13 weeks is OVER!

Well it has clearly been a VERY long time since I have written on my blog! A lot of things have happened in the past couple of weeks but one of the biggest things, my cousin had her baby girl!!

She is so cute and snugglie. There is nothing like baby snuggles! They are all doing very well and her big brother is so sweet with her. Trying to give her little high fives. =)

That same week her husband and Kevin ran the mini. This year they ran with my other cousin Wes. Even with it being as hot as it was, they all did great!! GOOD JOB BOYS!

Well, last night I had my last weigh in with the core program and I lost another 3.5 pounds! So I have lost 35 pounds and some change since January! YAY!!

This weekend is Derby, so I know some bad eating may be in my future. Well there is just one thing I really want and my favorite person in the whole world is making it!! BLT dip! YUMMIE!!! I wont even tell you all the goodness that will be in it, because it is TOTALLY out of the box!

Thanks to everyone who has read this for the past 13 weeks.. maybe I will continue this blog and try something else for 13 weeks, like being nice to my husband.. um... yeah, all you wives out there know this is an impossible task! Well, maybe I will come up with something to write about. Who knows.

Have a great day and night!

Love,
Em

Easter

Well today is Easter and the first time I have seen some people since I have started doing my 13 week challenge, I am changing it to that, bc "life style change" seems to be so nice and lovely and this is hard!

It was very sweet of everyone to tell me how great they thought I was doing. =) It really did help! Deep down inside, I just wanted to pile on some mac and cheese, German potato salad, meat of all sorts and cheese!!

But instead I enjoyed veggies and fruit. I think it helped a lot that my throat was hurting so I wasn't feeling like eating much anyways. Well on Thursday I got some big news! We are done with our 13 weeks on April 30th!! This was SO exciting bc I thought it was going to be May 14th before we were done with this phase!!

I keep telling Kevin that I want eat a breakfast buffet, a buffalo wrap from cheddars and some BLT dip. =) He tells me I am crazy and that I would gain 10 pounds back fast if I eat all that. I told him that maintenance will Begin the following week, so I am not going to go all out crazy, but I may have a special something =).

I am going to get off here and snuggling up on the couch to get some rest.

Hope you all had a great Easter!!

Have a great day and night!

Love,
Em

Stressed

I haven't been writing on my blog for the fact that I have been stressed and the last thing I have been wanting to do is get on here. I have been asked by a few people about my lack of blogging, so I thought since me being stressed is part of this 13 weeks then I should blog about it, so here it goes.

I think it all hit me all of the sudden. I am completely unhappy at work, which in turn has been causing me to be more stressed and on edge. By the time the weekend rolls around I dont want to go out and doing anything. I just want to sleep.

I have been working out a lot more lately because its the one thing that I actually feel good about, wants I am done with it. ( oh and if I weigh myself in the morning and I loose 2 more pounds, I will have lost 30 since Jan-I will keep you posted.)

After a long talk on Friday with a very wise woman, I realized I needed to take my life back. I need to be happy, and I shouldn't have to give up things that I have been. If that means I need to make changes, then those changes are going to have to be made.

I have become the person who has allowed to be walked over, and I am NOT that person.

I know this isn't my typical up beat post, but this is how I am feeling at this moment in time. Remember we all have the strength inside to make our selves happy, if we choose to use that strength, is the question.

Have a great day and night!

Love,
Em

Two Sizes...

Well I finally did it. I went to get some work pants. This was a very happy morning for me! How can you not be happy when you are shopping?!?!

Well I went to New York and Company, I had a 30% off thing, and I looked at Kohl's the other day and didn't really find anything I liked. So I figured since I was going into work late, might as well go look for some new work pants.

Do you know how excited but nervous I was about going to look for some black pants?? I walked in saw where some were on sale, pulled a pair of the rack, tried them on and to my astonishment, I DROPPED TWO PANTS SIZES!!

I was floored! I knew I was the same weight I was when I got married, but OH MY GOSH! I was actually smaller by two sizes! I haven't been this size in almost three years!! So what else do you do, but buy some new work-out outfits. Yep! I am pretty excited!

I will be sporting one of my new outfits tomorrow morning. =) I took the day off today from working out because I worked out 4 days in a row, so today is relaxation day! Since it is, I am going to bed early!

Hope you have a great day and night!

Love,
Em

Weight Loss!

Since so many people (Dad and Uncle Kevin) have been missing my blog updates, I decided to write a little something. Our computer is on the fritz and the one I am writing on isn't working well either.

I have lost 3 more pounds this week, so that means I have lost 20 pounds with HMR. Pretty good! I have also enrolled in a Fitness Study so I get to join Milestone for a month. I just have to take three classes a week.

That shouldn't be to hard. They have about a 1000 to choose from! I went to a Hip Hop Class on Friday and today I did a Step Class. Tomorrow I am going to Zumab!! I haven't been this active since I played soccer in high school!

Some other exciting news is that I am, as of today, am two pounds below what I was when I got married!! Now that is some excitement. Bad news is I am having a hard time find some black pants for work. =( The size I was is to big, and the next size down it a little to snug. I went looking last weekend, so maybe tomorrow I can find a pair.

I am in desperate need of a pair of pants, because the pants I wear to work now look like I have pooped in my pants they are that baggy in the but! (haha) It is a pretty funny site to see.

Well I will write more I promise when I get my lap top working right.

Have a great day and night!!

Love,
Em

family

Today would have been my cousin's little boy, Owen's 3rd Birthday, unfortunately he became an angel before we could enjoy him here on earth. For the last three years on March 14th Kevin and I, spend some time with her and her family. It makes me value how important family really is. I can and will always remember that day and the weeks that followed. I am a believer that good always comes out of a bad situation. It may take time, but good always prevails.
I would never wish what happened to Erika and Chris on anyone, but I do believe this situation is what brought the 4 of us closer together.

The Lega's have a unique way of getting through rough times, Laughter. You may be thinking, this doesn't seem like something that should be part of horrible situations, but it works. None of us like to see anyone sad. We know that people are going to be sad, but if there is a way to lift ones spirit, we are going to pull together and do it.

Some people may think we aren't taking a death or a situation serious enough, but anyone can tell you, a smile can help the pain. And that's what the Lega's are good for. We are a close family. We may not spend every holiday together, but we know if we need something, then we are going to be able to get the help we need.

Really its been in the last few years that I have actually realized how awesome of a family I have. I wouldn't change them for one bit, well maybe a little =) (just joking)

So always know, if you need a "pick me up" you can always count on the Lega's!

Have a great day and night!

Love,
Em

Friday the 13th (part 2)

Another Friday the 13th and another night of Zumba. Tonight was WAY harder then the other times. But I liked the challenge! Now I am at home resting with my feet propped up watching some TV and drinking a shake. (A HMR shake.) I am worn out!!

Have a great day and night!

Love,
Em

5 weeks in counting!

I just finished week 5 of HMR and the grand total of weight loss with this program........17 pounds! And for of those who dont know, 17 is my lucky number! So hopefully more is to come!

This week has been a rough week. I did the bare minimum of water, veggies and fruit. I was literally worn out on eating those foods. But I think I am back and ready to go!! I love the night I get home from my meetings!

I think a lot of it has to do with the people. They are all so fun! So many different types of people. Young and old. Its nice to know you aren't the only person out there trying this program. You share in there accomplishments along with their dislikes. It's nice to have people in your same camp.

Well I am getting off to watch some Grey's.

Have a great day and night!

Love,
Em

Laid back night.

Tonight I am taking a little break from writing on my blog. Instead I am going to relax with Kevin and Vito, watch some TV and maybe even go to bed early.

Hope you all have a great day and night!

Love,
Em

Today was one of the ladies I work with B-days, so instead of eating B-day cookie, I got myself some fresh mixed berries from Kroger. It was so good. Teresa and I nibbled on that, not feeling guilty about eating it!

Now if we were to have eaten the cookie, then we would have let ourselves down. What was more amazing is that I didn't even really notice the cookie until I went and got my purse from the break room to go home.

Planning ahead helps to make good choices. I like to know things ahead of time so I know what to expect and what I need to bring with me to stay on track.

So remember to plan ahead, because you never know if you will be able choose from choices where you will be.

Have a great day and night!

Love,
Em

Moe's

It's amazing what awesome ideas you can come up with while walking. As Erika and I walked around Seneca Park, I began to rant about how much I want something other then HMR entrees. Do you know what I would do for a breakfast bar?!?!

Well today Jill went and got Moe's for lunch, so of course I tell Erika about how great it smelled and so on. So, of course an idea comes to mind. It amazing how walking can do this! So I figured I could have a "taco" salad with out the cheese and meat. I loaded it with black beans, jalapenos, pico de gallo, onions, fat free sour cream, and my turkey chili HMR meal. IT WAS YUMMIE! AND as a special treat Kevin didn't want to have his drink so I had unsweet tea.

This may seem like no biggie, but when you have had nothing but water for 4 weeks straight, 96oz a day. this just hits the spot. I also got a call from Abbey, who also has been doing this, and she gave me some really good tips! Now I just have to put them to use.

Well I am getting off here. Kevin and I are watching House.


Have a great day and night!

Love,
Em

P.S. For those of you who can eat all of Moe's goodness, you can get Drink, Chips and Burrito for $5 on Monday's from 2-CL-Not bad!

Up and Running.

Well our Internet is finally working. Ironically it started going bad Wed/Thursday. I guess Kevin just didn't just knock himself out, but the Internet too. =)

Today and been one of those "emotional roller coasters." I always weigh myself, and it actually said that I had gained a pound. How, dont know because I haven't cheated yet.

Even though HMR is going well, I am actually getting tired of eating the same stuff over and over. It could be the fact that this weekend we went to dinner with his parents and all I could have was veggies, or yesterday we ordered pizza for Chris and Erika for helping us with the yard, and I couldn't even enjoy that.

I was and am very annoyed that is said I gained a pound. It could be that time of the month approaching, but it sucks either way! So instead of going to a breakfast buffet I have been drinking water like crazy, Kevin, Vito, and I went on a nice walk, and the Internet is up and running!

So we will see what it says tomorrow. Maybe I will discover some new recipe I can come up with, with the foods I can eat. Anyways,

Have a great day and night!

Love,
Em

Weigh in Day

Okay so this isn't a typical Thursday, at all! Kevin woke up around 2:30 a.m. passed out and busted his face on our closet shelves in the bathroom. So, after a trip to the ER and dentist office, we chilled at home today.

My mom brought him Gatorade and a blizzard, then she and my dad "watched" him while I went to my weigh in. Tonight I lost 5 more pounds, this is a total of 16 lbs I have lost during HMR. pretty good!!

Well I am going to get off here and take care of Kevin. Maybe tomorrow I will have a longer blog. :O)

Have a great day and night!

Love,
Em

Sugar Free

So there isn't a whole lot I can have on this diet, but I can have sugar free drink mix! I have one that is my favorite that Walgreens has my favorite one, Fruit Punch Grape! They dont always have it, so when they do I snag it up!

It's really good after a good work out. Here is a good thing to do in the summer. Get a water bottle with water and put a packet of the sugar free mix in it. Shake it up then put it in the freezer! Its like one HUGE Popsicle! Yummie!

You dont know how happy I was to find this because I was getting so tired of drinking the same old water and fruit punch stuff. This will making drinking my water even easier!

I am keeping this short, poor Kevin doesn't feel so well.

Have a great day and night!

Love,
Em

Thought this would make you all laugh!

A blonde is terribly overweight, so her doctor puts her on a diet. "I want you to eat regularly for two days, then skip a day, and repeat this procedure for two weeks. The next time I see you, you'll have lost at least five pounds." When the blonde returns, she's lost nearly 20 pounds. "Why, that's amazing!" the doctor says. "Did you follow my instructions?" The blonde nods. "I'll tell you, though, I thought I was going to drop dead that third day." "From hunger, you mean?" asked the doctor. "No, from skipping."



Joke from: http://www.butlerwebs.com/jokes/medical.htm

~~~~~

Alone and Relaxed.

After working 40 plus hours at work, cleaning the house, running errands, and doing laundry, being home alone is exactly what I need. I think to many times being alone, seems sad or depressing, or even guilty, but if you don't take time for yourself, then you can not fully relax your mind or body.

Starting off the week already stressed only makes for the upcoming week to start off bad. I am hoping that me taking some "me time" will help with the stress work has been having. Especially since I can't enjoy the food I would LOVE to indulge in.

Yesterday, I had a "me day" all day! I went with my friend and co-worker, Amy, to get a Mani and a pedi. It was so nice and relaxing! We said we were going to start doing it once a month. Which, I think isn't a bad idea. We all need to indulge a little!

Then later that night, Wii bowling party at my aunt and uncles house. It was so much fun! We laughed our butts off! We had great snacks! My favorite dip was there too, unfortunately I can't have my favorite dip because it has sour cream, mayo, tomato, cheese and bacon in it. BUT! While sitting by the table, my cousin, Erika, and I thought of ways of making it, to where I could eat it. Since I can have Fat Free mayo and sour cream, and tomatoes, get those. Now the bacon is was gives it the flavor, so trying to find a bacon flavored spice will be a challenge. The cheese wont have any part of it =(. I'll let you all know how it turns out.

Then to top off the weekend, I went and exercised with my cousin, who is also my neighbor, Michelle. The wind was a little bit harsh, but it was nice to get out and walk and talk. Which leaves me to where I am now. On the couch, relaxing while the laundry is drying and the dishes are washing.

This has been a great weekend! Thanks everyone for making it that way!!

Have a great day and night!

Love,
Em

Give a Ring.

As we get older, our lives become busier. We tend to become withdrawn from family and friends. Which is very understandable when you have worked a 1000 hours, and all you want to do is relax. But their is always one simple thing we can do that makes all the difference, calling someone.

A phone call can help someone feel better when they are feeling blue, or it can be a way to spread enthusiasm. We all have phones calls that we remember, whether they are good or bad, you never forget a phone call.

I have a friend, Sarah, who will randomly call me and leave me a 5 minute voice mail, but you know what, it always makes me smile. Or when you get a missed call from someone, the thought that they were calling you "just to chat" is priceless.

I wont lie, I am not good at calling people. I honestly talk to the same people on the phone all the time. I do randomly scroll through my phone to see who I haven't chatted with in awhile and will give them a call.

So whens the last time you talked to your parents, in-laws, family or close friends and just called to talk? Not for a specific reason or because you "just have a question," but because you wanted to see how their day was going?

Asking someone how they are doing, and actually meaning it, has more power behind it then people realize. So, go and call someone you haven't talked to in a long time and catch up. You may just make someones day a little brighter!

Have a great day and night!

Love,
Em

My Mom.

You know you have an awesome mom when she is super excited about a .75 weight loss, or the fact that she has called me twice today and offered to do laundry and clean the house. :O)

I have a pretty great mom. She is always wanting to help everyone, no matter who they are. It doesn't matter if it is someone from work or some one in the family, she will always be the first one to lend a helping hand.

These past two weeks have been long and tiresome. I have been working at both our offices, and have worked over 40 hours the past couple of week. (I am not the only one who is doing this, Amy and the doctor are too.)

So it is very nice to know that my Mom is looking out for me, my house, and the dirty clothes. (haha) You need people like that in your life. They are who help you get through things when you think you aren't going to be able to handle all the stress. If I weren't doing HMR, I think a HUGE margarita would be filling that "Gosh I feel stressed and I want to drink something" void.

So, even though I have told my mom both times that she didn't need to come and clean my house, I really do appreciate that fact she is looking out for me. If you can surround yourself with people like this, it will help the next few weeks go by fast!

So ask yourself this question: Are the person who offers the help, or the person who takes the help? Both have a rewarding feeling, but giving someone or offering help, has a greater feeling then not trying to help at all.

Have a great day and night!

Love,
Em

PS Yes, I only lost .75 pounds this week. I was told to eat more and more often. So that's my goal next week!

Together.

One of my life's greatest gifts is the time I get to spend with Kevin. After working a long day, it's nice to know that after work, I get to hang out with him on the couch (and Vito as well.)

It could be the fact that he makes me happy, or the fact that he cleaned the kitchen up for me and I didn't even ask, or the fact that he actually watches American Idol with me... Such a sweet hubby I have!


These are feelings that we sometimes like to associate with food. We want to get that same joy we can with people, but instead we sometimes do it with food. Like the joy a milky way would give me after shopping at Target, it was like the cherry on top. I would look forward to getting that candy bar. Now, if I am wanting something sweet, I pop in some gum. It is actually a very good trick, because you keep chewing it, and then eventually forget that you are wanting something better.

Amy and I did come up with an idea today at work. Why not make sugar free gum that tastes like a candy bar? Then you would be able to satisfy the craving, with out the guilt. But, that could be some nasty tasting gum, but hey, you never know.


So if you are wanting to change something in your life, whether it is food, drinking, or smoking, having a good support system makes all the difference! You tend to appreciate the stuff you have always done, like sitting on the couch with your husband.

Don't forget, tomorrow is weigh in day. I have a filling I have only lost a pound, but hey, its better then nothing!!

Have a great day and night!

Love,
Em

Breath.

I don't really have much to talk about tonight. I just need to sit down and breath. Its only Tuesday and I am ready for the week to be over. Its going to be a stressful few months due to schedule changes and such, but the only thing I can do is vent, then breath.


As much as I want a HUGE piece of chocolate cake right now, instead I am sitting here with green beans and cauliflower. What an awesome combo! Well I am making this short and sweet because I want to relax and enjoy American Idol before it comes on.


Have a great day and night!

Love,
Em