New Website

Well guys after the Arkansas Women's Boggler Conference this past weekend, I did it!!  I got my own website! www.grippigirl.com   Come on over and check it out!!

Arkansas Women's Blogger Conference Unplugged

What a great weekend.  Here are the top 10 experiences of the weekend. (No particular order)  I will be posting blogs in more detail.

1.  I met fantastic women and learned so much.

2.  I can survive in the woods.

3.  A hole, is a hole, is a hole.

4. Armadillos are real and not just dead on the side of the road.

5. The inside latch of a Jeep tailgate can be used to open a beer bottle.  (pictures to come)

6. Sally the GPS is not always right.

7. ONSC is the bomb!! What a special place.

8.  There is no limit to social media.

9. Punctuation does matter. 

10. I need my own website!

Thoughts

So today I am just pondering.  Wishing I was laying on Elbow Beach in Bermuda just soaking up the sun.  I have done a lot of reflection lately and have decided to follow my strengths.  Read a book and took a little survey called Strength Finders 2.0.  You have to read this book.  Well you don't have to read the whole thing, at least the first few chapters and take the survey.  It talks about focusing on what you are good at and building on that and not focusing on your weaknesses.  Those of you that know me, know I am not all about this self help  and blah blah blah stuff, but this one struck me as interesting.

If your child came home with a report card of all 'A's and one F in gym, what would your focus on?  Most people would focus on the F in gym.  What if your child is just not athletic?  What if you focused on what their strengths were and helped develop those?  Would their weaknesses automatically improve?  YES!!  Now what if we took that theory and applied it to ourselves?  What would we learn?  There are just some things we will never be good at, but some things we are great at.  Thoughts on this?

Really looking forward to the Arkansas Women's Blogger Conference this weekend. Maybe I will learn how to actually do this blogging thing.  Would love some feedback on above thoughts and your point of view.  Peace out as I will be unplugged for the weekend at the conference in the woods.  Yea I know, me in the woods who would of thought.  I'll be back Sunday afternoon!

What a Day

Ever wonder where a  journey is really going to take you.  You start thinking that you are headed in one direction and you end up lost and not sure where to go next.  I want to find the next step of my journey.  Losing the weight is a big part of that and I am doing well.  I have lost 28 lbs.  But there needs to be more to this journey than just weight loss.  I think it's becoming about discovering who I am, who I want to be, and confidence in myself.  I always thought that I had confidence in who I was, but now I think I am changing and losing that with it.  I am not sure if this is a good thing or a bad.  We will see, either way I will overcome, that is what I do.

Great Workout Today

This weekend was a great weekend.  Spent Friday night chillin outside with the family.  It was a great time.  Saturday we meet some new folks through a friend and spent a  great afternoon in their beautiful back yard.  Couldn't ask for much more.  Ryan had a blast with his Aunt Becky.  Sunday was a stay home fun day.  I did about 3 hours of house cleaning and then about an hour of a kick ass workout.  I felt like I lost 5 lbs just from sweat.  All I was doing was dancing and working out to the music.  I was covered and beat when I was done, but boy did it feel good.  Wondering how I work this into the schedule a couple times a week.  It seems to make stress go away.  I love to dance.  Remember the days when you got to go out on Thursday, Friday and Saturday just to dance.  I think that is when I weighed the least, and I was happiest in life too.  Not a care in the world, and I did look good, but wouldn't change any of it with my life.  Great Husband, Awesome Kid.  Love it, just need to find a mix of them both.

Weight loss has starting slowing down, but with the exercise i am definitely noticing a difference in the way clothes fit.  Gonna make it happen.  Gonna buy that dress, that awesome little black dress.

It's Been Awhile

Sorry it has been so long since I have posted.  I have officially lost a total of 28 lbs.  Weight loss is going slower now, but I am ok with that.  I have started an exercise program to help build some muscles up.  It's time to, pump it up!

Ryan is also most done with kindergarten this year.  The even have a graduation ceremony on June 14.  I am excited about that.  I am sure it will be cute.  

Had some really bad storms come through our area.  A lot of loss happened.  Luckily we were okay.  Only thing here was the garage door opening got fried by lightening.  Easily replaceable.  Other people were not so lucky.  Things like this make you put your life into perspective.  I am just happy I am getting healthier, I have my family and great friends.

Love you all!!

Milestone

Well I have hit a milestone.  22 pounds this week when I went to the doctor.  Pants are starting to be to big and fitting into some clothes I haven't fit into for a very long time.  Still have a ways to go, but happy to reach this point.  38 pounds to go!

One day at a time.

Well another rough week. Didn't lose very much this week, but still feeling good. Almost at the 20 lb mark. That will be a big milestone. Just need to stick with it. Really starting to miss food. Would just love a cheeseburger with mayo. Or an order of wings with chicken nachos. I will stick with my drinks and lettuce alternatives. Yummy yummy.

Dr. Appt.

Well went for my weekly check up today. Doctor gave me some food options to the shakes. They are very happy with the weight loss I have had. Blood pressure was great and I am off all the heart meds now. Pants are actually getting loose. Still have a ways to go but feeling very encouraged right now. Haven't lost any more weight in the last few days, but I have lost inches. Starting to see a difference in my face too. Thanks so much for all of your support!!

P.S. Ryan even said that I am looking 'straighter' as he calls it:).

Hard week

Being on vacation is making this week rough. Shakes are still upsetting my stomach. I go to the doctor Thursday. Haven't lost any weight this week, haven't gained any either. Just at a hard point. Gotta keep going and do this. Gonna talk to the doctor to see what the alternatives are. Total of 17 pounds lost, but I am still not the biggest loser.

Saturday

What a day. Having a hard time downing the shakes. Makes my stomach very upset. I have been only doing maybe one a day. Had a 3 ounce piece of grilled chicken today. Just getting frustrated with the Hunger pains and headaches. I have lost 15 lbs. This is good, but I tend to get tired and cranky.

I gotta keep doing this.

Update

So blood work came back. Magnesium levels really low gotta take a magnesium supplement daily. Funny thing is that the pharmacist tells me to take it with food. Um, ya okay. I'll get right on that.

Hopefully this will make the muscle cramps and headaches go away.

Lost another pound:)

Okay

So had weigh in today.  Had to have some blood taken due to the muscle cramps and headaches.  Checking potassium and magnesium to make sure they are all good.  I lost another 5 lbs this week, so I am happy with that. Can't believe some of the weight lose people have each week.  10 - 15 lbs a week.  I guess I am ok with only 5 a week.  Maybe that will be easier to keep off.  More of a steady lose than a nose dive.

So 47 more to go.

Good week

Well thus has been a good week. Worked hard. So far lost 4 more pounds. Gotta keep it up. It gets hard. Still getting the hunger pains. Hate that part and the headaches. Had some muscle cramps too, but still a good week. Can't wait to see how weigh in goes on Monday.

Starting Week 3

Well starting week 3. Had a little slip this weekend, but didn't put on any weight. Didn't lose any either. Just couldn't say no to the adult beverage, way too many carbs and I knocked myself out of ketosis. Now I have to suffer the hunger pains. Thats okay I did it to myself. My choice. Should only take about 3 days. It's all gonna be worth it.

Weighed in today still at a 10 lb loss so that is great! Today's class was interesting. The fire alarms went off and we had to evacuate. Firemen came and everything. They let us back in after about 20 minutes. Not sure what it was all about, but it had to be the day it's cold and rainy.

Off to diet some more! Thank goodness for all of your support. You guys rock!

Week 2 Update

Well I have officially lost a total of 10 lbs. I'm a little excited about that. It's been a tough week. I did break down and eat a turkey sandwich this week. It was on wheat and with mustard. I was just so hungry I had too. And I think that is okay. I still lost weight that day.

Ryan has been so cute through this. They were eating pizza last night and he kept saying he was sorry I couldn't eat it, but was excited I was going to get straight instead of round. It was really cute.

Day 13: 184.8, 49.8 to go!!

Week one weigh in

I went for my weigh in today. I lost 6.4 lbs. which I was excited about until I heard all the other people. How the lost 10 - 15 lbs. I worked hard. I am hungry all the time but I don't eat. Take a pill and drink some water. If I keep losing 6lbs a week I could be done in 10 weeks. Just can't wait to like the way I look and go shopping for a nice sun dress. Thats what I want to do. Just a nice dress. Week 2 I think me be tough.

Week one, 188.8

Week One

Well week one is almost done. I have lost 5 lbs so far and an inch and a half off my waist. Still hungry throughout the day, but powering through. The drinks aren't the best but the chocolate pudding is good. Go see the doctor on Monday's for official weigh in and checkup. Have to see them once a week. This will be a long journey (about 12-16 weeks) but well worth it. Rob has been so great. He has been my rock keeping me strong when I want to give in when the hunger hits. I don't know what I would do without him. I am one lucky lady to have him. It makes this easier.

Day 6, 189.8, 54.8 lbs to go!

Feeling Good

Well I have lost 3 lbs since Monday. Still hungry a lot, but will power through it. Got some tips from a friend that may help.

Ryan is so funny he asked me why I get to have chocolate milk for lunch and not him. I explained it was not milk and what it was. He goes ewww that's gross. But he said he will help me not eat food. He will eat extra snack if he has too.

Off for a bike ride!

Day 3 191.8 lbs, 56.8 to go!

Hungry hungry mama

Well I did lose 2.6 lbs on day one, but man am i so hungry. My belly just growls all the time. Even while I'm eating. Had the vanilla for breakfast. It was gross. Strawberry for lunch not quite as gross. Chicken soup for dinner. Yummy. Taking the vanilla back and getting lemon instead.

Let's see how long I can get will power to last. I will say that the smell of popcorn today was about to push me over the edge.

Appointment

Well day one is in the books. Belly was growling all day. Dr. did give me an appetite suppressant, but it didn't work today. Still hungry now. I am going to will power it through. I feel bad for Rob and Ryan they are the ones that have to put up with my crankyness. I weigh in every week so I wonder what week ones weight loss will be. I am shooting for 5 lbs.

Really liked the dr. They are all about women's health. Most thorough dr visit I have had in a long time. Drinks aren't that bad. Had chocolate pudding for lunch and chicken soup for dinner. Pudding was just as thick as regular pudding. Added some hot sauce to the chicken soup and it was okay. Will take a bit to adjust to just the liquids, but I am looking forward to the results. I'm thinking swimsuit by the end of July. I can have goals. I have this pair of jeans I would just love to fit back into. You know that pair that makes your butt look fabulous. Those are the ones. Maybe a another new tattoo. Watch out sisters that would mean a road trip.

Signing off until next week. Will update if news during the week I'd not after first weigh in. Here we go!!


Day one: 194.8 lbs, 59.8 lbs to go.

Tomorrow

So all the tests are back and tomorrow I meet with the dr. Should be able to start the diet for breakfast. Can you believe that possibly in 16 weeks I could weigh 60 pds less! That's the end of July. At least I will have to do some shopping.

Still nervous but having high hopes. Will give an update after meeting with the de tomorrow. Hopefully the shakes don't taste awful. That will really kill the will power.

St. Paddys day

Hard to believe that 6 years ago I was in Pittsburgh women's hospital in labor with my son. He was supposed to be a green baby but he was stubborn and waited until Friday the 18. I'll never forget when I finally got to hold him. The brought him into our room and he was the most amazing thing I had ever seen. I held him close and he looked in my eyes and I said drugs are bad. Don't do drugs. Strange I know. He still looks up to me with those beig beautiful blue eyes and I get the same feeling. I love him. He. Is my little mam.

Disappointed

Well waited 2 weeks to go to this session to find out I have to wait another week to start. Got great information though. Still baffeled by the thought of not eating food. Only these drinks. So does this mean I don't go to bbqs with friends. Do I become even more antisocial? Thats the part I think I will have the most trouble with. What to do with friends, football season, hockey season. Things like this become part of who we are. I don't want to change that. I just want to be healthy. Just a confusing, down day. On to tomorrow.

Tomorrows the big day.

Well I am a little nervous about tomorrow. My appt is at 5:30. Lots of blood work and tests and information. This is gonna be good I can make this work. Will give an update after appt.

Big week this week. Robs parents get here Wednesday for ryan's birthday on Friday. He is so excited to be turning 6. We are having a party here at the house. 12 kids and their parents. This will be fun!! I may need reinforcements.

Getting closer.

Well getting closer. Some friends don't think, the weight loss plan is the best and have concerns. I appreciate them but still think I need to do this. But sometimes I wonder why other are so guarded for me, but Rob is all about it. It will be fun. The biggest thing I will need help with is reminding myslelf it is for me that I do this and noone else. Well maybe for my little man cuz I just want to be here for him. I think this is a good move. I will survive this. No issues. Even though I may want steak. I should still have my friends support. I will really need it. I am asking for it. So afraid that the support won't be there. I really need it.

The Flu

Wouldn't it figure I would get the flu now. It has been running rampant at the office and at home, but I had avoided until now. That's okay you can always count on the flu to drop a few pounds.

Getting nervous about starting the new diet next week. Lots of thoughts in my head. What if I feel hungry all the time? Will drinking only fluids really work? Will I miss the eating sensation of food? I know it's all worth it. Everytime I look at my son and husband I know they are worth it. Still just very nervous.

Tick tock tick tock.

Step One

Well to help prepare for the diet change, I start tomorrow with step one. Limiting the solid food intake, and increasing proteins and liquids.  I wonder if I will miss chewing?  I guess that is what gum is for.  I am curious as to how I will handle feeling hungry on this diet.  I am not sure about that part.  Maybe I won't feel hungry, who knows.  800 calories just doesn't seem like a lot.  I guess it will be worth it when then weight starts to come off.

Ryan has had a very busy weekend.  Seems like every weekend there is a birthday party or some social gathering he needs to go to.  He sure is Mr. Popularity.  He asked me for a cell phone.  Really?  I told him I didn't think so.  He is crazy.  He said his birthday is coming and that would be a good present.  That and some pokemon.  Okay, whatever. (insert intense sarcasm)

Well I will let you know how it is going in a few days.  Here goes nothing, or everything.

March 4, 2011

I just love Friday nights. Ryan and I always snuggle up and watch a movie. I love the time we just sit here and talk. Seeing the world through the eyes of a 5 yr old (almost 6) is amazing. Everything is so simple. At what point in life do we begin to complicate things so much. Watching Megamind tonight as our film of choice.

On another note counting down until the 14th and the start of the new diet, 10 days. Wondering if I should ensure I eat all my favorite stuff up until then. Gonna be hard being on just liquids. Will be worth it though.

Off to enjoy the rest of the movie with my little man.

March 3, 2011

Thank you to everyone for your support. So great to have friends and family like you. This is going to be a challenge but I can do it...... I think.

Just the beginning

So I am off to start a new adventure. Not sure who will read this bit I wanted to document my quest. I currently weigh 196 pounds and I am having health issues. I am only 38 years old and the Dr. has told me I will have a stroke by the time I am 40. I don't want that to happen. So on March 14th I am going to start a new weight loss program called New Directons. It's what they call a VLCD (very low calorie diet). It is completely monitored by a dr. And I should be able to lose 3-5 pounds a week. A little nervous so we'll see how it goes. I will keep this updated with this new adventure and anything else going on inmy oh so exciting world.