Thursday, December 27, 2012

A small Road Block {WAKE UP JENN!!!!}




Warning:  This post is graphic, and detailed in a very gross event in my life, read at your own risk!



YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.... it's about to get REAL!!

About 20 days into my first challenge I started to experience some not so pleasant symptoms.  

I felt fine, and hadn't had any issues with this in months, but have in the past year.  I had gone in to go to the bathroom, and realized I was bleeding.  At first I was thrilled, because for those of you that know me, know that I do not have a period.  Something that I have battled for years, and recently went 9 months without one.  But I quickly realized the blood was not coming from there!  Eeek!  

So what's a girl to go?  Call her mom.  Yep, I called my mom.  I did not panic, but may have freaked a tad.  It was the most blood I had ever experienced.

I soon made an appointment to go see my moms doctor, and was so nervous about have the "bloody rectum" talk.  Ick, who wants to do that?

But I knew I had to go in.   So for a week before the appointment it just kept getting worse and worse.  I was really scared, and was trying so hard to stay focused on my 24-day challenge.

 

My appointment came and went so fast, and it was determined that I need to go see a specialist right away and get to the bottom of the problem.  (no pun intended)

Oh man, this is so real.  Ugh!  I made my husband go with me to the specialist, and had to prepare him for the dirty discussions we would be having.  No husband should ever have to do this.  Talk about ruining the mood.  But he is my rock, and #1 supporter.  He would do anything for me.

The day came, we went, we sat, we talked, and talked and then the big bad ugly word came..... Colonoscopy.  Wait, I'm not even 30, and I am a girl??  A What?  HUH?????!!!!!   Can I just tell you, I wanted to break down and cry.



Of course my mind is spinning, what is wrong with me??  Why are they making such a big deal??  Isn't there a quick fix?


Then came the $ talk.  I have health insurance, but would still have to meet my $1,000 deductible, plus 20%.  My total was going to be about $1,200.   I tried and tried to talk my way out of it.  I couldn't justify spending that money right before the holidays, and knew if I just kept my mouth shut like the months in the past, it would go away.  No big deal.  WRONG! Aparently it's a bad, and dangerous situation?  Ok whatever, let's just get it over with.



Stay tuned for Part 2 of this adventure........

 
     

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Challenge Success {Advocare}

Well hello there friends.  I realize it has been over a MONTH since I have even thought about updating this blog.  Both blogs for that matter.

Great news is that I kept up on my challenge and pictures, bad news is that I hit a road block along the way.  Back to that in a minute.

But first I want to share with you how amazing this challenge was for me.

My starting weight was 275.8 Pounds and here are my before pictures!




My final weight on the challenge was.... drumroll please!!!!



I lost 14 POUNDS in 24 DAYS!!!!!!    I cannot tell you the amount of energy I feel!!

Here is my official before and after photos from my first challenge!


I am currently on my second challenge, and this time I am doing it with my husband.  He has been completely transformed in the first 10 days, but he will not admit it.

My starting weight was the 261.8, and during the cleanse phase, I am now down to......


See you later 260's!!!   You are a thing of the past, and I have big plans with my life.

That is a total of 19.8 pounds!!!!!!!  I am so close to my first milestone of 20 pounds!

Do you have any idea what 5 pounds of fat looks like?  Let me show you.....
 

I have rid myself of almost 4 times that amount!   I am speechless, and excited at the same point!!!

So, here we go.  Challenge #2, and my sights are that much higher this time.  This time around I have an amazing partner with me, as well as several friends who have also jumped on the challenge as well.  Maybe one day they too will want to share their stories here on the blog.

Are you still curious about my road block?  Well you will have to stay tuned for that in the coming days.  It's a doozie, and if you follow me on Facebook, you already know a little bit about it.

If you want to learn more about Advocare, check out my website.  I also have a new promotion going through the 10th of January.  Anyone who order the mini challenge thorough my website will be entered to win a bottle of catalyst ($31.50 value) and those who order the full challenge will be entered to win a canister of spark ($51.95 value)!!




And if you are interested in trying spark, message me on Facebook with your address and I will send you a free sample!!

Thanks for coming by.  I can't wait to share my new journey with you in the coming weeks!

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Life can be a CHALLENGE!!


Oh man, am I ever Breathing In The Moment.  Each day I look for a blessing, because truly right now, I find it hard.

I have stuck to my Advocare 24 Day Challenge, and am still seeing results.  Do I have pictures to show you?  No... sorry friends.  I am officially down 9 pounds in 18 days!  I am ecstatic about that for sure, and my clothes are starting to fall off!  Yahoo!!

Did  I have any slips?  Maybe once.... but nothing big at all!  I can TRULY honestly say, I LOVE ADVOCARE and it IS changing my life!  I do not crave the garbage I used to call food, nor do I even have the slightest want for Starbucks.   

If I came out of this whole challenge with one thing, it would be the energy, and the ability to give up Starbucks.  I was putting so much bad crap into my body every. single. morning!  And I thought I needed it to survive my day.  Boy was I wrong.
18 Days without any outside source of caffeine.  It's me and my Spark baby!  I'm darn proud of that.

Onto to the less exciting news.  I went to see a specialist about my "situation" as my primary care physician requested, and of course it was no good.  Not saying there is anything wrong with me, but I have to have further testing.

I have not decided how into detail I really want to go on the blog, so bear with me for a bit.  I had my blood work done on Tuesday, and this coming Monday I get to go have a more invasive procedure done.  As soon as I have answers I will absolutely share it all with you.  Maybe not in full detail, because let me tell you....  THIS IS HARD!!!  I feel like less of a person, doing the things I am having to do.  And I just want it to be over already.  On the bright side, I get Monday off of work!

I am also having a bit of buyers remorse, and that was until I had a great pep talk from a great friend. I found out today that my insurance requires my deductible to be met in order to have the procedure.  Well that's another $800 out of my pocket.  I feel horrible taking that money away from the family, and felt like I should cancel my appointment.  Almost as though I felt I am not worth the money.

My dear friend reminded me that I went to my regular Dr, who then referred me to my specialist, who then decided I needed all of this done.  Ok, fine she is right.  But what if it's nothing?  That is my worry.  Do I really need to do this?

The final answer is of course YES.  There is no way to really know whats going on inside my body without this procedure.  They will knock me out, and figure it all out within an hour.  Doesn't sound too bad right?  Agree with me please because this is taking all I've got, not to freak out.

I have a great life, a great job, great kids, amazing husband, wonderful friends, a supportive family..... so why this, and why now?  Right when I was taking charge of my own life, WHAM it's like I am knocked down again.  I want to get back up, and run the other way.  I want my life back, and I want it now!!

I am ready, and I have been ready for the last 18 days.  I have done so well, and I am proud of myself.  And I know my husband is proud of me too.  So come Tuesday (we can pray) I am hoping I have answers and can move on.   By that day, I WILL have final "After" photos and 24-Day Challenge RESULTS!  Yep, my challenge is almost over.  I have NEVER been able to stick to a fad "diet" and I must tell you... this has been the easiest thing I have ever done.

I plan on doing the challenge all over again in January, but in the mean time, I am going to be continuing the Advocare products and my healthy lifestyle.  I will also add in exercise as long as the body allows.

I appreciate all of your support, truly and sincerely from the bottom of my heart!  It keeps me going on my journey!

Hugs to you all.  I will try to keep my chin up and find my blessings each and every day.  

Here is one of my favorite songs that I leave you with tonight, enjoy!

Thursday, November 1, 2012

It's becoming my reality........

The first word that comes to mind as I sit down to write this post is hands down "OVERWHELMED"

Did I give up?  NOT AT ALL!  Did I slip just a tad?  YES I sure did!

Let me explain....  I last left you with an 8.8 pound weight loss, feeling great, and life was treating me well.  I did also tell you that I was entering the craziest two weeks of the year... right??  Well boy did I know what was coming!

This post is not full of great pictures, so bear with me.

Saturday October 27th there was a home football game.  Those consist of me tending bar for about 200 people, and consuming classic tailgate food crap!  I had prepared myself to not give into the urge by drinking my fiber drink in the morning with a Spark, and drinking my meal replacement shake for breakfast.  I packed a couple other packets of spark, along with a container full of my turkey taco soup.  I was ready to take on the day!

Well I am proud to tell you, I WON!!  I did not consume anything other than what I brought.  

Ok, great news right?  But let's move into the week.  Sunday was spent grocery shopping and menu planning for the week.  That took all day long, and about $400 out of my bank.  I was so motivated for the coming week.  Then it hit me.  I had so much to do, and not very much time.

I work full time, and on top of that I had the following added to my already busy schedule.  

Monday: I had to finalize my fall box tops drive for the school and get those sent off.  There was over 2,500 of them that I had clipped and sorted in the previous 2 weeks.  

Tuesday: was spent gathering last minute costume accessories for both my kids (yes I waited until the last minute) and prepare for my daughters classroom Halloween party.  I am the room mom, so the majority of the party was on my plate.  

Wednesday I got the kids all dressed up, headed to work for 2 hours, then to the school to throw the party.  Got home, and took the kids trick or treating, then to Papa's pizza to play with some friends.  I will come back to that...  

Today: I had parent/teacher conferences, and I was busting my rear to finish up a Barbie birthday party for this upcoming Saturday.  I was able to get that completed about 15 minutes ago.  

Then onto tomorrow. I have to work a half day due to no school, and come home to start working on a Carnival party coming up on the 10th!

Are you still there?  Did you fall asleep?

Maybe you are thinking it's not that hard.  But let me tell you, on Tuesday night, I was done.  I felt like I was being defeated.  Who was I kidding?  I can't do this.  I cannot do everything I do, AND try to lose 100 pounds!  I was giving in.  

I wanted Taco Bell and because I was too busy to cook, that's right where we headed!  I drove up to the drive thru and was ready to ruin my healthy eating for the day and have a mexican pizza and a bean burrito!  But then it was like a light came shining down, and led me to the fresca menu.  I could have had the fresca taco, or burrito, but I actually chose the salad!  But mentally I was ready to give in....... 

Still not sounding too bad?  Well Wednesday comes around.  Halloween and Halloween party.  Yummy candy ALL around.  I chewed gum during the party so that I had zero temptation to snack.  That worked like a charm.  Trick or Treating, still going strong.  Although I felt like sneaking a pay day.... I did not.  After we got back home we packed up and headed to the local pizza joint to meet up with our good friends.  I stuck a piece of gum in my mouth and ordered a big tall ice water.  I once again had ZERO temptation.  Even though my sweet friends kept offering.  Maybe they thought I was going to starve (only kidding).  I spent 3 hours sitting in front of yummy smelling hot pizza,  and not once did I get the craving.   We packed the kids up, and headed home.  When I walked in the door carrying the leftover mini cheese pizza, I have no idea what came over me, but I opened up the box, grabbed a slice, took off the cheese and ate it!  Marinara crust?  Strange, but it was satisfying.

Then onto today. Everything was GREAT until I came home.  I realized my time was running out to get my to do list done for the weekend, and I went back to that place of defeat.  So what did this dummy do?  I ate.... what did I eat??  Top Ramen, and a mini candy bar!  Ugh!  I was so disappointed in myself afterwards, but realized that it's not a big deal.  The old me from 2 weeks ago would have sat down and ate the whole bag of candy.  I was able to stop at one.  But the disappointment still exists.

So why am I telling you all of this?  I want you to know that I will remain 100% honest with my readers.   I want to be held accountable for my actions.   I have no pictures from the week, due to my crazy brain, and that was something that was placed on the back burner.  

I have gained a whole pound!  So what... so I am down 7 pounds in 2 weeks?  I'll take it!  I still feel absolutely amazing, and my clothes are fitting much better.   I am going to wake up tomorrow and face the world with a brand new attitude.  I've got this!

I am leaving you with a song to inspire you!  If you feel like it's hard, it probably is.  But know that you can hold on, and breakthrough!

And just know that your support is what keeps me going!!


Friday, October 26, 2012

Weigh-In {Days 5-8}

Wow, I am almost done with the cleanse phase of my 24 day Challenge! This has gone by so super fast!

Before I get to the part you are all waiting for, I just have to be open and honest!  I am struggling right now.  Not with food, not with following the challenge, but with life in general.

On Monday 10/22 I started experiencing a medical problem that has popped up a few times in the past year.  I ignored it, just as I have in the past, but this time it got worse.  It lasted for 2 days, so I finally decided to talk to my husband about it.  We both decided that I needed to get into the doctor this week.  I'm not going to share details, unless of course they find something.  The internet has scary things, and what I am going through could be a simple virus or cancer, depending on which website you visit.  Haha.  So this morning I will be visiting my mom and dads doctor for the first time to see if he will invest the time into my problems and help me heal!

Anyways, the reason I am telling you is because I am devastated to say the least!  Here I am changing my life, and enjoying every.single.moment of it, and BAM!  There is that little black rain cloud hoovering over me!  I have felt better this last week than I have in the last year!  I am no longer an unmotivated overweight (ok well I am still technically overweight) mother.  

Every morning I get up when my alarm goes off, I take the time to do my hair, and my make-up. (I haven't done my make-up since Vegas in January folks!!) and grab some awesome outfits to go out and rock the world.  It's like I am awake again!!

I am on Day 8 of this challenge and let me tell you.... this Starbucks lovin mama has not missed one single sip of that awful sweet and tasty concoction.  Not one!  How is this possible?  I thought I needed my Starbucks just to survive the days.  NOPE!  Good-bye bad for you indulgences, and hello fat wallet!!  :)  This mama is saving $5 every day, just by getting a divorce with Starbucks!  Not too bad right?

OK lets move onto my progress!  I want to know something.  Do you want to know what I eat every day, or would you rather see pictures of my weights instead?  I want to know what my readers want to see!  So please, do tell!

DAY 5
Weight: 270.6                                                        TOTAL LOSS: 5.2 Pounds
 

DAY 6
Weight: 268.6                                                       TOTAL LOSS: 7.2 Pounds
 

DAY 7
Weight: 268.8                                                          TOTAL LOSS: 7 Pounds
 

Day 8
Weight: 268.4                                                                                    TOTAL LOSS: 7.4 Pounds














I am so happy with my results this far.  I haven't lost half of me yet, darnit, but I feel like a million bucks. Here is my challenge to you!  Are you feeling sluggish, or just in a rut?  Visit Advocare and just try Spark!  It will change your life!  I am not in anyway paid to tell you these things.  I am living proof of the products results as you read this!  

This coming week will be the hardest for me yet.  I've got my doctors appointment, Tailgater, Halloween, Halloween party, Birthday party, and I still have to find time to be Mom, Wife, Friend and employee.  I will be relying on Spark to get me through!

I can't wait to come back and share my next results!! 

Thanks friends!! 



Monday, October 22, 2012

Day 4 {Progress and Weigh-In}

I am excited to have reached my 4th day of the challenge.  That means that I am 1/6 of the way done.  Don't ask why I chose to post every 4th day, it just sounded good to me.

I have kept a very detailed journal, and taken several pictures along the way.  So here goes...

Day 1:
10/19/2012

Weight: 275.8 



Breakfast: Fiber Drink w/Spark
                 Plain Old Fashioned oatmeal, sweetened with Stevia

Snack:      Sweet Peppers (raw)

Lunch:     Avocado Salad w/Dairy free avocado dressing


Snack:      Almonds & Sunflower Seeds

Dinner:     Harvest Chicken Salad w/Orange mustard dressing

Water:      8, 16ox bottles, and one 8oz Spark in the afternoon
 
I felt really good about myself, of course not because of the number that came flashing before my eyes, but for the fact that I chose to change my life.  I could have VERY easily waited until Monday to start my challenge, and spent the weekend indulging in all my favorite foods.  I decided that once my kit arrived it was my time to start.  Why wait? 
 

Day 2:
10/20/12
Weight: 273                            TOTAL LOSS: 2.8 Pounds                                                                   



Breakfast: Fiber Drink w/Spark
                 1/4 Cup Oatmeal w/Craisins, sweetened with Stevia
                 2 Eggs, Pan fried

Snack:      Almonds

Lunch:     Harvest Chicken Salad
                1/4 Avocado

Snack:     Almonds w/Spark

Dinner:   Garlic Balsalmic chicken w/ Bruchetta topping
               4 Shrimp w/low sugar cocktail sauce
               Sweet potato chips w/Hummus















Snack:    1 Orange & Grapes

Water:    7, 16oz bottles


Day 3:
10/21/12
 
Weight: 271.4                      TOTAL LOSS: 4.4 Pounds                                                                              



Breakfast:  Fiber Drink w/Spark
                 Egg Scramble w/ tomato, onion, mushroom, peppers, turkey bacon, sea salt & pepper

Snack:       Celery w/all natural Peanut Butter

Lunch:      Spark (we slept in this day, and had a late           breakfast, so instead of lunch we had several     small snacks)

Snack:       Almonds

Dinner:      Mini Turkey Meatloaf
                 Plain baked sweet potato
                 Garlic steamed Broccoli











 



Snack:      Oranges and Grapes



Day 4:
10/22/12        
 
Weight: 271                        TOTAL LOSS: 4.8 Pounds

 
 
So far I feel absolutely amazing!  I thought I was going to have a really hard time letting go of Starbucks, but with Spark, I have not even noticed.  I didn't think it was possible.  

I have to laugh because on Day 2 I told Allen... this seems so crazy.  I feel amazing, I mean I feel AMAZING.. almost like I didn't believe myself.  If I were an outsider I would have thought I was paid to say the things I was saying.  But the truth is, I FEEL AMAZING!!!
 
I'm doing this for me, but so far I am really hoping I inspire others to try the challenge.  

I have also decided that as soon as I hit that 5 pound loss.... I am treating myself to a pedicure.  I apologize for you having to look at my fancy feet!  

So here's to a great week!!  I'll be back with more results in 4 days!!