PiYo....whose done it!? A week without carbs..

PiYo..it's like Yoga and Pilate's mixed together.

I've not tried it but the same girl who gave me and my girlfriends a private zumba lesson offered to show us again!
She just sent me a video of what her workout looks like and I am so flippin excited I can hardly stand it.


I love yoga. Love it. Let me remind you that tonight is my advanced yoga class. Class #3 for those who are keeping up with me. Her class kicks my butt and I am sore for an entire week. But one thing that will always be hard for me is totally concentrating and relaxing. Now in my advanced class she doesn't seem to focus on that so much...but in another class I do there is a lot of relaxation. My mind keeps going!

In PiYo..from what I can tell it is a work out with yoga qualities but more up beat music (my friend said no flutes and birds *lol*) I watched a couple of videos and I am pumped. I'd even consider training to be a teacher if it actually is what it appears to be.  That is if I ever get below 200lbs. I'll get there. Soon. Hopefully.

Thank you for all the breakfast food advice. I ended up having lunch meat rolled up and I bought some Lean Cuisine Spring Rolls. Just a comment on the Spring Rolls...every once in a while it is nice to have something that feels like a treat. To me these do. Cook them in the oven instead of the microwave..dip them into some plain greek yogurt and I really feel like I am eating a crunchy treat! Taquito-esque!

I am considering along with Amy and Amy and doing Atkins for a week! Amy (the second one) lost 8lbs in a week. I pretty much already do a low carb version and I think I could do it! Amy (the first one) thinks she will start a week on Wednesday. Whose with me!? It's okay if you say no. I still might do it!

Hey Manda. I bought a belt. It still was traumatic. But I needed it. Big time. Wearing it right now actually.
Your turn. They have them at Old Navy! :)

Welp I think that is it for right now. Hope you all are well. Until I find something else to babble about!

~A

Ohhh.. Linda has started a Pound for Pound challenge. Notice the button on my page. For every pound you pledge they donate a pound of food to a food bank in your area! She even started a BOOBs group! I think it is a great idea and if you are interested read her blog post today for the deets!

Protein...in the morning!

I am so bored of yogurt.

I like greek yogurt but honestly it seems like it is the only thing I can eat in the morning. But I need some variety. Smart thing would be to drink a protein shake but I am telling you ladies..I'd get sick of those too. I think it is because I am a savory kinda eater. But yet I don't eat eggs. Shoot me now. I just don't like sweets. I am not picky...I eat loads of veggies. I'll try loads of different foods. But I have never been able to eat eggs in any form. It's about the texture of the things. Even with cheese and I love cheese.

Any ideas!?


Well last week I lost nothing. Not an ounce.

Things could be worse of course but I hope this week I'll lose a bit for a change. I guess I have to look at it like this, I lost nearly 3 lbs the week before. I never lose 3 lbs in a week so my body was just holding back to even things out I suppose. That is what I am going to tell myself.

This week I am back to my work out routine. I started today by going to the gym before work. I did about 3 miles on the Elliptical and bike then got some weight training in. Tomorrow night is my mega hard yoga class. Not sure what I will do Wednesday but Thursday I have Zumba and Friday yoga again. Heck, maybe I will trying going for a run on Wednesday!

I want to say hello to all my new followers and welcome. Looking forward to getting to know you all! Also if you have a blog and I am not following it then please leave me the blog address and I will fix that!

So not much to say other then that. Feeling better but not totally over it. Seems to have moved into my ears a bit. Erm so that is all for today! xx


PS. I canceled my fill for tomorrow! Might seem strange since I didn't lose anything last week but honestly I am tight. Not to tight I just have to be more aware of eating so quick. I am hoping the NO loss has something to do with hormones so I pushed the appointment till the 19th.

last night....

Last night I got the best compliment from a stranger.

Well she wasn't a stranger. Just some one I see a few times a year.
Last night I met a friend for dinner before we had a meeting to go to. I wore jeans (that I can never wear again, I had them nearly to my bra and cinched with my TOO big belt), a blazer, and some cute boots. I felt cute and modern. When I walked in she couldn't get over how great I look. She couldn't quite place why (DUH I've lost 40lbs lady). Later on she was making our cocktails (she owns this restaurant) and she says "Amanda, you are just glowing. You look so cosmopolitan."

My reply was "it's the vodka!" I'm getting better at accepting compliments can't ya tell.

Now cosmopolitan might be a strange compliment to some. But I have always dressed the same way but the bigger I got the more invisible I felt and the clothing I am sure just worked. They didn't really shine or fit. If just simply worked. So how I took her words is that I stood out. I was visible and I looked happy! Who wouldn't like that!?



All that being said:

This week has been awful for my weight loss efforts. I am not over this cold yet. But getting there. Last night I slept with a humidifier and I really feel like it helped. But I have eaten awfully this week and not exercised. I do think TOM is right around the corner which means weight loss has been very little for both reasons..non exercise/crappy food and water retention.

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday...I didn't cook at all. Wednesday we ate lunch out and I did make dinner. Thursday I went out to dinner for cocktails and tonight we are going to dinner with friends. I am making better choices but still not as good as if I measured my portions at home. But next week will be different.
I will try and get exercise in at least 4 days next week! Monday morning cardio, Tuesday yoga, Wednesday not so sure, Thursday Zumba, and Friday yoga. I can do it. I will strive to cook every night except for Thursday. It's on my schedule. And I will do it. DETERMINED! (that's my word, right?)

My husband and I have planned a beach trip to our families cottage in Delaware. Before anyone says "WOW...NC to Delaware, that's a long trip!" It is a long trip and it is nearly the same distance to the NC coast from where I live in the mountains. Insane isn't it?! We are going to go for a little over a week and I am so looking forward to it. Last year my husband surprised me with a beach trip right after my second miscarriage. We had such a great and quiet time. We didn't watch TV, we sat on the beach and read, we ate seafood and he took me shopping for two new bathing suits. We had some bonding and it was good to get in the sun after being so sad. Of course the day I got back was the day I started to get sick from the massive infection in my uterus. So 5 days at the beach was followed by a 4 day hospital stay!

This trip those suits won't fit. Too big! I mean I can't even make them work. That is so exciting to me. My sister called and asked if she could go with us. Heck no woman. This is for me and Chris only. Love you but we need some one on one time. However, if any of you ladies live in Maryland and come to Ocean City or any beaches in Delaware I'd love to meet up with you for a day on the beach, lunch, or shopping!

Yogurt. I couldn't think of a title. But it's whats for breakfast.

Through out the day I think of questions to ask you ladies (still don't have any men following me). I promptly forget them about ten seconds later unless I whip out my phone and text Nikki to ask her. I wanted to mention how lovely it is to have relationships with you girls. I've got a connection with all of you in a certain way and it just makes me feel very supported. I gush I know but regardless if it is our love for martinis, crafts, the Eating Well Magazine and cooking, motivation and short hair cuts, sushi, or just plain daily reminders that you are there...it sure is appreciated. I wish you all lived so much closer, Alison and Kellie England and Australia are much to far away! I'd have you over to my house, delegate someone to make a few cocktails and then cook you a great meal and just chat, on my porch. Which is my favorite place. Anyway...questions.

• tightness/non tightness: Last week I was insanely tight. I mean nothing was getting down my gullet without causing me some issues. Well raisins and a few oreos did but that is besides the point. I'd like to think it was because I was a bit stressed out taking care of a toddler and missing so much work due to toddler sickies. But this week I am not tight at all. It maybe that I'm getting ready to be hormonal but I guess I am curious if you all would get a fill or not. I've got one scheduled for Tuesday (one month after my last) I could push it out another week!? I am losing. Slowly. But I have never been one of those girls that loses 4 lbs in a week. Never. Hummm.

• Flabby Belly: in my new found thinner-then-I was-ness I have really noticed changes! Especially in my hips and butt. My tummy area..ya know my pooch area..is truly smaller too. But does that go away? I mean I am not talking about lose skin because I know that is due to many factors, but that fat area? Does it continue to shrink? You ladies that have gotten so close to where you want to be..is that area flatter!? I freakin hope so. I hate that pooch. I would feel so much more confident if it were gone! But I am a workin' at it.

• Belts: Why oh why can I not buy a new belt? Anyone else have this issue? I tried Tuesday and ended up buying a shirt and a necklace instead. I am scared to try one on. I know it is an internal issue but I need at least two new belts. My pants that I am trying to make last are falling down and my belts are on the first holes. They have got like 8-10 inch tails. I need to just do it. But I can't!

• Port Pain: Anyone else experience it at all? I am not talking about all the time and it isn't even really  nagging or hurting. I just can feel it sometimes. Every once in a while I will feel a dull pain for a second and then nothing. Sometimes I feel it after yoga. Which I think it from bending like a pretzel. But do you guys every feel your port? Is it normal or should I be concerned? Hummm

• Get together: I'd really like to have a get together with anyone that can do it. I know Lynda (Atlanta area) is up for one and I know Nikki (Knoxville area) is as well. Amanda in Raleigh too and even Heather who is 2 hours from Nashville. Distance is the thing ladies...distance. I am one hour west of Asheville...2 hours from Atlanta. I drive to both of those cities pretty often and am familiar with them. I also don't mind driving to meet some where. But I want to make it as convenient for everyone else. This might mean we can't all meet in one place. Basically I am looking for some ideas ladies. Oh and if you know some other bandsters that live in the area when let us know. We seem to be very spread out down here! I think next year if we want I actually might host a little get together at my house. Perfect time to come to the mountains...spring is beautiful right now!

Not my yard but we have a few trees just like it in my yard.

I feel bad but I look good! Calling you NC, GA, TN, SCers.

Welp, I caught the God Daughters sickness! I have the worst cold. I can not breath through my nose at all and I just had the worst bloody nose I've ever had. Well besides the time I was hit in the face with a baking potato..but that is a different day.

Let's step back a moment. I just got finished with bronchitis two weeks ago.

I am the lowest weight I have been in years. Maybe even 10 years..I am exercising more then I have done but yet I have been sick twice in a months time! Grrr. Double grr.

But I look good. At least I feel like I do. I am wearing a tee shirt with some capris..I am not self conscience about my mid section..and my pants are falling down a little not the best of looks but still. I am def. out of the 22-20's....some 18's fit well and others are just a little too tight.  Last night I tried on several outfits and again have a pile of clothes to donate and give away!

So I feel bad but yet I feel like I look pretty good. I feel thinner these last few days! I even got a hair cut and color. I'll show pics soon.

Ohh and I bought an XL shirt in the regular section of a store. INSANE. Even more insane is that it looks good!

So this is just an hello note. We are super busy with work and I am just catching up on blog reading.
I broke my iPad. I am not kidding when I say it threw me in to a minor depression. I was listening to music and had it leaning against my car while I was gardening. The wind blew it over and it cracked the screen. In the end I think that we can get it repaired but I wanted to fall down and have a tantrum. I felt horrible. I love that little guy. So I am having some with drawls. More for my calorie counter app then anything. But I'll survive some how.

The weather here is beautiful. Flowers are out and I am doing some yard work today!

Weight loss last week...I lost a 1lb. I almost wrote "I only lost a 1 lb." and then I decided to rephrase that. A lb is a lb is a lb. Before I was not losing I was gaining. I am about 9-10 lbs from onderland and wowser is that amazing. I really feel exercise is a direct link to me losing over 2 lbs in a week and lets be honest 2 weeks ago I exercised every day. Last week only 2 times and this week none so far. I just can't breath enough to go. Excuse. But a decent one.

Really looking forward to Chicago...especially seeing all of the pics from NYC brunch!

Anyone on the NC, GA, TN, SC area what to get together for munch some time? I know it is a big area to include but I live right in the corner of NC...so close to all three of those states. I know Nikki and Lynda are fairly close. Who else? Ohh and if you know anyone in those areas..connect us. I really only have two (within 2 hour) locals I believe! There has to be more!?

How in the HE double hocky sticks...

Do you mothers of small children do it?!?!! I mean this on many different topics.


Need insight on what I am talking about!?!:

This week I was asked to watch my God Daughter while my friend met her husband in Hawaii. Okay. I can do this. She has school every day (day care of sorts) So while I might be a little late to work I will still be able to go. She is also at a good age. She is fun to hang out with and she tells me when she needs a diaper change..and just plain cute to dress.

So I went over to my friends house late on Monday night because she wanted to leave early on Tuesday for her flight. I decided it would be easier to stay at their house then try and get her used to my NOT CHILD FRIENDLY house. So at 11pm she (my friend) comes into the living room and says "Oh yeah, since you are going to be here can you watch Tye too?!?) Tye is there 100 (and that might be not a big enough guess) lb dog. Sweet as pie....and my God daughter loves him. I grit my teeth and smile.."sure" I say. No big deal right?

WRONG...every time I have watched Tye he has pooped in the house, vomited, ran away...you name it. None of their friends will watch this dog any more. Well she has one person who will pick him up today. But I bet after this weekend she won't. He really is a good dog, just getting old. But I said yes. SUCKER!

I wake up Tuesday and my God Daughter is smiling and happy to see me. We get dressed for school and eat and everything is wonderful. This will be a breeze. I take her to school and off to work I go. It is slow at the shop and rainy so I leave early and decide to drop by their house and pick up the diaper bag. I walk through the door and instantly gag.  Tye has had diarrhea all over this house. ALL OVER IT. I am cursing. I mean livid. I grab trashbags, paper towels, mops, bleach..everything and then I tie a baby towel around my head because I can not deal with the smell. Gag. I start..and I gag some more. I can't do it. I mean literally I can't do it. My stomach won't handle it.

I start calling around for cleaners that will come. I don't care what the amount is. My friends will pay me back damnit. It takes me 2 hours to find some one. I am livid. Did I say that already? Livid. I am finding out from some of our mutual friends that this has happened when they have watched Tye and this is why they won't any more.

Tye is outside with the potential of jumping the fence but at this point it is better then paying someone to clean up the mess again. That night God daughter sleeps like a dream. Not a peep. The dog on the other hand barks and barks and barks to be let inside. So I do. He doesn't want to have accidents in the house, I know, poor dog. So he proceeds to wake me up at 12pm, 2, 4:28, and 5:55 a.m to be let out with sickness. OMG. I don't clean up after my own dog like this.

Dear daughter for the week (as I've been calling her) wakes up so cranky. She only wants to cuddle, no breakfast, her hair is sticking up everywhere. SO I check her temp. The really mega expensive thermometer says 106.5...WHAT!??! Never. She'd be near death. I check mine...104..okay. It's wrong. She starts to perk up and I figure she is just missing M-O-M. I drive her to school and with in one hour I get a call back saying she has a fever of 100 and come get her. Now even I know that is low grade. But what do I do. I don't have kids..do I give her meds? Take her to the doc?! I can't call her M-O-M. I call the grandma and she says take her to the doc just in case the ear infection is back. Out of work I go, to the doc I go, nothing is wrong. If she has a fever tomorrow bring her back. Bloody hell. We spend the rest of the day just playing.

Wednesday night she goes to bed. Up by 11:30pm won't go back to sleep. So I bring her to bed with me. Up at 4 to let Tye out, up at 5 for good with the baby. She has a temp of 101. Take some meds and go and snuggle..she falls asleep in my arms and so do I. In no ones arms. 9 a.m my husband calls to ask if I am coming to work!? I am 2 hours late. I am sure he wanted to kill me yesterday. I had things I needed to do. Grr. I know you can't control when a baby is going to be sick but this was supposed to be an easy week.

So last night my 4 days were over and she got loaded up and sent to her Nana's.

But how do you do it with this band thingy? Kids eat non stop. A bite here, a grape, a cookie, string cheese, yogurt. That is how I ate this week! Literally a bite here and a bite there! But not only that I couldn't really eat. I think I tried to rush things and pb'ed so much these last four days. I PB'd into a diaper after the park people. First time I tried a sandwich. Fastfood fish. Not the best choice I know but what the hell. Obviously like a lot of people the bun was the issue. I puked and slimed for like 30 minutes all while baby and who ever else watched. If anyone asked I swear I would say I was pregnant.

So basically I totally failed this week in the food department. I ate raisins, and cheezits, string cheese, and a little spaghetti, oh and some peas. Baby loves peas. OHHH and oreos. She didn't eat those. Only me.
I didn't over eat any of those things. So my weight better be down!

But what the H-E-L-L moms. How do you do it? How do you eat!? How do you do ANYTHING!? I seriously question if I could even have a kid. Husband said of course, you did fine, you balanced everything. No I didn't. I didn't even come to work yesterday. I failed. A little.

So needless to say, I am exhausted today, I missed my hair appointment on Wednesday...I look like a rag-a-muffin and I have mounds of things to do for work. Therefore I sit here and blog! :)

Three Month Photos!

Okay, Thanks to Nikki over at Chasing Skinny I figured out how to do split photos! I am hoping that I've done it correctly. I can really see a difference in the side photo. Ladies, it has taken a lot for me to post these. I realize I am not naked or in a bathing suit but I don't let pictures of me like this out! But for you all, anything!



Dec. 10th 2010 to March 13th 2011~3 months
That first picture I think I was giving my husband an order! lol

 Yesterday I was starving all damn day. Well only after 1 pm really.  I was good. As good as you can be when you are hungry. I still maintained a normal-ish calorie range. I mean above normal for a banded person but ya know what I mean! So I am thankful I couldn't binge like I could before! I went to the movies last night on a double date of sorts with my husband, mom and dad and I ate movie theater popcorn WITH butter! Was glorious! Then we got home and I swear the time change made me so hungry at 11. I am not a night time snacker normally. But last night, man was I snacky! So that leads me to:

My SUNDAY weigh in for the Spring Challenge was 212 even. Last week for the start I was 214.6. A loss of 2.6 for the week is fabulous. Typically I lose about a lb a week. Maybe 1.5lbs a week! So I can live with 2.6! But this morning. No matter how I stood on the scale it kept coming up as 212.6. I blame the sodium. But here's to hoping it is back down tomorrow!

I got up..despite the time change..at 5:45am and worked out! 1.5 miles on the Elliptical, 2.3 miles on the bike, and 1/2 mile on the treadmill. No weights! I wish I would have done some weights! But I was ready to go to work! Tomorrow is my ADVANCED (hee he) yoga class! Then the rest of the week I have my God Daughter while her mother and father go to Hawaii..so I will be chasing around a 2 year old! That outta shed a few calories!

Okay enough babbling! Ya'll have a good week!


OHHH... You girls sure know how to make a girl feel great! Thank you for all of the comments on my wedding photos! It really made me happy!

Photos of happy times..an idea from Leslie!

Leslie over at Band Sweet Band had a great idea the other day! Post a picture that you love but it is pre banding! So I thought I would share a few from my wedding! June 2007.

the day before our wedding

At that moment. You know the one!

One of my favs.

Not a fav picture but my girlfriends Jacque in front, Kathryn in front of me, and Robin behind me. 

A dark photo but this is me and my sister. I love it.

Back when I started this blog I had a few goals. One was to re take my wedding photos. Have my dress altered and retake all the pictures. It looks like our 5th wedding anni will be a good goal date (June 2012) and my sister suggested we just do a big party and wear my dress! Sounds good to me!

I have a long/hate relationship with these pictures! I feel swollen and cubby and although I don't think they are ugly really. I am just not happy with them. But I was so very happy. These photos were before a lost of 50 lbs, then 2 miscarriages and a gain of nearly 50 lbs and then surgery. So there you go!

Today marks my three month anni from Band Surgery! I had surgery Dec. 13th 2010. I feel great. I am out of all of my jeans with the exception on one pair and those I have to wear a belt with. I have lost 37 lbs as of this morning. 20 of which have been since surgery. I am happy with that.

I have some three month photos but I think I will try and show them tomorrow as I am learning the side by side photo comparison thingy today.

Last but not least...although it is a distant shot I still think in shows how far I have come!

Early springish 2011

Have a great Sunday everyone!

Goodness, you ladies and your gas!! More ramblings!

I didn't stop spitting my Special K protein water nearly all day, ladies!! I swear if anyone had suggested to me that I might fart in class before I took my first yoga class I probably wouldn't have even tried! Can you imagine.. Well I can officially say that I have never farted in class. Not that I have ever noticed. *seriously giggling in my office* My advice is to pick a spot near the music and against the wall! Perhaps pick a class where they burn incense. I hear that is why they burn it in yoga! But what ever you do don't let farting be why you don't try yoga!

That being said I certainly know that yoga isn't for everyone. Just like Zumba and Spinning might not be your forte! I am not one of these meditation kinda gals. I find it hard to totally clear my mind in the beginning of class! I am there for a work out..not for a mind cleanse. However...every so often it does just do it for me and cleanse my mind. I can assure you that if you have a good instructor and a good class series it is just as strenuous of a work out as a zumba class. Just calmer.

Day five of working out is today: I have another yoga class tonight. My friend Robin (you know the one) teaches this class!

So day four (yesterday) I tried my second Zumba class. In the first 15 minutes I thought I might die. Really. But then my legs warmed up and I enjoyed the hell out of it! I was pretty okay. I messed up loads but no one was watching me and I loved it. I sweat my little butt off. When I say little I clearly mean big and I clearly mean I didn't really sweat it off...but that woulda been so cool!

Yummy right? Wish I coulda enjoyed them!

I left Zumba at 4:30 and was starving! Yesterday I managed to get some soup in and 2 string cheese. Balanced diet ehh!? But last night was my first night of actually being home since Sunday so I cooked for my husband. I'm starving. Deconstructed fajitas for me and Constructed fajitas for him. (I wanted to clarify his were whole! he hee) I'm starving. Sirloin, red peppers, onions, a few mushrooms and some baby spinach all grilled to perfection with a little salt. I'm starving. I measure out a tiny bowl of my reduced fat sour cream and a little bowl for my cheese. I'm starving. I love little nesting bowls, BTW. I'm starving. I use them for everything. Still hungry...I warm up the tortillas for my husband and take the hot sauce and little bowls to the table. Effing Starving. Put my 4oz serving of beef in my bowls with some veggies and make another trip to the table with my husbands plate...the house smells wonderful..bloody starving people!! Starving! Go back to get my bowl..and I grab a piece of sirloin along with a mushroom. Chew (apparently sorta) and swallowed. And that is where the bulk of my meal ended.

I proceeded to slime and pb for 45 minutes. Why in the name of all that is good in this world did I not wait .5 seconds to sit down and take a small bite and chew. 1 second and I woulda been at the table. I have a small house people..I can spit on the dining room table from the kitchen. I THINK. I've never tried it. Might try it later. Anyhoo. I would jump up. My husband staring at me in a sad I am sorry kind of a way all the while EATING HIS CONSTRUCTED FAJITA! "Anything I can do to help, panda?" He'd say while dosing his bite with a little siracha sauce. No, damnit. I did it to myself.

I even left the room. I took the iPad to my bedroom to be closer to the bathroom. Probably about 30 minutes of this I got a call from a dear friend from high school and college. Another one of those girls that you truly love but don't get to talk to often enough who also doesn't know about my band. I answer hoping my misery is over. She knows I've had bronchitis and we talk about the weather and our husbands.. and all of the sudden. Jacque...I gotta go. Right now. One good thing is I was no longer starving. Just exhausted with an empty tummy! Blah!

I did call Jacque back. I told her my post nasal drip was making me sick to my stomach. I have been known to lie to cover up the truth too sometimes. HA! Anyway my girlfriend Jacque is a dear sweet soul. But also very harsh and brash and says mostly the first thing that comes to mind. She has the tendency to make you feel like shit when you tell her good news. I called her when I got engaged her answer... "WHAT? You too? Am I going to be the only one not married!?" I called her when I got pregnant the first time..She said "Great just great." Sounds awful, right? She doesn't mean it. Not really. She just can't hide her own disappointment and if she didn't truly love me (and my other two girlfriends that she does this too) then  we wouldn't put up with it. But it does make it hard to tell her exciting things in your life.

Anyway, she has been trying to get pregnant for quite some time with no luck! You guessed it. She is preggers. She was so worried to tell me. I am squealing with excitement and she is worried that I hate her because she is pregnant. Let me tell you girls, I am not one of those types. Not even a little sad. Life is life and yours doesn't control mine and unlike you miss 'awful reaction to good news', I am happy for you! And I really was! I did get a little sad when my sister in law told she was pregnant. But that is ages ago now. So there you have it. Long and drawn out. My friend is pregnant, finally!

My husband and I bought (me) a treat this week. I am not very good and bribing myself with goal rewards. Pretty much because if there is something I want and we can afford it and pay for it without adding to debt, then I have it. I am not a huge spender. I budget and I scrimp especially in the winter but there are a few things I don't scrimp on. Quality veggies and meat. And kitchen items! So I got some new pots and pans. They were needed as I've made the current ones last for about 10 years. I got my moneys worth for sure! So next week my new Calphalon pots and pans arrive. They were on sale and I got an extra pan with a lid as a "bonus" so very excited! Now if we could just finish the kitchen I'd be a happy girl for a little while!

Panic this morning. Robins husband is in the Christmas Islands fishing which we all thought was in the pacific ocean. As you know there was a Tsunami in Japan that will hit Hawaii at any moment. All I could think of is Robins husband. But it turns out his islands are in the Indian Ocean I believe and protected, thank God! However she is set to meet him in Hawaii on Monday. With all that might be,  I wonder if that will still happen! Just glad he is safe and I am hope and pray that the Hawaii tsunami results in little damage and loss of life.

Wow I've rambled again! Have a happy Friday, ya'll!! ~A

Yoga! Ever tried it? Ramblings of a (hopeful) loser!

We actually did this pose.

I am sure I've mentioned it several times in my blog but I am a yoga-gal! I've gone for years and one of my best girlfriends is an instructor. But just like the self conscience fat girl I've always been, I feel like I have been on the reserve. Ya know standing in the back, always tugging at my shirt...having a hard time concentrating due to mirrors on all four sides showing my most beautiful (not) body! But regardless of that I still have always loved yoga.  I miss it when I don't get to go..retract that. My BODY misses it when I don't get to go. If you can recall, back when I started my blog I posted a few personal goals and one was to be able to wear cute yoga clothes. I am just remembering that I in fact even typed it here..not there yet but I did just complete a NSV for myself. I went to an advanced yoga class and it kicked my ass. But in a good way!

I have a hard time remembering to post or simply even coming up with NSV. Not sure why. But I do. However my BFF Robin, the dietitian/yoga instructor/skinny all her life/insatiable sweet tooth/mother to my God Daughter/fantastic but still very skinny friend talked me into taking a class with her. I asked several times if she thought I was up for it. I mean can I do it...will they make me stand on my head? She said over and over that of course you can, you've been doing yoga for years! She has been known to lie just to get me to follow along! Tuesday night I went! 1.5 hours of Advanced Yoga. Both men and women...it kicked my ass, I had sweat dripping down my face, but I kept right along! There were only a few things I had to modify to keep a pose but I DID IT!

Yoga is for me and my sister both a little emotional. Like her if we have a really good class then during the last 10 minutes of relaxation we can get a little weepy. It isn't a bad thing and no one else really notices but it just simply is a release. Well the last time I got this way was after my first miscarriage. I had skipped yoga and any other "social" activity involving my friends and family for quite some time. I didn't want to see anyone, talk, or express any kind of emotion. I wasn't really unhappy. I just didn't want to talk. And people talk. They want to know how you are...I don't like to talk. Well not after that part of my life. I can't recall how long it was after but I finally went back to yoga. I had an intense class and felt great and then here comes relaxation..I cover my face during relaxation with an eye bag that has lavender or some soothing smell....all the sudden I am tearing up. And they just keep coming. Fast. I recall the feeling of the contractions while I was miscarrying. The heart beat type feeling and my body doing what it was naturally supposed to be doing just at the wrong time. I was about 13 weeks along. I just stood up quietly and left and just kept bawling.

Now to anyone that might seem like a sad story. And it is but for me it was a release of a different kind of cry. Believe me up until that point I cried plenty. Out of pain and anger and sadness. This was just a release and after...I was so much better. I could talk. I accepted and I kept going.

Tuesdays ADVANCED yoga (notice I keep posting advanced hee he) class found me in a similar place although much less tearful. But I did get a chance to release a few tears secretly and it made me feel good. I thought about the last time I cried during a yoga class and that brought up a little emotion there but what it  mainly did was remind me of  how good of a place I am in right now! Not totally there yet...not even close really...but a good place! So even though I am sore as hell...two days later...I feel good about where I am. So yay ADVANCED yoga class! I will visit you again on Tuesday..Without my ultra thin/dietitian/sweet toother/friend who will be in Hawaii damn it.

In Other News:

I have managed to work out every day this week! Go Me! I hope I type this and then actually go to my class this afternoon. But that is the plan. Monday: legs, crunches on the ball, elliptical and bike (3miles), Tuesday: ADVANCED yoga, Wednesday: 1 mile on elliptical, 1 mile treadmill, 2 miles on the bike, Thursday: Zumba, and Friday I have another yoga class! How much have I lost? 1 measly little lb. I hope the fact that TOM arrived yesterday has something to do with that!

Monday night I met Kathryn. My dear best friend since we were 13. It must be said that she also has a beautiful figure even 7 months after a baby. She is curvy and just lovely. But what else she also is happens to be kind and noticing. She is my one friend who goes way out of her way to make me feel beautiful. She compliments and notices definite things. She doesn't just say I look good. She points out what has changed. No one else does that for me. Maybe my sister but I don't get to see her that often. But my dear Kathryn does. Which makes me so very lucky to have her. ANYWAY. We had our weekly martini session and gab and we started planning a little weekend away with just us. Not sure when it will be as we are both so busy and broke! But early summer me thinks! Tuesday was ADVANCED yoga. Wednesday night was GNO (girls night out) with some local girls in the area. This is about 10-15 ladies of all ages and they seem to all have a good connection all of the local charities, clubs, and groups. I have known most of these girls all my life but perhaps they weren't in my "circle". I've been invited to start coming to GNO by my friend Mandy (birthday picture girl) and her mother and for networking purposes I thought it would be a good idea to go. Ya know I could peddle and promote my wedding and party events items. So my intention was  to enjoy myself and network but let me tell you these ladies are a hoot. Funny word but totally the right one a Hoot! They all enjoy a good drink, they all like good food, they all laugh like crazy and most of all at themselves, and they all have included me and included me very easily! I have had so much fun. So last night was a Mardi Gras themed GNO. We met at a Cajun Restaurant and we all bring party favors for the theme. Tons of beads, masks for every one, and lots of candy. I've even talked shop several times so I really am networking! Yay.

Last but not least my sister in law who is also an Amanda had her baby on Feb 26th. 1 week after my birthday! Ava Leigh! We are excited and happy to have her but also a little sad because we live so very far away. I can't see when we can return to the UK since we are so busy but hopefully it will be soon. They want us to come but sometimes it is hard to get away when you have your own business. Especially one where you run it yourself every day. We can't seem to get through to people how difficult it is. This economy also means we can't just close for a week either. Most of the time our equipment means other people can work too and if they can't rent from us then they go some where else. No Go. So anyway we will try to go soon. Without further adieu.. here is Miss Ava. Our second Niece:

She is beautiful and looks just like her big sister!

So I hope this hasn't been a depressing post. It wasn't meant to be. Trust me I am very candid about my baby tribulations. Mainly because I think miscarriages are taboo in conversation. They shouldn't be because something like 25% of women have had one. But people don't know what to say. So I just openly talk about it. We all have painful events in our life and these were 2 of mine. But this post was about my release of emotion in a good way!

love,  ~A

Spring Challenge Week One!

March, 6 2011

First thing this morning I weighed in. Really happy with this as I am now 3.4 lbs lower then my lowest weight before my miscarriages and weight gain. 35lbs down total. Happy am I. A little less then 15 lbs till onederland. I don't remember being under 200. I mean I know I was. But there is a whole chunk of my life where I just didn't weight at all.

If I can give a bit of advice from surgery till now..is to not compare yourself to anyone elses journey. Easier said then done but it is true. My moods are so much better since I stopped comparing and started celebrating that I AM in fact losing.

So today starts the Spring Challenge. 6 weeks I think..weigh in every Sunday! If I win then yay, but honestly I am a winner not matter what. How upbeat does that sound! *lol*

Today it is raining. Raining hard. So I am going to roast a chicken. Get some packages ready for my traveling bra's and shorts, and craft down in my brand new craft room (which is slowly getting organized..decorating is next) I feel good.

Have a great Sunday, Ya'll!

Traveling shorts...a new pic or two...

Morning ladies!

I took my 3 month pics and I decided to wait till the 13th to post them since that will actually be my three month anni! But I did take a picture a few days ago at the shop! We are currently in the middle of remodeling a bit and building all new displays. Tisn't the most glamorous of places but then again it is a tool rental! I also ruined the white shirt I am wearing moments after this pic..helping to unload an 18 wheeler filled with Chainsaws and Weedeaters! Ahhh the joys! I should never wear nice clothes to work.

Since we have had such lovely weather I went out and bought some new indoor/door rugs on Wednesday. Then I just had to take some of the furniture out of storage to see how it looked. My deck is my most favorite place in the spring and summer. You can see for miles of beautiful mountains and you can see weeping cherry trees, forsythia, and apple trees blooming in our yard. I also like to entertain and it is perfect. July 4th you have a private view of the town fireworks. Our house is small so this totally gives us another room. Our plans for remodeling include taking up the carpet that was installed 30 years ago out there and finishing the wood underneath it and then screening it in. But right now I just love these rugs!

I am looking for a hanging candle thing for above the table...I can't wait to plant my flowers and herbs and put all my "stuff" back out for spring!!

#1 Size 20, Target brand, Medium to light wash...they are not too short but too short for me. I like walking shorts in my old age!

#2 Same..dark blue wash. I love this color. 20's from Target. Both shorts I wore maybe twice, if that!

#3. This is a shirt..I think it is 22/24 but it still fits me and I am a 18/20 at the moment. I love this style shirt. empire waist which is flattering for my bust line. But I wore it  with straight leg pants a year ago for my birthday only. So something about me doesn't like it if I only wore it once!

I will have some suits coming up soon I think and my tailored clothes I just can't part with yet. I will..but I am still in the worry zone that I may not lose all the weight and want to wear them again! One day my dears...one day! I will be happy to mail them at no cost.

A few birthday pics...I've got some travel worthy Bra's..anyone interested??

First girls I started going through my clothes last night! I've got loads of things that I don't think are travel worthy and I have some very winter things that I just might donate locally...But what I do have are some very pretty bra's.

Any woman knows how hard it is to find a good bra. Also any large chested lady knows it is even worse to find them. I hate bra shopping. It makes me hot and frustrated and I always end up spending a lot of money. Also I find that half of  what I buy and think looks and feels good ends up not working at all.

So even though bra's are a real personal item I thought I would offer them to someone who might wear the same size.. I wore these bra's maybe once and they all ended up being too big. They are size 42DDs and if some is interested I will post the pictures to show you how pretty they are!

I have a few other things as well...some shorts and a shirt..I'll post those too.

Birthday pictures:

I really did have a good birthday although it was the start of my week of bronchitis. I was losing my voice but I still laughed a lot. My girlfriend has a bar area in her basement and she decorated it as girlie as she could with beautiful pillows and flowers. We drank a very yummy and highly lethal vodka/champagne punch...had fancy hors' derv es and a fabulous mocha chocolate cake...The rule was we had to wear high heels and bring our slippers to change into later. The winner of the cutest shoes and slippers each won a bottle of champagne. I regret that there are very few actual people pictures. I forgot my camera (a normal occurrence) and so far these are the only ones posted on Facebook!




Mandy brought these cute wine tags that we decorated for our wine glasses! Notice the very classy PBR



Amanda and Mandy the Birthday girls! Mandy decided to wear a fabulous hat to match her pokadotted shoes!



The pokadotted ones won. I wore the shoes between the brown boots and the strappy black shoes. They were very comfy!

And for the end of the night..SLIPPERS! The slippers that won didn't make it in the pic! I am the stripped bootie looking ones!

 All in all it was a fun night!

Every day is better and better!

Good mid morning all you blogger babies!

Everyday I am feeling better and better! I still have a lingering cough but it is improving! I want to thank you all so much for the comments of support and birthday wishes! You all really know how to make a gal feel special.

Yesterday I had a fill which rounds me up to a total of 6ccs. I just got .5ccs! I lost 3 lbs in 2 weeks according to the doctor. She was very happy with that loss but I'd like to get in that green area of losing at least 2 lbs per week! I questioned having a fill because I've been so sick and my appetite has been low and because you all gave me suggestions but after my surgery I have 3 months of included visits and fills. The 13th of this month makes 3 months and next week my surgeon and PA are both out on vacation! They only do fills on Tuesdays so basically yesterday was do or die on getting one last prepaid fill in. If they suggested to me to wait I would have totally followed her lead and not pushed for a fill! But I am glad I did!

I am pretty tight right now. A yogurt was hard this morning and dinner was nearly impossible which stinks because last night we celebrated my dads birthday! His birthday was last Tuesday and I was going to make a dinner for him but since I was ill we postponed it till last night! I made sechuan shrimp and scallops with green beans and shitake mushrooms! The meal was fabulous..not a bite left... but I only managed a scallop and 2 shrimp. About 5 green beans and I got stuck on the first shrimp. I did also have a sliver of cake. But I didn't enjoy it. So I passed it to my husband who always enjoys cake.

Girls. According to my scale for 2 days now...I am just under 215. Which makes me... lets just say 16lbs away from onederland. So along with starting the Spring Weightloss Challange that starts on Sunday I will also be putting away my scale for a week. I promised I would try it when I hit 215...since I am a scale junkie this will be hard. But I am going to try.

We've had some beautiful weather here in the NC mountains. It was 77 here on Sunday. This is not normal for March and I am quite sure that we are in for a cold snap. This also means all of the beautiful daffodil's that are blooming will die a frozen death. But it has at least jump started our spring season. We are busy with work and the phone is ringing all day for spring type equipment...tillers, trachoes..the like. So I am hoping to be out of the winter slow funk!

Tonight I am having my husband take some 3 month pictures. I am hoping I am brave enough to show the ones from right before surgery. Many of you are so brave to show pictures at any and all stages but I guess I have been so particular at editing my pictures over the last 10 years that I don't like to show "fat"pics.  But I want to do it. You all give me the courage.

My sister and my best friend teamed up and bought me a gift card with a nice little chunk of money on it for my birthday. It is from one of my favorite stores...Macy's. I think I am going to try and get 15 more lbs off before I use it. But I think both of these girls are sick of seeing my jeans baggy on my ass. It was really thoughtful and kind of them. My parents gave me a 3 month membership to my gym which was also amazing. Sadly I haven't gone in over a week! But that stops today!

All in all I am doing pretty well! Curious to see how this fill works but I am happy with my progress! Glad to be back in blog land and happy to see all of you!  Kisses!