Some Things You Just Can't Avoid

I've mentioned before that family is important -- very important. Always remember that, no matter what.

(Note: I am not a doctor, I don't know all the technical terms for what I'm about to talk about. I am simply writing from my experience and discussions with my family)

About  6 or 7 years ago my father was rushed to the hospital and told by the doctors he was lucky to be alive and that someone must be watching him. He had a blood clot that had moved from his leg into his lungs and decided that's where it was going to reside for a while. Being that I was four hours away, that was a one of the worst phone calls in my life (at that time). I drove down to Boston as soon as I could and sat with him and my family at the hospital. Seeing your father laying in a hospital bed, and wondering what could happen next is heartbreaking. Luckily, whoever was watching over my father got him out of there after a few days.

This past Monday I received a call from my step-mother informing me that my father was in the hospital and that he had formed another clot, however, this time he got to the hospital before it moved from his leg anywhere else. I had just left my dad's on Sunday morning and he went into the hospital Sunday night, it's crazy what can happen in less than 12 hours. After being monitored and pumped with drugs they released him Wednesday afternoon. The thing that is scary is the clot is still there and he will have to rely on his own body to do "the right thing" and break it down so it can move along.

My father will now have to be on coumadin, more than likely forever. He will always have to be careful when traveling for long periods, and anytime he feels uncomfortable he will have to got to the doctors to be checked. (note: my father is only 50 years old)

This makes me think about all the changes that I am trying to make in my life to be healthier and live longer. Do they matter? My father is not over weight, he exercises, golfs, travels, eats right...and yet still has this disease that is going to haunt him for the rest of his life. It is scary to think that I could be going for a walk and all of a sudden drop dead (great how my mind works right?). I guess in the long run I am hoping that all my changes will help me with my health -- there are just some things you just can't avoid.

Here's a list of things you can do to help avoid blood clots and starting now, I am going to take more seriously:

1. Traveling: Make sure you get up and move around as much as possible. While seated, raise and lower your heels and toes, to encourage circulation. On long flights, drink plenty of fluids. When driving, stop after a couple hours, walk around your vehicle and stretch. 

2. At Work/School: When you’re at your desk for a long period of time, blood can pool in your legs, paving the way for a clot. Get up and walk around. Move your body! I sometimes dance in my chair. 

3. Have Your Heart Checked: Irregular heart beat can increase your risk of blood clots.

4. Pay Attention: Your body will usually tell you if something is wrong. Leg pain, rapid heart rate, sweating, fatigue, and feeling faint are top symptoms of blood clots.

Those that are obese, have had cancer, being treated for cancer, have had a stroke, have varicose veins, bad bruise/bump, or a broken bone can be at risk of getting blood clots. While I can't avoid the risk of having the same issues as my father (as blood clotting can be a hereditary issue in cases like this)... I can try my best to avoid them. Being active and losing weight are two of the best ways I can keep my chances down.

I guess if being overweight wasn't a good enough reason to go to the gym and be heathly, watching my father go through this twice IS. 

Love you Daddy-O xo

~MKW
7/25/13: 178lbs
Goal: 157lbs

Me and Dad, January 2013 - 50th Surprise Birthday!

The Vacation is Over

I'm back! You all missed me I know (all 5 of you that read this)...so dear loyal fans, here's what I learned over the last week.

This was my week on
Long Lake, Naples Maine.

I've realized that if there was a career that required me to be a beach bum, I'd be in the money and probably the best professional beach bum around. I did nothing but plant my butt on the beach from 10am till 5pm every day...well except one day when I took a trip to town (for all of 1 hour).

Camping in a tent in the middle of July isn't usually that bad. However (and this is me NOT complaining), when it is 90 degrees with a heat index of 120...tents and fat girls DO NOT mix! I probably lost more weight sleeping than I do at the gym on a good day.

Eating camp food is NOT good for any type of lifestyle change (ie: diet).
Breakfast: pancakes, eggs, bacon (lots of bacon), toast, donuts, bagels.
Dinner: spaghetti, pizza, hamburgers/hot dogs, tacos.
Snacks: chex mix party mix, goldfish, pop tarts, ice cream, cake. Needless to say, my carb intake was probably higher than MyFitnessPal would allow me to enter.

Going to the drive-in during a thunderstorm, not advisable. However, when it is a Channing Tatum movie, you make it work. Also, when going to the drive-in during a thunderstorm, bring a car that does not require you to have the lights on when using your wipers pretty sure we were the "jerks with the lights on" during 75% of the movie...sorry!

Exercising at camp consists of lots of walking (to get food, drinks, go potty) and laying in the lake on a float (I mean you do have to get off it and swim back to shore). Needless to say, I have not stepped on the scale yet, and I do not plan to for at least 1 week!

Now that I'm back however, I realized that I did not miss the gym. This is not a good sign. There was a time a few months ago when you could not get me out of the gym...now you cannot get me in. I need some serious motivation, the vacation is over, from the lake and from the gym. Time to suck it up... these last 20-25lbs aren't going to lose themselves (boy would that be nice). Feel free to give me some positive thoughts, ideas, a swift kick in the...

~Melissa
7/23/13: hm...last time it was 178lbs
Goal: 157lbs

Excuses Are Like Butts

Alright, so I'm not being as faithful with this blog (or the gym) as I should be. It's the week before vacation and while excuses are like butts, my work outs lately have consisted of laundry, packing, shopping, and cleaning house. I feel like I've just been out straight and come 8:30-9pm the last thing I think of is the gym... usually it's my bed. 

On that note, the worst part, I've been eating like I'm on vacation already too! Oh ya know, ice cream, cookies, reese's peanut butter cups...the whole nine yards. Needless to say, I will NOT be stepping on the scale until after vacation to see my damage. However, while I am on vacation I will be with a few friends that are also on the path to a better life style and hoping that we can schedule some walks/jogs in along with a few challenges so I don't feel like too much of a blob next week. 

Since the word butt is in my title...I need help people! I have no butt. Nothing, nada, ZERO butt. I looked up some ideas for butt exercises to help me out (this will probably be my next set of challenges), but anything else anyone knows of PLEASE help me!

I know all of you reading my post will give me LOTS of ideas. But just incase, I'll try some of these from FitSugar when I get back from vacation:


Step Ups
Make sure you're using a stable and sturdy chair that can support your weight without sliding. If a chair feels too high, use a sturdy stool or a bottom stair.

• Stand in front of your chair and place your left foot in the center of the seat.

• Step up onto the chair and bring your right knee forward and up.

• Lower yourself back to the floor, with the foot landing quietly.

• Switch legs and repeat. That completes one rep. Do 15 to 20 reps total.

Plié Squats
Maybe squats aren't your favorite exercise, but they sure help to strengthen and tone your quads, hamstrings, glutes, and lower back. Using a set of dumbbells will not only strengthen your tush but your arms as well!

• Stand with legs wide and toes pointed outward slightly. Hold a pair of dumbbells in your hands with your arms straight and your palms facing down.

• Bend your knees until they are over your ankles while raising your arms to just below shoulder height. Arms should be in line with your legs — you should see the weights in your peripheral vision.

• Straighten your legs and lower your arms simultaneously.

• Complete three sets of 15 reps.

Romanian Deadlifts
This move is an oldie but goodie when it comes to targeting your hamstrings, quads, and, of course, your backside.

• Stand upright holding a pair of medium-weight dumbbells in each hand, arms at your sides, with your knees slightly bent.

• Keeping your arms straight and knees slightly bent, slowly bend at the hips (not your waist) and lower the weights as far as possible without rounding your back, which should remain straight.

Basic Squat With Side Leg Lift
Here's a move that can help smooth out your saddlebags, also called your lower love handles. You'll definitely feel this move burning both sides of your tush at the same time.

• Stand with your feet shoulder-width distance apart, feet parallel. Hold your hands out in front of you for balance. Bend your knees, lowering your hips deeply so your thighs are parallel with the floor, keeping weight back in your heels.

All right, I'll probably be off line until I get back from vacation. But should I venture to a computer, I'll be sure to share my vacation stories with you all and let you know if I have been walking or doing ANYTHING besides sitting on the beach reading a good book. Oh! For those interested... I'm going camping. Have been doing it since I was 6 months old with my family and another family. LOVE this time with them all. 

Till next time... use it for more than an excuse, do a few squats for me!

~Melissa 

Life Without Technology

Well I survived. I survived a whole weekend (Friday morning till Monday morning) without a phone or the internet. Crazy right? But it's possible. Who knew! It's amazing how much we depend on having our cell phones for everything. They are honestly a lifeline for us.

I'll admit, at first I was a little worried. Ok, no, I was terrified. How the heck was I going to go 3 full days without a phone, blogging, or Facebook!? What if there was an emergency and no one could get a hold of me? What if I was in an accident and couldn't call anyone (though no a days I'm pretty sure you can still call 911 when your phones off)? How was I going to know what my friends and family where doing if I couldn't log into Facebook? Do you see all my dilemma's here?

Surprise...guess what you can still have a life without technology. Yep. I'm living proof. It's a funny thing, life, we sometimes forget what it is truly all about and take it for granted. Life is what you do when you aren't attached to a computer or a phone or an iPad. Life is what you do when you want to be happy and enjoy the things and people around you. Even without a phone I was able to "stop by" and see family (the way things were done in the good ol' days), I went fishing, to the park, and even to the gym (oh yes, all three days).

While my "diet" and "exercise" aren't going 100% the way I'd like them to (which is my fault), I'm finding out a lot of other things along this journey. I'm trying to stay focused on what is really the ending product of this journey, not just losing 60lbs, but finding myself and all the great things in life that I have been missing while stuffing my face in a pint of Ben & Jerry's (don't judge me, you have all eaten one in one sitting before too).

Signing off...

~Melissa
7/9/13 - 178lbs
Goal - 157lbs

Family 4th of July

I hope everyone had an amazing 4th of July. I spent it hanging out with the boyfriend's family doing the bbq, horseshoe tournament (no, I did not play, I suck), poker (nope, didn't do that either, I suck even worse than horseshoes), watching the kids running through the sprinkler thing (yes...this I did do lol). It was fun and relaxing.

The fourth of July used to be one of my favorite holidays. I would get all dolled up in red, white, and blue...go to the parade, the park, bbq with friends, then wait for the fireworks. I don't know if it's because I'm getting older, or the changes in my life, but now I just look forward to having a day off. I still like to bbq and see the fireworks...but the parade and all the crazy that goes along with going into town I'm not all about anymore. I enjoy the holiday still...but I think I as I am getting older I rather spend it relaxing with family and close friends. The people who really mean the most in my life.

I love watching other families interact. I find myself thinking about the people in my boyfriend's (his name is Jeremy or JB - which I'll start using rather than 'my boyfriend' because they are shorter) family and who they connect with in my family tree. There's the fun aunt and uncle, all the cousins, the neighbors that have turned into Aunt / Uncle something! As the family started to arrive at the grandmother's house (aka: Gram) and settle in, like it was home sweet home. I loved it. I thought about my "fun aunt" and my "fun uncle" -- along with all the kids that are filling the family tree up now that weren't around 10 or 5 years ago and the friends that have become family because they've been around through all the up's and down's with everyone. It's amazing to watch a family grow. It's even more amazing to be part of those families.

While we all have a "black sheep" or "family drama" -- but at the end of the day, family is the only thing that matters. More than money...more than material things...even more than food (yes, I said it). I hope you all got to spend your 4th of July with great family and friends like I did.

Being a holiday, I did not make it to the gym...I did, however, play with the kids and take a walk. And I'm pretty sure I probably sweated more than I normally do at the gym. Did anyone else notice it was like 100 degrees with a humidity index of like 250%! Wow.

~ Melissa
7/5/13 - 178lbs (oh yea...I lost 2lbs this week)
Goal - 157

You Have a Pretty Face

I've always been a big girl. As a big girl, I was always told I had a "pretty face." After a while I realized that's what people say to "fat" kids. Or people that don't know what to say at all, because honestly, when I was younger (pre-braces and shaped eye brows) I did not have a pretty face.

When I was in elementary school it wasn't that bad, mostly because that's when everyone is in their "awkward" stage. But when I moved to Connecticut in the 5th grade that is when it hit like a ton of bricks. Not only was I the new girl, but I was the new fat girl - double whammy. I had made a few friends and enjoyed my time with them. They didn't see me as the fat girl, they saw me for who I really was - fun, outgoing, caring. To this day I talk with a few of these people, one of which is still my best friend. We still make an effort to see each other at least once a year even though she is down south and I'm up here in Maine.

I thought that once I moved to a different town in the 6th grade, things would get better...oh no, not even close. Pretty sure my parents picked the worst town to move into with a daughter with self-esteem issues. So, once again...the new fat girl. Oh and let me note I also used to be able to stick a pencil between my two front teeth...picture to follow. Easy target is an understatement. I heard it all from "shamu" to "1-800-96-JENNY" when I was walking on or off the bus or down the halls of the school. I was given a nickname without even knowing - "whale" - how original. This was mainly my life in Junior High and High School. Until I realized that I didn't really care what anyone said about me...I knew who I was. But then I turned into what some would call, a B**** (well actually it was "Fat B****").  Naturally, I didn't care. I put up this huge wall and big front that I was who I was and if you didn't like me, too bad for you.

As I got older, I realized being who you are and being a B**** are completely different. The harsh reality of the fact that I did not get over how I was treated growing up settled in. So yes, I was a B****. Though I've tried to change the way people perceive me, I still think to this day, many people see me as one. I'm really not (ok maybe a little, but no more than most people). I've become more of a humble person, one who still acts like things don't hurt her, but deep down, they do...deep down I hold a lot in. This is where my love of food comes into place. As I hold more and more in...I eat more and more food. Thus getting to where I am today, and really where I've been all my life, the "fat girl." Food didn't talk back, it didn't make fun of me, it was there when I needed it. Amazing what a simple addiction can do to someone in the long run...

While I love having a "pretty face" - I'd like to be a "pretty girl" or the "awesome, amazing, sweet, funny, caring, loving girl" that I know I am to everyone around me who know me. Recently I saw this youtube video and thought, OMG that's me...maybe you'll find it helpful for those around you that might think you are a B****.

Here it is...I'd say I was probably around 10 or 11 yrs old in that picture...and then the recent one I'm 31 yrs old. HA...I'm sorry but that ain't no pretty face on the left!

~Melissa
7/3/13 - 180lbs
Goal - 157

Well This Isn't a Good Start

So, as I'm on my way to the gym last night, ready and rearing to go...I drive through town and realize it's the 4th of July Idol competition, of which I have 3 friends competing in it. Ok, well if it starts at 6pm, it should be done by 8pm, and I can be at the gym with plenty of time to kill (gym closes at 10pm). HA! Not so much. By the time it is over it's almost 9pm. Really... ok, maybe I was using it as an excuse not to go? But honestly...I was ready to do it up.

My payback - got up at 6:30am this morning and hit the gym. For those that know me (and those that don't will soon), I am NOT a morning person. I'm not usually ready to tackle the day until about 10am, after my iced coffee and breakfast. But, I managed to get my butt out of bed and go...no surprise, I felt good after. A little out of shape after not being at the gym for almost a month, but still breathing after.

Since I had to be at work for 8am, the trip was not as long as I would normally do. However, I got in 30 mins of cardio and those awesome leg lifts, crunches, and planks that we all love so dearly.

Tonight I have a birthday dinner for my little sister with my family at Sedgley Place. (side note: if you have never been there, GO. It's amazing.) I'm not sure if I'll have time to get to the gym by the time I get back into town. However, I'm going to try -- even after the amazing 5 course meal, I will really try to get to the gym before they close...even if it's only for another 30mins.

The big reveal...my current weight. Thankfully, I only gained a 1 lb these last few weeks, phew. I'm currently 180lbs. Which means I have 23lbs left on my zero to sixty goal. Ok...I can do this. I'm staying focused (for the most part).

Melissa Kay
7/2/13 - 180lbs
Goal - 157lbs

It's Working for Katie

I've been told I'm an amazing writer; stories, poems, songs. However, the thought of having to write about myself kind of scares me. Let's be honest. Who wants the world to know everything about you. (OK, the world is a stretch, I might have 5 Google friends) But, what better way to be accountable for something than to write about it.

My friend +Katie is on this journey, of which she calls - "Trouble with the Curvy." I was checking it out and thought..."It's working for Katie" so maybe I can get it to work for me.

So here is the background information you need...bare with me, I'll keep it short. In October 2010 I started my journey of diet and exercise (blah). Managed to loose 40lbs. Then in October 2012 had a doctors appointment and of course had to step on the scale, not thinking anything of it, I looked down and realized I gained back 30 of the 40lbs I had lost. WHOA! When the heck did that happen? Sure the pants were getting a little tighter, but...ok, yes I was back in my "fat" pants, clearly in denial.

At that point I pretty much wanted to cry. I had worked so hard (understatement - if anyone has worked out and "dieted" you know what I am talking about) and now I was practically back at square one. At that point I decided it was time to get back on track...time to start my "zero to sixty" journey.

From November 2012 until May 2013 I went to the gym, ate right, started ab and arm challenges -- I was on a roll. In fact I got down to 38lbs lost! Now, June 2013 - I'm stuck. I can't seem to get my fat butt to the gym to finish my journey. I don't even want to get on the scale in fear that I've gained weight in the last month. I need some motivation... so, here it is. This blog. You readers. And of course my fabulous friend +Katie.

I'm going to weigh in tonight and post it for the world to see tomorrow. My goal is to lose 60lbs from where I started in October of 2012, which was....217lbs. My last weigh in was 179lbs (I can guarantee I'm NOT there now). So we shall see!

Ok, so that's it. I'm going to do this (again). I'll need you guys to push me -- EVERYDAY!

~ Melissa Kay