Day Ninety

SO here we are!  90 days have flown by and I have a lot to share today!!!

At the beginning of this time, I had a big plan to lose 50 pounds in the first 90 days.  I hit it hard, and worked it with enthusiasm.  Days went by, then weeks and I was really excited about the weight loss.  Clothes were fitting again, and I felt better too.  It was a win win...

Then February hit and somehow I lost momentum but a bit.  I had tons of things pop up that I let influence my plan and I did not lose as fast as I wanted to.  Was that ok?  It had to be at the time but I did still lose and kept moving on...It was a fabulous month full of trips, anninversary celebrations and my birthday too.  No wonder things got off track:)

March came and again I lost momentum.  I kept losing which was great.  I also let things slip that I could have managed better.  I can see that now.  With my back being out that totally threw me as well and I could not exercise for a bit.  Amazing how we let ourselves get down when something like that happens... I can take a good step back and see what I needed to do in order to make results happen even faster. 

What needs to happen?  First, today I am totally recommitted and getting back on the horse.  I did not fall off, just leaned a little and need to be stronger in my saddle:)  So launches another 90 days where I will do as I set out to do...post each day, bring snacks with me for my busy days and get to the gym again now that my back is getting better:)  That leaves three months to hit my goal!!! 

What are my goals now?  Still to hit that 50 pounds...and what are the results right now?????

Drumroll please

I have lost 23 pounds!!!  And can wear clothes two sizes smaller than I could which is AWESOME!

So todays quote is simple:

The person you are, is the person you have CHOSEN to be:)

Thats an Annette Original!

Got results???  I do!  Today was a super day to be on the scale..I am SO excited about hitting 19 pounds today!!!  How does this happen?  I am doing what I started out to do just over two months ago. 

I want to ask how you feel about the way you feel?  Are you tired from everyday activities?  Would you benefit from being healthier?  I know that I am surprised everyday at the changes I see in my own life due to the weight loss so far.  It is really a great way to start your day!

Starting your journey is important...getting there is the goal.  Find happiness IN the journey and smile:)

Todays quote:

The Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue happiness.  You have to catch it yourself.  ~Benjamin Franklin

Day Sixty five

Just like brand new snow that looks so amazing, and then melts to reveal the ugly dirty snow beneath it we have to be careful to stay in the attitude of new snow.  What the heck am I talking about? 

Yesterday I had new photos taken thanks to my dear friend Joy of Augeson Photography.  She spent the time needed to get the most amazing shots, ones that I love!  Now, in the past I would have criticized all of the photos personally noting all the things I hate about the way I look.  Yes, I am that weird!

This time, I started a little and then pulled right back.  I am excited about these photos, and even shared them!  My friends told me that they loved them too and now?  I am so happy to have them AND look at them.  Why not?  Why do we pick ourselves apart that way? 

Today I challenge you to think in the mindset of new snow.  It is all prettied up and looking fresh.  Let yourself enjoy without being critical.  Just smile , inside and out.

Todays quote:

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.  ~Theodore Roosevelt

Day Sixty Four

Happy Monday!  Todays attitude is one of abundance...and I am glad about that.  I think that today will be a good day for goal setting!  And to start that off, I am setting my first goal publicly.  Today, all day I will follow my plan just like when I started it out two months ago. 

Progress is important and it is really fun for me to discover what works, and what doesnt...even when things go wrong, they are helping me to make progress...toward my goal of 50 pounds in 90 days... 

Todays quote:

When a man does not know what harbor he is making for, no wind is the right wind.  ~Seneca

Day Sixty Two

Fabulous Fridays...I love them!  It is definitely crunch time when I hit Friday mornings, and my business is on a roll.  There is so much to do when I am moving forward and LOOKING forward to a weekend full of fun.

Today, the scale challenged me a bit.  I am still headed downward just two pounds from last week but that is ok.  I am back on track, working the plan better than the entire month of February and it is starting to show. 

Just last month I was walking in the beautiful waters of Cancun Mexico.  What a treat!  I thought about not showing this photo as I am still working on feeling great in photos.  Hey, what would I tell my friends and family if it were them???  Enjoy life, and let it show!  So today I share with you a photo of a dream.  I earned my trip free with Creative Memories, but the cool thing is that I have the photos to remember the whole trip!  And I am in them:)  

Be proud of who you are, and work to improve the things that you do not like...you can do it too.

Todays quote:

Freedom is the oxygen of the soul.  ~Moshe Dayan

Day Fifty Six

Today is another Friday to start a weekend full of fun...my life is SO GOOD!  I am in the best of moods, and at the same time I am very aware of my neglecting the plan...I can see that I am not blogging everyday which also means that first thing in the morning I am not checking in with the plan.  Dont get me wrong, I am working it, but there are definite things slowing my progress. 

Exercise has been added more...

Sticking with the meal plan although very often is dinner out.  Or lunch/special events meals.

Numbers on the scale have slowed in progress...

So today, down a pound since last week which is great considering the added intake of special stuff.

This weekend is away, but I vow to behave and plan accordingly.  Enjoy without overindulgence and make good choices too!

Todays quote:

Never mistake motion for action.  ~Ernest Hemingway

Day Fifty Three

Happy Monday everyone!  Ok, yes I am aware that it is Tuesday but as the holiday weekend ended it feels like Monday to me.  Lots to do this week and my lists are LONG!  Tonight is the second week of our Tecki Tuesday classes at Park Place in Plymouth.  What a GREAT central location!

I love Mondays, as I get a fresh start and today it is all about scheduling.  Have you ever had lots of papers that kept piling up, and wondered how you could get a handle on them?  I think it is the same for my weight loss plan, where each week I need to get a handle on it.  Before things pile up and take over!!!  I know that I can get lost in my messes:)

This week, I am going to put my January first mind back on.  I have just over a month to finish my first phase goals and they are HUGE!  This weekend, I joined the gym...a Fitness 19 club here in the cities.  Tomorrow will be my first day there and I am super excited to see the results of big excercise added to things I am doing at home.  YAY!

Set your goals high, and reconnect with them today.  Get on board for changes, BIG changes towards things that you want to accomplish...

Todays quote:

Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent.  ~Eleanor Roosevelt

Day Fifty Two

Snow day here in Minnesota and it is so much fun!  From the inside anyway...I heard some areas got 18 inches of the white stuff, but for us it did not even cover the sidewalk.  WOW!  This is beautiful, and not so bad...I thought.  Then we looked at the front steps where the drifting covered everything!  That made it a little different than previously thought.

First impressions can be deceptive sometimes...the things you see might be what you want to see.  Taking a quick glance doesn't help to make the most informed decision as to how you would proceed...where am I going with this? After spending the entire day on paperwork yesterday I am just thinking a lot...my brain is on overdrive.  I guess the most important thing to me is that the more you learn about something, or someone the better you can give them the chance that they may deserve.  Have you ever made a quick assumption about someone that you might have regretted after getting to know that person?  I know I have.

Allright, so lets get a little motivated here.  Snow day or not, it is time to think about what life has to offer ande how we can offer ourselves!!!  Todays quote:

Never mind searching for who you are.  Search for the person you aspire to be.  ~Robert Brault, www.robertbrault.com

Day Fifty

Seriously???  Now this is really happening...today I joined Fitness 19, a workout club here in the twin cities. 
What does that mean?  Now I am TOTALLY committed to losing even faster and getting in great shape for this summer.  I am VERY excited about this and looking forward to working with Joe there.  I stopped in there for a vendor event today where I found several new friends, and lots of old ones.  I visited with Terri with American Family, LoAnn with Herbalife, Dr. Tony...a chiropractor, Tara with Darque Tan, and many more.  Vendor events are like mini family reunions for me:)

I dont know what my plan is yet for working out there, but am excited to meet with the trainers there to find out how I can make FASTER progress to my goal of 50 in the first 90 days of my plan:)

Todays quote:

Success isn't a result of spontaneous combustion.  You must set yourself on fire.  ~Arnold H. Glasow

Day Forty Nine

Happy Friday!  Although most of the friends I know love Fridays, this is kind of my stressy day, if I have one.  Fridays are usually the day where things have to get wrapped up for the week, and it can be rushed!  So much to do, and so little time today...could someone please send me a few extra  hours today?

  After yesterday, my birthday I am ready for a good day full of my plan again.  Breakfast, lunch and dinner out from restaurants was super fun!  I did not overdo it at all, and was careful with my choices.  So today, I am proud to say that I have gained a pound and a half.  Friday weigh ins really help me stay on track.  Although I weigh each day here, I am really watching Fridays to track the progress.  I am SO ok with this as I have had a week in Cancun, trip to Duluth, and now birthday fun plus anniversary dinner.  WOW what a month!!!  And it is not even through yet!

Getting excited about your life is so important.  Many of the things in it that can drive you nuts are also things that we choose to be in our lives.  That is important to remember, isnt it?

Todays quote:

In order to change we must be sick and tired of being sick and tired.  ~Author Unknown

Day Forty Seven

YOWZA!!!  where did the time fly to?  I am quickly realizing that although I am learning a lot, and working the plan...I can do it a lot better and stronger.  Life does happen, and when my whole last three weeks went off the schedule with vacation, and other events, I see that my first 90 days is half through!!!  I need to ensure my results and make the difference that I promised myself I would do.

Todays start was a good one, as I am home and back from Cancun, Duluth and other fun event.  I love my shakes, and there are a lot of my family and friends starting the same plan as I am on. 
WITH THEIR OWN RESULTS TOO!!!!

Today, being back on the internet will be a good start along with getting to the store to pick up what I need for my shakes an snacks.  Dude, time is running out!!!  The biggest thing is that with goals like this, I need to keep it in front of me no matter what else comes up.  It is time to regain control and make it happen!!!

Todays quote:

The life of every man is a diary in which he means to write one story, and writes another.  ~James Matthew Barrie

Day Forty Four

Another amazing day planned and I started out wondering how to move through it.  I am SO much more aware of how and what I am eating and knowing that it will make an overall difference through the choices I make.  First of all, we made blueberry pancakes for breakfast since I have been gone so much lately and will take off again for our Anniversary.  I definitely beleive that being aware is the  number one key here to the weight loss.  Do the program that works for you, but know what it is and how you need to work it to ensure progress and success.

I guess that goes for everything in life.  Take my business for example...as I know what my goals are, I also have a plan to get there with the steps that will take me through it to success.  Hmmm...everything is like one big part of the plan, isnt it? 

Today, good choices...without going without.  I am excited about the potential of today!

Todays quote:
Now that it's all over, what did you really do yesterday that's worth mentioning?  ~Coleman Cox

Day Forty Two

At least I think it is day 42:)

BACK FROM CANCUN!  I am SO excited and had the best time ever.  First of all, it was an amazing adventure being there, and to have earned the trip?  YAY!  Even better.  Now to the plan.  I weighed in when I got home and guess what?  STILL at just over 15 pounds, which is awesome.  I felt really great in my better fitting clothes, and got tons of complements too.  I even did the conga line at our final nights dance.  It was a  super trip. 

Food?  YES there was so much of it, and yes, I did eat what I wanted...funny thing is that some of those meals, I wanted less or parts of it but when offered choices I choose so much better than before starting the plan.  Today I am excited to get back on my shakes, and go toward the next 50 or so days.  I just know it will fall off again, and have even started the treadmilling at home. 

A great trip, steady results, and a smile on  my face today!

Todays quote:

You must admit you have self-control before you can use it.  ~Carrie Latet

Day Thirty Five

Friday...yep its time to check the progress.  Ok, on the scale I go....and...

YAY!  I went up two pounds this week!  Why am I excited?  I absolutely refuse to give into negative thoughts that would be a number defininng my success so far on my plan.  My clothes fit great, and my new dress is two sizes smaller than I thought I would be already.  I bet that I am adding muscle as now I am working out more:)

It is sometimes hard to keep motivating yourself.  Honestly, it is easy to fall off track sometimes with a busy life.  Kids, work, driving from location to location...it means there is room to stray , and I have somewhat.  There have been little things along the way that did change, but the one thing that did not is that everyday I can start over.  Each time when I get home I can get back on track.  Even when I am away, it is easy to bring the proper snacks to make a difference.  I see one in my mirror!!!

Todays quote:

You're only given a little spark of madness.  You mustn't lose it.  ~Robin Williams

Day Thirty Four

Hey, its almost vacation for me and I am SO excited...I bought a fun dress for a banquet and it is two sizes smaller than last years!  Yahoo, my plan is working and I am going to take lots of photos there to share.

Some days it is hard to see the progress while on a big plan.  Really, when there is a big goal, and you are taking baby steps?  How do you keep t he motivation???   Well, a new dress will carry me being happy for a while, until the next milestone:)

What does it take for you to stay on track when life has so many little distractions like candy hearts sitting by our computer.  :)  I am focusing on that dress for today!

Todays quote:
I've never seen a smiling face that was not beautiful.  ~Author Unknown

Day Thirty Two

There are times in our lives when we are SO looking forward to something happening, that will be brand new and exciting.  Although I do not know anything about my day yet, except for one small detail I am really going to make the most of it anyway.  Is that weird???

Sometimes in life it is just fine to go with the flow.  Imagine standing in a strong stream, trying to stay up and not get knocked over.  Believing in  your goal is just one important part of the strength you will gain.  Now imagine having a friend there helping you stand.  It sure seems easier when there are others helping you and believing in the goal.  Ok, imagine one more time that your friend is not helping you stay up, but is standing on one leg, or sitting and letting the stream carry them a bit.  It takes the ease away, and adds to your struggles to stay  upright. 

Are the people in your life helping you to stand?  Or are they simply there to pull you down?  And if you are on your way down, are there times that is ok and part of life?  That is for you to decide...

Todays quote:

A bend in the road is not the end of the road... unless you fail to make the turn.  ~Author Unknown

Day Thirty One

Mondays.  How I love them!  Well today is just as wonderful, and let me tell you why.  I had a revalation this weekend and it is SO funny how it practically jumped in front of me.  I know from being  a Minnesotan, that we love to feed our people.  If you show up at someones house, they offer you something to drink and eat.  If you go somewhere for an event, there is food, and they expect  you to eat.  Minnesota just puts on a big feast wherever you go!

Funny also, is the fact that we do it to our own kids!  Just this morning I was thinking how nice it would be if I made them blueberry pancakes.  Although they had to have breakfast anyway, so pancakes were a nice treat.  I guess the idea is to make sure you need to eat, when you are offered something and accept it.  Otherwise it just gets messy:)

Today, I am TOTALLY believeing that I can do this.  I know how hard can be to turn down the normal things like Birthday cake, or other treats when you just dont need to eat them.  It is common courtesy to accept.  Now, lets just hope there is nothing yummy in Cancun while I am on my trip.  Or do I simply be ok with better choices? 

Todays quote:

Seek freedom and become captive of your desires.  Seek discipline and find your liberty.  ~Frank Herbert, Dune Chronicles

Day Twenty Nine

Weekends are supposed to be fun, and relaxing as we catch our breath from a busy week.  NOT!!!

I want it to be fun, but my little girlie is home without anyone to play with.  That leaves me to be the playmate, and I have a lot to do today.  It is two weeks from Valentines Day and I want to decorate, make treats for the kiddies and more. How can I get it all done???

Reality has a way of throwing a curve ball into your plans.  Reality, kind of a mean word sometimes too.
How does reality come into my life?  Usually strong, and in my face.  I need to be flexible, and creative to get through those actual things that must be dealt with on a daily basis...there is a way, a plan for me...

For me, the lesson is simple.  Write it out everyday, the things you have to do and the things you want to do.  I set the timer and go for each thing on the list.  If I run out of time, thats life.  Get what you can done, but dont forget to have the creative and play time too.  Shopping, winter sport and more are possible when you work hard together and get the work done too.  My goal is to scan hundreds of photos today.  Last weekend was a bust, and I need to finish my parents photo book since they are on sale through the end of January.

Here is a page from another project...it is easy, just by using Storybook Creator.

Todays quote:

Few people have the imagination for reality.  ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Day Twenty Eight

WOW!  Two posts in one day...reason being, I am getting my butt back on track so here goes..

Today is FRIDAY!  you know what that means...yep.  Weigh in day!!!  I am excited to tell you that this morning, just 28 days into my plan I am 15 pounds lighter.  YAHOO!  Cool??? Although I went down to 17 this week and back up two, I am sure that by the time I leave for Cancun I will be down 20 total.

It sure is motivating to get a big number on the scale, but how does it really make you FEEL?  That  is what is the most important of all...if you feel like you are defeated and that the journey is too long and far away til the end, the how do you make those little steps to get there??? 

Today, take those baby steps and for goodness sakes celebrate the little things!

Todays quote:
Don't be fooled by the calendar.  There are only as many days in the year as you make use of.  ~Charles Richards

Day Twenty Seven

Today was such a fun day!  It started out with exciting news, then built to include a Valentines Vendor opportunity.  And finally, hanging out with my kids in front of the TV.  So I loved the day, but it got away from me a bit.  Actually the last two days or so...and here is what I am thinking this morning...

It is super easy to stop thinking and do what  you did not think you would.  For example, although I had a plan for my food that day, several little snack opportunities rose up and got me into trouble.  Tonight there was a wonderful snack spread on display at my friends vendor booth.  She has a great company of natural foods and had brought things to sample.  I did behave overall, and just had probably 5-6 small sample bites, but following a few other things over the past two days where I did the same?  Trouble.

Stick to the plan Annette, just stick to the plan.  I have a lot to lose before the end of my 90 day challenge and do NOT want to be disappointed in doing my best.  Today, stricktly back on track.  Two shakes, two snacks, two teas and a good meal.:)

Todays quote:
Remember, if you’re headed in the wrong direction, God allows U-turns!  ~Allison Gappa Bottke