It's Here Again!!!

It's that time of year again when our daughter's school encourages us to sell candy bars. We are not forced to, but we do have to raise $150 per family through fundraisers each year or buyout for the same amount. We've already sold magazines, pizzas, Kringles, entertainment books, MarketDay, etc., but I know we're still short. So we took two cases of candy bars so far, which will net us $50 toward our goal. That means I have 100 assorted candy bars staring me in the face. Last year, it was easy to get rid of the temptations, since I was still working full-time and just brought them and sold 3 cases in less than a week. This year, I don't think the kind folks at Weight Watchers would appreciate my candy bars.

It's noon on the first day and I've already had a nibble. There are four sections to each candy bar and seeing that all of my kids are home, we split one four ways. Maybe next year little Ben will be able to eat his share, but for now it was mine because I was not about to have a family war over the last section. I do feel good about only having one section and it did satisfy my sweet tooth for now. Here's hoping the family wants to buy about 75 candy bars this weekend at my neices' birthday party ;)

In the mean time, maybe I should do another giveaway...anybody up to having 100 candy bars in their house??

"To change and to change for the better
are two different things."
German Proverb

Have you ever made a change just for change sake? That's exactly what I did when I put the scale away. I was thinking that the feedback that the scale was providing me was interfering with how I ate. If the number was low in the morning, I ate more throughout the day; high in the morning, eat less throughout the day. I decided to bring the scale back.

Putting the scale away for a week made me realize that I can do this without the daily feedback of the number, but I rely on that number along with other factors (ie. how my clothes fit, regular exercise, tracking my food, etc.) to determine how well I am doing.

Some people can go for a whole month without weighing themselves. I am not to that point yet and need the scale as feedback.

Sidenote: Hopefully, the family is healthy once again. My 4 yr. old is back to school and all is well at home. I attempted to clean the carpet yesterday, but my wife did a much better job. Glad she know how to use the darn Kirby!! We bought it a few years ago instead of going to Disney. Wonder if she'll find another "Kirby" before our scheduled Disney outing in July ;)

Wife all better, 4 yr. old now sick!!! Makes for a LONG day.

"Can We Go Out for Dinner Instead?"

We have a family tradition of going out to eat for everyone's birthday. I'm sure we're not the only family to do this, but it is one of the few times that we do go out to a sit down restaurant. On Friday, I was bringing the kids home from school and asking for suggestions as to where to go. We all had different answers and then I asked when we should go, for lunch or dinner? My 7 yr. old was quick to answer: "Let's go out for dinner so we can have dessert!" It caught me off guard since I'm actually used to having some type of dessert after EVERY meal. That she associates dinner and dessert, but not lunch with dessert. It could be that she eats lunch at school and doesn't realize that I usually pack a dessert type item in her lunch.

Dessert in our family has changed in the last year as well. We would always finish our dinner and go right for dessert. Now, we have initially waited a while before even offering dessert. Often, the kids forget and we go without. My desserts are usually yogurt and fruit and a bit of raw oatmeal while the kids and wife feast on ice cream or popsicles. It does amaze me how our habits have changed.

We actually never ended up going out to eat since my wife was not feeling well, but we're planning a restaurant outing for Friday night to celebrate both of our birthdays. And I can guarantee that dessert will be served ;)

I Don't Think I Want This Job!!

How would you like to walk around your workplace with your weight plastered all over you for all your co-workers and everyone else who happens by to notice. That's what these people have to endure daily. Not sure how you would aspire to become a "Human Dumbbell," but the idea really does sound interesting. I understand the appeal as these dumbbells encourage you along the way and give you support and motivation as you workout. What a concept! Even though I plaster my weight on the sidebar of my blog, there is no way that I'm putting on the front of my shirt and working at the gym while people try to lift me.

Have a great weekend! My challenge: Mega family birthday party tomorrow. It's my wife's birthday and we're celebrating the huge mass of January/February birthdays including mine, but I'm much younger than my wife...my birthday isn't for another 10 days ;)

The winner of the goal giveaway...Spunkysuzi. Thanks for the great supportive network of bloggers who continues to motivate me daily.

Goal Giveaway

Today is the one year anniversary of reaching my goal weight. To celebrate, I'm giving away an ample supply of five things that have helped me maintain that goal: Quaker Oatmeal, PB2, Weight Watchers Smoothies, Orbit-SF Gum, and Green Tea. Leave a comment, it's that simple...not feeling creative today.

Quaker Oatmeal has been a staple of mine almost every morning. This is one food that I continue to measure out. Most everything else I have begun eyeballing, but don't mess with my oatmeal. It seems to keep me full until lunchtime and if I don't eat it, I tend to eat more later in the day. Seems that all oatmeal is not created equal either, as I have tried the store brands or lower price brands and they just do not have the same texture. The best thing that happened to me was having no microwave for a few weeks as I was forced to make it on the stovetop and have not gone back to the microwave.

PB2 has become an important snack of mine. I love peanut butter and would never put the PB2 in my oatmeal, but I use it as a dip for my carrots all the time. I've also used it in my WW chocolate smoothies, which creates a delicious blend of chocolate and peanut butter. I've tried the chocolate flavor and enjoy that equally as well.

I'm not always a fan of the WW products, but I do keep a supply of smoothies on hand for those days I'm needing something different. I know the link is for the already made smoothies, but I always use the mixes. I tend to add way too much to my smoothies, but I know that everything that I add is healthy.

Orbit Gum has been a lifesaver during those afternoons when my girls come home and eat through the cupboards. If I don't stick a piece in my mouth, I would probably join them in this all to familiar quest.

Green Tea has become a favorite evening treat. I've started drinking it as I watch TV and also usually bring some to bed with me. It has helped curve the carvings for needless snacks in the evening somewhat.

I've been reflecting over the past few days about all the things that have happened this past year. New president, new full-time job, new part-time job, new baby, lots of new neices and nephews...all of this occuring while every new person I meet has no idea of the journey I have taken. It's been a wonderful, fast, fun-filled year with many exciting twists and turns. Looking forward to another year!

Happy Inauguration Day

Whatever your political beliefs, today, seems to be one of "those" days every American will remember. I'm sure most people remember special days throughout their lives including where they were when JFK was assassinated, or MLK too. Days such as the first man on the moon, or the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion. Of course, there are many personal days to remember as well. The day we got married, the entire honeymoon as it was the first plane ride I ever took and the first cruise I was ever on and the first time I was off American soil. I definitely remember the birth of all four children and the special days that come with children as well: the first day of school, birthdays, etc.

What about the weightloss journey? In two days, I will celebrate one year at my Weight Watcher goal. I remember THAT day like it was yesterday. It happened to be a Tuesday and I skipped my choir practice because I knew I was going to reach my goal weight. It was the only time in over a year that I attended a different meeting from my normal Wednesday meeting. The meeting room was packed as the Tuesday meetings always are due to the dynamic leader, who I really do like, but I prefer a smaller meeting personally. I remember the day that I reached my lifetime status as well. I brought all 3 of my kids along with my "fat pants" to the meeting. Weighed in, said a few words and took the kids to McDonald's for a celebration dinner.

I wish I could remember more of the days that really meant the most. Those days that I just kept plugging away. Those days that help us reach our goals, but are not as memorable. Those are the days that really mean the most.

Happy Inauguration Day!...and may every day help us realize our goals.

Get Away from the Scale!!

I've decided to put the scale away for a few weeks. Seems whenever I step on it and I'm down a few pounds, I always tend to relax and eat more. I want to follow the true hunger of my body for a while and see how it goes. The next time I step on a scale will be for my WW weigh in early in February. I need to do this to prove to myself that I can still be successful without being a slave to the scale.

I have stepped on that scale every time that I am in the bathroom and it will stop right now. I have "hid" the scale out of sight and hopefully out of mind. I know that I have been eating about the same for well over a year now and I should not need to rely on the scale to tell me so.

Why the change of heart? I have weighed myself daily since starting this journey. It's been good to me, but I need to try something different for a while. Simple as that. I'm not gaining, not losing, just for the sake of change.

What is it about the Cold?

Do your tastes change from Summer to Winter? What is it about the cold that brings about a need for "comfort" food? I never believed in comfort food until the last few days. Being trapped in the house because of the bitter cold, got me realizing that I certainly eat differently in the winter compared to the summer. During the summer, I love fresh fruits, veggies and generally eat much more "lite." During the winter, I have been finding myself reach for the breads, crackers, and all sorts of seasonal treats. I still eat plenty of fruits and veggies, but am favoring the old standbys of apples and bananas to the summery berries, melons, etc.

This week I made a batch of Rainbow Bean Soup. I'm sure it's not a recipe that I would choose during the summer, but to eat it during this recent cold spell has been a treat. Today, our family feasted on soup and grilled cheese for lunch. This cold weather seems to play tricks on our bodies when it comes to exercise too.

I don't seem motivated to move as I would rather stay under a blanket and keep myself warm. I've enjoyed snuggling with the little ones as they put off a lot of body heat to keep my "not-so-insultated-as-I-once-was" body warm. Yesterday, while working in a WW meeting room, one of the members mentioned how warm it was. I told her I was freezing and she noticed the THREE heavy layers of clothes I was wearing. Today, I am once again sporting three layers plus a fleece sweatshirt and a fleece blanket. Can't wait for the summer to once again come and naturally encourage a little more physical activity.

Singing through Cabin Fever

Today, is the second straight day in which the kids have no school due to the cold weather. They're predicting a high of 5 degrees today. Yesterday, we didn't get above 0! The wind is what really is causing the closing as the windchills are -40.

I usually leave the house to do something, but yesterday I opened the door to get the paper and to get the mail and that was it. I got the lowest number of steps that I ever remember getting, but did manage to get in a cardio workout on the elliptical.

On the Biggest Loser this week, one of the trainer tips that Bob mentioned was singing while you're doing your workout on the treadmill or the elliptical. He mentioned that singing strenghtens your ab muscles and improves your breathing. I enjoy singing, but I always thought if you could sing while you exercise, you're not exercising hard enough. We do a lot of singing in this house and yesterday, we watched "Annie" and did a rousing rendition of "Tomorrow" as an entire family. Today, we're set to watch another musical. Probably, "Wizard of Oz" while singing along with the munchkins and following the yellow brick road.

Besides going to the bathroom like a seasoned pro, my 3 yr. old has also been surprising me a few times a day. Out of the blue he will say, "I'm going to exercise!" Then, he proceeds upstairs and hops on the elliptical for a few minutes. He comes back in such a good mood, like he has really accomplished something great. After a few hours, he usually does the same thing once again.


Here's to a peaceful day with four kids and a Dad suffering from cabin fever.

Are You a "Joelle"?

I love watching the Biggest Loser as it does give great tips either with the unrealistic and seemingly unhealthy way to lose weight. Last night, trainer Bob really laid into Joelle. Last week, Joelle's partner Carla agreed to go home for a month while Joelle fought to stay at the ranch. It seemed to be such an unselfish act by Carla, giving her friend the opportunity to stay and workout with trainers and eat properly and be under constant supervision from doctors, etc. What an awesome opportunity!!

Joelle had the opportunity of a lifetime to make her friend proud, lose weight for herself and improve her way of life. What did she do? She did as little as possible. A lost opportunity? Maybe not as somehow Joelle managed to do enough to stay in the game.

It is so hard to give 100% all the time. Sometimes I do find myself doing enough to "just get by." Many of the contestants on the show noticed her half hearted effort and her plotting to vote her off. After seeing the last chance workout, I thought about myself. Would I be a "Joelle"? Giving as much of myself as I need to, or would I give it my all and then more! I would hope that I would go for the gusto, but only when someone like Bob was right in my face.

I am rooting for Joelle this next week. I'm hoping she won't leave her partner down as it seems Carla is working her tail off at home. An opportunity like this comes once in a lifetime.

In a Groove

My 3 yr. old little boy never showed any interest in being potty trained before last week. Last week, we took a trip to the store and found some Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Handy Mandy undies on clearance. This was really all it took to kick him in gear. Since last Wednesday when we made this amazing purchase, he has had two potty accidents and a few messy ones, but really has gone to the bathroom without even any prodding or reminding from Daddy. I have asked a few times when I've noticed him holding himself, but he has made it with plenty of time to spare. What happened? How does this all of a sudden kick in?

Wouldn't it be nice if weight loss were so easy? One day, you just get it. I don't what to be fat anymore, I'm going to lose it!! I'm learning a lot from my little ones at home. I'm giving lots of positive reinforcements through high-fives, telling everyone of his success, giving him gumballs when he asks, etc.

When I was losing weight, I found so much motivation in the five pound stars handed out at WW. I longed for the attention of a job well done, I wanted to shout out to everyone how awesome I felt, I wished someone would give me gumballs...well, not really.

A buddy is a great motivator and it seems that my little guy has a potty buddy in Daddy. Last night, I worked a meeting in which a current member brought in a friend to join. What a great gift for both of them. A weight loss buddy can help motivate, keep you honest and tell you the truth when you need a little kick!

I'm looking forward to more learning at home from my little buddy.

"I Know..."

This weekend, we celebrated my Father-in-law's 65th birthday. No fancy cake, but we had a wicked pan of brownies with one missing before we lit the 65 candles (I guess you can do that when you're 65). After the celebration Saturday, I wanted to exercise on Sunday. As soon as the football games started, I told my wife that I was going upstairs to exercise. Her response: "I know." I asked what that meant and she said, "You like to do that :)"

Never have I told her that I like to exercise! It got me thinking about exercise. Initially, I thought, I don't like exercise. But now that I've thought about it for awhile, maybe my wife is full of more wisdom than I give her credit. I do enjoy the time I have alone in my little exercise room. I close the door, turn on the TV and am in my own little world for at least a half an hour. It is a nice little break from reality. I can't possibly think about much else because I'm concentrating on how much I want the workout to be done, or how many more minutes I have left. I don't worry about the work to be done around the house. It is a nice way to relax. So, even though I don't want to admit that I like exercise, I will say that I enjoy the time to myself.

This journey should be focused on yourself. Take time for yourself and you will be successful. It's alright to give of yourself, but don't forget to give TO yourself as well.

A Positive Influence

I received an email this week from a good friend ;), stating that she has been keeping up to date on my blog and this year was trying to follow my good example. What a great compliment!! Sometimes as we move along this journey, we lose touch with how much work this weight loss thing really is. I was just thinking while driving the girls to school about things my boys won't know about me or our family. I specifically was thinking this as seeing the mounds of discarded Christmas trees along the side of the road. My boys have never had a "real" Christmas tree!! My boys will never remember a "fat" Daddy either!! In years to come, I hope this will remain true.

It's great to be looked upon as a positive example and I hope it will continue. This weekend, I'm working my regular WW meetings for the last time till April. I'm subbing at a different location till then as we play musical centers for a while. Long story! I'm hoping that many of the same members will still be around in April, but as the weight loss pendulum sways, many come and go. I know I have had a positive influence on many of the members since many of them look at my name tag and before picture, which is none to flattering and state, "That was you??" I'm taken aback each time it happens as I really didn't consider myself being "That fat!!"

Here's to being a positive influence. Mizfit is pairing up accountability partners to kick off the new year. I didn't consider it the last go around, but after reconsidering, I'm hoping to be a positive influence and receiving the same encouragement in return.

Cookies are Addictive!!

I've been reading the January edition of Reader's Digest. The cover caught my attention in the Eye Doctor's office (luckily it was in Large Print since he put drops in my eyes and I was not seeing clear at all). This time of the year, there is always much talk about diet and the article about "13 things no one ever tells you about weight loss" had lots of good information. The two that really caught my attention were "Cookie really are addictive" and "Pick a diet, any diet!" According to the Brookhaven National Laboratory, obese people have fewer dopamine receptors that help people feel pleasure and require more food to gain pleasure. I'm wondering if when you lose weight, you gain more dopamine receptors? I'm thinking not, since I can still easily eat my way through a thin mint sleeve in a matter of minutes and then feel awful afterwards. Really, I don't do that, but I can tell you I have thought about it. "Pick a diet, any diet" talked about four basic rules that apply to most successful diet plans. It ain't rocket science and it's easy to lose weight when the rules are followed. Whole grains, avoid trans fat, eat lean protein and fill up on fruits and veggies. It actually didn't mention anything about exercise! This can be done without exercise? Absolutely, but the movement helps make it easier, healthier, and faster in my opinion.

Now that I know cookies are addictive, I've off to make a batch that we put together for Christmas presents along with the soup mixes.

Gotta Luv Kids!!

"Daddy, how do you spell pudding?"

My 4 yr. old got a great new purple purse that she has been carrying around the house, taking to church and any where else we happen to go, and has specific spots for each of it's contents including the AAA batteries, which I don't quite get yet?? One of her prized possessions within the purse is a notebook. She has been watching me track in my 3 month tracker that I keep in the kitchen. Often, she adds her own little creations in my journal, but now she has her own. For the past week, each morning she has asked me how to spell pudding. Seems this is her breakfast of choice lately and she's getting pretty good at spelling it.

These simple habits make a difference. I had kind of neglected the journal lately, but now that my shadow has kicked me back in gear, I'm watching more diligently. Remember that people are watching you, reading what you write, looking at what you are eating and your habits are rubbing off on others no matter how small they are.

One Black Eye

Back in September I wrote about people noticing something different about me and it happened to be that I was wearing my glasses. My problems with my eyes still have not completely gone away and after going to the eye doctor once again last week, I decided it was time to buy new glasses with the right prescription and forget about wearing my contacts at least for now. He actually told me that I shouldn't even try wearing them until summer.

I got my new prescription and went to a national eye care chain-store, who often advertises 2 for $99, and thought that I'd get two pairs just in case my kids grab one and break them or hide them on me. I was very pleased with the glasses until I got home and my wife asked what was wrong with my eyes. I proceeded to go to my parents house and again both my Mom and Dad asked what was wrong with my eyes. I didn't think anything of it as I could see perfectly fine. My wife told me to go look in the mirror and when I did, I saw the problem. I had one clear lens and the other one was a transitional lens that had turned completely dark after being in the sunlight.

Perceptions are sometimes blurry. One may go on not thinking they have a problem, or not even knowing that something is wrong. I am intrigued by Oprah Winfrey's battle with her weight. Did she not know what she was doing? Did no one mention it to her? I am hoping that if I ever slip into my "old" ways of eating that someone close to me will question me and tell me that I have "one black eye."

Happy New Year!!

I really got nothing for you today. Suffering the effects of staying up till the New Year and having to wake up with the kids...but I did want to point you towards MizFit where she has resolutions from all kinds of cool bloggers.