Nothing Like Feeling Less Than A Person

I don't know if many of you have read the recent blog post on the Marie Claire magazine website. There is a good chance you've heard about it. The blogger wrote a whole post about how disgusted she is by overweight people. I'm not linking to the article here because I don't care to ...just take my word, it's a mean article. It's great to find out that my mere presence in a room physically disgusts people, simply based upon the fact that I am not a size 4. Did I let this ONE PERSON bring me to tears? Yes I did. It hurts. It's painful enough to deal with being overweight, and it doesn't help to be reminded by outsiders who are unable to see a person for who they are. While I know she wasn't writing it about me specifically, I'm part of the population who is set in her target. And while I celebrate free speech and believe we are all entitled to an opinion, when is it okay to just flat out be so blatantly ugly to other humans?

I won't give her the satisfaction of saying how I'll show her and get the weight off. I'm already doing that on my own, she didn't light that fire. But she did open my eyes to the fact that size-ism is the last acceptable prejudice allowed. I'm losing weight because I want to do it for me. I agree that obesity is an epidemic, and it's unhealthy. I'm not arguing that point at all. But some people are completely happy at a larger size. I am all about loving ourselves for who we are, and no one has the right to take that away from us. This particular blogger must not love herself very much to be able to thoughtlessly spew that kind of venom out on her fellow man. So perhaps instead of being angry at her or being hurt by her words, I need to take a different avenue and pray for her. Maybe I need to show the compassion she wasn't able to show. If I don't, I am no better than she is.

So my point is this: Whenever we run across people who have no filter and feel free to say hateful things to others, no matter what it is, we need to show what love and forgiveness look like. Let's be the change we want to see. I'm tired of living in a mean world where people take others for granted and forget that people have feelings. Have I shed tears over this article? You bet I have. But I refuse to hate her. I'm angry about her words, but I am going to breathe deep and let go. And put good and healing thoughts out into the universe for that author. Because at the end of the day, if I carry a grudge I am only hurting myself.

And this girl is all about trying to enjoy her inner happiness. :)

It's The Little Things

I got a treat in the mail yesterday! I had ordered a new knit cap for winter (you know, the ones that keep your head warm when it's cold!) and it arrived yesterday!!! I love it because it's knit to look like a pink cupcake! LOL! Yes, I have a sickness when it comes to anything cupcake related. And no, I don't sit around and wonder why I have weight to lose! (I know why!) I got one for my friend Diane who is going with us to Europe in December. It will be a surprise for her...she loves cupcakes like I do, and I thought we'd have some funny pictures of us in our cupcake hats all over Europe! I can't wait to give it to her. :)

Tis the season for one of my favorite treats...honeycrisp apples!!! They've been on sale at Target for $1.50/pound, and they are delicious! Sweeter and jucier than regular apples, so if it's a healthy treat you're craving, grab one of these babies! They're delicious! (No, this is not a paid endorsement. I just love apples!)

I'm dying to decorate our house for Halloween except that we're having a housewarming party and I seem to be spending money on all the things for that. I have to finish ripping out wallpaper this weekend, and get the guest bathroom painted. It's halfway done (the wallpaper part) but I need to get to it. I'll work on that this weekend. I still need to pick out paint, but I think I want a new shower curtain first. I saw one at Bed Bath and Beyond that I like, so I will probably go pick it up Friday and get some paint matched up with it. Once I get that bathroom finished, I will be cleaning like a madwoman this week! With all these people coming over, I need to look a little more like Suzy Homemaker and get my laundry up off the floor in the bedroom!

I think that's about it for now. I have to finish a paper that's due tonight that I couldn't seem to finish last night. I had some major writers block, and I sat staring at my laptop trying everything I could to get inspired! Some days it just comes easier than others. *Sigh*

Have a great Thursday, friends!

Hello!

No, I didn't fall off the planet. I have just been swamped! Between work, school, and house, I don't have a lot of extra time. I am midway through the semester, and classes are good! I have all A's right now, so I am pleased. I am in the running for Psi Chi, which is the psychology honor society. If I'm not eligible this semester, I absolutely will be next. So I am happy! My official graduation date will be May of 2012, and I can't wait! I have all my courses planned out from now until graduation, and I am VERY excited that I do not have to go to summer school next year!! A whole summer off...my first one in a while, and my last one in a while, too. Grad school is year round, so for another 2.5 years after I graduate I will be a year round student, but at least I'll be working on my Master's Degree and then I get to pursue what I want to do...counseling!!!

The Woman's Day Slimdown challenge is going well. I wish I was losing weight faster, but I'm doing the best I can. At least I'm losing weight, right?

I have been going nuts working on the house. We have a gathering coming up soon, and I want the house to look great! We've been painting, hanging curtains and pictures, and cleaning. We still need a little more furniture, but that is just going to have to wait a little longer. (And I need that money tree to start growing!) But I am loving the house. I had something closely resembling an anxiety attack the day I paid our first house payment, coupled with the new and increased electric bill, cable bill...etc...not that we can't afford it, it's just more money than I am used to seeing flying out the window. But it's all good! We're going to have our credit cards paid off very soon, and that will put us in a VERY good spot, so I am very pleased. We have been using that Home Depot card, and now I'm ready to put it away!

So that's about it. I hope all is well for you all! We're gearing up for our big trip to Europe in December, so look out Europe! Here come the Willises!

Welcome Fall!

I am loving the fall weather! I'm sorry that pool season is ending and I have to say goodbye to my lovely suntan, but it's going to be much nicer getting out and going for walks. :)

David and celebrate our 3rd anniversary tomorrow! We're keeping it low key since we celebrated with Chris and Charlie over the weekend. Tomorrow we're grilling steaks and enjoying our beautiful new home. Two people couldn't be happier!

I am still going strong with the Slimdown Challenge. Are you following me? http://wdslimdown.typepad.com/wdslimdown/jennifer/ Feel free to comment...I need all the help I can get!

I have to keep this post short today...lots to do here at work and I need to prep my blog for Woman's Day. I hope everyone has a great day!!!

Whew!

It's been crazy lately! Between moving, car accidents (I'm fine!), school, and everything else, time has gotten away from me! The house is looking good, and we are almost unpacked. I'm finishing up painting but it will take me a little time to get to it with homework and school. It's been great having a pool to go jump into to cool off in the evenings. This may be the first time I have been happy for the hot weather...it keeps the pool water warm! (The solar cover we bought helps, too)

I'm finally getting back into my routine. The commute is longer and a little more difficult, but it's worth it to me. At least I have a new car that makes it a little easier! (I got an Altima with the 3.5 liter V6 engine...this baby has some get up and go!) Anyhow, things are well and I am happy.

The Slimdown Challenge has been that - challenging. I've been working to stay on track with all the chaos and while it was tough, I'm doing pretty well. It will be nice to be lighter when we go to Europe in December! I've also begun training for the half marathon. Since I couldn't get to Chicago, I am registered (along with some friends) for the Dallas one in March. Sandra and I began our daily workouts at lunch today and I was glad we did it. Shanna is going to start joining us, too, so we're going to get our fitness on and rock it!!

I think that's it for now. I know I should post pictures of the house, and I will...I just have a little down time and I'm going to take advantage of it!

Have a great evening, all!

Whirlwind

It has been crazy! We're moved into the house and I love it! Still have to go back to the apartment one last time today to finish up, but it's all good. For all the happy stuff going on, I did find my negative thing to balance it. I was on my way to school yesterday and got into a car accident (a guy slammed into the side of my car on the freeway) and naturally this jerk had no insurance. Oh, and he's not here in the country legally. Today I am a bit stiff and sore, but I'm ok. My car is going to need some TLC, though. *sigh*

But overall, things are really good. I just wanted to check in and say hello. I'll post more later this week.

Have a great week, friends!

I'm A Homeowner!

Yes, the house is now ours! (And the bank's, too) It's been exicitng buying paint, ordering furniture, and starting some projects at the house. We'll actually be moving in on Friday, but today I am doing some work at the house and having the carpets cleaned. Hopefully the yard guy will call back and then come out and mow and edge the yard...it needs it! It's been sad because David had to travel on business so he hasn't gotten to be at the house yet. I know it's hard for him during such an exciting time, but he'll be home Thursday and we'll go jump in the pool and open the champagne we've been saving for this. :)

That's my short update for today...thre is much to be done and I need to get going!

Today Is The Day!

We're closing on our house at 2:30 this afternoon! This is really exciting, and I can hardly wait. We couldn't sleep last night...it's like Christmas!

I had my first weigh in for my challenge. After only 4 days on the plan, I've lost 2 pounds. However, it's frustrating because David has already lost 4.5, and my BFF has already lost 4. So while I know I should be proud, I just feel somehow like I failed, which is dumb because I didn't at all. One of the other bloggers says she's lost 6 pounds. *sigh* I'm doing my best, and that's all I can do.

So I am focusing on the house today. I'm so ready to get moved!! The boxes are making me miserable!!!

Taking A Break!

I finished my second summer class yesterday, and got an A on my research paper! (Which means I got an A in the class...yay!) It was a tough four weeks, but it's over now. But I have a lot coming up...we're heading up to the lake house this weekend to see Chris and her family, and I can't wait! We should probably be home packing, but we need a break so badly! I also start the official Slimdown Challenge on Monday, and we close on the house a week from today. Whew! That feels like a lot! But I'll manage just fine. :)

I registered yesterday for the Dallas Rock n Roll Half Marathon. Since I didn't get to go to Chicago, I am going to do this one on March 27th of next year. I started training this morning...I got up and was at the gym in my office at 6:30 and did 30 minutes on the treadmill. I know, 30 minutes might not be considered training for many of you, but for me it's a start. I've not been faithful about getting on the treadmill, but that's all changing. And now I have to make sure to get my cardio in so that I can be successful with the weight loss challenge! So it's really two-fold.

I am getting so excited about the house! I'm ready to move in and get settled...and it will be our own little place in the world!! I have so many ideas and plans, and I can't wait to get a paintbrush on those walls! I'll be posting pictures as I go...I'll be steaming wallpaper off and painting as soon as I can get in there! So I am excited to share all of that here with you in the blog. :)

And please don't forget to follow me at www.womansday.com/slimdown!

Have a wonderful Friday, everyone!

Two Weeks and Counting

We close on the new house 2 weeks from today! It's just surreal...and I am so excited! I've picked out paint, planned to rip out wall paper, carpet cleaners are scheduled, utilities set to be turned on...it's really happening! I'll be posting pictures as we move in...the week before the movers come I will be getting the kitchen done and taking some things over a little at a time. It's exciting! Sadly, I am starting the fall semester that same week. I wish I could have a little more time before school starts for fall, but that's just how it goes. I still have to finish my research paper due next Thursday. I'll be glad to have this class wrapped up. While it is important to understand the history of psychology, it's not exactly riveting stuff.

My big plans this weekend? David and I are packing. We have to get a lot done because next weekend we are going to up the lake house to meet up with Chris and Charlie for a quick break. We've had this on the books for a while, and I'm looking forward to it. So we have to make a good bit of progress this weekend...and we have plenty to do! But we're having fun packing together and cleaning things out. It's really not so bad!

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! Try to stay cool, friends...it's HOT outside!

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

41 years is something to be proud of...and I am proud that you guys are my parents. I love you both so much!

Here's to another 41!

Frenzy!

This is a super short post...it's crazy right now! But I have started blogging for Woman's Day now for the Slimdown Challenge...follow my posts here:

http://www.womansday.com/slimdown

I'll update more soon, I promise!!

Overwhelmed!

Wow...I am getting a crash course in home buying. I had no idea what all was involved in buying a house, but it's a LOT! I am trying hard to schedule our home inspection, but having to coordinate my schedule, David's schedule, the inspector's schedule and our realtor's schedule is a challenge. I spent time last night starting to pack things. We have a lot of stuff, and that's just in the kitchen!!! The rest of the apartment is going to take a while. We have a lot of work ahead of us. All good, though! Hopefully there won't be any snags or major problems with the house. Those could be deal breakers. I am reacting differently to the stress...I don't have much of an appetite and my stomach has been twisted in knots. It's all good, but I'm going to be glad to get moved and settled.

I am also getting ramped up for the national magazine weight loss challenge I have been selected for. There is a LOT happening right now! Once my first blog posts on their website I will post a link so you can follow me there, too. I'll be posting several times a week for them about my weight loss experiences. I am going to be following a new weight loss plan, which seems like a really good one. We'll see...the diet part begins August 16th, which is the week we close. STRESS!!!

Please pray for us...we have a lot on our plate!!

Big News

So I am finally able to reveal my big news...David and I about to be home owners!!!!! We put in an offer on Monday and after a counter offer that was pretty good, we ironed out some final details and now we are under contract on a house! And yes, I think it might just be the house we've always wanted! :) I am so excited I can hardly stand it! There is much to do, and we currently have a closing date of August 20th. (Hopefully that won't change!) We will actually get the house on Sunday August 22 at 6pm, as the seller asked for an additional 48 hours after closing. And of course, that's not a problem. So now we will be living here:

Yup! Our own little oasis! This is such an exciting and very stressful time for us, but we couldn't be more excited! What a big year this is for us...who knew? Please pray for us as we start the next chapter in our lives!

So that's what's up in my world. Nothing much, right? LOL!

Wow!

So I lost 3 pounds at WW last week! So far, this week is off to a shaky start, but it's going to be a good one. :) It's a little stressful right now with school and stuff, but it's all good. Three more weeks of class. And then a quick break, and then the fall semester begins...sigh. At least there is a light at the end of the tunnel!

We got some bad news about David's Uncle Jerry. We thought he had beaten his cancer, but it is coming back with a vengeance, and the prognosis is not good. We're very glad we were out there last month to celebrate his 50th wedding anniversary with Aunt Jane. It was a special time and we all had such a good visit. I think David took the news a little hard, and of course I did too. They are lovely people. I can't imagine what they must be going through together right now.

We have other news on the horizon but we don't want to jinx it. I'll share soon, but I would like to ask for prayers of wisdom and good decision making. (Don't worry...this is going to be good, but we're not ready to go totally public yet. And just to quell any rumors, no one is pregnant.) This is good stuff, but like I said, we just don't want to jinx anything. :)

So prayers, please! I'll disclose this week, I promise!

Have a wonderful evening, all!

Carrie Bradshaw's Wisdom

In the SATC episode "A Woman's Right to Shoes," Carrie ends the episode by saying "It's really hard to walk in a single woman's shoes -- that's why you sometimes need really special ones." And having been that single girl, I couldn't agree more. But in this instance, and I am going to take out the word "single" and substitute "fabulous" because today, I feel fabulous! (And as far as I'm concerned, every woman I know should feel fabulous, too!) I did an early morning session with my trainer, and I feel great! I have made some good food choices, I'm working hard to get myself in the right direction, and now I feel like I'm well on my way...so yes, I feel fabulous! Which will now parlay itself into a new pair of shoes I think.

I have a long journey ahead of me...shouldn't my feet look as fabulous as I feel? :)

Holy Cow!

So I got an email I've been hoping for...a national magazine has selected me to be one of their participants in a weight loss challenge!! It's not a competition or contest, just a very cool thing to be part of! I'll be getting my own personal weight loss coach that I'll be on contact with weekly, I'll be responsible for blogging weekly on their magazine website, and I'll be getting a personalized nutritional plan for me to follow. I don't know how many other people are part of this, but I am VERY excited! This process began back in May I think...it's been a while. But it all worked out and now I have a unique and wonderful opportunity to work hard and make this happen. My trainer just about passed out excitement! I emailed her and I got a call back with her in tears of joy...it feels good to know she believes in me!

So I am about to embark on a very exciting and very public journey. The hard part is knowing the weight number they will be publishing. But that's ok. I'm going to suck it up and be brave...maybe there's a girl out there just like me who needs to know she's not alone. I hope maybe my journey can give someone else just the courage they need to get themselves healthy, too.

So wish me luck! It all begins mid-August!!

Hanging On To My Sanity

Well, I'm trying anyhow. It feels so crazy right now, and I am so tired. Between work, school, and just life in general I am beat. Poor David and his back...he's on the mend, but it's taking some time and I won't let him lift anything. Or bend over to do things like scoop the litter box. So basically keeping the house in order in falling solely on me. Which is okay, but I am just so tired right now. School is going well, but I am working really hard at it. Just so you know, I hear myself whining about the same things all the time. I know how repetitive I sound. But it's just true. I'm exhausted. When the semester ends on August 12th, I am going to cherish the short time between semesters dearly! We're going to go up to the lake house and meet Chris and Charlie and the babies to celebrate, and I am really looking forward to that. :)

I am still waiting to hear about my participation in the magazine weight loss challenge. I hope no news is good news! I really do want this to work out, and so I am crossing my fingers. I've been doing okay back on WW...slow week last week and this week has been really tough because I have been so stressed out. But it's coming together, it just takes time. I've had many conversations with my friend Chris about this. She and I have shared the very same weight struggles since we were young. We met when we were 12, and even then we both struggled with weight. We've shared success and failure, and this time we're both determined to make this happen. But we both agree that weight loss is difficult and can be such a frustrating and often daunting task to take on. She and I share high blood pressure and wacky thyroid, too, so we're hoping to at least knock out the blood pressure meds. Although both of us have parents who had it so it may hereditary. But Chris is wanting to get pregnant again, so that is helping fuel her desire to get healthy, too. For me, I want to fight off the possibility of diabetes. See? It's more than just looking good, it's about being healthy. So I am a lucky girl to have a community of friends who support me. :)

So I have WW on Saturday, but I don't know how it will go. I've done okay but eaten foods with higher sodium, and we all know what that means...water retention. Ugh. So that may show up on the scale this week. Either way, I'm going and facing the music. I'm all about taking this head-on, so I'll report in on Saturday and let you know!

Have a good Thursday!

Talking Turkey

So I made turkey tacos last night and they were wonderful! I simply used very lean ground turkey rather than ground beef, and ta-da! Healthier tacos! And I totally enjoyed them! I dearly love Tex-Mex and this was so tasty!! I highly recommend it!

I've been working like crazy to get my first psych paper finished. I am happy to report that I just sent it off to my professor. Now to study for tomorrow's quiz! (a student's work is never done!) I also need to drive David out to show him where to go for jury duty tomorrow. Poor guy...his back is a mess! He is having trouble with his sciatic nerve, and could hardly walk yesterday. He went to the doctor and got a massage and is doing much better today. However, his pain pills knock him out so I am going to call him sleeping beauty! :)

Not much else to report. Things are good, just very hectic with school. I have decided to lighten my fall load from 14 hours to 11. I need to keep my sanity! While I wanted to keep what I had registered for, I figured State and Local Government could wait until the spring.

I hope everyone had a good Tuesday!

Stress!!!!

So I started my next class last night. lots of papers to write and my fair share of quizzes. I honestly feel like I am having to work really hard to tread water right now. I think I will really enjoy the week I get between summer school and the regular semester at the end of August. Tonight, rather than getting to spend time with David or do something fun, I will eat dinner and then get to work on my first paper. It hardly seems fair. But it's the price I am paying to get this d@mn education. (Which I am grateful for and really want...I'm just tired right now.)

I am going to WW tomorrow morning. If we can all think back, I joined back on 19, but haven't been able to get to a meeting because I have been out of town every weekend since then. I am going to step on the scale at the gym here in a few minutes...not sure how its going to go. But you know what? I am happy to go tomorrow. I like the meetings. They really help. And I get to spend some time with my friend Wendy at the meeting, so it's all good! After that I am headed out of town overnight (yes, again). Oh, and that half marathon? Yeah, its coming up and I'm really not ready. I don't think I'll be able to finish, but I'm going to give it my very best effort. That's what counts, right? Of course, both ways on the plane I will have to be working on homework. I can't begin to tell you how ready I am to get through school. I'm just exhausted right now.

But over all, things are really good. I know I'm whining about being tired and all, but it will pass. This degree is something I want, and I am glad to have a chance to get an education. I just want a break, too!!

Have a good Friday, everyone!