Welcome my friends to our weekly issue of Journey with Friends. This is a time that we come together for support, for encouragement, for fellowship – all with one single goal in mind – to live better. Welcome to our journey to share our goals and our accomplishments and our disappointments and frustrations.
Together we can do this!
February 19, 2017 – Today was a test. A test of strength and dedication. Yesterday we took mom out for her birthday. I did amazingly good with my choices of food. No problems there and I even got a little walk in with some errands we did afterwards. Do you remember the dilemma we had last month with the refrigerator? Well guess what went out today? The washing machine decided it was done and called it turned in it’s resignation. Shaking my head. Of course it would do that when it was full of water and dirty clothes. So after getting out all of the dirty clothes, wringing them and taking them to my moms to do, we had to go shopping for a new washer. And while we were at it, get a new dryer. Why the dryer? Because the dryer is pushing 30 plus years and I know it will probably decide to quit next month. That’s the way it works, right? So I was tested this date fully. And by the time all was said and done, I was craving a real Coke like something you wouldn’t believe. I want to say thank you now to all the peeps who are on my Facebook page that helped me out in my time of need and talked me down. You are the best ❤ I did not get a Coke. I did not drink any sodas. I drunk three glasses of water and called it that. So, I’m still no soda’s since December which is a miracle. Miles Moved: 1.28
February 20, 2017 – Before I started changing my lifestyle, I tried on a pair of Levi’s that I used to wear. Don’t we all do that? I could barely get them over my bum and don’t even think about buttoning them. One edge was far east and the other far west and they were never to meet again. This morning, I tried them on again to test the waters. Over my legs, over my butt with ease. Shocker! And the button side and whole side almost touched. You can pass out now – I almost did. Eight weeks and I can *almost* button them. Now that is a feeling that makes you continue this path. Miles Moved: 2.62
February 21, 2017 – Do you ever have days that you feel short? I’m 5’8″ and most of the time, I walk talk and feel tall. But there are days when I walk that I feel so short like the ground is so close to my face. Isn’t that funny? I woke up this morning to a very high pollen count. Pollen is so early here in the south! Usually we don’t get pollen until next month. My nose and my eyes were having a race to see who wanted to misbehave the most this morning. I went for my walk and I think I dryed everything out. At least I can breathe now for a while. Miles Moved: 2.60
February 22, 2017 – I had to get my walk in today. I have a funny feeling that I will not get much exercise the next couple of days with everything that we need to get done. But today’s walk was good. Thank goodness for that. Miles Moved: 2.92
February 23, 2017 – Yep I was right. Today was a circus for sure. I do not recommend appointments for the accountant, lawyer, post office and nails all in one day. And, I may not have walked per say but I did enough bending up and down cleaning out the laundry room in preparation for our new washer/dryer installation scheduled for tomorrow. Miles Moved: 1.32
February 24, 2017 – I hate waiting for any delivery. There I said it. I waited all day for the delivery of our washer/dryer who didn’t get here until after 5:30pm. Then, the wrong cord was ordered for the dryer. They have to come back out tomorrow. Lucky me. And again I didn’t get to walk but while waiting for the delivery guy I cleaned the house all day. Miles Moved: 1.62
February 25, 2017 – Again another entirely day of waiting. The delivery got here finally after 6:00pm to change the cord. The guy was here for less than ten minutes. What a pain in the butt! Miles Moved: I didn’t wear my I-watch today. I was cleaning and didn’t want to hit it or get it wet
Thoughts for the week: Persistence. That’s a really hard word to come to terms with at times. We all want instant gratification. Trust me. I’m no difference. It’s taking me eight weeks to see physical changes and that is persistence. So far technically, I’ve only lost 12 pounds (our next weigh in is scheduled 03/04/2017). But everyday I feel changes and shifts in my body. It’s happening and I have to keep working towards my goal. That’s when we have to keep telling ourselves, “Keep going. Don’t stop.” Just when you think you can’t, you see or feel something different. This is a blurry picture but you can see the difference. See how lose the pants are? Finally! Something you can see that makes you feel like persistence is a good thing.
This week walked: 12.36
TOTAL 2017 Miles: 99.39
January Weight Loss: -12.00 pounds (88 more to go!)
Piglove 
easyweimaraner
02/27/2017 at 4:21 am
that was the week with many events… paws crossed that all household soldiers will march and none of them will end KIA.
a pair of jeans is the best “weight-watcher” ever, better than any scale. I have one too what I can only use for stand-up event, because I probably would kill people around me when the button turns into a missile ;o) but it’s a great measurement tool, I always know if haägen dazs is with me the next week or not :o) (mostly not, sh*t…that sucks)
Piglove
02/27/2017 at 12:38 pm
I know that feeling so very well!! I slipped this weekend on my food intake. It’s okay. This is life and in life there are ups/downs. It’s a life time change – not six months. Those jeans to fit me without blasting buttons or cutting off all circulation will be my first major goal. Soon – I hope. If all appliances work with me now and my regular schedule stays in tact. I so hope so!
Hailey and Zaphod
02/27/2017 at 6:01 am
So proud of you for fighting the coke urge! Congrats on the pants!
Piglove
02/27/2017 at 12:39 pm
aaww thanks sweet friends. Those jeans are going to fit soon. I just know it!
Cupcake
02/27/2017 at 6:20 am
When the days are routine and easy, it’s simple to stay on program. It’s those special, tough, stressful days that can derail you. Good job outta you! You did not let it happen. I’m excited for weigh in day. Pretty soon….
Piglove
02/27/2017 at 12:39 pm
Thanks so very much!! I appreciate that. These past four days have been from HELL! There’s no better way to describe it. I just got back in from my walk. It actually felt good!
Nikitaland
02/27/2017 at 8:41 am
I know exactly what you are going through. I have been dieting and taking Garcinia since the beginning of January. I quit smoking May 2015 and gained weight…ug. None of my pants fit anymore. Sweat pants were my new go-to pants.
But, since taking Garcinia and eating sensibly and smaller portions after two months, I can say that I can now finally get into jeans that I used to be able to wear!
I am so pleased at my results and would tell anyone to not give up! Do this for yourself. It will make you feel better. Getting into a pair of jeans and being able to zip them up is like winning the lottery and worth all the time I have invested in myself to lose weight!
Piglove
02/27/2017 at 12:40 pm
Amen to that my friend and congratulations!! We got this. It’s going to happen for me. I know it. And hopefully soon!
Nikitaland
03/02/2017 at 4:58 pm
It does take time, but investing in yourself…makes all the difference in the world! Make yourself happy!
Piglove
03/03/2017 at 9:48 am
That is so right! And you know it’s a mind changing thing when you get to the point that it’s not about the weight. It’s about how you feel changing your lifestyle and how your body is changing. The scales will never show that. Right?
usathroughoureyes
02/27/2017 at 8:53 am
Quite a week! You persevered and that makes you a winner.
Piglove
02/27/2017 at 12:40 pm
aaww thanks for those sweet words. They mean the world to me
Ritza
02/27/2017 at 11:22 am
Soldier on,sweet friend! September,September,September……..
Piglove
02/27/2017 at 12:44 pm
aaww thank you so very much my friend!!! XOXO
Marsha
02/27/2017 at 11:04 pm
Wow! congratulations on losing 12 pounds. I tried that last year. I lost 10 and gained 8 back. Better luck this year to me. Good for you, though. 🙂 I’m a friend of Sylvia’s BTW. 🙂
Piglove
02/28/2017 at 9:36 am
Hey new friend!! Thanks so much for your kind comments. It’s definitely a day-to-day struggle with me. But I’m sticking to it and trying to work through life that sometimes gets thrown into the mix with stress – LOL
Marsha
02/28/2017 at 12:46 pm
I know. Choices about what we put in our mouths are constant. I love food, and I eat quite a bit, and I sit and blog a lot. The result is … I must have a high metabolism in spite of that, but I try to walk every day. I do not do well with exercise programs, though I have started lots of them. I wish you the best, and hope to hear about more progress. Do you know Carol AKA Mama Cormier or Melinda from PurpleSlobInRecovery.com. Both of them have or are in the process of losing a lot of weight. They have interesting blogs. I did an interview of Carol on this site, Always Write. I should do one of you and Melinda as well. Everyone is interested in being healthy. 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to respond. Love to have you join our Networking Bloggers Facebook Group. 🙂
Piglove
02/28/2017 at 1:40 pm
aaww thanks sweet friend. I will definitely check them out. Losing weight has to be a lifetime commitment for sure. Once you get your mind wrapped around that, it’s go time. I thought what better way to do it but to journal about it. Everyone has the same problems. It takes all of us giving support to help so very much!! ❤ Thanks again!!
Marsha
02/28/2017 at 9:10 pm
We will follow each others’ progress. I need to lose 25 pounds this year. So there is my goal. 🙂 I’m on! AGAIN!
Piglove
03/01/2017 at 9:15 am
We got this my friend. We join up here every Monday for Journey with Friends. This is the year!! ❤
Marsha
03/01/2017 at 9:19 am
Yeah!!’
pattisj
02/28/2017 at 12:18 am
My knee is much better, and I got 10,000 steps five days last week! Lost one pound, now I need to keep it up! It sounds like you’re making progress! It’s no fun waiting around for other people.
Piglove
02/28/2017 at 9:37 am
You go girl!! I’m still struggling trying to balance work, home life and walking 10,000 steps a day. I think the best I’ve done so far is one day around 6,800 steps. But hey, I’m fine with that – LOL. I’m glad your knee is better!! ((HUGS))
pattisj
02/28/2017 at 11:43 am
10,000 steps a day does require a time commitment–prioritizing the day, procrastinating…Thanks!
Nylabluesmum
03/02/2017 at 6:38 pm
What a lovely feeling June! When the jeans go up over the hips & tush!
Well done dear friend….
(((hugs))) Sherri-Ellen ❤
Piglove
03/03/2017 at 9:50 am
I know! I’m still working on buttoning them but it will be soon. I can’t wait. That’s my first goal – to get into my Levi’s. Then the next goal is the Levi’s in the next size down. It’s going to work for sure!
Nylabluesmum
03/03/2017 at 10:57 am
You. Are. My. Inspiration. June. ❤
Piglove
03/03/2017 at 11:48 am
aaww – you are too kind my sweet friend. It’s definitely a lifetime change. And these darn scales aren’t moving; however, my body is making changes. I’ll take that anyday!
Nylabluesmum
03/06/2017 at 2:32 pm
Altho’ the scales might not be ‘moving’ you ARE & you are building muscle….way to go!
Piglove
03/06/2017 at 4:09 pm
Thanks my sweet friend ❤