The Willingness to Be Willing

Hi There....a late post tonight...been a busy day!!  I am extremely busy at work and tonight was volleyball practice.  My girls were wired for sound tonight!! Wow..do they have a lot of energy!  It is great to be surrounded by all of the youthfulness!!!  We had a good practice!  They are improving each week!  That is all I can ask!!!!

I said earlier this week that I needed to keep my eyes open while on this Journey and look and listen for God's plan.  One of the things that I sometimes find challenging is knowing what it is I am supposed to get each day.  Some days it is obvious and other days...not so much.  I really try to find some inspiration in each day; something that keeps me motivated, interested and ready to take on this challenge on a daily basis. 
If I am really honest, it kinda makes me sad that I have to try and find inspiration on some days...when really there are inspiring things all around me.  But I often find myself too engrossed in my own stuff to "see" the inspiration.  I don't know about you...but I can get blinded by my daily life.  Work, traffic, bills, car repairs, money, schedules..you know the "everyday" life stuff that can really seem huge. 
I have a very clear memory of being a kid and getting really frustrated when my Mom and Grandmother would tell me that I should be grateful for the things I had...or the stuff I got to do or the fact that I had a roof over my head and a short walk to school!! 
I even have more recent memories of struggling with my health, job, finances, etc...and having someone say to me that I have things to be grateful for...and not be able to "get" the gratitude...It is frustrating when I have the knowledge that I am blessed but cannot feel it!  It is not a good feeling!

 But...I will say this!  The fact that I am "getting" the gratitude and KNOW that I am Blessed in the first 8 weeks of this Journey is not something I take for granted.  I keep saying that this Journey has been such a surprise and I truly mean that!  Each day is truly a gift and I am surrounded by inspiration, surrounded by blessings and surrounded by opportunities to express my gratitude!  But I do have to keep my eyes open and be willing to truly see those things that inspire, willing to see those things that are blessings and be willing to be express my gratitude!

I am on this Journey for a reason and I am more than willing to do what I need to do each day...One Day At A Time!

In honor of everyday inspiration...here is a great story:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/15/joshua-johnson-subway-dancer-tap-dancing-penn-state-tuition_n_1349649.html

Have a Great Wednesday!!!  Jaime

A Cinch by the Inch

It's Monday again...Here we are all are...at the start of another week...I hope you guys are more energetic than I am today...I have the Monday Moans...a little tired and not too terribly focused!!!  Even the coffee this morning did nothing to jolt me out of my stupor!!  I am ready for some FOOTBALL though!  The Texans play the Jets...WooHoo!!!! At least I look excited on paper!!!  I will probably have to fight to stay awake if I am not careful. 

Despite my bemoaning the fact that it is Monday...It has been a relatively ok day!  Am planning on working out...and then heading home.  In an effort to find something a little different for my blog post today, I found the following funny quotes about food/dieting etc...Thought I would share:

"Never eat more than you can lift. "
 -- Miss Piggy

"The trouble with eating Italian food is that five or six days later, you’re hungry again. "
-- George Miller

"I always cook with wine. Sometimes I even add it to the food."
-- W.C. Fields

"When the waitress asked if I wanted my pizza cut into four or eight slices, I said, 'Four. I don’t think I can eat eight.'"
-- Yogi Berra

These made me chuckle...it is important for me to have humor throughout this process...It is important that I keep my brain entertained so that it can keep my body from getting too grumpy!!!

Lindsey sent me this article today and I thought it was interesting...So I am sharing!!

http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/top-10-break-diet-moments-172100137.html


I also came across this excerpt from an article on awakenedwoman.com.  Liked it too! It is about achieving balance in our personal lives.

• Give your personal goals top priority and make a commitment to yourself.
• Do something special for your self at least once a week.
• Small irritations can build into major stressors. Do what’s necessary to eliminate it or change it right away.
• In the end, there is no one or best way to organize or to achieve balance in your life. Your personality and values determine your style. Have faith in your ability to get and keep your life in balance. Remember that old saying – It may be hard by the yard, but it’s a cinch by the inch.

I like the whole "...It's a cinch by the inch" thing...It keeps it in perspective that I must listen to my body, honor God's direction and trust that this pace, this plan is what I need to do to maintain my health and my sanity!!

Sending everyone prayers for a great Tuesday!!!  JLP -Journey 120-"MAWA" Inspired!!! (Still)

Week 8-Keeping my Eyes Open

Happy Sunday Evening to all...I hope everyone has had a fabulous weekend.  Did I mention that yesterday  I completed 3 miles in 1 hour and 5 minutes?  Just checkin!  I really was "feeling" it this morning when I got up for Church.  My body was feeling every minute of its 45 years!  But...I vowed that I was going to work out today to push through the aches and pains of yesterday.  Sunday started as it typically does...up, pick up Emily, church, take Emily home (Emily was tired today and skipped on lunch)...Tone Tone and I had lunch and headed home.  At this point, I could have soooo taken a nap, but instead changed into my workout clothes and headed to the Y. 
Honestly, my workout today felt a bit sluggish and I really struggled through parts of it, but I did get through it. Got my cardio in and some circuit training.  I am proud of that. However, I am icing down a few body parts this evening!!! 


Each day of this Journey so far has had meaning.  Each day brings some different little nuance of change that keeps me motivated and interested.  Whether it is being able to go a little longer in a workout, not feeling hungry or craving something that is not good for my body, noticing my clothes fit a little differently, unexpected "pep in my step" or just feeling satisfied with my accomplishments.  I continued to be really amazed that this is how this is all going down!!  I must admit that I did not expect this and am so incredibly grateful for this opportunity.

As I head into week 8...I am hoping to continue increasing my workouts, working on the things (like late night snacking) that still need improvement, planning on ways to give back some of the great gifts I have received, and continue to work on achieving BALANCE in my daily life!  God has lead me hear and now I must be willing to listen to his plan and continue to make a commitment to following that path.

I know that there is more inspiration, new milestones, challenges and victories to encounter.  I just have to keep my eyes open!

Congratulations to my cousin Kathy who has dropped 17.2lbs on her Journey!!!  You go girl!!! 

Don't forget the Firefly 5K-Saturday November 3rd at 7:00 PM!  Journey 120-Team MAWA Inspired T-shirts can be ordered at the link below.  Orders need to be in by October 15th!

Again, thank you for your support.  I have gotten some really great messages this week from friends and family and for that I so incredibly grateful!  I thank you for every single word of encouragement!!

Here is the link to join Team MAWA or to donate to the Houston Food Bank.  Would love it if you would join us!
https://fundraising.active.com/fundraiser/TeamMAWA

Here is the T-shirt link:

http://www.customink.com/signup/1gxy0thg

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” ~Winston Churchill

Drum roll please!

Drum roll please...I completed my first 3 mile walk today in 1:05...can I get a Hell Yeah!  I did not die...I am only slightly maimed! 
I got up at about 10:00 AM headed to Meyer Park...now on Saturday...Meyer Park is filled with a million soccer players of all ages...and LOTS of screaming, cheering parents!  So...I just pretended they were cheering for me!  Go Jaime Go!  Fluffy, Fluffy, Fluffy!! I did it...

Next on the list was birthday presents for Emily....She will be 12 next week!! Unbelievable!

Then on to the St. Ignatius Loyola for their annual Fall festival...Mom, Emily and I played Bingo...I won twice...$70 bucks!
Man...if only I was in Vegas!  Lol!

Three weeks to Firefly!  I am feeling a lot better about the event!

Sports Update:  The Lightening Strykers lost a tough match!  We will get'em next game!
The mighty New Boston Lions beat their arch rival 38 to 37....Way to go Teague Boys!

Ok...headed to see Frankenweenie....
Below is a pic of myself post 3 mile walk....scary...Happy Early Halloween

It has been a Great Day!

Blessings!  See you tomorrow!

Getting by with a little (lotta) help from my Friends

It IS Friday!!!  Woo HOO....Weigh In Day...Volleyball Game Day...End of work week Day....Can I get an AMEN!!!! 

OK...I weighed in today and lost 1.4lbs this week...not exactly blazing a trail to formerly fluffy girl...but am still moving down the scale. Makes 19.4 lbs total...I will take it!  I managed to get some decent workouts in this week despite the minor migraine interruption of last week.  Feel good about this week and will continue to FORGE ON!!!

Tonight is a big volleyball game.  Go Lightening Strykers!!!  Actually big sports weekend (plus Monday)...my twin cousins play in their Homecoming game tonight against their biggest rival (they are Juniors this year) Go Wes and Wil...My co-worker Kristen made a sign for me to hang up in my work area so that I can cheer for the boys all day.  Go New Boston Lions!!!
  A cool story..for those of you don't know or have not figured it out...I am a sports nut and I LOVE Texas High School football!  I have been known to go to games even when I did not have any connection to either team (that may be sad...not sure).  Anyway, for the last several years, I have been blessed to have high school football to follow where I actually KNEW someone playing.  My cousins (Jake-who graduated last year, Wes and Wilson all play football and baseball...So for the last few years, every Friday night, my cousin Julie  (the boy's Mom) sends me game update texts throughout the night so that I can keep up with the boy's games...New Boston is about 5 hours north of Houston...so we do not get to see games in person too often.  The Friday night texts have become a highlight of my week.  I LOVE following along...makes me feel like a part of the whole experience!!! Thanks Ju Ju!!!

Of course Saturday the Texas Longhorns play West Virginia...big game...Texas Fight!!!!  Monday night the undefeated Houston TEXANS play the Jets on MNF!!!!  Go TEXANS!  Lots of opportunities to be fired up this weekend!!!  Lots of untapped sports inspiration!!!! Which is good...Because I am giving the Full 3 mile walk a try this weekend in preparation for the 5K!!!!!  I know it really isn't that far...but it really sounds far and I am thinking will FEEL far for the Fluffy Girl!!!  But here goes!!!

Here is an article I found on weight watchers....It is about getting by with a little help from our friends!
http://www.weightwatchers.com/util/art/index_art.aspx?tabnum=1&art_id=42201&sc=3047

I am ready for WEEK 8...Bring It...2 months into this Journey 120 and I am ready to push through to the next level.  I hope you will stay with me the rest of the way!!!  Who's With ME?



"What would you do if I sang out of tune,
Would you stand up and walk out on me.
Lend me your ears and I'll sing you a song,
And I'll try not to sing out of key.
Oh I get by with a little help from my friends...
 I'm gonna try with a little help from my friends."~John Lennon & Paul McCartney

Progress equals Success!

Hello to all and I hope this has been a good, healthy, fabulous day for all.  No early posting today...So sorry for the late hour.  I continue to find the idea of a healthy Balance a major theme in this Journey I am on...achieving that is actually proving to be more difficult than laying off the bad food and adding a consistent exercise program to my daily life!  I am working on it though...trying to maintain a healthy schedule to meet all of the needs of this "new life" and still stay employed and sleep at night! 

So...I went to work out tonight....another hour on the bike (interval training)...worked on legs and hobbled home...still snap, crackling and popping!!  Though I will say I really do think it is getting easier (not sure these aging knees would agree)!..But, I did get a close parking spot at the Y...and yes, that is important to me...I can go in and ride the bike and sweat like a piglet...but I do NOT want to walk across the parking lot after my workout...go figure!!!

Tomorrow is weigh in #7...and again, I am a bit anxious.  I do think that this public weigh in idea was genius though...because each week on about Wednesday...I begin to feel just a bit of pressure to "perform" so to speak!  I work out a little harder just to make sure that I drop a pound or two!  I like to think of it as healthy motivation!! 

So here is a quick progress report as we near the end of Week 7. 

• I am averaging a weight loss of 3.0lbs per week in the 1st 6 weeks.
• I have increased my cardio exercise from 20 minutes to 1hr per session.
• I am working out a minimum of 4 days per week.
• Instead of taking 15-30 units of short term insulin per day...I am taking less than 15 units per week
• I  take 50-60 units of long-acting insulin per night.  Was taking 110 units per night (6 weeks ago)
• I have blogged every day of the last 6+ weeks.

I have attached an article about healthy weight loss that I stumbled across on livestrong.com.  Good idea of how to manage sustainable weight loss!!!

http://www.livestrong.com/article/76506-weight-loss-per-week/

I am pleased with my progress and feel so blessed to have so much support.  Again...I can promise you that this is all God's plan and my success is directly tied to ALL of the support I have received.

 A-M-A-Z-I-N-G

Thank YOU ALL!!!!!!

GO TEAM MAWA-JOURNEY 120!!! INSPIRED!

The Fluffy Girl and The Food Network

Happy Wednesday...I hope all is well.  I am skipping through Week 7...hoping that I am actually losing a few pounds along the way. 

Last night was VB practice.  We had a good practice!  The girls learned a few new skills and I think they are getting used to moving around on the court.  We have not quite mastered a few skills yet..but they are working hard.  Even had a few girls stay after practice and do a little extra work.  Love It!

I learned something or at least was reminded of something last night.  After watching our regular DVR'd TV shows...I punched play on a recorded Episode of Iron Chef America on The Food Network.  I love this show...used to watch the original Japanese version back in the day.  Back then...I often watched in dismay ...they cooked things like fish eyes, fish guts, frog lips and weird stuff like that...and made desserts out of ingredients that I would not want to eat in any way shape or form...But then came along Iron Chef America...and other shows like Chopped, Cupcake Wars, Sweet Genius...these shows cook food that I WOULD want to eat...and here is what happens...It is 11 or 12 O'clock at night...and I am watching these shows and suddenly I am HUNGRY!!! Like Pavlov's dogs...just show me food and I am suddenly salivating!!! 
So last night...I turn on an episode of Iron Chef...the secret ingredient is Parmigiano Reggiano cheese...they make all of this yummy looking, cheesy food and suddenly I am starving ( or at least my mind thinks so)...Crazy!  It is funny....I am such a night owl and have always been a late night snacker ( I come from a long line of late night snackers)...So why I watch cooking shows at midnight is beyond reasonable explanation!!!  SO....I had a banana, decided no more late night Food Network for the Fluffy Girl and went to sleep...
Seriously though...I am still struggling with late night snacks...So that is something that I will have to continue to work on....I certainly have improved over the past 6 weeks but...further improvement is still on my "to do" list. 

I have been remiss in discussing Blessings over the past couple of weeks.  My Blessings for the last week:

• A really kind, sweet phone message from one of my best friends growing up...AND my High School Volleyball Teammate and Co-Captain!! :)  Thank you so much Karen!
• The growing Team Mawa for the Firefly 5K-Thanks for your support!
• Continued Great Support from Family and Friends
• 8 Enthusiastic 10-11 year old girls who seem to really love volleyball!!! Go Lightening Strykers!

I am working out this evening...pushing through this week 7...Only 2 more days until weigh in #7...There is a lot of work to do...45 weeks to go on this Journey 120 "MAWA" Inspired!!!

See you tomorrow...