Birthday Goal

Since I have now moved my scale dates to Tuesdays, I stepped on this morning to see how the week went. I did lose, even though it was only .4 pounds. As pleased as I am that I'm still headed in the right direction, it's time to really step things up.

I've decided to set a goal for my birthday. I will be under 200 pounds by April 26. Since this morning I weighed 209.2, I have approximately 10 pounds to get rid of in the next 6 weeks. (As far under 200 as possbile by then is good!) Even accounting for normal monthly fluctuations (like when Aunt Flo comes to visit) this goal is very doable...as long as I focus on my plan and work harder at it.

My spring cleaning will not only get rid of stuff sitting around the house that we don't use anymore, but also that extra weight which is no longer welcome on my body. After walking through Wal-mart on Friday night (I know...what an exciting evening) and seeing all of the new swimsuits out on display right up front, I'm more than ready. I've never shied away from a bathing suit at the pool or beach and never will, but I'm looking forward to wearing a much smaller size this summer. In fact, I have a size 14 suit hanging up where I can see it all the time at a reminder.

These goals are necessary to keep me focused...and with God's help I WILL make them happen!

Birthday Motivation!!!

Hmm...that cupcake crowded with candles looks just about right, except that I need a full-size cake to fit all of my candles on it! ;o) Today I am officially 44 years young.

I said last week that I was going to work extra hard during the week leading up to my birthday, and I did. Harder workouts, eating better, more water...I can say I definitely put in the work. On the scale this morning, all of that work added up to a .4 pound loss. I can't complain (well, I could, but I won't) because it's still a loss. It all adds up.

This past year, I started my weight loss plan about a month after my birthday...and after making it through having surgery and other life emergencies, I am 34.6 pounds lighter than my last birthday. This is the accomplishment I will focus on, because for too many years I would make a vow on my birthday to lose weight before the next one, but I never made good on it. This year, I succeeded. I can feel proud today that I made significant progress on my goals this year, and that I am a better person than I was a year ago, in more ways than just weight loss.

Today I make a new vow...to continue this journey, keep losing weight and getting healthier, and continue to strive and become the person God intends me to be. I'm already on my way, and with His gifts of grace, courage, and strength I will get there. So I celebrate my birthday by seeing how far I've come in the past year..and looking forward to even greater success in this year that starts now!

Reflections: On My Son's Birthday

On this day 11 years ago, I gave birth to my incredible son, Shane. As my husband and I celebrate his birthday with him today, I am also reflecting on my journey since becoming a mom.

Back in 1994, I started putting on weight when my mom became ill and then passed away a few months later. I continued to gain while missing her terribly, and finally started to take control of my health again in 1998. Little did I know that when I started on my New Year's resolution, I was already 1 week pregnant!

I actually lost 6 pounds during the first month of 1998, but then the scale refused to budge. I didn't know what was going on. Then when I was late for that time of the month, I began to get a clue. I took the home pregnancy test, and it came up positive. I went a couple of days later to the doctor, who confirmed the exciting news. My husband and I were thrilled!

At my first OB-GYN visit a week later, I discovered that I had already gained back 4 of those pounds that I lost. (I had stopped getting on the scale once I found out I was expecting.) I was 174 at that appointment...and continued to gain as I ate for 2. I gave in to every craving: ice cream, Taco Bell, McDonald's, Oreos, mashed potatoes and gravy from Boston Market. I knew I was getting much bigger, but thought that was good for the baby. At my last appointment before giving birth, I weighed 232 pounds. My husband gained 25 pounds right along with me!

Everything I went through during that time was completely worth it, because I have my wonderful son. I started being more careful with my food choices, and at the 6 week checkup Shane was doing well and I weighed 212 pounds. I was given the green light to exercise again, and it's been a roller coaster ride on the scale ever since. (More on that in another post!)

So...as I celebrate with Shane today, I also celebrate the fact that I am finally on the right path to losing weight and getting healthier. I know it will give me more energy and make me an even better mom, so I am not just doing this for me...I'm doing it for Shane as well.

Happy Birthday Shane...I love you, and I will make you proud!!! xoxoxo