I DID IT!!!

Well, I did it!!! I lost that 2 lbs that I needed to. Actually, I lost 3.2 lbs. I guess I'm an over-achiever! I'm so excited! I have hit my 50 lb mark. Still short of my goal, but this was a great milestone, and I know I can make it to my goal, no problem! Even if I stay here, I'm feeling great, happy, healthy...and that's what matters! The funny thing is, I told myself that if I made my goal today, I would start "Cruise week" and just go crazy. But now, I don't even want to! I think I'll stick to healthy eating until I reach Dunkin' Donuts on Thursday! That's only 2 days away, it won't be hard! Then I can also have the satisfaction of knowing that when my friends see me, I have lost 50lbs, and not just 48. I know it's not really a big deal for most, but for me, this marks so much more than just losing weight. I feel healthier! I AM healthier! I'm running, I'm active, and I'm much more confident. That's really what makes me feel the best, is that I'm confident.

So it turns out 30 WAS my year! And 31 is turning out great too!

Training

Training is going great! Feeling better today after last night's set back. I got up at 6am (yes, if you know me, you read that correctly!) and went for a 5.25 mile run. I felt really good. It was nice to stop, but I believe I could have kept going if I needed too! I ran a bit slower today, which seemed to help a lot. The best part was: as I finished my run and started walking the rest of the way home, it started to rain. YES!!! I got a great run in before the rain! Also, I was able to put my new reflective jacket to use! It's not as nerdy as it sounds, it's a Nike running jacket that's reflective and still stylish. So that was fun! Especially since when I bought it in December it didn't fit QUITE right, but now it fits great! I still don't think that I'll lose my 2 lbs this week, but that's okay, because I will eventually lose it. Slow and steady wins the race.

Discouraged

I'm feeling a little discouraged today. I was doing good, even took my youth group to VooDoo Donuts and didn't get anything. Went to the gym, but weighed myself there. I don't think I'm going to hit 50 this week. I knew it was a long shot, but I'm bummed. Then we had our youth group party tonight, and I ate WAY too much! So here I sit, full, bloated, and discouraged.

I know 2 steps forward, one step back. I know it's not a big deal, and I will reach my goal before we know it. But I'm just a little bummed, because I was so hopeful!

Oh well. I won't give up until I know for sure on Tuesday.

Tomorrow I am going to attempt a 5 mile run. I'm pretty excited, but will be more excited when I don't feel so gross! Why do I do this to myself? SELF CONTROL! Still praying for it!

Vacation

For many reasons, I am more than excited for my getaway next week. I'm counting down the days-5! I can't wait! I leave, I come home for just under 2 weeks, and then am back on the plane to travel the world! When I come home, I have big changes awaiting me. I feel excitement and relief! My life is in motion, and boy does it feel good!

On another note...

I weigh in on Tuesday, and am praying that I may have dropped 2 more lbs. If I did, I will make my 50 mark! So exciting! Then I can relax, and focus on training for the half marathon. If not, I am now realizing how soon I will be back from my trips, so my health will be back on track before I know it! Until then, I am going to enjoy coffee and pastries, and knowing that I have made a long term difference in my life. I'm not worried about gaining too much weight on my trips, because I think I have made an over all change in my health, and I don't think my body will let me. Plus, one of the things I am looking forward to is running in the park in Pamplona. It's little things like that, that make me realize how far I've come in the time of a year.

Today is my one year anniversary of the kidney stone that changed my life. What a day it has been! What crazy year this has been! The best part, is that I made this life change for me. Not for my Grandma, not for my family or friends, but for me. No more kidney stones! And I just can't even begin to explain how I'm feeling this last month. My self confidence has returned, and I am enjoying life to the fullest...even with the recent valleys.

I feel like I'm writing/rambling too much today. It's just a great day of reflection. This isn't for anyone else, just for me and my joy!

Solutions and Conversations

I've had a lot of good conversations this week. I'm feeling stronger, and feel like I finally see a good outcome. I'm feeling hope. Mostly, I'm sensing a solution. That's what I need most right now is solution.

Today I am thankful for great people in my life. Actually, that is my everyday thanks. I feel blessed by my friends and partners in ministry.

Not much more to say, need to be vague, but want to share hope. Asking that you continue to keep me in your prayers. Comfort, peace, guidance, wisdom, and patience.

Thanks!

BIND

I love doing this "Bible in 90 Days" with my youth. It has been so interesting, and I have learned so much from them. We're a third of the way through, and every week as we gather together, I am taken aback by what they have learned, observed, or thoughts they have on our readings. I am so impressed with this group of youth! And it's fun going through together, because they catch things I don't, and vice versa! I have to say, I wasn't excited to start it, but I am LOVING it! And I'm so proud of my students! They are INCREDIBLE!!!