Back on Track

Well...it has been forever since I posted and so much has happened. I'll try to recap..but be patient...it has been a while. First, to all who might be wondering, hoping or praying....our beloved Sampson came home the day after my last post. I am so thankful because my husband was really a mess and I know that a missing part of our family would have made our holidays seem a bit emptier.

Now for the weight...it has been up and down over the holidays....prior to the holidays, my weight had been trending down for the most part. However, over the holidays my sister and her family were in town from out of the country and I mentioned loving to be the "fun" aunt...so many of our outings lended opportunity for food, and the choices weren't always healthy. We had so much fun though...and chasing around 3 kids surely helped to burn off some of those extra calories, right? We took some family pics with my sis and her family and I will get those posted as soon as I get the "rights" from the photograper (jtoves.com).

Food choices weren't too bad on Christmas day or Christmas Eve. I made two desserts that weren't really my faves, so I wasn't tempted to indulge. We also played a little WII Fit Christmas day...every little bit helps, right?

I am still hoping to be below 240 at my Dr. Appt on Thursday...and that is possible...if all the stars line up just right. The weight is still fluctuating quite a bit from day to day, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Thursday will be a lighter day. I'm also sticking to my calorie limitations 100% to make sure a little slip doesn't cause me to not achieve my goal. It will be quite an accomplishment if I drop below 240 during the holidays.

On the topic of exercise - I didn't live up to my hopes of staying on track at the gym. Mostly, I was just having too much fun with the kids and we get to spend time with them so infrequently I just decided to stay and play rather than head out to the gym. I hit a couple of water aerobic classes - that was the extent of it. Today, I went to the gym for cardio for the first time since before Christmas. Kimber wasn't able to join me, but she was more than happy to give me a "plan"...which I greatly appreciate. It was all cardio today and started with 7 minutes on the treadmill, followed by 15 min eliptical and 30 min on the bike. I took it easy on my joints because I did have some problems with my left knee and ankle over the holidays. Even ended up in the ER, only to be told I have some arthritis in my knee. A little naproxin and a ton of humility for aging gracefully...and I'll be better in the AM. I've still had some trouble and the eliptical and bike were the least impacting to the knee (I think). Tonight went rather well though. I actually feel better when I go to the gym...have that "feeling of accomplishment". I am OK once I get there...it's the getting there that's tough....can anybody relate?

At work, we are going to kick off a "Biggest Loser" competition a week from Friday. I have volunteered to head it up and am very excited about sharing this journey with others that are commited to make positive changes in their lives. I am also excited about the real Biggest Loser that is starting again tomorrow night. I know that watching Jillian and Bob in action will inspire me to step up my exercise (or at least stay on track).

Also - and this is a big stresser - we are in the process of becoming certified foster to adopt parents. My husband and I feel that we have been incredibly blessed and want to share our blessings with children who may need some stability whether for a lifetime or for a short time. The paperwork we had to complete was tremendous. We have worked through most of the paperwork. Wednesday, we have a caseworker coming out to have conduct our home study. This weekend was a little bit of shopping for all the latches and locks we need to "child-proof". Then a big cleaning effort. Typically, that wouldn't be a huge challenge. This coming so close to the holidays makes it a bit more stressful. We needed to take down the tree and make sure everything was put away and the LR was put back in the "pre-holiday" state. Also, we haven't found permanent homes for all of our presents, so we had to do that...and with having 6 extra people here for the holidays, things are a bit more cluttered than one would prefer. Our carpet in the master bedroom desparately needs to be replaced (we have 3 dogs...so you can imagine that carpet is not the ideal flooring)....so I am worried about that not "passing" the inspection. It is very stressful...and I can't stress eat. I really hope I am not all "wound up" by the time Wednesday afternoon gets here. I had to call the caseworker today to get some details on the type of child locks that were acceptable..and of course, we have to return the 3 different types that we picked up, because they are not the "approved" child-locks. I am very nervous about this and really have no reason to be since I have successfully raised my 18 year old - mostly as a single parent. I don't think I'll be able to fully catch my breath til our home study is complete.

I really am not certain what I am most nervous about - the home study or the Dr. appt on Thursday...this will definitely be a very full week.

I promise to do a better job of posting...I got distracted with my niece and nephews. I can't apologize for that....all that CUTENESS!!! :-)

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