Work Pics 7/07 - 197.8

Wanted to share these pics-- The first was taken at our annual picnic for work (it was DEATHLY humid)-- the woman on my left is one of my bosses & the gal on my right is one of our board members. Despite crummy weather, we had a great time!

The next pictures were taken for a press release regarding a donation to the wealth-building campaign that operates under my organization. I still can't get over how I no longer "stand out" like a big ol' sore thumb in group pictures anymore-- if I do, its more from being tall, than being a "wall" :-D

ONDERLAND! 6/9/07 - 198.4

OK-- I don't have an immediate picture to post along with this milestone, but take my word for it-- I still look pretty much like I did in the last two posts (which were taken in the past TWO WEEKS, lol).

What I did want to say, while I'm still "basking in the glow" of this latest milestone, is that I am grateful-- so very, very grateful to so many wonderful people in my life who are helping me make this dream a reality.

Chris & Melonie - Not only are these two women some of my dearest friends ever, but they both have joined WW during the last year-- they say I inspired them!! The same can also be said of them-- they are already beautiful women, inside and out, and I am blessed to call them friends. They're so supportive-- one was sitting on either side of me today at my WW meeting when I got to share my story.

My family - My mother has struggled with her weight her entire life & knows that I am sweating for every single ounce I lose. My grandmother (Mom's mom) is a tiny little thing who hasn't ever had weight issues, but I know she loves me unconditionally & supports me in all things. They both want my health & happiness at the end of the day, and that's what matters.

Kathi (my WW leader) - She's who I want to be when I grow up! Allright, I don't so much want to BE a WW leader... What I want is to help others through their weight loss journey in any way I can. Kathi has lost 87 pounds & maintained it for 5 years, and one of my fondest hopes is to find the same kind of joy in this new lifestyle that she exhibits. Thank you Kathi!

And to all of the other wonderful, supportive people in my life who help rally me when I struggle, help celebrate my successes, and in general help me keep moving forward (the folks at my WW meeting, co-workers, family & friends). I can't say enough, how blessed I am to have these wonderful people cheering me on...

Its difficult to believe I have only eighteen more pounds to my personal goal (180), and 38 to my WW goal. AMAZING :-D

20K Walk / Race 5/26/07

That's me reaching up to drape my souvenir race t-shirt over my shoulder, as I waited for the starting gun of the Ogden 20K Race / Walk on May 26th. My finishing time was 3hrs 20 minutes-- overall, I was pleased by my maiden effort!

Almost to ONEDERLAND - 200.8 5/20/07

This shot was snapped at my Grandmother's 95th birthday party-- I'm trying not to laugh, because my Mom was acting like this was a Star Search photo shoot or something ;-) FYI: I'm wearing a size XL top & the slacks are men's size 40 waist.

Star Sighting! - 230 lbs

A friend finally got around to forwarding this impromptu picture of me, posing with a co-worker (my right) & John Ratzenberger (known best as Cliff Clavin on the TV show Cheers). I was celebrating with work associates after the completion of a successful project, and Mr. Ratzenberger ended up dropping in at the party (we were in the hospitality suite for the conference we had helped coordinate-- he happened to be passing through the area and was invited to join the party!) . NOTE: The very colorful coat I am wearing was borrowed from another party-goer-- the temp had plummeted into the high 20'sF and the wind-chill factor was blistering cold (hence my wind-whipped hair). Too wild!

Bigfoot sighting? 9/30/06 - 236.2 lbs

...or maybe an Impressionist painting?

You decide.

This pic was snapped courtesy of a friend's camera phone (recall my earlier comment, most pictures you'll see of me look like "sightings" because I was caught offguard). Sorry it's blurry, but it was after midnight I lacked the presence of mind to actually STOP long enough for a clear shot. I'll do better next time-- at least this one's 3/4 of a full length shot!

Pleased to say that the 18/20 sweater I'm wearing has become baggy, and the jeans are size 20-- been a lo-o-ong time since I've seen that size in slacks. Weight - 236.3 pounds.

Cedar Point - July 2006 (259 pounds)

This is me (right side, front) on a Girls' Only Weekend over the summer.

Notice there is NOT A VEGETABLE IN SIGHT??? lol

I had a great time, and there was only ONE ride I didn't fit (kudos to CP for having "test" seats at each ride to spare you the Walk of Shame in case you don't fit in the seats). I had just hit my 100 pounds lost mark 2 weeks prior, so I was feeling pretty cocky.

Valentine's Day Pics - 2006 (295 pounds)

These pics were taken 2/15/06-- my boss thought the flowers I had received for V Day were way too pretty not to capture-- now how obvious is it that I'm hiding behind the roses?

It was these pictures that convinced me I needed to "finish the job" and try to reach goal this time...

Memorial Day Party - 2004 (300 pounds +/-)

...and before you ask, that is NOT some kind of giant butterfly or other strange hair ornament-- don't know WHAT it is, but its just there...

This was a fun pool-side Memorial Day party-- it had a tropical theme, and all of the other women were wearing really cute capri pants with festive designs. I was wearing black stretch pants. Ugh.. At least I was on the descent-- I'm pretty sure I weighed 300+/- pounds. My chin(s) are beginning to shrink, as long as I remember to keep my head UP ~

Seattle 1/04 - Pike Brewing Co - 315 pounds

Pike Place Market - One of my FAVORITE all-time places to shop, stroll & people watch :-) I was visiting my friend Barb, and after much shopping we decided to unwind with a microbrew (I think I had a "Kilt Lifter"-- verrrrrry tasty).

Barb is one of my dearest friends, and she understands the struggles and challenges I'm facing. When I get into a "poor me" fit, she's one of the folks who can be both supportive AND give me a reality check. I weighed 315 pounds.

Houston Rennaisance Festival - 2003 (325 lbs)

Here I am at the Houston Renaissance Festival in 2003. And YES, that is handwriting on my "girls," as well as on my friend's... This was towards the end of a DEADLY hot day (are there any other kinds in Houston???), and we were watching a fantastic group called Tartanic. Both friends I was attending with were ga-ga for the group's lead singer, and they waited (Sharpie marker in hand) for the set to end to get their CD's autographed. I just happened to be standing there, all innocence... The singer asked if he could sign THEIR bosoms (of course they said YES, the hussies...). He didn't even ask if he could sign mine-- he just DID... I weighed around 325 pounds at this point.

Deer in the Headlights - August 2003 (330 pounds)

Am I the only one tickled by the fact that I was "caught" holding a section of the Sunday paper advertising a "2 DAY MEAT SALE!"??

Again, I believe my weight was around the 330 mark.

Office Party - 2002 (330+ pounds)

Party time (not)!

We were busy celebrating 5 years in our new location, hence the balloons & me dressed up more than usual. NOTE: You might detect a recurring theme in these photos, if you haven't already-- I'll basically only agree to be "in" photo 1) If I'm cornered (here), 2) inebriated (I'll let you decide which photos THOSE are!), 3) partially hidden behind something, or 4) just having a damn good time-- good enough to forget being self-conscious long enough for the moment to be captured.