So Long 2012--Bring on 2013!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

2012 has come and gone...boy oh boy did it seem long...better years I do believe I have seen...and now I am ready for Twenty Thirteen!!!! 

Happy New Year to you ALL...I hope this year brings you great happiness, much success, wonderful health, great love and Unspeakable Joy!

I am soooo looking forward to the rest of Journey 120-The Fight to LIGHT!  The LIGHT of Love, The LIGHT of NEW Beginnings, The LIGHT of Understanding, The LIGHT of Courage and Just being LIGHTER!!! 

Here is to a fresh start, a rejuvenated spirit and all of the faith and courage needed to take this challenge head on...One Day At a Time!!!  MAWA Inspired!!!!  Let's Kick some butt!!!! 

So Long 2012....Bring on 2013!!!!

For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Mind over Matter

Hi!  The Fluffy Girl is Down!! The head cold has moved to the chest and that is my Kryptonite!!

This day has been all about resting and praying that this remains manageable and does not morph into  a bronchial infection! 

Just say NO! I cannot squeeze bronchitis into my schedule! Ain't nobody got time for that!!

So...I am practicing balance.  I am practicing restraint!  I am practicing mind over matter! If there is one thing that will get my attention...it is a bronchial thing....hate 'em!

I am hoping that tomorrow brings better health and the last day of a long year! 

Goodnight to you all. 

LIVE-Not Just Survive

Hello!  I hope all is well!  I am enjoying the start of my 4 day weekend!

Slept in and then worked out...My work out was a struggle!  Still battling this cold and stuff so my body felt tired.  BUT...I continue to keep moving!!!  I figure that is better than NOT moving.  I managed to get in about 40 minutes of cardio and then about 15 minutes of weights. 

I am sure that everyone, regardless of levels of fitness, hit a wall physically sometimes...I am experiencing that!  But I must say, as a Fluffy Girl, it feels a bit early in this process.  Logically, I know that is NOT true...but man..it certainly makes it more challenging when I feel like this:

 

 

 

I will say this, as a Fluffy Girl, the fact that I keep showing up and moving has to count for something! 

 

So after my workout...in all of its labored glory, I ran a couple of errands and headed home...where I was forced to admit that my headache was at migraine level and I needed to take care of myself.  You know I must say this....the migraines are fewer and farther between.  Good news!  I am going for not having them at all.  I am wanting to believe that at the end of this Journey...the Migraines will be a thing of the past!  That is my vote!!! 

 

 

Tonight Tone Tone and I had dinner and saw Parental Guidance!!!  I really enjoyed the movie...it had more depth than I expected.  It was funny and touching!  I LOVE Billy Crystal...always have!  Mom and I had the pleasure (sort of-really gut wrenching at times ) of seeing Billy Crystal on Broadway in his one-man show called 700 Sundays!  It was the story of the  time (700 Sundays) that Billy Crystal had with this Dad before he passed away.  Really touching, at times gut wrenching story of life with his Dad.  Reminds me that life is short...sometimes shorter than we expect!  So LIVING is a good idea!  Which brings me right back to the moral of this Journey...

 

 

 

 

 

 

Despite the challenges, physical or otherwise...One thing I am sure about...This Journey 120 is ALL about Living...and if I survive in the process...good for me!!! LOL!

 

 

I apologize for the late hour!  Will see you tomorrow.  Happy Sunday!

 



 

 



Weigh In #19-Still Forging On

Hi!  Happy Friday to all.  So...as I expected...I gained weight this week.  Now I must say...the "as I expected part" is only partially true.  I DID expect to gain weight...but not because I pigged out over the Christmas break!  No...I expected it because that is just what seems to happen if I eat anything beyond my normal regimen (for the last 4 months). 
Quite frankly, I am disappointed (again).  I really did not eat much or anything profoundly out of line.  But I have always said...I can look at fattening food and gain weight.  Apparently, that is true! 

Despite my disappointment over the last few weeks...I do not feel deterred!  Actually, I am feeling a bit angry!  That could be contributed to my middle-aged hormones or to my competitive personality traits...regardless, it may NOT be a bad thing.  Though I am sure there are millions of articles out there decrying the use of anger as a motivator...I find that sometimes I get so much more done when I am a little bit angry!!! Not too angry...then I become a big, fluffy, blustery, mess!!!  NO..just a bit of anger...or maybe frustration is a better word.  It sort of feels like my body is saying this cannot be done.  That this goal is too lofty and not attainable...but my mind says...Slow your roll...I CAN do this and you are not woman enough to stop me!!!!  This dialogue between brain and body either indicates thetypical human inner struggle or I have lost my freakin mind!!!  THAT remains to be seen!!

So here I am at Weigh In #19 and I basically have 7.5 months to lose roughly 90lbs.  That is a lot!!!  I knew when I started this that there would be days that this would seem impossible or at the very least, improbable.  I vowed to be honest and to use this blog as a true documentation of this Journey (within reason).  I am still willing to do that.  Today I need to say out loud that though this is not going perfect to plan, I know that nothing bad can come from doing my best, working hard and telling the truth.  So...though I am not deterred...I am needing a boost.  I will spend the next few days thinking about what that might look like for me.  I think I will get another "physical" mini-goal on the books and I will continue to find ways to keep Forging ON!!! 

As I write, I often think...Wow...I have said all this before!  My guess is that I will say it as many times as I need to in order to continue moving forward...So it may not always be the best read...and it may just need to be what it is!!! It is what it is!!!  (Tone Tone loves this phrase--not really).

So I will keep writing...I hope you all can bear with me and keep reading!  Your words of encouragement are needed...a life line for me!  I struggle with asking for help...always have....so just know that your feedback, suggestions, funny thoughts, smiley faces, etc...those are helpful and much appreciated.

So for those of you that do not know...I HAVE ANOTHER COLD...Alert the MEDIA!!!  The whining has begun...Yes...I am afraid it is true.  I will be complaining profusely for at least the next 24 hours!

Lindsey sent me this via email.  This is an interval treadmill workout (running).  Of course, I will have to try it walking first!  We must walk before we run!!!!  Fluffy Girl Rule!

Treadmill workout--said it will flatten your belly, slim your thighs, and firm your butt in 2 weeks.  (This is a blurb from Pinterest, not me J)

She also sent me this...I like it!!!

On that note, I must go!  I am including the lyrics and You Tube video of a song that I posted a few weeks ago...that I need to post again.




You said don't worry bout your future daughter
Just think about the things that matter
So I wont magnify the small things anymore
I'll only glorify the father

Cause you hold me still
Even when the waves around begin to build
Im in your hand though sometimes it's hard to stand
Cause you have my heart and you
Hold it still

So don't involve yourself in useless chatter
Just talk about the things that matter
And when you feel the world around you shatter
Just lift your eyes up to the father

And he'll hold you still
Even when the waves around begin to build
You're in his hand though sometimes its hard to stand
Give him your heart
And he'll hold you still

I SEE THE WAVES
IM NOT AFRAID

I SEE THE STORM
IM NOT SHAKEN

I FEEL THE WORLD QUAKE
MY GROUND IS STABLE

And he'll hold you still
Even when the waves around begin to build
You're in his hand though sometimes its hard to stand
Give him your heart
And he'll hold you still

I'm not afraid
Hold me still

Forever Jones

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osoNrhtuLJU

Have a Holly Jolly Weigh In

Hello to all...I hope today was great!  I spent the 1st half of my day having my ticker stressed and tested.  I survived!  It went well!  I will find out the results next week. 
Unfortunately, I have a lovely holiday head cold...not part of my plan...but I will work around it!  After the full day and the first day of a new cold..I made the executive decision to get some rest.
Tomorrow is the post Christmas Weigh In....Have A Holly Jolly Weigh In....the last one of the year! So we shall see...Regardless, it will be the next step in this Journey.
Since I am not feeling well this evening...this will be brief.  I am ready for tomorrow! 
Before I go...one  last Christmas song!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2xxqRm3Hyg

The Fluffy Girl and the Ticker Test

Well it was back to work today...back to life...back to reality...I love that song!  Anyway, I really enjoyed the 4 day weekend and was prepared to get back in the groove. 
I left work @ 5:00ish and headed to the gym.  My workout was sluggish! I told my Mom that it physically felt like my 1st week of working out!  Unfortunately, I am pretty sure that I am getting another cold!!  This may be the reason I felt I was peddling in sludge!
BUT...I completed my work out! Now I am couched and in need of a bit of rest. 
Tomorrow (bright and early), I have to be at the hospital for my "nuclear" stress test.  Still a little concerned about the whole “nuclear" thing...I can hear it now...after the test..."well hello Jaime...so lovely to see you...you are just glowing!  Ha!  BUT....I have to get the ticker tested!!

Seriously, if you guys have a few moments, a prayer for a positive experience would be greatly appreciated. Hopefully, I will get a "glowing" report...hehehe!

Also, could you include Donna's Mom  in your nightly prayers.  She is in ICU and could use our prayers.  Thank you.

I am going to turn in early tonight.  I think some rest will help rejuvenate my ole body.

Thanks for reading and thanks for your prayers!

Goodnight and MAWA!

The Recovering Fluffy Girl and a Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!!!!!  I hope all of you have had a Wonder-filled, blessed day!!!  Our day has been wonderful..in fact, this Christmas has been filled with great family, friends, food and FUN!!!! 

We spent today at my Cousin Kyle and Julie's home in Huffman!  We had a good day and tried to go to the movies afterwards...a family tradition...however, Les Miserables was sold out!!!  So we had to opt out!  Bummer! 

We managed to get some cold weather by late afternoon...so no 80 degree Christmas!  YAY!  As a matter of fact it was quite chilly. 

I did pretty well today with food. Ate breakfast with BFF and family and reduced my portion size at lunch and completely avoided some of the more fattening foods...even had a bit of dessert.  Not too much!  Not to bad for a recovering Fluffy Girl!

This is the first Christmas for me on my way to a new way of doing food, life and all that  goes with it.  I got several fitness related gifts, ate healthier, and even got a few Mini-Goal Christmas presents.  Both my Mom and Aunt bought clothes for me that are too small with a  mini-goal in mind!  Love that idea.  Cool part..One of the many goal shirts already fits...Yay for ME!!! I got a Yoga mat, back exercise ball, pedometer, heart rate monitor, insulated water bottle with nifty case for carrying while walking.  SOCKS...lots and lots of socks...my favorite.  Just to name a few cool fitness gifts.  It is great to have so much support! 

I am ready for this next phase of this Journey.  I can imagine that it will be filled with new challenges,victories, losses and gains of all kinds.  I continue to be reminded of the Blessings.  I think that if I keep those Blessings in sight, remain mindful that this life is a gift and make every effort to live my life with purpose and grace....I will be alright.  I might even be lighter...in more ways than one!   This is a fight...in a good way.  This is a fight to change...in a good way and this is a fight to lose....in a good way!

It has been a great holiday...Loads of fun and a great time of celebrating the real reason for the season. 

I posted this on Facebook on Christmas Eve after church and wanted to share it here:

I heard a sermon tonight that reminded me that despite all of the pain that exists in this world, that today represents the Promise of Good News. An undeniable promise that Love conquers all. A reminder that the birth of this single, remarkable child brings the Good News of the Light of the World, the Deliverer from Evil and the Life Everlasting! Merry Christmas to all of you and may the Joy and Peace of the Season fill your hearts!

As a fun little note before I go...Kerri Walsh Jennings and her family made an appearance on the Today show Christmas Eve morning.  She is pregnant with her 3rd child and she, her husband Casey and their boys (Joey and Sundance) all found out on live T.V. that they will have a new baby girl in the family soon.  Really sweet moment. The identity of the sex of the baby was placed on a Christmas ornament and wrapped in a box.  Their family was there to see her open the box which said "Its a Girl"...so sweet!  Such a great family and so lovely to see such attention given to something so positive!  Really heartwarming. 

Emily  guessed that she would be having a girl and was quite happy when I revealed to her that she was correct.  She even has a name picked out for them..Emma.  Strangely close to Emily.  :)  I am fairly sure she is hoping that I send that suggestion on to Kerri.  I am sure she will take under advisement!  LOL!

Our Christmas Song of the Day:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUMzIKCPFtM



I decided that since animals were prominent at the Birth of Christ...I would share a few of our Christmas animals...just for fun!! 

 MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Riley



Cooper

Chico

Ms. Piggy

Christmas Blessings

Merry Christmas Everyone!  I hope this Day brings you great Joy and Great News.  A reminder that we all have so much to be grateful for and despite the all of the pain that exists in this world...we have been given the greatest gift. Jesus Christ! 

I have gotten to spend the evening with my best friend and her husband, my Mom, Emily and our dogs and then my Aunt via telephone!...We attended a candlelight service and enjoyed an evening of laughs, gifts, touching moments and lots and lots of love!  Again I am reminded I am Blessed! 

Tomorrow will be a day of fun with my family.  I love this day and I love my family and again I will be Blessed. 

Today I am reminded that there is nothing that I cannot do because through Christ, all things are possible.  I AM Blessed! 

This Journey has allowed me to be reminded that despite my physical and spiritual flaws...that with God's help and blessings I can and shall overcome.  This is the Day that we celebrate the Birth of Christ and the Day that LOVE truly entered this world. 

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. ⁵ He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. ⁶ While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷ and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
⁸ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

¹⁵ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

 

 ¹⁶ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. ¹⁷ When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸ and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.  Luke 2:4-20

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKSknasrE3k


Merry Christmas to all of you.  May God Bless you and Keep you and yours. 

Again, thank you for your support, your prayers, your love and for being a Blessing. 

Love to you all,

Jaime

Sweatin' to Christmas Tunes

Merry Christmas Eve,Eve to all!  I hope today has been filled with more Christmas FUN for all of you. 

We have been a busy household here....Church, a little hang out time with Donna, Bill and Emily, home to pack up gifts for Mike, headed to Mike's around 1:00 PM.
He made lunch for us...baked fish and veggies!!  He made healthy food for us!  It was nice to not have to worry too much about food stuff. 

We enjoyed our time with Mike and headed back to our side of town around 4:00 or so.  Then it was off to the gym for me.  I worked out at our  gym here at the apartment...It was hot in there...way hot.  I got in an hour workout.  Did a little bit of everything..Evil Elliptical, bike, treadmill, weights...I think I lost a few pounds in sweat alone tonight...Nothing more attractive than a overly sweaty Fluffy Girl...Good Times!

My plan is to get in a good solid workout tomorrow...Sweatin' to Christmas Tunes...

So the next few days I will again be facing food challenges and will have to focus on the fun and not the food.  I found the below article about healthy holiday eating and liked it. 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/22/healthy-holiday-eating_n_1105523.html#s488770&title=Party_At_Home

I  have spent the majority of the evening wrapping presents...at least it is not Christmas Eve!  I am done and I am done...did not get a ton of sleep last night...so my brain and most of my creative juices are on empty...Must refresh and reboot for tomorrow.  I hope you all  continue to have a marvelous Christmas Season. 


For unto us a child is born , unto us a son is given : and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor , The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. ~Isaiah 9:6

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3dQBhumuMs

The Fluffy Girl and a Little "Elf" Control

Hello to all!  Merry almost Christmas.  Our Christmas celebrations have begun!! WE had a lovely evening last night looking at Christmas lights!  We have a neighborhood just around the corner from us that decorates in an elaborate fashion and has been doing so  since I was a kid...just yesterday!  HA! 



 
 The lights were fantastic as usual. The pictures don't do them justice.  We had a great time listening to Christmas music and enjoying the sights and sounds of the Season!!! 









Today has been a day of shopping for last minute items...groceries and getting ready for the rest of a busy weekend/week!  Of course, I am making every effort to watch my food, eat healthy and do my best to get in a few workouts over the next few days.  We are taking two lighter desserts for Christmas Day with the family.  My friend Patsy made these for us last weekend and we are taking both to share on Tuesday.

One of them sounds really different, is simple and I loved it.

You take grapes (color of your choice) chilled, lightly toss them in light sour cream (I know it sounds weird), and sprinkle each serving with a bit of brown sugar!  Fabulous!!! I am not kidding!  I am someone who has a thing about mixing foods that typically do not go together...however, this is great!!! Be brave and try it!!!

This Holiday Season is going to be about portion control, making the best healthy choices available at meals and not overdoing anything!  I am going to make sure I eat a healthy breakfast so that I do not GORGE at lunch or dinner!! I will have to use a little "Elf Control" (See what I did there??? LOL).
 I may even squeeze in walk on Christmas Day if the weather permits. 

OK...so back to the Festivities...We typically spend Christmas Eve early evening with Donna, Bill and Emily...Church,dinner and presents...then late Christmas Eve...we open presents with Aunt Charlotte via phone (she is 2 hours earlier in Cali...the time difference helps).  However, it is usually a really FULL day and sometimes a little crazy for Donna, who prepares a wonderful Christmas Eve meal (Prime Rib, Potatoes, Veggies, Salad, etc...). 

So, we are dividing and conquering this year.  We had our fabulous meal tonight and will be doing Church and presents on Christmas Eve.  Tonight was great.  We took photos to send out as email Christmas cards, post on Facebook and even sent Kerri Walsh a Christmas message on Twitter ( I'm a goofball...I know!).  We had a great meal and a light dessert, watched a little Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and laughed a lot!  I am Blessed!

Tomorrow is church and our Christmas with my Uncle...it will be another busy, fun day! 

OH....and I will be wrapping my Mom's presents.  Bless her heart...I never seem to get my wrapping done early!!!  But she is getting some good stuff!!! 

Here are some pics from tonight and the last few days. 

I hope you guys have a fantastic Sunday and are having a Christmas Season filled with Blessings, Lots of Joy and the Spirit of Christ.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mN7LW0Y00kE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WAJd3Do0Q8

 

 

¹⁸ This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about^[d]: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. ¹⁹ Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet^[e] did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

²⁰ But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. ²¹ She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,^[f] because he will save his people from their sins.”

²² All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ²³ “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”^[g] (which means “God with us”). ~Matthew I-NIV

 

Weigh In #18-An Early Christmas Present

HAPPY FRIDAY AND MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE, EVE, EVE!  I hope you guys are having a great day!  Good news...I did not get too sick with this migraine treatment.  Only feel a little "fluish" and it is quite manageable.  I had an appt. with the cardiologist this morning.  My neurologist wants to make sure my ticker is good before he tries a new migraine medication.  So...I will be having a nuclear stress test next week.  The word nuclear is somewhat disturbing... sounds like I could be "glowing" afterwards.  Ha!  Anyway, will be glad to get all the 2012 medical stuff out of the way...READY for a healthier 2013!

So today was Weigh in #18---after some rather disappointing weigh in-s..This one made me happy. This one felt like an early Christmas Present!!  I lost 3lbs this week and am feeling INSPIRED!!!  Ready to rock n roll!!!!  Ready to have great Christmas with family and friends.  Ready to relax and ready to start 2013 the healthy way!!!!

Tonight my Tone Tone and I are going to dinner and to look at Christmas lights....I will have pics for tomorrow night.  I am looking quite forward to the fun! 

Have a great Friday night! Enjoy your Saturday! 


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPrbccEdI5o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFvu1ZxgjmY

Luke 1:30-33

King James Version (KJV)

³⁰ And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
³¹ And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.
³² He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
³³ And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

A Fluffy Girl Safe Zone

Hello there...Early post today.  We had our office Christmas luncheon today so the chances of me working for the rest of today are Slim to None and Slim just left!  You couple that with a trip to the Neurologist this morning for an eye-opening 31 needles to the head...I am pretty much done!

After working until after midnight last night, obviously I did not work out last night.  So despite my desire to whine about my shots today...haha...I am going to work out this evening.  This is kinda funny and kinda sad all wrapped up  in one...Now...since I started this Journey...every Wednesday I start to hit the panic button about Friday weigh in....I am like...CRAP!!!!  I have to workout really hard Wed and Thurs...I have got my weigh in on Friday morning....AAAARGGGGHHHHH!  It makes me laugh and kinda seems a bit pitiful that I am freaking out about exercising ENOUGH....4 months ago...I would have been freaking out if you told I had to work out at all!!!  Funny!

So today presented a food challenge for me.  We had our company Christmas party (lunch) at Maggiano's.  I am guessing most of you that read my blog are familiar with Maggiano's...if not, just know that it is a family style Italian restaurant..with family style meaning...more food than one could possibly eat in one sitting.  It also means lots of gooey, cheesy, noodley, yumminess and after all of that...it means more gooey, chocolatey, cheesecakey, cookieness, yumminess.

  This place is not a Fluffy Girl Safe Zone....

There were huge platters of lasagna, spaghetti and meat sauce, calamari, etc....however, we did have a grilled chicken dish, asparagus and two different salads to choose from. So I passed on the ooeyy gooeyy and ate the salad and chicken.  But here is the KICKER people:  I decided to look up  the caloric value of the food I consumed...Let's just say that my weigh in tomorrow could be a bust!! MY o MY...don't go to Maggiano's if you are counting calories...NO Bueno!!! Oh well...C'est la Vie!  As an important side note...the food was delicious! Of course! Oh...and I did have a tiny dessert...ahhh, confession is good for the soul...Ok...so I even have pics of the dessert! 

My sweet co-workers Amanda and Jonathan gave me a Christmas gift today!!! Sweet and appropriate!

Here is a pic!

More pics..

 

 

 

 

 

Tomorrow is weigh in #18...Say a prayer and wish me luck, please!  Have a great Thursday evening!!!

 

 

Love and Hugs!

 

 

Kerri Walsh posted this via Twitter earlier today.  Loved it and thought I would share:

 

"Little Children, let us not love with word or tongue, but in deed and truth"-1John 3:18

 



 

 

 

A little Christmas Cheer for you!

 



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5g4lY8Y3eoo

 



 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbfgVEk-mxQ

The Fluffy Girl and One of those Days

Wowza..I am having a not so good at balancing life kinda day...Surprised...of course not!  I am still at work (it is 12:04 AM CT) and it feels like I am going to be here until next week at this point.  Tonight's post is going to be short.  I am exhausted and truly struggling with managing a healthy balance for today! 

I would love it if you guys could say a prayer for me tomorrow.  I am having my 3rd migraine treatment in the morning at 9:30 AM.  Not really looking forward to the whole shots thing!  But...it does seem to help with the migraines...so I am incredibly grateful. 

This is one of those days that I chalk up to a series of not so great decisions on my part.  But...I also love that I get a do-over tomorrow!  I can start fresh and hope for the best.

I hope all of you are doing well and are doing a much better job than I am managing the chaos!!! 

MAWA!!!!!

Here is a Christmas song for you! 


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KK6sMo8NBY

Watch out SVELTE here I come!

Happy LATE Tuesday.  I hope you all have had a great day...It is getting closer and closer to Christmas!!! Can't wait....I LOVE Christmas.  I am so goofy...Every morning on my way to work and every night on my way home...I turn down the radio and sing my favorite Christmas songs...LOUD!!!!  I know people sitting next to me in traffic probably think I am a bit cra cra!!!  I think that we all know that would be a fair analysis.  I am more than goofy!  But I love to sing Christmas songs.  If I can get away with it...I will sing a Christmas song in  Mid summer...late spring..whenever...Just ask my BFF...she loves it when I sing Christmas songs out of season...It is her fave!!  NOT! 

I even have been watching Christmas movies while I  work out...It turns out that Santa Claus is Coming to Town is a good workout show!!!

So my workout tonight was good...at least that is my expert evaluation!  I tackled the Evil Elliptical for another 20 minutes...I even increased my speed a bit...Watch it now!!!  I am really focusing on working even harder this week.  I have read and been told that I need to continue to push a little harder each week...not let my body adjust and get too comfortable ( no chance that is happening in the near future...lol).  After 4 months...it is time to up the stakes..watch out SVELTE here I come!

I heard about this really amazing workout.  It was so amazing that I had to share it with you all.  I am starting this tomorrow...though there will be parts that I will not be able to do just yet.  But with practice...I think this may be the answer I have been looking for!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnc-Bkyy7Gg

LOL!!!! I SO LOVE THIS!!! Gotcha!

Here are a couple of Christmas songs for your enjoyment...Music provides such inspiration...brings me so much joy!  For me, music is healing, music often says what I am not eloquent enough to say, music is truly inspirational!  MUSIC MAKES ME WANT TO MOVE!!!! Dance, sway, swoon, waltz, twirl...you get the picture!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pg5speoSbLU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__kQ1PCP6B0



I will say my prayers for all of Newtown, CT tonight! 

If you have another minute, please take a look at this:
https://www.facebook.com/26acts


Goodnight to you all!

And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.~Philippians 4:7

4 months down-8 to go

It is Monday and it is officially the 4 month anniversary of Journey 120-Life of the Fluffy Girl: Fight to Light.  Eight months to go...Honestly, this Journey is flying by!  One would think I would want it to...but...I still would like to be further along.  I am pleased with my own persistence though...not a trait that I am always known for!  It has already been one

I am really hoping that the next 8 months can be as enlightening as the 1st 4 months.  I am aware that I will have to work even harder to accomplish the goal I have set for myself.  I know that I have to keep reaching for that goal like my life depends on it...and that should not be too much of a stretch...since my life does depend on it.  This Journey is all about saving my life.  I really believe that! 

It is also about, inspiration, faith, laughter, love and whole lotta sweat!!!  I have several mini-goals ahead of me.  I have completed two 5K walks and have Mini-Goal #3 ahead of me (fitting in to a rather snug shirt by March 2, 2013).  I have a few other plans that I have yet to announce...but I will soon.

I know that I will continue to learn!  I will continue to be inspired, I will continue to laugh, I will continue to love and unfortunately, I will continue to sweat...profusely!!!  Most importantly,  I must continue to have Faith.  Without that, this will not be possible. 

Thank you all for following along for the last 4 months.  Thank you for taking time out of your busy lives to share the words of encouragement, the love, the laughs and the great ideas and suggestions.  I cannot say it enough.  I need all of that!!!  I may not have realized how much when I started this Journey...But boy...I know now. 

I have to thank my original inspiration!  Thank you to Kerri Walsh Jennings and Misty May Treanor for waking up the part of me that loves athletics...that loves to compete and for inspiring me to get up, work through the challenges, push through the pain and believe that life can be different. 

I have to give  special thanks to Kerri Walsh.  I am not sure if she will actually see this...but, I figure it is worth saying for a multitude of reasons.  Given the obvious fact that she and I have never met and that I live a million miles outside of her world.  Given that I have pushed the limits of Twitter weekly cramming as many words as possible into a "tweet" about being a 45 year old,  suddenly inspired, fluffy girl on a crazy mission, given that I am quite clear that I am not the only person she has inspired (lol) ....given that, she has taken the time (on multiple occasions) to share a few moments of her time to encourage and support this complete stranger. By the way though, I am not the only one she does that for..Since I am only on Twitter typically to correspond with her...I am aware that she often (daily) sends messages of encouragement to young volleyball players, Olympic fans, Moms to be, our service men and women overseas, the list goes on...In a time when this country's athletes and celebrities seem to shy away from the often uninvited responsibility of  being a positive role model..she not only steps up but seems to embrace the job with open arms.  You gotta love her!!!  I know I do! 

OK...Here is to a great next 8 months!!!

Before I go...I am still very mindful of the grief that the families in Connecticut are experiencing.  They are in my daily thoughts and prayers and will be for a long time.

This is for them:


Jesus calls the children dear,
"Come to me and never fear,
I will take you by the hand,
Lead you to the promised land,
For I love the little children of the world."



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOufqWodFNo

Ready for the Next Miracle

Hello all!  I hope this Sunday has been peaceful, filled with love, family and friends and restful!  We started our day in church, followed by lunch...a trip to the crazy crowded grocery store and Starbucks!!!!  A giant non-fat latte was just what the Dr. ordered...OK...the Dr. would probably not order that...but a sluggish fluffy girl would and DID! 

I caught some of the Texans game...another victory...12-2 and AFC South Divisional Champions for the second year in a row...LOVE IT!!!  It was a nice bounce back game after last weeks debacle in New England!  More sports inspiration...my favorite!

I headed to the Y and got in a great workout....Drum Roll please....I took on the Evil Elliptical today and managed to go for 20 minutes...Another Fluffy Girl world record!!!!!  WOO HOO!!!!  I lifted weights and did another 40 minutes on the bike.  Smokin!!!!  I AM A:

 

 

 



 



I am heading into the rest of Week 18 and Monday is the 4 month anniversary of this Journey...this amazing, challenging, wonderful, difficult, eye-opening, splendid Journey.  If I posted 10X a day...I could not verbalize all of the amazing moments I have experienced!  I am ready for the next

 



 

 







I have to believe that I have the strength and will power to continue and to do my very best.

 

 

I continue to welcome change...which is a miracle in and of itself.  I have not been and often am not a big fan of change.  I embrace this change!

Before I go, I just wanted to share a little of our Christmas cheer we experienced yesterday.  Hope you enjoy and I am looking forward to this week.  JOURNEY 120-"MAWA" INSPIRED!

I will continue to keep the people of Newtown, CT. in my prayers and will continue to pray for God's healing touch for all that are working to cope with an unimaginable pain. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brmRUlKbF7g





Let there be Peace on Earth-Let it begin with Me

Hello to all.  I hope the day has gone well for all.  I must admit that I am still reeling from the tragic events from yesterday.  It has been on my mind all day.  I continue to pray for those families that are experiencing such a tremendous loss at such difficult time. 

I am grateful that I got to spend my day with friends (who are like family) and enjoy their company, good (healthy)  food and just spending time together.  It was a nice way to spend the day. 

Mom and I got up this morning and did a little shopping then headed to Conroe (north of Houston) to have our Christmas celebration with our dear friends Pat and Stef! 

 

Stefanie, Patsy and Tone Tone

 

 

We had yummy tortilla soup for lunch and Patsy even made some fluffy girl friendly dessert...I should have taken a picture.  I will taking one to family Christmas!!!  It was nice to just hang out, laugh, reminisce and open presents.  LOVE!!

 

 

 

This is Stef and the gift she gave us!  I truly love what it says...so I made her pose with picture so that I could share it with all of you!!!

 

 

 

After a nice visit, Tone Tone and I had more shopping to do...We had a great time!!! Shopping, looking at Christmas lights, dinner, and home.  We are wiped out..but it was a great way to spend the day.  Surrounded by LOVE! 

 

 

I am still struggling with my back; however, tomorrow it is back to my workouts.  I am hoping that I can push through the discomfort in a healthy way and get back on track.  I am actually missing the gym!!!  It is a good way to left off steam  and it gives me a great sense of accomplishment. 

 

 

I am ready for Sunday.  Ready to focus my efforts on the task ahead of me.  Ready to live life to the fullest.  I will be praying for all those who are suffering, I will be praying for understanding and I will be praying for Peace for all of us. 

 

Have a blessed day and I will "see" you tomorrow! 

 

 





Now may the Lord of peace Himself grant you His peace (the peace of His kingdom) at all times and in all ways [under all circumstances and conditions, whatever comes]. The Lord [be] with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3: 16

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fl5FcE1XVXA

 



Keeping Life in Perspective

Hello to all.  Today has been a challenging day.  I would like to start by saying that my deepest sympathies and prayers go out to all who have been impacted by the tragic events today in Newtown, CT.  It is so impossible to imagine what the parents, grandparents, family and friends of those that are deceased are experiencing at this time.  I am not sure that any words would accurately describe that kind of grief.  I am heart broken for them and will continue to pray for all of those affected.

It is so beyond any comprehension that I possess as to why things like this happen.  The insanity of the act does not seem to break my need to know Why?  Though I am sure that no one really understands why this happened, it does really put things into perspective for me. 

I started this day with Weigh In #17 and it was not positive.  No weight lost.  I must admit that I am really beginning to struggle with not losing.  I did go and get a massage and had a conversation with my very health conscious Chiropractor-he said he thought I was doing all of the right things and that the body just has to adjust and plateaus can last much longer than we want them to!  He warned me about reducing my calorie intake too much (lol), reminded me that muscle toning will increase my weight at times, discussed my metabolism, getting older and my exercise program. He said just because I am not losing at the rate I planned does not mean I am doing it wrong.  As with anything, adjustments can be made and I am sure that just taking the next step is a step in the right direction.

However, after I arrived at work and began to realize what was happening in Newtown, CT...suddenly all of the above issues with my weight loss seemed small and inconsequential.  Perspective!  I am blessed to have these problems to deal with...blessed that I get the opportunity to work at being better, to improve my life and to make better the kind of person I am! 

That was stolen from the children and adults who lost their lives today.  Quite honestly, I find that devastating and it makes me angry!  Mostly, I am sad.

Life is precious, not to be wasted.  Life may not always be easy but it is a gift.  Each moment of each day has something to teach us.  Life offers us the opportunity to love, to give, to learn, to teach, to care, to witness, to believe, to dream, to accomplish, to sing, to dance, to play, to win and to lose. 

For me, today is about Keeping Life in Perspective. 

Dear God, Bless those babies hearts, bless their parents, their families and extended families.  Bless the hearts of the adults that gave their lives and those they left behind.  Bless the first  responders, faculty, the children and parents that survived and the entire community as they try to recover from this tragedy. 

This is for the kids

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVbkz_3lO3c

This is for all of us

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-GTtPgHfwQ

Everyday I'm Guzzlin'

Is it OVER yet???  I am hoping this day is over soon...I have been so busy at work that I am on overload.  And again...am trying to manage my stress.  I think after I finish blogging about de-fluffing, I will start another one about de-stressing...LOL!  Just the thought of that stresses me out! 

I am going to work out tonight...Nothing too strenuous because my grumpy 45 year old back refuses to fully cooperate.  I am going to the Chiropractor tomorrow morning and am getting a massage to see if that will relieve the tension and pain.  Here's hoping!!!

I am still having a few typical fluffy girl struggles...like being hungry at inopportune times...that sometimes feels like ALL the time.  I have been forcing myself to drink more water.  WATER....WATER....WAAATTTERRRR!
One of my co-workers told me that we (people) are supposed to drink half of your body weight in ounces daily...HOLY COW....If I drank half my body weight in water daily...the world's water source would be gone before I lose this weight...not too mention that I would have to move my office, bedroom, t.v., etc....to the bathroom!!!   Can somebody please tell me who these people are that come up with all these rules about water drinking...Let me guess...it is the CEO of Ozarka!!! 

OK...So I am drinking water, eating right, working out...and still struggling to lose the fluffy stuff!  BUT...Like I said yesterday...good things are happening...despite my displeasure with my progress.  I will continue to FORGE ON!!! I will dangit, I will. 

I am still INSPIRED!  Still going for the weight loss gold...so to speak...I just have to DIG down deep!!!

MAWA Inspired....God Inspired!!!!


One of the tips that people have shared with me quite a bit...is to chew my food thoroughly, eat more slowly, etc...I found this video...maybe I should eat like this!!!

http://www.cnn.com/video/?hpt=hp_t3#/video/living/2012/10/20/orig-jtb-distractrion-slow-loris-rice-ball.cnn


Here is our Christmas song for the day...Enjoy!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmF2rsDHOZc

Who Are You and What Have You Done with ME!

Hi there...I hope everyone is well.  It has been a long day!  I continue to struggle with a back spasm..no, I am not going to whine about it!  ;).  But it has put a damper on my workout plans for tonight.  I am choosing to give the ole body a rest tonight so that I don't derail this process.  But here is the funny thing for me.  I really DON'T want to take the night off. 

These are the moments that I think "WHO ARE YOU and what have you done with ME???"  I mean less than 4 months ago...you could not have convinced me to even get off the couch...unless I was going out to eat!!!  Kidding...but I really would have told you that I could not exercise...I would have told you that I was absolutely unable to do the exercise I needed to do in order to get healthy.  And I believed that to be true until mid August...when suddenly I had the inspiration, the motivation and the inclination to actually tackle this challenge.  This is why I know it was a God thing...it really just happened in a matter of days. 

Now granted, I had been sick for a LONG time and I was truly tired of it and had begun to try to imagine what my life might be like if I remained ill for the long term.  Sobering Thought! I truly am not somebody that worries about getting older typically....quite possibly because I still think I am a kid in many ways...I DO like to make self deprecating jokes about my age...of course...never miss an opportunity to do that!!! But really...deep down inside I don't typically think...Holy crap...I am old!!! 

However, I began to do the math...so to speak.  I realized that all of the family health problems, the genetic AND habit related health problems were happening earlier for me!  My grandmother, uncle and mother were all diagnosed with Diabetes in the 50's....I was diagnosed in my 40's...I began taking blood pressure medicine earlier than they did...AND to add insult to injury...I had health problems that they never had or have to this day.  But believe it or not...even knowing all of that...I still thought that given the way I felt...there was no possible way I could overcome some of these health problems. 

Here is the reality today....almost 4 months into this Journey.  My insulin dosage has decreased, my blood pressure has improved  (though I am still on medication and most likely will be for a while), I AM able to exercise and yes...it is not always pleasant or easy...but it is doable.  So far this Journey has not gone perfectly (in my opinion).  I am really not losing weight at the rate I would have liked so far...but I have to trust that God's plan is perfect.  I can, with complete confidence, tell you that MY plans are NEVER perfect...So I am leaving the planning to God. 

I will have to continue to trust God's plan...Follow His lead and have the Faith to believe I can...that is why I call this a Challenge...I am so not good at any of these things sometimes...BUT...so far- so good. 

Here is what I know...I would not be able to do this today had it not been for all of the God moments, the not so coincidental coincidences, the chance meetings, the thoughtful conversations, the unconditional love, the peaks and valleys, the painful moments, the hours of laughter, the devoted family and remarkable friends! 

If nothing else is conveyed in my Journey...in my daily ramblings filled with goofy jokes, quotes by smarter people than me, my love of music and my waxing poetic..it is this ONE thing...God is the LEADER of this Journey and with HIM I can do anything and so can you!  I will need to be reminded of this I am sure...


Given that it is Christmas time...I am reminded that not all people feel blessed and many struggle to survive in these difficult times.  I am always reminded that I have to step up and help out in any way I can...Give back the Blessings I have received.  I want to become a person who does that year round. 

“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all year.” ~Charles Dickens

"If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded." ~Maya Angelou

Here is the Christmas song for the Day!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDvxOaX2dS4

Whine and Cheese anyone?

Hello folks...It is Tuesday and it is a bit late...sorry.  Been a pretty normal day...with one minor exception. A BACK SPASM...Ain't nobody got time for that!!!  Yes...I have a back spasm and I have been whining about it all day...literally and my plans are to whine a bit more here!  Joy! 

I am even getting on my own nerves!  I moaned and groaned at work...kept telling everyone...Did you know I have a back spasm...Did I mention that my back is in complete spasm...Excuse me, I need to let you know that I have a back spasm...You get the picture. 

I can be a real pain in the hind end!  LOL!  I think that my pain tolerance is pretty high until something like this happens and then it is like the world has ended and I am Drama Queen of the year! 

 

So I went to work out (Did I tell you that my back is killing me)...anyway, I was able to ride the bike for about 45 minutes before I could feel a sudden urge to whine...and since no one was there to listen...I stopped.  I am sure I was a sight to see..pedaling fast and furiously with my arms dangling down beside me and a lovely pained expression saying...Do you see this...Do you see me riding this bike with a BACK SPASM!!!

 

So I had to go to the grocery store afterwards...more opportunity for looking pitiful and looking for my next victim to complain to...

Stopped by my BFF's house...did some whining there (Emily rolled her eyes at my whining)...THEN...I got home...MOMMA!!!  My back is killing me....



So...here is the deal...I am taking a muscle relaxant, taking a hot bath, and giving the whining a rest!  I just had to get it out of my system.  So I will give up on the whining for today.  I cannot guarantee that I won't whine again at some point.

But for now...


 

Here is what I do know...complaining does not really help...BUMMER...




AMEN!!!

OK....We are halfway through week 17 people...I am considering some kind of hike for a mini-goal...something that presents a challenge but is doable!  Any suggestions??? 

Anyway...I am forging on...moving forward...still MAWA inspired...still  in awe of this JOURNEY and still Blessed!!!  Putting one foot front of the other...which leads me to our Christmas song for the day!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OORsz2d1H7s