Gary's Girl

2008-08-11T15:40:00.000-07:00

http://www.imeem.com/dovemanfootloose/music/0i_I_Lyi/doveman_never/

Santa's Little Helpers

2007-12-05T11:30:00.000-08:00

Cammi and Liam posed in front of the tree. Liam is turning 1 in a few weeks....hard to believe!

Another Picture of Liam

2007-06-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

Liam and Da - he's not quite Dad, just Da.

Liam and Mo

2007-06-12T08:57:00.000-07:00

I just can't bring myself to be called "Grandma", so I'm going with "Mo." I'm the next closest thing to "Mom."

Liam is growing so much. He's sitting alone and has two teeth. I think crawling is just around the corner!

Nutrisystem Trophy Wife

2007-04-22T11:42:00.000-07:00

I recently filmed a new commercial for NS that should begin airing in the next several months. In it they asked me to repeat a line that was used in the first commercial, "My husband jokingly calls me his trophy wife." I did repeat it in this new shoot because I was the one that originally fed them the line - as a joke.

Since the first commercial, I have caught quite a bit of flack about the "trophy wife" comment. I've heard comments in person and seen or been told about postings on the internet....so, I'll try and clear things up here once and for all.

1. I said "JOKINGLY!!" The reason I said jokingly, is because it was a JOKE!!! Duh! My husband doesn't objectify me, and yes, I know what the term trophy wife means and here is why it was funny in the context of our marriage: We are 6 months apart in age, we've been married over 20 years, we are both college educated professionals, and neither of us is more attractive than the other. As for those who thought I was a "dumb", southern girl - I graduated college with a 3.88 and my IQ is in the 130s.

2. Kelli has the thick southern accent - not me. I have a slight southern accent. At any rate, southerners are no more or less likely to be dumb than those from other parts of the country. We're just much cuter and that makes everyone from up north jealous. Once again, JOKING!!! My two best friends are from NY.

3. That is my real body. I see it every day and I'm sure I would know if they "pasted" my head on a different body.

4. No, I didn't get my body in this shape with NS alone. But come on, isn't that a no-brainer???!! I lost weight with NS, but I improved my muscle tone through running. I've been a runner for years, but I had stopped for a couple of years due to problems with my feet and a hectic schedule due to my husband's deployments. Once I had lost some weight with NS, running was easier on my feet and I was able to start again. As a matter of fact, I ran a 1/2 marathon in March and averaged 8.5 minute miles (a little slower than I used to be, but I am getting older. lol) Go, Me!!!

5. Yes, those are my real boobs and no, I've never had a "tummy-tuck". I just happen to have good genetics in that department. My father was a professional athelete and still has flat abs at age 60. Both of my parents have remained fit and it would be hard for anyone to imagine they are great grandparents.

I hope that clears things up. I'm sure there are still people that will complain about my comment when the new infommercial comes out, but some people are never happy. I just wanted to make it clear that there is nothing wrong with being proud of your body. LONG before someone notices your intelligence and/or incredible wit, they notice your appearance. That is the world in which we all live - like it or not.

Hugs,
Cara

P.S. Check out the pictures from the commercial shoot below. I took my son along with me and treated him to Miami Heat tickets.

The director giving me instructions on the Miami NS shoot

2007-04-22T09:10:00.000-07:00

Nutrisystem Commercial

2007-04-22T09:05:00.000-07:00

This is my "friend" and I in the new Nutrisystem commercial. NS always covers my tattoo with make-up, so that is why I have a tissue sticking out of my swimsuit between takes.

Little Havana

2007-04-22T08:37:00.000-07:00

My son at the Miami Heat Game

2007-04-22T08:36:00.000-07:00

Down time

2007-01-31T09:01:00.000-08:00

Well.....it's been a while since I've posted. Things have been fairly busy around here and I've been enjoying spending time with my grandson, Liam.

I've been participating in some Nike online challenges through the Nike+ website. By the way, for those of you that like walking or jogging - I highly recommend the Nike+ sports kit. It costs about $30 and wirelessly links your Ipod Nano to your Nike shoes. It tells you how far you went, how many calories you burned and how long you were out and about, all while playing your tunes. When you return home you can download the info to your computer and the Nike+ site keeps all your info for you. I am SO addicted to it. I got it in Sept. and I LOVE it. If you get/have one, I'm on the site, ask me for my username and run with me!!!

Hugs,
Cara

2006-11-12T17:01:00.000-08:00

What do Marines do in their "down time" - hit the bar hard! lol

2006-11-12T16:58:00.000-08:00

Gary (after several drinks!) and I celebrating the 231st birthday of the Corps.

Happy Birthday USMC

2006-11-12T16:36:00.000-08:00

We celebrated the Marine Corps Birthday at the USMC ball Friday. We had a blast, dining and dancing until 2:00. Unfortunately we had to be up and out the door by 6:00 the next morning for a gymnastics meet! Gary blew his diet a little with all the beer, but he's still down over 20 pounds. I didn't drink, so I got to do the early morning drive. Cammi did pretty well - 2nd all around and 1st on the beam. That was her last level 6 competition and she will now compete as a level 7 beginning in January (there are only 10 levels of gymnastics!!) After getting home from the meet, we had a retirement party to attend for one of Gary's former crew chiefs. OMG!!! I was so tired. Luckily we wrapped last night up pretty early because I was literally operating on 3 hours sleep all day. Hope you all had a great weekend!

Hugs,
Cara

2006-11-09T18:00:00.000-08:00

Shot during the commercial.

2006-11-09T17:58:00.000-08:00

A shot from my commercial.

2006-11-09T17:57:00.000-08:00

My NS ad.

Where do I start????

2006-11-08T18:40:00.000-08:00

Okay, I know I always go a long time between posts then post excuses for why I've been absent. But seriously, there has been SO much going on here. My daughter dumped her loser boyfriend and moved back home for a few months, but is expecting a baby in December.

One other thing I've been really busy with is ads for NS. I've done a print ad and a commercial now. I've tried to post pictures of both, but I'm having trouble with logging into hello. What a blast!!! I love all the NS people and the people I met while doing the shoots. I'm now going to head over to all of your blogs and check in with each of you!

Hugs,
Cara

Back to the daily grind

2006-08-26T12:13:00.000-07:00

Well, the kids started back to school yesterday so now things can kind of return to normal. We had several little flurries of activity right there at the end. My son, youngest daughter and I went to Ozzfest, of course I went to Philly, Gary went to LA and Cammi moved up another level in gymnastics and decided that she wanted to take serious riding lessons. We just got back from a vacation in NYC, so there was a bit of a rush to get everybody ready for school by Friday. Luckily all went smoothly.

I just posted my pictures from the NS photo shoot - what a blast. On an even lighter note - pun intended - I've talked Gary into trying NS. Since he got back from Iraq in March, he's put on over 20 pounds. He's in Japan for the next several days, but it should be in when he returns to the states. I'm going to get a "before" pix of him when he gets home.

Off to check in on everyone else's blogs.

Hugs,
Cara

P.S. will post pix of NYC later

2006-08-26T12:11:00.000-07:00

My personal favorite from the shoot.

2006-08-26T12:10:00.000-07:00

Another NS shot - by the way, I know the shirt and shoes are a little tacky. They're not mine.

2006-08-26T12:09:00.000-07:00

A shot from the NS photo shoot in Philly.

5 Weird Things

2006-08-08T12:13:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged and I must write 5 weird things about myself.

The rules: The player of this game starts with "Five weird things/habits about yourself". In the end you need to choose five people to be tagged and list their names. The people who get tagged need to write a blog entry about their five weird things/habits, as well as state this rule clearly, then tag five more victims. Don't forget to leave your victim a comment that says "you're tagged!" in their comments and tell them to read your blog.

1. I must wear shoes or slippers if my feet are touching the ground. I generally wear flip-flops (even in the winter) once I get into my house. I take them off just before getting into bed or the tub, and slip back into them the minute my feet hit the floor. It has to be shoes or slippers, not socks! I think I got this from growing up in the country - you never knew what you might step in at any given time or place.

2. I LOVE crushed ice. I won't drink anything without crushed ice in it - so much so that I bought a new refrigerator a few of years ago just for the crushed ice dispenser. I don't drink anything hot, even in the winter.

3. I love to wear swimsuits. I am about the only woman I know that feels this way. It's not that I think I have the greatest body or anything, I just think I look better in a swimsuit than in street clothes. I think it's because it's hard to find pants that fit me properly.

4. I am a research hound! Any time I need something, a product or service, I research it like crazy and if I like it I stick with it forever. For example; when we first moved here 7 years ago, I went to different beauty salons and watched stylists and their "finished" clients until I found one I liked. I have been going to the same stylist now for the entire 7 years. Same with my massage therapist, auto dealership, mechanic, etc.

5. I don't really like watching television. I will record documentaries and watch them in short sessions - where I can fast forward through things that bore me. But, for the most part, I cannot stand to sit through a whole tv program. I think that most of them have about 10 minutes of noteworthy content, 10 minutes of fluff and the rest is comercials.

Okay, now who do I tag????

1. Diana
2. Barry
3. Shawna
4. ? seems like almost everyone has been tagged - hopefully I didn't get any repeats.
5. ?

Guess where I've Been!??

2006-08-08T06:49:00.002-07:00

Sorry that it has been SO long since my last post. However, if you'll look at the pictures below you'll see that I've been super busy. We just have the shelves for my bedroom and some little touch up stuff inside the house and we will be finished!!! Now we have to move on to landscaping the backyard and refinishing the deck. But, with our current NC weather that stuff won't get started for a few weeks.

I had a bit of a suprise last month when NS called and asked me to participate in a photo shoot in Philly. I should have the pix soon and will post them (if I like them! lol)

I'm going to Ozzfest tomorrow and the off to NYC for a mini vacation next week, but after that I hope to get back to blogging fairly regularly.

Well, I'm off to check out everyone else's blog and get up to date.

Hugs,
Cara

2006-08-08T06:49:00.001-07:00

Guest bedroom/office

2006-08-08T06:49:00.000-07:00

New guest bedroom/office

2006-08-08T06:48:00.002-07:00

New french doors in the new dining room.

2006-08-08T06:48:00.001-07:00

New dining room

2006-08-08T06:48:00.000-07:00

New dining room from hallway through the kitchen

2006-08-08T06:47:00.002-07:00

New livingroom paint, arrangement and new furniture

2006-08-08T06:47:00.001-07:00

Master bedroom

2006-08-08T06:47:00.000-07:00

Master bedroom sitting area

2006-08-08T06:46:00.000-07:00

The sitting area of the new master bedroom. This is STILL not finished. There are shelves that go on either side of the mantel - which match the shelf on top. That's why there is such clutter along side the mantel - that stuff goes in the shelves.

2006-08-08T06:45:00.000-07:00

Gary's side of the master bath

2006-08-08T06:44:00.001-07:00

Master bath

2006-08-08T06:44:00.000-07:00

From the doorway of the new master bath

2006-08-08T06:43:00.000-07:00

My side of the new master bath

2006-05-21T15:39:00.000-07:00

I finally have something complete!!! This is my kid's/guest bathroom. I didn't think I would ever get done. Now I still have the master bedroom, master bath, dining room and sunroom to completely finish my remodel. Wow, I am getting SO sick of living in this construction mess, but I'm happy to have one thing complete.

Swimming in Dust!

2006-05-10T07:27:00.000-07:00

Well, I've be absent from the blog for a while now. As you can see from the pictures, there has been a lot going on at our house. Luckily the vast majority of the exterior is done - however, the interior is still in full swing. I have sheetrock dust in every nook and cranny of my house, as well as my eyes, ears and nose! What a mess. Gary and I saved $ by doing all our own demolition and all the finish work. The guest bathroom should be done by this weekend at the latest. The master suite is still in progress. Fortunately it is on the opposite end of the house from our current bedroom. In fact it is separated from the rest of the house really. So...maybe we can contain some of the dust from that part of the remodel.

I hope everyone is still doing well out there in cyberspace. I'll be checking in with all of you as soon as I dust off a little.

Hugs,
Cara

2006-05-10T07:26:00.000-07:00

My bathroom after the demolition - the finished product should be done by this weekend. I will try to get it posted by Monday.

2006-05-10T07:25:00.000-07:00

After!!!! Well, the front is done anyway. We still have the back and the landscaping. Not to mention the interior.

2006-05-10T07:23:00.000-07:00

Before...........

Home Improvement

2006-03-22T08:41:00.000-08:00

Well, I haven't been posting much lately - mainly because Gary is still on leave, but also because we are trying to get a home remodeling project off the ground. We purchased 21 replacement windows for the house and hopefully they will all be installed by the end of April??? Maybe I'm being too optimistic, but they are being put in by a crew, so maybe. We talked to the HVAC guy yesterday and I think that we will have that replaced by Mid-April. We also talked to a carpenter yesterday about the interior work. We've talked to several contractors, but WOW the contractor's fees just scare me to death. So, we decided to see if we could just do the sub contracting ourselves. Fortunately, Gary is very handy. I knew growing up on a farm would pay off! lol At any rate, he is doing the repair work on the deck, the sunroom kit,the drywalling in the house for the new master suite and the flooring. I'm just anxious for things to really get rolling. The closing for the loan is Friday, we just have to get more things lined up so it will eventually get done. Luckily he redid my kitchen a couple of years ago - pre Afghanistan & Iraq - so we'll only be inconvenienced by being down to one bathroom during the remodel. I'll post pictures as things get rolling.

Hugs ya'll!
Cara

2006-03-08T09:00:00.000-08:00

They do all kind of look alike in those utilities, but I managed to find him in the dark. Notice my HUGE smile - I swear my mouth can't really be THAT big! For the first time I could really tell how much weight I had lost by how much larger his hands felt on my back.

2006-03-08T08:56:00.000-08:00

Dinner with my kids.....waiting for Gary to get home. he was 6 hours late!!! lol

Help!!!

2006-03-04T15:33:00.001-08:00

Okay guys, I really need help here. Although I've lost weight, I haven't lost that negative body image that has plauged me since junior high. Below are 4 outfit choices for me to wear to welcome Gary home. As critical as I am of myself, I'm suprised that I could even find 4 that I thought fit correctly! lol Remember, I haven't seen Gary in 7 months and I really want to wow him with the new me. I know I'm probably being very obsessive, but I'd really appreciate the help.

Hugs,
Cara

2006-03-04T15:33:00.000-08:00

Another choice.

2006-03-04T15:32:00.000-08:00

I like this one, but for some reason the pants were bunching up in the front. I think it was the way I was standing.

2006-03-04T15:31:00.001-08:00

Outfit #2. I've gotta iron those pants.

2006-03-04T15:31:00.000-08:00

Another view of this outfit.

2006-03-04T15:29:00.000-08:00

Ignore the bad hair. I threw it up on top to show the earrings.

Out of the Loop

2006-03-03T13:16:00.000-08:00

Okay, I know it seems that I've fallen of the planet for a while, but I'm back. I haven't gained any weight back or anything, I've just been really busy prepping for Gary to come home - TUESDAY!!! Of course I've had to try on a million different outfits to find just that perfect one, shopping for it literally took days and I've bought and narrowed it down to 3 choices. Maybe I'll post them and get votes on what to wear (it's going to be kind of chilly that day).

So, now I'm going to hop on over to all of my buddies' blogs and let everyone know I'm still alive. I'll post reunion pictures of me and Gary next week. Let's see if he looks happy to see the improved me!

Hugs,
Cara

2006-02-01T18:23:00.000-08:00

Me and my "little" boy. He's sporting his new letter jacket - hoping to letter in 3 sports this year (freshman). He plays basketball, football and runs track. I tried to get him to smile for the picture, but he's too cool.

The Last Day of January!!!

2006-01-31T16:41:00.000-08:00

Boy, am I glad to get this month behind me! Now only one more month without Gary!!! I just hope I am totally back to normal by the time he gets here.

When picking my son up from school today I ran into one of the teenage girls from my old caseload. She looked great and we were obviously SO glad to see one another. We always had a great bond (not the same little girl I mentioned in a previous post). I was the first person she disclosed her years of sexual abuse to. We went through her pregnancy (her's, not mine obviously) and a court trial together and I was always amazed by her strength. I see her every couple of months or so since I left work, but now she is attending my son's high school so we'll be seeing each other most days. Today she told me she was going to ask her "new" social worker if I could be her foster parent (she currently has a great foster parent who both she & I adore). I explained to her that that probably wouldn't be the greatest idea since she is so close in age to my son, I'm not licensed for foster care, etc. However, she just kept saying that she was going to talk to her "new" social worker about it. This is the dilema of social work. How do you care about these kids and sometimes become their psuedo parent while still keeping those boundaries in place? This is one of the reasons I left this job. I just can't let these kids go. One of my other teenagers (one that I have mentioned in previous posts) called last night and left a message for me to call her. Even though she is very near finalizing her adoption with a great family, who she loves dearly, that bond is always there. It's just hard to figure out what my real "role" is now. I have four of these teenage girls that I maintain contact with (we live in a small county). It's just hard to figure out what my new "role" is. I'm not the social worker, of course I'm not the mother, I'm not the friend......I just don't know what I am to them now. Most importantly, I don't want to do anything to hinder their bonding to their new families. But, on the other hand, I don't want in any way to appear to be rejecting them because in all four cases, I was the first adult that they were able to trust. Wow, I miss that job and I don't miss that job!

Hugs,
Cara

10 Years Younger

2006-01-30T05:52:00.000-08:00

I'm back from my surgery and amazed at how good I feel. My doctor and the nursing staff all were amazed at how quickly I recovered and attributed it to my being in good physical shape. I am almost one week post-op now and about to go bananas to get out and about!!! I lost another couple of pounds - probably that pesky uterus. Now that I'm out of surgery, I realized how horrible I have been feeling for the longest time. I hope none of you other ladies out there suffer like I did just because one doctor tells you there is nothing wrong with you. I've been having so many female problems for years and I went to a male doctor and he said, "Oh, that doesn't seem abnormal." Well, my new doctor assured me that things were "abnormal" if I thought they were, because I know my own body and what is normal and abnormal for it. As it turned out, there was something wrong with me - adenomyosis. Which is a real condition that generally doesn't show up on most tests and can really only be diagnosed after a hysterectomy. It can also be very painful and cause lots of problems. So, I'm kicking myself for waiting 3 years between that first and second opinion. But, I must say, I already feel 10 years younger.

My mother came out to stay with me during my surgery and my father stayed with my kids. I only spent one night in the hospital - although I was offered 2 nights. While under my self-controlled morphine drip, I spilled my guts to my mother. I really cleared the air. I talked a lot about never feeling that I could meet her standards and about my battle with anorexia. The conversation was pretty one-sided, but I think it went well and she left Saturday and didn't seem to have any hard feelings about any of it. She said that I had a total different perception of what she usually means when she says things. Isn't that the way with all mothers and daughters??!! Help me out ladies. I see this with my own daughters. I guess those are things that I'll just have to continue to work on as a mother and a daughter - it's hard being either or both. Also, I think I have got to put in more work about not defining myself by the way I look - that is my daily struggle.

Thanks to all of you who kept me in your thoughts and prayers during this time. I feel like a million bucks - well, maybe 1/2 a million. When my doctor releases me to get back to my daily life I'll probably feel like a million! lol

Hugs,
Cara

I'm Back!

2006-01-10T16:03:00.000-08:00

Sorry that I've been out of touch lately. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I've had a few health problems (not related to weight). I had to have a D&C on the 28th and now will have to have a hysterectomy on the 24th of this month. So, since my hormones have been TOTALLY out of whack, I haven't been posting. At any rate, I feel a little better now and am ready to get this over with. The good news is that I continue to lose/gain the same pound every few days. The bad news is that I will be out of the gym for quite a while after the surgery. This will drive me (and everyone around me) nuts! So I'm hoping that I'll be SO doped up that I cannot really talk much! lol

Hugs,
Cara

Happy New Year!!!

2005-12-31T18:45:00.000-08:00

Start 2006 off right. Make resolutions you can keep - and stick to them. You can do it. Don't forget to eat your black-eyed peas either, ya'll. They're a tradition and they're good for ya with only 160 calories in a whole cup!

Hugs,
Cara

2005-12-31T18:38:00.001-08:00

The new and improved me for 2006!

2005-12-31T18:38:00.000-08:00

My baby and I getting ready for the New Year!

Swimsuits

2005-12-17T16:40:00.000-08:00

Okay, I feel I must explain all the swimsuit photos. I absolutely love swimsuits! The sad thing is that these pictures don't even represent a 1/10 of my collection of suits. All throughout Gary's career we have lived near an Ocean and I am a total beach bum, so I can somewhat justify having this many. Now, that's not to say I don't own tons of shoes too, just not as many shoes as swimsuits. The reason I blamed the photos on Bob (jokingly) was regarding one of his posts. Trust me though, it takes very little persuasion to get me to wear a swimsuit - even when I'm a little chunky. I guess I'm weird like that!

Hugs,
Cara

2005-12-17T16:38:00.000-08:00

Yep....I love swimsuits!

2005-12-17T16:37:00.000-08:00

Yet another.

2005-12-17T16:35:00.001-08:00

Some girls have a shoe issue, I have a swimsuit issue.

2005-12-17T16:35:00.000-08:00

In a swimsuit after goal.

2005-12-17T16:33:00.000-08:00

Blame all these swimsuit photos on Bob! lol

What the F***?

2005-12-17T08:25:00.001-08:00

This is SO weird. After trying and trying to get a goal picture (I ALWAYS have red eyes) I realized something; I look better in a swimsuit than in clothing. How could that be???? What annoys me about that is the fact that it is about 50 degrees and walking around in a swimsuit really isn't too practical. I've never heard of another soul having this issue. Generally if you look good in a swimsuit, you look better in clothes. Right???? I think maybe it's just that because of my body type it is hard to find clothes that fit properly. Or.....maybe I'm just obsessive and crazy!!!???

Hugs,
Cara

2005-12-17T08:25:00.000-08:00

Here I am beyond goal, 128. I know I look no different than I did at 134, but it's the principle of the thing! lol

129

2005-12-16T04:00:00.000-08:00

Well, after holding out at 131 for what seemed like forever, I got up this morning and had lost ANOTHER pound!! 129! Finally, all that exercising is paying off - thank God, because I am exhausted.

On another front, my daughter is going to MEPS on Monday to do her final paperwork and swear into the Army. I really wish Gary was here to swear her in, but at least he will be here when she finishes bootcamp. I will hate to see her leave the nest, but I'm happy for her to get to spread her wings. My ideal was for her to go to a University after graduation, but emotionally she just doesn't feel ready for that. I think that she is a pretty smart kid to know that, rather than to enroll in college and then bomb out. Being in the military after high school is a little like a baby step in leaving your house because you still have a "parent" looking over you! lol At any rate, I'm happy for her and she is very excited about being a "real" adult.

Hugs,
Cara

GOOOOAAAAALLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2005-12-14T07:13:00.000-08:00

Finally! I've been hanging on to that last stupid pound for 16 days! Now obviously that 1 pound isn't going to show in the mirror but, it was just driving me nuts because I was exercising and eating properly (I don't cheat). Now I feel that I have completed the task. I'm sure I will fluctuate between 132 and 127, but that is really the best size for me because even though I am almost 5'7", I'm small boned (at my heaviest I wore a size 6 ring and always had to take links out of bracelets and watches).

Anyway, I just wanted to share my victory with y'all. I'm rooting for each and every one of you to make your goal. I'll still be checking in on all of your blogs and updating mine - although there may be a lag in late Feb or early March when my husband returns!!!

Hugs,
Cara

2005-12-10T15:23:00.000-08:00

Another shot of my little winner.

2005-12-10T15:21:00.000-08:00

My baby!

Yeah, Cammi!

2005-12-10T15:20:00.000-08:00

I just had to post to brag on my little one. She just competed in the state gymnastics meet and did really well. She is #2 in vault and #8 all around. I wish I had her strength and her abs!!! lol

2005-12-07T11:07:00.000-08:00

Here's my before & after, side by side. I'm not too good at figuring this out and somehow cut off the top of my head. I'll have to work more on this. I'm posting this because someone had the nerve to say that I didn't really need to lose weight in the first place. HATERS!!!!

That 1 Stupid Pound!!!

2005-12-06T04:06:00.000-08:00

Well, for all my reasonable talk I just can't help but want to lose that last 1 pound. It's really annoying me - I'm a really driven, goal oriented person. I cannot stand to not complete something. So, to that end, I decided to kick up my gym time this week. I started yesterday by adding on an extra 30 minutes burning a total of almost 800 calories yesterday. Now if that doesn't get rid of that stupid pound, it just isn't going anywhere.

Hugs,
Cara

2005-12-05T15:17:00.000-08:00

My Virtual Model Currently

2005-12-05T15:16:00.000-08:00

My Virtual Model Before

Hovering One Pound Over Goal

2005-12-04T10:16:00.000-08:00

Well, here I am hovering one pound over goal. It's only been a few days since I reached this point, but I think it may be a plateau point. I'm exercising religously and eating well and the weight loss has continued to slow up to this point. After looking at my bmi & body fat, I feel that this is probably the weight at which my body is most comfortable. I'm not going to stop any of the things that I am doing - but due to my history with an eating disorder, I will do my best not to obsess over this 1 little pound. This is actually the same size (but 5 pounds heavier) that I was when I was training for road races. My thinking is that I have more muscle density this time - plus I'm a few years older! lol

Hugs,
Cara

Got this from Tressa and Thought it was TOO Cool!

2005-12-02T09:18:00.000-08:00

What Icons are for you?(Thank you for #1!! Please check out my other Memes!!) by ladyallie
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Body Fat

2005-12-01T14:03:00.000-08:00

Today I tried to measure my bodyfat using some calipers that I bought. I have scales that measure bodyfat along with weight, but I know that they are not supposed to be as accurate as calipers (if used properly.) Anyway, I tried the calipers 4 times and got essentially the same reading - 16%. My scale shows me at 24%, so I'm going to split the difference and call it 20%, which puts me in the atheletic classification.

Along those lines: I started going through my old work clothes to decide what I would wear for court tomorrow. Everything is too big! I found one pair of size 4 pants, but they are a little too casual for court. I guess I'll go through my suits, it's a little easier to wear them when they are too big - not as noticeable. Well, I'm getting ready to go to dinner with one of my former foster children. It is her case that I am testifying in tomorrow - the termination of parental rights. I'm always so happy to see her. She is such an inspiration.

Hugs!
Cara

What's Next!!????

2005-11-30T09:59:00.000-08:00

OMG! I feel like I'm being bled dry during the holidays. I just found out I need a new dryer (the repair man just left). This on top of all the Christmas gifts that I still have to buy, plus I really need to get new tires and I just got through buying new Bball shoes since the season started this month (not cheap since my son wears a 13 and the school requires a specific brand/style so that the whole team matches.) Not to mention, the schools are in a perpetual state of fund raising. I don't want to buy any more wrapping paper, candles, candy, etc. I swear, every time I turn around it seems like someone has their hand out! I can't wait to get through Christmas and get life back to normal i.e. no more Christmas shopping!!!!

On a brighter note, we only have 3 months left in Gary's deployment. I talked to him via email last night and he seemed to be doing well. It will be so nice to have him home. It's SO weird to not really talk to another adult all day. Well, at least I will get to visit with my old co-workers again on Friday. I have to testify and am looking forward to visiting with the attys and the judge (family court) for a few minutes afterwards.

Well, I guess I'd better head to Lowe's and price dryers.

Hugs!

Perspective

2005-11-29T11:02:00.000-08:00

Throughout my life I've used food and exercise as a reward or punishment - sometimes punishing myself into dangerously low body weight/body fat levels. I'm realizing more, every year, that food is to keep you alive, not to punish or reward. This has been a very hard lesson for me to learn and stems back to my childhood. In high school and college, and at other times in my life, I've felt the need to have such extreme control over everything I ate and what I weighed that I was miserable. For the last couple of years I tried to totally ignore what I weighed and ate anything I wanted in any portion. That wasn't the right answer either. I feel like I am finally at a place in my life that I can put eating and my weight in the proper perspective. I'm eating and exercising reasonably. This is a daily challenge. It's very hard not to fall back into over exercising and under eating as I see the weight coming off. I want to look good. I want to feel good.

Hugs,
Cara

Visiting My Old Co-workers

2005-11-28T18:49:00.000-08:00

Today I had to go to my old office to prep for a court hearing that I'll be testifying in this Friday. It was really neat because I hadn't seen most of these people since July. Everyone was talking about the amount of weight I had lost - quite a confidence booster! It was really good to see everyone and catch up. I missed them and my clients, but not enough to go back to the stressful grind of that job.

Tomorrow I'm going to get my monthly massage. This is an indulgance that I've enjoyed for many years. I highly recommend it! I hope everyone has a wonderful night.

Hugs!
Cara

2005-11-26T13:15:00.000-08:00

No where to hide the fat in this swimsuit!

2005-11-26T13:14:00.000-08:00

My favorite Christian Dior swimsuit. I know, I know, it's winter. But I couldn't resist.

How Did I Get Here??!!

2005-11-26T10:04:00.000-08:00

So, maybe you're asking yourself how I dropped 20 pounds (maybe you're not). I have to give thanks to Nutrisystem, for giving me a nudge. I used their foods for about 2 months. After I ran out of all my favorites, I began using my own foods sporadically, then exclusively. I continually use the online diary and try to keep my calories between 1200-1500 calories today. Making sure to keep my protein intake high - which is sometimes a challenge due to my dislike of all things meat. My main weight loss booster has been exercise. I do cardio/resistance a minimum of 5 hours per week. I hate lifting weights of any kind, so I work out on an eliptical trainer (on level 12-15) for an hour. This gives me resistance and cardio at the same time. I am starting to see a lot of definition, particularly in my abs. I hope all my NS buddies will make an effort to make exercise as important as diet. HUGS!

2005-11-26T09:58:00.000-08:00

My girls. Candra (18) and Cammi (10).

2005-11-26T09:57:00.000-08:00

The kids and I after putting up the Christmas tree. Every year after Thanksgiving dinner, we go to a movie, then come back and put up the tree and take a family photo. This year we're missing Daddy.

Happy Thanksgiving

2005-11-24T05:42:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. For almost 20 years I have cooked a big meal for my family and 1 or more guests. This is actually the first year I won't be doing that. It seems really strange. I'm not even making turkey. It's just me and the kids and they decided they would rather have chicken or ham. Well, I had to make a chicken because it at least looks like a turkey. I am making my famous rolls, mashed potatoes and stuffing. My son might fall over dead if I didn't do that! lol He's out buying extra flour and butter right now in case I have to make him another batch of rolls.

Gary emailed to tell me "good morning". I sure do miss him, but at least we are in the downhill stretch now. Oddly enough, in all his years in the Corps, he is generally home for Thanksgiving. He has missed Christmas several times, but I only remember him missing one other Thanksgiving. Normally at this time of morning he would be helping me get the bird ready for the oven. Later he'd be sneaking in to taste this and that, while pretending he was basting the bird. We laugh about that every year. He loves that yucky green bean casserole, so I have to make it every year. I'm more into making exotic things, but he insists that, no matter what else I make, we must have the green bean thing, mashed potatoes and my rolls. So, this is the first year I haven't made the green bean thing.

He just emailed me and said that he has a thumb drive with lots of pictures of me saved to it. I guess that's what he's doing for Thanksgiving;) I'd better go check on the rolls!

Clothes Shopping!

2005-11-23T16:45:00.000-08:00

OMG! I went shopping for jeans and I'm now that skinny bitch asking for smaller sizes than what the store has on the rack! lol I had on a 4 and totally could have gotten into a 2, but they didn't have one. I then tried on a 5 in the juniors and it was loose in a couple of spots, so I looked for a 3, but they didn't have one. This is SO cool - it would have been cooler if I had actually gotten to try on a 2 or 3, but maybe when I go to the big city I will get to. I tried a few brands, just to make sure it wasn't a fluke - but, nope - I can easily wear a 4 or 5. Therefore, I don't care if I lose another pound. I can see my hip bones and the muscles in my stomach. I am thrilled!

2005-11-22T16:38:00.000-08:00

I can now breathe comfortably in my size 4's!

Just Another Day

2005-11-21T18:43:00.000-08:00

Today was just another day. I picked my oldest daughter up from school for lunch. We talked more about her taking the ASVAB - she is still torn between joining the Navy or the Army. My son had a basketball game tonight, but didn't play. He was one of only a couple of freshman to make the JV team, so he isn't really seeing any action yet. I didn't follow much of a diet plan today, I did burn 600 calories at the gym though, so I'm not really stressing it. I ate some french fries and some ice cream today, but not too much of either. In fact, I couldn't finish the ice cream from Cold Stone and had to give it to my son to finish. He ate his and the rest of mine - teenage boys and their metabolisms?!

I didn't hear from Gary today, I guess it was a really busy day in the dessert. Hopefully I'll hear from him tonight or tomorrow. I'm hoping this second 1/2 of the deployment will seem faster than the first 1/2 did. This has seemed like the longest one in his career. I know it must be due to him having 2 deployments so close together. I think he will be suprised to see the changes I've made to the house while he was gone. I know he'll be suprised to see me over 20 pounds lighter! lol I expect that I will stall at about a 25 pound loss. That is fine, I really don't NEED to lose any more. I'm wearing a size 4 and for my height, that's pretty thin. I'm getting lots of compliments and no one has said that I look TOO thin, which sometimes happens when I lose weight. I guess I should turn in for the night. The Daily Show will be on soon and that's the one TV show that I watch faithfully. I love Jon Stewart!

1/2 Way!

2005-11-20T14:32:00.000-08:00

Today is the 1/2 point for my husband to come home (I hope!) My experience with 15 years of the military is that no return date is actual until they are in final leg of the return home. I'm hoping he and I can take a mini-trip, alone, when he gets home. He came back from Afghanistan in Sept. 2004 and we took a cruise, but less than a year later he was in Iraq. That just seems to be the current deployment schedule. I'm thinking maybe a trip to SC or the Blue Ridge Mountains. There aren't too many statest that we haven't visited over the years. Maybe we'll try to MAC to Spain??!!!

2005-11-19T14:16:00.000-08:00

My Marine in Iraq - 2nd from the right. Looks like he's been dieting too!

2005-11-19T14:15:00.000-08:00

Me, 20 pounds ago. Yuck!

2005-11-19T14:13:00.000-08:00

Still got that junk in my trunk.

2005-11-19T14:12:00.000-08:00

My profile after losing almost 20 pounds!

2005-11-19T14:11:00.000-08:00

19 Pounds Down!

New to the blogging thing

2005-11-19T13:42:00.000-08:00

I just started this blog after losing 20 pounds. I don't know that I'll have tons of things to say, but I'll update it as I come up with stuff.