Classygirl Musings

Playing Catch Up, Already!!!

 Hi Everyone,

Happy 2011...Again!  It's time for a quick little catch up.  I thought I'd share a few pics from Christmas, New Years and our Winter Snow or Snowmaggedon 2011!  LOL!  I've started the year off with quite a bit of scrappy inspiration!  Yay!  Lots to scrapbook!

Christmas was quite fun this year.  Although the snow originally put a damper on our plans.  We intended to go to a friends house an hour away.  However, driving conditions said otherwise.  Therefore, we enjoyed time in together and were invited to enjoy dinner with our neighbors. Here are a few pics from the day.

Our neighbors...the Sandifers on the left...we had dinner with them and friends.

Later on I stopped by my other neighbors to have a Dance Off with my neighbor and her kids...on the Kinect!

...a bit of Christmas Snow.  Yep, we had a White Christmas!

...and then there was our New Year's Eve Party!  Too much fun.  We think this will be an annual event!!!  It was a blast.  Here's the proof!

 

Snowmaggedon 2011!  I'm from Chicago and have NEVER been snowed in...not even when it snowed 21 inches in 1 day.  It snowed 4 inches in Atlanta and we were literally snowed in for 3-4 days! Wow!  It was crazy!  Here are some photos from Snowmaggedon 2011!

Our house covered in snow!  And then I played!!!!

Happy 2011!  More to come....I'm having a great "photo" start to the new year.  Should be fun.  Stay tuned!

A Very Happy Birthday!!!

What a wonderful day I had yesterday for my birthday.  Wonderful messages on my voicemail!  Fabulous Facebook wishes from my friends and just a beautiful day hanging out with my dh.  He took the day off to play! Yay!

I am very grateful to everyone who was a part of the fun...by mail, thought, phone, email, Facebook and in person!  Thank you so much for making my day even more special!

Here are a few pictures from the day...

I started the day off at the club with a 1 hr FIT Class!

Dh took the day off to hang out with me.

My birthday flowers.

A few card and gift cards!  

Getting ready to go to the mall!

My mall haul!  7 sweaters, 2 tops, 1 bottom and a free blingy bear keychain!

Stopped at Chocolate Jewels for a JUMBO apple covered in caramel, dipped in pecans and drizzled with dark chocolate!  YUM!  It'll take me 3-4 days to eat it and I'll enjoy every moment!

Getting ready to go to dinner...one of my new pieces.

My sweet dinner date.

A very happy birthday!

Enjoy your day.

Staying Put!

Ok, after going through way too much trouble trying to decide if I am going to switch services or stay here.  I think I'll stay put.  I've got way too much scrappy goodness on this blog to simply let it go away. So please forgive me for the trouble.  You can see my creations during that time on www.scrapnFIT.com.  Oh what a mess.  Good thing I only walked away for about two months!  Stay tuned for some new scrappy goodness and more!

Thanks for sticking with me!

Tiare.

Wellness Wednesday - Willpower is Not Enough!

You’ve got to change your lifestyle.

How many of you tell yourself that you will only have one cookie, one scoop of ice cream, 1 piece of bread, 1 piece of cake, 1 handful of chips but find yourself at the pantry door again and again until you’ve doubled or tripled your serving.  Or  perhaps you just ate the WHOLE THING!

WILLPOWER IS NOT ENOUGH!  You’ve got to change your lifestyle.

How often have you said, I won’t eat snacks after 8pm or 9pm and find yourself hitting the fridge for your favorite snacks at 10pm?

WILLPOWER IS NOT ENOUGH!  You’ve got to change your lifestyle.

How many drug addicts or alcoholics do you know (who want to quit or go through rehab)  keep a stash of alcohol or crack in the cupboard free to use whenever they feel like?  How many are able to say...I know it’s there but I won’t have any?

WILLPOWER IS NOT ENOUGH!  You’ve got to change your lifestyle.

In the case of a drug addict, in order to be successful at rehab/recovery they typically need to remove the addictive substance from their lives and often times the individuals who supply the drug.  Or remove themselves from the environment.

WILLPOWER IS NOT ENOUGH!  You’ve got to change your lifestyle.

The same holds true for food addiction!  Yep...you just might need food rehab!  I did!  

I took myself through food rehab.  Once I decided that I was the MOST IMPORTANT and that my HEALTH mattered.  And that I LOVED myself more than FOOD, rehab began.  It was about 2 years ago that I called my dh(dear husband) and said that was it...no more white flour/white sugar in the house.  No more prepackaged foods.  I told him that everything would be gone when he got home and it was!  I had to remove it from the house.  It would be a treat and no longer a staple in my life.  You see on that day my HEALTH and HAPPINESS became my priority.  

You see, I had tried for many years to put my WILLPOWER into play only to lose a few pounds and gain it all back and some.  I promised myself one bite..which would turn into two or three.  My drug of choice was food and I did not have the will to resist it, when it was so easily and readily available.  I took charge.  I removed it from my environment!

I also, stopped putting myself in front of it!  No need to resist burgers and fries...if McDonald’s, Burger King and Wendy’s are on the list of DON’T EVEN GO THERE!  I mean really, if you are recovering crackhead...why put yourself in front of the crackhouse?  Do you really think you aren’t eventually gonna take a hit?

WILLPOWER IS NOT ENOUGH!   You’ve got to change your lifestyle.

Here I am and proud to say, that I haven’t had fast food in years and the white flour/white sugar/prepackaged foods are all things of the past!  My cupboard is fresh, clean and healthful!  And a wonderful and interesting fact...is I don’t crave those things any longer.  Yes, occasionally, I like to have sweet treats but I go out for them.  I no longer feel like they must be a staple in my home.  I sleep well at night, my energy level is HIGH, my blood pressure is GREAT, my cholesterol was praised by my doctor and I’M FEELING FINE!

WILLPOWER IS NOT ENOUGH!   You’ve got to change your lifestyle.

YOU ARE WORTH IT!

Tiare.

UPDATE:  Today is exactly 2 months since reaching my weight loss goal!  Size 8/10 from a 22/24, 26/28 and LOVING IT!  Once I gave up the white flour/white sugar...the pounds just started falling off...2, 3, 4 pounds every week!  

PPS.  I know this may not be for everyone, but for someone this may be everything!

Wellness Wednesday - Saying Goodbye

It’s been about 2 months since I reached my weight loss goal of losing 120lbs and this feeling is still so surreal.  I find myself taking a peek at myself in the mirror often...thinking...is that you?  Is that really you!  LOL!

Although, it’s been fun shopping for this new, SIZE 10 body...size 10...I wear a size 10?  Did you just read that?  Did I just type that?  Wow!  I’m a size 10!  Hallelujah!   I still find myself thinking in larger sizes.  

I find myself still looking in the window of Lane Bryant at the mall and I must remind myself that nothing in there will fit me!  What?  I’ve shopped there for 20 years!  It has been my staple.  Just today, I finally unsubscribed from getting emails from Lane Bryant!  Yay! Goodbye Lane Bryant...Hello World!

I still take an xl and a large in the dressing room, often.  That’s when good girlfriends come in handy.  I try on a large and think it fits just fine and never even consider a medium.  However, on a recent shopping trip a girlfriend brought a large and a medium dress to the fitting room and softly said, “I brought you a medium too...I don’t know...it might fit.”  I think it was her way of saying, “Please try on this medium, that large is just a little too big.”  Hmmmm?  Ok.  Well, guess what it fit!  Woohoo!  Quite nicely at that.

Getting used to the new me will take time and I’m in it for the long haul.

However, today I say goodbye to 20 years of my life!  To 20 years of discomfort!

To PLUS sized clothing, to overeating, to unhappiness!  To 20 years of not knowing, not acknowledging, to numbness, to what I thought was comfort.  

Today I say GOODBYE to a bit of me.

Necessary Losses,

Tiare

Getting back on track...join me each Wednesday for Wellness Wednesday where I will share a bit of me, my feelings, tips and tricks I’ve learned on this journey.

Thank You is Not Enough!!!!

...but it's all I've got along with a FULL heart!!!

My celebration could not be complete without a note of gratitude!  My journey to losing 120lbs was not without bumps, bruises, tears and tons of love and support.  Therefore, I’ve got to say THANK YOU to some wonderful people in my life!  I am truly blessed.  

First to Moanica and Melissa, for listening to me or at least being within earshot of my ramblings about health, reading labels, what not to eat, celebrating, telling my story and all my health woes and joys (sometimes again and again)!  They didn’t run when I arrived and they happily ignored me and continued to enjoy their cookies!  LOL!  Thanks for not running away and for being wonderful, creative sistah friends!

Oh I cried, I talked, I laughed, I talked, I exercised, I talked, I learned, I talked and I had some great listeners and cheerleaders every step of the way!  So thank you for being my cheerleaders and for being my listening ear, my shoulder to cry on and for being my friend...Mommie!  Lisa Renee, Cheryl, Tena, Janine, Linda, Nancy and Kim A!  You all ROCK!  

Also, to my Mom...thanks for always having the right words and just the right love to calm my nerves and make me feel better.  I love having you as my friend, my ROCK, my mom.

2010, just wouldn’t be 2010 without the super Fitbookers in my life.  You keep me going and encourage me everyday, every week, every moment.  I LOVE sharing this journey with you.  Your enthusiasm is catching!  Thank you...let’s keep it going!

Oh and to my online family Facebook, Classy Scrappers and the Sistahs of Scraps of Color thanks for all of your words of encouragement, your shouts, cheers and compliments definitely helped to keep me going!  Thank You!

My Life Time Coaches/Instructors - Deon, Andre, Wendy, Erin and Laurie.  Thank you for your advice and for providing classes I enjoy.  Liking the class is half the battle and I enjoy working out with you!  Thank You for keeping me coming back for more!  You all make exercising FUN!!!

Last but not least is my dear husband Robert.  Thank you so much for being a wonderful, husband. For loving me every step of the way.  For taking those vows seriously and honoring them...in thickness and health for richer for poorer...LOL!  Your love has never wavered!    For making me feel beautiful and calling me beautiful, everyday...thunder or lightning!!!!  For being proud to be by my side!  For not getting mad and not fighting me the day I called and said, “No more white flour and white sugar, I’m throwing it all away and giving away everything!”  And it was gone when you got home and you didn’t say a word.  For walking with me, kickboxing with me, lifting weights with me.  Thank for listening to me cry and holding me every single time.  Thank you for learning to not point out my mistakes and faults and for accepting them and just loving me anyway!  Thank you for those wonderful, loving embraces when you couldn’t wrap your arms around me and now that you can...feels so good!  Thank your for my new wardrobe!  Thank you for LOVING me strong, hard, fully and unconditionally and allowing that love to shine through and show wherever we are!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!  I am blessed!

To the MOST HIGH goes the glory!

Thank You!

Tiare.

Wellness & Weight Loss Wednesday

This is the first of my Wellness & Weight Loss Wednesdays.  I hope you will join me here each week for ideas and information on getting fit, getting healthy and happy!  I'll share some of my tips, ideas and more that have helped me to reach my 120lb weight loss goal!  Woohoo!  Now, let's get started.  First things first....

It's time to get fit.  It's time to lose those extra pounds.  Get healthy.   Whatever it is, define it and be specific and know why you want to achieve the goal, as well.

Goals have many different levels. First create your "big picture" goal. Second, you break this down into the smaller and smaller targets that you must hit so that you reach your “Big Picture” goal. Finally, once you have your plan, you start working to achieve it.

I encourage you each to write down the goals you want to reach. Evaluate your goals and make changes as necessary.

Be sure to be VERY specific, be realistic, make sure your goals are measurable and attainable.  Now go forth and set your goals.

Need more information, daily support, ideas, information, inspiration and/or rewards?  Join us in Fitbooking 2010!

Have a Happy, Healthy Week!

Tiare.

GOOOOAAALLLLLLLL!!!!!

Today is THE DAY!!!!  120lbs down!  Woohoo!  I set out to lose it and it's gone!  YAY!!!!  I started out at 285 and today 164.5!!! Yes!  120lbs gone!  Never to be found!  I'm happy!  I'm dancing.  I'm celebrating.

The scale says it all!

 I think this deserves a few before photos:

 

And now the AFTER shots and my HAPPY DANCE!

 

Enjoying the moment..in photos!

Now let's get this party started.....

Next...sign my shirt @ the health club.

Then...Dragonfly Tattoo...

After that...photo shoot!  Woohoo!  I'm CELEBRATING!

And for the inquiring minds who want to know...The secret is...there is NO secret, just healthy eating and exercise, planning my days in sticking to the plan!

Thanks for letting me share,

Tiare.      
 
  

OMG! Size 10! Are You Serious???

Yes, I am!  I had on my size 12 shorts today...newly purchased and dh says, "Those look too big, when you lose a few more pounds those are gonna swallow you."   My response, "Size 10, I think those will be too small.  I never even thought to try a smaller size, I was so thrilled with a 12."  (Afterall...I once wore a 22 - 26).  Fast forward...this afternoon I go to my neighbor/friend's house and ask if she has a 10 in her closet. I want to try them on (she is smaller than a 10 but had bought bigger sizes during pregnancy).  Yep..she says and you can have them if they fit.  Well...I tried the jeans on and......

They FIT!!! Wow!  Now that is some exciting news on this Sunday afternoon!  Yay!

Thanks for letting me share.  Gosh...I was probably a Freshman in HS when I could last fit a 10!  Whoa!

THANKS KIM!!!

Hugs, Health and Happiness!

Tiare.

I haven't worn a pair of jeans for more than 15 years!  Nice!  Guess who is adding more jeans to their collection???   

10 Fun, Healthy Facts About Me!

1. I'm 80lbs lighter than when I got married 13 years ago! 20lbs lighter than when I first met my husband 22 years ago. I am currently at my high school weight!!!

2. I work out 4-5 days a week now...dedicated..don’t miss a beat!

3. I dedicate 1 hour per week to only strength & endurance training and 30 minutes to only core training per week. Just think a year ago, I only did 3 days, 10 minutes of strength training per day, 2 days 5 minutes of core training. Wow! I can now hang with the best of ‘em! Working on getting rid of my tummy and love handles...can you say, "BATHING SUIT ON THE BEACH" in any month I so choose!

4. It took me to lose 110lbs to finally feel smaller! Wearing clothes that fit, really helps! I highly recommend it during your transition.

5. I really, really want a scoop of Starbucks Coffee Ice Cream! Why in the world don't they sell ice cream at Starbucks...so I can just have one scoop! I sure don't want to buy a quart, just to get a scoop!

6. I don’t like or crave bread anymore! What the....? Seriously? Once upon a time I thought I HAD to have bread with my salads. Now, I could care less. Had a salad the other day, thought I wanted the bread took a bite and then forgot it existed. (You think you want it and miss it and then you realize you don’t...woohoo!) I feel the same about fries! Thought a burger had to have fries served with it...not anymore...bunless with veggies works perfectly for me.

7. It took me to lose over 75lbs for me to start feeling really, really good about all my efforts. Now all I can think is why did I allow myself to gain so much weight. I was so unconscious for all those years. Not being honest with myself about my size, how difficult doing simple things had become, not being aware/ignoring how the weight and eating habits can and had created illness in my life. Now, I just want to share it with the world and help others reach their goals!

8. I now weigh less than my dh and he can pick me up! Woohoo! Frisky! ;o)

9. I went from a 26/28 to an 11/12...approaching 9/10. The daily compliments and shouts of, “Hey Skinny Minny!” truly are motivational.

10. I am researching the idea of returning to school to get a Masters in Nutrition. I truly want to help others reach their healthy lifestyle goals and this is one way I think I can help many..not just simply by my experience (which is very important) but my knowledge, as well.

BONUS FACT: I’ve only got 1.5lbs to go to reach my GOAL of 120lbs down!

 

Thanks for letting me ramble! It helps me to document the journey!

Now if you are reading this...it’s time to POST 10 FUN FACTS ABOUT YOURSELF ON YOUR BLOG!  Do it and leave a comment, along with a link to your blog...so I can check it out.

Decide to have a Happy, Healthy Day,

Tiare