The Beginning with No End

I am not one to post insanely personal things, but for some reason, I just have an inkling to share this story. Weight loss and body image are something I have struggled with in my adulthood. Weird, right? These are things you usually face in your teen years, but.. not me. Nineteen and honestly feeling quite crappy.

I also don't post about my journey usually because I get accused of using my health condition as a crutch. In all actuality, I KNOW it's not to blame. Poor food decisions and lack of exercise are the culprit.

Now, this post is about weight loss and 21 Day Fix. If you've not heard of it... check it out. It's literally my favorite program, EVER! That topic is a whole different discussion. I just finished cycle two, and I dropped 10.8 pounds and a total of 15.25 inches. I think it is important to remember why you started and your end goal. I don't have a certain weight or a dress I want to fit into, but simply, to be healthier. When I go to the doctor I don't want to be scolded (as much).

The doctor you ask... PCOS and endometriosis. I'm also on a blood pressure pill, which I hate!! The last doctor visit I was diagnosed prediabetic. Most of these can be alleviated with simple weight loss and exercise. My goal is to do this for myself. To better myself. To not be dependent upon medicines to help me function. My follow-up appointment is in February, so I am curious to see what the doctor will say about my progress.

My fuel to keep going? Let me clarify this blog is not to out the person who said these things, but to let you know what lingers in my head when I think about my weight and body.

I met my husband about 7ish years ago. We both had just got out of some pretty ugly relationships. I just knew Joe was the one. I gained weight like crazy- totally blaming it on being happy. Long story short, his ex was not happy. (I mean I could totally see why. Joe is awesome!)

"Joe doesn't like fat girls." Uhhh what. For the first time in my life, I was called fat. Can I tell you how damaging that is? It's bad. I will never forget these words for the rest of my life.

Fast forward a few years, I still remember that comment, and I remember how I felt. Now... it's a little more fuel to reach my goals. I actually smile and shake my head when I think about it. I know I am not in this to be a swimsit model. I am doing this for me. For my family. Most of all, for my health.

I recommend you jump on my band wagon as well. I promise you won't regret it, and I will be cheering you on the whole way!

Auld Lang Syne, I think.

Alas, the MIA blog writer returns and impeccable timing too. I'm pretty much the worst blog writer ever. EVER.

 All day I've seen post after post and article after article recapping their 2015. I reflect on my 2015 and automatically I came name a million things that didn't go quite as planned. The bright side? I can name just as many good things that happened as well. I think back to Thanksgiving when my family makes everyone say one thing they are thankful for. As we circled around I heard- family, health, happiness, etc. When it was Joe's turn, he said something that I now think about every day.

Be thankful for the good times as much as the bad, because we learn and grow from the bad. So... back to naming off those "bad" things that happened in 2015- I tried to see the lesson or value of that trial.

Today I've also seen people making new years resolutions. I'll be honest... I HATE NY resolutions. I'm practically setting myself up for failure because I never follow fully through, and I don't cope well with failure. That word doesn't even exist in my vocabulary! Last year I said I would send cards and written notes to friends and loved ones for all occasions. Well, maybe 1/4 people received a birthday card and don't get me started about Christmas.

However, I did see one post today that really made me stop and think.

"You don't need the 1st of January to change your life. Just saying."

Talk about speaking volumes! I'm an advocate that only you can make a difference or change how your life is going. You have the control to make it better, and that one little statement up there... it's the truth. We just don't want to admit it.

As we ring in the new year, take a chance to reflect on the past and decide how you want to change the future! Happy, happy New Year!

PSA: Make safe choices tonight people! Hand the keys over or call a friend! No drink is worth a life.

Cold Snap! Oh Snap! Top Reasons I Love Fall

These two days of cooler weather reminded me why I love the fall. I would have to say this is my favorite season, and like every year, it greeted me with illness. Seasons change- never fails I have some sinus, respiratory, ENT issue. I am on the tail end of bronchitis and a double ear infection and a super mega dosage of antibiotics.

Of course, illness is not why fall is my favorite season, and like other girls, it is not my favorite season because of leggings, boots, and pumpkin spice lattes.

Fun fact: did you know people abbreviate this as PSL? I didn't, and I was incredibly concerned when a ton of people on my social media got their first PSL this year. I thought the zombie apocalypse was beginning.

Why do I love fall though? Not why most would think...

5. It's the season of crock pot meals, chili, and soup. I have a really hard time eating soups throughout the spring and summer. I just don't understand why someone wants a heavy, hearty meal in the sweltering heat. One year, I prepped 30 days of crock pot meals, so we took full advantage of the beginning of crock pot season.

4. No more shorts and tanks! I can finally pull out those comfy sweats and over-sized sweater and not be judged for wearing it! The other plus... no need to shave our legs. Every. Day. I always joke and say shaving my legs is my cardio for the week. I mean, be honest... it is similar to a full body work out. Don't get me wrong, I don't have like man legs, but I am a little more lenient.

3. All. The. Decorations. Can we be honest? I was ready to set up all my pumpkin, acorn, candy corn, and leaf decor in the beginning of August. A dear friend told me, if it's still 80 degrees out, I can't. With this cold snap though, I totally started digging out my decor. This is the season for decorations. You start with fall decor, move into Halloween, transition to Thanksgiving, and top the year off with the mightiest of all decor Christmas.

Disclaimer- I am looking for some fall DIY decor ideas. Last year I made some incredible door decorations, but haven't decided my plans for this year.

2. The short span where central heat/AC isn't necessary. We take full advantage of this time because we save mega bucks on our electric bill. (If you're on Jellico electric, you totally understand.) IT is cool enough to leave the AC off, and warm enough to avoid turning the heat on. Cold? Get a blanket. Warm? Turn on the fan. Open the windows, and get some fresh air!

1. Changing of the colors. There is some magical about the fall. The foliage begins to change colors, and the leaves descend from the trees. The crisp cool air and the dense fog settling in the mornings. I always viewed the transition from summer to fall as some type of renewal.  Shedding your leaves and flowers in preparation for winter and a brand new awakening in the spring. It's a reminder of how the world works, and tomorrow is always a new day.

 

So here's to fully enjoying my favorite time of the year! Maybe I'll finally catch up on my ever growing pile of books to read! 

World's Worst...

Holy smokes. Two days of updates and 2 hours of trying to remember my log ins, I have successfully made it back to my blog. I know, right? Clearly, I've failed in the consistency department. I felt it was only necessary to write my re-opening, re-introduction, re-whatever-term-you-choose post about 5 things I am absolutely terrible at. 

5. I am terrible at winged eye liner. You might think this is not a big deal, but for a girl who loves her makeup and loves eye products even more, it's a shame. Smudges. Smears. Crooked. Pitiful.

4. I am terrible at dusting. Let me clarify. I dust regularly, especially because we have an abundance on furballs in our family. But... when my house is professionally cleaned once a month, the dust is nonexistent and stays away for quite some time. I asked how she does it or what she uses, but apparently it is some ancient secret. Solutions for this problem, please let me know. 

3. I am terrible at baking cookies. I don't even know how to explain this one. Every batch I have EVER made is burnt. When I try to prevent the crispy, charcoal mess, I then produce pure goop. Back to the oven, and charcoal results. I cannot find a happy medium. 

2. I am terrible at remembering birthdays. Absolutely terrible. Just ask any of my friends. There are very few birthdays I can remember: my mother, husband, previous boss/current best friend, her daughter, and 2/5 siblings. I told you, terrible. What's even worse, FB tells me when it is a friend's birthday. What is the worst of the worse? My distant family has an email account that sends reminders for birthdays. I vowed to become better at this, but so far, I am not doing so great. The picture below is for all the victims who have fallen prey to my forgetful mind.

 

1. I am terrible at blogging. Clearly. I could tell you that a. I started a new job. b. We bought a house. c. My husband is going though a pastoral program. d. Life is crazy. But... I was taught there are no excuses. By chance if you did have an excuse, you better be paralyzed or 6ft underground. Tough love. 

Again, I vow to become better at this.

For fun, here's how much I have changed in a year:

Literally, no difference. My face is rounder, and I have my new snazzy glasses.