Our hiking day January 2, 2012

Today we woke up at the Inn to Snow coming down outside our window...flurries we thought...however not being able to see the river, we knew it was more than that. Made for a very pretty morning. We started out with a nice breakfast in the restaurant here at the Inn, and than layered up and headed out to hike the waterfall trails. It was still snowing, road leading to the falls was a little slick, but not too bad. We got some pretty decent climbing in,but I did not like this type of hiking as much as I did last year at Turkey Run...we were able to hike down and get in the middle of the canyons and huge rocks formations and just had a more interesting experience...this was still very pretty. We came back and picked up waters and headed back to car and chose to head to Versilles State Park about 30 min away. During the summer we were able to ride a little of the trail before it got dark, and wanted to hike more today so I could see what it was like. We started out the parking lot and took the trail to the left on creekside, where we hiked in the pines, and across streams until we started backup along the laughery creek( looked like a lake to me) and connected to cliffside...no big deal I thought...a lot of creek crossings, and the ground was slick in spots along the rocks. We started th climb back up and I was getting tired of it all and then we came upon two chairs made out of rocks. This was pretty cool, and after taking some dorky shots of it, I was renergized and got a second wind...the cliff side was steep and under the snow was for sure rocky...it was cut so that would be a challenge for sure on the bike. We ended up with a little over 4 miles on this hike and a total of 5 for the day...it was no more than 24 all day, with snow blowing with big wind gust...but felt so good to be outside breathing in the air and taking in the sites. This is our last evening here and I can say I am very glad that John and I have made it to our 22 year anniversary. we have raised 4 wonderful children who all have great jobs and a good head on their shoulders. I look forward to spending as many more years as I can with him, and enjoying many more weekend adventures like this .

New Years 2012

Happy New Years to all my friends and family. 2011 has taught me so much, and I look back at all the accomplishments and am pleased to be starting 2012 on such a positive note.
No, I may not be where I am wanting to be as far as my weight ...but overall, I am healthier, more active, and trying new things.
2012 I am hoping to continue running and finish the 10 mile run in Washington, Dc on April 1, and hope to do many more as the year progresses.
I hope to hit more new trails, some of the old familiar ones, and improve my riding skills to make them even more fun.
I WILL not let others bring me down this year, I will come out on top and Happy!!!
My goal for my weight...well that is a hard one..I would like to get 36lbs off by June 1.
Hoping that at least 20-25 will be off before I run in the Cherry Blossom Festival in DC.
My ultimate goal would be to hit my BIG goal, which would mean a total loss of 46lbs.
My exercise goal, to hit the gym, lift, and get myself built up for a stronger season of riding and running.
My home goal is to make some improvements that are much needed, pay my truck off, trade in my car, and love my family even more.

Merry Christmas to all my friends and family.


This is the first season since 1994 that we have not spent together as a family. I know things are supposed to change, but sometimes I just want the past and the comforts of home.
So, We did our normal Christmas Eve at John's mom's, where we as usual sit back out of the way and Observe...however...I push my way into conversations and make it all work. I have some real issues with one of the people there as they go out of there way to not be friendly....it just pisses me off. I am like seriously??? you think you are that much better?? Get a freaking grip...BUT.....oh well.
Went to visit mom at the nursing home to find out she had fallen in the bathroom ....
leg just gave out on her and she went down on her bad knee and her bad arm...her hands are all bruised up and she is sore, but otherwise is ok.
I hope this makes people understand it is not safe for her to be going home...she needs help even if they don't think she does.
I like having mom there because I don't have to worry about her as much and I know I won't get the call that she has been laying in her apartment all night because she fell. It is just peace of mind.


Well, today I wake up, spend time with my daughter Rebecca sharing gifts, and fixed breakfast(well John fixed it) as I was able to relax with the boys watching Benny torment the cat. Too cute.
Bradee and Benny have had their shares of thrills and escapes this year, and I am so thankful they are both back. I love Bradee so much..it is something that I cannot explain. We have a bond and I always am happy and relaxed when he is by my side.


We are all going to Evansville to share Christmas again with my mom and than are going to my oldest daughter Megans to have Christmas together with the kids.
We are breaking the tradition this year and are having steaks, chicken, mac and cheese, Gbeans, and rolls. NO HAM....

Monday begins a new day for me as I get back to my training and my goals for 2012.


Merry Christmas.


Traci

Years

Today would of been my mom and dads 50th wedding anniversary....but 17 years ago he passed away right after my sister Susie had died. He was a big and tall, gentle man....always put everyone else first and above himself. He was a great dad and grandpa to my kids...sure wish I could have him around to see my kids now and to just hear his voice. 50 years is such a long time. I joke about being married forever, but I sure hope I do get to share as many years as possible with John. When I wake up tomorrow it will be the morning that 17 years ago changed my entire world The day my sister Susie lost her battle with Ovarion Cancer, and gently passed away. This started a 3 week long ordeal starting with her passing, to my fathers passing on New Years Day, to my husbands father a week after. It was a whirlwind of pain, emotions, stress and frustration, but taught me so much. Miss all of you Traci

September 15, 2011

Today I decieded to start a challenge plan with my 22 year old daughter Megan to jump start both of our diets.
I have hit a huge brick wall and gained 10lbs since July 1, and am not happy about it at all.
I had every intention in being down to 175 by now, but instead of that I am now at 194!!!
What the hell is up with that?
I did have my thyroid meds changed because my levels were all out of wack. Hoping this will help with my weight loss as well...we will see...time will tell.
I have had a issue with eating to. I seemed to have gotten onto thing with eating cream of chicken soup...that would be ok if I was not doing it every single day. It is like addicting or something and I cannot seem to get away from it. It is so high in sodium and I know that is what may be causing some of this, but it is the easiest thing to eat....?
I also have been drinking more mt dews than I should...

So..today I decieded to Take control....

I am riding more, but not losing, so now I have to make other modifications/ I am attaching my goals for the next two weeks...

Plans for 2 week challenge
Weigh in on Monday September 19.
Goal for week one is 2.5lbs loss.
Personal goal:
Change evening meal to include something other than CCS. Allowed 2 meals to include this if needed this week.
Increase exercise to include 3 days of lunch time exercise. Total time 1.5
Road ride or MTB ride at least 3 times next week. Total time ( MIN) of 3 hours.
Total exercise time for the week will be 4.5 hours.
Goal for October 3 weigh in is 5lb loss.

Sunday

Well, I had started a blog one other time, but it never really was anything to speak of.
I decided that maybe if I started writing down things that was going through my head it would become a Little more real and make me become more responsible for myself...we will see about that..

So, 2 years ago I chose to have lapband surgery to loose weight. I was weighing in at 340+ pounds and had to do something.
So I met with the surgeon and while waiting on my surgery date started on there diet and begun losing some weight. I also had started riding a bike...2-3 miles at a time. I was beginning to get hooked but did not really realize just how bad/
So...on May 31 20007 I underwent my surgery and came home to start my new life.
It was starting to come off and I was feeling very good about myself.
In July of 2007 I purchased a Trek Hybrid bike. This bike was my saving grace. I started increasing how far I was riding, and entered my first bike tour....it was a 21 mile ride, and i had never done anything of that sort.
I only cared that I finished. I did....but walked A LOT of the hills...

I was still losing weight and was really feeling good.
At the start of winter I said I want a road bike like everyone else. Well, I bought a GIANT FCR...it was almost a road bike....with flat handelbars.....I liked it, but still wanted the road bike. I sold it and bought a Trek 2100 road bike.
I was so excited..and it was PURPLE....
I went on several bike tours with this wonderful bike and even took it to Florida on work for a month to give me riding time there. I had logged 1500 miles on it before I sold it in the summer of 2009 and upgraded to a Specialized Roubaix Road bike....all carbon.....the only bad thing about the bike....it is not purple...LOL

I guess my biggest obstacle at this time is that I have actually gained weight instead of loosing over the summer. Yea a few here and there, no big deal....but I went from 218 in May to 234 in Sept...what the hell~~~~~
I know what the majority of it is, but yet can not seem to get a handle on it.
I want to get below 200 before December, but yet It is really far away
I think at this point the only thing I can do is to add some other kind of exercise into my routine and slowllllyyy get back off my soft drinks.. I know that is causing most of my weight gain

So....starting today....cutting down, and hoping by this time next weekend to be down to half of what I am drinking now, and down at least 5 lbs

Let me just see how well I accomplish it....:(:_)