It Feels GOOD! Toot toot Tuesdays!

Trina @ MeSoHongry has started a fabulous thing with TOOT TOOT TUESDAYS!  Click on the link for details, and hopefully you all will participate!

As you know, I haven't been the best example of weight loss for the last few weeks.  Although that IS currently changing!  However, it doesn't negate the fact that I do have some accomplishments and things to toot about!  I started off the year wearing a TIGHTTTTT size 14 and size large everything.  Some XL.  But recently I went shopping and bought some clothes...check em out!

Pardon the wrinkles...they were in the car for a while as I ran other errands.  I spent so little on these clothes its ridiculous.  BUT THE IMPORTANT THING IS CHECK THE SIZES!!!!!!!

This is my first pair of shorts (other than those short style capris) since elementary school.  Yes....elementary.  I've always been self-conscious about the way my thighs looked in shorts.  So I've opted for sundresses, skirts and capris.  However even though I am not at my goal of a size 6 or 8, my thighs are considerably tighter and more toned than I ever remember them being in my entire life!  And....I look great in these shorts!  Throw on a pair of heels and watch out boysssss!!!!  lol.  Isn't it great when shopping is FUN again?!

In addition to my "feel good" shopping....I've had some exercise progress as well.  At the start of the year, I could not run up a set of stairs, I got winded just walking briskly on the treadmill, could barely do a set of ten push-ups "girly" style and now....

• I've run for over 3 minutes at speed of 5.0
• I walk briskly at an incline of at least 8.0+
• I can do 15 "man" style push-ups

I'm proud of my progress and yes indeed I am TOOTING about it!

Fitness...or Hair?

Today I attended a wedding of one of the ladies from my Woman's Bible Study Group.  I love weddings.  They always make me so happy and excited for the couple uniting in Holy Matrimony.  I'm at the age where everybody seems to  be getting married or announcing engagements, and sometimes it's exhausting - not to mention expensive; but I every single ceremony I feel blessed to have witnessed the couple's union.  Today was no different.

However...I set my hair on flexirods.  For those who don't know what those are, they are the long (usually 12") foam flexible, bendable rods (come in variable sizes) that can be used to curl or spiral your hair. I used them on freshly washed, wet hair and got these results (and for fun I included the outfit...all of which is in a size MEDIUM!!!!):

Well...I loved it!  It took me about 45 minutes or so to rod, 1 hour under the dryer and another couple of hours of airdrying (while I did my nails and feet) to complete.  Then...I removed most of the rods and pinned the curls up into place and slept carefully.  MOST Black women at one point or another in life have slept "carefully" i.e. on your forehead, in a chair, propped up by your hand, and I am no different.  I rotated between arms folded on my forehead with my chest elevated by pillows and keeping my head in the air by holding it with my arm.  Completely uncomfortable, but as you can see the curls remained intact and I felt it was all worth it as I received compliments at the wedding.  Sidebar:  I don't have the tolerance to do "careful" styles very often and best believe after the wedding I piled those bad boys on the top of my hair, slapped a bonnet on and laid down like a normal person!  But on occasion I do return to "careful" sleeping for special occasions like this one.

Anyway...I'm digressing.  After the wedding, I already began thinking of what workouts I would do where I could preserve my beloved curls for at least 3 days!  Before embarking on this journey...this would constitute me to NOT workout until I changed my hair.  Yes...I was one of those Black women who would put hair before fitness.  I'm proud of the fact that I no longer do that as much, but every once in a while that old person who values a hairstyle so much resurfaces.  A HAIRSTYLE, one that can be replicated, redone, recreated as many times as I like will come before WORKING OUT, something that has to be done regularly to be maintained.  How ironic and moreover silly is that???  If you Google "Reasons Black Women Don't Exercise" the #1 reason is hair.  Harvard University even conducted a study that concluded this...its not just an urban legend.

I'm really proud of myself because I forced myself to NOT be that woman, but rather to be a woman who focuses on overall appearance and health...not just hair.  So as much as I didn't want to - I placed a hairnet on my hair to keep the curls gathered and got busy with Jillian Michaels.  Today I will do the same as well as jump some rope.

Who can relate to what I'm saying?  If not hair then what aesthetic thing will you put before working out?  Freshly painted toenails?  A spray tan that you don't want to streak?  What?

Do they put crack in this stuff???

Lately water intake has SO not been a problem for me.  My aunt (during her visit for my bday) brought some Crystal Light packets with her.  We were talking about how drinking our recommended amount of water daily is a challenge for us.  She said that the Crystal Light packets have really helped her.  Now....I remember giving CL a whirl years ago, probably when I was a teenager and then again when I did WW 5 years ago.  And not only did I not like the flavor, but it left a horrible aftertaste PLUS I got headaches from the aspertame.  I also tried the Lipton Iced Tea packets when they first came out with the same outcome.  So....I wasn't tempted to try it again until after she left and the box was still there.  One day I was like...hmmm....lemme give it a try and poured it into my water bottle.  *shake shake shake*

The flavor was Raspberry Green Tea and I fell in love.  I could not believe how tasty it was.  Not overpowering, not too subtle, no bad aftertaste, no resulting headaches, and it didn't taste like DIET!  I mean I love it!  I immediately went to the store and bought 2 more boxes.  I was too scared to try another flavor until I was raving about it to a couple of my friends who said "Oh yeah....I like the _____  flavor, its really good."  I started thinking....did everyone know about the "new" Crystal Light except me???  Yes, I am convinced it is a new CL, because I would have remembered anything that tastes this good!  I found it for $1.97 at Wal-Mart and went CRAZY!!!!   My favorites are the Fruit Punch and Peach/Raspberry Green Teas.  Even the Wal-Mart brand isn't bad, and it only costs $1.50/box!  I throw a couple in my purse for when I'm out and craving a DRINK....not just plain water.  I've even given a packet or two to my classmates at lunch and they love it also.  I realized I was drinking it so much that I had to make an effort to make sure that I have some regular unenhanced water as well, however.....

I do think I am addicted.  I haven't had anything to drink other than CL and plain water in weeks!!!  And regular juice or soda couldn't look less appealing to me at the moment! It can't be that good, can it?  Do they put crack in this stuff?  Who knows, but until I start seeing a negative effect on my body....I'm a Crystal Light girl forEVER! 

I promised you NUMBERS....

Another reason I love blogging is you can look back and see what worked, what didn't, and what needs to change.  I was so saddened when I looked at the past month of posts.  A bunch of excuses, goals that I fell short on, and stagnation on the scale.  Well...I can promise those types of posts are over!  I know it has to be tiring for ya'll to read that crap consistently also!  So....I said next post would be about hard core numbers and dagnabit IMMA GIVE YOU NUMBERS!

As promised, I restarted Jillian Michaels the other day, but I wasn't doing the 30-day shred, it was just one of the BL workouts on Exercise-TV....which was equally difficult.  But today I restarted the Shred.  Yes...the 30 day Shred.  Which I love anyways, but have never done for 30 days straight.  But the time has come, friends, for me to get shredded!!!!

I have taken all of my measurements and my weight for the start.  I will report these numbers again at the conclusion of my 30 days which will be on July 23rd.  I decided not to wait until a Monday...or the first.  I needed to start right NOW. 

• Weight = 161.0 lbs
• Bust = 37" (can I just say I'm happy with THAT number!!! lol)
• Chest = 31.5"
• Waist = 34"
• Hips = 41.5"
• Thighs, Right = 23", Left = 23"
• Calves, Right = 14", Left = 14"
• Upper Arm, Right = 13", Left = 12.75"

Now....I know some of you are sailing along in the Shred....but if there is anyone else that wants to start with me, let me know!  This isn't a challenge, but its nice knowing as Jillian is saying "this is where change happens" Miss Haneefa, Susan and Melissa are enduring it also.  Come on and join us!!!!

New plans!

I've been in a reading and commenting flurry for the past hour or so and there is too much good stuff going on with you all to mention each by blog and name.  So if I fail to credit your blog...please forgive me.  I usually try to link to the post where I gained my info or inspiration from, but since I was on a blogcation (due to my study schedule)....I had to catch up on everyone's plans.

Now one blog I read about a month ago from Annie was about how its all about her.  How she'd whine about the scale not moving, why she wasn't at her goal, etc etc...but when she really sat down and started to think about it, it was really her own fault that things weren't going well as far as the scale was concerned.  How she'd justify eating something she should resist (a second slice of cake for example) because she worked out extra hard that day.  I realized I do the exact same thing.

Pam at The Rest of the Journey recently began following the Weight Watchers plan. Her reasons were so sound.  She realized she was able to have success up until this point with just cutting back, eating cleaner, exercising and making better choices.  But to get her to the next level in weight loss she felt she needed to up her game so to speak and be a little more disciplined in her diet.  I agree for myself.  I need to do something MORE than my current diet plan.  I tried to avoid counting, weighing, measuring, writing, tracking, and adding at all costs.  BUT....if it ain't broke....don't fix it right?!  I am seriously considering revisiting Weight Watchers.  I know the plan, I am comfortable with it, it isn't as restricting as my current plan and it worked.  What is stopping me, is I want to be sure that I will be successful with MAINTAINING my weight loss.  I'm not concerned about getting there.  I know beyond a shadow of a doubt I will see 135 by the end of the year.  Yes, I am claiming it.  Yes, I am saying it.  Yes, I am bold, confident and sure of myself.  But the question is...at the close of 2011, 2012 will I still be seeing 135 on the scale if I return to Weight Watchers? Hmmmmm......

For those who watch the Biggest Loser, you know how someone almost willingly sends themselves off the ranch saying "I've learned what I need to do, I can do this at home" and the other contestants get upset with them and say "There is no way you've learned all you can about weight loss.  We all need to be here, there is more for us to learn."?  That is how I feel.  While I am very sure that I will lose the weight - and I will....I am not confident in my long-term maintenance abilities.  Over the past 6 weeks I've eaten fast food, gone back to my one meal a day habit, and eating way too many sweets in one sitting.  I want to have that same confidence that I KNOW when the time comes, I will be happily maintaining, not struggling with every food choice I make.  I'm not there yet.  Definitely not.

I just am ready to see success on the scale again.  Not to discount the importance on NSVs but...I need some big numbers lost on the scale to motivate me ya know?  And its not just for motivation...I need to get back to losing. This is a ridiculously long plateau...and its not even really a plateau cause I know full good and dang well I'm not doing what I'm supposed to be doing!  I looked back and my last few posts and I was tired and disappointed in all of the whining, the struggling, the excuses, the gains, and all of that jazz.

I'm ready for a great post with great information and great weight loss numbers.  It's summer and I'm trying to get my sexy back ya'll!  Sooooo - I'm seriously getting on with it.  This is the last "pump me up" post.  Next one will be some numbers, hard core on the scale numbers!!!!  Its do or die time....I'm bout to turn my swag on!!!! *looks in the mirror and says "wassup?!" to reflection*  

I'm currently doing the Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred along with Melissa, Susan, and Miss Haneefa (check out their blogs....look at my followers to find them).  I'm going to restart it tomorrow cause I was sick as a DOG this weekend...I had serious gastrointestinal problems, the details of which I will surely spare you!  lol.  

I'm back and have a lot to say....

I'm still in the fight for weight loss.  However, I haven't lost anything since we last "spoke."  I actually was up to 163 but now I'm back to 160.  I have been working out regularly, but not eating cleanly, healthily, dieting....whichever term you use, I have not been doing it.  I honestly believe part of the reason I've been struggling to get back on board is because I was away from my blog.  When I did WW in the past, I don't think my success was due to the plan....I think it was the accountability.  I'm an over-achiever.....so I didn't want to get on the scale and have anyone tell me I was "up" any pounds.  I wanted to show that I could do it, if to no one else but to myself, and by being weighed in weekly it kept me honest.  I appreciate you all so much for being my "lady behind the desk" and being concerned about me while gone.  I realize, that I while I can do it without you - I don't want to.  I know I will be much more successful with you.  I've missed reading your stories, encouraging and supporting you, joining your challenges, giving cyber hugs, and literally smiling so hard at the screen when you report a milestone that you've surpassed.  It is amazing how much you have come to mean to me.

Now onto some of the life type updates...

• My laptop died!  But I gave it electric shocks and brought it back to life!  That would've been a disaster of ginormous proportions!  So I'm glad I could cancel that funeral!
• My brother has been on a workout plan and has helped a young girl at church lose about 40 pounds in a little less than 4 months.  And I am jealous!  Like deep seeded jealous!  I feel he hasn't called me, supported me, encouraged me, helped me at all!  And although this young lady is 21 (and at 21 when I did WW the weight did fly offa me) and is a completely different person than I am, I can't help but feel she has taken up time that belongs to me.  And she's being doing that in other ways with my brother as well...and here is the only place I will allow myself to admit my jealousy aloud.....which feels good to let out.
• I've been concentrating a lot on my spiritual growth.  I changed churches a few months ago and have gained so much knowledge since then.  It was truly divine intervention that led me to this church where I am being provided exactly what I need.  This is partially the reason I was away from blogging.
• I met someone very nice.  I will update on that in the future if there is still something to update on at that time!  But I pray that it is something that will bring me happiness and content and not pain or hurt.  And I believe God will graciously answer that prayer.  And regardless of whether it leads to friendship or a relationship, that is enough for me!
• I am studying for boards....the MAIN reason I've been away from blogging.  Once a certain length of time goes by it feels like I have too much to say to do a "quick" blog!  So....I end up putting it off until I have more time, which of course never seemed to come!  Hence the reason I'm up at 3 a.m. typing!
• I have not and will not stop losing until I have reached my goal.  No matter whether I am blogging or not, trust me, I am in this to win this.  Whether I have setbacks, gains or losses, I am in this for life.  Never will I disappear and say....I just gave up.  No No NO NO NO!  NEVER!  20 years from now I hope to be blogging (about maintaining my loss of course) and continuing to talk about my journey.  This is for life!   135 here I come! 

In any event, I appreciate each and every one of you and will do my best to catch up on your lives, weight loss journeys, in one case pregnancy, and recoveries.  You all are definitely in my prayers....especially Tammy for a permanent position and Pam for reasons she knows.  Seriously, I mean it - I have been praying for you regardless of the length of time I've been "gone."  Now....back to the regularly scheduled weight loss!  XOXOXOXOXO!

I'm Alive!!!!

Oh gosh.....it has been WAYYYYYYYYYYY too long!  Thanks to those who left comments....I am so sorry if I caused any of you one minute of worry!  I will be back tomorrow with a REAL post!  Luv ya'll and "talk" to ya soon!