Hello everyone! How was your Thanksgiving......................mine was really nice, but I totally over ate. It was all soooooo good. We had all the regulars, turkey, stuffing, potatoes, corn, pecan pie! The stuffing was so good, and the pecan pie.........two things I never eat except for Thanksgiving, so I went a bit overboard. I actually only had a small piece of pie because I was so full, so of course I had to take a piece home. I went to the mountains for T-day, my sister Linda’s house. So not only did I overeat on Thanksgiving, but the 3 days I was there. We went out to dinner the 1st night, and my sister went all out, as she always does, we had sticky buns one morning and then a huge breakfast the other. I of course had to be polite and eat what was made for me. Yes my family is supporting me on my journey but they also feel that when it’s a special occasion, you celebrate by eating, so I celebrated. I think I gained 5 lbs in those 3 days, but of course have not gotten on the scale to find out for sure. Im putting that off until I think I have lost it again! No, its not really excuses, it life!

I have been watching the biggest loser again, they just did the exercise where you carry the weight you’ve lost up 500 steps, taking off the weight you’ve lost every 100 steps for each week, then jogging one mile to the end. The winner of this challenge also won a home gym worth $25,000...............hmmmm, wonder if that would make a difference for me! Um yes, Id have to say it would, I would love to have my own home gym, you could work out in your bare feet and you don’t have to worry about parking.

Also an update on selling my home, well with the market the way it is, I have decided to rent out my home and wait to sell my house. Im planning on moving in with my brother, who has a beautiful house and needs a roommate. I can save some money while Im there and am actually excited to be moving back to north Wilmington and getting the opportunity to spend some more time with my 8 year old nephew Michael, as my brother has shared custody. They also have the cutest dog who needs lots of walks. Its actually going to work out for both my brother and myself, so I am excited!

My cousin Phil is doing well, we hope to have him home soon, he will be going through intense therapy and they say it may take a year for him to get back to where he was, but he is expected to recover almost 100%. I have felt so lucky that I have been able to be there for my family.

"Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value."
- Albert Einstein

Until Later, Bonnie

Hello Everyone How are you? I am doing good, all things considered. As you read in my last post I have been going through some family troubles but am happy to report my cousin Philip has been transferred to Bryn Mawr Rehab in Malvern. Im so grateful I have been able to spend so much time with him and able to be there. I have had no real schedule lately and am looking forward to getting back to a routine now that he is out of danger and on his long winding road to recovery, but things are looking good!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I cant believe the Holiday season is starting...........time really does fly. I am going to the mountains again this year, up to my sisters in New Germantown, PA. It is beautiful there and very tranquil. I am looking forward to taking another hike up the mountain as we did last year, counting on my brother Duke and in-law Pat to do it again with me.

I have still been eating well and am keeping the weight off but the exercising has eluded me! Well, actually I have totally abandon exercising, and I can feel the difference. I am more active that I have ever been which is keeping the weight off but as I have said before, need to step it up again to lose, but am thrilled that I have learned how to eat right and maintain my weight. I know exercising is also to keep a healthy lifestyle, and I will continue to keep it apart of my life. I just need to get back into a routine, so much harder than it sounds, although I know allot of people do understand that..............I so understand why people need trainers to keep them motivated, guide them and push them.

Well I have not sold my house yet, if fact I am now trying to rent it out at this time..... The market is still bad and I cant afford to even break even at this time, so Im gonna hold on and hopefully rent it soon. I will then move into my brothers house and that will help both of us right now. I will get to see more of my nephew and still get to live in a beautiful home and add my womens touch to the house. My Brother is willing to let me do whatever I want as far a decorating and Im actually looking forward to it.

“Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe". Saint Augustine

Well time to go for now, but will keep you posted, Happy Thanksgiving to All

Until Later, Bonnie

Happy Halloween everyone! Candy candy candy....................Thank Goodness I am not a sweets girl. Im not too worried about all the candy around because I’d rather have potato chips.

Things have been crazy since I returned from my vacation. My cousin Philip, who is more like a brother to me and at times, a father figure (he was also named after my father and I also have a brother named Philip who we call Duke) had a terrible accident Sunday morning about 5am, a week ago today.........He is in ICU in Christiana Hospital. We are not sure exactly what happened because he is not able to communicate with us and the doctors said he may not even remember because it is a brain injury. We think he must have gotten up to go to the bathroom and his sugar was low, (he is a diabatic) or he was just half asleep, opened the wrong door and fell down the basement steps. He has bleeding in the brain in 2 areas, broke his nose, jaw, fractured both of his eye sockets and there is a problem with his aorta vein in his neck. He has since developed pneumonia and although he is breathing on his own (Thank God) he is on a vent and has a tube going down his throat which is helping to keep is lungs as clear as possible. His temperature is fluctuating up and down, up to 103, but this is also expected due to the pneumonia.

The doctors think he didn’t realize what was happening because the 1st reaction of someone falling is to put their arms out to try and protect themselves from the fall, Philip did not do this because he has no broken bones anywhere but in his face, which took the whole impact of the fall. He had open heart surgery 2 years ago and his heart is strong (Thank God again), that is also when they found out he was also a diabatic, he started on insulin right away.

My family has been keeping a vigil at the hospital since, and Thank God again that I have a huge wonderfully strong family. We have been taking turns and staying with my cousin Susan (Phils wife) as she wouldn’t leave the hospital for the 1st 6 days, we have at least been able to convince her to go to her sisters house at night and sleep in a real bed, and its only 5 minutes away from the hospital so she can get there quickly if need be.....................I will keep you posted but please include Philip in your prayers, as it will be a long recovery either way.

Well as far as Me................I am still eating pretty good but haven’t been to the gym in over 2 months, I went to the doctor on Wednesday and according to their records have lost 32 lbs since my last visit in Sept. 2009. I apparently had gained another 10 lbs from Sept. 2009 to Jan. 2010, which I can totally believe because I was in such a bad place, I did nothing but eat in my depression, and when you don’t move much and eat a lot, it is easy to put on 10 lbs.
I was attempting to take my own food to the hospital, salads and fruit, small cooler full of water, but that didn’t last long! So I am either not eating at all or doing the vending machine thing, not good, but I am aware and changing that too!

I am still not working, as now I also have to take Delaware State boards, DE has recently changed their regulations and are no longer having reciprocity with PA. Im going to have to take my State boards again and will do it soon, as I need to get back to work but am actually grateful Im not working right now so I can be there for my family. I have not forgotten everything I need to do, and I am preparing myself for everything.

No luck with selling my house yet, thinking about maybe renting it out. This year started out being a great year, meeting Sara (my trainer) my friend Rose getting the ball rolling for me. Im not sure what happened but Im not gonna give up. Im gonna step up...................and keep going in a positive direction. Even though I haven’t been working out like I need too, I still feel Im heading in the right direction. I have learned so much about myself and my body over the last 9 months and I can truly say I have made changes that will stay with me forever!

"Walking your talk is a great way to motivate yourself. No one likes to live a lie. Be honest with yourself, and you will find the motivation to do what you advise others to do" ~Vince Poscente

Until Later, Bonnie

Hello everyone I have been having some good things happening along with the not so good one, but making the best of it. I have kept the weight off, 43 lbs, and believe I have lost a few more.............but I have not been to the gym so check on their scale, which is the one I have been using since day one So that is the one that matters, and I don’t have a scale at home anyway. I am going to the doctor tomorrow and will also see what I weighed a year ago, long before I started my journey. I will keep you posted on that one. My weigh in date for Plexus is January 14, 2011, which really is right around the corner. I may have to pull a “Biggest Loser” move or go to a fat farm or something Lol, just kidding, I know the way to really lose is a life style, and I am doing that and I havent given up.

I went on vacation to Florida with my girlfriends (My YaYa’s) and I did pretty well. We rented bikes for the week and rode 5-6 miles 4 of the days we were there. And I swam a lot, everyday either in the ocean or the pool......... I am definitely happy to exercise while in the water, I love to swim I guess because it doesn’t feel like exercise to me. I also decided to be the designated driver so that everyone could drink and enjoy their selves and I could not only save calories but money. It worked out well, although I must say I drank more last week than I have in a months. I save it for when we were at the condo. We had great weather too

So right now, the goal is the same for the weight loss, but even one pound closer is something Im gonna grab!

"Failure cannot cope with persistence." Napoleon Hill

Until Later, Bonnie

Hello everyone! Well, let me see, where do I start today. I am feeling and doing a lot better than my last entry. I am doing my best to re-frame and remind myself even though I may have stalled a bit, I can still do this. I have lost another 2lbs, so I am happy about that, brings me to a new total of 43lbs, still haven’t stepped it up like I surely need to, but Im not falling behind again.
It also makes me realize how important your trainer is to your success. I use to think, who needs a trainer, either your gonna do it or your not, but I have come to realize having a good trainer is key. My trainer Sara can motivate me like no other. I haven’t worked out with her most of the summer. I thought I would be ok without her for awhile and didn’t want her to worry about me. I have come to realize why and how important they are to reaching your goal. No wonder so many people hire great trainers, not only do they motivate you, but you have someone you have to answer too. Someone who will see changes more than anyone else. Sara’s winning smile and her presence has been greatly missed. I hope to be working out with her again soon I miss you Sara!

I have been working hard getting my house ready and have gotten rid of so much stuff, even though it doesn’t look like it, I can feel it. Actually my basement surely looks a lot different I cant believe how much stuff I have accumulated over the last 12 years living in this house. When I started getting rid of things, I would discover new boxes behind boxes and realized I never unpacked them from when I moved in. Yes, some sentimental stuff, but still just stuff. So I decided to go with my number one rule that I have always used when I go shopping, which is, it has to be 3 reallys! When I shop, I don’t buy it unless I really, really, really want it.
I have know for years that I already had too much “stuff”. This rule has always worked for me and helped me to not buy something I really didnt need. It really does feel good to get rid of things, clean out drawers, closets, it's kind of freeing. It makes me feel more organized, well because I am more organized. I also realized Im not gonna buy any more cleaning supplies until I have used every cleaning product in my cabinets. I have doubles and triples of cleaning products, you forget you even have them, they are in a cabinet all the way in the back and you don’t see them, need to use them. Try it!

“We all need someone who inspires us to do better than we know how.”
- Anonymous

Until Later, Bonnie

Hi Everyone! I was getting back on track, and somehow I have managed to sabotage myself again.
Its so hard to stay motivated! I so want to get back to where I was, thinking positive and the feeling that you can do anything you set your mind too! It just seems to be getting harder instead of easier, and then you fumble again and cant even manage to pick yourself up. It starts to feel like everything is just too hard. You read wonderful words of inspiration and think yes, then the next minute the words have left you and you cant even remember what they were. You wonder how others keep doing it day after day, and you remember that it use to be you helping to motivate others and you just cant figure out what happened to yourself.

You start to double guess yourself and think maybe I did try to change too many things all at once, even though when you started, you were so positive of the goals you wanted to achieve and they didn’t seem so out of reach.

Im still spinning my wheels, and I say to myself Im not gonna give up. Yet somehow you have totally given up and are just fooling yourself. I don’t know where I am going and cant seem to see the future like I always did. I know I am over thinking things. Im in that rut of saying, ok tomorrow I will step it up and start again, then you don’t. You feel the disappointment in others and feel like you cant face anyone, you know you have not only let yourself down, but everyone!

I have to get over it and just do it, I went to the gym when I was at my heaviest and faced everyone, what makes it different now?

“When life knocks you down, try to land on your back. Because if you can look up, you can get up” ~ Les Brown

Until Later, Bonnie

Hi everyone Well I have had a lot going on. I am happy to say I have lost the 5lbs I put back on, so my total goes back to 41 lbs Thank God I have to say, one of the best things I have learned is how to eat better. I know I will never go back to the way I use to eat. I always ate fast food regularly, working in an office and buying lunch everyday was a really bad habit, not only was it costly but so bad for you. Its really nothing but grease and processed foods, and it sure doesn’t help you get through the afternoon easily. I now take notice of how the things I eat make me feel. I would just drag in the afternoon after eating lunch. My body does tell me now what it needs. I actually crave salads and greens! I still crave my Taco Bell, lol, but I order from the light menu which is very tasty and only half the calories and fat as a regular taco. I have said before and will say again, I can never give up my Taco Bell! That will always be my special treat. I’ve also learned to eat my biggest meal at lunch and a lighter dinner.
I have some things I need to work on there though, as it does make me want a late night snack after a light dinner. One of my favorite new snacks is soybeans, add some spices to them and snack away. I finally found them in the grocery store and just love them. Another favorite is humus and carrots.

Im still having a tuff time with the career change, and have been having a really hard time focusing. I love my new career but have run into some problems with my licence and need to get that straighten out, but have no regrets on changing my career. Im taking longer than I should but not gonna give up.

I want to start mediating, Empowered Yoga has just added a new meditation room that I want to check out, I so need to put my mind at ease and learn to focus again, one of the things I have been struggling with. I have so many things on my mind I cant seem to prioritize well. Im still all over the place. This was always a strong point for me, focusing on what I want and able to prioritize. Still so many things to accomplish, and I know we will always have a list, but I need my list to change and not still have the same things on it!

I still have 4 months to reach my weight loss goal, I started to give up on myself, then realized I really have no choice, I have to continue doing what I need to do, no matter what your goal is, you have to keep working towards it, and when you reach it, give yourself a break and start with a new goal. Its really the only way to live!

“Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's TRUE strength”

Until Later, Bonnie

Hello everyone, hope you are doing well. I am better than last time I updated you. I still have a lot of things going on and a lot of issues I need to take care of, but Im getting back on track. I am happy to say I have lost 2 of the 5 lbs I put back on!! I trying very hard to get back in the grove. I almost gave up completely. I felt really lost and low with no place to go!

I have had some problems with my esthetic license and am not able to work until I get it straightened out, another blow that had me feeling pretty low. I have been in a bad place the last couple months, totally letting myself down. It is so hard to get it together, but I know you can never give up.

I am happy to say Im still eating pretty good, my new favorite thing is Soybeans! If you have never tried them, you must, they are so good and a great thing to snack on, hot or cold.

Well there is an open house tomorrow night at Plexus Gym, I am planning on attending, so if you get the opportunity, please stop in and check out the gym. They will be serving refreshments from Twin Lakes Brewing Co. and some yummy gourmet food from Sugar Foot. Stop in at Plexus in town in the Nemours Building, right across the street from Deep Blue Restaurant.

I would love to meet you! My words of wisdom for today ..............

"Don't pray life gets easier... Pray that you get stronger!" Jim Rohn

Until Later, Bonnie

Hello again, Hope everyone is doing well. Im embarrassed I have not updated my blog as I should. I’ve had a bad few weeks, Im still in a rut....... I heard a good phrase the other day, they said to change the word Impossible to Im possible I like it, although I never thought everything I am trying to accomplish was impossible, I know it can be done. I just lost my motivation, my energy, my mojo, somewhere along the way. I’ve just become so tired................... Im trying to do all these things, all very important things, changing my career, losing weight, quitting smoking, sell my home to go along with my new income. I lost track of myself once I got the job, I love the job but its not paying the bills, so worry as set in, and old habits have reappeared.

Although none of my old worries were about money, that was one thing I was good with, my money. I didn’t have to worry about stopping for gas and only being able to put in 20.00 in stead of just filling it up...............I never had to worry how much I spent at the grocery store and even got so cocky as to not use coupons anymore. Now, I love coupons And I have learned to not buy something just because I have a coupon, that is a trap

We are also working on my sleep patterns, as I have not been sleeping much. I am exhausted at night but just cant seem to fall asleep, and then I cant get up in the morning when the alarm goes off. I am getting up at 8am everyday now, trying to get back into an early morning routine so that I can fall asleep at night. The late nights have me eating late at night, an old bad habit I can not afford, as my body does need to rest when Im sleeping and we all know that if you eat before you sleep, your body doesn’t rest as it should because its digesting the food you ate all night long.
I have gained back 4-5 pounds in the last 6 weeks and I can really feel it.
I am not happy with myself right now, and am struggling with so many things. I feel as though I am spinning my wheels and going in circles. I have lost something and I need to get it back.

I am so disappointed in myself, I haven’t been exercising like I was, Im not keeping up with my blog as I should, it seems to be getting harder to write than before. I know I will never eat the way I use too again, as I have learned so much from Barbara about food, but I have had fast food (Taco Bell) several times in the last few weeks! I can say its still a big improvement as fast food was 4-5 times a week before I started this journey.

I know everyone platos, but this is not a plato, a plato is when you are still doing everything right and not losing any weight, Im in a bad slump that I am letting get the best of me. Im having a hard time and just cant seem to get motivated again. I need to take action and push myself to do it. Nothing to do but just do it!


Until Later, Bonnie

Hello again Hope everyone is doing well. I had a good week last week, best week in many. I got back in the gym with my trainer, did yoga twice and once at home. It felt good as I was feeling so much guilt having been absent from the gym. Sara worked me out hard and set me up with a routine to do at home as well. It is a good routine working my core and something I can do fast and quick in case I cant make it to the gym. I have to work out everyday to reach my goal, even if its 30 minutes of cardio in my living room

This is a quickie this time, but have a lot to fill you in on, will give you an update tomorrow, when I have more time to edit and reread!

“Opportunity often comes disguised in the form of misfortune, or temporary defeat” - Napoleon Hill

Until Later, Bonnie

Hi Everyone Hope everyone is doing better than me Im sorry I haven’t kept up with my blog, I have been in what you may call a “rut”. I must apologize and I need to write weather its good news or not so good news. I have no excuses other than the ones I tell myself, but really none of them are good enough to excuse myself. I did hurt my knees during our pole dancing class Yes I did, and that has lead me to exercise less using my bad knee as an excuse Its now only my right knee that is bothering me, which I have arthritis in both knees, but at this point, only my right knee is still having problems I haven’t been to the gym in a month and have not really missed it Im really struggling with wanting to work out. I was hoping I would get to the point where I felt so good I wouldn’t be able to get through the week without working out, you know how some people just need to work out, are compelled to do so, but that has not happened.

I just had a Birthday, which was wonderful but.........................well it was really good, had a great time, partied with friends, my Mom got me a” workout towel” and said “now get your ass back into the gym” I have been doing my Leslie Sansone tapes a couple times a week. It doesn’t really bother my knees, although everything Sara my trainer had worked out for me didn’t bother my knees either. I guess I was just looking for something to give myself a break and not work out. You have to remember I am someone who has never worked out in my life, ever So it was almost 6 months I did pretty good. I got a job, which did make the commitment harder, but still no question I could still fit in working out. I also got a parking ticket in town, that I have not paid yet, stupid because I could have fought it as the meter was not working at the time I parked, next time I will take a picture lol No energy to fight that one out, why bother as it would cost me more in time and effort. I also suggest you pay it right away or it will double it no time

I also have to get to the gym and weigh myself, I have definitely put a few pounds back on, although I have still been eating pretty good, but have gotten back into the bad habit of eating late at night. I really need to concentrate and work on that again. Its never a good thing to eat late, unless you are starving, which is not the case with me. And with not working out 5-6 days a week, its slowly creeping back my waist line.

Sara, my trainer thinks its time to try me out with Yoga She said it helps with a heavy heart. Sounds like a plan to me A heavy heart is a good way of describing how I have been feeling. The new job is great, I love it, just not busy enough, which means not enough money, which leads to sleepless nights, which leads to a grumpy tired person! I have been cleaning out my house and getting rid of a lot of things, but as far a putting it on the market, well........................its not worth it if I wont come out with enough money to start over, so I am trying to hang on and wait until the market it better! Another scarey thought, and adding to the sleepless nights.

So its time to reframe and really step it up again, I really have no choice, its either wallow in my sorrows or keep fighting. I choose to keep fighting! I also promise to be more diligent in blogging my progress and where Im at in my head as far as what Im trying to accomplish here. Please keep following me and sending me positive energy. I have a lot of people who believe in me, so I just need to believe in myself again.

“It's not what life path you were on in the past that matters, it's the path you are choosing to be on now that's important. Your choice = level of happiness”

Until Later, Bonnie

Hello everyone Its been an exciting and busy week. I have been working everyday, and am feeling really confident about the new job I am loving it, it is such a completely different work environment than what I was use to. I came from a very fast paced, phones ringing, constantly trouble shooting, get it done now environment. Now at the Spa you speak quietly, almost a whisper in the halls, moving slow and calm, and quietly. When I enter my treatment room, the door closes and no one interrupts me for the hour to hour and a half I am giving a treatment. Im still calming people, but in such a different way. It also has a calming affect on me, which I am so grateful for. I love putting people in a good place, in “the zone” as I like to say. There are still pressures of course, learning new product lines, learning how things need to done, following protocol and making sure I teach people how to take care of their skin. It is always hard being the new person. I was always the go to person, now I am the person with all the questions. With that said, I have to say, this is the best thing I could do for myself, changing careers has been a blessing. I still have a lot to learn, as in this field and many others, continuing education will always be apart of it. Except now Im going from new guide lines and state laws to new products and new technics. And most importantly, doing something I love!

I was afraid to weigh myself last week as I could feel I didn’t lose much, so I waited until yesterday and saw I am down another 4 lbs. I know I could have done better had I worked out more, but it was definitely a challenge working everyday and still trying to fit in a work out. I did stick to good foods because of the guilt of not working out 6 days. No excuses I know! I was disappointed in myself for not making it more of a priority. I have to keep telling myself once I reach my goal and get into the maintenance part I will be able to cut back on my work outs, but for now, I just have to do it! So yes, I am down another 4 lbs giving me a new grand total of 41 lbs! My brother Phil said to me, Bonnie, your almost half way there! That was a good thought, so I am going to continue with my journey with positive thoughts and picture myself looking the way I want to look. If you can see it, you can be it!

I also had some exciting new exercise this weekend. We went for a pole dancing class Yes, we did, for my friend and Image consultant JoJami’s Birthday. It was so much fun and what a great work out as well. I did have one drink before we went as I was a little nervous, vodka though, less calories than rum! I went with a beautiful group of women, my good friend Rose, “My motivator”, “My Trainer” and friend Sara, an old friend Rita and a new friend Lisa.. Now these women, all of them are very healthy with beautiful bodies, so it was important for me to keep up. And I did, and had a blast while doing so. Ladies, I recommend getting some friends together and just do it!

I will be posting some pictures soon, Im ready for a before picture and a now picture! Well time to go, but I would like to leave you with one of my new favorite quotes!

“Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper” - Adelle Davis.

Until Later, Bonnie

Hello everyone, big news to share I have been extremely busy and I am doing well. I got a new job in the field of Esthetics. I'm very happy and proud to say I am now working at The Spa at Montchanin Village. What a beautiful place and wonderful environment to start my new career. I will be working various hours, I am excited to start making a living doing something I love Please, if your interested in getting a facial, give the Spa a call and tell them you want Bonnie for a service! Wish me luck in this new endeavor!

I can tell you I am on the right path to maintain my weight. I did not lose any this week, but I did not gain either, actually I have gone back and forth with the same 2 lbs since last week. I only worked out 4 times this past week, ate good, but did have a few things that were not the best for me. I was craving a hot dog for some reason. I never was a big hot dog person, so I don’t know where it came from. I ended up buying a pack of kosher hots dogs that were only 1 gram of fat each, (a regular hot dog has any where from 12-14 grams of fat) but even the kosher ones still had a lot of sodium in them. Sodium is definitely one of my problems, so I have been very careful checking everything for sodium content. The hot dog was actually ok, but I also had the hot dog on my favorite potato bread roll. I also split an Italian hoagie with my Mom, although before, I would have eaten the whole thing, so half was still a step in the right direction. I cant wait to get to the maintenance point of weight control. Im learning how to eat right, and also realize you do have to indulge once in awhile, cant wait to get there. In the meantime, I have to step it up again, so I keep losing!

I have a new challenge as well, now that Im working, I have to figure out how to fit in my workouts, which are so important to what I am trying to accomplish. Six days a week is a lot, and on the days this past week that I did not make it to the gym, I again, did my cardio tape. It definitely helps burn calories, but at the gym, I get to see how many calories I’ve actually burned. When I see 400-500 calories, I get excited. I am no doubt a visual person. Its such a big commitment, but when you want something bad enough, you have to fight for it. Thank God I have so many people encouraging me and as I’ve said before, never under estimate the power of a high five. So if you see me at the gym, please, lets exchange a high five, as we are both there at the gym, working hard.

Well if anyone has any suggestions, words of wisdom or advice, I would love to hear it.

Until Later, keep going and do what you gotta do!

Bonnie

Hello there, sorry for the delayed update! I have been very productive these last 10 days, cant say I got everything done but never the less got a lot accomplished.. It was a good week
I worked out hard as I was still excited about losing last week, its so hard to keep the momentum though, so I did have to push myself. I am so glad I did. I am down another 8 lbs It had been about 12 days since I weighed myself, I could feel I had lost but was thrilled with this new number, the most I have seen at one time on the scale. This gives me a total of 37 lbs. YEA BABY Sara my Trainor and some good friends were as excited as me! Never under estimate the power of a high five!! Give them as often as possible for whatever reason you can think of! Its empowering!

I was watching the biggest loser, they made the contestants do a race carrying the weight they had lost and dropping it at each point of weekly weight loss They were amazed, as was I at how they ever managed to carry around all that extra weight. It was very inspiring for me.
I am not doing the same program, as it’s a bit extreme, who can work out 6-8 hours a day, have a special diet and continue a regular life! I am here to prove that slow progress works and makes for long term success.

I am now studying hard for my State boards. I cant wait to take the next step towards getting a job in my new field, Esthetics, skin care! I am so excited about the opportunity to do something I love and get paid. I will keep you posted on how I make out with testing, and then getting a new job. I did realize it was not the best time to change careers, but really didn’t have a choice as I am so desperate to be happy!

Im using all the wonderful people around me to support me, loving the words of encouragement Im receiving and most of all, making sure I don’t let myself down! I have such great people around me that I don’t want to disappoint, but I have been told, don’t worry about disappointing anyone but myself, and that is true, as I am the one who would be the most disappointed.

Until Later, Have a Fabulous Day! Bonnie

Hello everyone Busy week, but all good 1st things 1st, I lost another 3 lbs last week, which takes me to a total of 29 lbs Yeah, Im so excited because I was getting a little bit down. I had one week with no weight loss and then 1 lb the following week. I have been trying to add 1-2 mile walks everyday and still doing my workout routine, seems to be paying off now
I also went to the mountains for Mothers day weekend and hiked 2 miles to the top of a mountain with my brother Phil and brother- in- law Pat. Thanks guys for keeping your promise to support me! It was fun, what can we do next!!

I have also been getting my house ready to put on the market. I cant believe how much STUFF I have accumulate over the last 12 years living in this house. I remember when I moved in here I thought how was I going to fill this house up all by myself. Well, no problems there, its just packed with things and more things. I found boxes in my basement I never unpacked from when I 1st moved in, you know what they say, if you haven’t used it in 2 years, you don’t need it I am going to have one big yard sale

OK, just a quickie for now! Will touch base again later in the week!

Until then, take care and take a walk!

Until Later, Bonnie

Hello again, Well, its been an interesting week, a tuff one I must admit. I only lost 1 lb last week and decided to wait two weeks before I weigh myself again. I felt like I lost more than a pound but Im told it can take a week or two to show on the scale, and that includes gaining weight as well. I feel really good even though! I realize also its time to step it up a level and I have a two week goal now I also had a busy schedule this week and didn’t make it to the gym every day. Again, getting to the gym is crucial. I did walk on the days I didn’t go the gym, 3-4 miles, and it’s a great workout but for me, I see more results when I go to the gym I have to start going to the gym early in the morning so I don’t get caught up in the busy day and realize I don’t have time to make it to the gym. (No Excuses) I am a night owl so I like to work out later in the day, but I think I need to reframe and make it 1st on my list and go early. I can always do an evening walk and get 2 workouts done in one day!

I love Sundays at home and prepping for the week ahead. I must be careful when preparing for the week, as I munch the whole time. Im going to have to count my prep sessions as a meal too (lucky for me its all good whole food) It can be so much fun cooking for the week, something again, new to me but I like it. I am also chopping up lots of fruits and veggie, putting them in a baggie or container so they are staring at me when I open my fridge and easy to just grab some and have a crunchy snack. I had a friend come over and we made shrimp scampi, it was delicious, low calorie and healthy I recommend asking friends for their recipes of their favorite healthy meals. I have never used recipes before and really need to as it will help me keep track of exactly what I am putting into my body!

I also learned from Barbara that your blood type as a lot to do with what foods work and don’t work for you. I found that so interesting and never would have thought blood type had anything to do with the foods you ate Do you know your blood type? I am going to find out my blood type and will share with you what I learn.

OK, have to go for now but will fill you in on more detail after the weekend.

Thanks everyone for your support!

Until Later, Bonnie

I am so excited about posting my 1st blog. So many things to share with everyone who cares to listen. LOL

And a wonderful nugget I heard today “There is either junk or food but no such thing as junk food” a quote by Dr. Paul Williams, it hit me funny because I actually know the difference now. Having been a fan of Taco Bell and Mickey D’s. I have now been cooking my own food and learning how to cook healthy and it tastes sooooo good. Who would have thought?

I’ve also been using the buddy system. At first I wanted to work out by myself or with only my Trainer Sara. I guess part of it was the possible embarrassment of not being able to do something or sweating so bad I can’t see. I have realized now that everyone else is sweating too, and red faced. I have been taking people up on meeting for walks or workouts and it so helps, and I am no longer worried about looking bad because it really doesn’t matter. I am doing what I need to do to get where I want to be. I’m actually going hiking soon, new activities that had you asked me 6 months ago I would have said No thanks, too healthy for me.
I’ve had a few bad days here n there, no doubt but I’ m also understanding that regrouping is not starting over; it’s catching up where you left off.

OK, so quitting smoking, that has been a tough one for me more than once. Working out definitely makes a difference there, you can’t give it your all if you’re smoking. It definitely takes away from extra effort. LOL I have cheated a few times and felt and saw the difference immensely. Something that works for me is the patch. I just can’t take if off, that’s when I start to stray. You have to keep it on the entire time needed. Quitting is hard.

So I am 3 months and 10 days into this and have lost 24 lbs, the hardest part so far as not been giving up soda and alcohol, but the shear daily commitment to go to the gym everyday. Once you get there, you are so glad, but getting there is crucial. Working out is as important as changing your diet and they go together so well. I’ve been adding 2 or3 things into my diet every 2 weeks, and taking out 2 or 3 things. I’m doing it slowly and not getting overwhelmed. As Barbara says, “it progress not perfection” I already feel better with just 24 lbs gone. I love that me knees no longer hurt when I get up in the morning And stretching is so nice, feels so good and my body loves it, I can also tie my shoes a lot easier now LOL

Until Later
Bonnie

My name is Bonnie Giandonato, and I am a 45-year-old woman who is starting over and completely changing my life for the better in every way. I'm going to change jobs, quit smoking, lose weight and be a happy and healthy person. I'm also going to sell my house and get a condo with a much smaller mortgage payment. A close friend convinced me that I needed a professional trainer and nutritionist since I didn't know the first thing about working out the right way and eating right. With her help I found Sara, JoJami and Joelle and started working towards my goal of losing 100 pounds. I also started working with a nutritionist, Barbara Paolone.I am ready to share my story with everyone! My struggles, my good days and bad days and, hopefully, I'll be able to help someone realize it's time to make a change for the better. You can be happy, healthy and in a fulfilling career if you are willing to make hard decisions and change your life. You can change your whole life! I will share with you all the things that I am learning and living! I have a wonderful team working with me.

My team consists of:

Sara and Johnny Gillespie - Owners of Plexus Fitness and Empowered Yoga

Trainer -Sara Gillespie - Plexus Fitness

Certified Holistic Health Coach - Barbara Paolone - www.barbarapaolone.com

Life Coach - Joelle Norwood - joellenorwood@yahoo.com

Image Consultant - JoJami Tyler - http://www.jojami.com
Motivator - Rose Giroso - www.roseauthentica.com

How can I fail with a group as talented and as caring as this? So far so good! I'm into my third month now and down 23 pounds, and it hasn't been too painful. If I lose two pounds a week, I will reach my goal. I am learning so much about my body and how it reacts to different foods and what real food is. Small changes and slow weight loss are the keys to success and lasting life changes.

Join me on my journey!