Wow. A majorly unexpected NSV!!

Non Scale Victories are few and far between now that I am farther out. 

But, yesterday one happened that I never expected. And, that scared me!

My husband was gawking at me awkwardly... so I asked him what he was looking at... 

in which he replies "I think I can pick you up!"

First, I'll say I can not remember the last time someone has been able to pick me up. Secondly I will say that I forgot just how scary that can be!

While nervous, I agreed to let him try. Without much hesitation, he indeed picked me up!!

NSV... go carts

Ill start this post by admitting how big of a loser I am. I do not have my drivers liscense. It used to scare me pretty badly just thinking about driving. As I have gotten older, I have been able to calm down my fears. And I think I will attempt to get my liscense soon enough.

But, tonight I had my first driving experience! My youngest brother asked me to go with him Go Carting. 

I have gone with him before but never rode. Always afraid the belt wouldn't fit. 

Or that id look all smashed in that little cart.

However, with my new found confidence I decided to try! And oh my gosh! So much fun! 

We did the regular track and then the slick track three times. :)

I crashed once. But it wasn't too bad.

The best part was the I could get into any cart and fasten the belt quickly. If anything I had to TIGHTEN the belt to make it fit. OH MY GOSH! That made me giggle! :)

And, the ENTIRE time we were driving I kept seeing my hands and thought WHOSE HANDS ARE THOSE? I could see every vein popping out when I'd turn the wheel. Craziness!

I wish my husband was able to go with me to experience this fun NSV.  

But, I know there will be tons of other fun experiences for him to join in with!

Halloween!

I love Halloween. It is one of my favorite things to celebrate.

So each year I plan the halloween party for my kids at work. I had a few ideas of what I wanted to be. But, in the end my ideas sucked and just didn't work out. I've beeN BEGGING my husband to get me some one piece pajamas with the footies. Now, I'm sure it's not entirely cute seeing your grown wife wearing ONE piece pajamas. But, my husband is sweet and agreed. Especially after I said I could use them as a costume! I mean, who can say no to a costume that can actually be used for MORE than just Halloween?!

Last night I went out and bought a set of Eeyore footie pajamas in a L. I thought they were cute. I picked out a pink blankie to hold and a stuffed bunny. I also found pink bows to put in my hair that matched Eeyores bow on his tail..

Well this morning I'm getting ready and I put the PJ's on... one part of my leg was cold. I was confused. I'm wearing fleece pi's... Why is ONE part of my leg cold? So I look down and find a hole in them :(

I ended up having to take them back to the store to exchange them. Since I was near work I went to another Walmart and found only TWO pairs of 1 piece PJs! I nearly walked away from them. They only had a S and a M left. There was NO way I could fit into either... but, then I was like ok... I can do this. At least TRY them!

Anyway, I FIT INTO THE MEDIUM! WHOOHOOO!

My brain sometimes plays tricks on me. But, I'm definitely getting to be "small enough" to wear those "ODD SIZES I USED TO JUST DREAM OF"

I came home and excitedly told my husband about the NSV... And realized the M was a 7-9. 

I'm totally on my way to being a smaller size.... :)

Dress Up? NSV

Yesterday I was browsing the forum VerticalSleeveTalk like I do every few days or so. And, I noticed there was a photo share posting specific to women. The theme was "Little Black Dress"

I was interested but the only picture I have of me in my "LBD" is form my honey's graduation. While I do like that picture it's not my FAVORITE. It was taken so quickly since we were basically getting kicked out of the venue and I just feel like I look stunned. 

Anyway, it wasn't until today that I remembered a few weeks ago my mom and I were out shopping for some dresses for her to take on her cruise with her. And, I ended up finding a dress I LOVED! It was black with some cream added in there. At the time I couldn't fit into the dress all the way. Well, I fit but the zipper wouldn't go all the way up. But, my mom insisted I get it because it was ONLY 10 dollars. So I did and figured I'd get into it eventually.

Tonight I figured... hmm what the heck, give it a try!

Well....

I was able to get it zipped ALL the way up by MYSELF! Which meant flipping the back to the front of me zipping it and turning it around. I will admit it took a bit of sucking and maybe even some breath holding. But, I was able to turn it around and BAM!

LOVE IT!

I wish I had some where to wear it. It IS a little tight up top which is WAY weird to me. I've lost a great bit of inches up top. Lately EVERYTHING is too big. But, apparently this dress is different.

Oh, and before I forget. This dress is a size 8.

It is cut a little big. But, STILL! It's an 8!

It's still completely crazy to me. I'm in a 12 right now. But, 8 still seems so far away.

Big News!

Well, in my household at least!

But, I am a proud wife of a GRADUATE! Today my husband graduated with his Associates degree in information technology! It was a HUGE deal for a few reasons... 1. It was his very FIRST graduation. He dropped out of HS due to issues at school and pursued his GED. 2. He has had SO many obstacles to face to get to this point. Between sickness, unexpected hospital stays... every day life he's had it rough the past two years. But, he stuck it out and today it paid off! WHOOHOO! I am so proud of I'm!

Also, it was a big day for me. I have NEVER been able to borrow clothes from friends... well, let me explain. I did have one friend I could borrow clothes from. But, she also had the sleeve months before me. So her wardrobe was filled with sizes 26 and below. I don't really count her for that purpose. But, today I borrowed a dress from an AVERAGE sized friend.

OH MY GOSH! Is this really ME!?

Anyway I wish I had a better picture but they were kicking us out :(

But nonetheless, here's my picture!

First Day of School...

Today we FINALLY went back to school. Technically, I went back to school(work) last week. But, the students were to return on Monday. However, Irene had other plans and we were closed until today.

This is THE best first day EVER. Not only did I realize how far I've come since starting my WLS journey. But, I also had a lot of positivity from my students. And, in the outfit I chose I FELT great. Felt like a professional! LOL! I work in the kitchen a lot helping the students learn how to cook and all that fun stuff so dressing up is not something I do a lot. Normally I wear dress pants and a T shirt so I don't ruin my clothes. However, once I get to goal that will change because I realized today just how much your CLOTHES can affect your mood!

I walked into one classroom that was doing a little lesson on rules, and so all eyes were on me. One of my students was like "OH MY GOD!" and started laughing which in turn made the others laugh. And, I just left. Embarrassed honestly. But, then I realized he hadn't seen me since June. I've lost approximately 25 pounds or so since then. So later on in the day when he came to my class for electives he was hinting around by asking em little questions like "What did YOU do this Summer? How do YOU feel!? And, finally instead of playing the circle game I said I know what you're talking about, if you would like to openly talk about it we CAN, but it needs to be appropriate. (Reminder that I work with emotionally disturbed kids!) So he asked me DID YOU LOSE WEIGHT?! And, then the others chimed in. Asking if I work out more... eat better.. and all that fun stuff. It was not only a good learning experience for him, but for me too. I work with these kids on a daily basis. Sometimes without knowing I underestimate them. They DO care about us even when they claim they don't. Also I learned that its important to discuss HEALTHY habits with them!

Anyway, a picture of the new school year.

Starting the school year off in a size 13 pant. They were a little loose too. But, I couldn't talk myself into wearing the 12's that FIT but felt a tad tight. Maybe soon!

NSV-Twin Bed...

My husband and I decided late Tuesday night that we WERE going on vacation after all. So we ran around the house packing.. and making the arrangements. And, decided we would leave Wednesday morning.

Since we originally told my mom we didn't know if we were coming, she ended up giving the room that we normally use to a friend who was going to bring their camper down. So we had to grab an air bed on the way down.

Well, we ended up bunking in a room with two twin beds and just threw in another twin bed.

I was bummed. Other than hospital stays, I can't remember the last time my husband and I have slept apart.

We managed to fit into a twin bed to watch a movie.

We definitely could of slept like that. But, my incision from my gall bladder surgery was REALLY hurting so he moved.

BUT OMG.

WE COULD FIT TOGETHER ON A TWIN BED!

Random NSV

At my heaviest I used to have a bracelet just like this. But, in order for it to not be tight when I first bought it I had to stretch it by placing it on a round object over night. Then it would fit me ok.

But, it eventually broke.

I bought this one back in December. And slid it on. I wear it in honor of my husband. But, it also acts as a reminder of how far I've come in just a few months. I've watched as its gone bigger and bigger. I've watched as its slid down my wrist.

And now today I am amazed with just how small my wrists have gotten!

Carnival!

Last night my brother, his girlfriend and I all went to the carnival.

I have been wanting to go for a really long time. But, the last time I went I was mortified when one of the rides wouldn't close all the way because I was too big! However, I thought this time that's going to be CHANGED!

So we went, I ended up buying a wrist band for unlimited rides. And, had NO problem fitting in ANY of the rides. I had so much fun. It's amazing how much more fun a carnival can be when you're not worrying about if you can fit or not.

YAY!

Big News!!!

Can anyone else read that?!!?!

It says 217.6!!

Which means.....

I HAVE OFFICIALLY LOST 100 POUNDS

I was seriously stuck at 219 for quite some time. It was so frustrating to me. But, now that's changed.

This loss brings me to only having 67 pounds left to lose. Absolute CRAZINESS!

Anyway, Happy Mothers Day everyone!!! :)

I'm still here!

I haven't posted in about a week, and most of the time I post way more often than that!

My husband had hip surgery recently and life has just been CRAZY!

Weight wise I still can NOT get rid of these last two pounds. It's really starting to frustrate me. I want so badly to hit this milestone but it just isn't happening. But, I need to be positive and remember that I've still lost a TON of weight in such a small amount of time!!!

I have a few ideas for blog posts... and I'm looking forward to writing them :)

For now, what are some NSV ya'll have had this week? Or, just in general? I'm interested in reading some POSITIVITY! 

NSV. Car Seat.

I keep forgetting to post about this. But, since I am currently sitting in the seat its on my mind!
Pre op, whenever I had to ride in the back seat of my moms car I would always dread sitting directly behind the drivers seat. Its a smaller seat and whenever I sat there I felt so uncomfortable. My butt would overflow onto the seatbelt buckle. Well, I realized recently that I could now sit in that same seat with no trouble at all. I actually fit perfect!

NSV-DRESS!

I have always been somewhat of a tom boy. I never really liked dresses as a kid and it continued as an adult. I think the last time I wore a dress was my senior prom and I felt so unbelievably uncomfortable. :(

But, as I have lost weight I have entertained the idea of giving them another try. For Valentines Day I had a GORGEOUS dress a friend gave me. I was so excited to wear it. But, by the time I tried it on it was entirely too big! I could put the dress on, flip it backwards zip it up, flip it back around and you could see down my dress.. No, thank you!

So this time my friend gave me this great dress I made a promise to myself that I'd try it on more frequently to make sure I got to wear it. It was just too pretty!

Well, I wore that little number yesterday! I felt SO comfortable. SO confident. My friend (and twinn!) Laura suggested that since I wasn't used to dresses I should put it on in the morning and wear it all day that way by the end of the day, when I had plans to go to a family function I felt comfortable in it. 

I will just say this, it took all of five minutes for me to be used to it. I was in love. I could TOTALLY see me wearing more dresses!

Anyway, enough talking. here's a pic!

NSV-KICK BALL!

I have never been too into sports. 

I didn't like gym in school, I attempted to play softball as a young teen but the day of the first game I fell down some stairs and sprained my ankle. Sports have just not been my thing.

But, as I lose weight I get these random thoughts in my head. Such as "Oh, I bet it would be SO fun to play kickball." Or, "I really want to play softball." A lot of times it kind of scares me. LOL. Like I said I've never been big into sports so I'm like why the sudden interest now?

And, then it hits me. 85 pounds gone is a HUGE accomplishment. I mean for real, one time at the gym I tried lifting that much weights and I was like how did I EVER carry that around ON my body?!!?!

I can run now without feeling like the world is shaking!

Every Friday at work we have what is called Fun Friday. Basically students who are on level are eligible for a fun event after lunch. Normally, it's a sport and a movie room. Or every other week there's a field trip. 

I have been wanting to play kickball with the kids for awhile now. But, it just hasn't worked out. So on Friday I was walking around the school when I over head the organizer of Fun Friday say something about the kids playing. I asked him if I could go along.. and he agreed.

I had SO much fun. The kids seemed VERY happy that I was actually going with them. And, even though the three times I got to go up and kick, I got out it was still a LOT of fun.

Before surgery, they would have to force me to go because they needed staff. Now, I would practically BEG and PLEAD to get to go. It's humors me!

I really love my sleeve a little more each day!

I have a...

Tonight my friend had a girls night. She had a lady from Arbonne come to do a presentation.

Well at one point she gave us some firming stuff and told us to put it on our necks. So I looked in the mirror and realized...

I have a neck. All this time its been covered with fat. :)

NSV! Carnival!!

Saturday Phil and I kicked off a new tradition with our nieces! From now on around their birthday we are going to have a birthday sleep over with them by themselves.

We celebrated Ms. Tessa's 3rd birthday by going to the carnival!

I was REALLY excited because I wanted to try a ride!! Last time I was at the carnival I was too big for one of the rides I wanted :( And, while I was soo nervous I'd have a repeat this time I stayed confident!

So, there was this swing ride that fit two people... it's found at most carnivals.

I got on it with NO trouble latching the safety thing! :)

NSV- Necklace!

I have an obsession with jewelry. My grandmother will be the first person to tell you... whenever we used to go shopping when I was a teenager, she always knew where to find me when she was ready, the jewelry counter! And, to be honest now that I'm older it hasn't changed! LOL!

I stick to wearing the same pieces every day for the most part, because there are just a few pieces I enjoy a LOT. But, my necklace I tend to change the charm out pretty often. My husband has bought me a lot of cute charms, from a locket, to a sapphire heart to the gorgeous charm shown on the side. Normally, I wear the same necklace with every charm. Mainly, because it's longer and I'm so used to it that it's just comfortable. Not to mention that I've never been able to wear a necklace straight from the box without feeling like it's choking me.

Well, that is until a few days ago! I just wanted to give it a try. Hubby bought me this necklace for Christmas. It came with that open heart necklace... when he gave me it I quickly put it on my box change and stored that chain away. When I tried it on I didn't think it would work... but it did! So I wore it for the day. I did play with it a little more often because it was so new to me. But, it wasn't uncomfortable.

I am back to wearing my box chain... not for any other reason then I don't really care for the chain above. But, I will be buying myself a shorter box chain necklace sometime in the near future!

my face has a shape....

and, no it's not round! Well, not anymore at least!

Today while I was looking in the mirror I made an observation. It appears that my face is starting to REALLY slim down. I've heard that for awhile... but to me.. it came as a shock!

I've always had a chunkier face. So today it was like Oh My GOSH!

While I still have more weight to lose, It's looking like my face is a little heart shaped.

I actually have a CHIN! Now, just to lose the rest of my second one too LOL!

Wow!!! It FIT!! =)

Yesterday I went out with a friend, and I went into my closet to get something to wear.

Inside my closet hangs a T-Shirt that I bought my Senior year of HS. It's a blue tie-dyed shirt from the Powder puff game. It's a shirt I used as one of my goals. I wanted to fit into it ASAP.

Well, when I was getting ready yesterday I seen the shirt. I decided to try it on. Knowing it wouldn't fit. I just wanted to try it on for giggles and to see how far I was from it fitting.

But when I tried it on, something strange happened.... IT FIT! I'm not talking it fit OK, still could use a few pounds before wearing it. It FIT where I could wear it comfortably.

So I decided to wear it for the day =)

I've been out of High School so it had to be at least FOUR years or so since I worn that shirt.

It felt SOOOO great! =)