Nancy’s Weight loss Journey 5 Yrs & Counting

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh sucked last night!! Our internet and cable service went down.  I really wanted to spend time on here catching up on blogs and the WILDCAT forum. 

We took all my niece and nephews swimming instead.  Then I rented Bucketlist and Rod suprised me with Obssesed with Beyonce.  Two chick flicks in one night.  I had to laugh because I thought he would come back with another action film.  Ahhhh and he watched both movies with me.

I spent my winning money very well.  Rod wanted it to go to me and sure enough $500 went to me and me only.  I also bought a brand new SONY digital camera.  And I gave a birthday gift; which is in addition to his club party from the week before. 

I realized today how negative my mother is and she gets on my last nerves! I mean day in and out never a nice words, derogatory statements about her kids her grandkids.  I had to put that one down quick.  I don’t want to hear her mouth if she has nothing nice to say.  Sometimes I wonder how I turned out not so fuc**ed up in the head.  OK, vent over! :)   Love her but she acts like a child sometimes.

Well, I’m back to eating healthy.  I have all my good food ready for me and my favorite night of the week at the gym.  Nyel will just have to give it to me!!! I LOVE IT!

Gotta catch up on blogs and forum stuff now.

I went to bed at 6am this morning which means I have not slept! :)  Well, a few hours.

The itch to go back to Pechanga Casino the 2nd night was there.  Luckily, my cousin called and we made it an girl’s night out.

I have $000000 dollars!!! Rod has been on a food budget and I have been returning stuff I bought all week for food and gas.

I borrowed $100 from my cousin.  Man, that itch was a good one!

I managed to win $1400 total all on 1 cent slots but as my family knows I max it; more like $4.00 a hand.  I pushed my luck and won $1400 just $40 dollars in.  Now this normally would never happen!

Push comes to shove I played all night and came home with $900 and PAID the cousin back!!! Well, I called Rod and he said to stop which helped.  I would play and give it all back - the old me!

I have not exercise and won’t today.  I have things to get.

MY GIRL NICOLE - FROM THE WILDCATS IS VISITING NEXT WEEK! Girl, I got dinner = it’s on me!!!!!!! And we going to LA on Sunday.  WHOO WHOOO!!!

At 4am I ate some Chinese Food.  I was hungry and sleepy.  Yep, that’s my breakfast.

Rod told me to use it all on me but I can’t.  He gets a nice birthday gift now.   :)  :)  :)  :)  :)  :) 

I’m fast approaching my 5 yr anniversary of the first day of my journey.  I can’t believe the number!  The closer it gets the more anxious I become.

Why?  Because I feel like I’ve come far but I still need to address so many other issues.

Well, aside from me, I would like to know, where do each of my buddyslimmers see themselves in 5 yrs time?

1.  Met “Ultimate” goal with weight and health

2.  Almost there

3. Still struggling and maintaining

4.  No where near goal

5.  Heavier and bigger then the day you started

6.  Other…………can’t think of more LOL

Sometimes we get caught up in the daily grind and focus on the small stuff.  I do that all the time.  Before I know it months past, and a few yrs passed.  I’m like, where did all this time go?

Honestly, 5 yrs ago I just knew I wanted to be hot at 30 yrs old.  Oh my when I was in my 20’s,  30 is downhill for youth you know!!  LOL If only I knew. It gets better.  I’m younger and better then I was in all my 20’s. 

Think about your goals, think about how you are going to meet them.

Baby steps…..leads to big steps…leads to days, months and years.  REMEMBER ONLY 1 IN 5 LOSES WEIGHT AND KEEPS IT OFF FOR MORE THEN 5 YRS!

I want to see you at your best in 5 yrs and longer.  It starts  - TODAY!

I better get ready with the food eating so I can go to kickboxing in a couple hours.

What is your first impression of people you meet in life?  Specifically here -What draws you to someone?  Is it their profile? Their name, is it their blog title?

When I first started here I was shy as a mouse!  TINA, haha! Thinking of you!

I was terrified of blogging.  I’m like oh my God I don’t want people to know what a big loser and failure I am!  I don’t want people to know I lost 70 lbs and gained 30 back.  Well,  I bit the bullet and blogged a bit but it wasn’t my cup of tea.  I didn’t feel connected to this site or to the support here.  Honestly!  That was Dec. of 2007.  The reality, I wasn’t ready to lose weight.

Well, in April 08 I started.  I started my blogs for me.  I had practically no readers, but it didn’t matter.  I joined a team but it wasnt for me either.  I met a few good people.

Then I started reading blogs but wouldn’t comment.  I was terrified! :)  I didn’t know what to say.  (Tina, thinking of you again).  Well, commenting and reading blogs from inspiring people, giving hi fives and you know connecting with people.  I started making friends.

I was impressed by a lot of people.  What caught my attention are great blog titles, daily bloggers and I’m usually impressed by most of the buddies.  Over time I either connect or not with the person.  For the most part my first impression is pretty much spot on.

NOW I’M A LEADER FOR THE BESTEST WEIGHTLOSS CHALLENGE GROUP HERE! :)  WILDCATS LOVE!

Well, the other teams are great too!  You know, just a bit biased about the cats!

In emailing my friend yesterday, I realize that you know, not everyone is going to like me. I’m fine with that.  All I can do is keep on meeting new people, keep the ones I have and let the rest go…….Bye bye Sayonara!

I also realize, as I’ve been told by several people that I come off “hard”, “hard core”, “intimidating”……but I hope that those who perceive me that way, if they take the time to get to know me will find I’m more down to earth the what my picture paints.  It’s a part of life.  I deal with it.

Just you know, thoughts running through my head.

I took the day off.  I’m going to sleep in, let this cold go to rest and I have my kickboxing and hip hop class today.  I really need to get some weights in Saturday.  But for today I am so going to enjoy my cardio workout.

Oh, night time eating - I’m still winning!!!  Unfortunately no scale for me.  I don’t want it to influence my mood since PMS is still here.

Soo, that has always been a fear of mine!  To meet the wildcat challenge, not fitting in and always worried about what others thought of me.  Hey, I admitted it! But I am slowly overcoming it.  It gets easier to let things go and say, hey, it’s not me, it’s them or it’s not personal.

I KNEW SOMETHING WAS OFF!  I thought it was the AC system at work that started my sniffle but now I know better.  Couple days ago I was fighting extreme fatigue.  I thought maybe it’s PMS or the AC.  But it was bad yesterday.  I woke up with a very achy body, my nose was running.  As my boss is into natural remedies I ask for his advice.  Of course his favorite remedies: tea for the immune system and throat coat, 2 cloves of raw garlic minced and olive leaf extract. 

He was kind enough to buy a bottle of the olive leaf extract when he made is daily trek to Mother’s.  I’ve been taking them by the handful to fight my virus.  I came home and found out my mom, brother and Rodney all have the same cold virus.  Whew, I don’t feel so alone now. Misery loves company lol.

Wednesday night I went  kickboxing and pilates.  Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh my regular instructor is back and SHE KICKED MY BUTT! We did dancer’s workout in lieu of pilates which is not easy.  I had fun though.

Today, I’m just going to relax.  I just got some stressful news that I need to deal with and I’m on edge.  :(  SIGH!!!!!!!!

Oh, if anyone is interested here’s a tidbit on olive leaf extract and why I’m taking them:

The effect that olive leaf extract has on the body has been researched and looked at for some time, and has become a much talked about ingredient used in the treatment of fevers and infections.

Although olive leaf extract is classed as an alternative herbal remedy, it can be helpful in the treatment of the common cold, flu, cold sores (herpes), ear infections, eye infections, nose and throat infections, impetigo, pink eye, parasites, and a host of bacterial, viral and fungal infections.

The main constituent of olive leaf is the phytochemical oleuropein, which has broken down to elenolic acid, which have a powerful anti-bacterial effect, and has the ability to interfere with critical amino acid production essential for viruses.

It further seems helpful in containing viral infections and the spreading of these viruses by inactivating them, and the ability to directly penetrate infected cells and stop viral replication.In the case of retroviruses, it seems to be able to neutralize the production of reverse transcriptase and protease and also seems to be helpful in stimulating phagocytosis, which is an immune system response in which cells ingest harmful microorganisms and foreign matter.

Olive leaf extract also seems to be indicated as useful in boosting the energy levels, assisting with chronic fatigue as well as helping with allergies.Olive leaf extract has been reported by leading clinicians to offer significant benefit when included as part of an immune system enhancement program designed to combat microorganisms - such as our BodyGuard immune boost supplement.

 AND BENEFIT OF RAW GARLIC:

Chinese people have known of the health benefits of raw garlic for thousands of years. In China, apart from being used to flavor food, garlic is also traditionally used in teas and folk remedies. Why? Garlic is one of nature’s strongest immune system boosters, and a powerful antibiotic, digestive aid and libido enhancer. As you’ll see below, these are just some of the health benefits of raw garlic.

Note: To get the full health benefits of raw garlic, you have to do just that - take it raw! Commercial garlic pills, tablets, oils and capsules, especially the odorless ones, are often devoid of the active enzymes that provide the benefits. Crushed, raw garlic may be mixed into virtually any meal, or put in gelatin capsules for easy swallowing, or drunk as a tea by simply crushing 1 or 2 cloves and adding hot water. These methods may not be very appealing, but do you want the benefits or not?

Albert Einstein once said “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”

Webster definition of practice: to do repeated exercises for proficiency

As a kid did you color inside the box or outside?  I loved coloring inside the box.  I am a perfectionist in some aspect and a free spirit in others.  But when it comes to coloring I love precision and doing things perfectly.  I will start all over again with a new coloring page if I mess up.

I carry that attitude into adulthood.  I am by far a perfectionist.

When it comes to exercise I thrive on consistency, being perfectionist and I love to practice.  It’s the only way to grow.  When I first started so many years ago I had no idea what “form” was let alone good form.  In weights class I had no idea what I was doing but because I want to be like the best of the best I watch the best looking people, fittest people and mimic them.  And I google the rest and watch youtube videos on form….then I go to class and practice some more.  I practice and I expect to see better results.

In kickboxing I was lost for the first three months but I continue to go, relentless and a bit insane but I expected different results and I got it.  Practice, consistency, thrive, desire all brought results

Then I added Step, same goes with Step I was a clutz but practice,drive took me to perfecting form.  Then Pilates, then yoga and the list goes on.  When I started running this year I practice, I tweak my run, watch my form and sure enough I picked up speed and got stronger and ran longer.  Can’t say I ran any time recently but I can whenever I want.

My point is, when it comes to exercise YOU HAVE TO BE CONSISTENT, YOU HAVE TO REPEAT REPEAT AND REPEAT YOUR PRACTICE.  It’s the only way you train your muscles, grow stronger, last longer and become better at it.

Like right now, I know which routine my hip hop class is on.  I youtube it, been watching it and practicing it.  Watch me, I go back to each class with better form then the week before.

Whenever you want to skip out your exercise routine, remember being insane about exercise - is a good thing! :)  Nothing wrong with doing it over and over again, result can be the same or it can be better.

Tuesday night I swam for 45 minutes.  Not sure if it’s the heat or what but I was only able to get in 20 minutes of jump rope and 20 min of weights.  I didn’t do any push-ups.

And Wednesday - gotta love my second favorite day of the week.  Both my favorite instructors are on board for Kickboxing and Pilates.

I AM CRAZY AND VERY TERRITORIAL! :)  LOL

Let me explain.  I’ve been practicing kickboxing for almost 5 years.  From the moment I learned the fundamentals I’ve made my way to the very front and stay there.  No matter what gym I go to, I always have a spot.  I even go 45 to an hr early to save said spot for myself.  I thrive on my piece of  “territory”.  I get the best workout.

That’s why I’m rarely ever late because heck, that means I have to find an alternative.

Well last week, I made a bad move.  I decided to get gas before class.  Well someone beat me to my “spot” and I was livid!  The guy may be a nice guy, but for the 1 1/2 hr he was not my friend.  My moves were off, I felt off.  I just couldn’t get into my routine.  Thus, bad workout.

Today I said, ok, be smart.  I got gas before hand but at 4:20pm my boss was in my office going over a project. I nearly ran out of the office and made it to the gym to save my spot and about 10 others for my friends.  I changed and was happy I will not be growling and hatin’ on some poor guy because he took my “spot”.

Call me crazy, but I’ve been doing this so long I just like things done a certain way.  But then I realize I’m like that with my yoga class too.  It’s always very front and center so I can watch my form.

I realize that this is not “sane” but for me it’s all mental.  I have my spot, I have my good food for energy - everything is good.

Now, if I’m new to a class or visiting, I respect the very front rows and find a spot whereever, but if it’s my home gym and I got there in time, I expect to get a good workout.

CONTROL ISSUES!! Yes, I do have that.

I think I sound a little nuts.  ROFL!!!

Well, I’m happy I had a great great kickboxing and yoga class.  I got both my spots and I couldn’t be happier!!!!

I am one very very happy mamacita!!!

Tuesday - jump rope and weights baby!!!! :)  Oh and push-ups!!!!  Not that I didn’t do tricep push-ups today but tomorrow is the return to my 3rd bootcamp routine. 

Recently, as I know my buddy Kerstin wrote about it and I’ve seen numerous times, people keeps asking “what about me?”  I did my part, I participated and I did what I can for buddyslim, how come I’m not getting some back?

Honestly, and I can’t speak for ANYONE, NO ONE, other then myself.  I believe that the last few months has been slow in terms of support.  But you know, as the saying goes, you get what you put in!!!!!

And one of the reasons why I started taking some time off from this site.  At least 1 day a week.  I would spend hours and hours on end here, supporting as many blogs as I can and I was involved in more then 6 forums at a time.

BLOGS SUPPORT Then and Now

What is different for blog support for me.

I used to and still read the daily blogger’s blog like Holly, Becky, Kerstin, Kama, Marie, Dagny, Jacki’s, Lace is back to it, Jessica, Jessie, Nisey, Loni, Poetry, Tina’s…etc and so many others.

But along the way I notice that there are some people who consistently supports me.  YOU Can call it a CLIQUE if you want!  I hear it all the time.  The truth is they are the same people who’s I supported from the beginning AND THEY ALWAYS SUPPORTED ME!  I always support old members who return and stay and I support new blogs.

You get to know these people.  Like how RB now has a name Becky.  And Holly’s struggle with food addiction such as mine and I love seeing new pics of Dagny as she shrinks.  Yes, I know a lot about them.  You can’t take that away from us!!!  We are going to be there for one another just like we have in the past.  Yes, we don’t always see eye to eye on issues, but hey, we respect each other and will always be there for one another.

Blogging these days

I find that I can spend ALL my time supporting some people and they don’t care to even say hi or even get to know me.  Now, why should I bother getting to know more about them?  Why?  They don’t care about me!  It’s all about give and take.  Don’t expect me to read 15 of your blogs and say hi to you and you can’t say hi to me once!  Therefore, I started skipping out on their blogs just like they do mine!  Sad but the truth for me at least.

New bloggers - I support as many  new buddyslimmers and new bloggers as I can.  Some people I hit it off with and some I don’t.  That’s just how it rolls.

Forums

I used to be involved in a lot of forums but as I noted before, I decided it’s in my best interest to have a life outside of buddyslim.  Therefore I needed to cut out many forums and thank you forum buddies for taking it in stride.  The one and only forum I’m committed to is the WILDCATS, well, it’s simple - they are my friends and my team mates.  They have always been there for me.  As I support them as team leader it is also my obligation to support their journal/blog as I do now.

My conclusion to all this, many people stay and many people leave and come back.  It’s easier to stick with those who are dedicated to this lifestyle and makes buddyslim a second home.  Those people, for the exception of a few, I stick with because I am a dedicated and loyal friend.

Whew!!! What a mouthful!  You don’t have to agree with me.  But if you do say anything negative, I’m deleting.  My journal - it’s all about support for me!  As I do yours!  Honestly, if you don’t like me or don’t care to get to know me, then don’t expect for me to do the same.  This is my thoughts and my thoughts only.

Monday night - it’s all about my crew for kickboxing and yoga!!!!!!!!!! WHOO HOO!!

Oh, and for those who wants to see pics from Rod’s B-day at V20: It was very hot! LITERALLY!!!

It’s early morning and I have not slept since 7am yesterday.  I spent a ton of money.  Gosh, I wish I didn’t.  We celebrated Rod’s 35th birthday with a night at the club.  Thanks to my brother’s friend we got in free and into the VIP area.

Well, we decided to drink before going which was ok for me.  But Rod, not sure what happened.  He drank one drink too many.  Then at 2am we went to a local casino and ate.  I finally broke my no night team eating break but I needed to eat.  All that drinking finally got to me.  I already told Rod we have to make an exception to our challenge; IT’S A GOOD THING HE’S TOO DRUNK TO REMEMBER ANYWAYZ.  ROFL! 

The funniest part of the whole night/morning is at the casino Rod disappeared for 45 min.  I was concerned.  Looked like an idiot standing outside the men’s bathroom calling to him to come and eat; finally my brother got him out.  That was not the funny part - the funny part is me in some white bootie shorts, white top and stilettos standing there worried abouta sleeping boyfriend or knocked out boyfriend in the bathroom and the Security office is right behind me.  The security guards were ooohhhh soo nice and attentive to me - I can’t imagine why but they figure I was dressed like that due to going out - and they know my cousin as she worked there.  She pretty much goes out a lot.

I’m tired and sleepy.  Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww I’m so glad I don’t wear make-up every day.  This stuff is hard to take off!

Today not sure if I will exercise at all.  Might take another day off and start fresh with my classes tomorrow.  We shall see!!!!!

Have yet to read blogs or the forums since Friday afternoon.

Quick one!  So Tuesday I found my counter jump rope and did a 20 min swim, 6 minutes of jump rope and 100 push-ups right?

As my team, the wonderful WILDCATS are fightin’ kitties - We urge each other on to do better.

KERSTIN, KITTIES!!!!!!! 30 MINUTES OF PURE JUMP ROPE AND THE COUNTER DON’T LIE, upper body weights mainly with my sets of 8 and 10 pounders and on day 2 got back to 150 push-ups!! WHOO HOO!!

I’m so waiting for the day I can do 400 again but one session at a time baby!!!!

OH CATS, I EXPECT A LOSS TOMORROW!!!!!!!!

Food wise, I think I will win again……..will know in the morning baby!!!!