Thanks to My Work

Thanks to my work, I get to mark off 2 more states and a big one from my list!
I flew on an airplane for the first time and absolutely loved it!! I visited Texas (via the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport) and Missouri.  I am not sure whether I can count Oklahoma and Arkansas because we flew over them and I didn't spend time there.

Completed Item Update!

See the wild horses on the Coast of  NC!!!

On June 21st, we ventured out to Shackleford Banks off the coast of Beaufort,NC  The island was beautiful and full of wild animals including these two gorgeous ponies below.

The Color Run

Oh My Gosh!!!!!  I so had the best time I have had in ages today!  I participated in the Happiest 5K on  the Planet aka The Color Run.

This is me after the walking part while we were in the "Finish Chute". Not the best picture to show off my colors, but it's the best picture of me that I like.  This is the front & back of my shirt.

These are my hands. The left was taken after coming out of the red color chute and the right hand was when I got home and began taking pictures.

I am just so happy that I felt well enough to go out and do this.  I am having issues with my back again and forced myself to go and it turns out this was really good therapy. Friends and fun work better than medicine.  I think I need to investigate on this more.... 
The next run here in NC is in Charlotte on October 19th.  I hope my schedule allows me to do this again because I will take Em & Crash.  They will LOVE it as much as I did, I am sure.  I learned somethings that will come in handy on my next Color Run.  Check out the website & see when they are coming close to your hometown and then register and go have a ton of fun yourself!!!!!

My Inner Fat Kid has had control for TOO long!

Because of life and things happen, I had to stop WW. I haven't been in forever.  Honestly, I haven't been trying. I have been enjoying food...too much maybe. With the help of my pain medication, I have gain the weight back I lost plus some. So, I am trying again.
At the mall yesterday, I walked by a mirror in Macy's -the huge ones they put on the columns in the jewelry department and let me tell you. I SO did not like what was looking back at me.
I need to change it. It needs to leave. I am using an app on my iPod touch to help me. it's called My Fitness Pal. So far, so good. I am starting slow and if I do more than I have got set, well great. 
If you decide you want to check it out, send me a message so we can be friends & encourage each other!

Ollivanders - A Wand Chooses You at Islands of Adventure

Blog Title

So, after some thought when speaking to a dear friend she does  not like the term “Bucket List” due that too many people are using the term as reasons to accomplish tasks before they pass on to the next plain and making their family and friends feel bad in the process.  Most family members don’t mind helping those out who are coming to the end of their journey here on Earth, but when they are pushed into feeling guilty it creates friction and resentment.  

 

So, to honor my cherished friend, I am going to change what I have called my list and rethink some of the things I have listed.  She doesn’t want a list, just for people to remember her and her goodness and love toward her friends and family.  This is only ONE way that I am going to show my admiration for her and change the title of my blog.

 

I want to do and see things, some with my family, some with my friends, and some alone.  I think the word ‘list’ is okay but it needs more.  Something to reflects me. The only other term I have heard for a bucket list is “Life List” but I really don’t feel that title fits me.

 

This should be interesting.

5%

Awesome surprise today when I weighed in.  I had to go to the Winston-Salem office since my normal group won't be meeting b/c of Labor Day.  

The nice receptionist smile and said congrats on loosing 1.4! I was like, 

"Really?" and she was like "Yes." 

"Awesome!"

"Yes, it is."

"No, I got my 5%, see?!?!?" as I showed her my PP Weight Record.

"That's great, here is your 5% things. Are you staying for the meeting?"
"No thanks, I have some errands to run, but thank you so much." 

I left with a wave and a smile - a VERY big smile and a bounce in my step.

200 Party!

I have decided that I am going to have a 200 Party!  What this means, is when I get to 200 pounds I will have a party for my friends and family to join me in my celebration.  I haven't seen 200 pounds since I gave birth to Michael 12 year and 9 months ago!  I think this is a very big deal for me and see all reasons to celebrate it.  Since I can't tell when it will be I do have some time to plan.  I have 20.4 pounds to go, but slow and steady is going to get this weight off of me!!!

Awesome Start!

Well, I have to say, that I was surprised at the number the lady told me today when weighed in this evening. I lost 4.6lbs this past week!!!! Yay me!!!!

Step #1 Has Begun

Step #1 that I am taking to get to a healthy BMI is to join Weight Watchers, and so I have.

This is my 3rd time doing the program & I lost weight the first 2 times that I was with them, so I know it works, I just have to continue to stick with this time.

Goal #1

To be able to wear any of the pants in that bottom drawer - but a belt is required to keep them on.

There has been a change!!!

I am excited. I have a new #1 for my Bucket List. It is a very good one at that.

The #1 is: TO HAVE BE @ A HEALTHY BMI.

This is it. This is the time. I have tried several times and have stopped, but this will be the time. No ifs, ands or butts about it.

31 Days!

Well, I did it. I ate no meat for 31 days! :)

Last night I had French Onion Soup and a very small bite of Emma's steak from Longhorn.

The soup was good as always. The steak - well, let's just say that the texture of the steak was odd. Nothing wrong with it, it just felt odd chewing it. I know it's because of not eating it for a time period but I didn't think it would have caught me that far off guard.

Meatless Mande Still Going Strong!

Yeah me! I am on Day 9 and doing awesome! Yesterday, I began reading The Kind Diet by Alicia Silverstone after Nikki told me about it. She said it wasn't 'preachy' just informative. So far, she has been right.

Going Meatless & ACV

Well 5 days ago I decided to stop eating meat. Why? Idk, cause I felt like it. I'll let you know how that goes. Did you know that your gas don't stink if you don't eat meat? Weirdest thing! Oh, I am not looking at this as "Going Vegetarian" I am looking at this as "Going Meatless". Makes me feel better for whatever goofy brain reason.

Yesterday I spoke with a co-worker about the stuff she drinks everyday. I didn't know much about it then, but I do now. It's called the Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar Cocktail. I Googled "bragg apple cider vinegar diet" and got lots of links from the "recipe" itself to forums on how it has changed people's lives. My co-worker hasn't had a cold in 2 years!!!!! Not to mention the weight she has lost. So, last night I went to Winston to Whole Foods and got me a bottle of Bragg ACV & a jar of NC Raw Clover honey for taste. I think I may just eat the honey straight from the jar when I have a sweet craving. That flavor is worth the $4.99 I paid for the small jar! The taste of the cocktail isn't bad, but it will take some getting use too.

A Baby Story...The Bella Kind

Ok, update...I made French Beef Salad with Baby Bellas.....I ate French Beef Salad with Baby Bellas.....I liked French Beef Salad with Baby Bellas!!!!!

Pickles & Mushrooms

Eat Pickles that come with my burger.

Yes, I know it sounds stupid, but I never eat the pickles that come on my burgers. So starting today, right now with my burger from Monk’s I will start eating the pickles.

I will work my way up to eating a dill pickle spear. 

Okay. Let’s add eating mushrooms also.

Man, this is a big thing for me.  Nikki should be so proud!

Origami

So I checked out some books on learning to do origami. Glad I picked something challenging. I can make a house, sailboat and a pinwheel. I am so proud of me. I even showed Emma how to do the sailboat.Started trying to lean to do a turtle I my eyes began to cross!!!! I am not giving up, but right now it feels as if I am spinning my wheels on getting the turtle complete!

Loggerheads making their way into the big ol' blue!!!!

Plant an Herb Garden & Not Let it DIE!

So far, so good. This is Basil. He is been planted for about 3 weeks and is looking good. I love basil and I figured if I could keep him alive for a while, I would get him a friend!