Mar 1, 2009 update by Maggie-17
<- Photo taken on	Jan 30, 2009
Journey start date	Feb 5, 2005	Currently at -11.11% of goal
Gained since start	6 lbs	Now has 60 lbs left to goal
Since last update	Lost 1 lbs
Weight at this update	210 lbs
22 of 22
		My Picture Progress

I know it’s been awhile since I last updated. We had to get a new furnace, which entailed having some other work done as well. The first thing they did was un-hook the old furnace to install the new one….the last thing they did was take the old furnace away. Guess where the old furnace sat while waiting to be taken away….smack dab in front of my scale!

I have been doing really well with my program the last week or 2…..there were a couple of weeks after joining the gym, where we’d work out and then go out to eat….kind of like a license to eat since we were working out. However, Jimm and I have both had our fitness assessments (I was actually 21% above average for my age with cardio fitness which was a surprise), and then got our workout prescription. The people at the gym are really nice, and check with us to see how we are doing. They have a computer system where you can log in the exercise you do…..everything gets different amounts of points…if you accrue 200 points in a month, you get into the “Consistency Club”, which is posted by the locker rooms. If you get to 100 months consistency, you get your name on a plaque. Jimm and I both made enough points to make it on the list for February. The lists are posted by how many months you have made the points…if you miss a month, you go back to zero. So, that’s one of my motivations to keep working out…..I want my name on the lists every month!!!

We had a weigh-in for our weight loss contest at work…at this week’s weigh-in, I was done 5 pounds from my starting weight. I was really, happy with that because at the last weigh in, 2 weeks ago, I was up a pound from my starting weight, so I have actually lost 6 pounds in the last two weeks. I am going to join another weight loss challenge at my bellydancing school. This one, everyone chips in and whoever loses the largest percentage of body weight gets all the money. The one for work also goes by percentage of body weight lost, but the money goes to charity.

I am really liking the workouts at the gym. The trainers are very helpful and will show us how to use any of the machines properly and how much weight to use. I am getting to the point where I really like going again and enjoy the workout, whether it’s cardio or a weight day. Yesterday, I did a 45 minute workout on the elliptical, with a 5 minute cool-down! The elliptical machines have a setting, where once you reach your target heartrate, it will adjust the level of difficulty to keep you there….I was so excited that a couple of days ago the elliptical raised the difficulty level during my workout!

Jimm has been swimming a mile everyday for the last few days, which I am very proud of him for.

I have set myself a goal to be under 200 pounds by Easter. That seems like a reasonable goal, and can probably be reached before then, but I know sometimes weight loss does not go as easily as others, so that seemed reasonable.

	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Brenda-159 from California on Mar 2, 2009 Hi Maggie, Catching the exercise bug can be nothing but good,,, I am so happy for you that your gym has that neat reward system to keep you challenged and wanting to see your name! I imagine your weight loss challenge at work will be a good motivator too. Here is to another fantastic and successful week!!!
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Tim-215 from Ohio on Mar 2, 2009 Really good things popping up all over for you, Maggie. Looking forward to watching your continued shrinking away.
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Karen-216 from California on Mar 3, 2009 Your goal sounds completely doable!  I like the different ways you're motivating yourself. Have another great week, Maggie!
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Carrie-259 from Florida on Mar 4, 2009 You can do it!! Yes you can! You're on a roll!
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Shari-330 from California on Nov 16, 2009 I am praying Maggie...I am praying for your husband for a quick miraculous recovery. Peace, Shari
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Carla-133 from Oregon on Nov 16, 2009 Maggie, I am praying for you and for Jimm. Please know that you are loved and it is an honor to lift you and the medical team up to the Lord for guidance and healing. ~ Carla
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Valerie-238 from Michigan on Nov 16, 2009 Maggie, I am praying for you and Jim.  You couldn't be in better hands - God's hands. Valerie
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward John-331 from California on Nov 16, 2009 Maggie, you and Jimm are in our hearts and minds as you go through this trial. Know that we care and please keep us posted.
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Shirley-261 from Tennessee on Nov 16, 2009 Maggie, I am praying for you as Jimm has his surgery and will continue as God brings you both to mind in the next few days.  Please know that many of us lifted your name to God tonight on the phone, and in our hearts.  May God give you peace, and confidence that He works all things for good for those who love Him.  I am praying for a complete healing for Jimm.
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Scheila-307 from Arizona on Nov 17, 2009 what a wonderful and beautiful wife Jimm has... Maggie, Dr. Nick shared with our call tonight all that you have been through and how great! and wonderful God has been for your family. He shared with us what a supportive wife Jimm has and asked that we continue to lift up you both and pray a hedge around Jimm for a speedy recovery and for strength for you.. It was a privilege and an honor to pray together as a group for one of our own... I will continue to keep you and your entire family in prayer.