I do not run unless I am being chased. Or do I?

As most of you know, Clay and I are on a health, nutrition and fitness kick.  In an effort to knock some items off of my bucket list, we ran and joined the Columbus Eastside Running Club (CERC), yesterday morning.

For our first run, we met up with a group of 30+ ladies in the beautiful and smelly town of Baltimore, Ohio. We knew that we had to run with the slowest pace group as we have only been running a short while.  While we walked for part of the 3 miles, we finished.  Right now, I think we are focused on running the 1/2 marathon in Columbus in October.  I still have a goal of running a whole marathon, but think I want to aim to finish it in 2014.

So far, with the help of Advocare, each other and our family/friends, we have lost a combined 49 pounds in less than 3 months.  Here are our before and after photos.

We will continue to share our progress with CERC and life.  I will also post if I ever feel the elusive runners high - I have never experienced it. =D

Our next goals?  Planning our wedding.  We are focused on getting married at the beach and then hosting a kick ass celebration when we get home.  Not sure if we will tie the not this year or early next? 

And yes, I am still waiting to hear on the job front.  Fingers crossed that I hear something tomorrow.

Love and Running.  Kris

Low blood sugar? Ummm k.

I had gastric bypass in August of 2007 for 4 reasons:

1. My future - I did not want to end up in a wheelchair, dead or disabled in my fifties (like my Mom and grandparents.)
2. Children - I had been seeing an infertility specialist and after a number of tests, he said that my weight and age WERE the reason I was having problems.
3. My health -  I had been diagnosed as pre-diabetic, had high blood pressure and felt horrible.
4. Insurance - My Aetna Insurance was now approving people with a 40 BMI and no co-morbidity's.  Time was ticking.

Since then, I have lost 1/2 of my body weight, but until recently, felt like crap.  In the last 3 months, I have found the Advocare wellness/trim product line and started exercising.  I feel great.

Well that is... I FELT great.  In the last few week, I have felt horrible. 

After discussions with my Doc, we have figured out my problem:  I am having low blood sugar dips.

See, since my surgery, I am never hungry unless I am PMS'ing.  I have to remind myself to eat.

While the Advocare nutrition regimen and food plan have helped, I have replaced my morning breakfast of eggs and complex carbs with a meal replacement shake.  I love them and they are so filling.  They set my day off in the right direction BUT... they are Sugar Free. 

My Doctor absolutely loves the results I am seeing.  I called him about my low blood sugar dips and he suggested adding fruit to my shakes or having a banana or apple.  DUH.

Now, I am back on the feeling great train.  No, I do not have the SUGAH DI_AAAA_BEE_TEES.  I have no regrets where my surgery is concerned. 

I do wish I had found Advocare sooner.  Because of that, I share it with everyone I know.  There is no shame in my game.  I want others to experience the same phenomenal energy and nutrition. 

Now for my funny:  I came across a great picture(below) that sums up my feelings about weight/public perception/etc.  While I have always had self esteem issues, they were not because of my weight, per see.  They were because I never felt worthy of love and had no energy.  I have taken the last six months or so get myself right.  I now love myself, flaws and all. I am a work in process.

Energy?  Schmenergy? For goodness sakes,  if I had more energy, I would NEVER sleep. 

Thank you to Advocare for entering my life at the right time and for my higher power for allowing me to receive the gift.  Love and health,  Kris

Waiting Sucks.

I will admit, I am not the most patient person.  I do not like being unemployed.  Since leaving Nationwide in July 2012, I have had the opportunity to get my head on strait.  I thank Clay and Allison for supporting me through this process. Without them, I would be by myself in Iowa somewhere~  I have had a few job opportunities in the last 9 months but none that truly challenged me intellectually or personally.  I had worked so hard to become a Director at Nationwide that damnit!, I do not want to settle.

While I know that I made the right decision to forego my dream Sales job, I DO have regrets.  Financially, more than anything else. See, I started working when I was a child.   I babysat, helped my brother with his paper route and worked at Bishop Hartley in the summers before I was able to get a real job.  Once I turned 16, I never had a period of unemployment.  Until now.

While I am so blessed to have found Advocare, I want it to remain a hobby for me. For now,  I enjoy helping people find and experience good nutrition.  I believe in the process and the products. 

The good news:
I am in the finals for 2 great jobs but have not heard anything in over a week.  I know, I know.  Patience, jackass.  It is so hard to know that I am not a priority.  ...that my fate lies in someone else's hands.  Surrender.

To some, surrender is a negative term.  To me, surrender is life.  When I made the decision to surrender my control, I finally began to live a real life.  It took me 41 years to realize this.  I understand that there is something greater than myself.  A positive energy and a higher power.

So today, as I wait.  I surrender to my higher power.  I cannot control this process. I cannot control others. I can only send out positive vibes and know that the right thing will happen.

With that being said, I will impact my own thinking and stay positive.  I will be good to others, even if they let me down.  At the end of the day, I can only control me. 

So, my story for the day:  Clay and I went to the Newark Strawberry Festival yesterday.  We were empty nesters this weekend as Allison went on a trip with her friend's family to a cool lake in Maryland.  We (well I) wanted to get out of the house yesterday.  I do not sit well. So, in the late afternoon, we climbed in the Tundra and headed to the Strawberry Festival.  It was awesome.  The people watching? The tattoos?  The missing teeth?  = Kris' heaven on earth! 

The best part?  We found these glasses...

And yes, we love you!

Love and waiting, Kris

Advocare : A Fitness Professionals Dream

I came across a great presentation for fitness professionals.  Why is there a conflict in introducing a wonderful nutrition program to professional trainers?  There is NOT!  Watch the presentation and find out more!!

 http://vimeo.com/nhartwig/fitnesspro

Day 56: Humbled.

Well, we had a phenomenal day yesterday.  We were able to jog/walk the Komen Race for the Cure 5K and finished between 50-55 minutes.  We spent a lot of the race in a huge queue, so I am just glad that we finished.  I cried for much of the race.  I have never been so inspired.

First, as we ran under the starting line, we were met with a row of Harley's revving their engines and creating a tunnel to start the race.  The guys were wearing pink shirts and had dyed facial hair. 

HUMBLING.

Once we got past this incredible tunnel, I looked up to read an "in memory" tag hanging on the back of a girls shirt.  It read:

In memory of my MOM.  Today is her birthday.

WOW.

They had music playing along the route and one of the entertainers was playing Sweet Caroline.  He was on a keyboard and playing his heart out.  We were singing and having fun.  As we got closer, he had a poster that read:  In honor of my sweat heart, she has been gone 6 years.

In AWE.

Finally, as you crossed the finish line, you could hear a woman shouting: six years (cheers), 14 years (cheers)...

I had to investigate.  As breast cancer survivors crossed the finish line, they were met with a flower, a metal and the opportunity to share their amount of time cancer free. The months/years were then shared with the crowd.

RESPECT.

After leaving the race, we went to the German Village Coffee House and had omelets.  We then browsed the Village Valuables sales.  We ended our day in Columbus by looking at Harley's at AD Farrow.

So, for today, I thank God for my health.  I realize that it is a precious gift.

Love and SPARK BABY!  Kris

Day 55: 5K (Race for the Cure) and No Crazy Meds? You got that right!

I am so excited to spend my MOIST EXCELLENT day running my first 5K.  Clay and I are headed into Columbus for the Race for the Cure.  It will be our first 5K together and a cause that is dear to my heart.  I have lost many friends and friends of my Mom: Janice Adkins, Maggie Fodor and Karen Brantley Grimes, to name a few.  My Great Aunt Myrtle also had breast cancer.  The impact of losing so many women has left an indelible mark on my heart.  This disease must be cured.  No more patches and medicine.  I think we are due world.  The last disease to be "cured" was polio.  Since then, we have a lot of research and a lot of medicine.  OK, I will get off of my soap box and enjoy my day.  Eff Cancer.  Cure Cancer!

So, back to us.

We are walk/jog/running our first 5K.  I would never have seen this 2 months ago.  But, alas, we are here.  We are happy.  I run today in honor of my friends and family who have been defeated on earth by this deadly disease.  I pray for those dealing with the disease on a daily basis and pray for a cure.  Enough is enough!

I also want to share an epiphany I had on day 26 of my journey to get healthy.  On that day, I decided to stop taking my Depression/Anxiety medicine Pristiq.  Please understand, I am not a Doctor and in no way got his permission to quit cold turkey.  But, damnit, I was sick of relying on medicine to calm my mood and dull my emotions and make me EVEN.  For the first 2 weeks, I felt miserable.  I was irritable, had crying spurts, had irrational thoughts and experienced hot/cold flashes.  On the 5th day, I almost took a pill but decided I would give life without crazy meds a good shot.  While I would never recommend stopping this medication cold turkey, I am glad that I did.  I am actually "feeling" for the first time in years.

See, I was diagnosed with depression at age 17.  I fell into a horrific depression during my junior and senior year of high school.  I lost 50 and then gained 65 pounds.  Since then, I have battled depression.  Please keep in mind, most folks that know me would never see me as depressed.  But I am clinically depressed.  What I know is: Depression is not a choice.  Depression is a disease.  Since then, I have tried counseling and every drug in the book.  I have had periods of depression and despair as an adult.  My worst bout of depression set in after my Mom got so sick for the first time in 2007.  I was existing and wanted to be numb.  I started on Pristiq and was able to at least go through the motions of life.

So, why did I put away my crazy drugs?  I felt good.  I wanted to feel.

Since saying goodbye to Pristiq and outlasting the withdrawal symptoms, I feel human.  I laugh, cry, get nervous and FEEL.  I am glad that I took this step.  We shall see where it takes me but for today:

1. I am running a race.
2. I am spending the day with my love and best friend.  Even though I know he is in it for the BOOBIES and Yoga Pants!  Men? =D
3. I am not feeding the cash cow that IS the Pharmaceutical Industry.

I am FEELING.  I am also drinking my SPARK BABY!  Life is good!

Love and EFF Cancer, Kris

Investigate.

I really learned this as I finished my BA. As a cradle Catholic, I entered Mount Vernon Nazarene University with an open mind, but a life of looking through the Catholic Filter. I am so thankful for my experience at MVNU. Not only did I learn about other Christian sects , I learned about other religions, agnostics and atheists. INVESTIGATE.

I am also struggling with overcoming Ignorance in regards to Advocare.  My immediate family, except for my Dad, has given me the old Heisman Pose about the Products.  I have provided samples, shared my story and encouraged them to give it a shot.  No pressure.  I just know that these products have changed my life from a health and nutrition perspective. I have lost weight and feel great.  I no longer drink coffee or pop.  I am running a 5K.

I will not be dissuaded.  I will continue to share my story and experience with those willing to investigate.  I will not let a few no's be taken personally.  Maybe it is NO t now.  Success will be the true test.

As I sip on my SPARK, I am getting mentally prepared for a day of interviews tomorrow.  I am headed to Cincinnati and Clay took a vacation day to be my chauffeur.  Life is good.  Things are happening.  Change is occurring.

Love, Kris

Day 48: Lost and Found.

Look what I found when I was cleaning out my purse a few moments ago:

I have never used this card.  As you may or may not know, I had gastric bypass surgery 5.5 years ago.  I was handed this card along with my liquid pain medication after my surgery.  Besides 2 follow-up appointments, I have had no contact with Barix Clinics nor have they had any with me.

While I have never had problems ordering smaller portions or from the children's menu, this card is a reminder that the surgery was just that: a quick fix.  I had no follow up and no care for me at all.  I was pressured into having the surgery when my Mom was laying in the ICU.  "Your insurance approval will only last a month or so.  Do it now or never." - My nurse/salesperson from Barix

While I have no regrets about having the surgery, I wish the timing was different.  I was not mentally prepared and I had no support following the rearrangement of my guts.  I did  not enjoy my weight loss and was sick for much of my first year.

Only since I have chosen health as my lifestyle, has my life and attitude changed. 

I feel good.
I help others.
I work to live, not the other way around.

This is no pipe dream. 

My vehicle for change has been  Advocare.  There is no shame in my game.  I wish I had discovered this product and company 20 years ago.  But, in life, there are no do overs.

There is: DO NOW.

Since discovering Advocare, I have lost 16 pounds, re-discovered old friends and earned nearly $900 in my first two pay periods!  No lies, no hiding, no shame.

What have I LOST: Weight, Negativity and quick fixes.

What have I FOUND: Passion, Energy, A Plan "B" Income, Health and Happiness.

Life is Good.  Love, Kris

Snacks keep me on track. Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Ice Cream, OH MY!

I have always heard that you should eat 5-6 small meals per day.  Before the Advocare challenge, I had never tried this approach.  I would never eat breakfast, have a salad for lunch and GORGE for dinner.  Now, my day looks a lot different:

Get Up
7: Take My MNS Before Breakfast Pills, drink and SPARK and take my Catalyst
8: Meal Replacement "Frosty" and MNS with Breakfast pill
9: Snack and more water
10: Take MNS Before Lunch Pills
10:30 Snack and more water
12:00 Lunch and MNS Lunch Pack
2:00 Snack
5:00 Omegaplex Pills and Dinner
7:00 Snack
Go TO BED

Since snacks comprise a good portion of my eating, I thought I would share some of my favorite Ideas: Almonds, Apples, Bananas, Salsa, Deviled Eggs, Frozen Grapes, Rice Cakes with Natural Peanut Butter and Carrots/Celery with Hummus. I also found a great list of snacks that I wanted to share:

I would also be remiss if I did not share my FAVORITE Group of Snacks = ANYTHING Frozen.  I bought a couple of popsicle molds and freeze SPARK and my Shakes.  In addition, I am ready to break out my ice cream maker to make Protein Ice Cream.  If you have not tried this, you must.  It is good for you and decadent.  My favorite is Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Ice Cream.  Here is my favorite:

 

 

3 Cups of 2% or above Milk or Soy Milk

5 Scoops of Vanilla Protein Powder

6-10 Sugar Free Andes Mints

Optional: Green Food Coloring

 

Mix the Milk and Powder Together (add food coloring if you like).  I use my magic bullet to get it frothy.  It should double in size. =D

 

I then pour it in my ice cream maker and follow the directions.  5 Minutes before it is done, add the mints.  I actually like to eat it at this stage because it reminds me of soft serve ice cream.  If not, freeze it.  Please keep in mind that because of the low fat content, it will be rock hard after freezing.  When you are ready to dip in, let it sit for a bit so that you do not break a TOOF.  Happy SUMMER.  Love and Ice Cream, Kris

 

 

 



I put that sh!t on everything: homemade salsa is only 22.8 calories per serving? Recipe and Video attached!

I woke up this morning, took Allison to school and walked on my treadmill.  I then started my MNS nutrition packs and my yummy morning Chocolate Shake.  So, why did I catch myself at noon dipping into our salsa with a spoon?  I literally poured it in a bowl and ate it with spoon.  Like soup.

There is no shame in my game.  Salsa is a low calorie, healthy smoothie in my book.  I put that shit on everything!  At 22.8 calories a serving?  HELL TO THE YEAH.

A video of making salsa is above.

Here is a recipe for restaurant salsa that I intend to keep in my refrigerator all summer:

Minutes to Prepare: 15

Number of Servings: 12

Ingredients

2 cans of Original RoTel
1 28-oz can of whole tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 clove of garlic
1 jalepeno pepper
1/4 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cumin
juice of 1/2 a lime
1/2 cup of chopped cilantro (to taste)

Directions

Chop garlic, jalepeno (I leave the seeds in for a little heat), onion, and cilantro. Add in a blender with all other ingredients. Pulse blender to desired texture. Refrigerate for at least one hour. Makes 12 servings.

Nutritional Info

• Servings Per Recipe: 12
• Amount Per Serving
• Calories: 22.8

• Total Fat: 0.0 g
• Cholesterol: 0.0 mg
• Sodium: 263.3 mg
• Total Carbs: 4.2 g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.9 g
• Protein: 0.9 g

View full nutritional breakdown of Pioneer Woman Restaurant Style Salsa calories by ingredient

6 weeks in : Goals and Zantigo

I am continuing to hang out at 141 pounds.  I, in no way, am disappointed with that.  See, I used to weigh 282 pounds.  I am also training for a 5k so I feel like my body is changing and I am gaining good muscle and losing bad fat.  This morning, I am preparing for my long couch to 5K run.  This includes a warm up and running for 20 minutes strait.  Forest GUMP are I.  Run Forest Run!

I am so excited for this week!! My goals:

1. Drop 1 pound - I am hoping to reach my Drivers License weight
2.Talk to 5 new people about Advocare - I really want those that I love to be successful
3. Continue reconnecting with old friends
4. Learn how to mow with the tractor - Pictures to follow
5. Get my wig busted - Here is a picture from yesterday, I need a trim.  FO REAL.  Isn't my Mom cute?

I also had an aha moment in the past few days.  On Friday, I passed by an old Zantigo restaurant on South High Street.  Whilst the site of the old building calls to mind the famed Chilito, I remember this building for a different reason.  When I was 18, I was introduced to the undercover world of weight loss.  See, there was a "Doctor" located at the Zantigo that would provide diet pills for cash.  All I know is: She was foreign, black and wanted cash.  She never knew my name and sent me out the door within 5 minutes with a bottle of Fen Phen (speed).  I took the speed for a few months and lost 25 pounds.  When I stopped taking the drugs, I gained it all back plus another 15 pounds.  I know, shocking right?

That Zantigo represents a sad past of gorging on food (chilito's) and my hush hush attempts to find a quick fix for weight loss. 

What have I learned?  To be healthy, I have to make a conscience choice about what I put in my mouth and unfortunately, there is no pill or quick fix to health.  It is one day at a time. One step at a time. One choice at a time.

Love and Health.  Kris

Being Kris and The Advocare 24 Day Challenge - Explained.

You know the awesome side benefit of getting into the business side of Advocare?  Reconnecting with those that I love.  As I have shared in previous posts, I spent many years isolating myself.  I often reflect on how it happened.  Quite frankly, it was a slow process of withdrawing.  I was unhappy in my heart and soul.  I hated the way that I looked at felt.  I was not living. 

Back before my methodical withdrawal from being Kris, I hosted family dinners and Holidays.  I am the oldest grandchild on one side of my family and the oldest female grandchild on the other.  Like my Mammaw and Dad, I love to entertain.  I love to cook.  I guess in hindsight, that should have been an early clue.  I no longer wanted to host my family and friends.

Well no more.  Advocare encourages sharing your success and the opportunity with all of those that you love.  It is not about selling.  It is about serving those that you care about.  I love this and am thrilled to be able to reach out to those that I love.  Today, I met with 3 friends.  Tomorrow, 2 friends.  Thursday, 4 friends.  I am so blessed and Thankful!

In my quest to become a sponge and student of the business, I have watched a number of phenomenal videos.  The video below shares success stories and explains the 24 Day Challenge in a succinct manner.  I recommend watching the video and asking yourself:

- Do I want to get healthy?
- Could I use some extra income working for myself?
- Do I want more energy?
- Do I want to implement lifestyle changes?  Am I ready?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BQpdJwBXno&feature=player_embedded

Love, ME

Day 34: Spinning Water Aerobics with my Dad and Joe. They are doing the Challenge...SPARK BABY~

Have had a great day so far!  I am so excited about my new healthy lifestyle.  I got up this morning, took Allison to school, made an emergency SPARK delivery and attended Spinning Water Aerobics with my Dad and Joe.  Great exercise and then conversation.

Dad and Joe have decided to try the Advocare Challenge!  Their goals? Weight loss and Health.  I am so thrilled to watch their success!  It is truly fulfilling.  They are beginning on May 1.  I promise to share their progress.  =D

While I love all of the products, my FAVORITE is SPARK.  It is a yummy, caffeinated powder that you add to water.  It tastes better than kool aid and allows the user to drink more water.  It is packed full of vitamins and is a deal changer!

 

 

If you want to experience the SPARK difference, you can order the product below:

https://www.advocare.com/130331960/Store/ItemDetail.aspx?itemCode=A2902&id=TS&flavor=F&size=C


To our success!  ((sipping my grape SPARK BABY))

True Confession: I am 1 pound away from my DMV weight. COME ON.

This is a lifetime goal.  I weighed about 175 in the picture above but "said" my weight was 140.  LIAR.

My best weight under-exaggeration was when I weight 282 and my Drivers License said 180.  LYE to the ER. 

I cannot believe I will not longer have to lie?  Do you think I may get a key to the city?

I am going to declare it: Kris Radel is no longer a liar, LIAR DAY.

Lollipop Guild, flu bug and Kristen! What a day?

I got the ear worm of the Lollipop Guild in my head when I woke up this morning.  I love the end of that song when the guys are backing up and victory shaking at Dorothy.  The song has been in my head ALL DAY. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_CAs3q7G48

Once I rolled myself out of bed, I had a very lazy day.  No exercise, just lounging.  My tummy and body felt horrible.  Here's hoping that my day of rest will help me shake this bug.

On a positive note, I was able to get caught up on laundry.  It's the little thing?

I am so proud of my friend Kristen Foley!  She has lost 10 pounds during the Cleanse Phase (the first 10 days) of her first Advocare 24 Day Challenge.  Kristen is an avid runner and an inspiration!  I am so proud of her!  Like me, Kristen has made health a central focus of her life.  Through running and great choices, she has maintained an incredible weight loss and completely overhauled her life.  I am constantly inspired.  Check out her awesome story in Shape Magazine:

http://www.shape.com/weight-loss/success-stories/how-shape-reader-kristen-foley-lost-104-pounds

Hartley High School is a SUPER STAR maker.  =D

I am going to bed early and meeting my Dad for Water Aerobics in the morning.

Spark Baby~

Month 2: Health is Wealth

Yesterday, I had 2 phenomenal meetings!  I am hoping that the right things happen for my future. 

My mental health has been key to being able to work on my physical health. I was in a distant, unhealthy marriage for almost 10 years.  My previous husband was a kept man.  He never worked and drank away any money that I made.  Once I decided to rid my life of toxins, I began to be able to work on me.  In no way do I blame him for any of my issues.  I just hid, for years.

Once he was removed from my life, I could get me right.  It will always be a work in process but I have never felt better.  I have dreams, I have hope, I have friends.  For years, I isolated myself because I felt alone and was embarrassed about my chosen lot in life.  NO MORE.

So, how did I advance my personal goals yesterday?

- I stayed on my Advocare Plan
- I had 2 phenomenal meetings
- I talked to 6 people about Advocare and Health
- I went to Aldi
- I smiled and laughed

See, I have true wealth.  It is called health, my friends.

Enjoy your day! Love to you all, Kris

Day 31: My equation for success: Food Plan + Water + Physical Activity = Health

I wanted to take some time to talk about my life after my first cleanse.  Basically, the cleanse phase of Advocare constitutes the first 10 days.  It includes an herbal cleanse, fiber drinks, Omegaplex Pills, Catalyst Pills and SPARK Energy Drink.  Once the Cleanse phase is over, the Max phase kicks in for the remaining 14 days and thereafter.  A normal day in the life of a Max Phaser is:

Food Plan + Water + Physical Activity = Health

Food Plan:

30 Minutes before breakfast: MNS Color Pack E(nergy), SPARK, Catalyst
Breakfast: Meal Replacement Shake
Snack: Apple or Banana
30 Minutes before lunch: MNS Color Pack, SPARK(if needs), Catalyst and Carb Ease(if needed)
Lunch: MNS White Packs, Protein, Veggie and Complex Carb
Snack: Almonds or Carrots or Apple or Fruit
Immediately before dinner: Carb-ease (if needed, remember you only take this once  a day)
Dinner: OmegaPlex, Protein, Veggies and Complex Carb(if needed)
Snack: Something frozen or Strawberries or something yummy
Bedtime: Catalyst

Water:

Water, Water, Water - Take your weight and multiply by 2 = the amount of water you should drink a day

Physical Activity:

Physical Activity - Get moving!


This daily guide has become my Advocare Food Plan "bible:"

http://advocarecorporate.s3.amazonaws.com/corporate/24daychallenge/24DayChallenge-Daily-Guide.pdf

Bottom line, if I can do it - YOU CAN DO IT.

Love and success,  Kris

Dream Fulfiller, am I.

I am reading a great book called "The 10 Distinctions between Dream Fulfillers and Dream Killers," by Smith.  I am going to spend some time over the next few weeks reading each short chapter and commenting.

Dream Fulfillers are Finishers
Dream Killers are Starters

Wow, does this ring true in my life!  I cannot tell you how many things I have started and never finished.  I will do this no more!  My dream is to be a Ruby Distributor for Advocare. To do that,
I must commit to focusing on this business part-time.  I must make a plan.  I am sick of looking wishy washy and being a quitter.

I am not a quitter damnit.  I am meant for greatness.

I will think about my plan daily and ask for Clay to help support my focus. 
I will not allow distractions to take me off of my dream focus.  I want this.  It is important.
I will employ diligence to meet my Ruby goals.

I believe I will finish.

Did I have no friends? Goggle glasses in the house.

I know I was heavy, but nobody was honest with me about my glasses or hairdo?  I looked 50 and I was 35.  OY to the VEY!

Day 30 - I am officially 1/2 the person I used to be! 141 pounds gone!

At my heaviest, I weighed 282 pounds.  I am 5'3".  I was built like the letter O.  I was miserable.

On August 31, 2008, I had roux en y (gastric bypass surgery).  I needed to save my life.  At the time, my Mom was on a ventilator and recovering from almost dying.  I did not want to follow in her steps and knew that getting my insurance approval meant I had to be selfish and have the surgery.  I only spent 1 night in the hospital because Mom was so sick.  I traveled to Barix Clinics in Michigan.  Had surgery and drove back the next day.  I was deathly allergic to the liquid pain medication so went without any pain meds, after having my guts completely re-arranged.  I spent my days in recovery, sitting by my Moms side at Mount Carmel West. During the early days of my surgery recovery, a code blue was called on my Mom.  She almost died again.  I tried to truck forward and celebrated none of my weight loss success.

Fast forward to Saint Patrick's Day weekend 2013.   My fiance's daughter Amber and her boyfriend introduced Clay and I to Advocare.  We wanted to help the kids out and wth?  I only had some weight to lose.  What a difference a month and 1/2 makes?  Since starting the 24 day Advocare Challenge, I have lost 16 pounds!! 16!!

I am officially 1/2 the person I was here:

This 16 pound weight loss dwarfs my previous 125 weight loss in size but surpasses any and all weight-loss success I have ever achieved. I feel amazing.  And better...I am proud of me.  I am enjoying my success.

Everyday, I thank God for the Advocare program.  It has not been a diet for me.  It has been a complete life overhaul.  Physically. AND MENTALLY.  My health and nutrition are my number 1 priorities.

So, what does the future look like?

I am planning to run in my first 5K on May 19, 2013
I am going to Kings Island to ride EVERY ride on May 5, 2013

This song, embodies my attitude:
Ain't nothing gonna break my stride!