Photos I Love

Napa Valley through David's photographic eye. He's such a good photographer!

My neices and nephews (minus Ben and Rosemary...not sure where they were!)

Zak and Kaylee snuggling. This warms my heart!

Finishing the Komen!

Time Flies!

I didn't realize it had been so long since I blogged! The end of the semester is quickly approaching, and I am a busy gal. I finally uploaded the Komen pics to my laptop, but I am blogging from work and don't have my laptop. One of these days...

Anyhow, things are good! I've lost 71 pounds now, but have really been struggling. I took last week off from following the plan, and although I gained 3 pounds, I feel much better and I am ready to get on it. I've had a great week so far, and I expect that to continue. This is a good time of year to feel empowered! I'm serious when I say that I am NOT gaining weight this holiday season!

School is going well. Finals are in two weeks, and I have a number of papers to write. I'm going to be busy for the next week! (Everything is due before Thanksgiving!) But I can spend my holidays not worrying about homework, which is worth all the work I am going to have to do over the next week. My choir concert is the 3rd, and I have a very small solo that I am excited about. :) Dad is going to record the concert, so I will have to see if I can find a way to post part of that here. No promises...that's more technology than I know what to do with.

We're counting down to our cruise! We leave for Orlando on the 12th and our cruise heads out on the 14th. We'll be spending the week in the Bahamas, and I can't wait! It will be a nice reward for finishing the semester. We're packing our workout stuff and I honestly have plans to work out on the ship. You may think it won't happen, but it will! I might skip one day, but I am going to keep on losing weight, cruise or not! Besides...the view over the ocean from the treadmill has got to make it all worthwhile!

I think that's about it for now. I have a lot of work to do this morning and I need to get it done.

Enjoy the day!

Quick Update

Okay...thought I would just bullet point the highlights of what's been going on:

• I've lost 70.6 pounds now
• David survived a tornado in Shreveport. That was scary for both of us!
• I think I am going to pull off making the Dean's List again this semester, but it's going to be work!
• Paid off my car
• We put off looking for a house because we simply have no time. That's just sad.
• We are looking forward to going to the Bahamas the week before Christmas. It's how I get to recover from a very busy semester!
• I have registered for 12 hours in the Spring. This means I will work full time and go to school full time. And clearly I am full-time crazy, too.

I think that's about it. I have promised Komen pictures, but I haven't had time to upload them. One day...

Ugh!

Between school, work, homework, and just life in general, I am behind on the updates. I promise I am trying to get to that! I am hoping to sit down and post this weekend, most likely Sunday. Until then, be well!!

I'm So Behind!

I haven't blogged in a bit, but I have been swamped! 5Ks, a wedding, oodles of homework...I have pics to upload and a lot of catching up to do. Stay tuned...I'm going to try and get caught up tonight or tomorrow!!

The Break Up

I decided to make a list of foods that I love that I need to "break up" with. You know, those foods that you can't enjoy in moderation, or you know have no real nutritional value and only serve to make you want more? Yeah, that stuff. So I am publicly declaring my breakup with the following:

1. cupcakes. This is just sad. I love them so very much, but even a bit will make me want a dozen. Thank God Society Bakery isn't close to me! Maybe one day cupcakes and I will have a reunion, but not for a long time. Let's face it: I can't handle it.

2. chocolate. I could get my woman card revoked for this, but it has to be done. People say to just have a small piece of dark chocolate. I can't do that. You have to buy a whole bag to get a small piece, and that just goes the wrong way for me.

3. Diet Coke. You try to fool me, but I'm onto you, Diet Coke! You say diet, but you are full of dangerous phosphates and LOTS of sodium. I've kicked you to the curb and there will be no reconciliation!

4. Paula Deen. Girl, I love you! I share your appreciation of mayonnaise and butter, but really? I just can't go there any more. You create such wonderful recipes, but I can't do it. I've tried to find ways to make them healthier, but I think it just isn't possible. Your corn casserole was so yummy at Thanksgiving, but it actually does call for a stick of butter. Oh Paula. It's not you, it's me.

5. 100 calorie snack packs. This little demon in a baggie is clever. He seduces me with the promise of chocolate and cookies but it's only 100 calories! That should be okay, right? WRONG! Calories come with friends like carbs, fat, and sodium...all of which show up in multitudes with these things. So yeah, if I need a snack pack I am heading for the grapes or oranges.


So that's it. I broke up with all those things and now I am moving on. See? When you have the bigger picture in mind, breaking up really isn't hard to do, contrary to any song lyrics that say otherwise.

Goals

Everyone knows it's good to have goals. I can't help but wonder if the reason I have had trouble lately is because I didn't have a specific goal (aside from just losing weight). I emailed a friend in Houston today to get some encouragement, and I got so much more! She has a plan to help me stay motivated and threw out a pretty big goal for me, and I am accepting the challenge. It's a big one, and although I am not ready to put it out there publicly, I think this is going to be just what I needed to really light a fire under me and get me moving. :) So I will share soon, but let me get into my groove first. It's pretty cool and I am apprehensive, but I have the desire and drive so I'll make it happen. Sorry to be mysterious...I'm not curing cancer or anything, but I am getting my head into the game on this and I know once I put it out there I am really doing it.

We had dinner with my parents and Grampa and Ann tonight and had a WONDERFUL time! I'm doing the AIDS Lifewalk next weekend and the Race for the Cure the following weekend, and they gave me donations to contribute for some important causes. If you'd like to donate to either, let me know and I will gladly send you the link. It's all going to good causes!

While I have had some food struggles the last couple of weeks, I think I am really getting it together. I had a good workout this morning, but I am going to work on pumping it up a notch. It's time. I've been working out for 30 minutes in the mornings, but I think the time is coming to get up earlier so I can have an hour in the gym in the morning. This is going to be painful, and will take some time to get into on a regular basis, but I think it's going to have to happen. Ugh!

I continue to be amazed at the outpouring of love and support I get from the people around me. I am a very blessed girl!

Buying Into The Myth

That's what I did. I bought into it. I let myself be convinced that my cravings were stronger than me, and that somehow just giving myself permission was okay. I have now given myself permission to eat like crap for three days now. No more. I'm not buying into that whole "but my body is fighting me" thing. I know it's real, and that PMS is real, but do I have to give in just because I want something? No, I don't. I am now 3 pounds heavier this week, and have no one to blame but me. Not my uterus, not my cravings, just me. I made these choices, and now I have to deal with them. I don't like it. So this morning I got up and worked out HARD at the gym. I came back, showered and made myself a WW smoothie for breakfast. Lots of protein, two servings of dairy, and it's tasty! It also stays with me longer, so I know I won't be hungry until lunch. And if I do get nibbly this morning? I have an orange on my desk. And a 32 ounce water mug that I need to finish (twice) today. I watched Biggest Loser last night and it brought me to tears. There are people on that show that have bigger emotional obstacles than I can imagine, and they're doing it! You know what? So can I! I have all that stuff...the inner strength, the willpower, and the determination. So what happened this week? I allowed myself to make irresponsible choices. Well enough of that! I know there will be times when I will be stronger than others, but from here on out I need to be strong again! I know I have an army of people who believe in me and tell me so frequently. I am so grateful for all of them, and if they know I can do it, then I know I can do it.

So enough foolishness. No more chicken strips. I'm back, and I'm going to be better than ever!!

Happy Second Wedding Anniversary!

It's our second wedding anniversary today! I keep looking at the clock and thinking about what I was doing two years ago. It was such a great day and I enjoyed every moment so much. It's been a wonderful two years, and I look forward to so many more! :) I always wish everyone could have the happiness that we have, so if you are wondering if it's out there, it is! You just have to be patient, be picky, and live your life just for you...you'll find it when you least expect it!

Remembering My Gran

Four years ago today I lost my grandmother, and I think of her so often and still miss her just as much. I wish she could have been here for so many things...my wedding, my successes with school, talking about traveling, and just getting to be with her. I like to think she was waiting for Cleo, and now they take care of each other until the day I get to see them both again.

So much has happened in four years, and I just miss her every day. I think that with someone people, we never really get over them being gone, we just get used it.

I miss you, Gran, and I love you so much!

A Great Day

Today has been wonderful! I took today off form work, so I was able to get up and go to my sister-in-law's 24Lift class at the gym. Can I just say how wonderful Lea Anne is? She is so encouraging and motivating! That was a tough class and I was able to keep up with most of it, but I must say I am one very sore girl this evening! (That's a good thing, though!) Afterwards, I went home and showered and Mom and Dad picked me up and took me to the Dean's List reception at school. Both Anne and I were on the 4.0 list, so it was a big deal for us! After that, I had lunch with Mom and Dad (yummy fajitas!) and then came home and took a nice long nap. It sure felt good! I wish David could have been here, but he had to travel to Austin today for work. However, when we spoke this evening, he said I sounded better and more rested than I had in weeks, and I feel better! I spent my evening studying and watching Biggest Loser. I love that show! It's so motivating, and there are a couple of girls on there that I can really identify with. I've lost 65.8 pounds, and I'm not stopping now!

Somehow I have to find a way to get to the gym tomorrow - my muscles are sore but I'm going to push through. I'm determined to get stronger and healthier. It's my mission!

So it's been a really great day. I hope everyone else has had a wonderful day, too!

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!