Saturday/Sunday

My Saturday started off with me walking and running with Kim on the bridge at 7:15 AM.  Wow!  Was it cold!  I put on so many layers, I was hoping it would not constrict my movement.  It turns out that it was such a great way to start my day.

I'm sitting here trying to figure out how many of you are wondering why I did not blog yesterday.  Bottom line...     ...I had to get a break from my routine.  I had a friend's wedding shower to attend.  It was also my anniversary night out.  Had a great time!  My food choices, I am most proud of, were the ones I made at the shower.  First, I made my friends aware of my new healthy life style.  The hostess created an atmosphere which was like eating from Julia Childs' kitchen.  In fact we laughed because she even had her cook book.  Well anyway...       ...I eat mainly veggies, fruit and a finger-sized slice of quiche.  When I saw cupcakes and wontons staring me in my face, I looked down and could clearly see the fruits of my labor and just said NO!  Nancy Reagan would have been proud!  In fact, I thought it was so sweet when she said she had strawberries freshly cut up, if I preferred.  Now that's the kind of support you want.  I also had two friends who are not on this journey that offered to walk the bridge  with me.  Hey Wendy, if you are reading, I am holding you to it this week.  OK.  This temptation challenge, I thought, was not too bad. 

Next came a night out at Charleston swanky resturant "Fish". Check their website out if you are not in Charleston and you come visit.  This will be a spot I will highly recommend.  I previewed this restaurant before going:  vegan and organic-friendly, which is the road I am going down. (A little seafood every now and then.)  I'll tell you that I had a chopped salad, veggies with a seared tile fish.  Wow!!  Hey!  They brought out a serving of their bread and my husband, in his efforts to help me, had them take the bread away.  To be perfectly honest, for a second, I wanted to cry because it looked so good. It looked like a cross between a roll and cornbread.  But these hips will never know.  Bread like this, I'm sure, equated to many unwanted pounds in the past.  I l-o-v-e bread and olive oil and would choose that over meat.   I will say that, upon finishing my meal, if  I was not acting like my typical girly-girl, trying to be a classy, I would have licked that plate.  I thought that when they called it "naked fish" it would be like eating a piece a fish that could be described as bland.  I was wrong.  The seasonings that were used, makes you feel you are eating something healthy, but gourmet too.  I am very eclectic, as you know, in my style and life, so I love the atmosphere of this place.  Fabrics on the ceiling, framed mosiaic tile artwork on the wall...loved it!  Hey!  I may steal the fabric idea.  Then off we go a little further downtown to the Francis Marion, then to a jazz restaurant across from the Marion.  One glass of wine people.  One.  Yes. Me.  You know I like my vino, but I glanced in the mirror, checked my newly found waistline and cinched dress, and I said "girl, you know you are looking good!  Fight!"  I think this is one anniversary I felt I did not mind having a picture taken.  (Finally, I am starting to like what I see. Trust me.  I am far from being conceited)

Friday! Yea!!!

Today was a team workout day, with only three of us still standing during group workout.  Laurie commented on how strong we have become.  When she gives us a compliment we take it!  Everyone said how great my running looks now, compared to how I looked in the begining.  In a kind way, they said they thought I was handicapped when I first started with HCC because of my slighly lame right foot, which was due to brain tumor.  It made me cry today.  Not  tears of sadness but more like tears of joy at the thought of how far I have come.   This journey can bring out a host of emotions.  I tried to hold back tears.  I am too happy!

Kim and I met to walk/run the bridge and will be meeting again early, early, tomorrow morning.  Wow!  Did we have a great time working out!  It's nice to get outside.  In spite of the high winds and cold temperatures, it really did not matter because we were accomplishing our goals.

Busy weekend ahead!  I am going to have fun, but I always keep in mind what is ahead of me.  If you want to know the upcoming week's game plan, just call me.  (LOL)

This week coming up I have a goal to start cleaning out my closet of all  size 16...    ..celebrating at the same time.  I will never go back!  I am going to sell them to a favorite used store called "reinvented Upscale Resale", a ladies upscale resale store in W. Ashley.  If you are in need of some upscale clothing at a resonable price, this is the place.  The decorations in the store alone will keep you coming back.  I know that there are many  HCC "sisters" who must be looking for new clothing by now.

Never Give up! Weigh-in #7

Well...      ...do you remember that younger lady that is chasing the number one spot?  She beat me by 0.08 percent!   :-(   I lost 2.4 pounds.  I should be celebrating my total 23 pounds with HCC, but I'm a little distracted by these numbers just for a moment.  (53 total pounds loss so far on journey).  I am trying to tell myself, "no sweat", but that little competition is ringing in my ear.  It is what pushes me harder!  Laurie, I am ready for you tomorrow!  I promise I am focusing on more than just the contest!   We have three more weigh-in's for the contest part of the program.  The last two weeks will be other focus, such as getting ready to run the bridge marathon. (Rejoice)

By the way I did Joe D Bands Class today!  (tough)

Official Results
Sydney Fowler 11.73%
Regina Powers 11.65%

Top 5

1. Sydney Fowler 11.73
2. Regina Powers 11.65
3. Marion Brown 10.73
4. Adair Dempsey 10.67
5. Leslie Brady 10.59

Size Don't Matter

Today we had Whitney (with baby in oven) to train us today.  Laurie was sick.  We went upstairs to the deck to workout and it was so nice to run on the deck.....this is where I put my focus on today while running.......(this is  photo in my living room)

 Today is our wedding anniversary and I reflected on a few things while running.  One thing that amazes me to this day is if you look close at our wedding photo I was not a small lady....size 16 wedding dress, but yet my husband still loved me for me.  LADIES SIZE DON'T MATTER WHEN IT COMES TO TRUE LOVE.  That is the kind of person you want in your life.   I am looking forward to celebrating this weekend:  getting out of the sweats, eating out with healthy choices and no mention of a workout. Just spending time going down memory lane and perhaps creating new ones.  We have been through sickness and health, as we said our vows, with tears, in Las Vegas (yea Ben cried too).  We will never forget.
 
Last Annivarsary Ben suprised when he quit smoking.  I did not even notice because he never smoked in the house.  I was so happy he added possibly even more years to our life together.   This year, here is what I am giving him...    ...more years.  After 52 pounds, or better, at least we will know tomorrow's weigh-in...         ...I am giving him more years also.  We both have made life changes.  So this is what we are celebrating.  Hey!  We are going the the downtown resturant "Fish".  They have some healthy choices ( naked fish, and artichokes in olive oil.  Yum!)

Here my new cut....he loved it.    Ladies when  you lose weight and change your life do something beside buy cloths.  As I have said before, even if I don't stay in first place tomorrow, I won't be sad, because I already won.

Spring Fever

Today I had spring fever.  Our weather here in Charleston was beautiful.  A crisp, spring-like day.
I had the fever, so you know where I went this afternoon...?       ...off walking to the Wellness Center to get my Zumba treatment.  On with my red dingle skirt.  I love shaking my hips and hearing the coins jingle.  I know ya think I am going through mid-life crisis or something.   I am so addicted to this class.  I am happy, happy, happy, to be able to dance again.   I liken it to my glass of wine that, I do admit, I miss at times.   It truly is like having Pinot Noir in the afternoon.  Pure euphoria!  

Then to top the day off ......back to the Wellness Center to do my other new favorite Spring-thing...        ...evening  Swim Aerobics class with Marty.  I have to really laugh about class tonight.  Two of the HCC mentors also attended.  One of ours, Beth.  We were too happy to share our week's stories, but Marty caught us talking and came over and said "If you can talk, I must not be working you hard enough!"  Then he started showing us how he want's us to work.  You know, he has those eagle eyes and sees everything from poor execution to poor posture.   I suddenly felt like I was back at school.  I was always in trouble for talking.  I have not changed much.  So we decided to wait till the sauna after class was the probably the best place to talk and continue to work our butts off -- literally.  Tonight I thought I left it in the water when I got out.  My legs still have not recovered, but it is my new sleeping pill! I wish I could go every night.

I promised a surprise tomorrow.....so, see ya then

Great Attitude Monday

Well, I am happy to announce that this Monday I had a good ATTITUDE!  Do you remember my bad attitude one Monday?   I got up this morning and decided that I was not going to have the Monday attitude.  I don't know where if comes from, because I workout on the weekend.  (I am sure not as hard as Laurie works us.)  It worked because Laurie said, "I like your attitude today.  Let's push the team!  She knows Mondays are hard on most.  We ran 1.5 miles total today!!  No more run/walk for me.  When she says "do a mile", I run.  I am improving.  No more hip pain! We used weights, we used the rope on the floor.  We are just getting stronger.  Our team consisted of four of us, focused and working hard.  They worked really hard in spite of a few muscles hurting.  I love it when my team comes to get me if I am struggling with a mile.  We had one of our mentors help me bring it home.  I can't begin to convey the joy of bringing it home.  I tell myself, over and over, to push.  When I hear my heartbeat, I know I am working and doing it a favor.  Today I ran again for my sister who is going through home recovery.  It helps to have a cause.  Something to put your mind on.

Off to swim class tonight with Marty to work on the ABS!  He always has us do our cool down, partly with our eyes closed.  I love the moves we do during that time....some are like yoga.   I am so relaxed I just want to put on my PJ's and go to bed.   Today I power-walked to the gym and home and then walked back again to the 5:30 "abs" class.  When the class is over Ben picks me up.   By the way, this is the best shape my hubby has ever seen me.   We have only been married 9 years, but my weight started 10 years ago.  This weekend is our anniversary and we will be celebrating more.  A new life!!!!  Can't wait.

I am going to rest for the rest of the day, drink some water.  Feeling better after getting those oysters flushed out.  Do some studying and get shut eye.  You know what day tomorrow is?  Zumba!  And I must pick something else challenging to do that day. (remember 2 hours a day)

See ya tommorow.

Spring-Like Day

Yea!!!  The sun is shinning and it feels like Spring,BUT when I woke up this morning I noticed that my eyes, hands, and knees were swollen today.  My immediate thought was, "I am allergic to oysters!"   I had them only once before, but only a few.  I "Google"d it later that day and found that oysters are the worse food I can eat for my type of condition.  I was so proud to have looked at the calories prior to the party but little did I think these little things could cause swelling.  I have not felt good all day.  So to combat the swelling, I have been drinking lots of water to flush this junk out of my system.  I felt like staying in bed today, and believe me, that is far from how great I have been feeling.  I fought the feeling and push myself to do my normal Sunday routine.

I attended our Sunday workout today called "Total Body".  It was truly total body and it pushed my fittness limits to the max at times.  When I completed the class I felt better than I did when I entered the class.   It is so amazing how much I can do compared to the first 2 weeks into the program.  Weight training is so important for the body.  We use the body bar and weights throughout the class.  We also learned how important it is to build muscles.  We cannot compromise that!   I am starting to notice a few muscles cuts on me....oh yea!

Today I met one of the yoga teachers, and, searching for her method of teaching, I began asking her questions.   I do not want to be in a class where there is a lot of chanting going on and I can't understand a word they are saying.  Nor do I want to go to some land I do not want to go.  You know what I mean?  She assured me that she does not do that.  Mainly, a lot of stretching and a lot of core excercise.  She did warn that some positions may be challenging, but not to feel bad if I couldn't do them all.   Somewhat hesitant, I decided to take the class today after Total Body.  Why not?  Dinner is cooked, and Ben is just home relaxing.  I really enjoyed the class, especially when she said, "sit back like a toddler".   Wow!  I can do that move.  We did some moves that tested every muscle on my body.  Remember Gumby?  Well, I had to twist myself like that.  I was in full control of how far I could push my body.  At one point, she came over to help me with a few moves.  What a challenge this class was for me!  The best part was at the end, when she turned off the lights and we just layed on our backs, lengthening our spine, and guess what ...       ...I heard myself snoring.  How embarssing!  I hope no one heard me.  That was my nap that I told you I wanted to get. (Maybe 8 mins)  Wow!  What a power nap!  I will be back!  Since I am a little more hyper-active these days, I should do this at least once a week.

Well, got to get ready for a powerful week.  Don't forget I have a suprise for you mid-week. 

Zumbathon

Now I am becoming a regular of "Zumbaolic".  No self-help group needed for this.  I was invited to join the Zumbathon.  Several students are going to Uganda to help the local people medically.   I hope they earned enough donations from all of us to help with their expenses.   We danced for 2 hours!!!  We had so much fun.  I even won a leather Zumba bracelet.   Different teachers and different styles.  From modern hip hop to Latin and African.  When I got done my feet felt like two bricks were sitting on top, and my arms are crying out.  We had so much fun and I know I burned some calories at the same time.  I especially enjoyed talking with Sylvia, one of the intructors (see photo below of her and her husband).

Check out these photos that were on display!  I love the African children, and if I could I would adopt one If I would, however my hubby looks at me like I am crazy reminding me......we are too old.  Guess what I feel 20 again!

Then I had to dash home to make pita squares and humus dip hors d'oeuvres as my healthy choice to take to a congregational oyster roast.  I had such a good time and did not touch one thing white...potatoes, sweets, macroni....well you get the picture.   I walked around drinking water, which helps.   Here is my dinner menu 15 oysters (117 calories), 8 large shrimp (44 calories), corn on the cob, half (63 calories) for a total of 223 calories.  This is why I love sparkpeople.com for calorie counts.  By the way, my husband did not eat desserts because he is trying to support me.  I did not realize it till I came home.  What a sweetie (not sugar)!  Guess what!  I enjoyed myself better, knowing I can say NO to the bad stuff.  It was nice to be with my spiritual family, whom I dearly love.  Before this I had been avoiding gatherings.  Now I am more incline to go.

Now I may go, friends, and soak my feet to get ready for another busy day.  Tomorrow, don't look for me till late, because I am taking a nap.  Yes, a nap!   Mid-week I have a big big suprise for you (no hints).

Thankful

Today was my sister's surgery.  I just found out that she is out.  She is doing well, and the doctor thinks the cancer was contained in one area on the thyroid.  They will know for sure after all tests are back.
Instead of waiting around here in town, pranching the floor like I would have done in the past, guess what I did...         ...I went swimming at the Wellness Center.  I did laps, got in the sauna, and read, and then decided to take the Aquatics class.  When our intructor, Marty, asked us to close our eyes and relax it was a great opportunity to pray for my sister.  I was so tired I could have gone to sleep at that moment.  My legs felt like jelly when I was done with the class.  I wanted to go home and just get in the bed, but, as you can see, that did not happen.

I really appreciate my team today.  Laurie and the rest of the team ran the last half of my last lap with me.  We have had a good week as a team and a great workout.  We worked hard with weight training with sand bags.  We did all our laps which equaled a mile with the sand bags in our hands.  If someone were to drop the sandbags, guess what we had to do.....you guessed it burpees!  Cute little Heather dropped the bag and, guess what...      This will help everyone mentally and physically this week.  Push.  Push harder.

Weigh-in #6

Well, tonight I will cut to the chase.  The results are listed below.  As you can see, Sydney Fowler is coming up on me, which is good, because it pushes me to work harder.  Everyone is doing such a good job!  For this session (5th) of the Healthy Charleston Challenge, there is a total weight loss of 1,274.9 pounds.  Let's give all of us the yahooooo!!!!  We are beating obesity, we are cleaning our bodies, we are building muscle, and we are looking good!   On this upcoming week's workout I will have to push harder, because I am getting closer to my goal.  Each week, we have to work harder than the previous.  Help me Lord!  I know we will have a fierce workout tomorrow.  Our team is ready, we all were in good spirits tonight.  I will keep my focus and work hard.  I have lost 20.8 pounds on HCC and this is the 6th weigh in.  I have lost a total of 50 pounds since starting my journey.  (Go Gina!!!)

Tonight as always, I love our nutritional class.

FEMALE RESULTS

1. REGINA POWERS 10.54%

2. SYDNEY FOWLER 10.00%

3. LESLIE BRADY 9.43%

4. ADAIR DEMPSEY 9.27%

5. CAROLINE MILLER 9.20%

I have a special request tonight.  My dear sister Shirley is having surgery tomorrow at 3pm at Ann Arbor Cancer Center in Michigan.  She has thyroid cancer.  They will be removing the turmor tomorrow (not sure of what stage yet).  Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.  Tomorrow I will run faster for you Shirley, I will lift harder and I will keep you in mind and heart.  My sister is a very brave and strong woman.  I admire how she has handled her medical problems.  She has such a positive outlook.  I am confident she will fight this cancer!  She doesn't know it yet, but she will be out running with me soon!  

Thanks for all your continual support.  I love the comments.