25 lbs down!

Last Monday I entered my weight on Weight Watchers Online. I was surprised to see a bouncing star in front of me indicating that I had lost 25 lbs!
I started WW online about 2 1/2 years ago. I was a bit heavier back then. The data base saved my information, and used my original weight when I re-joined.
Needless to say I was very happy to see that, and I am looking forward to the next 25 lb Star!

Friendships; A vital asset to life's journey

I am a sociable, and outgoing person. For over 10 years I worked in a customer service desk at a casino. My job was to talk to people all day, when we weren't busy I chatted with my co-workers. Two years ago I was the successful candidate for an Admin Level II position within the same company. I was sad to leave my job, the building I worked in for almost 14 years and all my friends, however I was excited to start my new job and finally put my skills and abilities to use. I spend most of my time now in a cubicle in front of a computer. I do love my job, and I am good at what I do. For a long time I felt like there was something missing. Sitting at my desk eating lunch alone, I began to feel lonely. Over time, I started making new friendships. I must say I have very good working relationships with my co-workers, they make my day enjoyable. Some of the co-workers I have befriended have moved on to other building within the company, I try to keep in touch with them.


I have been reflecting lately on the friendships in my life. I have many friends, some have been around since I was a teen, some are fairly new. Some I chat with everyday, some not so much. Some friends live far away, some are so close they are my neighbor. Some are women, some are men. Some are young adults some are seniors.

I believe that God brings people down my path for a reason. Each person has an impact on my life big or small.

I love every friend, with all my heart. I may not show it or say it as often as I should, but I truly do love my friends.


At this time in my life, I have the most friends that I have ever had.
I am so grateful for the support I am getting from my friends and co-workers.
My Facebook group is a great sanctuary for me. I know I can post anything and those ladies will support and encourage me.
In addition some of my friends and co-workers are helping me through other subjects that I am struggling in.


My friends accept me for who I am, love me even though I am not perfect, and come to the rescue when I need them.
I have some amazing friends.

My first 5K Charity walk

Steps for Life - Winnipeg, Manitoba Join us on Sunday, May 5th at Kildonan Park!

Raise awareness of workplace safety & help support families of workplace tragedy! Steps for Life - Walking for Families of Workplace Tragedy is a fun 5km fundraising walk to help support families affected by workplace tragedy. Created in 2004, it raises funds to support Threads of Life programs and services for families who’ve suffered from a workplace fatality, life-altering injury or occupational disease. It also raises awareness about the importance of health and safety within workplaces and to the public. It’s a unique way to educate your community about the devastating ripple effects of a workplace tragedy and how we can work together to prevent others from being injured or killed on the job.

I am the team captain :)

Our Team name: "Walking Zombies"

Our Team donation goal: $300

Team members goal: 10

Steps For Life 5 K Walk - My Donations Page

Walking Zombies Team Page

Making time for me

I came home from the gym one night and thought to myself, I missed putting my kids to bed tonight. Was it really worth it? Then I thought to myself, the kids need they're mom, and If I don’t take care of me I won’t be around. 

What are they going to remember; One night a week away from them, or a mom who is able to care for her grandchildren one day.

Please don’t misunderstand me. My husband was home to put them to bed. If my kids are sick I will skip the gym and tend to they’re needs. My family always comes first.

On Weight Watchers nights, my husband takes the kids to the library. Not only do they get quality time with Dad, but they are learning at the same time.

In addition, I am teaching my kids how to live a healthy life. I was not raised in an active home. I want to show my kids, this is what you need to do when you are grown up.

Time management and planning are huge keys in success. Making the time to exercise, time to plan meals, time to grocery shop, and time to cook are all very important.

It feels good to finally make time for me.

The Journey

Someone at the beginning of my journey said to me “Oh gosh, It’s going to take you years!”

I dwelled and pondered on that statement for awhile. One morning I had an “a-ha” moment. If people looked at a mountain, and said it’s too hard to climb, no one ever would climb a mountain. It’s not about how hard the climb will be, it’s about the journey to get there.

It took years to put that weight on, and I wasn't about to wake up and magically have lost all the weight in one night.

I have learned bad habits throughout the years, and now it was time to learn some good habits.

A New Sanctuary

Several months ago I created a group on Facebook called Healthy Living. 

I extended a public invite to all my friends who were interested. When our group became more active, I changed the privacy settings to private group. 

This is my sanctuary. It is a way I can connect with my friends about the trails I face, without my other Facebook friends, family even bosses and co-workers reading my posts. I can access this group through my cell phone, so I have the support with me all the time. 

The group is very diverse; some ladies with kids, some without, some work from home, and ages 20ish to 40ish. 

Late December/Early January one of the group members posted a weight loss challenge. This challenge made the group extremely active. We decided to add in mini challenges such as share your journal, calories burned, and steps taken.

I am so proud of our group. We are like a little family. 

Our group accomplishments;

•  Lost over 100lbs as a group
• Have encouraged members that were struggling, and helped them find they’re groove
• Have shared recipes and meal ideas
• Have helped each other through temptations
• Have helped each other with daily struggles that could cause us to fall off the wagon such as dealing with kids, work, family, and life events
• Have encouraged each other to live an active life

New Life

In December 2012 I became sick. I was sick with a bad fever, which led to an unimaginable pain in my leg. I found out that I had a blood clot in my upper right thigh, and cellulitis in my right leg. After two weeks I was able to walk enough to get back to work. The hospital said it was possibly caused by inactivity. At my follow up doctor’s appointment I found out that my sugar levels were near diabetes level.  I was 34 years old, extremely overweight and now my body was telling me it had enough if the abuse.

I decided then that I cannot live this life anymore. I need to change and fast. I finally determined that I am worth it.