Joann's Weight Loss Journey

I am 'THE MAN'!!!!

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:29:35 GMT

I'M DONE WITH YEAR END CLOSING!!!!!!!!!!! WOO HOO!!!!!!! What a FEELING!!!! LOL!!! And what's even better was hearing my boss smile and say "Good Job, Joann!!!"

Every year, we have to work Saturdays and there's a few other people working on it, this year it was JUST ME, AND NO SATURDAYS!!!!!!! (because of budget cuts). YES, I am ECSTATIC!!! I did the happy dance IN THE OFFICE!!! I ALMOST jumped up on the desk..... LOL!!

All the county office deadlines were met throughout closing, and today my job is DONE!!!! Tomorrow, I'm sleeping in, and leaving work ON TIME!!! LOL!!!

OK, OK... I'll stop!!!

Anyway, I guess my 'maploco' wasn't working, huh!!?? Oh well, it would've been fun if it would have worked, it worked for Dad.... Hmm, I'll have to consult him... LOL!!

OK, I'm going to have a celebratory glass of wine, and maybe even eat something really bad for me!!!

Joann

Where are you???

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:49:14 GMT

My mood is confident... confident that TODAY is the day that I'll finally get done with year end closing at work!!!! WOO HOO!!!!!

Here's a map so we can see where my reader's are.... but I'm not sure it's right, I haven't even posted it, and it's showing a visitor already.... Hmmm!!

Create your own visitor map!

Joann

A Slow Read

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 04:26:16 GMT

I won't get offended if you don't want to read this or comment.... honest!! I don't want to bore anybody, but I want to post this for my accountability. I should probably start a private journal for my daily progress.... Hmmm!!

Anyway, my OFFICIAL weigh in is on Wednesdays, but I stepped on the scale this morning and although I've lost consistently, I've only lost 7 pounds total in the last 6 weeks, so I was feeling pretty discouraged.... until I realized I was wearing pants that were TWO SIZES SMALLER!!!!!!!!! I hadn't worn them since last summer, so I didn't realize they were smaller in size. WOO HOO!!!

I swam 25 laps yesterday, and another 25 today.... I try to do the laps quickly to get my heart rate going. I swear this is the most FUN exercise regimen I've ever done.

And the fever's catching.... my son has been working out almost daily at his friend's house.... his friend has all the equipment.

Now, for the ADVENTUROUS mood..... A friend of mine gave me some tuna her husband caught while out fishing this past weekend.... she knows that we don't like fish, but wants us to try it anyway. So I was thinking I'd grill it or bake it tomorrow with lemon?? I've NEVER grilled or even cooked fish, because we don't like it.... HELP, any hints will be greatly appreciated!! If we still don't like it, I'll give it to my neighbor, he'll love it.

Well, hope you all had a great day today.

Joann

Mama Mia!!

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 05:48:21 GMT

Hi all,

Hope everyone is enjoying their summer so far.... I'm reading journals about everyone's vacations, and can't WAIT for mine... nothing planned yet, but taking some time off next month for sure!!

I went to see Mama Mia last night at the movies... it was cute.... looks like they had FUN filming it. In my opinion the singers couldn't come close to ABBA, but it was still fun to watch. If you're looking for just plain FUN entertainment... nothing serious or real, that's a good one to see.

I lost 1.6 pounds last week... but it was due, I mean, I knew I'd do well. Two weeks of very small losses with lots of effort HAD to pay off eventually.

I got in a good swim today. I did 20 laps, (the width, not the length of the pool, still building up my lung capacity) which is my goal whenever I go swimming. Next time, I'm going to time myself on the laps, though. I usually try to do them right away to get them out of the way first, then do some water aerobics, and constantly moving inside the water. I think I got a great workout today in the pool.... which is good, I didn't want to go to the gym, my son took my earphones with him to stay with his dad for the weekend because his broke.... (even though I bought PINK earphones so that WOULDN'T happen, because I'm sure I WON'T get them back). I hate going to the gym without earphones.

Well, I hope you are all having a great weekend!! My plan this weekend was to get alot of rest, I've had a stressful work week.... I did, slept in AND took a nap... LOL!!

Joann

Thanks, Sherry!!!

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 02:07:46 GMT

Thanks, Sherry for making ME one of your Guest Editor Picks!! WOO HOO!!! I feel so special!!! All Sherry's picks were really great, check 'em out if you haven't already!! And congrats to the other picks!!!

I just got back from swimming for an hour, swimming is SUPPOSED to be one of the BEST forms of exercise, but I don't believe it, it doesn't make sense... it's just TOO MUCH FUN!!!! LOL!!!

Last night I went out with four girlfriends to Applebee's for dinner... two of them have teens so we brought them too, Chris really enjoyed it. I had Iced Tea and a California Shrimp Salad with no dressing (I wonder if it's called the same thing in OTHER states?).... anyway, I liked it, but I really loved the Spinach & Shrimp salad I had last time, I'll know for next time.

Anyway, I DID cave in at dessert time, I had a Strawberry Cheesecake dessert shooter, they are well portioned sizes of dessert for $1.99.... Mmmm, I enjoyed every bite!! = )

Tonight for dinner I made rosemary chicken fajitas.... it was really good. No recipe, I just planned on making chicken for dinner, and yesterday at work someone brought me some rosemary from her garden (because I love the smell and taste), so I used that, and threw in red, orange, and yellow peppers, onion, zucchini, and a tomato the neighbor gave me from his garden. It made for a great tasting dinner. I like to leave the veggies very crunchy, almost raw.... Chris, on the other hand, really likes them well cooked, so I try to compromise.... if I have time, I'll make his separate.

Well, I hope you all have a wonderful rest of the weekend!! Be good, eat well, strive for healthy living!! (Sounds fanatical, huh??!! That's what I'm going for... LOL!!)

Joann

Dinner is served

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:32:39 GMT

I should take a pic of my plate everyday just for accountability... LOL!! OK, OK, I won't!!! It's romaine wrapped ham and cheese, with mini sweet peppers, and sugar snap peas.

I had a good breakfast (shredded leftover baked chicken scrambled with egg in the microwave.... hey, it was a fast breakfast) and a good lunch (a flour tortilla wrapped around steak with cheese and sauteed green peppers and onion; and a salad), I drank almost all my water today, and I also had a glass of milk today for my dairy... I should have more, maybe later. And I had a half a glass of red wine with dinner. = )

Tomorrow is weigh in, but I think I'm going to skip this week rather than get upset (at Aunt Flo), I'll just weigh in next week. I haven't exercised since Thursday, but will get right back on track this coming Thursday.... I promise.

Talk more later,

Joann

Good holiday weekend!!

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 19:33:55 GMT

I forgot to report on Wednesday that I lost another 2/10ths of a pound... this is slow going, and I was ALMOST discouraged for a minute until I realized that 'at the moment' I have some water weight gain starting, so next week I expect to have a gain, but after that I should have a really great loss. (Women, I know you understand this! LOL!!).

I did well this holiday weekend, did not overeat anything! We spent it at my mom's where she has a beautiful 360 degree view of some really beautiful firework shows from her front yard.... it's become our tradition after grilling dinner, to just enjoy the shows with neighbors and friends. We got home at 1:00 a.m.

Last night, I went to dinner to celebrate a friend's 78th birthday!!! Bob had a stroke about 3 months ago, but seems to be recovering well, although slow. His wife Linda, takes very good care of him. I ate very well, only chicken and veggies, and salad and ice tea.

Then last night, a girlfriend of mine picked me up and we went to another girlfriend's house with a couple bottles of wine, we all sat on her patio and played 2 games of 'scrabble'.... I hadn't played that game in so long, we had so much fun!! Both games I was confident I won, because I was getting GOOD big point words with triple word points, I didn't win either game, though... LOL!!! But it was really fun!!

During the week, we (about 8 girlfriends and I) went to a local summer concert in the park to see The Answer. We look for them every year, they're really good. They're a Southern California classic rock band. If you ever get the chance to see them, you won't be disappointed!!

Well, hope you all have a great week. Friday, we have an appt. to go take Chris' senior pics.... ALREADY!! UGH!!!!

Joann

Two songs you have to hear!!!!

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 18:27:39 GMT

I wanted to share two beautiful songs country radio is playing right now.... you DON'T have to like country to appreciate these songs.... please give 'em a chance..... listen.....

This is Brad Paisley's Waitin' on a Woman.... the video is really cute, Andy Griffith stars......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvKgnkIN8C8

And this is Chrystal Shawanda's "You can let go now".... (have tissue ready!!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=532jxGDRjGY

Joann

A Silly Survey

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 05:03:09 GMT

It probably should be called a useless survey, there are some WEIRD questions on here... but it was still fun.

Silly survey (found in Firestorm's journal)

1. What was the highlight of your day? An EARLY (6:00 a.m.) breakfast with my friend, Kathy. We went to Coco's for a honey bran muffin, before going to pick up some jewelry orders we each had (we're both Cookie Lee Jewelry Consultants).

2. How many meals do you usually eat a day? All of them. = )

3. What's your favorite movie? Either Sleeping with the Enemy; Practical Magic; or Ever After.... can't decide on just one.

4. Have you ever thought George Clooney was hot? Oh yes!!

5. Have you ever doubted your sexual orientation? NEVER!!! I LOVE being a woman!!! I'm good at it!!! And I love men way too much to ever change.... LOL!!!
6. How long has it been since you have seen an ex? I see Chris's dad all the time.
7. Name 5 of your best friends. FIVE? HA!! Kathy, Lana, Roseann, Pauline, Veann, Wini, Lydia, Donna, (in no particular order.... LOL!!!)

8. Would you ever consider moving to Zimbabwe? NOPE

9. What would you do if someone dyed your pubic hairs bright pink permanently? :o" src="http://cdn-cf.aol.com/se/smi/2b000001b7/07" unselectable="on" smiley="yes"/> Ewwww!!! Who would do such a thing?? (OK, THIS is one of those WEIRD questions I warned you about at the beginning!! I really thought of switching the question, anything's better, huh??!!) OK, I'm switching it....

9. Would you ever dye your hair pink (the hair on your head)??? Not pink, but I've had purple hair before.... hey, I live in L.A., anything goes.... I WAS young once... LOL!!!
10. When was the last time you had Starbucks? Probably a month ago or so.... I've sworn off those things for awhile. I found a great new drink passion.... there's a place close by that sells REALLY GOOD fruit snowcones.... just fruit and crushed ice (and most likely a little sugar, but not too much).... HEAVEN!! We're SO ADDICTED to them!!!!

11. Are you single? Very! But looking if you know of anyone.... LOL!!!
12. What is your opinion on global warming. I think that we're starting to become much more aware and making good progress toward correcting the situation.... I know we still have a VERY LONG way to go, but I believe that more people are willing to make necessary changes than in past years.

13. What about abortion? Oh, we could go on and on about this forever.... I'm steering clear of this one.

14. Which would you rather star in: High School Musical or Striptease? Well, I wish I had the BODY to be in Striptease, but I'd really rather not 'star' in either one.... I'd like to star as GALINDA in Wicked!!! She had a CUTE part!!!
15. What's the worst movie you've ever seen? Jackass
16. How many times do you sneeze a day? It all depends, am I catching a cold?? Lately, maybe a few times a day.

17. Are you an "adult"? Another weird question.... aren't we all adults??? Does this word have some specific meaning with the quotation marks around it??? Hmmm!!!

18. Where do you live? California - So Cal
19. Have you ever thought Michael Jackson was going to kidnap you? Uuum.... hadn't ever really thought about that, but ummm, now, I won't be able to sleep tonight ::rolling eyes::..... (another one of 'those' questions).
20. What color hair do you have? Currently, light auburn... = )

21. Would you rather have a hybrid vehicle or a Hummer? Neither, really, maybe a hybrid eventually....

22. Who is prettier: Angelina Jolie or Kate Bosworth? Angelina!! Kate's cute, but com'on, Angelina is one of the most beautiful women on the planet.... not many can compare to her!!
23. What do you think about the tabloids? I don't think about them at all, really.
24. Have you ever been to Texas? Nope!!

25. Would you want to go? Never really had any special desire to go to Texas, but I suppose if I went, I'd enjoy it (IF it wasn't too hot)!
26. Do you wear a watch? Nope
27. Have you ever had the sensation that you were falling while asleep? Oh, all the time..... falling, flying, swimming.... I know the psychs will come up with some demented meaning for it all sooner or later.

28. Would you rather work at Goodwill or McDonalds? Goodwill
29. What do you think about Britney Spears' 16 year old sis getting pregnant? I don't think about it, I don't care.... I think they both get WAY too much media attention. My sister had a child when she was 16, life is still going on for everyone involved.
30. Do you recycle? Yes.

OK, I hope some of you will take up the challenge.... copy and paste and answer the questions. (Leave me a link so I can check out your answers).

Joann

.2 pound loss

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 03:00:24 GMT

Yes, I'm relieved I didn't have a gain... only 2/10ths of a pound, but hey, I ate so much this week, I thought it'd be much worse, but I exercised alot too, so I think that's what saved me.

Tonight, I'm here instead of the gym, because I overate dinner, and I'm full, so I'm waiting for my stomach to feel better.... LOL!!!

Anyway, not sure if I shared with you that my friends at work are doing the 'biggest loser' thing again.... I have until Sept. 1st to lose the best percentage of weight. This is the third time I've joined this thing, the first one I got second place and won some $$, the last one was only 1 top winner, and it wasn't me... LOL!!! This one will only be one top winner too... but this time, it'll be ME!!!!

I've been eating well, very well at work.... when I come home, it's a little harder, but then I go and exercise and it really helps.

So I'm leaving to the gym now... hopefully, my stomache won't make me cramp up... LOL!!! Wish me luck!!

Last week I had a five pound loss, but it was mostly water weight. My weigh in day is Wednesday, so I'll try to post my progress regularly.

Joann