Okay, so months and months ago, I blogged and promised a pic of me in a red swimsuit at my goal weight and on my first trip to see the ocean… in Destin, Florida.  It was a BLAST of a vacation!!!!  I hate pics of myself, so I can’t beleeeeeeeeve I’m doing this, but a promise is a promise. 

 Drumroll please…. LOL
   

Remember buddies… you have to start on the inside of you… your heart and soul… before you can ever even begin to make changes to the outside of you.

Never ever EVERRRRRRR give up.

Love and HUGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGS everyBUDDY!
Shan

Still following my OMG plan (THANK YOU DR. MARC) and life is wonderful as far as my healthy eating goes.  It’s a snap for me to stick to, there’s nothing at all “diet” about it.  Amazing how that works. LOL 

I ended up in 2^nd place in the BL contest at work.  I’m pleased with the results.  For me to have won, I would have looked anorexic, and it wasn’t about that for me.  It was about staying focused and getting where “I” wanted to be, and I did that! YAY me!!!  130 pounds… goal achieved!

Now to keep motivated, I’ll be concentrating on “shaping”, with toning and weights.  I’ll post one more pic of me in my swimsuit at the beach in Florida in late June.  Swimsuit pic???  Posting it??? Now THAT’S motivation. HA!

A word of advice to those that struggle.  DON’T EVERRRRRRR GIVE UP… EVER!  Keep at it, stay focused, and you WILL find your own nitch and what works for you.  It took me 3 solid years of searching and trying different avenues before I finally hit the mark for me.  Start with the inside… work on that… the heart, the mind, the soul.  You do that, and you will be well on your way to working on the outside.  Balance is where it’s at peeps, and you can’t have it without working on the inside first.

Love and miss you allllllllllllll SO much.  I’ll be back when I can.

HUGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGS,
Shan

This pic isn’t a very good shot as the battery was down and the flash didn’t go off, but it’s the best I could do.  LOL

I cannot even BEGIN to express my gratitude for the prayers… and I can’t even FIND the words to express what you peeps mean to me.  I’ve never ever before in my life seen a community such as this where people give/receive support, not just in our weight loss efforts, but in every path of our lives.  It’s overwhelming the love I see here.

It doesn’t look good for my uncle, and he’s asked me to help him write a will, as he doesn’t have the money to pay an attorney to do it.  This is perhaps the most painful thing I’ve ever agreed to do.  Even agreeing to be the executor of pulling the plug if it came to that last time was not as painful as this is.  It’s like someone just jerking that rug right out from under you feet… the blunt realization that I WILL lose him to this agressive cancer.  I’m numb with the thought of it.  BUT… there is a bright side (there’s ALWAYS) a bright side.  My uncle spent months after his last surgery struggling with his cancer and losing his personality and zest for life… those very traits in him that make me say he’s my FAV uncle.  He finally found his footing again, and has become his old self.  This news of it coming back has not deterred that, and for that I’m so very very grateful.  I don’t think I could bear to see him suffer the emotional trials again.  Even with this news, he is happy and living his life and is a joy to be around.  His hair has grown back from the chemo and he was at the house joking about it the other night.  For the first time, he has chest hair!  And he opens up his shirt and shows me where he has shaved a Superman emblem in it. THAT’S my Uncle Mike that I know and love. 

Angry at God?  No way.  On the contrary, I’m very thankful that He saved him when he bled out twice on that operating table last time, and gave us more time together. 

I’m running on here.  Anyway, you guys, THANK YOU SOOOOOOOOOO much for the prayers.  I’m truly grateful.

When/if these 55 hour weeks at work let up, I’ll be back on this site with Buttercup HUGGGGGGGS for days… my promise to you.

LOVE AND HUGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGS,
Shan 

Weekend ahead is looking great, a LOT better than last weekend.  Get to go to Sam’s and get her garden tilled and planted.  Baby shower to attend.  I made up THE cutest basket full of stuff.  Healthy eating… it doesn’t look so great.  Tom making his wonderful chicken enchiladas, so I’m going to have to use strict portion control on that.  I’m cooking a pot of fresh black beans, so I’ll fill up on that, a small portion of the enchiladas, help myself to a hefty side of lettuce and tomatoes, and forego the spanish rice.  Taking lots of fruit and lowfat plain yogurt and some steel cut oats.  Sam knows I’m in this BL contest, so she will understand.  Crossing fingers that my elbow (tendonitis) holds up through the gardening.

Time to git.  LOTS to do at work today before I leave.   When is there not? lol

HUGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGS EVERYBUDDY!
Shan

Take the time to work

It is the price of success.

Take the time to think

It is the source of power.

Take the time to play

It is the secret of perpetual youth.

Take the time to read

It is the fountain of wisdom.

Take the time to be friendly

It is the road to happiness.

Take the time to dream

It is hitching your wagon to a star.

Take the time to Love and be Loved,

It is the commandment of God.

Take the time to laugh

It is the music to the soul.

(Author Unknown)

My weekend girls trip with my sister turned to crap.  Planned on going to see a semi-pro hockey game.  We never made it.  Drove 2 1/2 hours to her house.  Within 1 hour she was drunk, couldn’t even get me out of her neighborhood to meet up with the other women to make the trip to the hockey game.  She chose to drink.  I chose to drive 2 1/2 hours back home.  Very emotional time.  I hurt for her and her struggle with alcoholism.  In a way, it was a turning point in my life that night.  She’s always… all my life… been able to back me in a corner and make me feel like the one that is in the wrong.  Always.  And I’ve always allowed it.  Always been the one to back down, say I’m sorry, keep the peace.  When she pointed fingers at me this time for “giving up on her and leaving her”, something inside me clicked.  No anger or dissapointment left in me.  Told her I love her and I will never ever give up on her.  I also told her I no longer choose to let HER choices take me down into emotional hell.  I’ve done everything I can do for her.  Gave her my own personal testimony (never before have done this with any other person), poured my heart out, been there to listen, prayed for her.  There’s nothing left I can do.  It’s hard to admit that, but it is what it is.    Why I’m writing this here I don’t know.  Maybe because I recognize that it was a turning point in my life and my own self-worth issues.  Not letting her run MY show for the first time.  Even at this middle age stage in my life, I recognize that there is still room for my own growth, and however painful it my be sometimes, I hope I continue to grow until the day I pass from this earth. 

Colt has his first track meet today.  I’m excited beyond description.  Another point of reflection for me.  3 generations… my dad, me, and now my son.  Seems like just yesterday I was holding and rocking him in my arms, and here he is 6′ tall, 13 years old, finding his own little nitch in school, actually excited about competing and loving it.  The coaches entered him in the 100 meter, the 400 meter, the 400 meter relay, the long jump, and the triple jump.  I’m pumped up in joy for him.  Brings back so many track memories of my own.  I hope it instills in him what it did in me… a healthy competitive spirit, determination, honor, integrity, and discipline. 

The HUGGGGGSSSS?  Just because.  I’m a hugger.  People that know me here know that I hug.  It’s just who I am.   Our sense of touch is so important.  Established a long time ago somewhere in our childhood the physical embrace of family is our first memory of being hugged and loved.  Suddenly our connectivity to the human race has relevance as we discover our need for others.  Hugging sends a message that communicates friendship, love, support, romance, or merely a greeting of some kind.  A hug also tells others they are valuable and important to you.  A hug can be a comfort in painful times, reestablish friendship or merely be a way to say, “Hello, I’ve missed you.”  Scripture tells us to “love one another.”  It is probably the most important commandment of all.  Hugging someone tells them things are going to be okay.    

I hugged my son this morning.  I hugged my dad goodbye.  I hugged my husband even though I knew I was going to see him in a few minutes at work. 

I urge you to hug someone today.  See how good it feels…

Huggggggggggggggggggggggggggggs everyBUDDY,
Shan

Treat everyone with politeness, even those who are rude to you; not because they are nice, but because you are. (Author Unknown)

I don’t log my food intake.

I don’t go over the deep end if the scale doesn’t move or shows a small gain.

I don’t go beyond what my body can handle for exercise.

I don’t OBSESS!

It’s an amazing feeling.  It’s like freedom to me.  I’ve been at this game long enough now that I know what proper portions are, I know what is good nutrition and what is not, and I know that weight can and will fluctuate as much as 2-3 pounds on a daily basis.

As I mentioned in my last blog, I bought Dr. Marc’s OMG plan.  I do believe his plan gave me the last bit of information I need to be able to NOT do those things mentioned above any longer.  I’ve been following his guidelines for going on 5 days now.  I’ve not once been hungry or felt deprived.  I’ve stayed full.  I’ve even eaten MORE, I’ve lost 3 more pounds, and my energy has soared even higher. 

OMG!  lol

Things I AM Doing

I’m loving life.

I’m living in the moment.

I’m eating on smaller plates.

I’m not having any artificial sweetners any longer.

I’m not using salt any longer.

I’m not eating meats and pasta in the same meal any longer.

I’m not eating meats and beans in the same meal any longer.

I’m replacing a lot of my meats with beans/legumes.

I’m weighing on a daily basis.

I’m planning my meals (this is KEY for me in weight loss and/or maintenance).

I’m trying new spices and new recipes.

I’m exercising without injuring my already problem knee, shoulder, and joints.

I’ve not been on BuddySlim much at all lately.  I can’t put a finger on why.  I do know that when I’m here, my work does not get the kind of attention it needs.  That’s a big part of it.  Everytime I got a mail or a comment to a blog, etc. I was getting notification through my work e-mail and then logging onto buddyslim just to read.  It was really adding up to a lot of time at work being here on this site, and since my time at work is direct billed to our clients, I just can’t do that.  I finally got internet at home, but it is dial up and so slowwwwwwwww, and after working on a computer all day, I just don’t want to get on one when I get home.  I hope my buddies will understand as I distance myself from this place a little.  My close buddies have my e-mail address, so pleeeeeeeeeeez don’t ever hesitate to contact me if you need some support, a shoulder, a laugh, or someone to talk to.  If you don’t have my e-mail and want to stay in closer touch with me, just let me know and I’ll give it to ya.  Debbi, I will be mailing my e-mail address to you whether you want it or not missy. Jo, that goes for you too buddy.  I’m just a pushy friend that way. HA!

Hugggggggggggggggggggs EveryBUDDY,

Shan

Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind.  “Pooh!” he whispered.  “Yes, Piglet?”  “Nothing,” said Piglet, taking Pooh’s paw.  “I just wanted to be sure of you.” (A.A. Milne)

Now I HAVE to blog how excited I am.  Jenn wrote a blog not too long ago that got my curiosity up and started me on a hunt for some answers.  What I ended up doing was going to Dr. Marc’s website and ordering his OMG package.  I got it downloaded, printed, and bound in a booklet for easy reference.  Had time to skim over it yesterday a little.  I have to say… I AM EXCITED TO BE GOING DOWN THIS ROAD!  So many answers to so many questions I had, a new path of learning, and just the motivation I need to pump me up like I was at the starting line ready to bust through the gates again.  Some of the info I already knew, but there is a wealth of information that I did not know and … well… I’M JUST EXCITTTTTTTTTTEDDDDD!!! 

Lots coming up in my future.  Camping trip next weekend at Lake O’ The Pines… then weekend after will be a trip to Pittsburg to see my very first cyberfriend I ever made.  Tom and I will be tilling up a garden spot for her.  Will also be attending a baby shower that weekend with her and her adopted daughter, the girl that we built the room for last fall.  Remember?  Her baby is due in April.  It’s going to be a boy.  She loves camoflauge, so I get to shop for baby camo, and you guys know how I love to shop!  Of course, Tom will be doing most of the work on the garden since my tendonitis seems to want to set up camp for awhile in my elbow.  It’s better, but I can’t push it unless I want to be right where I was on Monday.  No thank you.  I’m ready for this thing to heal, and heal as quickly as it can.  Good nutrition ought to help that right along. :)  Getting outside and walking has been great and a nice break from dvd exercising.  Buds are popping out everywhere.  Daffodils are already nodding their pretty yellow heads.  The tulip trees are busting out, with the pear trees right on their tails. 

Colton tried out for track yesterday at school.  Will find out today whether he made the team or not. *crosses fingers*  Since I was heavy into track when I was in school, I know what a confidence booster this can be for him, as well as teaching him self-discipline, desire, perserverance, and the benefits of exercise.

All my buddies… my peeps… my friends… have a FANTABULOUS weekend.  Remember to smile and love and find the joy and blessing in every single situation.  It’s there if you just seek it out.

Jo, my heart is with you lady.  Kama, still smiling about your daughter. 

Huggggggggggggggggs,
Shan
Nature gives you the face you have at twenty.  Life shapes the face you have at thirty.  But at fifty you get the face you deserve.
~Coco Chanel~ 

So the tendonitis is a setback.  I accept it… move on… not sit down.  My legs still work and with some hopefully pretty days ahead, will take advantage on lunchbreaks for get some walking in.  What better time to walk that trail anyway?  Birds flitting around preparing spring nests… seeing which flowers bloom first and which one hold their own for warmer climate… Yes, the exercise dvds can be utilized, but the arm movements are out for now, and since that’s what gets my heart rate on up there, I prefer to turn to the walking.  Maybe that was God’s little push to get me outside and taking in His glory during the transition from winter to spring. 

Weigh in results (6 weeks in).  ½ pound loss.  I’ll take it.  After Valentine’s weekend, which happens to be my son’s birthday, we celebrated, ate what we wanted, enjoyed.  I was actually looking for a small gain and was mentally prepared for it, so to see any loss at all was nice.  I have 6 more weeks of this contest to go.  It’s been a good motivator for me, and fun as well.  I don’t expect to win, but I do expect to be healthier by the end of it.

I’ll be back later to comment on some blogs.  Need to give Jo a pat on the back, need to pick Jennifer’s brain, need to give an extra huggggggg to Jane for doing so well, and need to HIGH FIVE Elizabeth for a first rate giterdonethisaintagame blog, need to see what that energetic nonstop Nancy has been up to, need to check on my cybernephew, need to see what motivating writings Yani has blessed us with, plus so many others, too many to name.  You’re all so special to me.  But for now, work calls my name, and unless one of my buddies wants to offer to pay my bills, I have to answer that call.

I know I haven’t been here much to support my buddies.  For that, I’m truly sorry.  A couple things have happened on the home front that has caused me to step back from this site.   I can’t find the joy in getting on here right now.  Until these personal things are worked through, and I can find my joy again, my visits here will be sporadic.  Please know that you’re all in my heart and I’m still rooting for you all.  This is a mental game as much as a physical one.  Both aspects of this journey must be faced on a daily basis ONE DAY AT A TIME.  It’s for life and health, not for a number.  We can’t just reach our number goal and quit.  We must keep going every single day or we lose. 

Not so scary if we take it ONE DAY AT A FLIPPEN TIME. 

Hugggggggggggggggggggggs,
Shan
Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. 
~Lao Tzu~

Adopt the pace of nature:  her secret is patience. 
~Ralph Waldo Emerson~

Let’s keep tapping into our minds and paying attention to our emotions and WORKIN the knowledge path peeps.  You never know when some lightbulb of understanding yourself a little bit better is going to hit.  But I can promise you that if you do absolutely nothing to grow and learn, then the lightbulbs in your life are going to NEVER be turned on.  We deserve that, don’t we?  We deserve some light in our life and we owe it to ourselves and God to be the best that we can be.

Hugggggggggggggggggggggggggs,
Shan

Give me a fruitful error any time, full of seeds, bursting with its own corrections.  You can keep your sterile truth for yourself.  ~Vilfredo Pareto

 I managed to stay away from that cake yesterday.  I did go home from work and just kinds crawled under the covers and didn’t deal with the world.  I probably needed it.  My emotions are much better today.  I’m way behind on reading blogs, and doubt I will be able to catch up with all my buddies, but please know that you are all in my heart and I’m rooting for you to stay focused and determined.

Remember peeps, it’s not about “dieting”.  It’s about living a healthier life.  You do that, the weight loss is just an added benefit. 

HUGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGS,
Shan
Don’t dig your grave with your own knife and fork.  ~English Proverb