Movie Marathon & Pizza Galore...

Brent is HOME!  All is well... peace abounds... smiles galore!

(I kind of have a funny story from picking him up at the airport... I may put it in another post)

Okay, so in times past, a fun day date with my hubs would be something like having a Lord of the Rings marathon (using the extended edition DVD's, of course) and ordering some large Pizza Hut pepperoni & supreme pizza’s.  Shoving it down with loads of diet soda or chocolate milk, and making a double batch of brownies or cookies and pigging out while we watch.  Seriously, that used to be our ultimate date!

BUT NOT ANYMORE!

Today, instead of sitting around watching Frodo traverse the beautiful forests of Rivendale... we RODE OUR BIKES through our own gorgeous Oregon Rivendale.  (Mind you, I love LoftheR).  But nothing compares to the date I had with Brent today.

Just starting out

We conquered the Oregon Vernonia-Banks trail!  Our first plan was to try and go 6 miles in and then come back for a total of 12 miles.  That’s a lot of miles for people who haven’t been riding bikes for any distance consistently.  The paved trail is lined with the most beautiful trees, barns, trestles, railroad tracks, green fields, pathways to explore, ponds, little streams, little animals, cool bridges and Blue Skies (at least or today).  Brent said it was the "best day ever" and I have to agree!

What we ended up doing was 14 miles in... with more than 1/2 of those miles at an uphill incline.  Then we came 14 miles back out for a total of 26 miles!!  It took us about 4 hours.  Four hours of the best date ever!  Yes, my legs burned, I panted, I got hot, I got cold.... but it felt AMAZING!  Just a year ago, I wouldn’t even dream of being able to do this.

At the end - 26 miles!

We were both remembering almost a year ago when we first got our bikes out after I had lost 70 pounds and rode about 5 miles and we felt we were superstars!  That had felt amazing.  I am amazed at what I find that I can do - that I didn’t ever think I could do.  

What do you think you can’t do?  
Maybe you should re-think that and just go for it!

The Lord has also blessed me with my knee feeling better!!  I am now running up to 7 minutes at a time.  Can’t wait to go jogging with Brent, who apparently feels that I am going to kick his butt.  He’s put 10 pounds back on while he’s been in Utah (mostly due to stress) and is feeling that he’s not in as good of shape.  (This is quite the role reversal, I’ll tell ya, as Brent has always been more the athlete than me since High School).  But he worked it today - He IS the MAN!!!  I like the idea of kickin’ his butt, though... is that bad? 

You know, life is hard.  We move in a month, Brent did not get a position at work he applied for that he really wanted (which would have been more money and less stress), money is scarce, the homes we’ve been trying to buy in Utah have not come through for us yet - so we’re moving with no place to live, there are issues with our kids that need addressing... and on and on.  

But you know what?  Life is still so good!  

For me, it used to NOT be good.  Everything brought me down.  I still get down at times.  But my outlook has changed.  

You know what is different from a positive person vs. a negative person?  

It is their PERSPECTIVE.  


It is about looking beyond the moment or the situation.  It is about seeing the whole picture.  It is about seeing things as they really are and what is really most important.  

I am so thankful to start a new perspective in my life.  After so many years of negative... I am so thankful to shed that.  My chains are gone - I have been set free.   

So bring it on... Life is SO GOOD!!  

Zumba Zumba GaZumba Zeng!

I went to my first Zumba Class this morning!  

Was it way Fun?  YES.  

Did I get all the moves?  No.  

Did I do moves that I wouldn't do anywhere else?  Yes.  

Can I salsa?  No... not yet.  

Will I go back?  Yes!

I'm pleased with myself for going to this even without a partner (like I did with Yoga as well).  In years past, I was so insecure I wouldn't go try anything new without someone with me, usually my man.  I like noticing my growth especially when it's so easy to think self-defeating thoughts.  No more.

Here's proof:  Me right after class.  I had my left knee in a wrap which it needed.  I felt a little strain on it so I took it easy.  Tomorrow I'm going to try running for up to 7 minutes if my knee will let me.

I also made some new Knox Blox flavors:  Raspberry/Huckleberry and Peach/Pineapple/Banana.  Yummo.  Brent comes home Wednesday night!!  Can't wait.

Have a FABULOUS day my friends and remember:

Learning as I go...

I am learning about my body!  Imagine that.  I think when you overeat constantly, you get used to “tuning out” so that you can continue to over eat irresponsibly and be in denial about your health.  Or at least that was true with me.

So, I really am on the maintenance wagon.  The training wheels have come off (mostly).  I have experienced binges and cravings.  I have experiences major guilt and last minute work outs to make up for calories eaten.  It’s a new way of thinking.  I can’t beat myself up, and I can’t let myself off the hook.  I will forever be mindful of what I eat!  It’s a new way and attitude about living.  But it’s all good... it keeps me relying on prayer, ya know!

I have kept my weight below the 140 mark... fluctuating as low as 132 and as high as 138.  This morning, the scale said 136.  That’s all good... I just don’t want to get above 140.  Having said that, I don’t want to be a slave to the scale either.  It’s about getting more tone and building my endurance.

Which brings me to my 5K training.  I am 3 weeks away from “running” my first 5k!  This week was my 5 minute run / 2 min. walk.  Monday, I did great but by Wednesday, I had a pretty swollen and painful knee!!  I was limping and in pain.  Drat!!  I iced it, and took ibuprofen and tried to burn calories using my upper body... at least one day I did.  

This morning, it felt better enough for me to try running.  I had support wraps on both my knees and headed out.  Well, I did the first 5 minute run fine, but on the 2nd run my knee started hurting after 3.5 minutes.  And on the 3rd run it hurt after 1.5 minutes.  Drat!  So I walked the rest and walked a good hour in the BEAUTIFUL Oregon sunshine.  I even found a little trail among the trees that lead to a park.  It reminded me of pics that Suzi often posts... just gorgeous!  I pulled off my headphones and listened to the birds and trees.  I felt a rush of gratitude for such a beautiful earth we live on and for my Heavenly Father and all He’s given me.  I’m going to miss Oregon, but I look forward to exploring new trails in Utah!

So here I am today in my most sexy work out clothes.  Yes, those are Brent’s PJ bottoms... uber cool, don’t ya think?  Had my knee braces on underneath.  Major dorko.  I really need to invest in active wear.  But I’m so glad to even be active!  I don’t care as much what people think.

My man comes home for 3 days this next week.  It will be so wonderful to see him again.  Our move is next month and we still don’t have a house nailed down.  I KNOW the Lord has something in store and the timing will all work out SOMEHOW but right now, it’s all up in the air.  I’ve learned to do all I can and then Trust HIM.  Life is GOOD!!!

Is it really me?

So I may not have been one of the Medifast “Happy After” winners and get a makeover, shopping spree and photo shoot.... BUT I got something better:  SUPER COOL friends in my life!!  What could possibly have more value than that?  :)

Speaking of one SUPER COOL friend, she arranged and then took me to her SUPER COOL sis-in-laws home (which is an hour away) and they gave me a MAKEOVER yesterday!  This is my first makeover ever!  How totally amazing is that?  This incredible woman has a gift and talent for style and beauty.  She knows how to take a person and bring out their best features.  She has 6 kids of her own and just looks fabulous.

First, she put some brown back in my hair which is my original color, and then she painted my toenails, which is the 2nd time in my life I’ve ever had them painted!  How sweet was that?  I loved it!

Then she added some carmel highlights to my hair.  And the she CUT it, and layered it, and styled it.

Then she put make up on me.  I haven’t worn make up consistently since my last daughter was born... over 14 years ago and a lot has changed since then.  I was actually taking notes to learn as much as I could.  I got so much wonderful information.

She told me before I saw my finished self, that it may be shocking to see myself in makeup, but that I don’t look like a clown and that it looks good.  So for a split second, I pictured myself in clown makeup with the white face and outlined mouth in red and big poofy colored wig... and almost laughed.  Just a little Margene humor.

BEFORE:

After:

And then... voila!  I did NOT recognize myself!  It was quite surreal because it was really like looking at a picture of someone else.  The person didn’t look like she had too much makeup but being that it was ME... it felt like I was wearing a lot.  My eyes just seem to pop out!  I was so overwhelmed.  I felt so pretty!

My friends were trying to read me to see if I liked it, but I seriously was overcome and did not know how to respond.  I felt so humbled and so thankful... and unworthy (I know I shouldn’t say that word, but it’s how I felt) of their time and attention and efforts on my behalf.  These women both have several children and busy homes and yet they took several hours out of their day just for me.  

With the last few minutes, she had my try on some of her pants and tops and gave me some tips on clothes I can look for that would accentuate my positive features.  It was very cool.  She had these pants with a big belt and I actually tucked in my shirt (which I NEVER do) and it wasn’t half bad!  Too much fun!  I would LOVE to go shopping with her as I know nothing about what really looks good.  

She is on a very tight budget but 3 things she feels are worth investing more money in are 1. Good bra, 2. Good shoes, and 3. Good Make up (she told me about Bare Minerals).  Awesome clothes can be found at thrift stores if you know what to look for.   And it’s okay to look your best.  It doesn’t mean your vain.  You look your best and take care of yourself so that you can serve your family and those around you and feel confident.

Here is an interesting comparison from me at Christmas in 2009, and me just yesterday (a year and half later).  Is this really the same person?  I still feel like the gal on the left inside... but I’m daring to be that more confident woman on the right!

When I got home, my 10 year old did not recognize me and even acted a little scared or freaked out.  I don’t know if this is a good thing or not but it was funny!  My daughters, on the other hand were way more enthusiastic.  I just hope Brent doesn’t check out this blog until he comes home on the 19th for the weekend... I CAN’T WAIT to see HIM!!!  What will HE THINK? Life is Good!!

What's the cost?

Just thinking about all the little expenses that add up.  Then two days ago I figured this:


Driving to daughters track meet 
in our gas guzzling Suburban:  $6.00


Brought knox blox, cut up apples 
and red peppers for her:           $4.00


Hearing her exclaim when she saw me:  
"Mom, so glad you're here, 
I want to show you off to my friends!": PRICELESS!!!


Never thought I'd hear that and it made me feel like a MILLION BUCKS!

Joy suggested I share this on my blog.  Life is GOOD

PS - I totally rocked my run today and now I think I have the running for at least 3 minutes down!

** JOY **

I met JOY yesterday!  We met for lunch and had a fabulous visit.  Wow, this woman is major strong and gutsy and she's also beautiful.  Check out our pic below.  She could wipe me out easily on the treadmill or in any area.  She works so hard and is so committed and has gone through SO much.  I was impressed and inspired by her tenacious and kind spirit.  Check out and follow her blog and you'll be glad you did.

Today I go do my second work out of the week to train for my 5k.  It is gorgeous out and I think I'll be running outside.  Wish me luck.... NO mind games.  Eye of the tigar... GRRRRRRRR!!

Mind Games...

The thought occurred to me today that weight loss, exercise, good health... it really is 90% in the MIND!  I knew this before but today it really hit me.  Wanna know why?

Because I was on the treadmill this morning, starting my 2nd week or training.  My plan says to run for 2.5 min. and then walk 2.5, but I've been trying to push myself so I was going for 3 minutes.  So as I start running, I focus on relaxing and breathing and try to let my mind focus on certain topics.  When I think I've run for quite a while, I look down and only 30 freaking seconds have passed!!!  Then my mind starts to think "Crap, I have 2.5 minutes left... how am I going to do this?  How am I going to run for a full 5K come June?  I can barely do this...." and on I go.  I even thought I wouldn't be able to finish this work out.

So I try to STOP those thoughts and think "I am strong.  I feel so light.  My body feels lighter now.  I can do this."  But then only like 10 seconds have passed.  I realize that I need to CONTROL THE MIND GAME!  It's so easy to go into a panic mode.

There was a mirror in front of me about 30 feet away and I could see my face and how I'd tilt my head back as I jogged in kind of in a sense of exhaustion.  So I decided to put my head straight and look at myself straight on... directly.  And tell myself:  I CAN DO THIS!  Eye of the tiger, girl!!

So for 6 of the 11 sets of running I did 3 minutes at 4.5 speed, the other 5 I did for 2.5 minutes... and on the last run, I bumped up the speed to 5.5 the last 30 seconds and KICKED IT OUT!  And it felt good.

I see how mind games can mess up your eating, and your exercising if you don't control what you say to yourself!  And not just what you say to yourself... what you BELIEVE about yourself.  Believing it's possible is half the battle!  That has been my core mantra in this whole journey and it always comes back to that!  I will be working on my self-talk and belief continually - one day at a time because there is no going back for me!

Yesterday it was SO GORGEOUS here in Oregon, that after church, the kids and I went for a bike ride.  We found some new trails at a park close by and it was so fun!  I will miss the trees and gorgeous green here in Oregon.

Then, the kids stopped to swing on the swings and I joined in too.  Here I am a 42 year old nut, swinging like a monkey... I'm such a dork.  But dorks are fun!  Life is Good!!

My Training Plan

Okay... I've got a date down to run a 5k and it's on June 4th... the day my oldest son graduates High School!  That gives me 6 weeks to train.  I've studied over several different training programs and I've come up with this:

		Margene’s 5K+ Training Plan
	Week	Workout 1	Workout 2	Workout 3
April 25-29	1	(45 Min)  Run 1 min. / Walk 4 minutes.  Do this 9X	(40 Min)  Run 1 min. / Walk 4 minutes.  Do this 8X	(40 Min)  Run 1 min. / Walk 4 minutes.  Do this 8X
May 2-6	2	(55 min) Run 2.5 min. / Walk 2.5 min.  Do this 11x	(45 min) Run 2.5 min. / Walk 2.5 min.  Do this 9x	(50 min) Run 2.5 min. / Walk 2.5 min.  Do this 10x
May 9-13	3	(60 min) Run 4 min. / Walk 2 min.  Do this 10x	(54 min) Run 4 min. / Walk 2 min.  Do this 9x	(54 min) Run 4 min. / Walk 2 min.  Do this 9x
May 16-20	4	(63 min) Run 7 min. / Walk 2 min.  Do this 7x	(54 min) Run 7 min. / Walk 2 min.  Do this 6x	(50 min) Run 7 min. / Walk 2 min.  Do this 5x
May 23-27	5	(44 min) Run 10 min. / Walk 1 min.  Do this 4x	(41 min) Run 20 min. / Walk 1 min.  Run 20 Min.	(45 min) Run 22 min. / Walk 1 min.  Run 22 Min.
May 30-June 4	6	(51 min) Run 25 min. / Walk 1 min.  Run 25 Min.	(56 min) Run 30 min. / Walk 1 min.  Run 25 Min.	(51 min) Run 40 min. / Walk 1 min.  Run 10 Min.                           OR                                            -----Run 5K-----

My goal is to be where I can run more than a 5K by the time I reach that date.  I have no idea if this is feasible as far as my ability or being such a short time, but why can't it be?  So far I've done workout 1 and 2 of week 1.  It is still hard to run that 1 minute but it's not impossible.  I am pushing myself more than I have in MANY years.  But my body is certainly capable.  I have to work on my breathing as sometimes I feel like I'm not getting enough oxygen.

SO... you experienced runners out there... I am open to suggestions, ideas and feedback.  I'm a total new-be to all this.

I do have to say, that this will be a HUGE accomplishment for me.  I have dreaded running since grade school and actually, other than being on my 9th grade basketball team, I've avoided ever having to run.  This is a life change for me and something I really want to conquer.  And to do this before I move would be INCREDIBLE to me.  I really want to do this!!

Monday Monday...

How did you survive Easter Candy Weekend?

I’ll tell you how I did... I ate two Reese’s PB eggs (on different days)... and I had a ham dinner with cheesy potatoes on Sunday.  Not too bad, but definitely higher calories that I normally want to have. SO.... today is back on PLAN.  I refuse to feel guilty, but just to move on.

I said goodbye to Brent Sunday morning :( and this morning I really wanted to crawl back into my bed after getting the kids off to school.  I ate too much on Sunday and the weather was all rainy, my man was gone, I had every reason to crawl back into bed.  But I didn’t!  I actually got dressed and went to the gym and started my running workout!  And I’m So glad I did!!  The old Margene would have gone back to bed and felt sorry for herself.  No more!!

My running plan today was to run for 1 minute and walk for 4, doing it 9 times.  I made a little post-it note to check off each time I ran for 1 minute.  It was so much more encouraging to do that today than last Thursday when I first started - yet it was still challenging and I did it!

Later on today I made some medifast food:  Peanut butter muffin/brownies, Banana muffin/brownies, and Macadamia nut chocolate cookies! And I made some 2 flavor pack  puddings with chocolate german cake on the bottom and banana coconut on the top.

We had a FABULOUS saturday as a family starting out with an easter egg hunt at a friends house, and then out to the Tulip Festival which is where I had my first rock wall climbing experience.  It was interesting to come back home and compare our pics with last year at the Tulip Festival.  I can't believe it's only been a year!

Tulip Festival 2010

Tulip Festival 2011

Friday and Saturday that Brent was home was the perfect blue sky weather!  What a reflection of how wonderful it was to all be together again.  I really can't wait until we are all together as a family in our new place.

I was reading from a cute little book called “I hope you know how much I love you and other advice for a happier life” by John Bytheway and I love the first chapter already.  It’s about contentment vs. competition.  As women, we often compare ourselves with each other and then put ourself down if we don’t have the same talent or ability we see in someone else.  But we are counseled  to focus on finding contentment - which allows us to be ourselves!  

I liked this quote by Marjorie Pay Hinckley “Choose carefully each day that which you will do and that which you will not do, and the Lord will bless you to accomplish the important things that have eternal consequences.”  When you do the best you can, you can be at peace, and with the Lord’s spirit, you can feel content.  That is a great message for me today.  Life is GOOD!!

Another First... Amazing!

I just realized... there sure are a lot of angles of my back side on this... (please ignore them!).  It was super fun to be able to have the choice to climb this with my son and daughter today.

Week 5 and I'm alive!

Happy Easter Weekend!!
I have maintained my weight this week...even dipped down as low as 133 a few days ago which was cool to see.  My man is home for two days as I write this and everything is set right in the world at this moment!!

Good New and Bad News.  What do you want first?

Bad News.... I was NOT chosen as one of the 10 Medifast "Happy After" winners.  I know it's just a contest but I was really bummed at not winning.  I let myself believe that I had a good chance at it, and I was really looking forward to getting a makeover (maybe a new look even) and shopping.  I felt quite sick after reading the winners list on facebook... even took a period of time to feel sorry for myself (yes, I admit, I even cried) but then I thought to myself "Okay, you've given this enough energy, you have so many other things to focus on now and move forward with, and so many blessings, time to let it go and move on."  And I wiped my tears, left my room, and decided to smile.  Seems like a small deal, but doing that was paving a new path for me!  I don't want to let disappointment rule my life anymore!  And I don't want to turn to FOOD to cover my disappointments.

Good News... I tried my first "real" try at RUNNING.  Yes, on Thursday, it'd been 2 weeks since surgery, and I got up and went right to the gym to see how long I could actually run.  It was in high school since I've really run at all!  Well... I learned that I am WAY out of ANY kind of running shape.  I ran for 2 minutes, then walked for 2 minutes, then ran for 1.5 minutes, walked for 2 minutes, then ran for 1 minute... I think 1 minute of running is what I could handle before I felt like my head would explode and my heart beat out of my chest.  But I ran/walked for 1.5 miles in 23 minutes.  Even right now I am feeling the soreness in my legs from that 23 minutes.  This is just the beginning... I hope to be able to run a 5K before I move in June.  That may be a stretch but who knows.  I know being obese has damaged my knees and so I will need to be careful but I'm hoping they aren't damaged too much.  I've never enjoyed running and I hope to get to the point where I will, like my amazing friend, Jennifer!

Today was one of the best days ever!  First, the SUN was out here in Oregon and the weather was superb!  We let all the kids stay home from school (two were kind of sick anyway) just to be with their dad.  Brent got all our bikes out and tuned up.  We went for a bike ride and it was FABULOUS.  We rode to a park and through some trails, then my daughter and I rode to the store.  Tonight, Brent and I went to dinner, shopping around a mall and a movie.  We are soaking every moment!  Tomorrow we have a fun day planned as well.

THINGS I'M LEARNING:  When I do add in extra calories, I'm trying to do it minimally and not feel like I've "blown" it so I might as well cave into tons more.  I'm trying to increase my activity level as I am treating myself to a little more things here and there.  I am keeping my water intake as high as I can.  Somehow I believe, that drinking lots of water really helps when I've taken in more calories than I wanted... I haven't read anything about that, but it's just what my gut tells me.

I appreciate the time I get to read blog entries of so many wonderful bloggers out there.  Honestly, I feel that blog reading has increased my level of prayer as I find myself praying for you fellow bloggers right here at my desk as I read.  I really believe in the power of prayer and I'm thankful to be able to share our journeys and pray for each other!  LIFE is SOOO Good!

A little girl with great big plans!

This song is speaking to me!!

What you gonna do?

Week 4 since reaching GOAL

Today I am actually 1 pound LESS than goal weight.  Woo Hoo!  The scale said 134 pounds.  It’s been a good week.  I appreciate every single comment and word of encouragement I received from my last post.  Last weekend was my worst time yet... but things have been so much better.  It’s so refreshing and touching to see there is still so much kindness and compassion in the world!

And in 6 days, I see my man!!  He is flying in for two days to see us and will head back to Utah on Easter Morning.  We will have TWO precious days with him.  I am SO looking forward to that.  There are a million fun things I’d love to do when he’s here, and even more things we should get done to prepare to move in June.  Yet, I’d be happy to just hug him the whole time.  It’s been so hard to be apart.   But good news... we are down to two homes that we have offers on and one of them should be coming through soon.  Once we actually have a signed offer from the bank... things will be moving forward even more quickly.

So.... Maintenance!

This is new for me.  I am no longer in this intense “weight loss” mode.  I am still eating my 5 and 1 plan, yet allowing myself some indulgences here and there.  And I’m trying to control my desire for more indulgences.  This is a tricky.  Before I wouldn’t allow myself to dwell on eating foods off plan, but NOW I find myself considering it and dwelling on it more.  I don’t want to live each day feeling guilty over everything I eat or want to eat - YET, I do need to not feel like I can just let go and eat whatever.  I need to find balance.  It’s like my journey has stepped into a new phase.  I am leaning so much from others who have gone before me... you my fellow bloggers and friends... and I am leaning a lot on prayer.  I will NOT go back.

And guess what?  I own a couple of size 8 jeans now too!  I wear size 8 and size 10.  It feels so good.  Also... I tried YOGA!  I am proud of myself for going even without a friend or partner (I have a hard time motivating myself when I’m by myself)... but I did it and I enjoyed it.  I was able to get my body in positions I didn’t know I could!  But I stink at balance and I can def. use practice.

Fun Surprise:  A friend invited me over to her home this week and didn’t tell me specifically what for.  She ended up treating me to lunch at Baja Fresh in honor of reaching my goal!  I had a chicken bowl and had them cut the rice and use lettuce instead an add extra chicken.  

I also added salsa after this pic was taken.  It was so good!  But it didn’t end there... THEN she wanted to take me shopping for a new outfit or a couple clothes items to also celebrate.  She had made room in her budget to do that.  I was blown away!  I had secretly written down YEARS AGO that one of my bucket list things to do was to loose my weight and go clothes shopping with a friend.  This was it!!  I have never been clothes shopping with a friend in my life!  I am such a newby when it comes to shopping and it was so fun!  We both tried on clothes and dresses and her daughter was our “judge”.  I ended up with a size 8 white capri (I’ve never bought white before) and a size 10 jeans.  That really made my day - that she had put that much thought, time, and money into thinking of me.  I feel very blessed!  Life is good!

Latest Favorite:  Medifast Pancake packet made into 2 waffles (by adding a 3-4 Tbs egg beaters & 1/4 baking powder to the mix) - with 2 Tbs chocolate PB2, and 1 Tbs Walden Farms jelly.  Oh my... it is divine!  Especially for those doing this plan and are not having bread.  THIS is the ultimate pb & j fix!  I’d eat this off plan too! 

I hope you have an On Plan week - get out and get your body moving - Celebrate Life!!  It's Easter Week!!!  (my Favorite holiday after Christmas!!)  Life is GOOD!!

It finally happened...

I did NOT want to blog about this but I have got to keep it real.  I have had a really crummy weekend!  I think it all came to a head for me... the surgery pain, contention among my kids, missing Brent, feeling lonely, trying to take care of all my responsibilities, feeling forgotten... I caved on Saturday and ate a huge tub of a chicken ramen noodle salad I had made for a RS women's event (calculated at about 1400 calories).  It had craisens and almond slivers in it and was so good.  Earlier at the event, I had already eaten 2 servings plus a thick piece of pumpkin chocolate chip bread.  Then I came home and ate the whole tub of it.  It was emotional eating.  I felt disappointed and forgotten and depleted...  I even thought to myself that I would not blog about this because I was SOOOO disappointment with myself.  Before this cave, I weighed in with a 2 pound gain.  Still in the 130's and I think it's because of all the IV fluid I had during surgery.  As long as my weight stays within the 130's somewhere I feel okay... but I am going to monitor myself like a hawk.

Sunday I was back on plan food wise... but still feeling pretty yucky.  After church, I literally barricaded myself in my room away from my kids.  My daughter had to find her own ride to her meeting... they had to get their own meals... handle their own arguments.  I was done with it.  I was empty.  It was was a low day.  

But today is fresh and I'm wiping my eyes and looking out at the overcast sky.  I am going to count my blessings and pull myself out of this funk, or pray myself out I should say.  There you've got it... the ugly truth about my weekend.  So many people have harder trials than mine.  I just read about a fellow blogger, Michele who's home burned down.  I cannot imagine!  I have nothing to really complain about compared to that!  So many others have huge struggles.  I need to count my blessings.  Life is good!

Surgery - Oh so fun!

I am home now from my surgery and everything went well.  My sister was here from Utah and stayed with me the whole time in the hospital which made it SO much easier.  I was truly blessed to have everything go smoothly and be home now.  Pain isn't too bad.  Feels like I've been horseback riding for two days straight... I wonder if I walk funny!  :)

BEFORE SURGERY

I was actually naive enough to think I could start on my10K training on Monday.  My doctor kind of put a damper on that when he told me I can't jog for at least 2 weeks.  Drat!  I probably won't be able to the the 10K I wanted to before moving.  BUT I am very excited for all the things I do want to do when I'm fully recovered.  

AFTER SURGERY

Missing my man - YES

Majorly blessed - YES

Life is Good - Definitely YES!!