SUNBURN! WAAA

Sorry I haven't blogged in a while. I've been really busy.

Dojo is doing really well on his medication and new diet. (Knock on wood). He hasn't had any bile vomiting, his poops have never been normal. this is the first time he's had normal poops... he's feisty and energetic, his eyes are crystal clear... God willing, he'll continue to improve. so far so good. My other dog is doing great too. She's a total momma dog. She was so sad and stressed when he was sick, so when he's healthy, she's a happy baby girl. She loves her little brother.

Things are good here too. I am taking guitar lessons, just learned my first 6 notes, and my first song that implements 5 of the first 6 notes I learned. I got a really nice guitar from Japan. Pretty guitar, great sound. I'm really enjoying the guitar.

I lost the weight I gained during those 2 weeks I had to leave town to take care of my pup, plus I lost an extra pound. So I'm not where I expected to be had I not gained that weight back... but at least I'm back on the right track.

I had a rummage sale to make a few extra bucks. got rid of a lot of stuff I really didn't need, and made some $$ for my vacation which is really cool. but I got REALLY sunburned.

I had close to a 3rd degree burn on my shoulders, and eventually I needed to get a prescription medicated salve from my doctor which has seemed to help.

But talk about pain. Wow. It was overcast the first day of the rummage so I didn't expect to get burned so I didn't use SPF... and got burned. The next day I wised up and used SPF I found in my bathroom... but it turns out SPF does have an expiration, and it was basically useless. So I got burned worse. (Word to the wise, change your SPF every year.)

I'm finally starting to go from purple to red to tan. I think in the next day or two the burn should finally be completely gone (fingers crossed).

Anyhoo

Things are good and God willing, they'll keep going that way. thanks for all your prayers and messages of well wishes. I really do appreciate it. I'll talk to ya'all soon.

One More Progress Photo... This one is cool

So, today I accidentally wore the same outfit I wore in my "before" photo. I was getting ready to go to Church, and this was the outfit I ended up wearing, and I didn't really think about it till I looked in the mirror and was like, "This is cute, why haven't I worn this more often?" That's when I realized, this was the "before" outfit, and I haven't worn it in a long time because when I saw the before photo, I noticed how it extenuated my "bigness".

Now it fits a lot nicer. I can pull it down passed my tush and my stomach, it's looser in the tummy, and the sleeves aren't tight around my bicep anymore. It's not a huge difference, but there is a noticeable difference. Here it is...

 

So what do you think? Notice a difference? (Click the photo to see it full size)

New Progress photo

So, it's that time again, to take a progress photo to show ya'all how I'm doing.

As of this photo, I am 21 pounds down! yay!

I am starting to see a difference. for one, I'm starting to get an actual figure instead of just being one round blob. LOL

I've kind of plateaued again... however that is mostly because I've started walking. 45 to 60 minutes a day, with my dogs, on an uneven terrain. (uphill, downhill, with a stroller), so it's not just walking. It's controlling the dogs and a stroller while walking up and down hill. (Why a stroller?)

 

It's just easier than carrying them when they get tired. LOL

Anyway... so I've been getting a little bit of muscle going on. I think this is going to be one of those situations where I'm going to see a little plateau as I develop muscle, then I'm going to drop a lot of weight in a very short amount of time once my body starts to get use to this new way of getting some exercise.

So things are going really good for me. I just bought myself a sundress and a new shirt (A SIZE SMALLER THAN I NORMALLY WEAR...) and get this... THEY ARE STILL A BIT BIG ON ME! WOO!

My ankle has been bugging me pretty bad... but considering I have a tear in my ankle, I don't expect that to go away without surgery. I can tell with the swelling and pinching that the cast isn't helping. But I'm not letting that get in the way of getting healthy. I have to keep pushing on, stick to my diet, and get whatever kind of exercise I can. 

Anyway, that's the update. I will be doing a vlog soon. Just haven't had the time yet. been busy with my brother and his family visiting, doctor appointments, dealing with a sinus infection, volunteering at church, getting my nails done all perty like, my mom's birthday, shopping for my oldest brother's up coming birthday, going to the casino (where I won $300), going on walks every day... so busy busy busy.

What a week.

So if everyone watched my previous vlog, ya'all know I ended up going to see my surgeon and found out I have torn tendons in my ankle that is the source of my pain. So my doctor opted to try a fiberglass cast for 6 weeks to see if that would help me heal up without having to have surgery. If it doesn't heal with the cast, I'll end up having surgery. Which would suck. I don't do surgery very well. The first time I had surgery I panicked when it was time to get the anesthetic... the second surgery I panicked because while watching TV in the prep room, I was watching a Dr. Phil or some talk show about people who had surgery that were seemingly under, but were really awake and felt everything being done to them and couldn't let the doctor know.

So I want to avoid surgery. lol

Things were going good. I got home, rested up, then the next day weighed myself with the cast on. Didn't know how much extra weight the cast put on me... 1 pound, 2.5 pounds, a few ounces... so I just went with whatever weight it said at that moment and went from there.

I kept to my diet. Haven't fallen off it yet. Still eating my lean cuisines and fruits and veggies and such. Despite the cast I was trying to get out and walk on occasion. It's been in the 70's here, sunny, the snow is almost all melted away and the green grass is starting to peek through, so I like to take my dogs on short walks through out the day to get some fresh air and exercise. They're slower walks obviously, but at least I get out there and am moving around every so often.

Weighed myself and in 1.5 wks since getting the cast on, lost 3.5 pounds. Not bad. So things were going good, until yesterday. (Friday)

I went to church... being a good little Catholic girl I go stations of the cross every Friday in Lent with my mom, then my mom and I go out for a fish fry. Everything was normal until half way through the stations. My cast was starting to feel kind of tight. It was an odd, all of a sudden feeling. When I was walking out of church to the car... it was REALLY tight. Weird. So when my mom and I got to the restaurant I noticed my toes were getting numb and turning kind of white. So after we were done eating, it was off to the emergency room.

I had to have the cast cut off.

When it was loosened, after a while, the feeling and color came back to my toes. Turns out, my ankle was pretty swollen. Obviously, with little room in the cast, it had no room to swell. So there were issues. Since my doctor is in another state, and the E.R. doc wasn't sure what he wanted to do, he was going to put the cast back on, and hold it together with an ace bandage (or as I like to call it, Doctor's duct tape) and give me crutches until I can see my surgeon.

That would have sucked. For one thing, crutches aren't easy, and for another thing... you either have to get up a LOT of steps or a few steps, but the only way to get into my house involves steps. Not fun when you have crutches. So the E.R. doc called the after hour doctor who works with my ortho surgeon, and he recommended this boot cast. Thankfully the E.R. had a few available.

I actually like this better than the cast.

1. It's more comfortable. This boot cast is padded and soft, and has inflatable/deflatable "airbags" for more comfort and security. With the cast I had two toes hanging over the cast, and the other three squished inside the cast, my foot was always cold because my toes were exposed. (Before it warmed up).

2. The airbags are nice. It makes my ankle feel snug and less wiggly. In the cast there was enough room in the ankle that it moved around quite a bit when I walked, which is why I think I had such an issue with swelling.

3. It's adjustable and removable. This is HUGE. If my ankle starts to swell, I can loosen it... I can remove it to take proper showers without worrying about getting the cast wet, I can wear a sock so my foot doesn't get sweaty and stinky, and I can take a proper weight without the cast on. Best of all, if I have an itch I just can't get at, I can take the cast off and scratch instead of trying to use a ruler. lol

So comfort and convenience wise, it's definitely better. that being said, minus taking showers (and maybe weighing myself in the morning) I have to act like this cast is not removable and wear it all day, all night, really at all times except for showers. Because I don't want to have surgery and I want this to work, I'm going to be a good little patient...

And do as the doctor tells me. I'm going to keep this cast on. At least I know the next 5 weeks will be more tolerable than if I were still in a fiberglass cast.

So anyway. that's the update. things are going good, weight is going the right way, and minus a little E.R. visit... I'm doing good. Talk to you all later. Will continue to let you know how things go! (PS, Happy St. Patty's day!)

Quick Update

Hey all. Just a quick update. I'm currently 252lbs which means I'm just a hop, skip and a jump from 250 which is -20lbs!! I'm actually hoping with all the work I've been doing yesterday and today, I'll make that milestone tomorrow or be pretty darn close to it.

The picture above is me at my starting weight, and 15 pounds later. It's not a huge difference, but you can see the difference starting. when I hit my -20 pound mark, I will post another comparison photo.

I've been really busy... so I didn't have time to post a good video. Both of my big brothers and their families were visiting, so I had both of my 2 year old nephews and both of my 6mo old nieces visiting. (its funny... both of my brothers and their wives had sons first a few months apart, and daughters second, one month apart.) they're soooo cute and I had so much fun playing with them. So it was nice to have them here.

I'm going to be working on a new video, but it will probably be a few days before I can edit it and post it. Hopefully by then I can let you all know I've exceeded - 20 lbs and am on my way to -25. Really excited about my progress!

I did a LOT of working out today. There was a massive snowstorm, and I had to do a lot of shoveling. My mom shoveled last snow and she was in a lot of pain afterwards, so I took the initiative and decided to shovel the deck off today. I didn't realize the snow was knee deep... so I'm in a LOT of pain... my ankle is swollen to the size of a basketball and I almost had an asthma attack, but I worked up a really good sweat despite how cold it was outside so it was a good workout. I got myself 10 exercise points from weight watchers for shoveling snow by hand for just under an hour. (I feel It should have been more, but I'll take the 10pts.) lol

I've also been following Dr. Oz's advice. (I've been watching his show and have learned some good tips.) He has some butt fat burning exercises I've been trying, and he says to drink a cup of 2% milk at night. 2% milk helps you build muscle and fight fat while you sleep. I'm also going to be buying some Pu-erh tea as he recommends. 2 cups in the morning helps burn fat. And Tava tea (a green tea that is a mix of Pu-erh, Oolong and Sencha). I plan on drinking two or three cups a day.

So all in all, things are pretty good. I'm looking forward to getting passed the -20 lbs mark and get the new video up and running.

Anyhoo... check out my previous blogs... I'm going to try to blog about the biggest loser again when I have a chance. And... okay. yeah. talk to ya'all later.

The Biggest Loser is...

I LOVE the Biggest Loser. Been a fan since day 1.

I have a HUGE crush on Bob Harper - Biggest Loser trainer.

I've also been getting to know Dolvett Quince 

 

Who joined the show last season as a replacement trainer for Jillian Michaels who left the show to pursue other ventures. I missed last season, so I'm just getting to know him this season, and he's pretty cool so far.

Then of course Alison Sweeney is the host of the show, and I am a big Days of our Lives fan. Sami Rocks! lol

I am a big "Biggest Loser fan". I've loved the show for a long time. It's very motivational and inspirational for people who are on a weight loss journey like I am. You see these people who are in the same position you are, who need to do something to change their lives for the better, you see these trainers who are personally invested in these contestants, and believe in them and want sincerely to see them succeed. It makes you want to root for them too.

One of my favorite seasons was season 9 because it embodied what I felt the show was about. There was this guy, Mike Ventrella, started at over 500 lbs to be the biggest contestant up to that point. He had a lot of ups and downs and sometimes it seemed like his heart wasn't really in there, especially when his mother was voted off the show... but instead of saying "Okay we can get him out next week", all the contestants rallied behind him and helped turn him around. They knew he needed to be there to save his life. He went on to win the biggest loser and even today he is fighting the good fight and helping motivate others.

In another season there was a competition where the contestants had a chance to win a car. Everyone wanted a new car, I mean, it's a new freakin car. But when two of the frontrunners got close to winning, the both looked at each other and were like, "We want this car... but he needs this car" (talking about another contestant) So the both gave up the chance to win the car and walked the other contestant to the finish line and let him win since he needed the car more than they wanted it.

It is a competition, but there is a sense of comradery, a common bond they all shared, and they looked out for one another. they had their spats, and PMS moments, but in the end, they were there for each other.

At least until Season 13, the current season. 

This season was suppose to be "the season of no excuses" at least so said the producers. Well, they should have screened their contestants better, cause I've heard nothing BUT.

The first week, during elimination, this one guy simply stated he wanted to be the one voted out. He just basically gave up and didn't fight for his right to stay on the show. Then another guy walks out. He claims he "missed his family". Well waa waa waa. Part of the reason you're there is BECAUSE of your family. You're obese, you are at risk for diabetes and heart disease. The other contestants miss their families too, but they don't use that as an excuse to quit, they use that as a motivation to get better and be healthier. 

Yeah you miss them now, but in the long run, isn't what you learn on the ranch to get healthy so you can be a part of your kids' lives much more valuable than missing a few weeks with them? (one kid is like, 2... How many of us remember when we were 2? The kid won't remember the few weeks he was gone, but he'll remember dad being healthy and in his life as he grows up.) Plus I keep thinking of all the people who fought to be on the show that didn't make it. And he just walks away.

Then a few episodes later another contestant had to be talked down from leaving. I have never seen a group of such uninspired, unmotivated whiners on the Biggest Loser before.

And then there's Conda. Or as she has been dubbed by Fans of the show, "Anaconda the snake". This girl has an attitude that is so toxic, she is single handedly taken the show from inspiring to Jersey Shore.

She had an issue with Mike who was on her team. The issue wasn't a real issue, she just made it into one. So she had words with him and eventually voted him out after blowing things out of proportion. (I think she wanted more camera time, cause girl was crying... yet there were no tears. Eyes as dry as the desert.) When Conda cries, her voice goes up ten octaves, yet her eyes are dry, there are no tears, her face doesn't get all red like most people's do when they cry, her bottom lip doesn't tremble she shows no signs of actually crying except for her voice.

Then she had an issue with Cassandra from the other team. Cassandra picked Conda to go up against in the weigh in, and Conda thought Cassandra was beneath her. So Dolvett offered the two to have a friendly competition. Cassandra agreed and kicked Conda's ass. Instead of congratulating her, Conda called Cassandra a cheater. Talk about a sore loser, she lost fair and square, but threw out there that Cassandra was a cheater. So Dolvett set up a rematch, loser buy subway sub lunch for winner. Cassandra kicked her ass again. Conda's response? A lot of eye rolling, and "At least she won fair and square THIS TIME, but it's the scale that really matters." (Cassandra goes on to beat her on the scale as well, BIG TIME...and is once again met with eye rolling and attitude.)

After her spat with Cassandra, she has it out with her trainer Dolvett. She rolls her eyes at him, she back talks him, she doesn't give it 110%, and whines and bitches and moans and complains about EVERYTHING.

After her issue with Dolvett, the aqua team wins a chance to be back on the ranch and Adrian is put on her team. Suddenly she has an issue with Adrian. (See a pattern here?)

Her toxic attitude is so poisonous, it turned everyone on the red team into a bunch of asses. I mean, they started to even talk like Conda. They didn't give Adrian a chance from day 1. He didn't say 1 word to them and they were already out for his blood. Yeah Adrian had a hard time controlling what he was saying... but I'd be defensive too if I knew I wasn't wanted before I even stepped foot on the team.

Kim was on his case for something he said which was in reply to a question he was asked, and the twisted it into an insult it was never meant to be... Mike was on his case today because he "only lost 9 pounds" um.. 'scuse me moron, but that's all you lost too. Then he talks about how Adrian only lost 2 pounds the week before... well when you're stressed out and being attacked, yeah, your weight loss may be small that week due to stress. And um... Miss Conda only lost 2lbs herself... I mean seriously here? 

The only one left on that red team worth a Damn is Santa (Roy) who was the only one to try to embrace Adrian as a new team mate. Conda started it all. She complained that Adrian never accepted her offers for help or advice, but like Adrian pointed out, why would he accept when in one breath she'd offer help, and in the next demean him behind his back?

Conda had issues with Mike, Cassandra, Dolvett, Adrian, oh and next week it looks like she has it out with Adrian's sister... yet it's never her that has the issue. Really? In this episode Dolvett was watching his team train without him and had a list of 13 times Conda complained during the workout, several of those times were about Adrian behind his back, when she should have been focusing on herself. She smirked like she was proud of it. That says it all.

She may claim after the show "Editing made me look bad" but sweetie, they can only use what you give them. There is no amount of editing in the world that can make someone look that bad without having something to use. The eye rolling, the back talking, the butting into other people's business, basically, she's acting like a mean girl in middle school. Sad thing is, she's a mother. Is this really the way she wants to represent herself on a show her daughter may see, or how she wants people talking about her in a way her daughter may hear? Is this the example she wants to set for her daughter? Be mean to people, don't try to include people, be rude to people trying to help you, give attitude, be negative and immature? I mean, come on. You're an adult and a mother. Grow up a little. The bad thing is, like I said, her attitude has started to rub off on the rest of her team and they're turning into middle school bullies too.

This is the first season I've seen so many come out against a contestant.  

----------------------------

This is from Conda's own Facebook fan site:

Conda is just a two faced who sooner or later is going to fight with her ''familly'' she couldnt choose over for adrienne and just try to protect her selfish little skin. Honestly i feel sorry for her she doesnt just have health issue problems she has a lot of problems that she first needs to start with her immaturity!

 Hopefully the twist is that you get a better attitude. I feel sorry for people who are as miserable as you are! Go Adrian!

Another week of that horrible, hateful, immature, "person".

I can't believe there are actually people on here defending her actions. I would be embarassed to admit that I even know her. It's a shame that such a horrible negative person was given such a great opportunity like this and all she is doing with it is taking it away from people who truly want to be there to put in the work and lose weight. I really hope she sees how America feels about her and changes her ways.

 Conda is such a horrible person. I can't wait until she is voted off.

 My blood pressure has gone up just from watching this show... I was so upset from watching this evil girl bullying Adrian while he was working out minding his own business! I am 24 just like Conda is now and can't stand the way she acts like a spoiled brat! If she has no shame to act that way in front of millions of viewers then I would hate to know how she acts in real life! She deserves to be called a bitch!

Here's from Twitter

 Conda should be ashamed of herself. She created strife then blamed it on someone else.

 Shut up Conda! What a whiny spoiled brat! Poor Adrian! He never even had a chance!

 I'm truly disgusted by so many of the red team members! SHAME ON YOU!! Conda's negativity is poisonous!!

 Conda. SHUT YOUR FLAPPING FACE-HOLE

From The Biggest Loser Facebook

Producers, are you listening?? We your viewers don't appreciate this season and the direction the show has taken. It's moved from motivational to drama, back stabbing and hatred. Contestants like Conda are poison. No one is inspired by them. It has ruined the show. Until she is voted off, I will be fast forwarding through the episodes. Please clean up the show and bring back The Biggest Loser that we love! PLEASE!!

 I truely hate Conda and Kim!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They are backstabbing b**ches!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is a weight loss show, I truely hope they leave the show next week. Really leave forever, they are not inspiriational and they are putting the show down. I will stop watching the show if they do not leave the show. This isn't Survivor girlies.

 Red Team Bites....no one seems to have a spine of their own. Everyone is siding with Conda and Kim. I think I'm done with this show for this season. I couldn't care less what happens now. These people have shown themselves to be too petty to be inspiring or anything else. I think they just don't get it!

  I can't believe no one sees Conda's hate pattern. I'm starting to think this season should be renamed..."Who will Conda hate this week." 

 WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO THE SHOW THIS SEASON? Other seasons have always been so inspirational, people helping each other, encouragement, team work, and friends for life. What a contrast from last season, all the drama and contention.

-------------------------------

I could go on, but you get the point. There are THOUSANDS of comments like this. 

Since writing this blog, several anti-conda pages have popped up on Facebook. Vote Conda Off, and the Petition to get Conda off biggest Loser - based on the anti-bullying movement. There is also an I dislike Conda fan site that has over 1,000 likes.

She has a handful of supporters, mostly family and friends... but if you did a pie chart of supporters vs. people who want to see her off the show... it would be 99.9% anti-conda to .1% pro Conda.

Basically, the red team took a show that was inspirational and a motivation to others, and turned it into the "Real Housewives of Biggest Loser" with all the cattiness and fighting and backstabbing and attitude. In 5 episodes they destroyed the image Biggest Loser took 13 seasons to build.

Many people have stopped watching, have threatened to stop watching, or DVR the show and fast forward to the end. That's not a good sign for a show that is ratings oriented. 

Someone needs to sit down with the red team and tell them to stop acting like middle school brats and start acting like adults who are their to change their lives for the better. They need an attitude adjustment because these kinds of attitudes are setting them up for a relapse after the show is over. They spend so much time being negative and worrying about other people that they are missing the lessons they are suppose to be learning and absorbing. 

It's a very frustrating season. The Black Team has their stuff in order at least. They've been working hard, they've been pulling together, they've been focusing on the training and not complaining or whining or back talking Bob or getting into petty fights between each other. 

That's one thing I can say for Bob, he keeps his team in line. When he sees trouble brewing, he lays it on the line, where Dolvett hasn't had that heart to heart with the team as a whole yet. He told Adrian privately to bring it... and he's come out to Conda's face and said, 'you're a whiner'... but he hasn't had that, "Okay take your own advice and shut up and listen" moment. Although, he'd only be met with eye rolling and resistance if he tried, so...

But all in all, the main consensus it seems is that this is the WORST season of Biggest Loser EVER... and instead of being called "Season of No Excuses" it should be renamed "Season of Bullies and whining".

the Biggest Loser this season is, The biggest loser (and not in the good way.) I truly hope the producers see what fans are saying this season, and make an effort to correct it before next season to get the show back to the inspirational show it use to be, and cut back on the drama and bullying we've seen this season. If we want drama, we have lots of shows like Housewives, Jersey Shore, Teen Mom, Dr. Phil, and Judge Judy. Biggest Loser is about lives changing for the better... not drama.

There. My Rant is over. Tell me what YOU think of this season by leaving a comment.

By the way, Bob is hot. LOL

New Vlog, Norditrack Review

Okay guys, so I FINALLY posted a new vlog!YAY!

Click Here

You'll see that I got to meet Barry Weiss from the hit show "Storage Wars" on A&E

It was a LOT of fun. Barry is just like he seems on the show. Funny, fun, and an all around nice guy. If you haven't watched the show you really should.

And while Dave is not exactly my fave on the show by any means... the eye rolling is just having fun with the guy. I can't hate on him too much because he does work with St. Jude's Children's Hospital which is a charity I also try to donate to whenever possible. So while Dave can be a jackass on the show, I can't be too mean to him. lol

Okay. So if you guys are looking for a tredmill, I'll give you a review of mine.

I have the Nordictrack x7I. It has a 40% incline and a 6% decline. That gives you a wide range of up and down hill walking. So, if you like the burn of climbing the side of a mountain, or if you like the ease of jogging downhill... this would definitely be a good treadmill for you.

On the handles it has a heart monitoring system to help you keep your heart rate in check, a fan to keep cool as you're sweating those calories away, and preset workouts with the option of creating your own.

It also comes with a built in iFit Live feature. with ifit live you can download pre-made maps that will occasionally show you the view of a landmark you would be passing if you were actually walking that route in real life... it also simulates the terrain of the area. If the area goes up hill, your treadmill's incline will increase to match what the terrain is like in real life.

Or you can train for a race and then select a race to compete with other iFit Live users across the country.

There are several different views to use when you are on your treadmill. There is the map view, a timer, a screen that tells you the time, the distance, your pace, total calories burned, there's a screen that shows elevation of the terrain you're walking... so there are a lot of view choices.

If you are training, you can choose from Elizabeth Hasselbeck (best known as co-host of ABC's "The View") or Jillian Michaels (Best known for her time as a trainer on "the Biggest Loser"). When I bought the machine in 2010, Jillian Michaels was the only trainer available. There are preset workouts where their voices will motivate you, give you tips, and talk you through your workouts, like having a personal trainer right in your house.

There are different levels of workouts as well. for those of us who are just getting started, to the most athletic trainer. That is why you need to look over your workouts before you save them. I made the mistake of saving a workout that looked fun, without noticing it was 3 miles long, at a running speed. Same with making your own maps, make sure you turn down the level of difficulty if you are looking for a leisurely stroll.

If you don't see a map you like, you can go to http://ifitlive.com and create your own map. Now, in the video I do mention that the one thing I don't like is that unlike the preset maps, you don't get the pictures along the route.  I like the photos because it takes your mind off the workout and gives you a little distraction like "Oh look at that garden. Cool".

My biggest complaint was that, since buying this machine in 2010, they started using Google Earth which gives you street views of the area you are mapping out, so I kept thinking it would be nice if they could use that interface so you could use a street view and see where you're walking instead of just seeing the map view.

However, it turns out that this is something that can be done. You log into your ifitlive account on your laptop or smartphone, and see the street view from those devices as you do your workout. there is a place where you can rest your laptop if you choose to do the street view.

I am not sure how to do this, and right now it seems there is a glitch on iFit Live and the website is not playing nice with the treadmill. They don't seem to be communicating with each other, so I'll have to wait to figure it out until after the issue has been taken care of. Once I figure out how the street view works, I will let you all know in my next video and blog post.

--UPDATED REVIEW--

I was able to figure out how to get the street view on my laptop while waking the mapped out area... and I have to say... it's pretty awesome! Lol Check out the video by clicking HERE.

--END OF UPDATE--

That does bring me to another point... since iFit live is an internet related system... if your internet is down, or their system is glitching, you will have issues with ifit live connection. Not to fear though, you can still do non-iFit live workouts by clicking one of the preset terrains on your machine, or make your own workout.

So in essence, I would recommend this treadmill to anyone looking for an incline trainer. again, it's a Nordictrack x7i and it runs about $1,799.00

So anyhoo.

That's it for now.

just to fill you all in: I started at 270 and I'm currently 257.8

Recipe for your Diet

Hey all... still trying to find the time to do a video blog... but until I get that chance I wanted to let you know I am officially in the 250s! 258.0 to be exact! Really excited about that. I've been hovering in the 260's or 270's for the longest time.

I also found a really great treat for dieters that is very low calorie for those watching their calories, extremely low fat for those watching their fat, and very low points for those watching their weight watchers points.

Fresh Banana and Raspberry Smoothie

1 c of Milk

1 fresh banana

1/2 cup of fresh raspberries

1/2 teaspoon of Cinnamon

1 tablespoon sugar/splenda

5 ice cubes

Okay... that's the basics. From there you have to play with it a bit.

With the milk, it depends on your diet what kind you use. (skim, 1%, 2%, whole with vitamin D, or a Milk replacement such as soy for those who are lactose intolerant) For my purposes, I use 1% since it's only 3 points for 1 cup.

With the banana and raspberries, it will depend on personal taste. I personally use all of a banana and less than half a cup of raspberries. Some want the raspberries to be the stronger flavor so they'll use half of a banana and half a cup of raspberries or more. So again, it depends on taste.

Cinnamon is very healthy. In a small teaspoon of cinnamon there is, calcium, iron, over a gram of fiber, and vitamins C, and K, as well as a small amount of non-fiber carbohydrates. Cinnamon has been used for digestive issues such as indigestion, gas and bloating, stomach upset, and diarrhea. It also has proven health benefits for those suffering from type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance.

Cinnamon can be quite over bearing and is quite strong in flavor, and in higher doses (over 1/2) can cause a few annoyances. Skin irritations, and stomach irritations for those who have a bad digestive system, irritable bowel syndrome or ulcers. Cinnamon also has some antibiotic values, so if you are on doctor Rx'ed antibiotics, please let him/her know you use Cinnamon in your smoothies. So I always recommend 1/2 teaspoon max per smoothie.) In small amounts it does have good health benefits, but because of food allergies, I want you all to be aware of everything.

Now with the sugar, that's up to you. pure fruit smoothies can be a bit bland and some really feel like they need a hint of sugar. For weight watchers - powdered sugar, sugar substitutes, and maple sugar are 0 points. White sugar is 1 point per table spoon. I don't recommend more than 1 tablespoon of any sweetener whether it's sugar or a sugar substitute.

Ice cubes not only make the smoothie nice and cold, but it will make it thicker if you like thicker smoothies. I usually use 5 ice cubes.

Blend it up really good... (Yes you'll need a blender) and there you have a really tasty smoothie.

Making it the way I make it: (1 c 1% milk, 1 banana, less than 1/2 c raspberries, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 5 ice cubes)

For fat watchers... 1 smoothie has 3 grams of fat

For calorie waters... 1 smoothie has 348 calories

For weight watchers... 1 smoothie is about 3 to 4 points.

Sorry I haven't Blogged or Vlogged

It has been a while since I have vlogged/blogged.  I have been so busy. My brother and his family were in town for 5 days. My 2 year old nephew is very attached to me and keeps me extremely busy demanding 100% of my time when he visits. lol (and I love every minute of it. He's such a cutie) and I love to spend time with my 5 mo old baby niece. She learned how to roll around so she NEVER sits still. Even when I'm holding her she insists on bouncing. I've never seen a baby her age move that much. Lol. It's cute tho, she's a smiler. Even when she's cranky and starting to cry, if you look right into her eyes, she has to laugh even if she doesn't want to. LOL

Because of the company, I did a lot of putting things in this drawer, putting things in that drawer, taking this stuff downstairs, leaving this stuff upstairs... and things got lost. Lol. I'm trying to find my video camera and the computer cords that go with it. ha.

Then I got to meet Barry Weiss from Storage Wars (on A&E)! It was so AWESOME!!! I'll have to vlog about that next chance I get. He is as awesome in person as he seems on the show. I was really disappointed in the picture with him though. The person who took the photo for me got it from an odd angle, and it looks like my hair is eating his face up. LOL. The photographer worked for either Barry or the Casino where he was appearing at. What sucked is that she usually took more than one photo for other people to make sure they had at least one good photo... but she only took one for me and I didn't want to bother her to take another. Had I known it was going to be so bad I would have asked. But oh well, it was still fun and I'll vlog about it.

Diet wise, things are still going good. I'm still 10lbs down. I'm not eating as good as I should be. (I'm not eating bad... no junk food, no fast food, nothing like that) Its more than I missed meals here and there and didn't eat all of my points or eat as much as I should have. Whenever there is company over, I find it harder to eat a full meal.

Anyway... that's the update... I promise I will try to get a vlog up soon.

New Vlog - Big Surprise for me

Wow... Just Wow...(New Vlog, Click Here)


Starting: 270

Week 1:  266.1

Week 2:  265.2

Week 3:  261.6

Week 2 Weigh In and PMS Rant. LOL

So it has been one heck of a few days. It all started with Friday the 13th. Go fig. It would have to be that day. Lol.

First, I knew I had my 2 week weigh in on the 14th... it was time to see if I made my 2 week goal of -5lbs. But I was starting to feel PMS-y. Yay, it's that time of the month! so that sucked big time. I wasn't 100% sure it would be wise to weigh myself, cause when I PMS, I get bloated and retain water. So that wasn't fun.

Then for those who have been following my Vlogs: http://www.youtube.com/user/HappDeeNess

You know I'm on weight watchers. And weight watchers works on the points system. They take your age, weight, height and sex and use all of that to determine how many points you should eat a day. The number of points is based on how much fiber, fat, protein and carbs you need to take in on a daily basis for a healthy and successful weight loss plan. You need to eat all of your points, or as close to as possible. They even give you weekly allowance points for if you need to eat, but it would put you over your daily points... you can borrow from the weekly allowance.

My points is 41 points a day. Usually I do pretty well... I have never hit my 41 points... but I usually do about 30 to 35... so I'm just a little shy of my 41 point goal.

Well, On Friday the 13th... I only ate... and I didn't even realize it until just now... but I only at 13 points. (weird huh?) I had breakfast, then the day got away from me, and by the time I realized I missed lunch and dinner, I was on my way to a singing competition I entered... and the only thing on the way was fast food, and I didn't want to fall back into that habit again... so I'm glad I didn't eat a burger just because I had the points... but its not good that I skipped all those meals and didn't even snack. 

With 41 points, I never miss a meal, I even snack. I do it healthier now that I'm more conscious of what is in the food I'm eating, but I never deprive myself. So it was not the best thing that I missed all those meals.

Then there was the competition. There were 5 places available in the finals... and only 9 people auditioning in this first preliminary round (there is one more next month). Considering 4 of the contestants, I knew I had a good chance to make it in unless there was a fix in or something. Lol

Well, first when I got there... I had chosen a song, and 2 back up songs in case that song wasn't available that I had been practicing for ages. Turns out I needed to sing 3 songs which was like: Cool, cause I have 3 picked. When I looked through the book... they didn't have any of the songs. I was surprised, because I've been to some really small karaoke clubs and even they have 2 of the 3 songs I chose... so I had to find 3 more songs, songs I knew, but obviously didn't have a chance to practice or prepare myself.

There were some really bad singers, some mediocre singers, but there were 2 who were fairly good. There was one girl I thought I did about as good as, she had a pretty voice, one song was great, one song was mediocre, one song could have been good had she pushed herself a little more. But she has a really nice voice. But then there was one kid. Young guy, couldn't be more than 21, 22yrs old.  He was Freaking AMAZING. AMAZING. he was EVERYTHING the judges were looking for. He had perfect pitch, he had a great tone to his voice, he had great stage presence, he basically should be on American Idol, not some rinky dink competition in some no where town. I was ready to pack it up because I knew this kid would go far.

But I did my best and gave it my all despite the set back, and I did make it to the finals... but I don't really want to go to the finals now. My mom wants me to go, but... well, here's what made me uncomfortable.

First off, the competition isn't over. There is still the finals, and that's where you get placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd. usually in the preliminaries, if you know you have 5 people moving on... you just say, "Here are the finalists in no particular order." At this competition, they decided to rate you 1st through 5th place. I'm like what the hell? Whose stupid idea was THAT? The competition isn't even over, so why are you going to place the finalists? They still have another chance at the finals... I mean, think of 4th and 5th place... there are only 3 top spots in the finals. What a psych out is coming in 4th or 5th during the preliminaries? The judges are going to be the same... and they obviously liked three other singers better. how are you going to impress the SAME judges more when you've already given 110%?  

So placing finalists as 1st - 5th before the finals was the DUMBEST idea I've ever heard, EVER.

Then there was the actual judging. This one guy who had a really nice voice got 5th place. I got 4th place, and I could see that because I wasn't on my A game since I had to pick 3 songs I wasn't prepared to sing. The other girl with a nice voice got 3rd... then when they announced 2nd there was a collective WTF coming from the audience.

The guy who had the AMAZING should have a record deal NOW voice... came in 2nd. No one could believe it. Not a single person. I couldn't imagine who was 1st, because he was the best of the best, and there was no one else left who even rivaled the guy in 5th place. 

When they announced 1st... there was another collective WTF. It was this guy who sang a bunch of oldies songs. They were fun Karaoke songs... but vocally he was nothing special. If anything, he was 5th place worthy since there were 5 spots and 4 of the 9 contestants were just not that good. He was a nice enough guy... but being nice and picking fun songs didn't make him a good singer. He was okay, definitely not the worst of the night, but not okay enough to beat out that kid who had the kind of voice that would get him on American Idol! I mean, WTF!?

Even someone who knows the guy who is friendly with him did a WTF when she realized the kid didn't get 1st. She even said, that guy's voice was 5th place worthy at best. I'm sure he's a nice guy, and he'd probably be fun at a Karaoke bar... but 1st place? Definitely not compared to that kid. That kid was freaking amazing.

Well here's the thing. From the moment he walked in... The DJs hosting the event ran up to talk to him, and seemed to cater to him. They brought a book to his table with an entry form, talked to him while he filled it out, and took the form back. They didn't even say 2 words to us other contestants let alone run the stuff to us.

Then I saw the guy holding up a note... I thought I saw one of the DJ's take it, but I thought, Eh he's probably just changing songs. But, it was still odd, like they knew each other. the DJs weren't the judges, so you wouldn't have thought anything of it, until they mentioned that their MOM was one of the judges.

So it just seems odd that they seem friendlier to this guy than anyone else, and he takes 1st despite not having that great of a voice. I dunno. Maybe they heard something no one else did, cause I like I said, everyone was shocked that amazing kid came in 2nd to this guy.

So now I'm like, if this amazing singer can't even beat a mediocre one (at best)... what chance do I have of placing when I placed 4th to a singer that didn't even deserve to place other than the fact they needed to send off 5 people. Which again... brings me back to the whole, why the hell did they even do places when there is still another round of competition anyway? 

So I really don't know if I want to even go to the finals. My mom wants me to go... she told me to look what they had and pick songs I know they'll have so I can work on it... and just go and have fun... but what fun is it when you feel like you're wasting your time because if that amazing singer didn't get placed fairly, what chance to I have as 4th place!? GAH

So it just doesn't seem to be run all that well and I wonder if the finals would just be a big waste of my time. But I don't know. Maybe I'm just PMSing and I should just go and try my best. I just don't know.

Then of course I had to sing at Church on Sunday... I'm Catholic, so I volunteer as a reader and singer. unfortunately, the singers don't get rehearsals unless they're in the choir, and I don't have the time to join the Choir with everything else I do... so usually I just look up the songs online and practice that way. I've never had issues till this weekend.

There was a psalm I had never seen before... and I couldn't find it online. ANYWHERE. I was freaking out because I'm like... um... what am I going to do? The Psalm comes between the first and second readings... and I have to sing the verses alone in front of everyone. I can't hide behind the whole congregation or the priest singing, it's just me. So I'm like, crap crap crap. So I spent till 4am trying to find this psalm online. Never had success. So I woke up Sunday morning, only to realize, it was 11:30am. Mass was almost over!!! My mom told me she realized I was stressing out and thought there would be no harm in letting me miss. Other cantors miss all the time, and for all the times I've filled in for them... I've earned one free day. So now I feel guilty for missing church.

Then Monday came... and It's MLK day, so according to the internet, there was a special going on at a local casino. $20 free play. So I get up early to beat the crowds only to find out the special is random... not everyone gets the free play. So I'm like, seriously? we're going to play it this way now? Crap. My mom didn't get it either... and what sucked for her, she didn't get her senior special either because they suspended Senior day for this MLK day special. 

I'm SOOOOOOO lucky I came $45ahead... so at least I don't feel too bad.

Then, on top of PMS, an ankle that seems to be getting gradually worse, and PMS hunger cravings... I have a nasty nasty nasty toothache. I called a dentist, but they couldn't get me in till February 20th! despite the extreme pain I said I was in, and worry that I had an abscess, (which is dangerous), they said the best they could was put me on a list for in case someone cancels. Luckily I found another dentist to get me in on Thursday as an emergency. (thank God)

Then of course I broke my nail... (acrylic) I fell and chipped it and part of the acrylic broke, so when I get my nails filled and painted, I'll also have to pay for a fix. GAH. And my dingle dangle fell out. My nail tech put on this cute little bling bling charm on my pinky nail. It got snagged on my sweater, and when I gently tried to get it loose, it fell off. *Sigh*

BUT OH MY GOD... what a few days it has been!

Anyway. Despite PMS bloating, I decided to weigh myself on Saturday... taking into consideration that I'm retaining a little PMS water weight.

Starting: 270lbs

Week 1: 266.1

Week 2: 265.2 (maybe less due to PMS)

So basically... I'm -5 lbs! WOO I made my first 2 week goal! I'm very proud of myself.

I've set a new 2 week goal for 3lbs. That's 1.5 lbs a week which I think is doable.

Thanks for listening to my rant.

Kinnect Vs. Wii

Hey guys. I wanted to tell you guys about my other Vlog... it was basically a review on Wii vs. Xbox Kinect and how they relate to weight loss.

Vlog #8

End of Week 1

Dee here again!

Well, I'm well on my way! I started my weight loss journey on 1/1/12 and it is now 1/7/12... so I made it through week one! woo!

I started my journey at 270lbs even... and I set myself an initial 2 week goal for -5lbs. I decided to weigh myself at the end of week 1, just to make sure I'm on the right track. I figured if I lost about 2lbs I should be on the right track, if I didn't lose or if I gained, then I know I have to figure out what is going on.

So...

Current Weight : 266.1

-4 lbs! woo!

1 pound to go to meet my -5lb goal

Here's my latest Vlogs

Vlog #6

Vlog #7

Welcome to My Diet Journal

Hi, My name is Dee, and welcome to my blog: The pursuit of Happ_Dee_Ness. (Get it? Pursuit of Happiness only with my name thrown in there...) well I thought it was cute. lol

So I'm on a weight loss Goal to lose 120lbs. I have been vlogging about it... below are the vlogs in order so you can catch up on my story.

Vlog 1

Vlog 2

Vlog 3

Vlog 4

Vlog 5

So basically, I'm on a weight loss journey to lose 120 to get down to 150lbs which would be my ideal weight for my body type. Where I am now, I'm at high risk for diabetes which is prevalent in my family... and after the car accident I explain about in my 2nd vlog... I'm also damaging my already injured body because of all the excess weight I'm carrying.

So I'm trying to lose weight for my health, and being healthier would definitely make me a happier and more confident person.

Please follow me on my journey. I need all the help I can get.

Starting Weight: 270lbs

(Age: 35)

(Height: 5'7)