My Band New Journey

It's been a while....Big Update

2010-06-25T08:39:00.000-07:00

So it has been a very long while since I have posted any sort of news. Since my last post in April I have lost 19 more pounds. I am down a total of 56lbs, since my last fill, my weight loss took off. I have been losing about 10lbs per month. It is CRAZY. I have been going to Curves 3-4 times a week, exercising at home the days I don't go. My portions are at a small, satisfying amount. I feel fantastic. I am only 24lbs away from my GOAL of 140lbs. I almost feel like I would like to lose more, maybe actually get somewhere between 125lbs and 135lbs, I can't even believe I am saying that. 125 or 135 seemed unattainable, totally out of reach, a long shot, nearly impossible. But, not so much anymore. I am in a medium shirt and size 10/12 pants. AH! I can't believe that I may actually some day be in a single digit size. The Lap Band has been one of the greatest things I have ever done in my life. My 30th birthday is August 4th, I don't think I will be at goal by then, but that is okay. I know I am well on my way.

Hope you are all doing well. Here are some recent pictures from over the past two months or so.

My Hubby and I on his 30th B Day (5/8/10)

Me, my husband Eli, and my girls, Andrea and Alexia on Father's Day( 6/20/10)

My brother Ryan and I at the Lake (6/22/10)

Restriction. Hi, I'm Tamara.....nice to finally meet you.

2010-04-19T16:12:00.000-07:00

YAY!!!! Good news, I had my fifth fill in Friday, I now have 8.5cc in my 10.0cc band and yes, FINALLY, I have restriction! It is wonderful. I am now weighing 183 as of this morning. I am down 37lbs., 43 til goal. almost at the half way point.

I am actually eating because I have to, not because I want to. It is wonderful. I know understand what everyone was talking about when they say they can eat 1 cup of food and b full. I though y'all were nuts! But, now I see the light.

I haven't been on to blog in a while because I really had nothing to report. I had been stuck for about the last two months, not seeing the scale move much at all. But, now this fill has seemed to have done the trick. I have been going to Curves 3-4 times a week, eating my 1000 calories a day (24 WW Points) and feeling a little discouraged at my lack of progress. I was stuck on a plateau. But I seemed to have jumped off and running again, YAY! I am so excited to see the scale move, especially in the right direction.

Oh yeah, I am finally getting the wow, have you been losing weight, you look great. Wow, I can really tell in your clothes and your face. How'd you do it? I blab to everyone! I HAD LAPBAND. I make sure to tell everyone how hard it is even with the band. I am 7 months out and am just now feeling restriction, so I make sure to tell them all it entails, it's no walk in the park. :)

Hope you all are doing well and seeing well deserved results. I love love love reading all of your blogs. It is what keeps me motivated and positive! Hope everyone has a fabulous week!

Creative Blogger Award

2010-03-31T11:13:00.000-07:00

I'm the ecstatic recipient of my first blogger award. "Creative Writer Blogger Award"

The rules of the "Creative Writer Blogger Award" are:
1.) Thank the person who gave this to you. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you (Diz)mybattlewithbulge.blogspot.com/
2.) Copy the logo and place it on your blog.
3.) Link to the person who nominated you. http://mybattlewithbulge.blogspot.com/
4.) Tell up to six outrageous lies, and at least one outrageous truth.
5.) Nominate seven "Creative Writers" who might have fun coming up with outrageous lies.
6.) Post links to the seven blogs you nominate.
7.) Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know you nominated them.

Six Outrageous Lies and One Outrageous Truth about Me:
1.) I married my high school sweet heart.
2.) I have actually won the lottery.
3.) I have 6 siblings.
4.) I am completely debt free at 29. The house, the cars and the credit cards are all paid off.
5.) I have lived in four different countries.
6.) I am related to a very famous celebrity.
7.) My cell phone bill is well over $250.00 a month.

Seven nominated bloggers for the "Creative Writing" Blogger Award
1.) (Jen) whatyoulookinatskinny.blogspot.com/
2.) (Kristen) kris10-mylapbandjourney.blogspot.com
3.) (Colleen) colls-thistimeimeanit.blogspot.com/
4.) (Carla) lovinglucylapband.blogspot.com/
5.) (Nicole) betterbanded.blogspot.com/
6.) (Amy W.) cheeseandsunkist.blogspot.com/
7.) (Susie) free2bme-susieq4givn.blogspot.com/

Cabo San Lucas Cruise w/ pics

2010-03-28T21:10:00.000-07:00

So we came home from our Cruise last Thursday. We had a great time. It was very relaxing and enjoyable. My husband and I went on a cruise to Cabo San Lucas with some of our really good friends. We ate like crazy. I weighed 188.5 Sunday morning when we left, when we came home on Thursday I weighed 192. This morning I was back down to 189.4. All is well in my band land. I had my fourth fill on Thursday, the doctor said he could only get 0.8cc in my band. So, I am now at 7.8cc. I feel some pretty good restriction, we'll see how this all works out. This is my first fill where I actually feel like I have to chew good, take my time eating, and ask my head, are you full? I have an appointment with my doctor in three weeks again to see if this fill is at a good level. My doctor also told me that he wants me eating anywhere from 800-1000 calories a day. So on Saturday I actually started tracking them. Before I was kinda winging it......BOY, calories add up quick. During the week I do fine, because I eat the same kinds of things. Protein shake in the morning, maybe a yogurt, a lean cuisine for lunch, and then a little bit of dinner, chicken fish, something of that sort. Now I am using Calorie Counter on my Driod (phone) I love it, it keeps me in check for sure. It is pretty handy little tool. As for drinking, I only ever drink water, I add Cran Grape and Crystal Light on the go's. I love them, especially the pink lemonade, cran grape, cran raspberry, yum yum.Hope you all are having a fantastic Monday!

Here are some pics from my Cruise.

Bought a bunch of new clothes

2010-03-15T12:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday fellow bloggers. Yesterday, my Mom and I had a Mother/Daughter shopping trip. I desperately needed new outfits for my cruise (we leave Saturday). My clothes have been enormous on me. Everything I own is so baggy. I have been wearing my 18's. I bought SIZE 12 and 14's! AHHHHHH! I couldn't believe it. I literally was crying in the dressing room, yes the ugly cry. Boo Hooing! I am so proud of my progress thus far. I actually have a HUGE announcement........................I BOUGHT WHITE JEANS! Can you believe that! Also, I bought a HOT PINK dress for the fancy dinner on our cruise, that's right. No more black for me. I feel so accomplished and I am only half way there(well not even really, 32lbs down, 48 to go!) I am gonna try to take lots of pics on our cruise, so I can share them with you all.

I am going for a nice long walk with my hubby and the kids in the park this afternoon after I get my work out in at Curves. I am going to take advantage of the fabulous weather! I hope you all have a fantastic and successful week, keep up your good work and make great choices for yourself!

Camping in Yucaipa, CA

2010-03-12T11:57:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we went camping, it was Dad's 53rd birthday. We had so much fun. It was cold and rainy but, we had a blast. Here are a few pics from our trip.

Our Trailer

My Dad and I

Our Family

My Hubby and I

I see an "8" on the scale

2010-03-03T10:35:00.001-08:00

I can't believe it. I saw 189 on the scale yesterday, I thought it was a fluke. But, I got on the scale again this morning and it still said 189! Yoo Hoo!

I've stepped up my game lately and instead of working out 3 to 4 days a week, I am now working out 5 to 6 and I definitely think it is paying off.

I also ordered Body Effects from http://www.poerperformanceproducts.com/

I have a few friends that use it and swear by it. They say it works wonders on belly fat and also gives an energy boost before their work outs. They have quite a few flavors. I ordered fruit punch. You just mix one scoop with 8oz of water. So I will let you know what I think of it once I get it and start using it. Has anyone else used this product? What do you think of it?

It's Friday!

2010-02-26T15:48:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone had a good week! Glad it's Friday. I am still stuck at 190, kinda went from 190 to 192 and then back down this week. Still trying to get to the 180's, ehh, there's always next week.

Going to the gym again after work, this makes four days this week so far, not too bad. I have really been trying to go 3-4 times and do 1-2 days at home on the treadmill. I treat myself to a tan after the gym, that is my incentive to go :)

It is planning on raining all weekend (third weekend in a row) here in Southern California.

Hope you all have a great weekend!

P.S. Thanks to all my new followers. I'm up to 70 now, WOW! I can't believe 70 people are actually interested in what I have to say, you guys rock!

Lap Band 101, courtesy of Sally.

2010-02-23T09:01:00.001-08:00

Ok, so I wanted to share this blog with you all. I think it is perfect for new banders as well as old banders. This is the pick me up that some of us need (well I needed). We all go through this at some point. Please take a moment to read this excellent post. Thanks for the fabulous post Sally! Sally's Lap Band Journey, Lap Band 101

Passport in hand.....Mexico here I come

2010-02-22T10:23:00.000-08:00

We leave for our first cruise on March 20th, we are going to Cabo San Lucas. We are so excited, we cannot wait. This is our first vacation away from the kids EVER. We have gone on tons of family vacations, like Grand Canyon, Hawaii, Sacramento, Morro Bay, etc. This is my husband and I's first vacation without the kids, this is our first vacation just the two of us since our Honeymoon (we went up the coast of California, Morro Bay, Monterey, San Fransisco) We were married 7 years in January. Our girls are 6 and 3. i think we are due for some adult time. We are going on the cruise with some very dear friends of ours, Ignacio and Marina. They just got married last June in Hawaii(we went to their wedding, it was amazing!) My husband and Ignacio have been friends since High School 15 years or so. I am sure we are going to have a blast. Everyone I have talked to who has gone on a cruise, just loved it.

So on Friday, my passport arrived!

I've never had one.

Oh, so exciting!

Can't wait to use it!

180's........Here I Come!

2010-02-17T11:12:00.001-08:00

So last night I got on the scale, I was 191.3. This morning I got on the scale and it read 190.7. Can you believe it? I sure can't. I am so close to the 180's, I can taste it.

Oh and on Saturday, I finally broke down an bought some new pants, beings my size 18's were just getting too ridiculous to try to wear. I bought size 14's....AH! I love it.

So it is official today I have lost 30lbs. This new fill seems to be doing the trick, I do think I might need just a tad bit more. My next appt isn't until March 25th. I am very happy I followed my gut and git a fill before my cruise (March 20-25th) because I am still going to be able to enjoy tasting whatever the ship has to offer but, not go overboard(get it overboard, HAHA)!

Thanks to all of my followers(friends) your support through my whole journey thus far is much appreciated and I feel the love of the bond that we all share. Thanks to each and everyone of you.

HAPPY ASH WEDNESDAY TO ALL!!!

LENT STARTS TODAY!

I am enjoying my Tuna Sandwich today.

(no meat today or Friday's for the next 40 days.)

I'm Catholic if nobody has figured it out yet =)

Shout Out to your Surgeon!

2010-02-12T11:25:00.000-08:00

Give your Surgeon a Shout Out.........HOLLA!
Western Bariatrics, Dr. Douglas Krahn

I love my surgeon and his PA, Brian Benson. They have a great sense of humor. Great bedside manner and are very professional.

The whole staff is excellent, very friendly, supportive, and helpful. I highly recommend them.

They are in San Bernardino, CA. Please check out their website.

Western Bariatrics

Fill #3........(6+1=7)

2010-02-11T11:37:00.000-08:00

So I went for my fill this morning. The PA, Brian (who normally does all of my fills) was very pleased with my progress and happy that I made the choice to come get a fill and didn't take advice from some of my friends and wait til after my cruise. We leave for our cruise to Cabo San Lucas on March 20th and everyone keeps telling me, there is so much food on the boat, you can eat whenever and whatever you would like anytime. They said you should take advantage that you don't have restriction. I have been losing pretty regularly since surgery, even with no restriction....I have been working very hard and using my darn will power. You know for a split second I did think well maybe I shouldn't get a fill til I come back and then I thought, what was the point of having surgery. I did this to change my life, my eating habits, the way I feel, the way I like in my clothes, etc.

~I'm either ALL in or I'm cheating myself~

So needless to say I am happy with my decision and can't wait to start eating solids again and see what 7.0cc in my 10.0cc band feels like.

Here is a pic of my new $15.00 Wedding Ring Set from Kohl's, that I will where until I hit goal. Here is an earlier post regarding My Lost Wedding Ring! Boy oh Boy that was scary!

Fill # 3....Cometh Early!

2010-02-10T16:30:00.000-08:00

YAY! My doctor's office just called me and let me know they had a cancelation for tomorrow morning at 9:30am. So I said, heck yes I want it. I need it. Can't wait. Fill #3, here I come!

Bare Minerals

2010-02-10T09:12:00.000-08:00

Does anyone use Bare Minerals? Everyone I have asked who uses it swears by it. They all love it and have never used another makeup since. I happen to be watching QVC a couple of weeks ago and caught the Bare Minerals segment. It looked like a wonderful make up. So I ordered some, well actually a lot more than some. I actually ordered whatever I could get my hands on (without even ever trying it, crazy I know, huh!) They had such good deals on little multi packs and stuff. So all week my stuff has been arriving. This morning I tried it.

I LOVE IT!

I will say it takes me a tad longer to do my make up than the normal 5-10 minutes it used to take me. But, I love the coverage. It doesn't even feel like you have make up on. And, it's all a powder. The eye shadow colors are amazing. I am definitely sold and will stick with Bare Minerals. So if you don't use it I highly recommend it. If you do, I am certain your skin thanks you.

So these are some pics of me today with my Bare Minerals, hope you guys can see the full and even coverage it offers. It is a great make up.

Happy Hump Day!

OMG....My Ring! (NSV)

2010-02-09T14:53:00.000-08:00

Okay so first off I must tell you that I stepped on the scale this morning and dah dah dah dah.....I am now at 192, two freakin pounds away from the 180's. I can't believe it! WOOO HOOO! Finally the scale moved in the right direction.

My Stats:

*28lbs. lost since I started my journey in April (Lab Band Seminar)

*18lbs. lost since surgery on September 29, 2009

Ok, for the ring story. My husband has been telling me "Don't wear your wedding ring, it is too big for you." But, I hate, hate, hate, not wearing my wedding ring. I love my wedding ring and all it stands for. So fast forward to today. So, I go to lunch with my brother today. We ordered our food and went to sit down, I happened to look down at my hand and...................GONE. My wedding ring was GONE! I freaked out. Went C to the R to the A to the Z to the Y! C-R-A-Z-Y. I started crying hysterical. I had the whole restaurant looking for my ring. I went and looked in my truck like 4 times, searched my purse. Was about to throw up and then I thought where could it have gone to. My mind was racing. My brother said calm down and breathe. I started taking everything out of my purse, I mean everything. I was ready to cut the liner out of my purse. And then, behold......AHHHH, there it was, in the bottom of my purse. It must have slipped off when I reached in to get something out of my purse. It had found a nice warm comfy spot to play hide and seek, reek havoc on my nerves, make my heart beat way too fast to count, make my stomach to back flips, cartwheels, and any other strange sort of gymnastic/acrobatic adventure. Needless to say, my ring is going in the safe tonight when I get home. I refuse to size my ring until I am at goal. So, I guess, I will have to purchase a cheapy fake ring until that time comes. Maybe I can find something in the realm of a 12 carat , like Khloe Kardashian. Hey, a girl can dream right???

Sorry for the weird pic, but I wanted you all to see how big my ring is on my finger.

Lazy Sunday

2010-02-07T12:32:00.001-08:00

Hope everyone is enjoying their Sunday (Superbowl Sunday). We are having a lazy Sunday, as I type...it is 12:33pm and I still have yet to take a shower. I have been catching up on blogs for about the last 3 hours. The past few days I haven't been up to typing or being on the computer much because of my wrist. I have been going through withdrawals, as I am on the computer everyday, all day. I am glad to say that I am feeling much better today. I was getting really depressed thinking I was never going to be able to use my right arm for anything ever again.

Thanks to everyone for your well wishes on my surgery. I am glad it is behind me now. Today is the first day I am actually feeling really good. I haven't taken pain meds for about two days now, my arm is still really weak but, I get to take a shower today without a plastic bag (YAY!) I think I might actually shave my legs today, the first time since surgery on Tuesday. I'm sure my husband will be glad for that. I can get away with not shaving my leg, but my pits are a different story. I look like a contortionist every morning trying to shave my arm pits with a plastic bag over my right arm....it's a hideous sight.

Anyways, as for my weight..........I was getting really worried because the morning after surgery, I was up 4lbs! But, now today, I am back to what I was before surgery. I think it's because of all of the fluids they gave me during surgery and I was eating out of convenience instead of what was right and healthy combined with not being able to exercise. I am at 193, I have been fluctuating between 193-195 since January 19th...I just cannot get into the 180's. I am trying to up my intake of H2O, hopefully that will help. I definitely need a fill, my next fill isn't until March 25th, uuhhhggg! But, I am just trying to make the best of it. I for sure have to chew my food really good, but I don't get full. I have to actually step away from my food because I will eat WHATEVER is on my plate or I am served =( Oh! And, in my last post I mentioned that I did workout #1 of Couch25K, well I don't know what I was thinking. I definitely have to start over because I haven't been able to exercise anymore since that day. Doing that work out on the treadmill kicked my ass. Not just my ass but the jarring of running really effed up my wrist, I think that is why I had such a hard time recovering. I sabotaged myself. The jogging movement in my wrist made my recovery harder on myself. Therefore, I will START the Couch25K when my doctor say it is okay. I see him on Wednesday!

Hope you all have a great week! BTW, Love the bikini Amy! you look fabulous.

Wrist Surgery (w/ pics) and Work Out # 1 of C25K DONE!

2010-02-03T12:25:00.000-08:00

As I sit here trying to type. My wrist is killing me. I was feeling so good yesterday after surgery and even this morning, but my numbing injection is wearing off. My pain medication makes me sleepy doesn't really take the pain away.

So yesterday I went in at 6:15am to have my ganglion cyst taken off my right wrist. The nurse tried three different spots on my arm to place my IV Catheter. So my right arm is killing me from surgery. My left arm is bruised and killing me from her poking me all over. I was put completely under anesthesia. My surgery lasted about 45 minutes. I woke up in the recovery room at about 8:15am and was home by 9am. I am so glad for out-patient surgery.

Here is a pic of my right arm all bandaged

Here is a pic of my left arm all bruised where she tried to put my IV in, who tries to put an IV on the inside of your wrist anyways???? UHHHGGG!

So this evening, I am in A LOT of pain. I am on Tylenol with Codeine....all it does is make me super sleepy, doesn't really take the pain away.

Although, this morning I was feeling pretty good still. I actually completed day one of Couch25K. I felt like I was gonna die, but I did it. My arm was feeling pretty good, so I just jumped on the treadmill and went to town.

BUT, I had a brain fart and completely forgot that I was put under general anesthesia yesterday and my lungs aren't what they normally are.

As for my weight, I am stuck! My weight hasn't moved in a few weeks. I have been exercising more than I have in the past 4 months but, I don't see the poundage moving. Although, I know I am losing inches because my clothes are falling off me. I am now officially in a 14 but, I am sure a 12 is right around the corner (hopefully.) I waned to be in the 180's by the time I went on our cruise in March, which seems totally doable. The scale just seems to fluctuate between 193-196?!?!? I just want to wake up and the scale say 189 =) Another problem that I have, is I still do not have much restriction at all. My next fill isn't until March 25th, the day I come back from my cruise. Can't wait for the band to be tight! I want to be at my "SWEET SPOT" already. I have 6.0cc in my 10.0cc band.

Thanks to everyone for all of your well wishes, thoughts, and prayers regarding my wrist. Hope you are all having a great week and getting ready for Valentine's Day. We are taking our girls to Disneyland on Valentine's Day, we are super excited and looking forward to that.

Don't forget, water, exercise, protein, and vitamins.......

Randomness

2010-01-29T11:54:00.000-08:00

Thanks Athena!

*What is your salad dressing of choice? Red Wine Vinnagrette
*What is your favorite sit down resteraunt? The Market Broiler
* What is your favorite fast food restarunt? El Pollo Loco
* What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of? Tuna
* What are your pizza toppings of choice? Mushrooms
* How many televisions are in your hosue? 3
* What color cell phone do you have? Black with a pink cover
* Are you right-handed or left-handed? Right
* Have you ever had anything removed from your body? Tonsils, my two daughters(emergency c-sections), and I am having a cyst taken off of my wrist on Tues.
* What is the last heavy item you lifted? Probably my daughter, all 33lbs of her.
* Have you ever been knocked unconsious? No
* Have you ever fainted? No
* If possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? No
* If you could change your name, what would you change it to? I like boy names for girls, so probably some cool boy name....I on't know though.
* How many pairs of flip flops do you own? Too many to count, probably 15-20???
* Last person you talked to? My Husband
* Favorite Season? Fall
* Favorite Holiday? Thanksgiving.
* Favorite Day of the Week? Saturday.
* Favorite Month? December, cuz I get a few extra days off from work
* Favorite Color? Purple
* Favorite Drink? Diet Green Tea
* Missing Someone? Yes
* What are you listening to? "Learning how to do the watermelon crawl" A country song on the radio at work.
* What are you watching? My computer screen and QVC (Bare Essentials)
* What are you worring about? My up coming surgery on my wrist on Tues. :(
* What was the last movie you saw? I saw The Grand Tarino, my friend let me borrow it, pretty good movie
* Do you smile often? Yes, I like being happy, it takes more effort to be in a bad mood.
* If you could change your eye color, what would it be? Well I have blue eyes, which I like, but probably like an ice grren color...you know the one's you can almost see through
* What's ion your wish list for your birthday? GOAL (140)
* Can you do push ups? A few
* Can you do a chin up? Are you kidding me :) HAHAHA, thats funny!
* Does your future make you nervous or excited? Excited.
* Have you been in a car wreck? I was backed into about 12 years ago.
* Have you casued a car wreck? No
* Do you have an accent? No, I'm from Cali :)
* Last time you cried? Yesterday.
* Plans tonight? Taking the girls to the movies.
* Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom? No.
* Name three things you bought yesterday? Nothing, didn't have to open my wallet.
* Met someone who changed your life? Absoultely.
* For the better or worse? Better and worse thats what I signed up for
* How did you ring in the New Year? Sleeping....zzzzzzzzz
* Would you go back in time if you had the chance? No
* Have you ever dated someone longer than a year? Yes, I have been married 7 and with my bandsome hubby for 10
* What songs do you listen to inthe shower? Nothing normally
* Have you held hands with sombody today? Yes, my daughters
* Who is the last person you took a picture of? My girls
* Are most of the friends in your life new or old? old
* Do you like pulpy orange juice? No, not at all.
* What is something your firneds make fun of you for? My laugh, I laugh loud and its contagious
* Last time you ate peanut butter and jelly? A few months ago
* What were you doing at 12AM last night? zzzzzzzzzz
* What was the first thing you thought of when you wok up this morning? Yay! No work.

4 Month Surgiversary

2010-01-29T10:18:00.000-08:00

Today is my 4 month Surgiversary! I have come to know so many people through my blog. I love this community and feel like the support for each one of us is unbelievable. I thank each and everyone of you for all of your comments, encouraging words, recommendations, and suggestions. This morning on the scale (naked) I weighed 194. So, that means I have lost 26lbs. since I started this whole journey.

For the first few months of surgery, I was in bandster hell, I still think I am to some degree. I am learning that the band is and cannot do all of the work. I have been making great food choices, eating tons of protein, but eating tons, my portions are still not too much smaller than before I had surgery, but I am eating the right things. My band has 6.0cc in it right now. My next fill (fill #3) isn't until March 25th, hopefully I will get more restriction with my next fill and be at my "sweet spot."

I was kinda exercising in past months, but recently about 2 weeks ago have really stepped up my exercise. Like I had said in my past post, I joined Curves (I did it about 5 years ago and lost 40lbs w/ the help of the Optifast Diet) and I love it! I feel so accomplished and energized after I get a good work out in.

Next Tuesday, I have my surgery on my wrist. Once I am feeling better, hopefully no longer than a week. I want to start the Couch 2 5K running program. Has anybody else done this program? A few people on youtube that I talk to have done it and had great success. Lacey told me that she did it and now she HAS to run. She has been so successful with her weight loss and can run miles upon miles. That is how I want to be, I want to be a RUNNER.

So 4 months later, I can say that I am very happy that I chose to do LapBand Surgery. I wish my progress was a little faster. I knew it would be a slow process, but I am not a very patient person. Slow and steady wins the race.

Thanks again to everyone for all of your kind words of support and wisdom. I hope everyone has a great weekend and enjoys some family time.

A List About Me

2010-01-24T21:03:00.000-08:00

Thanks Heather, Tina, and Cara for the great idea. This was fun.

1.) What time did you get up this morning?
7:04AM

2.) How do you like your steak?
Medium Well

3.) What was the last movie you saw in the Theater?
The Princess and the Frog I took my two little girls, we had a girls night.)

4.) What is your favorite TV Show?
I would have to say Grey's Anatomy, but I love all TV, especially Reality TV.

5.) If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
Wherever my family is.

6.) What did you have for breakfast?
A protein shake and a vanilla yogurt.

7.) What is your favorite cuisine?
Seafood

8.) What kinds of food do you dislike?
None, that I can think of really.

9.) Favorite Place to eat?
Market Broiler

10.) Favorite dressing?
Red Wine Vinaigrette

11.) What kind of vehicle do you drive?
2007 Nissan Armada

12.) What are your favorite clothes?
I am definitely a jeans and t shirt girl.

13.) Where would you visit if you had the chance?
Bora Bora, the Tahitian Islands (I am going there when I hit goal)

14.) Cup 1/2 empty or cup 1/2 full?
Depends on what is in my cup.

15.) Where would you want to retire?
No where specific, I want to travel.

16.) Favorite time of day?
I like the evening, after dinner, when you can actually sit down and relax.

17.) Where were you born?
Riverside, CA

18.) What is your favorite sport to watch?
Don't really like sports, don't watch. I watch the Olympics when they are on.

19.) Bird Watcher?
No

20.) Are you a morning person or a night person?
Night

21.) Any new and exciting news you'd like to share?
Not really, going to apply for my passport his week, I've never had one.

22.) What did you want to be when you were little?
A police officer.

23.) What is your best childhood memory?
Summer vacations, we always had great one's.

24.) Are you a cat or a dog person?
Dog.

25.) Are you married?
Yes, happily. Eli and I just celebrated our 7th on January 4th.

26.) Always wear your seat belt?
YES, ALWAYS.

27.) Been in a car accident?
Yes, backed into once.

28.) Any pet peeves?
Disorganization. If people only knew how much easier life could be if it was organized.....

29.) Favorite Pizza Topping?
Mushrooms

30.) Favorite Flower?
Yellow Rose

31.) Favorite Ice Cream?
Pistachio Nut Rocky Road, or Vanilla Bean

32.) Favorite Fast Food Restaurant?
Post Band: Subway or El Pollo Loco, Pre Band: Del Taco.

33.) How many times did you fail your drivers test?
0

34.) From whom did you get your last email?
My Dad

35.) What store would you choose to max out your credit card?
Target

36.) Do anything spontaneous lately?
Paid off my house.

37.) Broccoli?
Yum

38.) What was your favorite vacation?
Hawaii, June 2009

39.) Last person you went out to dinner with?
My husband and my girls.

40.) What are you listening to right now?
My fingers click the keyboard keys.

41.) What is your favorite color?
Purple

42.) How many tattoos do you have?
0

43.) Coffee drinker?
Occasionally

Gym, Tanning, Cruise, and oh yeah and I lost 3lbs overnight!

2010-01-18T21:47:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I signed up for Curves. I have only been exercising on the treadmill and I am kinda stuck. I can't get past 195 even with my new fill. But, I have also been having snacks here and there. So I am staying at my current weight but, not losing any. So yesterday I did my first work out at Curves, and today I am on to my second. I did Curves back in 2004 when I lost 45lbs, so I know it works. It works for me at least. It is right around the corner from my work, so I just go right after work.

I have also started tanning again, I feel better about myself when I'm tan......(I know, I know, tanning is not god for you) I hear that from so many.

My husband and I booked a cruise with some really good friends of ours. We booked a cruise for March 20th-March 25th to Cabo San Lucas, MX. We can't wait!! My goal is to lose at least 10lbs. before the cruise. I definitely want to be under 185lb when I go on the cruise. I know I can do it. I am kicking it into high gear now. Gym, Protein(which I have always been pretty good at), no snacks, lots of water, and yes....tanning.

Oh yeah.....I have to have surgery on my right wrist on Feb 2nd. I have a ganglion cyst that has to be removed. Not really looking forward to that because I have to be fully sedated, but it needs to come out. It hurts all the time and is pretty gross to look at. I have no idea how I got it. My Ortho doctor told me it is due to some kind of trauma or over use. Since I am n the computer all day, or lifting animals, or writing in charts, he thinks that is probably how it happened. It is
out-patient and only takes about 45 minutes. I just really hope I don't get left with an ugly scar across my wrist. Do y'all know anyone who has had this type of surgery?

Hope everyone is doing well and working hard.

Oh yeah, also I weighed 196lbs yesterday and this morning I weighed 193lbs!!!!!!!!

XOXO ~ Tamara

Pics of Me @ 195lbs.

2010-01-11T13:34:00.000-08:00

This next pic I tried (tried, being the key word) to have my six year old take of me. She did an okay job, wanted to document what being 195lb was. Hoping that I am soon to be into the downhill slide of the 190's into the 180's.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Monday.

(sorry its so blurry and for the toilet plunger in the background.....we were in the garage LOL.)

Comments are repaired........

2010-01-08T22:14:00.000-08:00

Thanks so much Suzie and Cara for the heads up.

MY 2010 WORD

2010-01-08T08:49:00.000-08:00

DESTINATION
des·ti·na·tion
noun
1 : the purpose for which something is destined
2 : an act of appointing, setting aside for a purpose, or predetermining
3 : a place to which one is journeying or to which something is sent
4 : a place worthy of travel or an extended visit

So DESTINATION is my word.....

I have chose destination, I choose my own destination whether it's having to do with, traveling, family, friends, my weight, or just plain ole me. My destination is what I make of it. I have the choice to get to my destination however I see fit. You don't have to put a time limit on how long it takes you to get to your destination, you just have to get there. Work hard, stay focused, and your destination will be one that you have earned.

Remember it's not always about the actual destination its about the journey that got you there.