Making it happen

I know it's been awhile.  I've turned to Instagram a bit to make things more simple since I can't update my blog from my phone.  2 weeks ago I finally joined Weight Watchers.  We get a HUGE discount through David's work, and I love the idea of the point system vs. counting straight up calories or figuring up complicated meal combinations.  So far, I haven't had a single "screw it" day.  I've tracked every bite of food, figuring up food values, and logging faithfully into my app.  So far, nothing earth shattering ... 7 pounds.  But hey, it's a start!  And I have not exercised at ALL.  The weather went from cold and snowy to cold and flooding.  There have been VERY few nice days, so after getting through a whole SIX DAYS of couch to 5K, I stopped.  Again.  Then I got sick.  I'm finally well, finally feeling better, and ready to get to it.

This morning after Wednesday Weigh in!  7 lbs down

Today I sweated to T-25 ... it's 4 days to my 40th birthday.  I WILL be "blowing it" a bit that day.  We're going to a car show, then eating at Paula Deen's restaurant.  I WILL eat all the foods, but I will be strict with my portions.

Looking forward to MAYBE wearing a pair of actual shorts this summer?  Maybe?  I haven't bought myself clothes since I had to finally break down and buy some "fat jeans".  Other than that, I've bought motorcycle riding clothes, but I would buy those big anyway.  My "girls" are out of control, I'm ready to have the chest shrink a bit lol!  I love the T-25 Speed 1.0 because it works both arms, cardio, and stretch.  I'm going to do that workout tomorrow and Friday, trying to not modify much by Friday.  I'm still too fat to jump around much ... my target "jumping" weight is 180.  So that's basically 25 pounds.  DANG.  I can't believe I've gained so much, it's disheartening.  My dream weight is back down around 148.  That's a comfortable size 10/ some clothes in an 8.

The best thing WW is doing for me is training me to look for more healthy options.  Today I went to Aldi's to buy our take and bake pizza.  1/8 of the pizza is a serving size.  1/8.  That's barely any food.  It's worth a whopping 10 points.  I get 23 the entire DAY.  But a full cup of 3 cheese tortellini w/ a 1/4 cup of marinara is only 9 points ... and it's more filling.  So I still get my yummy, italian food, just in a different form.  I had a chicken hot dog cut up in a spoon full of chili with a sliced dill pickle and a smidge of mustard and ketchup.  Soooooo good.  No bun.  No chips.  I'm missing dessert every night, but I'm hoping that once I transition over to "maintain" vs. "lose" I get more points lol. 

I finally bought batteries for my food scale.  And I bought a scale.  For the first time in 39 years.  It's sickening to step on it, but I'm tired of burying my head in the sand.  I'm ready to lose again.  I'm ready to be me again.  And I'm bound and determined to do it without trendy packaged foods and mail order products.  I can't TELL you how many of my facebook friends sell IT works, or Shakeology, or 310 shakes, or X ... it's all silly.  Sure, it may work in the short term.  But I can DO this with grocery store food and a little number guidance. 

Thanks for reading. Thanks for supporting me.  I'm excited to reach 10 lbs down, then 20, then 30 ... it's just progress.  It won't be fast, but as long as it's steady, I'm good with it.

Sweaty Selfie for accountability

Hump Day Progress ... Week 3

Amazing Monday sunset

Half way through week 3 ... so far, so good!  I've had one day of "cheat" food, really, and 1 out of 13 days so far I've NOT done my exercise.  This past Friday when my alarm went off, I did NOT feel good.  I've been fighting a cold now for about a month, and I just wanted to stay in bed for an extra hour, so I did.  I ate well that day, just didn't push play :(  But hey, Exercise 12 out of 13 days is pretty damn good!!

Crazy light late at night!  And NO, we don't have street lights in our neighborhood.

The progress pics are not discouraging really, as they're more just not ENcouraging.  But I am posting WEEKLY pics, where as last time I posted MONTHLY pics, so of course the progress is going to appear more slowly.  It's just weird; the people I've known with 50+ lbs to lose seem to lose a LOT quickly.  It's like 5 months, BOOM!  60 lbs gone.  I only want to lose around 40, and it just hangs on SO tight and does NOT want to come off.  Of course, how to judge since I don't own a scale?  I was sooooo tempted at Target to buy one b/c they're only $10, but I resisted.  Fit of my clothes, that's my scale.

Monday's sweaty selfie

Planning to run on Saturday.  The snow came in heavy yesterday, and actually caused my work day to be canceled today.  Planning to go in like normal tomorrow.  By Saturday, highs are supposed to be around 50, and on Sunday, highs of 60 ... y'all know what that means!!!  Mufasa and Khaleesi will be on the prowl, lol <3 I have to decide if I'm going to run the Hot Chocolate 5K in Nashville next month; it's the weekend before my birthday.  I WANT to, just not sure I want to go all the way out to Nash.  We'll see.

Tuesday; pulse was UP as I did CARDIO

So, my progress pics show pretty much exactly as expected.  I lose weight FIRST from the LAST place I put it on, which is up around my neck.  My butt and thighs are the last places to finally give it up and shrink.  I wear scrubs every day, and the ones I wear the most are a size too big anyway, so I'm not going to notice any shrinkage there.  I have a few pairs that are the right size, and so far they're not feeling any looser.  Oh well, just got to keep trying and working.  I DID manage real burpees today.  For 2 1/2 weeks, I've been modifying them, and today I felt fit enough to really do them, so that's a for sure win!

Meh.  Still fat.

I'll just keep on keeping on.  Tonight's dinner was healthy, but a little on the starchy side.  I realized I have NO veggies in the house, so we had a baked potato and basmati rice alongside broiled Tilapia tonight.  Tomorrow is ground turkey stroganoff, so nothing with that, just the entree.

Was hoping the fat rolls would be less visible, but nah.

Can't wait to ride this weekend!  Read my horse blog to hear all about it!

TEENY bit less fat in the chin/collar bone area

Hump Day progress ... Week 2

Lunch today

I probably shouldn't keep up with everything like this as far as counting the weeks ... b/c ideally, "this" will continue for eternity.  I HAVE to make a habit and stay with that habit, and if I'm constantly counting, who knows?

Starting the week off right!  Monday sweaty selfie

Anyway, I didn't want to get up this week at ALL. But I did, every day so far.  Now I'm MORE than half way, 3 days down only 2 to go!  I have no idea if there's any "progress" so far.  For me, nothing happens in the first 3 or so weeks it feels like, which is why I quit all the time.  2 HUGE wins for me this week; on Monday, I fixed the baby some Fruit Loops.  I wanted to eat what was left once he was done.  I mean, so badly that my mouth watered.  I didn't touch it, poured it down the disposal.  The 2nd was yesterday and today.  My co worker got a birthday cake; a yummy, chocolate monstrosity from the bakery.  I haven't touched it, not even a lick of icing.  It's just getting through a series of moments until you've gotten through the day, and then you've gotten through the week.  I'm proud.  I'm not calorie restricting like I was 4 years ago, but I'm eating better than I have in 2 years.

Is it Friday yet??

I'm strategically modifying some of T25 this time so I don't hurt myself.  So far, so good.  It felt good Monday to begin NOT so freaking sore.  I will probably be sore tomorrow, but it shouldn't be so bad.  Trying to work as hard as I can so I'm doing myself the most good.  Here's to making it through 2 more days!

Meh.  Don't see much change yet.

HATE fat arms, hope they shrink soon.

Week 2 ... BEGUN!

The beautiful and frozen Bald River Falls

Just a quickie post.  Great weekend, despite the frigid temps!  Saturday we took a drive south to Tellico Plains and the Cheroala Skyway; didn't actually go on the Skyway, but the entrance to Bald River Falls is close by there.  I'd seen a pic of what Bald River Falls looks like right now w/ the freezing weather, and it's AMAZING!

My precious little poot poot!

Once we turned on the road leading to the falls, traffic was the worst we'd ever seen!  Waited in stop and go traffic for about 1/2 an hour, then turned into a pulloff to park and just walk.  Um, stupid me brought my hat and gloves, but FORGOT MY COAT.  Dummy.  The baby had plenty of clothes, but I do think the cold weather has really aggravated his sinuses :(  We oo'd and ahe'd over the falls (just a little half mile walk), then headed back to the warm. 

Very yummy and healthy balsamic chicken!  Turned out great.

Can't WAIT FOR WEDNESDAY!!!!!  Totally going to ride.  Most LIKELY riding to work that morning, then getting David to meet me there so we can head out.  Freezing rain today, 60 and motorcycle weather on Wednesday ... CRAZY!

So excited to ride this week, I feel like a kid waking up on Christmas Day <3

Today I didn't want to get up.  I did it anyway and sweated hard core.  I meal planned this weekend and successfully have my week 2 menu in place.  I love having it all figured out ahead of time, makes life so much easier.  Gives me leftovers for lunch, too!  I have gone to bed "hungry" every night, and after my workout, I'm STARVING.  So, happy that I'm finally exercising a little portion control again.  I don't really feel like any progress has been made yet, but I'm trying and I'm optimistic :)

Just. Push.Play.

Next post :  Humpday progress and hopefully a "rider's high":D

Week 1 ... DONE

So blessed to see the spectacular Smoky Mountain sunrises every day

Wow.  5 days down, only 360 more to go!  It's almost disheartening to think of how truly difficult this week has been, but as most of us knows, it takes a minimum of 30 days to build a habit.  So if I can just get through 25 more days, I should be golden, right??

5 days, 5 different Insanity workouts.  I have worked every single muscle in my body.  Wednesday was the WORST, yesterday I was less sore, but my body felt like an unyielding block of wood, and today was hard b/c I NEED a nice, cushiony mat for my knees.  Regardless, I did do my best!

Went out to eat tonight.  Had mashed sweet potatoes and salad with NO dressing on it, just on the fork.  One roll.  Before I touched one single bite, I cut my chicken in half, and scraped half my sweet potatoes into a takeout box.  I'm currently about 30 minutes post meal, and I don't feel full at ALL.

Thursday's "Lower Body Focus" just about killed me!

I don't feel even the SLIGHTEST bit "smaller", but I do feel like I'm trying.  Guess we'll see what Wednesday's pics look like!  I'll combine yesterday and today's sweaty selfies into one post.  They're not the most flattering pics, but I think they capture the essence I'm looking for :)  Weekly meal plan and grocery shopping tomorrow!

REALLY need a nice thick yoga mat!

Hump Day Progress

Adventure is on the horizon ...

Wednesdays have always been my favorite.  It's half way through the work week, and it's a short day.  My routine worked out ok today; I do need to get mine and Colton's stuff ready to go the night before so all I have to do is grab and go.

Can't wait for these love handles to go bye bye!

Day 3 is probably the hardest for me; I am VERY sore by then, and pushing 'play' is the 2nd hardest thing; actually sitting up and putting my feet on the floor instead of pushing 'snooze' is the 1st hardest thing.  Shaun T did a very effective job of kicking my butt today; only 2 days left!  It hurts so good right now, great to feel the burn of work again!  I'm going to post a few pics every Wed of my progress.  Today I'm considering Ground Zero. 

Fat arms and fat belly ...

Happy Hump Day!

WHY do I still have back fat??

Be still, my heart!

Hello?  Bueller?  I mean, can anyone relate here??  Lol.  I don't know about y'all, but I fall into the trap of, "I've eaten well for the past 24 hours, I've worked out for TWO DAYS in a ROW here, and I still have fat rolls.  WTH?"

Don't think you can see that bead of sweat rolling down my neck

I'm in AMAZING shape for a morning routine here; Tuesdays are going to become my get stuff DONE days :)  I don't have to be at work until 9:30; it takes me half an hour to get to work.  My normal Tuesday routine is hit 'snooze' 4 dozen times until I roll out of bed around 8:15, then by the time I get all my stuff packed and ready to go, it's 9:00 and I've barely gotten it all together.  This morning?  It's currently 6:12 in the morning, workout DONE, showered, made up, dressed, hair coiffed, and my first cup of coffee by my side.  WHAT?!  Lol.

The normal Tuesday is David's day off, so I usually don't have to take Little Man to the babysitter, but with the holidays, he's working the rest of the week.  We're down to 1 vehicle this week, b/c David dug into the car to replace the busted heater core (which entered literal meltdown stage last week, after being on the edge of broken for a year now) and realized he needs a mechanic to help him out.  So we're going to figure it out and hopefully come next Monday, I have a car with a nice, warm heater!

I'm going to make wise use of my extra time; finish up this post, read my bible, then get dinner in the crock pot.  I was already planning where to stop and pick up dinner on the way home, and I said NOT!  I have my handy dandy list on the fridge; it has 6 meals on it.  That means ONE DAY of eating out, not multiple days.  If we eat out tonight, that means nothing over the weekend, and David really likes to have a meal out either Friday or Saturday evening.  I have one meal planned that can go in the crock pot, and Kody's home to get it started, so I will chop up the beef, mix up the soy sauce and garlic, and get that broccoli beef simmering.  It's healthy, and it's DELICIOUS.

Amazing Broccoli Beef recipe

I guess not having a scale causes me a tiny bit of discouragement.  At least with a scale, you have a tangible THING that says you're on the right track.  Lately, I haven't stuck with any exercise/healthy eating LONG enough to feel my clothes loosen up, so I get discouraged.  I feel like yesterday's 24 hours of eating well was an eternity.  Today, I need to figure out lunch, dinner will be ready when I get off, and I'll have my usual Cheerios.  I HAVE discovered Kroger's Carb Master milk.  I've tried the low cal eater's favorite milk substitute Almond Milk, and I Just.Don't.Like.It.  I've tried different brands, different flavors, and it's just yuck.  I've thought about delving into Keto, but the guidelines are to stay UNDER 20 grams of Carbs a day, and my Cheerios are more than half that.  I tried eating eggs for breakfast, and #1 they don't stay with me, and #2 I'm about to eat the entire loaf of bread by dinner (hence the day I ate well ALL DAY and then gorged on 5 sliders and a bowl of Doritos).

Compare the labels.  Carb Master is AWESOME!

Last night I fixed the aforementioned sliders.  Used the same sweet buns I did last time.  Made it solely with Turkey Sausage.  I had TWO, only 1 bun (and just the bun bottoms, at that) and a bowl of my Boom Chicka Pop popcorn (my fave low cal option; 45 calories for a cup, and my bowl was about a cup and 3/4).  Dessert was a serving size of Turtle Chex Mix.  I have icecream, brownies, hot fudge, cookies, etc in the house.  I managed to walk by ALL of them, go me.  How long can I do it?  Hopefully 364 more days!

Couldn't resist this cuteness!

Here's to 2018!  I've got that "hurts so good" day 2 soreness going on.  I am dying to do the Hot Chocolate 5K; it's in Nashville (3 1/2 hours west) and it's the weekend before my birthday.  I have 4 weeks to decide for certain if I'm going to do it.  They have a 15K that would be AWESOME to shoot for next year.  Hopefully the weather moves about the 30's so I can not only get out and do Cto5K, but also so Khaleesi can get out and stretch her legs!!

One of our MANY trips down the Dragon's Tail this year

Goals, Shmoals

Well, having a goal means nothing.  Because I am FAT y'all.  I mean, like squeeze like a sausage, FAT.  My arms have become a complete embarrassment.  It's so disheartening I just don't even want to try.  So instead, I'm taking it day by day; and TODAY is the first day of the rest of my life.  I need DAILY accountability; obviously I haven't posted since AUGUST ... just pathetic.  So, I need a daily dose of public reality.  I have several facebook friends that are doing the Keto diet and look AMAZING.  I lasted through ... lunch, I think doing Keto!  Lol, me and low carb just don't get along.  Which is probably why I'm FAT.

Me and my precious boys!

Today I had coffee and cheerios for breakfast.  1% milk, sugar free Coffeemate in my coffee.  Lunch was 8 flatbread crackers (1 serving size) with 4 slices of colby jack cheese, 1 cup of Boom Chicka Pop popcorn, and a Muscle Milk protein drink.  And by slices, I should say squares of hard cheese, not like slices for a sandwich.  I've had around ... 32 oz of water, and I may be able to get some more down before bed.  Dinner was about a filet and a half of fried flounder (fried in Canola oil), half a zuccini, and half a squash cooked with garlic powder and soy sauce. Had 2 more cups of coffee with Carb Master milk and 7 dark chocolate covered pretzels (1 serving size).  Did Cto5K day 1 for the 100th time at the Maryville Greenway, and completed 2.9 miles, 6,656 steps according to my phone app.

FAT, just fat.

I think today has gone well.  I haven't snuck in ANYTHING that I didn't list above; I need to go ahead and put that info into Spark People.  Maybe the public, daily logging of my wins will prompt me to stop sabotaging myself.  Yesterday, my breakfast and lunch were identical to today, but then for dinner I had FIVE sausage/velveeta sliders, a cereal bowl full of Jacked Doritos, and a slice of pecan pie.  Oh, and a Dunkin Donuts iced coffee drink with 230 calories by itself (more calories than the Muscle Milk protein drink).  So started out well, but totally KILLED any positivity in the last 4 hours of my day :(

I just love walking the Greenway; so peaceful!

Fingers crossed I'm ready!  I would LOVE to do Keto, but DAMN it is hard when you're just not that into meat.  I love bacon, but it is a pain in the booty to cook it all the time.  Very time consuming, and the smell permeates the house for hours.  I could live off frozen waffles, bagels, Cheerios, and toast.  Addicted to carbs much?

Elk in the GSM National Park in Cherokee, NC

Finally have a goal

Well, what I'm doing is NOT working.  I definitely haven't lost any weight and may even have gained more.  It's because I'm doing NOTHING.  WHY?????  I guess because I have no goals.  And my husband loves me anyway.

So, tonight I made a goal, chocolate eclipse, once in a lifetime Krispy Kreme donuts be danged.  I bought these cute blue shorts on sale at Bass Pro back when I WAS losing weight.  I never actually was small enough to comfortably wear them, b/c at the time I bought them, I'd started to slowly gain again.  I want to wear those shorts next summer.

Weight does NOT matter to me so long as I'm south of 180.  I'm probably north of that right now, I have no idea b/c I don't own a scale.  Fit of my clothes is how I roll, and my clothes are tight and awkward right now :(

So, I have a pair of jeans that were my "big" size that I held on to even after I lost b/c they were more tightly fitting AND they were a "just in case".  Those are the first pair I have to get into.  Then the ones I'd bought from TSC, then the "big" Apt 9 ones, and finally down into my favorites.  Then down into the blue shorts.

Lets's see how long it takes to fit into my "big" jeans.

I think I'm a few pounds away from these fitting.

Under Control

When you literally can't stand to look at yourself in the mirror FULLY CLOTHED, you know it's time to take control.  It was 5 years ago today almost to the day that I began this blog, chronicling my journey to lose nearly 50 lbs.  I've put every lb and probably then some back on.  This whole having a baby after 35 thing has kicked my a$$.  When I have a free second, literally ALL I want to do is sleep.  Sunday, I took a 3 hour nap.  Makes it EXTREMELY hard to get up and work out.  And working out for me is key.  No, I'm not going to try and out-exercise a bad diet, but I can NOT rely solely on eating alone to lose weight.  I LIKE to eat.  I will NOT low carb/no sugar myself into losing that 50 lbs again.  I didn't do that 5 years ago, and I won't do it this time.  But here's the thing; I HAVE to do something.  I make myself sick to my stomach to look at me.  So TODAY, I started what I did 5 years ago.

I logged all my food into myfitnesspal.com.  Very enlightening!  What I ate yesterday, it theorized I'd gain 5 lbs in 5 weeks.  Wow.  I was almost 1100 calories over my "goal".  What I ate TODAY it said I'd lose 12 lbs in 5 weeks.  Hey, I'll take that!  I also "doubled up" a bit.  I did T-25 this morning; about 1/2 modified and 1/2 not.  When I put the baby to bed, I did Couch to 5k, week one ... again.  My legs felt like lead, but it was a nice, sweaty workout.  My neighborhood is exactly 2 1/4 miles around, so that works out to have a little bit left over to walk once the workout is over.  I can't bring myself to take pics again of the whole sports bra/shorts getup again.  Maybe 6 months in.  For now, I have a cute nightie that I'd like to wear with confidence that looks HORRIBLE on me right now that I'll take the monthly pics with.

I have to quantify my earlier statement about what I won't do with what I WILL do.  I WILL get back to calorie counting and being conscious of portion size.  I've become desensitized to the correct serving size, and have been eating WAY too big of a serving.  Basically, when I go to bed, I feel full.  Today, I've felt somewhat empty all day, which isn't necessarily good for me.  If I'm hungry, that's when I'm more likely to make bad choices and snack on something junky.  I did well and drank my 48 oz bottle of water, and I have 16 more to go before bed; if and when I feel hungry, I will grab the bottle and drink away.  I will do as before, and make lower calorie substitutions, or remove a piece of bread, or do SOMETHING to cut the calorie content of what I'm eating.  But I hate to have a "list" of foods I can or can't eat, and right now my finances won't allow expensive foods low in carbs/sugars, so I have to make do with the 'normal' stuff.  I don't want to take a pill, or wrap up in a majikal wrap that will melt all the fat away.  I don't want to drink a secret shake that will slim me up in no time flat.  I just have to get back to making good, sensible choices that are the proper serving sizes, and STOP eating "dessert" after every meal.  I also have to decide to GET UP and exercise.  Stop hitting the snooze button 6 times, and drag my lazy rumpus out of bed!  Without further ado, here's the yucky pics :(

A successful first day!

My handsome teenager

Today was a great day!  Last time I logged my meals, I went WAY over in every way.  Especially in fat and carbs.  My "goals" are between 12 and 1500 calories each day, and I finished up today around 1050.  Had my Cheerios (measured) for breakfast, a lunch of sliced chicken breast, pickles, string cheese, and 2 pieces of fruit for lunch, then a protein shake made w/ unsweetened almond milk for dinner.  Day 1 down, just 364 more to go!  For ONCE, I was actually under my carb goals.

2017 Edition

I remember the exact weekend I allowed the first few pounds to creep back on.  It was February of 2013 ... the weekend I first told someone outside of my family of our impending move to CA.  That was the beginning of the end of my weight loss journey, and the beginning of packing it all back on.   This year is going to be a little different this time.  THIS year, I AM making "resolutions".  THIS year, I am holding myself accountable.

Beginning tomorrow, it's back to July of 2012.  Back to that random day when I decided it was time to stop being fat.  ALL that needs to be done is exercise/move EVERY day, and watch my calories.  I don't want to "do" low carb, or paleo, or Atkins, or, or, or.  I JUST want to make good choices and keep myself below a certain threshold.  At the end of the day, that's all there is to it!

I understand how purging sugar out of your life can make things SO much easier, but when you cut something out 100%, you (I) feel deprived.  Sugar in SMALL doses will still be allowed, calories permitting, but never as a "reward".  I want to reward myself with things OTHER than food; I went ahead and "pre-rewarded" myself for losing 20 pounds.  I haven't done that yet; in fact, I'm pretty sure I've gained weight since the pics I took of me in my blue shirt.  But I thought maybe if I just go ahead and do something nice for myself, I can manage to meet my goal.

On Friday the 23rd, I got my foot surgery (FINALLY).  Also on Friday the 23rd, I got my nose pierced.  I've been wanting to do it for awhile now, and I kept telling myself it would be my reward for losing 20 pounds, but sometime around Thanksgiving, I decided to throw in the towel all together and just binge until Dec 31st.  Well, that is EXACTLY what I have done.  Zero exercise, lots of (Panera Bread's FREE ones) bagels, lots of chocolate, full sugar sodas here and there, sweet tea at dinner, and fried chicken rather than grilled on my Zaxby's salads.  Frowny face.  Tomorrow begins a new day, and even a new year.

2017 is going to be my BEST year yet.  I'm HOPING to reconnect with some old friends, make some new ones, and steadily drop the pounds back off.  I have some AMAZING unspoken goals I am claiming for the new year, and I resolve to look on life with an uplifting and positive attitude.  I strive to improve and move up at work, I strive to raise another son to be as awesome and amazing as the first one, and I strive to be a loving and supportive wife to my husband.



2016 can bite the dust, 2017 is here to be THE year!!

"Home" for Christmas

When we moved to California, that was "home".  I refused to refer to Georgia as "home", because we didn't live there any more.  We spent 3 years with just the 3 of us celebrating Christmas as a small little family.  This year, we have our little guy celebrating his first, and our extended family is finally together after 3 long years.  My in-laws would argue that we're finally back "home" since we're here in the south; I know it does feel good!  Excited to be off work for a few days and to be able to spend time just relaxing.

Sadly, I am spending my first day off getting surgery!  I have had a mass on the bottom of my right foot for about 5 or 6 years now, and it has been finally bothering me this year.  I decided to bite the bullet and just get it looked at and of COURSE the doctor told me the only thing to do w/ it is to remove it.  I knew that was going to be the case all along which is why I never bothered to have it looked at years ago.  SO!  If you're the praying type, I'd appreciate a few prayers for me in the morning!  I've had 2 C-sections, but I've never been put under general anesthesia, and to be honest, I'm a little bit nervous about it.  I will be non weight bearing for 3 weeks; can't even have a walking boot.  Should be an
interesting challenge w/ an 8 month old baby.



Also sadly, I have not managed to lose a single pound.  In fact, I think I've probably gained a few pounds.  I decided to say SCREW IT for the rest of 2016, and join the rest of the world with starting "fresh" in 2017.  I will be starting by not being able to exercise at all, but my inability to work out does not have any effect on what I eat.  I've struggled to get back to making my weekly meal plan/shopping list, and we've ended up eating WAY too much fast food.  Pretty much the same boat I was in 4 years ago when I changed my lifestyle the first time.  It's frustrating to have fallen back into old habits, but I changed them once and I CAN change them again.  I've always in a way "looked down" on alcohol and drug addicts, thinking WHY can't they just say "no"?  Can't they SEE how they're destroying their family and their own lives??  Well, how is food any different?  I am finding that I virtually can't say "no" to the siren's call of sugar and fat.  Again and again I make excuses and justify bad choices, and I realize I'm no different than the people I look down on.

ANYWAY!  Life is good, we are so, so blessed.  I'm thankful for my darling almost NINE MONTH old that is now beginning to crawl and get into things, and my fabulous teenager that is finally applying himself and getting all A's and B's in high school.  He's loving being in ROTC and is really shining in the drill team aspect of it.  I love watching him do it, it's HARD!  The rifle is 9 pounds and about 3 feet tall.  Love my job and my "work wives", we have an awesome team.

I have a 'thing' in the works; possibly going to try and make some YouTube videos pertaining to club foot.  God has really put it on my heart that he wants me to reach out in that way somehow, and I think the videos may reach more people than the blog posts.  I will have a little time on my hands, what with sitting around on my rear w/ my foot propped up for a few days ;)

Going to pick a 5k to enter.  The Hot Chocolate 5K is going to be in Nashville in February; It's going to be the middle of January before I can get off my crutches, so I'm not sure how realistic it's going to be to shoot for a run then.  I may try to do the Smoky Mountain one in the mountains, but I'm not sure when that one is.  Oh well, it's all about goals!  I'll figure it out :)  God bless y'all, hope everyone has a beautiful Christmas holiday!!!