My year being banded in pictures

Well my 1 year bandiversary was on Wednesday, November 16th.  I didn't post.  I meant to...but such is my life.  If you have noticed I haven't posted in awhile.  I've been busy.  I try to read and comment...but I don't post.  However, I needed to post this.
I will forever feel blessed to have my lap band.  It is the best thing that ever happened to me.  I feel a since of pride knowing that I am one of the lucky ones.  In this year I have learned some things...I have also tested the waters.  I'm not a fast loser.  Hell I'm not even a big loser.  But I lose.  Here is a list of the most important things I've learned.

• I have lost weight.  If not for my band I would have gained more weight.
• Don't compare myself to others.
• NEVER GIVE UP!!!

I didn't take measurements when I was banded.  Oh well.  I have lost 40 lbs this year.  Did I want to lose more...hell yeah....but I didn't.  I will continue to lose.  I will continue to work out...I will continue to live my life for me and my health. 

As usual here are the pictures.  There doesn't appear to be much of a difference between the 6 month and 1 year photos.  But here they are.

Wanna Lose Weight? Shut your mouth

That is the title of this article I read on CNN Health today.  This article has to be a reprint, because I remember reading it earlier this year.  At any rate.  Maybe she has a point.  In short she says that she followed 4 simple rules to lose 242 pounds.
1.  Eat 8 ounces of food every 3 hours.

2.  No sugary drinks.

3.  Do not skip meals.

4.  Do not tell anyone what you are doing.

Maybe the reason I'm such a loser in this weight loss game is because I talk a good game, but I never get off the bench. 

What do you think?  Do you think it is good to keep your mouth shut when you are tyring to lose weight?  Or do you think you should shout it from the rooftops to hold yourself accountable?

Addiction

Gilly and Tessie Rose both talked about this. yesterday.  It's my turn.

Hello.  My name is Dawnya and I'm a food addict.

Yes I am.  Here is the thing.  I didn't think I was...until today.  Yup...you read that right.  I'm a fat girl who didn't think I had a problem.  See I knew I had an issue with sugar.  But not with food as a whole.

Today i was reading an article written by a young lady named Erika who has lost 175 lbs.  She always talks about how she overcame her addiction to food.  I'm like...is that even possible.  Can I really over come this addiction.  How?!  When?!  Well I finally think I can.  It's going to be a long journey...a long journey...but I'm going to give it a try.

I'll keep yall updated.  Good gosh...I have so many issues.  I'm glad yall still read this thing.  LOL

IDIOTS

I work with a bunch of fucking IDIOTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!




That is all.

BYOC Bring Your Own Crazy

Friday! Friday! Friday! Slap my ass and call me excited!! It’s been a long damn week, yes?


Let’s get to what we came here for! BYOC – Bring Your Own Crazy. A couple questions we answer to get to know each other better and to give our blogging brains a break. Copy and paste to your own blog if you wish! Enjoy!

Let’s do another themed BYOC…..this one will be called “What’s In/On Your….?”

1. What’s on your desk between your monitor and keyboard? (if it’s a laptop – what’s on your desk in general)

Nothing!!  Not a thing.  Now...every other area of my desk...that would be a long post.

2. What’s on your mind right at this moment?

Eating breakfast.  I have not had my meal yet.  I've been reading blogs since I sat down at my desk.  Pretty sad actually.  LOL


3. What’s in or on your nightstand on your side of the bed?

My laptop.  I leave it there all the time.  I threaten my kids with spankings if they touch it. 

4. What’s on YOUR Christmas wish list (let’s assume you’d get what was on it)?

I would gladly accept a dark green Hermes bag.  Yup...a girl has to dream big.  On my more realistic wish list is new furniture for the entire house...maybe not so realistic.  Oh and that the weigh loss goddesses would descend on me and get read of some of this poundage.

5. Repeat question: Summarize your week in real life and in blog land.

Real life is uneventful.  Heck I have 3 kids.  Nothing exciting happens in my life because we barely leave the house.  I am a little excited about this new workout place I'm thinking about trying out. They have fun classes.  Check out the link....it's not your average gym http://www.innerdivastudios.com/index.html

Blog land...I'm trying to keep up.  I'm reading.  Not always commenting and I'm not posting much.  I will try to do better next week.  Everyone is trying to get motivated to finish out the year strong and get back on track toward goal.  I love that.  It inspires me to do better.

Challenging myself

Yesterday our beautiful Drazil asked this question....How about you? Anyone fallen off the wagon and want back on? Anyone else want to finish out the last two months of 2011 stronger than we started?

The answer is HELL YEAH!!  I'm going to finish the last 2 months of the year stronger than ever.  I'm going to go into the next year with my mind right and my eyes on the prize.  I will get 'er done!! 

Last night I finally decided to measure the distance of my run/walk.  I was shocked to learn that it's 1.7 miles.  What the what?!?!  I'm really excited now.  Especially since the other night I ran over half of the distance without stopping. 

This month I have entered a challenge with some ladies and gents from work.  It's a 40 mile challenge.  Run, walk, bike 40 miles for the month of November.  I can totally do that.  I'm looking forward to it. 

I hope everyone is having a great week. 

What is your song

On the way in to work today the radio host were asking what song makes you tear up every time you hear it.  It was interesting to hear the songs people stated and the reasons why.  One of the host said when he was 6 his parents divorced and he remembers hearing Wayne Newtons Daddy Don't Walk so Fast on the radio and literally cried for hours.  The female host said her parents divorced and her mom and step dad were going through a rough time when her mom went on vacation.  She didnt' understand where her mom was going, but when she got back in the car she heard the song I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane (or something like that) and every time she hears it she will start to cry.

So my question to you all, what is your song?  What is the song that you hear that brings back a happy or sad memory for you.  Every time you hear the song you start to think of a time in your life that you were overjoyed or totally miserable.  I'm just curious.

For me..there are many songs. 

Weak by SWV - I was a freshman in high school and Lamont Anthony Gillis had just broke my heart. It hurt so much..because he was the first boy to every break up with me.  I was always the breaker upper.  LOL

Can You Get Away - Tupac - I was miserable and wanted someone to take me away from my life and make me smile.  I know now it was teenage angst.  But at the time...getting away was just what I needed.

Dance With My Father - Luther Vandross - This song always makes me think of my grandfathers...and I smile so big.  Those were some awesome men.  When I had my first father/daughter dance.  My grandfather and great grandfather went with me...we danced the night away.  Two wonderful men.

God Is Trying To Tell You Something - Color Purple - So many reasons.

So tell me what is your song?

Southwest Meatballs with Warm Corn-Black Bean Salsa Recipe

Here is the recipe as you all requested.  Vaness...I have a vegetarian recipe I'm going to e-mail you later. 

To ensure your meatballs boast their best flavor, create a carmelized crust by first searing them on all sides until they're golden brown.  the colorful and hearty blend of black beans, corn tomatoes, line and cilantro enveloping the meatballs fills out this dish, plus it's a unique take on salsa: It's served warm!

INGREDIENTS:
1 lb ground turkey breast
2 large egg whites
1/4 cup whole-wheat bread crumbs
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper
2 tsp olive oil
1 cup frozen yellow or white corn
1 15 oz BPA free can low sodium black beans, drained and rinsed well
2 cups diced vine-ripened tomatoes
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tsp ground cumin
1/4 cup chopped frsh cilantro

INSTRUCTIONS:
ONE:  In a large bowl, combine turkey, egg whites, bread crumbs, salt and pepper and mix well.  Shape into 16 meatballs, each about the size of a golf ball.

TWO:  In a large skillet, heat oil on medium-high.  Add meatballs and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, turning frequently, until browned on all sides.  Add corn, beans, tomatoes, broth, lime juice and cumin and mix well.  Reduce heat to medium, partially cover and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through.  Stir in cilantro and serve.

Nutrients per serving (4 meatballs and 1 cup corn-bean mixture is a serving):  Calories: 320, Total Fat: 4.5g, Sat. Fat: 0g, Carbs: 32g, Fiber: 7g, Sugars: 5g, Protein: 37g, Sodium: 340mg, Cholesterol: 55mg

NSV and Food Porn

In an effort to eat healthier for the entire family as well as cleaner eating I am cooking more.  I usually let my mom cook.  However, she cooks good ole fashion artery clogging soul food.  Don't get me wrong it is good (at least to the hubs), but its just not where I am. 

I cooked this awesome meal the other day.  It's called Southwest Turkey Meatball Skillet.  This is how it turned out.

This is what it looked like in the magazine

It was delicious!!!  I can't wait to make it again.

NSV:

• My scrawny husband can now wrap his arms completely around me.  Fun times.
• We went to my favorite restaurant the other night.  I order what I have ordered for years.  A huge steak, grilled onion and mushrooms, au gratin spinach, and of course bread pudding for dessert.  I ate 4 bites of steak, 1/2 a tbsp of mushrooms & onions, no spinach and 2 bites of bread pudding.  Gotta love the band.  Previously I would eat it all before we left the table and take a dessert home for later.  Major win here.
• I have 6 runs under my belt.  Still don't love it...but I'm running more and walking less. 

I love my curves.  I am leaving you with a picture of them.  Don't go showing me off...I know I'm HAWT.  Please excuse the dirty bathroom mirror.

I'm doing me!!

One reason we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind-the-scenes with other people’s highlight reel!!

I love this quote.  It sums up how I feel right now in terms of my weight loss journey.  I read about all the successes of my wonderful banded sisters and I celebrate for each of you.  My happiness for you is genuine.  At the same time I give myself negative feedback for not being further along in my journey than I am.  It's a constant struggle to accept that each and every one of us are different.  Our differences is what makes us great. 

This quote just really hit home for me today.  So I thought I would share it with you all.  I hope everyone is having a fantastic week.

BTW...I may not post much for the next few weeks.  However, I will be reading and commenting.  I am finding me...and it takes a lot of work...after all I am a big girl.  LOL 

Love you all bunches!!

Workout Playlist help

I purchased an ipod nano.  I have had the same mp3 player for over 5 years.  It was time for a new one.  However, the nano is strictly for workout music only.  I think it will hold up to 2000 songs. 

I'm asking for your help in creating this list.  I need some kick ass workout music.  I'm talking get your body pumped type music.  I'm excited to see what you listen to to get you moving. Thanks for your suggestions.



Sexy Can I?

Thanks for all the love and support regarding my first run.  I actually have 2 runs under my belt.  Sunday night and Monday night.  Unfortunately, I couldn't do it on Tuesday...but I have 2 planned for today.  One in the morning when I get off work and one when Charles gets home. 

The running is not to bad.  It's the breathing technique that is kicking my butt.  I think once I get the breathing under control I will be better prepared to handle longer runs.  We are not rushing it though.  We are taking our time.

On the band front.  I created a meal plan.  Yup...I even printed out a chart.  It's going pretty well.  Of course their has been some off plan snacking. But I'm writing it down and being accountable.  Which is a big deal for me.  The fun thing is I have created protein snacks.  Or at least the handout I received has some on their.  My favorite has been the 1 oz. of mixed nuts.  Yummy.  I have made breakfast 2 days in a row.  Which means I had to get off my butt early.  So not cool. 

Charles is home!!!  Yippie.  I know I was supposed to jump his bones and catch up on 2 months of sex.  But I was tired.  Hell yeah.  I literally slept on and off for 3 straight days.  It was great!!!  I feel rejuvenated.  The kids are happy they have their dad back.  They keep saying..."no leave no more daddy."  I guess being stuck with mommy for 2 months was too much for their little brains.  LOL

I'm totally okay with him not leaving again.  I on the other hand should be allowed to leave.

So about the title. It's the title to a song I was listening to when I decided to start this blog....no relevance at all.  LOL

I hope everyone is having a great work week.  The weekend is almost here.  I will be home sleeping most of the day.  I'm at work now.  Working the 12-8 am shift.  Blah.  So not a good environment for proper eating..but I'm trying.  Getting ready to have a some tuna. 

P.S.  Dance today ladies...just because.

My First Run

Here is a picture of me after my first run.  Notice the awesome headband I won during  a BUUBS drawing.  I love it.  You may also see my BUUBS bag hanging on the door.  I take that thing EVERYWHERE!!!

BYOC - Go Crazy!!!

It’s Friday which also means it’s BYOC – Bring Your Own Crazy – day around these parts.


Five little questions you can copy and paste and answer in your own blog to get to know your fellow bloggers better and to give your blog brain a break!

Enjoy!

1. What’s your most favorite noise and your least favorite noise?

My favorite sound is my kiddos breathing when they are asleep.  They are perfect at that time.
Least favorite sound is this demon dog next door.  That little fucker barks all night and wakes up my 9 month old.  I'm totally thinking about taking him off the count...I'm just saying.

2. If you were a character in the movie Grease – who would you be?

Rizzo baby!!  She was sassy.  She didn't take no stuff.  She lived her life for her.  And those hot pants.  I could totally rock those hot pants.  Plus she was the leader of the Pink Ladies.  I am so a leader.

3. What was the name of your best friend in elementary school? Are you still friends?

In elementary my best friends were Tiffany Louise Congious and Sumyetta Rynae Wilson.   I am still close with both of these ladies.  We do not talk often...but we have a comfortable friendship that last the test of time.

4. Who is your current celebrity crush?

Current celebrity crush - Idris Elba...that is one sexy man...OMG...and when he speaks...that accent does it to me every time.  He could get it...anytime he wants. 


5. Repeat question: How was your week in real life and in blog land?

Real life is exhausting.  However, Charles will be home in less than 24 hours.  I am happier than a sissy with a bag full of dingalings.  We have a busy weekend planned.  A kids birthday party and...wait for it...wait...I'm going to get fitted for running shoes.  Yup...me and my tatas are going running.  Not a pretty picture...but I'm doing it.  

Blogland -  Rocks as always.  Because of this community I have met some amazing women.  I have been inspired and I have decided to do what needs to be done for me.  I just want to send a shout out to my PBC...you know who you are and I love you!!

No more

No more excuses....no more sob stories.  Well at least after this one.  LOL

In Chicago I spoke with a lot of women.  Many of whom I admire.  One conversation discussed how much we as a community are always there for each other.  It's a great thing.  Yet, at the same time...is it? 

Whenever any of us are stalled in our weight loss, eating crap, not exercising...whatever...we turn to the blog.  We post our story...and what happens.  Our sisters in the battle encourage us.  We tell each other it's just one day...tomorrow will be better...don't beat yourself up, etc.  That's great...but...

We are enabling each other to make excuses.  We are enabling our bad behavior by saying...you can do better tomorrow.  WTF...let's stop right now.  Why do we have to do better tomorrow?  We know what needs to be done today...so why the hell are we not doing it?!?!?  It's not cool.  Writing these sob stories and getting sympathy from each other is not helping us succeed.  It's helping us continue to fall into the same damn trap that we have fallen in over and over again.

I'm guilty of this behavior.  I do it all the time.  I come on my blog and tell yall that I ate cookies, I haven't worked out, I'm tired, etc., etc., etc.  Well I'm done crying about what I'm not doing right and what I'm eating wrong.  I'm done.  I'm tired of crying about my screw ups on this journey.  I'm just tired. 

I'm only going to focus on my successes...no matter how slow it takes to get there.  Thank you all for being here for me...no matter what I'm crying about.  Now it's time to talk about my joys...my new challenges of succeeding and how success changes my life.  I am going to do me...and I'm not crying anymore.  No more!!!!

We must look for the opportunity in every difficulty instead of being paralyzed at the thought of the difficulty in every opportunity!!!