Hi all!!! Happy Tuesday! I got an email this morning reminding me that the Firefly Run is in ONE month....For some reason seeing that in print sent shock waves through my body....I have to hurry and get skinnier!!! IN ONE MONTH!!! AHHHHHH!!!! The good news is that I was able to work out last night...had a good workout. I am still primarily doing the stationary bike (recumbent) but have really been able to increase the resistance level during my ride. I build to the level of intensity that I can still maintain a solid pace...stay there for a period of time and then slowly decrease to cool down level for the last 5 minutes...I am doing an hour total. Then I worked the lower back, upper body (shoulders and upper back) and then a short leg workout.
Tonight is Volleyball practice with the fierce Lightening Strykers!!! The girls are great fun...So I always look forward to Tuesday nights.
Today is my cousin Kay's Birthday...She passed away in December 2009. She had wonderful sense of humor, loved to laugh and had her life struggles as well. It was a life cut way too short... but I am blessed to have had her in my life for 32 years. She left us with lots of good memories and an adorable son...Carter (who is now 15-I can't believe it!). Katy...you are missed...Happy 35th Birthday!
Not to be too dark...but I guess that this does remind me that I should cherish the life I have and those around me. Life truly is a gift...This Journey is really about the gift of Life for me. As I strive to take better care of myself, I really want to live this life to the fullest. Do what I can to take care of this life and leave something of worth behind. A reminder of God's Grace!
I have been getting feed back that some of you out there are finding it difficult to leave comments on the blog. I apologize for not being more knowledgeable about this whole thing. I know that there are a few different ways to leave comments...I have made changes to the settings so that anyone can comment...even anonymously. I guess if there are any tech gurus out there that have any suggestions....PLEASE let me know.
Please sign up to join us for the Firefly Run...Saturday November 3rd (in the evening). There is a green button on the bottom left corner of the page that will take you to the sign up page. We are Team MAWA. https://fundraising.active.com/fundraiser/TeamMAWA
Here's to a wonderful rest of the day! Cheers!
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Monday, October 1, 2012
Motivational Monday!
"Monday, Monday..so good to me"...OK that may be a stretch, but it has not been a bad Monday and that is good!!!!
So I am coming off of a slooowwww weekend with no workouts and today I must be motivated...I must Forge On...:). So...as soon as I leave the office I will be headed to the Y.M.C.A for some workout time. I am feeling a tiny bit of pressure to be ready for this 5K...I don't want to start this 5K on Saturday and end on Sunday....haha! But I am still quite motivated...It actually kinda shocks me that I have not really hit a wall yet. Not to say that I ever will...but I truly expected to be a few weeks into this Journey and just SPLAT...right into the wall of discouragement, or fear, or just plain "what the heck was I thinking"....I keep thinking of things that I can do to motivate myself over the wall, through the wall whatever it takes...but so far....NO WALL! Now...if you have been reading along...you know I have had some obstacles, a few hurdles and a few physical walls to push through...but no Great Wall of China kind of Wall...I am thrilled.
I know have said this 1,000 times...but I truly believe that sharing this with others is serving as a Wall buster!!! Having this MUCH accountability, encouragement, helpful hints, etc...I think it keeps me moving forward over obstacles, through the difficult parts and keeps me from plowing into that wall.
God really knew what He was doing when He said...Hey Jaime...it is time for you to get healthy and lose 120lbs but I want you to write about it everyday...share with everyone you know, post it on Facebook and send it to people you don't know on every social media outlet possible...C'Mon it'll be FUN!!! Oh...and you are going to publish your starting weight and weekly weigh in totals as well...Even more FUN!!! But...the part He did not tell me is ALL of the amazing things that have happened since! Unbelievable.
So if you have been reading along...you know that one of my goals...the really fun goal...is to play a real, full on, got my mojo workin, kinda Volleyball game on Saturday August 17th, 2013. BUT....a couple of weeks back, one of my co-workers (Kyle) said...Hey Jaime...wouldn't it be cool to make the Volleyball game a charitable event and raise money for one of Misty May Treanor or Kerri Walsh Jenning's charities...So...an idea was born. Inspiration is really quite amazing and God does work in wonderfully mysterious ways.
You see, I got it early on in the process that I want this Journey to be about more than just losing weight. I said I wanted to "Take this Journey Gracefully"...I want to share the Grace that I have been granted and the truth is...I have wanted to find ways to give back...in my community or in whatever way God sees fit!
So that Volleyball game (event) is the big project that a group of us will be working on...Not too many details have been ironed out...We will choose a venue and begin to put together a plan...careful consideration will be given to the charity (charities) selection process and what that will look like! I am really excited about it and I am hoping that it is something that everyone following along on this Journey can get excited about!!! As we progress, I will post details. I am always open for feedback...so don't be afraid to share. Also, if you are interested in being a direct part of the process, or have any good ideas...please let me know.
Thank you!!!
If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to your mountain, "MOVE!" and it WILL move... and NOTHING will be impossible for YOU! - Matthew 17:20
So I am coming off of a slooowwww weekend with no workouts and today I must be motivated...I must Forge On...:). So...as soon as I leave the office I will be headed to the Y.M.C.A for some workout time. I am feeling a tiny bit of pressure to be ready for this 5K...I don't want to start this 5K on Saturday and end on Sunday....haha! But I am still quite motivated...It actually kinda shocks me that I have not really hit a wall yet. Not to say that I ever will...but I truly expected to be a few weeks into this Journey and just SPLAT...right into the wall of discouragement, or fear, or just plain "what the heck was I thinking"....I keep thinking of things that I can do to motivate myself over the wall, through the wall whatever it takes...but so far....NO WALL! Now...if you have been reading along...you know I have had some obstacles, a few hurdles and a few physical walls to push through...but no Great Wall of China kind of Wall...I am thrilled.
I know have said this 1,000 times...but I truly believe that sharing this with others is serving as a Wall buster!!! Having this MUCH accountability, encouragement, helpful hints, etc...I think it keeps me moving forward over obstacles, through the difficult parts and keeps me from plowing into that wall.
God really knew what He was doing when He said...Hey Jaime...it is time for you to get healthy and lose 120lbs but I want you to write about it everyday...share with everyone you know, post it on Facebook and send it to people you don't know on every social media outlet possible...C'Mon it'll be FUN!!! Oh...and you are going to publish your starting weight and weekly weigh in totals as well...Even more FUN!!! But...the part He did not tell me is ALL of the amazing things that have happened since! Unbelievable.
So if you have been reading along...you know that one of my goals...the really fun goal...is to play a real, full on, got my mojo workin, kinda Volleyball game on Saturday August 17th, 2013. BUT....a couple of weeks back, one of my co-workers (Kyle) said...Hey Jaime...wouldn't it be cool to make the Volleyball game a charitable event and raise money for one of Misty May Treanor or Kerri Walsh Jenning's charities...So...an idea was born. Inspiration is really quite amazing and God does work in wonderfully mysterious ways.
You see, I got it early on in the process that I want this Journey to be about more than just losing weight. I said I wanted to "Take this Journey Gracefully"...I want to share the Grace that I have been granted and the truth is...I have wanted to find ways to give back...in my community or in whatever way God sees fit!
So that Volleyball game (event) is the big project that a group of us will be working on...Not too many details have been ironed out...We will choose a venue and begin to put together a plan...careful consideration will be given to the charity (charities) selection process and what that will look like! I am really excited about it and I am hoping that it is something that everyone following along on this Journey can get excited about!!! As we progress, I will post details. I am always open for feedback...so don't be afraid to share. Also, if you are interested in being a direct part of the process, or have any good ideas...please let me know.
Thank you!!!
If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to your mountain, "MOVE!" and it WILL move... and NOTHING will be impossible for YOU! - Matthew 17:20
Sunday, September 30, 2012
The Fluffy Girl Recuperates
Happy Sunday Evening to ALL!!! I hope today has been fantabulous! Good times with family, friends, church, football!!! Speaking of Football....Great Football weekend...The New Boston Lions Win and are undefeated...Way to Go Teague Boys...The Texas Longhorns tried to give me a heart attack...but squeaked by...and The Houston TEXANS go 4-0 for the first time in franchise history....it's a great day to live in Texas!!! (I was even happy the Aggies walloped Arkansas-Whoop!)
Today was the 2nd day of recuperation for me. I battled mentally feeling like I really needed to work out and physically feeling like I needed another day to recover from the treatment. I must say that taking the day to rest and give my body a chance to fully recuperate will probably pay off in the long run.
We did go to church today...Mom, Emily and I were more than low energy...Tone Tone probably had more energy than Emily and I put together. But we made it! We took Emily home right after church and Mom and I headed to Cracker Barrel! Today was a rainy, almost chilly day here and Cracker Barrel was filled with fun Halloween, Fall and Christmas stuff...Cozy! I managed to eat fairly healthy and Tone Tone got to have her favorite Chicken N Dumplings (only 8 weight watchers points). I love, love, love the FALL and the Holidays and am always truly excited for this time of year! Happy Fall Ya'll! Pretty soon I will singing Christmas Carols (Donna loves it when I sing Christmas Carols months before Christmas...hehehe).
Today's sermon was about being in constant communication with God...listening for God's whispers...His plans for us and following the path He has chosen. Though I would like to think of myself as a really good listener...I may NOT always be the best listener! I think that is one reason why this Journey has become so important for me. I truly feel like I listened. My "gut" says this is the next right thing for me to do and sharing it not only feels like a great support for my process but like something I am "supposed" to do...share it, live it, and I know that it goes way beyond the weight loss...though that is obviously important and necessary.
I am hoping next week to be able to share some of the details of what I hope is a positive way to SHARE this Journey on a different level. It is one more level of inspiration and I am hoping one more really fantastic part of this whole experience.
I am ready for WEEK 7...I have let my body rest and recover and now I am READY!!! 5 Weeks to get ready for the Firefly Run!!! Go Team MAWA!!!!
I hope everyone has a Happy, Healthy Week...Let me hear from those of you playing along!!!!
Love and Hugs!
Today was the 2nd day of recuperation for me. I battled mentally feeling like I really needed to work out and physically feeling like I needed another day to recover from the treatment. I must say that taking the day to rest and give my body a chance to fully recuperate will probably pay off in the long run.
We did go to church today...Mom, Emily and I were more than low energy...Tone Tone probably had more energy than Emily and I put together. But we made it! We took Emily home right after church and Mom and I headed to Cracker Barrel! Today was a rainy, almost chilly day here and Cracker Barrel was filled with fun Halloween, Fall and Christmas stuff...Cozy! I managed to eat fairly healthy and Tone Tone got to have her favorite Chicken N Dumplings (only 8 weight watchers points). I love, love, love the FALL and the Holidays and am always truly excited for this time of year! Happy Fall Ya'll! Pretty soon I will singing Christmas Carols (Donna loves it when I sing Christmas Carols months before Christmas...hehehe).
Today's sermon was about being in constant communication with God...listening for God's whispers...His plans for us and following the path He has chosen. Though I would like to think of myself as a really good listener...I may NOT always be the best listener! I think that is one reason why this Journey has become so important for me. I truly feel like I listened. My "gut" says this is the next right thing for me to do and sharing it not only feels like a great support for my process but like something I am "supposed" to do...share it, live it, and I know that it goes way beyond the weight loss...though that is obviously important and necessary.
I am hoping next week to be able to share some of the details of what I hope is a positive way to SHARE this Journey on a different level. It is one more level of inspiration and I am hoping one more really fantastic part of this whole experience.
I am ready for WEEK 7...I have let my body rest and recover and now I am READY!!! 5 Weeks to get ready for the Firefly Run!!! Go Team MAWA!!!!
I hope everyone has a Happy, Healthy Week...Let me hear from those of you playing along!!!!
Love and Hugs!
Saturday, September 29, 2012
A Sleepy Saturday
Good Saturday evening to you all. It has been a low key, low activity, rainy, sleepy day!!! I have made it through the day of post migraine treatment blahs pretty well. Have done a ton of sleeping! Sometimes it is really difficult for me to just "stop"...slow my roll, take it easy, relax..you get my drift! At times today, my mind was like...OK...get up...there are things to do...pounds to lose...but the body had a completely different agenda. So....I have watched a couple of movies (sort of)...watched a little football (sort of ) and am recording the UT/OK State game to watch later.
I did brave the grocery store on Saturday...my 2nd least favorite day to grocery shop...right behind Sunday! This may sound funny...but grocery shopping has become sort of an event for me. I go to the store with the full armor of as much WILL POWER as I can muster...and a mortal fear that if I get something I am not supposed to get that I will run in to someone who is reading my blog...LOL!!! Really though...I kinda like the challenge of keeping my selections as healthy as possible. Oh and FYI...eating healthy is a bit more expensive (monetarily speaking) than eating unhealthy... at least in some regards...I guess if I was a vegetarian that might not be as true...but I am not...so fresh seafood, organic produce, less processed foods...more expensive! If you think about that...it is actually sad that so many less expensive, easy, foods are unhealthy.
My VB girls suffered their first defeat Friday night...and sadly I was not there. I talked to Emily after the game and she said "Aunt Jaime...we just were not 100%...a lot of people were just tired and in bad moods"...So it sounds like I picked a good night to miss...JUST KIDDING. Donna said the other team was bigger and better so I am sure that played a part as well. I told Emily we would shake it off and get back to work on Tuesday! Go Lightening Strykers...
Thanks to all of you who have sent me messages of encouragement via email, facebook, comments to the blog, text messages...each one serves as another dose of encouragement and inspiration. I got a message from Kerri Walsh last night...more inspiration. I have lots of angels in my life! So much gratitude! Thank you Kerri for taking time to inspire!!!
My friend Patsy sent me this quote below with a sweet personal message as well. I really like the quote. We all face obstacles, little ones, big ones and all require our energy, strength and time...but for me, the below is quite true...how I approach those obstacles, my attitude, my willingness to stretch through the discomfort and trust that I will be stronger on the other side..trust that God has a plan for me and that the plan is PERFECT.
"Success is determined not by whether or not you face obstacles, but by your reaction to them. And if you look at these obstacles as a containing fence, they become your excuse for failure. If you look at them as a hurdle, each one strengthens you for the next." ~Anon
Well...I am headed back to the couch...I hope tomorrow is filled with lots of love, fun, family and worship for all of you!
Journey 120-"MAWA" Inspired!!!
I did brave the grocery store on Saturday...my 2nd least favorite day to grocery shop...right behind Sunday! This may sound funny...but grocery shopping has become sort of an event for me. I go to the store with the full armor of as much WILL POWER as I can muster...and a mortal fear that if I get something I am not supposed to get that I will run in to someone who is reading my blog...LOL!!! Really though...I kinda like the challenge of keeping my selections as healthy as possible. Oh and FYI...eating healthy is a bit more expensive (monetarily speaking) than eating unhealthy... at least in some regards...I guess if I was a vegetarian that might not be as true...but I am not...so fresh seafood, organic produce, less processed foods...more expensive! If you think about that...it is actually sad that so many less expensive, easy, foods are unhealthy.
My VB girls suffered their first defeat Friday night...and sadly I was not there. I talked to Emily after the game and she said "Aunt Jaime...we just were not 100%...a lot of people were just tired and in bad moods"...So it sounds like I picked a good night to miss...JUST KIDDING. Donna said the other team was bigger and better so I am sure that played a part as well. I told Emily we would shake it off and get back to work on Tuesday! Go Lightening Strykers...
Thanks to all of you who have sent me messages of encouragement via email, facebook, comments to the blog, text messages...each one serves as another dose of encouragement and inspiration. I got a message from Kerri Walsh last night...more inspiration. I have lots of angels in my life! So much gratitude! Thank you Kerri for taking time to inspire!!!
My friend Patsy sent me this quote below with a sweet personal message as well. I really like the quote. We all face obstacles, little ones, big ones and all require our energy, strength and time...but for me, the below is quite true...how I approach those obstacles, my attitude, my willingness to stretch through the discomfort and trust that I will be stronger on the other side..trust that God has a plan for me and that the plan is PERFECT.
"Success is determined not by whether or not you face obstacles, but by your reaction to them. And if you look at these obstacles as a containing fence, they become your excuse for failure. If you look at them as a hurdle, each one strengthens you for the next." ~Anon
Well...I am headed back to the couch...I hope tomorrow is filled with lots of love, fun, family and worship for all of you!
Journey 120-"MAWA" Inspired!!!
Friday, September 28, 2012
So long 260's...
Hello to all! Today was weigh in #6 and I lost another 2.2lbs and am now officially below 260....Woo Hoo!
That leaves roughly 102lbs left to go! Mawa!!
We (Tone Tone and I) are sitting in the neurologist's office waiting on the shot process to begin...According to Dr. Evans...I have lost 20lbs since I was here in June...yea!
Mom got to hang at the office with me and had lunch with most of the youngsters today! It was fun and I clowned a bit for the group. See pic below...And no I did not have a margarita...this is me sober!
Ok...so the shots are done!...Ow! ;) I survived and won't have to do this again for 12 more weeks...
Will be a low key weekend for me. Hoping to get some rest so that I can attack week 7 with Vim And Vigor!
Here is to no more migraines!
Happy Weekend...Go Lightening Strykers!
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Shake a Tail Feather
Thursday evening and I am pooped!! I had a really good workout though...better than I thought I would given my loooowww energy today! But I am still shakin my tail feather and there is a whole lotta shakin go on!!!
Tomorrow is weigh in #6...and Migraine Treatment #2... I must admit I am anxious about tomorrow...I am always a little anxious on weigh in day...but my anxiety is really about the Botox treatment...It isn't so much getting the shots...as it is my fear of the meds. I am not exactly thrilled about having 31 shots of Botulinum pushed in to my head!! There is something kinda wacky to me about having a really bad headache and then saying...Wow...my head hurts...I KNOW...I'll go get 31 shots of a deadly bacteria injected into my head...I bet a case of botulism will help me forget my headache!!! OK...so that is not my most rational moment...but you have to admit, it is creepy.
Here is the really funny thing for me...you would not believe how many people ask if the Botox is working on my wrinkles...cracks me up for some reason! Like I have said before...after getting this much Botox, I will either be headache free...or I will be an embryo and can start all over again!!!
Unfortunately, I am going to miss the Lightening Strykers second VB game tomorrow night! Emily's Dad is filling in for me...Thanks Bill...Go Girls...move those feet!!!
I found another really great story today (quite by accident) about a young lady that has turned her big weight loss into something so much more. I am attaching the link below. Check it out!
http://www.hlntv.com/slideshow/2012/09/27/weight-loss-pictures-julia-kozerski-changing-room?hpt=hp_t3
Everyday of this Journey amazes me...even the ones that do not go so great. Today could have been a not so great day..but by the end of it...well...more amazing surprises. Tonight I had a conversation with Donna and my Mom and we are starting a project that is directly tied to this Journey 120-"Mawa" Inspired trip!!! I am not revealing the details just yet..but I am really excited! It is going to take a whole lotta support from you guys to pull off!!! I will keep you posted. I will say this...If we can pull this off...it will be so much better and bigger than me losing 120lbs. Details headed your way soon!
OK...Song of the Day
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0--2Ep9LV5w
Last but certainly not least....Don't forget the Firefly Run (5K)...November 3, 2012. Check in starts at 5:00 PM and the Run/Walk starts at 7:00 PM...It is going to be great. We have team t-shirts and we get to wear glow in the dark stuff....Come on....Who is with me???
Here is the link for the run!
https://fundraising.active.com/fundraiser/TeamMAWA
Here is the link for the T-shirts
http://www.customink.com/signup/1gxy0thg
May God Bless You and Keep You...
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Migraine Hangover
I don't know how many of you have migraines or have ever had a migraine...but I always feel somewhat hungover the next day. Befuddled (I love this word), confused fuzzy, sleepy, foggy... Confuzzled (Emily and her Mom like to use this word) all those are excellent descriptive words for how I feel.
However, the migraine has subsided a bit today. So if I can just manage to get through today without falling asleep or just plain old falling...then I am in business!!!
Since I am talking about Migraines...Friday is a big day! I am having my second migraine treatment at the fancy neurologist's office. 31 shots of Botox. I am sure I have discussed the whole Botox thing before...but just in case...here is a brief explanation. Most of you probably associate Botox as an anti-aging treatment for lines/wrinkles etc...However, in the past few years, researchers have found that Botox has proven to be an effective treatment for chronic Migraine headaches. So about 3 months ago, I went to Dr. Randolph Evans (a.k.a-fancy neurologist)...who is a leading Migraine headache specialist in this part of the world. He suggested that I try the Botox treatment and so...I had my first in June...31 shots to the head!!! At first, I did not think it worked and thought it was just another failed attempt to treat these migraines...however, after a few weeks, the intensity of the migraines began to improve. So...I am going in for another treatment on Friday...another 31 shots to the head and a weekend of Flu like symptoms...but well worth the inconvenience if it stops the headaches.
Of course, like many of my health problems, Dr. Evans thinks that weight loss will help to diminish the symptoms. He noted that there are new studies out there connecting migraines to obesity. He told me that there are preliminary test results supporting a reduction in Migraines through weight loss surgery.
However, he was clear that those studies have not been fully verified. Regardless, I have chosen this way to lose the weight and am hoping that my general health improves so significantly that the Migraines will be a thing of the past. He will find out on Friday about my Journey 120 decision.
So...if you have a minute and can send a prayer up for me on Friday...My treatment is at 4:00 PM.
I am hoping the flu-like symptoms are minimal so that I can be ready to roll again on Monday. My workouts will be probably be really light over the weekend.
Tonight I am going to work out and work through my headache. I truly have seen positive results from my workouts...the tough part is just making the decision to go to the gym. But I have my stuff with me tonight and will be headed to the YMCA after work.
My co-worker, super "team mate" Lindsey sent me a really sweet message of support yesterday telling me to listen the below song. It has one of my favorite Bible verses in the lyrics. Hope you enjoy! Thank you sweet Lindsey!!! Strong Enough-Matthew West
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCJNZydWoOg&feature=related
However, the migraine has subsided a bit today. So if I can just manage to get through today without falling asleep or just plain old falling...then I am in business!!!
Since I am talking about Migraines...Friday is a big day! I am having my second migraine treatment at the fancy neurologist's office. 31 shots of Botox. I am sure I have discussed the whole Botox thing before...but just in case...here is a brief explanation. Most of you probably associate Botox as an anti-aging treatment for lines/wrinkles etc...However, in the past few years, researchers have found that Botox has proven to be an effective treatment for chronic Migraine headaches. So about 3 months ago, I went to Dr. Randolph Evans (a.k.a-fancy neurologist)...who is a leading Migraine headache specialist in this part of the world. He suggested that I try the Botox treatment and so...I had my first in June...31 shots to the head!!! At first, I did not think it worked and thought it was just another failed attempt to treat these migraines...however, after a few weeks, the intensity of the migraines began to improve. So...I am going in for another treatment on Friday...another 31 shots to the head and a weekend of Flu like symptoms...but well worth the inconvenience if it stops the headaches.
Of course, like many of my health problems, Dr. Evans thinks that weight loss will help to diminish the symptoms. He noted that there are new studies out there connecting migraines to obesity. He told me that there are preliminary test results supporting a reduction in Migraines through weight loss surgery.
However, he was clear that those studies have not been fully verified. Regardless, I have chosen this way to lose the weight and am hoping that my general health improves so significantly that the Migraines will be a thing of the past. He will find out on Friday about my Journey 120 decision.
So...if you have a minute and can send a prayer up for me on Friday...My treatment is at 4:00 PM.
I am hoping the flu-like symptoms are minimal so that I can be ready to roll again on Monday. My workouts will be probably be really light over the weekend.
Tonight I am going to work out and work through my headache. I truly have seen positive results from my workouts...the tough part is just making the decision to go to the gym. But I have my stuff with me tonight and will be headed to the YMCA after work.
My co-worker, super "team mate" Lindsey sent me a really sweet message of support yesterday telling me to listen the below song. It has one of my favorite Bible verses in the lyrics. Hope you enjoy! Thank you sweet Lindsey!!! Strong Enough-Matthew West
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCJNZydWoOg&feature=related
"I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me"
Philippians 4:13
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