I AM THE BLUE TEAM CHAMPION!!!

I did it. I am the blue team champ and I can hardly believe it. When Christine Pulara announced my name you could have blown me over with a feather. I am so excited and humbled by everyone's support.

Next Tuesday (not tomorrow) I will weigh in for the last time. I will be working out like a mad woman so I have a great finale showing. Thank you to everyone who voted and I intend to win this competition now!

WOW, I nevere expected to make it this far. And to be the blue team winner is the ultimate high. I have the best supporters in the world!

Almost There

I have NEVER been so nervous and anxious in all my life. This morning in less than three hours I will know for sure if I am the Blue Team champion and I can hardly stand it. I am just not confident in the fact that I did enough and received enough votes to carry me through. I have no idea what Virginia has done so it is very, very nerve wracking. *sigh*.

The die has been cast and what happens this morning is already set in stone. I will be leaving shortly for the studio to find out. Having to go through the weekend without knowing is the hardest part. (dang holiday. LOL) I haven't slept, I have gone to the gym, and tried to keep my mind occupied, but it hasn't worked. LOL

In about 15 minutes I will put my shirt on and head to the station. I just want it to be done with. Either I am in or I am out. Either way I am still a winner an I have to remember that. I have come so dang far and have so much further to go, but I will continue on this journey. I have never made such strides before so I can't blow it now.

Ok, deep breath, breathe, breathe, I cannot believe how nervous I am. Virginia is a tough competitor and she has done so well. If I am to lose to anybody, I am glad it will be her. She can carry the blue team just as much as I can so whatever happens, we should be able to bring a win to Tim for the second time this year. He deserves it for all the hard work he has put into us during this competition.

Ok, I am going to relax for a few minutes and will report here when i get back from the station, one way or the other.

Monday Will Tell the Tale

Well, it's all over but the crying now. I have no idea how it went. All I know is I voted my butt off. (geez, I wish it was that easy. LOL) I don't know about Virginia's support team and I don't know about mine either. I think a lot of people voted for me, but it is hard to say. This is a holiday week and I just don't feel secure about the outcome. If I don't win I will not be upset. I have already won by virtue of the weight I have already lost and the insight I have learned about myself. I know what it takes and eating like a pig (well not that bad) at Thanksgiving is NOT the way to go. I let myself go for one day and I shouldn't have let my guard down. So now I am paying the price and will have to work extra hard to get the pounds off.

If I win, I will work harder than I have this entire competition in order to have a great final showing in the finale. The fact that I may be the blue Team champion is exciting, but I don't want to get my hopes up until Christine Pulara announces my name on air on Monday. I hate that we have to wait through the weekend, but I will make it. Virginia is a fierce competitor and friend so either of us could carry the blue team to victory for our trainer Tim. I really want this win so we will just hav to wait and have patience. It is a 50/50 chance (smile) So until Monday......

Voting Begins Today

Today is the final voting for the Blue team where I am vying to be the champion of the Blue Team. Weigh in yesterday was better then I expected. I lost 5.5 lbs an hav a total of 33.75 lost. Whoo Whoo. Feeling pretty dang good about that. But this voting is going to be tough. Virginia is a tough competitor and even though we are close in loss, she could win this. So need all votes and voters I can get. I know this is tough being a holiday week and all, but I hope I get enough support to keep me in.

Voting begins at noon today and closes at 10am on Friday. Please go to ATLANTAS BIGGEST LOSERto cast your votes. Votes can be multiplied by clearing your browser window and refreshing your page.

I really want to win this and with everyone's help, it can be done. Can you hear the nervousness in my voice? LOLOL Even if I don't win, I actually HAVE won as I have gained a new respect for what it takes to lose the weight and I won't be stopping what I have started. I have a long way to go to get to my goal of losing 100 lbs. If I stay in the competition I plan on losing up to 45 lbs before the final weigh in. I can do this. I WANT to do this.

In the Finals for the Blue Team

I have so many people to thank for allowing me to be in the final two of the Blue team, but in my excitement of moving on I forgot to thank some people. In particular, my two wonderful sons Ken and Kevin and my Curves friends. What a dork! I was so excited and trying to remember everyone and those three I just couldn't get out. But you can bet your bippy that the recognition will be given in the next round.

Yes, I have to be involved in one more voting session. This will take place on November 24th through the 26th. This vote will be the ultimate most important as I complete for the Blue Team championship with my friend Virginia. Whichever one of us wins that vote will be the Blue Team champion and will go up against whomever is the Red team champ for the title of Atlanta's Biggest Loser. That determination will be on total weight lost. I feel that if I can win the Blue Team then I stand a darn good chance of winning the entire competition.

Either way, I have gained so much by being in this competition. Of course, my weight loss is the biggest prize. I also have a new understanding of nutrition and exercise and how it equates to weight loss. Although this competition has put a speed ball on the process, I want to make sure that my future loss is safe and permanent. In no way do I want to gain back any of the weight I have lost. This has been a life changing experience and one I want to share with as many women as possible.

I hope anyone who is reading this will work with me to make sure that I win the next vote on the 24th. I am working extra hard to lose a lot of weight this week. I am working with my trainer at Just Fitness five days this week as well as my trainer at Well Star on Tuesday and Thursday in Marietta. I am also going to try to get some time to go to Curves this week for some circuit training. I still want to win and my competitive spirit is alive and burning red hot.

I will be posting reminders as next week comes to a close and the voting week gets closer. OH DEAR...I just remembered the week I go up for elimination is Thanksgiving week. eeeekkkkk. Well, at least I weigh in prior to the big Turkey day and MAN if I am not eliminated, I am going to have to be mighty careful not to over indulge. Wish me luck everyone.

Bottom Two Needing Votes

Well, as I suspected, I am in the bottom two this week. I go on Atlanta & Company tomorrow to plead my case and ask for votes. I lost 3 lbs this time around and the guy who is in the bottom with me GAINED almost 5 so I just can't lose this way.

Please go to www.atlbiggestloser.com from noon tomorrow (Weds0 through 10am on Friday. And please tell everyone you know. I am not ready to leave yet. I want to stay till the end. all I need is the votes to keep me there.

Thanks to all for your support.

Weigh-In Day

Now here I am on weigh in day, I know what the outcome is going to be, but I am still nervous as hell. I have done all I can do including working out at the gym after work and even getting up this morning at 5am and walking 2 miles with Diane Sansone. The scale is still not showing me more than 4 lbs gone. So I guess I have to resign myself to this being my slow down week. I thought about not eating or drinking this morning, but I just can't do that to myself.

So I will go to the weigh in and suck it up and pray that I get enough votes to stay in the competition. I will work that much harder this week and next to show a larger loss.

All I know is I am not ready to pack it in yet. We will see

Day Before Weigh-In

Tomorrow is my fourth weigh in AND I will be up for elimination this week. Don't feel bad for me as it is all good. There is no way I can lose 15 lbs in two weeks and I knew that. In order for me to go above Virginia and force her into the bottom two that is what I would have had to do. In all honesty, I didn't want to kill myself. LOLOL

All I need is for all my friends, family and supporters to vote for me from noon on Wednesday until 10am on Friday. With everyone behind me, I can make it to the top two. Then I will be head to head with Virginia for the final elimination to capture the title of Blue Team Champion. Is that possible? I seriously think so. I wasn't convinced a while back, but I just need the votes and I can do it. Then the competition really begins as I will be going head to head with the champion of the red team to become Atlanta's Biggest Loser. I just have to have more of a weight loss than she does to win the entire ball game.

I am feeling good today and I think I should be going in with at least a four pound loss which will put me at 30 lbs so far in the competition. That is quite a feat for me and I am so excited about that. I have a long way to go to be where I want and should be, but I can do it now. I have the tools I need to do it.

So, if you are reading this, Please, Please plan to vote this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Click on Atlanta's Biggest Loser. You will see the voting box on the right of the page. If you live in the Atlanta area, be sure and tune in to 11Alive at 11am (Atlanta and Company) and see my plea. Otherwise you CAN see it on the website. My ugly mug will be there for all to see. LOLOL

Then I will be back on Atlanta and Company on Friday between 11 and 12 to find out if I made it or not. SO vote, vote, vote and hopefully I will be there for another two weeks. Thanks so much for everyone's support in this adventure of mine.

November 4th

WOW is it already the 4th of November? Dang time flies. Including my bi-weekly weigh ins. Sheesh! In five more days I will be on the couch. Crying shame,but somebody has to do it. LOLOL

I still think I can win this thing. I really do. All I have to do is make it through two more weigh ins and two more couch votes and I think I have a pretty good chance of beating whomever wins on the red team side.

So I have been working out everyday at Just Fitness. I haven't been to Curves lately as things have been crazy. Yesterday was our mid-competition wellness check in Marietta. I did really well. All my numbers are lower which if fantastic. Blook pressure was great, diabetes test was lower, cholestoral was much lower. I was quite excited when I saw the doctor. I have learned so much that I know this new lifestyle will be with me forever. I feel a few years younger too with a new kick in my step. Not to mention a new smile. It's wonderful.

But I still have to win this competition. Don't forget to vote next week. :-)

New Month New Hopes

I can hardly believe it is the first of November. My goodness, where did the month and YEAR go? What is even more bizarre is that in six more weeks the competition will be over. I have mixed emotions about that. It has been a great time for me and I have learned a lot about myself and how to get myself in shape once and for all. It has been quite tough to say the least and I have had to make a lot of hard decisions in the process. My emotions have gone up and down throughout this experience, but I am super glad that I have made it this far. Even if I don't make it any further, I know I have achieved quite a huge accomplishment. I feel better and am starting to enjoy the way I look. Don't get me wrong, I have a LONG Way to go, but I can see there there is light at the end of the tunnel.

I know I will for sure be in the bottom two when I go to weigh in on the 9th. It is inevitable as there is no way I can safely lose 15 lbs in two weeks to ensure that I will be safe and in the top two. Being in the top two will depend on votes and I am praying I get enough to keep me in the competition. I am sure it will be me and Chuck in the bottom two. So from noon onthe 10th through 10am on the 12th I need all my friends and supporters to VOTE, VOTE, VOTE. When you vote, clear your browser history, refresh the page and vote some more. The more votes I have, the greater my changes of being in the top two. I can still win this thing with everyone's help. I will explain this more as the voting day comes closer as I am determined to stay in this competition. I have worked so hard and I want to continue to the end.

You will go to http://www.atlbiggestloser.com On voting day, you will see a tan box on the right of the page that allows for voting. If you don't clear your browser and refresh the page, you will only be able to vote once a day. With this little additional help you can vote multiple times each day. We were actualy told this at the Atlanta TV Station where we weigh and are filmed so it is no secret, but a way to garner more votes.

Anyway, I hope you will consider this and tell everybody you know to vote as well. Ok, off to work. Thank you all so much for your support.

Realization

Boy! Did I have an "AHA" moment this morning. For the first time I realized that I actually COULD win this competion! I guess I never was really convinced, but now that I am in the top 3 of my Blue team, the light bulb finally went off. I am on track to really, and truly winning this whole enchilada. DAMN! How the heck did THAT happen?

With lots of hard work and determination. And now I have to work even harder. I have one real competitor on my team and she and I have become such good friends. Neither of us works any harder than the other. Either of us could win our team, but now that I know where I stand, I am even more determined than ever to see this thing through to the end and actually win.

WOW! Just the sound of that feels good. LOL

More Pics from Atlanta Strides

I received these pictures from Janet to add to my collection of the Atlanta Strides Against Breast Cancer walk from last weekend. One group shot of all the Curves ladies that attended at our training studio, one of the group after the walk and one of some of the gals during the walk. What a fun day that was. And of course I stick out like s sore thumb because I didn't have the Team Curves shirt on. I have an excuse....it was way too small for me. LOL But I DID wear my shirt that I received for being the Curves high loser of the month of September so that was cool. :-)

I MADE IT AGAIN!!!!

i CAN HARDLY BELIEVE IT!!! I am still in the competition. I was so nervous, as always, but what kept me out of the bottom two was that one of the competitors (Chuck) was a no-show, so that put him automatically in the bottom two. I think I still would have been ok however, as I lost 6 pounds this week. I was totally shocked. Virginia lost 6.5 and Hollie only lost .25.

I worked so hard for that 6 pounds, but I know I can't let down my guard. I have to work even harder this next two weeks. I am sure it could have been a lot more had I stepped up my game early on, but I let my hair down for a couple days and I now realize I just can't do that. Tonight I have my weekly workout with Crysta and then tomorrow we are working out with the Red Team and Kyle since our trainer is out of town on vacation. Fortunately, their workouts are at 5pm so I won't have to take too much extra time off work. I am looking forward to it.

In the mean time I am going to basque in the fact that I am still in the competition and have avoided the couch yet again. YEEE HAAA

Upward and onward!!!

Atlanta Strides Against Breast Cancer

As much as I wanted to, I didn't go to the Big and Little Kennesaw Mountain walk with my teammates. Mainly because I couldn't walk alone. I was too nervous and couldn't find anyone to walk with me. So instead, I still wanted to get my exercise in so I went to Atlanta Strides against Breast Cancer with my Curves friends. What an event THAT was. It was estimated that over 15,000 walkers were in attendance and at the end, they announced that over 750k was raised and they estimated that over 1 million would be the final Atlanta count. The walk of course started out a bit hectic due to so many trying to get on the way, but after a bit, there were some who dropped so it made it a bit more bearable with not so many to contend with.

What made it great was I tagged up with one of my Curvemates Karen whom I had not had the pleasure of getting to know up to this point. Karen and I made great pals on the walk and she was a determined as I was to push it all the way. We were both starting to get sore, but we plugged along at a great pace and had our great Aha moment at the end. Thanks Karen for making this walk such an enjoyable feat for me.

When I got home, I still wasn't ready to relax and cash in my day, so after a short nap, I went down and did another 3k at Alexander Park. When I finished that walk, I was done for the day. I had to do more as I felt so dang guilty that I wasn't able to walk the Kennesaw's, so now I feel I accomplished as much as they must have.

Today is Sunday and I plan on walking some more. For some reason, I feel these walks do me as much if not more, than going and working out on the treadmills do. I see more results this way. Probably because I am forced to push myself up those dang hills so it works me more and uses more calories. I think today I am going to start with Lenore Park and end at Alexander. They are both tough walks as I always go backwards and take the harder route, plus yesterday I entertained myself with my music on my mini iPod. Wanted to shout the entire way. LOLOL

Hoping for some pretty good numbers on Tuesday. Not as much as I would want, but going to go in there feeling pretty good considering the slow start to this period.

Friday Update

Back on top again. Feeling much better now that scales are moving again. Workout yesterday was totally awesome. Virginia and I did our usual one mile warmout walk, but this time it was timed. I did it in 18 minutes - not real great, but I will improve. It's my dang legs because of my bi-pass and veins being taken from my lower legs. I am not able to jog like Virginia can. She is my hero! She practcially ran the entire mile. But I will get better at it as time goes on.

After the walk, Tim had us walk UP the entire parking garage. Can we say ramp hell? LOL The thing is that I did it and didn't stop once. I was so proud of that accomplishment. It was in preparation to the Big an Little Kennesaw mountains walk, which I wanted to walk in, but I am walking in the Strides Atlanta for Breast Cancer with Curves instead. It is a three mile walk which will help me a lot. Then I can go to Lenore or Alexander parks and walk some more. Ned that cardio. :-)

Anyway, I am back to feeling great and know I have done my best for next week. I still have three days so a lot can happen.

Upward and Onward.

Having a Down Morning

Uh oh. Having one of those "I don't give a crap" kind of mornings. Not good for me. Scales don't seem to be moving even though I have been working my arce off. Yesterday at training Tim had us walk our usual 1 mile warm up, then it was up the dreaded stairs ON OUR HANDS AND FEET, then suicides, arm curls, weight lifts, crunches and side runs. A rough but feel good morning workout. So why am I feeling own today? Sheesh! I don't know.

I am starting (as per usual) to feel down about next week's weigh in. I know I won't have much loss because the inches have been coming off. I need to really heat things up and cut down on what I am eating so that I can see a few pounds gone by Tuesday. Not feeling real good right now. Oh well, if I am in the bottom two this time (which is highly lighlky) I will deal with it and take it as it comes. At least I know what I have to do to get this weight off once and for all.

I am walking in the Stides Atlanta with Curves this weekend so that will be a three mile that will help. It was either that or climb big and little Kennesaw mtns, but I don't think my Cardiolist will allow that. Will know tomorrow after my appointment. Just a bit scared about that prospect as much as I would like to do it. At least I will be getting exercise at the Strides walk. I think that would be safer for me considering.

Anyway, hopefully I will feel better after my workout this afternoon. I have to perservere if I am going to keep going.

Quick Monday Morning Excitement

This will be a quickie, but I am so excited that I have to share. I am at work, now wearing a pair of slacks that I haven't been able to fit into for at LEAST two years. They ar a size 14!!!!!!! That means I have lost two pant sizes since starting with Atlanta's Biggest Loser.

Come what may now, my eye is still on the prize, but whatever happens I am super excited, and won't quit until I reach my goal. Oh how I would love to see a size 10 some day. That would be the ultimate prize for me. Even a 12 would be a winner, but heck, lets go for the gold. LOL

Sunday Report

Sunday made up for Saturday. I went to Alexander Park and walked their course twice. That is, from what I can figure out 3.5 miles in total. I was sweating like a fiend when I got home because it was a beautiful day and I went at noon. Wore my sweats and one round I did with my weights. I am feeling so good that I can walk that distance. I could have NEVER attempted that before. I was supposed to have a walking partner, but she didn't show so I went it alone again. I have to depend on myself to get done what has to be done.

Alexander park's walking trail is a real work horse. I was shocked, although hubby warned me that it was tough. The first time around I did ok, but the second I was not sure I would make it. When I got back to my car, I felt a big piece of accomplishment. Got home, took a shower and took a nap. LOLOL I am such a wuse.

I am anxious to get on the scales in the morning. I sure do hope it shows me some good numbers.

Tomorrow I am going to Curves at lunch and Just Fitness after work. Then on Tuesday it is back to Marietta and my regular hour workout with my Blue Team. Red team weighs in on Tuesday so am anxious to see who makes it through this week.

I am going to be at it hard this week so that I can be in the top two at OUR weigh in one week from Tuesday. This competition is all I think about and I have to keep my eye focused on the prize. Nothing is firm until the very last weigh in. I can't let my guard down for a minute.

Happy thoughts and I am off to beddie bye. :-)

Saturday Do Nothings

I sure didn't do a thing today. I intended to go to Boot Camp (didn't), was going to go to the gym (didn't), even intended to get a walk in (didn't). I just couldn't bring myself to do a thing today. The only piece of motivation I had was going to my art class which I DID do. LOL

I guess I need an occasional day to just do nothing as far as this competition is concerned, but I feel so guilty. I mean, really, how am I going to make the headway I want if I just sit on my arce all day? Tomorrow I am going to walk at least twice. Once around noon with my friend Mila and again before the sun goes down. Going to check out a new park that I haven't been to on Scenic Highway. I hear it is a nice walk so we will see.

I am getting lazy about this competition and I can't let my guard down. I now have nine days until the next weigh in. That's probably how much weight I need to lose before then. I am glad I looked at the calendar. Now I WILL get my shit in gear. I have to be in the top two this go around if I am going to avoid the couch. And I have to lose at least 9 lbs. MAN this is going to be a tough week and I have to stay focused and disciplined. I shouldn't have let my guard down today. I really shouldn't have. Ok tomorrow is a new day for sure.

Feeling on Top of the World

I can't remember when I have felt this good. I got up this morning and got on the scales and am now 21 lbs lighter. MAN, that is such an accomplishment for me at this age. I took Thursday off as an exercise day to get myself back in tip top shape. I didn't intentionally miss my WellStar workout - I couldn't get off work to go this one time, but when that happened, I just decided that today was my day of rest and I am glad I took that time to re-energize myself.

I have lost two shirt sizes which is amazing. I WAS wearing anywhere from a 3x to 4x depending on the blouse. Today I am happily waring a 2x. WOW. Now I can open up my 2x suitcase and salvage some clothes. WHoo Whoo. I was going to go to Curves at lunch, but due to work activities, I have to put that one off, but will be at Just Fitness after work. Then on Saturday morning at 7am it is Boot Camp time with Crysta and then on Sunday my weekly 3 mile walk. This is starting to be habit now and I am loving it. Win or lose in the competition, I am now on a roll to good health and feeling so good about it. This has been a long time coming and I know I will never go back to where I was. It was a very painful place and now I am starting to smile again and get my old confidence back.

I know I have a long way to go, but seeing what I can accomplish has taught me many things. You are never too old or too large to make monumental changes. I am a woman who has had a major heart attack, quintuple heart by-pass, high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes and look at me go. Never say never, EVER.

Oh and by the way, Marcella was voted off today. I will miss her. She was a blast and so funny.

Loving the Way I Feel

I sure do hate seeing myself on TV. It is so true that TV puts 10 lbs on you. EWEEE. I saw the Wednesday show and wanted to throw up. anyway, I am still losing and feeling wonderful. Going to keep it up because I am seeing the differences myself. This whole thing is so hard, but there is light at the end of the tunnel...I just know it. I just need to keep this up and keep my eyes on the prize. I still can't get over that I put myself in this competition and even more shocked that I was chosen. How great it will be to not be fat again for the first time in years. Geez, I wonder how my hubby will react when he finally sees a difference. LOL

And Then There Were Five

Here are a couple of our newest pictures. Can you see a difference in my weight. Sorry for the awful look of my hair. These were taken AFTER our workout. EWE

The Results

Oh my goodness....I have never been so stressed and nervous in my entire life and that is no joke. So much so that at training in Marietta this morning I literally got sick. We had to walk with our trainer around the campus of Kennestone Hospital, then up the dreaded stairs and then inside to do more exercises in a hand ball court. At that point I lost it and had to sit out. I seriously think I am getting the flu.

Anyway, from there it was on to 11Alive studios for the weigh in. We were all there and once we got a camera man to assist it was into the gym for the dreaded weigh in. I went second to get it over with. The scales said I weighed 249.75 which equates to 7 1/4 lbs lost and 2.82% of my body weight. I was horrified and so scared. After everyone weighed in we were called back and by the grace of God I came in third. Holley and Chuck were in the bottom two. I am safe for another two weeks.

You can bet that I have to step up my game if I want to stay in the competition and win. This is so overwhelming and scary. I don't like weigh in day, but am so thankful that I can work harder to win this competition. I feel super bad for Holley and Chuck. Holley especially since this is her second weigh in that is in the bottom two. But she will be fine I am sure.

I didn't go to my training with Christa tonight because i was in such knots and needed tonight to re-group. Tomorrow begins another day and another day to work out and eat right.

Second Weigh-In

Well, today is big day number 2. I am not feeling well this morning and not feeling real enthusiastic about this weigh in. I have worked hard, but I don't think I have done as much as I could have to cement my place in the competition. I didn't go to Just Fitness last night as I was not feeling well at all, but I did go to Curves at lunch so at least I got some circuit training. After lunch I just felt like I was going to get sick. My friend told me that this happened just before my last weigh-in, which makes total sense. I am nervous and this can trigger my not feeling well.

After I got home, things didn't get much better so I went to bed early. Too early actually as I ended up most of the night. Woke up every hour until I finally got up at 430. I hate this feeling but this weigh-in is important and I want it to go well, but unless I am in the top 3, I will be up for elimination.

I am going to my workout with Tim this morning prior to the weigh-in and hopefully that will help to melt off another pound or two. I am more nervous today than I was two weeks ago. All I can do is hope for the best and go with the flow. If I am in the bottom two, I will pray for lots of votes to keep me in. I will add to this after the weigh-in which takes place at noon.

Recent Pics

The picture below is the one taken after our recent weigh in on 9/28. I can see a difference in me in this one from the first one. In addition, I am starting to get compliments which is super nice. The one at the right is the dreaded stairs (dun, dun, dun dunnnnn) The seven stories of stairs we climb at our training sessions at Welstar. I can now climb them without assistance which is a real plus and improvement. My Mother said this weekend when she was standing behind me that she can see the difference in my back. So, all I can say is win or lose, I am on a downward trend that will forever keep me on the slim and narrow (wink)

Finally Back

Man, talk about an act of congress to get back in here. I forgot my password and couldn't figure out how to get a new one. But finally after many, many attempts I am back and now I must give updates from the 22nd. WOW how time flies.

Well, first of all, I made it through the first round. I worked my butt off making it happen, but my first weigh in on 9/28 went something like this:

09/28/10 Weigh In: 257 lbs.

Lbs. Lost 12

Percent Lost 4.5%

This weigh in put me in second place in weight loss, but third place in percentage of weight lost. Bottom line is that I was safe. Whoo Whoo!!!

Now I am preparing for weigh in on 10/12 and I am nervous as heck about this one. I have been good and bad since my last weigh in. Good in that I have been working out at Welstar, Just Fitness and Curves at least once a day and sometimes twice a day depending on which workout is scheduled. I have been going to Boot Camp on Saturdays and walking like a maniac on Sundays.

But I couldn't seem to get past the five pound loss mark and starting to get discouraged. The thing is, that it finally dawned on me that I have to be in the top three this weigh in, if I am going to avoid the vote off in the bottom two. So the way I figure it, I have to have at least an 8 lb loss or more to cement my place. Not knowing what my other teammates have done, I have to really step up my workouts and eat a lot less without allowing my body to go into starvation mode.

I spent this past weekend with my kids in Columbia and did very little exercise. That was when I started to sweat things a bit. But, I got home Saturday night and spent and hour at the gym and today I walked four miles in sweats, knee pads and workout shoes. I am seeing things drop again. Can I lose an additional three lbs before Tuesday's weigh in? That remains to be seen. I think I can, but will see how the scales measure up tomorrow morning. I can't avoid the scale if I am going to stay on track even though everyone says don't get on the scales but once a week. This is too important to not do that as it keeps me working towards the prize.

I will write again tomorrow from work as to how I fared today. Keep those tootsies crossed for me. I am nervous about Tuesday.

September 22, 2010

Oh my goodness what a two days. To begin with, our first official training with Tim at Well Star was yesterday. It was Brutal to say the least. First we had to walk a mile on their track. THEN he made us walk the stairs of the parking garage. We are talking 6 floors and 135 stairs. Yes, I counted them. I had a hard time on that one. I was the last to make it up. In fact, our trainer came up to me and encouraged me with this statement, "The last team to go up these stairs, you want to know who was the last one up? Joan, and she went on to win the competition." That was all I needed to get me all the way up those stairs. Once down, we went back inside and did four circuit exercises with an exercise ball and weights. It was torture, but I made it through to the end.

He also informed us that if he or any of his staff caught anyone taking an elevator either in the center or the parking garage, that the entire team would have to walk to the top of the parking garage stairs. Needless to say we all promised not to do it. those stairs are killer.

This morning at 5am I was at MY gym to meet with my trainer there. I must be determined to get to the gym at 5am. I am not an early morning riser. Another killer workout and I am feeling the pain right now. But it's a good pain. This had better be worth it. LOL I am so determined and if I end up on the couch next week I will be very disappointed. It won't be from lack of doing what I need to do.

September 19, 2010

I need to get this blog caught up. :-) It has been a crazy week. First of all, on Wednesday we had our contestants luncheon at the TV station 11Alive. It started out with all of us meeting in the lobby of the station. Once everyone was there, Evelyn Mims (program coordinator) came out and gave us our team assignments. I was pleased I was put on the blue team.

We then went in and were taken to a large room where we met our trainer Tim, Christine Pollara the host of Atlanta & Company, representatives of Well Star Health Place , Good Measure Meals and producers of the show. Lunch consisted of sandwiches, fruit salad and lettuce salad.

After we ate, we were asked to put on out Atlanta's Biggest Loser T's and go in for our first official weigh in which was also filmed for the show. EWE I didn't like the fact that I weighed in at 269. Quite a shock and rude awakening. We were then given a full tour of the studio which was really interesting. Saw where Atl and company is filmed, also the news room and where the daily news is filmed.

Once that was over it was back to work to finish out the day. Once I got off work I went straight to Just Fitness where I did my first workout. No time like the present. Wanted to get things rolling now, even though the contest doesn't officially start until Monday the 20th. I have a long way to go.

On Thursday, we had our health screening. I had to be at Well Star by 7:30am. Well Star is in Austel, GA so I had to get up at 5:30am to get ready and be there. It is an hour drive from my house. I can't remember when I have been up that early in a long, long time.

Anyway, we got poked and prodded to make sure we are ok to participate. Met our staff cardiologist and had a nice provided by Chick-Fil-A. Then it was back to work after the consultation. I worked late that day to make up some time, then headed to the gym for an hour of cardio workout and some strength work. So far feeling great! I am supposed to pick up my first order of Good Measure Meals on Monday to start on Tuesday so in the meantime, I am being very careful at what I eat. Mostly fruits and veggies with lots and lots of water. So far things are doing great and the scales are showing the lbs going down.

Friday work was crazy, crazy, crazy. I was beginning to wonder if all this was worth it. I am getting so behind, but I can't complain or I would be asked to quit the program so I prod on, stat late and take stuff home. I passed a huge hurdle on Friday. I was asked to go to lunch with the crew to a pizza place, I told them no, that I had brought my lunch. Instead, since I still have my membership at Curves, I went there and did 30 minutes of circuit training. YAY! I was so proud of myself. Then back at the office I had my lunch of lettuce and fruit. After work, I met my friend Mila at the gym for another hour of cardio workout. Getting sore, but it feels great.

Saturday I had an appointment with a trainer at Just Fitness and learned how to use some of the machines. WOW was THAT a workout for my legs. I also convinced myself that I need to get me a trainer for at least one additional day a week if I am going to win this thing. So now I have my Biggest Loser trainer Tim on Tuesday and Thursday, and my Just Fitness trainer on Wednesday. On days I am not in Marrietta training with Tim (because it is 10:30 - 11:30), I will go to Curves on my lunch hour each day, plus workouts at Just Fitness at night after work. I am looking at two major workouts on Tues and Thurs, plus two the other days which include Curves. I think I am going to take Sunday off as a rest day. LOLOL

Well, there you have it, all caught up. Now I will be good about journaling every day from here on out. Game is definitely on and I intend to win!!!!!

September 14, 2010

Tomorrow is the big luncheon at 11Alive. I am starting to feel a bit nervous, but never have I been more determined to win something than I am this. The competition is going to be fierce and maybe that is a good thing. I have no idea what I will weigh in as tomorrow, but I am sure it will be a huge number.

I have been enjoying foods that I love for the last time this week. Crazy I know, but I just had to do it. I had a burrito from Taco Bell, Burger from Wendy's, Edy's Dibs from Quik Trip, and even had a Zaxby's club. I am over them all now. I feel I have done the damage. Now it is time to get down to business. I don't know what we will e served for lunch tomorrow, but whatever it is, I plan to savor everything as from that point on, I will be working to win the competition and I feel confident that I can do it. I have a lot of supporters behind me, so how can I go wrong.

Here is to losing 65 to 70 pounds over the next 12 weeks and being named Atlanta's Biggest Loser. GAME ON!!!

September 11, 2010

First of all, my heart goes out to the families of those that were needlessly killed on 9-11. We will never forget this tragic moment in our long history.

So here it is the day after learning the news. I still can't sit still (smile) I am making plans already as to how I am going to come out victorious. The main thing is to stay focused. Also to constantly work out and not eat anything I am not supposed to. Today I got all set up with Just Fitness so I have a place to go when I am not able to make it to the Well Star Health Center for workouts. I want to go there as much as I can, but it is so far that I will have to have an alternate. Just Fitness is only a couple miles from my house so it will work out great. I have to keep moving morning, noon, and night if I am going to win this things.

There is a lot of great competition that wants this just as much as me so it is going to be a very competitive competition. It is GAME ON as far as I am concerned. Below are some of the game schedules as I have them so far:

* Sept 15th - Contestant Luncheon at 11Alive TV Station - Also our first official weigh in.

* Sept 16th - WellStar Health Screenings - Have to be there at 7:30AM EEEEKKKKK

* Sept 20th - Contest officially begins. GAME ON!!!!!

* Sept 25th - Sept Out Walk Against Diabetes - Grant Park - Finalist Teams will be participating with 11Alive.

* Sept 28th - the battle of the weigh ins begin, beginning with the blue team. Red team weigh ins will start the following week on Oct. 5th.

So much to do. I will be busy, busy, busy.

I MADE IT!!!!!!!!

OMG, wonders will never cease to exist. I have been freaking out all day. Hubby and I went to Dahlonaga today and walked up to Amicalola Falls. My legs felt like jello and my heart was pounding like a drum. I definitely got some cardio in today. LOL There was no phone up there or at least no connection even though my earpiece was in and the phone was in my pocket. 2pm...nothing. Called my sister and had her check my email just in case something may have come in. Nothing...3pm..nothing so by 330 I had all but given up hope. I resigned myself that I had messed up bad and started thinking of other avenues to lose this dang weight.

then I laid the seat in the car back to take a little rest on the way home and it happened. The phone rang, "Kristine, this is Evelyn, you made it? She had to repeat it to me three times before it sunk in. I am a finalist in Atlanta's Biggest Loser competition. I am still in shock. It probably won't fully sink in until I go to the finalist luncheon on the 15th.

Ok, so the heat is on now. I have a lot of work to do to win this thing.
And mark my words, I will. If I don't, it won't be from any fault of my own, guaranteed. I won't let this opportunity pass me by.

September 10th

WOW, I can't believe how bummed I am and how negative I feel right now. I don't know why I feel or should feel this way, but I just think I didn't do well yesterday. You know how you get those gut feelings? The ones that cry out "loser, you blew it."? Well, that is what I am feeling. I just can't do interviews well. I lose my train of thinking and I am not quick on the response. I know what I want to say and how I want to say it, but when it is time to make it happen I blow it big time and sound like a total idiot. I will just be glad when the news breaks and I can move on.

OK so here is a funny or how my day will probably go. I just stepped away from writing this to go and get a cup of coffee. My eyes got as big as saucers when I turned on the kitchen light. Apparently, I didn't push the coffee pot in far enough, and I saw a kitchen full of coffee....on my floor,,,,on my counter,,,,in the drawer below the pot. EEEKKKK what a mess. LOL I sure hope the rest of my day isn't like that...a total disaster. :-)

It's All Over But the Crying

Interview done and gone. Unfortunately, I am not a good interviewer and I don't feel confident about becoming one of the 12. I answered good, but got all emotional. Maybe that is good, maybe it is bad. I just don't feel like I did well. I don't feel like I was in the interview as long as two before me, but then that could be attributed to nerves.

Some of my answers were not good. I just don't know what to expect. I am going to have to just sit back and wait to see what occurs tomorrow. I have done my best so we will see what happens.

September 9th - Interview day

Well, here we are, finally. Today is the big day, and of course I couldn't sleep in. I have been up since 6am, have made coffee and am sitting at my computer keeping my mind busy. I cannot get over all the support I am getting on this. Especially from my Facebook friends and family. If it wasn't for everybody cheering me on, I don't think I would have made it to today with a sane brain. :-)

I have everything ready to do. I even asked my wonderful hubby to go with me for this interview. I just didn't want to go alone the first trip down there. I am such a wuss when it comes to directions. If I am honored with a spot in the competition I will be fine since I have been there once already. It is just that initial drive that makes me nervous.

I am keeping a positive outlook on this, even though I know there are others that want this just as badly as I do. All I can do at this point is stay positive and pray I have what they want. Life will go on, even if I am not picked. I will cry a few tears, be a bit upset, feel minor depression for a day or so, but in the end I will move on knowing I gave it my best shot.

September 8th - 8pm

Oh Man, I wish I could just go to sleep right now and wake up to tomorrow. I have been doing everything possible to pass the day away. Who woulda thunk it? LOL Most of the time I just want to extend every hour in a day I possibly can, but today I want it over with, so I can wake up and start preparing for my interview at the TV station.

I am so afraid I will not be chosen now. Don't ask me why, I am just concerned. I want this so badly that it is sure to blow up in my face. I have a lot of people cheering me on, but the important thing is to impress my interviewers. I will be glad when the time is over with. Then whatever happens I will know I put my best foot forward. Maybe I will be lucky and only 12 candidates will show up ensuring me a spot. hehehe. No such luck I am sure. Everyone wants this just as much as I do.

Ok, here is my new thinking.....if I do NOT make it tomorrow, I am going to truly get serious about losing weight. I am going to sign up for Good Measure Meals anyway and do what is in my mind to do should I be lucky enough to garner a spot in the show. I am going to go back to Just Fitness, beg their forgiveness for being a jerk when I left before and work out like I am actually on the show. Let's see if I can beat the person who wins. Let me repeat myself, this is ONLY if I am NOT chosen as a top twelve contender this season.

Let's just consider the above a worse case scenario, because I AM going to be chosen a top twelve contestant and I AM going to win the entire enchilada. (big smile)

September 8th

Tomorrow is the big day. It is close, but so far away. I have been going over and over in my mind, how I am going to handle myself. I have my nails done, eyebrows waxed, and ideas forged. Just have to get a good night sleep, wake up refreshed and get ready. Oh wait!!!...what am I going to wear? Should I wear the worst I can to make me look my fattest, or wear something to hide as much as I can, like I normally do? My heart tells me to be myself and wear what will look nice in front of the judges. They don't want to see fat and rolls falling all over the place. I am afterall, going to an interview. So we will treat it as such and dress accordingly.

Hmmm, now the next question is what? Obviously I will wear black pants. Always black; never white or red or green or some other ungodly color. Black pants it is. I think...no I KNOW what I will wear over them. I will wear my fuchsia blouse. That way I will look good, but also won't look thin either. I will borrow Mom's necklace to go with it and a nice pair of earrings and be ready to go win a spot in the competition. I will be crushed if I don't, so I have to keep this upbeat positive attitude. It sure is hard sometimes.

September 7th

Ok, so I am a nervous wreck. Only two days until the big interview. Then on the 10th I should know where I stand. I want this so bad and it is killing me waiting and wondering who my competition is. I have never wanted anything so badly in my entire adult life. I have been making plans as far as how I will win this competition ever since I was selected as a semi-finalist last week. Thank goodness the finals interview was not more than a week away from the notification or I would be a basket case. LOL

I am going in with a super positive attitude and one that will prove to them that I am serious about winning this competition. I plan on working out seven days a week and eating nothing but what is provided by Good Measure Meals I will not allow anyone to get in my way of winning, not only the competition but a new body and lease on life.

Two more days and I will be off to the station and doing the best I can muster to guarantee myself a spot in the competition.

September 3, 2010

According to the rules and guidelines of Atlanta's Biggest Loser, the contest ran from August 16, 2010 and ends on September 3, 2010. If I was chosen as a semi-finalist, I would be notified by phone on that day. If I did not answer my phone, then they would move on to another eligible candidate. Fortunately, I put my cell phone on my application.

My cell phone never left my side all morning at work. Where I went, it went as well. By lunch time, I had received no phone call so I assumed like always, I was not one of the lucky semi-finalists.

After lunch I checked my personal email from my work desk and there was this interesting looking email. The subject line was "Congratulations! Atlanta's Biggest Loser!" I am thinking to myself, "No way, this has to be a 'thank you for applying, but' letter." I opened the mail and to my amazement it went on to say, "Congratulations! You've been selected as one of our semi-finalists for Atlanta's Biggest Loser!" Needless to say, the tears began to flow. I could not believe it. No way, I was selected as a semi-finalist!

I was told in the letter that I had to go to the studios of 11Alive TV on September 9th for an interview to see if I will be chosen as one of the 12 finalists to compete in the program. As luck would have it, I am on vacation this week. Whoo Whoo

I plan on being one of the 12 finalists and when chosen, I WILL win the competition. They supply a trainer and food while you are competing. I will lose more than any former winner - last year Joan Clipp won and lost 60 pounds. Can we say Kriss will lose at minimum 65? Oh yes she will. Wait and see.

Harsh Reality

The harch reality is that I am fat. It has been a part of my life for a while now, but no more than it is today. Due to quitting smoking I gained more weight than I wish to disclose, but at least I am smoke free and have been for two and a half years now.

I have tried every weight loss measure possible. Nothing worked or worse yet, I failed because I lost hope and interest. You name it; I don't think there is a plan, pill, shot, or program that I have not tried in the past. I had all but given up.

Two weeks ago, I decided to give life one more chance in the form of a competition based in Atlanta that is geared toward the same format as NBC's Biggest Loser competition. This is Atlanta's Biggest Loser. Although technically they are NOT affiliated with the national program, they base their program similarly to the Biggest Loser program. I never win anything. Well, that is not totally true. When I lived in North Dakota I entered a couple of contests at the local Tastee Freeze. In one contest I won a water float, and the other a whole pig. WOW was I excited. My freezer was full for a year with that oinker. LOLOL

Anyway, back to the subject at hand. LOL I discovered three weeks ago that ABL was asking for people to apply for their newest competition that is due to start on September 20, 2010 and run until December 10, 2010. Twelve weeks to get in shape with the help of Wellstar Health Systems, and Good Measure Meals. I had no hopes or expectations of winning, but I thought, "What the heck. Let's give this a whirl."

I don't remember what I wrote in my application, but I submitted this horrible page of my pictures along with it. Now THAT is a harsh reality. The fact that I was able to put myself out there for all the world to see is amazing. I am not proud of myself. I have allowed myself to get to this point and I am more ashamed than anyone can imagine. I don't like having my picture taken and my smile has all but disappeared. This application is my last hope. I can only sit and wait.