Let's get it started!!!

I went to the grocery store today and stocked up in preparation for my WW way of life.  The interesting thing is that I'm going to have to force myself to eat a lot more than normal.  I usually don't eat much during the day.  Maybe that's been part of my problem.  Who knows?  

I'm in the market for a Pilates video.  I was going to grab one at WalMart today, but they didn't have any.  The WalMart by my house is really small, and they don't carry everything a normal WalMart does.  

I did get a couple of Smart Ones for when I don't feel like cooking a big ol' meal.  

I got lots of chicken breast, some turkey, lots of veggies.  I'm looking forward to getting started and seeing results.  You'll be the first to know how my first day goes.  ;)

Oh, geez

Nothing like a little spandex to make you wanna barf, huh?  These are my official "BEFORE" pictures.  I'm looking forward to having some kickin' "AFTER" pictures to share.

Now, here is what I really want to work on: my tummy.  After 4 abdominal surgeries in 5 years, my ab muscles have been cut through a lot without having a chance to strengthen again.  It's apparent in my posture and my profile.  I have been having a lot of lower back pain, and I know it has to do with my posture and my weak abs.  I'm not going to just be focusing on my abs in exercise, though, because I know that cardio is the key to burning calories and helping the fat go away.

Ugh.  I've got a lot of work to do, and will be needing your support.  My official WW weigh in will be May 1.  Look for it, and for daily reports on points and exercise.  :)

Shopping Buddy

Well, Amber is officially my shopping buddy. We might be a state or two away from each other, but that's what Yahoo IM, Hotmail, and finally, Photobucket are for.
I really have my hopes up high about a Change of Command that is happening 2 hours from me in late June.
I get to meet some fellow CG wives, and have some "adult" time.
The only hiccup is that it means I need to find some *gulp*... nice clothes. For me, this does not happen easily.
Amber is, of course, there to save the day! With in 15 minutes she finds a dress online at JCPenny's and wouldn't you know, it's even stocked in the JCP 5 minutes from my house.
It's hard to go shopping alone, there's no "outside" opinion on how you look.
Amber's solution? "Bring your digital camera!"
*whacks self on head* - Psshh! Duh Roni!

A trip to JCP, about 10 dresses later and wouldn't you know. Damn that girl is GOOD. The dress looks wonderful!

The part that wasn't so wonderful was the full length mirrors. It's like, as long as I don't have them at home I can imagine that my body looks just the way it always has.
No such luck.
I felt humongous. I felt like a short, upside down pear, with short stubby legs - oh, and boobs!

I wanted to put all the dresses back, and head home to be in a sour mood for the rest of the evening. But instead, I kept telling myself "this is why you're going to change how you're living. So you never have to feel this down about yourself again."
And I trotted on. I tried on every single dress. The one Amber picked out was of course the best one. I heart her! I (hope I) included a picture of it.
Remember.. I'm new to blogging - be kind! :)

And, I read my comments - thank you! Especially to whomever said that it isn't a diet, it's a lifestyle change. You are totally right!

Howdy :)

Amber, the sweetie that we all know and love, has invited me to blog with her during our WW journey together. I'm a little new at blogging, so please bear with me.

I pretty much feel the same way as Amber does about weight loss. Being healthy is most important. Along with the esteem you get from being comfortable with how your body looks.
It's really hard when you look in the mirror, and realize that... you don't recognize the body you're in anymore. I've had an especially hard time with that lately.

I've never been what you would call "thin" or "skinney". But, I've always been healthy. I've somehow managed to let that slip away from me. So, it's up to me to get this body back to a familiar shape. Also, to improve my health!

I really believe that Amber and I can whoop some booty at this, and I thank her bunches, and bunches for her support, and motivation. It's gonna be a challenging road, but it comes with a huge payoff.

It's been suggested to me that I list 3 goals I'd like to accomplish during the next 6 months:

1. I need to accept the fact that my body is not like "everyone elses". REALLY accept that.
2. I control what I put in my mouth/body. I need have "healthier" choices become second nature to me.
3. I also need 20 minutes of daily exercise to become a habit. Even if it's just a walk.

Im planning on joining WW on the first of this month. It's a new thing for me... "dieting".
But, I got myself in this mess - it's up to me to get myself out! :)

Throwing out the Welcome Mat!

Please join me in welcoming a contributor to DCtHA!  Roni is a great chick who has committed to being healthier, too.  I'll let her introduce herself when she's ready, but I just wanted to tell her welcome and I'm so happy to have her!

I look forward to your input, Roni, and I'm really looking forward to our WW journey beginning!

When you're right, you're right

Mary left me a comment a minute ago saying she could tell I'm down.  It's funny how well people can get to you, even when your only contact is on the computer.

To say that I'm down is an understatement.  At the risk of offering TMI, it is a small comfort to know that my husband still finds me attractive.  I wish I gave myself as much credit as he does.

Okay.  So here's my reality:  I was the recipient of a great gift card from a generous friend for my birthday.  My dad also gave me some money.  I was going to use these things to get a cheap patio set, but I realized that 1) the patio set wouldn't be something for "me" and 2) I desperately need some church clothes.  

I tried on dresses, skirts, tops, and slacks.  I looked ALL over.  We actually have shopping options here, too.  The empire cut tops make me look pregnant.  The trapeeze cut dresses look like a lampshade.  There is nothing flattering for an hourglass shape with a flabby mommy tummy.  There's just not.  

I did buy a cute skirt, and used my Mastercard GC on an adorable sweater and cami.  

I mailed in the checks from my grandmother and mom to USAA to be deposited and will be enrolling in Weight Watchers online as soon as they hit the bank.  I have to do this.  I have to.  I will be still keeping up with this blog.  I need the accountability and support that you guys are offering me.  

I also know that more people are reading this that probably don't comment.  If someone stumbles across this blog and sees my struggles and triumphs, I hope that they are able to be empowered.  

I'm eating lots of salads and chicken breast.  I love spinach, and have been eating a good deal of it.  I'm looking forward to figuring out my points allowance and getting on track.  Maybe it'll help me find where I've been going wrong.  

The boys mutilated my favorite belly dance DVD this week, so I'm in the market for a fun workout video.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.

*sigh*

208.5 today.  Not happy to say the least.  That's up a half pound from last week.

I'm discouraged, but still drinking my water and eating my fruits and veggies.