Week 52 ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Weigh-in today showed that I got 1 pound off my body this last week and Brent stayed the same.

This week marks our one year anniversary since starting this lifestyle change  Wow, a whole year and it's like our lives have changed 10 years worth!  Just think if we would have put off this change... how crappy and miserable we'd still be feeling.  Life is hard enough with out weight and health issues!

And NOW....  another big change is happening this year, as if 2010 didn't bring us enough changes (albeit good but you know how change can be hard).  We are going to be buying a home. Yay!  Huge Blessing! That is one of our goals this year.  AND... We will be MOVING - again!  But this time it's not just a couple miles away but a couple states away.  We are moving to UTAH!!  (this summer)  It's like I've had constant butterflies in my stomach the last few days (since the job situation fell into place and this became a reality) as I've been thinking about all we need to do and the impact of leaving our beloved Oregon and friends!  Yes, it is an adventure and it's exciting... and I need to get over my fear of the craziness and just embrace it!  I need to NOT feel like I'm losing everything we have here, and that's so hard for me!

It's all good (right?) ... Yes, it is!!

And, this week we are having our son's Eagle Court of Honor.  This apparently is no small event.  It almost compares to planning a small wedding reception in it's time and complexity.  I'm excited for him.  He worked so hard and It will be wonderful to see him "pinned" with his Eagle badge.  Another treat for mom.

So the test is to stay on plan and still reach our goal by the end of February.  I can see when I am not as strict on plan because my weight loss goes to zero or 1 pound.  When I follow the plan, it's always 2-4 pound a week gone.  I need to kick it up a notch!  Especially if I want to go for that Medifast "Happy After" contest!!

The Lords Hand has been apparent in our lives as we have been seeking direction.  I know it requires me to be patient and TRUST HIM.  I am learning... slowing... but learning.  Above all I feel so happy and so thankful to have lost the weight I have.  Every SINGLE day, I find things that are easier and I feel SO much better!  I never thought I would do this or lose all this weight.  I really never imagined I'd be where I am now in size 10.  It's unreal.  I feel SO humbled and thankful!!  Here I am 42 years old and I am finally ready for life!  I'm ready to let go of all the bad and just embrace the good.  Why has it taken me so long?  Better late than never, I suppose.  Life is good, my friends!  Take care XOXOX ~Margene

We are Moving

Well... we have a house to move to, and I can't tell you how many times we have gone back and forth between these two homes, but we've now made a decision and should be signing a lease today or tomorrow and moving in 1 or 2 weeks. We have been selling furniture like crazy and had no time to do any boxing. We've sold my girls beds, our bedroom set, sectional and sofa sleeper; and we have my beautiful dining set and hutch listed, as well as my favorite red leather chair, sofa table, and coffee and end table. We have to downsize to fit in a place that is 1/2 the size. I have felt okay about selling these things, having faith that down the road when we purchase a home we will buy new furniture to fill it. But as the items go and I see my girls sleeping on the floor, I feel a twinge of heartache. In the act of all this "simplifying", we need to replace all that we're taking away with fun stuff and quality family time! Yet we are too busy and stressed for fun right now. And that can lead to discouragement.

Yesterday was a pretty low day. Amid everything going on, I learned something that was so very hurtful - another situation where I feel personally betrayed. As I was inquiring about this situation on the phone with a church friend, I really lost control and could not stop sobbing and I lost my ability to speak. I had to hang up - I was so embarrassed for that display. Even after I got off the phone, I couldn't stop - and tried to shower and move on as I had a lot to do. It really was too much for me right now and I am fighting the urge to socially retreat. I had to immediately leave because I had a few sisters in my church to visit and on one of those visits, my friend had a gift for me. She and another sister had actually gone shopping and purchased me a dress! It was a short dress (not the kind or style I would ever buy) and they bought some tights or leggings to go with it. It is size 14. When my man saw it, he said "Oh baby!" It fits too! How sweet was that?! I was very touched that they thought of me and did that. Now I just need to decide when to wear it.... ;)

Then last night as I shared with my husband the earlier hurtful news I had experienced. We decided that we needed to all just get out and do something other sit home working on moving tasks. We needed to celebrate and so we took all the kids and went out to eat. It wasn't the wisest thing to do financially, but emotionally it did wonders. Our kids cheered up and off we went. We sang songs in the van together. My daughter loves to do this with me... I've even made little song books I hand out when in the car and we choose a song and go to that page. Among some favorites we sang: Battle hymn of the republic, Skip to my Lou, She'll be coming round the mountain, True to the Faith, Grand ol' Flag, and many others. It was so fun.

My husband told me as we reached the restaurant (which was a buffet - kids choice) that he was going to go off plan a little. I stayed ON PLAN, though... I am TOO close to hitting that 100 pound off mark.

So here are our plates:

Mine is on the left. I had steak with a little taste of fish, salad w/ low cal dressing, and some cabbage. All of this was on plan! On the right, my man had salad, pizza, melon, raisins,carrots, and meatloaf (all off plan except the salad). And what I'm not showing is the 2nd and 3rd plates my man enjoyed... all smaller portions, but things off plan. He even had a little of the dessert. So I was the only one in the family who didn't have dessert and who stayed on plan. I DID have dessert later at home with my Medifast soft serve ice cream which was yummy. I think it was good practice for when we're maintaining. We can have more items but I hope to learn moderation and smaller portions! I am not ready myself to go down that road and even tempt myself. I felt satisfied and enjoyed what I got. Going off plan wasn't that satisfying for my husband and he is anxious to get right back on plan from now on.

Tomorrow is weigh in and I hope it says 180 or less. There is so much work ahead of us, I am trying not to think of it all. It seems that's all we've been doing for 2 months now. But we are blessed to find a home with lower rent, and I know we are being watched over. LIFE IS GOOD!