Wednesday, November 29, 2006

If I post my loss, will it go away?


Hey girls,

I have lost seven pounds. I have been doing my abs every day for at least 1/2 hour, sometimes more. I also have been doing my arm weights on a regular basis and limiting myself to ONE coca cola a day.

I have also started trying to eat something at every meal time even if it is just a few bites. My hubby found some delicious trail mix with dried strawberries, cranberries, raisins, walnuts, peanuts, almonds and dried bananas. For once, I have something good for me at hand that I can nibble on. I'll start packing a KIMIKO's PURSE BAG OF TREATS or, a KPBOT for myself.

So....that's my story. I only had ONE PIECE OF PUMPKIN PIE. WOW.

Here's a photo of me and my 83 year old Grandma, Polly, at the Luxor Hotel in Vegas.

Lisa, your email isn't working...

Lisa, I tried to send you an email, but it wasn't working. Please send me your snail mail address for my Christmas Card list. shutterbugphoto at hotmail dot com.

Jules

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Cracked pots


My friend Jen sent this to me today. Enjoy!

An elderly Chinese woman had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole which she carried across her neck. One of the pots had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water. At the end of the long walks from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.

For a full two years this went on daily, with the woman bringing home only one and a half pots of water. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it could only do half of what it had been made to do. After two years of what it perceived to be bitter failure, it spoke to the woman one day by the stream. "I am ashamed of myself, because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house."

The old woman smiled, "Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side?" "That's because I have always known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you water them." "For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table. Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house."

Each of us has our own unique flaw. But it's the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding. You've just got to take each person for what they are and look for the good in them.

SO, to all of my crackpot friends, have a great day and remember to smell the flowers on your side of the path!

Monday, November 27, 2006

Jingle Bell Jiggle Challenge

Yesterday, while at the Y... running myself silly...I came upon the Jingle Bell Jiggle Challenge. Something about this name really creeps me out (likely the word "jiggle") but here it is: My Y is challenging everyone to maintain their weight through the holidays. You weigh in in November, and again on Epiphany (end of the first week of Jan. for those of other faiths). If you maintain your weight, you get a t-shirt. Wahoo.

Thinking about this "challenge," I decided to come up with my own, personal, holiday challenge. Maintaining my weight is simply not enough. I need more of a goal than that. So here's mine: for the thirty (count 'em, thirty) days from the day after Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve, I will go to the Y each day. That's my challenge, since it will be getting colder here soon and even the idea of leaving the house makes me want to curl up with some socks and hot chocolate on the couch.

I'm on track so far.

So, anyone else want to play? If so, what are you going to make your personal challenge?

Sunday, November 26, 2006

made it through!

Hey y'all!
So first major winter holiday is past! My sister flew out to see me with a friend of ours, it was really nice to see them both. We had thanksgiving at a friends house, another teacher I work with, it was nice. I can now officially count down coming home, I can't wait.
On the food scene, I have been off track now for about a month. Still not eating sugar, but eating things that aren't healthy for me either. So this weekend I started back on the exercise track and today the eating track. I've been fairly stressed with relational stuff over the past month, but that stuff is better and now I'm able to refocus on my own health. yeah!
I'm still reading the blogs and being ever encouraged by what you are writing, so thanks for being so diligent about it! I greatly appreciate it. :)
Mandi

Saturday, November 25, 2006

Thanksgiving shots of my own!


Blake and I, Thanksgiving 2001. I have NO idea what I weighed here. I had just begun my walking routine, though. My walking buddy, Mary Kate, lent me her fancy dishes for my special meal.


Last Thanksgiving with my sister, Amy. I weighed 218.

Loading the dishes last Thanksgiving.

This year, 67.2 lbs. lighter! Here I am with Queenlivalot. We are both much healthier this year.

Beautiful bird!
I, too, have some Thanksgiving shots to compare! Holy Turkey Wing, Batman! I have changed! Thankful for all of you girls, helping me along the way. Happy Holidays!

Jules

Friday, November 24, 2006

Comparing last Thanksgiving's photos to this years'!


Losing 79 pounds does a body good!
We had such an excellent time at my brother- in-law's house yesterday. For us, it was the funnest Thanksgiving we've had in years.
Willem's neice, who is just a little younger than me, made my day when she first saw me she blurted out: " Kristina! You look like one of the Dixie Chicks!" I just smiled, and laughed.
I'm so much happier, and healthier. I wish I would have gotten this weight off years ago. Well, better late than never. : )

Thursday, November 23, 2006

Queenlivalot and Jules




Some real benefits of getting healthier are that you can be more active and more confident. Here is Yommy and me doing virtual soccer at the Pacific Science Center. We were the only grown ups to participate in a line up of kids.

Happy Thanksgiving, y'all!

Love, Jules

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Kissing another 2.5 inches away!

I got measured again this morning. As I do every month at Curves. And much to my delight, I lost more inches. Not only that, but in the last month, my body fat percentage went down a whole 1.2%! You guys, I've lost exactly 11% in my body fat. To put it in another way, out of all of the weight that I've lost so far, 50.3 pounds of it was F-A-T!!! My inches break down as this: 10.25 inches off of my bust, 11 inches off of my waist, 14.25 inches from my abs, 13.75 from my hips, 8 1/2 inches from my thighs,( 4.25 inches each) , and 10 inches from my arms,( 5 inches each). I'm so excited that I'm STILL making progress. I'm proud of myself. : )

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

As the Nutritionist Runs Screaming In the Other Direction...

All I have eaten since last Wednesday is: one (1) bowl black bean soup; one (1) slice of cornbread with said black bean soup; and mint chocolate chip ice cream for every other meal.

I have a throat infection so I can't swallow anything healthy, I don't feel too bad so theoretically I could work out if I had any energy whatsoever, and to top things off, the doctor doesn't actually know what is wrong with me.*

* This is not unusual. Every couple of years my throat swells up, turns white, and tries to fall out. They test me for strep, mono, and everything else they can think of and right when they are ready to admit defeat I usually feel better from all of the treatments they've given me for everything I don't have. We have to go through the same darned routine each time however; this time I bet the doctor a coke it wasn't strep. I'm still waiting for my drink.

I want to be good, but I can't - which is pretty frustrating. Plus I have started absolutely craving fresh veggies (mostly squash?!). Here's hoping I kick this soon.** In the meantime, I'm cheering the rest of you on!

** Likely since I'm on every antibiotic known to modern man plus what I can only guess are elephant tranquilizers from the fact that I take one and have to sit or lay down for a few hours until the room stops spinning.

Monday, November 20, 2006

I did it!!

I went to the GYM!!! I only did 25 min of cardio and my arm work out. I also lowered my weights down on what I was lifting, I didn't want to be a hurting unit in the AM.

Then I came home and had a ton of energy and did things around the house I have been putting off doing.

Thanks for all the encouragement girls!!!

Sunday, November 19, 2006

Tomorrow is a new day....

Tomorrow I AM going to the gym. I am feeling better and think that I will be able to breath while working out. I have not gained any weight but haven't went down in weight either. I have been wearing my smaller jeans for a few weeks now. It seemed like I would never fit into them, but now they are loose in the waist.

My daughter got strep throat last week. Poor thing. She is such a trooper that I didn't even realize she was that sick. She is my biggest cheerleader. When she sees commercials or ads in magazines with people working out she says "mom that is like you....you will be healthy like that too" It makes very proud knowing that she recognizes exercise is the way to be healthy.
I am doing this for me, but in a way I am doing this just as much for her too. She is what really keeps me going, I don't want to disappoint her. I have disappointed myself and my husband so many times before I would never want to disappoint any of us again. Daryn has never said that he is disappointed in me, but you know what they are thinking.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving

Made a milestone today!


Today, I officially tied my lowest adult weight ever! The scale said 168! Yippee! I have made my third goal of my weight loss journey. My first was to weigh less than 200, my second was to cross the "obesity" barrier, which for me was at 184.5. I now have a "mini" goal of weighing less than my hubby (only 6 lbs. To go on that one IF he stays the same!) But my next BIG goal is to get to 155, then I will only have 15 more to go before I reach my goal weight of 140. I should be able to do this by my birthday in February! I have 13 weeks to make it happen.

Each of these goals have been about 15 lbs. It takes awhile for me to whittle away at these lbs., but it is coming off! I am thankful to God for showing me the honest truth about how he made our bodies and what I should do to improve my health. I can be so active with my family now. I can shop at fun stores. I can "wow" my husband and myself. I can make my pre-teen daughter proud of my appearance and diligence to the point where she wants to imitate me.

Photo was taken at the Pacific Science Center where I saw the amazing Dead Sea Scrolls with my kids.

Love to you all! Love and much success!
Jules

Earning a "WOW!" from my hubby this morning : )



All dressed up, and on our way to church. Jules is taking our family protrait later for Christmas cards... it's fun to get photos now that I'm not the big girl that I used to be. I can't wait to compare last Thankswgiving's photos to this years!

Saturday, November 18, 2006

FOUND - some photos of my wedding shower




Here are Kris and Julie at my wedding shower. (I've got the black hair) Just thought you'd get a kick out of some more before/after shots!

The stairs are WORKING!!!

I'm down a solid two pounds this week. After weeks of pretty much staying the same, I'm making more progress! Yippee!! That brings my weight loss up to exactly 79 pounds... just one pound away from the big 8-0! It would be SOOO cool if I could get there by Thanksgiving. I'm so determined NOT to gain any weight during this holiday season, that I've strarted pushing myself extra hard. All of the extra water I've been drinking I'm sure contributes as well. Anyhow, I'm very excited that the scale is moving again! : )

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Okay girls... have YOU sweat lately?


Ladies, ladies, ladies.... where are you all? I realize that you may be getting a little tired of seeing photos of me, but I'm trying to challenge you all. We need the extra support and a bit of a kick in the butt this time of year.
Elicia, I wanted you to know, that because of your encouraging comment on my post yesterday, you pushed me to do my personal best on the stairs TODAY. I was able to go for a solid twenty-five minutes this morning! 121 sets, which is a whole lot of stairs! In the past, when I was much heavier, I struggled to do just six or seven minutes of stairs.
Come on ladies, let's get fit & fine for the New Year's celebration!

Kimiko... WHERE ARE YOU?!?

I've been looking for you to post. I miss seeing you here. Are you doing okay? If you've fallen off the wagon, come hop back on girl! We miss you!

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

I'm a sweaty mess, and it feels so goooood!




Hmmm... WHICH pair of legs looks better???

I just did my stairs again, and let me tell you, I pushed myself! The last time in twenty minutes, I was able to do 93 sets of my stairs,(2,046 of 'em). But this time within twenty minutes, I was able to pump out 101 sets! That is 2,222 stairs baby! I pushed myself to do 176 more stairs. I find myself VERY driven by numbers. I like competing with myself... and winning. : )

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

An Article, a Little Love, and a Confession

I came across this article today and it made me feel so sad for those people...that is until I realized that I'm pretty much the same way.

In college, I worked out at the rec center but invariably there would be at least one person who made me feel like an absolute cow. (It was usually the girl who was a size 0 and would run (not jog, really run) for an hour straight and then go home to no doubt binge and purge). When I moved to Dallas, however, and started law school, I never used the rec center on campus. Instead I decided to shell out the money (and it isn't particularly cheap) for the YMCA and boy am I ever glad I did.

There is such a diverse group of people who work out at the Y that it makes it easier to forget about any issues I may have and not to compare myself to others. There will be someone there skinnier than me, but I will be younger than them. Or able to run farther. Or be able to just realize that it doesn't really matter all together.

It makes me sad to think that some people are cheating themselves out of their health because the only people they see around them are young and skinny. But that there are people like that make all of us seem more brave. Great job ladies, having courage, overcoming hesitation, and continuing to fight the good fight - even though it may only involve a treadmill. I am so proud of you all.

Love,
Lisa

P.S. Today was my law firm's Thanksgiving lunch. Let's just say that I could have done a much better job of behaving myself. So I guess it's back to the gym.

Saturday, November 11, 2006

I've been a bad friend

and I apologize.

For a while I didn't write because I wasn't doing much of anything- journaling, counting calories, or blogging. I started blogging again on my own site but wasn't sure what to say here.

Things are going ok. I'm not journaling and being as strict as I need to be. On the other hand, I'm also not going crazy (insane pop tart incident aside, but that was a while ago). I really want to find a happy medium between thinking about and considering every piece of food I consume and living my life. I want to just live my life in a healthy way.

What I have learned is that in about 40 pounds this will be a great way to live. That is, I'm maintaining doing what I am currently doing. Which is great when you have no more weight to lose, and not so great when you still have 40 pounds to go. I've been at 180 or so for a while now. It is not pretty. I may cry the first time I see 179 because it is taking me so long to get there.

I miss you ladies, but have been lurking. I apologize for the lack of posting though. Thank you for the comments on Jules' post and Julie, thank you for calling me out. Sometimes I need it. I promise to update more often.

Surgery

Hello everyone,

I just wasn't sure how much of this I was ready to post on the internet, but oh well.....
So, I have four, beautiful children. I am 5'1" and my body doesn't exactly pop them out easily. After only one, my body was TORE UP. I mean nothing recognizable about my abdomen. My stretch marks had stretch marks. And well, after the fourth and the last two being c-section, I had a large annoying, hanging, sagging, hard to keep hygenically acceptable flap of extra skin filling my jeans where my belly button used to be and a large vertical tear in my abdominal muscles that would never improve through exercise.

I was just plain tired of looking at it and dealing with it. We researched it. We prayed. We came to peace about the decision to have it surgically repaired and removed. We prayed for the financing. God provided (that in itself is an amazing testimony). We put ourselves on a waiting list. I had an option and I took it. They called on a Wednesday and I went in Friday(Nov 3) after nearly a year.

So this explains the surgery I just had. They removed the extra saggy sack of skin and repaired my torn abdominal muscles. I am very happy. No regrets. Moving very slow these days. I will have a new belly button to show off at the New Years Revolution and hopefully smaller hips, although, exercise right now consists of going to take a shower without passing out!!!HAHAHA!
SueAnne

Friday, November 10, 2006

I did my hair too! Oh, and confessions of a middle aged mutant ninja turtle.

Dudettes, I've been losing and gaining the same four pounds for about a month and a half.
  • Things I'm doing:
  • I have been riding at least four times a week for an hour each time.
  • I have been doing from 10-30 minutes of ab and arm excercises at night before bed (seven lb hand weights and FitTV's 10 minute ab excercises- sometimes I watch, sometimes I just do the routine while watching something else)

I have started shopping for ONE WEEKs worth of fresh veggies and fruit. One week because I usually end up letting them rot before we go thru them. This way I have to steam them or use them or I can't buy new fruit/veggies and end up staring at the same tomatoes every day.

Things I'm not doing:

I have not been drinking enough water.
I have not been restricting refined anything.
I have not been taking supplements

Things that get me caught:
Using comfort food as a 'shake my fist in the air' - what this means is when I feel crappy, eating something decadant allows me to have some savoury enjoyment even though I want to scream.

Not being hungry: I get little sympathy on this one, but the fact remains that I can go the whole day (until about 4pm) and not eat a thing. When I do get hungry it typically means gorging on whatever is handy - when I'm a good girl, its a pint of Odawalla Superfood. When I'm not, its a pbj sandwich or two.

Its more than not feeling hungry, but a general aversion to eating. Nothing sounds good, nothing tastes that great. Stupid basic human need! However I must be responsible to this body o mine and care for it properly. If I can't do it for health, I can do it because I want to EVENT before I am 40.

So girls, ping me with your zany chiding and blessed encouragment, I need some accountability here.

Oh Julie, I was hungry the other night and decided on popcorn. Not sure it was the right kind - is there a perfect kind?

Oh - and girls, I don't like artificial sweetners or soy or tofu or anything that sounds too earthy or too techy. I'm a whole milk and butter gal. HELP!!

Thursday, November 09, 2006

Paige, Where Are You, Girl?


Put down those pop tarts and return to the blog....It has been over a month since your last post, girlfriend. We miss your bright light here.

Love, Jules

Yeah for me

Hi guys. I am still around. I have not got back to working out yet. I am STILL sick. I am on the second round of antibiotics. So needless to say I still have been getting weighed at the doctor's office. I am down 5.6 lbs!!!
My work out buddy has been sick too so at least I haven't been letting her down.

So now we are getting into the holiday's with all the tempting foods. So I have a challenge for us all to get find some healthly choice recepies and share with everyone. It can be hourderves, main dishes or a desserts.

Have a great weekend!!

I got my hair done!






Last night I splurged and had my hair foiled and cut. She took off some of the length, which I am very pleased with. There's one photo taken about three weeks ago, I just wanted you to see the comparison. My hair is actually a bit darker than some of these photos reveal, the flash made me look a little lighter. Anyhow, I'm digging it, and so is my unshaven husband. We're doing a little experiment with his facial hair, he's never had a beard before. : )
I wouldn't have thought in the past that I could actually look good with such short hair. But my whole image has changed. I'm just so much happier and healthier now. Thank you all so much for your ongoing support!

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Down but not out

Hello everyone!
I am still around. It seems though, I always am in some sort of recovery (neck injury, broken leg, etc.). Now I am recovering from surgery. Haven't got on a scale and am obviously not working out. My spirits are up and I love reading your posts. Can't wait to get back on the work out train! Love you all!!!!!
SueAnne

Scale is a Movin'!



I felt fat this morning, so wasn't expecting to see a loss on the scale...I have learned, you never can guess! I am down to 168.6 ! Feels good, ladies, feels real good! I have been working out harder and longer, but not as consistant as I would desire. I have been making good eating choices and for the most part, drinking my required water. I have discovered that I love popcorn and sugar-free cook and serve chocolate pudding with frozen raspberries and whipping cream from the can! I still love food. In fact, I am so "jealous" of my limited calories, that I just pitch a mini fit (usually internally) if I have to eat something I don't really love or want (like a McDonald's salad or something).

Our house is finally in the last stages of selling and life will be a bit more "breezy" around here after that.

The photo is of me and "my girls" at the Women of Faith Conference in Vancouver, B.C. We had a fabulous time. If you have a chance to go to one of these in the future, make it happen. It will do your spirit good.

Love to all. Let's see some numbers!
Jules

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Week 1 Results

Well I'm 3 1/2 pounds down from last week. I did wonderful with eatting. I ate everything on plan. I even turned down going to Dairy Queen. I didn't get all my water in so I would have probably lost more but I can say that I am proud of myself. Anyways I just wanted to share. Have a great week :)

Election Day!

I hope all you lovely ladies remember to VOTE today!

Monday, November 06, 2006

I got a bunch of great finds at Value Village today! Yippee!



It's just so much fun to go shopping for smaller sizes! I'm sporting here my "new" size 10 jeans. I have several pairs of pants in that size now, not just one that I squeeze myself into so that I can say that I'm in a size 10 now. Come on girls, you know what I'm talking about. Anyhow, I'm also wearing my "new" fleece hoodie here, also aquired for 99 cents. I love Value Village.
I'm just feeling so good about myself. Even though my hair is tied back, and I don't have on a speck of makeup, I just feel so good. I look at these shots, and it's still kind of hard to believe that that is in fact ME,... and not some other skinny chick that I'm envying. I still can't believe that that's MY butt. I look in the mirror, and all I can do is smile to myself. I'm so proud of what I've accomplished so far. And let me just say, and I mean it, if I can do it, ANYONE can. I was so, so unhealthy. And now all I can do is think about the next intense workout that I can do, where I can really make myself sweat. Yes ladies, miracles DO happen. : )

Friday, November 03, 2006

Take the RealAge test!


Hey girls, take this test. It is an eye opener and it is free! Dr. Oz is one of my most favorite people, spreading the good news of healthy living. Just another way we can be honest with ourselves. Before you take the test, you will need to know your waist size (they give you tips on measuring it properly) and if you have any info on cholesterol levels that would be good too.

Love you all!
Jules

Last night, was the first night, of the STAIRS

Since I am no longer walking with my neighbor, and have not yet aquired my membership at the YMCA, last night I did my first round of stairs. I have eleven stairs going down to my basement, and I decided that I was going to see how many times I could go up and down within just twenty minutes. Going all of the way up, as well as down, (22 stairs) counting as one, I did 93 sets! That is 2,046 steps!! And my heart was a pumpin'. But it felt sooo good. I think I'm getting addicted to this cardio thing. I like pushing myself into a good sweat. I didn't use to be that way. In fact, I was quite the lazy opposite. I am just determined to get as healthy, and as fit as possible. And just because the holidays are fast approaching, doesn't mean that I need to eat uncontrolably and gain a bunch of weight! Not this year!!

Game on! No more excuses!

So after being off of the program since June I've decided that I need to get my stuff together, get back on my plan and STOP making excuses! As of Tuesday October 31st I started back on plan. I knew that this would be a hard day to start but I also know that something would always come up (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years) I'm not sure how much I will be blogging but I will be updating my weight and measurements. Thank you all for the encouragement :)

Coreen

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Worked out twice today...am I crazy???


No...not crazy, just Kristina's friend who likes to socialize with her and will do anything to get an evening with my girl! Ha! So, immediately after returning from the Y this AM, I get a phone message from Kristina that she wants to meet in the evening to work out and then watch the Biggest Loser together! So, I put all my kidos into their AWANA club and meet her at the Y and do another 400+ calories on the elliptical. Ho Boy! I am pretty sore tonight, but it feels good. And to think that those Biggest Loser people are working out five hours a day! Amazing. It is like a part time job for them.

So thanks, Kristina, for challenging me and for being a good friend to just hang with. Love you girl!

Oh, and by the way, saw our little miss Jenny last night and she is looking so, so fine! Must say! We had a great time with our kids out doing the "heathen" thing on October 31st.

So, anyone watching Biggest Loser out there??? My two favorites were voted off, but they have done so well, I am so proud of them. Amy and Ken were my favs. The show is taking off in a new direction now....who are you all voting for??? I like Marty.

Status Report

I am not oh-so-very-busy-and-important to feel as tired as I have the last few weeks, but there you go. I'm tired, I'm stressed, I gained two pounds (and then stopped), and I'm still looking for that hour that I supposedly gained last week with the end of daylight savings time.

Through a myriad of things going on, I haven't been as virtuous as I should. I haven't picked up a tennis racket in over a month (I didn't have time to get back into my 8-week league this go around) and though I've made it to the Y several times, it hasn't been anything resembling a regular schedule. For a couple weeks there, the only thing in my fridge to eat was sweet rice (steamed sticky) with garlic chili sauce. Totally nutritionally blank, but I didn't have the time to cook.

This weekend, however, I made an effort. I made and froze a large quantity of pumpkin-pear soup and no-tortillas-were-harmed-in-the-making-of-this soup. So I have good food in the fridge. I made it to the Y on Sunday, went running on Monday, and will do crunches and other conditioning this evening. And I'll be back on track before you know it.

Quests, quests and one crusade


Merriam-Webster says a quest is a chivalrous enterprise in medieval romance usually involving an adventurous journey. Jules is on a quest to weigh less than her honey. A very adventurous journey if I may say so. Kristina is on a quest to weigh 170 by January 8th. Also adventurous. Both of these ladies have made such great strides that I am inspired to begin myself.

I need a crusade. A crusade is a remedial enterprise undertaken with zeal and enthusiasm I am stuck on this plateau. See me up there just running around on the top of this plateau. Sure, it is fun up here. I don't have to work very hard to stay here. I can even cruise a few days a week with not much problem but I don't want to stay here. I am tired of this mountain. I would like to explore the other, lower parts of this mountain.

Stuck here at 277 for 3 months. I declare a crusade to get off this mountain. It will mean getting back to writing down my food on a daily basis. It will mean not sneaking bites and tastes when I am cooking for the family. It will mean taking my vitamin on a daily basis. It will mean exercise daily not just 2-3 days a week. It will mean daily accountability with my accountability partner.

It will mean daily trusting God to keep me from giving into temptations. It will mean the Lord's guiding me down off of this mountain. He will show me the right path down. At times it may appear to be the hardest but His path is perfect.It is a holy calling to give my life into God's hands. I have even adopted a crusade theme song. The Potter's Hand totally says what I want God to do in my life. It is not about losing weight (though it is a great side benefit). It is about turning my life and my all into God's perfect will and filling my soul daily with Him. In the end He will be glorified in me.

Here are the words to this song if you are not familar with it:
Verse:Beautiful Lord, Wonderful SaviourI know for sure,
all of my days are held in your hands,
crafted into your perfect plan
You gently call me into your presence
guiding me by Your Holy Spirit
Teach me dear Lord to live all of my life
through Your eyes
I'm captured by Your holy calling
Set me apart, I know you're drawing
me to yourselfLead me Lord I pray

Chorus:Take me, Mold me, use me, fill me
I give my life to the Potter's hand
Call me, guide me, lead me, walk beside me
I give my life to the Potter's hand

You gentlly call me into your presence
guiding me by your Holy Spirit
teach me dear Lord to live through your eyes
i'm captured by you holy calling
set me apart, I know your drawing
me to yourself lead me Lord i pray
Repeat Chorus

It happened AGAIN!!

The day before yesterday, I had a conversation with an old friend of mine that I've not seen for several months. Anyhow, this was his opening comment to me as I picked up the phone;' So, is this my super skinny friend?!' I said;' I'm not THAT skinny.' ( A little embarrassed). He said, and I quote; ' Girl, you look smaller now than when I met you when you were 18! I saw a photo of you.' Wowzers, these guys really know how to make a girl's day! : )