Workout Highs, Good Friends, Good Times..

Happy Sunday all!!!
Today is one of those days that I remember how much I love living in Arizona. It's GORGEOUS out!  Close to 70 degrees with a little breeze and almost perfect. Timmy and I went to lunch (Pita Jungle of course Michelle!) and sat outside and just enjoyed the fresh air. I had my first official public PB experience though which was no fun. I don't know why I keep trying, but Pita is not my friend. I had to excuse myself and head to the ladies room for a quick spit up/near vomit experience.  Oh well, one day I'll learn!

I went to the gym and I think I know what it means to have a workout high. I was rocking the treadmill, listening to my tunes and I could have just walked for hours.. I finally looked down at my time ( moved my towel b/c I hate seeing the time go by on the treadmill) and I had already gone 45 minutes!!  I was sweating like a beast but just kept going. I rounded out the hour and then called it a day. But now, I feel FABULOUS!!  I did about 150 abs (on my favorite ab/sprinboard combo ).  The gym I go to is a very small gym and most people go there for Personal Training so there was NO ONE there. It was awesome.

Last night, Michelle and Joy and I went out for a little Girls Night Out.  They are both Moms so they were in need of some cocktails. We might have gone to the deadest (is that a word?) bar in Scottsdale! Nevertheless, we proceeded to knock down some drinks, have some dinner and just laugh and laugh and gossip.  It was one of those "good for your soul" evenings.  

So, more fun this week!  My friends Jen, Jen , Julie and I are going skiing on Friday - taking the day off and hoping they can all survive without us for the day!  I haven't skiied in a while (about 4 years) and I'm hoping I can still do it!!  I cannot wait!! I dug out my ski-stuff and realized that my pants that I had were purchased about 3 sizes ago so I needed some new ones.  Luckily I found a good deal at REI yesterday!

I'm getting a fill this week!! Can't wait as I know I definitely need it.  Also, am doing my weigh in with Kathi tomorrow as well as measurements.  I'll post my progress tomorrow! Finally, I'm in on  Kristin's workout Challenge this week so I'll post my progress at the end of each blog, which will force me to blog every day! Lucky you!! ha!

Hope you all have had a great weekend!! 
xo, js

Sunday, 1/31:  Workout - 60 minutes cardio, 150 abs..

The Blog about Nothing...

It appears I have lost my BloJo (Blog MoJo)!  I haven't had anything to talk about lately.  So, I've been reading a lot of blogs and haven't had a lot of time to comment since I mostly do my reading at work and there's usually a fire to be put out somewhere as soon as I start to comment!  I'll get better at that.

My hamstring injury is getting better.  I worked out again on Wednesday and while we did not do legs, I felt much better after about 30 minutes of walking.  I need to get back on my workout kick. I mean, I'm still working out pretty consistently, but I haven't been doing cardio as intensely as I had, which I believe is the reason for .... (drumroll please)....................I have hit a plateau. 

It sucks, but I haven't lost a lb in about 3 weeks. I've been teetering up and down. Super frustrating but I won't let it get the best of me. I know that I haven't been a model Bandster and I know for sure that I need to get a fill. I also know that my clothes are still getting looser and I'm buying things in smaller sizes than I have in years. That is motivating me now.  I have a fill scheduled for next week and it would be nice if that did the trick. 

Hope everyone is having a great week!
xo,js

What good are legs for anyways???

Yes, those were the exact words that came out of my mouth this morning while working out with Kathi, my trainer..  You see, minutes before, I continued the curse of My Left Leg but pulling my hamstring something FIERCE!!!!!  What is the Curse of my Left Leg you ask??  Let me take you back a year or so.. 
First, I had a stress fracture in my left foot caused by who knows what..  had to wear a boot for 3 weeks. That was fun. Second, I fell outside my doctor's office whilst wearing new cute wedge shoes and bruised and twisted my foot so badly that my podriatrist said it would have been better off had I broken it!! So, I was off that foot for about another 3-4 weeks, and then when all seems clear, I go and do what I did today!  I was doing a similar move that I have done tons of times in the gym and this morning, I just heard something snap and  felt something pull. I thought "hmmm, that didn't feel too good" so I complained (I normally complain so this was not unusual) and we tried a million different ways to stretch it out, but none worked and the pain has gradually gotten pretty rough throughout the day. I'm able to walk but it's just a throbbing pain. I'm hoping it subsides soon b/c I really wanted to do some cardio today but am going to take a break and hope for the best for tomorrow.

Anyways, what I had planned on doing was a little survey, so I'll post that below! Hope everyone had a great weekend!!  I have a lot of blogs to catch up on. I wasn't barely online all weekend.

1. What time did you get up this morning? 5:10! 

2. How do you like your steak? Medium

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Avatar in IMAX 3D this weekend - DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE!!! It was good, but not the most fabulous movie that everyone keeps sahing it is!

4. What is your favorite TV show? I watch a LOT of TV!!!  My current fave is Modern Family and then Glee is a close 2nd.  I also love Reality!!

5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? I would move back to Chicago in a heartbeat if the timing were right and the planets aligned (great job, baby, etc... )

6. What did you have for breakfast? Scoop of Peanut Butter and an apple juice

7. What is your favorite cuisine? Mexican but I can't do burritos anymore!

8. What foods do you dislike? Cauliflower, Cooked Broccali, Salmon

9. Favorite place to eat? Pita Jungle

10. Favorite dressing? Balsamic Vinegar - no oil

11. What kind of vehicle do you drive? White Honda Accord

12. What are your favorite clothes? Jeans, Yoga Pants and long sleeve t-shirts

13. Where would you visit if you had the chance? I keep saying I want to go to Thailand for my 40th, but no one is willing to go with!!  I would also love to go to Greece and/or Bali

14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? Depends on the day.  We have a joke in our family that my husband and my SIL's cups are ALWAYS 1/2 full and my brother and mine are always 1/2 empty. Mostly full though these days!
15. Where would you want to retire? Wherever all my closest friends are.

16. Favorite time of day? Evening

17. Where were you born? Oscoda, Michigan (in the thumb of Michigan yo)
18. What is your favorite sport to watch? College Football and Basketball

19. Bird watcher? I'm a bird fleer...I've been randomly attacked by birds too many times.. I freak!!

20. Are you a morning person or a night person? Def Morning

21. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? Uh no... nothing exciting going on!!!

22. What did you want to be when you were little? A Radiologist or Oceanographer

23. What is your best childhood memory? I have too many to name.. I had a great childhood!!

24. Are you a cat or dog person? I'm somewhat of a dog lover..  I have two that I love most of the time

25. Are you married? Yep!

26. Always wear your seat belt? Always, it's the law!

27. Been in a car accident? Um, unfortunately yes, and a lot of them!!
28. Any pet peeves? Um yeah, I have several:   people who saying something rude or hurtful and then follow up with an "I'm just kidding" - uh, no you aren't.. you wouldn't have said it in the first place if you were; Liars; Gum smacking and chewing with your mouth open! 

29. Favorite Pizza Toppings? I used to love Pepperoni but Pizza is no longer my friend!!!

30. Favorite Flower? Peonies.

31. Favorite ice cream? Neapolitan - although I only ever eat the Strawberry and Chocolate parts

32. Favorite fast food restaurant? Chik - fil- a when I can have it but nothing really lately!

33. How many times did you fail your driver's test? None when I got it in Mississippi, 3 times in Germany.. it was HARD!!

34. From whom did you get your last email? My boss

35. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Bloomingdales

36. Do anything spontaneous lately? Nope, I'm boring!!

37. Broccoli? YUCK!

38. What was your favorite vacation? Most definitely my recent Mexican vacation in October. That or San Fran with Tim a couple of years ago

39. Last person you went out to dinner with? Michelle, Timmy and Brandon (and KD too!)

40. What are you listening to right now? The white noise above my workstation..  very quiet in here!!

41. What is your favorite color? Green

42. How many tattoos do you have? None

43. Coffee drinker? Nope, never have even had a cup!

Today's Blog Post brought to you by 7 year old Maddie M!

So, for those of you that don't know, my husband turned 40 last October and we went (along with 6 of our buddies) to Mexico to celebrate.  I got the above cups made for our trip and had SEVERAL leftovers from my order. I gave some to my friend Melissa while she was here in November and she brought them home for her kids. 

Yesterday, I received something in the mail from Melissa and it had a sticky note on it stating " This is Maddie's schoolwork.. hilarious"  Attached to the sticky note was a letter with a picture of a little girl and boy and two of the "Heavy Nacho's 40th" cups next to a sink.  Here is the letter:

" Me and my brother made up a game it's called Heavy Nachos 40th.  There's big cups that say heavy nachos 40th but there really big cups. so me and my brother fill them up to the top.  That's really high. We try to drink the hole thing of water. We take big gulps of water I always feel wierd in my stomach.  Me and my brother always say ahh when we're done. it feels good.  Every time when we're done playing my brother says I would have liked it with milk better.  He loves milk.  I don't like milk.  The water feels wierd in our stomach. It makes gurgling sounds."

I almost peed my pants reading this letter!!! I loved it!!! Tim told me he plans to write Maddie back and tell her that he loves to play this game but with Beer!!!

xo,js

Keep on Keeping On...

First, thanks to everyone who commented on my last blog (aka Pity Party!) I'm feeling much better today!!  And feeling the LOVE!! I appreciate it!

So, I'm still at work.. so not fun!!! Obviously, I'm not really working right now (am taking a break :) ) but damn, can't a girl get a break every once in awhile from the craziness?? Not me or my co-horts I guess!

Had a couple of NSV (non-scale victories for the non-weight loss followers!) that I wanted to share!!
Some are kind of silly but hey, I'll take what I can get somedays!

1. Went to see my endocrinologist today. I hadn't seen her since mid-2009 and I don't think I ever told her I was getting my surgery. For the first time ever, I did not worry about getting on the scale at her office b/c I knew that whatever the number was, it was a LOT better than it was last time I was there!! She was shocked that I had lost so much weight and then I had to fill her in on the new addition to my stomach! 

2.  Tim and I were laying in bed the other night and we were comparing arm muscles and he said to me " your arms are getting skinny Miss Magoo" (his name for me) and then he said, "you are looking Hot!' - then I of course told him he had the bigger muscles and gave him a hug!! Love that man!

3.  I went to the mall last night after work and bought a pair of jeans - 2 SIZES SMALLER - WOOT WOOT!!!!!


I was scanning through some pictures on my computer the other day and I came across this gem of a pic.  This was exactly 3 weeks before my surgery and I don't even recognize myself anymore.  I still have a double chin, but definitely don't have 3 or 4 anymore!!  And the shirt I'm wearing in the pic I wear all the time now to workout and it falls off my shoulders.   Thank god for the LapBand!!! 

Observations and 2 a days..

Happy Monday! Doesn't that make you want to punch them when someone says that?? I mean, really, who's happy about Mondays?? Not me!!! "Someone's got a case of the Mondays" and it's me!!! Plus, the weather is shitacular here in AZ today. Gone are the blue skies and warm sun and instead, we have pouring rain, grey, cold (as in lower 60's cold) and crappy... happy freaking Monday!

So, I had some observations this weekend that I thought I'd share..

1. I'm not sure that I'm a person who "connects" well with others in blogland. I've had a blog for a couple of years over at another site and I kind of noticed the same thing over there. I mean, I think I'm a hoot and am a fabulous person to know, but I'm not sure I convey that very well through my blogs. I don't really get a lot of comments on my blog and I don't know what it takes to be one of those people that everyone is drawn to. I started this blog as a way for my family and friends to keep updated with my life and with my surgery progress, but in the meantime, I have found many wonderful people with whom I have the Lap Band procedure in common. I, unlike many others who have had my procedure, do not have my weight posted or my measurements, or even a before picture. This wasn't something I necessarily wanted my friends and family to know (weight and measurements, they know what I looked like!). I did pretty much tell everyone who would listen that I was having the surgery. I have never been ashamed of it and really needed all the support I could get. And, I've gotten it. Anyways.. I digress.. just was talking to Michelle about that this weekend and was kind of heartbroken that I wasn't the popular girl in blogland that I always wanted to be!!! :)

2. Another observation - I was sitting in a chair watching the Golden Globes last night and I looked down at my crossed legs.. did you catch that?? I said, my crossed legs!!! Um, when did that happen that I could cross my legs?? If you were an earlier reader, you know that I did the top 45/46 reasons I wanted to lose weight and crossing my legs was one of them!! How in theh world did I miss that happening?? Regardless, I'm giving myself a big ole' woot woot for that one!!!

3. One more observation - went to get a Pedi this weekend and noticed that when they pushed the arm of the chair over and it snapped in, it didn't snap back like it had in the past b/c my booty was overflowing!! Another WOOT!!!

4. I canceled my fill that was for this Wednesday. I rescheduled it for 2 weeks from now. I've been having a little bit of port pain everytime I work out when I do side crunches and I want to see if this current level of restriction will last for a bit longer. I think another fill of 1cc might put me OVER the edge so we'll see.. hopefully I won't be begging to get in next week after I realize I'm non-stop starving!!!

5. I took a picture this weekend and didn't have to jut my chin out like I normally do in order to get rid of (or try to get rid of) my double/triple chins.. kind of a fuzzy pic, but I like it.. (was trying on my friend Joy's fabulous new glasses)

Finally, I think I'm going to commit (by commit, I mean I am writing it here so my trainer can see it and the other peeps that hold me accountable can also see!) to working out 2x a day a few days a week. I've been going to work out with Kathi in the AMs and we've had a hard time keeping on track due to my recent flus/sicknesses/some personal matters she had, but I'm pumped and ready to get on a regular schedule. So, my plan is to work out in the AM on MWF and then in the PM on MTWT and occasionally F and throw a Saturday or Sunday in there. I'm checking out Zumba tomorrow night as well!!!

Speaking of working out, I'm late in getting out of here for the gym. See ya'll later.

xo,js

Friday, Friday, Oh How I Love you Friday!!

I don't think there's anyone more happy that it's Friday than me!!! Really, I don't!! Work has been ca-razy lately and I'm looking forward to some down-time this weekend!! I have a lot of rambling thoughts so I thought I'd write a quick blog..

1. My stomach flu was as quick in it's going as it was in it's coming.. thankyoubabyjesus.... I feel MUCH better today!!! AND, I think I managed to drop a couple lbs too!! yahoo for Stomach Flus!! (j/k)

2. So, it appears that meat of any kind (chicken, beef, pork) is NOT my friend lately. Everytime I take a couple of bites, I spend about 20 minutes hovered over the sink trying to get it out. Not so pleasant.. So, I need to start working on some other protein alternatives.. what does everyone else consider their go-to protein fix??

3. With the newest development in my meat intolerance.. I'm thinking that I might reschedule my fill that I have scheduled for next week. I think my restriction seems pretty good. I might be able to push it for another couple of weeks.

4. Has anyone ever been on a Hot Air Balloon ride?? When I was driving into work this morning, I saw a HAB in the air, just over the mountain range and it looks like it would be soo much fun!! Of course, first thing I did was google if there was a weight limit on those bad boys.. b/c, just my luck, even after losing some weight, I'd still be too chubbo to get on one..

5. Finally got back in the gym with Kathi this morning!!! It sucked but was glad to get back on schedule.

6. Am thinking of trying Zumba this weekend based on all the people that say how much fun it is!!

I had more to say when I started typing this but got interrupted 20+ times so my thoughts went away!! (damn you work, can't you see I'm BUSY blogging?? )

Have a great weekend!!!

Ok, maybe I spoke too soon..

So, I thought that the Fiber One bars pushed me off the deep end yesterday, but now I'm thinking not.. I had some serious stomach issues last night which pretty much kept me in the bathroom until around midnight.. I finally got to sleep and then around 2ish, woke up shivering cold.. put on my robe, turned off the fan, added an extra blanket to my bed and laid there with my teeth chattering for about an hour.. fell asleep again, then woke up again at 4ish soaking wet from sweat. and, with a headache and cough.. not a good way to start the day!! Tried to fall back asleep but was just too uncomfortable. Decided to head to work to at least pick up my laptop so I could work from home. As soon as I walked in, they knew I was not well. Got a couple of things done that were on my mind as I laid in bed last night and then headed home.. Ick.. having a stomach flu thingy SUCKS!!!! AND, I was just having a conversation with my friend yesterday how I never get sick!!! I really never get that sick. Maybe I jinxed myself!!

So, I'm hanging out on my bed, catching up on my DVRd shows and getting some work done too!! Hoping that this passes soon. I hate missing things - meetings, working out with Kathi, etc..

My hubs works out of our home and it's hilarious that he listens to Classical Music super loud!!
He's such a Renaissance Man.. hehe...

Happy Hump Day and hoping everyone is having a good week!!

PSA - Fiber One Bars

Just a little tip... do NOT, I repeat, DO NOT eat more than one Fiber One Bar (let's say 2 in one day) unless you are in close proximity to a restroom.. I'm just warning you....

Carry On...

Can I get a cheeseburger with that SLIME???

More about that title later....

Every once in a while when I change my Ipod off from my current obsession Lady Gaga,( I could do a essay length blog purely on my love of Lady G alone.. ) I hear a song that sticks in my head and I can't get it out!! This weekend's song was "Toes" by Zac Brown Band.. the lyrics go somehting like this

"I got my toes in the water, ass in the sand
Not a worry in the world, a cold beer in my hand
Life is good today. Life is good today"

I could relate to this song this weekend, minus the toes in the water (although I did dip my toe in the pool to see just how cold it was.. brrrr) and the ass in the sand (although my ass spent lots of time on a sand colored couch) and sadly without the beer in my hand (but instead, a glass of sangria and Pinot Noir!)..

I just felt Happy, for no particular reason at all, just Happy.

I started my weekend out with Happy Hour after work on Friday. Had the best $3 mug of Sangria and then had dinner out with Timmy at Pita Jungle (hummus, no pita!) On Saturday, as the kids from Jersey Shore say it, I got my wig busted (mom, that means got my hair cut!) and then had lunch with my friend Lisa at my new favorite spot in Scottsdale - Arcadia Farms. One baked brie with carmalized apples and about a quarter of a Strawberry Chicken Salad later, I was in food bliss.. Then, we headed over to Nordstrom to get my watch that I got for Christmas replaced b/c one of the "jewels" had already fallen out. Found some fabulously cheap earrings sold to me by an equally fabulous tranny at For Love (Forever 21's Jewelry store) and then headed home in the bright beautiful sunny day. That's when I heard my new favorite song.. I could relate.. Just felt Happy.

So, what's with the title of my blog?? After I got home yesterday, I was a little hungry so I started to eat some of my leftover salad. Apparently, I was eating way too fast b/c I was stuckaroo FAST!!! I immediately started sliming and foaming at the mouth.. OY VEY.. they really don't prepare you for the foaming.. ICK!!! I spent about 20 minutes standing over the sink trying to get whatever was in there out.. Tim kept asking me "you alright in there?" It was bad.

It happened again today a couple of times.. I tried to take a bite of a chicken nugget and stuck. Then I made grilled chicken tonight and the first bite got stuck. Apparently, I've now moved onto the point where my meat MUST be nice and juicy or have a sauce or it's not going down. Thankfully, this sliming/foaming issue has not ever presented itself outside of my home. I think b/c I'm extra careful when I'm out and I guess a little uninhibited with my eating while at home? who knows? I do think though that you should get a free pass to eat something more when you slime out your other meal.. don't you??

I spent today cleaning and organizing and then ran/walked over to Michelles and then went for a walk with her and KD. Finished up the day with some dancing with Kennedy.. geez.. dancing with a 17lb babe in your arms is exhausting.. but fun!!

Life was good today.

Say WHAT??

Major milestone today!!!
Just when I thought I wasn't losing (remember, I threw away my scale?) I headed to the doctor for my 3rd fill and when I weighed in, the PA told me I had lost 40lbs total.. SAY WHAT??? I never thought I'd ever be able to say I'd lost 40 lbs.. holy smokeroos.. that was the highlight of my day.

The big news was almost enough to help me forget about the pain that incurred thereafter when the Doc could not find my port.. and then the numbing medication wore off, and then we had to go under the x-ray machine to find it.. good news is, I do indeed have a lap band in my stomach, it's true! It was the first time I really had validation that it was there!!! I was convinced for awhile that they just opened me up and messed around in my stomach on 10/29, charged me/insurance a crap-ton of money and injected my stomach with saline every time I went in.. but it's for real, it's there!!! :)

I'm guessing that part of the weight loss is from not feeling too hot the last couple of days and not eating a ton and making multiple trips to bathroom (sorry, TMI!) but I'll take it and hopefully won't gain and keep losing!! I have another appointment for another fill in two weeks but today I feel pretty restricted today so far..

Ringing in the New Year!

Happy New Year all!!! Hope your Holidays treated you well!!!
I for one am happy all the holiday festivities are O.V.E.R!!!! There was too much temptation and too much eating/drinking going all around!!! I'm ready for 2010 to get a move on and for everything with me to start falling into place.
I did not make resolutions for this year b/c I usually break them so what's the point?? For once in the last 25+ years, I'm not resolving to lose weight b/c I know that it will happen for once!! I'm not going to sabotage myself like I do every year!!
I did, however, come up with some goals for myself for this year and not all are weight related. All are doable I think!!

1. Be kinder and have more patience with my husband. I know this is a huge issue I have to work on b/c I, a lot of times, lose patience quickly with him and expect him to be something he's not. I love my husband dearly and I know that I'm not always a peach to be around either!!

2. Work out at least 5 days a week. I've been doing well on this already. I've been averaging around 1.5 - 2 hours of working out 5x a week for the past several weeks. I'm hoping that it becomes a habit soon and I won't dread it every.single.time!!!

3. Get involved more. I have a new co-worker who is very involved in charity and I'm hoping to have her point me in the right direction. This will help me meet new people and give back to the community - killing two goals with one stone!!! :)

4. Take my thyroid meds daily. I've been really bad about my meds since my surgery and I'm starting to get a lot of the symptoms of my hypo-thyroid disease back. There's no reason for me to not take them, but I forget!!! (which is a huge indicator that I need to take them!!) I also think that b/c I'm not taking them daily, it's slowing down my weight loss.

5. Stop stressing when I don't lose weight quickly. I lost a good bit amount quickly after my surgery. But since the beginning of December, I've pretty much stalled. To a person who had weight loss surgery, this is completely unacceptable and stressful!! I am going in for my 3rd fill this week so I'm hoping the 3rd time is the charm.

6. Invest more time in my close friends - call more often, remember important events, etc... . I had a close girlfriend and her family visit me for New Years and this is something we talked about. My mother and my BFF share the title "queen of remembering everything" - they always remember birthdays, annivesaries, etc.. I don't have that gene. I hate that I don't send cards on time, and have to rely on FB for birthday reminders!!! I want to get better at that!

7. Get back to running and run a 5K (which I'm already signed up for in 6 weeks - yikes!!!! )

So that's that!!! Thankfully I have a running start on some of these!!

Back to work tomorrow!! Have a great week!!