Monday, January 25, 2010

A Little Scary

I am amazed at the fact that I had enough will power to do this diet for two weeks and not want to jump off the roof. I can't even wrap my brain around the fact that it is going so well. It's not that I have super human strength to resist all things unhealthy. It's because I was finally at a place that allowed me to follow through with what I wanted to do. I realized that I am not doing anything different, I just started this diet when my brain was stronger than my stomach. If I hadn't reached a place of utter determination, I would have failed at this one, too. It got to a point where the junk food was not worth looking in my closet and not seeing one item of clothing that I felt comfortable wearing.

I am now up to 12 pounds of weight loss in 13 days. I hesitate saying that for fear that I might get accused of having some sort of eating disorder. I promise, I love food too much to stop eating. This is just what happens when you replace the bad stuff for the good stuff. I replaced soda with water. I replaced snacks with fruits and vegetables. I replaced "I can't" with "Try and stop me".

Two weeks down and I have no desire to go back to the way I was in the past. Can't wait to see what happens next...

Monday, January 18, 2010

One Week Down...

Tomorrow I will have completed the first week of my new eating habits. I would have thought that by now all I would want to do is complain. It really hasn't been that bad. Do I miss junk food? Yup. Do I miss sugar? Ummm...yes. Am I going to shrivel up into a ball of despair? I really hope not.

So far I have lost six pounds and feel great. People are actually starting to notice a difference. I must say the comments have been a great internal motivator. If people can see a difference now and it has only been a week, how much better and I going to feel in 2 weeks?

Hardest thing so far: Finding variety in my food. I am a self proclaimed picky eater. Vegetables and me are not friends. I have had to work hard to find flavor that fits in the scope of this plan. I think the flavor would come naturally if I liked flavorful things like onions and peppers. My menu would open tremendously if veggies were on there.

Tip of the week: Take it one day at a time. Things look really hard if you think about how long it will take to complete the life change. Instead, wake up and decide to do the plan perfectly for that day. Tackling one day is much less intimidating and a whole lot more manageable.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Hi-jacking...

Well, I have decided to hijack this blog for a few weeks and start a journal of my newest adventure...my weight loss "challenge".

I have the unbelievable opportunity to do a weight loss challenge that is covered by my local news station here in Charlotte. For the next 8 weeks, I am going to completely turn my life upside down in hopes of creating new habits, new routines, and a new life style. My goal is not to be a size 2, (ok, maybe so maybe I would REALLY love that) my goal is to change the way I look at food.

Today is day one of my challenge. Last night, my friend and news anchor, Tonia Bendickson, came to my house to interview myself and my husband about our eating habits, our struggles, and our plan. It should air on WBTV news by next Friday. We will be checking in periodically to monitor our progress. I feel like this opportunity has given me the accountability that I need to make the changes. Who wants to gain weight or fail a diet when lots of people are watching? Not me!

This blog will give me the ability to share my struggles, pass on tips that I learn, and make me more accountable so that there is not a chance of me giving up easily.

Alright, here we go...

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Doctor Time

I took Lauren to the orthopedic office that did her surgery two years ago. The doctor looked her over and asked a lot of questions. I am glad we went since he didn't feel that there was anything to worry about. Even though he has no solid reason why it happened, the consensus is that she fell and pulled a muscle in her back. Since she is not completely verbal enough to communicate the real cause, we are going with that one.

I have to be on the look out for a fever or rash in the next few days. That could be a sign of infection in her hip joints. Unfortunately, she gave a big hug and a kiss to her best friend yesterday who went to the doctor for the flu today. Now I won't know if the fever is from her or an infection. Oh well, such is the life of a parent.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Weird Weekend

Lauren woke up Friday morning with a terrible pain in her back. She wouldn't put any weight on her feet and was hunched over like an old woman for most of the morning. She was able to get dressed, but her daddy had to carry her to my room and lay her on the bed. Usually, she is up and off like a racehorse from the moment her feet hit the ground.

After about an hour or so, I was able to hold her hands and she started shuffling around my room. She was still hunched over, but she was not crying anymore. I gave her some Tylenol hoping that I would see some improvement.

Eventually, Lauren was walking fine for the most part. Every once in a while, she would turn funny and she would wince in pain and her leg would sort of give out for a split second. It was very weird to watch.

By Saturday, she was running around, but would not have the strength to pull herself up onto the bed or couch. Everything else seemed back to normal. We are going to the Orthopedic doctor that performed her surgery two years ago today at 3:45. I will keep you posted. I am sure that it will be nothing, but better safe than sorry.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Happy Birthday, Lauren





Five years ago I made the comment, "Maybe I will go into labor and not have to go to Open House". Well, I did.

I am still in awe of how far this little girl has come in five short years. She started her life on a ventilator. Her first 12 days were filled with two seizures, kidney/liver problems, a stroke, feeding tubes, apnea monitors, and wires sticking out everywhere. To think that five years later, it would all be a distant memory is nothing short of a miracle.

Lauren, I am inspired everyday by your determination, your sweet spirit, and that infectious smile. I am so proud of how far you've come and how you never let anything stand in your way. I know God has great things in store for you. It is no accident that you are here with us. Things might be hard sometimes, but you have so much strength and can handle anything that comes your way. You are my joy and I am so glad God chose me to be your Mommy. Happy Birthday, sweet angel!

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Greatest Neighbors

We have an older couple that lives at the end of our street. They are pretty much the nicest neighbors I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. They took an instant interest in Lauren and our family. She buys Lauren Christmas gifts and has special treats every time we go over for a visit. Today they proved once again why I love them so much.

Lauren has a pretty dangerous bus stop, if I do say so myself. The bus stop is at the end of our road. It is a pretty busy street and there is a blind corner that cars come barreling around every day. I have put a request into the transportation department to change the stop. No surprise that it has been two weeks and I haven't heard a word from them.

My neighbor stops me this afternoon and offers to help speed things up. He knew that if other people called to complain about the dangerous stop that they might speed up the process. He said that he would love to call tomorrow if I would give him permission to help. Ummm, yes, please! I really love them....