1. I don't miss waking up in pain.
2. I don't miss knee pain in the evening.
3. I don't miss back pain from standing or sitting too long.
4. I don't miss having to put on a Poise pad first thing in the morning.
5. I don't miss having to change a Poise pad after I laugh or sneeze.
6. I don't miss having to roll down my socks because my calves are so wide the elastic on my socks wears out too quickly AND they cut off circulation to my feet.
7. I don't miss having to use body powder after I shower to prevent chaffing and sweat spots in my creases.
8. I don't miss having to slather on deodorant because I would sweat all the time.
9. I don't miss having to wear dark clothes because my sweating would cause pit stains.
10. I don't miss avoiding stairs because they would cause me to sweat and create stains at horrible times.
11. I don't miss shopping in plus sized stores.
12. I don't miss plus sized clothing, they look awful.
13. I don't miss my "pregnant" belly.
14. I don't miss being asked if I'm pregnant.
15. I don't miss my head pounding like it was going to pop off when I tried to bend over and tie shoes (I just switched to slip ons).
16. I don't worry about what people think when they see me.
17. I can use normal towels in the bathroom now. Yes, it's a big deal LOL.
18. I like to go out with my kids and I don't get winded when I play with them.
19. I can run with my kids and they tell me to slow down.
20. I can do a lot more before I get tired. I'm talking hours or miles and I'm still good to go.
21. My relationship with my husband has changed, A LOT. I like who I am and I can stop obsessing over what I think he's thinking about when he sees my body.
22. I don't miss junk food.
23. I don't miss pop, it's really gross now.
24. I can cross my legs.
25. I WANT to have my picture taken. Look at my albums, I'm missing.
26. My husband says he can hug me now and it feels good when he does it. No more squeezing just to get his hands clasped behind me.
27. I can fit both legs into one leg on my old pair of "fat pants".
28. People tell me I'm getting too skinny and that I need to eat something.
29. I avoided people, especially people who knew me when I was "skinnier". Now I'm skinnier than I was when they knew me in school.
30. I feel pretty now. Being told I was pretty was a hard compliment to take at my highest weight.
31. I can snuggle my husband on the couch or even two kids at one time! I don't take up as much space as I did before so there is more room and it makes momma easier to love.
32. I don't dread walking anymore.
33. I don't have hemorrhoids anymore. LOL TMI
34. Not wearing over sized clothes to "hide" my body. I love not wearing a tent.
35. I love buying underwear that fit and don't fold over at the top when I sit.
36. My children seem so proud of me, Grace tells people all the time how healthy I'm getting. She once told someone I lost over 200lbs. LOL Not even close.
37. I don't miss my seat belt getting stuck in the door because it was pulled out too far and won't retract.
38. I don't miss my stomach touching the steering wheel.
39. I don't miss crawling on the floor to something that I can use to brace myself when I stand up.
40. I'm not embarrassed by the contents of our shopping cart.
41. I ENJOY working out.
42.
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Friday, April 25, 2014
A week in review
This week I've been pushing myself rather hard. Since being friended on FitBit by another local friend I've been picking up the pace. Bill sorta dropped out of the running, sort of speaking, and this friend caught me during a time when I said I had no reason to push myself. I had to up my game just to save face. It was a good kick in the pants. I made my first 25,000 badge and I'm SO much closer to my first 250 mile badge.
Wednesday we took the time out to head down to the zoo. We had a great time and I got my first pic there with my kids.
Wednesday we took the time out to head down to the zoo. We had a great time and I got my first pic there with my kids.
April 23rd, 2014
I've gotten my 5 miles a day and I've pushed to do more. On Saturday I did over 10 miles. I think it was 11, you can see my weekly reports on another post. While at the zoo I got my 10,000 steps in before 2pm so I rewarded myself with a small stuffed animal from the Trading Post.
As you can see I sorta have a thing for turtles and tortoises. I do break for turtles. My job is located right next to the Huron River in Flat Rock, Mi and we have a bridge that we use as our entry road. Turtles like to cross there to obviously get to the other side since the bridge also was created as a hydro dam. Long story, goes back to the original Mr. Ford. The plant I work at was built to make headlamps for the model T. To power the plant a hydro plant and damn was built along side it. Part of the building I work in is the existing Ford plant. Ironically, we process sheet metal for chrome and painted bumpers for Ford and other pick up trucks.
Thursday I returned to work and at around 2:30? I received a call I thought was a prank. Turns out, it wasn't. Women's World Magazine has asked to interview me at 10:30am Friday morning for a possible article in their magazine!!! OMG!!! I'm certainly flattered that they snooped around to find me, and I'm even more flattered that they are considering me! Wish me luck!
On a side note Katie Foster who I follow here on Blogger and on Facebook has also had a cover and an article in Women's World Magazine. Katie, who lives in Newport, and was in Runner's World Magazine. I'd love to be a runner like her, although I think I would just love to run for myself and nothing major. While I'd seriously entertain the notion of doing a half or a full marathon it would take me WAY too long as I have yet to master breathing and I'd drop dead after 10 miles LOL
So, the weekend is shaping up to be great! I should complete my first 250 mile badge, get some good time in with the family at our make up Easter dinner on Sunday and just enjoy myself with a book. Maybe.
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Life just keeps getting crazier
So Sunday I started a post and before I could finish it my life got chaotic. Liam decided to climb, nothing new there I assure you, and fell and split his upper lip open. It was bad enough I could have taken him to the er and had a stitch put in. But more than likely they would have taken too long to get to him, and by then it would have stopped bleeding, the swelling would have gone down, and the wound would have begun to scab up. My poor Grandmother had to come over because I couldn't reach my husband at work, not a surprise. So my Sunday post got scrapped AND I missed the HBO release of GoT Season 4 episode 2. Lovely....
Monday felt like I was slogging through mud. I was tired and I felt bloated all day. I got my 10,000 steps in, and I got my 30 of "intense" activity complete. I think I ended up with 15,000 + steps and 40 mins of high activity. Thank goodness for walking after lunch. It's the only thing that does it.
Monday felt like I was slogging through mud. I was tired and I felt bloated all day. I got my 10,000 steps in, and I got my 30 of "intense" activity complete. I think I ended up with 15,000 + steps and 40 mins of high activity. Thank goodness for walking after lunch. It's the only thing that does it.
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Catching up
So today I decided to do some marching in place while I watched a Metro City video. For anyone that doesn't know about Metro, Metro City is a non-denominational church. They're pretty cool, and I would love to go weekly again, but the kids made it very hard in the past. Metro puts their services online for people to view again and again. So I keep up online. While I watched part 2 of Coexist I went through the notebooks and tore out old pages. Lo and behold I find my old blog account information so, lucky me, I get to load all my new blog stuff on and make up for lost time. I spent hours trying to crack into this account to salvage my old posts. I'm so glad to have it back.
Today I updated all my posts from my sister blog, Thinbythirtythejourney.blogspot.com. I had 10 posts on there, but most of them had to do with my MEN articles etc. I wanted so badly to add those to this account and felt blessed to do so. I haven't seen my articles anywhere else, but I'm glad that it touched so many so far.
I took the boys for a nice walk today. Grace was with my grandparents so I didn't have a chat partner. I did the entire neighborhood at a 3mph pace. I left around 1pm and got home within 30 - 45 mins. My FitBit shows a cal loss of 263 so I did ok. My feet are a little sore but I still have about 2,500 steps left today. I may walk on the treadmill with a book for a while.
Katie Foster, the blogger who inspired me to blog here, recently did the Ragnar Socal. The Ragnar Socal Relay is " a 200-mile relay race from Huntington Beach to San Diego in which teams of 12 test their athletic stamina and rely one another for support over the course of 2 days. Team members each run 3 legs of the race. Legs vary in difficulty level and range from 3-8 miles. All types of runners participate each year, from the novice to the world-class athlete". Katie was also recently featured in the fitness magazine "Runner's World". I have a cousin who knows the photographer who did the shots. If Katie reads this, Katie I would love for you to sign my copy!!!!
Today I updated all my posts from my sister blog, Thinbythirtythejourney.blogspot.com. I had 10 posts on there, but most of them had to do with my MEN articles etc. I wanted so badly to add those to this account and felt blessed to do so. I haven't seen my articles anywhere else, but I'm glad that it touched so many so far.
I took the boys for a nice walk today. Grace was with my grandparents so I didn't have a chat partner. I did the entire neighborhood at a 3mph pace. I left around 1pm and got home within 30 - 45 mins. My FitBit shows a cal loss of 263 so I did ok. My feet are a little sore but I still have about 2,500 steps left today. I may walk on the treadmill with a book for a while.
Katie Foster, the blogger who inspired me to blog here, recently did the Ragnar Socal. The Ragnar Socal Relay is " a 200-mile relay race from Huntington Beach to San Diego in which teams of 12 test their athletic stamina and rely one another for support over the course of 2 days. Team members each run 3 legs of the race. Legs vary in difficulty level and range from 3-8 miles. All types of runners participate each year, from the novice to the world-class athlete". Katie was also recently featured in the fitness magazine "Runner's World". I have a cousin who knows the photographer who did the shots. If Katie reads this, Katie I would love for you to sign my copy!!!!
Current weight: 154.4
Goal weight: 145-150 (maintenance weight)
Current BMI: 5'6 - 24.9 (normal) 5'6 1/2 - 24.5 (normal) 5'7 - 24.2 (normal)
Goal BMI: 24.1
Total weight lost: 105 lbs
Percentage of body weight lost: 40.54%
Currently reading:
The Confession by Beverly Lewis
Saturday Challenge No.1 : March 29th, 2014
Today I'm challenging myself to 1hr on the treadmill. The pace doesn't matter. Will I meet my goal?
Well....
I made my goal! I did 1 hour of treadmill time and I made my first 20,000 step badge! Took me until almost 11pm but I finally made my goal.
News: I got my navy blue FitBit Flex band!
Current weight: 155.8
Goal weight: 145-150 (maintenance weight)
Current BMI: 24.4
Goal BMI: 24.1
Total weight lost: 103.2lbs
Percentage of body weight lost: 39.85%
Currently reading:
The Guardian by Beverly Lewis
Well....
I made my goal! I did 1 hour of treadmill time and I made my first 20,000 step badge! Took me until almost 11pm but I finally made my goal.
News: I got my navy blue FitBit Flex band!
Current weight: 155.8
Goal weight: 145-150 (maintenance weight)
Current BMI: 24.4
Goal BMI: 24.1
Total weight lost: 103.2lbs
Percentage of body weight lost: 39.85%
Currently reading:
The Guardian by Beverly Lewis
Finally Friday: March 28th, 2014
This week has been a long one. From awaiting the determination at work as to whether my training has been successful or not, to home repairs, disappointment and frustration with large corporate decisions, and my speech at TOPS (that was nerve wrecking), I'm just glad it's Friday and the week is finally over.
Monday had me all nerves because it was the day my coworker returned and decided whether I'd been a success or not in her department. Thankfully she was please and so was her boss. I probably saved my job for a few years there. But ya just never know in the auto game.
Tuesday and Wednesday I waited on my new eyeglasses. Unfortunately, I had to return them. They came a day late and the right lens had a flaw. There was a finger print between the layers, although the Dr said it was a pressure fracture from the machinery. Looked like a smudge to me, I'm not an idiot.
Thursday my husband repaired the kids bathroom fixtures. The toilet had a small leak inside due the flapper failing and he got that done quickly, but I had to have a new sink. Our faucet was the twist knob style and it was hard on little hands so he replaced it with a simple handle style. So far the kids are thrilled with it. My hubs had a few problems installing it, but at least the job is done and he did a good job of cleaning up.
Thursday night I gave my speech for TOPS. It was a nice gathering and the people were lovely. I hope that in some way I've helped someone. I was glad that there was a setting where people were actually willing to hear that I really leaned on God to get me through. Somehow that message got lost in the news articles.
I completed 10 straight days of walking my 10,000 steps. I'm very happy with that. I'd like to achieve 30 days of doing 10,000 steps and then 30 days of doing 5 miles a day. My new wristband comes today or Saturday. I'm pretty excited about it. It's the new-er navy blue band.
This pic just shows what I can expect the color to look like
Current weight: 155.8
Goal weight: 145-150 (maintenance weight)
Current BMI: 24.4
Goal BMI: 24.1
Total weight lost: 103.2lbs
Percentage of body weight lost: 39.85%
Currently reading:
The Bridesmaid by Beverly Lewis
Monday had me all nerves because it was the day my coworker returned and decided whether I'd been a success or not in her department. Thankfully she was please and so was her boss. I probably saved my job for a few years there. But ya just never know in the auto game.
Tuesday and Wednesday I waited on my new eyeglasses. Unfortunately, I had to return them. They came a day late and the right lens had a flaw. There was a finger print between the layers, although the Dr said it was a pressure fracture from the machinery. Looked like a smudge to me, I'm not an idiot.
Thursday my husband repaired the kids bathroom fixtures. The toilet had a small leak inside due the flapper failing and he got that done quickly, but I had to have a new sink. Our faucet was the twist knob style and it was hard on little hands so he replaced it with a simple handle style. So far the kids are thrilled with it. My hubs had a few problems installing it, but at least the job is done and he did a good job of cleaning up.
Thursday night I gave my speech for TOPS. It was a nice gathering and the people were lovely. I hope that in some way I've helped someone. I was glad that there was a setting where people were actually willing to hear that I really leaned on God to get me through. Somehow that message got lost in the news articles.
I completed 10 straight days of walking my 10,000 steps. I'm very happy with that. I'd like to achieve 30 days of doing 10,000 steps and then 30 days of doing 5 miles a day. My new wristband comes today or Saturday. I'm pretty excited about it. It's the new-er navy blue band.
This pic just shows what I can expect the color to look like
Current weight: 155.8
Goal weight: 145-150 (maintenance weight)
Current BMI: 24.4
Goal BMI: 24.1
Total weight lost: 103.2lbs
Percentage of body weight lost: 39.85%
Currently reading:
The Bridesmaid by Beverly Lewis
Tuesday shmooseday blahs : March 25th, 2014
It's a dreary Tuesday morning and it looks like the sun will never make an appearance today. It's cold and overcast and it's not promising to be a great day, weather wise.
I got my daughter off to school and the boys are having a very quiet morning. I hope that continues because the days before Gram's knee consult are dwindling. I'd like her to have as many good days as she can have before that. Who knows how the surgery will go? I'm just praying it saves her from the pain.
I had a great weekend with the kids. We had a Frozen party on Saturday with pizza. Sunday seems like a blur, but I think the best part was running around the kitchen island like the characters on Alice and Wonderland. The kids got to run around for 30 mins or more and we had a great time. They didn't realize that they were helping mommy work out or that I was wearing them out.
Monday we got our daughter's new bed. She seems pleased with it and I am too. I'm just glad it didn't cost a small fortune and it's so sturdy. I haven't even sat on it yet because I'm so jealous. I'd love a new mattress but it seems like we always have something to replace or repair and spending money on comfort is not a priority. Plus we've got an older washer and dryer and they're starting to make noises. Any luck they last another few years and just moan and groan like an old couple LOL
My coworker came back yesterday and besides some paperwork that should have been forwarded to another department things were great. She seemed very pleased with me and I'm so glad. I dug right into my work and pushed myself yesterday since I'm preparing to take off Thursday. Gram will be having her consult and I have the 7pm fitness meeting in Flat Rock with the weight loss group TOPS.
It's been exactly 2 weeks since I ordered my new glasses and I'm just plain tired of waiting! The few sunny days have reminded me that sunglasses would be a plus and I spent extra on the transition lenses for just that purpose. Come on navy blue glasses!
Another thing I'm waiting on is my new FitBit Flex navy blue replacement wristband. Of course I got it because it's blue! I love the color blue. I guess it's because I love blue eyes and the blue sky. <3
Current weight: 155.8
Goal weight: 145-150 (maintenance weight)
Current BMI: 24.4
Goal BMI: 24.1
Total weight lost: 103.2lbs
Percentage of body weight lost: 39.85%
Currently reading:
The Fiddler by Beverly Lewis
I got my daughter off to school and the boys are having a very quiet morning. I hope that continues because the days before Gram's knee consult are dwindling. I'd like her to have as many good days as she can have before that. Who knows how the surgery will go? I'm just praying it saves her from the pain.
I had a great weekend with the kids. We had a Frozen party on Saturday with pizza. Sunday seems like a blur, but I think the best part was running around the kitchen island like the characters on Alice and Wonderland. The kids got to run around for 30 mins or more and we had a great time. They didn't realize that they were helping mommy work out or that I was wearing them out.
Monday we got our daughter's new bed. She seems pleased with it and I am too. I'm just glad it didn't cost a small fortune and it's so sturdy. I haven't even sat on it yet because I'm so jealous. I'd love a new mattress but it seems like we always have something to replace or repair and spending money on comfort is not a priority. Plus we've got an older washer and dryer and they're starting to make noises. Any luck they last another few years and just moan and groan like an old couple LOL
My coworker came back yesterday and besides some paperwork that should have been forwarded to another department things were great. She seemed very pleased with me and I'm so glad. I dug right into my work and pushed myself yesterday since I'm preparing to take off Thursday. Gram will be having her consult and I have the 7pm fitness meeting in Flat Rock with the weight loss group TOPS.
It's been exactly 2 weeks since I ordered my new glasses and I'm just plain tired of waiting! The few sunny days have reminded me that sunglasses would be a plus and I spent extra on the transition lenses for just that purpose. Come on navy blue glasses!
Another thing I'm waiting on is my new FitBit Flex navy blue replacement wristband. Of course I got it because it's blue! I love the color blue. I guess it's because I love blue eyes and the blue sky. <3
Current weight: 155.8
Goal weight: 145-150 (maintenance weight)
Current BMI: 24.4
Goal BMI: 24.1
Total weight lost: 103.2lbs
Percentage of body weight lost: 39.85%
Currently reading:
The Fiddler by Beverly Lewis
Throwback Thursday: Oct 9th, 2011 : March 20th, 2014
Flashback to:
October 9th, 2011
This particular day we'd taken a family trip to the Toledo Zoo. Grace was 3, Ben was almost 2 and Liam was 6 months old. My sister and her friend Jackie came along to help with the kids. I was pretty much exhausted the whole time. I was so heavy that I spent much of the time sitting on benches nursing the baby. I felt horrible.
Just a little about my week so far, its Thursday! Which means I have 2 days until my coworker is due to return to her job. Fingers are crossed that I've gotten things done and there are no issues. So far so good.
Bill bought me the FitBit Flex on Monday and since then I've increased my activity levels. I've reached my 10,000 steps goal twice now. I'm doing a lot of random walking at work but it's getting the job done. My goal is to reach that 10,000 mark each day. So far so good!
Current weight: 155.8
Goal weight: 145-150 (maintenance weight)
Current BMI: 24.4
Goal BMI: 24.1
Total weight lost: 103.2lbs
Percentage of body weight lost: 39.85%
Currently reading:
Extras by Scott Westerfeld
October 9th, 2011
This particular day we'd taken a family trip to the Toledo Zoo. Grace was 3, Ben was almost 2 and Liam was 6 months old. My sister and her friend Jackie came along to help with the kids. I was pretty much exhausted the whole time. I was so heavy that I spent much of the time sitting on benches nursing the baby. I felt horrible.
Just a little about my week so far, its Thursday! Which means I have 2 days until my coworker is due to return to her job. Fingers are crossed that I've gotten things done and there are no issues. So far so good.
Bill bought me the FitBit Flex on Monday and since then I've increased my activity levels. I've reached my 10,000 steps goal twice now. I'm doing a lot of random walking at work but it's getting the job done. My goal is to reach that 10,000 mark each day. So far so good!
Current weight: 155.8
Goal weight: 145-150 (maintenance weight)
Current BMI: 24.4
Goal BMI: 24.1
Total weight lost: 103.2lbs
Percentage of body weight lost: 39.85%
Currently reading:
Extras by Scott Westerfeld
Take it to the next level Tuesday : March 18th, 2014
Thanks to my wonderful hubby I'm taking my fitness to the next level. He bought me the Target exclusive "violet" Fitbit Flex! Fitbit is described as: "Be healthier and more active with Fitbit. Track daily activity, calories burned, sleep & weight. Upload wirelessly & see progress on mobile and online dashboard."
Basically FitBit Flex is a wristband that connects through wifi to a computer based dashboard that tracks your daily, and nightly activity and shows you calories burned, steps taken and your mileage and can monitor your sleeping patterns. It's a nark on your wrist!
This is what mine looks like:
Another new thing in my life is that I've left the Flat Rock Relay for Life and joined the Monroe Relay for Life. I'm no longer a committee member, but I've started a new team called, "Sweat for Survival". I saw the name online and when I googled it I also found this:
Current weight: 156.2
Goal weight: 145-150
Currently reading: Specials by Scott Westerfeld
Basically FitBit Flex is a wristband that connects through wifi to a computer based dashboard that tracks your daily, and nightly activity and shows you calories burned, steps taken and your mileage and can monitor your sleeping patterns. It's a nark on your wrist!
This is what mine looks like:
Yesterday I got it charged up and ready to go at noon. From that point, until I went to bed, I burned 1,871 calories and took 4,175 steps. The goal is to burn more calories than I take in and walk 10,000 steps. I will make that my next goal! 10,000 steps a day!
Another new thing in my life is that I've left the Flat Rock Relay for Life and joined the Monroe Relay for Life. I'm no longer a committee member, but I've started a new team called, "Sweat for Survival". I saw the name online and when I googled it I also found this:
It was made by a Relay team from Texas. I'm not sure if it's copyrighted or not, but I'm going to use it because it's awesome! I want my team to see health and fitness as a way to combat cancer. I think it's a great fit don't you?
Current weight: 156.2
Goal weight: 145-150
Currently reading: Specials by Scott Westerfeld
My Second Monroe Evening News article: Secret to dieting: staying the course : March 16th, 2014
Secret to dieting: staying the course
Published: March 12, 2014 Monroe News
The secret to maintaining or achieving a healthy body weight is at once both simple and yet fraught with frustration. It calls for countering food intake with activity and staying on task for the long haul as only a couple of pounds are likely to be lost in one week.
There has been as yet no magic pill created, no machine invented that will do all the work for us. Even with professional coaching, any weight-loss plan or program can work for a given person only if calories taken in are fewer than the calories burned off.
That's why the story of Yvette Vajcner of Flat Rock got our attention when her family contacted The Monroe News. She lost 100 pounds in almost exactly one year, and her family hosted a surprise party on March 1 to celebrate this achievement.
Ms. Vajcner used to weigh 259 pounds and had noticed recurring problems from being too heavy. She couldn't walk as long as she wanted to in the 2012 American Cancer Society Relay for Life-Flat Rock and couldn't keep up with her three active children. She also was frustrated with wearing size 20 pants — and her appearance as she barely fit into that outfit.
Finally, she'd had enough. Ms. Vajcner researched healthy diet recommendations and made adjustments after noticing what worked for her and what didn't.
The impressive detail was that she did this all on her own, without hiring a trainer or joining a club to lead her through the journey. In addition, her exercise plan was incredibly simple: stepping on an old treadmill day after day.
"Once I found a menu that worked, I clung to it and the treadmill for dear life," Ms. Vajcner said.
As her weight-loss efforts started to show results, she kept track of the progress via a smartphone app and pictures.
Her family also knew about her goal and encouraged her. That's why they hosted the party in her honor — with a range of healthy snacks such as fruit salad and signs posted all over the Frenchtown-Dixie Branch Library community room that said " Woot, Woot!" " You Rock." "So Proud of You."
Ms. Vacjer said after the party that she hopes her persistence and determination encourages even just one person to take control and work on his or her own weight-loss goal.
Her story is inspiring and life-affirming. The formula for weight loss is familiar, but each success story has its personal twist. Congratulations to Ms. Vajcner and all those who are working hard to change their own lives in a healthy way.
Published: March 12, 2014 Monroe News
The secret to maintaining or achieving a healthy body weight is at once both simple and yet fraught with frustration. It calls for countering food intake with activity and staying on task for the long haul as only a couple of pounds are likely to be lost in one week.
There has been as yet no magic pill created, no machine invented that will do all the work for us. Even with professional coaching, any weight-loss plan or program can work for a given person only if calories taken in are fewer than the calories burned off.
That's why the story of Yvette Vajcner of Flat Rock got our attention when her family contacted The Monroe News. She lost 100 pounds in almost exactly one year, and her family hosted a surprise party on March 1 to celebrate this achievement.
Ms. Vajcner used to weigh 259 pounds and had noticed recurring problems from being too heavy. She couldn't walk as long as she wanted to in the 2012 American Cancer Society Relay for Life-Flat Rock and couldn't keep up with her three active children. She also was frustrated with wearing size 20 pants — and her appearance as she barely fit into that outfit.
Finally, she'd had enough. Ms. Vajcner researched healthy diet recommendations and made adjustments after noticing what worked for her and what didn't.
The impressive detail was that she did this all on her own, without hiring a trainer or joining a club to lead her through the journey. In addition, her exercise plan was incredibly simple: stepping on an old treadmill day after day.
"Once I found a menu that worked, I clung to it and the treadmill for dear life," Ms. Vajcner said.
As her weight-loss efforts started to show results, she kept track of the progress via a smartphone app and pictures.
Her family also knew about her goal and encouraged her. That's why they hosted the party in her honor — with a range of healthy snacks such as fruit salad and signs posted all over the Frenchtown-Dixie Branch Library community room that said " Woot, Woot!" " You Rock." "So Proud of You."
Ms. Vacjer said after the party that she hopes her persistence and determination encourages even just one person to take control and work on his or her own weight-loss goal.
Her story is inspiring and life-affirming. The formula for weight loss is familiar, but each success story has its personal twist. Congratulations to Ms. Vajcner and all those who are working hard to change their own lives in a healthy way.
I'm all over the place! : March 16th, 2014
I woke up today and decided to check the Michigan AP for my article. But after 3 pages out of 20 I decided a Google search would be simpler. Low and behold my article had gone viral!
These are the papers I'm currently in:
Monroe Evening News The Monroe Evening News
The Washington Times The Washington Times
The Midland Daily News The Midland Daily News
The Herald Palladium (Benton Harbor, MI) The Herald Palladium
The Argus-Press (Owosso, Mi) The Argus-Press
I'm on several e news websites as well:
eFabula.com
Shorelinemedia.com
'
GotNewsWire.com
Healthrender.com
Fresh--News.com
Cliprender.com
Interceder.net
Yourdailyglobe.com
Weightwise2000.com
I still can't believe my story has gone so far. All I did was drop the weight needed to meet my BMI so I could be healthy for my kids and it's gotten out of hand. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't flattered, but I'm nobody. I'm just a quiet gal working and taking care of a family. I'm not news worthy.
I've told my husband this makes me feel so fake. All I did was change my diet, get active and stick to it for all it was worth. It worked. I didn't have to go all "Biggest Loser", and I didn't have to starve myself. It's just crazy!
I hope that God uses me to help others. I just want people to know that you can do this. It is possible to do it without diet books, fads, or crazy gym memberships. God, just use me.
These are the papers I'm currently in:
Monroe Evening News The Monroe Evening News
The Washington Times The Washington Times
The Midland Daily News The Midland Daily News
The Herald Palladium (Benton Harbor, MI) The Herald Palladium
The Argus-Press (Owosso, Mi) The Argus-Press
I'm on several e news websites as well:
eFabula.com
Shorelinemedia.com
'
GotNewsWire.com
Healthrender.com
Fresh--News.com
Cliprender.com
Interceder.net
Yourdailyglobe.com
Weightwise2000.com
I still can't believe my story has gone so far. All I did was drop the weight needed to meet my BMI so I could be healthy for my kids and it's gotten out of hand. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't flattered, but I'm nobody. I'm just a quiet gal working and taking care of a family. I'm not news worthy.
I've told my husband this makes me feel so fake. All I did was change my diet, get active and stick to it for all it was worth. It worked. I didn't have to go all "Biggest Loser", and I didn't have to starve myself. It's just crazy!
I hope that God uses me to help others. I just want people to know that you can do this. It is possible to do it without diet books, fads, or crazy gym memberships. God, just use me.
If it doesn't kill you: March 16th, 2014
I have a case of the Saturday blahs and I just want to laze around and do nothing, but this sunshine is calling to me! I'd be lying if I said I wasn't ready for warm spring days and fresh air. Winter here in Michigan seems to be lingering longer than normal and if you can believe it, we're expecting some more freezing rain or wintry mix around the end of this week. I'm done. I bow to you winter LOL
Today I've trying to get active. When you have a case of the blahs it's hard to get moving, but I've gotten the kids to clean their rooms and I've vacuumed the hall, the den, the boy's room and the living room and kitchen. I also did 30 mins on the treadmill and now I feel sick. I guess the saying, "If it doesn't kill you it'll only make you stronger", is true. I can hope, right?
I finished out the day by doing the weekly grocery shopping and ended up splurging on some king crab. It was nice because the sale brought the price down several dollars and I had an MPerks coupon for a few more dollars off. Bill and I ended up having an in house date night while we gorged on Alaskan king crab and enjoyed a drink while watching episode 1 of Game of Thrones. We both went to bed with happy tummies and I had a good nights sleep. I think I wore myself out yesterday. LOL
Today I've trying to get active. When you have a case of the blahs it's hard to get moving, but I've gotten the kids to clean their rooms and I've vacuumed the hall, the den, the boy's room and the living room and kitchen. I also did 30 mins on the treadmill and now I feel sick. I guess the saying, "If it doesn't kill you it'll only make you stronger", is true. I can hope, right?
I finished out the day by doing the weekly grocery shopping and ended up splurging on some king crab. It was nice because the sale brought the price down several dollars and I had an MPerks coupon for a few more dollars off. Bill and I ended up having an in house date night while we gorged on Alaskan king crab and enjoyed a drink while watching episode 1 of Game of Thrones. We both went to bed with happy tummies and I had a good nights sleep. I think I wore myself out yesterday. LOL
Getting Serious, my need for control: March 14th, 2014
The past week I've been trying very hard to stick with my schedule. My current program is 30 minutes on the treadmill or at least an hour of housework a day. The calories burned is similar so it's a great system. Either I walk OR my house gets a cleaning. Good deal.
Monday I was sick, and it was also the day my Monroe Evening News article went "live". I felt like a fake at that point. While "my" paper was being sold out across the county, I was lazing about feeling miserable.
Today I'm doing my best to reclaim my old blog, Thin By 30, The Journey. Somehow I lost my password and I can't seem to get into my old blog. I feel bad, because I'm losing so much, but for now this will have to do. I wasn't a very faithful blogger anyway. So I guess it's start over fresh time. For anyone who wants to view my old blog please go here: Thin By 30, The Journey
Today turned out to be full of twists and turns. It was the first day of my co-worker's vacation and they've put me in charge of "some" of her work. I say some because the duties are divided but I'll be responsible for order entry and it's pretty detailed. Details and me = stress. I managed and got stuff done. So work was a success as far as I'm concerned.
I got the last of my Thank You's sent out tonight. Took me a few hours all together. I can't believe we packed that little room. It was an amazing night. Kinda sad I didn't give a little speech but how was I to know that I'd need one? And I'm not an impromptu speaker.
Speaking of speaking....
I got a call from my sister tonight asking if I'd like to speak in front of a women's weight loss group! They're called TOPS, or Taking Off Pounds Sensibly. They're a support group that's run out of a local Lutheran Church. Women seeking God and a healthier lifestyle? Sign me up!
Here is their page: TOPS CLC of Flat Rock
Today was also the make-up delivery day for the Amazon.com and eBay items I ordered. I got seasons 1, 2 and 3 of Game of Thrones (yes, I've read the books ASOIAF and I'm a HUGE fan, no pun intended), Rada cutlery, 40 of the original 1980's Babysitter's Club Little Sister books and The Winter of Fire, which was a read I loved in junior high. I'm SO excited for Saturday!
This was my week
Sat. March 8th 2 - 3hrs housework (My house)
Sun. March 9th 2 - 3hrs housework (Gram's house)
Mon. March 10th - sick day
Tues. March 11th - 30 mins treadmill
Wed. March 12th - 30-40 mins shoveling snow
Thurs. March 13th - 30 mins treadmill
Fri. March 14th - 30 mins treadmill
So here is my possible weekend:
Sat. March 15th - 30/60 mins treadmill / 1-2hrs housework
Sun. March 16th - 30/60 mins treadmill / 1-2hrs housework
Current weight: 158 lbs
Goal weight: 157 lbs
Total loss: 101 lbs
Currently reading: Pretties by Scott Westerfeld
Monday I was sick, and it was also the day my Monroe Evening News article went "live". I felt like a fake at that point. While "my" paper was being sold out across the county, I was lazing about feeling miserable.
Today I'm doing my best to reclaim my old blog, Thin By 30, The Journey. Somehow I lost my password and I can't seem to get into my old blog. I feel bad, because I'm losing so much, but for now this will have to do. I wasn't a very faithful blogger anyway. So I guess it's start over fresh time. For anyone who wants to view my old blog please go here: Thin By 30, The Journey
Today turned out to be full of twists and turns. It was the first day of my co-worker's vacation and they've put me in charge of "some" of her work. I say some because the duties are divided but I'll be responsible for order entry and it's pretty detailed. Details and me = stress. I managed and got stuff done. So work was a success as far as I'm concerned.
I got the last of my Thank You's sent out tonight. Took me a few hours all together. I can't believe we packed that little room. It was an amazing night. Kinda sad I didn't give a little speech but how was I to know that I'd need one? And I'm not an impromptu speaker.
Speaking of speaking....
I got a call from my sister tonight asking if I'd like to speak in front of a women's weight loss group! They're called TOPS, or Taking Off Pounds Sensibly. They're a support group that's run out of a local Lutheran Church. Women seeking God and a healthier lifestyle? Sign me up!
Here is their page: TOPS CLC of Flat Rock
Today was also the make-up delivery day for the Amazon.com and eBay items I ordered. I got seasons 1, 2 and 3 of Game of Thrones (yes, I've read the books ASOIAF and I'm a HUGE fan, no pun intended), Rada cutlery, 40 of the original 1980's Babysitter's Club Little Sister books and The Winter of Fire, which was a read I loved in junior high. I'm SO excited for Saturday!
Game of Thrones Seasons 1, 2, and 3
The Babysitter's Club Little Sister
Winter of Fire by Sherryl Jordan
This was my week
Sat. March 8th 2 - 3hrs housework (My house)
Sun. March 9th 2 - 3hrs housework (Gram's house)
Mon. March 10th - sick day
Tues. March 11th - 30 mins treadmill
Wed. March 12th - 30-40 mins shoveling snow
Thurs. March 13th - 30 mins treadmill
Fri. March 14th - 30 mins treadmill
So here is my possible weekend:
Sat. March 15th - 30/60 mins treadmill / 1-2hrs housework
Sun. March 16th - 30/60 mins treadmill / 1-2hrs housework
Current weight: 158 lbs
Goal weight: 157 lbs
Total loss: 101 lbs
Currently reading: Pretties by Scott Westerfeld
100 Pounds Erased ~ My Column in the MEN: March 14th, 2014
The fact that Yvette Vajcner of Flat Rock lost 100 pounds in almost exactly one year is remarkable.
The additionally impressive detail is that she achieved this goal without the help of a professional trainer or weight loss service membership.
Her diet and meal plans were researched and created on her own, and her exercise plan was stepping on an old treadmill day after day.
“It was all me and the will to change my life,” she wrote on her MyFitnessPal. com account.
Ms. Vajcner also did this while working full time, and raising three young children with her husband.
“She was motivated. She was going to do it,” her mother-in-law, Kathy Vajcner said.
To celebrate the fact Ms. Vajcner reached her goal weight of 100 pounds, nearly 50 of her family members and friends packed the Frenchtown-Dixie Branch Library community room March 1 to throw a surprise party in her honor. The event was planned by her sister, Mercedes Toman of Monroe.
Even as Ms. Toman helped pick up the children from the car, Ms. Vajcner had the impression that the party was in honor of another family member.
But as she entered the room with her husband, Bill, she realized everyone was looking at her.
To tell the story, 100 paper stars with each milestone were hung on the walls around the community room: 2 pounds. 5 pounds. 27 pounds. 28 pounds. 56 pounds. 64 pounds. 100 pounds. Other signs said “ Woot, Woot!” “ You Rock.” “So Proud of You.”
Fresh fruit, veggie trays and other treats were set out for refreshments and a pile of congratulatory gifts were on the floor.
Ms. Vajcner was first speechless, then in tears.
“I’m just completely in shock,” she said to her loved ones. “Thank you. You got me good.”
The effort took one year and two weeks to accomplish. She started at 259 pounds. As of March 1, she was at 158 pounds and down to a size 6 in clothing. That’s close to her high school weight of 146 pounds.
Ms. Vajcner said her frustrations with being heavy reached a peak in summer, 2012. She realized she was too out of shape to play actively with her children, now ages 2½, 4 and 6.
“I wanted to be the best mom I could to them. I couldn’t play in the yard without getting winded,” she said.
She was a volunteer for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life-Flat Rock, but could walk only for one of the hours she had pledged.
When she was invited to a family member’s wedding, she was in tears trying to find an appropriate outfit and dreaded looking at the photos afterward.
“I just hated what I looked like,” she said. She knew that that day she could barely fit in her size 20 pants, but didn’t want to buy a size 22.
“I think the straw that broke the camel’s back was my grandmother telling me, very lovingly of course, that I was too young to be so heavy,” Ms. Vajcner said after the party. “I had years to live and kids to raise, she said. I was changing a diaper on the floor that morning before work and I had to crawl to the couch to get myself up off the floor. My knees hurt and they were popping so bad.”
An annual health assessment through her employer, Flat Rock Metal, pointed out she weighed 259 pounds.
The effort began Feb. 11, 2013. She used the free MyFitnessPal.com online and smartphone app tracker to log her diet and exercise. She looked up World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control guidelines for calorie intake and diet recommendations and created her own meal plans.
“I stuck with it and only changed it when I found I had too much salt or too much sugar,” she said. For example, she swapped around Greek yogurt brands several times in an effort to fine-tune her food plan.
“Once I found a menu that worked, I clung to it and the treadmill for dear life,” Ms. Vajcner said.
The fact that she had a treadmill is a story in itself.
She purchased it at a garage sale in 2009, but soon quit. It was passed around the family until she got it back in 2012.
She decided to schedule a treadmill session five days a week and it took weeks before she could manage it for more than 30 minutes at a time.
“But I did it.”
Every six to eight weeks, she was changing clothing sizes. To handle that, she got a lot of hand-me-down clothes and in turn donated her larger size clothing to a women’s shelter.
All the while Ms. Vajcner kept an account of her progress on Facebook and MyFitnessPal, although most of the photos stayed in a hidden private album until she felt comfortable sharing them.
That being said, many of the friends and family who are connected to her on Facebook who knew what she was doing. And as Ms. Toman explained, a lot of support and “ You can do it” messages came that way.
When the 100-pound point approached, Ms. Toman and the others began their plans
“Nobody’s ever thrown her a party,” the sister said.
And now, she’s more than happy to share her story of persistence and determination.
“If even one person is inspired to change their life for the better, I will consider all of this worth it,” she said.
By Paula Wethington
Read more at: 100 Pounds Erased at "MEN"
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