Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Forced

I was doing so well with this blogging thing until, well, vacation.  In fact, vacation really messed up a lot of stuff, like my diet/eating plan, my weight, my residence, my home...my life is in upheaval.  I have so much going on, yet I feel like I have nothing to say.  I am trying to force this blog entry, but I am not feeling it.

I am accomplishing a lot here.  (In the process of changing around a good portion of our home, I am cleaning out and organizing a lot here!)  Maybe I am just too tired to think about recounting this in a colorful manner.  Maybe another day...

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Back Again

After 2 1/2 weeks of travel (and virtually no time online), I am trying to catch up on everything here, including my new-fangled regular blog presence.  I have much to say about our trip, and I have a list of new projects that I want to complete.  I definitely need to prioritize, for I currently feel like nothing is getting done.  Of course, that is not true.  I exercised today.  I made dinner for my family. I worked a 4-hour shift.  I paid bills online.  It's just those extra projects I haven't gotten to.

I probably need to schedule some time for them, like an appointment.  I can't guarantee that I will keep them, but it's an effort in the right direction.  Maybe I will even include some blogging time for the vacation recap!

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Road Trip Jitters

I have been working a lot of extra hours lately, which means I have been sitting a lot.  I have also been experiencing quite a bit of discomfort in my bottom.  NOT a good outlook.

We have 3000 miles of driving coming up in the next 2 weeks.  That's, um, a bit overwhelming for the healthy bum.

I have to remember that it won't be all at once, that we're dividing it up into 6-7 hour chunks.  I have traveled like this before; I can do it again.

It doesn't mean I am entering this lightly.  I certainly am loading up on things like ibuprofen.  There will be a good pillow with me on the trip.  I also will be relying on my wonderful husband and his willingness to drive.  God's grace.  I should certainly rely on God's grace through this.  I know I can get through this with His strength.  I know it doesn't mean no pain, but I know it means I will have strength to make it through.

Friday, June 10, 2011

Amy's Amazing Juggling Act

5 days left until we leave for vacation, and my schedule is getting busier and busier.  The black and blue on the pages is swiftly washing away the white.  Today was a FULL day, but I made it.  Tomorrow is busy with Maddie's b-day party, the prep, the party, and the clean-up.  Sunday includes church, cleaning out the van, getting Garrett's haircut...  Monday should start with a workout if I can get up early enough, then I have a meeting with Jane, a meeting at work, and work from 12:30-8.  Tuesday and Wednesday are similarly full, with packing and laundry and all the other stuff needed for a 2 1/2 week vacation.  The pace is breakneck, and the tasks will pile up if not completed.

I don't want to be crazy, but I do need to get things done.  I don't want to be overconfident, but I do think I can do this.  Pace.  It's all about pace.

I am trying to do things I can, when I can.  I am trying to look ahead and keep up with things.  The balls are in the air, and I keep throwing them up...for now. 

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Old Habits...

Old habits die hard, and they sure sneak up on you if you are not careful!

I am not happy to admit that my old habits--eating too much, consuming way too many sweets and other junk, eating in the evening--have snuck up on me.  This week has spiraled out of control, and I wouldn't doubt if I have lost the ground I had made.  Bummer.

Why?  Now, that is a good question.  Why would I regress to my prior bad behavior when I desperately want to progress into a new lifestyle?  I worked so hard.  I gave up so much!  Why throw it all away so easily?

Well, I do believe it all started last weekend when I decided to go thrift shopping for some clothes for vacation.  Once I started buying clothing last fits now, I subconsciously resigned myself to the weight I am at now.  In fact, I gave up on losing any more and relaxed my diet to the point of not caring what I ate. 

I don't think that I really realized this until later in the week, but I didn't do anything about it.  I don't know why. 

I do see my folly now, and I am committed to starting anew, not because I plan to lose 10 # in the next 2 weeks, as great as that would be, but in order to live a life of self-control and submission to God.  I want to exhibit restraint and moderation, not excess and over-indulgence.  I want to eat well now, so that I am in the habit on vacation.  I don't want to be out of control and making poor choices then.  More than anything, I want to be following God each day, walking in the Spirit and living a life of freedom and grace.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

How to Deal with the Munchies

So it's 10:30 at night, and we're watching TV, chilling out.  My husband is eating a big bowl of taco salad left over from dinner. (BTW--it was delicious!)  There's a family size bag of tortilla chips left over from dinner sitting on the table. And my stomach is growling!  How do I overcome the temptation?

Well, here's the thing about doing something as crazy as the Master Cleanse.  I have set quite a precedent for myself.  You see, every time I am hungry now, I can simply remind myself, Girl, you felt empty like this for 6 days straight.  You can handle a little hunger for the evening.

I am telling you, I am laughing at myself while Bob finishes the bowl of taco salad.  I simply went and brushed my teeth instead.  Admitting out loud my craving, along with my realization that I have faced a much harder struggle than this, I have taken the air out of the proverbial balloon.  I brushed my teeth with Cinnamint toothpaste and am sipping my water.

Don't get me wrong, I am not taking all of the credit.  I have been praying, reading my Bible, and seeking encouragement from friends.  Support makes a big difference.  I am NOT alone!  But God does equip us, and I appreciate the experience I have had because of the perspective it is currently giving me!

A New Way

2 more days post-cleanse, and I feel that I am doing well.  It is not easy, as there are so many delicious but unhealthy food choices out there.  I certainly have been tempted, but I do feel that I have made good decisions.  I am trying to stay away from starchy carbs, keeping them to a minimum.  I am focusing on vegetables and fruit and watching portion sizes as well.  I was definitely hungry when I went to bed last night AND hungry when I woke up this morning!

I tried on some smaller clothes. While I could get them up, and button and zip them, they were still too tight to wear out.  If I lose another 5 or so lbs before we leave, they might fit.  I just need to stay focused on making right decisions.

I did go shopping at a couple thrift stores and found a few shirts and bottoms that fit now.  I don't want to give up, but I also need to be prepared for when we go on vacation.  I went through my clothes earlier today and just didn't have a lot of options to bring with me.  I am still hoping to at least fit into my white skirt.  I bought a beautiful green and white shirt that would look great with it!