Where have I Been?

I have been BUSY. But I am surviving, and moving forward.

Right now my focus is on creating well balanced meals. Good-for-my family meals. On a budget. So it's tricky, but a challenge!

I am writing down everything I eat every day now, which was QUITE an eye-opener when I started. I put a lot of incidental junk into my body!

Also focusing on water consumption.

AND exercise - zumba twice a week, and elliptical in between. I've also recently been trying to add weight training, as that had great success for me back in college.

I will talk about my progress soon. Been a crazy month in my life, just trying to get caught up!

Today's the day

I've been inspired to refocus on something I've always wanted to do - run. I know that sounds wierd, but I've always wanted to run. But I've been too big. So I've decided that I have plenty of time to jumpstart my weight loss (or reinvent I guess, as I've already begun) - so that I can run a race this summer. I've always wanted to run a 5k. But my first goal will be to run the 2 mile race here in our home town on the 4th of July. There. I've put it out there. I want to RUN the 2 mile race. July 3rd of THIS year.

So today I'm starting a slow regimine on the elliptical. To start building my endurance and pushing my weight loss ahead - so that once the weather is better I can start training outside.

DAY 1~here we go!

Stealing a friend's inspiration!

Stealing a quote from a wise young lady, someone who has had her own share of difficulties in life - more than many.

..." Never give up on something you think about everyday".

This is so true. And I think about my health every day. I am excited about becoming healthy, and more athletic. I think about taking day hiking trips with my family.

 I think about running a 5k. daily. I am obsessed with being able to run a 5k.

So I guess I'm not going to give up on it. I'm going to try harder!

Here's to not giving up on something that is in your heart - and your thoughts!

My visual award...

So after the holidays - I've realized that I am up a few pounds, but still down 38 from a year ago. I can deal with the little hiccup over the holidays. I'm back to eating well, staying active, and getting healthy!

I had wanted for a long time to do something I'd seen on Pinterest - and yesterday, I had time to hang in my workshop and PLAY!

I took two quart size blue Mason jars. I counted out 118 glass beads - my total goal of weight loss. In one jar, I put the 38 that I've lost. The rest went into the other. Tagged with "lost" and "to lose", they are on my window in workshop. A beautiful reminder of how far I've already come, and how far I have to go. To everyone else, they simply look like pretty jars of glass beads.

To me, they are SCREAM....

"BRAVO"!

 

"WAY TO GO MELISSA!"

and I need that sometimes!

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!