Originality exists in every individual because each of us differs from the others. We are all primary numbers divisible only by ourselves.”

I am big on numbers. For those of you who don't know, some of my friends tease me because I am constantly counting things. Sofa cushions, letters on street signs, people walking by, whatever! I like to count and make them divisible by three. So, I replay the image in my mind over and over again until I can group them all by three. If not three, then four. I don't know why I do this and I cannot remember a time I started. I am no genius in math. I just love numbers. Sometimes, I will even add numbers up and see if they are divisible by three. Just my thing and the more I do it, the more I realize, numbers are everywhere!

Let's start with these numbers...196; my highest weight in life. 164; my lowest weight in my life. 181; my weight now. 2507; the amount of money I have raised so far with my weight loss. 8; the number of days left to lose weight. 90; the number of people supporting me. 15; the number of people participating in the Fat Off.

I look at the first few numbers and at first, they scare me. I must say I am a little embarrassed of my current and highest weight. But, I figure if I put it out there for anyone to read, what is left to hide? I would say it was about two years ago when I was thinnest. I worked hard. I walked, I ate well, I drank an overabundance of water, and I felt the best I have ever felt in my life. 164....I remember in HS thinking that the perfect weight for me would be 160. I know doctors say it should be less than that but what the hell scale do they work on? The scale which monitors the healthy weight for someone with an eating disorder?!?! Please, doc, factor in boobs and drinking. No sane person will ever turn either one of those away. Thus, recalculate. Some of my friends told me I was too thin when I was 164. I don't agree with that but it reminds that it really is just relative, isn't it? My whole life I have criticized my sister for getting too thin or simply, not being overweight like I was. Can I, with this one post, take that all back? I congratulate all of you who are working to a better lifestyle. All of you who look damn good in that two piece. And, all of you who don't but know you are doing all that you can!

See, my goal was 20 lbs and to be honest, I am at 12.4 and I didn't think I would make it this far. I know numbers are a big part of my life, but why do I have to hate them? I have gone from busting out of a 14 to a size 12 in just two months! I think that is pretty darn good. And I think that because I feel it. The numbers may not be where I want them to be yet and they may not be to the approval of others, but I like them! In the next 8 days, I will be dedicated to good eating...I will do my best at the wedding on Sat. And you know what, my best that day may be drinking 5 glasses of wine! But, my numbers are mine. They are the truth of my effort, my hard work, and my slip-ups.

So, count on, my friends! If you cannot escape the truth of numbers...embrace the truth of who you are!

God grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change, the courage to change the one I can, and the wisdom to know it's ME.

Aaaaah, it's hump day!!! I have always loved Wednesdays. I find there is such a sense of hope in a day placed in the middle of the week. I like knowing that tomorrow I can say, "Tomorrow is Friday!" This week has been a short one by definition of days I worked. However, a long one by the speed at which that work passed! The kids are nuts and fully ready to be out of school. I worked last night after school and in the 7 hours I worked, we brought in $185. A sloooow night. Today will be much of the same.

I know you are all dying to hear about my BBQ!! It was a blast. We had a great blend of people over. I love mixing different groups of friends (camp, IHS, danielle lol) and watching them all just chat so easily and enjoy each other's company. It happens a lot when you surround yourself with so many good people. The food was DELICIOUS! I did overeat. There is no doubt on that. But, most (notice I didn't say all) of what I had was healthy. To start off, we had regular salsa with regular tortilla chips. BF had some kind of spinach dip with potato chips. I made the mango salsa recipe that Dawn gave me with my beloved pita chips. I doubled the recipe and it all went. That is A LOT of mango salsa. But, it wasn't as good as Dawn's...typical. haha. I think I should have bought a different kind of mango. (Did you know there were different kinds?!!? Apparently BF did and shared that AFTER the BBQ!) Most people showed up between 4 and 6. A great time to begin grilling! We threw on some burgers and hot dogs. I bought veggie burgers and had one on a WW english muffin as opposed to the regular bun. As side dishes, we had a terrific potato egg salad a friend made. I am sure this is not healthy so I only had a spoonful of that. Then I took some pita chips and mango salsa. Voila! I also made a tomato and mozzarella salad. I only took a piece of mozza. Ok, fine....I took two. I love cheese lol. For dessert, fruit salad galore! We never made the angel food cake. But I made it for dessert at home on Monday.

So, when did I overeat? Well at some point around 10pm I wanted a hot dog. And after copius (total Terence word!) amounts of Corono LIGHT (as per Erin's suggestion lol), there was nothing convincing me not to eat the hot dog. I am totally fine with my eat well during the week and binge on the weekend cycle. However, I only have 10 DAYS LEFT before I get weighed in again!!! I did not have the heart to weigh myself this week. Maybe this weekend, before Tara's wedding. I know I have surpassed everyone else when it comes to $$. The lbs....hmm, we are going by percentage so it is hard to gauge.

I have another friend in crunch mode for weight loss....so, the countdown begins!!

"Give a man a bbq feed him for a day. Teach a man to bbq and feed him for the summer" - Jesus

I found this quote a sight that distorted all sorts of famous quotes into ones about bbqing. Some actually made me laugh. Such as, "Spare rib anyone?" - Adam or "It is better to have burnt and lost, then never to have barbecued at all" - William Shakespeare. Quite the wit and yet, it holds great truth in my mind. There is such a great feel to the beginning of the summer (when you get through the rain and this cold weather!), People are outside again, sun is brighter than ever, friends get together more often and kids are playing in the street! One of the main reasons why I love summer is for the bbq parties. I just love them! Perhaps that is why bf and I have been hosting a bbq for Memorial Day over the past few years.

However, along with this comes the greasy burger, the thick potato roll, the gooey cheeses and the plentiful Corona cooler. Somehow, I am thinking, the fat off idea isn't going to fly with this menu. I have decided to adapt the menu this year so that I can be a bit more aware of the food that goes in. Instead of the seven layer dip or spinach dip, I am going with veggies and ranch dressing. Classic and easy. Also, I am going to (attempt to) make my sis-in-law's mango salsa. We tried it in Cuse and it goes VERY well with the pita chips. That can be a fun snack.

For the main grilling? I will still do the fatty burgers and dogs. But, I will also do veggie burgers. Whenever I go to bbq's, I always bring the WW or low-fat store brand English muffins to put the burgers on. I really like them much more and I find they fill me up just as much! I am going to mix salsa and ranch dressing for a topping to the burgers in addition to the classic ketchup. As a side dish, I am going to make the Thai Green Bean something or other that my sis-in-law also gave me. Of course a fruit salad for dessert, but I may also go with an angel food cake.

At this point, we are having about 10-15 people so it will not be too bad to prepare for this many. I would like more ideas! How do you get around the BBQ blues? Come on, look at the quote. If you don't teach me how to do a bbq, I may never eat this summer!

Happy Memorializing!!! :)

I've decided that perhaps I'm bulimic and just keep forgetting to purge. ~Paula Poundstone

Here I go again.....I ate like an animal this weekend! haha I am not letting it get me down though. I enjoyed every bite of it! Ok....and glass of it! :) I have been back on track this week and feeling like the healthy eating is coming quite easy for me. I am not hungry at constant times. I feel tempted by certain things ( like today's lunch of grilled cheese and french fries!). But, if I simply ignore the option, it goes away. I am going to begin getting back to the gym this weekend. I know it sounds so lazy to say this weekend instead of today. However, today I have to work late and then tomorrow is jury duty (oh joy) followed by interviews for Camp. The schedule is just too much for me lately!



On a rare occurrence, boyfriend and I got to drive into Philly last night for dinner. We were celebrating the graduation from nursing school of a very dear friend. As someone at the table said, it made Monday fun! We went to a restuarant called Miromoto. Amazing!! It was a japanese restaurant and the ambiance was fantastic. We had dinner with a group of people that we don't get to see often. However, last night made me realize why Jun refers to them as family. When most of us are with family, we feel a sense of comfort and joy to be with people who don't require a pretense. The good humor and ease of conversation are aspects I always cherish when with my family. Last night was much of the same. I have met this family all of one time. And yet, they welcomed me to their table with open arms. The food....oh goodness, I wish I had the words. I cannot say there was a time when I had such fantastic sushi! (I included a pic of mine and Jun's food so your mouth can water over it). I am thinking this probably isn't accurate, but I cannot believe that japanese food is unhealthy in anyway. Therefore, I believe I stuck to the healthy eating last night!!!

As for the knee, I am waiting for the doctor's office to get back to me on the authorization from insurance for the MRI. Once that is in order, we will move on with the process in HIGH HOPES that surgery is not the end result. Happy Tuesday People!!! I hope today brings you great joy and happy eating! :)

When your image improves, your performance improves. --Zig Ziglar

I was sitting in the faculty room today during my lunch period. I had not gone over to the tables yet because I wanted to check my email before eating. There is a partition in between the side with the tables and the side with the computers. As I sat at the computer, I was overhearing much of the conversations my coworkers were having. It began with the regular American Idol chatter, then moved into the craziness of the children and how the year needs to end soon, and then got into the interest in what each person was eating. Quite frequently, we share recipes because of the wonderful smells that fill the lunch rooms (leftovers from dinner the night before). When all of a sudden, I heard one of our teachers say to the table, "Have you guys seen Colleen? She looks terrific!" OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH THE JOY!!! I smiled to myself and did not let on that I heard the comment because I was just simply relishing in the idea that people are talking about it when I'm not around! In this past week, many people have commented on how they can see a change in me. I don't know why but in my own mind, I write it off to wearing a flattering outfit on that day. However, if someone says it without me knowing? Well then, IT MUST BE TRUE!

This wonderful gift was given to me at a good time. I have been battling a wicked head cold all week. In addition, I finally went to the orthopaedic yesterday. Now, I still have to get an MRI done so nothing is official. But, he thinks I re-tore my ACL. Which is NOT good news. Depending on the severity, I may need to get surgery again. Remember how awful I felt after that surgery? Ugh, the pain meds, the crutches, the TERRIBLE physical therapy. Oh, pray this does not need to happen again! BUT, he did say that I can use the bike and any other low impact exercising for my knee. So, I am going to take H's advice and work my butt off at the gym. If the bike is the only cardio....then I will find new ways to work it!!!

I am down 11 lbs. Thanks to the FANTASTIC students at my school, I have an extra $400 tacked on to my flat rate total. This means, as of right now, I have raised $2305!!!!! Who knew this would be such big fundraiser?!!?!?

Maybe I should have said hi to my knee more often....

I started the week with such good energy and motivation! I still have the motivation...energy is pretty good cnosidering it is Thursday. But, I am stuck. Monday was a great day. I had no meetings, I had no phone calls to make, I had no applications to mail out (for camp). So, I got home and went walking after having dinner with my parents. It felt good. It was somewhere between 65 and 70 degrees. Sun was setting. I was on my way to good walk.

I have been very careful about not going outside because of the difficulties I have had with my knee the past few months. I walk on the treadmill at the gym and make sure I use the bike frequently. But, walking outside is sooo much better! I went for a good walk and my knee felt strong. I could tell I worked out the rest of me well and I was not in pain. This was an accomplishment! I stretched my knee a few times before I went to bed that night ( as per Doctor Trainer Joe) and I was feeling on top of my game. I woke up the next morning, stretched again, felt great!

And then I made the mistake of walking around my dining room before leaving for school (!?!?!). My knee locked up and gave out again. I calmly talked myself through the initial sensitivity. After a minute, I tried walking and knew my knee would not support my weight. And there it was, yet again, a day of limping and a swollen knee by the end of the afternoon. It has been getting slightly better since Monday but I am still limping. I can't go walking. Furthermore, I can't even really exercise at all. I am staying on top of my crunches and leg lifts but I need my cardio! I am down about this. I feel like I am just destined to stay a plus size. Why is there something fighting against me feeling good about myself and keeping weight off??? Why can't my knee support my weight when that is the SOLE purpose of it?? How am I supposed to continue on this weight loss pattern if I can't work out? Is this God's way of saying slow down? If so, I hear Ya but couldn't You lessen the harsh reality?

I am going to see a doctor on Wednesday. I know it is not today but that is the earliest I could do it. I don't know what more they could do considering the surgery 7 years ago OBV did not work. Pray for me. I need it!

"Where man sees but withered leaves,God sees sweet flowers growing." - Albert Laighton

Aaaah the sweet smell of spring!!! I was back at school today after a four day weekend. A relaxing, rejuvenating four day weekend. I spent most of it in Syracuse which was EXACTLY what I needed. A time to get away and stop thinking about the daily grind. It amazes me how jut a simple break of routine can serve as such a renewal of energy and focus. I can feel the new life of Spring blooming within me. I am ready to finish up the school year on a positive and patient (been running low on that with my kids) note. I am ready to begin my second month of the Fat Off with a determination doubling the first! I am excited to feel the joys of success! It is funny how life can come to a point where monotony is overriding the joy of everyday tasks. I was feeling very low and rundown last week. Getting away made things seem a little less overwhelming. I came back from the weekend feeling more capable of love, sharing my joy, and finding success in my recent endeavors.

I heard on the radio this morning that Americans were polled on whether they would want more money or more free time. Most said more free time. Isn't it interesting that we find ourselves so caught up in taking care of responsibilities that we just let ourselves get lost in the shuffle? I say, no more! I want to make time for me. I want time to read a book. Time to sit in quiet and write. Time to go to the gym when I want. Time to watch a movie with boyfriend without getting interrupted by cell phones or emails. Time to have a cup of coffee and chat with my mom instead of catching up only once a week. Time to make a good meal so I am not tempted to eat fast food. I will do all of this. Over the next month, I am promising to myself (with you as my witness) that these things will take place.

I weighed myself when I got home on Saturday and I am still down ten pounds. This is a good number but I must push forward. I am going to the gym now and will be doing the same after school tomorrow and on Wednesday. I am trying to stay focused and not give up on this lifestyle! It is hard but knowing you are supporting me is a huge help!!!

Happy Monday to you all!!!!

"Success is the good fortune that comes from aspiration, desperation, perspiration and inspiration."

Today is a good day. I am home after spending an entire weekend running a retreat for my freshmen and sophomores. I was able to relax with a glass of wine last night (first since I started the weight loss) and falling asleep on the sofa. Really, that's what EVERY Sunday should be! I am feeling that this week will be a great one, which is what I need after the atrocity of last week. On top of a hectic schedule last week, I was hit with some ridiculous drama from a person who I mistook as a person who cared for me. I hate being involved in drama because I just feel like I am back in High School. But, the difference now is I have learned to stand up for myself instead of just folding back and apologizing. Through it all, there was no comfort food to be had! No unnecessary snacking which never makes me feel better. No heaping helpings of potato chips. Just me, my healthy eating, and my tough schedule at the gym.



I was smart enough to bring some food to the retreat to supplement the meals they offer there. It worked well. I came home to put on sweatpants and really wanting to fit into a pair that I know haven't fit me but I was hoping.... I put them on and...what was this? They seemed almost...dare I say it...loose? Yes, that's right. They fit and then some! :) I know this sounds extreme to some of you but I was able to look at myself in the mirror and smile...because I was happy with what I saw. I was proud of what I have accomplished so far. It wasn't about noticing what didn't look good enough yet...I saw what looks better. For any of you who have struggled with your weight, you probably know what I mean. Maybe those of you who haven't had weight problems know, too. I felt good. I can look in the mirror and see that the hard work I have done is clearly working. That makes me happy. :)



It was then I realized, I had not weighed myself in a week. So I stepped on the scale. I am down 10.4 lbs!!!! And the donations are still going up. Thank you all for your support. It means everything to me. I am determined to continue all of these ways if it means I don't need a whole new wardrobe from last year!

xoxo Happy Monday!

“Criticism fulfils the same function as pain in the human body. It calls attention to an unhealthy state of things."

Do me a favor...before you continue reading....make the song louder.

Ok, that's better. Last night when I was working at the hotel, someone asked me if I was pregnant.
"You gonna have a lil one?", she asked.
"Excuse me?", I shockingly replied.
"You pregnant? Cuz you look it."

Wow, thank you. I cannot tell you the hurt that brings to a person who struggles with self esteem especially when asked the one week of the month it is hardest to feel good! I did the best I can to deal with it. And, to be honest, I thought I did quite well. Boyfriend's encouragement and comforting words did help but I don't think I can speak this story out loud. I am trying to use this as motivation.

Well...I needed that extra push to motivate me, right? That's what I wrote about just yesterday. I guess be careful what you ask for!

So, let's focus on the positive. Sunday marks the beginning of the 3rd week for me. I can feel a difference but I don't know how the numbers are reflecting that. And in this case, the number is important! I am positive of these numbers though...
$ Per Pound = 125.58
Flat Rate Donations = $475

This is a great deal of money and this is even a little inaccurate. I have a few names down without the exact amount they are donating. Actually, about 10 people to be more accurate. I am still accepting donations so if want to donate or if you can pass this on to more people you know...please help! I think my school is going to collect mission money for us one week. I will also be able to use that as donation money.

In closing, please don't ask anyone if they are pregnant unless you already know they are! Just another thing guys don't have to deal with!!!

xoxo

The three great essentials to achieving anything worthwhile are; first, hard work, second, stick-to-it-iveness, and third, common sense.-Thomas Edison

I wonder...did Thomas Edison really say "stick-to-it-iveness? haha. Well, I suppose it does not matter. I think this phrase should be the WW catch phrase. I am kinda stuck in the middle of all of this and the second part if what is my challenge right now.

Hard Work. Yeah, I am all over that. It is not easy to take the extra ten minutes to prepare lunch for the next day at 11:20pm when you get home from work. It also is not easy to get your butt to the gym after a long day at school and meetings afterward just so that your boyfriend's roommate can cause you great physical pain as he continually promises it will only last for the first week or so. It is not easy to resist the temptation of stoppping at Arby's on the way home to pick up mozzarella sticks when you are sooo hungry! None of this is easy I suppose. Then again, I guess it really isn't supposed to be. Easy would mean everyone does it, right? My life is full of being easy. But I am realizing all the little conveniences that have made things "so much easier" have made me so much lazier! Why do I feel it is such a task to put on sneakers and walk around? Why would I think putting a frozen smart ones into a lunch bag is the biggest effort in the world? Simple. I am not used to ANY work, nevermind hard work. Which brings me to

Common Sense. It seems obvious to me and something we all know what we should and should not be eating. But, I am constantly surrounded by food that is not the right choice. The common sense part would just say...bring food you know you should be eating. Yes, this makes sense. Then... I will not even notice Arby's on the way home! If you want something, you have to work for it. I want to give back to Camp. I am willing to work.

Stick-to-it-iveness I love that this word is totally made up and I 100% identify with it. This week has been a tough one for me. I am feeling very overwhelmed with my busy schedule and feeling frustrated with the going nowhere part of this losing weight. I am successful, I know that. But right now, I feel like I am stuck. Everyone hits this part at some point...but it came at a point when I am tired and busy. Makes the hard work tempting to be pushed out the window. I keep doing what I am supposed to be doing but I am not feeling like it is doing anything. That blah point. I guess this is the truth of success. Trust you are making a difference. Believe that at some point, change will happen. Have Faith, right? I am trying and I am pushing. The best part is that SO MANY people know I am doing this so I constantly get yelled at if I do something wrong. haha. I love it and I hate it.

On a brighter note, I am going to get away from here next week. Heading up to Syracuse to visit the fam jam. I can't wait to just be away, with people I love (and Rick haha), relaxing, and simply enjoying company. So, Dawn....no baking!!!

xoxo

“Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.”

Happy weekend, everyone!!
I am in a great mood today and feeling so full of energy with all of this beautiful weather! I hope you are all feeling the same. I found this WW recipe which is just delicious... I thought I would share it with all of you. (I tend to change all the measurements.)

Oven Fried Baked Chicken
1/2 tsp all purpose flour
1/4 tsp table salt
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
3 oz. light buttermilk
3/4 cup corn flakes crumbs
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts (four 4 oz. pieces)

Preheat over to 365 degrees. Lightly coat an 8x8x2 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray, set aside.
Comibe flour, selt and cayenne pepper together in a med. size bowl. Place buttermilk and corn flakes in 2 separate shallow bowls.
Roll chicken breast halves in flour mixture and evenlt coat each side. Next dip chicken into buttermilk and then corn flakes crumbs.
Place coated chicken breasts in prepared baking dish. Bake until chicken is tender and no longer pink, about 20 minutes (there is no need to flip the chicken during baking).


I have another little snack idea, too. Boyfriend and I had a friend over last night for a good bbq dinner. So good...but I needed a snack thing to go with the burgers. I opted for salsa and a few pita chips. Dawn...this will be a great solution to your not so healthy tostitos to go with the healthy mango salsa. Cut a piece of pita bread into 8 wedges. Separate the halves. Spray each piece with olive oil, just enough to coat it. Bake it in the oven on 400 for 12 minutes. Careful they don't burn. They are good and crispy!

Ok, this is apparently a recipe share blog. haha Enjoy the weekend everyone! Let me know what you think of the food!!! :)

What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Every day I have cafeteria duty to maintain order among the animals while they eat. I am pretty resistant to buying cafeteria food. It is sooo expensive and it is so not worth the money most of the time. Except, there is this one thing. It's just that, they have what I love the most. My only weakness is....mozzarella sticks. Ooooooh they are so yummy! The goodness of the deep fried breading on the outside with the cheesiness warmth of mozzarella on the inside!! mmmmm....I looooove them! I am not a person that is into sweets or desserts. I strongly believe in getting extra appetizers if you feel the meal will not be complete alone. And usually, mozzarella sticks are what I choose.

The mozz. sticks are usually $2.00 for 5 of them. I was really enjoying the look and the smell of them today. I haven't had them in what seems forever (what is really 9 days!). God bless the lunch ladies. They know my weakness and my love for mozz. sticks. Unfortunately, they do not know about the Camp Fatima fat off. I was offered two...."no? Just one.....no? You sure?" Closer....mmm smells sooo good! I guess this how Eve felt with that troublesome apple!

THE CHILDREN! YOU ARE DOING IT FOR THE CHILDREN!!! aaah yes, clarity. I resist. Emphatically and whole-heartedly! "No, thank you." It's funny. I didn't miss the mozza sticks. I don't even want them now even after writing this. Oh, the great things I am capable of....just say no (to mozza)!

NUMBER UPDATES:
Flat Rate Donation: $395
$ Per Pound: $117.33
Days Remaining: 52
Weight Lost: 6.9 lbs!!!

"For every person who doubts you, tell you that you will fail, try twice as hard to prove them wrong."

I chose this quote for one reason...I had to prove MYSELF wrong. I almost gave in this weekend to the frustration and temptation of being surrounded by junk food. Last night at 11:30, seven people were eating pizza in my hotel room. I am trying really hard not to eat past 7:30 each night, but boy did that food smell good! I ate a healthy oatmeal cookie that I brought with me instead. And to be honest, that was ALL I needed.

I spent the past 50+ hours away with little food to identify as what I should be eating. I made good choices in tough situations and worked out a little bit harder to make up for the inevitably bad choices. I came home, had a snack, and weighed myself. Since last Sunday, I am 5.4 lbs lighter and proud of what I accomplished!

This week I am dedicating myself to getting to that gym as many days as possible! My next big challenge? Brett and Todd's birthday party. :)

Conscience whispers, but interest screams aloud. ~J. Petit-Senn

Here I am...sitting in my cozy room at the Trenton Marriot. Ahh, yes. The vacation spot for any sane mind. A getaway in the heart of Trenton. Surrounded by 200+ teenagers who aspire to be the future political leaders of our country. At this point, you may be asking yourself, "Why?", "Huh?" or possibly even, "What is wrong with her?!?!" I can answer the last one...but that would be a book rather than a blog. I am chaperoning a trip with my students for the annual Youth & Government Conference.

I am sincerely inspired by their motivation to change our country for the better, the commitment they have given to researching and creating the bills to be passed by Senate, and the fact that they choose to take trips like this (at a high cost I might add) in order to grow as a student. However, I am completely displeased with the choices of "inspirational" speakers (solely democratic). If you know me at all, please know I am not the kind of person to argue or debate politics. Mostly because I feel like any argument I hear is completely one sided. So am I anti-democrat? I am not saying that. I am simply saying...why are only democrats speaking at this conference? Most of our students are republican based and they were not happy about the choice of speaker for this evening.

Anywho, like my quote? Here is a story. I woke up this morning and made a great breakfast (GoLean blueberry waffles...love em!). I felt motivated to stay on track with good eating even though I would be away this weekend. I arrived here at 9am and was told we would have "brunch" from 10-11:30. Brunch consisted of lunch meats, hoagie rolls, desserts and VERY sweet iced tea. Oh good lawd, this is going to be hard! I opted not to eat anything since I didn't feel hungry. I had enough sense to bring snack foods for situations like this. At some point this afternoon, I ate a breakfast bar. Dinner arrived and I was met with pasta & meat sauce, salad, and chicken fingers. haha. I did the best I could. Actually, I was proud of myself. I know I ate in moderation (considering it was chicken fingers!! hello!!!!) Pro to this weekend? A free fitness center :)

So, as of now. I am sleepy and plan on waking for the gym early in the morning. My totals for fundraising? So glad you asked :)
Flat Rate Donation= $350
Every Pound I lose= $107.33
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rule your mind or it will rule you.

I have decided to begin this blog as a means of getting through my own mind. I want to be able to recognize the gifts that are given to me daily and I think writing them out is an easy way to do that. In addition, I am using this as a reminder to stay committed to my pesonal goals on improving myself.

For anyone who may not know, I began this week in the Camp Fatima Fat-Off. I have pledged to try and lose 20lbs in the next two months. During this time, people are sponsoring per pound I lose and some of sponsoring me a flat rate, no matter what I lose!! I am overwhelmed by the support I have been given. Let me explain...

A couple years ago, I lost a good amount of weight and I was 4 lbs away from the goal I had in my mind since I was 17 yrs old. I was proud and comfortable in my own skin. Oh, to be back to that... Unfortunately, I stopped paying attention and I convinced myself that I would be able to keep it off with no work. Clearly, that failed. I put on all of the weight I lost and I am back to where I was in college (aka not healthy!). I thought maybe the motivation for me to get back to a healthy lifestyle could be the kids at camp, rather than myself. So I reached out to all of you, my loved ones.

At this point, the current totals amazing! No matter how much I lose, I have been sponsored in the amount of $265.00 In addition, every single pound I lose is worth $86.33!!!!!

So this biggest challenge....my brakes went out yesterday. My car was stuck in a parking lot at a gas station for hours and I cried nearly the whole time because I just paid $450 to have my tires changed. Not happy, not happy at all. As I sat in the car waiting for the tow truck I contemplated walking to 7-11 for food. Apparently, I am an emotional eater. I stopped myself from going and made a mental note that this was something I would have to control about myself since I never knew.

Thank you for your support....you got me through my first roadblock on this journey!! :)