Weigh-in Saturday ~ Week 52..Final Journey Weigh-in

Starting Weight: 258 lbs (Dec 10/08)
Last Weigh In: 173 lbs (Nov 28/09)
Current Weight: 170 lbs (Dec 5/09)
This Week: 3 MORE INCREDIBLY FABULOUS POUNDS GONE!!!!
Total Loss: 88 pounds!!

This is just awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I lost another pound...that's a 3 pound loss this week. I weighed myself on Thursday which was the "actual" anniversary day (Dec 10th) and I had dropped 2 pounds bringing my total to 87 pounds gone (and my weight to 171) I was thrilled with that loss. Today, I lost another so here it is: MY 52 WEEK WEIGH-IN SHOWS A LOSS OF 3 POUNDS BRINGING THE TOTAL LOSS TO 88 POUNDS!!!! AMAZING!!!

88 Pounds!! That's a new reward level!! I think it's concert or a play!! Whooohoooo!!! 2010 is gonna be JUST AWESOME!!!!!!

Next week, my weigh-in will mark the first of my "Lifestyle Maintenance Journey"!!

I'm preparing for tonight's big dinner party..got my nails done and everything (having a little trouble typing right now - lol, gotta get use to these THINGS!!) hahha Really excited about tonight!

I will try to take lots of pix...still trying to decide what to wear...last week, the weather was great; you could still see the grass outside. As of today, after a 30 cm dump of snow and a significant drop in temperature, I'm not too sure about that "little" black dress I was planning to wear!! We'll see!!!:)

Okay, that's it for now, until tomorrow...have a great Saturday!! :)

Joania (2KMINE!!!)

Weigh-in Saturday ~ Week 50

Starting Weight: 258 lbs (Dec 10/08)
Last Weigh In: 177 lbs (Nov 21/09)
Current Weight: 175 lbs (Nov 28/09)
This Week: 2 FABULOUS POUNDS GONE!!!!
Total Loss: 83 pounds!!

Wow!! Week 50!! Only 2 official weigh-ins left!! Incredible! This week, I lost another 2 pounds and I'm thrilled!!! It's just awesome. I weigh 175!! I don't remember ever weighing 175. I feel amazing. I'm at about a size 14 right now, even 12 in certain clothes. I think I look really good. I'm not super thin or anything....just healthy which is all that matters to me at this point.

With only 2 official weigh-ins left, I know that I will not hit the "101 pounds" mark and I don't care. I remember at the start of the journey, I was doing some research to find out what I "should" weigh for my height - my ideal weight. I found out that for my 5'5 frame, being female, I should weigh 136 pounds!! 136 pounds!! I remember thinking to myself, "yeah right, 136 pounds!!" So I then just decided I would try to lose 101 pounds - why 101? I have no clue....there was no logic or strategy - it was literally the first number that popped in my head. Losing 101 would take me to 157 pounds.

Now that I can look at my body after losing 83 pounds, and assess how I feel, strength and health wise, I think I would be fine with maintaining a weight ranging between 145 and 155 pounds. This will be my lifelong goal. To be consistent with my training and nutrition in order to keep me at a healthy 145 to 155. That would give me 10 pounds to play with. I will be turning 36 on February 27, 2010 and I am now setting a new goal of weighing 150 by that date. That's 25 pounds away - I CAN DO IT! This will give me the incentive I need to stay motivated and focused. After that, I will be setting new goals, different goals that do not center so much on weight, rather on fitness and health. I think my first non-weight related goal will be to start training for a triathalon (a mini one - i think they're called "Try-a-Tri") and then possibly a 10K run - who knows?? The sky's the limit! :)

I was in the mirror flexing my arm muscles today and laughing at how silly I looked.LOL! But I've gotta tell you - I feel SO STRONG!! I have some loose skin on my arms (and tummy and legs) BUT, that strong rock hard arm (and abs and legs) is under there and you can see it!! Pictures in 2 weeks...

My journey will not stop after the next two weigh-ins. I have totally changed my life and lifestyle for the better and have done so many wonderful things because of it...AND WILL CONTINUE to be able to do even more wonderful things!! Can't wait for tomorrow, and the day after!! :)

Have a great weekend!!

Until next time...
Joania (2KMINE!!!)

Weigh-in Saturday ~ Week 49

Starting Weight: 258 lbs (Dec 10/08)
Last Weigh In: 180 lbs (Nov 14/09)
Current Weight: 177 lbs (Nov 21/09)
This Week: 3 FABULOUS POUNDS GONE!!!!
Total Loss: 81 pounds!!

Day 13 of the last 30 days brought another awesome loss this week!! 3 POUNDS!! I have lost 81 pounds since starting this journey! Incredible. ONLY 3 WEIGH-INS LEFT!!! 20 pounds to go!! I don't think I will lose 20 pounds in the next 3 weeks but I will do my best to lose as much as I can and honestly at this point, the number really no longer matters! I am feeling and looking amazing and strong and healthy! I'm just in a great place. Plus, the journey doesn't end in the the next 3 weeks.....THE JOURNEY CONTINUES!! :)

I got a chance to sleep in a bit today (until 730), then was awaken by my 3-yr old. I put him in the stroller and went out for a nice jog this morning. I had planned for 45 mins but made it 30 minutes instead. Today, we're hanging out and doing some fun stuff just me and him (husband is working today)! We may even take in a movie today! :)

That's it for now...hope you all have a fantastic weekend!

Until next time...
Joania (2KMINE!!!)

Weigh-in Saturday ~ Week 48

Starting Weight: 258 lbs (Dec 10/08)
Last Weigh In: 185 lbs (Nov 7/09)
Current Weight: 180 lbs (Nov 14/09)
This Week: 5 FABULOUS POUNDS GONE!!!!
Total Loss: 78 pounds!!

"A" for EFFORT, BABY!!! :)))))))
WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! I DON'T THINK THERE'S ANYONE ON THE PLANET HAPPIER THAN I AM THIS MORNING!!!! 5 POUNDS!!!!! NOTHING BUT SCALE LOVE TODAY!! ALL THAT HARD WORK PAID OFF BIG THIS WEEK!! YES!!YES!!YES!!

This is frigging awesome!! I must confess to you that mid week, I took a peek on the scale and I had noticed that I was down 3 pounds and wanted to do back flips (wouldn't know how if you paid me - that may be my next goal)!! I did not want to get excited because we all know how that dreaded scale can be, so I just made up my mind to keep the intensity up and push through the rest of the week hoping to maintain that 3 pound loss BUT to my delirious delight this morning, it's 5 POUNDS!! I am over the moon today!!! Over the f-ing MOON!! !:)))))

78 Pounds in total gone!! That's a new reward level! I'm getting a new BIKE!! yeah!! When I wrote out these rewards, I wasn't thinking about the weather! :) Living in Canada, I can tell you I may only have one or two weeks of bike riding weather left, unless I want to ride in the snow!! So instead, I think I'm going to look into purchasing one of those spin bikes and keep it at home or pick a new reward - I'll keep you posted!! Either way, those 78 pounds are gone!

I am just thrilled that the scale reflected the effort I put in this week with my training and eating and I'll tell you this is some crazy motivation for me to keep up the pace and intensity AND I WILL!! I'm super pumped right now!! My plan is to keep up this momentum right through to the end (AND BEYOND!!)

Here's what I think I did RIGHT this past week:

• Clean eating each and everyday!! No excuses! No cheating! Resist all temptations! Made certain to eat 6 small meals each day. Kept all foods from the whole food group - nothing processed.
  
• Drank at least 2-3 litres of water each day! Stayed properly hydrated throughout the day, especially during workouts.
• Didn't miss/skip one workout session (weight training and cardio) and more importantly, I made each session count - effort was high to excellent for each session. It was tough but worth it!
• Tried to get at least 5-6 hours of sleep each night. Ideally, I should be aiming for 8 hours each night. That's my plan for next week.
• I planned ahead. I made all my meals ahead of time so they were ready when I needed it, didn't have to think about it. I packed my lunches and snacks ahead of time.

That's what I planned and did this week and it worked so this is what my plan will be for next week as well. I have to try to get a couple more hours of sleep at nights and that should be good.

Today, I have a cardio session. I was going to go to a lunch time kickboxing class but unfortunately my husband has to work, so I'll just hit the treadmill for a run and that will be it for exercising today. My son and I are going to do some house cleaning and then grocery shopping and later, some sort of 3-year old type, fun activity! :) Hubby and I are going out to dinner this evening - no worries, he's a vegetarian so I'll have no troubles keeping it healthy tonight. We'll more than likely go to a vegetarian restaurant - btw, I have a new found respect for vegetarian restaurants!! :)

Today's breakfast was three soft boiled eggs (I ate two egg whites and one whole egg) with a warm spinach salad - yum, and 800ml of water.

Snack will me a protein drink (vanilla whey protein, water)...I'm thinking of mixing up a batch and freezing it in popsicle containers - make some homemade protein pops. That way it will feel like a treat when I'm having it. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Lunch will be a grillled salmon fillet and green salad plus water

Afternoon snack will be 12 almonds, water

Dinner - that, I'm not sure yet (something from the vegetarian restaurant) - it will be healthy

Night snack - green tea or maybe a boiled egg and cucumbers (it will depend on if I feel hungry)

So that 's it for now... I'm on a fabulous high and feeling great y'all!!! HAVE A FABULOUS WEEKEND!!! :)))

Until next time...
Joania (2KMINE!!!)

Sunday Weigh-in ~ Week 37

Starting Weight: 258 lbs (Dec 10/08)
Last Weigh In: 196 lbs (Aug 22/09)
Current Weight: 195 lbs
This Week's Loss: 1 POUND GONE!

Total pounds lossed to date: 63!!!

Down 1 more!! Whoohoo...still not feeling so hot...I really tried to fight off this cold, but it looks like it's time for me to admit defeat! I'm sick!! Oh well. I will self-medicate and hopefully it won't last too long. It's not that bad actually!! Thanks so much for all your well wishes.

So that's it, a very short post today...just wanted to give the update on the weigh-in. I'll post tomorrow..

Until then...
Joania (2KMINE!!!)

Saruday Weigh-In ~ Week 36...That's What I'm Talking About!!!

Starting Weight: 258 lbs (Dec 10/08)
Last Weigh In: 198 lbs (Aug 15/09)
Current Weight: 196 lbs
This Week's Loss: 2 POUNDS GONE!

Total pounds lossed to date: 62!!!

MUCH BETTER!! The scale is moving on the downward again!! Thank goodness. Very happy to report a loss today!! Fabulous. This was a great week food wise and exercise wise. Got a busy day today so I will keep this post short...just wanted to report the progress and let you guys know that I am back on track...

Have a great one!!


Until next time...
Joania (2KMINE!!!)

Saturday Weigh-In ~ Week 34

Starting Weight: 258 lbs (Dec 10/08)
Last Weigh In: 198 lbs (Aug 1/09)
Current Weight: 197 lbs
This Week's Loss: 1 POUND

Total pounds lossed to date: 61!!!

I actually weighed myself on Friday morning...don't think the results would change in one day (at least, I hope not) LOL!

Another loss...a pound is a pound!!! I'm happy with it!! This was a good week. Ate well and exercised well!

I made a few adjustments to my training after speaking with my trainer Rob, regarding the pull-ups! I HATE PULL-UPS!!! I can do 2-3, then it's a shaky struggle to get through the rest of the reps. I'm not giving up..I'm going to do as many as I can. In my case, my plan calls for 3 sets of 8 repititions. I can do 3 reps per set, which btw I think is a huge accomplishment. So, I will do 3 pull-ups and 5 close-grip push-ups until I get strong enough to do more reps of the pull-ups.

That's it...quick post today, got a busy day ahead, will post again today if I get a chance...if not, then tomorrow.

Until next time...
Joania (2KMINE!!)

Saturday Weigh-in ~ Week 33...BACK ON TRACK!!!

Starting Weight: 258 lbs (Dec 10/08)
Last Weigh In: 201 lbs (July 25/09)
Current Weight: 198 lbs
This Week's Loss: 3 POUNDS!!! YES!!!!

Total pounds lossed to date: 60!!!

I'm a very, very happy camper today...out of TWO-TERVILLE, back in ONDERLAND!!! Yessss!! A 3lb loss this week..that's just awesome!! I really worked hard for it this week and I realize I have to maintain that effort from now on. I had a few business lunches this week with colleagues and it was difficult. I was surrounded by chicken wings, french fries, burgers BUT I am so thankful that I stuck to my plan and now I'm being rewarded with this awesome loss!! YEAH!! I'm pumped!

I haven't received my info package for the magazine article (Ottawa Life Magazine Top 50 in the Capital Issue) as yet...more details will follow.

Anyway, happy to be back on track with new motivation...I'm feeling really good right now.

Until next time...
Joania (2KMINE!!!)

WOW!!WOW!!WOW!!! HUGE NEWS!!!!

I AM STILL IN DELIRIOUSLY HAPPY DISBELIEF ABOUT THIS ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BUT IT'S TRUE!!!! IT IS FOR REAL!!! I AM SO EXCITED!!

Today, I had the most fascinating telephone conversation with a woman who just made this one of the best Monday's I've ever had!!! She works with a magazine, unfortunately, with all the excitement, I didn't even get her title, whether she's an editor, writer, owner!! I don't know!! She was really friendly and gave me really, really great news!!! Anyway, she works with OttawaLifeMagazine. This magazine features an annual list of its TOP 50 PEOPLE IN OTTAWA (my hometown, the nation's capital)!! In the past this list has included politicians (Prime Ministers, Governor Generals, Premiers etc.), business and media moguls, police chiefs, entertainers and educators to name a few. Max Keeping made the list one year (for those not from Ottawa or Canada...Max Keeping is a very well known and well loved and respected television news anchor)!! It's just a list of awesome people who make our capital city of Ottawa wonderful!!! :) Alanis Morisette (Ottawa born singer/songwriter who sold more than 40 million albums worldwide) was also featured in this magazine as one of Ottawa's TOP 50!!!!

Anyway, what does this have to do with me??

Well, yours truly will be featured in the next TOP 50 IN THE CAPITAL ISSUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!! LOL!!! :) :)

I was so stunned when she told me...at first, I thought it was my girlfriend Janet punking me...but it wasn't!! This is for real. I provided my address and a package will be sent to me with details this week...I was even invited to a reception for the event this September!! I can't wait!! This is awesome motivation...you can bet my next 10 pounds, I'll be working my butt off in that gym!!! Yeaaaahhhhhhhhh!!!:)))))

I'll keep you guys posted as I get more information!!!! In the meantime, feel free to check out their website http://www.ottawalife.com/index.php for more details on the annual list. On the left sidebar (about 3/4 of the way down....under "OLM FEATURES", select "OLM Cover Gallery" and there you will see a few past covers of the TOP 50 PEOPLE IN THE CAPITAL issues..see if you recognize any of them)..

That's my huge news...more to come!

Until next time...
Joania (2KMINE!!!)

Saturday Weigh-in ~ Week 32...Time to Re-FOCUS

Starting Weight: 258 lbs (Dec 10/08)
Last Weigh In: 199 lbs (July 5/09)
Current Weight: 201 lbs
This Week's Loss: IS NOT A LOSS AT ALL......2lb GAIN
Total pounds lossed to date: 57!!!

Okay, so I'm back in Twoterville!! CRAP!! However, I can assure you, I'm just back here to pick up the last of my things....this WILL be a very short visit. My new and permanent home will be in Onderland and I am heading there very soon.

I'm not at all surprised with this 2 pound gain with the way that I've been eating, however it has been a couple of weeks since my last weigh in, so it's really not as bad as I thought it would be. I remember when I first met with my trainer, he mentioned to me that success on this journey will be pretty much 80% healthy eating and 20 % proper exercise (don't quote me on the percentages)....the point is that I need to ensure that I'm eating well even if I am on point with the workouts. There has to be a balance and you cannot succeed with just one!

This was a huge lesson learned!! No dwelling on the past, time to re-FOCUS and start living in the NOW!!! It's time to enjoy my cheat meal and kick it up a notch from that point on. Had a great workout this am and a nice healthy breakfast. I'll keep you posted...

Until next time...
Joania (2KMINE!!!)

Scale Neglect...and Loving IT!!

Hey guys,

First I just need to say how much I've missed blogging and reading other blogs this past week or so....I feel like part of my routine is missing and I can't wait to get back to it. I plan to spend all of Saturday (or as much as I need) reading blogs and catching up on what I've been missing. I will also be back to posting regularly...I've really missed it! :)

Anyhoo, it's been 2 weeks since my last weigh in. Right now, I have no idea if I've gained or lossed weight. All I know is that I feel great and really that should be all that matters!!:) I haven't seen the scale and I don't miss it one bit. For the purposes of this journey, I will continue to weigh my self regularly to be able to chart my progress but once I reach my set goals and I get to the point of just maintaining a healthy lifestyle, one of the first things I'm going to do is host a SCALE-SMASHING party!! YEAH!!! I'll invite people over with their respective scales and at some pivotal point in the evening, we'll gather in my backyard and smash away!! We may even do it to music - maybe somethng by ACDC (Thunderstruck, maybe) Sounds like fun eh?? :D

Seriously, I'm pretty certain that I haven't gained any weight because I've been working out regularly, including regular "pullup" attempts - still the most difficult exercise EVER and so far I still can only complete ONE full pull-up!!! My eating hasn't been perfect but it hasn't been terrible either. I would say, overall it's about 80-85%! So that's not so bad...

I will weigh myself on Saturday morning (July 25th --omg, that's my husband's birthday - must plan something fun- he's been so amazing through all this) and post the results and get back to business 100%.

On another note, I saw one of my colleagues today, who I haven't seen in about 3 weeks and I must say that he looked fabulous. He has been extremely supportive of my journey, and we often speak of my struggles, triumphs, etc. He was inspired to start losing weight and he has. I believe he's down about 30 pounds since April - just by making some healthy changes (including exercising and nutritious foods). He is also training for a 5K run. I'm so happy for him and could see the difference in him (both physically and mentally). It's awesome....he inspires me to keep going. I just wanted to say, "GO Rob Go!!!"

It's funny, just a short few months ago, I could barely climb my stairs in my home and now I'm training for a 5K run...it's amazing to me how quickly your body adapts to healthy changes and how strong one can get...

Anyway, that's all the ramblings for today.

Until next time...
Joania (2KMINE!!!)

Weigh-In...Week 29 ~ ONEderland!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Starting Weight: 258 lbs (Dec 10/08)

Last Weigh In: 201 lbs (June 27/09)

Current Weight: 199 lbs

This Week's Loss: 2lbs!!!

Total pounds lossed to date: 59

Well...this is my GOOD NEWS!!! I have FINALLY made it to ONEDERLAND!!! The actual weight on the scale read 199.4 yesterday. It could have read 199.9999999 and it would still be awesome to me!!! I was out of TWOterville!!! YEAH!!! It was fabulous!! I've done it and I feel great about it!! I am down 59 pounds!!! This is amazing!! Starting this journey back in December, I remember saying to myself, "If I could lose 50 pounds and weigh around 208lbs, I'll be happy!!" Well now I WEIGH 199lbs!!! This is only the half!! I have no doubts that I will lose the rest of the weight and reach my overall goal of losing 101lbs!! I can't wait 'til that day!!:) I feel great!! That picture on the left is exactly how I feel, crazy hair and all!! :))

Another reward level accomplished!!! My reward for reaching this level (58lbs lost) is a "C'est La Vie" eat-whatever-I-want-day!!! Well, yesterday, I ate very healthy all day. At the wedding reception I had steamed veggies and fish and a salad. It was delicious. I had a small piece of cake. HOWEVER, I thoroughly enjoyed the wine (both red and white) in addition to a "few" rye and gingers and a shooter!! :) Hence the reason why this post did not go up last night nor early this morning :))) I wouldn't have been able to type my name last night, if you paid me lol!! So although it wasn't an "eat-whatever-I-want" DAY, I think that qualified as my reward. It worked out better this way, plus I don't really want to eat badly ALL day. The cake and alcohol were good enough rewards!! It was a great wedding, fun...I danced all night....it was wonderful!

Anyway, that's it for now...signing off very happy today. Off to get my cardio workout in for the day.

Until next time...

Joania (2KMINE!!)

Saturday Weigh-in ~ Week 27

Starting Weight: 258 lbs (Dec 10/08)
Last Weigh In: 204 lbs (June 13/09)
Current Weight: 202 lbs
This Week's Loss: 2lbs!!!

Total pounds lossed to date: 56

OH YES!!! 2 WHOLE POUNDS!!! I'm sooooo happy with that. I think my 5K training is giving me an extra boost. This is awesome. I weigh 202 lbs, I am 3 pounds away from ONEderland!!! I can't wait!!! I am also 2 more pounds away from my next reward!!! I still haven't done my full spa day (which was my last reward for losing 48 pounds) - I've just been too busy, BUT I WILL MAKE THE TIME!!!

I looked at my ticker on the bottom of the page, and it says 45 pounds to go!! 45 Pounds!! I'm passed the halfway mark of my overall goal of losing 101 pounds!! I remember when I first set this up and how daunting it was to see "101 POUNDS to GO!!" And now, here I stand with ONLY 45 pounds left to go. I know I shouldn't say only, but coming from 101 pounds, I'm really psyched and truly believe 45 pounds is possible!! I'm on a total high!!!

This is awesome...my body is weird right now...very loose, almost saggy skin in the stomach, leg and arm areas, but you can also see the muscle underneath - I'm hoping with my strength training that those muscles will soon takeover ..lol!! I know it's just one of the many phases that my body will go through. Progress pictures will be up in the next post.

With the change in weather - it finally looks like it will be warm - I've gone through my closet, pulling out my summer clothes, well, NOTHING FITS!!!! It's awesome. All shorts/capris are falling off, it's a wonderful feeling...not good news for my wallet but great news overall!!

It looks like my weigh-in will be on Saturdays now...since I've been out of town the past two Wednesdays, I've had to weigh-in on Saturdays. It may make more sense to keep the weigh-ins on Saturdays; just more convenient.

Anyway, that's it for now...feeling great with this weeks loss!! Yeah!!

Until next time...

Joania (2KMINE!!!)

The Ottawa Citizen Follow-up Article!!!

They're checking up on me y'all!! lol!! Glad I kept my butt in check the past few months!!

I received an email yesterday from Alison Korn, the Ottawa Citizen writer who wrote the feature on my story about 5 months ago. Check it out here: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Health/Joania+journey/1238813/story.html

Anyway, they're interested in doing a follow-up interview to check on my progress etc. I'm so happy that they decided to do this, more importantly,I'm so happy I've been able to stay on track!! I'd feel like such a turd if I hadn't! :)

It was always in the back of my mind that they might do a follow-up. I'm actually quite excited to show my progress. The article was done back in January (seems like such a long time ago) and SOOOOO much has changed since. At that time, I had completed only 7 weeks of the journey and had lost 22 pounds. Now, I'm down 30 additional pounds for a total of 52 POUNDS lost and feeling great, and there's just so much to share, including my new plans of training for a 5K run!!!

So I am looking forward to it. They will be sending a photographer to take a current picture....proof is in the pix, right?? I will do the interview next week and keep you posted (as always) as the details become available.

Until next time...

Joania (2KMINE!!)

Weigh-In Wednesday ~ Week 24

Starting Weight: 258 lbs (Dec 10/08)
Last Weigh In: 208 lbs (May 27/09)
Current Weight: 206 lbs

This Week's Loss: 2 MORE POUNDS!! YAY!!!!

Hi guys,

Happy to report that I weighed in this morning two pounds less than last week!! It's a different scale, so it may be off 1 or 2 pounds but I'm hoping not. I feel great!! I don't notice much of a difference physically except for my legs...they're definitely smaller than last month. I can't believe I've just completed 5 straight months of this and I am so excited for what's to come.

Quick post..will post again shortly...

Until next time...

Joania (2KMINE!!!)

Week 19 Weigh-In......2 More Pounds!!!

Starting Weight: 258 lbs (Dec 10/08)
Last Weigh In: 214 lbs (Apr 15/09)
Current Weight: 212 lbs
This Week's Loss: 2 lbs!!!!!!!!

This week, due to my business trip, I weighed in this morning (Saturday) as opposed to my usual Wednesday scale love.

I AM THRILLED with this 2 pound loss!!!! I think I would have dropped a couple more had I not strayed with my diet this week but I'm still down and I must credit that to sticking with my workout 100%!! WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

I have now lost a total of 46 pounds. I am 4.5 pounds away from my halfway mark of weighing 207.5 at which point I would have lost 50.5 lbs!! This is just incredible!! I AM ALSO 2 POUNDS AWAY from my next reward!!

I am feeling fabulous and plan to really push it to my limits in the next upcoming weeks!!

Until next time....

Joania (2KMINE!!!)

Reward # 1 ~ Isn't She Beautiful???

REWARD # 1 - 28 Pounds Gone ~ A Beautiful Handbag!

Okay, I'm a bit late (very late) picking up this reward but, BETTER LATE THAN NEVER!! I've already written about my "Reward # 2- An Hour Long Massage". I never realized how picky I was when it came to choosing a bag....anyway.....

You may or may not know, but, I decided to set up a reward system for myself as another means of keeping me motivated. See, "Rewards - Weigh This, Get That!" on the right side of the home page of my blog. I figure, I should reward myself when I accomplish a certain goal weight. That can only help to keep me on track and also, I get GOODIES!!!:)

My first goal weight on this reward system was to reach 230 pounds (lose 28 pounds). I accomplished this goal at February 25th's weigh in. For my hard work, I will be purchasing a new handbag and not any old handbag, I want a beautiful, fancy one; an investment piece (lol).

My next reward will be when I weigh 220 pounds and would have lost 38 pounds!!! I will then reward myself with a very long massage (minimum 1 hour). It was great!!

So, here's a picture of her (my new bag, that is)....

Isn't she beautiful????

A closer look...

A side view....

A little closer...

Until next time....

Joania (2KMINE!!!)

FOUR MONTH ANNIVERSARY PICS!!!!!!

Hi everyone,

Sorry for the delay with the pics - busy weekend! Anyway, I've included my start pics for comparison...day 1 to now. I also threw in a couple shots to show a pair of my pants and how they fit (or don't fit) :))) HERE WE GO.....

Front: Dec 10, 2008

258 lbs!!!

Front: April 10, 2009

216 lbs!!!

Side: Dec 10, 2009

258 lbs!!!

Side: April 10, 2009

216 lbs!!!

Back: Dec 10, 2008

258 lbs!!

Back: April 10, 2009

216 lbs!!!

Fun: Dec 10, 2008

258 lbs!!!

Fun: April 10, 2009

216 lbs!!!

Here's just another "fun" shot - I'm feeling good!!

What I noticed in this month's pics:

This month, I'm starting to notice a change in my legs....they're actually starting to shrink (THANK GOODNESS!!) My new routine does incorporate a few new and difficult exercises (lunges and squats) targeting those good old thighs so I anticipate that there will be a more visible difference in next month's pics. Overall, I'm losing inches - I could tell by my clothes and although the scale says I'm down 42 POUNDS, it sure feels like a whole lot more!! I'm so pleased and can't wait for next month. I feel strong and awesome.

I decided to take a couple extra shots showing how some of my clothes are fitting or should I say, NOT FITTING!!! Yeah!!:)) When I started this journey, I wore these pants to work practically every week. They used to be a perfect fit....THESE PANTS ARE A SIZE 22!!!

I can "ALMOST" fit my body in one of the pant legs!!!

PLUS size 22!!!!!!!

The pants are now too big and too long (guess my booty used to hold it up!)

This is me in a PAIR OF SIZE 16 JEANS!!!!!!!!!!! Size 16!! I can't believe I fit into them. I didn't even have to do that wiggle dance to get it to go up!! Incredible!!

Now I know I still have a ways to go, but I really feel that I'm well on my way and I feel great about it...please let me know what you think and as always, your support is very much appreciated..it has really helped me to stay on track.

Until next time...

Joania (2KMINE!!!)

Week 17 Weigh-In......3 POUNDS DOWN!!!!!!!

Starting Weight: 258 lbs (Dec 10/08)
Last Weigh In: 219 lbs (Apr 1/09)
Current Weight: 216 lbs
This Week's Loss: 3 lbs!!!!!!!!

I can't believe I've lost another 3 POUNDS!!! That's 7 pounds in only two weeks....I lost 8 pounds total last month....this is awesome. This new program is really burning the calories!! Thanks ROB!!! I also can't get over the fact that I only (well not only, but only) have 59 pounds left to reach my what-once-seemed-impossible goal of 101 pounds!!

WHOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOO!! I've lost 42 POUNDS!!!! I'm so thrilled!! I feel fabulous and most of my clothes are loose. I will be taking some pics of me in my loose clothes - will post shortly.

Also, Friday is PICTURE DAY for month 4...already!! I'm hoping the results will be visible, I do find my legs are getting smaller!! It's awesome!!!

Anyway, that's it for now...very happy with my loss!!

Until next time...

Joania (2KMINE!!!)

Reward # 2 - mmmmmm....Massage!!!!!!!!!!

REWARD # 2 - 38 Pounds Gone ~ An Hour Long Massage!


Okay, so this is reward number 2 and I have not yet posted reward # 1 (still searching for that handbag/purse). It's got to be the right one!! Anyway, here's what happened with Reward #2!!!

I am now referring to Alice Tracey (my new massage therapist) as "Angel" Tracey!! I had a full body massage on Saturday morning which lasted for a little more than an hour and OH MY GOODNESS!! It was amazing. I felt fantastic!!

This was my reward for losing 38 pounds (I actually lost 39!!!) and boy was it worth it...so much so that I've decided from this moment on, I will "reward" myself with a massage on a monthly basis. EVERY MONTH, I will get a massage...yes..I'm worth it!!!

Her hands are magic!! I literally felt like mush when I walked or should I say "floated" out of there. My muscles were so relaxed and just limber...it was awesome. I slept like a baby last night. She's really great at what she does, very professional and just overall a very fasinating and interesting individual. Great conversation. I really enjoyed it. This was a great idea for a reward!!

Alice works out of the west end of Ottawa (centrepointe dr). Her prices are very reasonable and she's an amazing masseuse/massage therapist. Check her out, if you're looking for a great massage. You could even book/reserve on-line.

Here's her website.

Until next time...

Joania (2KMINE!!!)