Back to the grind!

Hello! Sorry I missed Motivational Monday. I was sitting in an airport or on a plane for half the morning yesterday! I had an absolutely wonderful time in St. Louis! It's always nice to be able to leave reality behind and enjoy the company of friends that aren't a part of my daily life! I wish a lot of my "long distance" friends were closer. Although technology has made us instantly available to one another it's the physical contact that I miss. How often have I wished a friend were just a car ride away? How often have I wished I could phone a friend and ask what they're doing tonight and if they want to get together without having to get on a plane or plan weeks in advance to get together? I have such dear friends all over the world and I would embrace the opportunity to be closer to them! That's why I'm always traveling!! I have so many opportunities to revisit familiar places and see my dearest friends that I'd be crazy not to! This weekend was just another opportunity to do that. Not to mention that it's dirt cheap to fly to St. Louis and back!! If only it were so inexpensive to fly to West Palm Beach, New Orleans, New York, Toronto and about a dozen other cities more often...but I digress. I had an awesome weekend. Now I'm still in "recovery" mode. Again I have to remind myself that I'm getting too old to party like a rock star on these weekend excursions! :/ Keep your heads up though, people! I may be headed to your neck of the woods soon! Still waiting to drop the next 8 pounds so I can make my reservations for that flight to West Palm and show off my new and improved bikini bottom! As drained as I was yesterday I did make it to the gym!! The thought of sitting on the beach is a real motivator!!

Since I'm on the topic of travel, here are some photos of my favorite places and the faces I miss so much!!

Toronto, ON 2007

St. Louis, MO 2007

New Orleans, LA 2006

Nashville, TN 2007

West Palm Beach, FL 2008

New York, NY 2007

Leaving on a jet plane.

In 9 hours I'll be boarding a plane for St. Louis, Missouri. Why am I still awake? Because I procrastinate. That's why. I decided I wanted to wear a particular shirt which I conveniently found in the bottom of the laundry basket just waiting to be washed. Oh well...not like I was going to bed any time soon anyway. I'm preparing myself for late nights and lots of fun. Who needs sleep? As one of my favorite sayings go: Sleep when you're dead.


Louis and Clark Discover the west but nobody mentioned that dog!


St. Louis has managed to successfully blend the old with the new.


Strolling under the Arch.

Over the hill.

This may seem crazy but I stood on the scale this morning for entertainment purposes and I was down another pound! Holy Moley! :)

I've wasted way too many years of my life feeling defeated by fat. Sometimes I think I should pinch myself because not only can't I believe I'm finally losing the weight but I'm actually ENJOYING MYSELF IN THE PROCESS! This is probably the most rewarding thing I have done for myself so far in this lifetime...

I can't wait to wear some of my "new" clothes when I go out of town this weekend! It's a truly wonderful feeling to be able to fit into every item of clothing in my closet! It's even better to be able to give bags of clothing that are TOO BIG to someone who appreciates them.

This picture has nothing to do with this topic but since I've completely run out of inspiration for today I will leave you with a picture of the cutest cat on Earth! :) Lucky Boots...

Milestones!

Today I weighed in at a whopping -25 pounds! This is HUGE, People! I have not been this weight since at least 1995! I'm so excited I can't stand myself! :D

Today was the best day EVER!

We had a staff meeting and to conclude the meeting we played a game of Mad Gab! If you've never heard of it Google it because it's completely impossible to explain this game! Our team blew away the competition and the three of us won $25 gift cards to Target! Wheeeee! That's the most fun I've had at work in a LONG time! :) Now the question remains: what shall I spend my gift card on? I usually save gift cards for purchases on things I would normally be too cheap to buy. Since I finally broke down and purchased a mouse for my laptop last week *after 3 years of wishing I had one* I guess this card will have to burn a hole in my wallet for a while. *sniff sniff* Perhaps I'll use it to purchase some fitness equipment? Say a water bottle or wrist weights? Which reminds me of the next reason why today was the best day EVER: I fought some evil temptation and went to the gym! No big surprise there but I reaaaally was looking for any excuse to not go today. I guess my will-power is stronger than I am!

Can I get a WOO WHOO?

Today was an awesome day! After work Kim and I headed to the gym. I worked it HARD! Drenched in sweat we decided we'd had enough~ but not. We went to a local park and took off for a mile walk! We probably would've stayed for another mile but it was getting dark and the park was clearing out. I love starting the week off on the right foot!

Starting the week off right!

Yesterday my roommate and I took the dog for a walk. We ended up going 3.3 miles! Poor Bailey is all tuckered out! I think my roommate was too! I loved every step of it! I'm hitting the gym HARD this week. Drinking lots of water and going to pay close attention to what I'm eating! Gearing up for the fun weekend ahead!

Monday Motivation!

Sunday Drivers.

This article from SparkPeople.com that I read this morning is totally appropriate today. I hope I'm not a "Sunday Driver" but I'm sure all of my passengers will agree that I am. heeheee...

Do You Suffer from Diet Rage?
Rules of the Road to Help You Reach Your Destination
-- By Mike Kramer, Staff Writer


After slowing down to an unexplained stop for the 147th time in the space of 2 miles, I decided that I hated the world. Surrounding me were an ocean of maddening brake lights, rain pelting the windshield and thousands of tons of steel and fiberglass flung around by a clueless pack of selfish morons who obviously didn’t know the first thing about driving!!It was in serious danger of ruining my whole day.Is there anything more frustrating than being bogged down in traffic? Most all of us have been there before. That discouraged, fed up feeling that just makes us want to throw up our hands in surrender or lay them on the horn.Thankfully, I stopped muttering helplessly and started thinking instead. And I realized that I often witness another type of "road rage" – the frustration that builds on the road to weight loss: Diet Rage.Think about your dieting history. Does it give you the same feeling as an exasperating traffic jam? You never quite get where you want to go as fast as you want to get there. You get aggravated, yell (usually at yourself), and see people in other lanes going faster than you (how do they DO that?!), and it usually ends up ruining your day.Here’s the lesson: Getting frustrated with your diet does no more good than getting frustrated in traffic. It just makes you unhappy, unsuccessful and tense.By the time I got to work (it was a long commute), I noticed a lot of things that we, as weight loss veterans, can learn from traffic jams. Next time you start to feel frustrated with your weight loss progress, keep these "lessons of the road" in mind:
Pay less attention to how much further you have to travel. Stop asking yourself "are we there yet?" You’ll get there when you get there. Instead, look at the scenery, think about life, carry on a conversation, sing along with the radio, or simply be thankful for how far you’ve come.
The journey is always more fun with a passenger. Have you asked anyone along for the ride?
You know the route you need to take to reach your weight loss goals. It’s already mapped out. As long as you stay pointed in the right direction, you’ll get there. Even in the worst traffic jams, you still get to your destination at some point. It’s the same way with dieting – just a matter of time. It may take longer than you first expected, but you will get there.
There will always be periods of stopping and starting. It’s something that you should just anticipate and allow for. No use getting upset or stressed about not making progress. It’s a normal part of the journey.
Sometimes, you’ve just gotta go with the flow of what’s going on around you. Life can present some situations that you really can’t do anything about. When that happens, staying straight and steady – doing the best that you can – will keep you on track and sane. In traffic, impatient people stop, change lanes, weave in and out of other cars, driving themselves and everyone else crazy – and in the end, usually don’t get any farther along than you do by staying put and going with the flow.
Shortcuts never work.
Driving too fast is dangerous. That’s why they call it "crash" dieting. Slow down, take what life gives you, and make sure you arrive at your destination in good health. I finally did get to my destination after all. Hands were pried away from the steering wheel, teeth were unclenched, and a few aspirin were popped. Of course, people in the cars around me probably had a good laugh at my arm-waving and soundless yelling. Funny how we can lose our senses when faced with something that frustrates us, whether it’s traffic or our diets.Thanks to these insights, my story had a happy ending. Hopefully, remembering these rules will help you reach your destination sooner – and more content – than you expected.

Article created on: 1/12/2005

Since I can't sleep...

What Jacqueline Means

You are fair, honest, and logical. You are a natural leader, and people respect you.
You never give up, and you will succeed... even if it takes you a hundred tries.
You are rational enough to see every part of a problem.

You are great at giving other people advice.
You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection.
You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive.
You have the classic "Type A" personality.
You are very open. You communicate well, and you connect with other people easily.
You are a naturally creative person. Ideas just flow from your mind.
A true chameleon, you are many things at different points in your life. You are very adaptable.
People see you as a complete enigma, and only you truly understand who you are.
You spend most of your time introspecting and seeking truth.
You're a very interesting person... but not many people know you enough to realize it.
You are a very lucky person. Things just always seem to go your way.
And because you're so lucky, you don't really have a lot of worries.

You just hope for the best in life.
You're sometimes a little guilty of being greedy. Spread your luck around a little to people who need it.
You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.
You work hard not to rock the boat.

Your easy going attitude brings people together.
At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible but for the important things, you pull it together.
You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow.
You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily.
Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is.
You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.
You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.
You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.
You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people.
You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts.
You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy.

You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

As Promised!

Going back to 3.31.08 Opening Day we celebrated the Detroit Tigers first game in grand style at the Opera House!





Here are some pictures from Denee and Dondrell's wedding on 4.12.08:

No Monday Motivation and I'm going to run a MARATHON?

Poor Blog! I've missed you! I missed Motivational Monday and everything!! Yikes! Well, I had other things on my mind yesterday. I went to the neurologist and everything is a-okay! Just some calcification in the fluid in the third ventricle. Trust me, it's FINE! I asked the doctor 1,000 questions and I'm convinced I'll live another 60 years! *phew*

I promise to post some of the pictures from Denee and Dondrell's wedding on Saturday. I look pretty cute in some of them. The working out is paying off. :) I've been to the gym every day since Friday so today I took a "day off" and instead of working out at the gym we went on a nice brisk walk. It's nice to enjoy the warmer weather. I can't wait till summer to get really active! I've decided I'm doing two "marathons". One is the Race for a Cure at Comerica Park on May 31 and the other is the Detroit Free Press International Marathon. It sounds like a really cool thing to participate in! This gives me something to REALLY work toward regarding fitness!! I'm excited and trying to get co-workers and friends to participate so if you're interested ~let me know!~

Since I'm not very entertaining these days I'll give you something to look at:

Aren't you GLAD it's SPRING???

I need a nap!

I'm so tired! Yesterday I went to a wedding and celebrated a little bit tooooo much! I need to recover! Despite the dehydration and lack of motivation I made it to the gym this afternoon. It was a miserable attempt to burn off some of the yummies I allowed myself to have yesterday because as soon as I hit 200 calories on the treadmill I jumped off and headed home! I'll more than make up for it this week! I swear.

Oh, I also received the documents from my doctor concerning my mysterious head thing...I'll have to get more detailed about it after my appointment with the neurologist tomorrow! Cross your fingers for me!

On a POSITIVE note!

I'm down about another three *3* pounds this week! It amazes me but it shouldn't because I've been on a plateau for about three weeks now and working really hard on moving forward!! Yay for me! :)

Ho Hum.

Today I've been in a "blah" sort of mood. Actually, I'm on an emotional roller coaster. Well, it's a kiddie roller coaster like the kind you would find at a carnival. You know, kind of rickety and slow but you're scared anyway because some greezy carnie named Frank and his wife Nancy with three rotting teeth put it together last night and had three screws left over when they were finished? Yesterday I got some news regarding a CT scan I had done last week. Let me catch you up. On March 5th we had a "snow day" so I didn't have to go into work. I decided to be productive and go into the attic to clean. In a Bungalo style house you can access the attic from the tiny 4 foot high door so it wasn't that complicated to get started. I was nearly finished with the mess when on my way out of the door way I misjudged the space between my head and the top of the door and *SMACK* went the top of my head. I didn't pass out but it hurt so badly that my eyes watered and I had to stand up for a minute to make sure I wasn't going to lose consciousness (maybe I should've sat down but I was too busy grabbing my head and sqeeeeing from the pain!) There was no blood but it immediately swelled up! My neighbor, who also happens to be a nurse, came over and checked my head (shoulda had that done a long time ago!) and said it was okay and that I didn't break the skin but it was purple and swelling. I put some ice on it, stayed awake until 3am to make sure I didn't have time to slip into a coma in my sleep, and woke up the next morning to a really swollen and tender head! My neck hurt a bit too. I went to work and decided I was going to the ER after a co-worker innocently asked me if I was okay because I didn't "look so well". At the ER I had my head checked again and x-rays of my Cervical Spine to make sure I didn't fracture my spine. Yes, I said Cervical Spine (to which my boss chuckled when I told her and said "What does your Cervix have to do with hitting your head?") The ER Doc gave me some drugs that I could probably sell and pay my next car payment with and I was on my way home! She also told me no driving and orderd me to take the next three days off of work so I don't over exert myself. ANYWAY~ on with the point...I had a routine exam at the doctor a few weeks later and I told her what had happened so as a precaution she sent me for a Ct scan. That was last Wednesday. So, yesterday (Tuesday) my Doctor called me to tell me she had the results of my CT scan available. She said "Well, you didn't crack your skull or anything but the CT scan Tech brought the scan over to Dr. So-and-so and had him take a look and it seems the scan picked something up in the third what-ever-she-said that they want you to have checked out with a Neurologist." I tried to remain calm but I pretty much freaked! I asked her exactly WHERE this something-or-other was and if it was a tumor! She said it was not a tumor but more than likely a cyst or calcium deposit. Thanks for nothing, Doc! I was so thrown off by this I couldn't think to clarify what she was talking about. She gave me three referals and sent me on my way to think of all of the horrible things that could be wrong with my head! Now, I have an appointment with the Neurologist for next Monday! I have to wait almost an entire week wondering what the H&ll is wrong with my head!! After calling everyone I knew and thought could give me some insight I'm completely tapped out! I will just be patient and hope and pray that all the good things I have done in my life will count toward my karma collection and that it's no big deal!

Thanks, Lisa!

I've been spending way too much time on this blog! I want to thank my former classmate and fellow social worker, Lisa, for giving me ::uuummmm:: well, I'm stealing all of her ideas! Thanks, Lisa!

Practice what you preach!

I didn't do anything active today!! Uuuuggh! It was another beautiful day, too! I had planned all day to go walking and then my friend canceled on me. So, instead of going anyway, I went to the mall. I've got to get myself together! I don't want to head downhill just yet!

Hit the road, Jack...

Today I've got some work to do!! I'm in in search of a new residence. There's nothing wrong with where I live now other than I have room mates and I'm over living with others. Too much bull that goes along with it. I'm ready to hit the road!

The biggest problem I'm running into is finding something in my price range that suits me. I'm particular about where I live. More importantly, I'm super choosy about whom I live near! I shouldn't be so picky but I am. That's just me. This is not going to be easy!

Motivaional Mondays...

I'm Walking on Sunshine!

Today was the most beautiful day we have had in Detroit so far this year! I know it was only in the 60 degree range but it felt like a summer day considering all the %#@! snow we've had all winter! My friend and I set out to enjoy the fresh air! We ended up walking 3.9 miles! It was so relaxing and invigorating at the same time! I'm ready to face this week head-on!

My goal this week is to make it to the gym on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. I'll be back to fess up!!

I must admit...

I'll be journeying my thoughts and feelings on my recent decision to lose the 50 pounds that have weighed me down for most of my adult life. I'm hoping this will motivate me to be honest and work harder to reach my ultimate goal once and for all! I'd rather do it here than annoy my friends with my daily chronicles! I hope you can help me through this and I hope I can motivate you as well!

This photo taken in Delray Beach, Florida on February 8, 2008 is the catalyst for my determination to lose the weight! Do you have something that motivates you to reach a specific goal? If so, I'd love to hear about it!


I am addicted to the website Sparkpeople.com. It's fun and useful. Check it out!

My First Idea!

My first idea, albeit not original, is to occasionally post random photos taken with my camera phone. This is a new thing for me since I didn't even own a camera phone until last summer. My initial thought was "A camera should be a camera and a phone should be a phone" but as technology would have it I gave in. It has turned out to be quite fun!

This first photo needs no explanation except to clarify that I am not a man-bashing feminist. The day was 2/18/2008 we were at a quaint little dive called Honest John's in Detroit and I was in a mood that made this sign the perfect picture ID for one of my dear friends who also happens to be a man...

Hello again, Hello.

This time I'm not going to make it all about me because, really? Who cares?

When I read a blog I want to be entertained with useless information, advice, pictures, links and news worthy tidbits. That's what earns my "Bookmark Seal of Approval" and there are very few that have earned that dubious honor!

That's not to say you won't have to endure my senseless ramblings. After all, what person creates a blog if not for their own taste of narcissistic pleasure? Don't fret. I'll entertain you with photos of interest showcasing my daily adventures in and out of Detroit. I'll try my best to fill you up with information that will entertain everyone in some way, shape or form. Occasionally you may learn something!