Weight Watchers Update

Today I went to Weight Watchers with no real expectations. I had a stressful week and did not eat my fruits and veggies like I should, so I went in just knowing I might have a gain and I was actually ok with that because I was able to evaluate what went wrong and make a plan for this coming week.

The outcome is I stayed exactly the same and boy am I happy with that, so I am still at 14.6 pounds lost. YEAH!!

I am not going to WW next week because I will be in UTAH, but I will be back after that. I have decided that unless I am out of town I will never miss another meeting again. These last three meetings have been a big eye opener for me and have really helped me with my morale in my journey.

I will let you know how it goes. GO ME!!!!

I met Debbie Downer Today!!

So, Today I went to Denny's for breakfast and to get some reading in for my homework. I had my weight watchers journal out and was tracking everything and asking the waitress some information about what I was going to order, got sugar free syrup, and fruit insead of hashbrowns and did not even eat everything I got. Boy, am I on a roll with this eating right stuff now. :-)

After about the 4th question to the waitress she asked me what I was doing and I told her I write everything down because I am losing weight. She asked me how and I told her I was on Weight Watchers. I told her I had lost almost 15 pounds on it.

Here's how the rest of the conversation went:

DD (Debbie Downer): Yeah, well I lost over 40 on it. I'm just telling ya now when you lose all the weight you want and you go off the proram you are going to gain it all back and then some. It was a pretty good program when it worked, but you just wait you'll see.

Me: Well, I am sorry to hear that, but my Weight Watcher's leader has lost almost 100 pounds and has kept it off, but he has continued on the program and still tracks all that he eats. It's on ongoing journey.

DD: I'm sure that's true if the program works for you, but it just didn't work for me. I hope you have better results, but you just wait and see. GOOD LUCK (said in a just wait and see kind of way, not a nice way).

Me: Thanks. You too. (Smiling and proud of myself that I did not throw any food at her)

I finished eating and reading and headed up to the cashier to pay. DD decided to follow me.

DD: So what happened to you? (Pointing at my leg)

Me: I ripped my calf muscle.

DD: So what are you doing for it? How long are you in that thing?

After the above conversation I was not that excited to answer her, but I fell for it hook, line, and sinker.

Me: I've been in it for 2 weeks and have another 1 1/2 to go and am in physical therapy three times a week.

DD: Ohhhh Physical therapy huh? I had knee surgery 4 years ago and I did that Physical therapy thing. That was a waste of my time. All they do it tell you to do stuff 20 times and then walk away. They don't even check to see if you are really doing it. I could have told myself what to do. What a joke Physical Therapy is. Obviously it doesn't work cause it is 4 years later and I'm still in pain.

Me: I'm sorry to hear that. I hope you feel better soon. I'm waiting to see what they tell me next week as far as mine goes.

Cashier: (quietly): You want to put a tip on here?

Me to Cashier: I left it on the table, thanks.

What I really wanted to say to cashier:
Give my waitress this tip: Quit being such a downer. I'm leaving here wanting to binge because according to her I will always be fat cause WW doesn't work and I might as well give up on healing my leg cause PT sucks and in 4 years I'm gonna be in pain anyway. So there's your tip for you. (Totally said with scarcasm. I did not go home and binge. That was said in jest. Don't worry I'm fine.)

I always consider myself a "the glass is half full" kinda girl and it actually saddens me when I meet people like this. I wanted to ask her what makes her happy. What makes her heart go pitter pat during the day? What is her passion or did she lose that along that way with her WW journey and her bad PT? It made me realize how truly blessed I am and reminded me why I surround myself with Debbie Uppers and not Debbie Downers. Thanks everyone for always encouraging me, making me laugh, and loving me. I couldn't do it without you.

Library Pet Peeves of the Day

When people are yelling at their kids in the library to be quiet and they volume in which they are yelling is much louder than the child's volume in the first place.

I also can't stand when people clip their nails in the library. Ewwww Gross!!

I'm off to get the kids from daycamp and study at home now. YEAH!!

Major Breakthrough :-)

Well, I wrote about my light bulb moment last week well it worked. I worked really hard watching what I ate and even made it to the gym one day. I did an upper body workout and while there and major breakthrough. I was working out and looking around the gym. It was not the normal YMCA I was at and they had motivational posters around. Each one spoke to me. I cannot remember what they said, but it was what I needed to read. I also remember the day when having a ripped calf muscle and a boot on would have totally given me reason to eat and not be active, but that was not this case this time around. I started to tear up right there in the gym. I also realized that my handicap is only temporary, but if I do not get my act together I could have permanent problems. I do not want permanent problems. As I have walked around on crutches I have seen what so many people have to deal with everyday. People stare and don't even hold the door open. It has been an eye opener and I'm glad I only have to deal with this for a short time. Maybe this ripped calf is just what I needed. Who would have thought? It was a great week and I feel like a new person.

I went to Weight Watchers yesterday and my hard work paid off. I lost 8.2 pounds. That brings my total up to 14.6 pounds.

I'm so excited that I had this breakthrough. Things are looking up for me and only 2 weeks left wearing this boot. :-)

Ripped Muscle Update

I went to the doctor today and I feel so much better about this leg.
I got permission to swim!! YEAHHHHH!!! He told me to start off with walking in the pool and then work up to swimming.
He told me just not to kick too hard.
The other good news is that I do not have to use the crutches as much now. If I am going to be on my feet for most of the day I need them. Otherwise I can use my cane. I'm so excited about that. The crutches have been such a hassle.
The bummer news is that I"m in the boot for another three weeks, which will be a month total. UGH!! I also need physical therapy 3 times a week for 3 weeks. Oh well, I'm blessed becaues I do not need surgery and my handicap is just temporary, so I feel very blessed in my life. This too shall pass!



This is not a picture of my boot, but this is what it looks like. I have to wear it every waking moment and boy it gets very heavy.

Here are some haikus. Remember the first line has 5 syllables, 7 syllables, and then 5 again. ENJOY!!

Ripped calf Muscles hurt
It takes awhile to fix
At least I can swim

What else can go wrong
Is a question I don't ask
because I'll find out

I am very blessed
I have a lot that I can
Thank the good Lord for

Thank you for my friends
Thanks for my kids and husband
I am very blessed.

I saw the Beach Boys
and John Stamos was there too
Uncle Jessie Rocks!!

My Light bulb Moment

Have you ever had one of those light bulb moments? An AHA moment? One of those moments where you knew your life was going to change forever? I have and it came yesterday at my weight watchers meetings.

As you all know I hurt my calf muscle a week ago tomorrow. I hurt it bad. I couldn't walk and two of my son's coaches had to help me off the field, into a car, up my driveway, and into my house. I know it had to be hard for them weighing in at almost 300 pounds, but they never let me know and they were so wonderful in how they helped me. As I said in my last post I was frustrated at my injury, but even more importantly I was frustrated at the weight I had let myself become and now with this kind of injury all my plans to get active again would be sidetracked.

Leading up the the injury we were on vacation where we walked forever each day. I ended up having knee and ankle issues. I could not walk that fast and had to sit from time to time. UGH!! I tried to convince myself that I had lost weight because of all the walking, but I knew that eating out every meal and not making good choices all those times could not be good even with all the walking. How many more summers would I go on vacation overweight? I didn't know at this point.

So back to my light bulb moment. Yesterday morning was my weight watchers meeting. I hadn't been since the beginning of June and to be honest was avoiding it. I told myself that come hell or high water I was going to that meeting. Not even a boot on my leg would keep me away from there. I knew that I had to go. I woke up at 6am on a Saturday morning, got dressed, got my boot on, got my cane, and headed out the door. It was raining HARD. I headed out and got stopped by a train. While waiting for the slow, long, train (you know when there are 6 engines you are in trouble) a song came on my CD. It is called I AM FREE. The chorus spoke to me in that moment and I cranked the song and sang it with all my heart. Here are the lyrics:

Through you the blind will see
Through you the mute will sing
Through you the dead will rise
Through you all hearts will praise
Through you the darkness flees
Through you my heart screams
I am free

I AM FREE TO RUN
I AM FREE TO DANCE
I AM FREE TO LIVE FOR YOU
I AM FREE

Through you the kingdom comes
Through you the battle's won
Through you the price is paid
Through you I'm not afraid
Through you there's victory
Because of you my soul sings
I am free

This was the beginning of my moment. Even with the boot on my foot, even with being caught by a train, and even with a weight gain, which I knew was inevitable, I WAS FREE. I AM FREE. I felt that freedom right then and there. It was what I like to call a God Moment for me. It was incredible. Like the first verse of the song says my heart was able to scream I AM FREE. The train ended and then the gates got stuck. Like I said I was going to this meeting no matter what. I waited and the gates finally opened and I was off to my meeting. It took my forever to weigh in, but I did and I gained 5 pounds. Normally I would have cried, but not today because today I AM FREE. I went into the meeting late. I don't really remember what he was talking about, but I was able to visualize what FREEDOM I would have once I lost the weight, but even more important the FREEDOM I have now with who I am.

I decided right then and there I can still be active even without my legs. I planned what I will do this week at the gym or at home to stay active. I am tracking every morsel that is going into my mouth this week. I AM FREE from the bondage of this weight. I am excited. So I guess you could say my light bulb moment came on the way to Weight Watchers and while I was there. I AM FREE and with Christ's help I will succeed. Life is too short for me not to get healthy and stay healthy. I know those of you that follow me will probably think, "here she goes again." That's ok. I did not gain this weight overnight and I will not lose it overnight.

I have nicknamed my journey Operation Skinny Mel (OSM for short). I am sick of being fat. I am sick of not feeling well and I am sick of my joints and back hurting. I am sick and tired of being sick and tired. Here's to a healthier me.

I'm so frustrated.

It seems like when I am finally getting things situated something always has to come along and mess it up.
For instance, I just worked on a schedule for the rest of my summer with a goal of doing a 5k and a 50 mile bike ride at the beginning of the fall. I will probably be able to do those still, but I ripped my right calf muscle last night. I was fielding at my son's little league practice and went for a pop fly. I did an amazing catch and when I came down I felt the riiiiiip in my right calf muscle. I have to go to physical therapy for the next few weeks three times a week and wear a boot every waking moment. I'm frustrated, but also very thankful to God that I did not need surgery. I cannot drive and obviously I cannot work out. I am in a lot of pain, but am masking it a lot so I don't worry the kids.

I'm really frustrated tonight, so I decided to list some things that I am thankful for.

1. I am thankful that I do not need surgery.
2. I am thankful for beautiful healthy children.
3. I am thankful for my wonderful husband.
4. I am thankful for great doctors and physical therapists.
5. I am thankful for my friends and family.
6 I am thankful for a great church.
7. I am thankful for this wonderful country I live in.
8. I am thankful for people who believe in me and don't dismiss me.
9. I am thankful whe my kids crack me up.
10. I am thankful for hugs and kisses.
11. I am thankful for nature.
12. I am thankful for my house and the neighborhood I live in.
13. I am thankful for the very blessed life I live and a sore calf and a boot cannot take away from my blessed life.

Please pray for quick healing and patience on my part. Thanks.

I'm still here!!

We are back from our trip and it was a trip to Disney World. My friend, Darlene, and I surprised the kids. They had clues that they were given from time to time during the drive down. It took them 12 hours to figure it out and then they were so excited and couldn't believe that we were taking them there. It was a great trip and there was nothing that could have gone better.

Today is 2 weeks since we left and it has been crazy since we've been back. I have a ton of homework due by June 25th. I haven't worked out since being home except for a couple times on WII Fit. It really is a good workout for those of you wondering. I feel like I've gained weight and I just can't get back in a healthy routine. UGH!!!

Here are goals for this coming week.

*FInish my homework
*Get to the gym twice.
*Walk in the neighborhood twice
*Don't eat out
*Grab fruit when hungry

I leave on the 28th for our family road trip to the east coast. We will be going to NY, VA. and Washington DC. We will be taking in the Baseball Hall of Fame, a Yankees game, Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Colonial Williamsburg, and July 4th fireworks in our Nation's capitol. I can't wait!!

I will get back to you soon regarding how everything is going.
I hope you all have a great first day of Summer today. Get out there and have some summer fun!!

Heading out of town!!

Just wanted to let you know that I'm heading out of town for awhile. My friend (Darlene who I have been friends with for almost 23 years) and I have planned a secret trip. We have been planning it for almost 4 months and it's hear finally. :-) The best part is my kids do not even know where we are going. Their last day of school was today and we head out tomorrow. I'll tell you more when I can. I never know when my kids will read my blog. I don't want to blow anything.

I'll have my laptop with me, but I'm not sure how realistic it will be to blog.

Gotta run! Heading off to have fun!! Will be back around the 15th. Bye!!

I won the Soda bet and still going strong!!

Remember I had a bet with my brother about NO SODA. I won. He went on a camping trip with about 6 other guys and that is when he had some. He says it's funny though cause now he doesn't even like the taste of it. He gave in around day 66ish and did not tell me for about 2 weeks. I think he was hoping I would give in before then. He keeps telling me I can have one now, but I haven't and today is day 88 without soda. Go me. We bet a CD, but instead he will be getting me a 15 dollar ITUNES card.
I knew I would win. :-)

Bike the Drive 2008

I did Bike The Drive again today. This is my third year. This is where they close down Lake Shore Drive and open it to bikers for 5 hours. It is right on the Lake Front and it is fun. I biked 33 miles , which was the total ride including biking to and from the train. There will be more to come (including video inspired by Bold's biking video), but I'm tired, I'm hurting (I'll tell that story later) and I have homework. UGH!!

Later my friends.

Please pray for Steven Curtis Chapman's family today!

Steven Curtis Chapman is a Christian Music artist who lost his 5 year old daughter yesterday. They live in a rural area in Tennesee and have a long winding driveway. Her brother was backing out of the driveway in an SUV and killed his little sister. She was the youngest of 6 children. She was the third daughter that the Chapmans brought home from China. They are big advocates of International adoption.

Please pray for the whole family, but especially her teenage brother. I cannot imagine what he is going through. This happened Wednesday around 5:30pm.

I don't know what else to write. I'm so sad. Whenever I hear about these accidents I get so sad. Please, please, please make sure that your driveway and street are clear of any children before pulling out. These accidents can even happen with the rearview cameras, naviagion systems, and rearview sounding systems. Just because you have these systems does mean these accidents won't happen. I found a statistic online that states:

"One third of children under six killed in motor vehicle accidents were killed ‘off road’ in yards, parking lots and driveways. Children aged one and two are most likely to be killed or injured in home driveways. The vehicle is usually moving slowly and is often being driven by a parent, relative or friend."


If you would like to read more on this tragic story you can read this link:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24766629/

Have a blessed day. Hug your little ones a little longer today.

Maria is sitting on her daddy's lap in the picture. She is the one that passed away.

Student Teaching

I got the call today with my student teaching placement. I let my college know that Wauconda was my first choice, but that I would student teach anywhere. Wauconda is where I live. The grade I would like to teach is 3rd grade. I got placed in Wauconda in a 3rd grade classroom at a school called Robert Crown Elementary School. The school is just 5 minutes from my house. It works out great because I still have to get home and get my 3rd grader off the bus. This really makes everything more real to me and makes me even more motivated to finish my homework.

Speaking of which . . . . I need to get going.

God is good all the time. All the time God is good.

Remember at the end of each day to think about how blessed you are not how stressed you are.

WW UPDATE and STARBUCKS UPDATE and PICKED MY 1/2 IRONMAN

Starting Weight: 306.2
This week's Weightloss: 1.2
Total Weightloss: 11.8 pounds total
Current Weight: 294.4

I am on my way!!

Well, today was my one month anniversary or studying at the same Starbucks. I love my Saturday evening crew. Tonight there was someone new that I hadn't met before. Ryanon (pronounced Reeannin. She is named after a Fleetwood Mac song) is a mom of a 5 year old little girl and a 1 year old little boy. She goes to curves and is working on getting healthy too. She really is a cool person to know and I cannot wait to get to know her better.

Regina is great too. She makes me laugh all the time. Tyler has the coolest Mom Tattoo that I have ever seen. Adam is one of a set of triplets. He is always wondering how I am doing and asks about my homework and remembers that I am watching what I eat and drink, so he tries to advise me on what drinks are more healthy (if you can even say that about Starbucks) and hooks me up and I'm starting to get to know Jeremy too. He also helps me pick out what to drink.

Tonight they were more than generous. They gave me a free drink of the mint chocolate chip frappacino. They gave me the smallest size and I couldn't even drink half if it, it was so sweet. Ryanon said she didn't like it, but I tried it anyway and I didn't like it either, but I will say it sure beats the Green Tea drink that Regina had me try a couple weeks ago. BLAH!! They also gave me some pastries that they were going to throw out. I took them home for the kids and Keith. They will be having scones for breakfast.

If you ever want free food from Starbucks be there on Saturday nights at closing.

Here is a poem that I wrote a long time ago about my favorite Starbucks drink evah!! They do not make it anymore, so I have to have a Raspberry flavored one instead of Blackberry. It is good, but not as good. :-( I miss you BBGT Frap.

BBGT Frap by Melissa Black

I learned about a product at Starbucks the other day.
It's called a Blackberry Green Tea Frappicino they say.

I ordered a Venti not realizing it was bigger than a Grande.
I walked out the door, drink in hand it was early Monday.

I got in my car and headed to work,
took a sip of my drink and my taste buds went berserk.

I couldn't believe this light green creation.
It was the beginning of a taste bud sensation.

I knew this was love at first taste,
so I savored every sip, I didn't drink it in haste.

I knew that something had just begun.
It was a love affair with this flavor upon my tongue.

BBGT Frap is what I nicknamed my new favorite drink.
"When's my next trip to Starbucks?" is now what I think.

I'd go everyday if I could,
but I'm trying to lose weight, so that's no good.

So, once a week is where I'm at, "
I'll see you next week my dear, sweet BBGT Frap."

I think that it is funny that my post is called WW UPDATE and STARBUCKS. I am working hard all week and allowing my treat to be Saturday at Starbucks. It's working for me. :-) I know by the sounds of this post you are all probably wondering if I ever get any work done. I do. Tonight I was there for about 5 1/2 hours and I wrote 6 essays ranging from 2-5 paragraphs each. I also read about 20-30 pages for another assignment.

I'm enjoying my recent weightloss accomplishments and my schooling. I am on a roll and cannot wait so see what's next.

May 25th I am doing a 30 mile bike ride called BIKE THE DRIVE. This will be my third year doing it and I cannot wait.

I decided that I am going to do the Cutting Edge 1/2 Ironman in Effingham, Illinois June of 2011. Go Me!! I'm scared to death, but totally pumped!! I was talking to my bestbud of 23 years about this and she might actually do it with me. We picked this one cause we like the name of the town and it is the only one in Illinois that I can find.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Count your blessings!!

BIG DECISION about triathlons

I have made a big decision. I have decided that in the Summer of 2011 I will be doing a 1/2 Ironman Triathlon.

For those of you who do not know that is a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, and a 13.1 mile run, which is a 1/2 marathon.

I know this may seem like a long way off, but it will be here before I know it. Here is my tentative plan.

Summer 2008 and the rest of 2008-drop as much weight as I can. That is about 7 1/2 months left. I want to get my back, neck, and ankles healthy. I will be doing some biking events,5k's, and volunteering at bigger events.

Summer 2009-I will be doing a couple of sprint triathlons (Approx. 1/2 mile swim, 15 mile bike, and 3.1 mile run) and my VERY FIRST Olympic Distance Triathlon (Approx. 1 mile swim, 25 mile bike, and 6.2 mile run). My goal is by summer of 2009 to run all my races. I do not want to be a walker anymore. I think that losing my access weight will help with that goal.

Summer 2010- I will only be doing Olympic distance triathlons and more running events.

Summer 2011- I will do my first 1/2 Ironman distance triathlon.

Obviously this is a ways off, but being 295 pounds makes me well aware that I have a long road ahead of me to get to the 1/2 Ironman distance, but I know I can and I know I will get there. I'm excited and cannot wait to see where this Ironman journey takes me.

As I go forward I will need a lot of help. Once I have a job (Estimated Fall of '09) I will be hiring a coach and taking private swimming lessons. Those of you that read my blog and do triathlons I will take all the help I can and once I am training for all of this I will need you all to hold me accountable. And I know you will.

Here's to a healthier me and here's to my 1/2 Ironman journey!!

Happy Mother's Day or is it?

Today is always bitter sweet for me.
I am a motherless mother.
That has been something that has been hard for me to deal with.
It has been eleven years since my mom's passing, but there are days that it seems like we just got the call.

Every year it amazes me what sparks what.
This year Keith's Grandma is sick. She is 93. She is not doing well.
Right before mother's day this year as part of homework I had to write about a character that was a motherless daughter and how this affected her life. This made me look at my life and how being a motherless daughter and a motherless mother have affected my life. I cried hard in walmart this year shopping for mother's day cards and for Keith's grandma. It was hard.

Since my mom's passing I have had to reevaluate what family is. I have great family memebers, but some of them live out of state and cannot be as involved as they would like. Some family I haven't really heard from since my mom's passing, so I have come to the realization that I was trying to hold onto ideals just because that is how it is supposed to be, but I have realized that family is not just blood. My kids have adopted grandparents in the area. My bestfriend is their AUNT and my aunt who lives in California is more like my Mom. And we are very blessed to have my brother and his wife and their 2 year old just four doors down. I take mother's day to honor those females who are a part of my life and who make not having a mom just a little bit easier. Thanks.

I could just stay in bed all day and play the poor me card all day, but the Lord knew that wouldn't do and he blessed me with the most precious children. Tricia is 10 and Parker is 8. They love me so much and show me in so many different ways. They hug and kiss me all the time. They tell me thanks mom all the time and they make me smile all the time. They even tell me I'm the best cook even when I just heat up a pizza. :-) They are my world and I love the title of mom. Yes, mother's day is hard and I wish I could celebrate it with my mom, but I am the happiest mom around today because I have my own children.

So the title of this post is Happy Mother's Day or is it? I answer yes it is.

For those of you that have lost your mom's recently I am here for you and I am so sorry. It is not easy at any age to lose your mom.
For those of you who want to be a mom, but can't. I am here for you.
For those of you who have lost childern, I am so sorry from the bottom of my heart.

For those of you who have people in these positions here is some advice:

-don't say to the person who has lost their mom. "We'll at least you are a mom. That's gotta make mother's day easier." It does, but it doesn't take away our pain.
-For someone that has lost their mom don't say, "It's been eleven years, aren't things easier now?" Yes, they are, but there is always something that sparks a new feeling of sadness."
-If you know someone trying to get pregnant don't say, " You could always adopt." They already know that. They don't need to be reminded.
-If they lost a child don't say, "At least you have more at home." They cherish the ones they have at home, but that doesn't lessen the pain they are feeling about losing the one.
-Just tell them you are there for them and will listen whenever they need a friend. Truly listen to them. Let them talk, cry, and offer a lot of hugs. If you don't know what to say it's ok to say, "I don't know what to say, but I'm here for you." In fact that is the best thing you can say.

Happy Mother's day to all my favorite mother's out there.
and Happy Sunday to my friends who are not mom's yet, but who mean the world to me.
I love you all and could not do the things I do without you. You all mean the world to me and I wanted to take a moment today to tell you that. Love you. Smooches.

Thank you Tricia and Parker for making me a mom. I love you both so much and am so happy that I am your mom. It is a happy mother's day and I love being a mom.

WW Update

Lost 1.4 pounds

Starting weight was 306.2
Today's weight is 295.6

Total weightloss is 10.6

GO ME!!

Homework Zone

I'm in the zone, the homework zone. When I'm not with the fam all I'm doing is sticking my nose in a book. I'm becoming friends with the local Starbucks Saturday evening crew. I spent 6 hours there yesterday doing homework. I get free food and free drinks. They know I'm trying to lose weight, so they make me skinny drinks. Don't worry I'm being careful and it's only on Saturdays. My friend Darlene came with me last night to do some work of her own. She left and brought me dinner and when she came back she went through the drive-thru and asked them to deliver it to me. Right before she pulled up I went up the the counter and asked them, "Hey has anyone delivered anything for me?" They were very confused and said no and then she pulled up and asked them to deliver it to me. It was great and they all had a good laugh. When you have a friend for almost 23 years you do crazy stuff together. Lake Zurich Starbucks Evening Crew YOU GUYS ROCK!! Regina, I'm not sure I'll ever like that Green Tea powder. We'll see. :-)

I will be sporadic with the posting right now, but know I'm doing great with my eating, ok with my working out, and awesome with my homework.

I will continue to give weight watchers and Ironman updates, but that might be it for awhile. You can email me if you want. I'll still be following your journeys. Keep up all the great work your doing, Keep on Keepin' on, Dream Big, Eat less, move more, Get well soon,Keep searching for God, don't kill anyone at work, and keep posting about those cute kids. YOU CAN DO IT!! I think I pretty much covered everyone's blogs I read :-) and the most important COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS. Have a blessed day everyone. Graduation here I come!!! For those of you who do not know I will be graduating with my elementary education degree December of this year. WaaaaHooooo!! Go me!!

WW UPDATE

Weight Watchers Update

Last week 297.2 pounds
This week 297 pounds

Lost .2 pounds. Go me!!

My goal is to lose weight every week for the next 6 weeks. I'll keep you posted!!

Ironman Wisconsin Here I come!!

They opened registration for volunteers today and I am so pumped up!!
I cannot wait to be part of an Ironman in this fashion.

On Saturday I am checking in Gear Bags from 10-3pm.
Sunday I am doing Body Marking at 4:45-7:00am.
Sunday I am working a Run Aid Station from 11:00-3:30pm
Sunday I am working at the Finish Line handing out medals and t-shirts from 6-9pm.

I cannot wait. If any of you bloggers out there know anyone doing this event or if you are going to do it let me know, so I can say hi and cheer them or you on. I already have one friend doing it that I have never met in person, so he is going to try and bring his gear by when I am there.

Recently so many of you have touched my heart while doing Ironman Arizona. I was truly inspired and in awe of you. I have been reading your stories and following your journeys. Thank you so much. I feel this is a way that I can give back to the athletes I have come to admire so much!!

WaaaaaHoooooo!!