Mother’s Day in Mexico is always on May 10th
I want to give my mom the surprise of a lifetime. Since I was a little Mexican boy I’ve always been a bigger guy, the Big Kid on the Block, and my mom always tried to help me get into a healthier life style. Now, at the age of 29, I’ve manage to do this - thanks to Herbal Magic and the encouragementof my wife.
On May 10th, I'm thinking about flying down home to Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico (4 hours south of Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico) and surprising my mom on Mother’s Day. I haven’t spent a Mother’s Day with my mom in over 9 years. I first moved away from home at the age of 17, that’s back in 1998. Fast forward to today and I’m in Calgary.
Through the years, I used to justify not being with my mom on Mother’s day with “I’m away, she gets it” and I forgot the most important thing of it all, she’s My Mom, and we only get one of those in our lives! This year, I want to do things the right way. I want to be with my mom and hug her and let her hug me all the way; it’s been probably over 15 years since she’s been able to put her arms all the way around me.
If this is the first time you’ve read my blog, then I should probably fill you in. I started Herbal Magic back in September of 2009. At the time, I weighed 339.4 lbs. Six and a half months later, I weigh 244.4 lbs - I’ve lost 95 lbs!!! This also means I’m only 25 lbs away from my goal weigh of 220 lbs. I know that I never would’ve imagined myself to weigh this little ever in my life and I’m really looking forward to this last little stretch. I’ve been told many, many times that it would be the hardest one, but I love a good challenge. If losing weight was easy, there would be no one overweight in the world.
I’m not sure if I’ll be able to go home, but as Mother's Day approaches, I'm sure thinking about it.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
The Canadian thing to do.
On Thursday I went to Chinook Centre with my lovely lady and one of her friends. The girls made two huge mistakes when they took me to the mall: they left me alone, and they left me with money in my wallet!
I really wanted to get a new gym bag that I had seen in Lulu Lemon previously. It must have been my lucky day - I found the very last one in store. Without any hesitation I bought it. As I was paying I noticed that the little compartment that it had for water bottles wasn’t going to fit mine, so that only meant one thing: I had to buy a bottle from there too.
I asked the young lady at the till to hold off on my payment as I was going to shop around for a bit longer for a new water bottle. After finding the one I wanted and making my way back to the till, I paid and walked away. As I got to Banana Republic, I added up in my mind how much I should’ve paid and compared it to how much I actually paid. At this point I realized they mischarged me, and I had to go back and notify them of their mistake.
I walked in, got the attention of one of the girls from the floor and told her, “I think you mischarged me”. She was very apologetic and asked if they had over-charged me. I just giggled and said, “No, you didn’t charge for my water bottle. I just want to make sure I do the right thing and that the girl who helped me doesn’t get into any trouble because she’ll probably have to pay for it”. The clerk looked me in the eyes and said she was surprised that I came back, when most people would’ve walked away. She then asked me for my receipt and for the water bottle. I gave them to her and I pulled out my debit card to pay the difference. She was punching buttons on the till, then handed both the water bottle and my receipt back to me and said “Thank you for your honesty”. This caught me off guard; I asked her again “how much do I owe you for the water bottle?”. I got an answer I wasn’t expecting: “It’s free. Thank you again for your honesty”.
I walked away in disbelief. A happy surprise! I guess that nice actions are rewarded.
Would you walk away or would you go back and try and do the right thing? I'd like to think that what I did was the Canadian thing to do.
I really wanted to get a new gym bag that I had seen in Lulu Lemon previously. It must have been my lucky day - I found the very last one in store. Without any hesitation I bought it. As I was paying I noticed that the little compartment that it had for water bottles wasn’t going to fit mine, so that only meant one thing: I had to buy a bottle from there too.
I asked the young lady at the till to hold off on my payment as I was going to shop around for a bit longer for a new water bottle. After finding the one I wanted and making my way back to the till, I paid and walked away. As I got to Banana Republic, I added up in my mind how much I should’ve paid and compared it to how much I actually paid. At this point I realized they mischarged me, and I had to go back and notify them of their mistake.
I walked in, got the attention of one of the girls from the floor and told her, “I think you mischarged me”. She was very apologetic and asked if they had over-charged me. I just giggled and said, “No, you didn’t charge for my water bottle. I just want to make sure I do the right thing and that the girl who helped me doesn’t get into any trouble because she’ll probably have to pay for it”. The clerk looked me in the eyes and said she was surprised that I came back, when most people would’ve walked away. She then asked me for my receipt and for the water bottle. I gave them to her and I pulled out my debit card to pay the difference. She was punching buttons on the till, then handed both the water bottle and my receipt back to me and said “Thank you for your honesty”. This caught me off guard; I asked her again “how much do I owe you for the water bottle?”. I got an answer I wasn’t expecting: “It’s free. Thank you again for your honesty”.
I walked away in disbelief. A happy surprise! I guess that nice actions are rewarded.
Would you walk away or would you go back and try and do the right thing? I'd like to think that what I did was the Canadian thing to do.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Wow there, Take it easy!
I was wondering for the last couple of days what was going on with my journey, am I supposed to be sitting on 250 lbs for good?! Is that supposed to be the ideal weight of my body?! Was I ever going to get to my goal of 220 lbs?!
Then, the girls from Herbal Magic told me the truth, I was probably getting too comfortable, I had to go back to square one, measure everything, weigh everything and eating the right portions, no slacking on drinking my water portions... I was getting a little too comfortable eyeballing everything I was eating...
Good news - I've gotten back on track and just by following their instructions and keeping to my actual portions I've dropped a few pounds, I'm down today a total of 93.2 lbs! I tried carrying 90 lbs with my hands and I never realized the amount of strain I was putting my body through. I have to accept that it was hard trying to carry that now, I still don't know how I managed to function for over 28 years with that much weight on me.
Today, I sit back and look at pictures of the old me, the pre-Herbal Magic Carlos and I have to admit I'm lucky I found my wife and that I have a great personality, because God knows she didn't like me for my looks. I still can't believe I allowed myself to get to that point where a simple walk around the corner made me feel out of breath! I'm thankful for all the support I get from the girls at Herbal Magic, I know that I wouldn't be here at 246.2 lbs, just 26.2 lbs away from reaching my goal of 220 lbs... It seems like yesterday when I got on the scale for the first time and I felt so happy for dropping my first 10 lbs.
It took one of my best friends, Meg Tucker from the Chris & Meg Morning Show, to convince me to take that first step that it was much needed. Not for looks; looks would be one of the perks, but for my own health.
I would like to thank the following people: Meg for the encouragement, for the butt kicks and for all the support.
Amanda, Jamie, Kalli, Jessica and Christina, My Herbal Magic Coaches down at Lincoln Park (if you are around the neighborhood stop and say hi to them, they are amazing and super funny), and last, but most certainly not least, my adorable wife, who has to put up with me, and who has to pick me up when I fall down, when I feel that I won't be able to do it she is the one picking me up at home.
I Love You baby.
What would inspire you to take that first step? Call Herbal Magic (403) 246-9629 they will help you land on your feet when you decide to take that first step.
Then, the girls from Herbal Magic told me the truth, I was probably getting too comfortable, I had to go back to square one, measure everything, weigh everything and eating the right portions, no slacking on drinking my water portions... I was getting a little too comfortable eyeballing everything I was eating...
Good news - I've gotten back on track and just by following their instructions and keeping to my actual portions I've dropped a few pounds, I'm down today a total of 93.2 lbs! I tried carrying 90 lbs with my hands and I never realized the amount of strain I was putting my body through. I have to accept that it was hard trying to carry that now, I still don't know how I managed to function for over 28 years with that much weight on me.
Today, I sit back and look at pictures of the old me, the pre-Herbal Magic Carlos and I have to admit I'm lucky I found my wife and that I have a great personality, because God knows she didn't like me for my looks. I still can't believe I allowed myself to get to that point where a simple walk around the corner made me feel out of breath! I'm thankful for all the support I get from the girls at Herbal Magic, I know that I wouldn't be here at 246.2 lbs, just 26.2 lbs away from reaching my goal of 220 lbs... It seems like yesterday when I got on the scale for the first time and I felt so happy for dropping my first 10 lbs.
It took one of my best friends, Meg Tucker from the Chris & Meg Morning Show, to convince me to take that first step that it was much needed. Not for looks; looks would be one of the perks, but for my own health.
I would like to thank the following people: Meg for the encouragement, for the butt kicks and for all the support.
Amanda, Jamie, Kalli, Jessica and Christina, My Herbal Magic Coaches down at Lincoln Park (if you are around the neighborhood stop and say hi to them, they are amazing and super funny), and last, but most certainly not least, my adorable wife, who has to put up with me, and who has to pick me up when I fall down, when I feel that I won't be able to do it she is the one picking me up at home.
I Love You baby.
What would inspire you to take that first step? Call Herbal Magic (403) 246-9629 they will help you land on your feet when you decide to take that first step.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Yet... Another Update
Good Morning Meg & Carlos,
It has now been 2 weeks since I checked in with you. I am now down 20 lbs and 19.25 inches. Those size 12 jeans that I bought 3 weeks ago are now loose. OH MY GOD what a good feeling. There have been days when I haven’t lost much or even added a few ounces. I try hard not to let those days get to me, after all they don’t happen all that often. I try to look at the bigger picture, like how I am going to look in my wedding dress come October. My cravings have dropped considerably and I find that I can actually hang out with friends at a pub and let them eat all the “old good stuff” and not be bothered by it. The support I have received from both of you and from the Ladies at Herbal Magic is unbelievable. Thanks for believing.
Angie
--
Angie, I knew you had it in you all the time! Congratulations and keep up the good work! We will get to our goals before you even realize!
Carlos
It has now been 2 weeks since I checked in with you. I am now down 20 lbs and 19.25 inches. Those size 12 jeans that I bought 3 weeks ago are now loose. OH MY GOD what a good feeling. There have been days when I haven’t lost much or even added a few ounces. I try hard not to let those days get to me, after all they don’t happen all that often. I try to look at the bigger picture, like how I am going to look in my wedding dress come October. My cravings have dropped considerably and I find that I can actually hang out with friends at a pub and let them eat all the “old good stuff” and not be bothered by it. The support I have received from both of you and from the Ladies at Herbal Magic is unbelievable. Thanks for believing.
Angie
--
Angie, I knew you had it in you all the time! Congratulations and keep up the good work! We will get to our goals before you even realize!
Carlos
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Bumpy Ride...
Back in September 18th, 2009 when I joined Herbal Magic I knew that losing 120 lbs wasn’t going to be easy. I knew there would be ups and downs - and this week was one of the "downs". I’m still sitting on 254.4 lbs; I’ve officially lost a grand total of 85 lbs, but I still feel like I failed this week, like I’m not doing what I’m suppose to be doing - even though I am.
I remember that when I was on the fence about joining or not (it took me 5 months to join and in that time I managed to put on close to 30 lbs in five months!) I’m thankful for the 85 lbs that I’ve lost, and I promise that I’ll do everything I can to lose the last 35 lbs. I’m almost there; I can feel my goal getting so close I can taste it!
For now, I need to maintain a clear mind and focus on what I need to do to get there. If I feel like I’m getting off track, I know the girls at Herbal Magic will steer me straight. That’s why I’m so thankful to them - they always manage to find a way to remind me of my goal, commend me on my determination, and help keep my focus in regards to the new me.
I have to focus on the fact that I’ve lost 85 lbs in 5 months, that’s an average of 17 pounds a month - over 4 pounds a week! There is no way I would’ve been able to do this without the help of Herbal Magic.
Trust me, whether you want to lose 20 pounds or 200 pounds, give Herbal Magic a call and book an appointment, it will be the best call you’ll ever make. It’s a hard decision to accept that we need help to take back the control of our life, but once you make that decision everything just gets better. (403) 246-9629
I remember that when I was on the fence about joining or not (it took me 5 months to join and in that time I managed to put on close to 30 lbs in five months!) I’m thankful for the 85 lbs that I’ve lost, and I promise that I’ll do everything I can to lose the last 35 lbs. I’m almost there; I can feel my goal getting so close I can taste it!
For now, I need to maintain a clear mind and focus on what I need to do to get there. If I feel like I’m getting off track, I know the girls at Herbal Magic will steer me straight. That’s why I’m so thankful to them - they always manage to find a way to remind me of my goal, commend me on my determination, and help keep my focus in regards to the new me.
I have to focus on the fact that I’ve lost 85 lbs in 5 months, that’s an average of 17 pounds a month - over 4 pounds a week! There is no way I would’ve been able to do this without the help of Herbal Magic.
Trust me, whether you want to lose 20 pounds or 200 pounds, give Herbal Magic a call and book an appointment, it will be the best call you’ll ever make. It’s a hard decision to accept that we need help to take back the control of our life, but once you make that decision everything just gets better. (403) 246-9629
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Lifes are changing in the best way possible
Good Morning Meg & Carlos,
As promised I am keeping you updated on my Herbal Magic Journey.
I Started on Jan 9th, weighing in at 183.6 lbs.
As of yesterday I have lost 15.2 lbs and 17.75 inches. I am now below the 170 lb mark, weighting in at 168.4
I actually went shopping on the weekend and “GASP” was able to fit into a size 12 (down from a size 16). I actually picked size 14's off the shelf and my fiancé told me to try the 12’s, am sooooooo happy that I listened to him.
I am actually buying clothes that I want to, that look good. Instead of buying what fit and what would cover up the rolls.
Thanks again for being the inspiration for me to start this.
Angie
As promised I am keeping you updated on my Herbal Magic Journey.
I Started on Jan 9th, weighing in at 183.6 lbs.
As of yesterday I have lost 15.2 lbs and 17.75 inches. I am now below the 170 lb mark, weighting in at 168.4
I actually went shopping on the weekend and “GASP” was able to fit into a size 12 (down from a size 16). I actually picked size 14's off the shelf and my fiancé told me to try the 12’s, am sooooooo happy that I listened to him.
I am actually buying clothes that I want to, that look good. Instead of buying what fit and what would cover up the rolls.
Thanks again for being the inspiration for me to start this.
Angie
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Do I really?!?!
Not that you have to know this but I have one huge guilty pleasure: I've become a fan of Desperate Housewives. My wife has been watching that show for a long time, so I gradually started following the show, and I have to admit it's good!
I was talking to Chris and Meg and they where saying that before I know it I will hit my goal weight of 220 lbs, and that by then I will probably look like Carlos from Desperate Housewives. I mean, the name is already there, and he is also Mexican, so that's 2 out of 3 right there!
I have to agree with what most women say, he is good looking, but I'm not so sure if we really look alike. I asked my wife if she thought there was a resemblance and she said: "Yeah, I can see that". I'm sure it was meant it as a compliment but I'm still unsure, so I'll let you be the judge.
Since I started Herbal Magic I've lost a whopping 85 lbs. Do you need visuals?! YES!!!
After spending a few minutes on the Net researching I've found that:
The average Bicycle build for 2 weighs 85 lbs
An average 42" Plasma Flat Screen TV weighs 85 lbs
This Solid Brass World War II Ship's Bridge Pedestal Telegraph weighs 85 lbs
Oh yeah! the one that shocked me the most was that Lindsay Lohan, this time last year, she weighed 85 lbs! So, basicaly, I lost a Lindsay Lohan!
But, back to the question in hand, do I really look like Carlos from Desperate Housewives?!
You tell me:
I was talking to Chris and Meg and they where saying that before I know it I will hit my goal weight of 220 lbs, and that by then I will probably look like Carlos from Desperate Housewives. I mean, the name is already there, and he is also Mexican, so that's 2 out of 3 right there!
I have to agree with what most women say, he is good looking, but I'm not so sure if we really look alike. I asked my wife if she thought there was a resemblance and she said: "Yeah, I can see that". I'm sure it was meant it as a compliment but I'm still unsure, so I'll let you be the judge.
Since I started Herbal Magic I've lost a whopping 85 lbs. Do you need visuals?! YES!!!
After spending a few minutes on the Net researching I've found that:
The average Bicycle build for 2 weighs 85 lbs
An average 42" Plasma Flat Screen TV weighs 85 lbs
This Solid Brass World War II Ship's Bridge Pedestal Telegraph weighs 85 lbs
Oh yeah! the one that shocked me the most was that Lindsay Lohan, this time last year, she weighed 85 lbs! So, basicaly, I lost a Lindsay Lohan!
But, back to the question in hand, do I really look like Carlos from Desperate Housewives?!
You tell me:
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