Tara and Denise's space

Gone too long!

Sun, 04 May 2008 17:16:06 GMT

OK, I said I was here to stay and then stayed away toooo long. I have had 2 major trips to see family and of course the LA trip. No excuses though, I have just gotten wrapped up in too many other things and have ignored the people who have helped me so much. I have been so delinquent that noone will probably even visit the site or read this blog but I hope so. This week I pledge to reach out to those who have helped me so much and to get back to they gym. I went last weekend and nothing during the week. This weekend I have been on an all out campagne to get housework done and I am doing pretty good with it. I had to figure out why I felt so overwhelmed and then go from there. I have started with the storage areas throwing things out and of course making room for the current clutter to be put away. Anyway, my weight is the same as just after LA...I have gone up 2, down 2 etc.. Many of you know that saga. I am glad to be back...more later. Denise

I'm back!

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 21:59:51 GMT

Yes, I had the time of my life in LA and have not had time to get back to the blogging yet. We have pictures that will be posted soon but we are headed to Syracuse NY in the morning and won't be back till Thursday. Please don't think I gave up because I am here to stay, it will just be a few days away from the computer and then back to normal. Thanks to all of you for all your good wishes and staying with the blogging, comments, etc.. Denise

A Chance of a Lifetime!

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:59:37 GMT

This whole experience was a chance of a lifetime... Being in LA was Fabulous, meeting so many great people was inspirational and amazing! All of the BL's are down to earth and just like all of us! They know what it means to be overweight and their weight loss has only made them stronger!

As for all of the other MPM challenge winners! CONGRATS MARCUS AND AMBER! You both totally deserve this and we could not be HAPPIER for you! My mom and I had a blast and we all made an even better team all together! Just imagine what we will accomplish from here on out!

Meeting the contestants was simply amazing! They are very inspirational people and my mother and I plan to continue with our weight loss and toning up so that I can keep my goal of wearing a bathing suit this summer without the board shorts over it to hide unpleasant views!

On a side note and completely unexpected! I lost a pound while we were in LA! YAY! We recieved many jolts on information on how to reach our goals and also to never stop believing in ourselves! Julie from last season even pulled out a famous Jillian saying: "why are you here? why are you doing this?" The words themselves have so much meaning!!!

Well, it is time for work but I have so much more to say... So expect more after 4pm Eastern time!!!

Almost Ready!

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 14:14:13 GMT

Well, we are almost ready to leave for LA. Sooooooooo very excited about meeting all the contestants and seeing the finale. We are holding our own with the weight but the workouts took a nose dive. As soon as we return from LA it is back to the gym for us. Gotta keep going, after all on Halloween I would like to wear whatever I like and not look for ideas for an overweight body. This years theme is comic book super stars. Anyone with some great ideas I am welcome to suggestions. Let us assume that I will weight a maximum of 150 by then (that is only 4 lbs a month). I will still be overweight but a lot better than now and I do not want to set unrealistic goals. Well, enough for now, more after LA and we will post pictures as well. Denise

Decision Numero UNO!!!

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:14:24 GMT

I made a very important decision today... I have not gotten below 141 lbs since March 11th! Not because I haven't been trying because I have (desperately) but I truely believe I have hit a plateau which makes me extremely Unhappy! BUT TODAY I made a decision!!! I joined Weight Watchers! Years ago I lost 30+ lbs on weight watchers and think that I can only benefit from this decision! I think that counting calories was making me crazy because from one website I would be given xxxx amount of calories and then from another I would read I should be eating 300 less... I was at a stand still, NOT AMOUNT of workouts were helping me through this one especially when I wasnt getting in the proper amount of calories!!!

So this week I will find out for sure... and to let you all know something great! The Hotel that BL-MPM has gotten for us (the hotel website) says they have a fitness center and a scale in each hotel room!!! so I do not have to miss a weigh in! YAY! SO WEIGHT WATCHERS please help me and give me my hope and motivation back full force! SO, heres to something new! and to my healthy lifestyle!!!

~Tara

THANK YOU ALL!!!

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:09:46 GMT

We are shouting out a HUGE Thank You for all of our supporters on Spaces LIVE!!! We have loved reading everyone's kind words and we will be taking a million pictures to share with you all!!! We are so excited and worked so hard to get where we are today! We will continue to share our experience with all of you! LOVE ALWAYS and so sorry we werent able to let you all know sooner!!! I knew that Shellie would figure it out because we never sent her a reply because we didnt know what the right words were without fibbing or giving it away! SORRY SHELLIE and everyone else! But we are SOOO EXCITED!!!

~Tara and Denise

All of your best wishes!

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 01:36:37 GMT

We won't have time tonight to respond to all of you individually. That will have to wait till tomorrow, so for now accept out heartfelt thanks for all of your good wishes and congratulations. Thank you soooooo much! Denise & Tara

More testing!

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 09:34:23 GMT

OK, so now I am finding out first hand why we do not weigh in every day. Yesterday back down those 2 lbs and today back up 1. I have been sooo very good, last night I fought off every temptation to eat in the evening when I knew it was boredom. I wasn't even close to hungry so I am learning a lot about what happens during inactivity. Gee, maybe I should get my butt back to the gym. My eating habits are still really good but the workouts have fallen by the wayside. All is not lost though, after all I am finally digging in and trying to clean and get rid of clutter. I have been up since 4 am this morning cleaning my bedroom. Tara keeps giving me her clothes that are too big and I need to find a place to put them. Boy am I going to look good when I get down another 2 sizes or so (she is a shop-a-holic). Hope everyone is having a wonderful week. Best to everyone out there! Denise

multiple rants...

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 21:35:12 GMT

I have lost that 1 pound I had gained... so yay, BUT doesn't look like I will hit that 4 pound weight loss I wanted this week! Maybe that is too much to ask for at this point or maybe I need to pay closer attention to my eating habits... I think that is the culprit PLUS someone stole my drive to workout AND I WANT IT BACK PLEASE!!!

Well, a shopping trip over the weekend for an interview outfit helped to motivate me a little but I need a real kick in the butt...

AND going through my jeans and trying all of them on made me feel better... I can officially get rid of 2 more jeans that are too big (they fall off)!

I hope to see another pound off tomorrow for weigh in, so wish me good luck... AND I WISH YOU ALL GOOD LUCK AND MORE GOOD VIBES for a successful weigh in this week!!!

~Tara

The Good and the Bad!

Sun, 06 Apr 2008 15:36:18 GMT

The bad news is that I am still up 1 lb. The good news is that my blood pressures are lower than normal and this is exactly what I want. My first goal of good health is to get off hypertension medication and sustained lower numbers will be the way to get there. Of course I will have to show my doctor months of good numbers and show continued effort in working out and losing weight. The working out has been sloppy at best. I need to set workout goals for myself now to get that motivation back up again. Surely, if I got back to the gym regularly that stubborn pound plus some would be gone. How are all of you doing out there? Have a wonderfut day. Denise

My Scale Found It!

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 10:55:26 GMT

I WAS down to 174 but somehow my scale found a pound and gave it back...and I have been soooo very good. Oh well, it will come off again and hopefully before I go to Weight Watchers on Saturday. An extra pound to show a loss instead of the same would be nice as well. What I really need is a kick in the butt to get me back to the gym and then the pounds might just get easier to get rid of. Well, here is to better and skinnier days ahead. Best of luck to everyone out there. Denise

Kicking into HIGH gear!!!

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 21:04:57 GMT

I am kicking it into high gear this week!!! I had set a goal for myself to hit a loss of 20 lbs by April 8th and I would really like to hit that 20 lbs mark!!! I have lost 16 to date so I am hoping for a really GREAT week... I know 4 lbs is a lot this late in my weight loss but after last week and this past weekend of eating out many times including desserts that MAYBE just MAYBE all that has kicked my weight loss into high gear this week... so heres to a great week and I am sending good vibes to everyone still out there so that their week will be just as good as mine!!!

~~~GOOD VIBES~~~GOOD VIBES~~~GOOD VIBES~~~GOOD VIBES~~~GOOD VIBES~~~GOOD VIBES~~~

Tara

A Great Day!

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:51:30 GMT

Today has been a great day...absolutely no pain in that darn eye. Still putting 4 different kind of drops in the eye but it is coming along. Tomorrow will be the first day since last Wednesday that I will NOT be going to the eye doctors office. Yeh! Thanks to everyone that has been so supportive...you are all great! The weight loss has been really kind to me this week but I did eat a fattening Panera Cheese souffle for lunch but then had chicken soup for dinner, fruit for snacks so I should be OK with my lunch choice (sure hope so). Have a great evening! Denise

I needed something to revamp myself...

Sat, 29 Mar 2008 13:33:04 GMT

well, I needed something to revamp myself so last night I went and had my hairstylist CHOP OFF all my hair! This is the shortest I have ever had my hair... I love the look of it... but ohh my beautiful long hair... ITS GONE ALL GONE! but I think this is exactly what I needed, a change to help me keep going. I know it sounds weird I mean, how can a hair cut help with weight loss, but it does. It gives a boost of self esteem and confidence and also stops me from just throwing my hair up!

Also, today I am finally making it BACK TO THE GYM after taking way too long off... although excuses themselves are bad I would like to let everyone know that I was sick with a bad cough and couldn't breathe very well and then I bruised my knee and it hurt to walk, go upstairs and down... etc... so today I AM OFF TO THE GYM!

I will post a pic of my hair once I take and shower and style it today... wish me good luck as I am quite unsure of how to do that~ Ha

Anyways, until next time ~Tara

Five and counting!

Sat, 29 Mar 2008 11:42:09 GMT

This morning I go to Weight Watchers and I am down another pound...that makes 5 lbs in 1 week. I have not done this since, oh, probably the 70's. I am ecstatic and can't wait to weigh in at the meeting. Could be nerves but whatever the reason I will take the loss. This past Wednesday I had some laser work done on my eye and have had problems with the pressure and a lot of pain since. Of course I am one of this with the extremely rare complication. Why can't I be NORMAL. So, maybe my nerves kicked my metabolism into gear...don't care why, I'm loving the loss. You all rock! Denise

I am on track again!

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 10:55:52 GMT

OK, I complained about gaining 2 lbs over Easter...well, now I am down FOUR pounds and loving it! I knew I was good over the last 2 days but never expected the best loss yet. I will blog more later, gotta get ready for work. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. Denise

Back on Track!

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 09:46:09 GMT

OK, Easter and the day after cost me 2 lbs...but, today I am 6/10ths less than when I broke the 178 barrier. I went back to 179 and now I am 177 again. No more backward strokes, forward is the only way for me. Had laser surgery yesterday so I did not blog with the headache and scratchy feeling. I hope no thought I gave up...I am here and staying! Also, I finally got back into morning workouts with "Walk Away the Pounds" this morning. Good luck to all and keep moving toward you dream. Denise

MAJOR ISSUES!!!

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:48:50 GMT

This is Tara... and I have fallen hard... off the wagon that is! I am so angry at myself and I also cannot motivate me to get back on... I gained 2 pounds this week... ERRRR what the beep! I am unsure of even what to say... please give me words of motivation and encouragement... I losing it over here!!!

Easter is over!

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 10:33:58 GMT

I too gave up the idea of counting points yesterday, just too difficult to calculate but I ate less than ever on a holiday (no 2nds). I did eat desert though. I guess I will figure that yesterday eats up all my extra 35 points for the week and stick completely to plan for the balance of the week. I am not dissappointed though because I did not overeat...started with totally healthy breakfast and snack and then Easter dinner was the rest of the days food. Have a great week everyone! Denise

Easter and down 1!

Sun, 23 Mar 2008 10:29:10 GMT

OK it is Easter and only day 2 of Weight Watchers. I stepped on the scale this morning and FINALLY down 1 lb. Hoping this will give me the extra push to NOT eat too much today. We do not do candy in this home but dinner could be another story. We go to friends house and boy oh boy can she cook! Yesterday I tried the chewing 20 times and putting the fork down and YES I did get the signal that I was full before finishing my dinner so I saved the last bit for a snack later since I had already logged the points. This also made my snack healthier so I was happy. Thank God Applebees has a WW menu, makes my job sooo much easier.

I am so very motivated but I have to admit that when I think of eating this way forever it sometimes feels overwhelming. I watched the show "I Can Make You Thin" and the technique of eating slower should have a major impact on those days when you just must have something NOT SO HEALTHY. I hope as time goes by these thoughts will go away after all I gave up soda years ago and do not miss it at all anymore, gave up those croisant breakfast sandwiches and don't miss them (in fact I don't like them anymore) so I guess there is hope for the LONG range future. I guess the most important part is retraining our way of thinking!. Hope everyone has a wonderful day. If we do eat too much, tomorrow is another day! Denise

Photo Album: Personality Pics

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 20:19:35 GMT

Personality Pics

Boy George and Meatloaf ~ Halloween 2007

Slash and Joan Jett - Halloween 2007

Blegth... 168 lbs YUCK~

160 lbs -ewwww never again~

Denise and Dean -Happily married for 27 years -overweight for 26 of it...

Joan Jett

Tara being a fool...

me and mom

I am the female version of santa -belly and all

Easter

More Photos...

Photo Album: Tara's August 4th Wedding

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 15:06:06 GMT

Tara's August 4th Wedding

Tara and Denise

Tara

Tara and Derek

Photo Album: January 01 Before Photos

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 22:23:24 GMT

January 01 Before Photos

million pound 1

Tara -Start 158 lbs

From Left to Right - Denise and Tara at Start Weights

Denise -Start 189 lbs

Like Mother, Like Daughter

We can lift weights...

Whoa... on the close up...

Tara and Denise

More Photos...

Custom List: Denise's Weight Loss

Mon, 26 May 2008 00:20:59 GMT

Denise's Weight Loss

Denise's Start Weight: 188 lbs
Start = 188 lbs
Week 1 Weigh-IN: Jan 2nd - Jan 8th
-2 lbs = 186 lbs
Week 2 Weigh-IN: Jan 8th - Jan 15th
- 1 lb = 185 lbs
Week 3 Weigh-IN: Jan 15th - Jan 22nd
- 1 lb = 184 lbs
Week 4 Weigh-IN: Jan 22nd - Jan 29th
- 2 lb = 182 lbs
Week 5 Weigh-IN: Jan 29th - Feb 5th
- 0 lb = 182 lbs
Week 6 Weigh-IN: Feb 5th - Feb 12th
-1 lb = 181 lbs
Week 7 Weigh-IN: Feb 12th - Feb 19th
-0 = 181 lbs
Week 8 Weigh-IN: Feb 19th - Feb 25th
-1 = 180 lbs
Week 9 Weigh-IN: Feb 26th - Mar 4th
-2 = 178 lbs
Week 10 Weigh-IN: Mar 4th - Mar 11th
-0 = 178 lbs
Week 11 Weigh-IN: Mar 11th - Mar 18th
-0 = 178 lbs
Week 12 Weight-IN: March 18th - March 25th
+1 = 179 lbs.
Week 13 Weigh-IN: March 25th - March 31st
-5 = 174 lbs.
Week 14 Weigh-IN: April 1st - April 8th
-0 = 174 lbs
May 25th Weigh-In
170.7 lbs

Custom List: Denise's Week 11 Exercise Log

Sun, 04 May 2008 17:21:52 GMT

Denise's Week 11 Exercise Log

March 14th, 2008
Home free weights program: knee extensions, side raises, hip extension, biceps curl, triceps, upward row, toe and heel stands, abdominal curls, back extensions, overhead press
March 15th, 2008
Cybex for legs, 30 min. treadmill (1 1/2 mile)
March 16th, 2008
Cybex for shoulders, arms, back. 15 Min. upright bicycle, 20 min. Eliptical.
March 27th, 2008
"Walk Away the Pounds"
April 26th, 2008
Stair climber 10 min., Eliptical trainer 10 min, treadmill 10 min.

Custom List: Tara's Weight Loss

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:12:22 GMT

Tara's Weight Loss

Tara's Start Weight: 158 lbs
Start = 158 lbs
Week 1 Weigh-IN: Jan 2nd - Jan 8th
- 2 lbs = 156 lbs
Week 2 Weigh-IN: Jan 8th - Jan 15th
- 2 lbs = 154 lbs
Week 3 Weigh-IN: Jan 15th - Jan 22nd
- 2 lbs = 152 lbs
Week 4 Weigh-IN: Jan 22nd - Jan 29th
- 0 lbs = 152 lbs
Week 5 Weigh-IN: Jan 29th - Feb 5th
- 3 lbs = 149 lbs
Week 6 Weigh-IN: Feb 5th - Feb 12th
- 0 lbs = 149 lbs
Week 7 Weigh-IN: Feb 12th - Feb 19th
-1 lbs = 148 lbs
Week 8 Weigh-IN: Feb 19th - Feb 26th
-0 lbs = 148 lbs
Week 9 Weigh-IN: Feb 26th - Mar 4th
-2 lbs = 146 lbs
Week 10 Weigh-IN: Mar 4th - Mar 11th
-1 lb = 145 lbs
Week 11 Weigh-IN: Mar 11th - Mar 18th
-4 lbs = 141 lbs
Week 12 Weigh-IN: Mar 18th - Mar 25th
+ 2 lbs = 143 lbs :(
Week 13 Weigh-IN: Mar 25th - April 1st
-1 lbs = 142 lbs
Week 14 Weigh-IN: April 1st - April 8th
-1 lbs = 141 lbs

Custom List: Tara's Week 11 Exercise Log

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 23:17:37 GMT

Tara's Week 11 Exercise Log

March 12th, 2008
Stairmaster: 5 minutes; 5o calories burned Elliptical: 45 minutes; 521 calories burned Various leg weights PLUS ABS

Book List: Book List

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 23:12:30 GMT

Jillian Michaels: Winning By Losing

Custom List: Million Pound Match-Up

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 16:32:30 GMT

Million Pound Match-Up

Combined Weight Loss Goal:
Together Tara and Denise currently weigh - 346 Lbs Combined we WILL LOSE 101 Lbs!!!
Weight Loss Goals:
Tara - Lose 43 Lbs Denise - Lose 58 Lbs
City & State:
Somersworth, NH
First Names:
Tara & Denise
Relationship:
Mother & Daughter Team

Music List: Music list

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 22:48:08 GMT

3 Doors Down: Citizen Soldier