Cruise was A-Mazing — thanks again Ideal Shape and Voters!!!

Janet and I had an amazing time on the cruise.  Sorry it has taken me so long to post about our adventures.  First off, going on a cruise is something I NEVER would have attempted to do at my previous size. Yes I could have as I did see people bigger – but why would you want to when you really can’t participate in anything if you are so big – so I never would have.  But thanks to Ideal Shape – losing 193 pounds – I am living Life and loving it.  This is a prime time example of things I did that I NEVER would have been able to do.  (Kicker was the fact that I won the cruise via the Ideal Ship Shape Challenge – so that was so amazing and awesome all rolled into one.)

So here are the details… Freedom of the Seas – Royal Carribbean Cruise

Arrival Day (Day 1) :

We flew from Knoxville to Orlando (Delta) – then took the bus to Port Canaveral.

This was our first view of this massive ship

 

So now we go through the check in process – relatively smooth.  As we are waiting for our room to be ready we see a Dolphin

Before we set sail their was a mandatory SAFETY MEETING on deck 4 (I think it was deck 4).  I just had to take a quick picture even though they had just announced no electronics during the safety meeting (but my phone was already focusing on the shot so I took it – quick like)

So now we are just trying to settle in – unpack and then EXPLORE this huge ship.  It was so pretty and very large…

Ideal Boost – CHECK !

Oh I packed – Ideal Shape bars, Mocha Shake and Boost for my Cruise – I used the shakes and bars for a quick and healthy breakfast and the Boost throughout the day 🙂

Full Sail Day (Day 2):

In anticipation of not getting a lot of exercise in on a day we were going to lay out, I got up and got my jog in before Janet awoke (4.5 miles). And then had me a Mocha Ideal Shape Shake for breakfast.

Since I figured we would be taking lots of pictures later in the cruise – I really didnt take any the first day.  We just layed out in the sun on the top deck (Deck 12) and enjoyed our drink package (lol).

Labadee, Haiti (Day 3): 

This is a private island (section of Haiti) that Royal Carribbean leases out – it was so pretty as you can see from the pictures below.  First we explored the island.  Then found a spot on the beach and just layed around.  Then we had the Cruise Buffet on island (salad and jerk chicken for me 🙂 ).  On this island our drink package worked – so we also enjoyed a few adult beverages – but the only frozen drink they had was called the Labadoozy – and it was GOOOOOODDDDDDD — (okay just letting everyone know  – usually I eat my calories and not drink them BUT this week was an exception)

  

  

      

Returning to ship after a fun day in the sun :

                                         

Such a beautiful place Labadee was…got back on ship – ate dinner – walked around promenade (pictures later) and then called it an evening – tomorrow will be a busy day..

Jamacia (Day 4):

This day was perfect.  Started a little rough because we had to be on land for excursion at 1030 am and we ported late (1015) and then I heard (as we were waiting in line to port) you must have passports or photo ID along with SeaPass – So I ran up 8 flights of stairs to get ours and raced back down.  I was a nervous wreck because of all excursions I had planned – this was the one we wanted the most.  All good – we arrived in plenty of time – whewwww.

First part of Excursion : Swim with Dolphins

First in Dolphin Cove we tasted Jamacian Booze – wow it was powerful – lol – then we walked through a bird aquarium (?) and then saw a Shark Show – funny…

         

Now we are about to SWIM WITH THE DOLHINS – This was so awesome – I can not really put in words so I will add the video we purchased and you will see why this was so amazing.

That was really so much fun…hope you enjoyed watching the video.  This is a two part excursion – next up – Hiking up the Dunn’s River Falls

Second part of Excursion : Dunn’s River Falls

Okay this place is BEAUTIFUL.  At first we were told to hold hands (like a human chain) and well this did not work for me – or anyone else for that matter – people in front pulling – and people behind needing to be pulled – lol — so thankfully we were able to unchain — whew now it was enjoyable.  Very busy and crowded – Our guide was super nice and basically showed us the best way up the Falls.

Again a video of this adventure is attached below along with some pictures 🙂

 

   

 

  

Video – I am having an issue with getting it onto YouTube – I will have to try to later…

After the Falls we took the bus back to the Port area…and we see goats on the side of the road…lol

Then we had about 30 minutes before we had to board and we did a little shopping – I bought a Hat and a shirt for David and Janet bought a hat and stuff for her daughter’s.

Now we board and well – it is time to go up to Deck 12 and visit the bartenders 🙂  😮

Jamacia was my FAVORITE port – would have loved to spend another day here….

Grand Cayman Island (Day 5):

First impression – besides the crystal blue water – this reminded me of a US beach resort – like Myrtle – very commercialized.

Okay this is a Port where the Big Freedom of the Seas has to anchor and boats (called Tender) were sent to ship and taken to land – not a big fan of this as it takes a lot of time.

   

Then we arrived on land and our excusion did not start for 3.5 hours – so we decided to go explore.  We took a taxi to a local resort beach and walked up and down the coast line – super pretty.

Then we decided to walk back to port area – only about 2 miles – it was hot – but I enjoyed the walk.  Then we needed to get something quick to eat before the Swim with the Stingrays excursion – but I had a hard time finding something healthy – corn dogs and Fried Chicken sandwich pockets – ain’t gonna happen – BUT we saw a bar and I saw katchup and thought – maybe they have food – and yes they did.  We had only 15 minutes before we were suppose to be in line for the excursion…and I got a grilled chicken sandwhich with a salad as the side and Janet got a hot dog.  The Chicken sandwich and salad was amazing – but I had to eat it in a hurry (oh and I opted to only have a bite of the bun).  So now that we have scarfed down lunch we get in line for the next excursion…

Swiming with the Sting Rays Excursion in Cayman Islands:

The most sureal thing is being in the middle of the ocean and standing in waist deep water and the water is as blue as it could be.  I played with the sting rays and then hopped onto the boat so I could take a few pictures and a quick video –

Boat to Sting Ray Island (as they called it)

See the bright water – where some boats are – this is where we were – you can barely make out the land on the hoizon – so surreal to be standing waist deep in the middle of Ocean

Now we return to the port area and do a little more shopping – or that was the plan – but because of the Tender boats there were REALLY long lines – but luckily we ran into some friends we met on board the ship (they also went on the Dolphin adventure with us) and they let us cut in line – whew….so on board the ship we went – and yes I went to the 12th floor for my evening beverage or two – who’s counting – before diner 🙂

Oh my tomorrow will be the last port day – this has really gone by quick

Cozumel, Mexico (Day 6):

So the good news is we have an early excursion so that will leave the rest of the port time to SHOP in Cozumel – an adventure all of its own.

Three Reef Snorkle Excurion :

So we get on yet another boat and head out to go snorkeling – I will say the water is SOOO salty – you could feel it sticking to your body.  This was an amazing experience as well and yet another example of something I would not/could not have done before loosing the weight I lost.  The main reason – not because of the swimming, as to be honest most people float in this salt water anyway and I used to have a lots of floats (lol), but it the getting in and out of the boat – that would have not been possible – I promise – I couldnt use the ladder in my pool to pull myself out — anyway here are some pictures of the snorkeling excursion.

After this excusion we went to the ship to shower (salt water) and eat luch then we headed back to Cozumel to go shopping.  Shopping was fun – we took a taxi to the end of the shopping area and walked back to port area.  We would go in a shop and they would want $75 for a blanket – but we would get it for $20 — You never paid what they wanted – if they didnt agree with your price – just walk out.  Example – at one place I saw a SeaHawks blanket (my Son loves the Sea Hawks) and they wanted $75 for it.  I said no I will pay $20 – they said $50 – I said no $20 – they said $30 best they could do – I walked out and the lady was hollering at me saying ok ok $20 I will take $$20 – Janet was still with her and she said the lady couldnt understand why I left and Janet said – “You made her mad” – the lady then said tell her I will take $15 – LOL — no I did not go back to get it – we found a better blanket at another shop and paid the $20 lol

I bought several items and did not spend much money – funny thing is so many of the stores were like – “Here have some Tequilla” I was like – no I drink on ship not in port – lol — I guess they figure if they got you drink you would spend more money???

Anyway that was fun haggling in Mexico.  So now we board the ship and tomorrow (our last day) is a full sail day back to USA.

Full Sail Day (Day 7):

Another lazy day hanging out at the pool and enjoying the beverage package 🙂

Boost on Board – mixed nicely 🙂

Boost at Bar

Deck 12

Janet with my 2 Fav Bartenders

Stuff I did on Board :

Surfing  – too Cool – wish I had not waited to last day – but to be honest was worried I might hurt myself so waited to last day

Rock Climbing Wall – this was lots of fun – I did this on two different days.

Kelly Climbing Rock Wall

Kelly Repelling Down

Kelly Climbing Rock Wall Again

Ice Show – pictures were really dark – sorry – amazing talent – ice skating show while ship is moving = talent

So Fun watching this Ice Show

This lady was skating and jumping and everything with this hoop that hung from the top – wow

They changed often

Inspiring

We also went to Carrieoke a couple of times and had big laughs.  Walked through Casino – but never gambled – huh surpised me — There were so many things to do – one could not possibly do it all.  I will leave with some parting photos.  Again I had a blast – Thanks again IDEAL SHAPE!!!!

 

Visitor in our Room

Janet being Janet

Janet before Porting

Janet – Formal Diner Night

Janet at Michael Klor – On Ship

Friends we made on board

Janet – Promenade

Another Room Visitor

Janet on ship

Janet – Leaving Jamaican Port

Cozumel

Janet on ship

Cows on ship

Boost in Jamaica – Yah Man

Deck 11 – Movie screen and Pool

On way to Snorkel

Jamaica

Leaving Jamaica – Waiving to Bea

First Day on Room Balcony

Pre Cuise Nails

 

Helping me get balanced

On my Own

Deck 12

Kid’s Pool Area

Basketball Ball Court

One of many Hot tubs – and a view of Deck 12 above

Hot tub on Deck 11 – Live music on stage

Deck 11 – Deck 12

Saw a Pirate ship in Cozumel

Promenade

Promenade

On our way to Swim with Sting Rays

Me acting goofy

Live Statue in Cozumel

Janet with my 2 Fav Bartenders

Rock Wall Climbing

Ideal Shape!!!!

 

The Daily Times published an article today about my Journey

     In today’s paper an article was written about my weight loss journey and I thought I would share. The Maryville Daily Times, Melanie Tucker, did an amazing job with my story.  I am thankful and hopeful that this article may inspire someone else and give hope that weight loss is achievable.

Again I want to thank Ideal Shape for being the tool for me to be able to accomplish, what was once only a dream.  I am now living life and loving it!  The great people in the Ideal Shape organization are amazing.  Yes it is a job, but they take a personal interest in helping others achieve their Ideal Shape – they truly are first class and changing lives.

For a link to the full article : http://www.thedailytimes.com/community/maryville-woman-gets-life-on-track-losing-pounds/article_5050cf79-0839-5a85-af0c-8ec22234dc96.html

Be sure to check out the Ideal Shape Page for coupon code if interested in ordering.  Also please visit and like my FB Page.  Have a glorious day.

Stats from before to now …

Cool couple of Stats (I am an accountant after all and you would think I would like all Numbers – but prior to Ideal Shape I NEVER wanted to see my health numbers – scale, Blood Pressure, BMI – but now – wow ) – hoping the HTML Table I created works below – if not will post in a reply a different way.

	Dec 2012	Dec 2013	Dec 2014
Scale	355	255	165
Waist Circumference	55	41	35
Body Mass Index	57	40.6	25.7
Blood Pressure	175/95	132/74	108/60

WOW — so not only do I feel better – clearly healthier too and all my Cholesterol readings (most were in the red in Dec 2013 are now in range and in the GREEN)

So Ideal Shape not only helps a person lose weight – but it is proven a HEALTHY weight loss by looking at my numbers – Can I get an AMEN!!!

I can still use your vote to win a 7 day cruise – so please click the link below and vote:

http://a.pgtb.me/dLgLrx

 

Maintain or continue on my Weight loss Journey

(I know I have not done the Forgiveness blog yet – I guess I am not ready to do that one yet…)

Today’s topic – Maintain or continue on my Weight loss Journey ….

Okay so I am in a sort of Rut to say.  Let me explain.  When I started my weight loss Journey in May 27th, 2013; my 1st goal was to loose 100 pounds by end of the year – this goal was accomplished on Dec 7th, 2013.  Next Goal was 50 more pounds by  June 2014 – accomplished April 24th 2014. (this put me at 205 total) then I planned on going 25 pounds at a time until….well I told myself at the time a size 10 (or 175 lbs). 

Considering in May 2013 I was in a size 38 and in December 2013 I purchased size 22 – a size 10 seemed a reasonable ultimate goal for me….

Well I have been in a size 10 jean for about 3 months now – Yippee. And the scale shows 167 lbs.  So what is the dilemma you ask?

I look in the mirror and think I should loose more — but I have been stuck in a maintenance mode for about 2 months now.  So what is the deal…

I keep trying to figure that out.  Many people have said that I have lost enough.  Maybe that is true, but here is my question….If you never knew I had lost 188 pounds and I came to you today, would you say that I Do or Do Not need to lose any weight? 

 

Not a great picture – But last Picture taken – 10.26.14

 See I think most would say YES I could stand to loose weight, but everyone around me says I have lost enough.  Why is that? Is it because I have lost so much that I should be content?  Are they just trying to be nice? Is it true, have I lost enough? I still have very big thighs and a big stomach and my arms have wings — how much is this skin that I can only try to deal with by toning versus Fat that can be lost – I am not sure.  So my confusion begins…and continues. 

For the past 2 months I have been on a maintenance eating/exercise plan and only looking at the scale twice a month instead of once a week (and I have not been losing but more importantly not gaining).  I stopped tracking every meal and counting every calorie.  I wanted to see if I could maintain my weight while being normal and not so obsessed.  Mission accomplished. I also knew I wanted to hit the gym more and work with weights to try to help with some of my skin issue (wings are large and another blog topic for sure – so I can stay on point with this post).  Also many have said I was doing too much cardio (but I attribute cardio to my weight loss) so more weights less cardio = maintenance for me and no clothes size change. hmmm. – But I am noticing muscles definitions in my arms and legs – 🙂

I mentioned my size 10 goal at the start of this blog.  The reason I mentioned that goal is that I think it has also kinda gone to my head.  I am there.  I thought 175 pounds for me would be good and I am now sitting at 167.  I started this journey wanting to be able to participate in life. AND I AM – para-sailing, zip lining, alpine coaster, alpine sled, weekly hiking trips, etc…. I have more stuff on my list that were only dreams before due to my size (go on a cruise, ride a roller coaster, ski (water and snow), go tubing, etc) and to be honest at my size now none of these are restricted due to my weight.  So thus my stall….I want to lose more (and think I need to and should), but my motivations are kinda gone, if that makes sense, coupled with so many saying “I have lost enough” (what does that really mean).  If ANYONE actually reads this blog – I would REALLY appreciate some comments to give me feedback – HONEST feedback – PLEASE.

Thank you for taking the time to read and hopefully some of you will post feedback for me — I NEED IT!

 

Video – My Favorite Breakfast Shake :)

Hello – welcome back — Here is a video on

how I make my Breakfast Shake.  There are lots of

recipes – this is just my favorite.

 

 

Be sure to check out the Ideal Shape Page for coupon code if interested in ordering.  Also please visit and like my FB Page.  Have a glorious day.

 

 

Video – How I make My Favorite Lunch Shake

Hello – and welcome….I am posting a short video on how I make my favorite Lunch Shake – super easy and quick!

 

 

Be sure to check out the Ideal Shape Page for coupon code if interested in ordering.  Also please visit and like my FB Page.  Have a glorious day.

 

Video of My Journey

Here is a Video I put together of my Journey.  Hope you enjoy!!

Still so excited from this past week — I went on a real Zip Line in Highlands NC.

– so amazing!

 

 Be sure to check out the Ideal Shape Page for coupon code if interested in ordering.  Also please visit and like my FB Page.  Have a glorious day.

 

Hiking …. So Awesome … Another example of LIVING LIFE

I used to always be a couch potato.  Now I constantly want to go and do something.  On Saturday, after watching Vol Football, it was time to get out and exercise, but I wanted to do something different.  So Hiking sounded fun and different.

My husband went with me, he is trying.  To be honest he was a trouper.  This was real hard on him.  It was only a 1.3 mile hike to the Laurel Falls, but he is heavy, like I was.  But he wants to participate in my life and since I always want to go do something he went with me.  So proud of him.  Before my weight loss I would not have attempted this Hike.  He was breathing real heavy and I was worried he would have a heart attack.  But he made it to the Falls – good job.

I had NO ISSUES.  In fact when we got to the top, I climbed up to the top of the Falls and then all the way to the bottom.  Mike was waiting on me to finish exploring. 🙂 It was so much fun finding footing and reaching for branches or rocks to climb.  What a beautiful countryside.  Love East Tennessee.

                           

I wanted to do the 5.1 mile round trip to Abrahm Falls, but it was a late start (due to football game) and we sorta got lost – lol — actually worked out cause I think the longer hike might have been too much on Mike. Next time will be the Abrahm Falls….so excited! –

Be sure to check out the Ideal Shape Page for coupon code if interested in ordering.  Also please visit and like my FB Page.  Have a glorious day.

 

Trip to Park City Utah was Amazing – Compliments of Ideal Shape

Okay so the trip was amazing.  I met so many amazing people.  First off the contestants – there were 12 and they were all awesome.  Great Stories about their personal weight loss journey.  So inspiring.  There were tears – to be expected as we have all had life altering changes in our weight since finding Ideal Shape. One person was in a Wheel Chair due to back issues and found the Ideal Shape Up (Free Videos – find on Yahoo – created by Ideal Shape) and I saw her doing cartwheels in Park City.  Another lady, has a dysfunctional ticker (heart) – she was told by her doctor she had to loose weight.  She was on other programs and was able to loose a great deal of weight but the last 40 + pounds she needed Ideal Shape and she just finished a 60 mile walk (in like 3 days) for Cancer.  Talk about inspiration.  We also had a married couple, a Professor, a local (David P), Kelli -super sweet lady who has lost over 100 pounds, several East Coasters and more.  All with their own stories and unique perspective.  To see all their stories now you can go to http://www.idealshape.com and lookthem up.  I think in January, the video and photo shots will be available and you can learn more about these amazing folks at that time.The other cool aspect of this trip was that Ideal Shape also invited back 3 past winners of their Ship Shape Contest.  And well that was just awesome.  Julie, Bri, Kate and Ken – were so helpful.  They also shared their stories and wow – just wow.  Kleenex anyone….

Now to Ideal Shape Folks — OMG — I had contact with them via FB and phone, but to meet them in person — wow.  They all SINCERELY care about helping people achieve their Ideal Shape. 

One of the Co Owners – Skyler – he was in tears when he talked about why and where the vision of this company came from.  See, he had grown up a big kid and suffered ridicule as well.  But more importantly was that he said, as crying, that his goal was to reach 1 million people in hopes that they would find the way to start their own Journey and change their lives.  That touch me so — I have made it my goal to get the word out as well. 

The other Co-Owner, Skyler’s Father, David.  What an amazingly smart man.  I have such respect for him.  He also is extremely passionate at helping others achieve their weight loss goals.  He is the Mind Guy – where he advocated using brain training in helping one loose weight.  I had heard of his book “Think – Use Your Mind to Shrink your waistline” but after reading it the other day – wow – wish I had gotten the book earlier (but I will have a whole blog on this book – it is that good).  His foster dad, struggled with weight, being over 400 pounds. David and his Wife, Carla (another amazing strong woman) wanted to find a way to help him, so  that was their reasoning for starting this amazing company – helping others to achieve their Ideal Shape.

I am SOOOO grateful for as I have said before this company, the products and the advise have literally given me a life I have never had before.  I am living life in full view and participation instead of hiding in the shadows.  Make no mistake this is not a miracle pill….there is work, but if willing to change your lifestyle to a healthier you, then the shakes and other items will help you!

Then we have the rest of the Meine family  – most, if not all, seem to work for Ideal Shape in one way or another.  One of the daughters recently lost a lot of weight also using this product – I just thought when I heard her speak in front of everyone – including her Mom and Dad who started this company – to admit to her weaknesses and do something about them….wow — inspiring – had to be hard to …. well I just can’t put my thoughts into words at the moment – But Natasha is simply amazing and strong.

Now I met all sorts of people and I am sure I may miss a few — (kinda harder to write this blog than I thought – ) But Marylin – she is basically the event coordinator – did an amazing job and has a BIG heart; Tyler – the Video dude – is funny and kind; Lindsey – she is the fitness chick and is so full of knowledge I could sit with her for a week or more with a sponge – and she even responds quickly to my messages on what other exercise I should be doing; Meg – is shorter than I would have thought (sorry Meg), she has such a BIG Bubbly personality it is simply contagious.  Lizzy – the writer and took lots of action photo shots as well – super sweet.  I was meet at the airport by, Shelby – again another Rock Star — oh so many — I also got to meet so many other Ideal Shape employees and they were all super nice and helpful. 

All in all my take away from the weekend in regards to Ideal Shape – is they are a family — they truly care about their customers and want to see people achieve their Ideal Shape.  Oh and they like to have fun too – which is very nice to see.