6 THINGS FRIDAY!!!

It's FRIDAY!! WOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

1.  I can't get over the Kimye baby's name.. I mean, it's just not right.. Of course this morning, I was trying to get it out of my mind and while at the gym, the only songs I kept hearing were Kanye songs.. so here I am again, totally bugged by it!! :)

2.  my body aches in places I didn't know should ache. I take this crazy ass class on Thursdays at lunch time and while I hate every.single.minute of it, I still keep going b/c I know it works. But today I'm in total pain!  Then I tortured myself even more and went to see Kathi this morning at the gym for a butt busting workout..  I must be insane, but now this whole exercise thing is a habit and I can't seem to shake it! :)

3.  I had my Wine Down Wednesday group over on Wednesday night.. I LOVE these girls.. I LOVE Wine Down Wednesday! It's by far my favorite Wednesday of the month!!  And Mac enjoys hanging with the ladies as well I think:

4.  I got a really good fill last week and I think I'm FINALLY in my green zone. I haven't been starving and I'm eating just enough to satisfy me. AND, the scale is moving downward.. hallefrickinlujah!!!!  Can't stop now!!

5.  Saw Jenn and Amy a couple of weeks ago for brunch. Our usual, Elizabeth couldn't make it :( but it was a nice time! Always good to catch up with people that know what you are going through with the band and all the other stuff that comes with it!  Both look great and are doing great!!

6.  Heading to Michigan in 2 weeks for a week! Super excited! Tim and I are celebrating our anniversary (tomorrow) while we are up there and going to Mackinac Island for a day, sans child.. super excited to do that since he's been wanting to do that for years!  Plus, Mac will love a little time a alone with Nana and Chip!  Then, I'm going to ATL for work for a couple of days and then to Chicago to look for a place to live.. oh, did I mention that we are moving to Chicago in October??  More on that later!  Haven't told my work yet, so if you and I are buds on FB, don't mention it please!! :)

xoxo, have a great weekend!

10 Things Tuesday - Catch Up Style

Lordy Be, I have no reason why I've been absent from the blog... just never have the motivation to type anything. I don't even have any pictures to post, so today, you just get words!

1. how's everyone doing?  I'm doing good, just nothing too exciting going on!

2.  I'm not one to normally pat myself on the back, but I need to tell you, I've been a workout BEAST!!! The last 4 weeks, I've averaged 6 workouts a week and last week, I did 7 days straight of working out. I'm really on a mission this time and FINALLY, I saw some more movement on the scale this week. I feel like I'm getting stronger and stronger with each workout and I'm finding myself becoming a little addicted to it!!  I switch it up each day so I haven't gotten bored yet:   Trainer (M), Zumba (Tues) Pilates (W) Trainer (F) Pilates (Sat) Walking (Sun) - I started in the last two weeks to go this crazy ass class that this girl teaches at my work..  holy moly, I can't even explain it.. it's called "stretch and tone" but it kicks my ass each time. I didn't want to go today but I was forced by a couple of my co-workers. Glad I did but my legs are shaking and I'm pretty sure I won't be able to move my arms to dry my hair tonight.. lots of planks, butt work, etc..  exhausting!

3.  Speaking of movement on the scale, did I tell you that I tried to go weeks without buying a battery for my scale so that I wouldn't be obsessed with weighing myself each week - yeah, that didn't work!  I ended up 2 weeks with that plan and then broke down to buy a battery.  I have no control.

4.  I just started watching Game of Thrones - holy hell is that show good!!

5.  Trader Joe's Turkey Meatballs - YUM!!!

6.  We are headed to Michigan for a week 7/3... CANNOT wait!!!

7.  I'm seeing my girls Elizabeth and Jenn this weekend for brunch. We invited all the other Phoenix area band girls but not one person responded so I'm thinking either no one wants to see us or they aren't getting my invites..  either way, I'm glad to see Elizabeth and Jenn and happy that I met them through this forum..

8.  Mac is a kooky little kid. He's talking a TON lately and there are days when he goes nuts that I think his little head is going to spin around but it doesn't and then I fall back in love with him real quick!

9.  Sorry, such a boring post!

10. I have NOTHING else! Hopefully something exciting happens soon with me or I'll be boring ya'll to tears each time I write!! :)

xo, js

10 Things Thursday!!!

1.  Hallelujah it's Thursday!! Work sucks so bad that I'm not sure how much longer I can really hang in here!!   I can't even describe work. It' s not that it's "bad" b/c of the people, it's the processes that make you almost crazy that I'm having a hard time with.  Hard to explain.

2.  Did anyone see this list?  http://diettogo.com/blog/100-most-inspirational-weight-loss-bloggers-2013..  I beg to differ on quite a few of these!! I mean, I can't figure out how some of these even got on here.. some of these people are in no way Inspirational and a good portion of them aren't even successful at weight loss, so how in the works are they on here? Where is Amy W or LapBand Gal? Or JennxAZ??  Or Stephanie, or Chelle, or Vanessa?? These are the successful people in my little list in my head!!

3.  I've been working out like a beast lately and I'm kind of on a roll. I've been doing Pilates Sat & Wed, Zumba on Tuesdays, Working out with Kathi/trainer on Monday nights and Friday mornings, and then cardio on Sunday. I take Thursday off. Not sure why I chose Thursday but I just did. Thursday is my night to just hang with Mac, do errands, play, etc..  I'm feeling very motivated with my workouts. I even had Wine Down Wednesday last night and instead of canceling Pilates and heading out to drink wine with my girls, I went to Pilates first and then showed up and didn't even drink! That's got to count for something!

4.  I've been seeing my WL Dr. every 3 weeks for fills.  I'm almost up to the highest fill level I've ever had. I finally lost around 4 lbs over the last 3 weeks so I was actually thrilled about that. I'm really really trying!! Did I mention I LOVE my Dr.? He's hilarious - total nerd but the nicest guy!

5.  We are finally in the throes of nothing planned for the next 2 months!! So nice to just have nothing to prepare for, no trips, nothing!  We are going to Michigan around the 4th of July for a week but nothing until then!!

6.  I'm hanging out with Elizabeth and JennX this weekend at Jenn's community water park! super excited to see these girls as usual!

7.  American Idol Finale is tonight, so is Grey's ..  hmmm, what will I watch? I know I won't be watching FB b/c people ALWAYS spoil things since we are the west coast and don't watch things until later!! :)

8.  I'm having a hard time coming up with 10!

9.  I'll show you my new shoes I'm loving!!!   I went to Nordstrom a few weeks back and the shoe salesman told me that there was a Tory Burch shoe sale going on.. which is like music to my ears.. so I snagged these cute espadrilles!! Love the little sparkle! (Ignore my chubby ankles.. for some reason I'm retaining serious water in my ankles lately! )

10. Have a good weekend!
xo,js

Holy Catch-Up Post.. and sorry in advance for the PHOTO CRAZINESS!!!

Hey ALL!!  I've been horribly absent from my blog and I've barely even been reading..  so I'm going to do a quick catch-up and hurl a million pictures your way..
Last weekend was my bestie's wedding..  it was so freaking fun!! Probably the best time I've ever had at a wedding besides my own! We had a busy couple of days including the rehearsal and then the wedding but it was so fun and went by so fast!
Here are pics from the wedding and the rehearsal..  
Mac on the plane.. we actually sprung for his own seat..  genius decision!!!

Timmy and me at the Rehearsal dinner 

Shannon and her bridesmaids, me and TMac (aka Tracy) 

We got our hair and makeup done..  I've never had more makeup on in my life!!! But, I loved it!! 

Me and the beautiful bride!! and then some of me and TMac, Shannon and of course Timmy!! 

While I loved my hair and makeup (and accessories!) I wish I could look at these pics and see just a happy me and not want to pick apart my large arms or wish that I had lost 20 more lbs..  I wish I could just be 100% happy with how I looked!  Someday maybe..  

On Saturday, my girlfriends and I got together and rounded up our kiddos and met up at a park.. it was so fun to hang out and see our kids playing together.. my friend Margo has the most adorable squishy little guy, Bowie! 

Mac had himself a good time with all the ladies as well. 

It was by far the hardest to leave Chicago this time.. I had so much fun with my family (my mom and dad were there too) and my friends!  I couldn't be happier for Shannon. She was a beautiful bride and she was grinning from ear to ear all night!!! 

Got home on Sunday and headed over to Joy's for our little Mother's Day celebration - just the three of us, in the backyard, sipping cocktails, eating awesome food, gossiping and reading trashy mags!  

BEST DAY EVER!!!  

Be back tomorrow with weight updates!! XOXO 

Ten Things Thursday..

1.  I know, I know, yesterday was Weigh In Wednesday, but I just couldn't go there.  I contemplated throwing in the towel yesterday b/c I was so frustrated. I couldn't even write the numbers. I had an appointment for a fill and I almost didn't go, but then I said to myself, "self, if you don't go, what is the point of having a lap band... you are going to fail, get back up and be succesful and it all starts with going to see the Dr. and getting the fill".. so I went and am happy I did.

2.  I love my new Dr. He's honestly the kindest one dr. I've ever had. EVER.  He walked in, asked me how I was doing, I told him I was irritated, he tried to cheer me up and then I just said, "please just let me be frustrated for a minute" and he did. He asked me some good questions and then tried to joke a little with me, give me some options and then he said "did you get your hair done differently? B/C it looks really good!" Ah, that man knows the way to my heart, comment on my hair!! So, I got a nice sized fill (1.5cc) which almost brings me up to where I was pre-EGD. And then we came up with a plan to get another 1.5 in 3 weeks if I need it.  I'm feeling much better today and had about a 1/2 of a small yogurt and was full, so hoping that's a good sign!!

3.  Am starting with my old personal trainer Kathi tomorrow morning at 5:30. I'm excited and scared all at once. I can't wait to get back into the swing of getting my ass handed to me by here twice a week but I'm scared of the pain that I know will ensue. I'm hoping with her sessions, my 2x week Pilates and my Zumba mixed in with some additional cardio, I'm going to be rocking a hot body by this time next year!!

4.  I haven't mentioned work lately - finally, it's getting under control!!

5. I'm obsessed with the "Walking Dead".. Damn you Michelle!!! I literally jump into bed every night and start up an episode on my iPad. Last night I thought I was going to have a panic attack, it was so intense. I'm almost done with the 2nd season so I need to figure out how to get the 3rd since it's not on Netflix yet.

6.  Talked to my bestie last night.. 15 days until her wedding!! so excited! Trying to figure out how I'm going to do my hair since I got it CHOPPED last weekend!


7. LBG posted a funny blog about Plus Size models in catalogs and how ridiculous it is that they are not plus sized at all. That got me to thinking about how annoyed I always get when I see the mannequins in plus size section of the Old Navy website... I mean really, who stands like this and everything they model looks completely frumpy and blah.. I have this dress and it doesn't look like this on me at all.. it looks BETTER!

8. I had lunch with my blog besties Jenn and Elizabeth this past weekend. As usual, we spent the majority of the time chatting away. So good to catch up with them. We have plans for a water play date with the kiddos in May already! Can't wait!!

9. I found a new use for my child this morning.. I had on tall wedges and I dropped my ID on the floor and thought "shit, that's a long way down to pick that up" so I asked him to get it for me! He's got a new job!!  "Picker-Upper"

10. I got nothing else.  Have a good weekend!!

xo

Weigh In Wednesday ... and Bachelorette Party Shenanegins!!

Last Week's Weight:  245.9 (I didn't actually post last week but it didn't change from the previous week)
This Week's Weight:  243.5
Loss:  2.4

Woot Woot!!! I am super excited about this considering the weekend that I just had!!  Finally, things are moving in the right direction for me!!

So, let's quickly recap my past weekend... I will not share all the details but let's just say, we gave the movie "The Hangover" a run for it's money.. plus, some things are just better off left unwritten or published on a public forum!!!

My girlfriends arrived on Thursday evening from Chicago and LA.  Shannon's aunt Michelle came from Seattle on Friday morning. Friday, we just hung out at my house and sat in the sun, chatting and gossiping. There may have been some beer and dancing involved as well.  


The "moms" of the group..  Me, Margo and Angela

Friday night we put on our cute duds and headed into Old Town Scottsdale for dinner and drinks.

Me, Shannon, Angela, TMac (in front), Michelle and Margo in back

Me and the bride to be 

us girls taking a break from dancing for a minute 

me and TMac.. the bridesmaids.. 

We hit up quite a few establishments and there may have been way too many drinks consumed by the author of this blog. And that's all I'm going to say about that. 

Saturday morning, we went to the Fairmont Princess resort here and laid by the pool all day. Since Shannon works for Fairmont, we got a really sweet deal on a cabana and f&b package. I pretty much moved from chair to cabana to pool to chair to cabana all day.  We had all planned to do dinner on Saturday night but the previous night's activities wore us out so we just ordered in and were in bed by 9! Totally lame but Friday night did us 40+ year olds in!! 

I know I say this all the time, but these girls are really the best. I've never met a group of fiercely loyal people to each other... there's nothing that we wouldn't do for each other. Shannon definitely had a great time and I know that she loved every minute of it, which was the plan!! 

So, 26 days until the wedding. I'm bummed I will not have met my 20 lb loss by the time the wedding rolls around but I'm feeling pretty good about how my dress looks on me and I'll keep working at it until then and after. I'm heading back for another fill next week and hopefully that will get me closer to the green zone and I'll continue moving downward. 

I'm thinking I'm seeing two of my faves Jenn and Elizabeth this weekend! Need to firm up our plans but it'll be great to see them!! 

Hope everyone is well! 

xo,js

BYOC!!!

Thanks to Draz  for giving me something to write about this week!!!

We answer 5 little questions - some serious, some silly - to give our blogging brains a break and to get to know each other better.  Copy and paste to your own blog and ENJOY!!

1. Tell us something that you want to do or wish you could do but you continue not to do it for fear of judgement or failure or of what others may say or do?


I would quit my job and open up a little gift boutique! I've always been obsessed with paper, stationary,  bags, little happys, but money and fear of failure will pretty much always take over. 

2. What’s your favorite pizza topping and brand?

I'm boring - pepperoni and sometimes add a little mushroom! We have Grimaldi's here and I LOVE it!!! I think it's local to AZ and it's wood fired pizza.. so good. Rosatti's comes in a close 2nd. In chicago - it's def Lou Malnati's. Everyone goes crazy over Ginos, Giordano's and Uno/Due, but Malnati's is really the best! 

3. If you could go back in time but only as far as five years – would you go or not go and why?

HELL NO!! Let's recap - 5 years ago we were just in the midst of the great Stull depression. I wouldn't wish that time on anyone. I'd say the last 4 years have been some of my best so I'm fine not going back! 

4. Who is your favorite Disney princess and why?

This is a funny question b/c I've honestly never thought of having a favorite Disney Princess. I'm not a huge fan of any of them, we are lucky I even know who they are but since I know Kennedy, I know them by default - I think one of them is Aurora and isn't there a Jasmine?? 
The only other one I know of is the newest girl in crown - Sofia the 1st. So, I"ll go with her, she's my favorite!! 

5. Repeat Question – summarize your week!

This week was decent. WorkWise, as always, it was busy busy!! I had 17 people at my house on Easter Sunday so that was fun! Then, my Bro, SIL and kids came in on Sunday night and have been here all week so that's been fun! Tonight we are having more people over and this weekend is packed with lots of stuff as usual. I can barely stop and take a breath! 
I did get to see my Dr this week and got a fill. I'll write about that next week some time, but it's all good!  I'm ready for my WL to really kick in and start seeing some good results. 
Next week, my girlfriends come in for Shannon's bachelorette party and I'm super excited about that! 

have a great weekend! 
xo, js