ONE YEAR SURGIVERSARY!

OH MY GOSH!!!!

IT HAS BEEN ONE YEAR!!!!!

HOORAY!!!!!

In celebration of my one year surgiversary, I wanted to post some pictures of before and after. I purposely saved this outfit because I knew that it would come in handy. The green shirt and pants was the last outfit I wore before I went into surgery. The jeans and red shirt was my very favorite outfit...which you can see is much too big now. The jeans are a size 22W and now I am a 10. The shirt was a 3x and now I am a Large or Extra Large!

This belt used to be too small and now look at it! I have so much room!!!!!!

Measurements:

Body Part: Before: After: Total Lost (all measurments are in inches)

Neck: 16.5-13.5-3 lost

Chest: 52-42-10 lost
Shoulders: 54-44-10 lost
Waist: 60-41-19 lost
Hips: 55-47.5-7.5 lost
Right Bicep: 16.75-12.75-4 lost
Left Bicep: 16.5-12.25-4.25 lost
Right Thigh: 29.5-24.75-4.75 lost
Left Thigh: 28.75-24.5-4.25 lost
Right Calf: 20-17.5-2.5 lost
Left Calf: 20-16.75- 3.25 lost
Ring Size:11-7-4 Ring size
Body % Fat: 46.6-30.3-16.3 lost (this measurment is 2 months old. Has not been tested for a while)

72.5 Total Inches LOST!!!!

So, after a whole year of life changing experiences, lets talk about the good stuff! There has been so many changes and revelations this last year that I want to share with you. The list could go on forever, BUT dont worry, I wont keep you too long!

1. First off, I make a really cheap date:) I dont eat too much, so we could split something. "The drinks will kill you!" as my dad says, but I cant drink while I eat, so you will be saving money there. Plus, I cant eat sugar, so we will not be getting dessert. This makes shopping for food and eating out super easy!
   


2. Small plate, big plate, or a platter, when my stomach is full it doesnt even matter! I used to eat on small plates, but what I realized is that no matter what size my plate is, my stomach gets full and I am down for the count.



3. I can now sit behind the steering wheel and have my stomach not hit it in my car!



4. I can sit in the back seat and the seatbelts fit, plus I can now ride in my dad's Corvette comfortably. It totally makes sense to me now why he bought it after he lost all of the weight. HMMM what should I buy myself when I hit my goal?!?!?
   


5. I do not have to worry about breaking chairs when I sit down.



6. My butt fits into chairs now! Like really, the starbucks chair actually fit my tushie!



7. I still have the fat girl mentality though. I get claustrophobic when I sit next to people. I feel like I am taking up too much space....but I really guess I am not.



8. I wear high heels as much as possible! My feet dont hurt and I dont feel like I am going to snap the heel off!
   


9. I have not eaten fast food in a whole year and I really dont miss it!



10. I love fruit more than anything these days. Give me a pear and I am happy :)
    


11. I am running 10-15 miles per week now....by choice!



12. My money now wants to go to workout clothes and good running shoes instead of food!



13. This year I "found" my collar bones and the chest bones.



14. I felt my ribs for the first time.



15. I thought my hip bones were tumors in my sides. I did not even know they existed until this year:) I can ACTUALLY feel my hips/pelvis.



16. For the first time, I hurt my spine getting into the bathtub. I laid down to "relax" and thought someone was stabbing me....but no, it was just my spine! OUCH!
    


17. Sitting on hard surfaces hurts the "cheeks"



18. No more missed calls when my phone is on vibrate. The fat used to absorb the vibrations and I could not feel it, NOW I can for sure feel the vibrating of the phone.



19. I feel like I actually have eyes. I know this sounds really odd, but when your face is so full, it seems like my eyes disappeared. BUT...ladies and gentlemen, they are back in full force!

So I have made it a full year post gastric bypass surgery! I am not done yet, but getting closer to my goal each and every day! The fun thing is this, I am really never done. Health is something that we cling to each day. I will continue to dedicate my time to being healthy. Sure, I will hit my goal weight....eventually, but health continues forever!

So there it is my friends! I made it...one year down....many to go!!!

HIP

Hip


HOORAY!!!!!


Look out 2011 here I come!!!!!!

1 year Post-Op Appointment

This is going to be a quick post because my TRUE year post op is not until December 28th, but I had my one year post op appointment with the doctor yesterday!

It is crazy because one year ago today I have having my Pre-Op appointment basically signing my life away. I was getting ready for Christmas, very much like I am doing today, and thinking "this is my last REAL Christmas." I was also thinking "well next year I am going to miss out on all the cookies, cakes, and fudge." Now, a year later, none of that really even matters. I took myself to Winco to buy some SF candy in the bulk bins and am ready to enjoy the real meaning of Christmas.

So ok ok back to my appointment. It was WONDERFUL! I am down a total of 155 pounds from the day I was admitted into the hospital for surgery. Though the pounds are wonderful, the really exciting thing is my BMI (body mass index) has decreased significantly. Pre-op my BMI was 53.6% which tips the charts of MORBIDLY OBESE. Looking back now, I am shocked! Some BMI charts do not even have a option for 363 pounds in their calculations. Now, almost one year later, I am at a BMI of 31.01 which is borderline Overweight/Obese. So sure, I still have some ways to go, but I am on the right track.

Because I have lost 69.28% of my excess body weight and have been having problems with extra skin, I am being recommended for plastic surgery to remove the excess skin! I am actually really excited about this. Sparing the details, the excess skin is a medical necessity especially for my arms and my stomach. As time progresses, I may have to get extra skin removed from my legs as well. I am not going to do anything drastically to change my body, but the excess skin makes it really hard to exercise. To paint a mental picture for ya, I dont want my stomach and arms "sloshing" around. I never knew that you could make armpit fart sounds with extra skin! Funny?? Depends what 7 year old boy you ask. ;)

So that is basically the details released from my post op appointment. On my year Surgiversary, I will post all the inches details and new pictures!

Until then, Merry Christmas and thanks for continually supporting me through this journey!

The Tortoise & The Hare

This is Emily & I after a 3.4 miler. See how refreshed & energetic she looks? See how red & sweaty & ready to die I look? Yeah. So not fair. Oh, and yes, we totally try to match when we run together. Loves it.

My sister has been bugging me (as only little sisters can) about guest blogging again. Honestly, I feel like such a total dork when I guest blog because, as stated in my last post, you come here for her journey & her sense of humor & I don't even come close to being as entertaining as her. I am far behind her in the humor department.

I am also far behind her on every stinking run we have ever taken together. We are training together for our first 5K. We are following the Couch to 5K program & highly recommend it. The thing is, for Emily it wasn't exactly couch to 5K. It was more "gym 5 days a week & meeting with a trainer 2 of those days" to 5K. Me? It was "on the couch getting winded walking to the kitchen for another brownie" to 5K. So maybe I was setting myself up for feeling like a failure. I'm not the most competitive person but I am very comparative. Meaning, I often compare myself with those around me. So, when my sister & I headed out for that first run I figured she still had 40+ pounds on me & that I would be the one encouraging her not to give up. Ha! The pride comes before the fall, right?

I did not fall, literally, but I sure fell behind. I remember our very first run. It was a gorgeous & cool day & we headed out with our iPods synched to the second with our Week 1 Mix Down (our own music with Emily's ghetto fabulous impersonation telling us when to walk & run). We did our 5 minute warm up brisk walk & I was winded. Then came time to run for 60 seconds. 15 seconds into it I thought I was going to die. I made it the full 60 seconds though & was surprised that Emily was right beside me. (Remember, I thought she'd be eating my dust). 3 minutes of walking followed the first run & at the end of the walking I heard "RUN" in my ears & I guess (according to my sister) I said some very un-Heather-like words & got to running.

The first week we kept pace with one another but by week 2 she was much faster than me. I remember her saying something along the lines of..."um, well, when we run do you want to try & pick up the pace a little?" I probably would have died had I tried to run faster but I told her she was more than welcome. Ever since then we have kept pace during our warm up & cool down but during the run she is always about a block ahead of me. Emily & I joke about this tortoise & hare situation but it's not just us who have caught on! My dad gave Emily a card for her birthday & on the front of the card were two women running. The blonde was in front & the brunette was in back. Emily says "Oh, look, it's me & Heathy" and dad says "Yeah! & look who's up front" ha ha ha. Thanks dad!

I could be annoyed & jealous at her speed but instead I just choose to remember that this means that on race day she will finish first...and be there to high five & hug me at the finish line!

----Heather----

Times are a Changin!

Hello Friends!

It is Thanksgiving Eve and I can not believe I am almost 11 months post op. Boy have things changed since last Thanksgiving.

Lets paint a picture here...Last Thanksgiving, I was so eager to eat EVERYTHING in sight. That's right; turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, green beans, trying yams...again, apple pie, ice cream, pumpkin pie, pecan pie! I ate myself into a ridiculous stupor. And....if I remember correctly, actually threw up because I ate too much and was so so so sick. But, I guess 3 platefuls will do that to you.

I was not physically active and sure was not planning on doing that any time soon. I mean come on...being 363 pounds is not conducive to exercising...and for me it was not really conducive to doing much of anything.

BUT...THIS YEAR.....Things have changed!

Tomorrow will be quite a different day! I look at the list of foods I ate last year, and my perspective has totally changed. Sure, I will eat a little turkey, a few bites of mashed potatoes and some stuffing, but my heart is set on the veggies and the Sugar Free Pie. Instead of eating 3 platefuls of food and getting sick, I will be eating one child's plateful. Oh, don't get me wrong, that plate will be full....but it is a SMALL plate. I think it is more of a psychological thing to have a full plate on Thanksgiving, but mine will just me a much smaller plateful.

SO....lets now talk about some of the physical activity changes that have occurred this year. Never in my life would I have dreamed that I would go running on Thanksgiving Day before we eat. And not just any run....but my 5K training run which is 3.4 miles. That's right...on Thanksgiving, not to mention that today I woke up at 5:00 am to take a spin class and walked my butt off at Disneyland all day!

I feel like a "self made athlete!" Ok ok so I can't take all the credit, I have an AMAZING personal trainer, but I work so hard to stay fit and take care of my body.

Who would have even imagined I would be where I am at this year as compared to last year?

For that I am so grateful!

So my friends, enjoy your Thanksgiving and be truly grateful for the air in our lungs and the ability to be active!

Gym Rat Rants Part Deux

I get asked sometimes if I have a favorite post...or which one makes me laugh still to this day? I would have to honestly answer that as YES for sure. THIS POST...day in and day out proves itself to be true. I run into these people who do these things all the time! I guess they have not been reading my advice for them.

Well, joyfully for you readers, but sadly for me, I have to report I have issued my second letter to the attendees at the gym....*wink*

So here it is...

Dear Gym Members...

First and foremost, the last 9 months have been quite a pleasure working out with you. You see, I completely enjoy seeing you work out and it is quite inspiring to work out with the same people every week. BUT there are some of you that need a bit of an intervention. So...this letter is for you. I have made it quite easy. I will now give you a list of things that I would appreciate you NOT do at the gym while we work out.

Lets discuss proper workout attire. I am sorry to report that Toms, Keds, and Ecko Whites are not appropriate footwear. If you want to develop shin splints...please do that at another gym. I do not want to see you limping around. INVEST in some tennis shoes.

On the topic of attire, I would kindly suggest you not wear jeans or overalls to work out. As far as I know, chafing is not a very good look on you. Save yourself the embarrassment of chafed "areas" and the discomfort.


Please bring a water bottle! The water fountain is for a "quick sip." You look like a camel preparing for a drought when you stand there for 100 years drinking water. I think that hump on your back is due to poor posture, not for holding water. Furthermore, please keep your mouth off the drinking fountain. Thanks :)

If you smoke, wear too much perfume, Axe deodorant, or rub Icy Hot on before you work out...please do not choose to run next to me. If I wanted to smell an array of aroma, I would frequent Purfumania, not the gym. NUFF SAID!

Also, person next to me on the treadmill, I specifically pick out a mix of my own music to listen to. Your singing, humming, whistling or just plain loud music is not necessary.

This one is specifically for men....why do you insist on ripping the arms off your t-shirt and all the way down the sides? I mean really, if you wanted a faux shirt...what I call a dicky, I can get you one, but do not waste a perfectly good shirt only to rip it. Furthermore, I would really prefer not to see your mipples. Thanks:)

Ladies: A sports bra is not considered a shirt. They call them undergarments for a reason...Empasis on the UNDER!

Speaking of undergarments...please WEAR them!

And lastly....Men please do not wear SHORT shorts...I mean sure I have no problem saying "hi" to some thigh, but I have been known to shriek at some cheek!

So there you have it. Fellow gym attendees, thank you for keeping me happy with some minor workout adjustments.

LOVE: A fellow Gym Rat

You may have finished reading this and still curious if you would be considered a "gym rat."

If you ask yourself this, here are three tell tale signs you are indeed a gym rat!

1. When you hear the word "push up" you know that this is indeed an exercise, not the most delectable Popsicle you will have eaten.
2. When you hear the word "kettle bell" you know that this means a piece exercise equippment, not the bell that sounds when tea is ready. And it certainly is not for bringing the cows home.
3. When you hear the word "hamstring" you know that is a muscle, not a ham and string cheese sandwich.

So there you have my dear readers. Do you have any gym rants you want to share? I would love to hear them!

ONE YEAR BLOG-IVERSARY

That is right faithful readers...today marks my

ONE year blog-iversary!

Can you believe it? I have been blogging for one whole year! I am shocked myself that I still have stuff to say. My life is pretty boring but losing 150lbs is far from boring. Sure I have a little more to go, but I wanted to recap the last year by following up on a list a created 1 year ago today!

It was titled Fry Me Up Some Reasons....Here is my 10 top fun reasons why I wanted Gastric Bypass with my now follow up answers.

#1 I look forward to taking up only one seat on an airplane. (Personal space, please!)

Have not been on an airplane yet, but pretty sure since I can sit in the back seat of a car and only take up my one spot and the seatbelts actually fit, I will not be the dreaded person to sit next to on an airplane. Nor will I be the first one escorted off the plane if they are over the weight limit.

#2 I finally get to sit in the back seat of a car, with two other people.

Like I said above, though I get carsick, it is such a relief not to be a burden to people and always have to sit shotgun. Furthermore, I can actually sit in the middle seat!

#3 Say goodbye bigger water bills for more laundry. (Save the whales:)

I can actually say that this one is true! Since I am smaller, I have smaller clothing, thus smaller loads of laundry. I have gone from doing 4-5 loads of laundry a week to only 2. Not to mention I am adding 3-4 more outfits from working out at the gym. I must say it is pretty cool to only have to fold and do 2 loads of laundry. Shamu and I are buddies:)

#4 I wont have to say excuse me every time I have to squeeze past someone.

SUCH a relief! I mean really....how annoying was it for my belly or other large areas bumping into people. Now the only thing busting people up is my HUGE purse or my boxing punches.

#5 I will save money on replacing furniture I break. ( How do I budget that Dave Ramsey?)

TRUE! I have not broken a single piece of furniture this last year. Let me tell you....those cheap chairs are not even budging.

#6 Better gas mileage in my car.....(I don't know if that is true, but lets go with it:)

Sadly this is not true...Maybe it is due to the fact that at any given time I have my weight in water bottles in my trunk. I do drive a Honda, so I really can not complain about bad gas mileage.

#7 Look out here I come Bounce Houses and Ballet.

Still no ballet! I want to do it so bad...but have not found the time and dont quite have the leotard body;)

#8 Even Rollercoasters will be more fun. (Scared to death, not scared to die)

Most def will not ride one...still so scared!

#9 STILETTOS. I don't have to worry about snapping off the heal.

OH MY GOSH!!! SO fun!!! I love me some stilettes! So hot and so fun to wear. Like I have said before, I have no one to be short for so going from 5 foot 11 to 6 foot 3 is no problem.

#10 SHOPPING SHOPPING SHOPPING! Did I say SHOPPING?

For sure an expensive perk! I have never bought so many clothes in my life! It does get annoying because I buy something cute and wear it less than a month and it is too big, but hey it is fun to shop. Fashion Find Fridays was born because of my love of shopping.

Well so there you have it! I predicted some exciting new things...and there they were!

Hope you enjoyed it:)

All the Single Christian Ladies

Let me paint a picture for you....Are you....
Single?
Christian?
Waiting for the Mr. Right NOT Mr. Right Now?
Frustrated?
Annoyed?

Do you....
have high standards that will not be compromised?
wonder when the nuptials will take place?
imagine your wedding dress, flowers, white picket fence, children?

THEN THIS POST IS FOR YOU!

Have you ever thought "Come on God I am so much fun...and I am ALREADY 21!"
Or how about this "Come on God I am not nerdy but quite flirty and I am pushing 30!"
Or this "I NEED a man and Lordy Lordy, ...I am passing 40!"
Or "Come on it is about TIME...people say I am in my PRIME!"

Well I am sure that you have thought any number of these things...but lets talk about the actions.

SISTERS, I have collaborated a list of possible signs that you might be getting impatient....trust me...we have all done or considered some of the following. ENJOY *wink* (Just a note...thanks to the girls that have shared in these wonderful ideas!)

So here is my top 10 in no particular order that you might just a bit impatient! (tongue and cheek of course!)

You Might be getting impatient for a Christian Man if....

10. You spot a "not of this world" sticker on a car and you accelerate quickly to see if the person driving is a guy...and of course hot. Sure you ignore that fact that the last 50 times you did this it was a girl driving the car. It only takes one right ladies?!

9. You admire a cross tattoo or necklace and immediately assume the guy is a Christian. Sure you neglect to remember that Madonna wore a cross around her neck in her "like a Virgin" song, the fact that Kanye West thanks God every time he wins an award, and that many clothing logos have some variation of a cross. BUT maybe just maybe they are a Christian. (CLUE: if the only inclination that they might be a Christian is from their tattoo....give it up.)

8. You dream of the day when you will meet your husband. I mean you almost hope your car breaks down so that Prince Charming can change your tire, or you slip in a grocery store and your knight in shining armor extends his hand to help you up....come on girl WAKE UP!

7. You have actually written a letter to him, or considered it. NUFF SAID *wink*

6. You creep facebook for "legit" guys...and by "legit" I mean it says something about being a Christian and his music preferences at least mention 1 Christian band and one Christian book in his "likes."

5. You have ever considered that if you are dressed ugly one day, your story might just end up like Ruth. Working in the field and admired while you are sweaty, dirty and feeling gross. Not to mention being able to "lay at the feet of Boaz." Don't we all wish we could be THAT forward sometimes instead of just waiting, waiting, waiting, did I mention waiting ?!?!

4. You have ever thought it was good idea to dress up in your stilettes (stiletto heels) and cute outfit and walk in to C28 to buy something only if a guy is working. Whether you choose to buy those inexpensive bible mints or a "true love waits" ring, you are sending the message....Christian and Single! AND girl, you gotta know he is going to ask if you need prayer...and you kindly oblige and ask him to pray for your future husband. hehe

3. You have read and studied Captivating and Wild and Heart multiple times...and you think it is time to read and study it again!

2. You have written a list of qualities you want in a husband. But here is the problem....follow with me... your dating ad looks like this....SCW who is a PWWSTGCLBRDDJW Seeking SCM who is a PWWSTGCLBRDDJW

Don't get the jargon? Let me dissect it for you...
Single Christian Woman who is a Prayer Warrior, Worship Singing, Tithe Giving, Children Loving, Bible Reading, Devo Doing, Journal Writer....SEEKING Single Christian Man who is a Prayer Warrior, Worship Singing, Tithe Giving, Children Loving, Bible Reading, Devo Doing, Journal Writer.

See the problem here? Your are seeking yourself in MALE form....Gurl give it up....you cant reincarnate yourself in a man form!

1. The number one inclination that you might be desperately needing to find a husband is the following...you have ever considered "accidentally" showing up to a Single Men's Bible Study...you conveniently have baked cookies, and since you are already there, you might as well offer up your prayers and counseling services to any man that might need them. *wink*

Ok girls so there you have it....Can I get an Amen Amen Amen...not to be mistaken as a "hey men, hey men, hey men"

Girls, don't be sad when yet ANOTHER Christian man gets married....I know I know there really are not THAT many more fish in the sea...but he is there waiting and praying for you too.

Hope you enjoyed this non exhaustive list and it gave you a smile.

Good Night and Happy Waiting:)

Stirring the Pot for a Point

I do not normally like to "stir the pot." I dont always think it is necessary to be critical of people around me. I live my life and people live theirs. I am always willing to offer advice when asked, but I typically will keep to myself. EXCEPT FOR TODAY!

Here we go folks....I am stirring the pot. I am mixing it up and I am sad, upset, hurt and angry in one big FAT emotion!

Why you might ask...Here we go....(Bring on the rant....and well....some grace)

I was sent THIS ARTICLE (Click and read before continuing) published in Marie Claire magazine from my sister.

Where do I even begin? Initially after reading this article I was sick. Literally pit of my stomach sick....then I was hurt...then I was sad...then I was angry....and now I am just well sick.

Coming from a "fattie" my soul bled for people reading this. WOW really? What a tragic way voice an opinion! SO hurtful and so disrespectful.

Though I would like to spit out a bunch of degrading and horrible things about this author, I realize I would be going down to her level, so I decided to write her a letter...on my blog of course. I am sure she will never read it, but here we go.

Dear Maura Kelly:

I do not even know where to begin with the sadness I have felt while reading your article. I certainly know that we are all entitled to our opinions and as a fellow blogger, I certainly have voiced my own. But you are published for the world to see in an, up until today, respected magazine.

Let me give you some history on myself...10 months ago I weighed 363 pounds and I guess you could consider me a "fattie" and "very very obese." Did it ever occur to you that I already felt judged and uncomforable walking across the room knowing that people like you were judging me, whether is was going back for seconds at the buffet or standing in line to get a skinny vanilla latte at Starbucks? Did it ever occur to you that I wanted to be like you people...thin and admired? Did it occur to you that I would like to go to the gym, but felt as if people judged me because my "rolls and rolls" might offend someone?

What I think you have failed to realize is that people who you would call "fatties" know how they are viewed in the world. We are not oblivious to the fact that we have increased health risks, take up extra room where ever we go, and know that we are judged. But let me ask you something....because we are fat are we not allowed to be loved? Sure, I am not a huge fan of PDA (public displays of affection) but does it really matter whether someone is large or not?

Remember...we "fatties" have taken the same health classes as you have. We know how to exercise and eat healthy. But if we can not even feel free to display affection to a loved one, how do you expect us to go to the gym and want to jiggle around complete strangers? Have you neglected to remember an important word called "metabolism?" How about "genetics?" Are you familiar with these terms? I know many thin girls that eat like crap and their bodies are rotting from the inside out. You do not complain about them do you? No, you complain and are disgusted by the people who probably have been disgusted with themselves at one point.

You have kicked people while they are already down. You have stereotyped a group of people without ever walking in their shoes. You have no idea, therefore you do not know.

Though deep down in my heart I truly want to be mad at you and hate your guts, I actually feel sorry for you. You have missed the mark here my dear friend and potentially destroyed and alienated a group of people who have already felt alienated.

Please, I ask of you...if you are ever given the opportunity to write...which I hope you are not, I hope you think about the effects of your writing on people.

Thanks,

Spectacular Steal Saturday

WOW I am back for another tardy edition of "Fashion Find Fridays." I have been gone a while because the budget does not always permit shopping. BUT today you are in for a WHOA-MAZING edition! I have found some of the best deals lately....Some of which I am sure are still available.


So here we go.....

Outfit #1....I will begin with saying that this outfit cost me a total of $5.74. Here is the break down. The jeans are Gap long and leans passed down from my sister, so I paid nothing for them obviously. For that I am extremely greatful! Thanks sissy.

The white shirt is also something passed down from my dear friend Jackie. You da best gurl!!! So this shirt is from Old Navy, but again cost me nothing.

So lets get into the accessory department. The scarf and shoes are from no other place but Target. The scarf retails at $10.00 but I bought it for only $2.50! That means I saved $7.50 on this gem.

For the shoes, little story....I have been WAITING for these shoes to go on sale! I loved them but why would I spend $12.99 on them when I can get them on sale for $3.24 meaning that I saved $9.75 on these shoes!



Now I am done with Outfit # 1.






Outfit # 2....I also really love this outfit for a casual day. Nothing too special but cute...and that is what I am going for...comfy and cute. The total for this outfit is roughly $14.74.

So again, thanks sissy for the jeans at no cost to me. As for the purple shirt, it is from Old Navy and cost me around $3.00. I am not sure of the exact price but I know it was marked down from $14.00 and I got it for $3.00 bucks. I bought it in grey (you will see that soon) and in black, as well.

The teal sweater is also from Old Navy costing me $8.00 marked down from $24.99 saving me around $17.00. This sweater is super light weight and comfortable. Perfect for a cold morning or something to just throw on to add a splash of color.

And lastly, the shoes....TARGET again. These casual shoes cost me $3.74 marked down from $14.99 saving me a total of $11.25.

So here you go...a debut of Outfit # 2.







Outfit # 3...Ok and for my last and FAVORITE outfit out of the bunch.... This outfit totals at $24.21.

So here are the deets... I decided to actually try on some Skinny Jeans. I was really scared because lets be real, anything with the word "skinny" can not be something that will look remotely cute. But I think I was wrong. I found these Skinny Jeans at Ross for $12.99 marked down from $40.00 saving me $27.01. Can you believe it? They are even really comfortable and I can wear them with flats or heels (as you will see in a second.)

The shirt is from Old Navy, as you saw above. And the scarf is from Target. I bought it for $3.24 marked down from $12.99 saving me $9.75.

The shoes are possibly my favorite part of the outfit. I know what you are thinking...."why in the world does a girl who is 5'11" want to wear heels....let alone 4 inch ones?!?!" But let me tell you, these shoes are surprisingly comforable and SUPER CUTE! They were even the last pair on the shelf and they were in my size! And I dont have to be short for anyone, so why not wear heels right?!?! Ok so I know you are dying to know... these hotties cost me $4.98 marked down from $19.99 saving me a total of $15.01.

So with glee, I show you Outfit # 3.

And the grand total of savings over the last 3 weeks on these outfits are.....

$119.27

Lesson Learned....

As a part of my personal training I have taken up the intense sport of Boxing! Though I would like to tell you about how amazing I am at it, I actually have to admit that I am not so good.

If you even know a morsel about me....I am NOT a fighter. I am a wuss. Truly the only physical fight I ever have gotten in was when I decided to fight my sister back when I was in Jr. High. And...well I slapped her across the face with the Espirit magazine we were fighting over...Needless to say...She won!

So what compelled me to actually decide I wanted to try boxing? I have no idea, but IT IS SO FUN! I am really enjoying myself. I dont have a lot of agression to get out, but if I did, this would be the outlet.

But enough about that....here are some lessons I have learned in the process of boxing....

Just because your hand wraps are pink does not make you better at throwing punches, nor does it hurt any less....LESSON LEARNED

Just becuase you have huge padded gloves on your hands does not mean that it does not hurt SO BAD when you punch....LESSON LEARNED

Even though you worked all day and HAD to wear makeup, you probably should take the time to take it off before you sweat it off into your eyeballs....LESSON LEARNED (OUCH) :(

Keep your gloves up or you are going to get socked in the face....LESSON LEARNED (ok ok so my trainer showed me more mercy than socking me in the face, but he could have, but those gloves are heavy!)

You can kiss your hand modeling career goodbye...thanks to blisters, bruises, busted nails, calluses among other things....LESSON LEARNED

Do not even attempt to text within the first hour after boxing because your fingers and arms will not work and it is just frustrating....LESSON LEARNED

No matter how low the pony or how high the pomp, your hair will be soaking wet when you are finished....get over it...LESSON LEARNED

Longish nails might be pretty, but they will get caught on the gloves....LESSON LEARNED

Invest in tight fitting britches....trust me....LESSON LEARNED

So there it is my friends...my boxing LESSONS LEARNED

I hope you do not have to learn the same lessons I had to. :)

Letting it all Go!

Have you ever come to a point where you feel a pushing and tugging on your heart and you don't know why? Ever resist the tug?

For me, this tug comes directly from the Holy Spirit and normally I am more than willing to go where he tells me to go. Remember this post where I was called to quit my job? Sure I was scared, but God moved and I knew He would. God is continuing to reveal why he had me quit my job and move home to get out of debt, but that is not the purpose of my post today.

As I type this, I sit in Starbucks waiting to check into a hotel in San Diego for my brother's wedding. I am sitting here actually debating typing this post. I know that I have to be obedient in all things and I really feel I am supposed to write.

To be honest, I have had blogger's block. I have had all these ideas to blog about mostly "funny" things....at least things that I find funny, but I have been burdened by this thing stirring in my heart.

Let me explain....I am probably one of the most secretly prideful and independent people on the planet. (Ok to some, this is no big secret!) I think that I know everything about how my life should end up and I don't need any one's help....sadly sometimes I feel like I don't even need God's help.

I know what you are probably thinking...."wow this girl sucks" or maybe even "why is she sharing this? She should keep it to herself." But my dear readers, this post is not a post to tell you who I am and that I am going to stay complacent in this. God is stirring in my heart and I don't like it!

To cope and sustain my issues of pride and independence I have built up walls around my heart. Because of things that have happened in my life, I am scared to open up, scared to let go. Don't get me wrong, to "guard your heart" as it talks about in Bible is an important thing. We must guard are hearts from things that are impure, and we hear it most to "guard your heart" in relationships. When I think of a guard, I think about a person allowing the right things to come in and out. So in terms of guarding our heart, I think about consciously allowing things in and out of our heart.

Sadly, this is not what I have done. I do not guard my heart but put up walls. Walls, on the other hand, are not meant to allow things in and out, but to keep all things out. Practically speaking, it is much easier to build a wall and walk away than to guard something. To guard your heart, one must always be prepared to discern what should be let in and out. To build a wall, everything stays out and for me, this is MUCH easier.

This is where I have been for longer than I would like to admit and God is trying with all of his might to break down my walls of pride and independence and show me that He wants to be that guard for my heart. But in order for Him to be able to do that, I must allow Him.

So what does that practically look like for me? First off, I had to learn to let go of the notion that I know what is best for my life. Reality is, I don't know what is best, but I was created by Someone who does. I must consciously allow God to lead me and guide me. I must be "patient in tribulation and constant in prayer" as Romans 12:12 says. I must allow God to come to rescue and not think I can do it all by myself.


I am pretty confident that if I let go of my pride, I will have to let go of my independence. I know that I will recognize even more how much I need to be dependent on God and also, to a certain degree, be dependent on other people. This is scary because of my own life experiences it is so hard for me to trust people. What I do know is that God loves me and wants to bless me with no strings attached. I must also learn that people who love God also want to love and bless me, no strings attached.

I know that this is not going to be easy or fun. I am scared, uneasy, and in foreign territory but know that I will come out better on the otherside. So here it is my friends....God's wounded, stubborn and independent princess is letting it all go!

I know this will not be a quick and easy process and I know that I may not perfect it, but it may be something that God continues to walk me through, but He is faithful and loves his children.

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his merices never come to an end, they are new every morning; great is your faithfullness."

Lamentations 3:22-23

You might be in Education if....

As some of you might know, I got a new job in May working for a school district as a Speech Therapy Assistant. I got a little taste of working for a school and then the kids were out for summer.

So....5 weeks into the school year I have realized a few things about working in a school.

If you work with kids, whether in education, speech, special ed...or even a stay at home mom, I am sure that you can relate to this post. :)

Working with kids you can never have enough....

1. STICKERS- I have found that a sticker heals a boo boo, a sad day and for sure rewards good behavior. (even if that behavior was first instigated by a kid laying on the floor, and now they got up and sat down.)
2. Hand Sanitizer- I have NEVER in my life seen so much "hunting for gold" in my life! WOW I do not think that I have ever had that many things up in my nose, but goodness these kids find their own "treasures!" Hand sanitizer is fantastic for all things....cleaning hands of course, wiping down Mr. Potato Head, or even sanitizing the McDonalds toys that you have told them 100 times "it is NOT real food" or "only pretend to eat." :)
3. Health Insurance- You can never have enough insurance just in case you actually get sick from your kids "hunting for gold" or in the event you get hit, scratched, or bit....Health Insurance is a BLESSING!
4. Running Shoes- If you have kids like mine, running shoes are a MUST. Children go from a sitting position to running out of the door faster than a bullet!
5. Clothing with some "give"- I am constantly on the floor with my kids...that can even mean laying on the floor with them while they throw a fit attempting to "get into their world." If I had clothes that were too tight or did not move I would be able to relate to Chris Farley in Tommy Boy...."Fat guy in a little coat!" And we know how that ended up!
6. Blotting Tissue- You know that running around with those kids and sweating profusely, blotting tissue to clean off the greasy face is a STAPLE for working with kids.
7. Smiles- And lastly, you can not smile enough working with kids. The pure joy in seeing a child light up when you give them a voice or the words to be able to express themselves is such a lasting blessing!

Thank you to all teachers, moms, and those in education. These children need you and we need them!

Flashback: Fashion Fail Friday

In an effort to purge my mother's closet of horrifically old jeans.... I came across a few gems that surely brought me back to my childhood. Then, I was reminded....what comes around goes around. I found some of todays "fashion" that I would like to see abolished from the fashion industry....and until then, I will hold on to these gems in protest.

Take the "Romper" other alias' are "Coolots" "Shortalls"

Sure I know 2 people who look good in these...but the rest of the world...SORRY but no go is no go....So in PROTEST, I will be wearing these...

Secondly, this "fashionable" item has been attributed to the likes of Hilary Clinton among others who fashion these at local clubs....

The "Pantsuit" or more know to me as "Overalls" "Coveralls" or any type of clothing where the pants and the shirt are connected....

Take this picture for example....

Not looking so good is it? Well in PROTEST of these "gorgeous" items, I will be sporting these...

Now you see friends, not every item you find in Glamour is fashion-forward. I state the case that the above mentioned "Romper" or "Pantsuit" are not new and are not any better than the previously modeled items.

I will continue to protest the fashion flashbacks with my own renditions....

Just pray THESE don't come back..

DO NOT PROVOKE ME FASHION!!!!! ;)

NOT ME MONDAY!

Ever think you were Middle Eastern because you were Welsh? Ever dance around in your room and fall off of a ladder? Ever scream bloody murder because of a spider in your room?

Ok me neither....so this concludes this post. :) HAHA JUST KIDDING!

Here are the few things that my week did NOT consist of :)

This last week I did NOT accidentally "make eyes" with a guy staring at me while driving in my car. And because I was embarrassed I did NOT just calmly gaze above his head as if to be staring outside. In addition, I totally did NOT ask two of friends what the "driving etiquette" was while at church last night. No way, I know that you are not supposed to stare at people, but cant you feel when someone is looking at you? What do you do?

This past week my email did NOT get hacked and send out ads for Viagra in Canada to many people including pastors among the recipients. OOPS sorry:( And no, I was NOT forced to change my email account because of it. And if you are getting these messages still, sorry.

And lastly, the past few weeks at my Bible Study, the topic of poop was NOT on every one's mind. No way, we totally only talk about bible stuff all the time and NOT about exploding toilets or anything else that pertains to bodily functions. And furthermore, I did NOT almost PUKE multiple times because of this DISGUSTING conversation.

Ok now it is your turn....what did you NOT do?

Fashion Find Friday!

I have these cute shoes to show you this week! What do you think?

I got them at no other place but Target.

They cost me $6.74 but SHOULD have cost me $25.99

These are the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn....plus they are cute!

Note: Some life event blogs are on their way. I had a bit of a writer's block the last few weeks, but trust me...they are coming:)