Manda and I started this challenge together January 1, 2008.  It was a new year and we promised ourselves we would turn our lives around and make it our year.  A new year, new opportunities, discoveries, and life changes. 

 

My story:

I am 23 and a mother of 4.  I have an infant, toddler, pre-schooler, and kindergartener.  I got married at 17 and that is when I had my first child.  I am still married to the same man and we have a wonderful family.  When I was pregnant for the first time, I fell into the trap that I could eat whatever I wanted.  I saw the stomach getting bigger, but that was all baby.  I saw my boobs get bigger, but that was milk.  I saw my arms and legs and face get bigger, but that was water retention.  70 pounds later, I realized it was mostly fat.  I was just a teenager at the time and I started feeling really depressed about how I looked.  I was covered in stretch marks and I was HUGE!  I was a fat mommy, a fat wife and a fat 18 year old.  I started to eat more (as if that makes sense).  I started to hate who I was and who I was becoming.  I felt like I wasn't worth it, I felt like it was easier to eat and stay fat because then it was my choice.  I knew that if I started to eat right and exercise I might not lose the weight and then on top of being fat, I would be a failure.  Since I was a child, I was expected to succeed so failure wasn't an option.  I was putting my daughter on the bus for school one day when her classmate cheerfully shouted, "Look!  We both have FAT moms!"  They are in kindergarten and saw it as a neat coincidence.  I was devasted.  I was absolutely crushed.  I cried harder than the day I sent her off to school fpr the first time.

 

The truth came out through the mouths of babes.  Not only was I FAT, I was morbidly obese.  The thought of being morbidly obese made my big tummy churn.  I was humiliated and disgusted of what I let myself become and what I let my daughter see.  I decided to make a change.  I had to do something so I called Manda.

 

Manda is 24 and has been heavy her whole life.  She was teased relentlessly by family and other peers her whole life.  She gave up on herself because nobody else cared.  You notice once you're the fat girl how little people actually give a damn about you.  Fat people are statistically the most discriminated group in the U.S but we make up a majority of the population.  Ironic huh?  Manda was raised in a world that told her she was worthless, until she believed it.  I will never know what made her decide to join me in this challenge, but I will forever believe it was the day we saved our lives.

 

As part of the challenge, we were supposed to write why we should win.  We look at some other teams who have had a harder past than ours, or who weigh more than us, or have more medical issues than us.  Why should we win?  If we knew, we would have said.  The point is self hate is what got us in here in the first place.  If we truly loved ourselves, we could give you a list, heck, we wouldn't be so FAT.

 

The truth is we deserve this as much as the next person because EVERYBODY who is in this challenge, EVERYONE who decided to make this change deserves to be rewarded for their strength and courage.  My husband, mother, and sister still do not know to this day how much I weigh because I am still very ashamed and disgusted with my body.  It will take time and healing to change that.  But every Friday I weigh in with you, my family and I know you feel what I feel.  You cry when it hurts and you smile when there is a victory.  No one said this would be easy, just worth it.  We are worth it, worth a second chance. 

Hey "Losers"!

 

I am so happy to have had the chance to meet so many wonderful people by being a part of this challenge.  We can't wait to see who wins.  We have a couple of fav teams we hope to see on there.  When do we find out?  Is it going to be on the show tonight?  I hope all of you keep your pages up.  We will still be weighing in every Friday and continuing on our journey cause as you see, we have a LONG way to go!

 

Love ya!

T

Hey "Losers"!

 

Frustration is upon us.  Manda is up two pounds this week and I am down 1/2 pound.

Manda 174.

T 200

 

What are we working so hard for?  To lose NOTHING!  Manda is dying for Chinese Food so she has been bustin' her b-bottom to lose.  She has watched her diet and even added an extra workout or two!  I have just accepted I will never be under 200, EVER!  This is why we need a personal trainer!  Obviously, we are doing something wrong.  I need a personal trainer, and a nutritionist, and a drill sargeant, and a plastic surgeon.

 

I have a question...

 

People always say it's a myth that weight training will just bulk up.  Bob and Jillian talk about the importance of weight training.  Manda and I have been using circuit machines and we have been increasing the weights as it gets easier.  Is that right or should we keep the weights low and increase the reps?  I'm lost.  I need guidance.  If I had a clue of what to do, I wouldn't fight so hard to win this thing.  But honestly, I am a complete fitness airhead.

 

Another question...

 

How do you know what your caloric intake should be?  Some websites tell me 1200, others say as much as 2300!  I know it's about calories in versus calories out, BUT it also has to do with where those calories come from right?  I mean, it's better to get my calories from fruit and veggies throughout the day than 1 double cheeseburger at lunch, right? 

 

Another question...

 

It is reccommended that the average person drinks 64 oz of water a day.  But we are also supposed to have 16 oz of milk.  What if I can't drink that much?  Should I make sure I get the milk in or skip the extra calories?

 

One final question...

 

Can I get a trainer now?

 

Love ya!

T

Hey "Losers!"

 

Manda and I have been away awhile but reat assured, we're back! We were still working out and staying kinda on track with eating.  We are both sick of the ay our eight lose is going so we have decided that today is a new day and a new week and a new beginning.  We are devoting ourselves to changing our lives.  We are taking this day is a new start.  We hope you'll join us!

 

Love ya!

T

Hey "Losers"!

 

Today is Weigh Day.  I am now at 200.5, down 2.5lbs from last week.  Manda is up 1 pound from last week at 172.  But she is losing inches!  I think she's getting some muscles.  You should see her on the crunch machine!

 

I am sorry I have been away this week.  It has been very hectic and emotional for me lately.  I am back and i promise to have some exciting things your way!

 

Love ya!

T

 

 

Hey "Losers"!

 

It's Friday!  Manda lost 3 pounds so she's back at 171!  I gained three pounds, putting me at 203 but I am actually not as upset as you'd think.  I forgot all about weighing in this morning.  When Manda called me from work to remind me it was around 5:30 pm.  I ate fish, rice, fries and a klondike bar for dinner.  So, I probably didn't gain three pounds for real.  I am counting it though but out of curiosity, I might weigh in tomorrow and see what it has to say.

 

Anyway, isn't Manda something?  She's such an incredible person and friend.  This experience has allowed her to finally see what the rest of us have always seen.  I am so grateful to MSN and the Biggest Loser for giving Manda the opportunity to find herself.  I honestly could cry right now just thinking of how she's grown since January 1st.  I'm so proud of her weight loss, but more importantly, her tremendous growth as an individual.  I just love that girl!  Thanks to all of you, your words and support have given her the courage to face defeat and beat it.  Her success is worth the world and she deserved it.

 

Well, I have to go take care of the babies so I will see you in Loserland tomorrow!

 

Love ya!

T

Hey losers,

 

Well it's weigh day all is well with me atleast I've droped what I gained. Thats enough for me this week. Next week is a different story. I have gotten myself back on the right food track. I know T's worried about me but I'm good. Some weeks are harder than others but I'm finally ready for this. Right now it is the most important thing to me. I don't even care about the number anymore. I just want to live a healthy lifestyle. When I started this it was all about looking good and there's nothing wrong with that, But this challange has changed me in a lot of really great ways. As you know I've always been the quiet one through this challange I have found my voice. And let me tell ya it sounds really good. It's not just a body change I think I'm finally getting to know myself for the first time. If you knew me you would know how amazing that is. I know every once in a while I leave these mushy bloggs but sometimes it just really needs to be said. I hope all of you are reaping all the benifits from this exsperence. Cause there's no day but today. Forget yesterday you can't change it and don't worry about tommorow cause it's not here yet.

Okay I'm goig to get real personal with you right now cause it feels good. I have never had a boyfriend. Yes it's true ask T she'll tell ya. I have spent so much time being afraid of what other people thought and felt about me I missed out on the things that make us who we are. Last Saturday I went out on my very first date and it was a bling date. I had so much fun I went out with a great guy. We talked and got to know each other and I realized something. Most people just want someone to talk to who understands them and is comfortable. We're going out again this weekend. And you know what I'm not scared. Wow! Well thanks for licening to me blah  blah blah. I hope everyone has a great week and don't forget there's no day but today! 

 

Hey "Losers"!

 

Tomorrow is weigh day! i totally had a rough week cause the kids were home for school vacation.  Too many temptations and no way to get to the gym!  I expect I will gain cause it feels like it in my clothes.  But starting Sunday it is a new week and I am ready to get back on track and race it!  Well, maybe I'll power walk it .  Let's not set unrealistic goals, it isn't very helpful!

 

Manda is doing alright.  She has been really busy this week with dentist appointments and such.  We are going to go to the gym tomorrow but tomorrow is already Weigh Day so it really isn't going to matter much for this week.  I hope Manda finally sees the number she wants.  She has had a rough couple of weeks with this and she could use some positive feedback from the scale to show her she's not crazy and all the hard work is for something.  But as Bob wpuld say, "the body is gonna do what the body wants to do."

 

I am trying to challenge myself to do some new things to lose weight.  I have decided I want to have some fun with it.  I want to jump rope, hula hoop and do some Dance Dance Revolution!  Anyone who has any ideas on how to make this weight loss a little more fun, let me know!  I'm looking for suggestions!  Well, I will let you know just how much damage has been done tomorrow.  Until then, keep going, this is a process!

 

Love ya!

T

Hey losers, Let me just say I love being goofy but won the war please the war has just begun. I know you thought that just cause I don't have the time that I probably wouldn't see that little coment for a few days. Well just cause I don't blog eveyday doesn't mean I don't check the page everyday I see everything. Just for the record I have a reason to throw myself a pitty party. You don't. Miss I exercise everyday and cook myself fish and veggies you know I don't know how to cook. When I get to a loss of 20lbs maybe I will hop on the happy weight loss train. You get more exercise taking care of your kids alone than I do in a week of work. I would just like to say that I may not be as articulate as you but I wil never give up a fight without the last word. I hope that this is the end of this nonsense just realize that I have won and I won't make fun of you for it promise. 

Now back to everyone else just let me say I am having the hardest time with the eating right thing for the past two weeks I don't know whats wrong with me. I sart me day so well and as the day wears on I lose it somehow. Issues  let me tell ya I have issues. I know I'm being bad and I just can't help myself. I need to make myself some visual  modivational thingies and literally put them up everywhere. Thats were all my attention is right now. I finally got the exercise thing down and the food part has gone right down the drain. I guess I'm not really good at multitasking. But don't give up on me just yet I'll get there it just might take some time. So to all you loser out there I hope you have a great week and be the biggest losers you can be. Lots of love and huggs

                                                                 Manda

Hey "Losers"!

 

Tonight is Biggest Loser Tuesday!  Woo Hoo!  I can't wait to see what happens when they go home.  I feel so bad for them.  It must be such a shock to go where there are so many temptations right in your home.  Did you see some of the "welcome home" food?  C'mon.  Don't you think serving chicken wings to a person returning from fat camp is a little harsh?!  It will be interesting to see what happens at the weigh in.  I'm still rooting for Bernie and Brittany.

 

I am hoping to get to the gym this week.  I have had my godchildren over and my kids are home for Feb vaca.  Total killer!  There are six kids in the house, ages: 6,5,4,1,1, and 5 months.  Do you know what that means?  Pizza for lunch!     AAHHHH!  I have to get outta this house or I'll be sure to gain this week!  I can't believe this is almost over.  I haven't lost nearly as much as I wanted to.  Still trying and I am going to keep this page up like I'm sure most of you are.

 

I have lost 20 pounds so far which seems to be about average for most of the pages I've seen.  However some teams like the Muethings are kicking serious booty!  Over 30 pounds!  That's awesome!  I haven't noticed much of a difference in my clothes because I am not losing in my butts, gutts, or hips.  It's in ridonkulous places like my fingers.  Yeah, cause I was losing sleep over my fat fingers.  lol  Anyway, I need to do some killer middle section workouts.  Does anyone have an idea?  You know who might be able to help me? A PERSONAL TRAINER!  Hello...where are you free personal trainer for a year? 

 

Does anyone know where I can find the official rules for this contest cause I wanted to go over them again and can't find them.  I heard more than one team wins.  I think if you signed up and lost at least a pound you should get a trophy and a personal trainer for at least a minute.    We have all worked so hard, we deserve something!  Oh well, I guess we can settle for self satisfaction and pride if we have to. 

 

Well, I could talk to you all day but I think this pizza is heading straight to my thighs while I type so I'll see you soon and I just wanted everyone to know that Manda and I are just goofy people.  We are totally supportive of one another and just like to antagonize each other.  That being said, I officially won the war!

 

Love ya!

T

Hey "Losers"

 

Hey Manda!

 

Alright, you had to go and mention the pity party.  Were you invited cause it sounds like you might have been Mrs. Oh, I gained 3 pounds this week!  This is no pity party this is the frustration frat house where it's go big or go home!  Okay, you're right.  As far as Friday, I am only 1 pound away from ONEderland.  But he's taunting me!  I named him Two-ton New-ton.  His face is a scoop of chocolate ice cream, he has Oreo eyes, shredded cheese hair, a M&M nose and a spagetti smile.  His body is a cheeseburger and his arms and legs are french fries.  I hate him!  He is a reminder of how I got here and he's not letting me forget it! 

 

Not only am I gonns kick his bum, I AM going to make it to ONEderland, even if I have to lob off an arm!  you will not get the best of me Two_ton!

 

Love ya!

T

Hey losers,

 Okay T I'm sorry but did you forget that I see you every day. Bum dribbling what, I must have missed that. You want a war you got one honey. I'm sooo sorry your ONE pound away from ONEderland. Lets look at the numbers for a second cause as far as I can see your the one who keeps losing week after week. While I have gained 3lbs last week. So sorry for more of my happy crap but in the words of the famous Duckolina " Time to end the Pitty Party you mother ducker." And theres plenty more were that came from so bring it.

 

As for the rest of you losers out there I know it can be really hard when you have a bad week like I did last week, but you know it just makes the fight that much better. Keep fighting and stay strong good luck.

                                                         Lots of Love

                                                                 Manda

Hey "Losers"!

 

Hey Manda!

 

I have a response from your last blog.  You know who says all that cheerful, happy-go-lucky junk?  PEOPLE IN ONEDERLAND!  That's right I said it.  Aw, do your thighs rub together?  Cause mine push to see who will come first and I trip!  No kidding!  And does your bum jiggle?  Well my bum dribbles like a basketball on the court...BOOM, BOOM, BOOM!  I have a bruised behind!  I look like the fat Nutty Professor!  So while I appreciate your happiness is a state of mind bologna... Happiness to me whill be when I am in a whole new weight class.  So there!

 

As for the rest of you.. while the war wages on between Manda and me we hope you are all winning the war against obesity and are achieving all of your goals!  I'm going to do a workout dvd today and eat some grilled fish and vegetables.  Because if I don't lose at LEAST 1 pound this week...it's on like Donkey Kong baby!

 

Love ya!

T

Hey losers, I want everyone to see this but its for T you think that ONEderland is such a great place huh? Well let me tell ya I'm in ONEderland and its not so wonderful my thighs still rub together and I've come to the conclusion that my bum is never going to stop jiggling. I wish you would stop focusing on the number your at and start concentrating on the numbers you are losing.  And just let me say for the record I would probably be at an even higher weight than you are if I had four kids. So as for the mystical  happy place you like to call ONEderland it dosen't exist. Happiness is a state of mind. As for me yeah I gained 3lbs so what it just makes me want to work even harder at this.

 

So as always stay strong and keep pushing.

                                                                       Love

                                                                            Manda

Hey "Losers"!

 

How is everyone doing lately?  Me and Manda had a weird workout today.  We just weren't feeling the burn.  I don't know if it's time to kick it up a notch and add more resistance or what but we worked up a sweat and reached high speeds on the elliptical and treadmill but we didn't feel it. 

 

i also have to make an appointment with my doctor.  I have a naturally high heart rate and when I work out my heart rate gets to 192 and I start getting a headache.  I realize that it's probably an increase in blood pressure so I slow down.  Other than the headache I physically feel fine like I could continue but I get nervous so I want to ask my doctor about it.

 

I can't wait for the show Tuesday.  It's getting to the point where I like a lot of people and I don't want to see anyone go.  I really like Bernie and Brittany though.  They are my favorite.

 

My oldest son (4) is sick.  He never com[plaind when he's sick.  I always bring him in and it's something ike pnemonia.  He's complaining his throat hurts so I'm pretty sure it's strep or something.  And my youngest (5 mos) was bleeding from the back of his head today because he scratched off a scab.  I didn't see that at the time.  I went to pick him up out of the bassinet and all I saw was blood under his head. And my washing machine is leaking.  It's been a mixed up day.  I think I'll go to bed early tonight.

 

Good night!

Love ya!

 

T

 

 

 

 

Hey "Losers"!

 

Well, let me do this like ripping of a band-aid:

I lost 1 pound.  I am now at 200.

Manda gained  3 pounds.  She is now at 174.

 

We are not discussing it anymore!  We are both ready to quit.  We're not, just REALLY REALLY REALLY frustrated! 

 

ONEderland is Neverland

Let me tell you a story about a mythical place I like to call ONEderland. ONEderland is a place where your thighs don't rub together, your butt stops jiggling as soon as you stop walking, and there is no need for stretch elastic jeans. It is a land that will cause men to turn their heads and give an occasional wolf whistle. ONEderland is a place full of happy people who can breathe after running up the stairs. To get to this place you have to work hard, eat right and apparently some third aspect that I have yet to grasp. Once the trifecta is complete you get access to what I consider the most magical place on Earth. So, for all of you in the ONEderland parade. Please let me know what I am doing wrong cause I have yet to pass through the gates. I'm not sure if I'll ever get to. Love ya! T

Hey "Losers"!

 

How was your Valentine's Day?  Any temptations?  Chocolate perhaps?  I was really lucky.  My Papa still gets us chocolate and he didn't cuz he knows we are serious about our weight loss.  My hubby brought me roses instead of candy and my mommy bought me 100 cal packs from Hershey.  (and Purell for the gym) Manda and I went to the gym this morning for an hour.  We did 30 minutes on the elliptical on aerobic mode.  That was cool, it gives you instructions on when to speed up, slow down, focu on arms, then legs, etc.  Except when it asks you to move in the opposite direction, I feel like I'm gonna fall!  We did the crunch machine today.  Manda did three reps of eight and I did, um, eight.  Ouch!  She's doing great!  She'll see a big number tomorrow for Weigh Day!

 

She's in Boston right now for a Down with Valentine's Day party with her friend.  She gave up alcohol for Lent so it should be interesting.  They were going to play twister and stuff so it seemed like it would be a good time.  I can't play twister.  I tried my Pilates and discovered I am about as flexible as I am thin!  As you may know, that means I am no where near flexible! 

 

Well, tomorrow is weigh day so I am praying to God that I can get under 200!  My weigh ins have been 207, 204, 202. and 201.  Really?  Seriously? C'mon scale!  Give me a 1 !!!  I don't care if it's 199!  Just get me to ONEderland!  Grrr!  I'm getting so frustrated with the darn thing!  I wish I was starting out at MAnda's weight! Lucky!  That Chinese food is calling her name.  It's one of her rewards.  Well, I guess I will talk to you more tomorrow for weigh day.  Wish me luck!

 

Love ya!

T

Hey losers, It's been a while I know sorry. But I've have been trying to kick it into high gear. So far so good. Now I have lost 18lbs since I started this challenge. Great but you know how you just don't see. Well anyways eveyone at work has been so supportive of me they all know about my journey. Last night I was playing around with one of the guys I work with and he threatened to through me out the drive-thru window.Silly me I said you wount do it next thing I know he has me off the ground and is literaly throughing me out the window. After he put me down he looked at me and said your really not that heavy. I've always had a problem with being picked up by guys because I was heavy but I hide it very well, with very good weight proportion. After he said that to me I felt so good about myself. So even if your not noticing the difference in yourself don't worry because someone is. Today is a really good day and I just wanted to share it with you guys. Thank you so much for your motivation and a big thanks to carla and cindy your kind words and support really mean a lot to us, if you ever need anything just let us know we would love to return the favor. You guys are doing great keep up the good work.

To all you losers out there in loser land stay strong and most of all be happy cause we're all going to have bad days but it just makes the good days that much better. Keep striving for those good days.

 

                                            Lots of Love Always

                                                    Manda

 

Okay! I know you have all thought about rewards! What are they!  We want to know!

Mine are:

Under 200: New running shoes (pink pumas)
190: Appletini body spray from Victoria's Secret
180: A $5 iTunes giftcard
170: Enchanted apple bodyspray from Victoria's secret
160: A few new bras and panties
150: New shirts and manicure
140: New jeans and pedicure
130: A night dancing, a LITTLE black dress and a big hug!

I also hace a "no more piggy" bank with a dollar for every pound I lose to treat myself when I'm done!  I decorated it with visual motivators!  I know Manda has Chinese food and a massage!  What about you!  I am at 201 so hopefully by Friday I can get under 200!  You will see video of my victory dance.

 

New song from the many collections of T and Manda:

 

Don"t cha wish your girlfriend was fat like me? 

Don't cha wish your girlfriend could eat like me?

Don't cha?

Hey "Losers"!

 

Ok.  I had to write a blog about the dreaded scale.  When I began this journey I was using my mother's scale and i was losing weight.  Then, I wanted my own scale so I bought a digital, assuming they are more accurate.  Wrong!  At least this particular one was.  I thought I weighed 7 pounds more than I did.  It weighed Manda at 10 ponds more! So I was very unhappy.  But I went with it.  Then a friend suggested that I test it.  So I put my 10 pound dumbells on it and they didn't register.  Then I stepped on the scale with the 10 pound weights and that was innaccurate.  Now I am back to using my mom's scale which weighed the 10 pound dumbells right.

 

Team Taylor (http://teamtaylor7169.spaces.live.com/) is having the same trouble!  It's so frustrated to measure our progress on w scale when you could step on 7 different scales and see 7 different results!  So, even though it is important to weigh in weekly.  Please remember that progress shows up in inches lost, how your clothes fit, and how you feel.  Just remember that everyday you make a conscious decision to live healthier and focus on fitness, you are making progress.

 

Keep up the great work!  Don't get discouraged and just breathe!

 

Love ya!

T