25 Things

I was tagged with 25 things on Facebook a number of times and decided to share the wealth on my Sweetness blog. So, here goes my 25 Random Things.

1. I love puppy breath! One either loves it or hates it and I loooove it!

2. This picture makes me smile.

3. Some of my favorite movies are: 300, Keeping the Faith, How to Lose a Guy in 10 days, Tristan and Isolde, Count of Monte Cristo, 13th Warrior, The Color Purple, Dirty Dancing, Shag (and not it's NOT porn!!), North Shore, and a few others that I can't recall at this time.

4. I gave my mom the 1st book of the Twilight series for Christmas. A few days later I get a phone call from my Dad that went as follows:
Me: Hey Fat Man!
Dad: Hey Punk, Thank you. Thank you VERY MUCH! I've lost 15 lbs!
Me: Oh, yeah? That's great!
Dad: Yeah! Since you gave your mom that dang book she's forgotten to feed me so now I'm staaarving!!
Me: I just laughed at him and told him to be prepared because 3 more books were on the way.

5. My sister makes me laugh like no other! She brings out the best in me. We often find humor in just about anything. A few weeks ago we were talking about all the poodle mixes that are sprouting such GoldenDoodles, Labradoodles, GreatDoodles and my very own RoddeyDoodle. During that same week a guy I was talking to really made me mad and she asked me about him. In response to my reply she says "Forget about him. He's an Assdoodle!!

6. I love blackberries but refuse to eat raspberries because they're hairy. I don't like hairy foods like peaches or raspberries or uncut kiwi.

7. Blackberries remind me Marcus.
One time during church, in Seattle, he was bouncing up and down during worship. His Aunt and my dear friend Annette reaches over and puts her hand on his shoulder and says "Marcus,you need to settle down." He calms down for a second, the music stops and then he shouts "My daddy says that if you eat moose it makes your ding ding grow really big!!" Annette and I almost died right then and there!

8. While in Austin a friend pointed out a most delicious of delicious candles. It's made by Voluspa and its called Saijo Persimmon. Come over to my house and I'll give ya a whiff!

9. I love colors like soft pink and deep red.

10. It's sick, but true I love funny poopie stories.

11. I have naturally curly hair and for the majority of my life I've had comments thrown at me like "wow, your hair is so beautiful! Where did you get it permed?"

12. My best friend, Nancy, is getting married this fall on my birthday. She'll be the first of all my close gf's to get married. All my close best guy friends have all long been married.

13. People often think I'm Polynesian. Even the locals in Hawaii thought I was well...local. :)

14. I have my very own built in binkie! It drives my family crazy that I'm constantly sucking on my bottom lip. I can't explain it and I can't break the habit mostly because I don't care to... it just feels so good!!

15. I can't stand frogs or clowns.

16. When I returned to Texas from Seattle in hopes of starting my own Swim School I got an email from one of my parents. She said that during her son's 2ND birthday party he requested that I be one of his gifts. He cried and cried when his mother told him I was gone. This is the birthday wisher, Kevin.
17. I have always wanted to visit Scotland, France, Italy and Spain.

18. While visiting my mom in the hospital my brother asks "Mom, so when do you think you're going to get out of here?" She says "Ohhhh, ju know, I tink they said at the end of ju-life." David mockingly says "wow, I didn't know I was about to die!"
For some reason her July always sounds like "julife" and instead of saying entrance she says "entrancy". I don't know... can't explain her crazy little self.

19. The first time I ever cried during a movie was when i was 13 or 14 and it was while watching My Girl.

20. After surrendering my life to Jesus, my hometown Pastor decided he would "call me by a new name" so he called to me by my middle name, Naomi. To this day he's the only one who calls me Naomi.

21. My favorite cousin was about 20+ years older than me and suffered from muscular dystrophy. His name was Juan but I nick named him Jauncho. Don't know where that name came from it just came to me. He taught me how to tie my shoes, add and subtract, and instructed me in the art of sarcasm. We also fought like cats and dogs. He passed away while I was living in Seattle. I miss him dearly.

22. I remember so very clearly the very first time I was introduced to my baby sister. While awaiting the arrival of my baby sister David (brother) and I were sitting on the front porch steps when my parents pulled up the drive way. My mom was wearing a white drawstring blouse and she was holding my sister in a tight little bundle. When she bent over to show us our new sister the sun behind her shown so brightly on my sister's little pink face. It was love at first sight. I was 4 years old.

23. I love mint chocolate ANYTHING!!

24. My dad turned 50 this year. He'll also be a grandfather this year too. We decided that instead of calling him granpa or grandaddy he'll be called "Puppy"
25. To this very day I still call my dad when I need prayer for anything from a simple cold to the common heart ache. I love to hear him pray. I hope that God will bless me with a husband who prays as humbly as my father.

Weigh In Update

Here are the latest stats:
I'm down another: 3.2lbs
Current Weight: 327.2
Goal: 22.2 lbs

Yesterday I got a text from Uyen that said "TRACK YOUR POINTS!!!!!!"
I didn't respond. I was busy! :)
She calls at 5pm.
I answer with: "I KNOW! I KNOW! I HAVEN'T TRACKED MY POINTS! I'M GONNA DO IT!"
She just laughed and laughed. Then admitted that she's wasn't even calling about me not tracking my food but was glad that I remembered.

I also realized that February 2nd marked the one and half year mark. I can't believe that I'm still fighting for this. Weight loss hasn't moved as quickly as I would've hoped but overall I'm pleased that God is still bending my heart to learn and lean on Him and Him alone. It's been more of a spiritual journey than anything else.

Thanks for reading.

Training Update

I finally got with Shayla (new trainer) last night. It was a group exercise which was different but interesting. Overall, the session went well. We worked on all legs, core and glutes. I feel a bit guilty because I could've worked harder. I mean I did all the exercises as I was asked but I know my body had more to give. I guess that's a perk of working out one on one with Chadwick. He knew my body and he knew how far to push me and because it was a solo training session all his attention was on me. Which in actuality was torture at times!!!

I can still remember being in a push up hold and he'd say "Ok, Marce you're doing good. Just 15 more seconds." THEN he'd say "you're still doing good, give me 5 more seconds" Ugh! Then do you remember the blog when I mentioned being totally maxed out in a push up hold and about to fall into the position when he squatted over me and had the audacity to push down on my back and shoulders while STILL in a push up hold!!! I swear I could've reached out and bit his leg had it been closer. Oddly, enough the irritation of having his hands pushing me only fueled my fire which in turn became 10 more seconds of prideful torture.

So, back to last night. After a few hundred lunges, leg extensions, hamstring whatever...we ended with a delicious little circuit that included these little gems...

try doing 1 set of 25 from bottom to top then directly followed with 25 shallow "pumps". Let me know how your buns are feeling after after!

BOOTY CHALLENGE!!!! are you ready for this. Shayla told me that I had to perform 100 bun clenches every hour on the hour until I reached 1,000!!

Anyone, else in for the challenge with me? Come On! I know at the very least Robin will do it! Won't you girl??!! :)

Hooligan's

I love this woman!! God's gifted her with such a quiet and gentle spirit! If only.... here's to you Ren!

Ann....Ann...Ann... Her laugh is contagious. Her heart runs deep. I'm so, so, so stinkin' glad God orchestrated our friendship. Did I mention that she's funny because she's crazy funny and cool!

Austin Chicas

Uyen & Peggy's (My Seattle Replacement!) haha

Uyen, Pegs & myself

(not my favorite picture but the only one i took this weekend)

Pegs & Amy

(Amy and her husband Josh were our hosts. I love her and I hardly know her... She's (they) are expecting their first baby. It's a girl!!)

I love this picture!!
Special Thanks to Pottery Barn for lending us their lovely displays.

Another Smile Moment

I was just about to post some pictures when I came across these.
Awwwwww, he's seriously so delicious!
I don't remember what he was doing here but I must've just finished baking because I was wearin' the apron my daddy-o got me a few months ago.

Forgot to post

I didn't weigh in this last week but the week before I was down 4lbs! woohoo!! I'll get stats later as well as some photos of my weekend in Austin with my chicas!

Earn my Carbs?!!?

Didn't really think I had an "issue" with carbs until recently. My new trainer, Shayla, advised me that it's important to have carbs, our bodies need carbs to survive and it isn't wise to go on a no carb diet BUT in order to have carbs we must earn then. (Imagine me nodding in total agreement until this part followed by a sudden stop of the nod when she says i have to earn my carbs *in my head I'm thinking "wha'd you say Willis? Earn my carbs?!!" I'm also thinking of that famous line from my Big Fat Greek Wedding when the Aunt approaches Tula's new husband says "WHAT?!?! HE DONT EAT MEAT?!? What do you mean He. don't. eat. meat? .....It's ok, I make lamb" Anyhow, those were my internal reactions that didn't quite make it past the plesant smile on my face.

So, back to my issue with carbs. Yes. I love carbs and I didn't realize how much I do until I almost had a fit this morning because I couldn't eat any of my beloved carbs and I can't consume my carbs until AFTER I WORK OUT!!! Oh, dear, sweet Jesus...help us all because I'm not working out until after work.

Saturday Check In

I lost 1.8 lbs this week!

Current Weight: 334.4lbs
Total Weight Loss: 37.6 lbs
Weight to Goal: 29.4 lbs (which would put be back at 305lbs)

Met my new trainer last night, Shayla Ryder. Check her out here. She was recommended to me by my friend, Paula G. I'm excited about working out on a schedule again. She seems knowledgeable, patient and stern.

On the flip side - I'm nervous. I hadn't realized how much I trusted Sir Chadwick until I signed up with her last night. I trusted him with everything that was my body. I trusted that if we hit a wall he was going to offer us up in prayer. No better trust than that... I can't say I always knew where I stood with him but I did know that he knew exactly what he was doing and where we were headed. And, more so he knew the limitations of my body much better than I knew them for myself. I miss it but know I can't hang on to what once was.

As of last night, today marks the beginning of a new chapter. I cling to the knowledge that God absolutely has to be at the center of this or it isn't going to work. I don't know where my new trainer stands spiritually so it'll be interesting to see what God has planned for the both us as well as for the team that I'll be working out with.

Here's a toast to starting over!!

Rebecca P thanks for recommending your trainer! I was so happy to read your comment! I miss your laughter and spunk! When are we going to hang out?

Asian Love !!!!

I can't even begin to tell you....

This chica is golden to the core!!.... OK, most of the time! :)

It's amazing how God continually brings our paths together despite the many post college moves in and out of this beautiful country we call TEXAS!

She's been gifted with a quiet and wild soul, of which I've envied many a time.

She's as faithful as they come.

For your constant support, faithfulness, friendship and friendly "track your points!!!" texts I wouldn't have made it through this week.

Thank you my dear, Uyen.

I heart you!

The New Year's Eve Party

You'll need to read the previous post. 

Thankfully, we brought in the new year with a Masquerade Ball. AND, I'm even more grateful that before the scary hair incident I chose a different sort of mask. 

Top Photo: L to R (Rikki Tai, Kristen, Britt, Christi, Kelsey, Myself)

Bottom Photo: Kristin & Myself

 

isn't she so crazy beautiful? 

Am I glad my mask covers the top of my head??? Y.E.S!!!! 

I don't want it to look like crazy Mexican Hair...

12pm on New Years Eve I decide to get my hair cut. My stylist has been forever begging me to try highlights. I give in on the condition that it would be subtle and flattering. What i really wanted to say was "Please, don't give me crazy Mexican hair!" but I could hardly say that as she is Mexican and she does have crazy Mexican hair... I should've known better! 

I did say SUBTLE right?!?! Anyhow, I knew I was in big trouble after she washed my hair and with a full head of soaking wet hair I could so clearly and easily see a HUGE ORANGE streak right across the top of my head. 

I didnt' know what to do. She could tell that I wasn't diggin' it because she continued to say things like "wow, that looks so great!" "oh, you just wait and see how many compliments you get" "wow! isn't this so pretty?" she'd say to anyone within earshot.... I wasn't buying it. I left there and went straight to an unbiased opinion. My sister. 

My first impression of her first impression = not impressed! 

She laughed at me. Then she got mad at me for being so dumb! Even more so she was mad because we were going to a NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY!!! She made me swear that I'd never EVER try any of my hair shenanigans on her wedding day. 

Here are the results...... 

 

 

 

Shortly after taking this picture (documentation of my stupidity) I went back to the salon. A bit awkward walking back in there but I had to get it taken care of. She ended up adding a toner that got most of the crazy out but I'm still "off". AHHHH why did I do this to myself?!?!

I don't want to post this

As of this very morning at 10:44am I weigh 336.2lbs

Starting Weight: 372lbs
Biggest Loss: 66 lbs
What I've gained since I ended the Master Cleanse and left it at 305 lbs: 31.2lbs
Just in case you're wondering I'm a pound short of gaining half of what was lost....

Goal for this week:
TRACK ALL MY FOOD on weightwatchers.com
Meet with a new trainer

Drag Blogger

What can I say? It's been a total drag being a blogger. I haven't wanted to blog for many reason. First, I've felt that my journey hasn't been worth blogging about because everything seems to be flying in the crap hole. Secondly, because of shame. Thirdly, because of ....more shame.

Ok, real number time.....
I've gained weight. A lot of weight. I can feel it on my body. I feel heavy again. Not that being my size doesn't feel heavy all the time but I can feel the added weight and how it affects my quality of life. My belly sits lower (who am I kidding?...it hangs lower over my body) my arms are becoming "un"toned and larger, my double chin seems to have a cousin now and they're living on my face!!! It's harder to cross my legs. And, all my jeans are completely uncomfortable. Last I checked I had gained about 23lbs of the 66lbs that were originally lost. I didn't weigh in last week so the number might be higher. And, as you know.... I haven't wanted to admit and least of all have I wanted to blog this and I can't believe I just did it.

I can't seem to make myself track my food on weight watchers. It's almost as if I have this inner rebellion deep within myself that refuses to do what I know will help. I also haven't been working out as I know I can. There are so many things floating in my heart at the moment I find myself having a hard time grasping any idea long enough to solidify it into this blog.

Over thanksgiving I gained 9 lbs. It must have been the oreo cheesecake I found myself unable to pull away from or maybe it was the pecan pie? Actually, it was everything coupled with no exercise. Seriously, I know it's an easy concept. Formula = Eat well + working out = weight loss (calories in - calories out). However, as believers our formula isn't so easy. God never guarantees such a formula...

I had dinner with some friends this week and one the young ladies said something that has been on my heart and mind all week. She was talking about how people often think that they need to have a "WOW" relationship with God to know that He's working and moving in their lives. She admitted that she hardly ever has those "WOW" moment but what she does know is that in her lifetime Obedience does equal blessing. *I've had to pause for a moment to continue thinking about what she said.* Obedience does equal blessing. Blessings do not always encompass more money in your bank account, health, a great looking body and a Fiiiine man at your side. His blessings are so much deeper and often much more subtle, aren't they?

So, I leave this blog feeling better. I laid it out there. The accolades have pretty much ceased and I've learned that I found more pleasure in hearing them than worshiping the one who gave me the strength to complete the task at hand. He's had to remove my idols and I've fallen and cried without them. He's still pulling and stretching and poking and I have to admit that I'm mad at Him at times. I wish He would make this walk easier. I know He can snap his fingers and this battle would be over, but I also know He's lovingly doing something powerful. Please, keep praying.

Merry Christmas!! Yes, I said CHRISTMAS!

This is your Christmas card.

Merry Christmas!
I'm specifically NOT saying Happy Holiday or Season's Greeting because this is my blog. :)
Love Y'all!

Snoop Taters

I don't even know how I came across this on YouTube but it made me laugh.

FYI I don't like white pepper either. You'll see...

Savannah Jingle Bell Run

Two weeks ago we participated in the Savannah Jingle Bell Run. It was a 3k run or a 1 mile dog walk. Fuuunnn!!

Here's Me with my pup, Roddey & my sister with her, Parker Poo Poo.

Here's a picture of our event shirt. Nice, huh?

It was a small group event and what's a small group event without photos!!! Here's one of my favorite people with the sweetest heart, Kristi!

Forgot to mention that I got forth place but should've come in third but that's another story!! We also got a participation ribbon too! My very first ribbon! Exciting!

Wow Video

On occasion I get emails from The Weight We Were and today I send one of the most inspirational stories.

Please, watch the video below and you'll quickly see why.

Great Find!

I did a little shopping during lunch and before I realized it, it was time for me to head back to the office. While in a total pinch for "fast food", I didn't want to eat fast food. So, I drove around a bit thinking I could head over to Chick-Fil-A then noticed that the line was crazy long. I sat at a stop sign until I remembered that Target had semi good food in the deli section.

Off to Target I go. To my utter surprise I found something so totally delicious and completely healthy!! Archer Farms Veggies and Hummus for only ....wait for it.... wait for it.... $1.49!!!!

*Sigh*

I needed to be reminded of this song today because I feel blah....

Chicharron

This is chicharron, the Mexican version of pork rinds. I know it sounds disgusting but don't knock it till you try it. All you need is some salt, cilantro, diced onion, lime or lemon and a fresh corn tortilla and you're set to go! PS don't even ask me how many points these are....

HA HA Moment

My sister absolutely can't stand that I can't pose for a "cute" picture! She swears that I make an awful model because I can't help myself from laughing uncontrollably or from making awkward facial expressions. The first two were semi normal and I thought I did a great job...

This is me still being good...

And, these last two are when the giggles begin to set in.... This is where she began to say "Ok, come on Marce, just settle down. Just a few more. Be serious and just pose."

But, I couldn't help myself!!!

This was the last picture before she walked off... I wish I could say I was sorry, but I'm not! haha! Love you, Mita.

South Texas Grown

For those of you who don't know my family let me give you a little bit of a background. My mom was born and mostly raised in Merida, Yucatan on the Mexican Peninsula and she eats EVERYTHING with chile! And, one of the most components of her chile is lemon. So, what you see below is a South Texas grown lemon and next to it is a regular sized tomato.

This here is our "puppy" or Dad... He's not all about taking photos, but my sister threatened him so he caved and here he is...

HATE WHEN THAT HAPPENS...

Decided to wear a ball cap to work today (we only dress up if we're meeting with clients) and I also decided to apply my make-up in the car. Everything was a perfect glow, including my C.O. Bigelow Coral Mint lip gloss, when I decided to apply the final touch ...mascara. (OK, OK! I know I broke a rule! everyone knows that lip anything always last but I decided to switch it up a bit and I got totally jinx!) Sooooo, I push the cap all the up to the top of my forehead to begin applying eye make up.

My right eye is perfectly perfect so I move to the left eye. I apply the first round of mascara the ball cap begins slip down my forehead so I readjust but evidently not enough because when I went to go in for round two of the mascara process...I miss my eyelash (because the dang cap got in the way) and stab myself in the freaking eye!!!! Now, my left eye is a total mess. Black mascara is now totally smudged both above and below my eyelashes. I immediately run my fingers to my eye to begin cleaning up the mess only to find that I STILL HAVE LOTION ON MY HANDS!! So, now my eye is burning as all get out, my make up is ruined on the left side of my face and I can hardly see!!!

Moral of the story....apply your make up at home and never wear a ball cap while applying mascara!

Super Sprint

Ok, it's official! I found a triathlon that I know I can finish.

The King Tut Tri will offer two events. The sprint triathlon will encompass a 500 meter swim, 12 mile ride, and 3.1 mile run while the Super Sprint AKA My First Tri will encompass a 300 meter swim, 6 mile ride and 2 mile run.

Save the Date: April 19th in McKinney, Texas

I'm doing this! It's motivating to finally have a goal insight.

Post Weekend

I lost .8 lbs last week. Even though i'm on the program I don't really feel "on the program" if you know what I mean. This morning I woke up with a heaviness over the impossibility of weight loss which I hadn't felt in so long, maybe even since before I started this program over a year ago.

My natural tendency is just to say "hey it's the holiday's....just start at the beginning of next year!" What a bag full of bull! It's all about choices. It's all a one day at a time deal. Between now and Thanksgiving I'll do my best to keep doing my best not this half-assedness I've been hitting lately.

FYI it's not just weight loss that is half-assed either! It's my spiritual life, it's my friendships, it's exercises, this blog ....it's EVERYTHING!! So, my goals for the week are to keep track of all my points between Monday - Friday, exercise with Kourtney 4-5 days of our 6 day schedule, and blog at least once more week. And, my upmost goal is to actually spend some quality time alone (totally alone and mentally there) before the Lord.

For those of you out there that read this blog...................please, ask me how my goals are going this week.

Quick Update

Hello Everyone!

I hope you enjoyed the pictures! It's been a busy few weeks on the Marcy Show.

I'm gonna try to make this short and sweet.

First off...I've not blogged because I've felt like a total loser! I mean the entire purpose of this blog was to track this weigthLOSS journey and because I've been gaining weight I really felt like blogging was pointless.

The fast went well. I got all the way down to 305lbs. Gained 8 lbs after my first meal. Then slowly ate my way back up to my starting weight. BUT, dang did my insides feel nice and clean!

A few weeks after my birthday bash and a few other parties I decided to (re)join Weight Watchers. My first weigh in was to be expected. It was both nice and a total surprise that the ladies missed me and remembered me. There was no love lost there...and no mercy either! I gained more than I realized. I was back up to 325lbs!

My second weigh in was last week and I lost 1.8lbs. Yah! for Marcy...it's a slow roll but I seriously can't fall off the wagon again until next summer! So, i'll need someone to kick my @#$@ sometime next year around May'ish. ok?

Not sure where Sir Chadwick and I are... we were sorta working out as partners not as trainer and trainee then it all sorta fell apart. I'm sad but I know it's for the best. He more than kinda ripped me a new one last week. Pretty much said that I couldn't rely on people to continually ask me where I am with working out and eating because it was high time that I got to doing it on my own for myself...ouch, huh? Well, I respect him a I took it like a big girl and didn't cry.

I've just recently started working out with a girl from my small group - we
re tri-training. I'll be sure to send you lots of funny stories of our escapades.

I'm excited about writing again. I'd normally blog during the day at work when my brain needed a break from numbers but here lately I've been way too busy to even think straight. I'll try to figure something out.

Thanks for your patience. Really.

Another Costume Party!

This year I decided to do something a little different. Ok, i just lied! I was so totally running out of time and ideas so I came up with this little number with the help of my sister and friend D. I wonder if you'll figure out what I am. PS.....I'm not a CAT!

FYI She's NOT Pocahontas!!! She's NATIVE AMERICAN!!!

Kristen! In all the years of knowing this chica this costume totally freaked me out! She's normally so quiet and laid back and to see her as hard core punk rocker sorta shocked me.

One of many "Un-Waldo's"

I'm a SKUNK!!!! Isn't that the cutest tail ever?!?!

My 31st Birthday

My 31st birthday went off with a bang! I was able to share it with people that I love and admire. Here are a few pics of the evening.

There was a Margarita Machine... and I may/or may not have had more than my fair share of drink for the night....

The theme of the party - Food that beings with an "M". Everyone was so creative! They provided goodies such as Mmmm Veggies, M&M, , McCandy, McSnickers, Musketteers, Macaroni and Cheese, Marzipan, Mississippi Mud Pie, Margarita's, Mexican Nachos & Marcy says fruit dip starts with an "M" fruit tray.

Good times! Krissie, Amber, Myself, Diane & Britt!

Nothing like a sneaky photo opp! This picture still makes me smile!