Life's Perfect Pictures

Becoming.........

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Sat, 26 May 2012 23:37:00 +0000

We are always becoming something until the day we die. I have been thinking about this a lot lately and I began to think about what I am becoming. What am I working on during my short time here on earth? What am I becoming?

The first thing that comes to mind is fit! I am becoming healthy and fit by working out and eating well. I am also becoming stronger in body and in mind. On this fitness journey, I am soon to become a kickboxing instructor to help others become healthy.

My journey to becoming is not only physical but mental and spiritual, as well. I am becoming a better student of life and people and the needs of people around me. I am ever mindful of how others are feeling and what circumstances have brought them to this point in their life. I am becoming more giving of my time to help those who need it most.

Through this journey, called life, I am becoming more beautiful. I do not mean physically beautiful but in terms of my compassion and caring nature. So to commemorate this "becoming" journey, I got this.....

What are you becoming?

Runny Nose and All

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Tue, 15 May 2012 20:33:00 +0000

So it's concession time here and I hope I'm not alone in this malady that plagues me daily! Here goes nothing: my nose runs when I workout. I'm not talking just a little drip but a bonafide river coming from my nose type of thing.

The other day I did a burpee and had the inevitable river running rampant! During the next burpee, I wiped out! I pretended it was from all the sweat pouring from my body but, the likely culprit was probably my river of snot! Seriously, it is THAT bad!

I carry tissue but a whole box per workout is redonkulous so I started taking my own towels to the gym. I didn't think they would appreciate my snotting in their towels! Besides, no one gets paid enough to wash a strangers snot ridden towel! Just sayin'!

Add seasonal allergies to the workout snot problem and you have a huge snotty mess! I started Claratin today and may add Zyrtec to the mix if that doesn't work!

I took two days off of my normal workouts to get my symptoms under control but tomorrow I will be running and I'm sure my nose will be running with me!

Just Call Me Coach!

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Wed, 09 May 2012 21:53:00 +0000

My past P.E. teachers would never in a million years believe that I have added a new title to my resume! I am now a Coach! Eeek! I will join the Coaching staff for the Girls on the Run fall session! I will be teaching girls about self esteem while training them to run a 5k.

I never was very athletic in school. I was a dancer and singer and an actor but never an athlete. In fact, I considered myself to be overweight as a result of the uber skinny, popular girls. In hindsight, I realize that I was a healthy weight and not fat at all but perceived myself as so!

Today, self perception starts very early among girls! I'm talking 3rd grade here folks and, unfortunately, that is the age when other kids start mocking kids who are different from them! Yikes! I don't remember going through this until Middle School!

The purpose of GOTR is to teach girls to love themselves and that beauty comes from within all of us! Hopefully, the girls who participate learn lessons that they can apply to every day life and the bullying situations they encounter.

I am just so excited to be a part of this program and to be able to help girls overcome the problems they face. What an amazing organization to be part of! If you would like to know more, you can go to www.girlsontheruneic.org !

52.8

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Wed, 02 May 2012 16:04:00 +0000

No, that is not the number of miles that I run in a week but it is the number of pounds that I have lost in 11 months! The weight is coming off much slower now that I am within 10 pounds of my final goal but I am still pushing forward!

I get lots of questions about how I did it and where to start and my answers are always the same! First, see your doctor for a complete physical to make sure your body is ready. Second, start eating better! I go by the 90/10 rule. I eat perfect 90% of the time and allow myself to eat what I want 10% of the time! No food is taboo in my world! Third, put one foot in front of the other! In July of 2011, I started walking/running and in January of this year I added cross training at my local YMCA! This includes: cycling, kickboxing and strength training. Last, NEVER GIVE UP!

I know that the last one is tough but it really is important since you didn't put the weight on in one day do it will take time and work to take it off! I have persisted and I will soon reach my goal! Has it been easy? NO! Has it been worth it? YES! It has become a way of life for me!

There are some great benefits too! More energy, small clothes (from a 16 to a 6/8) and tons of compliments! The best benefit, however, is seeing my 5 year old daughter make smart eating choices! I hope that she never has to struggle with her weight because I was proactive in the things that I have taught her!

Here is another benefit: crossing the finish line in a 5K or better yet, crossing the finish line with my running buddy and her dad during Girls on the Run and having my little Diva there to witness the awesomeness of the moment!

A Lesson in Loss

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 23:55:00 +0000

Today we had to put our beloved beagle, Boscoe, to sleep. I knew it would come sooner or later after his kidney failure diagnosis two weeks ago but I really thought we would have more time than we did!

He stopped eating Saturday night and I knew that my food loving dog was really not feeling good! He did nothing but sleep and drink gallons of water and ring the bells to go outside to do his business. He was not the fun loving beagle that we loved and I knew I had to do what was best for him.

There will never be another like Boscoe. He was so smart and learned lots of tricks including: sit, speak, whisper, play dead and dance. Sometimes he would do every trick he knew for the treat that was sure to follow a performance! He learned to climb play equipment and slide down the slide with the kids! He became famous at Fort Campbell for being the beagle who pulled his boy on a scooter. It really was a sight to see!

He was my buddy during my husband's two deployments and he comforted me when my Mom passed away! He was simply the best dog ever!

RIP Boscoe December 2002 - April 23, 2012.

So Close Yet So Far

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 00:48:00 +0000

Weight loss is never easy. We all know that very well! I am close to the finish line, however, so I keep plugging right along! I have lost 50 pounds so far and only have 13 to go to hit my goal!

I am in a single digit size for the first time since Jr. High and I am healthy! I love it when the Knight tells me that my athletic legs and small booty look good! The biggest motivator, however, is the effect that is has had on the Diva! Just today, while we were out and about, she asked to go to McDonalds to get a bag of apple slices!! What kid does that? She also ate her broccoli and part of mine last night at dinner. No it did not have cheese on it! She is making great choices based on what she sees me doing!! I love it!

I also LIVE it! I want to be am example for my family and others. I am also giving back through fitness. In July, I will run for St. Jude and if you would like to donate, you can click the button in my side bar! 100% of what you give goes to help the kids!

Truth

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 23:08:00 +0000

So the truth of the matter is I have hit a small plateau in my weight loss journey! Last week I only lost .4 of a pound from the previous two weeks! I am in the home stretch so I know that I need to kick it into high gear to keep the losses coming! Running, cycling, kickboxing, step and strength training are all a part of my normal weekly routine and I just keep plugging away at it.

Truth: when i started this journey last June, I was 217 pounds and size 16.
Truth: I now weigh 170 and just bought a size 8 jeans.
Truth: I am healthier than I have ever been in my adult life!
Truth: I am strong.
Truth: I will not quit until I reach my goal of 150 lbs!!

On this journey, I have made some changes that I never dreamed would be part of my daily life! Running never fit into my life before last year. Now it is something I don't want to be without. When I had knee surgery, I became depressed because I could not run. During my recovery, I became determined to get back to running and run a 5K. I completed that goal on December 31, 2011 so I had to set a new goal. This time I have decided to run with a group of crazy people for charity. Our run will take us from Mattoon, IL to Peoria, IL to raise money and awareness for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital! I know it sounds crazy but I am passionate about this cause and have been for many years now. I personally know 2 kids who have received treatment at St. Jude's and cannot say enough about this hospital and the beautiful little warriors that it serves, many at no cost to their family!

I am lending my legs to the cause but I really need YOUR help! I have set a goal to raise $750 for this wonderful organization and every penny counts! If you could just please click on the link and help me out, I would greatly appreciate it and so would the kids! It is because of folks like YOU that St. Jude's is even possible! Thanks for your help!

CLICK HERE TO DONATE!

Taking The Next Step

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 02:44:00 +0000

I am always asking myself; what's next? Where do I go from here? How can I help others get what I have? Lately the answer has been loud and clear! Become a personal trainer!! What?!? You heard right! I have studied the human body and the effects of diet and exercise since 2003. Does that mean that I have always put what I have learned into practice?? That would be a resounding NO, but this time is very different from the rest!

Always before, I was in it for me and only me. Granted, it started out that way this time too but then something changed as others began to inquire about my 50 pound weight loss, eating and working out. I began to see that I could help others be their best inside and out so I am taking the next step.

What is the next step? I am so glad you asked! I have decided to become a personal trainer but the only thing standing between me and that goal is the $600 tuition for the on-line training course and certification test. At this point I am just praying that we find a way to make it work but until then I will continue to work on myself each and every day that I am alive!

I Am Melting!

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 02:48:00 +0000

Maybe I am not melting but I am still losing weight! At today's weigh in, I was down another 4 pounds so I am 2 pounds away from another mini goal and 14 away from my final goal! I am excited by the thought that I could be at goal by my birthday, at the end of May, which is also my one year mark for my weight loss journey!

I am not resting on my laurels! I am constantly tweaking my eating and my workout routines. Last week, I adding an early morning spin class to my schedule 3 mornings a week. Getting up at 5 AM is hard enough but stick me on a bike and make me sweat, well, that's a lot! Ha! I am a glutton for punishment but that punishment is paying off!

I have to admit that I am thinking about ways to help others lose weight! I enjoy watching others achieve their health and fitness goals and I am thinking about taking it to the next level! We shall see what the future holds! All I know is that I am getting closer to my goal every day and I will push forward!

Secrets of Success

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:22:00 +0000

I watch Dr. Oz occasionally and today it was all about herbal diet supplements that promise quick weight loss for anyone willing to shell out the money! It makes me laugh when they claim that you need not change anything about the way you eat or workout! I also watched an infomercial for Sensa, you sprinkle it in your pizza, burger or fries and you lose weight!

Please!!!!! I get so aggravated at these claims so I am going to tell you the secrets of my success! I am even going to divulge my starting and current weight!

First, I am 43 years old (44 in May) so don't let people tell you that women over 40 cannot lose weight because it simply is not true! At my November 2010 annual physical, I weighed in at 217 pounds! Hello, I was over weight! On June 5, 2011 I made a choice to get healthy and be a good example for my 4 year old Diva and I took the first of many baby steps. I say baby steps because if you try to change everything all at once you will, most likely, fail.

Step one was to change my diet. I opted for a plan that I call the 90/10 plan. Be good 90% of the time and eat what I want the other 10%. For me this translates to eating good during the week and allowing myself to eat my favorite pizza on Friday night! No deprivation going on here!

Step 2 was to start tracking everything that I put in my mouth! I have an app on my iPhone called My Fitness Pal that I love! It is always with me and has a scan feature that allows me to scan barcodes from my favorite products.

So for the first month it was all about what I ate and keeping track of it. Doing this I lost about 10 pounds! Then on July 5, 2011 I took another baby step and began running! I ran for less than 10 days before a torn ACL took me out of commission! During my forced break, I continued to eat right and lost another 10 pounds (20 total). Then came physical therapy and finally on November 10, 2011 I was released to run again and I was off! I have not stopped since!

Now, I don't have scales at home because the Diva broke them so I go to a local car dealership, who held a weight loss challenge that I participated in! I go in every couple of weeks just to make sure I am still on track to meet my goal by June 2012. I am currently 175 pounds!! This makes a total of 42 pounds gone! Only 20 pounds more and I will hit my goal!!

I continue to eat well and run but have recently joined our local YMCA and started taking some classes. I take a class called 30-30-30 which is 30 minutes each if step aerobics, strength training and Yoga. It challenges me twice a week. In February I will add a second class, most likely a spinning class. I have signed up for another challenge to keep me pushing myself forward in this process. I love a good challenge! Prizes help the motivation too!

So, as you can see, no gimmicks here! Just plenty of healthy food and lots of hard, sweat inducing work! New year, new me! This is a lifestyle change for the better. What are you doing for yourself in 2012?

Save on Prescriptions with Walgreens

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 03:00:00 +0000

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walgreens for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Walgreens and Express Script have been unable to to come to an agreement to keep Walgreens as an Express Script provider, so what does that mean for customers? Many customers are having to switch pharmacies or drive farther just to fill their prescriptions! Do you fall into this category? To see if you are impacted check the back of your insurance card to see if Express Scripts is listed on the back.

So what is Walgreens doing to help? Walgreens Prescription Savings Club is one way that Walgreens is trying to assist it's customers. During January an individual can sign up for $5 or a family can register for $10 which will guarantee savings on over 8000 name brand and generic prescriptions. The annual fees are normally $20 for an individual or $35 for a family membership. There are more than 400 generic medications available with a 90 day supply for less than $1 a week!

So who is Express Script? They are a middle man between the insurance company and the pharmacy and they are making more money in these situations than the service provider themselves. In a nutshell, they make money while Walgreens and the customer foot the bill. You can show your support for Walgreens and stay updated by following them on Walgreens on Twitter and Walgreens on Facebook.

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 04:53:00 +0000

I knocked one goal off of my 2012 list by running a 5 k today! I even shaved 9 minutes off my time! Yup, I beat myself!! It's all up from here!

I hope that you all have a blessed new year!

Where is Winter?

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 21:30:00 +0000

It certainly is NOT in Central Illinois! Yes, we had 2 inches of snow earlier this week but today it is 50 degrees and not a cloud in the sky! I am loving it!

Today was a rest day from running in preparation for my first (running) 5k this Saturday so the Diva and I went to the park for some much needed play! We walked to the park and played with new friends then walked home. I would say this is the perfect day but then I get to thinking: where is winter? What is in store next? Will the next snow be the BIG ONE? I'll worry about that later! Have a Happy New Year everyone!

Goals!

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:56:00 +0000

This past July, I set a goal to run a 5k in 2012 and I am happy to say that I will beat that goal by one day! Yes, I have participated in a 2.5k and a 5k, however, due to my knee surgery I was only able to walk them! Saturday December 31,2011, I will ring in the new year running in the Frozen 5k with the Frozen Chosen team. I am nervous and excited all at the same time.

My New Years resolution is to keep putting one foot in from of the other at a fairly quick pace! I want to add to my 40 pound weight loss by losing an additional 25 pounds and, of course, run more 5Ks. I will be healthier at 44 (my birthday is in May) than I was at 24! I will show my little Diva that it is never to late to get healthy!

I have already overcome so much: 40 pounds gone, knee surgery & a Cardiac Ablation that has me feeling like a new woman! I've got this and I will keep going!

What are your New Years resolutions or goals?

Success!

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:28:00 +0000

Yesterday we traveled to Springfield for my heart procedure. I was nervous but OK for the most part! I had to check in by noon so we left home around 9:30 to allow us to find St. John's since we had never been there! We found it with no problem!

Once there I went through check in and labs before being taken to another floor where the procedure would be done. Around 12:30 a nurse took me back to prep me which took about 45 minutes then the Knight got to come hang out with me until they took me back for the procedure around 3:15. By this time I was just ready to be done so I could eat!

The room they took me to was full of computer monitors and high tech gadgets. They started prepping and before I knew it we were starting. The kicker is that I was awake for the whole procedure! I kept my eyes closed, of course, but I heard and felt it all!!

They gave me adrenaline, which my heart beat like crazy! At on point it felt like my heart was doing the wave. Then they started burning the troubled areas. I felt that too but it felt like really bad heartburn! I winced once and the anesthesiologist gave me some more of my feel good cocktail! He was awesome!

Two hours later, it was over and I was on my way to my recover suite. It was a great little private room! As soon as I was in, the Knight was by my side. I had to lay flat for an hour and then I got dinner! Not a snack but a full blown dinner that I chose before surgery!

After dinner, I walked a lap around the nurses station and by 7:00 PM I was on my way home! The procedure was a complete success with on 2% chance of recurrence. Pretty good odds if you ask me!

The one question I made sure the Knight asked Dr. Mouton was: when can I run again? The answer: Wednesday!! I was so excited to hear this news since I have a 5K on the 31st!

I am going to leave you with a photo, taken the night before my procedure, taken at our Candlelight service. My friend, Jill, signed the words as I sang Labor of Love! Photo by Joey Bright.

Looking for a New Phone? Try the LG DoublePlay

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 04:00:00 +0000

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of LG DoublePlay™ for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

The LG DoublePlay™ has everything that you are looking for in a phone! You start off with dual (yes I said dual) customizable screens that operate in tandem or separate! The full QWERTY keyboard and Swype make texting a breeze and you can update Facebook while surfing the web or texting (every multitaskers dream come true)! Add to that a 5 megapixel camera with a flash and 720p HD video recorder and you have every media junkies idea of fun and makes it super simple to share your precious memories with the ones you love!

There are multiple messaging options including Cloud Text and Group Text that give LG DoublePlay uses the ability to send and receive texts from a PC or Tablet. Now you can share content faster and more efficiently than ever before! Still not convinced? How about the LG DoublePlays Android 2.3 with access to the Android Market! This feature allows you to customize up to 7 home screens and up to 9 touchscreen shortcuts which makes for simple one touch navigation!

I know that my phone is the center of my social networking! I would be lost without it because I email, text and update Facebook all from my hand held device! If you are looking for a new phone then you must check out the LG DoublePlay™ .

This phone is available exclusively from T-Mobile.

I Am NOT The Biggest Loser!

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 23:32:00 +0000

I did come in 13th out of the 85 remaining contestants that came to the final weigh in! My final weight loss for this 10 week challenge was 16.2 pounds for a total weight loss of 36.8 pounds! I am pretty happy right now!

I still want to lose another 20 so I will continue with my diet and exercise and hopefully be at my goal weight by my birthday on May 31, 2012 when I turn 44!! The best feeling was having my body fat taken and being in the normal range for my age and weight!! That really made me happy!

I will continue to update you on my journey! I just hope to survive Christmas!!

Zenni Optical Can Make Your Holiday Brighter!

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:45:00 +0000

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Zenni Optical for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Did you know that Zenni Optical has awesome eyewear in stock and waiting for your order? Many of the frames come in festive holiday colors that will make you look styin' this holiday season! Better than that Zenni Optical has cheap eyeglasses that will fit your budget! Just imagine what you could do with all that cash that you save? Your friends and family will be impressed with your gift giving ability and all because you saved a bundle on your eyeglasses . My daughter wants the DIsney Dream Castle plus all the princess dolls and everything else that she sees so I could probably do this with the cash that I save!

I think that these frames are very cool and would look great on me! Best of all.............they are only $29.95! It doesn't get much better than that! There are frames to fit every budget and every style from the plain to the outspoken. Maybe you could get two or three pairs so you have frames to fit your every mood! Head on over to Zenni Optical and let me know which frames would make your Holiday season brighter! Leave me a comment and let me know!

Need YOUR Help!

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 23:53:00 +0000

Ok, you all know I am doing the KC Summers SlimDown Challenge and I need you to go like my facebook video! Each like gets me a point so I need all that I can get! As of last Tuesday, I was at 12% of the 20% maximum for weight loss points. In other words, I have lost 12 of my 31 pounds during this challenge! Here is the link to my video http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=2838210680196 . I am giving away my secrets to my success over the next three days! Thanks for all of your support!

The Packit: A Lunch's Best Friend

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of PackIt for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I remember taking my lunch to school in a sack or an old tin lunch box with an ice pack to keep the contents cold until lunch. However, when lunch time came, my lunch was always warm. Lucky for me I didn't get food poisoning! Today, my little Diva has a safer option that does not include an ice pack and can keep her lunch cold for up to 10 hours! The PackIt lunch boxes are every parents dream come true!

My Diva would love a hot pink one to carry her lunches in and I would like one for my healthy snacks when I am out and about! The best part is that if you buy one now for $19.95, you get one free! What a deal for a family on the go! You can use them for more than lunches too! They make a perfect tote for baby bottles on the go!

What would you use a Packit for? Leave me a comment and let me know! Maybe you have an idea that never occurred to me! Then head to the PackIt lunch boxes website and check out their great offer and get yours today! This would make a great gift for the person on the go!

I AM DOWN!

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:19:00 +0000

I am down in the best way possible! I went to the doctor yesterday for a recheck of my cholesterol and stepped on the scale only to find that I have lost another 7 pounds since November 22nd which puts me at a total of 31 pounds down! Yay! Only 25 or 30 more to go! They called me yesterday afternoon with my test results and they were down but not enough to take me off of the meds just yet! My overall cholesterol was 195 down from 269! My triglycerides and LDL were both still about 19 points high so I am on the meds until my June recheck! I can promise you this: I will be off the meds in June and I will have reached my goal weight by then! You can hold me accountable! On the running front: I am up to two miles on the treadmill every morning and still doing my strength training to make myself stronger! I have a 5 K on New Year's Eve that I will be ready to run, unless the cardiologist says no and in that case I will walk it! I am going to be healthier at 44 than I was at 24!

Stand Up for Family

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 03:00:00 +0000

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of American Family Insurance for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

American Family Insurance is sponsoring a comedy special that the whole family can enjoy! Stand Up For Family gives you the opportunity to watch with your whole family without the worry of anything R rated popping up! I don't know about you but I appreciate the clean comedy because my kids are 4 and 19, which makes it hard to find something that is "safe" for all of us to watch.

The show is hosted by BIll Bellamy and showcases some of today's hottest comedy stars sharing funny personal life experiences and sharing the humor of every day experiences! You can watch the videos provided by AmFam and be reminded of the importance of family and how those closest to us, shape our live in sometimes humorous ways! I watched all of the videos and was laughing so hard that I was crying! The videos reminded me so much of some of the crazy times in my family which is great to remember since many of the family members who contributed to those crazy experiences are no longer with us! Stand Up For Family is sure to keep you in stitches and remind you of all the crazy moments in your family this Holiday season!

Hard Ball of Sweat

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:49:00 +0000

That's my new nickname from the Diva! I have earned it since I sweat like a big dog when I work out and she would know since she is my workout partner! We have a great time doing it!

A lot has changed since my last update! The doctor released me to run again!! I am more than a little excited! I just started training to run my last 5K of the year on New Years Eve! I am so excited that I recruited a team to run with me. Most of them are folks that I met through the KC Summers Slim Down Challenge. We even have a name, the Frozen Chosen!

I know the next question on your mind is: how is the challenge going! It's great! At the beginning of November, when I went to the doctor, I was down 25 pounds! As it happens, the Diva broke the scales so I can only weigh at the doctors office! I go to see the Cardiologist this afternoon so I will have an update soon! I am hoping that I will have lost another 5 pounds which will put me under my second goal and I can move on to the third goal!

Since I am on the run again I will leave you with a picture that pretty much describes me to a tee!!

Cuteness Overload!

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:00:00 +0000

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Puppies vs. Babies for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

We all know that puppies and babies are both equally cute but now they are trying to figure out who YOU think is cuter in a Puppies vs. Babies online contest! This is the throw down showdown of the century and it all comes down to your opinion. You have until November 23, 2011 to cast your vote and the winning puppy or baby will get a $5,000 prize! Not too shabby for just being cute.

I know for a fact that my little Diva or one of my three adorable pooches would have won for sure (yes, I am more than a little biased when it comes to the cuteness factor) but the entry deadline for Puppies vs. Babies is past so I had to go and scour the contestants carefully to choose the one that I think will take home the grand prize and I chose........ I'm not gonna tell so you can make your own choices! Just be prepared for cuteness overload because there are some real cuties in both categories that are waiting for your vote! Now it's time for you to do your duty and get out there and vote for the cutie of your choice! Happy voting and don't forget to leave a comment in the comments section letting us all know who you voted for!

Shout it from the Roof!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 21:33:00 +0000

Since I am being accountable to the whole world and since you all started this journey with me, I thought I better update you all! What better way to do that than with a picture!

I am down 24 lbs from last year but my journey just really began 6 months ago tomorrow! Most of you know that I was sidelined when I tore my ACL but I continued to eat right and contained to lose! Next week, I will be 3 months post Op and my journey will once again be kicked into high gear when I am able to workout even more and get back into running! I am so excited!

I walked a 2.5 K a couple of weeks ago and have 2 - 5 Ks coming up. I will be walking them but at least I will do it!! I am so excited that this program is working and I encourage you all to do what you need to do to be healthy!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone