Weight Watchers Week 5

Sorry for keeping you in suspense for an extra day. I am sure the weekends are long enough for you, just sitting there, waiting for my weight update post.

This week I lost 1.5lbs and 1 inch.

As I always say, when it comes to losing weight, I'll take any loss I can get, big or small.

What I did:
- went to 2 spin classes
- rode my bike w Avery on the back, 10 miles
- ate all my points with only 30 weekly points left over, hoping that covers anything I under measured

Summary:

Week I (5/20/13) - down 9lbs and 7.75 inches

Week II (5/27/13) - down 2.5lbs and 5.25 inches.

Week III (6/3/13) - no pounds lost - down 3 inches

Week IV (6/11/13) - down 3lbs and 3 inches. 

Week V (6/17/13) - down 1.5lbs and 1inch

So here is to another week, some more exercise, and eating right.

xoxo

Success in Numbers

Source

Ryan gave me my scale back last night.

This is the scale I use

I resisted the urge to jump on after I set it down on our bathroom floor. I know weighing myself at night is a sure way to be discourage, especially after I felt I worked hard all week and stuck to The Plan.

I woke up this morning, peed, stripped down and gingerly stepped, one foot at a time, onto the 1'x1' piece of glass that holds the weight of the world -not really, just my weight.

And I was down! 3.5 pounds lost forever. Like my cousin's He-Man in the Ocean City, NJ beach when we were 5.

Then I got to measuring my important areas. Another loss of 3 inches. In my arms (1"), Waist (0.5"), Hips (0.5") and thighs (1").


It feels good.

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SO good.

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I wore shorts yesterday that never really fit me, even when I first bought them, although I told myself they did - ew. And they definitely did not fit me last summer - at all.

It feels good to walk and not feel my arms graze my love handles/muffin top.

So what did I do different this past week?

1. I had Ryan hide my scale.
2. I took a spin class (Uh, hello, 10 activity points for 45 minutes!!!)
3. I walked 5+ miles in New York City  - of course this will not be a weekly occurance but it is an excellent push to move, a lot more.
4. I only ate after 7pm 2 or 3 nights, and only because I had to. Like Wednesday night because I take Avery to gymnastics at 5:15-5:45 and then went straight to spin 6-7, so I HAD to eat after 7.
5. I swapped my activity points first before my weekly points, so I actually used points I earned through sweat and busting my bum.
6. I earned 30 activity points for spin, c25k and the hours of walking we did in NYC. I used 23 of those, but I did not "use" any of my weekly points. I say "used" because I am quite sure I underestimated points here and there and forgot to track a thing or two (at the most because I have been very diligent about tracking everything) which the leftover activity point and unused weekly points should cover.

What I am planning for this week:
1. Spin tonight (10 Actv pts)
2. C25k tomorrow (3 Actv pts)
3. Do not eat after 7, if avoidable
4. C25K Friday (3 Actv pts)
5. Spin Saturday (10 Actv pts)
6. Going to dinner with Ryan's friend and his wife, so I have already went to the restaurant's website and figured out the points values and what I can eat.
7. Ryan hid the scale again.
8. Stick to it, drink water, eats lots of fruit and veggies.

Summary:

Week I (5/20/13) - down 9lbs and 7.75 inches

Week II (5/27/13) - down 2.5lbs and 5.25 inches.

Week III (6/3/13) - no pounds lost - down 3 inches

Week IV (6/11/13) - down 3lbs and 3 inches. 

Totals to date - 4 weeks - 14.5lbs and 19 inches

xoxo

Monday Afternoon Quickie

I am sure most of you were wishing this weekend away, anxiously awaiting Monday. You know, so you could read my super exciting blog post about losing weight.

Its' not that exciting though. I have to say I did not lose any weight this week. BUT I did lose 3 inches.
Here are the possible reasons for not losing:
1. I used all but 5 of my weekly points. The previous 2 weeks I barely used any, just my daily points each day.
2. Wednesday was my birthday and while I counted points for everything, I went over my daily points and dipped into my weekly points (see #1)
3. I am due to get my period this week. Enough said. (TMI? sorry, but it's the truth)

What am I going to do different this week?

1. Eat ONLY my daily points. Leave weekly points for anything that I underestimate in portions or miss ingredients.
2. Do not eat anything after 7pm.
3. Do not weigh myself. AT ALL.
4. Get back to the gym and start C25k...again. I am feeling better and my allergies are dying down (a little) so I feel OK about getting back to it.
5. Start the 30 day shred on the days that I do not go to the gym. Keep moving. And racking up those extra points so I can eat more ;-)

Normally, I would get discouraged by this lack of loss and throw in the towel and pig out. Not this time. I am trying to be realistic about this and I know that I have to try very hard and keep trying every day, for every meal.

I do find myself praying a lot more, asking God to take these unhealthy desires away. Thanking Him for giving me the motivation to start this program again for the millionth time. And having faith that He will bring me through this, like He has for every other struggle in my life.

And with that, my friends, is our Monday afternoon quickie. Thank you for keeping me accountable and for your encouragement.

Summary:

Week I (5/20/13) - down 9lbs and 7.75 inches

Week II (5/27/13) - down 2.5lbs and 5.25 inches.

Week III (6/3/13) - no pounds lost - down 3 inches

xoxo

Losing Weight - WW III

On to week III of Weight Watchers.

As of my 2nd official weigh in yesterday (buck naked in the morning, because we all know that is our TRUE weight), I am down a total of 11.5 pounds and have lost 13 inches.

I am seeing great results and working this plan so that it works for me. I do not feel like I am NOT eating what I want. I eat it, just a very smaller portion of it. I am making better choices on what to eat - most of the time because I do not want to waste the points. Would I love a cheesesteak? Heck yes. Am I willing to use 35 points for one...heck NO! I am quite sure there are recipes out there for low point cheesesteak, so if the craving gets to be too much, I will give one of those a try.

I had planned on getting back to the gym and C25K this week but my allergies are KILLING me. Seriously, I may be the first person to die of seasonal allergies. They are so bad I turned on the A/C. And I am a heating/cooling nazi. I try to go as long as possible in the spring and fall to NOT turn on the heat or A/C. It's like a game and I am cheap. But enough was enough with these allergies. And we are supposed to get a heat wave this week and I know my sister and Avery will thank me and the allergy gods that I turned it on before June. Anywho, I do NOT want another sinus infection so I am going to sit inside my house, popping Claritin, snorting some saline nasal spray, and taking hot showers until these allergies give me a break.


Summary:

Week I (5/20/13) - down 9lbs and 7.75 inches

Week II (5/27/1) - down 2.5lbs and 5.25 inches.

xoxo

Losing weight, getting sick, and reaching goals

I figured I should post something since I updated my blog.  One of these days I will fork over some dough to get a pro to do it. But right now, you will have to accept my homemade attempt at a blog design. That is one more thing I will put on my "When Our Debt is Paid" list. And when I do, Jess, I am coming for you!

Let's see...a little reflection on the past couple weeks...

Well, no new friends but I am feeling at peace with letting those go that obviously do not care to be a part of my life.

I graduated! Actually, I officially graduated last August 2013. But my university only has one ceremony for the year so I had to wait. The excitement has kind of worn off after nine months but it was still pretty awesome to walk across that stage - while my mom. Ryan, and my sister yelled for me - and accept (an empty) diploma case. During the last few semesters of school, one of the things that got me through it was picturing myself graduating and getting pictures of myself, decked out in my academic garb, with Avery.

I got a hair up my bum on Mother's Day about being gross and not being mindful of what I eat. So I joined Weight Watchers for the 134,234,432,543 time. But this time? It is different. I went out and bought an electronic food scale and some extra measuring cups and spoons to keep on my counter - because I really need one more thing to clutter it up - so they are right there, at my reach to measure and weigh my food so I am eating the correct portions. OH boy, was I off! I was eating 2-3 times the amount I should be. GROSS!

The first day, Monday (the 13th) was hard. I was hangry. Very hangry. And to make matters worse, I took all 3 dogs to the vet plus a bratty toddler. At dinner time. Not one of my best decisions. One hour and $350 later, we left, covered in hair (Avery and I), sweating (me) and with some raging allergies. That night, after I bathed and put Avery to bed, I went to the Y to run. I kept getting this burning feeling in my nose when I was trying to breath properly. I just chalked it up to my allergies from the vet.

Well, by Wednesday, I was shoving tissues up my nose to stop the drainage and I felt like I got smacked in the face with a metal pan - sinuses. I am a veteran of sinuses infections. I can tell by the feeling in my throat - most commonly called post nasal drip -that is is a comin'. I raced to the Dr to get antibiotics, hoping to head off the worse but by 7pm that night, I realized I was not fast enough. After I showered, hoping the steam would loosen my head up, I got into bed and I didn't get out until the next day around 4pm, when my fever finally broke. Wednesday night it was up to 104 and that was kind of scary but I was a little delirious and thought I was dying.

Those 2 days of not eating much more than chicken noodle soup, some crackers, ice pops, and diet ginger ale were a big help in dropping some serious poundage. My first weigh in Monday (5/20) I was down 9 pounds! It was the first time I have been under 200 since I had Avery. I was so excited I took a picture of the scale. But it's just sitting on my phone, yet to be downloaded so I could share with you fine folks.

That really gave me the motivation to stick with this. And I am. I am doing so well that I am having a hard time eating all my points since I fill up on veggies and fruits and they are no points.

I'm gonna do this damn thing. I gave myself this week off from exercising so I could rest and heal from the sinus infection. But I will be back at it on Sunday. I will probably scale back to week 2 on C25K and I am OK with that. Slow and steady win the race.

In others new, we have some potentially, really exciting stuff going on - NOPE, I am NOT pregnant. I don't want to talk about it just yet because we need to see how it is going to work out. Let's just say, God is doing big thangs, you know, because He is kinda good at that. He is changing my heart and answering prayers. I am encouraged and my faith is stronger than it has ever been. So if you are so inclined, please keep us in your prayers. AND June 1st is when our spending diet begins. Please pray for that. I am going to need it. It will be years of bad habits getting broken. Pray that I keep the desires of my heart on Him and not on those earthly "things" I SO do not need. To be content in all that we have been abundantly blessed with. And for some creativity to have a fun and exciting summer while being a new kind of frugal.

Thanks for stopping by and apologies for the lack of pictures. That requires extra work on my part. Just follow me on Instagram, you will see them all there anyway ;-)

xoxo

Project Lose Weight Pt 4

I meant to write this earlier today but I am swamped at work and just now have had a chance to sit down.

Yesterday was Week 2 Day 1 of C25K. It was tough. I think it may have been harder then the very first day. My breathing was rough, I really had to focus to keep it steady and not go into a full on asthma attack. It was probably good that I had to focus on my breathing to take my mind off the familiar pains of shin splints.

This was the first time I can remember that I had to really fight my own mind to keep going. The thing is, I KNEW my body could do it. I kept telling myself I could run 90 seconds because I went through labor and gave birth. If my body can do that it can run 90 seconds.

I know it is going to get tougher. Strangely, I am looking forward to see how far I can push this body of mine.

As John Cougar Mellencamp sings, "It hurts so good..."

PS. Thank you for your encouragement. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate every word. It definitely helps me to get through a workout and even to just get to the gym, which we all know is the hardest part. Thank you.

xoxo

Project Lose Weight Part 3 & 3.5

I'll try to keep this short and sweet because it is getting late and I am tired and NEED to go to bed at a decent time (it is now 9:30 and I have to be up at 5am, decent is slowly slipping away)

Saturday I dragged my sorry bum (and Avery's) to the Y in the cold snow/rain. I completed week 1 of C25K. I was actually surprised each time the running segments were over. Like I could have kept running.

Hey, maybe this program works.

I know, I am only 1 week in but I am so out of shape - I really surprised myself this week.

So I did 30 minutes of running and then 20 on the elliptical. Then we cooled off in the indoor pool. Avery LOVES the water. And that makes my mama heart happy. (plus, I am glad all those swim classes are making a difference)

The rest of the weekend was spent working on my bedroom. Oh come on, you didn't think I was not going to mention my pride and joy of the weekend?

And in case you missed it on Instagram, here is a little look:

A bedroom post to come once the crown moulding is put up this weekend.

Because of my painting/stenciling day yesterday, I was up until 1am finishing up laundry so I was EXHAUSTED today. And I got my period. YAY!

Needless to say, I did not make it to the gym tonight. But my awesome sister went anyway and took Avery with her so I could get a quick nap.

This week, I am planning on going tomorrow (Tuesday), Thursday, and Saturday. Maybe I will get to spin on Friday.

So keep checking on me (Kaly). I may need an extra kick in the rear since I am not in my usual state and would rather sit on the couch and eat chocolate.

Here is to one day closer to spring!

xoxo

Project Lose Weight Part 2

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I will start with apologizing beforehand for these posts. Lucky you though, you don't have to read them.

But I have to write them. I need to because 1. I need to keep myself accountable in anyway possible. And I am really hoping that you few poor souls that actually read this, out of sheer boredom, I am sure, will call me out on my laziness when you don't see a post for a few days. Let's face it, that is what it is for me. Pure and total laziness.

Oh and #2. so that I have somewhere to go back and see how far I've come - because I plan on this being it. With each shuffle of my feet (because let's get real, that is what jogging /running is to me at this early in the game), I've felt the stirring of motivation. I think doing the C25K program helps a lot because there is a viable goal accomplished. And depending on what app you are using, someone telling you "Good Job".

I am sure that seeing the screen of the treadmill or elliptical I am on or the screen shot of my latest C25K app running in my Instagram feed doesn't spark many to "like" it, but I feel the need to post there also for accountability's sake. And I am not doing it for the "likes" - although it does add encouragement to my very fragile ego. I am doing it, again, in hopes that someone will call me out when they haven't seen a post.

Go ahead. Be all like, " Hey lazy, why aren't you at the gym?"

Please.

In other news, I have not had an asthma attack yet while wogging (walking/jogging). My shin splints have been tolerable. I have been able to get up out of bed in the morning without too many aches and pains. I have learned that running with double Ds requires 2 sports bras. I was ready to resort to an Ace Bandage, Brandon Teena/Boys Don't Cry style. (I watched that movie one time, when it first came out and have regretted it ever since - way too violent and graphic for my tender soul) The only downside to not having your gigantic boobs flopping all over, is now I am more aware of all my other rolls flopping and jiggling.

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The weekends are always the toughest time for me. My plan for this weekend is 5:30am spin class tomorrow morning. C25K day3:wk1 on Saturday and some swim time with A, which I am hoping will help with my aching back and sore muscles. Sunday I may rest or maybe go to a yoga class. It is supposed to be rainy and gross this weekend around here so my plans of walking outside have been put on hold.

There is a HUGE kids sale at the school/church my aunt teaches at on Friday so I am planning on going there with her while Avery stays home with The Husband so I can trip/elbow/push the crazy moms browse in peace. Also, we are planning on finishing our bedroom make over, which I will gladly share photos (from my iphone so don't get too excited for quality pics). I have to stencil the wall behind our bed - of which I am getting very excited to do. I don't know why because I am quite sure it will be a huge pain in the ass. But I know it will turn out lovely. My talented, wood working brother is coming over to put up crown moulding and we will paint the rest of the trim and get new outlet/light switch covers. It is coming together even better then I have envisioned.

Enjoy your weekend! Hoping I have lots to share next week.

xoxo

Project Lose Weight, Part 1

Now that I put my face on, I can type.

But can I just tell you about the massive zit I have on my nose? I haven't seen the likes of this size zit since middle school. I kind of look like a mix of getting punched in the eye and Sloth from The Goonies, that is how swollen this thing is.

Side note: I was able to pop it last night, and let me tell you, it was up there on the satisfaction scale of giving birth. I am serious. I will take swollen monster face for a zip popping experience like the one I had last night.

Thank baby Jesus for concealer and make-up or I would be scarin' a lot of people today. With the redness subdued, it is not so bad, but the swelling isn't as easily remedied.

Back to the topic at hand, my return to the gym. My sister, Amanda and I went to the Y yesterday afternoon when I got home from work. I dropped Avery in the babysitting room (which she calls "The Party") and trudged up to the fitness room. My plan was to be there for an hour. I was going to start the C25K program and get on the elliptical machine for whatever time I had left.

I am proud to say that I completed the entire session of C25K, day 1-week 1. I ran the entire time for each interval. Now some of you more seasoned runner may scoff at that, but its a big deal to this shin-splint-ridden, exercise-induced-asthma, lazy, out-of-shape babe.

When I got off the treadmill, I felt like I was floating. So I floated over to the elliptical and burned another couple hundred calories.

I also snapped a picture of the elliptical screen and posted it to Instagram with the mention of the room's aroma. And while I would love to go into more detail here, I am afraid if I revisit the stink in order to write about it, I may not go back. I am thinking I may make a fan donation to the Y, at least to help move some of the stagnant air around the room. Do they make deodorant for balls?

Today I am a little sore, but I was sore yesterday from painting this weekend (yes, that is how out of shape I am). I feel good. I logged all my meals into MFP and seeing how hard I worked and how little calories I actually burned (yes, I know that those things are not the most accurate of measurements but it still gives you a general idea of how much you need to move to work of just one measly, little cookie) make me much more conscience of what I ate the rest of the day/evening which is usually my downfall of the day.

I am resting today.And it is The Husband's birthday so I will be dodging the cake bullet. He loves DQ ice cream cake, I don't really care for it (except for the crunchy fudge middle) so it should not be too hard for me to skip it. I am actually looking forward to getting to the gym tomorrow. I am praying I keep up this motivation and do not hurt myself.

Lastly, my cousin started her own blog recently. It is called Auburn Ambitions. She writes about her blended family, nutrition, exercise and hair/beauty stuff (since she is a hair stylist). Give her a go-see. She is actually pretty funny and her nutrition/exercise posts are well researched and informative. This one is one of my favorites so far.

You are welcome and have a nice day.

xoxo

Weight, measurements and such

I am sure everyone has been eagerly awaiting this weekly post...<HA!> and I have not avoided it for lack of any losses I have just been bogged down with school work and work work that I haven't had a chance. And honestly, the fleeting moments that I may have had, typing on a computer was the last thing I really felt like doing.

The good news is I am all caught up on school work and feel like I can breath a little bit. So now it is time to catch up in blog world. I have not only been a negligent blog writer, but also a blog reader.

But that is not why you are reading this post, you want to know how I am doing with WW.

So here we go...

I'm still on the bandwagon, although last week I think I had a leg dragging off the proverbial wagon, which, of course, slows you (me) down.

NO EXCUSES.

I was being weak. Letting myself be tempted by empty promises of "good" food (good as in taste, not nutrition). Making bad choices. And you know where that got me?

Z.E.R.O. weight lost. (on a positive note, I didn't gain but I still get frustrated because I NEED to be LOSING) I also think I may need a new scale because mine is acting a little crazy. I can step on it and it will say one number, step off, take a whiz, and then it says I lost 11lbs. I know I did not just pee 11lbs (even though that would be pretty awesome). Then I get off and get back on and it is up 5lbs from my initial weight. Any recommendation on a trusty scale?

Somehow, I did manage to lose 2.5 inches from bust/waist/hips. (still keeping my man-arms though)

Yay Me.

This week is going a little better, although it is Thursday and I only have 13 weekly points left - YIKES! Looks like I will be stuffing myself with lots of points free fruits and veggies.

So there it is. And here is to a much better, and successful, week ahead!

xoxo

Week 4 and January totals

I cannot believe I have been doing this for a month.

Yes, that would be sticking to Weight Watchers. (And blogging consistently)

It really isn't hard to follow, it's true it gets easier every day.

And after a month, I feel like I am getting the hang of what is working and what doesn't (even though I think I knew that all along).

So here are the numbers:

I am down 5.5lbs since 1/1/12 (-1.5 for Week 4)

In one month, I have lost 8.5 inches! The majority on my waist, bust, and hips.

Could I have lost more lbs & inches? Probably.

But I am not focusing on what I could have lost. Instead, I need to recognize that I LOST. And that is always much, much better then gaining. I also have to remember that I didn't put this weight on in a month. And while I would like to lose at least 2lbs a week = 8lbs a month = 32lbs in 4months/ half my weight goal, I know that each week will be different and I just have to keep at it!

As part of my "No Excuses" motto for 2012, I have to confess my transgressions for this week.

I had an Eve moment.

I succumbed to temptation.

In the form of the big, yellow M.

And I felt horrible afterwards.

**On a TMI note - my body does not handle fast, processed food very well, so it came out almost as fast as I put it in.** 

There it is. One month down.

xoxo

Week 3

I debated writing about week 3 or not...

It was not quite as successful as the week before.

I gained .5lb BUT I LOST 6 inches!! WOWZA!

2" off my bust, 2.5" off my waist, and 1.5" off my hips....no wonder my clothes were fitting different.

I did not track very good Friday-Sunday. We went to Pittsburgh for the weekend to visit  my uncle and his family. My uncle is a phenomenal cook so of course he fed us well. Because I couldn't count points exactly, I just watched my portions.

So this week, back to the tracker.

xoxo

Week 2 = Success!

Most posts (all 17 of them) I mull over, debate with myself about what to and what not to write, change my mind, and then change it back again.

Not today.

Today I am way too excited to even think twice about that I write about. I almost posted yesterday but chasing a new walker, Sunday lunch with my MiL, food shopping, laundry, and getting ready for the week ahead of us kind of got in the way. But I would have otherwise.

Why so excited???

Weight Watchers works! (I am in no way being paid by Weight Watchers  to say any of this)  It does! I know, I know...duh! But really I am just amazed. I lost 3.5lbs last week! YAHOO! THIS week I almost picked up my scale and kissed it, as opposed to to flinging it out the window, but honestly, it's kind of crusty from being on my bathroom floor (that I may or may not clean regularly).

So that is a weight loss of 4.5lbs since I started 1/1/12. ALMOST 5lbs!!! And I am only 8.1lbs away from meeting my first goal! In all the times I have attempts WW, I don't think I even got to that.

You know why?

Because as soon as I see a loss, I "treat" myself with some high points food. This time?

I am keepin' at it because the closer I follow, the more results I will see! (Yes, another "duh!" moment)

And it all may be in my head, but I can totally feel a difference in my clothes. They don't feel like they are begging to be removed. Or shrieking in agony from being stuffed to the thread with my fat. I did not measure myself again, I am thinking I may do that every other week...

A new great tool WW has is the scanner app. All you do is scan the barcode on whatever food you would like (I have found that store brand stuff does Not scan) and POOF! It gives you the points! If you do scan an item that does not come up, it gives you the option to add the fat,fiber,carbs, & protien. Also, it sends it right to your weekly tracker, even though that is a different app. Awesome. I had a little too much fun at the grocery store last night.

I really feel like it is getting easier and easier every day. I think I may be driving my husband crazy with all my Points talk, but he will probably forget about it in a few months when he starts to see the girl he started dating emerge from the layer of bad, unhealthy eating, laziness, excuses, and fat!


Here is to another successful week! It will be a little crazy in our house this week as I start school (ugh, 4 classes Mon-Thur) so organization and meal planning is a Must.

xoxo

One week down...

Yesterday was the end of my first official week of following the Weight watchers online plan.

My weigh in day is Mondays. I weigh myself first thing in the morning, stripped down buck naked (one of the benefits of doing WW online vs. meetings) - sorry for the scary visual.

I was excited.I knew I had eaten like I was supposed to, heck, I even had extra weekly points left over. I had not had any sugar drinks - water only...all week. I was conscience of my portion sizes. So I get on the scale.

Standing there, daring to look down to see my success for the week...ONE measly pound!!! I wanted to throw that scale out the window and jump up and down and cry. I felt like I did ALL THAT WORK and all I have to show is only losing one pound.

Before, I would get totally discouraged and through in the towel.

Not this time.

This time I am going to be happy that I LOST. Much better then gaining, right?

I have to remember my body is different. I have not taken care of it the way I should have for the past, oh, I don't know - 10 years. I have to have patience. I have to STICK TO THE PLAN. I am the ONLY one that can do this for ME.

Weight Watchers is my new friend and like any other friend I have, I will stick with it through thick and thin.

So here is to losing it instead of gaining it (however much "it" may be)!

I'm gonna do this damn thang.

<pep talk over>


xoxo

Mind.Body.Soul. 2012

I have been thinking about what to write for this post for the past couple of days.

Do I recap Christmas? Nah.

New Years? Definitely not, as we were in bed by 11pm!

What has gotten in my way of writing is reflecting. On how I want to change for this new year. I'm talking total overhaul of mind, body, and soul.

That is it! I'll break it down to 3 categories...Mind - Body - Soul.

Mind - I would like to make a conscience effort to be more positive and stop letting my negativity get me down. Having the "glass is half empty" attitude is not doing anything for me - for my family, friends and definitely not the attitude I want to impress upon my daughter. (insert cute baby picture)

Body - 60 pounds. My body needs to be rid of 60 extra pounds that are also bringing me down. I am currently doing Weight watchers online and making my best effort to track every. single. thing. I put in my mouth. Also portion size is something I am working on, as it is one of my biggest downfalls and changes I need to make. I need to keep in mind that this will not happen overnight. It will take months. But if I stick to it, I will succeed. I will be happier and most importantly healthier. Again, I do not want to pass along my bad habits to my daughter. She has to be my biggest inspiration. Tonight, I will take measurements and Before pictures. I may not post them just yet but I would like to post progress for every 10lbs I lose.

Soul - To begin to attempt to change either of the above - I need to get my soul right. I know I am not capable of doing it on my own, I rely heavily on the Lord to get me through those negative thoughts or food cravings. And I can do anything through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13. This year I will work hard to walk closer with God. And find a church. That will probably be the hardest but I have to let go of my previous experiences and forgive. So, if anyone does read this and can recommend a good, bible teaching church - please let me know!

A few other changes I need to make in 2012:

1- Pay more attention to my husband. Since this (not-so) little baby came into our lives, it has been ALL. ABOUT. HER! And I know that is typical but she wouldn't be here without Ryan.
2- Stay more organized. In ALL aspects of my life. It makes me saner when there is order. When I get overwhelmed, I drift and lose interest.
3- Take better care of my house, car and pugs. All 3 are a major part of my life and I need to treat them all with the respect they deserve.

I am sure there will be many more items I can add to this list as the year progresses but I am not trying to overwhelm myself (refer back to #2). I am praying that if I can stick to these 6 goals, all the other "stuff" will fall into place. I am trusting Jesus.

xoxo