Whew. It's been a whirlwind of a weekend! These last few days, while they didn't seem to busy in the moment have worn me out. After getting back from Haiti on Thursday, I spent most of my day Friday cleaning, doing laundry, and getting my life back in order here in the states. I washed more clothes than I ever wanted to, did some cleaning around the house, and organized everything back where it goes. Saturday I spent the majority of my day on the computer downloading, editing, and uploading pictures from Haiti. I didn't think I took nearly as many pictures this time, but I ended up with over 200! It's crazy how quickly pictures add up on these trips. Erin made me dinner last night at their place, which was delicious, and we did a little catch me up on what needs to be done for camp this week. Since I've been gone for almost two weeks, camp has arrived quickly and there is still a lot that needs to get done. Most of it is small tedious administrative things, but they are all very important nonetheless. Today was graduation Sunday at church so I walked for that, did some grocery shopping after church, made lunch, and cleaned the kitchen here at home. I also cut up a watermelon because I have been dying to have some! I'm so glad summer is here and all my favorite home grown items will be here soon!
Tomorrow it's back into camp full force. We've got parent orientation night on Thursday, counselor training Friday and Saturday, and then camp starts next Monday! I can't believe how quickly it's gotten here. I am very excited to step into my new roll as assistant director and get to work with a different side of camp. I love the kids and working with them, but I also love the administrative side of things as well. I'll get the best of both worlds as the assistant director. It's going to be a great summer and I can't wait for everything to get started!
On another note, I have decided for now that I am not going to move to Haiti, but instead keep doing short term trips. I did a lot of soul searching these last two weeks, and have decided it is not my time to move there right now. While I still believe I will do long term missions there one day, I don't think that time is now. When Dorothy challenged me with understanding the difference between a calling and having a heart for the need, I really began to realize that what I'm feeling is more of a heart for the need than a calling at the moment. I absolutely love Haiti, I love the kids, the country, and the way of life there which is why Haiti will always play a large role in my life. For now however, that role is going to be short term trips so that I can truly explore God's calling for my life and determine exactly where and when he wants me there. I hope to visit different organizations over the next few years to truly get a wide sense of what options are available to me and where I will fit best. Please keep me in your prayers as I begin this long journey.
Because I have decided to put off moving to Haiti for a while, I am now having to start looking for jobs again. I searched a bunch of different listings this weekend and applied for four positions. Two of them are in Raleigh working for furniture companies, and two are in Charlotte as design assistant positions. I kind of have my heart set on the two in Charlotte right now, as I believe they would both be perfect starting places for my career. They were the first listings I've seen in North Carolina for entry-level designer positions, so my fingers are crossed that they are still available and I'll hear from them soon! Please keep my job searching in your prayers! I need to find a full time position soon!
Also on my last random note for the day, I weighed myself today and I have lost 12 pounds!! While I did not successfully complete my graduation challenge on time, I am still pushing myself to lose the weight. It is a difficult and long process, but I am up for the challenge! Cassie and I are going to be work out buddies this summer and we will be getting a gym membership soon. For now, I'll have to stick to my walks around the neighborhood and the last two guest visits I can make to the YMCA pool.
Showing posts with label Graduation Challenge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Graduation Challenge. Show all posts
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Life Update
It is 6:40pm on April 19,2012. I am currently in Norton, doing nothing other than waiting for our Steakhouse reservation at 7. I have completed, PDFed (yes I made that up), and submitted the last phase of my Senior Seminar project. Aka I'm basically DONE!!!!!!!!!!! Ha! And it's an entire day early (I think that's a first!)
While this day has been nothing short of chaotic, it has turned out to be a pretty great day. I got some training in for Market, took a final exam, presented my portfolio, and submitted my project. I'd call that a successful day! Not only that but I also realized this morning that this is my last day of class. Ever.
Try to wrap your head around that for a moment......I know I can't either! It's absolutely insane! I never in a million years thought this day would come. I still have a few minor things to do for my portfolio class, I have to present my Senior Seminar project, and take my sociology final exam, but basically I'm done with college. Insane.
On another note, I have spent the last week working very busily in the Lazar Showroom helping set up for market. As you may know from past posts, I've worked in the Lazar showroom for the past three markets assisting the Florida sales rep with his clients. This time, I contacted Debra Venti who is in charge of all of the fabric selections, applications, and setup for market, and asked to be a part of the premarket. It has been an incredibly long week, but I have absolutely loved getting to see this side of market!! This is one of the first times I have actually gotten to have hands-on experience with design. I was a bit hesitant and unsure of my abilities at first, but once we got into it I got really comfortable with things. I learned floral arranging is not my strong suit, but I love to accessorize. Design is definitely not a glamorous job, but it is so rewarding! I learned a lot and took a lot of inspiration from Debra and how she set things up. It's true, only 10% of design is taught in the classroom, the rest you learn in the field!
When we started the showroom basically looked like this, except it was completely empty minus a few tables and lamps:
As we worked and unwrapped all of the furniture that slowly came in, the showroom began to look a little more like this:
For a while there, Debra was worried the showroom would not get done, but we did the entire space in 5 days! Kind of crazy, but so rewarding to see! You'll have to wait to see the after pictures until later this week :)!
On a completely other random note, I figured I should update about my graduation challenge....or lack there of. With the last phase of my project being due today, finals right around the corner, and market starting I have had very little time to workout. Plus when there was time, I was so tired from running around High Point all day that I was just plain to tired and lazy to go workout. Does helping unwrap and move 200 pieces of furniture count at all?? I know, I know, those are just excuses. I'm letting myself fall back into my lazy ways, but I'll get back on track after market! I had hit the 10 pound mark, but unfortunately I'm back to more like 8 pounds lost now. That's still progress, but not nearly where I wanted to be at this point. I just need to make the time to go workout and not let tiredness be an excuse anymore. This summer Cassie and I will be workout buddies, so I'm hoping that will keep me motivated. I can do this, I just have to put in the effort!
Speaking of tired, I think I will head to bed now. Seeing as how I started this blog post at 6:40 and it is now after 11pm. My first day of real market begins tomorrow! Time to bring in the money!!
Goodnight!
While this day has been nothing short of chaotic, it has turned out to be a pretty great day. I got some training in for Market, took a final exam, presented my portfolio, and submitted my project. I'd call that a successful day! Not only that but I also realized this morning that this is my last day of class. Ever.
Try to wrap your head around that for a moment......I know I can't either! It's absolutely insane! I never in a million years thought this day would come. I still have a few minor things to do for my portfolio class, I have to present my Senior Seminar project, and take my sociology final exam, but basically I'm done with college. Insane.
On another note, I have spent the last week working very busily in the Lazar Showroom helping set up for market. As you may know from past posts, I've worked in the Lazar showroom for the past three markets assisting the Florida sales rep with his clients. This time, I contacted Debra Venti who is in charge of all of the fabric selections, applications, and setup for market, and asked to be a part of the premarket. It has been an incredibly long week, but I have absolutely loved getting to see this side of market!! This is one of the first times I have actually gotten to have hands-on experience with design. I was a bit hesitant and unsure of my abilities at first, but once we got into it I got really comfortable with things. I learned floral arranging is not my strong suit, but I love to accessorize. Design is definitely not a glamorous job, but it is so rewarding! I learned a lot and took a lot of inspiration from Debra and how she set things up. It's true, only 10% of design is taught in the classroom, the rest you learn in the field!
When we started the showroom basically looked like this, except it was completely empty minus a few tables and lamps:
With a lot of this:
Sadly, that's only the wrappings from about 20 of the 240 pieces of furniture we unwrapped this week. I told you, it's not glamorous!
On a completely other random note, I figured I should update about my graduation challenge....or lack there of. With the last phase of my project being due today, finals right around the corner, and market starting I have had very little time to workout. Plus when there was time, I was so tired from running around High Point all day that I was just plain to tired and lazy to go workout. Does helping unwrap and move 200 pieces of furniture count at all?? I know, I know, those are just excuses. I'm letting myself fall back into my lazy ways, but I'll get back on track after market! I had hit the 10 pound mark, but unfortunately I'm back to more like 8 pounds lost now. That's still progress, but not nearly where I wanted to be at this point. I just need to make the time to go workout and not let tiredness be an excuse anymore. This summer Cassie and I will be workout buddies, so I'm hoping that will keep me motivated. I can do this, I just have to put in the effort!
Speaking of tired, I think I will head to bed now. Seeing as how I started this blog post at 6:40 and it is now after 11pm. My first day of real market begins tomorrow! Time to bring in the money!!
Goodnight!
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Life and Graduation Challenge: Weeks 3 & 4 Update
Sorry it's taken me so long to post an update. I was on spring break last week, which was heavenly, but I've been struggling to get back into the routine here at school. This is always the hardest readjustment time for me. Spring break is just long enough to give you a taste of summer, that it makes it so incredibly difficult to come back. This year that seems to be proving even truer for me. We only have 53 days left until graduation (yes that includes weekends) and lets just say senioritis has kicked in full force. While graduating and moving into the real world is scary, I am so ready to be done with the school work aspect of college. I cannot write another paper, do another project, give another presentation, or sit through another 3 hour studio course. I'm plain burnt out. Unfortunately, I have to push through for another 53 days. I have one major paper due on Thursday, 2 tests, my senior seminar project/presentation, my portfolio and then I am outta here! I just REALLY need some motivation. I need summer. Or just college without classwork!
I can do this.
As for after graduation, I'm still kind of unsure where I will be working. I will be shadowing the position I interviewed for a while back, sometime in the next week or two. While I'm excited to see things moving forward, I have to honestly say it's still not quite sitting right with me. I'm not sure what it is, but I don't have a peace about taking that job. I'm hoping things will clear up for me after I shadow them. Luckily I've been offered a position at our Church's day camp, which I am SO excited about. Either way I'll have a job for the first few months of summer. As of now, unless something comes up, I think I'll be working at camp over the summer while actively looking for a full time design position. This job searching thing is stressful! I could really seriously use your prayers. I also still have the biggest calling on my heart to do full or long term missions in Haiti. Honestly that scares the ever loving crap out of me, but it's a calling that has been on my heart for three years now. The other day at church I was brought to tears at the push God was giving me to go forth with it. I know He wants me there but I don't know if it is now. And if it is, I have no idea where to start, how to raise funds, where to go, what I'd do there. There are so many unanswered questions, and the thought of living in a different Country is terrifying (hence the tears). I just really need all the prayers I can get right now. I want to follow God's calling and I need all the guidance I can get.
As for my graduation challenge update, I am excited to share that after weighing myself yesterday, I have lost another 4 pounds!!!! That puts me at 6 pounds lost in four weeks!! I was so excited when I saw that number on the scale. I didn't lose many inches this week, but I did see a 1" loss on my stomach. So exciting I tell you!!
I've found exercising is becoming less of a chore and more of something I enjoy now. There was a point during spring break where I didn't work out for two days, and I could really see and feel it's effect. I got really irritable and anxious after not working out for two days. Luckily, it only took 40 minutes at the pool to fix that! I find it hard to work out at home because I'm not a member at a gym, but I still managed to make it work even through spring break. I will, however, have to get a gym membership once the summer begins. I'm just excited to see the pounds shedding off. That's some great motivation! As for the eating portion, I have done really well at cutting all bread out of my diet. This was not nearly as difficult as I expected. I am actually having more trouble cutting out fried foods. I didn't realize how many fried options there are on campus, that can be difficult to avoid. I'm trying my best, but some days I still give in. I'm working on it!
Well for now, I have to go finish this paper. The last long paper of my life. I cannot wait to have it done!
I can do this.
As for after graduation, I'm still kind of unsure where I will be working. I will be shadowing the position I interviewed for a while back, sometime in the next week or two. While I'm excited to see things moving forward, I have to honestly say it's still not quite sitting right with me. I'm not sure what it is, but I don't have a peace about taking that job. I'm hoping things will clear up for me after I shadow them. Luckily I've been offered a position at our Church's day camp, which I am SO excited about. Either way I'll have a job for the first few months of summer. As of now, unless something comes up, I think I'll be working at camp over the summer while actively looking for a full time design position. This job searching thing is stressful! I could really seriously use your prayers. I also still have the biggest calling on my heart to do full or long term missions in Haiti. Honestly that scares the ever loving crap out of me, but it's a calling that has been on my heart for three years now. The other day at church I was brought to tears at the push God was giving me to go forth with it. I know He wants me there but I don't know if it is now. And if it is, I have no idea where to start, how to raise funds, where to go, what I'd do there. There are so many unanswered questions, and the thought of living in a different Country is terrifying (hence the tears). I just really need all the prayers I can get right now. I want to follow God's calling and I need all the guidance I can get.
As for my graduation challenge update, I am excited to share that after weighing myself yesterday, I have lost another 4 pounds!!!! That puts me at 6 pounds lost in four weeks!! I was so excited when I saw that number on the scale. I didn't lose many inches this week, but I did see a 1" loss on my stomach. So exciting I tell you!!
I've found exercising is becoming less of a chore and more of something I enjoy now. There was a point during spring break where I didn't work out for two days, and I could really see and feel it's effect. I got really irritable and anxious after not working out for two days. Luckily, it only took 40 minutes at the pool to fix that! I find it hard to work out at home because I'm not a member at a gym, but I still managed to make it work even through spring break. I will, however, have to get a gym membership once the summer begins. I'm just excited to see the pounds shedding off. That's some great motivation! As for the eating portion, I have done really well at cutting all bread out of my diet. This was not nearly as difficult as I expected. I am actually having more trouble cutting out fried foods. I didn't realize how many fried options there are on campus, that can be difficult to avoid. I'm trying my best, but some days I still give in. I'm working on it!
Well for now, I have to go finish this paper. The last long paper of my life. I cannot wait to have it done!
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Spring Break
Well folks, it's that time of the year again. Spring break has officially begun! While I am so excited to have some time off from school, I cannot believe that my final spring break is here. That means I am halfway through my last semester of college. How is that possible??? Come tomorrow, I will have exactly two months until graduation. That's terrifying! For now, I am choosing not to think about it and instead enjoy every minute of my break.
Tomorrow a good friend of mine is lending me her photography skills in exchange for some free babysitting. We're making a website in design for our portfolio, and I need to get some good professional shots of myself. I didn't think facebook pictures would quite cut it in the professional world. Plus I love her kids, so I don't mind babysitting :)! Then on Tuesday, I'll be heading up to Virginia Beach with my good friend Jessica Deen. We have both never done anything for spring break, so we decided to not pass up our last opportunity. I cannot wait to spend a couple of days relaxing at the beach with her. It's going to be amazing. Plus, we're staying at a pretty nice hotel, and I'm really excited about it!
The blogging is going to be pretty sparse this week. I plan to soak up every bit of time off that I can. Hope your week goes as well as mine :). Graduation Challenge update will come when I get back to school, so stay tuned!
Tomorrow a good friend of mine is lending me her photography skills in exchange for some free babysitting. We're making a website in design for our portfolio, and I need to get some good professional shots of myself. I didn't think facebook pictures would quite cut it in the professional world. Plus I love her kids, so I don't mind babysitting :)! Then on Tuesday, I'll be heading up to Virginia Beach with my good friend Jessica Deen. We have both never done anything for spring break, so we decided to not pass up our last opportunity. I cannot wait to spend a couple of days relaxing at the beach with her. It's going to be amazing. Plus, we're staying at a pretty nice hotel, and I'm really excited about it!
The blogging is going to be pretty sparse this week. I plan to soak up every bit of time off that I can. Hope your week goes as well as mine :). Graduation Challenge update will come when I get back to school, so stay tuned!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Graduation Challenge: Inspiration
Have you ever looked through your facebook pictures and compared the old ones to the new ones? Well, I was doing that today and ran across two pretty interesting pictures. Now I love to see how much I've changed over the last few years and matured, but this one gave me inspiration for my graduation challenge. I found two pictures of me, one from 2010 and one from 2011, in the same exact dress. Only difference, I'm a lot smaller in the second picture. Now I know there's a year between these two pictures, but it still gave me the little extra drive I needed this week. Here take a look:
2010:
2011:
And just for fun, this was me last week.
Ha! Isn't that crazy?? My stomach is flatter and my face is SO much thinner. Just crazy!! I remember when I put that dress on last easter that I had to tie it tighter because it had gotten a little too big. I didn't realize how much of a difference until I compared these two pictures. I'm also pretty sure that this dress is way to big for me now. Kind of exciting!
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Graduation Challenge: Weeks 1 & 2
Well as of today, I am technically two weeks into my graduation challenge. I have done very well at exercising for at least 45 minutes every day these last two weeks. I haven't seen a lot of pounds shed off, but I can tell I've lost some weight. A friend recommended tracking my inches along with my weight loss, because inches count more than pounds and will reflect my status better! I can definitely say that is true for me these two weeks. I've been doing a lot of strength training with weights, so I think the muscle gain is balancing out the weight loss. What I can say for sure though is that I already feel so much better. My favorite exercise is still swimming, but I try to switch it up. We go to the pool Monday/Wednesday/Friday and all the other days I work out in the gym. I've lost a little bit of momentum these past few days, but I'm not allowing myself to give up. I push myself to go workout and every time I feel 100% better afterwards. This is definitely a process that I am new to, but I know if I stick with it I will see progress!
For the dieting portion of this challenge, I have not done as well. I've tried very hard to limit what I eat and cut out unnecessary items throughout my day. However, old habits still catch me some days. I've decided starting this week, I am going to cut out fried foods and bread from my diet. Bread is going to be harder to give up because sandwiches are basically all we eat around this campus, but I'm going to try my best! I also think it is absolutely necessary to give up fried foods. I don't eat a lot of them, but they have absolutely no nutritious value and are very bad for my diet. Plus, if I'm going to allow myself to have pasta occasionally, I need cut out carbs in other areas of my diet. This is probably the harder portion of the challenge for myself. I've learned over the past few years that I am an emotional eater. I eat for comfort basically. I love food and have a very hard time giving up my favorite items, but I really am trying to be better about it. Portion control and not eating for comfort or out of boredom is where I have to start.
Anyways, on to the exciting news that I know you've been waiting for. The numerical update on my progress! I checked my weight and measured my inches on 2/23/12 and this is what I found:
I lost 1/2" around my arms, waist, hips, and calves!
I lost 1" around my thighs!
And the best news:
I lost 2 inches around my stomach!!
As for weight, I lost 2 pounds these last two weeks! Like I said before, on the scale I haven't seen as many pounds shed off as I would like, but I think it's because of the muscle gain. Either way, I'm still down 2 pounds and 2 inches around my stomach! I'd say that's progress even though I've got a ways to go! You have to start somewhere though right? Here are some before and after pictures as of now. I think I can see it most in my face and a little bit on my stomach. What do you think? I can't wait to watch my progress through these pictures over the next few weeks!
BEFORE ( 2/15/12):
AFTER (2/23/12):
BEFORE (2/15/12):
AFTER (2/23/12):
For the dieting portion of this challenge, I have not done as well. I've tried very hard to limit what I eat and cut out unnecessary items throughout my day. However, old habits still catch me some days. I've decided starting this week, I am going to cut out fried foods and bread from my diet. Bread is going to be harder to give up because sandwiches are basically all we eat around this campus, but I'm going to try my best! I also think it is absolutely necessary to give up fried foods. I don't eat a lot of them, but they have absolutely no nutritious value and are very bad for my diet. Plus, if I'm going to allow myself to have pasta occasionally, I need cut out carbs in other areas of my diet. This is probably the harder portion of the challenge for myself. I've learned over the past few years that I am an emotional eater. I eat for comfort basically. I love food and have a very hard time giving up my favorite items, but I really am trying to be better about it. Portion control and not eating for comfort or out of boredom is where I have to start.
Anyways, on to the exciting news that I know you've been waiting for. The numerical update on my progress! I checked my weight and measured my inches on 2/23/12 and this is what I found:
I lost 1/2" around my arms, waist, hips, and calves!
I lost 1" around my thighs!
And the best news:
I lost 2 inches around my stomach!!
As for weight, I lost 2 pounds these last two weeks! Like I said before, on the scale I haven't seen as many pounds shed off as I would like, but I think it's because of the muscle gain. Either way, I'm still down 2 pounds and 2 inches around my stomach! I'd say that's progress even though I've got a ways to go! You have to start somewhere though right? Here are some before and after pictures as of now. I think I can see it most in my face and a little bit on my stomach. What do you think? I can't wait to watch my progress through these pictures over the next few weeks!
BEFORE ( 2/15/12):
Week three here I come!
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Loving the pool
Yesterday was the first time I've gone to swim laps in probably over a year. Lucky for us, we have a great indoor pool on campus built for swimming laps that we can use year-round. I've been wanting to go, but kept using the excuse that I didn't want to go alone as a way to put it off. So yesterday when Meredith mentioned wanting to go swimming I jumped on the opportunity. We did have to go buy me a different tankini top for my bathing suit, seeing as how my current one is strapless, and a pair of goggles before we could go though. It was a little expensive, but I told her and myself that we'd go enough times to make the cost worth it. We figured the goggles were $13 so we had to swim at least 13 times this semester. Haha I actually enjoyed it so much that I think we'll end up going way more than that. Also lucky for me, Meredith has swam her entire life. I know how to swim freestyle but that's about it. She was able to show me some new strokes and tools to use in the pool for different exercises which will help a lot.
My favorite was probably the back stroke, and while I'm working on the breast stroke my legs seem to have a mind of their own. She also showed me these cool things you put on your hands while swimming for strengthening exercises. I did around 20-30 laps yesterday (I didn't keep a close count), and I can definitely feel it in my arms today! I kind of like being sore though because it shows me I've done something and it's working. As much as I like using the elliptical, swimming added a new and fun twist to exercising. I had forgotten how much fun it was, and it's such a great workout! Hopefully in a few weeks I'll be more efficient at these different strokes and my stamina will increase. I had hoped to go swimming today but I couldn't fit it in with my class schedule. Instead I plan to go to the gym after my last class today before hitting the road.
I'm going home for the weekend, which will also add a twist to my exercising routine. We used to be members at a gym, but I think it ended. Instead I think I'll either go up to Northern (my high school) and run on the track, or run through a neighborhood by our house with Coconut. I think hims would enjoy that! Or maybe Erin's gym will let a visitor come for free with her? I'm not sure yet, but I'll figure something out. Well that's all for now, I've got to head to class here in a few minutes, I just wanted to give a little update.
I plan to be back in the pool Monday afternoon, and I think more people are going to come with us this time! Maybe everyone (including me) just needed a little push to get things started.
My favorite was probably the back stroke, and while I'm working on the breast stroke my legs seem to have a mind of their own. She also showed me these cool things you put on your hands while swimming for strengthening exercises. I did around 20-30 laps yesterday (I didn't keep a close count), and I can definitely feel it in my arms today! I kind of like being sore though because it shows me I've done something and it's working. As much as I like using the elliptical, swimming added a new and fun twist to exercising. I had forgotten how much fun it was, and it's such a great workout! Hopefully in a few weeks I'll be more efficient at these different strokes and my stamina will increase. I had hoped to go swimming today but I couldn't fit it in with my class schedule. Instead I plan to go to the gym after my last class today before hitting the road.
I'm going home for the weekend, which will also add a twist to my exercising routine. We used to be members at a gym, but I think it ended. Instead I think I'll either go up to Northern (my high school) and run on the track, or run through a neighborhood by our house with Coconut. I think hims would enjoy that! Or maybe Erin's gym will let a visitor come for free with her? I'm not sure yet, but I'll figure something out. Well that's all for now, I've got to head to class here in a few minutes, I just wanted to give a little update.
I plan to be back in the pool Monday afternoon, and I think more people are going to come with us this time! Maybe everyone (including me) just needed a little push to get things started.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Graduation Challenge
Ok folks, here it is.... I'm about to join the millions of other people who are attempting to lose weight.
I have always struggled with my weight. There are actually very few times in my life I don't remember it being an issue. There have been times that I've hated my body, times I loved it, and times that I just lived with it. Well, I decided I'm tired of living with it and am going to do something about it! You see, I've never really put in a whole lot of effort into trying to lose weight. It's one of those things I accepted as part of me and didn't really think I had a choice. I learned to live with being overweight and to accept my body as is. I've gotten used to shopping for larger sizes or standing to the side while my friends shopped in stores I couldn't shop at. I've gotten used to disguising my size with clothing (thank you Spanx and layering!) and only shopping with people I trust to not judge me. It's been an uphill battle with myself and quite frankly, I'm tired of fighting it. So I've decided I'm going to do something about it.
I've tried diets before and failed because they forced me to give up all of my favorite foods. This time instead of eliminating all of my favorite items (like macaroni and cheese and chocolate), I am going to limit them. I think my biggest issues come from portion control and lack of exercise, so that's where I plan to start. I know what I eat is important, and I am trying to eat better (like more fruits and vegetables and less junk food snacking) but getting rid of my favorite items is simply asking for failure. I mean come on, anyone who knows me knows I can't live with out macaroni and cheese! I can however limit my intake of it. It may be baby steps at first, but I have to start somewhere. I'm not really sure what motivated me this time, but I plan to stick to it. I've done really well working out for an hour every day this week (I give myself Mondays off). I've been doing weights, running on the elliptical, and swimming laps. I'm actually really enjoying it! I've never really liked exercising before but it has helped relieve stress and I feel better already.
So here goes, my graduation challenge: My goal is to lose at least 20 pounds by graduation (May 5, 2012). There are 12 weeks until graduation, so that would average about 2 pounds a week. I've heard that's a healthy rate to lose weight so that's my goal. It would be incredible if I lost more than that, but 20 is my goal. I know there will come days that I want to give up and lose my motivation, and I know there will be days where I cave and give into my food temptations. However, I'm really hoping I can stay motivated. Plus, I heard once that it takes 12 weeks to break or start a new habit, so I'm hoping exercising and eating right will become habit by the end of this! Your accountability and encouragement however would be greatly appreciated (especially come like week 5)! So here goes.. my graduation challenge has begun!
I have always struggled with my weight. There are actually very few times in my life I don't remember it being an issue. There have been times that I've hated my body, times I loved it, and times that I just lived with it. Well, I decided I'm tired of living with it and am going to do something about it! You see, I've never really put in a whole lot of effort into trying to lose weight. It's one of those things I accepted as part of me and didn't really think I had a choice. I learned to live with being overweight and to accept my body as is. I've gotten used to shopping for larger sizes or standing to the side while my friends shopped in stores I couldn't shop at. I've gotten used to disguising my size with clothing (thank you Spanx and layering!) and only shopping with people I trust to not judge me. It's been an uphill battle with myself and quite frankly, I'm tired of fighting it. So I've decided I'm going to do something about it.
I've tried diets before and failed because they forced me to give up all of my favorite foods. This time instead of eliminating all of my favorite items (like macaroni and cheese and chocolate), I am going to limit them. I think my biggest issues come from portion control and lack of exercise, so that's where I plan to start. I know what I eat is important, and I am trying to eat better (like more fruits and vegetables and less junk food snacking) but getting rid of my favorite items is simply asking for failure. I mean come on, anyone who knows me knows I can't live with out macaroni and cheese! I can however limit my intake of it. It may be baby steps at first, but I have to start somewhere. I'm not really sure what motivated me this time, but I plan to stick to it. I've done really well working out for an hour every day this week (I give myself Mondays off). I've been doing weights, running on the elliptical, and swimming laps. I'm actually really enjoying it! I've never really liked exercising before but it has helped relieve stress and I feel better already.
So here goes, my graduation challenge: My goal is to lose at least 20 pounds by graduation (May 5, 2012). There are 12 weeks until graduation, so that would average about 2 pounds a week. I've heard that's a healthy rate to lose weight so that's my goal. It would be incredible if I lost more than that, but 20 is my goal. I know there will come days that I want to give up and lose my motivation, and I know there will be days where I cave and give into my food temptations. However, I'm really hoping I can stay motivated. Plus, I heard once that it takes 12 weeks to break or start a new habit, so I'm hoping exercising and eating right will become habit by the end of this! Your accountability and encouragement however would be greatly appreciated (especially come like week 5)! So here goes.. my graduation challenge has begun!
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