Thursday, September 12, 2013

It Takes a Village..

I'm officially at my lowest low I've ever been on during this weight loss journey and I got on the scale yesterday and let out a big squeal! Tim thought it was because he walked into the bathroom and I didn't want him to see the scale (which would normally be true) but it was b/c I hadn't ever seen the number on it!  (truth be told, it's been a few times these past 2 weeks that I've let out that little squeal of excitement!) I was thinking what was different this time other than the 50,200 other times that I've hopped back on the bandwagon and why I'm moving finally firmly into the right direction. I think it's a lot of HARD FUCKING work and a lot of support.  If you don't have the support system around you or the cheerleaders with you, it's hard to get and stay motivated. So, in honor of 10 Things Thursday, here is my Village:

1.  My husband - yes, it's annoying that he's losing weight all the time and he goes running EVERY.SINGLE.DAY of the week and people are always remarking how good he looks, but that man tells me almost every day how nice, pretty, thinner, etc I look.

2.  Tracy - our Pilates instructor. I literally quit an entire full-service gym to just commit myself to going to her classes. She's that awesome. She's not your typical Pilates instructor  - picture late 40s soccer mom from the Midwest who's more of a drill sergeant than a quiet peaceful yoga/pilates instructor. She will make sure that we don't walk the next day and that when we laugh, we remember he classes b/c our abs are so sore.

3.  Kathi - my trainer. I've known Kathi on and off for the past 7 years. I honestly don't know what I'm going to do when I move and can't see her at least 1x a week. She's now just my friend, not my trainer. I look forward to getting my ass kicked by her. She gives the best feedback, gets irritated when you aren't trying hard enough and encourages when she knows you need it.

4.  Michelle - I'm 100% an "I can do this all by myself girl" BUT, it's so nice to have a workout partner like Michelle. We generally do Pilates and workout with Kathi together each week.  To look at the two of us, you'd never believe we were on the same level with our fitness (or at least I think we are..) she maybe weighs 80lbs soaking wet and I tell her all the time that if I looked like her, I'd be walking around in daisy dukes and a crop top, but listening to her about her own insecurities just makes me realize that no matter your size, health, etc... everyone has something they want to work on. I hate when we don't work out together b/c we also like to chit chat (sometimes that pisses Kathi off though!) and it's nice to just have someone to be accountable to every once in a while.

5.  MacT - if it weren't for him, I'd probably have hit my goal weight by now, but Thank God for him. He's well into his terrible twos and we just run to keep up with him. He alone is a reason for getting in the best shape ever.

6.  My other friends - last night I hosted Wine Down Wednesday for the first time in over a month and I hadn't seen a lot of them in over a month - it was so fun to hear them tell me how good I looked. That little bit of a boost makes me excited to keep on going.

7.  My college roommate Karen - who got me started on Advocare at the end of July. I did the 24 day Challenge and lost about 10lbs and am still keeping at it.  I love the way I feel on their products and I think in conjunction with my band, I feel like I'm finally going to get to goal.

8.  My blog buddies - even though I don't write a lot anymore, I DO READ still. I'm still so motivated by everyone and their successes.  I love seeing how people are doing, what they are doing and I miss it when bloggers (like me sometimes) fall off the face of the earth.

I'm sure there are more villagers but I can't think of them right now!  So, who is in your village?

I promise to post more (not even sure anyone is really still reading) but will always be reading..

onward..

xo

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Working Hard REALLY does pay off & TTT



Hi all! Remember me?? Let me re-introduce myself.... I'm Jen,  I live in Arizona, I'm married to Timmy and have a cute little man, Mac, who BTW, is now 2!! Can you believe it? More on that later! Thought I'd do a little 10 Things Thursday to catch ya'll up on what's been going on in the last couple of months since I posted! (warning: LONG post ahead!)

1.  What's with my title? Well, as you all know, I have been struggling for over a year to get off this plateau I've been on.  I work out a lot, but my food just wasn't cutting it for me and I had been regularly seeing my doc to get my fill level right. Well, I'm happy to say that I Think I'm finally heading in the right direction. I've been doing well on my workouts (6-7 times a week, combo of Pilates, Strength Training, Zumba, Barre Class and Cardio) and a college friend of mine reached out to me on FB and recommended I try the Advocare 24 Day Challenge. I figured why not? So I'm on day 11 (days 1-10 are a really gentle, non just juicing cleanse) and I'm down lower than my lowest in 2 years, finally!! My fill level is great. I'm barely hungry most days and I'm making really really good choices thanks to my challenge I'm on. I haven't had sugar in 2 weeks, or caffeine or any carbs for that matter. I haven't wanted to kill anyone either, which is surprisingly shocking to me!! I'm excited to see where I end up after the Challenge is over!  It's completely rebooted everything in me, and I feel awesome!!

2.  Mac is 2!  We had a super fun birthday party for him in July at a gymnastics and trampoline place. I tried not to go overboard since it wasn't at my house, but of course, I went a little crazy with his "Planes Trains and Automobiles" theme!! I just can't help myself!  Everyone had a blast! (even the adults who got to jump on the trampolines and jump into the foam pit!)









3.  We had a great time in Northern Michigan over the 4th of July!





4.  Remember how I mentioned I was moving to Chicago in October? Yeah, well, that changed slightly. There was a lot of talk of impending layoffs with my company so I figured I'd wait to hear when I'd be laid off instead of just quitting.. and on Monday, I found out my end date is 12/31, which was completely shocking to me. I was prepared for any date but that one! So, we quickly changed some plans and are now staying until December, so I can collect my severance $$ and we can head to Chicago with some more money in the bank and I don't have to stress about finding work right away. Good things come to those who wait right?

5. I've been having a lot of fun with my buddies lately. Have been spending quality time with my girls since I'll be moving away from them soon..  went to Kid Rock a couple of weeks ago -- such a good show!!



6. Have not seen any of my AZ Blog girls in what seems like FOREVER! Need to change that ASAP! Now that I have some extra time here, hoping we can make some events happen!

7.Can't believe I can't think of anything else to write!

I really hope to be blogging more soon since I miss ya'll!  I have been reading still a lot but just haven't had my blo-jo together so I'm hoping it comes back soon.

xoxo,js

Friday, June 21, 2013

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!

Thursday, June 6, 2013

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

Thursday, May 16, 2013

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

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

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 


Thursday, April 25, 2013

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