Okay, I've finally decided to start a journal here. Today is Tuesday September 18th. I had one on another site, which I started on June 12, 2007. I don't want to give that one up because I've made a lot of progress since then. I think I'll end up printing out all of the entries and then keeping it in printed form just so I don't lose the first 3 months of my weigh loss journal.

Today marks a milestone for me. I have now lost 40 lbs on this journey of mine! Woo Hoo!!! I am a third of the way to my ultimate goal and it feels good! I am starting to feel like I want to take some pictures of me just to compare the differences. That is different since I usually shy away from cameras.

Last night I did only about 10 minutes on the bowflex and then another 20 minutes on the elliptical. I had a limited amount of time to do anything (between dropping off and picking up kids) but I wanted to do both strength training and cardio. Not sure if it is better to split it up or to do one or the other, but it made me feel good so I guess it all worked out.

I'm still trying to get into doing t-tapp on a regular basis. Having TV and DVD player availabilty problems at home. So I'll have to work that out.

Today is a good day and it is shaping up to be a great week!

It's good to see your journal here, Lori! I can't wait to watch your progress.

Last night I started a Self Defense course, which unfortunately wasn't as physical as I thought it would be. Because it was the first class, there was lots of talking and introductions and background, etc. Next week we should be getting into it more physically.

Therefore no exercise yesterday. I am planning to do t-tapp today, but if that doesn't work out then I will work on my bowflex and maybe go for a walk with my sister.

Great job, Lori. Way to get moving. Keep up the good work. Still rooting.....

Best regards,

Charles

Hi kiddo!

Wow! 40 pounds down! Congrats and Whoo-hoo and wha-hooey, etc!

I almost called you a few minutes ago because I hadn't seen anything from you for a little while and hoped all was well, then stumbled on this.

Love ya,
Sunny

Roll call....

Charles--HERE!
Sunny--HERE!
Jimmy--HERE!
Lori--HERE HERE!

Whoa! Is there an echo in here?

I think we have two Lori's. Cool!

Hahha! I'm the one withOUT the journal!

Will the real Lori, please stand up?



Jimmy, I had no idea!!!

Hugs,
Lori :-)

Oh, now that's TOO FUNNY, Lori. Too much time on your hands...but cute!

Hello Lori that owns this journal!!! Don't worry about Lori that doesn't own this journal. We do have a hard time controlling her. She keeps escaping from the hospital. But we will find her sooner or later. Be careful that she doesn't impersonate you too often.

LA LINDA

Okaaay.... This is the other REAL Lori...the one who owns the journal.....

Anyway, my post for today, Sept 20/07:

I managed to do about 25 minutes on my bowflex last night and then went for a 2.8 K walk with my sister after that. My shins are a little sore today, but not bad.

For some reason I am feeling more tired than usual these last few days. I don't feel as if I am getting a very good sleep at night, and morning comes MUCH too quickly.

I don't think I am going to be doing much in the way of exercise tonight. My kids have an open house at their school tonight, and then Survivor starts tonight! So excited! I don't want anyone to think I usually skip exercise for tv though! I rarely watch tv....only Survivor, CSI and Lost...so I really try to not miss those when they are on.

I have been eating really good lately, which is surprising for me. I didn't even have any out of control cravings last week when Aunt Flo was visiting. Last night I made steak which was REALLY good, but I also had a broccoli salad with that. It was pre-made at the grocery store deli so I don't know how many carbs were in it. <My bad> It was made up of broccoli, onions and cheese and it had a sweet onion dressing on it.... so it probably wasn't great, but hopefully not too bad.

Sorry we took over your journal while you were away, but at least we care about ya!

Well I am down 2 more pounds to 42 lbs lost now. I didn't do any exercise over the weekend, and I'm getting pretty frustrated with myself. I keep planning on doing something, and then things come up, and before you know it the day is over. Then I say "Tomorrow for sure!", and then tomorrow becomes today and I start the whole thing over again.

I feel a stall coming on (not to mention that I broke down and ate some popcorn on Saturday night) and so I REALLY WANT to do some type of exercise and I really SHOULD do it. My in-laws will be visiting tonight, and the kids have cadets and karate, but hopefully after all of that I will be able to get in a workout on the elliptical at least.

Thank you Charles. You always seem to know just what to say!

You have told me before that weight training will do far more than cardio...and I believe you, I really do. But it is hard to break old habits. Okay, no elliptical, just bowflex tonight. I am going to have to look up some good muscle building exercises that I can do at home. I would join a gym, but I can barely find the time to do this at home, nevermind having to go somewhere else to do it!

As far as eating goes, I think I've been doing pretty good. I'm not sure why I broke down and had that popcorn. It was just something I had to have at the time. But that is passed now, and I will stick to the fatty protein.

I was a little depressed last night. I know that I have to be patient and I am really trying, and have been doing well. I look back at my progress and feel proud, 42 lbs is a lot of weight to lose. But I still have so much more to go. Anyone who doesn't know me would just look at me and see another fat woman, not someone who is committed to getting healthy and getting in shape. I'm getting rid of a pile of clothes that don't fit me anymore, but I still look awful in pictures. It is just getting to me. I know it isn't going to be an overnight process.

Anyway, sorry for dumping on you Charles. I didn't mean to use you to complain to. I appreciate all of your help and just knowing that you are rooting for my success makes it easier to accomplish.

Thanks again,

Lori

Things are still going well. I'm holding at the same weight but feeling good. I went to my self-defense class yesterday and did some punching and kicking and stuff. It was pretty good. No other exercise though.

My in-laws were in town on Monday and I was a little disappointed that they didn't seem to notice my weight loss. I was sort of excited for them to come and see me again now that I've lost 40 lbs...but nothing. Oh well, I'm not doing it for them anyway!

Today I put on a pair of jeans I haven't been able to wear before! I bought them about 2 years ago and really liked them, but they were a little snug on me and so I put them in the closet for when I lost weight. Well, instead of losing I gained and therefore never got the chance to wear them. This morning when I was looking for something to wear I came across these jeans and thought I'd try them on and they FIT! They went on so easily, buttoned easily, no discomfort at all! I am so happy.

I haven't lost anymore weight this week, so I was getting a little bummed, but this sure made my day!

WOO HOO! That's such a good feeling, isn't it?!

October 1, 2007: I had an awful eating weekend and I've gained 4 lbs. I refuse to beat myself up though...I am going to move on from here and remain positive and reach my goals!

I did go to a class with my sister on Saturday morning. It was called Power Barbell and it was basically working with a lightweight barbell, dumbells and stretch bands. There were a LOT of lunges and squats and my legs are killing me now. I could barely walk yesterday, and stairs are torture (as is going to the bathroom...trying to get down enough to sit on the toilet. ) Today is a little better, but I still took the elevator when I got to work. I didn't want to look like a total spaz trying to get up the stairs. LOL!

So today I am back on plan, I have started the new biggest loser challenge, and I will plan to exercise at least 5 times this week. Probably mostly upper body stuff until I can move my legs normally again! LOL!

October 12/07: I am back on track now and have been for 3 days. I am feeling bloated and crampy due to TOM, but overall I feel great!

I've stopped weighing myself daily and have decided to weigh myself only on Monday, which seems to have taken a load off my shoulders. I really felt that I needed to weigh daily to keep myself motivated. But I found that it was starting to have the opposite effect on me.

There's only 7 more weeks to go before I head to the States to do some shopping and so I'd really like to be down another 15 to 20 lbs by then. I can't wait!

Tonight I am planning to go for a walk with my sister and hopefully will get to the gym sometime this weekend.