I look like my profile again! :)

This is just a quick update with some pictures showing how my hair has grown back in the past 2 months. October 2006 hair cutHair Growth since Halloween 2006HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!

Christmas Cramps!

Right on schedule, my period started on Christmas. What a great "present," Christmas Cramps!But even with my period, and after celebrating Christmas with my in-laws and my family, I was 144 this morning! YEAH!!! I've had 1620 calories today and now need to get my butt on the bike! I hope you all had a great Christmas!Jess

o/~ It's the most fattening time of the year o/~

This Christmas music spoof made me giggle so much I had to find it to share! 56K Stream 128K StreamSome of the lyrics are just hysterical!I have been eating well and exercising consistently the last couple of weeks! I've completely recovered from my Thanksgiving weight gain! In fact, I weigh a pound less today than I did on Thanksgiving! Yea!! It feels so wonderful "bucking the trend" by

How Time Flies!

Wow, the days are just FLYING by! 2006 will be over in the blink of an eye!Soon many people will make the classic New Year's Resolution to "Lose Weight." Sadly, most will "give up" by Valentine's Day (and blame the chocolates!).The real goal to make for 2007 is to just "Live Healthier." (And NEVER give up Chocolate!!!)Only focusing on your weight is stressful! And being stressed makes most of

Would you like some broccoli with your salt?

Last night Aaron and I went out for supper. I ordered a chicken breast and some "steamed broccoli." Safe right?Well... the broccoli tasted like it had been soaked in a brine for weeks, then boiled in salt water, then topped with extra salt to make sure it killed any offending vegetable-ness it may of have had left. Salty food makes me puff up like a blowfish, so needless to say I was up 2.5

Think Happy Thoughts!

Oh man! When it rains it pours… and then it freezes and covers everything in a deadly layer of hazardous ice! Argh! Just when I started recovering from Thanksgiving, my monthly pimple and crazy cravings flare up! I am up 2.5 pounds since last week which, wait… THAT TOTALLY RULES!!! Today is Thursday! And last Thursday was Thanksgiving itself! I’ve made it through THREE huge feasts,

Thanksgiving Flop.

Did I mention that I had THREE Thanksgivings to go to this year? One at my Aunt Linda's (Dad's side), the second at my Mom's and then Thanksgiving with my husband's family.I did really well at two of the three, but the other one went really bad...I was cajoled by my mom and sister into having a large glass of wine. I drink very rarely and at my size the booze hit me like a ton of bricks. Next

Making it through tomorrow...

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving - a Holiday that has become synonymous with Food, Family and Football.Thanksgiving can be a very stressful holiday for those trying to lose weight. The combination of lots of “Only Once a Year” foods, and peer pressure from the family may lead to poor food choices and over consumption. :(Many weight loss experts agree that losing weight during the holidays (Thanksgiving

A day in the life.

Today I ate 1720 calories.Oil - 50Egg - 70Cheese Single - 501 cup Chocolate Soy Milk - 1501/4 c. Mixed Nuts - 200Chicken Wrap with Blue Cheese Dressing - 2601 Medium Granny Smith Apple - 803 Milk Chocolate Dove Promises - 1351 French Vanilla Creamer - 456 Frosted Aminal Crackers - 1401/2 c. Rice - 150Chicken - 90Mixed Veggies with Sauce - 180Pinwheel Cookie - 120============================

Too White and Nerdy

I took an online quiz today and it confirmed what I already knew to be true.I'm just Too White and Nerdy.Modern, Cool Nerd82 % Nerd, 73% Geek, 26% DorkTAKE THE NERD? GEEK? OR DORK? TEST I ate 1820 calories today, and I am recovering nicely from my monthly biological weight loss sabotage.I also got up early and did yoga today! I was able to do all the poses on my yoga DVD without the blocks!!! I

Trick of the “Lite”

Argh! I fell for the old "Trick of the Lite.”That’s when you end up eating lots of “fake” treats, trying to satisfy your cravings with “healthy alternatives.” But you just end up eating way more calories of lite junk trying to satisfy your craving than you would have just having a small portion of what you really wanted in the first place!*Sigh*Real treats are so much more satisfying to me,

Period Puff and more Halloween pics.

I was 144.75 this morning. Thanks Period. Stupid body. I am doing okay though, and looking forward to the weekend!!! :) Here are some more pictures from Halloween. My sister and her Hubbie were "Smokey and the Bandit." Becky was the Jackie Gleason character Beauford T. Justice. Lydel was an amazing accurate (almost spooky) Burt Reynolds as "The Bandit." FUN FACT: Smokey and the Bandit was the #2

Just My Luck...

October is Breast Cancer awearness month so to promote cancer awearness and raise money I agreed to shave my head for this great cause.Everyone at work was like:"WOW! You have NO HAIR!""You look so COOL!""I'm so jealous; I could never get away with that!!"I also received lots of comments at a Friend's Wedding yesterday:"I can't believe how feminine you look even without hair!""You look so

2 Pounds Down in October.

Since I am back to my old routine, I thought I would post the results for October! I lost 2 pounds in October! I’m nearly recovered from the weight I gained "falling off the wagon" and from kicking the Aspartame habit.

I know I can safely lose a pound or two each week, and there are 8 weeks left in 2006. I might be able to start the New Year at a new low! :-) Losing weight over the Holiday’s is

Not confirmed yet...

I might be in the "weight loss on any budget" section of People's "Half their Size" special issue. But nothing is confirmed yet. The yoga DVD that started me being active 140 pounds ago is now only 53 cents on Amazon.com!!! My exercise bike in no longer available, but there is one like it by ProForm for about $200.00. I love my bike! At first I was like, why are we spending so much money

Waiting for Monday

I was 143.75 this morning, and I hope to be back under 140 by Thanksgiving. :) I am feeling really good being back to my old routine. This feels normal to me! Not that "bogus version" of normal I tried... that ballooned me up 12 pounds! (ACK!)I gave up on living a lie and went back to doing what works, and it feels so much better!!! (Mentally and Physically) Things just work better for me

Almost there....

I was 144.00 this morning. :) That's 2 pounds less than what weighed on October 1st!! Although... I am still 5 pounds above where I was August 10th, but I figure I will be back in the 130's soon! :)

Cutting and Carving

I love Halloween. It is my favorite holiday! It's the one day of the year where you get to dress however you want and get away with it!! Another thing I love about Halloween is Carving Pumpkins. Here are some special pumpkins I carved for Mike (Aaron's Brother) and Amy's wedding, Friday October 13th, 2006.I also got my hair cut!

I Am So Excited!!!

I think this is the most thrilling news I have ever had the pleasure to share on my blog.Today I was contacted by a reporter from People Magazine as a possible candidate for their special "Half My Size" issue! There is no guarantee that I will be in it, but I'm still very excited to even be considered!Although... I really hope they pick me! ;) That would be so COOL!!!**Fingers Crossed**Jessp.s.

Glug, Glug, Glug!!!

After being away from home this weekend, I weighed-in this morning… and it appears that I am sinking rather than swimming. I was 151.50!!! *Faint*Now, I could make excuses for my increase in weight… blaming my recent period or the wedding I went to this weekend, but it all boils down to me not doing enough. My efforts to be healthy without constant monitoring have obviously been lack luster. In

It's not easy to be "Normal"

I keep catching myself doing "calorie math" in my head. . o O ( 120 for the whole grain wheat bread, plus 60 for the roasted chicken breast lunchmeat...)I am trying really hard not to do that, but after 4 years of recording every single calorie I ate or drank... it's hard to suddenly stop doing it! I've been trying to focus on how my body feels instead of “the numbers.” (Calories/Weight) Whenever

I love this thing!

Wow! Who would have though a little bracelet would make such a difference! I am wearing a bright red bracelet with the words "I CAN" on the inside of my right wrist. So whenever I'm reaching for the fridge door, holding a yoga pose, or pumping som iron I see the words "I CAN." It makes me feel good and even more focused on my goal! (and it's pretty too!)I was not able to weigh myself

Like We Didn’t Already Know This?

There was a recent study that said obese people feel the same way about food as addicts do to drug.Well, DUH!! They actually spent money to study this?! All they had to do was ask, but I guess they wanted it to be all “scientific.” ;)I would totally describe some of my food cravings as “Jonesing.” Like no matter what I eat, the hunger doesn’t stop until I’ve had that one thing I’ve been craving.

Saturday's Weigh-in = 145.50!!!

Looks like I am doing a good job of being healthy without constant monitoring! I gained some weight during the stressful user's group meeting, Last Sunday I was up to 149.50!!! UGM was nearly "Maui Bad" to my weight loss... but last years UGM was just a bad too... So I guess UGM is like a Four day extra Stressful Holiday! :) I should plan for it in the future. But anyway, I am finally getting

So far so good! I think...

These last few days have been so strange.It feels weird not writing everything eat in my food journal. It feels abnormal not taking my weight after feeding the cats. But, I feel good and healthy! I get up and exercise as before, and I have been able to listen to the needs of my body better!I asked Aaron what day of the week I should take my weight. He suggested I could try weighing myself daily

Sinking or Swimming?

Every morning the cats and I have a ritual. I stumble over them from the bed to the bathroom, then I stumble over them from the bathroom to the kitchen. In the Kitchen I open them a fresh can of cat food to share.Our Cats: Sabina (top-left) and Maxima (bottom-right)The cat food is a diversionary tactic so I can double-back to the scale! You see, without the food to distract them, the cats always

I'm in a Magazine?! (and still sick)

Yesterday I received an email that said: "I recently saw an article in the October issue of Women's Health & Fitness about different blog sites and yours was featured as one of them." I was like Whoa! Really, I am in a magazine?! I must find a copy of this magazine to check it out! I have not seen a copy of it yet. Hopefully, it will hit the shelves in my area soon. :)Going to Women's Health &

In Sickness and in Health

This week is the super busy Users Group Meeting (UGM) at work. I have to go "mingle" at a pre-UGM party tonight from 6 - 9PM, then I'm greeting users starting at 7:30 tomorrow morning downtown for the General Session. I will then spend the remainder of the day in more specific sessions. Tomorrow night I will be in costume for the "Future Feast" from 6 - 9 again. Wednesday I will be a room

Ribs and Rolls

I think the question I get asked about the most is: Do you have "loose skin?"Most people think that after shedding half your weight your going to have some leftover skin.But I've lost my weight   V E R Y     S L O W L Y   over a long time, so my skin has been able to stick pretty close to my new shape!You see, skin is an organ, a living part of your body, and not a stretched out balloon stuck on

Just get over it!

The evils of the menstrual cycle have me puffed up to 147!!! That’s nearly 4 pounds of monthly bloat, but that isn't unusual for me. That's average actually. I know that this spike in my weight is temporary… but it's effecting me. I should not be upset, but I am. Every Month it is the same thing. I know this weight is suddenly going to disappear in a few days, but it’s so hard to look on

Not again...

Last night I displayed tell-tale signs that the monthly mega-bitch has returned.I don't remember my PMS being so bad when I was bigger. Maybe since I am smaller now it's more concentrated? I don't know. It was so frustrating because I KNEW I was PMS-ing! The rational part of me said "Why are you getting so upset? These things never bothered you before. It's PMS." My overpowering emotional

"Backseat Dieting"

I was 144.00 this morning! That's half a pound less than what I was on Friday. :) I made it through a 3-day Weekend and a family gathering successfully!It was the FIRST time in 6 years of marriage that I finally got to meet members of my husband's family other than his parents and siblings. It was so exciting! There was nearly 20 of us at the party. We played, talked, and took a rides

Only Slightly Disastrous

I was 144.50 this morning, which is 3.75 pounds more than 140.75 I was on August 1st. Then PMS puffed me up to 141.00. A few days later cravings and bloating increased my weight to 142.25. Right at the end of my period my Uncle died and I went straight into a few days of grief eating tipping the scales up to 144.25. If that wasn’t enough, our friends from San Francisco visited for a few days,

6 Years of Wedded Bliss!

Aaron and I celebrated our 6th Wedding Anniversary on Tuesday, August 29th.This picture was taken in Olbrich 's Rock Garden after we renewed our vows. :)

A Little Piece of History

Years ago, before I had a weight loss website, I used to send out an email to my family and friends letting them know how I was doing.Over time the emails grew into a webpage, and then the webpage into a Blog. (Thanks to a suggestion by Lynn) Soon more than my family and friends were finding my site and reading about my progress.Eventually I moved my whole site over to Blogger because I got so

Real Sugar + Funeral = Kummerspeck

Kummerspeck is a German word which literally means "grief bacon." It is used to describe the excess weight gained from emotion-related overeating.So far I have added about 3 pounds of Kummerspeck. His death happened right at the end of my period... so I never really recovered from that monthly weight spike when the grief-eating started. *Sigh* I've been sticking with my exercise, but not counting

Real Hero Lost

My Uncle David Furseth past away Sunday night. Tonight is the visitation, and the funeral is tomorrow. My Aunt Donna (my mother’s sister) was his first wife, and his second wife, Cindy, is my God-mother.When I was a child, Uncle Dave was a superhero to me. He was a real cop, and a fire fighter! He was truly a brave man that saved many, many lives. I’m still kinda in the numb disbelief phase of

Killing Me Sweetly

Oh. My. God. What the hell have I been putting in my body!?In my own tips section I basically say "don't do the sugar free thing." But this weekend I suddenly realized that I have been eating a lot of Aspartame. (Nutra-Sweet / Equal) I think it has been affecting me.There have also been studies that show artificial sweeteners screw up the body's natural ability to know when you

Still puffed, but doing good!

I got up early today and did a hard 30 minute program on the bike. I was 141.50 this morning, which is acceptable considering it's that time of the month. I should be back under 140 in a few days. :)Today my team at work went out for lunch. I was worried about it because we went to "Old Chicago" which is a pizza place. Everyone ordered a personal pizza or split a big "Triple-decker-roni

The Bad Day that was Good.

Today was a bad day. Right from the start, it sucked. At MIDNIGHT, just as this horrible day was starting, I awoke with bad cramps and the start of my period. I was up until 1:30 waiting for the Advil to kick in.I was barely back to sleep when the alarm went off at 5:30. I slept in for a bit, but then Aaron said I needed to get up if I wanted to make my bus. So I started to get ready and then

Tagged! 5 Weird Things/Habits

I was tagged by pastgirl, so here are my answers!1.) I HATE CARROTS!!!Even though I often eat vegetarian, and live a healthy lifestyle... I can't stand carrots. Only if they are chopped up into super tiny undetectable pieces can I eat them, like in a veggie burger.2.) I HATE PEACOCKS!!!They are so damn LOUD and they sound like someone screaming for help. I used to live with my Aunt and Uncle and

Well... that was stupid.

Today I decided I'd try a "fluffernutter" sandwich. What a colossal waste of calories!! What was I thinking? I should of just had chocolate. *Sigh* It was a super spike in my blood sugar and made me feel even hungrier later... which totally sucked.I was 139.25 this morning and it was a rest day.Total calories today were 1700.

That was totally worth it!!!

Tonight I had 1/2 a cup of Dove Chocolate Ice Cream, with chunks of brownies and chocolate. It was Oh-My-God good, but I almost didn't have it! I kept thinking do I really want to "blow" 290 calories on only a half a cup of ice cream?It's only a half a cup! Then I realized that my favorite "treat" is 270 calories and even smaller than half a cup! (2 TBSP of Natural Peanut Butter with 22

My Message

So last night I had time to really check out that show’s website.It seems they’ve contacted me about the show topic: “I dropped pounds, and my Lover/Friends/Family Dropped Me!” Mmm, I don’t think I meet that criteria. No one has “dropped” me because I’ve lost weight.I recently wrote about how Aaron and I are just as lovey-dovey as ever! One of my friends sometimes makes snarky comments about my

What do you think?

I recieved an email from a person who is working on a new nationally syndicated talk show premiering this Fall. (The Greg Behrendt Show)The Greg Behrendt Show is a positive, upbeat show looking to push people in the right direction. This is not about exploiting anyone's story; rather it's about giving people the helpful advice they need.Sounds right up my alley! They want to do a show about the

Aaron's Reward

I made it through the Potluck unscathed! I was 139.50 this AM! I've lost more weight than I weigh... Crazy! If I am still 140 or less tomorrow, I'm going to update my site to read "Over 140 Pounds Lost!!!" (and still going!)Aaron will also earn his Reward.When we changed my Rewards System from being tied to my weight, to just "living healthy 15 days in a row," I suggested when I reach those old 5

Looking Down the Barrel of a Potluck.

Today at work we had our “Team Picnic.” I was totally stressing-out about the food there. That stress triggered some nervous snacking. So worrying about food, made me eat even more food! ARGH!!!! By 9:00 AM I had ate 520 calories, and I still had to get through that potluck!Things were not looking good, so I emailed Aaron for support!!!JESS:I’m worried about the lunch today.AARON:You can be okay.

Still Thinking with a "Fat Brain"

Even though I am now in a Healthy Body, I still have what I call a “Fat Brain.” For the previous 20 years of my life I’d been a “Fat Chick.” It's something that won't go away just because I am “skinny” now. (It still shocks me when people use that word when talking about me!!!!!)Things are so much different now that I am not fat. The other day I was at a busy restaurant sitting at a small table

Recap of July

July was my first full month “living healthy” and I lost a total of 1.5 pounds.I can really feel the composition of my body changing! It's like my fat's a slowly receding glacier, first from off my face, then my chest, and now it's slowly working off my belly. My thighs will be the last place place to change, and even if it takes a few more years to get there.I am commited to being healthy, not

Half My Weight!!

Even though I have switched over to "being healthy" as my goal. I still weight myself every morning to see how I am doing. The last few days I have been very close to or even 140 itself! I've halved my weight! It's so weird to think that I have lost as much weight as I weigh! It also blows my mind to think that each pound that I lose from now on will mean I've lost more weight than I

Answers for Amy!

"Jessica, I have so many questions now! I have read all your pages (I think) and I guess my first question is what do you use to know the calorie count in your foods? Is there an online chart that you use, did you buy a program, a book? Based on the program that your husband created - I guess I would start with my current calorie needs and then continue to decrease as I lose weight? Were there

Lowering my Standard Deviation

Aaron, my uber-nerdy totally adorable husband, was crunching my weight loss numbers.To him weight loss is just a equation with calories needed vs. calories consumed vs. calories burned. Yesterday he was analysing my daily calorie totals. Over the past 40 days my average daily caloric intake was 1750. But my standard deviation was about 250. Basically means some days I eat 1950, and other days I

Workday vs. Weekend

My monthly weight loss SNAFU has passed and things seem to be getting back to normal! I was 142 on the button this morning.Today was another "good" day! I walked 1.25 miles before lunch and I ate 1820 total calories today. If things keep up going this well I will get my next reward August 9th... which is my niece's Birthday! She is going to be 11 this year, that is the same age as Harry

Reward on it's way!

I was able to stick to my healthy ways for 15 days straight, so this morning while I biked Aaron order the next DVD in the Ai Yori Aoshi series! I am going to stick with being healthy, but I am going to up my activity level to two days on one day off consistently for the next 15 days. Two days on one off is 3 days, so I just need to do it 5 times! :) I have really been slacking in the water

Close Call!!!

Goodness! I really did jinx myself! My period started and I became a food craving maniac! I had 580 calories for breakfast, and 1090 at lunch!!!! I was at 1670 calories by noon! That's more calories than I eat in an entire day sometimes!I wanted to keep eating and but was finally able to get myself under control. I plan to have a small sandwich 140 calories for supper. My total

Getting THX Certified!

Even though I'm getting all crampy and bloaty, I'm in a great mood! It's really odd, now that I am smaller, I can really feel what's going on inside my body. I don't know if this is true for everyone though.When I was bigger, my body seemed to communicate to me in a staticy monophonic. Now that I am healthier, things have improved to Dolby Surround Sound, and I'm still working hard to

Head's up!

Lately "Anonymous" has been leaving lots of comments on my blog. Most of their posts have a link to some other site pushing weight loss drugs or online gambling... Not Cool!!!I'll be deleting all the comments like that I find and changing the Comment Settings so people can't post anonymously anymore.This site is about real healthy successful weight loss, I don't want it spammed-up!!!

“Yogurt is Not a Dessert.”

Most days at work I have a mid-morning snack of a flavored Yoplait yogurt with 1/2 cup of All-Bran for some high-fiber crunch! Today I worked right through my morning break and did not notice until lunch! As I was getting my sandwich from the fridge, I noticed my uneaten yogurt . "Ooo!" I said. "I can have my yogurt as dessert!"A co-worker quickly laughed, "Yogurt is not a dessert!" I

AM Bike and Leftover Curries

I got up early today and road the bike before breakfast. I also did a bit of walking to and from the bus stops. My calories today were 1950 close to my limit, but still a good day! So that makes 9 days in a row of being healthy! :) I am nearly to another GOAL! I am so excited! :) Yatta!

Too Perky for Monday!

Today was our big "All-Staff Meeting" at work. We have to rent the big local Concert Venue (Veterans Memorial Coliseum) to find room for us all! They setup 3 huge screens, and an audio system hooked up to a laptop for everyone to do their presentations! It starts at 8:30AM and goes... until done, which was 10:30-ish today. The meeting started with the first speaker saying "Good morning" after

Practicing what I preach!

On my weight loss tips page I have a note at the bottom of #16. (Be Active for at Least 30 Minutes Every Other Day.) It reads: "The best time of day to exercise is before supper, or before breakfast. These are the times when your blood sugar is at its lowest. This will help you start burning fat faster."Over the past few months (in which I've been in a weight loss rut...) I had been doing most of

Aloha Friday!!!

My weight was 141.75 this morning. I got up early and rode the bike before breakfast. Today was another successful day, so that's day 5 towards my 14 day goal. (1765 calories consumed.) I am so happy it is the weekend!! I really need this time to relax :)

This Week is Going So Slow!!!

Aaron suggested that I take today as another rest day, and who am I to argue with that! ;) My Calories were 1640 today, (290 of that was chocolate!) My weight was 143.50 this AM.At work I am helping to write the movie script for this years Users Group Meeting. Last year the theme was "Mysteries," and I was in the movie as the evil "Em Fatale." (I can send you the file if you are interested

Ow... That Wonderful "Day After" Feeling...

Today was a post yoga recovery day. I am sore all over in that good kind of way. I had 1685 calories, and now I am gonna go to bed! :)

Another Good Day! :)

I did manage to get my butt out of bed this morning and do yoga. I also walked around the block today at lunch.My calories were 1700 on the head. 140 Oatmeal 140 South Beach Diet Bar 110 Light Yogurt Banana Creme 100 1 c. All-bran Extra Fiber 140 2 slices whole wheat bread 20 Mustard 50 Turkey 170 Orange Juice 130 Kudos

Have You Seen This?!

For years I've talked about how cool the My Virtual Model website is, well I have to say things have just got one step cooler!Prevention.com has a free weight loss simulator using MVM!!!So now you can see your model at different weights, side-by-side! TOO SWEET!!!Oh, and speaking of sweets, you don't have to sign up for their "sugar solution" to use it, it's totally FREE!!!Today is Day 14

NEW SITE IS UP!!!!

Alright! :) This site is up and ready to rock! Please be sure to update any links or bookmarks!My Weight Loss Blog is now found at http://lessjess.blogspot.com(Which is this site here!)Let me know if you find anything funky!Today's exercise was back-to back Tai Chi classes.I have ate 1030 calories so far today, and supper will be fish and veggies! Mmmm!I think it is safe to say that day 13

Almost Ready!!!

So a while back I said that I was going to move my site to an ad-free place... well that place is here and it is ALMOST ready!!!Once I feel this place is up to snuff, I will post the link here on my old site to here! Please remember to update your bookmarks and links then!! :) I am so excited!!-Jess1740 calories today and I biked for exercise. Day 12 is a success! 2 more to go until I get

June's Stats

Over all I was one pound down in June.I had a few days where my weight spiked up from super salty foods, and there was the pie/pms/period part at the end of the month, but I got better! ;)I ate 1670 caloires today, and rode the bike for 20 fat calories. Four more days to go and I get my reward for living healthy for two weeks straight! Ai Yori Aoshi will be mine!! :)

Healthy Holiday Weekend!

I took yesterday off and made a 4-Day weekend using just one vacation day. SWEET.Today is the 9th day in a row that I have been good to my new healthy lifestyle.I ate 1770 calories today, and biked for 20 "fat calories." I don't think that number means anything in reality, but it is one of the numbers displayed by the LCD while I bike. (Speed in MPH, Distance, Time on/left on the bike, Heart

Back to My Roots

The monthly puffies are in retreat and I was back to 141.25 this morning. Yea!Today is Day 7 towards my new goal. Just one more week to go, and I will finally get my reward! I am so excited!!!Another thing I am excited about is my friend Starr is visiting from L.A! We are hooking up tonight, then going out to the townie bar where my sister, Becky, is tending!I plan on taking lots of pictures!

Falling Apart

Because of my chest pains I was taking Ibuprofen consistently every day as directed by my doctor. Today I stopped my regimen of pain killers and my chest still feels slightly irritated, but now my right wrist has suddenly flared up with a scary repetitive movement-like injury. (BURNING OW!!!)I feel like I am falling apart! *SIGH*I'm still living healthy even if the rest of me can't seem to stay

Like Clockwork...

My period started today, right on schedule. Even though I am all puffed up again, I am still a pound lighter than when I puffed last period! :) (I was 143.25. this AM)Today was good day! :) I walked around the block at lunch, and when I got home I rode the bike for a bit.My total calories for today were 1960 which falls in between my 1600-2000 calories a day range.

Feeling Upset...

This has me in such a funk, I have to just rant a bit....I saw AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH this weekend. Everyone should see this movie, everyone. I've never doubted the existence of Global Climate change. In fact every scientific study that has been published about about CO2 levels, ocean temperatures, etc... have all been peer-reviewed and verified. And NONE of the scientific studies have ever been

Bug Reported and Fixed

Woohoo! I wrote an e-mail to the Lycos support people, and told them that the comments were only working in IE for my blog. They quickly corrected the bug. so please load my page up with comments in celebration! :)-Jess

New Comments Window Only works with MS IE!?!

Wow, if this PMS wasn't enough to get me all crabby, now Tripod has changed they way comments get posted. It seems to be written in a javascript that ONLY runs in Microsoft Internet Explorer! Argh!I think it is time I get my own domain.I have already started the process of moving this site to a hopefully Ad-Free domain! :)I will be looking into moving this site over the next couple of weeks, and

Crabby Jess!! :P

My next period is due to start in less than a week. I realized this after I got instantly irritated by a question my husband was trying ask. I couldn't figure out what he wanted to know, so I kept asking him for clarification... my tone rising each time.He then asked why I was getting so upset... that's when it dawned on me; my last period started 24 days ago... DAMN! No wonder I feel like I have

This is my Brain on Cosmo....

I was at the doctor today for a check-up and two things really set me off.One was a article called "Half Their Size" in People Magazine. It was about people who had lost lots of weight without surgery. I was like cool, this is like me... But then the article said "No matter how many sit-ups you do, after losing a massive amount of weight you have to have plastic surgery to 're-contour' the body."

A Journey Without A Destination

When I first started to lose weight, the weight came easily and quickly. To stay motivated I got a reward for every 10 pounds lost. (Usually a DVD) But after I lost 100 pounds, my weight loss started to slow down. So to keep my motivation high I switched my rewards to every 5 pounds!Now that I've lost just over 135 pounds… I am stuck. I have been stuck here for over 6 months! I've never stopped

Back to 142.50 after the bloat goes away.

I filed today's entry under weight loss frustration because I am so sick of going up and down due to fluid retention. *SIGH* Today for exercise I played in (and walked to and from) an hour long kickball game! Total calories consumed today, 1690.I am hopeful that this sizzling weekend will leave me this weight or less by Monday. Time will tell. Best wishes - Jess

Weight climbs up to 144.50 as I heal...

My weight was 144.50 this morning. I am feeling much better physically, and I am trying to bounce back mentally. Being up to 144.50 again... argh.Aaron thinks that most of this weight is just puff from salty foods. He is usually right, and that it melts away quickly.I was so close to 140 just a week ago... But I ask myself would I rather be a "number" (140) or would I rather feel healthy. The

Back to 142.25! Argh!

Yesterday I had to go to the St. Mary's Emergency Room for chest pains. I didn't think it was anything serious, but the nurse insisted I go.As expected, there was nothing wrong with my heart. They were not sure what was causing my pain, but their best diagnosis is Pleurisy. Pleurisy is the painful inflammation of the membranes surrounding the lungs. It hurts for me to breathe, cough, laugh, or

Cheap Date & Old Friends

I can't wait to see what my weight will be tomorrow! This weekend has been a trail, but I think I will come through it okay.Saturday started with our Tai Chi classes, which turned my legs to jelly in a "good way." Then we were then visited by our friend Ed and his girlfriend Amanda. He also brought with him pizza! And not just any pizza, Topper's pizza!!! I had three slices of a Californian

141.50!!!!!!!!

After a couple of days of being "stuck" my weight is moving right along now! I'm just 1.5 pounds way from 140! How exciting! This is the lowest weight I have ever been as an adult!!! :) Yippie!I walked a lap today at work and ate 1660 calories! :) Tomorrow morning is Double Tai Chi.I am so happy it is Friday! I need to kick back and relax! Stress totally cripples my weight loss, and I do not

The scale is moving again! :)

Woohoo! My weight has slowly started to move again!!! (And in the "right" direction too, I might add! ;) )I was 142.25 this morning! I think this is just the beginning something big. :) My calories were 1630 today, and I will be riding my bike while watching T.V. for my exercise tonight! :)I better get biking!-Jess

Hot Dogs and a Skinny Cow

I was STILL 142.50 this morning when I got on the scale. Argh, tomorrow HAS to be the day when things start moving again right? My supper tonight included some Turkey Hot Dogs and a Skinny Cow Chocolate and Peanut Butter Ice Cream Sandwich. (Thank you Jacquelyn for suggesting these tastey treats.) When I was writing "Hot dogs and Skinny Cow" into my journal I thought it was kinda cute and made it

Still 142.50...

Today I wore one of those really annoying shirts where you either have your belly roll popping out the bottom, or so much "cleavage" your bra sticks out the top!! How stupid! Argh!I remember the days I used to dream about being able to shop in the "Normal" section of the store... but now that I can, I don't think manufactures make decent clothes in any size!! *SIGH* Maybe this is because all the

Even more puff gone!

I was 142.50 this morning! Just two and a half pounds to go now! I am so excited! :) We went shopping today! I also read a few chapters in a book, took a nap, played a 4-hour long board game, then watched Star Wars Episode III. So... I didn't do any exercise, but I did keep my calories to 1890. :)

143 on the Third!

The "period puff" is already gone and I was back to 143 on the dot this morning! :) Saturdays rock because Aaron and I have 2 Tai Chi classes back-to-back in the morning! Today we learned the last bit of the first form! Once we feel comfortable doing it, we can "test" to earn our BLUE sashes!!! (Kinda like the "belt system" in other martial arts.) YEA!!!Tai Chi litteraly translates as "Supreme

Period & "Bonus Pound"

Grr!!! My period started *AGAIN* last night... Man didn't I just do this?! A 26 day cycle!? It just doesn't seem fair! But who ever said life is fair?!I was a pound puffier this AM, How Annoying! (144.25) Argh.... On the bright side, I know that the puff will go away soon!!!I am taking today as a "rest day" and trying to eat between 1600 - 1800 calories. :)I hope that about 300 of that 1800

May Was Okay!

May was a good month for weight loss for me! I'm down three pounds! Even with the blood donation, and Holidays... (Mother's Day and the long Memorial Day Weekend) the scales still tipped in a favorable direction!If I can be just as successful in June as I was in May, I will surely be 140 pounds (or less) before the 4th of July! I am so Excited!! Yeah! :) I can't wait to get my next reward!!!*HUGS

Weekend wasn't too bad

I was 144.00 this morning. I "gained" 1.25 over the hoilday weekend. Actually, I puffed up to 145 on Sunday (You know, like "Ow! My ring won't come off my sausage-like finger.") and I was back down to 144 today!Even with this weekend's slight gain, I've still lost 2.25 pounds since May 1st! (136.00 over all!) I was hoping to lose over 6 pounds this month, but that loss is far too aggressive for

Can I make it through a 3-Day Weekend ?!

I was 142.75 this morning! Yea! Yesterday was a rest day for me and I had 1810 calories.I hope that I can make it to Tuesday this weight or less. I am a bit nervous because I have a graduation party to go to today. I will do my best around all that party food and cake! Luckily, Aaron will be there with me for support!Aaron and I have Double Tai Chi today for exercise! :) (Two classes

Keeping Up the Good Work!!

I did Yoga again this morning! I am able to most of it without the block, except for a few poses to the left. My left side just isn’t as bendy as the right.I was 143.25 this morning, that is a quarter pound less than I was last Friday morning!Tomorrow will be one week since the donation.I took a lap around the block at lunch and got rained on a bit! Yesterday my Calories were 1700 on the dot.I

Still Recovering from the Blood Donation.

My weight was 144.00 this morning. I am doing a good job of holding steady after the blood donation last Friday!I know that things will be slow for awhile. It is so frustrating now, since I have my goal reward picked out!! I will get there soon enough and Ai Yori Aoshi will be mine!!Today is a rest day for activity , and I've ate 1450 calories so far today. :)

Delayed but not Done-for

I weighed myself about an hour earlier than usual this morning. I was 144.50. That is the same weight I was the day before my blood donation... So I think I am doing okay. :)For my activity I walked just over 5 miles today, and I cut my calories back to 1800. Confession!Last night we went shopping and I wanted to get a "snack bar," you know, like "Kudos." So I was comparing the nutritional facts

Getting back on it!

I was curious when I could resume my usual routine after donating blood. Looks like the "turn-around" time is shorter than I though! :)This morning I tried doing Yoga, and had no problems! :-) I am still keeping my calories around the 2000 calorie point so by body can have all the fuel it needs to make new blood.It is nice being active again! :)My weight was 143.75 this morning. I was puffy from

Trying to keep it together!

The blood donation went really well! :-) I feel great! I hope that my weight loss will not be too effected by it. I ate about 2300 calories today. My body went through enough stress having a pint of blood removed, I didn't think cutting calories would help. For activity today I walked a mile before the donation.I was 143.50 this morning. I hope to maintain this weight while I recover.

Giving Blood Tomorrow!!!

Tomorrow I will give blood. I think this will be my 30th donation to the Red Cross. I know this will really effect my ability to workout and lose weight, but being able to help save a life is more important to me. :)I was 144.50 this morning but I was weight myself earlier than usual... so I figure I am still the same puffed up self. :-)My husband said that he can feel my body tightening. So

2 pounds lost so far this month...

I have lost 2 pounds so far this month. I was hoping to lose 6.50 pounds this month. I have a lot of ground to cover before the end of the month, if I want to reach that goal! But, I'll be happy with any net loss! ;)Over the past 30 days I have lost an average of a quarter pound each day! If I can keep it up, I should reach my 140 goal in early June, if not before then!!Today I did two laps

Getting it Together!

Last night my husband made supper! It was yummy, but very high in sodium. I was worried with all that salt the Mother's Day Brunch Bloat wouldn't go away. I was still pretty puffy this morning, but I was back down to 144.25. I know it will over this soon. :)I biked really hard last night, and I walked today! :) I like to de-stress at work by doing a quick lap around the block. It helps keeps me

Had to Turn on Comment Moderation

Recently I have been getting "comments" on my blog that weren’t actually comments. They were really just links to "herbal weight loss products." I have been removing/editing them, but it is starting to upset me.If you know my story, you know that I've lost all of my weight naturally. No gimmicks, No pills, no surgery... I just count my calories and try to be active! I've NEVER used any of that

Fun Night Out?

I was still 142.75 this morning! Yea! Things are going great! Aaron and I had double Tai Chi this morning. (Two whole classes in a row!) It is so much fun, and is a surprisingly good workout too!Right from Tai Chi we went to My hubbie's family's home to celebrate Mother's Day a day early. :-) We had lots of fun with the whole family and had lunch at the local Chinese place. :)Tonight I hope to go

It's Finally Friday! :-)

Woo hoo! I am finally starting to feel back in the swing of things! :-) I was 142.75 this morning. Bye-bye period puff!I did a good workout tonight, and my calories are looking great! :-) I have a really good feeling about tomorrow... but I could be totally wrong! ;)For supper tonight I had half a frozen thin crust garlic chicken pizza. It was super yummy, but also super salty. I'm not gonna

Feeling Burnt Out

I have a stress headache that is not going away. *SIGH* I think I will just call it a day and go to bed right now.No exercise today. Daily Calories - 1790

There's a Light at the end of the Tunnel!!!

I thought for sure my weight would be up after the super salty supper I had last night, but I am still holding steady at 144.25! I know that I will be having a happy day tomorrow when I get on the scale as my period draws to an end and this puffiness goes away.I was able to do a good cardio workout after I got my butt on the bike last night. I was just so wiped out, but once I started going and

I'm too tired...

I feel so wiped out at drained. I don't want to workout, but I will. I know that once I get going it will get better. I will just do the "warm up" program and if I feel better after that, I'll do a full workout. I better get started!-Jess

Puffed up with period :-P

Darn! Just when things were getting back on track to reach 140 by the end of the month, my weight spikes up with the start of my period! *Boo-hoo!*I was 144.25 this morning. I know that it is just hormonal bloat though, and it should go away quickly! Yippee! I will just have to wait until then!

Finally Relaxed!!!!!!!!!!

I have been stressed out for a long time. Since before April I was stressing about the Hawaii Trip, and then I was on the trip, I was stressing about being away from home! Once I got home, I got stressed about getting caught up at work, and about the weight I gained while in Hawaii!Well things are finally starting to settle down and get back to "normal." Or at least to a level that I can

I miss my breasts

Last night I got a new bra. It's usually exciting to get new clothes as you lose weight... but getting a new bra always make me feel a bit sad.I used to be a 48DDD back when I was obese, but now I am a 36C. Being a 36C should feel nice and normal, but after having bigger boobs I feel really flat. *SIGH* I just had to get that off my chest!!! ;)I ate 1710 calories today and did program three on my

Poof goes the Puff!

The Weekend's puff has disappeared! I was down to 144.25 this morning!! Today was one of my coworker's last day with our team. (She is moving to another department!) So to send her off, we took her out to a Thai restaurant for lunch!!I order some unpronounceable noodle dish and asked for it to be as hot has possible. Again, I didn't feel like the dish was that hot... so I asked my co-workers to

April Statistics

April was a rocky month for weight loss. Between my period, and a business trip to Maui, I had gained 9.5 pounds by Easter (April 16th)!! But, I got home and got it back together.I've lost -5.75 since April 16th! I still have 3.75 pounds left to lose before I am back to my "pre-April" weight, but I am feeling good about how I am doing now!I was 146.25 this morning after a disasterous weekend.

Chocolate Explosion

Last night Aaron and I went out for dinner at "Boston's The Gourmet Pizza".We started the evening with a poor excuse for "Screaming Hot" Wings. Only two pieces were actually chicken wings!! The rest were legs ("drummies") from Cornish hens.We also asked for them to be "as hot as possible" and without blue cheese or ranch dressing on the side - because they'd cut the heat! (and add unnecessary

Re-Reward Reached!

I was back to 145 this morning! It feels so good to be back on track!! Next Friday I get to open my Re-reward! Now I know that Re-reward isn’t a “real” word, but it has a meaning people understand. I am getting a reward for reaching 145 again.The first time I was 145 was October 27th last year. That was 183 days ago! Then the Holidays and other events happened that totally stalled-out my weight

Everything is Cool!

WOO HOO!!! I was 146.00 again this morning, just as I was hoping I would be after the junk I ate yesterday!Today I am right back to eating well. :) Good thing too, because the REWARD I get for reaching 145 arrived today! Talk about motivation!!! I can't wait until I can open that Amazon.com box!!! :-)For activities today I walked and played an hour of kick ball! :)Now to spend a relaxing evening

Taller than I thought I was!

I went to the Doctor this morning (just a check-up) and was shocked to see I was 167 cm tall! (65.75 inches or 5 feet, 5 3/4 inches) That’s like a centimeter taller that I thought I was! That also makes my BMI look slightly better. ;) (23.74 vs. 23.93)Today one of my co-workers brought in a delicious cake! A yellow cake layered with crushed pineapple, creamy vanilla pudding & whipped cream topped

What I ate today!

Last entry I said I was "back to normal." I feel like I need to say what I eat on a "normal" day.Breakfast is usually one packet of instant oatmeal, calories range depending on flavor, but are under 200.Mid-AM, I have a snack of a yogurt with 1/2 a cup of All-Bran. Calories for this snack are between 180 & 260 depending on the yogurt type and flavor.Late-AM, I have some fruit. Usually a banana,

Back to Normal!!!

I was 146.00 again this morning, the same weight as yesterday! I decided to list today a "Weight Loss Victory," because I am finally back to Normal!!The past week my body has been recovering from a business trip to Maui. Every day this week I lost a half-pound or more! It was getting kinda scary. I am glad that things are finally back to normal! :-)Tonight my sister is participating in a

Still doing great! :-)

Hawaii weight is still melting away. I was 146.00 this morning. That's 6 pounds since Easter, but things are finally slow down to a normal pace again.I am taking today as a rest day becuase tomorrow morning we have double Tai Chi.On Monday my reward for getting back under 150 should arrive, and I am just one pound away from to getting the reward for reaching 145! Woo!I hope that I get under 145

Weight Still Dropping Fast

I was surprised this morning to see I was down to 147.25 already! It's nice that my weight is quickly heading back towards where I was before Maui, but I am kinda surprised at how fast the extra weight is shedding. Seriously, I have lost 4.75 pounds since Sunday! Although a lot of that was bloat and a big meal still in my belly.Oh! Speaking of bloat, I feel like I was being extra sneaky to avoid

Down Another Pound

This morning I was down another pound. (148.50) That should be about it for the Maui bloat weight... Now starts the hard part where I have to burning off the rest.Today I walked just over two miles before supper, then after supper, I lightly biked for about 45 minutes.I had a total of about 1690 calories today to the best of my estimations. I was able to get the "exact" calories of most things I

Under 150 again.

I was 149.50 this morning. That's 2.5 pounds less than what I was on Easter Morning! I guess a lot of that extra weight was bloat after all! I still have a long way to go to recover though...I asked Aaron if I will get a reward if I am still under 150 next Monday, and he said, "Yeah, that is what we decided." I just had to make sure though.To be honest, I feel miserable today. I am in a total

Hitting Reset

It is so great to be HOME!! I was not able to fall asleep on the plane like I hoped, so I was awake for over 30 hours before I finally made it home and fell into a coma-like sleep. I was too exhausted to notice that I was home really. Then at 3:30 AM I was startled awake when Sabina (our gray cat) jumped on me, wanting to be fed breakfast. Ahh! It is great to be home!I got on the physician's

Packed My Own Lunch!!!

Wow. Last night 9 of us went out for sushi again. It was a feast. I walked to and from the restaurant, so that was about 4 miles! I have been doing a great job at staying active... just really bad at limiting my calorie intake!Today one of the Implementers (the role at my work that is constantly traveling to help customers install our software) said that gaining 5 pounds on a go-live is average

Total Loss of Control

The other day my roommate told me: “On Maui, you are not allowed to feel home sick.”But I am homesick no matter what the “rules” are. I am on one of the most beautiful places on earth, on my company’s expense account, and I would rather be back home in the "ghetto."Last night I just “snapped” and ate three bowls of cereal after supper. I was doing SO good that day until then. I was so careful

Not so bad...

Okay. I was around 146-ish this morning. I was a bit alarmed, but with my period (It ended today, and it started last Thursday) and this business trip that has me eating out for at least one meal each day... things were just not in my favor!I brought along my yoga dvd to do, but I was not able to do with with my period. My dvd says women who are menstruation should not do inverted poses for it

Sexy new do!

Wow! My new hair-do is amazing!!! I feel like a movie star! I want it to be a surprise for my hubbie, but if you are curious here is what it looks like. (Shhh! Don't let Aaron know!) I love it!I went for a walk this morning, swam in the ocean, and did some push-ups and sit ups. I think I will go for a walk again once it starts to cool down.It is nearly 3 PM for me now, and my calories for today

One more week..

God I miss my husband!!!! This is the longest we have ever been apart. I miss him with every fiber of my being. I call him and e-mail him daily, but I miss the feeling of being held in his arms. I miss falling asleep with my head on his chest, listening to his heart beat. *SIGH!*As a special treat for my return I am getting my hair done today. I can't give any details because I want it to be a

Got Sick. Got Period.

Aw man! I got a cold. :-( I am not sure if it is just like “hay-fever” from all the flowers here, or if I caught something on the plane that had a 4 day incubation period… Whatever it was, I am sick. My sinuses hurt, my nose constantly running. And now the dripping down the back has caused a sore throat and I feel it creeping into my lungs as well. I feel miserable… and then if that wasn’t

So far, So good

On Monday I was supporting the Go-Live from 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM… and that isn’t even counting the 30-40 minute travel time (each way) between the clinic and the condo! What a long day!!! When I got in I was beat, and hungry!!! I pretty much ate and collapsed last night and did not get to write anything. But I got off by 5:30 tonight, and I’m back!There is still sun light out and I was thinking

In O'Hare!

Today I woke up at 3:30 (with the time change too, ew) and weighed myself. I was 144.50 at what felt like 2:30 AM my body. I figure I must be just fine! :)Right now, I am in between flights here at O'Hare Airport!Things are off to a good start! I got my snacks packed and lots of water with. I am feeling pretty good about things today!In my survival bag I have:I have 2 green apples (120 calories

Aloha! I made it to Maui!

HOLY COW!!! That was a LONG flight! We landed at what felt like 7 PM to me, but that is only 2 PM local time. I am all checked in to the condo, and I am paid the insane "high-speed Internet access fee." ($40.00 for a week!?) My goodness!Thing are going great so far. I was thinking about being "brave" and walking up the street to find some eats. I need to have supper yet. My calorie total today is

Thank You Hungry Girl!!!

Yesterday my co-workers asked me to go out to Chili's for lunch. My first instinct was to just say NO. I was feeling a bit gun-shy after the last dining out disaster.But I didn't want to be anti-social, and since I'll be gone for the next 2 weeks... I agreed to go.I started researching their menu online, and decided to check multiple sources for the calories. I wouldn't be tricked this time!

Still 143.75...

Well my weight is holding steady at 143.75. I think that's a good thing. :) I am getting so PUMPED about the trip I can hardly wait! :) I gotta go to game night now, so I have to cut it short! :)Later!-Jess

Getting Ready To Go!

Tonight Aaron and I went shopping! I had a list of stuff to take with to Maui, so we picked up things like shampoo, conditioner, SPF 50 waterproof sun block, a beach towel, etc...I am really getting really excited now! Today I got to pick up my travel laptop to take with. I am so happy that I will be able to maintain contact! I look forward to doing my blogging from Maui! I also think that

CURSE YOU LYING ABOUT YOUR MENU'S NUTRITION!!!!!

ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Back on March 12th, my weight spiked up just before my period... but now my period is long gone, and my weight still hasn't fully recovered. In fact this morning I was back up to 144.25, and I am extra upset about that! The reason it has me so mad is because I feel lied to. You see, it was my mom's birthday so we went out for supper! Most foods served in restaurants are