A time for...

It's Friday! For me this means I will get to see my godson Jonas tonight!!! I am very excited, in case you cannot tell by the multiple exclamation points.

I must admit that I have been playing the lazy godparent role for both of my Godsons, but I am trying to change that. Last week I tried to make up for it by taking my youngest godson, Elazar out for an exciting afternoon. We kicked off the fun adventure by searching the mall for a new jacket for me, oooh fun! We ended up somehow spending the rest of the afternoon at Chuck E. Cheese's. I think this is when it got good for him. I had a great time with him and his wonderful sister, my niece, Ms. Apple. As we walked back to the car he tells me in a disappointed voice, “I guess we didn’t find you a jacket, huh?” This kid is three, and that to me was the greatest line of the day. 

My goal is to provide an equally good time for Jonas this weekend. I am sure it will be a blast. Alonzo and Jonas like to play the “Give me 5 --- Too Slow” game and this can go on for hours I am sure. We will see what other trouble we can get into. I am hoping for a clear weekend forecast. It’s been warm all week, but this afternoon has been breezy.

Last weekend we were blessed with fantastic weather. Saturday we spent most of our day in Monterey and Carmel enjoying the sun. Alonzo had a chance to practice his selfies, as he has been taking my phone and enjoys watching himself in the front facing camera. I hold dear all of the shots of his forehead and teeth that I later find on my phone. 

These are the moments folks; let us embrace them tightly so that we may never forget the aroma of their loveliness.

In health and fitness land I am down some pounds this week, and have uploaded my new meal plan for next week. Click here to download! Also, My coworker and I have registered for the Giant Race 5K coming up in August. I am not a runner, not even close, but I am going to try out the Couch to 5K program and see if maybe I can get myself running some, if not all, of the race. I am pretty excited! ALSO... I am doing the March for Babies 10K next month, so if you haven't already, please support our team!

A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:8

T.G.I.Monday or Wedensday

Santa Cruz fun day :)

Although we all love a long weekend, there is something special about the fresh start that a Monday can provide. Last week as an incredibly difficult week of me. Monday and Tuesday were good, but on Tuesday night we experienced the death of a family member who had been battling with cancer. Wednesday when I woke up and heard the news I was pretty upset. Death is always something difficult, but death by cancer is one of my greatest fears. Cancer has taken the life of too many of my family members and friends, and if not taken, then definitely impacted.

Once Wednesday evening rolled around I wasn't in the mood to do my work out, I don't even really remember what I was doing. All I remember is that I ate lots of snacks, not great ones, and didn't do much activity. On top of low energy, I was really sore from a new kettle bell workout that I tried. The sluggish feeling and bad eating carried over into the weekend.

Finally Sunday arrived, and it was a nice day out at the Monterey Bay Aquarium with our confirmation class. I felt like I had finally fallen back on track. Sunday was a nice day out, and the official return of my energy and motivation.

This week's weigh in reflected my low activity and high cal eats. I accept that I had a hard one, and I am sure that this week will not be a repeat of those actions or emotions. 

Last night we had family prayer night at our house, and it was great seeing everyone and sharing. My family's support and the strength that I get from my loving relationship with God is what I need to remember to embrace.

In preparation for next week, I have decided to finally put together a meal plan. I am trying to cut out as much processed foods as possible. For the past month and a half of this journey I have been enjoying frozen lunches, and microwavable everythings. Last week our microwave died, so it's pushing me in the right direction. I have uploaded my Weekly Meal Plan into my Goggle docs to share with anyone who is interested. It also shows my main activity for each day. In addition to the activities listed, I am also participating in the 30 day Squat Challenge, and the Mad About Yoga March Challenge, this is your official invitation to join in the fun!

 

 And just because GOD is AWESOME...

Isaiah 18:3-4
All you people of the world, you who live on the earth, when a banner is raised on the mountains, you will see it, and when a trumpet sounds, you will hear it.

This is what the Lord says to me: “I will remain quiet and will look on from my dwelling place, like shimmering heat in the sunshine, like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest.”

It doesn't get easier, You just get better!

It's been five/six weeks since I got serious about reclaiming my health. Since then I have started eating healthier, joined a gym, started Zumba and Cardio Boxing classes, started taking my lunch to work daily, saved money doing so, bought some pretty awesome new shoes, and a whole bunch of other fun stuff...

For the first time ever in my life, someone questions why I missed a day at the gym. My story before would be people questioning what I would be doing at such a place. I started taking Zumba and Cardio Boxing classes at the Y and I am really enjoying them. Not only am I getting a good workout in, but I am building relationships with women in similar situations as me. The gym has proven to be a friendly and welcoming place. Although the conversations I am having with these individuals is simply small talk, this is a big step for someone who doesn't have many people outside of my family and coworkers that I interact with. 

In the past two weeks I have gained 2.2lbs and then lost the 2.2lbs. I expected the gain since I had been sick and I knew my body would have to recoop before going on. Even though overall it's a wash, I can totally see a difference in my energy and endurance levels. This morning my husband, son, and I went for a beautiful morning walk along the Monterey Bay. We did 4 miles in an hour pushing our son along in his stroller. It was a great accomplishment for me to even have had the thought to do such a thing, and then to conquer it and still have energy to go on with the rest of my day. 

The discovery of inner strength has been surprising to me, and I am very much loving the woman that I am unleashing.

This little smile is all of the inspiration that I need

to continue strong on days that I find myself weak.

Until next time!