Weekend Recap

So it was a very busy weekend, with homework, tests, and the Cowboys losing. Ugh. We don't need to recap THAT part. But I got my history homework finished and turned in, studied for and took my history mid-term (it's not the middle of the therm!!) Sunday, and now I am prepping for my Crisis Intervention test on Wednesday. Whew!

The cool part of this week? I am off tomorrow to attend my Dean's List Reception up at school! It's nice that Dad finally gets to come, and my friend Anne made the list so once again, the dynamic duo get their certificates! And this time we get the 4.0 designation! Yay!! Hard work pays off! I am working my butt off this semester...I have to make two As and a B at the least to stay on the list. History is a challenge, and we'll see how things sit after the Crisis test!

I am still feeling good about the weight loss from last week. Amazing! Now I am feeling re-energized and recommitted! I didn't get up this morning to work out, but I am going right to the gym after work and not stopping home first. I did that last Friday and it worked out fine, so on those mornings when I just can't get up, I can do it in the evenings and not miss a workout. I am usually tired in the evenings, but I am going to push through and get it done! I am down 65.8 pounds and I'm not stopping now! I have a long way to go, but I sure have come a long way so far! I bought some clothes for the December cruise in a smaller size, so I need to get to it and make sure I can wear them in December! (I'm pretty sure I can do this!)

The one movie I have really wanted to see was Julie and Julia. I found that it's still showing in the theaters, so I am going to take myself at some point. I'm pretty sure David isn't interested, so one of these days I'll find the time! (Who am I kidding? It will be on cable before I get to see it!)

I am looking forward to this weekend! We are going to the Stars game (yes, it's pre-season) on Saturday night courtesy of our friends Jake and Diane. They have season tickets but will be on a cruise, so they gave us their tickets. Cool! And Sunday we are going to the state fair with Brian and Alma, so that should be fun, too. I haven't been there in YEARS! And no, I am NOT eating fried butter! A corn dog? Absolutely! Fried Twinkies/Ding Dongs/Butter/ etc...no thanks! I am totally up for some roasted corn, though! Yum!

On a final note, this week brings with it a sad anniversary for me. My Gran would have been 90 on Tuesday, and the anniversary of her passing is on Wednesday. I can't believe she's been gone for four years. I still miss her so much, and there are so many things I wish I could share with her. It never really gets easier, but I think I've learned to live with her being gone. I feel that way about Cleo, too. I guess I am a very sensitive person and have a hard time letting go of lost loved ones. At least I know I'll see them again some day!

I hope everyone has a peaceful week...sometimes that's just what we need the most.

How Did That Happen?

After a difficult week full of bad food choices, I lost 4.6 pounds!! Hey, I'll take it! I worked hard at the gym, and now I really feel invigorated and motivated. I think it will be another good week for me. It feels good to be back on track!

It's been a weekend full of homework. I had to finish all my history homework yesterday and then take my online test today. I have a Crisis Intervention test Wednesday and I really need to prepare for that. We don't get to use cheat sheets on the test in junior levels and above, so I need to be doubly prepared for this one. It's all essay, so I am okay with that. :)

I am going to allow myself the rest of the evening to chill. Mom and Dad and Dave's friend Brian are coming over for the game so I need to head into the kitchen to prep some food!

Struggling

This week has been rough as far as my weight loss goes. I haven't made very good choices in the last two days, and that just makes it worse. I haven't been sleeping well so I am having trouble getting up to go work out. Now more than ever, I need to get it together. I have a friend that is going to look for me in the gym tomorrow morning. I work with her and we live across the street from each other, so we're going to be policing ourselves tomorrow. If I don't get to the gym, she has my permission to chew me out!

I doubt I will post a loss this week. But I can live with that as long as I get myself back on track right now. I have my lunch packed for tomorrow and I have what I need to make a low fat soup for dinner tomorrow. I have choir rehearsal tomorrow evening, so I will be busy and not wandering around at home being bored. Tomorrow should be a better day.

I think the eating is from stress. I am stressed with school and it's hard to get it all done. I feel like I'm not getting enough sleep, and that's another factor. So I am going to wrap it up and get to bed to get what sleep I can. I am back on it tomorrow! (Pray for strength for me PLEASE!)

Loose For Good!

So part of my frustration with my weight loss plateauing a little is because the WW Lose for Good campaign is underway. For every pound members lose, WW donates money to a couple of charities that make sure kids/families have food. Great cause, and I want to help contribute! So I am going to have to step up the workouts this week for sure!!

You can join the cause by donating food or money to your local food banks. They need the donations badly! You can also visit www.loseforgood.com for more info on what WW is doing to help.

Frustration

So it's sinking in that I lost .2 pounds. Now, I know it's a loss, and I haven been losing a pound a week the last couple weeks, and that's a good thing, but as hard as I'm working and monitoring what I eat, I am a little frustrated! (I'm okay, people...just venting!) Seriously, .2 pounds? After a 5K? I know that my muscles had been engaged for a while and that can cause them to absorb water and pump up blood flow, but I'm ready for the scale to move a little bit! I am going to be extra cautious this week with what I eat and really try and be focused. I am close to busting through a number on the scale that I've been working toward, and it's taking FOREVER to get through it!!

I'll get there, and I'm not giving up, just need some progress here! I know I am building muscle and doing a lot of good for my body, but I like to see changes on the scale, too. My clothes are getting big, my measurements are shrinking, but I need the scale to move!!

Okay, rant over. It's perfect sleeping weather, and I sure wish I was back in bed! (But I was up at 4:30 for my morning workout!!) Have a good Monday everyone!

Another Success

Today I did my second 5K, and managed to finish in 54:41, better than my time of 59:32 for my last one so I am feeling really good about that! I went to WW to weigh in and only lost .2 pounds. It's coming off much slower right now, and sometimes I gets frustrating. However, it is still coming off, so I am not giving up. Slow and steady is winning this race!

It was a very wet 5K, as we did it in the rain. Kim and David did it too, and they finished very well! I'm so proud of all three of us! It's more fun to see your friends when you cross the finish line! My parents and Kim's parents weathered the rain to cheer us on, and it was wonderful! We're going to put together our own team for the Susan Komen on October 17th, so if you want to walk with us, let me know! Everyone is welcome!

It's been a good day. I did my homework and we've relaxed, which is something we have needed. Tomorrow we plan to go to the gym and then settle in for a lazy day of football watching. It's the first regular season game for the Cowboys, so I wouldn't miss it!!

I hope everyone out there is enjoying the day! Stay dry, everyone!!

Remembering...

Rockband!

After a VERY long day yesterday, I got home and found David's friend Bryan had bought Beatles Rockband and they were all set up to jam in the living room! It was almost 10pm already, and I was dead tired, but as soon as they handed me the microphone and I could belt out "Revolution", I was loving it! (Yeah, Dave and I are Beatles fans so this was really cool!) We had a great time, but then it got late and here I am at work and tired. I had promised myself I would be in bed at 9:30 all week, but that hasn't happened once. I've got to do better!

Tonight I have choir rehearsal and I am looking forward to it. And as soon as it's over? I am heading right home and going to bed!! I need to work out in the morning (just a light one...walking on the treadmill) and Saturday morning is the 5K. Beating my previous time of 59:32 shouldn't be too hard since I've been working out and weigh less than the last time. I am able to jog for longer periods of time, so my plan is to start out with a light jog and see how it goes. We all know pavement is different than the treadmill! However I do know this course and it IS flat, unlike the last one! So please send me good vibes for Saturday morning! I'll need them!

Feeling Lively!

I must have slept well last night because I am feeling much more rested today. I think much of this has to do with the fact that I got to stay home and do things around the house last night. We made dinner, did laundry, did homework, watched a little TV together...it was a good night! And something I was in real need of...time at home! Tonight is school night which means it's a long day. We went to the gym this morning, and I'm at work now, but I'll be leaving at 3:20 to head on to school. It helps to have classes I like with professors I adore and respect, and getting to sit in class with my dear friend Anne helps, too! (Wish we had more time to hang out!) So I feel bubblier and more awake today, too.

Another part of this comes from a conversation I had at the gym this morning. My friend, Knox, is the gentleman who is my self-proclaimed cheerleader at the gym. He's a really nice man and always talks to David and me, and is always interested in knowing how my weight loss is going. He tells me about people at the gym who have lost large amounts of weight and is a great encourager. He also teaches business classes at TCC, and says he's talked about me to his classes when he covers motivation and drive for success. Today he asked me if I might consider speaking to his classes toward the end of the semester about how I set goals and work to achieve them. I told him I'd have to think about it and he said we'd talk more later on, but WOW! Someone would even think of asking me to talk about overcoming hurdles and planning for success! Even if it never comes to pass, I think I will always feel so honored that someone would even approach me about that! If I do this, I have to find a way to overcome my discomfort with public speaking, though! But how cool...I always hope that maybe something I do can inspire success in others. Maybe this is a chance for me to put that in action? Who knows. It will be interesting to see what my future holds! Maybe this is a step towards becoming a Weight Watchers leader? (Something I have thought would be wonderful at some point when I have reached my own goals!)

I guess my wisdom for the day is that you never know who you are inspiring, so keep your own chin up and keep doing what you have to do to reach your own goals!

Worn Out

I do many things during the week, all of them are things I have chosen to do. I have school, which comes with lots of reading and homework, choir which will bring with it more practicing as the semester goes on, and lots of errands and chores. Let's not forget the 5am trips to the gym, too. This past weekend was a holiday weekend so I got an extra day that I was very grateful for! But my weekend was still such a blur. (But it was a good one, don't get me wrong!) Next weekend, there are very few things on the agenda, and I am working to keep it that way. I am running (ha-more like jogging/walking) my next 5K on Saturday, and I am looking forward to it. Other than that there isn't much planned. I really need to keep it that way. The house is a mess and I need to clean. When home is messy everything else feels so chaotic to me. I am going to make a promise to myself to be in bed by 9:30 this week to help my energy level. I have been so tired by the time Friday rolls around! I even had to cancel plans on Saturday night because I was so beat. This is the beginning of the 3rd week of school, so it's time for me to be settling into my schedule. This is the first time I have taken on 9 hours of school while working full time, and I think that has a lot to do with it. But I'll get it all under control...it's just taking me a little time.

I think it's time to get a good multi-vitamin!

Words Just Don't Convey...

Last night was purely magical for me. Sitting in the TCC Community Choir and getting to be with choir directors who helped shape me into the person I am now...wow! Spending time with Cherrie Townsend, Marilyn Derrett, and Bobbie Douglas was as awesome for me as it might be for someone to meet their most favorite rock star or actor. These women are amazing and strong and tough and wonderful. And I have the privilege of singing under their direction again! When Cherrie directed us through a song last night, I was almost moved to tears. Seriously, I know anyone else reading this will think I am crazy...but really I'm not. I'm moved by the opportunity to be associated again with women who were my mentors and helped me to learn to accept nothing but my person best from myself, and to be disciplined and to put my heart and soul into something I believe in. There's more to singing in a choir than just singing. It's a community of musicians who come together and bond through a love of music, but it's also teamwork and learning to work together. It's about connecting with something bigger than you are. It's about becoming one and creating something beautiful. It's art, it's energy, it's passion, it's pain, and it's love. Music has always been a powerful thing for me, and I have been blessed to have been part of several phenomenal choirs, but it takes the right director to make all of those things happen. And this is where I have truly been blessed...being under the direction of women who are masters of their craft.

I hope there in something in your life that brings this much joy to you. If you don't know what it is, seek out your passion! Find the thing that brings you pure happiness! You'll never be sorry that you did!

Sleepy

It's late so I am keeping this short. It's been a busy week so far. I woke up this morning and my low back hurt so I didn't get to the gym today. I got a massage and it's feeling better, so along with some Alleve I think I am fine. Hopefully I can get on the treadmill in the morning! I can't just not work out!!

I am tired and tomorrow is my long day with school. I stayed home tonight to read and get caught up with all that. I still have plenty to do, but not much week left with everything on my plate. However, I am really looking forward to choir on Thursday, and especially since my dearest Bryan is coming up from Austin!! He's my choir soul mate (you have to be a choir geek to really get that) and he's coming up and going with me to rehearsal. Then we're going out to dinner to catch up. He is thinking he may want to go out while he's in town (he's here through the weekend) so we'll see what he wants to do and when. David and I are going to Craig's birthday party Friday and that's going to be a blast! :) I am so glad it's a long weekend!!

Anyhow, I am off to bed. Good night!

It's Been A While...

Sorry it's been so long! I didn't have time to blog on vacation, and school began last week so it's been hectic. Things are well, and school is off to a good start. We've had a very busy weekend and the week is shaping up to be pretty busy, too. I have a good amount of reading to do for all my classes, so I need to figure out how to balance my time carefully. I am very excited to begin Community Choir this Thursday. This is going to be my fun thing that I do purely for enjoyment. My high school choir director, my junior high choir director, and the choir director from my rival high school are all involved, as well as numerous friends from choir back in both high school and junior high so I can't wait for Thursday to come so I can catch up with everyone! What a treat! Plus, I get to start singing again and I need to get my voice back into shape. Perhaps I need to head down to Austin for some voice lessons with Bryan!

I am feeling tired today, but it's all good. I got in my early workout so I am on the right track today. My team was planning to eat lunch out and Christy and Baby Abby were coming, but Abby is sick so the lunch got cancelled. ACK! I didn't bring my lunch so I am still going to have to go out. That's ok. :) I just hope Little Miss Abby feels better!

I think that's about it for now. I have a lot to do this morning. I hope everyone gets through the day okay!!

Just a quick post to say that San Jose is wonderful! We spent the last two nights with David's aunt and unlce and got to visit with his cousins. Today we head out for San Francisco to enjoy the 65 degree weather! Try not to wither in the heat in Dallas!

Big Decisions

So David and I have decided that it's time to buy a house. Neither one of us has ever been a homeowner before, so it seems like a huge decisions ahead of us. We started looking online and found several that we really like. Last night when I got home from school we took a drive to go check out the neighborhood on a couple of the houses, and found several that we think we might really be interested in. Once we get back from San Francisco it will be time to go talk to the mortgage broker and get all the pre-approving done. Then it will be time to find our first house together! It's exciting but it's a little scary, too. This is such a large debt to incur and a LOT of responsibility. However, we both really want this and we feel ready. So the next few months will be filled with paperwork and deciding on where we will spend the next phase of our lives together.

The only sad part for me is that wherever we go next will be somewhere that my Cleo never came with me. Yes, I am still grieving the loss my angel-kitty. It's hard, but I suppose I am adjusting. Call me crazy, but next month I am planning to do a very small memorial for her. I still need that but we just haven't had the time yet and I don't want to rush it.

I am joyful to report that my Spanish final is tomorrow and that I only have to answer 35 questions (out of 100) correct to get an A in the class. Yeah, I don't think I am sweating this too much! Then we head out for San Francisco Saturday and I am so ready! A week of visiting family and just relaxing is going to be wonderful!

That's it for today! Try to stay cool in this oppressive heat! Ugh!

Monday. Need I Say More?

Ugh, the work week got here too quickly! It's finals week for me, thankfully! I had a great weekend but I am in the office and wishing I could be home in bed sleeping. I got up and got in my workout, but I feel pretty spent. Wednesday is my final and I am going to be glad to be done with everything. However, I am not as confident about the final this time around. The concepts this semester in my Spanish class are more challenging, and I am having trouble with double object pronouns. All I can do is study my butt off. Fortunately my final is multiple choice, so that helps. But I still need to know what I'm doing!!

All is well here...no news. I started looking at houses online yesterday and we found 3 we really like (2 have pools!). We're going to talk to a lender when we get back from our vacation and hopefully start the home buying process! It all seems so overwhelming! I don't know when we're going to buy or where or when, but it's cool to start thinking about it!! (I really want a house with a pool!)

So that's it for now...hope everyone gets through their Monday painlessly!!

Long Day But Great Evening

It was an incredibly long day but it wound up great! After being in meetings ALL day and then going to school on top of that, I had dinner with Christy and it was just what I needed! Fortunately she works right by school so it's easy for us to meet up for a quick dinner. We went to Saigon Cafe tonight and we both had Pho - she had shrimp and I had chicken - and it was wonderful! We laughed all through dinner and had such a great time. :) We're getting together next Tuesday to go to an invitation-only (translate: we sent invites to the suckers that drop enough $$ on our makeup) MAC fall makeup release/preview party with cocktails and appetizers. There never were two bigger MAC junkies than the two of us, so this ought to be a riot! Don't worry, there will be pictures!!

Really I have no other news. Next Wednesday is my final and I will be officially done with summer school for 2009. Then off to San Francisco for a week to relax on a much-needed vacation. We'll be visiting David's family and spending a few days in Napa Valley - I am so looking forward to this! We're going to spend a day walking through Golden Gate Park, and that is going to be wonderful, too. It will be nice to see family and just kick back. We've both been working really hard and it's time for a break.

And everyone can breathe deep...tomorrow is Friday!!!! YAY!

Don't Wanna

I took Friday off to relax, and now I don't wanna be here today! However, I only have 9.5 working days left until our San Francisco vacation so I should be able to survive. (Folks, that means only 7 more classes of summer school left!!) I am sleepy today. I had another 5am workout today, and I would really have loved to sleep in. But the workout is a must, so we went. And of course, I am glad I did.

I am so ready to get out of town. And I am also ready for the fall semester to start. Only 1 night of school per week! (It will be a LONG night, but I can live with that!) These 4 nights a week classes in summer school suck the life out of me for sure!

I really have no news today. Just super sleepy. Ugh!

The Mondays

I have a case of the Mondays today...didn't want to get up or go to work. (I did want to work out, so that was great!) However, coming to work and then knowing I have to go to school tonight wears me out! That's okay...two weeks from Wednesday I will be done with summer school!! Then it's on to San Francisco for a week of R&R and then back to school for the regular semester, which I really am looking forward to. Much more pleasant pace! I have to go to summer school next year, but it will be worth it to knock that stuff out of the way. I'll probably be taking biology and one more class, but I don't know what that will be just yet. I'll figure it out.

I reached a great milestone Saturday...I've lost 51 pounds now! I still have a long way to go, but I sure feel great about I've accomplished so far! I'm doing another 5K on September 12th, and I am hoping to beat my last time of 59:32. (Hopefully that won't be a problem!) Last time the course was quite hilly, but this one is over here by work and the course is flat. That should help me a lot.

I got my hair cut Saturday and got to visit with Christy and baby Abby...that little girl is getting so big and beautiful!! I just love chubby little babies!!

That's it for today. Gotta get some work done. Ugh!

Bringing Cleo Home

We had Cleo cremated, and we picked up her remains on Saturday morning. It was hard, but it was comforting to have her with us. She is in a beautiful wooden box with her name engraved on the top, and there was also a note from the service that took care of her. It told us that we were in their prayers, and that they sent their deepest sympathies. It was very thoughtful, and also comforting to think they had taken such good care of her. I still miss her so much my heart aches, but the tears are flowing less frequently now and I think I managed to keep myself composed most days.

It really is comforting to have her with us, although I know her little spirit is in Heaven. Somehow it's helpful to have something tangible to represent that little angel here on earth.

I hope everyone can enjoy a little rain today. :)

What Am I Willing To Do Today?

That's what I am asking myself daily now. What am I willing to do today to make myself better? Today, I have decided that I am willing to go to the gym when I get home even though I decided I was going to give myself a break. I don't need a break, I need to do some cardio. I have done more weights this week and less cardio, and I need to make it balanced. So I am going home, changing clothes, and getting my workout done. (We don't actually have class, but I have a study group coming over at 6pm.)

So I am committing to getting that done. It needs to happen, and I am making it happen.

I am also willing to give myself some praise. I have been through the wringer lately, and never once turned to food for comfort. I have ditched old behaviors, and it's a big victory for me. So I need to figure out something small but nice to do for myself. Any suggestions?

I think that's what I want to remind everyone today...do something nice for yourself. A little kindness can go a long way!

Trending Towards Better

Some days are better than others, and right now I think we're doing better. David leaves town today and will be gone until Friday, and I have been dreading being alone at home. Normally it's fine, but I know I will really feel the emptiness this time. My Cleo won't be there to fill that space. Zak and Kaylee are wonderful, but after 17 years with Cleo, it will be a long time before I can get used to her absence. But on the whole, I think I am better.

I feel exhausted today. I didn't sleep well and I don't know why. I took this morning off from the gym, and my body needed it. I had worked out pretty hard the last 3 days, and my body is pretty sore.

I honestly don't have much news. Just wanted to update the blog. Everyone stay out of the heat!

The End Of A Very Long Week

I am tired, to say the least. It's been the hardest week I've had in a very long time, but somehow we managed through. Without David, I don't know how I would have been able to get out of bed each day. Somehow, we found comfort in a routine, so we've been working out in the mornings and just trying to push forward. We miss our Cleo. It's harder than I ever imagined, and I always imagined it would be devastating. But I don't regret letting her go. It was just her time. She lived a very long and full life, she travelled, lived in other parts of the country with me, road tripped, and made it through break ups, bad dates, and my general nuttiness. This kitty was a real trooper. And I loved every moment I had with her.

So now for news that is about other things...I honestly don't have much. I am meeting Kim for dinner this evening, and I am looking forward to it. Tomorrow we're meeting our friends Jake and Diane for dinner, and Sunday we're taking it easy. I have a Spanish test Monday, so I'll need to study for that, but it's going to be a lot of relaxing during the day this weekend. I think we need it. :)

I hope everyone has a good weekend!

A Little Numb

That pretty much sums it up...I just feel kind of numb and hazy today. I've been sleeping, but I wake up and I don't feel rested. I think I really need that...some good rest. I think we're doing better, but I still find myself glancing in Cleo's spots around the house, waiting for her to come out from under the end table and announce to her staff (that would be me and David) that she is ready to eat and we need to hop to it. :) That would be a very Cleo thing to do.

I really do love reading the cards we've gotten from friends and from the vet's office. They wrote a personal note to us and it was so lovely. Everyone has been so kind and understanding, and I am so thankful. God has blessed us with a lot of wonderful people around us.

I am going to try and start talking about other things going on, as I know life keeps happening around us even though we are still grieving. I did end up with an "A" in 1st semester Spanish, so I am back in class this week taking the second semester. It's going to be a little tougher and I think I am going to have to work harder this time around, but that's okay. The professor (same one I had before) is giving us more homework, which is probably a good thing. It gives us more practice and I think I need it. We took a quiz the other day and I missed a couple that surprised me, so at least I know what I need to review.

I've still been working out this week. It's been really hard to muster up the energy to do it, but if I don't I think it would be bad. I've always been an emotional eater, and this would have been blown out of the water otherwise, although I haven't been very hungry this week. I am glad we've still been going to the gym and trying to maintain some semblance of a routine. It's been good for us both.

I'm going to wrap it up for today. I promise to try and lighten things up as much as I can...thanks for allowing me to indulge in the sadness this week. Anyone who knows me at all knows how incredibly attached I was to Cleo, so this has been hard. But if you'll pray for us, we'll do our very best to let God's healing move through us and help us move forward into more joyful, happy memory-filled days.

How Do I Do This?

This pain in my heart weighs on my chest like an anvil, and I keep wondering how I will get through each day without Cleo. I keep looking for her in all her little places in the house that she liked to nap. David and talk often about what silly things she would do to make us laugh. She was truly a diva, and I wouldn't change that for anything. She was more than a cat...much more. She was my friend, and for a long time she was my main companion. When David came into our lives, she took to him the moment she met him, and she loved him fiercely. We'd sit on the couch and she'd climb over me to get to his lap so he could pet her. (I love that!) She loved to get into the shower and lick the beads of water off the wall, or curl up in the sink right when I needed to turn the water on. She loved the sound of the cat food can opening, and she would let you know very clearly when she was ready to eat. She liked wet food with lots of gravy...she'd lick the gravy up and leave the part you had to chew for later.

There are a million quirks and silly things about her that I will miss. Her big green eyes, her poofy cheeks, her rumbly purr. I keep wondering how I can make it through each day without a total breakdown...so far, I haven't. She was with me for almost 17 years, and I will grieve the loss of this beautiful creature for a long time. She was unlike any other.

I'll just keep asking God to help us heal. And maybe her sweet little spirit will surround us from time to time and remind us that the ones we love never really leave us, but live on in our hearts forever.

Goodnight, Sweet Princess.

Cleopatra passed away yesterday leaving both David and I with broken hearts. She passed away in my arms, and am glad I could be there to help her go peacefully. Her kidneys were failing her and she was so weak and tired. Anyone who knows me knows how much she meant, and I can tell you that I will be grieving hard for quite a while. I feel lost without her, and I don't know what to do with myself. I know time will ease the pain, but right now it hangs on me like a storm cloud. I loved her with all my heart, and she was not just a cat but my companion for so long. I was blessed with 17 years with her, and I know she's in Heaven with my grandmother.

Rest peacefully, sweet baby Cleo. Mommy loves you.

Cleopatra Willis

October 4, 1992 - July 5, 2009

The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together

-Author unknown

41 Is The Magic Number!

I've lost 41 pounds now!! Holy cow!! I am so excited, and I sure feel good about that! It's been a lot of hard work and sweat at the gym, but there have been so many personal triumphs along the way that make it all worthwhile. For the first time ever, I worked out (twice) on vacation, I have completed a 5K in under an hour, and I have been able to do more than I ever have at the gym. And besides, I eat much healthier and feel so much better! I am so grateful for all the love and support I am getting, even from people I don't know. :) It sure makes it easier when you know you have a group of people in your life to cheer you on!

Things are good. I am between semesters at school but it starts right back up on Monday. It's not a bad deal to get 8 hours of classes out of the way in 10 weeks!

Everyone have a safe and fun holiday weekend!

Feeling Good!

I've had a wonderful week, and it's only Wednesday! We had a really fun weekend in South Padre, and I got to really relax and unwind. We came home Sunday, and Monday I was home working on a project for my Spanish class. I gave my presentation Monday night and got a 100 on it! Then Tuesday morning I was at the gym working hard and had just sat down on one of the machines to work on my legs when I noticed a gentleman coming over. I assumed he was going to ask me if I would be long on the machine, but boy was I wrong! He was a tall man about my father's age, and he proceeded to tell me that he had been noticing over the last couple of months that I was making tremendous progress and that even though he didn't know me he was proud of me! I could have cried tears of joy! We talked for a few minutes, and just that one man made my whole day brighter! I felt so proud of myself, and my will to work hard got even stronger!! So needless to say I have been walking on clouds ever since then!! It really was very motivating!

I am so proud of Kim...she is training for her 5K!! Hers is in a few weeks and I am eager to hear how she does. I have a long way to go before I am running the majority of a 5K, but I told Kim that I'd like to do one with her next year. Maybe I can talk her into the 3-Day with me...(what do you think, Kim?)

I took my Spanish final tonight and I think I did pretty well. The second summer session begins Monday, so no rest for the weary. But it's okay...I am knocking out 8 hours this summer and that feels pretty darn good!

I hope everyone has a wonderful 4th of July! My cousin, Ashley, is coming to stay with us Friday and Saturday, and we're taking her to David's parents house with us to enjoy the family party. It's going to be a lovely weekend!

Let The Celebrating Begin!

This weekend we are going to really celebrate my birthday! Since I am in school four nights each week, we didn't really get to do much besides grab dinner (which was awesome! Mom and Dad took us to MK Sushi for dinner - LOVE that place!!!), I am meeting David in South Padre to kick back and relax. I am actually missing class tomorrow night (this is a first since I have been back in school!!) and flying out to start the weekend. He still has to work Friday, but I can lounge and read and sleep. This is just what I need! It's been a really nice birthday, though. One of my co-workers (who is more of a friend than merely a co-worker!) made me a special birthday cake. (His name is Bryan, by the way.) Bryan and his partner made me an angel food cake with fresh strawberries and fat free cool whip! How awesome! And Sandra brought in fresh fruit for breakfast! (I could have cried it meant so much to me!) They brought me cards and took me to lunch and I felt really special. And they didn't have to do any of it! They're just very thoughtful people, and it means more than I can say. :) I took pictures and will post them tomorrow when I have time to upload them.

I can't wait for tomorrow! I am going to get up at 7am and go for a good hour-long workout and then come home and clean the apartment. I have to pack ( and I am taking my running shoes so that I can keep on with the exercising!) and then head to the airport around 2:45 to give myself plenty of time. Tonight I have class, and my professor is letting me take tomorrow's quiz tonight so that I don't have to miss it. Although she's not the best teacher, I do think she's a nice person and I am grateful to get to take the quiz early.

It's going to be a busy day wrapping things up in the office. Stay cool, everyone!

Older and Maybe Wiser, Too

Another year older today, and I have to tell you that even with all the jokes about being 29 again, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't go back. As I get older each year, I think there are things about me that get better. Like this year, I am physically and mentally stronger than ever before. I have lost 35+ pounds to date, and have already achieved goals I didn't know I could. I am powering through school and working toward that goal with great success. I really feel proud of what I am accomplishing. All this comes with sacrifice, though. I don't have much of a social life anymore, but somehow I am okay with that. These things that I am doing are making me feel better about myself, and I am hoping that those who love me will continue to be patient with me. I won't always be in school, although sometimes it feels that way! It's all worth it to me, though. All the hard work and the time I have to put in means something and when it's all said and done I will be able to feel so proud of myself. And all the cautious eating and early morning workouts are already paying off, so I don't even have to justify that. :) I am pleased to say that my co-workers made me a sugar free and fat free angel food cake with strawberries for my birthday - how cool is that? And it's home made!! I am a blessed girl. So am I having a big birthday party? No, there's just no time. This birthday will come and go quietly, but I'm very okay with that. I'm looking at a much bigger picture and I like what I see. :)

Friday Wrap-Up

I am exhausted. Truly, truly exhausted. Summer school is wearing me out, and I feel like all I do is work out, go to work, go to school, and go home. Last night I did get to have dinner with Christy, but it was a quick dinner and then home. I am really glad the weekend is here, although it's a busy one. Tomorrow I have WW (which I am hoping will be another good news weigh-in), a trip to the farmer's market, back home to make a salad, and then off to David's parents' house for the day. We're making dinner for them, and lounging in the pool. I am looking forward to that. (And I love going over there to visit!) Sunday we're spending with my family to celebrate Dad and to start celebrating Grampa's birthday - he'll be 90 on Tuesday!! I should be so lucky to have lived a life like his. And we are so thankful to have him in such good health, too.

So it's a busy weekend, but it's going to be a good one and I am looking forward to it. David comes home tonight and that's going to be nice, too. I've missed him like crazy! (even though he only left Tuesday!)

Have a great weekend, everyone! Keep cool in this Texas heat!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Just a quick note to wish my wonderful mother a very happy birthday, and many many more! I love you!

The Best Feeling

I did it! I did the 5K, not in record time, but in a good time for me! I wasn't first or last, but because I crossed the finish line I feel like I won. :) My parents were there, and it was the best feeling ever! They had made a sign and were cheering loudly. I remember hearing a whole bunch of people cheering for me as I headed in, so I picked up the pace and ran it in under and hour. For anyone else, that time would be lousy, but for me, it may as well have been the time that won the Boston Marathon. I have the satisfaction of knowing that because I finished, I feel like I won.

To make a great day better, I lost 3.2 pounds at WW for a grand total of 31.2 pounds gone now!

I also got to welcome home a unit of soldiers from Iraq. My friend Anne's husband came home from his year-long deployment, and that was special to see. I took pictures, but that was a very personal moment and I think those pictures are just for them. I was honored to even be there. Everyone that deployed made it home, so God took very good care of them. (Thanks God!)

Hope everyone's week was wonderful!

A Little Anxious

I am doing my 5K tomorrow, and I am feeling nervous. I have a lot of what ifs...

What if:

• I'm the slowest one there?
• I can't finish?
• I somehow manage to make a fool of myself?

But here's the thing...who cares if I'm the slowest? I know I can finish, so I don't even need to worry about that one. And how many times a day do I make a fool of myself on a regular basis and never give it another thought? So I should be just fine! I don't know anyone there, so it's not like my reputation is at stake, and it's a church for Pete's sake...I'm sure they are lovely people! And besides, my parents will be there to cheer me across the finish line. Does it get better than that? No, it really doesn't. :)

So that's my big thing this weekend! Wish me luck tomorrow!!

Weekend Update

It's been a busy weekend! Friday night I hosted study group for a test in Spanish class. That was fun, and I made chicken tacos for the girls. Saturday was WW (I lost 1.4 pounds for a total of 28 now!), and then we went to the Farmer's Market in Dallas. I love buying lots of fruit there. They have some of the best oranges, watermelons, and cantaloupes!! After we got home I made a yummy Crunchy Avocado Salad (recipe courtesy of Bobby Flay) and we took it over to our friends Jake and Diane's house to enjoy some fun pool party action. We got home late and slept in on Sunday, which I never do! It was fun to sleep late, and I guess my body needed it. :) We made a yummy fruit salad for breakfast and spent our afternoon so far cleaning. Tonight is more studying and making dinner, but it's all good. :)

I have a Spanish test tomorrow, but it should go well. I hope everyone else has had a good weekend!

NSV

In Weight Watchers lingo, that means Non-Scale Victory. In other words, something that reflects success besides the number on the scale. I had an NSV this morning! I was able to put on two different pairs of pants that I had bought last August and couldn't wear. Not only do they button, they fit nice! One pair of pants has a matching suit jacket, and that fits, too!! I was so happy that I stood in my closet and cried while David hugged me. :) All this early morning workout stuff is paying off, and I am feeling great!

That's really it for now. It was just such a nice surprise I just had to share!

Okay, So Spanish Might Not Be So Bad...

There were a couple of people in class on Thursday that weren't there on Wednesday, one being a really cool girl named Sara who is much closer to my age, and we hit it off, so now I have a friend at school. :) I think I'll make it through the summer! LOL!

So I weighed in yesterday and have officially lost 26.6 pounds now!! I had posted it on Facebook and got lots of positive comments, so I am feeling pretty good today. I'll be going to the gym here shortly to work out. I am doing my 5K on June 13th, and that isn't too far away, so I have got to spend time on the treadmill for sure today.

It's been a nice weekend. Not too terribly productive, but I spent Friday night sleeping on the couch all evening, and it was wonderful! David had gone to Greg's so I have the place to myself and I was so lazy!! I hadn't slept well the night before. My blood work came back from the doctor showing that my triglycerides were high and my A1C was elevated and my HDL was too low. But all of these are things that should improve with the weight loss, so I am not going to let all that news get me down. I know I'm doing all the right things. :) I'll just keep it up.

I think that's about it for today. My brother in law and his kids are coming over later and we're all going to head to the pool and get some sun. I'm looking forward to that!! Have a good one!

No Me Gusta la Classe de Espanol

Yeah, I'm not jazzed about my Spanish class. I'm the oldest person in my class, apart from the professor. Everyone in there appears to be relatively fresh from high school. And then there is the whole having to get up in front of the class and I hate doing that. We had to learn to introduce someone to the class in Spanish, and I felt really self-conscious. Honestly, I'm only there to fulfill a degree requirement. I miss having a buddy in class. One of the things I really love about going to TWU is that there are lots of people my age who are there to be focused and are also friendly. TCC? Yeah, this isn't my crowd at all. And of course, I'm the old chick, so that isn't helping. I always make friends quickly in class, but this one may be more of a challenge. And I'll need to make friends, because we're going to have to do a couple of group projects/oral presentations. This all makes me think that next time I am in class with someone older, I am going to go up and make friends with them on the first day of class. It's no fun feeling like this, and I totally know this is just my own issue, but I just hate it. At least it should all end quickly. And most of these people will be in the second summer session with me so it's not like I'll have to start all over again.

Ugh...enough. David spent the day yesterday sweeping and really cleaning the patio. It looks so good! We bought some beautiful new patio furniture and we have lots of plants, so he went the extra mile to make it really nice out there. He also made me dinner and cleaned the kitchen, which was a huge help for me! He told me that since I work all day and then go to school he wanted to make sure he did what he could to help me out. Seriously, I love this man so much! He takes such good care of me and I feel so special! It's nice to know he cares so much. :) It helps that he enjoys cooking so much, so I know he'll be helping with dinner and making things easier on me when he can. I'm so blessed!!

I'm so glad tomorrow is Friday! If this work-week was any longer I don't know what I would do! Hang in there, everyone...we're almost to the weekend!!

It's Back To School For Me!

Tonight begins a summer full of school. I start my Spanish class tonight. Bueno! I'll take the second Spanish during the second Summer session, and I also plan to take my speech class then, too. If I pull it all off, I'll have 11 hours out of the way this summer, and that seems worth it to me! I'll be in class Monday through Thursday, and no break between sessions, but it's really okay with me. Class is from 6-8pm, so I still get to kick back for a bit after work, and I'll still have time to goof around before bed. (But not much time!) I'm just glad to be getting stuff out of the way!

No big news. It was a busy holiday weekend, but a good one. I'm really having a case of the "don't wannas" at work this week, but it's all good. I've been good and worked out like I should, so things are moving along there, too. :) I went to the doctor yesterday and still managed to get the weight lecture, but I'm doing something about it so I won't feel too badly. The hardest part is sticking with it, and I'm doing that!!

I really don't have much news at the moment. I hope everyone's day is wonderful!!

Anxious

I have been a good girl all week...ate carefully and worked out as I should, but I am anxious about my weigh-in this morning. For some reason I feel like it's going to be a week where the scale won't move, and it's not my fault. I hate those weeks, but they happen. I have eaten carefully and worked out 5 days this week, so I know I am doing all the things I should do. I just want that scale to budge in the right direction!! But if it doesn't, I'll just keep plugging away. I have to keep reminding myself that it's a marathon, not a sprint. But when you work hard at something, it's a bummer not to get the results you hope for. But I know my body, and I did have a large loss last week, so it's about time my body plays catch-up. And I am also building muscle, so there's that, too. Mom is going to come take my measurements today so that we can track things that way, too. Sometimes that is where I see results, not the scale. So anyhow...I'll update later with how it went. I've lost 21 pounds now, and I'm really happy about that. Especially since I did it in a month!!

UPDATE: I lost 2.2 pounds this week for a total of 23.2 pounds gone! I am quite pleased with this, and really happy to have lost this week!! :)

40 Before 40

I was thinking recently about where my life is going. I like my direction, and I feel really good about things. So I couldn't help but start to think about what I wanted to accomplish before I turn 40. I don't have a complete list but here goes...

1. Graduate with my BA in Psychology
2. Start Grad school
3. Buy a house
4. Do the Breast Cancer 3-Day
5. Get to my goal weight
6. Go whitewater rafting
7. Do a zip line tour at a tropical location...maybe Jamaica or Antigua

That's what I have so far. All are very do-able. And I plan to do them all! It's cool to be putting this list together. I think I am capable of achieving all of this, I just have to set my mind to it. and making it public means that it's out there in the universe and I have somehow managed to commit to doing it. So here goes!

Slowly But Surely, I'm Getting There

So I had a great weigh-in Saturday morning! I am proud to announce that I have now lost a total of 21 pounds! (I'll post a weight loss update again when I've lost a total of 40) I am hoping to have a total of 30 off by my birthday, so I have to keep up the workouts. Eating right seems to finally feel normal to me. I was at the Dallas Farmer's Market yesterday and bought some beautiful fruits and veggies. (I bought into a CSA, which is a community owned local organic farm, and each week I get fresh goodies grown on the farm. I went in with Samantha and Kevin so we all share when we get each week. It's really cool!) Anyhow, after going to the market, we went to a vegan diner called Spiral Bakery. It was absolutely amazing! I had a wonderful veggie wrap, Sam had the tofu scramble (VERY tasty!) and Kev had the veggie burger. Seriously good food!

I went out with a group of old friends last night and had a wonderful time! It's been forever since I've really even gone out like that, so it was good to get to see everyone. David was flying in from Houston and couldn't make it, unfortunately. But we had a blast and saw the new Star Trek movie, which is awesome so go see it! We had dinner at Uno's Pizza downtown, and I had the gluten-free veggie pizza and a glass of red wine. YUM!!! :)

Enjoy your Sunday, everyone!!

Friday Fun

TGIF!! It's been a long week, but it's been good. I have caught myself enjoying my job more, which is a vast improvement from how it's been. It's still a means to an end for me, but I want to be able to tolerate it until I am done with school.

I bought Twilight on Blu-Ray last night and watched it. I like it...didn't love it, but that's because I usually prefer the book to the movie. The book has so many intricacies that the movie just can't cover. But I still enjoyed the movie, don't get me wrong.

Tonight after work, I am going to go to the gym. I didn't go this morning because I wanted to have time for a full hour, and I was carpooling today. I'm looking forward to just hopping on the treadmill and getting into my own world. Maybe I will load a movie onto my iPod. That's GREAT for making the hour pass faster! Tomorrow I am taking Cleo to the vet for her follow up to make sure her meds are working. Little prayers for Cleo, please!!

I also have WW in the morning. Hopefully the scale moves in the right direction this week!!!

That's about it in a nutshell. Everyone enjoy the weekend! The weather is supposed to be nice!

Twilight and Other Things

First of all, have any of you read the Twilight books? I hadn't until last week, and I have just finished book 3...I can't put them down! Rarely does a book(s) do this to me, but I am absolutely obsessed with reading them! Thankfully, my cousin Beth is right there with me and she understands. And like every other 16 year old girl, I am swooning over Edward! *sigh* (Not the movie Edward, the one in the book...I like the Edward in my imagination much better.) So I am about to start book four, and it's the last one. That makes me sad! I wish it took me longer to read to I could stretch it out!

On to bigger news...got my grades for the semester and I have a 4.0 GPA! Now I get to be on the Dean's List again, and this time with a special 4.0 designation!! I worked my booty off to get there, let me tell you. My finals really took it out of me, but it's all good. :)

And yes, I am still working out at 5am...I'm dead serious about sticking with that, too. Apparently it's my body's optimal time to go. At least it's out of the way early!

That's it for now. I sure am glad tomorrow is Friday!

Beat Down and Brain Dead

I have worked all weekend long on six assigned papers for school, and a 10 question take-home essay test. I am mentally exhausted. I still have 2 questions left on the test to write, but everything else is done. And I am completely whipped. Not to mention I have upped my workouts from 30 minutes to an hour now, so now I'm really wiped out! I did 60 minutes on the treadmill yesterday, and I did 40 minutes of weightlifting and 20 minutes on the treadmill this morning. I am tired! Oh, and I'm cramping. Lovely. But I'm trying to power through. :)

It feels good to be working out, and I really think it's becoming part of my routine. I'm doing a 5K on June 13th and I am trying to improve my time. Last time I did a 5K I did it in an hour and eleven minutes. Not a great time others, but not bad for me. But this time I am trying to get it under an hour. I have a bit to go, but I think I can do it. No one cares about my time but me, and but it's important and it's one of those goals I can measure. After no movement on the scale, I need to be able to mark improvement somewhere!

So today I take my papers up to school to turn in to Dr. Hall. I like being in his class, and I have him for Crisis Intervention in the fall. I think it's going to be a good class! I do need a little break, though. I don't start summer school until the 27th, so I have a little time. (Yay!)

Have a good Monday, everyone!

Frustration

So I weighed in this morning after a disciplined week of careful eating and faithfully working out and what did the scale do? Absolutely nothing. I didn't lose an ounce!! Everyone has quickly reassured me that after the tremendous loss last week that this is normal. I know, I know. And top it off with it being "that time" of the month, I should have known, but the shock and disappointment were overwhelming. I'm okay and not depressed but I was just really disappointed. I know I can't let it get me down, but it's a little hard not to. But my body isn't fighting me, it's just learning to let go of the weight. I know how it works...been there before. It's just a bummer, that's all. So I'll keep at it and be just as determined this week. And who knows? Maybe next week the news will be better! (I do plan to try and kick up the workouts a notch, though!)

I helped my mother with a wedding reception for her friend's daughter today. It was a good amount of work but it went off very well. The bride was very pretty and it was a lovely afternoon. I allowed myself to share a piece of cake with mother, and it was worth it! (Very tasty strawberry cake!!!) I am going to go grab some dinner and then get back to writing essays and papers. My deadline is drawing near and I am getting into crunch time, but that's when I start to really do well. Somehow, I just do well under pressure. I hope that remains true!

Everyone enjoy their weekend!!

Becoming Who I Want To Be

I've always wanted to see myself as more of a physically active person. Maybe even athletic, although none of that has really ever described me very well. It was something I wanted but I never really worked for it, so I guess I didn't want it too much after all. I have always been the heavy girl, and somehow I learned to live with that. I wasn't okay with it, but I managed to accept that because I had friends who loved me for who I was. (Am I am so thankful for that, believe me!) I am blessed with a husband who loves me for me and I allowed myself to just accept that.

Until now.

Now, I am really wanting to see myself make those changes. I really WANT this so much...I want to see myself differently. It's not about aesthetics this time. It's about being healthy and active. And athletic. I still have fears about going to classes at the gym. There is a Sunday Yoga class that I'd like to try, but I'm really just not ready yet. The difference is that I know I will get there when I am ready. I can feel my attitude about fitness changing. I think I might be evolving slowly into someone who refuses to miss her workouts. I was concerned this morning that with David gone and not there to help motivate me at 4:30 in the morning that I might not get myself to the gym, but I did it!! I hit snooze once, but I did it. And that is a HUGE change for me! The old me would have decided that no one had to know, but the new me says that even if no one else knows, I will know and I am only in this for myself. No one cares as much about my weight loss as I do, so I would only let myself down. And I went, and it felt good!!

Now I am at work and enjoying a breakfast of cottage cheese and an orange. I have my meals planned out, and I am feeling really on top of things. I have wondered why I waited so long to get myself back into this place, and I don't have an answer for that. But I only care that I am in my zone now, and going strong. Maintaining that mindset won't always be so easy, but the key is pushing through. I sometimes imagine Jillian Michaels in my head when I am on the treadmill. Sometimes I just want to stop, but then I hear her telling me that a quitter would never reach her goals.

I'm not a quitter. Not this time. I'm finally in the right frame of mind and I'm in this for the long haul. And I like it!

Besides...for once in my life I'd like to my husband's arm candy! ;-)

A Day Of Rest

My body needed the day off from working out, so I slept in to a more human time this morning. (aka 6am) It felt good, too! But I know I'll be hitting it again at 5am tomorrow. It feels good to really be developing a routine and actually not dreading the alarm! I think it's paying off, so I'm happy to go with it!

Not much news this week. I will be buried in papers and exams until the 12th. Then I have a little time to relax before summer school begins. I'm taking Spanish both summer semesters, and I am excited to get that knocked out! I need to start prepping myself for Algebra. Going to take that this spring at TCC and get that done, too. I really need to finish my GEC coursework, but I am working on it. Slowly but surely!

WW is still going very well, and I am still very focused. I am having to make sure I eat my daily allotment of points...it's actually harder than I anticipated since I am so careful about what I eat!

David is enjoying his week in Denver. He'll be back Saturday evening, and I will be happy to see him!

Stay dry today!!

Hungry!

Okay, so I was up at 6:20am and we met my Dad at the gym this morning to workout. He headed off to the pool and I headed for the treadmill. My body was a little more worn out today, but I got in a good solid treadmill workout and then lifted weights, so I put in a strong hour at the gym. However, I have only been working out for 30 minutes at a time and my body is in a little bit of shock! Apparently it's not used to burning so many calories at once, so I have been hungry today! We ate fruit and yogurt for breakfast, a whole wheat turkey wrap for lunch, and I have been prepping dinner for later. I've had to snack on oranges and some raw veggies. I'm not used to being quite so hungry! I think I need to start adding in more protein to my breakfast to sustain that. It's just funny...we've both been pretty hungry today!

It's been a great weekend. Dad's party yesterday was lots of fun and we had a wonderful turnout to celebrate his retirement. David and I pretty much just chilled last night. We had shrimp cocktail for dinner and went to bed early. That rain was making us sleepy!

So it's been a wonderful weekend. I've got to get laundry done because I am going to bed early to get to the gym nice and early! I'm on a roll! (I doubt it will be another 9.6 pound loss for this coming week, but I want to stay on track!!)

Everyone enjoy the cool weather!

Surreal

I am having such a feeling of disbelief...but this is good, don't worry! I went to WW this morning and could not believe how much I lost this week! I have been working out at 5am and pushing myself to do more, and holy cow did it pay off!! I'm not ready to share the overall total yet, but this week alone I lost (brace yourself) 9.6 pounds! In one week!! HOLY COW!!! I feel so strong and empowered! Seriously, 30 minutes on the treadmill coupled with very careful eating equals results! Now, I know this is not going to be the norm, but it sure felt good this week. I have to prep myself for next week - that will be a tough act to follow for sure. :) But that's okay...I'm rocking the treadmill and eating healthy and feeling the most clear-headed and healthy than I have felt in a long time. And none of this is feeling like a sacrifice at all! It's feeling like a victory!

So while it all feels surreal, it also feel pretty freaking great!!

Catch-Up

It's been a whirlwind! Okay, first things first: Cleo is going to be fine! She has a very overactive thyroid, so we began treating it with a once-a-day pill. While she doesn't love taking a pill, it's a small price to pay for good health! Next up, we have a re-check in two weeks to make sure she is responding to the meds, but the doctor seems to think things should be looking good and she should start to gain her weight back. Thank you, God!

The other big event yesterday was Dad's retirement party at Lockheed-Martin. He had a big turnout, and it was really cool to spend the day out there and celebrate. He works with some really nice people, and I met people whose names I have heard for most all my life. Dad's work BFF was retiring the same day, so that was neat. They processed out together, and that was it! After that, Mom, Dad, David and I went to Chili's for a celebratory drink (I had lunch and some water...trying to be good and all!) and we had a great time. I called Dad today and he is spending his day relaxing. Just as it should be! He was so sweet and filled mom's gas tank up before she left for work. Hear that, men? It really is just the smallest thing that can make a woman's day!! :) Tomorrow is the lunch that mom and I are doing for him, and we've got a nice size crowd coming from all over the DFW area to enjoy lunch and celebrate Dad!

So that's all the news I have...it's been a great day and I have much to be thankful for. Don't forget to count your blessings today!!

Waiting

I don't like waiting. I am definitely a "I need to know right now" kind of girl. But I am finding myself waiting. Waiting for the blood work to come back on my cat. You can mock me if you want, but this cat means more to me than I know how to tell you. She is almost 17 years old, and has been with me through everything. She's road tripped with me, flown on airplanes with me, survived an earthquake in Seattle with me. She's seen the ups and downs of my dating life, and she snuggles me when I am sick. This cat isn't just a cat to me. She is my love.

Lately she seems to want to eat but hasn't been eating much, and she's gotten pretty thin. David took her to the doctor this morning, and she has lost a lot of weight, which sent me into a crying jag when he texted me this information. My precious only weight 5 pounds, 6 ounces. That's down 3.5 pounds since two years ago. But the doctor, who is a very trusted man in my family (we've been taking animals to them for 31 years now), was reassuring, saying that he thinks there is a good chance it's her thyroid. Whatever it is, he seems to feel that it will likely be treated with meds and diet. Oh, I can live with that! Regardless, no one thinks she is going to the Rainbow Bridge any time soon. Music to my ears! But of course, we don't know anything for sure until we get the blood work back. Dr. K will call me tonight with the results, and we'll go from there.

I love this cat more than anything. She means the world to me, and there is almost nothing I wouldn't do for her. I'm just not ready to let her go. Thankfully, it looks like she's not going anywhere. (But I'll keep praying until I know for sure!)

Heading In The Right Direction

We had a health screening today at work, and although there is a lot of work to be done, there was good news to be had. My cholesterol is excellent, so I am pleased about that! :) The other numbers didn't upset me because I am a work in progress and so far I am doing great. I was up and at the gym at 5:15 this morning (again!!) and it really makes me feel good all day long. I think I am finally understanding the benefits of exercise and finding the right time of day for your body. As it turns out, I might be more of a morning person than I thought!

School is going well. After this week I have two more weeks and then I am off for a short time. I'll be in summer school both sessions (trying to get through as quickly as possible!) so it will be a busy summer. And seriously, I can't believe it's almost May! Where has the year gone??

Anyhow, that's really about it for today. Hope everyone made it through the thick fog safely!!

Tired and Frustrated

David and I walked for about 4 miles yesterday, and I was exhausted by the time I got done! I was frustrated about that because I used to be able to do that, no problem. I've just been out of regular working-out habits for a while, and now that I am back to it, it's hard to recondition my body to do what I could do so easily before. I know I have to have patience, and I am trying. Oh trust me, I am trying. It's hard to be back at what feels like square one, though. But I'm powering through and pushing myself to do this. I want to do the Breast Cancer 3-Day in 2010, and right now the ability to do that feels like a long way off. But hey, a year and a half can make a big difference! WW is challenging its' members to do a 5K this summer, so I am part of a group that is training for that every Saturday after my WW meeting. That should help, except that I have to miss the first training this weekend because of Dad's retirement party - but that's a valid reason and I don't mind!! I'll make up for it on Sunday and get out and walk. A 5K is 3.1 miles, and I can do this. Those who finish a 5K will get a charm, and as silly as it may sound, those kinds of rewards work well for me. Whatever works, right?

So that's about it in a nutshell. It was a good evening. Got my hair cut on Friday (had to go to a new guy since Christy is on maternity leave). It's good and I am happy. Getting the color redone on Wednesday, and I am very happy about that...my greys are making an appearance and we don't need that!! So I am trying to maintain myself. I am not a cheap gal!

Everyone try not to float away with all the rain!!

Here We Go Again...

...with all the "rah rah rah" and positive energy talk. Yes, I am still doing well with WW, and feeling great! I was telling a coworker today how clear-headed I feel, and how I can tell that I have gotten rid of some of the toxins stored in my body...I just feel better and brighter and all that silly stuff. :) It's a good feeling, and I love feeling in control of everything! I am aiming to get up at 4:45 am tomorrow to get in a workout, and I love it!!

Saturday after my WW meeting, my mom is coming over for some retirement party planning for dad. I'm also going to have her take my measurements (ugh!) and then in a month I'll do it again and see where it's starting to come off from. I don't expect miracles, but it's nice to be able to track all this. Slow and steady wins the race, right? I'm feeling that old determination that I felt back in 2005. (Check blog postings from 2005...I was very successful, but fell off the wagon.) All that strength and will is coming back to me. It helps to have a very supportive husband (who seems to love me as I am right now!), and he goes to the gym with me and never minds eating healthy. Hey, we like veggies a LOT! I am surrounded by people who are cheering for my success - Kim, big shout out to you on this one! I was thinking of my friend Holly, who used to give me cards and flowers, and when I lost 50 pounds, she gave me $1 for every pound I lost. (Holly, I wouldn't ever be able to forget how supportive and kind you have always been to me!) And then there is my family, who seems to love me and be proud of me all the time. I count my blessings daily, as I have much to thankful for. Thank you so much, mom and dad, for always being positive. Hopefully this will be one more thing I do that makes you proud. (Although I have to be clear to all who are about to say it anyways....I really am doing this for me!)

And here I am again...at the starting line and ready to go. Except it's not a race. It's a long walk, but I'm absolutely determined to cross the finish line this time. I have a very long way to go, but it's just like the old saying goes: How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. :)

Worn Out

For the last two mornings, David and I got up at 4:55am and went to the gym and worked out. It's a great feeling, but I have to tell you that I am exhausted! We decided not to get up this morning because both of our bodies are absolutely worn out. Today I am going to the gym here at work and doing some resistance training to change it up. I just couldn't get up that early today...but I'll be doing it some, just not this week. We tried it out because Mondays and Tuesdays are school days for me and I knew I wouldn't want to work out at 7:30pm those days. But I am very grateful to have a gym here at work so I can keep on track!

I have been back on WW for a short time now, and so far so good. I don't want to post my weekly losses, I'd rather post when I lose 10 pounds. I'm just going for increments of 10, so hopefully I'll have a report soon. :)

Tonight David and I are going to go see the new Earth movie. I have a love of baby animals, and the previews have been full of them, so David is taking me to see it tonight. Yay! He's heading to New Orleans tomorrow morning and comes home Saturday evening, so this is going to be our date night. I made a WW recipe for beer and beef stew in the crock pot that we'll be having for dinner tonight, so it's dinner and a movie for us!

Dad's retirement is a hair over a week away now, and I am super excited for him! We get to go up there to join him for the reception, and I am looking forward to that. It's been ages since I've gotten to go up there, and it's going to be the last time I can go. (Dad works for Lockheed-Martin.) David has never been there, so it's going to be pretty cool for him, too.

That's it for today. Everyone try and stay cool in the 90+ heat we'll be having today!!

How Do You Know You're Serious About Something?

When you get up at 4:55am to go work out. Yep, I did that this morning and I liked it!! I've never been THAT much of a morning person, but I decided that losing weight is just that important. Now, this won't be an every day occurrence, but I am doing it tomorrow and Wednesday as well. It's the best way for me to get a workout in since I have school in the evenings Mondays and Tuesdays. I love that I've already gotten 30 minutes of the treadmill out of the way today! David has his 20 year reunion this October, and while I won't be at my goal by then I can be smaller and look a little cuter, right? :) Besides, we have a number of trips we'd like to take, all of which would be more enjoyable if we were in better shape. Who wants to take a safari trip to Africa and be tired walking around? Not me!! (BTW, we do actually plan to take a trip to Africa in a few years!)

So I think that old me from 2005 is back...the one that was focused and loved feeling healthier. This is a very good thing!!

A Miracle Happened Today

Christy gave birth to a healthy baby girl today! At 1:03pm, Abby was born, and everyone is well. When I got the news from Rich, all I could do was cry tears of joy...my BFF and her husband are parents!! It's so wonderful, and they are so happy...it's so amazing that they created this tiny little life!!

I'll get to hold this precious girl tomorrow when I go up there, and if I get the OK from mommy and daddy, I will post pictures here. (They may want to be the first to show pictures, and I don't blame them!!)

And to be even more sappy, here's a short exerpt from a very fitting song:

"Ordinary Miracle" - Sarah McLaughlin

It's not that unusual
Everything is beautiful
It's just another ordinary miracle today.

Welcome to the world, Abby! So many people have been in love with you and have been waiting for you to get here!!

I'm an Auntie!!!!

Waiting

Tomorrow my best friend, Christy, is giving birth to her baby girl. Seriously, this has got to be the most exciting thing ever! I can't believe how misty I get when I think about it, but she and her husband are so ready to be parents and this is just such a blessing! So they have to be at the hospital at 6am tomorrow, and they're going to induce labor. I know it will be a long day for them, but at the end of it all they will be holding their precious baby girl. What a miracle!

I plan to go see them on Friday, and I can't wait to post a picture!! Please pray for a healthy delivery for little Abby!!

Happy Easter

Just a simple message today...I hope you are having a great Easter and enjoying the beautiful weather!!

Having "Conversations"

I fully realize how petty this sounds, but has anyone else noticed how often politicians like to use the word "conversation"? As in, they want to have real conversations with Americans about the economy. Or how Oprah now says she wants to have real conversations about the city of Chicago and bringing the Olympics there in 2016. I don't know...it just makes it sound like no one is talking about anything. I know in my circles, we talk about everything!

Everything is going pretty well. School is keeping me pretty busy, but I am doing well. Finals are in a few weeks. May 11 and 12 to be exact. Where does the time go? I register for Summer school next week. It's going to be a busy year!

I don't have much news. Still waiting for Christy to give birth. Most likely it will be next week, so I am crossing my fingers for the 16th. (That's the date I picked for the baby pool at work!)

Really, that's about it. Everyone enjoy the Spring weather!!

It's Back!!

I heard through the blogosphere that the Bedford Bennigan's is being resurrected! Great news for the locals, and now I don't have to only have my Turkey O'Toole sandwich in Las Colinas any more!! Looks like they're going to reopen in about a month, so for all you mid-cities folks who have been missing cheap beer and tasty nibbles...you won't have to miss it much longer!

Today after work I have to get a new tire for David's Jeep. But after that, I am going to Central Market to do some shopping. Yum!

That's it for today. I'm outta here!

** Update ** I have a feeling I bought into an April Fools Day joke, so just ignore this post. (Just a feeling...no proof yet!)

Nothing Much

That sums it up right now. Just nothing much going on. Christy had her baby shower this past weekend, and that girl cleaned up!! She isn't due until the 28th, but she started have some VERY slight contractions today. I don't think Baby Abby is going to wait for 28 more days! We've started a pool here at work. I picked the 16th. We shall see!

I managed to slice my finger last Friday. I was being a good wife and putting a pot roast in the crock pot. I was cutting one more potato when it rolled off the cutting board and I somehow managed to stab my wedding ring finder. Seriously, I have never seen a cut bleed so much! I really freaked me out! It's okay now, just bandaged and tender, but I survived.

David and I bought some plants for the patio this weekend. We bought a hibiscus, some tomato plants, and two other plants that I don't remember the names of, but are just beautiful! I can't wait until things start blooming! I need to water them today and give them some TLC. I haven't historically had a very green thumb, but I am working hard to take care of these guys!

Honestly, that's about it. School is going well. I register for the fall semester on Friday, and I register for summer school on the 15th. It's going to be a very studious year!!

Almost At The Finish Line...

That's how it feels...tomorrow is Friday and we're almost there!! (Thankfully!) It's been a long week and I feel really tired. Nothing big happening in my life, just all the usual stuff. Except for my 14 year old cousin, Ashley. She got into trouble recently (peer pressure got the best of her) and now she's in a pickle. It's a story for another day, though, but she is on my mind constantly right now. Okay, basically she let a little friend of hers talk her into doing something with some very serious consequences. We're still waiting to see how this is going to go. I don't want to give details here, but she's physically fine. (No drugs or teen preggo stuff.) She just made a really irresponsible decision and now she's going to have to suffer the fallout. I hope that this is a lesson learned. I think kids today really do have it harder. There is more access to temptation than when I was that age. Cell phones, computers...all of it makes temptation a text message away. I am thankful I grew up when I did. It just seems like it was easier to be a regular kid and not having to contend with some of that stuff. That, and my idiot moments didn't end up on YouTube. :) But again, my idiot moments were mostly me being a dork. So all that to say, Ashley is a good kid, makes good grades, and I love her to pieces. Still do, just disappointed. And don't ask me to post the details, because I won't. I just needed to put this out into the universe and hope for good things to come back. Mostly, I am just praying for her to have wisdom and the courage to stand up to her peers when her gut tells her something isn't right.

So that's it. I think I am going to go to Central Market tonight and find some yumminess for dinner. I want to cook, but I don't know what just yet.

Allrighty. I'm outta here!

Things That Make Me Happy

Because things have been so stressful with work, I decided that I should make a list of things that make me happy so I can re-read the list and get a big smile from it. Here goes:

Family
Friends
School
Chocolate
Lipgloss
Singing
Travel
David's "Championship Ribs"
Cleo, Zak and Kaylee
Pictures of my Gran
Hugs from my nieces and nephews
Shopping for baby stuff for Christy!! :)
Ladybugs
The color pink
Listening to Brahms' German Requiem (in German...never in English!)
Black patent Mary Janes
Soft pajama pants and a t-shirt
Blackberries
Buying school supplies
Collecting Christmas ornaments with my hubby
Champagne and Brie soup from JR's
Cherry Blossom candles from Bath and Body Works


These are all things that make me happy, and all for different reasons. I guess this is my version of stopping to smell the roses. :)

What makes you happy? You don't have to tell me, but just stop and take a moment to remember them.

Spring Break Is Over

I was sad that Spring Break was over, but really...I still had to work and do other things so it shouldn't be that big of a deal. I saw the Vagina Monologues with Mom Saturday night. Interesting. It was part of a day-long "Whole Woman" festival. My takeaway was that apparently there is a perception that when it's a woman's festival, all women want to buy is hippy artwork and incense. Just an observation, not knocking anything. The production itself was very interesting. Mom and I left laughing at ourselves at the end of the evening. All I will say is that no matter how much it may take away from my inner Goddess, there are just some words I won't say. Sorry. (Mom, you know I just CAN'T!)

Sunday was full of studying. I have a test in my Human Sexuality class tomorrow, so I am trying to be prepared. I also got advised for Fall '09 today. It's going to be a full semester. Taking Crisis Intervention, Humanities, and History. I still have some GEC courses to knock out. I am registering for Summer next month and will be taking both semesters of Spanish. Yes, I am a VERY dedicated girl and if I handle Summer I well, I will add my communications class for Summer II. Seriously, I am ready to have my BA done so I can move on to Grad school. I am not loving my job, and every day I have to go and put up with more BS, I am reminded why I am working so hard in school.

Dad is retiring in a little over a month now. I think it's great! He's worked for a long time and deserves to enjoy himself now. Dad has always taken such good care of us, and it's time for him to enjoy his life. I hear he is planning to volunteer at church, maybe participate in the men's Bible study, and work out a few days a week at the gym. Go Dad! I'm so excited for you! Maybe once in a while he can sneak in lunch with his favorite daughter...

That's it for now. I'm going to head to bed and rest up. David heads out again tomorrow, and I have that test tomorrow night. Good vibes will be welcome at 4:30!

Girl Gone Wild

I have made the executive decision to take a day off tomorrow. It's Spring Break, dammit, and I need a day to enjoy myself. Therefore, I am giving myself a three day weekend. What's on tap for tomorrow? Nothing but things that make me smile. This will include no alarm waking me up, a trip to Starbucks for breakfast, and who knows what else. But I'm going to enjoy my day. :) (I will probably do some laundry in there somewhere, but I don't mind doing that. And it REALLY needs to get done!)

David comes home tomorrow night, and I am really looking forward to that. Saturday is my long-overdue hair appointment, and Saturday night mom and I are going to see the Vagina Monologues. I will definitely report in on that one. Sunday is study day. I have a test on Tuesday and I really want an A to keep my status for the Dean's List. We ALL know how important that is to me, so I won't go on about that any more.

That's it. I'm outta here!

Sorry For No Posts...

Yeah, I know everyone waits with baited breath for one of my posts. I've been busy, and then I just got a little lazy with the posting. It's been a hectic week, and a full weekend with family birthdays. We ate dinner at JR's Steakhouse...I insist on people eating the Champagne and Brie soup - a.ma.zing! We had brunch at the Park Cities Club in Dallas, too. Again, some serious yum...and bottomless mimosas! Double yum!

Got my iPhone this weekend, and I am loving it. I knew I would...it was that or the Blackberry Bold, and I got sucked in by the iPhone. :) No regrets! If you ever buy one, do it at the Apple Store and make an appointment. You get the star treatment! Seriously, loving the phone.

It's Spring Break for me, but I still have work so it's not much of a vacay. And I am blogging while taking a break from studying. I have a test next week, so there goes the whole goofing off for a week, you know? It's all good. Eyes on the prize.

Christy is having her baby in about 6 weeks, so that's a big deal and very exciting! I am getting my hair cut/color Saturday morning and I can't wait! It's in bad shape, for sure. I have been neglectful with the hair, and now it's taking revenge on me by being uncooperative. Sorry, hair. I keep telling Christy she would be ashamed to be seen with me, so she worked me into the schedule, thankfully! :)

Things are going well. I had a horrible night's sleep last night and I don't know why. I am optimistic about tonight, though. I'm tired.

My Sister-In-Law (Lea Anne) is with her hubby this week and has bribed me to come for dinner tomorrow night, and I accepted. She is going to do something yummy with fish, and since I didn't have school I thought it would be fun to hang with her and my two nieces so it's going to be a girls night and I am looking forward to it. Kristen and Morgan (aka Momo) are a riot, and they're growing up so fast! Lea Anne has also found the perfect Yoga class for me and I am giving it a try next week. I always have a lot of anxiety about trying new classes, but I think it's a good idea and it's close to home. I'll report on it next week and talk about it in more detail.

So that's really about it. Oh, and I didn't make it to WW last week. There...honesty and full disclosure. I am going this week. I have to. I will report after I go. :)

Time Change

This is a really tough time change for me. I love my sleep and am sad that I lost an hour, but I seem to be doing okay so far. I made it to work early, but I am a yawning, sleepy mess right now. I hate that I am having to power through on a Monday...it's my long day with school and I have a test tonight, so I am hoping that I can shake off the sleepies soon. I am feeling a little out of sorts and I have got to get it together since it's a busy day!

I hope everyone had a good weekend! I don't have a lot to report. David got home yesterday and I was glad to see him. :) The kitties were all VERY glad he was home and started acting like little fools running around the house and being crazy. But everyone settled down and bedtime and we all got a good night's sleep. (I think I am recovering from being out late last weekend. Yes, I am old and it takes me longer to recover.)

So that's it for today! I hope everyone has a good Monday!

Happy

That's me in a word. Happy. :) Things are going well with school, and at home. (Work isn't my favorite so we'll skip that topic, although we found out today that we'll be getting our annual bonus next month and it's going to be a good one!) I am really proud of how school is going, and I am on track to be on the Dean's List again for this semester. I just really need to keep up the hard work. I made an 88 on my Intro to Counseling test and a 93 on my Human Sexuality test, so I am doing well. I have another Intro to Counseling test on Monday, and I should do well on it, too. Although I will be spending a LOT of time getting ready for it. I would love to make an A on this test, so I am going to work hard to make that happen.

Back in January I talked about my three areas of focus for this year. Here's the status so far:

• Finances - We are SO on track to be debt free by June! We've paid off several credit cards and are building up our savings account so we're very proud!
• School - I think you all know by the beginning of this post that school is going great! :)
• Fitness - This is the area that has had no progress. But I am NOT giving up, so don't think for a moment I have. I am going to go to a WW meeting this evening to get myself back on track. However, I don't plan on making a big deal of it. It's time to just get off my rear and do it, so tonight I will. Tonight will be the start of getting that last part of my "2009 Focuses" underway. I am actually looking forward to it!

So there's the update. At least I am honest, right? But I am not discouraged or frustrated with myself. I just know what I need to do and it's time to do it. And it's all good. :)

Austin In A Nutshell

Let's see...we ate plenty, drank plenty, and had a ton of laughs. It was wonderful to spend time with my friend Bryan. It had been about 20 years since I had seen him! He is getting his PhD at UT, and I couldn't be more proud for him. He's an amazing guy and he's worked so hard on his education. :)

I am so sleepy today. We stayed up late each night in Austin, and then I couldn't sleep last night so I am a bit bleary eyed today. I need to snap out of it since I have school tonight. I'm keeping it short today, but I do have pics to post when I get home and can upload them.

I hope everyone has a good Monday!