5 Things Friday!

Hey peeps, how's it going?

I'm TRYING to get back in the groove of blogging and truthfully, my job isn't that exciting or busy, so I have no excuse anymore.

1.  Speaking of my job. I really don't think this is the place for me. I think I was spoiled by Medicis and all the friends I made there and how much fun we had while working.  I should say the 1st 4 years were fun and the last was pretty tough, but I'd almost take that non-stop busyness over what I'm doing now. The people just aren't that friendly and my boss is a bit of a micro-manager. For someone who thrives on human interaction, this is tough for me. I keep saying I need to give it some time and hope to get to know people better, since it's really only been 3 weeks, but I just don't know. We have a work function on the 14th so I'm hoping that people will loosen up a bit and actually talk to me and I can make some headway in getting to know them a bit more.. if not, then I'm going to start looking again. It wasn't that hard to find this job but that was when I didn't have a job so this might be a little tougher.

2.  I only went to Yoga once this week and I'm pissed about it. I went to the gym a couple of times but I really wanted to make sculpt at least 2x this week and I just couldn't swing it. I'm hoping to go twice this weekend which will mean a lot of pain next week!! :)  love the pain though!

3.  I'm currently obsessed with my fitbit.. a few of my girlfriends have them and it's like a little competition to see who gets more steps. One is training for a half so her steps are out of control. But we taunt and cheer each other on! it's kind of nice to have something make me be accountable.. I am shooting for those 10000 steps every day! I had one of the Fitbits that I would just hook to my bra but updated to the one on my wrist (and you can see my super cute new watch too!! :) )

4.  My parents are coming this weekend. I'm excited to see them as we haven't seen them since Christmas. Mac is super excited too b/c we are going to the aquarium! I swear every morning he gives me a list of ALL of the types of marine animals we are going to see!  The weather officially blows so we'll be inside most of the days they are here! I mean really, Mother Nature needs to be punched in the face!! 

5.  Totally random but last night I woke up and it was super quiet in our house which is weird b/c I have a noise maker in our room. And I realized the power had gone out. I immediately started to panic as I knew we were dipping into the negatives last night and I was worried that we would all freeze to death with the power of and I didn't know how long it had been off, etc..   Thank god it went back on while I was still awake panicking b/c I would not have slept all night.  It must not have been off for too long b/c it seriously never dipped below 74 in our house!! Worry Wort!! :) 

totally boring blog so props to you if you are still reading!!  I said I would blog but I didn't say it'd be interesting!! 

happy weekend !

xo,js

Where did my BloJo go??

So, Michelle texted me the other day and said that she wishes we still blogged b/c she misses reading mine.. kind of made me feel a little guilty for never posting. just a little!  So, I figured now was as good a time as any to post. I've had kind of a whirlwind last three months or so but I don't think I've even posted to blog since September. Kind of sad, b/c there was a LOT going on I could have updated you on. But, now, there's just too much to talk about, so I'll try to catch everyone up over the next couple of weeks. I am friends on FB will a lot of my old blogger friends so most of you know what's been happening with the S family!!
Long Story Short..

Company that I worked with in Scottsdale got bought out by larger company and laid off most employees last year. My last day was 12/31.
Moved to Chicago on 12/14
Got a new job starting 2/5 - don't love it but don't hate it
Christmas came and went and holy shit it's almost March!!
Loving living in Chicago but totally over the winter weather nightmare that is currently the "worst winter in Chicago's history" - go figure
Missing Arizona - mostly my friends
Mac is thriving at a new school. Tim is loving the city life.
I enjoyed a month of unemployment - wish it would have been longer!

Since this is a weight loss focused blog, figured I'd start today with that subject.
I'm down at  my lowest ever and oh so close to being down 100 lbs.  Even once I hit 100 down, I still have a ways to go but I'm so happy with my progress these past couple of months. You know I love the workouts and while in AZ, I was totally in to Pilates but it's soo much more expensive here so I've been newly obsessed with hot yoga. I was a little nervous to try it but now I'm hooked! And, I've been doing a class called Sculpt which is essentially hot yoga with weights.. it's crazy hard but soo good. I'm already seeing changes in my body and I've been doing it for about 3 weeks.
My eating has been good. I still haven't found a new band doctor but for now, I'm ok with where I'm at. Just need to keep chugging along.

Will end with a couple of recent pics.. one was in November taken by one of our favorite photographers and one from Saturday night - out with the girls.~!

Hope you are all well, miss reading your blogs but thankful to the ones who are still keeping up with the blogs (BethAnn, that means you!! :) )

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

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

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