BIGGEST LOSER

After joining biggest loser at work - I finished in 2nd place. Totals so far: from 165 to 143.6! 21 lbs finally gone. My goal when I started out was to lose 31 lbs and I may adjust that plan. I am pleased going from a size 12 to a size 8. But I will definitely maintain the loss. Making better choices just seem to come second nature now. Opting for the "low calorie" options on the menu when dining out pays off. Seeing those around you make some conscience adjustments due to the changes you've made feels pretty damn good. Besides slim fast, a truly helpful website and another key to my success: Livestrong.com

Ironically, this week my nephew was admitted to the ER. We knew this day would come. Last month, he turned 40. He weighs 575 lbs. He was placed on a ventilator (doing 85 % of breathing for him)and being kept heavily sedated so he does not remove the very equipment keeping him alive. Yesterday they did a tracheotomy which will help diminish his sleep apnea and will help him breath better so he can recover and hopefully lose the weight needed to make him healthy.

This morning I found myself dumbfounded with a co-workers comment that they don't have a lot of patience for people that allow themselves to get so heavy. Really? You don't know the child that struggled all his life or the work injury that put him on disability years ago or the father of a 3 year old little girl waiting for her daddy to come home; the loving woman standing by his side making decisions she never thought she would have to make and his sister wondering if her only sibling would make it thru the night and the friends that know they could count on him no matter what. I still see the little boy I taught how to play basketball so many years ago. That mountain of a man has huge heart.

How many people are you unknowingly pushing out of your life because they feel you judge them or you don't agree with their life style? Sounds to me like Biggest Loser just took on a whole new meaning.

So as I pray for the ignorance of others and for the continued improvements my nephew is making, let this be a gentle reminder to all of us, don't make snap judgements. Look around at your own life. None of us are perfect.

Push yourself when know one else will and encourage those that need it. Don't let the comments from others bring you down when your trying to lift them up!

SUNSHINE ON A CLOUDY DAY......

Todays post is for my brother-in-law who loved to read my blog. A quiet, sweet man that did not let too many people get close to him. He hated to ask for help. But he finally learned how and we were glad to. I consider myself blessed that he allowed me and my husband to be part of his life.

He has been lost since my sister passed in February 2008. His love of building and flying small airplanes could only attempt to fill the void with her gone. And oh how my eyes would glaze over when he and my hubby would talk about Corvette's. It was a guy thing. And the resemblance to my husbands father was uncanny. Jack seemed to smile when we told him about the similarity. There was an unmistakable bond between these two.

Motown music could always be heard coming from his car or home. "My Girl" being his favorite. He was the reason I planned the Motown theme for the party in 2012. Unfortunately he was not feeling well and was unable to attend.

Yesterday, I received the call he passed away. We will miss you terribly Jack.

Give Barb a hug for me!

ON THE RIGHT TRACK

Week one was not going well. The scale stuck at 164.8. By Friday I was getting frustrated. Slimfast powder really does let you skip 2 meals while giving you lots of protein. I ignored all super bowl snaking and I stayed focused. Over the weekend I picked up a great stepper that has moving handles which allows you to push / pull your body weight for a better workout - so you are doing more than "stepping".

Today was the first weigh in: 159.6.

I am not getting overly excited but I admit I am happy! I can never get past that first 5 though..... The next 5 to 10 lbs is my big challenge.

On to week two!

Have a great week everyone!

MY MOTIVATION FOR THE WEEK!

TURNING 50 - WITH A BANG!

God has placed something on my heart. Just as he did almost 11 years ago regarding my smoking.

My mother died at the age of 45. I've lost 2 sisters, ages 34 and 58. My dear sweet grandmother made it to 89 years old. Although none of these are weight related issues but I plan on getting to 89!

Last November my husband and I celebrated 20 years of marriage. We would like to spend another 40 years together, God willing.

Lets face it, weight is harder to come off after turning 40. Infact down right stubborn! Beside age - then we then deal with menopause. It does not come off as easy as it used to.

God knows no boundries.

So.................my goal is set!

To lose 31 lbs by April. Currently I am at 165 lbs at 5'3. Not healthy. I turn 50 in August.

So time to look for some equipment that will not take up much room in the man cave. Yes, my hubby will have to share his space. My plan is to crank up the music and work it off. I believe changing my after work routine will be the key factor. Eat healthier, in moderation and exercise 3 nights a week to start. By spring it will be gone.

Week 1 - here I come!

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5

IN GOD WE TRUST

We will spend this New Years Eve with friends and family.... in the very house that made people slow down their busy lives and simply - get together. We came back home after 2 years in FL. We do not take that blessing lightly. "The house that built me" takes on a whole new meaning in 2013.

The economy has hit what politics dubbed "the small business man" - the owner of the property we lease. A small business that provided jobs in a community just like yours. Built from hardwork and taught an honest way of life.

The community banks gave balloon payments to many small businesses years ago. And when they close - guess who takes over?

The FDIC. The real reason for the forclosure crisis.

They make money by taking over the small banks that fail. They sell the assets, take over the loans they have to honor and pay out customer deposits. To make up their losses - ballooned loans are then BUNDLED with others and auctioned.

The FDIC makes money by NOT renewing the balloon loans.

You can't save it - or get it back, they bundle it. Now you can't afford to even bid on your property at auction. And they know it.

Then..... they make more money from a loop hole they have: Their insurance! It pays for the businesses that they just aquired IF IT FAILS.

Unless the small business is protected by "restructuring", the FDIC can then come back later and get the rest of the money owed because your loan was auctioned for dirt cheap (but bundled with 25 others). But you still owe. They make more money. Seriously.

While the rest of us are trying to find a better job or just live in a home we luv, the sharks are just buying time. Literally.

Yes, I am sad with the unknown. But worrying is not going to help. With Jerimiah 29:11 etched in the driveway - I will put my faith where it has NEVER failed. I believe God has everything under control. I am truly looking forward to 2013. A new year with many blessings. That is a sure bet! Just you wait and see. God is in charge.
God is in charge.


No matter what happens.

WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE WITH LEGACIE

Don't you just love Motown and its choreography during performances? Do you remember the impact it made all over the world? This group recently performed at Motown Summer Blast in Chesterfield MI with tributes that stirred up memory after memory of the talented musicians from both the past and present.

LEGACIE is a smooth, soulful, four-part harmony blend of male vocals ranging from deep romantic bass, to the high seductive 1st Tenor that will have you spellbound. Soulful ballads with balanced harmony and dynamic choreography, showcasing their individual personalities.

A legacy is a gift that is passed on from generation to generation. Introducing \"LEGACIE\" (formed in 2009 in Flint Mi) - their gift is to present the world with inspiring vocal and dance performances.

Founding member Bruce Hawthorne, who sang with the group “Unique” along with Jessie Peck and Marvin Taylor, who now sing with the legendary Spinners.

Legacie's combined talents are Bruce Hawthorne, Ronnie Moss, (who sang with Bruce in high school), William Gill and Steve Gilbert.

Legacie also features a full premier show band The Legacie Players: Carlos Gilbert (bass), Dewayne Tippit (Drums), Cliff Nunley (Guitar), Antwain Kirkland & Steve Bonne(Keys), and Ulysses "BT" Bailey (Sax).

Connect through one of the links above if your looking for something truly unforgettable for your event!!