Sorry that we haven't checked in as recently as we should.  We've been out of the area on a family emergency.  Mark's dad had a heart attack, so we wound up taking emergency leave and driving from Northern Nevada to Newton, IA (about 30 miles east of Des Moines).  We actually aren't back home yet, but are in Kimball, NE (don't ever stay at the Super 8 here).  I think that we have calluses upon our calluses.  However, driving doesn't really induce exercising, or eating as healthy as one could.  We haven't had a chance to weigh ourselves, or do any measuring of our chunky dunker selves.  However, I fear the moment of truth!  I will be getting my exercise in an all new way when we get back!  While we were travelling, we received move orders (my husband is in the army), so I get to look forward to sorthing through things when I get home and getting rid of things that we don't want to move.  The good thing is that I usually lose weight while sorting through the garage and house.  I'll really begin to see it when we arrive in Sacramento, CA (our new destination) and begin unpacking boxes.  That's a little ways down the road (not so far off, though).  Well, I have to get ready to hit the road for another fun filled day of driving.  I will check back in, and hopefully do better with the blogging when life returns to whatever we define as normal!

Me and the scale are going to go to war!  Trying to lose weight can be soooo frustrating!  Mark and I have both been trying to watch what we eat, etc. and yet so far no change really...well, maybe a pound.  Now I know how the couples on Biggest Losers felt on Tuesday night, especially the one who gained a pound!  The reality is that I really have to force myself to get more active on exercising.  Once I get a pattern going, it will be second nature, but right now it is VERY DIFFICULT to do.  Life keeps getting in the way.  Then to top it off, I turned 41 yesterday!  GRRRRR.  I found a picture of me the other day of when I was skinny (of course my husband says...ew.. you were anorexic in that ).  I'm thinking about posting it on my fridge (after I cut my ex-husband out of the pic! LOL).  Then I need to find a picture of me when I am looking way too big and post it next to it so I can remember what I'm working for everytime I head for the fridge!

We've been talking about needing to lose weight for ages.  We’re regular viewers of "The Biggest Loser" and are amazed, and inspired, at the differences in the contestants.  We’ve decided that it is time to do the same.  We realize that not only are we unhappy with the extra weight that we have, but that it’s very unhealthy.  My husband is a cancer survivor, and I’ve been borderline diabetic in the past.  Also, both sides of our family have histories of cancer and heart disease.  We’d like to be around to see our children grow up and become successful adults, so it's time to begin paying closer attention to our diet and exercise plans!  We’d also like to be better role models. With our schedules, we tend to grab whatever is easy to eat, at whatever time it may be, and there doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day to allow for a regular exercise routine. 

 

In order to succeed at our weight goals, I'm going to begin making healthier meals, and package them for when we need that "quick" meal.  I'm also monitoring our daily caloric intake / burn on fitday.com to see where changes need to be done.  For our exercise goals, we are both interested in weight training, the treadmill, stationary bike, and stair steps.  I also plan to include some full-body and abdominal routines.  I plan to aim for one hour a day of exercise (not necessarily at one setting), at least 4 days a week. 

 

In all honesty, why we want to join came MUCH easier to us than why we should win the contest.  We are doing this to challenge ourselves, and by recording our successes, and yes failures, it will help us stay on track with our goals.