11.03.15 Yeah ... It's that kinda day ...

I find myself spending more time trying keep the peace in our home. Don't know if that's good or bad (there's that perception thing again). We really have to be careful of the methods we choose to seek out peace. Me ... I've taken to the world of Facebook, a place I can reconnect with family and friends, laugh at jokes, videos, share feelings (with a chosen few), send up a prayer, find a new recipe ... the possibilities are endless and if you let it ... Facebook will consume you.

I knew my online shenanigans had gotten really bad when my hubby sent me a text message and he was sitting across the room?!?!?!?!?!?! He actually felt the only way I would acknowledge him was by sending me a text. Too funny and sad at the same time. That one made me shut down the laptop, grab a pillow and crash next to his chair for some 'WE' time. Now I make a habit of signing off all electronic devices and focusing on him for a few hours every day and still have time for 'MY' peace.

I'v never been one to like arguing and will even leave the room to avoid disagreements, but ... once you suck me in and get me started ... woooooooooooooooo!!!!!! I'm that person that has to have the last word. I'm stubborn, I always think I'm right, I cry when I get mad and I'm a fighter (none of that swinging my arms in the air ... no baby ... I'll punch you square in the chest and take the air that you're breathing). That means my partner has to be able to stand up to me. I've never done well with 'soft' guys however, I didn't want someone that was going to use me as a practice bag either.

My relationships appear to have run the full spectrum; some very abusive (insert I Will Survive right here while I twirl around the room) and some would have put Mister Rogers to sleep. Of course all I ever wanted was someone to love and understand me; accept me ... flaws and all . I had to kiss a lot of frogs before I ended up with my Prince and even he has a tarnished crown. I truly believe that line I read somewhere ... "Everyone comes with baggage. Find someone who loves you enough to help you unpack."

I guess today's blog is more about clearing my head; trying to write out a few things so I can see where I'm going. Believe it or not, this helps with my journey to a healthier life too. You have to approach your journey holistically; heal yourself from within and work your way to your outer self. I'm trying to take a critical look at all the things in my life, because all of it affects me.

As for me finding peace in our home ... well ... I have my days of wanting to dramatically storm out the door or putting in ear-thingys to listen to music however, as long I as remember that even when we have our moments, we know we were meant to be together and that's what keeps us ... TOGETHER.

10.31.15 Trick or Treat?

'Trick or Treat, smell my feet, give me something good to eat!'  ... I can hear my brother DeWayne singing that so loud and clear .  However, as I grew older I also grew out of celebrating Halloween.  I still remember going to Zion Baptist Church on Byrne Street for trick or treating festivities ... Bobbing for Apples was one of the more popular games (can you imagine dunking your face into that 'barrel full of spit' now), Pin the Tail on the Donkey, magic tricks and of course the highlight of the evening ... CANDY!!!!

My children however,  NOPE, NADA, NO!!!  By the time they were up-n-coming, Halloween had become a bit of a challenge.  Creeps putting razor blades in apples, needles in candy and add that to the bully waiting around a corner to take your treats ... I chose to let them have candy at church functions, a trusted friend's home or our home.  Now, Halloween is no big deal to me.  I tried to play along and hand out candy several times, but some kids were not so nice and some kids were just plain greedy.  One year I just sat a big bowl OUTSIDE and refilled as needed (that was a pretty good idea now that I think about it).  It seems like it's more about the adults these days than the kids (LOL).

I was so tempted to purchase a bag of candy yesterday, but I knew once it crossed the Bessix threshold ... it would be done.  I'm trying to get our cupboards & fridge down to more healthier items.  Right now my level of discipline is low and my ability to resist certain temptations is even lower.  If it comes in the house it's going to get eaten, that's my harsh reality at this moment.

My second WW weigh-in was this morning and I was hoping to at least be down a pound.  That's all I was hoping for ... one pound.  Trying to keep my expectations real (not low) and set mini-goals.  Well ... I am DOWN  3.8 POUNDS!!!  If I can get rid of one pound a week I'll be extremely happy.  Anything beyond that ... BONUS.  I admit this past week was not the best for my first official week back at WW, but I'm going to keep on trying, keep on setting goals and keep on moving forward.

2004 Wells Fargo Halloween - The Fire Fairy & the Pirate

10.25.15 "Random Acts of Fitness"

"Random Acts of Fitness" ... this is what the WW Leader said on Saturday that stuck with me after leaving the meeting.  Yup, I've recommitted to my 'plan' and part of that means accountability and transparency.  Not only will I periodically share when, where or what I'm doing to improve my health ... I'm also going to be honest about what's on my plate.  Last year, I would take pictures of some of my meals and share them in My Food Diary, now I'll be sharing what's on my plate even when I don't have pictures (cue the band).

I've heard myself say to others the many reasons I CAN'T do certain physical activity, so now I'm going to switch my self-talk and focus on those activities I CAN do.

I've got some goals I can work toward:  Looking sexy by Dec. 5th for a holiday party (I'm singing with a band) and going on my very first cruise June 2016 (got my fingers crossed on that one, cause our finances are not in agreement with that plan right now) and winding up to my retirement (insert the dancing emoji)!  In looking back over my blogs I came across some really great words of encouragement and I hope they encourage YOU as well.

Now … let me share with you a little bit of advice for YOUR lifestyle journey if you’re like me (over 50 and dealing with after-effects of your cancer treatments) or if you just need a little bit of encouragement.  We already have a lot of challenges going on, add to it that statistically as we get older it gets more challenging to lose weight after it's gained.  But always remember to move as much as possible, any activity is better than no activity.  Check with area churches, community centers and recreational facilities for FREE or low cost classes.  Learn how to skate, join a dance class (Zumba, Salsa and Belly-dancing are A-W-E-S-O-M-E!), create a home-gym out of things already in your home, little-by-little begin to swap not-so-healthy items for healthier choices, prepare more of your own meals (healthier and saves money), get a group of friends (or a friend) and do it together ... nothing like a friendly competition to keep things going.  Instead of going out for fast-food meal, go out for a short walk or invite friends over and pop in a work-out DVD.  Whatever you decide to do ... don't get discouraged, take your time and just strive to live a healthier life.
Every day is a new day. Never give up.  

Saturday was the beginning of my WW week, so in the words of JB Bryan "LET'S GO"!!!!!

Going Through ...

Haven't posted here in a minute ... quite a bit has been going on in my life.
Some days I just want to crawl in the recliner and stay there, buried under my Snuggie, surrounded by my pillows, some music playing softly while watching one of my (few) favorite shows.

I'm tired.  My body is tired.  My mind is tired.  I feel as if my spirit has taken a real beating and I'm finding it harder to bounce back.

Celebrating Beyond Boobs! and the 2016 Calendar to Live By

It was this weekend in September 2011, I was 'crowned' Ms. February 2012. Myself along with 11 other Awesome Survivors began our reign as Breast Health Ambassadors, an honor we will carry forever. I take this moment to now honor our 2016 "A Calendar to Live By" models who will grace the stage on Sept. 19th, as they continue the legacy of Beyond Boobs! educating, empowering and encouraging others along the way. 
Living Life with an Exclamation Point, not a Period.
Live, Love, Laugh ♥ ♥ ♥

beyondboobs! Not Your Typical Support Group

#TBT 2011 Beyond Boobs!

Starting all over again is gonna be rough ...

The lyrics of that old song run through my head as I look back over my weight loss diaries (yes ... plural) and I contemplate the latest health challenges, new meds and everything else going on in my life right now.  Some days I feel so overwhelmed and just want to hide under the comforter, but ... I get up, meditate, hit Facebook for some inspiration and go on from there.  Many times I end up just looking at old photos, reliving good times, missing those who have gone on ... a tear escapes ...  a deep sigh and I turn to Stevie (Wonder) for comfort.

I invested in this Chair Gym, an aerobic step an Instride mini-cycle and some small hand weights in hopes of continuing a semblance of physical activity.  Luckily the chair gym came with a 'twister' and I L-O-V-E IT!  When I can't do anything else, I can step on that thingy and twist away my frustrations.  The mini-cycle is good because I can sit in the chair gym and pedal.  I haven't been able to use my hand weights or the pulleys on the chair gym because of issues with both arms (sigh).  Not going to let it get me down though, gonna keep pressing forward.

Had to DRASTICALLY alter my eating because of a new medication I had to start.  That had it ups-n-downs.  The meds didn't work however, I lost weight during the 7 days sooooooooooo. :o)
Thinking about trying to hang on to the some of the new way of eating, but I miss certain pleasures ... a lot.  I don't see how some people can deprive themselves of things they enjoy.  I'm going to slowly re-introduce some stuff, cause I don't like feeling deprived.

Promised myself this would be the year I start focusing more on me and leaving unnecessary things behind.  I'm growing more spiritually, turning away naysayers, surrounding myself with positive, spirit-filled, spirit-driven people and making sure I kiss my hubby every day.

Now if I can just get these new health issues under control ....

Weigh-In Day 07.30.14

Current Weight Loss: WW=14lbs/MFP=16lbs   Goal Weight Loss: 50lbs  

It’s the day after my WW weigh-in day (reached my first goal weight!!) and I’m still trying to decide if I want to bore you with the details of my journey on a daily or weekly basis.  :o)  I’ve made an extra effort to be more active, instead just collapsing in the recliner after a long day (sigh). This past week I re-introduced myself to the 31 day squat challenge (I’m on Day 5) thanks to my niece in California (The internet and Facebook can be wonderful tools when used for good.). Also, I’ve saved a few Youtube videos from Beautiful Brown Baby’s collection to help keep my work-outs interesting.  One week until my vacation and I’m planning to hit water aerobics M-W-F and do 30 minutes of cardio on the Nu-step at least 5 days of that week.  I’ll manage to saunter over to the strength training side for some light upper-body work to finish things off.

My biggest obstacles this past week were my body hurting from trying to test out new exercises and trying to get enough rest.  Seems like since finishing my treatments for TNBC, trying to get back on track has been a major undertaking.  Something seems to always happen to halt my progress or seriously slow me down.  Trying to be extra careful NOT to fall into that pit, so I’m listening to my body more and making adjustments as needed. 
It really felt good to reach my first goal weight and has given  me an extra boost of motivation. :o)  I also started tracking my measurements last week and am still scanning my old clothes to see what I’d like to use as my inspiration.  I think I may go with the bathing suit that has a really cute animal print up top. ;o>  The squat challenge has given me a few creaks-n-cracks, but I’m breaking them up into morning squats and evening squats to get in the days challenge.  So far, so good. 


These last few weeks have also been a time of trimming in my life as well.  I’ve started making some hard choices and shedding a lot of stressful commitments.  When something I love to do becomes more of chore to do it … it’s time for something to be cut.  During my vacation I plan to clear my office as well as clear my head of all clutter.  I will practice focusing on only a few projects and giving them 100% of my attention and best efforts. 

Now … let me share with you a little bit of advice for YOUR lifestyle journey if you’re like me (over 50 and dealing with after-effect of your cancer treatments) or if you just need a little bit of encouragement.  We already have a lot of challenges going on, add to it that statistically as we get older it gets more challenging to lose weight after it's gained.  But always remember to move as much as possible, any activity is better than no activity.  Check with area churches, community centers and recreational facilities for FREE or low cost classes.  Learn how to skate, join a dance class (Zumba, Salsa and Belly-dancing are A-W-E-S-O-M-E!), create a home-gym out of things already in your home, little-by-little begin to swap not-so-healthy items for healthier choices, prepare more of your own meals (healthier and saves money), get a group of friends (or a friend) and do it together ... nothing like a friendly competition to keep things going.  Instead of going out for fast-food meal, go out for a short walk or invite friends over and pop in a work-out DVD.  Whatever you decide to do ... don't get discouraged, take your time and just strive to live a healthier life.

Every day is a new day. Never give up.