Happy 'every holiday I've missed since my last post' Day...

Hiiiiiii!!  :D

 

I know...I know.  It's been over 2 months since my last update, and I can give ya'll every excuse known to man woman, but I won't.  Instead I'll just pick right up where I left off, and update ya'll with everything that's been going on en mi vida since we last chatted.  That's what old friends do right??

 

Right.

 

First off, the holidays were pretty tough on me with tracking my points!  I did pretty well over Thanksgiving, but the Christmas holidays weren't that great.  Overall I didn't do too bad though, and ended up gaining about 7 lbs. total.  I missed a few WW weigh-ins, mainly due to the site being closed for the holidays.  Believe me, seeing that jump in the scale put me back in check!  I don't want to go backwards, especially after all the hard work I've put in over the past year.  I also didn't exercise as much as I wanted to during the holidays.  I'm sure that was a huge factor in the gain I had, and I felt it also!  My energy level just wasn't there the way it usually is when I'm active.

 

With the start of 2013, I decided to try something a little different, and really dedicated myself to becoming a runner.  I still want my 13.1 sticker one day!!   I know I'm starting on the bottom, but that's okay, because that's where I started with my weight-loss too, and look where I'm at now?  This past week alone, I only got to go out 4 times, but that's better than nothing.  Here are my stats:

 

2/14/13

  3.02 miles - 48:44 minutes

 

2/15/13

3.20 miles - 48:41 minutes

 

2/17/13

3.02 miles - 46.35 minutes

2/20/13
3.09 miles - 51:48 minutes

 

Yeesss I went running on Valentine's Day...sue me!  lol  I knew I had plans that evening, and I wanted to make sure I earned as many activity points as I could that day, so I could enjoy every last bite of chocolate I had later that evening.  And I enjoyed every single piece too!

 

Now don't get me wrong chicas...when I say 'running', don't think I am actually 'running' the entire time.  I'm starting off on the bottom remember?  Right now all I can do is a

jog/power-walk combination, but enough to make me work up a sweat!  I've been slowly improving my time, and on different routes as well.  I will get there!

 

The way I've been calculating so far, I earn approximately 5 activity points per run, which is still a good amount, but I'm not sure how accurate this is.  I've been using eTools, and searching under the activities listed, Jog/Walk combination comes up.  When I input my time, this is what I usually get.  Weight Watchers does have a new ActiveLink tool, but I have yet to try it out.  Mainly because I've been a little low on funds since the holidays, but I am very excited to give it a try soon!  Basically, it is a small piece of equipment you wear at all times throughout your day, that accurately measures the amount of activity you do, and determines how many WW activity points you've earned.  It almost resembles a pedometer in size, and I've seen members wear it a few different ways, including as a necklace, a bracelet, an anklet, or even attached their shoes/belt.  It's small enough to hide, but from what I hear, it is a much improved way to track your activity.  Can't wait to give it a shot, and when I do, I'll be sure to post about it.

 

Anyhow, here are my weigh-in stats for the past several weeks...

 

 

As you can see, there were several weeks where I didn't get to weigh-in.  On 12/25/12 and 1/1/13, the WW center where I attend my meetings was actually closed due to the holidays.  On 1/8/13 and 2/12/13, I wasn't able to weigh-in due to not making it to the meetings on time.  Work has been pretty busy since the start of the new year, and I know that's not an excuse, especially because I haaatttee missing weigh-in days!

 

As you can see, after my gain from the holidays I slowly started getting back on track.  This weeks weigh-in went great, and I lost 1.4 lbs., making it a total of 138.6 lbs. total loss since January 2012.  Yaaayyyy me!!  It feels great to know that I've come so far, and to realize that one day I will accomplish my goals.

 

Aside from all that, I absolutely cannot complain about anything going on in my life right now.  I have certainly received so many new blessings in the past few months, and I am grateful for everything and everyone that has been placed in my life up to now.

 

Mi familia added a new member to the group in early January, and I am on cloud 9 status in love with my new niece!!  Congratulations to my beautiful sister on welcoming her daughter Elisa to this world, on 1/11/13.

 

 

 

Isn't she gorgeous?

 

 

The three of them will forever hold my ❤.

 

Christmas and New Years Eve were wonderful this year, but came and went way too fast.  There is never enough time in the world when you are spending it with your loved ones.  Christmas was spent surrounded by my family, yummy food, gifts, and the thoughts of loved ones who couldn't be there with us that day.  New Years Eve was great as well.  My grandmother's homemade menudo, a few games of poker, fireworks, drinks, and the blessings of a new year.  I can't believe February will be coming to an end already, but I can say that I am probably the happiest I have ever been in a very long time.  I've recommitted myself to staying healthy and active, and it's almost as if I've given myself a second chance at life.  I want to be around for as long as I possibly can for those three angels in the picture above, and I know making healthy lifestyle changes, and keeping a positive attitude will help me stick around for as long as He wishes me to.

 

❤.

 

'J' has completely taken my heart chicas.  Cloud 9...I see my future with you...permanent smile on my face...constant butterflies in my stomach...I never get tired of seeing you...I can be a brat around you and you still love me...HAPPINESS.  Did that give you a pretty good idea of how I'm feeling?  :)  I know...I know.  It's only going on about 4 months now, but my life has been completely uprooted and shifted to a whole other world.  I don't know how else to describe it, but to list a few reasons why this man has held onto my ❤.

 

He loves my family, and they seem to have accepted him perfectly.  BBQ's, holidays, weekday dinners, birthday parties, movie nights, and future vacation plans...this man has been there for it all.  I always told myself I wanted a partner in my life that made family a priority in their lives as well, and I've finally found him.

 

He has never judged me, and I can be my complete OCD, moody, bratty self around him.  He never backs down, and brings me back up every time I fall.  He pushes me to deal with my feelings, and not bottle them up the way I always have.  And on those occasions where I go back to my old ways and close myself off to the world, he somehow finds a way in, and doesn't leave my side until I have a smile on my face again.

 

I haven't lost focus of my weight-loss goals and lifestyle changes I started last year, regardless of having a partner by my side.  This man encourages me, and accepts me as I am.  I can weigh my food without shame, obsess over my points in his presence, and talk to him about new and healthy recipes I want to try.  Weight has always been a sensitive subject for me to discuss with any of my partners in the past.  I was always embaressed to even bring it up, or even exercise in front of them.  Chicas...we've been going running together, and I love it!!  It's so motivating and liberating at the same time.  To be able to get all sweaty and out of breath next to this man, pushing all insecurities aside, and knowing that he still views me as the most amazingly beautiful woman in the world.

 

Love.

 

Love with your all, your whole, your everything.

Love yourselves first, and love others without judgement.

When you do that, love will fill every part of your lives.

 

Have a great week everyone!!

 

 

Be blessed...and stay blessed!!!

 

xoxo,

❤Nica



Tick tock...tick tock...

Where is this time going lately??

 

It feels like the year is nearly over, and I still have sooo much to do.  I know with the upcoming holidays, the time is just going to swing by even quicker.  It seems like every day is just hustle hustle hustle, and I never even have a moment to breathe for myself.  Yikes!!

 

First things first, let me give you all my updated WW weekly weigh-ins from the past 2 weeks.  I think I've been doing fairly well with my tracking, although I know I have a lot of room for improvement, especially when it comes to the weekends.  Lately, I barely even glance at my iPhone throughout the weekends to track my food.  No bueno.  :/

 

 

At last week's weigh-in (10/9/12), I lost a total of 4.2 pounds.  I have no idea how I did that chicas.  The only thing I can think is that I am underestimating the amount of activity points I count for Zumba.  It's a little hard to determine sometimes, because Zumba isn't listed as one of the 'workouts' under the activity list on the Weight Watchers website.  I do eat any activity points I earn, and very rarely go into my extra weekly 49 points.

At this week's weigh-in, I lost 1.2 pounds, making that a total of 126.6 pounds thus far!  Last week I was also awarded another 25 pound ring for my keychain, which was reallly exciting!  I got to speak a little about my journey so far, and I can only hope that my progress will inspire others to stay on track, and never lose hope that the program really does work.

 

This entire year has been a true blessing for me chicas.  I cannot stress that enough.  I am thankful to God for putting me on this path, and helping me stick to it.  I know I am making the best decisions for my future.

 

Cheers to a new week, and in moving foward!!

 

In other parts of my life, work is getting crazier every day.  I'm planning my annual Halloween party, and getting ready for audit next month.  Before I know it, the holidays are going to be here, and we'll be starting another year!  I'm still not 100% sure about a costume so far, but I will definitely be dressing up...it's tradition for our fiesta at work!

 

Here are a few pics of my life over the past week or so...

 

My babygirl's 'candycorn' nails I did for her...I loooove my niece, but wow...these didn't last but one day tops! lol

A trip to the pumpkin patch on a Saturday afternoon always calls for pictures!!  They had a blast...and so did I trying to get my nephew to look at the camera just once!! lol

My yummy breakfast I made the other morning...only 5PP chicas!  2 points for the whole-grain bread (2 slices of Sara Lee 100% Whole Wheat), 1 point for the ham (1 ounce of Hillshire Farm Ultra Thin Honey Ham), 1 point for the cheese (1/4 cup HEB fat free shredded cheddar cheese), and 1 point for the three egg whites.  I crisp the ham a little in the skillet, and grill the veggies in the same pan, so that they are warm and soft when putting together the sandwich.  When the egg whites are cooked to your liking, add in the cheese so that it melts perfectly.  No oil is needed...just a little non-stick spray, and you're good to go.  The spinach, tomato, and banana are all freeeeee...which makes for a filling, delicious breakfast!

I also made these steamed dumplings one rainy Saturday afternoon.  I'll be posting the recipe soon.  I always have fun experimenting with the WW Recipe Builder on eTools.  I take any ideas I have in my head, throw them all together, and try to reduce the PP value.  It's challenging, but I think I've put together some really great recipes so far.

 

I also celebrated my bestie's birthday a few weeks ago.  We had a blast!!  Good friends, dinner, drinks, flamenco dancing, and lots of great memories!!

Love you Cat!!  Here's to many many more years of BESTfriendship.  :)

 

The only update I have with The Fisherman is that I'm reaching a breaking point.  I haven't really spoken to him in a few days, because he made me really mad over the weekend when he wouldn't answer a simple question!  It was just something I had never asked him before, and he became soo defensive.  Believe it or not...in the short time we've been 'talking', I've never asked him what his last name is.  It's honestly just never come up, and for whatever reason, I thought about it while I was on the road this weekend.  We were in the middle of texting each other, and I just flat out asked him 'By the way, what's your last name'?  His response??  'Why?? Uggg!!'.  Ummm wait...what??  Warning sign, I know chicas.  So I'm going to let things play themselves out..and I am definitely not going to hold back from saying exactly how I feel from now on.  I know what I want out of a partner, and I'm honestly more pissed off than happy half the time we talk.  Ask and you shall receive, right?  Even if it's not the answer you want to hear, it still helps you moves foward.

 

By the way...I finally updated my progress pictures!!  Make sure you click over to that page and take a look.  It's amazing what positive thinking can get you...put your mind and ❤ to it, and you can accomplish anything!!

 

Have a great week chicas...it's almost Friiiiddaayyy!!

 



Be blessed...and stay blessed!!!

 

 

xoxo,

 

❤Nica



Ummm wait....what??

That's exactly the reaction I gave the lady in the UPS office earlier this week when I was dropping off a package for work.  I see her about once every 1-2 weeks, and she always has the same smile on her face.  Although I don't know her on a personal level, she always seems very friendly, and we conversate about different topics including our cars (we both drive Toyota Camry's), mutual friends, and life in general.

 

But this week was different.  Before even saying hello, the first words that popped out of her mouth as I walked into the building were, 'Just how much weight exactly have you lost??'.  To which I quickly and excitedly answered, 'Over 100 lbs. since January!'.

 

Guess what her next question was??  Don't know??  Let me break down the remainder of the conversation for you....

 

UPS Lady:  'Wow mija!  Which weight-loss surgery did you have done?'

Me:  'Ummm...I didn't have surgery.'

UPS Lady:  'Oh wow, that's great!  So what pills are you taking?'

Me:  'Ummm...I'm not taking any pills either.'

UPS Lady:  'Ay mija...are you sick?'

Me:  'Not that I'm aware of.'

 

Now...mind you...after I was able to erase the look of shock from my face, I did explain to her that I had been on Weight Watchers for the past year, and taking Zumba classes weekly.  However, I seriously didn't know whether I should take her questions as an insult, or a compliment.  It was kind of like a double-edged sword.  No matter which way I looked at it, this woman was automatically judging me, and assuming things about me, without giving it  a second thought.

 

These types of scenarios happen to me almost on a daily basis now.  I'm still not used to it.  The majority of the time, people are not as direct as Miss UPS, but will still most definitely make a comment about how my appearance has drastically changed, and what I did to lose so much weight.

 

Don't get me wrong chicas, I didn't leave upset at her, and I most certainly didn't go all crazy latina on her.  I actually used the opportunity to teach her and inform her about this fantabulous lifestyle I've been sticking to over the past year.  And that would make the second time that day I openly discussed my WW journey with someone.

 

Right before my UPS visit that same day, I had stopped to pay a bill (Hey...this chica has to handle hers!!), and it was almost the same situation.  When I walked into that office, the girl helping me said she almost didn't recognize me when she saw me getting off my car.  Wow.  I am totally not seeing what these people see, and I don't know if that's a good thing (because it will keep me pushing foward towards my ultimate goal), or a bad thing (self-love..still working on it...).  This lady was a lot more subtle about her comments, and basically just had a ton of questions about WW, and how the program works.  We actually had a pretty long talk, and in the end, I remembered I had some cards in my car from last weeks meeting for a 2 week free trial of eTools.  I quickly ran outside to get her one, and I'm hoping the next time I see her she'll tell me she got to try it out, and that she loves it as much as I do.

 

Two more times today alone chicas.  Once at the grocery store, where I ran into a friend of the familia that hadn't seen me in quite some time.  She was just amazed at my progress so far, and even said she was going to tell her friends about me.  The second time was at my Zumba class tonight.  A few of the ladies pulled me aside before our warm-up, and asked me how I was losing so much weight.  I gladly shared the info. with them, and they had so many questions!  They even asked to see some 'before' photos I had in my iPhone.  I thought it was funny because one of the ladies even asked me if I ate 3 meals a day!  She couldn't believe it when I broke down my meals for today, and told her exactly what I had eaten.  'This Mexicana has to eat her tortillas, and drink her Cokes!  No diet foods for me!'  she told me.  I just smiled and answered, 'Well this Mexicana still eats her tortillas and drinks her sodas, just in a smarter way!'. 

 

Yes I'm on my Weight Watchers soap box right now. I seriously love this program!

 

What I do appreciate out of all these different people, is that they all end up telling me the same thing.  That I look soooo happy when they see me now, and that they are extremely proud of me.  I'm proud of me too!  I'm learning to remind myself of that every time I start to feel down about a situation, or when life just doesn't go the way I had planned. 

 

This week has definitely been trying, mainly in regards to several issues within my familia.  I always feel like I'm taking care of someone elses needs, and putting myself last.  Self-love is a long process, but one that I'm glad to finally be on board with.

 

On a more positive note, I had an awesome NSV this week chicas.  I was doing some online shopping, and finally ordered some jeans I've been wanting from Torrid.

 

Photo courtesy of Torrid

The NSV part was that I was able to order a size I haven't worn in years, and fit into it too!  I never thought I'd be as excited as I was that day, when I got my package in the mail.  These jeans are awesome too by the way.  They are the Broadway Ankle Zip Stiletto Jeans, just in case any of you chicas are in the mood to do some online shopping while wasting time at work tomorrow browsing the internet at home.

 

I also wanted to share my WW weekly weigh-in from this past Tuesday.

 

 

Yeaaahhh buddy...down 2.8 lbs. this week!  I was absolutely psyched, especially since I had worked so hard at earning my activity points, and tracking my food.  I am getting back into the swing of things...and I'm going to use all these opportunities I've been blessd with to give as much love as I possibly can.  Regardless if it's in the form of teaching someone about Weight Watchers, accepting others for who they are, or dealing with life's daily problems.

 

 

I'm off for the night chicas...it's waaay past my bedtime, and tomorrow is my Friday!  I'm heading up to San Antonio for the weekend to celebrate my bestie Cat's b-day, which was earlier this month.  I'm going to try my best to take as many pics as I can, to share with you all when I get back on Sunday.  I want to try to give you all more of a glimpse into other parts of my life as often as I can.  Oh and by the way...things have not improved with The Fisherman.  In fact, I seem to have taken on an 'IDGAF' attitude towards him this week.  We'll see what happens...

 

 

Be blessed...and stay blessed!!!

 

xoxo,

 

❤Nica



It's the freakin' weekend baby...

This week has just dragggged for me, partly because I was a MAJOR procrastinator the majority of the time, and because I have been 'on-call' for work since last Friday afternoon.  I hope you chicas had a more productive week than I did!  Let me catch you up a little on what's been going on en mi vida lately...

 

I've had familia visiting from out of town this week, so that's been pretty entertaining.  My aunt recently had a baby boy, and let me tell you, it takes me back to when my niece and nephew were babies too.  Middle of the night feedings, diaper changes, bath times...I'm trying to prepare for the next one my sister is having pretty soon.  I don't think I had ever mentioned it, but yes, my sister is currently preggers :).  She's my only sibling, so I couldn't be any happier for her.  I absolutely adore those two angels.  They are my world chicas.

 

 

I cannot wait until number 3 comes along for my sister.  She doesn't know what she's having yet, but I am secretly hoping for another little girl :).  Only because I would love for my chiquita to have a younger sister, just like I do.  Sisters are special, and I will dedicate a post to mine one day soon.  These two make my days happy, and I can't imagine my life without them now.  I would give them the world if I could, but for now I'm sure they're satisfied with watching Monster's Inc. (their favorite movie right now),  building forts made out of blankets, and dancing with their 'ta-ta' to every Yo Gabba Gabba song out there.

 

This week a 'certain someone' started texting me again, after about 2 weeks of not speaking.  I think I may have mentioned several posts back about having some dates set up.  For privacy purposes ;), I'm just going to refer to him as 'The Fisherman'.  I'm using that nickname for several different reasons, but mainly because of a certain tattoo he has, and because of something that was said to me during a tea reading I had a few months ago.  (Yessss I said tea reading.  Future post on this topic.)  I'll have to do a separate post on him entirely, and how it all got started.  Needless to say, I spoke my mind to him during a conversation we had earlier this month, and he didn't seem to like it very much.  Let's just say, I put him on check.  I can become very disinterested in someone quickly if they don't make a move, or show me somehow that they are interested in me.  Don't get me wrong chicas, I'm not saying I like for things to move from A-Z just like that, but I have to know what you're trying to get at.  I do not enjoy getting mixed signals, and that is exactly what The Fisherman has been doing since we first met nearly 2 months ago.  We'll see what happens...and the only reason I'm even mentioning him in an actual post, is because the situation is beginning to irk me.  He seems to be a little different this time around, the context of his text messages, the words he's choosing to use during our conversations, how often he's communicating with me...but do people ever really change??  I don't know that I'd want him to either.  I've always felt that if someone is meant to be in your life, they will be, on their own free will.  Plain and simple.  Why force something that isn't quite working?

 

 

 Aside from all that, this weeks Weight Watchers weekly weigh-in has come and gone again.  I had a small gain this past Tuesday, and I am more that okay with it.  I had an amazing weekend before that, and wouldn't change anything about it.  Anything involving mi familia, a party, drinks, and some good music makes for a fantastic time.  :)

 

 

I gained .6 lbs. this week chicas, which still leaves me at 115.2 lbs. total loss.  This week I've been doing pretty good with my tracking, and I'm finally feeling a little more like myself.  I even managed to go to Zumba twice, and am going to try to make it to this evenings class if I can.  I also racked up 13 activity points, which is not bad considering I'm taking my time getting back into the swing of things during class.  I have to remind myself that it's only been about a month and a half since I had my gallbladder surgery, and that I need to take it easy.  My Zumba instructor Andrea can't put it any simpler...'poco a poco', or 'little by little'.

 

With that said, I'm officially off the clock...well until I get the next phone call at least.  Hope you chicas have a great weekend, and stay out of trouble!  (well..a little trouble won't hurt you too much...it will be our secret! lol)  Enjoy yourselves, and be safe!!

 

 

Be blessed...and stay blessed!!!

 

xoxo,

 

❤Nica



WW Weekly Weigh-In

Hey gorgeous ones!  Happy Wednesday...happy hump day...happy who cares because it's almost Friday!  And Friday the 13th at that!  I am definitely looking foward to this coming weekend.  My body has been back at the office all week, but my mind is still in vacation mode, thinking of sleeping in, swimming, road-trips, familia, and good eats.

Yesterday was my WW weekly weigh-in day, and let's just say I was very surprised with the results.  I know I know...the number on the scale definitely does NOT define me.  I just can't help but be excited, because it brings me even closer to a huuuggee goal I set for myself earlier this year.

Yeaaahhhh buddy!  I lost 3 lbs this week!!  As you can see above, that puts me at a total of 95.6 lbs total loss since January.  The reason I was so surprised is because I didn't exercise as much as I usually do.  Thinking back, I may have only gone to 1 Zumba class, and went walking another night for only about 30 minutes.  I normally rack up about 35-45 activity points for the week, which for all my non WW chicas out there, translates to more food points.  This past week, I only managed to earn 15 activity points, and best believe I ate up every last point.  I guess I need to take my own advice sometimes, and give my body a rest.  It's not going to hurt me if I take a week off now and then, nor will I allow it to get me off track.  Honestly though, I did feel it, in terms of the amout of energy I had.  I felt like I was draggiinngg alll week long.  Exercising really does give me that energy boost that I love, and not to mention, puts me in such a great mood.  I leave my Zumba class with an 'I can take on the WORLD' attitude.  I have been thinking about switching up my routine a bit, because I would love love LOVE to be able to run a marathon one day.  Maybe start alternating between Zumba a few days, and walking/jogging 1-2 days, because chicas...I am nowhere near marathon material right now.  One day....I will get there.  Positive thinking is KEY.

My tracking wasn't all that great either, but it's okay, because I realize that I am going to have days/weeks like that.  I am not perfect, and all I can do is continue to put my heart into reaching my goals.  On a positive note, I had a few NSV's this week that made me feel

A-MAZING.  NSV's are non-scale victories, or in other words, all those little things that happen on your journey that mean the world to you, for your own personal reasons.

Some of my NSV's for the past week included:

1.  Being able to fit into clothing 2x smaller than what I was fitting into back in January.

(You have no idea how excited I was in the dressing room...I think shopping is my new BFF.)

2.  Getting compliments from friends and family, and finally being able to just smile and say 'thank you'.  I can't always do that.  Some of my fellow WW members will understand why.

3.  Giving myself a break, and letting my body rest for a few days.  Yes...even though I kept thinking, 'I should be at Zumba' right about now', I did need the break.  And going easy on yourself is not the easiest thing to do.  At least for me it isn't.

Love love LOVE Nicki...and these quotes are perfect for today.  It's been raining all week over here, and the clouds are starting to roll in as I'm typing.  Better get back to work before I'm forced to leave.  Office in a flood zone= no bueno.

Have a good one chicas!

Be blessed...and stay blessed!!

xoxo,

❤Nica