Remember the date...

...it's the official start of my natural hair journey.  I've had the individual braids in my hair for 1 month exactly.  It was a fun ride...but they had to go.  So the braids our out.  I have exactly 2 weeks until I get the kinky twists hairstyle.  So that is 2 weeks for me to get reacquainted with my hair.  I have purchases some products that will help me over the next 2 weeks.  I'm also watching tons of videos and reading great inspirational stories.  So if anyone has some suggestions or know of some information sites and videos...please let me know.

My weight loss journey.  I'm starting carb and sugar detox AGAIN!!!  Yup...because of the issues I'm having with my band (that I have not discussed...so you didn't miss anything).  I used certain foods (bread and ice cream) to help me cope.  Well that ends now.  I have goals to meet. I can't meet them feeling sorry for myself.  I'm a fighter if ever there was one.  I will make it to my birthday goal...and my Vegas vacation (October) goal. 

I hope everyone has a wonderful Memorial day weekend.  Remember the men and women who have given their lives so that we can live in the land of the free and the home of the brave!!!

Out of control eating

Seriously...I have to get away from the bread and bread like products.  Since my unfill...I can eat a small cow.  Like I have the exact amount in my band right now that I had at surgery!!! 

I have been killing it on the food...it is so said.  It just goes to show that I'm still learning.  I will never be perfect...and food and I will always have a unique relationship. 

So I went to Bikram Yoga on Saturday...105 degree room, 26 poses, 90 minutes.  It was hotter than Satan's crotch in that damn place...and funky!! But I managed to stay in the room and do most of the poses.  Here is the crazy part....I went back yesterday for 90 more minutes of HELL...and I will go for the next 3 days.  I'm not saying I'm going to become addicted.  But I'm always willing to step out of my comfort zone.

My knee has been bothering me...I think I jerked it out during Body Pump.  To much weight.  I might have to eliminate Body Pump from my workout because I need to run....WTF...yup...I said I need to run.

Because my knee has been bothering me I have not run this week.  I'm taking the week off (at least I think I am...).  So yoga it is.  I will find some other cardio and weight training options soon. 

I will start my swim lessons in June.  I can't wait. I hope to become so go that I can swim laps...that would be awesome

Enjoy your hump day!!

Fear

Yes...it's coming back up.  Unlike many...I'm not afraid of losing the weight and getting to goal (though it is taking longer than I would like).  I'm afraid of my ability to succeed in a professional setting.  Sure, I'm qualified...but how will I ever know if I don't submit the resume.  I guess getting so many green bills makes me afraid to try again.  It is eating me up inside.  What if I do/say the wrong thing.  Ugh.  I really want this job.  However, I will feel like an utter failure if I don't even BQ.  So frustrating!!  Well back to work on my resume I go.  I will apply.  I will BQ...and this job will be mine.  If God says the same!!

BTW...there is no need to comment on this post.  I just needed to get it out.  Charles would only be his encouraging self...I just wanted to vent.  PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND!!!  Thanks!!

RIP to the Queen of Disco - Donna Summers

I'm a huge fan of disco.  I was saddened to learn that Ms. Summers had lost her battle with cancer.  In tribute...here is one of my favorite songs.  I listen to it every night as my warm up before my run.

This One's for the Girls and Dream Big

Listen to the lyrics of the song...it's very uplifting.  Remember:  YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL THE WAY YOU ARE!!!

Dream Big ladies....hear the lyrics...stop letting others determine your worth!!!

Blogging, FB and stuff

This has been on my mind for awhile...I think it is time I write a blog about it. 

This blog is my journey for a healthier me...it is also the place where I vent...and say what's on my mind.  This is the ONLY place that I discuss my weight loss and all of my other issues associated with my lap band.  I do not discuss my journey on FB.  I do post when I'm working out...but that is just so that I stay accountable to my cousins.  Besides the people who live in my house only 2 of my family members know about my surgery.  Only 3 of my 4 closest friends know about my surgery.  I don't share this with everyone.  I'm not ashamed...but it just ain't their business.

With that being said...after BooBS last year I become FB friends with many of those who attended.  In doing so I also become FB friends with many other bloggers.  That is about to change!! 

I will be making some adjustments to my FB friends list.  This is not to say that I do not love each of you.  However, this is something I need to do to keep balance in my life.  This blog is my safe place.  It is the place I can go and say any and everything.  I don't want to worry about someone bringing that into my world of social media.  I hope that you are not offended by this...but it is what it is. 

Other stuff...working out is getting fun again.  Who the heck knew that could happen?  Monday night I attended a Zumba class (the first in ages) with my Sisters Tri-ing group.  It was a blast.  The instructor didn't really excite me but it was nice to get it in with the ladies.  I refer to them as my "real" athletic friends...because I am not.  These women are competing in triathlons and duathlons, marathons and iron woman races.  I love these chicks.  They inspire me to be better.  This Saturday I will work our FUNraiser.  I would actually run, but I'm only staying for a bit, because I'm taking my first Bikram (hot) Yoga class later in the morning.  I'm looking forward to the yoga.  I actually purchased a groupon for 10 classes.  The class on Saturday I'm taking with my running group Black Girls Run.  Look at me being social.  LOL

Well that is all for now.

Healthy living is so much fun

Living a healthy lifestyle is so much fun.  Everything is easier.  This is NOT about the number on the scale or the size of my clothes.  This is about getting out and living life to the fullest.  This is about having more energy to dedicate to my children.  This is about not being afraid to try new things...or go back to doing the things you once did before you let being unhealthy overtake your life.

I'm loving this healthy life...from the top of my head to the soles of my feet.

Do you naturally

Well that is what I'm going to do.  I have decided that since I'm working out 5 times a week, I'm going to let go of the creamy hair crack and get back to my roots.

I'm sure this is going to be a long transition as I'm not sure I want to do the BC (big chop).  I have a consultation on Saturday with a natural hairstylist who specializes in healthy natural hair.  I'm looking forward to what this latest adventure has to offer.

I've hit an all time low on the scale.  Not a big deal...however, I'm really excited about the way my clothes are fitting these days.  That is a HUGE deal.

I hope everyone has an amazing weekend.

Never give up

No matter what obstacle you are facing...never give up.  You can do anything...just put one foot in front of the other.
http://news.uk.msn.com/articles.aspx?cp-documentid=161322894

Bionic woman completes marathon

Fill and fitness

WOW...I can actually feel my fill.  That is a first for me.  I mean I literally had to do liquids today after a stuck episode with a Excedrin migraine and two bites of food.  User error.  The thing is I have never had to chew, chew, chew or take sips.  Because I never "felt" anything.  Well darling I'm here to tell you I'm feeling it.  So no more gulping water for me.  One of my favorite activities.  I will take my time.  Oh yeah I have a PSA.  NEVER GET A FILL THE SAME DAY YOUR CYCLE STARTS!!!  Holy hell.  I have TOM tights and a new fill level.  Ha' mercy!!!

As you all know I've been running.  Tonight I had a revelation.  I'm lazy.  I run the same route everyday...and I stop in walk in the same spots each time.  Not because I'm tired or my lungs need to rest...but because I'm lazy.  I can run longer, I can run further and I just stop.  I guess I was so used to taking those breaks at certain points that I never stopped to reevaluation the situation. 

Tomorrow I will push myself harder...further...I will meet my goals.

Newsflash...I AM GOING TO TRAIN FOR A HALF-MARATHON.  Yup...that is what I said.  If the good Lord is will and the creek don't rise I'm going to run the princess half next year.  We shall see. 

Oh yeah...my love for milk (maybe dairy) must end.  It looks like I am becoming lactose intolerant.  This is a sad, sad moment in time.  However, I'm going to try chocolate soy milk.  I want to start drinking chocolate milk after my workouts...so soy it will be.

Well that is all for now....until next time.

I'm not getting my e-mails...fill day

I HATE this new blogger format.  I don't know what happened. but my comments are no longer coming to me via email...very irritating.  So I'm not ignoring you...I'm just trying to figure this crap out.

So today was fill day.  I have not had a fill since November.  I cancelled every appointment until today.  I have been HONGRY!!  Like eat a small goal hongry.  So I decided it was fill time.  I received .3 cc's in my band which puts me a whopping 8 cc's in my 10 cc band.  I hope this keeps my weight going down.

Ummm...yeah that is all.  I need to go to bed. 

Looking good and feeling fine

Good Monday morning!!!

This is the start of a new week.  That means letting go of the mistakes or disappointments from last week and moving on to better things.

I for one am moving on to exercise.  Last week there was none.  Seriously...NONE!!  I was busy making moves.  I don't regret my decision not to exercise.  This week I will make it happen at least 5 days. 

My focus right now is on my fitness.  Yes, food is very important...however, for me...fitness is of the utmost importance.  I'm considering taking a bikram yoga class twice a week.  I just need to find a studio that will best fit my needs.  This will be my first foray into yoga...but I look forward to the challenge and hopefully the stress relief.  I will also keep taking my body pump class.  I'm only taking this once a week usually and twice every other week.  It's a great class.  My major form of exercise is my running.  Monday through Friday my feet will hit the pavement.

I promise to do better at blogging.  I hope everyone has a fantabulous week!!!

Just when I thought I was out...

Friday night I went to my stiletto fitness class (pictures to come).  It was a blast.  However, I think I may have dropped it a little too low in my 6 inch heels, because I screwed up my knee.  My left knee is out of commission.  Nothing serious, but I have to give it a rest.  Which sucks, because I was in my running groove.  However, I would rather take a break than risk something more serious happening.

So no running...no body pump...just plain ole walking.  So Friday morning after my glorious run I want to get some errands completed.  Well I had my fitbit attached (or so I thought).  I dropped it in my driveway.  I didn't realize this until I returned home.  I had already ran it over by then. It was a goner.  I immediately logged on and ordered another and paid for overnight shipping. It was at my house when I arrived home yesterday.  So happy to have it back.  OMG...did you see the new Nike Fuel band?  I'm such a sucker for gadgets.  I swear they make this stuff just for me...because you know I want it.

Last night I entered my own personal hell on earth...I tried on bathing suits.  Keep in mind...I have not worn a bathing suit since I was 12.  I remember it vividly because my aunt was graduating from college and I needed cute bathing suits for her pool party.  Ugh!!!  Needless to say I was traumatized last night.  Each actually looked cute on me...well according to my mom and some random stranger.  I put them in the cart and even made it to the check out line.  But that was as far as they went.  I decided against them.  So I get to do this torture again this weekend.  Fun times  NOT!!!!

In other news...I finally remember to pack a Monday bag.  A Monday bag is a great idea.  I got this information from non other than LBG.  Check out her post here.  My Monday bag contained 2 containers of 2.5 oz filets of Tilapia, 2 containers of 3 oz. of chicken breast, 2 containers of broccoli, 2 containers of qunoia "fried rice", and some other stuff I can't remember right now.  I think it is an excellent idea.  If you are looking for ways to make it through the week.  I suggest getting a Monday bag.

I hope every has a great week!!!

It's my Friday

This is my short week.  Thank goodness...because I'm ready for the weekend!!

Last night's run was 2.05 miles.  Not bad.  Not great on time...but I finished.  Tonight is a run night as well.  I have no other plans.  Cook dinner, clean the bathroom, put kids to bed and then run...all by 8 pm.  I think I'm going to do a morning run tomorrow...just to get it out of the way.  Plus tomorrow night is my Sexy Stiletto fitness class. I can't wait.  I have the perfect shoes.  I promise there will be pictures. 

My triceps are still on fire following 2 days of body pump.  Seriously...stop the madness...it's like they are screaming...burn baby burn!!

This weekend my mom and I along with my 3 brats are going to drive to Houston and go to the aquarium.  I'm looking forward to it.  Plus I get to go to one of my favorite stores...Ash.ley.Ste.war.t!!!  Yippie.

Tuesday

BP was torture yesterday.  It could be the fact that my arms were still shaking from the Monday night class.  Note to self: never go to body pump 2 days in a row.

After I made it through that pain I went home and snuggled with my kids before they went to bed.  The plan was to run immediately after putting the kids to sleep...but I was HONGRY!!!  So instead I sat down and had some dinner.  This resulted in NO RUN for Tuesday.  I'm not bummed out about it...because I just got to lay around with Charles and watch a little t.v.

I will make up for my Tuesday run on Friday.  I will run early Friday morning and again that night. 

I'm still saying away from the scale.  I take it out everyday...but I just stare at it.  Yes...I'm strange...so what!