really change; and focus!!

I have 45.6 pounds to go to reach my goal by June 10th  (Graduation)!  This is like 35 weeks away, a little over 1 pound loss a week, this shouldn't be hard at all to accomplish.  However, I would like to lose more if I can.

I just want to be happy with my weight, comfortable in my own body, and healthy!! 

I Can Do This!!!

Week 3 Monday Morning Weigh In

259 Today's Weight

Hey everybody!!! I'm back from my week off from having surgery. My weight fluctuated a lot after surgery due to being given a ton of fluid, or at least it felt like a ton. After surgery I was weighing 265. This morning I got on the scales and I weighed 259 on the dot. I am feeling better, still a little sore, but I'm back at work today and trying to get back to my normal schedule. I have also been walking a lot the past week. Mostly in the house, but I still can't lift anything or pull on anything for a few more weeks but I am going to continue to walk until my post op appointment then hopefully I will get the go ahead to get back on the elliptical. 

I am actually having some problems in regards to how much I can eat since the surgery. My stomach can't seem to hold what it used to. I feel very heavy if I even attempt to overeat and I feel as if my stomach is pressing on my bladder. Very uncomfortable feeling, so right now I'm eating salads, soup or pudding to keep from feeling like my stomach weighs a ton. 

Anyway, hopefully I am on the right track!All I can do is try!

A 'lil Weight Loss Humor

Don't have but a second to post something tonight; so, I thought I would share a lil weight loss humor with ya!!

lol.. This was too cute not to share!!

*Hope you all are having an excellent week and I will try to post more tomorrow night!!  

Monday Morning Weigh-In

Start of Week 2

Week 1 had a lot of ups-and-downs... stress along with procrastination, and my monthly visitor decided to arrive just as I was starting to get in the grove of things (ugh).   I know "TMI", but I's sure all the women reading can relate..

I got on the scale on Thursday and it was showing a loss of about 4 pounds; so, you can imagine my surprise as I stepped on the scale for my Monday Morning Weigh-In to see that I had not lost nor gained anything.. Exactly the same as it was on Day 1         :(

BUT I'm not giving up!!  This is a new week and I plan to have a loss to report next Monday!!  The weather is starting to be really nice and walking is in this weeks plan.

Here's my weight-loss ticker that I will update weekly to track my progress.  You can get your's at the Ticker Factory.  (Every time I update this, it will change here)

....Until next time!!!

Fix-a-Flat Butt

When our car tire has a slow leak we often use Fix-a-Flat as a temporary fix; but would you use it to fix
your butt??  No way, Right?

Well, surprisingly there are some people who have actually done this; and way worse!!

According to the commercial for "Atlanta Plastic", a series that airs on Lifetime (http://www.mylifetime.com/), people have used Fix-a-Flat and other things like cement to get that perfect butt they're looking for...

                 
  ..... REALLY!!??  This is so surprisingly crazy to me! How would someone justify putting something into their body that is meant to fix a deflating tire?!



Sometimes we get way too caught up in the way we look; and we go too far to try to get results... putting chemicals into our bodies is never the way to go, be smart people!!

When the commercial aired, I had to rewind it to make sure I heard it right!  Afterwards, I joked that I was gonna have to pump my butt up with some Fix-a-Flat because it's starting to show age (sag lol)




BUT My husband said it may get too full and pop like a Balloon!!   Lmaooo

... or leak out.

I just wonder how the went about putting it in there to begin with (probably don't want to know).

It's sad that people have resulted to these easy seeming solutions to get the quick fix... but in the end it really does take time and work to get the results that we want to achieve (unless you result to plastic surgery/implants).


If want to fix a flat butt then you need to do exercises that are targeted to the glutes, etc.  I shared a exercise video a few weeks ago that refer to this area...  The Booty Building Workout  *Make sure you consult your doctor before doing any new programs, don't want no one hurting themselves!

... and PLEASE DON'T put any harmful products into your body that are not meant for it!!  

Day 2

It's almost the end of  Day #2 and things haven't gone so BAD, but not like I had planned exactly either...

I went to bed early last night (10 o'clock), woke up this morning without turning the alarm of 5-6 times first.  I felt refreshed and not tired like normal, I guess that's what a good night's sleep will do for ya.

Got the kids up and started doing some chores (less to do later).   Washed breakfast dishes up and started a load of laundry.  Then things went down hill....

We have a water leak!!  UGHHHHH!!    Exercising was next on the plan; but now there's a new one!!

My husband went out and dug up the line and found the issue.. and had to turn off the water.  After 3 trips to Lowe's and most of the day gone, it was finally fixed late in the afternoon.

Overall, today wasn't too bad I did eat 3 meals (Yay) and drank a few bottles of water.  Hoping tomorrow will be more successful and that no more surprises arise this week, my nerves can't take much more these days (lots of things have been coming up lately).

Just wanted to give you all a quick update... Until next time!!

Weight Loss Monday

Today is the first day of my weight loss journey. I need to be accountable to somebody because I have failed in the past. I am done with that, I want to succeed. The reason why I want to lose weight is because I want to be healthy, and I want to live to be old. And for once I want to be smokin hot baby!! So, my motivation is my health and the secondary reason is vanity. 

That is what five pounds of fat looks like. Gross isn't it. But it is also a great motivator, that is a lot when you actually see a picture of someone holding it in their hands. 

Ginny, we can do this girl!!