The day I will never forget

Today's challenge from SITS:

Tuesday, September 14: Re-upload a post you wish more people had read and explain why it was important to you.


I thought this was going to take awhile and I was going to have to go through all my posts, but as soon as I saw the title, I thought this is the one. I went through my posts anyway, just to make sure, but this is definitely a post that very few read that is very important to me:

Weight Loss Wednesday

Okay, okay. I know it's Thursday, but hear me out.

Yesterday was a day I thought I would never let happen. I was getting dressed, struggling to put on otherwise cute clothes that used to fit. After I squeezed into them and got ready, I looked in the mirror....and started to cry.

The day came when I looked in the mirror and didn't recognize myself. It crept up on me, and suddenly someone else was looking back at me. A version of myself I did not like. How did this happen?!? It's hard to admit being at my heaviest weight and realizing it's completely my own doing. I didn't feel comfortable in my own skin. I was looking in the mirror at a BEFORE picture...

Well, I've had it. I've been in a place before where I wanted change, wanted health, wanted to feel comfortable in my body. I'd be great for awhile (last year, I lost 25 lbs....but gained it back plus some), but this time is different. While staring at my reflection (I think it was me, I was in there somewhere) I realized that I can't change on my own. I need accountability. I need to keep myself accountable and I need the encouragement of others, and their accountability. And I need the strength that only God can provide.

So, with the help of some inspirational friends, I'm dedicating Wednesdays to keeping myself accountable for a healthier life style, hopefully finding weight loss as a positive bonus. Let's begin with DAY 1 of my journey:

WEIGH IN:

*yeah right, like I'm going to tell you that! Maybe once I reach my goal, I'll tell you my starting weight! =]

I started at the gym yesterday, and biked 16.84 miles and did 400 sit ups!!! PHEW. Then, I finished my evening with 400 more!!! That's more than I've ever done in my lifetime, I'm fairly certain. But I don't want to crash and burn. I want to keep some reasonable goals for the week:

GOALS:

1. Drink more water

2. Do at least 200 sit ups/crunches a day

3. Eat smaller portions

4. Break one sweat a day

So far so good. I'll weigh in next week, but at least today I've kept it up with 400 more sit ups, 3 mile run and 4.5 mile bike. But I need the encouragement and I'm not afraid to ask for it. Please follow me on my journey....

...because, darn it, there will be an AFTER picture!

In all honesty, I have no idea how many people read this post. Few commented. This isn't a post where I thought 'I want the world to know how fat I have gotten', but it was more 'I need people to keep me accountable.'

I have actually gone back from time to time to read this post and remind myself of how far I've come. Before I found out I was pregnant, I had lost 32 lbs. Not quite to my goal, but very close. I remember this day vividly. I remember looking at my reflection and breaking down. This post reminds me of a day I will never forget. A day my life changed forever. A day that changed the way I look at food, at my habits, at my life.

Since that day, I've had so many followers encourage me and support me, and I'm forever thankful for the motivation it gave me. I can't wait to get back on track to my goal weight!

See you tomorrow!


This post is sponsored by SITS, Standards of Excellence, Westar Kitchen and Bath, and Florida Builder Appliances

Weight Loss Wednesday and a BIG announcement

It's been awhile since I've done Weight Loss Wednesdays. There are a couple reasons for that: First is my usual excuse, I'm so busy this summer I haven't really had time. I've still been working out, trying to keep on making good choices and it feels good because it's become part of my life now. It doesn't feel forced anymore to make healthy choices - most of the time, I prefer it.

Our anniversary is coming up this Monday (a whopping 7 years!) and I found a picture of the hubs and I on our anniversary last year, right before our date night. This picture was not long before that dreadful day when I reached my largest point:

Ugh. It hurts to look at. But as of a few weeks ago, I'd lost 32 pounds (and apparently shrunk a few inches!) and that girl is never coming back!  Here's the hubs and I now:

I know it's not a huge difference, but I can tell.

There's another reason Weight Loss Wednesdays have been on a break: This will be my last WLW post for awhile, so I'd been postponing it because I have to tell you why, which is also the exciting news I couldn't wait to share:

A few weeks ago, the hubs and I found out WE'RE EXPECTING!!!!!

(I guess your body is pretty fertile when you're in good shape! HA)

Baby #3 (aka 'peanut') is due to arrive Valentine's Day, 2011!

I've really had to adjust my mindset over the last few weeks as far as body image and weight loss is concerned. I am obviously no longer trying to lose weight. In fact, I've gained 4lbs, and I'm perfectly okay with that. I know I'm so much healthier now than I was with my first two pregnancies. I've cut back on my gym time so as not to over-do it, but I'm trying to maintain 3 days a week of moderate exercise. I feel confident I will be able to get right back on track after this baby comes and be able to complete my goal of losing 20 more pounds to my goal weight.

I will try not to turn this blog into pregnancy central, but I will at least keep friends and family updated. Here's me @ 4 weeks, when we found out:

I am now 9 weeks, and feeling pretty good. Hormones are everywhere and I'm feel more exhausted than ever before, but things are good. I will admit that I've been craving McDonalds (of all things! Probably because I've deprived myself of it for so long), but I'm trying to stay away! Here's our little peanut:

I'll update more later. I'm so excited to finally be able to share our news! I hate holding it in! =]

Roller coaster

Roller coaster is the best way I can describe the week I've had: Up & downs, highs & lows, with some twists and turns along the way...

But first things first - Roller coaster #1:

Weight loss Wednesday: I officially reached my goal of losing 10 pounds before Memorial Weekend! WOO HOO.  I am down 30 pounds total! I got a little over zealous thinking I could get another 5lbs off this week...not happening people. I'm already working out 5-6 days a week, staying well within my 1300 daily calorie intake, staying active, drinking water like crazy...I feel good about where I'm at health wise. I don't want to hurt myself.

The thing I've learned this week is that there is room to enjoy yummy food in my diet! It's all about moderation. I enjoy a piece of chocolate with some yogurt to curb my sugar cravings...and I've found so many great recipes that I never imagined liking, and so healthy! After the shock of realizing how many calories I was actually consuming on a daily basis, I thought cutting back would be a shock to my system - but honestly it hasn't been. Don't get me wrong, I still have my moments where Slurpees call me in my sleep and I want to swim in a pool of potato chips, but I'm not starving myself. I don't feel bad about saying no, I'm enjoying life because I know I'm taking care of myself. Glad this Roller Coaster is on course and steady! =]

Roller Coaster #2: End of Preschool

I haven't written much about my first year of teaching preschool much...frankly, because I don't know what I can and cannot disclose online, so better safe than sorry! But today was my last day of school with my Mon/Wed class, and it took everything out of me not to break down today! Words cannot express how much those kids mean to me, and how much they've changed me this year. They've made me a more patient person, a better mom, and left countless impressions on my heart. 

All my Preschool (and the Pre-K class) at our Spring Music Concert a few weeks ago

This morning was stressful. I was running on 3 hours of sleep, and being the last day of school (we had it at the park), I wanted to make sure everything was perfect and prepared...but of course, I was running late, everything took longer than I expected, and I got so anxious. But as soon as the kids started showing up, the anxiety melted away. The sweet cards, giant hugs, and pictures just made my day. As much as I am looking forward to a summer break to get some stuff done at home, it was hard to say good bye. Now, I have to do it all again tomorrow with my Tues/Thurs class. OY!

Roller Coaster # 3: Job Hunting

So since Preschool is ending for the next three months, I had been looking for a summer job. I've really had my heart set on working at my gym, since I already know SO many parents, employees, and members there - it would be a perfect fit. I can take my kids to work with me (which would save me HUNDREDS of dollars!), I wouldn't have to work too late at night so I can put my kids to bed every night (one thing I missed out on bartending at night), AND I would get a free membership - yahoo! I managed to get an interview...and then nothing. They said they'd let me know, but never called. I was just about to give up hope and try somewhere else - and they called me TODAY!!!! I GOT THE JOB!!! I have an interview with the general manager tomorrow, then just have to wait on background checks, etc to go through, then I start training. The timing could not be more perfect. It will take a few weeks to get everything back, so I'll have a little bit to catch my breath and get some work done at home before I start up again! I am so thankful and blessed! =]

Roller Coaster # 4: King's Island

source

Speaking of Roller Coasters, I am SOOO looking forward to my mini vacation this weekend with the kids and my family (parents, brothers, and nephew) to Kentucky for a family reunion! Then, on our way back, we're spending the day at King's Island! This will be the first time EVER that I am going to an amusement park without being concerned about the roller coasters. I am a roller coaster fanatic. I will ride anything, anywhere. LOVE EM. But, this weekend, I'm much more excited about spending time with my babies, watching them enjoy the great kids park there, and the water park! I know they're going to have so much fun, and it makes me more excited to see that than to ride rides myself! There is just something about watching your children enjoy life that is so captivating and so fulfilling...can't wait.

PHEW! I'm trying to get through this week one day at a time. Today: laundry, laundry, laundry! Gotta get packed for Kentucky, and make sure my poor hubby can sustain himself alone in the house for the weekend.

" Life can be like a roller coaster... And just when you think you've had enough, and your ready to get off the ride and take the calm, easy merry-go round... You change your mind, throw you hands in the air and ride the roller coaster all over again. That's exhilaration...that's living a bit on the edge...that's being ALIVE." --- Stacey Charter

Weight Loss Wednesday

And it's Wednesday even! I finally got the right day!

Yesterday, I started coming down with something. A head cold & congestion, nothing serious. But my body is tired. However, this week I have been feeling really good.

My rapid weight loss has slowed down from last week, partly because I only went to the gym 5 days, and because I'm under the weather, but I know I can't expect to lose 7 pounds every week (I wish!). This week, I've lost 2 lbs....which means I have only have 1 pound to go before reaching my goal of 10 lbs lost before Memorial weekend!! It feels good to be so close to accomplishing a big goal.

Let me share with y'all some of the major changes I've made over the last few weeks that have made a huge different. I've been consistent with all of it:

1. Drinking as much water as humanly possible.
2. Eating every 3-4 hours, to keep my metabolism going
3. Eating breakfast right away in the morning.
4. Counting calories (this has probably made the biggest impact on my weight loss!)
5. Trying to get enough sleep.
6. Trying to let go of stress.
7. Burn as many calories as possible.

It feels great to be back on track. I'm excited to reach my goal weight by my birthday in August, I know I can do it! Just for those of you keeping track, my weight loss total thus far:


X - 29 lbs!!!


Pretty soon, I might even tell you how much I weighed at the beginning of this whole journey! HA

Weight Loss Wednesday

I tried so hard to blog yesterday, but I wasn't home between the hours of being awake and going to sleep...LONG day!

But I am happy to announce that this week has been great. I started back at the gym which really boosted my motivation, and have already got my money's worth - been there 6 days a week! I also have been drinking tons of water, which is a great habit I was getting lazy on lately. And through my entire weight loss journey, I've wanted to started keeping a food log/journal to see if it helped, and I just was too lazy to do it. Luckily, the hubs has this great app on his ipod called 'Lose It' that helps make calorie counting so easy. I've been staying in my calorie intake very well, and have been trying to burn calories like crazy!

All the hard work this week has paid off. I have FINALLY broken through my weight plateau that has been plaguing me since the beginning of the year! It is such a good feeling and I NEVER want to go back!!!

I set a goal 2 weeks ago to lose 10lbs before I leave for Kentucky at the end of the month. Well, are you ready for this? I've already lost 7, so only 3 more to go!!! I'm so excited and motivated I'm gonna try and lose 15 lbs total before I leave!

It feels good. Hard work DOES pay off, people! My other goal was to be at my goal weight by my birthday, which would be losing 25 more pounds by August 6th....and the hubs is saving up to let me have a shopping spree/birthday treat as a reward when I reach it!

What about you? I would love to hear stories about how it felt to break past the plateau of weight. I am on such a health high right now =]

Weight Loss Wednesday

I know, I know...it's Thursday. For some reason, Wednesdays are hard for me to blog, as it's usually a busy day. I should really change the title.

I haven't update about my weight loss journey in awhile, because frankly, I've been quite depressed and frustrated about it. I'm not really gaining any weight (I fluctuate between a few pounds) but I'm not losing any more. I still have a long ways to go, so this is irritating. I'm not an unhealthy person, but my exercise routine has slowed way down. I was loving The Shred workout but I wasn't losing weight. I would still do it just for maintaining an exercise routine, but right now, getting up at 5:30 to work out just doesn't fly with my busy schedule...I'm too tired. So, I'll revisit this in 4 weeks when school is out. I would love to get out and run now that the weather is getting nicer...but I can't with kids. I have no equipment at home and can't afford a treadmill which is what i'd really love.

But these are just excuses. NO EXCUSES. I need to stop making excuses and remember what it felt like to look in the mirror that day in August. ICK. I won't go back to that, EVER.

Here's the good news:

Yesterday, I stopped at Victoria's Secret Outlet to look around and they were having an incredible sale....ALL their clothing $5 or less! This included ALL their VS Sportswear! I got a $64 zip up for $5!!! Yoga pants, t-shirts, I got WAY excited, cause I love their sports line. I added up the original prices....I got $250 worth of stuff for $43.00!!! Seriously, I was giddy. And it made me want to get out and exercise!!!

Wait, it gets better...

I was whining to the hubs last night about how much I miss my membership. He told me he was already wanting to add it back on (we get a discount through his work and it comes directly out of his check) for me, cause he knew how much I miss it. So, he did as an early Mother's Day gift to me!!! WOO HOO

It has totally given me another boost of motivation! I went grocery shopping, bought tons of healthy and yummy food for the week, and I can start back to the gym on Saturday! Can't wait to work up a great sweat!

I'll try to check back in next week....wish me luck!

Weight Loss Wednesday

Finally....another installment of Weight Loss Wednesdays!

I know, I know....it's been awhile since I've updated on my journey. I'm tellin' ya...I knew this would be a tough road, but I didn't expect it to take this long for as hard as I've worked for it. I think it's God's way of telling me I really DO have to stick it out if I want this to be a lifestyle change. It doesn't come for free.

As you all know, I started working out with Jillian Michael's The Shred last week to replaced my cancelled gym membership:

Today marks DAY 8 of my 30 days. The first week was actually a breeze. Level 1 was probably too easy for me but it was comfortable/fun and got my heart rate up. I looked forward to getting up every morning this week. Today, I stepped up it up. Level 2 is significantly more challenging than Level 1, I was panting like crazy! But, that's a good thing right?!?

I have to tell you, as much as I've enjoyed this workout so far, it's been really frustrating that I still have not lost ANY WEIGHT. Seriously?!? I know I'm building muscle, and I know the first week's workouts were fairly easy for me, but come on! I'm not fat, but I am still pretty significantly over weight and over my target weight, I'd like to budge a little! 

GRRR....right now, I need some encouragement. I will continue doing The Shred. I've committed to at least 30 days. But can y'all please share any stories about breaking through plateaus? How did you get through it? What did you have to do? Any suggestions for me? I'm desperate!

Until next week...

Weight Loss Wednesday (I know it's Friday!)

I usually do Weight Loss Wednesdays, but I'm trying to keep you posted, one major event at a time, so I'm going in order. Besides, it's been ages since I've posted about my weight loss journey.

I will tell you there is not much to report weight wise. Since last month, I haven't lost any weight. But I should be thankful that between the Holidays and not getting to the gym as much due to travel, I haven't gained any either.

Here's the good news: This month, I went through some old clothes I had stored away, and found probably 8+ pairs of pants that fit me before I had kids and put them back in my drawers! YAY It's also good news that even though I've lost a little weight, I am not satisfied staying at the weight I'm at now. I want to keep going. I've lost about 25lbs, I would still love to lose about 30lbs more. It's a high goal, but I think know I can do it.

Here's the bad news: I've really gotten frustrated with this plateau I've hit. I'm hoping that now I'm back into my regularly scheduled life, I can break through it. Since we've started our Dave Ramsey program (which I will update on later), a lot of my goals have shifted to taking care of my financial life. Food wise, though, I'm even more committed to eating wiser, spending less money out to eat, and eating what I already have. Sometimes that means we're eating Ramen for dinner. The other really bad news is that I have to cancel my gym membership. *tear* I'm super sad about this, but since we're down an income, that's the easiest thing to let go of to free up some money each month. So I have til the end of February with my membership - and you'd better believe I'm going to get my money's worth out of it.

This is what a need: YOU 

I need some people to keep me accountable, to encourage, to pray. I know it's a lot easier to stay on track when I have people to answer to, even if it is via blog. Tell me your success stories, what keeps you on track? How did you break through your plateau? (I'm dying for advice on that one). Let's lift each other up and lose together!

(SIDE NOTE) I did get to see Sean Algaier from Biggest Loser season 8 the last two weekends while traveling (he's an old friend and we run in the same church circles - pictures to come) Singing with him, listening to his talk, and talking with him one-on-one has been SO inspiring! He's definitely one of my huge inspirations!

Weight Loss Wednesday

I haven't updated with Weight Loss Wednesday in quite awhile. Partly because of time and my insane life right now. And partly because for the last month, I've been stuck.

I didn't lose any weight for a month.

It was very discouraging. Mostly because I am still overall so much healthier than I ever was before. I'm still trying to watch what I eat, make better choices, eat more often with smaller meals...you know, all the things you're supposed to do lose weight.

No luck.

I said earlier that my goal was to feel comfortable in my own skin. I wanted a more balanced life, and that weight loss was to be a great bonus. But truth is, I want the weight loss. I want to fit in my old clothes. I want to feel 'skinny'. But, why can't I have both a healthy life AND weight loss?

So, I had to re-gear. Let's be honest, crazy schedule, stress, Halloween candy (ok, ok, I admit it) = plateau of weight loss. I had to kick myself again to get back on track. Here's my update from the last goals:

1. Eat breakfast within the first 30 minutes of waking up.

I'm actually pretty good about this one, only because I have a schedule every morning and because I am up so early. I get up. Take a vitamin with a huge glass of water. Eat breakfast. If I don't get to it, I drink a protein shake on my way to work.

2. Run at least 3X a week to prepare for a 10K race

This has been almost impossible. 3 days a week have been really hard to achieve. HOWEVER, I realized I'm capable of a lot more than I gave myself credit for, because even with 1 day a week, I've met my mark of 10K today - running. Non-stop. This may not seem like much, but I've never run that much. EVER. I'm pretty stoked. Especially since I found out this week I will not be in town the day of the race, so I've achieved the goal all on my own. YAY ME!

3. Cook/eat more meals at home.

This has actually happened by default. I've been forced to this cause I'm broke. HA! Probably a good thing though. I don't really prefer to cook (I do love to bake, but when is that ever healthy?!?) so it's really an effort. But it's happening.

4. Go to bed at a decent hour when possible.

With the exception of tonight as I stay up late to blog, I've been to bed before midnight every night this week. That's huge for me. But I didn't do it consciously....I blame old age! So, goal achieved again by default! =]

So, with the tough month I had of no weight loss (and I do realize that I've built a lot of muscle running), I only have one goal this time:

1. Lose 15 pounds by Christmas.

EEK! I really have to watch out for holiday food, stress, etc. if I want to do that. But what I am coming to realize is that I can only cheat myself. I am the only one getting in the way of my goal. I decided on this goal last week, and I've already broke through my plateau, losing 3 lbs. this week, which puts me at:

X - 20 lbs!

Phew. I feel good again. I can do this. I can do this. I can do this. =]

Weight Loss Wednesday

Here I am, back again.

Since my last check in, I've been trying to balance myself. I'm still very busy but I'm trying to just adjust to my routine without losing my sanity. Here's how I've been doing:

1. Eat smaller meals, more often.

This is one of those things that is so much easier with a regular schedule. I'm used to not eating all day, then splurging at night and overeating. I'm proud to say that I'm forcing myself to eat every 3-4 hours. That's right, forcing. It's tough to do, but when I eat throughout the day, I'm for sure less hungry consistently - imagine that! I know my metabolism will thank me later! =]

2. Take my daily vitamins every morning.

CHECK! =] (again, easier with a routine)

3. Talk to my kids more about eating healthy, and making healthy choices.

This has been by far the most rewarding part of my journey. Faith takes a Stretch-N-Grow class every Wednesday, which is a kid's fitness program stressing the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle - money well spent! I've also had to say no to the convenience of McDonald's to tell my kids that it's not a healthy choice to eat all the time, that it's just a special treat for once in awhile. Same with the discussion about snacks vs. treats. Last week, when we did have McDonald's for the first time in awhile, Faith immediately said "Mommy, I'll get apples instead of fries, cause they're healthy for my body!" I was beaming with pride knowing that I'm being a better example to my kids and teaching them how to make healthy choices themselves! =]

4. Get on the Treadmill

Oh man, was I putting this one off! I would rather bike for 30 miles than run for 1 mile. I hate running. It kills my knee and burns my esophagus. Well, I found a sure-fire way to get my butt on the treadmill - I signed up to run a 10k race for Thanksgiving!!! EEK. So Monday, for the first time since probably high school, I ran a mile without stopping to see if my body (aka knee) could handle it. And guess what? I survived. After I'm finished blogging, I'll be heading to the gym to attempt 2 whole miles. Sounds trivial, but I NEVER thought I'd be running again!

I'm very proud of myself for keeping goals this time, and it has paid off. Check out my weigh in:

X - 17LBS!

1. Eat breakfast within the first 30 minutes of waking up.

2. Run at least 3X a week to prepare for the 10k race.

3. Cook/eat more meals at home.

4. Get to bed at a decent hour when possible.

This journey is much easier with encouragement from friends and family...that's what I was missing the first time around. I'm being open and honest about my goals and achievements and appreciate all the encouragement! XOXO

Weight Loss Wednesday

I am finally getting the chance to check in for Weight Loss Wednesdays

I feel like I say this on a regular basis, but it always seems more and more true - I have been insanely busy lately! No, really. Insane. Since my last check in, I've started a new job teaching preschool and the schedule has been a huge adjustment. It's been a month already and I'm still getting used to it. It's been almost two weeks since I've been to the gym because I literally haven't had time. But don't worry - this is NOT an excuse. I repeat, NOT an excuse. My weight loss has slowed a little and my body is adjusting, but I keep on keepin' on! Still eating better (and more regularly), not eating late at night, eating smaller portions, etc. It's about changing my lifestyle and a lifetime of bad habits.

Okay, here's my goal check-in from last time:

1. Keep a health journal

This one has actually NOT happened for me. I know that it is practical and a goal I would like to reach, but right now I am mentally overextended enough that I would never remember to write down what I eat, etc. I will revisit this goal soon when my schedule settles a bit in a few weeks.

2. No eating after 9pm

I've been pretty good about this one. A few late nights I was desperate (especially since I haven't been going to bed since 2 or 3am....I need something to sustain!) but for the most part, I am consistent. I've even been bringing light snacks with me to work so I can have something small during my shift when I don't get meal breaks. It also keeps me from getting too hungry when I get home.

3. No buying anymore clothes til I lose at least 10lbs.

I actually remember the day I posted that, I went shopping and used a gift card I had gotten for my birthday! But it was for work, and if you read my blog, you'd know that I HAVE lost 10 lbs...

4. Cut my slurpee intake to once a week.

Laugh all you want, but slurpees sing to me in my sleep....I have averaged 2 a week, actually which is better than before. But I am proud of myself because I am getting SMALL slurpees instead of LARGE ones.....baby steps, people, baby steps....

So, I haven't met all of my goals exactly, but I feel good about that fact that this hasn't been a "diet" that I keep going back and forth on. I am making a daily effort to mentally prepare myself for healthy choices. Some days are good, some not so good, but over all my life is slowly changing.

And now, the moment you've been waiting for.....my weigh in:

X - 12lbs!!!

(Not bad for a month, averages out to 3lbs a week)

Now that my men are back in town and my little is getting back to my regular routine, I am ready to kick my butt back in gear. Here are some new goals for the week:

1. Eat smaller meals, more often. (No more eating once a day garbage)

2. Take my daily vitamins every morning.

3. Talk more to my kids about eating healthy, and making healthy choices.

4. Get on the treadmill (this has been a fear of mine, as it is hard on my knee, but I am gonna do it....)

Wish me luck!

Slowly but surely

I'm sure you're on the edge of your seat wondering what's been going on in my life...

Or not. Whatever.

Either way, let me just say that the last two weeks have been an adjustment, to say the least. I was not kidding in my last post when I said it was the calm before the storm. The storm has come and has not yet past. Preparing to teach my first year of preschool has proved to be a bigger task than I expected, planning wise. It's just glorified babysitting right? Well, when my OCD kicks in, it goes straight to 5th gear....and I want everything to be perfect and perfectly planned. Centers, carpet time, songs, calendars, games, music, schedule...you name it, I've tried to plan it. Turns out, I didn't plan everything.

The first day of preschool was a success, even if it didn't go exactly the way I planned it. My classes are great, my kids are adorable, my assistants are amazing - I think it's going to be a fun year! My body is still adjusting to waking up before the sun to get three people ready, so I've been having a tough time, but I think it will be worth it. Getting in a set schedule has always been good for me, even if I resist it: It's just always helped me balance. I tend to slack off and be lazy if I don't have anything pushing me to get going.

And speaking of push, I'm sure you'd also like an update on my weight loss journey since I haven't updated that in two weeks either. Well, needless to say, my vigorous exercising routine took a back seat over the last two weeks of planning stress, but it has not stopped! I will give you a full update next Wednesday (hopefully), but I've lost a total of 10lbs! =] I still feel the same and feel like I need to push myself a little harder, but I'm taking it a day at a time. I've been trying to make better choices, not eating late, making sure to eat breakfast, etc. Just being smarter about the way I eat, and my life in general. I will NOT give up until I feel comfortable in my own skin again.

Slowly but surely, things/routines/plans are finding their place in my life. There's so much to squeeze in to one blog post, but I have work to do, so we'll just have to save it for another day!

Weight Loss Wednesday

Ah....welcome to my weight loss journey! I've been so motivated and busy, I haven't blogged about much since last Wednesday. But, let me catch you up.

I know this is it. I can feel it in my bones. I don't want to be skinny, I want to be healthy! I want to feel comfortable in my own skin. I've been working so hard this week....I've been at the gym EVERY DAY except Sunday (even God rested!). Let's first check in with the goals I set last week:

1. Drink more water.

Not only have I been drinking a ton more water every day, it's been the ONLY thing I've had to drink all week! =]

2. Do 200 sit ups/crunches a day.

I'm incredibly proud of myself here, because the first two days were tough....but I've done more than 200 a day (except Sunday, of course). This week, I've totaled 2,700 (if you're keeping track, that's a daily average of 385.71)!! =]

3. Eat smaller portions.

My entire life, I've been trained to finish my plate. This is a tough one, cause I don't really think about it til my meal is finished and I'm too full. However, I've been not only trying to eat less (starting by just putting less in front of me) but also eating slower and stopping when I start to feel full. =]

4. Break one sweat a day.

I can't believe how much I've sweat this week. Even Sunday, I broke a sweat doing major house cleaning. **I realize this is a little OCD, but it's really a motivational thing for me to know my week's total, so deal with it.** Here's the breakdown of what I've done:

2,700 sit ups/crunches

61.34 miles of biking

8 miles on foot

I've also done various arm exercises, and 1 hour of cardio kickboxing

=]

Drum roll please.....

WEIGH IN:

X* - 6lbs!!!

*X is my starting weight, which I'm still not ready to reveal....ha!

I've had highs and lows all week. I haven't had any trouble (YET) getting up and going to the gym, and I feel great after sweating like a disgusting pig. But it is so frustrating to work so hard and know that it's gonna take awhile to see the results I really want. (Don't you wish you could just get rid of it all with one great workout?!?)

Okay, some new goals this week:

1. Keep a health journal.

2. No eating after 9pm.

3. No buying anymore clothes til I lose at least 10lbs.

4. Cut my slurpee intake to once a week (In case you didn't know, slurpees are my downfall!)

WISH ME LUCK. See you next week!

Weight Loss Wednesday

Okay, okay. I know it's Thursday, but hear me out.

Yesterday was a day I thought I would never let happen. I was getting dressed, struggling to put on otherwise cute clothes that used to fit. After I squeezed into them and got ready, I looked in the mirror....and started to cry.

The day came when I looked in the mirror and didn't recognize myself. It crept up on me, and suddenly someone else was looking back at me. A version of myself I did not like. How did this happen?!? It's hard to admit being at my heaviest weight and realizing it's completely my own doing. I didn't feel comfortable in my own skin. I was looking in the mirror at a BEFORE picture...

Well, I've had it. I've been in a place before where I wanted change, wanted health, wanted to feel comfortable in my body. I'd be great for awhile (last year, I lost 25 lbs....but gained it back plus some), but this time is different. While staring at my reflection (I think it was me, I was in there somewhere) I realized that I can't change on my own. I need accountability. I need to keep myself accountable and I need the encouragement of others, and their accountability. And I need the strength that only God can provide.

So, with the help of some inspirational friends, I'm dedicating Wednesdays to keeping myself accountable for a healthier life style, hopefully finding weight loss as a positive bonus. Let's begin with DAY 1 of my journey:

WEIGH IN:

*yeah right, like I'm going to tell you that! Maybe once I reach my goal, I'll tell you my starting weight! =]

I started at the gym yesterday, and biked 16.84 miles and did 400 sit ups!!! PHEW. Then, I finished my evening with 400 more!!! That's more than I've ever done in my lifetime, I'm fairly certain. But I don't want to crash and burn. I want to keep some reasonable goals for the week:

GOALS:

1. Drink more water

2. Do at least 200 sit ups/crunches a day

3. Eat smaller portions

4. Break one sweat a day

So far so good. I'll weigh in next week, but at least today I've kept it up with 400 more sit ups, 3 mile run and 4.5 mile bike. But I need the encouragement and I'm not afraid to ask for it. Please follow me on my journey....

...because, darn it, there will be an AFTER picture!