JustaChick

pardon my mess....

I know, I know... I am a week and one day late... but never fear.. a new season, new design and new ramblings are on the way!!!

• Work out at least 6 times a week -  (this sure does take lots of planning, focus and sacrifice.. but it works)

• Saturday - had a great day with my sis and her family!! :)
• Sunday - sweet 5 mile walk with my sister on the greenway..
• Monday - walked ALL day in Franklin, TN with the family...
• Tuesday - Pilates with my awesome sister and the wonderful Amy Cauwels at Madison Pilates!!
• Wednesday - not a single thing... it was 101 outside...
• Thursday - Amy kicked my butt at Pilates... again.
• Friday - ran a very relaxed 6 miles, took the broken car to be fixed and waited for the A/C man.

So.. I will officially work out 6 times.. just not on 6 days.  Work and personal schedules have made it tricky to get it all in, but it was so worth it.  I'm feeling like I am way past the wall!

• Weight Watchers online. That whole serious focus thing worked this week again.  DH and I are at the end of the third week of our 24 day challenge and loving it. 
• Accountability:  Have to have it... need it... got it... :) 

I've just completed week 24, I have lost a total of 34 pounds.. it equals 15.84 % of my weight.  I've lost a total of 20.5 inches as well.  It's been a very challenging week with family in town and eating what I want and backing off of the running to let my IT band heal.  It's good to have weeks like this and allow yourself a break.  What we have to do is keep going.. and persevering.  I'm considering it pure joy sisters.  Pure Joy.

A week from today, I will be loading up my oldest and taking him to Auburn.  Monday morning, my girls will start their last year of high school.  I am still a teary and emotional hot mess.  Focusing on fitness has helped me with the stress of it all.  Praying during runs and focusing on the moment is helping me process this crazy ride.

How do you make eating right and fitness a priority with stress swirling around?

Lobs ya,

giddy with excitement + a hot teary mess = grateful momma

It was a great week again on the health and fitness front! :)  The whole kicking it up a notch is still rockin' it. 

• Work out at least 6 times a week -  (this sure does take lots of planning, focus and sacrifice.. but it works)

• Saturday - had a blast walking and shopping with my friend Karel who popped in from St. Louis!
• Sunday - no work out...a work day as our GTAC Teacher Academy began at 2pm!
• Monday - ran a 5K
• Tuesday - Pilates with the wonderful Amy Cauwels at Madison Pilates!!
• Wednesday - long distance.. walked 6 miles (body was talking) and ran 1.5 miles.  Did you know that you burn almost the same amount of calories walking as running... kinda.  When I ran 8 last week I burned 1056 calories.  During this walk/run, I burned 844 calories! wow...
• Thursday - walked three miles with a good bud, Debra.
• Friday - ran a 5k this morning and headed to Pilates at lunchtime.

So.. I will officially work out 6 times.. just not on 6 days.  Work and personal schedules have made it tricky to get it all in, but it was so worth it.  I'm feeling like I am way past the wall!

• Weight Watchers online. That whole serious focus thing worked this week again.  DH and I are at the end of the first week of our 24 day challenge and loving it.  That whole WW saying, "If you bite it, write it..."  it works.  He's even teasing me with how many points he has to eat.  Go figure!
• Accountability:  Ditto on the blessings of a great accountability partner in Becky Jo.. daily texts or phone calls or tweets or FB messages.. whatever works.  She's my inspiration and helps me keep pushing.  I also have one or two at work that keep me moving too. :)  It's been great fun to add our friend Sooz to the mix this week and have my DH really on board finally.  It's fun, healthy competition and accountability. 

I've just completed week 22, I have lost a total of 34 pounds.. it equals 15.84 % of my weight.  I've lost a total of 20.5 inches as well.  It's been a challenging week but planning has helped so very much.  

In just a few weeks, I will be loading up my oldest and taking him to Auburn.  A week before that my girls will start their last year of high school.  I am a teary hot mess.  Focusing on fitness has helped me with the stress of it all.  Praying during runs and focusing on the moment is helping me process this crazy ride.

Are you an OCD planner?  How do you make it all work? Leave some fun examples for us all to share!

Lobs ya,

really? intentionality, serious focus, surrendering works?

Well what do you know...the serious focus and intentionality worked..who'd a thunk it? (that is what my MamMaw used to say all the time..)

• Work out at least 6 times a week -  Successfully made the workout schedule work this week.  Talk to me next week about how it is all panning out...  BUT!  It worked this week! 

• Saturday - day of rest!  Oh yeah baby!
• Sunday - 2.5 miles in 30 minutes
• Monday - another unplanned day of rest
• Tuesday - Pilates with the wonderful Amy Cauwels at Madison Pilates!!
• Wednesday - ran a 5k on the treadmill before work.. :)
• Thursday - walked a couple of miles with a good bud, Debra and then Pilates with Amy that night
• Friday - killer run!!  8 miles in 1 hr. 47 minutes

So.. I did officially work out 6 times.. just not on 6 days.  It's been a great week.  I truly feel like I pushed through that allusive wall that has been in my way!

• Weight Watchers online. That whole serious focus thing worked this week and more of the same next week.  DH and I are starting the 24 day challenge on Monday.  That whole WW saying, "If you bite it, write it..."  it works.  Promise.
• Accountability:  I am blessed with a great accountability partner in Becky Jo.. daily texts or phone calls or tweets or FB messages.. whatever works.  She's my inspiration and helps me keep pushing.  I also have one or two at work that keep me moving too. :)  But the best one is Jesus.  I'm not kidding.  He rocks.  Who do you think gets me through those long runs?  He does.  And He listens to me.  Which.. some humans don't.  Have you noticed?  I'm also keeping up with my training log and making sure that I get a run or some cross training in every day.  In the words of Becky Jo, "We've got this!"  and He's got us!

I've just completed week 21, I have lost a total of 32 pounds.. it equals 14.93 % of my weight.  I've lost a total of 19.5 inches as well.  It was a great break-through week.  FINALLY!  Slow and steady wins the race, right?  The whole lifestyle change thing.. it takes effort, time, perseverance, a surrendering to what you want and a focus on what He wants for you.  For me, He wants me healthy and encouraging others to do the same.  Besides.. and don't tell anyone I said this... working out.. running, it's become FUN!

What I really want to know this week is what is really holding you back from getting healthy?  What is getting in the way?

Lobs ya,

a little shifting might make a body good...

Howdy my bloggedy friends! 

I hope you all have had an amazing week focused on getting healthier!  I have had an interesting week trying to focus.  Period.  Lots of life changes and great stuff happening at work... so I have had to shift my thinking and really focus.  Serious focus.

• Work out at least 6 times a week - I started my training for the 1/2 marathon last week and this week has been the continuation.  My week included Pilates x 2, a 3 mile run in 98 degree weather (ick) and a 7 mile run in an 1 hr. 38 mins. Next week is kicking it up a notch and only taking one day off.  I am close to my goal of working out 6 times a week. :) Pray it doesn't kill me.. mkay?
• Weight Watchers online. I realized that I have not been logging and writing everything down like I should this week.  I'm being relatively good, but not sure that I am maintaining the balance under my point allotment.  Time to kick it up a notch.  I've decided to start Advocare's Herbal Cleanse again this week.  I wanted to start on Monday.. but I don't think my box will be here before Tuesday.  I'll keep you posted. :)  If you want to join me.. Order the Herbal Cleanse and MNS MaxC.  I'll send you some info to help you grocery shop! :)  It makes a world of difference!!!
• Accountability:  I know the whole no more sodas bullet is gone.. but then so are they.  I'm working on my accountability partners and checking in with training partners.  It helps that they are all around me.  It REALLY helps.  Make sure you have a partner that is keeping you in check and calling you out.  You don't have to be crazy nuts about every little thing... but you do need to have someone walking alongside you that will keep you focused and love you in the mean time. 

I've just completed week 20, I have lost a total of 30 pounds.. it equals 14.03 % of my weight.  I've lost a total of 18.5 inches as well.  No weight loss change for me again this week, but that is still okay because my body is definitely changing.  Half my closet is gone.. I tried on every stitch of clothing and what didn't fit... got donated.  It feels so good.  NO, THAT DOES NOT MEAN I AM GOING SHOPPING.  just so you know.

Thanks for encouraging me and hanging in there with me. It's starting to get a lot harder.. so you hanging around means alot.

So how did you do this week?  What is your favorite form of motivation?

Lobs ya,

I truly am running like a mother.. and proud of it!

Better late than never on a holiday weekend!! 

Since the last time we chatted..I think I have officially become a runner.  :)  I ran my longest distance to date last Saturday!  6 miles in 1 hour and 20 minutes.  Slow as can be.. but that is okee dokee with this girl.  I did it again this past Friday in the same time frame.  I was cramping like a lunatic and I was grateful to finish at the same time.

I really don't want to bore you with the bullet list.  I don't want to bore myself with the bullet list.  But I have a few updates:

• Work out at least 6 times a week - I have begun my training schedule for the Women's Half Marathon in Nashville on September 25th.  3 easy runs of 30-40 minutes, 2 cross training days (Pilates might be the ultimate choice) and one long distance run a week.
• Weight Watchers online. Still working.. but I have to say that I discovered one thing that makes this girl sad during the summer.  NO MORE ICE CREAM.  Doesn't do this body any good.  That is all.  I did really well over the July 4th holiday!  Fruits and vegetables rock during the summer!
• No more sodas for this girl.  Even if I have a twinge of ... I would really love a Fresca, I don't like the after affects.  Not good.  

I've just completed week 19, I have lost a total of 30 pounds.. it equals 14.03 % of my weight.  I've lost a total of 18.5 inches as well.  No weight loss change for me again this week, but that is still okay because my body is definitely changing.  I'm not as hung up on the scales this week, because when I put on my clothes.. nothing fits.  It's too big or too baggy.  My body shape is definitely changing and the bloating has all but gone away. It works people. 

I, for one, am hooked.  I've stumbled across some really great things as my life has begun to change...  You might want to check out these resources:

One of my favorite books to date:  Run Like a Mother by Dimity McDowell and Sarah Bowen Shea  and their website along with a FB page.  Motivational, inspirational.. makes me want to continue to Run Like a Mother.  Cause, I am.

Women's Running Magazine

Runners World Magazine

and locally: Fleet Feet Sports

So how did you do this week?  Any great resources you want to share?  Hurdles you have jumped over?

Lobs ya,

4Tunate $4 Friends - amazing story of friendship

Honestly... I don't know Jen.  I did not receive the blessing of  meeting her at Blissdom 2010.  I do know Jessie and Mandi and Manda and Jill through the bloggy world.  And this form of love and under-girding and fellowship took me to my face this morning.  

But, many of you probably know Jen Murray, "Quatro Mama," from her wonderful blog 4Tunate or Twitter. She is the mama of 4 3-year-old boys .  Jessie commented on her blog today that Jen parents with grace.  Amen. We need grace to be able to parent the way He requires us to parent.

Recently, she and her family have experienced some trying times.  Her family has been struck by illness and struggles.  Her sweet friends have rallied around her and are asking for our help.  Honestly, their devotion to each other made me want to pitch in, but their dedication and hands and feet action for Jen made me want to blog about it and spread the word.  Friendships like this are rare. 

Their goal with this #4tunatefriends campaign is to fill Jen's freezer, refrigerator, and cupboards with food. ALL proceeds gathered will go to do just that!

They are asking that you just donate $4! It is easy to do so through PayPal here. Please help them lift Jen up and celebrate her as a fellow mother and blogger.

If you'd like to write a celebrate Jen post, you can link it up here to the BlogHop and it will be shown on all the blogs with the BlogHop link!

and join me in praying for Jen and her family...

so lazy but so not inactive... REALLY!

I'm going to stop asking for forgiveness for not being the happy bloggy girl and updating on the whole Losing It!  journey.. I'm just going to catch you all up and say how grateful I am for Kat! ;)

So.. the last time you saw me post about my weight loss and running.. I was here:

My girls turned 17, my son graduated from high school, we headed off to Auburn for Camp War Eagle (orientation and registration), we had lots of visitors and work kicked into high summer gear!  My attitude was one of perseverance... and I did.. persevere and slip, some.  Not alot.  BUT, I am totally committed.

• Work out at least 6 times a week - I haven't worked out 6 days a week, but I am consistently working out.  I've now gotten up to running a 5k twice a week and have become a part of a really cool running group on Fridays.  I'm running 4 miles on Fridays.  On my cross training or "rest" days, I am hitting the elliptical for 3 to 4 miles and working on some upper body strength.  I did run the Cotton Row 5k the end of May and my time was 40:02.  Not too shabby. :)  My goal is to log between 15 and 20 miles a week over the next few weeks...
• Weight Watchers online. I am still on the WW. ;)  Although with my weight loss comes some taking away of points.  Why do they do that?  JK.  I know why they do that.. it's just be a struggle to shift back to all those free points of veggies and fruits and lean proteins cause I be starving all the time with this running stuff!
• Still no more soda but I did add back my morning coffee or two.  I LOVE love love my Crystal lite and my Spark by Advocare.  Yes.  I love the products and they have been a huge compliment to my health.  So much so that I joined to get the discount.. ;)

I've just completed week 17, I have lost a total of 30 pounds.. it equals 14.03 % of my weight.  I've lost a total of 17.5 inches as well.  

After my 5:30 a.m. run yesterday, I showered (thank goodness for showers.. I was dripping) and then weighed in.  To say that I was a tiny bit angry would have put it mildly. I don't like the fact that the weight is not coming off quicker.. I totally complained to my fitness accountability partner, Becky Jo.. and then quickly got over myself.

Like Kat mentioned in her post yesterday.. getting out of the 2's is HUGE.  I'm out.  Permanently out.  I am on the verge of moving down to a much lower 1 zone.  I really would love to get there. BUT, you know what?  Perseverance, consistency, life style changes.. that is what matters.  Not the loosing it quickly (even though we want it that way).  I simply want what He is doing in my life in this area that has NOT been surrendered to HIM in forever to glorify Him and Him alone.  He's the reason I am doing it... He's the reason why I am here.  SO... pushing on... and totally getting over myself.

OH, yeah.. and I totally signed up for the Women's Running 1/2 Marathon in September.. right before my 45th birthday.  AND no, I am not crazy.   Yet.  I just needed another goal.  Please tell me that someone out there gets that with me!! And spent my LOSING IT gift card to help off set the cost of my Garmin Forerunner 405cx.  And I am still trying to figure the darn thing out!

How do you encourage your friends to persevere and continue on?  Do you text them with a scripture, do you call them, do you send them a note?  Spill it.

Lobs ya & glad to be back,

just radiant... completely

UPDATE:  Congrats to Becky Jo for winning the Kate Carlson prize pack!  Congrats to Joanne & Pat for winning Kate's Radiant EP!

It's been a month people!! How did that happen?  Well... life happened and I seriously didn't think that you wanted to hear all my dribble about my son graduating and our visit to Auburn and work and life and ... ENOUGH!  I have much more exciting news to share with you.. life will come after this post. :-)

I have this really great friend named Melissa Carlson that I met on the the Twitter and the FB and through the blogging world.  Really great friend, like drove in just to have lunch with me so we could meet face to face, really great friend.  See...

This is Melissa (cute one on the left), her son Cole (handsome dude in the middle) and me.. back in October of 2009.  (What was I thinking with that hair people?.. enough already)

So.. Melissa and I have made a point of talking to each other and trying to see each other (she lives near Nashville..) and praying for one another and laughing.. So it was no surprise that soon after this meeting, I got another chance to meet Melissa's daughter, Kate.  I call her my snug-let.  She fit perfectly in the crook of my arm.  (I am tall.. she is not) and we were walking outside in the fall...

I've made a visit or two to see them and we've texted and chatted and emailed and etc... and I knew that her passion was leading worship.  Not performing.  Not making music for the sake of making music.  BUT.. worshiping God.  Period.  But get this.

I HAVE NEVER HEARD HER SING... OR WORSHIP GOD WITH HER VOICE. NEVER.

Not until last week. 

And she has ripped my heart to shreds. 

I kinda knew that she had been approached by an awesome woman to lead worship for her conferences... cause Pat rocks.  I kinda knew that she had been approached by some really cool and talented guys about putting together an EP.  I was praying for her during the process.  I was praying for her sweet mom, Melissa (you have to go read her Momma story as well) as she worked and prayed over the art and graphics for the EP.  The first time I put the EP in to listen to her I was driving to work. 

Ready for a great day. 

I was in tears and a mess when I got to work.  Sweet Kate had just spent the last 21 and 1/2 minutes speaking straight to my heart and she had no clue. 

She had ushered me straight to the Throne Room. 

Kate sings three of my favorites.. How Marvelous, Desert Song and Revelation Song.  She doesn't just sing.  She worships Him and invites you in. 

There is a huge difference.

I have listened to A LOT of Christian music.  I used to work for a Christian radio station.  I have listened to A LOT of Christian music. 

My ears and my heart are conditioned to recognize a performer vs. a worshiper of God.  Kate worships Him.  She invites you in.  Through these songs I can see her singing to Him and not caring who is listening or watching.  It's an intimate and Holy thing.  Truly radiant.

My HANDS DOWN FAVORITE song is You are Able.  Hands down.  I can't stop listening to it.  I can't stop singing it.  I can't stop running to it.  Well.. that last sentence was a lie.  I can stop running to it, cause the running is a thorn at the moment.  But I can't stop listening to it.  Can not.

He's all I need and all I have right now.  This season of my life is taking me to the end of myself.  The only One that can lift me up right now is God.  He is the only faithful, constant, firm and able loving God that can lift me up and remind me that I am not enough.  I am never enough.  He is.  This song makes we want to dance around in circles and skip and jump up and down and rock out for Him.  It makes me surrender my heart to Him. 

Isn't that the point?  And she co-wrote the stinkin' song.  ummmhmmmm.  Wrote it.  She's adorable and cute and sweet and kind and TALENTED with all capitals.  (No, I am not sorry I just said that)

I love the woman singing these songs.  First, cause she is my heart friend.  Second, because even at her young age, she gets it.  She is tender and kind and funny and points me straight to His throne.  Where He never leaves.  Ever.  That, my sweet bloggy friend is indeed the Truth.

I have a surprise for you..  Besides asking you to go listen for yourself right here: Kate Carlson

I have a surprise for you.  Don't you just love surprises?

Leave me a comment and tell me what takes you to your knees when you are worshiping God and I'll select some blessed peeps. 

One winner will get a PACK.. a shirt and a CD. 

Two winners will win a CD.

Look how precious this shirt is:

Kate drew the flower.. Melissa designed the shirt.  SHUT THE DOOR.  These girls slay me. (and yes I already bought mine... :) )

And this one... just radiant.. completely:

 

Watch what happens with this sweet girl's life.  God is doing some amazing things through her.  I can't wait to see what happens next!  I wanna get in the car and meet my girlfriends for Mexican food in Nashvegas just so I can tell them how grateful I am. 

Go ahead.. tell me what takes you to your knees as you worship God...

I'll pick winners on the Sabbath! :)

Ready, set, WORSHIP!

PS.  Here is your standard disclaimer... except one of the two CD's I bought me self. :)  And I have a ton more to give to random people that I see smiling. The pack and one of the CD's have been provided by Kate Carlson Music.  I'm not making any money off of this blog post and in fact wouldn't dream of taking any glory away from Him.  And, quite frankly, Kate and Melissa wouldn't either. 

humor me....

Griffin completed his last day of high school yesterday.  Our weekend is full of graduation celebrations and the arrival of family members. Some members we haven't seen in a very long time. More awards ceremonies this week leading into graduation on Thursday. 

To say that I am proud of him, is an understatement.  I'm not very vocal publicly about all the obstacles and trials that he's overcome.  But there have been many and some have been gut wrenching and difficult to maneuver. 

In spite of everything that life has thrown him, he's kept his humor, his compassion, his love of life, family and friends and finished this season of his life strong.  He is graduating with an advanced diploma this week and next week? 

We head to Auburn for Camp War Eagle. 

Griffin,

Your family is so proud of you!  Dad and I love you so much and couldn't be more excited about your future.  Thank you for the holy privilege of being your mom.

It's time to celebrate!

Here are just a few of my favorite memories... (you might need a tissue)

“But the noble man makes noble plans, and by noble deeds he stands.” – Isaiah 32:8

War Eagle!

(aka Mom)

So, how you doin'?

Happy Friday! (it should of been Friday.. but I got distracted! ;))

Welcome to the new look of weight loss Friday!!! I had no plans of stopping the weight loss journey, so when Kat at House of Hills said that she was continuing on.. well I decided to continue with her.

Here are my goals as I continue on.. I'll have to figure out a new button for our weight loss journey now...

• Work out at least 6 times a week - I have figured out over these 11 weeks that working out a few times a week just won't cut it anymore.  So.. I will be running every day and/or walking/elliptical.  The weight won't come off unless I am pushing...as proven again this week.  I ran 3 miles twice this week for the first time.  And, YES it felt like I was going to die.. but felt amazing afterwards. (Tylenol is my friend.)
• Weight Watchers online. Good old faithful and dependable and easy WW online.  I love it.  It keeps me focused on what I am putting in my mouth and holds me accountable.  It also has really, really great recipes and tips.
• Still no more soda and I have cut back on my caffeine.  I'm going to continue to mix it up in the weeks to come.
• Little to no carbs for a bit. Healthy carbs are good.  But carbs are not my friend.  I'm just sayin.
• Added alot of fruits and vegetables to my diet! I love it.  Trying to stay away from processed snacks and eating a green apple with peanut butter for some protein...I am on day 22 of a 24 day cleanse/trim challenge with Advocare's awesome products.. thanks to my cousin Sarah Allen.  She rocks if you want to join me.

I've just completed week 11, I have lost a total of 25 pounds.. it equals 10.86% of my weight.  I've lost a total of 15 inches as well.  (Thank you Sarah Allen and Advocare... booyah!) 

As I posted this week.. I had the blessing of winning the Losing It challenge.. cool beans.  But I had a terrible week this week.  I WAS so hungry and ate good but over the top foods.. :)  Like that krispy kreme donut that cost me 7 points yesterday, and the chips, salsa and queso that was consumed this week in celebration of Cinco de Mayo... after all.. how can a Texas girl go without her soul food?  But here's the thing... I think it is great to eat what you want periodically.  I am not a believer of denying yourself things that bring you joy..but only in moderation.  If you have a rough day, then pick yourself up at the next meal or the next day.  It's okay!  REALLY!  And quit weighing yourself all the time!!  Your weight fluctuates so much during the day!  Weigh once a week if you need to.  But do it ringing wet and before you have consumed anything for the day.  It gives you a truer sense of where you are.

The key to sticking to the lifestyle change you have adopted is perseverance and intention.  That is what relationship is all about.  Even the relationship with food.

SO!  What is your favorite snack recipe?  I'd love some new ones!!

Lobs ya,