Still Going Strong

Day 40

I have been using SparkPeople for 60 days now. And I feel absolutely great! I'm still keeping up with tracking what I eat (and carbs, fat, calories, protein, sodium, and various vitamins and minerals to go along with that). I've added exercise into it all in the last 3 weeks. My clothes are all starting to look a little less flattering us they don't quite fit as they used to here, or they hang a little differently there. Though my stress has been medium, it hasn't bothered me much. My energy level is quite high, even with my bouts of the current EB "episode." And the goal tracker (for other things like scripture study, journal keeping, family history, etc.) has been a great and fun reminder to get "the little things" done when my busy day can often have me forgetting.

I don't have my next weigh-in until the end of the week. My guess is that the exercise is replacing some fat with muscle, so I'm not expecting too much (if any) weight loss since my last weigh-in 3 weeks ago. But if there isn't any weight gain, then I'm on the right track! And considering it's been so cold with lots of snow, getting in the exercise I have has been quite the accomplishment. Factor in my insane sweet cravings over the last 2 weeks, and going out to a restaurant to eat, and still keeping in with my goal ranges--things are wonderful!

I feel incredible and fantastic. And it just keeps getting better.

A New Part of Life

Day 39

After two weeks of a whirlwind--and actually years of wondering, wishing, and hoping--at the end of my work day I was offered one of my dream jobs.

And I accepted.

The Lesson Today

Day 38

I love a lesson gone well. A subject I like, but am worried how it will come across. And yet there is energy and enthusiasm from the class members, and definite connection between students and teacher. Answers are at the ready--and given! People willing to participate. Experiences shared.

Ah, yes. It was a good lesson. As ever, an immense thank you to who the true Teacher was, and through what means He brought it all about.

However, I do wish my heart wouldn't beat so fast when I finish! I don't get nervous teaching Relief Society. But I noticed today that I get a slightly heightened stress when I turn it all over to the Spirit and have no clue what I am going to say, or even the direction that I will end up going! It is exhilarating, and always a testimony builder of the Spirit being the best teacher and how the Lord truly won't leave you without aid if you have prepared. But it can still be a squeak of a heart-pumper.

What did you gain from the lessons in Church today?

Overheard in the Temple

"Sister--we need to find you a husband."

To which I was good and reverent and simply smiled, and kept my mouth closed. The smarty me had a couple of things I would have enjoyed saying. But I didn't. I was very good. Time and place, my friends. Time and place.

Oh, yes. Did I mention this was said to me as I was kneeling down at the altar?

Ah! And here is another reason why I think trees are so lovely in the winter.

It could just be me, but I still prefer trees in winter to be without leaves. I find the snow outlines to be so much prettier then.

What Makes Me Smile?

Day 37

Every evening, coming home to this...

How can that not make you smile at the end of a long, stressful day?

Cute and...Classy?

Day 36

I like the word elegant. It's an adjective I would like to describe me. Classy is related, but it's not quite elegant. Still, I definitely think my beloved "BYU pearls" along with (favorite, given to me years before pierced ears) pearl earrings add a sense of elegance and classiness to the overall demeanor.

But couple the pearls with 2 french braid pigtails? That equals one muchly happy (albeit slightly colder) me, and one unknowing image consultant and one mother who would be verily disappointed.

Thus the equation is

a + b = c + d + e, with c > 10(d + e)

And one, and two, and STRETCH

Day 35

I love sore muscles. I mean, not so much that I'd want them every day. But I love knowing I've worked hard and well. Knowing I'm doing my best to get fit. Knowing that something is going right. But mostly, that 200 crunches, 10 push-ups on the exercise ball, and a 40 minute cardio workout within 24 hours are worth it. If only I could do more stretching while at work!

I am so happy to have a body that works, and that I'm not letting that blessing go to waste.