Zumba!

I have found a new love to take me through the winter.... ZUMBA.

Recently offered in our little town, I've splurged in allowing myself to pay for it. And I LOVE it. I love to dance, and the instructor is so fun. And honestly, I'm pretty sure 6 months ago I wouldn't have been able to do it at all. And I keep up great. It's a testament to how far I've come. I absolutely keep up!

There are some moves where it's just a lot to move my body - and the weight. But that will continue to get better! For now, I'm sweating twice a week and LOVING it. I may look goofy, but we are having a blast. And I'm shocked at how quickly the 45 minutes goes!

My nemesis at Zumba is the Baliwood belly dancing song. Hips don't move so well anymore. So I need to work on it! And speaking of hips - they get pretty sore. Not pain, just soreness. Hoping that is just a sign that they are moving in ways they haven't moved in twenty years!

zumba

Today I tried something new - attending a Zumba class for the first time - and I LOVED IT. I am very excited to find something fun to do for exercise over the winter. My walking will lessen as we get into our Wisconsin winter, so I was looking for something other than my elliptical to fill in. And I think Zumba could be it. Very excited. The key - keeping it fresh!

another "discovery"

My clavicle has reappeared. This is so funny. Little things I'm noticing, like the re-appearance of my clavicle. Really changes my appearance.... and it makes me happy.

Officially done at the store, and my craft sale is over. So tomorrow I need to figure out how to get my mojo on with regular exercise~ I'll keep you posted!

another milestone!

While I never wrote down "goals" per say - there are many things that I have in mind that I'd like to be able to do once I get healthy. You are now thinking, run a 5K (yes that's on the list), etc. But many of you don't know just how overweight I was.... so on that list are also some things many people take for granted. Like buy and wear a pair of fashionable knee boots. My legs are too big to do that, and I'd LOVE to some day be able to!

Sunday I was able to realize another milestone. One so subtle that no one in church would even know it happened. While sitting waiting for church to start, I was able to cross my legs. Right leg over the left, with no need to "hold on" to the leg to keep it there. A WOMAN cross. not a man cross. A WOMAN. And it was comfortable.

You may be questioning my sanity at this point, but it's been 20 years since I could cross my legs like a lady. And I did it on Sunday. And it was cool. :-)

So just when I think I've plateaued or begun slipping back, God gives me a little sign to show me yet another way my body is changing for the better!

A little slip

A combination of travel, scrapbooking, and Halloween has caused me to slip. I have not eaten well AT all, and have eaten more than my share of Halloween candy. So today is a new day. November 1st, and my life is back on track! Here's to health, and happiness everyone! Life is too short to take things for granted!

bummed

Sunday was our 17th wedding anniversary. It was a beautiful fall day, and in line with my life change, I asked if we could go hiking - on a bluff near our home. A bluff within 10 minutes, that I'd never hiked!

We spent a wonderful afternoon tromping through the woods, loving the fresh air, and the smell of the woods. All along, I snapped pictures of the guys (we made DS go too!), some they were aware of, some they weren't.

At the end, my hubby suggested we take a picture of the two of us - being our anniversary. Excited to do it - after a 40+ lb weight loss - I agreed.

I was very disappointed by the picture. While I can see changes, I am still SO large, and the oversized clothes that don't fit didn't help the picture at all.

So I was bummed to say the least.

Patience.

I need patience.

..in the mirror...

Even though I am down 41 pounds, and have had multiple friends comment on how I look, I have not seen enough of a change when looking in the mirror to feel I actually looked different. Even though I've gone down a pant size, I still am large enough that when looking in the mirror, I am the same.

until today

Today I took a solo road trip to see my daughter. And on the way home, I stopped for a break, and upon walking out of the bathroom, went past a floor length mirror and saw the change.

It was a bizarre moment.

As I stared at myself, I saw a totally different shape. VERY different. I'm amazed I hadn't noticed before.

I actually look like a very overweight person who has lost a lot of weight. You know, THAT look - I can't describe it, but I see so many changes happening now! I stared at myself - from all angles - for a couple of minutes. Even though I was in my big old baggy clothes, I looked so much better.

And I needed that.

GO ME~!

Progress???

I have purposely not weighed myself lately because I feel like I've not been good. We have been traveling a lot - so we've eaten out, etc. Now granted, what is "not good" now is no where near where I used to be.

I am also not working as much, so my daily walks are less frequent. And while my plan is to do the elliptical, or walk, on non-working days, we've been so busy I have not.

So needless to say, I've been scared to get on the scale. Last night I realized that if I don't know that I'm going backwards, I need to know, so I can adjust my lifestyle!

So I hopped on the scale, and found that I've gone over the 40 pound weight loss mark! I'm down 41 pounds. I could not believe it. Even though I know that as you build muscle, you begin to burn calories faster, and this SHOULD happen, I completely doubted myself.

I am so excited....so very excited.....

The next challenge

I've been working 5-6 days a week at the store in town, walking to and from work, and being very physical there. So I know that lifestyle change was the jumpstart for my weight loss. I am finally down to only 2 days a week, which puts me at home for 5.

My new challenge is to NOT fall into an unhealthy lifestyle at home. I need to stay active on days when I'm not walking to work. I need to keep lifting weights, and doing cardio. I need to treat my body the way it deserves!

So here's to the new challenge! Down over 30 lbs so far, let's continue~

gotta love it

I am very excited to be back to LOVING movement. Back in college, when I lost a large amount of weight, it was because I found the me that LOVED movement. I began lifting weights, swimming, walking, playing racquetball, all of those amazing things that involved movement.

I'd lost that person in the last 15 years. Post babies, the only movement I got for the most part, was cleaning house and cooking. Not good.

But as my loyal followers know, I've begun to renew that mover. And today is a great example. I'm building a small retaining wall behind my garden, and I had to move a large amount of block from the truck in the front to the garden in the back, And it felt SO GOOD. I love feeling my muscles working, and not being out of breath.

oh, it's so good. :-)

feeling the changes

Each morning that I walk to work, I watch the morning news and have coffee until I have to leave. But yesterday, as I was sitting on the couch, I thought to myself "why not leave early and walk a longer route to work?" And I did!  I ended up taking a 30 minute walk on the way to work. I love that my mind works differently now. I cherish those walks, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of this beautiful fall. It was a great way to start the day!

And of course, I feel the changes my body is going through every day. This morning as I walked with my son, I can feel my muscular legs working. I feel it, and it feels WONDERFUL. It's not just about loose clothing. It's about feeling my body working as a well-oiled machine. One that is being USED not left to rust!

life after disclosure

So in my past, every time I've "announced" or told people of my weight loss, I've ended up going backwards, and giving in. I'm trying very hard to keep up my new lifestyle right now. I don't know why I always ambush my efforts after people start to notice, but I am very aware that I do that, and am trying to ward it off.

This weekend I had a couple of bad meals - out with the hubby Friday night - and again Sunday afternoon at a festival. But I did do a lot of walking, which is great. Even made the choice Friday to walk to work after I had justified driving in my mind. THAT is a big win for me.

What I really notice - is that I feel so much worse on "bad" eating days. The bad-for-you foods weigh me down literally. I feel sluggish. No energy. I feel much better when I eat well, drink lots of water, and get exercise. DUH. right? It's what we all know. But yet we continue to fall into bad habits!

So today I'm back on the wagon, so to speak, having my Quaker Oat Squares and coffee this morning, getting ready to walk to work. Looking forward to an active day. A GOOD-FOR-ME day.

shopping...

As an obese person, I have not enjoyed clothes shopping in many, many years. Probably about 20 years. And having only lost 30 pounds, I am not ready for "new clothes" yet. I really need to lose some more before it makes sense to buy anything.

BUT

I have a family wedding in two weeks.

And honestly, I haven't bought myself new clothes in well over a year, so I have nothing to wear. Seriously. It's not that I WANTED to go clothes shopping, but rather out of necessity. Just hoping to get something to wear with my black pants.. that is ALL I needed.

So I headed to town today to find something. Store number 1 - NOTHING. I am still very much plus size, and all of the clothes were  - - idk - - - just frumpy.

Store number two - more promising, and as I started to dig in, I found a cute jacket on clearance, a top on sale, and some other things to try on. Still dressed from a funeral, I had black pants on that I planned on using for the wedding anyway. Put on the top I found, and was REALLY pleasantly surprised at how it looked on me! It gave me a waist, made me look good. What a nice surprise. Totally unexpected.

I ended up going home with the top (would love to find black pants now - as mine are big enough that they look funny), as well as a long sleeve tshirt and that fun jacket (casual - totally for me, not the wedding!)

It's been a long time since I liked something I bought. What a great day. :-)

a shot of confidence!

Yesterday I had lunch with a dear friend (four months overdue!). Someone I used to see on an almost daily basis when I worked. Her original reaction when I walked in was JUST what the doctor ordered. While I am noticing the changes in my clothes - loose fitting, hanging funny, I didn't know if it was outwardly noticeable that I've been losing weight.

When she saw me, she immediately said "you look amazing! have you lost weight?"

It made my morning. I really needed that. Because while the scale is showing that I'm down just over 30 pounds, I still doubt myself. Wondering if it's just in my head. So to have someone objective notice without being prompted, was that little reassurance that it is happening.

This woman has been with me through so many ups and downs. Breakfast and coffee with her was just an amazing refreshment for my soul.

Now my big hurdle is this - every time I start getting healthy - and get to this point (ok, this is further than I usually get) - I start to let it go. So I am testing myself. Can I continue? What am I scared of? Why shouldn't I be healthy?

So there it is.

She and I discussed what is going on - and how it's not some crazy diet - it's just a lifestyle change. With eating all fresh, homemade goods - very little processed. And walking to and from work. It's not only changing MY body - but my hubby's - lowering his bad numbers as well. I cook meals for my boys that they take in lunches - no more processed, high fat lunches. Real, home cooking, with a good mix of protein, veggies, and grains. NO PRESERVATIVES.

Getting back to basics is the key for me. And I was so happy to share it with my friend. She is good for me.

he noticed!

On a drive up north last Friday for the football game, the hubby and I were talking, as we do on all of our road trips. I was annoyed that my rings had already begun to spin (every fall/winter, my fingers shrink and my rings get too big), when he said, "maybe it's because you've lost weight". YEAH! He noticed! AND said something. It's the little victories. :-)

natural changes....

There are so many changes going on with my body right now. One of the biggest is that my stomach has shrunk - to were I can eat a lot less than before. I'm sure my emotional/bored binging had stretched it. I was able to eat huge quantities at meals. Now that I'm eating on a normal schedule, I've found that I tend to eat much smaller quantities. And the beauty is, this is all happening on its own.

I'm not sure what's caused the landfall of change. I get the muscular changes, from the job that is moving and physical. But I'm not sure why I've stopped emotionally eating and bingeing. And while I don't know why that has stopped, (I am THANKFUL), I am thrilled how that has now begun to change my every day eating habits, causing me to need less to be full.

What I love is that all of these changes are happening naturally. I'm not on some crazy restrictive diet eating only one fruit. I'm choosing better food, being more active, and the rest is falling into place.

So far - down 24 pounds - I feel it in my clothes, as they fit better. I notice changes in my back, my arms and legs, and my stomach. I am still waiting though for the hubby to say something. I wonder how long it will take for him to realize. Because normally I announce a "special diet", but with this, I've said nothing, because I'm just being smarter. We will see!

my changing body

Having taken a physical job - where I am on my feet all day, lifting, etc., I am really starting to feel a difference in my body. Not just the soreness from using my muscles, sigh, but the strength I have in all my muscles - strength in my calves on the stairs, strength in my back... I LOVE it. I am feeling stronger and more in control than ever.

Had a crummy food day Saturday.But seriously, it is the only bad day I've had in two weeks. So I'm over it. No point in dwelling on it, just got back on the horse today.

Life is good - energy is up - muscles are getting stronger - and the weight is ever-so-slowly coming off. The right way to do it, yes? YES.

Feeding my soul, ALL THAT I NEED

Pastor's message today was again SO beautiful. It is so easy to forget that all we need is the true Bread of Life - the Body and Blood - through Faith in Jesus. I have been struggling with not only my physical body but my spiritual - and all I need to remember is that God provides for us all that we need. We simply need to take in the Body and Blood of Christ. He will nourish our bodies and souls. He will provide. He will deliver us.

I have been struggling with so many decisions in my life, and all I needed to remember was this. God IS providing for me, He IS nourishing me. He is all that I need.

Progress to date.

As of today, I have lost 23 pounds since March. And I am feeling great - walking every day, strength training. I feel as if I've finally found the recipe to better health - the same way I did 20+ years ago. Just live life. Don't fret, don't stress, don't make it hard. Just live life. Eat foods that are good for you, that fuel your body. Don't deny - but don't over indulge. Do some movement every day (and for me - strength training too - it's a key). And make conscious choices to improve your heatlh - taking the stairs, parking on the edge of the parking lot and walking into the stores, walking to work, water instead of anything else. Loaded up plates of veggies, with a little protein and carb on the side.

I'm so happy to say that this isn't because of a fad diet, or P90x, or running five miles a day. It's from being SMART about my body and life. And 23 pounds is a HELLUVA start. Bring on the fight!

little by little

While the saga of my whooping cough continues, and I'm still coughing... the extreme heat of July is behind us, and I've been walking some every day. It's been WONDERFUL to be able to be outside in the fresh air, rather than cooped up inside with the air conditioning on. Been raining for much of the last 24 hours, so no gardening, but that is my next hope. Next week I hope to settle back into gardening as well. It's amazing what fresh air and hard work does for you spirit and body. Feeling muscles again - feeling more energetic - and sleeping better. Good stuff!

refreshed

This has been a record-setting summer for heat, and worst drought in DECADES. I realized this week, that my plans of taking lots of walks throughout the days was stopped dead in the tracks - as it was normally too hot and humid to even go outside after 9am.

But today we got a break. Temps in the upper 70s, normal humidity, and a nice breeze. A perfect summer day. So I enjoyed the morning on the deck with my coffee and book, took a nice walk with my buddy C, and then worked in the garden a bit. Felt GREAT to be out doors and ACTIVE.

Additionally - stopped by the farmer's market, as well as picked from my own gardens - so my kitchen is LOADED with good veggies. Had fresh beets for lunch - and have eggplant, tomatoes, peppers, and cukes for tonight.

So the kitchen is stocked with good foods, and I'm being active. It's GOOD to be in charge of your decisions in life!

Time to go to a friends - and I think I'll walk. Get another 20 minutes in each way. I'll have well over an hour in today. And it feels GREAT.

Inspiration

Posted some pictures from a trip back in January 1992 this morning for a friend looking to travel. While I was 3 months pregnant, I was definitely at my healthiest, lifting weights, swimming, etc., the peak of my physical health. Looking at those pictures was such an inspiration.

That is the ME who is hidden under this extra weight. I love being physical. I love exercising. It's so hard for me now, at this weight, that I've forgotten that feeling. I started to feel it earlier this year when I was doing an hour a day on the elliptical, and then I got sick.

So I need to do something with this picture. I am the one on the right. We are at the top of Iguazu Falls, on the Argentine side.

This was at a time in my life when I didn't even THINK about being healthy, I just was. I'd gone into college at 230 lbs., and after three and a half years, looked like THIS - even at 3 months pregnant. I was physically active every day, ate a well rounded healthy diet, just because that's how I lived my life. I hadn't even been trying to lose weight, it just happened, as I started being physical and realizing how much I enjoyed it.

So THIS is my inspiration folks. She is waiting to come back. She is ready!

Fueling my body.....

I think our society has gotten away from the need for food, to a want for food. I often eat for no reason at all, and I'm pretty sure I'm not alone...

boredom

anger

depression

nervous

There are so many reasons. And none of them are the RIGHT one! We need to look at food as the fuel our bodies NEED. With every bite, what are I adding to my daily needs? Is it balanced? What is missing?

We've all read that people who journal what they eat lose weight. I'd like to put a different twist on it. Start with a log of what our bodies need - in particular vitamins, fiber, protein, etc., and then log to see that I'm getting what I need.

Now I'm a foodie, so this doesn't mean I won't be cooking amazing food. But with each meal, I want to make sure that I am adding essential fuel to my body - through whole grains, veggies, etc.

Today's breakfast - 2 cups of assorted fresh fruit, consisting of blueberries, apple, and pineapple. I'll look them up - and see what each is strong in, so I can mentally "marke them off the list" for the day.

I'm going to work up a way to log this... make it my goal to find amazing foods - and combine them in the right way - to ensure my body is fueled for LIFE!

the HEAT~!

Oh, the heat. We would never believe that today is only May 27th. High temperature today - a whopping predicted 93 degrees. Broke down and put in the A/C. But I'm not letting it stop me completely. Every half hour or so, I head back out to be physical. I weeded my small herb garden. Hung two loads of laundry out, and even did light weeding on the white rock. I am determined to keep being physical as much as possible, ALL summer long! Baby steps!

frustration

Had a heart to heart with the DH last night. About how frustrated I am with my health. Not being able to be my normal self has been so humbling for me. I get absolutely worn out - and cannot stay ahead of yard work, gardens, house, and family. I'm trying, but it's SO hard.

But I'm doing my mini walks. And the miles are adding up. Today I'm gardening, so my walk will have to wait. But it will happen! Staying as active as possible, without forcing a bad cough. I'm trying. Frustrated, but trying to stay grounded and focused!

cough cough

I am SO tired of being sick. Two days short of TWO MONTHS of this. Just when I think I've gotten to a point where I can start driving again, I have another synchope episode and realize it's too dangerous.

I'm tired of not being myself. I can't go 100 miles an hour all the time. I can't do three things at once. I'm behind on housework, gardening, work, everything. And it drives me crazy when my body just starts to shut down. I hate how much I have to sleep.

I know this is all healing, and hidden in here somewhere is a lesson from God.

I still get to be frustrated, right?

Progress

I love that I've found a positive in the horrible negative that was my car accident. I'm walking ALL over the place, logging miles every day. I run all of my errands on foot- - walking to baseball games, the grocery store, the bank, the library, you name it.

So lucky to live in a town where this is possible, I know. And finally taking advantage of it!

I walk every single day. Many days, more than once, each time over a mile, some as much as three.

So while I'm not running a marathon, what an amazing change of lifestyle. And so much better for the earth. Watching that carbon footprint shrink people!

God's gift

Took a morning walk today - just a mile and a half - no record time, but feels so good just to get my heart pumping first thing.

I realized today - that I have been given a gift - the gift of time - and that I've not been taking advantage of it at all. Shame on me.

So I am devoting a couple of hours each day - in broken up walks - to start getting healthy. It's been 20 years since I've been healthy (HOW SAD), and I'm ready.

God gave me the one thing I didn't have before - TIME. And I've been laughing in his face, not taking advantage of it at all. Oh for six weeks I was great, but that wasn't until January - having had all of Nov and Dec! And then I got sick, and that was the end.

So while I'm nursing my broken rib, and still coughing, I will not be making any time speed records. BUT. I WILL be using up calories on several walks a day. I will have 10 miles in this week. Shooting for 20 next week. I don't have to run yet. I have time. Walking will be just as good.

Once the calories are burned, muscle built, and the weight starts coming off, I'll try to run. I'd love to run a 5k yet this summer. And I totally think I can do it. I have a 1.58 mi route from my house to the highway and back. I'd love to be running that by July 4th. After I can run that entire thing, I will find another route that gets me to the 3.2 miles, and I'll start working on that.

The goal: 25 miles a week average from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Running 1.58 miles steady by July 4th. Running a 5K (3.2 miles) by Labor Day.

Day One of The Gift Challenge: 1.58 miles (some jogged). I can do this!

a sign?

I have been sick for six weeks.

A little history - I don't get sick very often - sometimes a cold/flu, but very seldom. And while I am obese, I have no chronic health issues. Blood pressure and cholesterol good, etc.

Six weeks ago I started to cough. It progressed, but being a microbiologist, I knew my body could fight whatever was attacking me if I gave it rest, fluid, and nourishment. But it kept getting worse to the point where I would pass out. Literally. Out of bed, at the couch, didn't matter. And I had two black eyes, two bumps on my head, and a gash on my nose to prove it.

So I went to the doctor - to the diagnosis of pertussis. Whooping cough. Seriously? Who gets that? Aren't we vaccinated? So I was in isolation for 5 days, and on meds for those 5 days. Day 6 showed no improvement, and I was due to take a trip, so I went back. The girl who only goes to the doctor for check ups was on visit number 2. Doctor number 2 told me that this would take a while to heal. Did xrays, blood work, all perfect. Bronchitis. Due to thet stress of the coughing. Here, take these steroids for 9 days, here are some pills to help you sleep. See ya.

The steroids while I took them did make me feel better, able to breathe. But I continued to cough, pass out. UGH.

So here I am in week SIX of this horrific cough. This week I've had several days of coughing to the point of vomitting. And this morning, sitting on the couch watching the morning news, I started coughing, reached for a glass of water, and next thing I knew, there was water all over the computer, my lap, the couch, and floor.

When I pass out, it's like I'm having a siezure they say. (Those who have witnessed it.) I start shaking, mumbling, and then just pass out. As I start to come to, I feel confused, and am typically speaking, although not always making sense. This, to say it honestly, scares the crap out of me.

My mother died of complications from COPD and congenital heart failure at the age of 76. For much of my adult life, I listened to her cough, and watched her struggle for breath. The cough I have sounds JUST like that. And that scares me like no one understands. I am trying to focus on the fact that all the tests have come back great. That I wasn't a smoker. But when I hear myself sounding just like she did for all those years, how can I not be scared?

Last night I dreamt of my mom. She came to me and healed me. I pray nightly, but have only in the last week started asking for my own healing. So last night when mom came to me in my dreams, and took away my sickness, it brought me peace. But I woke up sick. I know it won't go away over night. What did that dream mean? Do I have what mom had? Or was she coming to me to assure me I don't?

Either way - I have vowed to change what is going on. I sit on the couch, coughing, etc. I have not done anything to give my body the tools it needs to heal. I'm not eating well. I'm not exercising. I'm using the cough as my excuse. No more. I am going to do all that I can naturally to help my body heal. Eating well, doing small amounts of exercise. I'm not going to overdue it. I know that I am sick. But I also know I've not given my body a fighting chance, and it's time I do that.

The beginning of another year

I have now started my 42nd year. Yesterday was my birthday. What better day to start fresh?

I had been doing so well on my health - and then was derailed by back to back sicknesses. In February, the flu took me out for 9 days, and I'm in week 4 of fighting bronchitis on the heels of pertussis. So needless to say, my spring has sucked.

I'm at about 70 percent right now. Still have some pretty nasty coughing bouts, etc., but have decided that I just can't wait any longer. My goal is to run the annual 2 mile run on the 3rd of July, and I've lost ALL progress. So it's time to buckle down. I know I can't run right now - after walking I usually cough forever. But I have to start some training. So I'm putting together a spreadsheet, printing it out, and sticking to it. I WILL run the 2mi. I ran/walked it last year - but would LOVE to run the entire thing this year. And in 2013 - the 5 mile?

time for a detox

I've decided to do a natural detox. A jump start, spring cleaning per say. All natural - quinoa, blueberries, kale, etc. Breakfast is a smoothie, lunch quinoa, dinner veggie broth, with pineapple/kale juice for snacks. I'm really excited to have found a healthy detox - only two days - that is NOT a pill, powder, or any other product. Looking forward to giving my body a fighting chance at a new start for spring.

Reflecting on God's purpose

When I took the leap back on October 20th, 2011, leaving that high profile management job, I had no idea where it would take me. I gave it up. One of the hardest things to do - give it up to God. I prayed that he give me signs, lead me to my path.

There were so many signs. I would start to think about a new career or job, and something would get in the way. When that happened, I knew instantly that God was making sure I didn't take the wrong turn. After many possibilities, and obstacles, I'd like to bring you up to speed on my life today.

I have found myself richly Blessed with two opportunities that I am able to follow. I was called in February by a bakery near here asking me to sign on part time, to build their quality program, and improve production efficiencies and quality. I get to start from scratch, using all of my 19 years of experience and knowledge. I work mostly from home, in my comfies, by the fireplace, only commuting to the plant every couple of weeks to catch up. It's an amazing opportunity, where I feel so appreciated, needed, and respected.

Additionally, a friend of mine suggested I look into substitute teaching. I've often thought that I should have been a teacher, but in hindsight, the last 19 years have been necessary. What I gained from my job I would never have gotten if I'd been a teacher all these years. So I got my sub teaching certificate, turned it in last Monday, and by Tuesday had gotten a call. I subbed three days this week with an amazing group of 5th graders, and it was one of the most rewarding three days I've had in years. I loved working with the kids - both the good AND the bad. Trying to help, trying to make a difference. And they listened. And they asked questions. And they interacted. I absolutely LOVED it. More than I even thought I would. And I think they did too.

One child told me I was "the best sub ever". Another thanked me at the end of the day Wednesday for "being an excellent sub.". One stopped me and told me I should really think about being a teacher ALL the time. Wow. Talk about warm fuzzies. What a great way to end the day. While I'm enjoying my day off today to catch up, I miss them already. :-) But I already got called again last night - and I'll be working with 4th graders tomorrow. So I don't have to wait TOO long to dig back in!

I've always known that being in a place in life when I CAN just quit my job in blind Faith is a Blessing. I know that many cannot do it. And I am very thankful that our life living well below our means, not having a lot of debt, has brought me to this place. That at 41, I can work part time - doing things I absolutely love. Pair that with the amazing family and friends that surround me, and I know that I am ridiculously Blessed, and that God has given me all that I have. And for that, I am so very grateful. There are not words to explain how grateful. It is only through my actions that I can show it.

So my next "job" is to give back. As thanks for all that God Blesses me with. I need to enrich OTHERS. And that's a job I will adore even more than the others I have.

God Bless everyone.
God Bless!

2012 already?

Still not blogging well. BUT - always time for a change, right?

Since the last blog. I have quit my corporate job. (Shock, yes?) I am currently just staying home. Didn't do this the normal way. Didn't stay home when kids were little. Call it a mini "retirement", call it whatever you will. I'm working part time from home as a consultant, and am LOVING the flexibility. Love being home to take care of myself, and my family, and my home.

On ME:

• I am still actively doing cardio. I do 5K on my elliptical 3-4 times a week, lift weights 3 times a week, and am loving the feeling. I feel stronger, healthier, and I've begun to lose weight. Because I've not drastically changed my eating habits, the weight loss is slow, but I am forming habits. The wierd thing is, I LOVE to exercise. I just needed to remind myself of that. Planning on running some 5K this summer. So my goal is to continue upping the resistance on the elliptical to prepare me for that - at 6 right now.


• Working part time, I've been able to clean and organize, purging so much from our lives. It feels amazing.


• I am sleeping SO much better. Our marriage is better than ever. I am not stressed, short, snippy, or anything - as the stress of corporate life is GONE.

I am just so ridiculously Blessed to be able to do this. I feel for once that my life is in balance. I am able to help others. I am able to give back. Life is good.