Today was an up day. My scale is actually useful again. I had been so overweight that my scale would only read OL. So, I stopped using it several years ago.
Today was a mile-stone. It actually read 307.4!!! Now, I'm a bit hesitant like pregnant women in their first trimester to report this news, because as we women know, tomorrow it might read OL again. However, today it actaully stopped at the 307.4 number and even that is quite an accomplishment.
I have definitely had my low points this month. I went to my hand surgeons office and weighed myself on their scale and it showed I had actually gained 4 lbs. I was back up to 315!!! I said screw this!!! On my way home I stopped and got a piece of pizza and three cookies. What a mistake that was!!!
I could not eat the entire piece of pizza, nor the three cookies. I became physically ill. I had never felt this bad after eating something like that before. I wanted to purge it from my body, but I hate throwing up. It got to the point at work though that I went into the bathroom and tried. It was too late.
I still remember that feeling and that is helping me stay on track. As I said, I HATE throwing up.
Today is my 8-week anniversary of no soda. Last week I had a dream I drank a Sprite though. I thought that was a bit odd. I hadn't had a Sprite in ages prior to my ceasing my fizzy love and to dream of it so late in the process was a bit funny. I don't miss it anymore but that does not mean I don't crave the lovely bubbles dancing on my tongue from time to time.
I have my next appointment with the doc a week from today and I hope we will be able to go forward with the obtaining the surgery authorization from the insurance company. I would like to think in about 6-weeks I'll have the surgery completed and on the journey to a true life changing event.
I'm still looking for that incentive dress in a size 12 for my to purchase. That is going to be visual reminder of one of the goals I have. I honestly don't know if I can get below a 12. I haven't been that small since I was a kid. This is really a step into the unknown for me, even with all of its ups and downs.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Goals
I've been thinking about some of the small goals I'm looking forward to achieving during this weight loss journey. New things come to my mind and I get excited.
One of the things I'm actually looking forward to is enjoying the act of looking for clothes. I have never enjoyed this act because all the clothes I wanted to wear were not available in my size. Hate to say it, but Lane Bryant does not have a goof variety of clothes that are "trendy" to my liking.
I'm also setting a reward time as a trip to an amusement park where I can ride any ride that tickles my fancy. I love roller coasters and have not been able to ride them in a very long time. At least not comfortably.
Flying! When I moved back from South Africa, I had a more relaxed flight then I had had since I was a child traveling over to Japan. See, before I moved back, I had dropped down to 250lbs. I was not cramped into the seat and did not have my legs falling asleep because of the arms digging into my legs. I also didn't need to fly most of the time with my arms crossed.
Shooting long shoots is not going to kill my feet and back.
Oh, there are so many more and I will list them as they come to mind. It's a list for myself to look back on when I'm in a low spot during this journey.
One of the things I'm actually looking forward to is enjoying the act of looking for clothes. I have never enjoyed this act because all the clothes I wanted to wear were not available in my size. Hate to say it, but Lane Bryant does not have a goof variety of clothes that are "trendy" to my liking.
I'm also setting a reward time as a trip to an amusement park where I can ride any ride that tickles my fancy. I love roller coasters and have not been able to ride them in a very long time. At least not comfortably.
Flying! When I moved back from South Africa, I had a more relaxed flight then I had had since I was a child traveling over to Japan. See, before I moved back, I had dropped down to 250lbs. I was not cramped into the seat and did not have my legs falling asleep because of the arms digging into my legs. I also didn't need to fly most of the time with my arms crossed.
Shooting long shoots is not going to kill my feet and back.
Oh, there are so many more and I will list them as they come to mind. It's a list for myself to look back on when I'm in a low spot during this journey.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Doc gave me an "A"
In January I started the process to undergo the Lap Band procedure. My insurance will cover the procedure, but they require a three-month waiting process with a coupe of hoops to jump through.
On my first appointment where I was supposed to have shown that I have lost some weight in prep for the surgery. Instead I actually gained seven pounds. This is a huge life change and I was sabotaging myself all over the place that first month. It's not that I don't want to lose the weight, it's the fact that I've never been at a "normal" weight. Or, as another Doc friend tells me, a "healthy" weight.
At my first month appointment with the Doc I was crying over the fact I had gained so much weight. I was at an all time high.
I've made a commitment that I'm going to be totally open with things here and that includes revealing my weight.
My all time high at that weigh in was 324.
Doc was real nice. He gave me a one sheet food restrictions. Very simple to follow. Challenging, but simple. The rules were:
1. No flour!
2. No sugar!
3. No artificial sweetener!
4. No corn or corn products.
5. No potatoes
6. Eat two fruits for a mid-day snack and one fruit in the late afternoon as a snack.
7. Drink 64oz green tea per day.
That's it. No other restrictions. However, the most difficult item for me to stop was fizzy drinks. I really enjoy the fizz in my drinks. No more!!!
I walked out of his office on February 20th with a plan. Have I stuck to it for the entire past four weeks? No. I've had two Smash Burger's and one sub sandwich I ate over 4 days.
Today I had my second appointment with the Doc and I've lost 11.5 lbs in the four weeks since our last meeting. I'm down to 312.5 lbs.
I've been doing a lot of research and reading a lot of other people's experiences about this and I'm excited but still concerned about how this is going to change my life in every aspect. This is NOT a cure for my weight problem, simply a tool or a coach that will be with me for the rest of my life to assist me in losing the weight and then to keep it off.
The first year of this journey is when most of the action is going to take place. I want to blog about my experience mainly for myself to see how far I've come along. I'll be posting photos as well so I can physically see the transformation.
Care to join me on this journey?? I'd be happy to have you along for the ride.
On my first appointment where I was supposed to have shown that I have lost some weight in prep for the surgery. Instead I actually gained seven pounds. This is a huge life change and I was sabotaging myself all over the place that first month. It's not that I don't want to lose the weight, it's the fact that I've never been at a "normal" weight. Or, as another Doc friend tells me, a "healthy" weight.
At my first month appointment with the Doc I was crying over the fact I had gained so much weight. I was at an all time high.
I've made a commitment that I'm going to be totally open with things here and that includes revealing my weight.
My all time high at that weigh in was 324.
Doc was real nice. He gave me a one sheet food restrictions. Very simple to follow. Challenging, but simple. The rules were:
1. No flour!
2. No sugar!
3. No artificial sweetener!
4. No corn or corn products.
5. No potatoes
6. Eat two fruits for a mid-day snack and one fruit in the late afternoon as a snack.
7. Drink 64oz green tea per day.
That's it. No other restrictions. However, the most difficult item for me to stop was fizzy drinks. I really enjoy the fizz in my drinks. No more!!!
I walked out of his office on February 20th with a plan. Have I stuck to it for the entire past four weeks? No. I've had two Smash Burger's and one sub sandwich I ate over 4 days.
Today I had my second appointment with the Doc and I've lost 11.5 lbs in the four weeks since our last meeting. I'm down to 312.5 lbs.
I've been doing a lot of research and reading a lot of other people's experiences about this and I'm excited but still concerned about how this is going to change my life in every aspect. This is NOT a cure for my weight problem, simply a tool or a coach that will be with me for the rest of my life to assist me in losing the weight and then to keep it off.
The first year of this journey is when most of the action is going to take place. I want to blog about my experience mainly for myself to see how far I've come along. I'll be posting photos as well so I can physically see the transformation.
Care to join me on this journey?? I'd be happy to have you along for the ride.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Boudoir Photographs
I am in the process of starting a boudoir photography business. Here are some images from my most recent shoot.
If you are interested in a private shoot or a fun, Boudoir party with four of your friends, please contact me for prices and availability.
If you are interested in a private shoot or a fun, Boudoir party with four of your friends, please contact me for prices and availability.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Africa Plate Auction to send Dominique to Kenya
Okay folks, here is what the finished plate looks like.
Currently, the bidding is at $75.
This is the only place where "official" bids are being accepted. That is so we can keep track of what everyone has bid.
The final winning bids purchase price will be tax-deductible as the check will be made out directly to her church. That is a great bonus. With that being said, the plate is yours if you wish to donate $500.00 towards her trip. Please remember, being a part of a sending team is AS IMPORTANT as the person going to serve.
Here is a bit more information regarding Dominique Petermann and where she is going to be serving on this short-term missions trip.
She will be serving at The Belwop Rescue Center in Nyeri, Kenya East Africa. She will be a member of a team from her church and they will be constructing a new building for the rescue center.
You can find out more about the center by clicking HERE
Dominique is very motivated to succeed at raising funds for her trip. She is picking up baby-sitting jobs and any other paying jobs to help her raise the needed funds.
Thank you so much for your bid and your desire to see Dominique succeed in answering the call, "Whom shall I send?"
Currently, the bidding is at $75.
This is the only place where "official" bids are being accepted. That is so we can keep track of what everyone has bid.
The final winning bids purchase price will be tax-deductible as the check will be made out directly to her church. That is a great bonus. With that being said, the plate is yours if you wish to donate $500.00 towards her trip. Please remember, being a part of a sending team is AS IMPORTANT as the person going to serve.
Here is a bit more information regarding Dominique Petermann and where she is going to be serving on this short-term missions trip.
She will be serving at The Belwop Rescue Center in Nyeri, Kenya East Africa. She will be a member of a team from her church and they will be constructing a new building for the rescue center.
You can find out more about the center by clicking HERE
Dominique is very motivated to succeed at raising funds for her trip. She is picking up baby-sitting jobs and any other paying jobs to help her raise the needed funds.
Thank you so much for your bid and your desire to see Dominique succeed in answering the call, "Whom shall I send?"
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Auction for Dominique's Africa Adventure
I thought I would place this "auction" in one location so everyone who placed a bid can see what the current bid is.
The proceeds from this plate will all go to assist Dominique Petermann to go serve orphans in Africa. This will be her first experience in Africa and I know, from experience, that she will fall in love with the children, peoples and landscape of this amazing continent.
The current bid is at $50. If you would like to place your own bid, please comment on this post. This is the ONLY location where bids will be received. If you cannot post a comment, please contact myself or Renee' Petermann and we will post it for you. Kind of like a call in bid. If you choose to have us post the bid for you in the comments, please verify that we have done so. We cannot guarentee that your bid will be the current leader.
Thank you so very much for assisting Dominique in this mission to help the children of Africa and to show them the love of Christ and that their Heavenly Father has NOT forsaken them.
The proceeds from this plate will all go to assist Dominique Petermann to go serve orphans in Africa. This will be her first experience in Africa and I know, from experience, that she will fall in love with the children, peoples and landscape of this amazing continent.
The current bid is at $50. If you would like to place your own bid, please comment on this post. This is the ONLY location where bids will be received. If you cannot post a comment, please contact myself or Renee' Petermann and we will post it for you. Kind of like a call in bid. If you choose to have us post the bid for you in the comments, please verify that we have done so. We cannot guarentee that your bid will be the current leader.
Thank you so very much for assisting Dominique in this mission to help the children of Africa and to show them the love of Christ and that their Heavenly Father has NOT forsaken them.
Friday, August 5, 2011
A Published Photographer!!!
This past Sunday I received notification from Photographers Forum Magazine publishing company that a photo I entered in their recent competition was selected as one of the finalists.
So, what does this mean??
Being a finalist means that I will now have that photo published in the book published by the company entitled, "Best Photographs of 2011".
WOW!!
There were 14,000 entries and the top 11% were selected as finalists. Out of the finalists there will be four top photos and 100 honorable mentions. If my photo is selected in this next round it will be published in the magazines November issue.
I would love to make the final cut, but I'm please to be able to say I'm a published photographer now.
Click HERE to view the photo.
So, what does this mean??
Being a finalist means that I will now have that photo published in the book published by the company entitled, "Best Photographs of 2011".
WOW!!
There were 14,000 entries and the top 11% were selected as finalists. Out of the finalists there will be four top photos and 100 honorable mentions. If my photo is selected in this next round it will be published in the magazines November issue.
I would love to make the final cut, but I'm please to be able to say I'm a published photographer now.
Click HERE to view the photo.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Ron Howard!!!
I know, I know, it's been like forever since I've written anything. I have been laying low for a bit.
I have been thinking of jotting down my thoughts again for quite sometime and what a great way to do it by announcing that one of my photos have made the first cut for Ron Howard's Imagination Challenge.
I just received the news tonight and I'm almost jumping out of my skin.
Not sure how many of my followers are actually still following me, but I'm making a plea similar to a plea I made almost three-years ago when my lightening photo was in a competition. I'm seeking votes for my image.
If you click this link: Imagination Challenge, it will take you directly to my photo where you can vote.
ONLY ONE VOTE COUNTS, PERIOD.
Thank you in advance. I promise I won't be gone so long.
I have been thinking of jotting down my thoughts again for quite sometime and what a great way to do it by announcing that one of my photos have made the first cut for Ron Howard's Imagination Challenge.
I just received the news tonight and I'm almost jumping out of my skin.
Not sure how many of my followers are actually still following me, but I'm making a plea similar to a plea I made almost three-years ago when my lightening photo was in a competition. I'm seeking votes for my image.
If you click this link: Imagination Challenge, it will take you directly to my photo where you can vote.
ONLY ONE VOTE COUNTS, PERIOD.
Thank you in advance. I promise I won't be gone so long.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
With a thankful heart...
I have arrived in Canada to a "home coming" of sorts. I have been able to reconnect with an amazing family who are very near and dear to my heart.
I worked with John and his two sons, Matthew and Taylor, in Sweden and in Scotland on the Impact World Tour. Donna has such an amazing heart for people that I cannot be around her without being changed.
Everyone is running around like a chicken with their heads cut off trying to build stages and get tech rooms set up for God TV to come in and cover the Pursuit Conference. I feel right at home again.
That most amazing thing is how excited I am for this conference. John's main concern is that all of his tech crew remember that it is not our skills that will bless the Lord, but the fact that we are able to worship the Lord with our skills. Such an amazing man with an amazing heart. I have appreciated our friendship over the years and his heart remains steadfast. Not only in his love for the Lord, but his love for me and faith he has in me when it comes to using my skills to bless the Lord and worship Him. I cannot begin to tell you what a tremendous blessing that is to me. He is truly one man who has never given up on me, and trust me, John and I have had some knock down, drag out arguments but through all those times our friendship comes out the other side stronger than before. I REALLY NEEDED THIS TIME WITH THE ROSS FAMILY!!!
The following video is the video John created for this weekends conference. Hope you get a taste of how amazing this weekend is going to be, not only for all the people sitting in the chairs, but for those of us whom the Lord called together as part of an AWESOME tech crew!!
Enjoy!!!
I worked with John and his two sons, Matthew and Taylor, in Sweden and in Scotland on the Impact World Tour. Donna has such an amazing heart for people that I cannot be around her without being changed.
Everyone is running around like a chicken with their heads cut off trying to build stages and get tech rooms set up for God TV to come in and cover the Pursuit Conference. I feel right at home again.
That most amazing thing is how excited I am for this conference. John's main concern is that all of his tech crew remember that it is not our skills that will bless the Lord, but the fact that we are able to worship the Lord with our skills. Such an amazing man with an amazing heart. I have appreciated our friendship over the years and his heart remains steadfast. Not only in his love for the Lord, but his love for me and faith he has in me when it comes to using my skills to bless the Lord and worship Him. I cannot begin to tell you what a tremendous blessing that is to me. He is truly one man who has never given up on me, and trust me, John and I have had some knock down, drag out arguments but through all those times our friendship comes out the other side stronger than before. I REALLY NEEDED THIS TIME WITH THE ROSS FAMILY!!!
The following video is the video John created for this weekends conference. Hope you get a taste of how amazing this weekend is going to be, not only for all the people sitting in the chairs, but for those of us whom the Lord called together as part of an AWESOME tech crew!!
Enjoy!!!
ThePURSUIT 09 Video from John Ross on Vimeo.
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