Struggles Make The Prize Greater...

I am not one who likes to struggle or suffer or be full of heartache!  I don’t like feeling like a mis-fit or friendless or lonely or ugly or fat or unwanted!  I absolutely detest feeling like a 3rd wheel or forgotten or unappreciated or insignificant!  I hate feeling like I have no value and that my life is of little worth to anyone!  

Who does?  

(okay, that might be a question for a psychiatrist).

Yet I have felt (and often still feel) many of those things... 

Life is so ironic, though!  I see that because of my struggles - my triumphs have HUGE meaning to me.  The times I overcome and conquer those feelings have been the SWEETEST of victories - even tho they may be seemingly small.

Perhaps what seems small to us, are viewed as HUMONGOUS strides to the angels who watch us!  Perhaps the obstacles in this life - swimming upstream so to speak - make any upward movement, no matter how small, a triumph worth celebrating!  I am convinced this is true.

I overcame some things this week.  I overcame extreme guilt and self-anger at indulging in two servings of a high-sugar dessert I hadn’t planned.  I overcame self-pity at having no running buddy.  I overcame some lonely feelings and sadness that no friend called me when I really wanted it.  I overcame the hurts I felt from some family members.  I overcame some self-doubts I was having...

I can forgive myself.  

I can forgive others.  

I can keep moving forward.  

I can SMILE everyday at the Goodness that is in my life!!

I have my life back!  I have my health back.  I can run.  I can ride my bike.  My relationship with my kids is so much better.  I have the most amazing supportive husband ever!  I have a stronger relationship with my Savior, Jesus Christ.  I know He suffered for me and I am of great worth to Him!  I have wonderful friends in my life.

My life is a Miracle!  

I have what my mother didn’t have... a SECOND CHANCE!  

(She died at 56 from heart disease)

I will take it
and live in HER honor 

and become that daughter that is worthy to bear her name!

I have to post this video... that reminds me how much greater the prize is - because of what we go through to get it!  NEVER GIVE UP!  

What Do you Do if You FALL? - CLICK and Watch THIS VIDEO!

Updates:

I am Loving playing basketball again - even tho I’m the oldest one there by like 10 years (didn’t even realize that till I thought about it).  It’s okay... I’m living my life and excited I can play!

Got some running shoes!  (I took back my Costco ones)  I went to a running store and got “fit” for these and I’m so glad I did.  I learned some tips on running and how to avoid knee damage.  So far this time in training, my knees have not been hurting at all!  So happy about that.  I still wear knee supports every time I run or play bb because I don’t want to damage them.

I have been ROCKING IT with my running.  Went last Friday and ran 10 sets of 4 minutes with the last 2 sets I pushed to 5 and then 7 minutes.  I ran nearly 4 miles!  Yesterday (Monday), I ran on the treadmill and did 8 sets of running for 5 and 6 minutes.  I am getting close to being able to run longer periods without having to stop and walk.  It's kicking my tushie but it feels fabulous to be able to increase that time.  BOOYA!

Also, I am now the Young Women Camp Director for our church group!  I get to head up girls camp this year!  So excited - it’s going to be so fun to be there with my girls again!  My plate is getting fuller all the time but it’s all good and I love it!!

LIFE IS GOOD!

How are YOU celebrating YOUR life?

Opposition...

Dang that opposition!

Well.... I lost my running body.... errr, I mean buddy.  

So many things ran through my mind this morning as lay in my bed under my electric blanket with my little dog Zoey all cuddled up to me.  This 1/2 marathon I’ve signed up for in May.... it’s in Oregon.  I’m already going to Oregon with my girls in March.  I am happy to make another trip because I LOVE Oregon and all our friends there.  I am so excited to see them!  

However, 

1. The friend I signed up to run with is probably not as committed to running the whole thing as I am.  No other friends in Oregon are interested in running this with me.  This means I’ll most likely be running it alone all the way up in Oregon.
2. There is no one to run any 1/2 marathons in Utah with me here.
3. There is no one to TRAIN with here!
4. I have always struggled with motivation to exercise... I’m sure this contributes to why I was so heavy for so long.  I’d practically rather have a root canal than go running in the past.   I’m trying to change that.  But it’s SO hard on my own.  Running with someone makes it go faster and is SO much more enjoyable.
5. It was cold and snowy out today and it felt so much better in bed.
6. Our car is broken, I’ve been stranded for over a week, I feel bummed!
7. My daughter was mean to me & hurt my feelings the other day (throwing this one in for good measure!)
8. I feel lonely and somewhat of a mis-fit (What else is new, right?)...

I somehow still dragged myself out of bed and after a little prayer and change of clothes, I opened my front door and began running immediately.  My face felt frozen after about 30 seconds.... but I ran.  I planned on 10 sets of 3 minute runs.  Two minutes was good but that 3rd minute was a work out.  On my seventh round, my mp3 player died.  I pushed myself and did my last two runs as 4 minutes each only listening to the patter of my feet on the pavement.  

BOOYA!!

I put the wrong date - It was Jan 25th  2012 - oopsy

I can’t say that all those thoughts I have listed above went away... but at least I didn’t wallow in them - I went out and did the harder thing!  Yay for me.  I hope to conquer opposition as it keeps coming to me.  Today at least, I didn’t give in.

Life is GOOD!!

XoxOXo ~Margene

Charge!!! (4th day of training)

Last friday I found a running buddy!!  Woo Hoo!  What an answer to my prayers.  :) So we went running outside in this Utah COLD, but it was good.  I always love running outside more.

Not only that, but I also went and played my first BASKETBALL scrimmage here in Utah.  I really do suck and can't make many baskets but for some reason I LOVE this game.  I ran my heart out and my legs felt like rubber and my chest was burning and it felt so good!  It's not like exercise when you find something you love doing!

This morning, my buddy and I went out again.  We ran 13 sets of 2 min runs/ 1 min walks.  What a great start to the week.  Coming home from our run, we both felt like rockstars!  I had been tempted to just stay in bed under my electric blanket but I made myself get up.  It feels good to take over from what my body wants.  Mind over matter, baby!

Life is GOOD!!  I hope YOU kick it this week.

XoxoxXO

~Margene

I kicked my own tushie!

Today was the 2nd day of my running training build up schedule thingy mabob.  Whatever you call it.  

I began on monday running 1 minute and walking 2 minutes in 13 sets.  

Today I bumped myself up to running 1.5 minutes and walking 1.5 minutes and it was WAY more of a workout for me!!  I felt the push my 2nd run in and I had 13 runs I was doing.

This is how I remember training last year when I was first running after 20+ years.  

That weazing and feeling like you can't make it until the end of the timer - and then dreading when the walking time is over and you have to run again.  

Half way through I seriously felt like I was going to vomit.

But I didn't.  

I made it.  

I could do it.  

I've done way harder stuff.  

Easy smeazy.... (not really, but it will be)

Feels so good to just DO IT.

Don't think about it so much... just move forward and DO IT!

Friday my sets will be to run 2 minutes and walk 1 minute.
Okay... I'm gonna do it.  

It will kick my tushie again but I'm up for a tushie kickin'

Life is GOOD.

Peace out

XOxoX

~Margene

Cookies be gone! I'm gettin' my MOJO ON!!!

There has been way too much rationalization going on in my mind lately... one more this, and one more that and then I’ll start.  My weakness has been those frozen yogurt places that you serve yourself.  I mean, they are healthier than ice cream right?  And also cookies, which I can’t seem to ever have just one of.  I do have a sugar addiction as just a small serving or bite isn’t enough.  I have to AVOID it altogether.

But something has to be said for JUST DOING IT!  

I can’t just wait until I find motivation.  

I must CREATE motivation! 

So I made my own training schedule to build myself up to a 5k again in 5 weeks and then I’ll start my 1/2 marathon schedule to build myself up to 13 miles.  It’s written down and it’s ready to check off.  I also researched and invested in a good pedometer.  

Saturday I went to the bridal shower of my lovely niece, and the host of the shower, Emily, has also done TSFL, and now she runs marathons!  Rockstar Material!  Booya!  

How lucky to meet her now!  I got some great advice - one being that I really NEED to get good shoes.  I think I’ll be taking my Costco shoes back and invest in a pair more fitted to my feet.  I need to do that to not risk injury to my knees which are already sensitive due to the years of being heavy.

I also found on Casey’s blog, something I want to post by my mirror and read every day:

Is it possible that I love and rely on food more than I love and rely on God?

God never intended for us to want anything more than we want Him.

Today I started my runs!  It’s a simple start but that’s how I started before.  I run 1 minute and walk 2 minutes and do it 13 times.  It gave me a good work out and toward the end, those 1 minutes runs were starting to push me.  It feels good that I just did it.

There are no cookies in the house, and I have lots of good healthy foods available... so I’m good to go.  I was thinking today as I was doing my runs, how running just 10 seconds used to spike my heart rate and literally kill me.  I am so thankful I can run now!  I never want to forget how grateful I am for that... even when I’m pushing it and want to stop.

Life is good!!  

How are YOU CREATING your MOJO?

TAG.... You're IT!!

I got tagged!  Thanks Joy!!  I know I've been tagged before and didn't make the time to respond but I always feel so flattered when I am tagged.)  So here ya go ladies (and gents if any are reading)...

First the rules:

1. Post these rules. 

2. You must post 11 random things yourself. 

3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post. 

4. Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer. 

5. Go to their blog and tell them that you've tagged them. 

11 Random things about Margene

1. I have an odd kind of silly humor
2. I’ve been a mobile dance DJ since I was 14
3. I’ve made a huge levi quilt by myself 
4. I used to dream of having red curly hair and freckles
5. I was a Tom-Boy growing up (have 5 brothers)
6. I love watching Little House on the Prairie
7. I am the only girl my hubby has ever kissed on the lips! 
8. I cherish friendships - I seek out my “Kindred” spirit friends!
9. I actually got Lalaloopsy dolls for Christmas (my girls did too) this year
10. I have held the hand of a loved one while they passed away - two times over!
11. Would love to go on a cruise with Brent sometime!

Now for the 11 Questions I've been asked to answer:

ONE -  If money wasn't an option, what would you really want to do for a living?

Be a motivational speaker, travel, sign up for and do any and all physical activities that I could think of (runs, biking, rock climbing, horse riding, hiking, sky diving, etc.), Help people reach their weight loss goals and financially help if I could too.

TWO -  What is the one thing that you are really afraid to do?

Kill big spiders and plunge flooding toilets (oops, that’s two things)

THREE -  What brings you the most joy?

Time spent with family and friends.  Visiting, playing, parties, get-togethers, games, exercising together... anything like that with family and friends just makes my day!

FOUR - What exercise is your favorite?

Riding my bike!!!  (and playing basketball)

FIVE -  What is the one thing that pushed you to start your weight loss and fitness plan?

I had given up and was destined to die young like my mother did.  I got an answer to my prayer and I knew this would work.  I finally began to believe that I could lose all my weight where before it was just too huge of a mountain to climb!  So I would say it was God that gave me that answer and that push!  I learned that my life has more value than I had ever supposed it did!  I hope no one feels as horrible and self-despising as I did!

SIX - What keeps you motivated?

The fear of gaining weight back and going into the prison of obesity! Yes, fear motivates me!!

  

SEVEN - Who inspires you?

My angel parents who left me a legacy of love, service and integrity.  (Plus my first name in a combination of both of their first names, so they are truly apart of me!)

EIGHT -  Is there anything holding you back from achieving your dreams? If so, what?

My own self.  Fear of loss and rejection - my biggest fears!

NINE -  Are you a hugger? When was the last time you got hugged? 

Yes... I’m a repressed hugger in that I’ve been afraid (as a heavy person) to hug anyone for fear they would be grossed out by me.  I am still cautious about hugging people if I feel that they might not like a hug from me.  But I love to get and give them.  I have years to make up on that!  I got hugged today from Brent and several family members at a bridal shower.

TEN - What would your perfect day look like? 

Sunny and warm with family and friends around me.  Brent and I just reminisced today about a perfect day we had back when just he and I biked the 26 miles on the Vernonia Trails in Oregon last year.  That was a perfect day!

ELEVEN - Are you going to reach your goals? If so, what's your plan?

Yes.  Maintain a healthy weight and eating plan.  Do as many active and fun things as I can fit in and share it all with my family!

11 Peeps to Tag 

(Note - If you want to answer these, consider yourself TAGGED!! And if you are on this list and don’t want to do it - No worries!!!)

1. Casey     
2. Gracey   
3. Kristin      
4. Jennifer   
5. Loretta    
6. Sarah     
7. Sharon     
8. Jane      
9. Dawne    
10. Becca    
11. Lori       

11 Questions for You to Answer:

1. What would be the greatest piece of advice you would give someone at the beginning of their weight loss journey?
2. What is your biggest fear in life?
3. What or who has inspired you the most?
4. If you had $1000. right now with no strings attached - what would you do with it?
5. If you could do anything you wanted to one day what would it be?
6. Do you have a BFF and if so - how long have you been friends?
7. What does friendship mean to you?
8. What is your favorite healthy food(s)?
9. What is your favorite exercise or activity?
10. How do you stay motivated?
11. Where do you want to be next year at this time?

Life is good!! :)

Hello 2012!

Hello my friends!  Hello 2012!  I hope everyone is off to a super charged start for this new year.  I am excited for it, myself.  

Right now, though, I have a sore throat and swollen glands.  I’m downing the vitamin C and garlic which seems to ward off sicknesses for me.  But I am having a bit of a struggle finding my MOJO in the short term.

Long term, I have a 1/2 marathon to train for, trip to Oregon with my girls in March, warm Utah summer to look forward to, climbing the mountain here in our valley, and enjoying our new area and life here in Utah.  

We were counting up just today how many friends & family parties we've had these last two and a half months and it came to 9 parties/get-togethers at our house!  (The latest one was just last night!)  How fun is that!

However, in the short term... I’m cold, isolated, and fighting feelings of loneliness.  January blues maybe?  I’ve got to stop worrying about how to motivate myself and just DO IT!  

Life Is Good. 

I am So Hugely Blessed!

So, since I’m making knox blox quite often, I decided to buy a bulk amount of the unflavored gelatin.  I should have done this long ago!  This is gonna last me!!

I also got some running shoes from Costco.  Yes, I know I should go in and have an expert get me fitted with the right running shoes, but time and money don’t agree with that right now.  These ones seemed to fit well and I think they’ll do fine.  So next challenge is to really put these shoes to USE! 

 

Here was my lean and green tonight.  

Rotisserie chicken and sauteed zucchini & mushrooms.  A quick and yummy meal!

What are you doing to stay motivated?

How to Loath yourself in 9 simple steps

How to Loath yourself effectively and consistently in 9 simple steps!  Guaranteed to work and last for years!  You too, can become a self-loathing MASTER!

1. Negative self-talk. This is the foundation of loathing oneself and you must master this, young padawan!  Practice this at night as you lie in bed.  Think of all the mistakes you made and stupid things you said and note every tiny detail.  Include calling yourself names like dork, idiot, jerk, geek, loser, moron, etc.
2. Do not make your bed. This is so when you see your bed after getting up, it will look inviting to just slip back in it again.  Then proceed with #1 while you lie there thinking that you will sleep.  Add a little weeping in for good measure!  Get up later with a humongous headache.
3. Listen to mean people.  Imagine that someone like Simon Cowell is there nit picking you after every move you make.  Critics are the most smart and correct people ever.  Analyze everything you hear them say and take it all very personally and to heart - even if they were referring to someone else.
4. Meditate on your flaws.  Spend hours doing this.  Make a list if you need to.  Exaggerate them as that will really help in extending your meditations.
5. Don’t believe any compliments.  Better yet, learn to forget they were ever said.  After all, most people aren’t honest anyway - at least with their compliments.
6. Focus on all your failures, even the tiniest of ones.  Forget about any successes you’ve had as they were just flukes.  Your failures and mistakes reflect the real you.  Be sure and relive the most painful ones several times a day!  
7. See through people who are “just being nice”.  Most kind things are said only because someone doesn’t want to say what they really think and hurt your feelings.  You can bypass that and go right ahead and feel hurt by whatever they say!  
8. Remember that you are the victim.  This is essential.  Everyone is smarter, has a better job, better family, is more liked, has more friends, is better looking, more fit, more emotionally healthy, has a better house, nicer garden, sweeter car, cooler eyebrows, funnier wit, more beautiful voice, etc. than you.  And they are all generally happier without you around.  You are only a charity case to others.  And remember, if others were only less judgmental, truly caring, saw the good in you (even though you don’t), and treated you with the love and respect you deserve then you might have a shot at being happy!  But that will never happen!  Consider going outside and eating a worm, but then, feel bad because that worm could be ingested by anyone better than you!
9. Develop the “who cares” attitude.  Since you are nothing in the totem pole of life, you might a well not waste your energy on anything fun or productive.  Go ahead and let your house get messy, who cares?  Go ahead and not wear make-up or put on any nice clothes, who cares anyway?  It’s not like anyone is going to notice or that it will change your circumstances (see #8), so why waste that energy?  It makes more sense to plant yourself in front of the TV and enjoy a big bowl of ice cream, fresh baked brownies or better yet, both!  Who cares, right?  

Okay, so this sounds absurd and silly - but for me it’s been a reality not that long ago.

Even after striving to have a close relationship with God, I still sometimes fall into this negative thinking.  And what the truth really is:  It is all a big LIE.  I have learned for myself that all these negative thoughts I’ve believed about myself have all been LIES.  All of them!!  Whatever I give my belief to, I give my power to.  So, I refuse to believe it anymore! 

Now, if by chance you DO NOT want to become a self-loathing master - or maybe you are a master and want to loose those self-loathing skills... here are the 4 tips that have helped me:

1. Pray.  First and foremost for me has been to pray for help!  Things had to get bad enough, I had to feel desperate enough and basically be miserable enough to lay it all out before my Maker and be willing to work my way out of this deep pit.  I needed help to do that.  I made prayer a huge part of that.  Sometimes praying several times a day - even several times an hour sometimes.  This has become the core of my strength to overcome.

2. Read Positive books.  The scriptures are a great start and also other good books that build you up.  It’s about creating NEW PATHWAYS in your thinking so you practice filtering out those negative thoughts.  I found the book:  The 4:8 Principle by Tommy Newberry to really help me change the way I think.  I put quotes from this book all over my room and house to read every day and remember how I want to change my perspective in given situations.  

Some of my favorite quotes from this book are:

• Marinate in the solutions to my problems
• I can build any virtue into my mentality by dwelling on that virtue every single day
• Whatever I give my attention to expands in my experience.  I will experience more of whatever I dwell upon
• Stuff happens - move on.  Never let an old wound fester due to excessive attention
• Forget failures and relive my joys
• Become a forgiveness machine!
• Joy NOW - live each hour as if my full potential has already materialized.  Proceed moment by moment with the attitude I would have if my most heartfelt prayers have already been answered.
• Look with eyes of Faith - see what wold be if I would change my attitude and allow God to work in the situation.
• Behave as if my prayers have already been answered.
• Speak only what I seek
• Do my words emphasize my blessings or my worries?
• Do not talk about myself as the person I no longer desire to be.  Avoid making repeated, passing references to my mistakes and fears.  Cast out all self-deprecating remarks.
• How would the future me respond?  Imagine myself with the habits I would have if I were already living my best life.
• Whatever I dwell on becomes increasingly prominent in my own mind.  I will always feel what I dwell on.  Whatever I focus on, I am going to experience.
• Replace negative thoughts with thoughts of gratitude
• Extinguish negative thinking by not feeding it.  Refuse to nourish negative thoughts or give them any attention.
• I am Responsible
• Always give the other person the benefit of the doubt
• Each moment is a new beginning

Other books that have proven very helpful to me are:

Wake up to a Happier Life - Amanda Dickson

Stop whining, Start Living - Dr. Laura Schlessinger

Life is Short - Wear your Party Pants - Loretta Laroche

Boundaries - Cloud & Townsend

3. Listen to Positive Music.  I love inspirational music.  I also love a huge array of pop and rock music.  I can easily get caught up listening to my many playlists, yet I find that when I listen to my inspirational music during the day - I seem to find it easier to think positive and to feel the Lord’s influence in my life.  I gain more power to overcome the negative thoughts.  

4. Seek Counseling.  I am a firm believer that there are times when we each need to talk to a professional counselor or therapist.  This may be especially true if struggling with thoughts of depression.  Sometimes we do need professional help and that is no negative reflection on ourselves - but just the fact that life is hard.  

I’ve actually had this post written for over a year - but it’s been too close to home to publish until now.    

There is power in believing.  There is power in Faith.  (This is why I named my blog what I have).  This has been a bigger battle to me than even losing my weight, and it goes hand in hand with it actually.  As I let my weight go, I am working on letting these old beliefs go.  I choose to listen to the source of all good, who made me in His image and who has born my griefs and heartaches, even my savior Jesus Christ.  I hope anyone reading this who has any of these self-loathing tendencies like the ones listed above can let them go too, and learn to see the beauty in yourself and to love yourself, and to know WHO you really are.  Self-loathing is a painful suffering that I have worked SO hard in overcoming.  I pray that others who suffer from this can overcome as well!  Life is SO good and Life is TOO short to waste feeling negative!!

Twas the Day(s) after Christmas....

We had a wonderful, cozy Christmas as a family in our new home.  Brent had a couple days off and we goofed off and even went to a new frozen yogurt place and all splurged on our own concoctions!


I have to say, that this Christmas time, I gave myself permission to indulge a little with some of the sweets and yummy treats that were around.  Last year I was in "weight loss" mode and stayed true to the plan, so this year I decided to allow myself some freedoms.

BUT... I have learned that I am apt to take TOO much freedom and I have the tendency to become like a child left alone in a candy store.

I am now back ON PLAN and it's amazing how I suddenly feel more in control and even more of a sense of security of knowing the path that I'm on.  It really is like hopping onto another path.  I already feel more energy from eating better and even more cheerful.  In the past, I would have ignored those feelings of over-indulgence and rationalized them away and continued to overeat.  I'm so grateful for what I've learned!!

I really like this poem I read and it seems to fit perfectly:

T’was The Day After Christmas (By Delia McLaughlin) T’was the day after Christmas, I had put on 10 lbs By eating the food that was always around. My stockings were tight, the seams they were busting, From the constant barrage of food I was lusting. My husband and children whose clothes were snug too Pleaded with me to try something new. The only thing that fit was my stretch stocking cap And between my shirt and my pants there was a huge gap. I had endlessly and repeatedly licked every platter And never before had it really even mattered. I avoided all mirrors, ran by them in a dash So I just couldn’t see the tight fitting sash. Tired of wearing those triple X sizes, I had to do something as the scale number rises. When a friend offered to help me, I shouted “GIVE ME RELIEF from the munchies” resounded. When relief came, it was so incredibly quick, And now I no longer feel lethargic and sick. I began losing the weight without all the strife Because my health coach introduced me to Take Shape For Life! Now pancakes and brownies, chili and eggs, I’m beginning to see the bones in my legs! Oatmeal, sloppy Joes, nacho cheese puffs That health coach of mine really knows her stuff! This eating small meals every 3 hours Has helped me lose weight and now I encounter Compliments from everywhere imaginable It’s so unreal – almost unfathomable! The fat is melting – it seems to go POOF! And the energy I’ve gained has gone through the roof! The sizes get smaller as the scale shows less And now my health is no longer a mess. My eating is healthier; I’ve changed the bad habits And the weight I’ve lost won’t be recounted! For my lifestyle is changing – my food choices now healthy And used for refueling, not making me like jelly. My eyes now twinkle and I’m truly so happy That I want all my friends to join me real snappy So we will all reach that healthy goal weight And enjoy this new feeling I’m having today. For the first time in decades, I like my new self And breathing is easier when I put on my belt. Mirrors are now my next new best friend Admiring the new shape and curves that extend. Try as I did for too many years Without much success and a whole lot of tears Losing weight has been easy With a program that teaches. Now I’m teaching others so they can lose too And get slim and healthy in Twenty One Two. Let’s journey together to a thinner new you So next year you will be happier too.

I'm Excited for 2012!  I'm excited to do NEW things!  Life is good!
Just 3 more days left of 2011.  What kind of year has it been for you?

What YOU gonna do in 2012?

Hi friends!  So our party last Saturday went GREAT!  We had over 30 people come and had just enough seating for everyone. (whew!)

The White Elephant Game was a riot!  

For some people, hosting a party is stressful, but for me, it's like a "fun energy" that I love!  I'm SO THANKFUL we have a home that can accommodate a get-together like that.  

I think it really helped us to have this party to get to know our neighbors around here... they all knew each other and it was us that got to see their personalities more in a laid back setting.  It was good!

So have you thought about what you want to accomplish or do in 2012?

I have been thinking about it.  First, we live in this great little valley, and every day I see this mountain.  You can see our group of home down there at the bottom of it. 

The other day I decided that I want to climb that mountain!  I don't know the name of it, but next summer when it's warmer, I'm gonna climb it!  You wanna come climb it with me?

 I can't wait to see the other side and take pictures.  I want to look at that mountain and know that I conquered it!

Next, I did a crazy thing!  

I signed up to run a 1/2 marathon next May in Oregon!!!

 AAAAAHHHHHKKKKK!!!  I feel so crazy.  Alive and Crazy!

I've only run a 5k and that's like 3 miles.  A half marathon is 13 miles.  I am striving to be a rockstar like my friend, Jennifer, who just ran a half marathon not that long ago.  I haven't even been running for a while so I have tons of training to do!

Also, I am going to do some indoor rock climbing!  I have only tried it once several months ago but loved it.  I posted a video of me climbing here.  

I recently got a groupon deal to go unlimited for 2 weeks and I plan to do that sometime early next year.  How fun is that!!

Another thing I want to do sometime in 2012 is to ride a horse!  I never have done that and even if I wanted to, I was always too heavy.  I want to do everything I couldn't do before due to my weight.  

And of course, I want to maintain my weight and keep a healthy lifestyle.  I look forward to biking when it gets warmer too.  And boy do I miss playing basketball like I was with some awesome women back in Oregon.  Maybe I can find some here that would want to play with me.  It can be hard to get people out of their comfort zones... I already tried to get someone to rock climb with me.  But I'm not going to let that stop me from doing those things I'd like to do!  I'm going to defy gravity!!

I still feel so blessed and so thankful to be out of my prison.  I cry when I hear the song on my video below... I don't want to ever forget where I've been.  Freedom from the bondage of obesity is the most liberating and joyful feeling ever for me!  No going back!!
LIFE IS GOOD!!
It's NEVER too late to change for the better. 

It's December!

Happy December!!

It’s happy because we make it happy, right?  

My friend from Oregon sent me a book after a phone conversation we had where I shared how lonely I felt here... 

I had to laugh when I read the title:

It’s by an author that I’ve even met!  She’s fun and witty and it has been a nice little read... reminding me that I have the power to overcome and that I can be happy despite my circumstances.  

So Brent and I decided to throw a Christmas Party here.  It’s this saturday and so far we have about 30 people rsvp that they are coming.  Should be way fun!  I love party’s and this one includes white elephants and some fun games.  I hope to get to know more people and laugh a whole lot in the process!  (But not laugh at them, mind you - I’ll laugh next to them!)

I had a dream the other night that I went majorly off plan and ate a bunch of stuff I shouldn’t and was feeling so bad... then I woke up and realized it was a dream!  Yay!!!  I didn’t even have to go there because it didn’t happen.  

Don’t you just LOVE the feeling this time of year?  The smiles from friends, the Christmas Music, the good-feeling shows on TV.  I am determined to NOT make it about merchandise and shopping.  I told my kids that we’re going to have a service auction in our family and to be thinking about acts of service they will want to contribute.  They seem upbeat about this.  My goal is to really bring in the Spirit of Christ and make it about Him.  I am feeling anti-santa this year.  Too much Santa... maybe it’s just me but  I just don’t see how encouraging my kids to think of everything they want helps them be kind, unselfish people...  I still love gift giving, it's just I get tired of seeing and hearing about Santa more than who's birth we're really celebrating!

Okay, I’ll get off my soapbox.  I am also determined to stay ON PLAN through the holiday’s.  I’ve done this before.  I know it’s about focussing on loved ones and not the food.  I will give myself options and not be so rigid that I encourage a binge, but mostly I need to keep away from high sugar foods.  Hello knox blox!!  lol  How do you plan to handle your eating choices this month?

Here are some Really Good Tips from Dr. Anderson (co-founder of Take Shape For Life) that I thought were valuable to share.  Note the 3 possible ways of dealing with weight loss this season - #3 is NOT an option for me:

Here are some tips to help you. Just think of the Habits of Health!

• Work closely with your Health Coach. Contact them at least once a week.
• Get clear on what you want: read chapter 4 in “Dr A’s Habits of Health” 
• Get adequate sleep
• Schedule your time: before you go to sleep each night, make a list of things to do for tomorrow. Don’t forget to schedule some quiet time for yourself, even if it is just a 15 minute walk or reading time! Also, get some exercise time in. Again, it can be as simple as a 15 or 30 minute walk.
• Be aware of your financial budget and stick to it.
• Decrease stress and your exposure to disease: practice good health hygiene such as good hand washing and being aware of people around you. Try to decrease your exposure to sick people!

Weight Loss During This Time

You have 3 possible ways of dealing with your weight goals during this busy time.

1. Stay on program. Whether on the 5 & 1 weight loss program, transition or maintenance, follow the outlined protocols. This can bring a sense of control to you during this sometimes busy, chaotic time. If you are on the 5 & 1 weight loss phase, you will continue fat burning. This can enable you to have increased energy, positive weight loss results, and level blood sugars and hormone levels through the holidays!
2. Decide to drop out of fat burn and use a 3 & 3 program, more of a maintenance program. This can help prevent binge eating and major weight gain. You may lose the increased energy of fat burn, but if you are eating healthy choices and portions every 2-3 hours and getting adequate nutrition as well as sleep, you should have enough energy to get through your schedule. Remember, if you have any weight loss, it will be slow. (Read chapters 8, 9, & 10 in “Dr A’s Habits of Health” and do Lesson 9 in “Living a Longer, Healthier Life.”)
3. Practice “no control, no focus”: you will most likely experience weight gain and many other symptoms of an un-healthy eating plan. Most likely you will have decrease energy and feelings of lethargy or tiredness. If prone, you may experience headaches and may have stomach discomfort. Your body will be exposed to greater stress and inflammation. Your blood sugar levels may have major swings. You will not be in a fat burning state.

Remember, IF YOU ALTER THE PROGRAM, YOU WILL ALTER THE RESULTS.

What are your plans for the holidays?  I’d love to hear your ideas.

Life is GOOD.  XOXox ~Margene

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What a GREAT time to change your life!  Where will you be next year?