The Biggest Loser

So for the past 6 weeks, Dan and I had a challenge to see who could lose more weight, but the winner was determined by pounds lost divided by the beginning weight. Yesterday the winner was crowned. . .and it wasn't me. (We were close, our final percentages were 3.85% and 3.64%) Even though I didn't technically win, I still feel good about losing almost 5 pounds and I'm proud of us for starting to lead a healthier lifestyle. I know we still have a lot more we could do to be healthier and it is definitely something I struggle with. I mean who doesn't love going out to eat and getting a nice big cheeseburger (the mac n cheese burger from the Cheesecake Factory comes to mind). I think we have been doing a lot better about not eating out so frequently and I have not been snacking as much (I miss my popcorn). I have been trying to add black beans and brown rice into our weekly meals and more whole wheat items (pasta, bread, tortillas, flour) instead of plain. One of our household favorite "healthier" meals is chicken salad sandwiches, but I make it with avocado instead of putting any mayonnaise in it. I also add some lemon juice, salt, pepper, and chili powder. I think it tastes really good and isn't loaded down with the heaviness of mayo. Our next goal is to start smaller challenges (without an end prize) to continue to track how we are doing. Now I just need to work more on the exercise portion of the healthier lifestyle.

Wake Up

Well today was a little scary. On my way home from work, I was in a minor fender bender accident. Our cars were worse for wear but we were thankfully both okay. It's moments like those that remind you how real life is. I'm not saying that I saw my life flash before my eyes or anything, but I definitely do not take lightly what happened today. I'm so blessed to be okay physically; emotionally, however, I'm a little drained. In the moment, I felt surprisingly calm and way less shaken up then after the police report had been filed and the insurance call had been made. Then I think it all hit me and I was pretty much a wreck. Everyone be extra careful out there, especially on the wet roads!


xox

2013

Well I can't believe it, another year has come and gone. Last year was a particularly important year for me. I got married, moved out on my own, moved to a new state, and Daniel started grad school. As of right now, 2013 is a wide open canvas, a blank slate just waiting to be filled. I don't want to get stuck in a rut, I mean routines are nice but I want to live my life with new found excitement every day. I don't want to wake up on January 1, 2014 and wonder where the past year went. The new year is always filled with resolutions and people who are so dedicated and determined, but that energy quickly fades. This year, I have not made any formal resolutions, but there are some things I would like to try and make a better habit of doing in my daily life. 1.) I need to focus on reading the bible more, my mom reads the bible every day and she spends time journaling and praying. I need to train myself to follow in her example. 2.) Exercise and eat healthier, these are important to me because at 23 years old I should be able to walk up 3 flights of steps and not be winded, I need to keep my body healthy so that I can have many years with Daniel. 3.) Talk to Daniel often and about the future. Today we had a really great conversation about what kind of house we want someday and what we should do after PA school. I know we cannot always live in the future, but it is good to have some ideas and it's really important to me to talk. Not always about deep topics but just to talk. And not forget to let the other person know they really matter to you. Daniel, if you are reading this, you really matter to me and I appreciate all the hard work you do! 4.) Document my life better. Not that my day to day activities are super important but my memory is not the greatest and I would like to have some sort of record to show my children someday. Also I need to cultivate some hobbies other than watching loads of tv.

Here is a quote on a daily calendar that really stuck out to me: The best way to get something done is to begin. You can't accomplish anything without taking that first step. So to those people that have started their resolutions, you have begun, just don't give up.

xox