HI everyone...I am back! It is the new year and I am feeling great. I am watching the news and it is telling all about the ways to lose weight this year. They are also talking about how much people gain during the holidays. I love knowing that I haven't. I am still down 8 lbs. Even though I have not been blogging, I have been doing a really good job.

Exciting news...I went shopping last week and bought a pair of pants that are a size smaller. I was an 18, I am down to a 16. My short term goal is to be down to a 14 by the end of this month. The workouts have been slow in coming. It has been very cold around here but I am still trying to make it work. The kids are back to school tomorrow, so I will be back to blogging. Happy New Year... see you a few pounds less!

Where are you people?

OK, so you all failed miserably. I have not written in 10 days. I could have robbed a bakery at gun point and none of you would have known. The whole reason I have this blog is because I am a big loser with the determination of an ant. I need you guys to yell at me!!! Get drill Sergent on my ass. For real! I am giving you the green light to go for it but NO...not one single shout out.

Here is what I have suffered through in the last 10 days:
1) I started my period...enough said!
2) There was a snow storm that dropped 10 inches of snow on my walking loop.
3) There were 4 days of below zero temp, -10 actually.
4) I have not lost 1 oz. in a week. I haven't gained, but I haven't lost.
5) We are in full Christmas baking mode (no good for no carbohydrates)
6) ...I am not sure, but I know there must be a six somewhere. I'll have to think about it.

Besides for all that, I guess it has been a good week. I am feeling like if I only lose weight, my whole world would be a better place. Now, you and I both know that is not true. I think that if I was only 50 pounds lighter, all our problems would be fixed. So why is it that I am not doing anything this week about it? This is something I really want, yet I am not doing anything. I am trying to figure out how you enjoy walking outside when it is subzero. Would I do better with a gym membership or would that be just another thing I feel guilty about not doing? Not sure. Just a few ramblings off the top of my head.

Now the positive. When I am hungry, I am going for a protein choice instead. I am reading a book educating me on the reasons why carbohydrates are not a good choice for me. I am learning the long term effects on the choices I make now. Education is the best method...right?

HEAR ME WORDS...IF YOU DON'T HEAR FROM ME...I NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU! THIS IS MY CRY OUTFOR HELP. HHHHHHHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLLLPPPPPPPP!

Day 19, 1 man, 2 dogs

What a beautiful day in Western Colorado. The sun came out just long enough for William and I to take the doggies for a walk downtown. It is so much fun to see him get on board for all of this. The dogs are much happier, so I am.

I am having a hard time getting over the munchies. I feel like my jaw needs more exercise. It needs to be chewing. Maybe gum would help. I am doing great with exercising everyday, but the munchies are getting to me. Any suggestions?

Walking the mall

I just found the most wonderful spot to walk in the morning. Here in Fruita, it is getting quite cold. Finding a way to walk when it is 20 degrees outside it tough to come by. This morning I dicided to go to the mall. The stores are closed but the doors are open. I also learned that there is a following of people who do this. Very smart and very warm. After about 10 minutes, I had to take off a layer of clothes. I popped on my headset and off I went. 45 minutes at a pretty good clip should have made that about a 2.5 mile morning.

So, if you are looking for a spot...there is my TIP OF THE DAY!

Day 16, 1 slice of pie, 0.5 lbs down

Well, I have to say that I am pleasantly surprised. I did not loose much, but I did loose. I am down another .5 lb. That puts me at 44 more pounds to go. It could have been better for sure...but trust me it could have been MU CH WORSE! They say that the average person gains 10 pounds during the holidays. I have never settled for average before. I will definitely not be average this year. Back to the real workouts that were giving the good results. Holiday is over...back on my head!

Where have I been.

Forgive me, Blogger, for I have sinned. It has been 4 days since my last confession. It has been a crazy few days, I am sure that you all have felt it too.
Thanksgiving, I got up and went for a nice long bike ride before dinner. I have to say, this is the first Thanksgiving that I have not felt stuffed after. I had a little of everything, a bite or two. I did have a slice of pumpkin pie. Not a bad day over all.
Black Friday, up at 2:30 am to shop. I had an Egg Mc Muffin. I know what you are thinking. I see it now. It was a bad choice. I did not walk my 20 minutes, but I did shop for 7 hours walking fast to beat all the other moms to the sales. I stayed the night at a hotel with the kids for a mini vacation. I had a turkey wrap for dinner. Felt OK about those choices too.
Saturday, Mitten tree for GS. Went for a short walk. Not my 20 minutes, again.
And that puts me too today. I did have the munchies. I ate some cheese-it's. I think that is all I have to get off my chest. It was a little bad, but not as bad as it has been in the past.
Tomorrow morning is the weigh in. I am not really excited about it. I am a bit worried. We are on week two with Thanksgiving weekend in the middle. We will see...

Day 9, 20 laps, 3 arm bands

It is hard to find time to walk. It shouldn't be that hard, I just don't make time for it. If I wanted to watch my favorite show, my schedule would be open. It is true that if something matters you will make it happen. Getting on the scale today and seeing 5 lbs less, it matters now! I am so proud of myself. I am the most proud that it is day 9 and I am still going. I know that sounds lame, but I have started this thing a million times. I will go strong for about 5 days and then I get over it.
There are people who have too low self esteem. I have to high. Because I have always thought that I had a pretty face, I let it go. Because I could dress fashionable, I would let it go. I rationalised that since I could still shop in a regular store...I could let it go. I can't anymore. I can't let this go. Don't let me.

Tonight, I had to make it happen but my regular plan was all off. William is working until 11 tonight. The kids needed to take baths and it was dark already. I am not comfortable walking at night alone. I started to think again, "one night off...not big deal." IT IS! So, I put the kids in the bath and got myself ready. I put on some gloves and headphones. Off I went, around my little culdesack. 20 times I went, singing "Dancing Queen". 20 times around where the light from the house could be seen. 20 times around where I could see the kids. 20 times around thinking to myself. I AM DOING IT!

Tonight I added tension bands once I got home. I could feel it in my arms after the second pull. Good sign that it has been to long since those muscles worked. I also added 5 new friends to my mailing list. I promised myself that every 5 lbs down, I would add 5 more accountability partners. Thank you for cheering me on. I need you guys more than you know.