Nicole Jackson

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Well, well, well!  It has been a minute, but I'm back.  Soooo, needless to say, I did not make my #Goal150 last year, hence the name of this blog.  I can honestly say 2014 has been my worst year as far as working out is concerned.  I had an injury in January, life changing events in March-July, and here we are.  Although this hasn’t been my most active month, I held off some weight gain...notice I said some.  I am currently at 182, my heaviest in years!  I had a come to Jesus meeting with myself and realize it's time to refocus!  My tool works, my pouch has not stretched and I know the rules of this game like the back of my hand.

I am planning to have my tummy tuck in July.  I am excited and nervous all at the same time.  I am working on getting back to the basics and working my tool the way I know I can.  Learning to listen to my brain when it tells my stomach to stop will be the key.  I have gotten in the BAD HABIT of eating pass full, I KNOW, I KNOW!  I also picked up a bad habit of snacking in my office at my desk...again...I KNOW, I KNOW.  So, I didn't have time to wait until a New Year, I am starting NOW.  These next two weeks I am only working on my eating habits and listening to my brain.  I will be back at the gym on January 5th.  NO, this is not a New Year's resolution, this is LIFE!  I never stopped exercising, just cut back from 6 days a week to 3-4 days a week.  So, it's back to 6 days.  Yes, I am that 6 day a week person!  Looking forward to getting back to what I know.

Work and school are both going well.  YES, I said school...lol!  While in search of a job, and not having any luck, I decided to make the best of my time, so I enrolled in Grad school.  I completed my first year, only 1.5 to go!  I am still looking for a career move, just putting the word out there.  The family is doing great, no complaints. 

Just wanted to stop by and say hello.  I'm still here!!!  Until my next update, as always, until next time, be safe, love yourself and keep smiling. Most of all keep LOSING!!!

WOW!  Another 3 years has passed, I'm still lurking!  So much has happened in the last few years, the one thing that has remained constant is my size.  Although my weight has fluctuated and I am currently at 175, I still maintain a size 10.  I thank God for giving me the constancy of exercising, which has been the only thing that has kept me from totally ballooning!  So, let the novel begin, hope you have about an hour….LOL!!!  Honestly, I can't remember much of 2011, that year came and went so quickly.  In 2012, the flood gates opened, I did my first 60 mile bike ride, completed my first half marathon and did several other runs around the city.   I am HAPPY to report that I finally graduated from Kennesaw State University in December 2012, heck it only took me 12 years, but I did it and that's what counts!  For graduation my husband sent me on a girl's trip to Punta Cana!  It was nice to go out of the country with my girlfriends and not be the largest one, heck I was one of the smallest! 

Now that I have managed to accomplish several of my goals, I am a mission to complete one goal I have not managed to meet.  When I decided to have weight loss surgery, my ideal weight was 150 pounds.  If I could get to 150 pounds, I feel like my mission for weight loss will be complete.  To get to 150 pounds and maintain it!  So, I have once again set out on my quest to lose the last 25 pounds once and for all.  My gift for maintaining 150 pounds for 6 months will be plastic surgery!  I really want to get a full tummy tuck and my inner thighs done.  So, I'm off to the races.  I am doing things differently this time.  I am actually counting calories and keeping a food journal, yeah I know, the basics, but I have never done it consistently.  This is going to be the hardest thing for me, because I have never kept track of what was going in my mouth.  I figured I can eat whatever in moderation, as long as I work it off.  That has worked for me, but it hasn't helped me to reach my goal weight.  It is my plan to lose 5 pounds a month the slow and steady weight loss.  Those pounds rarely find a way to come back.  Exercising and working out are my lifestyle, so there is no need to factor that into the equation. 

I am also job hunting and it’s driving me crazy.  It’s funny that all the people that told me they would help me when I graduated have sudden developed selective amnesia!  At any rate, I am aggressively looking for another position, so if you’re in the GA area and you have hiring power, please contact me!  I have pretty much covered everything.  I will make it my monthly duty to keep you all posted on my #Goal150!  Until my next update, as always, until next time, be safe, love yourself and keep smiling. Most of all keep LOSING!!!

Friday, November 20, 2009

Well damn, I just fell completely off the map!  I am back though, so how about that.  I am just stopping in to say hello to my WONDERFULL Obesityhelp family.  I won’t make any excuses for my absence, so moving on.  I am back in school for the 100^th time, but you know what?  I am trying and nothing beats a failure but a try.  I tell you this though, its soooo much better this time around, huh….could it be the weight loss?  I think so.   I have 2 classes this semester and I have not taken the elevator at all.  I am up and down those stairs like nobody’s business.  Although I only get 4 good hours a sleep a night, my energy level is still at its peak.  I credit that to my workout.  I am still at the gym 5 days a week and sometimes I ride my bike on Sunday’s.  I am officially up to biking 30 miles, I really want to get to 40, but will hold off until next spring, it’s getting a little chilly in GA. 

I never made that appointment to see the head doctor, because I am still having issue with body image.  Honestly, does that ever go away?  I don’t think anyone I know is completely happy with what they see in the mirror once the clothes come off.  If only I could get an idea in “MY HEAD” about what size I am.  Hell, it’s going on year 3 and I still have no idea what size I am in comparison to other people.  I totally get the concept of size as it relates to clothes; I am a comfortable size 10 and would love to get into an 8, just to say I am a single digit….LOL.  Back to the subject; I have no freakin’ clue how I look to others.  I don’t know if they look at me and say, damn, she could lose some weight or if they say damn, please give that chic a burger.  Would someone please help me out? 

Other than that, I am feeling great.  My summer was fabulous and I think that fall and winter will be too.  The husband and children are doing fine.  Work is kicking my ass right now, but I am happy to be employed so I am not complaining only stating a fact.  I am looking forward to another Thanksgiving at home (Memphis) with family and friends.  Look for pictures to follow. 

 Trust me when I tell you, I am on this site EVERY freakin’ day.  It is great to see everyone doing their thing and loving life.  So, I don’t update every month like in the beginning, but you can be sure that I see you!  As always, until next time, be safe, love yourself and keep smiling. Most of all keep LOSING!!! 

Okay, I am a day late and a dollar short, but hey i'm here.  I think I manage to put the title of a book and a famous quote from a movie into one sentence.  Yeah, I'm that bad......LOL!!!  Well, two years ago yesterday I was going under the laser.  Two years ago today I was chillin' in my hospital bed excited about what I knew was ahead from me.  Well, after two years in the new body, I am still not comfortable being called small, little, skinny and all the other words used to describe someone my size.  Hey, I guess they are my size, because I still haven't gotten a handle on what size I actually am.  I still walk around looking at woman like I'm crazy, because I can't figure out if I am smaller or larger or does it even matter.  I can tell you that I am very happy.  I love, love, love shopping for clothes and shoes now.  Hell, I even wear matching accessories and I was NEVER the accessory type.  So, I still stand by my original words and say that having weight loss surgery was the BEST thing that I could have ever done for Nicole.  I mentioned that I am starting the process for a tummy tuck.  Well, I spoke with the doctor’s office yesterday and Heather (insurance person in the office) told me that all the paperwork has been sent and she feels that I will be approved.  I am waiting on that.  After my tummy tuck, I will be done with losing, just maintaining.  I am comfortable at this size.  Yes, I said that, I AM COMFORTABLE/HAPPY AT THIS SIZE!!!  I am starting back to school in August.  I am excited and over it all in the same.  I just have to finish, finish, finish.  My family is doing well.  The kids and Donald are the best.  I enjoy being a mom just as much as I enjoy being married.  It's truly hard work, but the rewards are worth the work you put into it.  Work and the gym are one in the same.  My gym is at my job, perfect.  I love my workout team, they continue to push me and keep me focused.  I have learned that it’s just as important to exercise as it is to eat.  I pretty much eat EVERYTHING, but in moderation and I work it off as soon as it’s digested well.  I can only eat about 6-8 ounces at a time, so that's always a plus.  I only eat when I'm hungry and I try so very hard to stay away from the grazing.  I fell into that trap early on and realized what I was doing and stopped early on as well.  I always pick the better choices when I have to.  I really don't do fried or greasy anything and I swear I don't feel like I have missed anything, hell it's not like I haven't had it all before....LMAO.  I do however, still drink my wine.  I don't think I am giving that up.  Hell, I was doing it before surgery.  I love a nice glass of wine every now and then, more now than then, but it to is in moderation.  I still lurk on this site every freakin' day, can't help it a true habit.  I enjoy seeing all the pictures and reading the success stories.  In a world full of media and bad news, it's good to read happy things.  There’s not much else going on in my life.  O, btw I am going home in two weeks for my mother's birthday and my nephew's graduation.  Going home is always a happy time, because everyone tells me how great I look, lmao.  Sometimes you need that to help you realize you have come a long way and you do look okay.  So, I will post pictures then.  I have posted my 2 year measurements, which is another reason I know I have lost and that my body is comfortable at this size, I haven't moved in inches in 6 months.  I think I am at my end as far as losing and I AM HAPPY WITH IT!!  I think that is pretty much it.  My life is truly on autopilot as I always say.  Also, I am always on facebook, so look for me there too.  So, with that being said, as always, until next time, be safe, love yourself and keep smiling. Most of all keep LOSING!!! 
N b4 Surgery   6 mos later       1 Yr Later         18 mos. Later    2 Yrs Later
Neck:   15”       Neck:  13.5”      Neck:  12.5”      Neck:  12.5”      Neck:  12.5
Brt:  45”40C     Brt:  39”38B     Brt:  36”36B     Brt:  35” 36A    Brt:  35” 36A
L. Arm:  18”       L. Arm:  14”       L. Arm:  13”       L. Arm:  12.5     L. Arm:  12.5”
Waist:  49”       Waist:  36.5”    Waist:  35”       Waist:  33”       Waist:  33”
Hips:    49”       Hips:  41.5”       Hips:  40”         Hips:  38”         Hips:  38”
L. Thigh: 25.5”  L. Thigh:  23.5” L. Thigh:  23”    L. Thigh:  21”    L. Thigh:  21”
R. Thigh: 25.5”  R. Thigh:  23.5  R. Thigh: 23”     R. Thigh:  21”    R. Thigh:  21”
L. Calf:  19”      L. Calf:  17”      L. Calf:  17”       L. Calf:  16”      L. Calf:  15”
R. Calf:  19”      R. Calf: 17"       R. Calf:  16”      R. Calf:  15.5”   R. Calf:  15”
R. Arm:  ?         R. Arm:  14”       R. Arm:  13”       R. Arm:  12.5”    R. Arm:  12.5”
Sz:  Tight 20   Sz:  Loose 14    Sz:  10/12         Sz:  10              Sz:  10/8

Well, it’s already the Holiday Season.  Since my last post, so much has happened.  The MOST IMPORTANT WAS THE ELECTION OF OUR NEW PRESIDENT.  OMG, I THOUGHT I WOULD NEVER LIVE TO SEE THE DAY THAT A BLACK MAN WOULD BECOME PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.  I AM STILL EXCITED.  Hopefully this country will start moving in the right direction when it comes to race relations.  Okay, I will stop while I am ahead, because I can feel my political soap box opening.  The Jackson’s came in October.  We celebrated Mama Jackson’s 93 B-Day.  We had an absolute blast.  The cookout was here and everyone enjoyed themselves.  Book club in October was also great.  I really enjoy those meetings; the next one will be here.  I am looking forward to hosting. 

So, I have been doing some serious weight lifting and I really like it.  Based on my updated 6 month chart, it really shows.  I still do cardio, but not as much.  It is nice to finally be in the 160’s, so my goal is truly in sight.  I know a few people that have had or are having weight loss surgery this month.  I am so happy for them.  It’s a whole new ball game, but I swear to you I love this game.  I wouldn’t trade in my position on this team for anything.  I continue to amaze myself when I look at pictures or catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror.  I do continue to fight with the head demons though.  I just can’t get it in my head that I am no longer the big girl that I use to be.  In my head I am still that big person.  I still size up a booth at restaurant’s just to make sure I can fit.  I still walk around cars in the parking lot from fear that I can’t fit between them.  I still disagree with my friends when they tell me that I am a great size now.  I just don’t see myself the way others see me, so I continue to struggle with the self image.  I don’t know if I will ever get use to the new me.  Looking at the amount of inches I have lost, you would that that would be a good judgment for me, but its not.  At any rate, I still consider myself a work in progress.  I will continue to workout like a crackhead and stay focused on what goes in my mouth.  I am looking forward to the holidays because I am going to Memphis for Thanksgiving and Louisiana for Christmas.  I can’t wait to see everyone.  I haven’t been home since May, so I am excited.  I think I have rambled enough.  So as always, until next time, be safe, love yourself and keep smiling. Most of all keep LOSING!!! 

N b4 Surgery        6 mos later         1 Yr Later        18 mos. later
Neck:   15”            Neck:  13.5”        Neck:  12.5”     Neck:  12.5”
Brt:  45”40C         Brt:  39”38B       Brt:  36”36B     Brt:  35” 36A
L. Arm:  18”           L. Arm:  14”         L. Arm:  13”      L. Arm:  12.5
Waist:  49”           Waist:  36.5”      Waist:  35”       Waist:  33”
Hips:    49”           Hips:  41.5”         Hips:  40”         Hips:  38”
L. Thigh: 25.5”      L. Thigh:  23.5”   L. Thigh:  23”    L. Thigh:  21”
R. Thigh: 25.5”      R. Thigh:  23.5    R. Thigh: 23”    R. Thigh:  21”
L. Calf:  19”          L. Calf:  17”         L. Calf:  17”      L. Calf:  16”
R. Calf:  19”          R. Calf: 17"         R. Calf:  16”      R. Calf:  15.5”
R. Arm:  ?              R. Arm:  14”        R. Arm:  13”       R. Arm:  12.5”
Sz:  Tight 20        Sz:  Loose 14      Sz:  10/12         Sz:  10

Hello Everyone.  I know, I know, it’s been a minute.  I slipped!!!  Well, not really slipped, kindda did it purposely, because I was determined to be at 160 anything before I posted again.  Seeing how the scale is taunting me, don’t know when that will be, so I decided not to prolong the post.  I was at a horrible plateau for what seemed like a freakin’ year!  I finally broke it, so my scale reads 173 now!!!  I am a freakin’ scale whore and I know it.  I have tried not to get on that freakin’ bytch (scale), but it keeps calling me!!!  My workout has changed just a bit.  I try to do more jogging/running for my cardio now.  I have also added more meat protein to my diet.  So, I am choking down tuna for breakfast!!!  Dude, are you freakin’ serious, who does that?  ME!!!!!  So, maybe that is what is making that bytch move.  Not much else is going on in my life.  Family and work are pretty much on auto pilot.  I don’t know if I mentioned that I joined a book club, but I did and the women in the club are AWESOME!!!  A group of wonderful women and I look forward to meeting with them every month.  I have started looking into plastic surgery, only for my stomach.  I am planning to wait for my two year mark, so I am looking at May.  I figure that bytch will be where I want it to be by then and holding steady.  BTW, my co-workers talked me into doing a facebook page, so I have a blog on there now.  If you don’t see me here, catch me there.  I am back on schedule now, so I will be doing my monthly update here, but you can catch me on facebook daily.  They should change the name to crackbook.  Speaking of crack, I am still on Starbucks!!!  I do the hot coffee now, since the weather is changing a bit.  Freakin’ Starbucks, I have a love/hate thing going with them right now.  Kindda like the government!!!  Let me stop now, because that’s a can of worms that I don’t want to open.  Not much else to report.  Until next time, be safe, love yourself and keep smiling. Most of all keep LOSING!!!