Spring Break or Just Take a Break...

No weigh in this week for me. We are on 'Spring Break' apparently; yet I am not finding myself at a beach with college friends. I think I can officially call myself old when I laugh at people who take a Spring Break. I work. Most of us work through Spring Break.

No major topic of discussion but without a weigh in this week I think a bit of reflection is in order since it has been a few months since this whole process of self discovery began. This morning when I logged on I realized it was going to be an "Eat Pray Love" kind of day. Immediately, I searched Elizabeth Gilbert for quotes for inspiration/motivation to get me through this day. It's dreary outside, as it has been for days. We live in the Midwest not Seattle!

My life is going smoothly. I'm on my meds that make me ever so sick. A doctor appointment scheduled on Monday to update my blood work. Prayers are requested/needed/appreciated as I wait patiently for what the results may be. Good news... that's all I want. My weight loss has been a rough path traveled; however, I am staying on board and exercising multiples times a week on the treadmill. The healthy mindset has done wonders for my motivation and even though I've slipped up a handful of times, I get back on and keep on a truckin'.

Life with my family is good. Husband/wife life is great. Friends are good as well. Socially, I feel like there are always areas I can improve on. I'm working hard to remember to be me for me and not anyone else. Just like my health, there have been a handful of moments where I have slipped up and failed getting sucked into the 'drama' but then I retreat and bring myself back to normalcy. My safe haven is my home, with my husband and our dog.

Spiritually, I'm doing better. I really enjoyed my bible study group. I felt like it was a chance to meet new people. I dedicated myself to the 6 weeks and so far I have enjoyed myself. Our next session starts in May so the month of April I'm taking it easy. Attending church more is important to me; however, we have managed to attend a few times through our 6 week study. It's always refreshing and it gives me optimism.

I think that about updates everyone on life. There is much more in the works for not only myself but our family as well as we make preparations for my dad's departure this summer to Afghanistan. The next few months will be the most important. As always, prayers/support are always appreciated and never go unnoticed.

A Balancing Act....

Hello all,

I have had another successful week! :) After my big treadmill purchase! I was able to shed another 2.0lbs! The greatest part is, I have finally hit my 5% body weight mark! I'm down officially 11.2lbs. I think it's a relief to finally be over the 10lb slump. This week I plan to hit it hard and keep working on the treadmill!

I haven't really updated on another further in my life other than the weight loss. I have completed a full small group study with the ladies at Rock Brook church. After spending 6 weeks with them I am starting to feel a bit more accepted. It's definitely hard to fall into a crowd when everyone has been so close for so long. I think the study was a great opener for me. We did the 40 weeks of Love. I learned so much from forgiveness to learning to fight with a spouse to learning about my needs and where I need growth in my life.

Since January, I feel I am still in a really good place. I am working hard to focus on myself. Last night I had dinner with my best friend and told her there are a lot times I feel so selfish. I think I announce what I eat on a daily basis to people. I spend so much time telling people about me, that I have forgotten to still consider the needs of others. It is hard to find the balance between the two.

As always, prayers and support is ALWAYS welcome and appreciated. It has been such a motivation to know people are watching me and helping me along the way.
Love you all~

I think I can I think I can I think I can....

Above are a few pics of me from December at my sister's wedding. This is it folks. Actually, these are 'cropped' pics of me lol. Gross huh? Don't be nice now. lol My feelings won't be hurt. I am at a point in my life when I can honestly look at these and think "ugh, Ashley. Look what you have turned into!" I'm okay with it. I promise. So please join me by putting your noise in the air followed by 'gross'. Thank you. MUCH appreciated.

Last week was awful. I fumbled. I failed...I failed miserably. Obviously, as you probably could tell, I was down about myself. I couldn't have another week like the last. I knew exercising was going to be a hard option as the weather has been chilly and rainy. So sticking firmly to my diet ESPECIALLY when eating out was a must for me. So I can proudly announce this week, I lost about a pound which isn't much, but at least I wasn't in the 'gain' category!

I also purchased a treadmill. I am SUPER excited about it. Last night, my husband and I were able to maneuver it to the basement. After some laughter, a few close calls of losing it down the stairs, and an abundance of sweat... we found a resting spot! Tonight will be first night of pain. I am excited to get the ball rolling!

Below are a few recent pics of me. I guess I should have started a before and after picture. Oh well! Can we tell a difference already??? Where did 9.2lbs come from??? :)

Prayers are always welcome! Support is always appreciated! Encouragement from family and friends never goes unnoticed. Thank you all who have been an inspiration to me! I so appreciate your help more than words can say~

Negative Nelly

I don't have much to say... other than, this is my first crappy weigh in week. I gained .2lbs. I realize I had a bit of an extreme weekend. It's my own fault. I know I didn't eat accordingly, it was just so depressing to see the numbers move in the wrong direction.

Apart of me is extremely motivated and wants to hit my 10lb mark as soon as possible, but the other side of me feels defeated. I realize it's only .2lbs. It's not a full pound. But it's a move in the wrong direction. I feel like a failure. I let myself down. I let everyone else down. The thing is though, even though I had a 'food' weekend, I really did not touch the fried foods. I guess it was still too much though.

Lesson learned for me... veggies... fruits.. and back to poultry. I will just have to crave red meat a little bit longer. :( Prayers and support are very much requested this week... I just want to see improvement next week. I don't think I can handle another week feeling like I do.

I am an addict....to food.

Hello everyone!

I just had my weekly weigh in! I am proud to announce I am down 2.0lbs now a total combined 8.6lbs! I don't feel it anywhere...but I guess it's coming from somewhere. If I can push myself, 1.4lbs I'll be at my 10 pound mark, if I can really push myself to lose 2.7lbs I'll be at 5% of my body weight by next week! :)

I now understand what an 'addict' goes through in a sense. Spending time with people enjoying themselves. Gorging themselves in food. Dips, chips, cokes, cake.... ugh. Multiple helpings of pasta, pizza, and cookies. The list drags on and on. It's hard. The lows that I've hit and I am only in week 4 really. Gosh the lows are hard. Overcoming the psychological mindset. Overcoming the urges. I have a new found respect for those who have overcome their addictions to drugs, alcohol, or even smoking.

This was one of the hardest weeks I have had yet! I struggled. I cried. I felt hopeless. I felt alone. This was hard stuff. BUT, I am so so so so so grateful for all the people in my life who have been a huge support to me. My aunt has sent me weekly cards in the mail that I have proudly displayed at my house. My favorite is NEVER EVER EVER Give up. The friendly messages on Facebook, the emails, the phone calls...and seriously I think I tell everyone every week how I have no faith in myself and my support system listens to me complain. Daily. I'm not kidding, DAILY, I explain everything I've eaten. I am sure these people have no clue in what format they have helped me. But... thank you. Thank you all so much.

Prayers and support are always welcome...think of me as I push myself through this next week :)