Sabotage??

Yesterday was a dental office day.  I don't normally exercise on those days because I don't have time in the morning and I am beat by the time I get home in the evening.  But last night I felt empowered by the Holy Spirit to beat Satan in that mind game and I decided to get in at least a mile on the treadmill before bedtime.  I started out and my legs were aching like crazy before I knew it.  And I wasn't really walking that fast.  I thought "man, I really am tired".  It occurred to me to check the incline setting and when I did, I discovered that it was on 2.0.  I usually have it set on 0.5.  I don't know how long it has been like that, but my 5k workouts have been kicking my tail for the last week or more.  When I asked Rick about it, he laughed and said "oh yeah".  Really???  Is he trying to sabotage me?  But, I guess he's right when he says "no pain, no gain".

Hitting Bottom and Finding My "Want to"

Sometimes you have to hit bottom before you can start climbing your way out of the pit.  That's what happened on Wednesday (two days ago).  The past year has been so exciting for me.  After my revision surgery last October, I began to be able to enjoy foods I haven't been able to eat in years.  I did good controlling my weight for a while.  But in six months I have packed on about 22 pounds.  My clothes just keep getting tighter and tighter and I just keep eating and eating.  I rescheduled my follow up with Dr. Long's office this week because I was not about to go in there 15 lbs heavier than I was just 2 months ago.  Can we say "out of control!!!"?

Our business trip to Phoenix is just 16 days away.  When I realized this on Wednesday, I had a melt down.  I do not want to go out there and have to wear uncomfortable "fat" dress clothes.  But, I am going to have no choice.  Right then and there I made the choice to do something about it.  I asked my friend Jamie to pray for me (she knows how I struggle), I prayed for myself, I claimed victory in this battle in the name of Jesus, and set my short term goal of 5-10 lbs before September 16.  I have already revved up my workouts, so I know this is entirely possible if I gain some self control where eating is concerned.  I have found my "want to".

Last summer, a few of my neighborhood friends read and discussed a book called "Made to Crave" by Lysa TerKeurst.  I began rereading the book this week and early on she talks about finding your "want to".  To be successful in this journey, I have got to stay focused on my "want to".  With lots of prayer and the support of my husband and friend(s), I will be back in my size 14s again one day.  Maybe I'll even make it to a 12 this time.  Wouldn't that just kick Satan in the teeth?

We're Going

After a long two days of thinking and praying about a business trip to Phoenix, AZ with Rick, I agreed to tag along next month.  The Exponential Growth Summit is September 17-19.  I do not believe I have ever seen Rick this excited about anything.  He is fully convinced this will take his business to the next level.  I know his drive and determination and I fully believe that if he believes it, it will happen.  That's the biggest reason I agreed to go.  I want nothing more than to be a supportive wife and do everything I can to let him know I believe in him.

I sang at Temple Baptist Church yesterday.  First time I have ever been invited to sing there.  The invitation came at the request of Pat and George Cottrell and they didn't even get to be there.  George is apparently recovering from foot surgery.  I do hate that they missed it.  Aunt Louise and Chris Anne came to hear me sing and we had lunch at Aunt Louise's after church.  Very nice and much appreciated.

My weight loss challenge is failing miserably.  I'm exercising more than I have in quite some time and trying really hard to eat better and it seems to be getting me nowhere.  I am so discouraged.  I've got to find something that works for me.

Catching Up!

Wow.  A lot can happen in a few days.  Work on Thursday and Friday wasn't bad.  It's almost impossible to have a bad day when you work with Billie.  She is such a fun loving person and always so upbeat.  She has been feeling pretty lousy lately and I have been somewhat concerned about her.  On Friday, she and I were talking and something she said just clicked with me and I may have diagnosed her problem.  I think she may be vitamin B12 deficient.  When we looked up causes and symptoms, she was so excited.  Yes, excited.  She can't wait to have her blood checked.  I just hope I am right.  It would be a very easy and cheap fix.

Today was catch up day around the house.  Cleaning, laundry, yard.  The dogs had a bad night last night which means that Rick and I also had a bad night, so I am pretty much beat tonight.

My friend, Jamie, updated facebook today after she had been to a yard sale shopping for little boy clothes.  She was confessing to an emotional breakdown because she will never, ever, be shopping for baby things again.  I commented and told her that I could relate, obviously for different reasons.  I had no intention of making her feel bad for being emotional, but she sent a text apologizing for her post.  I assured her that I in no way took it to be insensitive.

Rick is super excited about an upcoming Growth Summit in Phoenix, AZ.  It's about 4 weeks away and I am trying to decide if I want to go with him.  I feel like I need to because I just don't trust him to get there and back on his own.  I know that sounds silly, but he has never traveled anywhere like that alone.  I would worry myself sick until he got back home.  So I'm going to sleep on it tonight and think about it tomorrow, and pray.  I'll have to make a decision by Monday morning as he is registering then.

Strong, but not strong enough!

I just don't feel like I'm ready for week 4 of the @run5kapp program, so this morning I began repeating week 3.  I feel like it's better than giving up and not doing it at all.  I'll get there...maybe.

Yesterday, Jamie returned a small container that I had delivered some goodies to her in.  She knows I am trying really hard to lose some weight, so she went light on her goodies.  Thank goodness she only brought three Mint Oreo Truffles.  Any more and I would have been in big trouble.  They tasted just like Girl Scout Thin Mints only not as crunchy.  Delicious.  Can't wait to make some myself.

Leanne came over today and applied two new klings for me.  Welcome To Our Home went over the sliding glass door.  The monogram one went over the front door.  I just love the klings.






Today I started the 40 bags in 40 days challenge.  Got the idea from Pinterest.  It's a good way to purge your home of unnecessary stuff in 40 days.  I started with my pantry.  I cleaned off 4 of 5 shelves and filled two bags.  So I'm technically a day ahead.

Children's choir kicks off tomorrow evening with the leadership meeting.  I am so very thankful that I am not a part this year.  But I do pray for those that have agreed to be leaders this year.  I hope they have a blessed year.  I know they will.  It was always a huge blessing for me.

Honor your father...

Barry Green posted this picture this morning on Facebook.  It was taken over the weekend in Hickory, NC during a side trip after moving his son, Josh, in at UNC Chapel Hill.  The picture brings tears to my eyes.  Barry is such a compassionate and caring individual.  To see this very vulnerable side of him loving on his dad is so him.  Barry is always striving to exemplify "Christ likeness".  I believe this absolutely does that.  God bless you Barry as you prepare to say goodbye to your dad.

Old Friends

I was so delighted to see most of the Martin and Nicely families at church this morning.  I don't know how long it had been since I had seen Leslie, but she looks great and it was so good to see her.  She is sending her baby off to Bridgewater College next week.  How can that be possible?  We have made tentative plans to get together with Tom and Anne and Clay to celebrate Clay's 50th birthday in October.  I anticipate that to be a blast.  Can't hardly wait.

Blessings

We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way to much to give us lesser things.

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise.

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe.

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know the pain reminds this heart
That this is not our home, it's not our home.

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is a revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise.

Blessings by Laura Story

Family Time, Shrimp and Redskins Football

All make for a great Saturday night.  It's endless shrimp time at Red Lobster, so we invited Dwayne, Lisa, Kaleigh, Ashlyn, Nana and Papa to join us for this annual feast.  Unfortunately, Phyllis couldn't join us because of a prior commitment, but the rest of us had a great meal and some fun fellowship.  Top that off with a Redskins preseason game and it's a pretty good night.

Rick and I started our day with a walk around the neighborhood.  I am so glad that Rick has started doing some regular exercise and is really watching his diet.  I'm very proud of him.  I had another good day diet wise.  I had a good dinner, but not much up to that time.

I have to go to Covington to sing tomorrow.  I'll be singing at McCallister.  My plan is to sing Laura Story's Blessings.  Mom is going with me.  Looking forward to it.

I've spent quite a bit of time on Pinterest today.  I could easily become so addicted.  I have looked at a lot of recipes.  Lots of Fall recipes has me so in the mood for Autumn.  Bring it on.

Long Week

I will admit, it was so tough going back to work after being off for 11 whole days.  Wednesday, the first day, was probably the worse.  Thursday was a little better.  I can't believe how much I ate over those two days.  I think a lot of that was dealing with the stress of going back to work.  But after eating so bad for the last two days, my week 3 day 3 workout this morning was agonizing.  I got through it though.  And while I was in the midst of it, I made a pact with myself.  Eating all the bad stuff is not worth gaining all this weight back.  Eating all the bad stuff is not worth my workouts being so hard to get through.  The feeling of getting back into my size 14's and being able to get to week 8 day 3 of my workout program is so much more rewarding than all the bad stuff I eat. Now if I can just remember that.

Rick has had a tough week as well.  A couple of really bad home inspections this week.  One for a buyer and one for a seller.  Those kind of things can really make his job so stressful.  But he seems to handle it pretty well.  Although, he had a physical this week and his blood pressure was elevated, so we are having to monitor that now.  All in all, we are so blessed in our business.  God has been so good and faithful.

Baby Grayson

Rick and I had a wonderful dinner tonight with Grayson and his mom and dad.  We had not seen them since Grayson was just a newborn.  Can't wait for Hokie football so we get to hang out with them some more.

It's Been Nice

A nice break that is.  My 11 day break from the dental office ends today.  Back to work tomorrow.  I've enjoyed my time off.  But I never seem to get done what really needs to be done.  I definitely need to be more disciplined.

I've gotten in my Leslie Sansone workout this morning.  Really trying to be focused on diet and exercise.  Yesterday went pretty well.  I think I probably over did it a little yesterday evening.  But all in all, a good day.

Rick had his annual physical this morning.  He was a little worked up over a text from his client who lost it yesterday over the food in the refrigerator left behind by the seller.  Today it's a new petty issue over a window that has been ordered to replace a broken one.  He doesn't think it's going to be "good enough"?  Rick has offered to pay the difference on whatever it is he wants if the seller won't.  But, consequently (?), Rick's blood pressure was up at the doctor.  A new concern we have to monitor.  But, the doctor was pleased with his weight and everything else.  Hopefully, he'll be around a little while longer.  Yay!!

Off To A Fantastic Start

I started my day this morning with prayer and an awesome treadmill workout.  Week 3 day 1 of the @run5kapp was tough and I really didn't expect myself to be able to get through it.  But with a little prayer and a ProFit shake, I made it.  Thank you Jesus.  Let's make this a good week of diet and exercise.

Whiny People Really Annoy Me!!

My sweet husband professes on Facebook this morning that he loves his job.  I do truly believe that for the most part he does.  But how he deals with some of the jerks he deals with is beyond me.  He had a closing this morning on an almost $400,000 home.  Great, right?  Well, the buyer, after all kinds of drama with the final walk through's, (yes, plural), calls Rick and cusses him out because the seller's left stuff in the refrigerator.  Seriously???  After six years in this business, I don't know why anything surprises me.  I told Rick to offer my services to come clean out the refrigerator, which he did, but the buyer declined.  I do hope he feels like the big fat jerk that he is.

Christian's Birthday

 We celebrated the little guys 7th birthday on July 29.  His mom did a beautiful job on the cakes (with a little help). And his favorite gift, of course was his shiny new four wheeler.

My Two Favorite Guys

My sweet hubby and my handsome little Milo

Prayer Changes Things

After church this morning, I had some time to reflect while I was driving to a new listing to get some photographs.  The Lord can really speak to you if you just open your ears and your heart and listen.

I have been struggling for months with my ever increasing weight.  I got back on the treadmill this week and began the @run5kapp program, again.  But I have really been struggling with wanting to eat everything I can get my hands on and trying to justify the binges.  This time last year I had lost at least 25 lbs.  I was focused and dedicated to losing the weight and getting into shape.  I was also grounded in prayer.  I realized this morning that not much about my life right now is grounded in prayer.  I realized that my relationship with my heavenly Father is not the best right now.  After listening to Bob's sermon, I began to wonder how I would deal with such a devastating loss as he and his family have had to deal with.  My faith is definitely strong.  But my relationship status is questionable.

It's time to get back to living like Jesus is my Savior and I wouldn't want to live without Him.

Blessings

God never ceases to amaze me with his unfailing love and endless mercies when I choose to walk in his way and not the way of the enemy.  I was really struggling this morning to get motivated to get ready for church.  In Jesus name, I claimed victory over Satan, and got myself together and made it to church.  And am I ever glad I did.  Bob's invocation was several passages of scripture from the book of Phillipians.  These verses, through Paul's words, were his way of expressing his gratitude to the church body for all of their prayers and support over the last couple of weeks.  His sermon was drawn from his and his family's experiences over the last couple of weeks.  Yes, he definitely touched on the unspeakable grief of learning of Dominic's diagnosis of SMA just a couple of hours after his birth, how they had no time to prepare, and how short that four days was from his birth to his passing.  But mostly he wanted to emphasize that they did not get through the last two weeks, and will not get through the coming days, without the unfailing love of Jesus.  His sermon title was "No More Sea" and his scripture reference was Revelation 21:1 which reads, "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and  the sea existed no longer".  He went on to read and emphasized verse 4 which reads, "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes.  Death will exist no longer; grief, crying, and pain will exist no longer, because the previous things have passed away".  He went on to explain what he thinks it means that the sea will exist no longer by saying that in those times the sea was equated with fear or dread.  Many lives were lost at sea.  Bad things happen at the destruction of the water.

He shared several passages of scripture from which he drew strength over the last couple of weeks.  Psalm 139, Psalm 103, Psalm 130, Psalm 69, Psalm 74, Revelation 21 were among those he mentioned.

As he finished his message, there was not a dry eye in the church.  My heart aches for what that family has endured since baby Dominic's birth.  But I rejoice in my faith.  I rejoice that I have a pastor who is so human to his congregation.  He wept with us this morning.  He has faced darkness and I am blessed to know that he prays for me on a daily basis and I can draw from his strength and his faith in my own times of darkness.

This song played on my iPod when I was on my home after church.  I had to include the link as it was so fitting. There Will Be A Day by Jeremy Camp

Early Start

Enjoying my first cup of coffee with a little I Love Lucy after a 30 minute workout with Leslie Sansone.  I've been awake since 4:30.  I feel it's going to be a long day.  Trying to get motivated to get ready for church.  But the longer I sit here, the more I'm tempted to stay at home.  But I haven't been for two weeks and I won't be able to go to my church for the next two either.  So, Satan, get thee behind me.  I'm going to church.  And that's that!!!

Getting Old Isn't for Sissies

That's what my Dad always said.  And I believe it.  Aleve has become my best friend in the last week as I am battling bursitis in my right hip.  I am trying to get myself back into shape with my couch25k program and that definitely seems to aggravate my hip.  My friend Jeremy Skiff says the pain is weakness leaving my body.  I'm going to hold onto that thought.  Thanks Jer.

Dear Lord, I am praying for an extra measure of patience for my friend Jamie as her inlaws are visiting and I know how stressful that is for her.  Also praying that my hip will soon be better and that with each treadmill workout I will get stronger and in better shape.  I've got to get focused on losing this weight I've gained.  Hate it.

Lazy Day

As lazy as it gets for me, that is.  I did mow the lawn this morning.  I have done 3-4 loads of laundry.  I made three half pints of strawberry preserves.  I fixed dinner (easy grilled chicken sandwiches).  Now I'm relaxing on the couch.  I don't get the chance to have lazy days very often, so I decided to take advantage.  Tomorrow is another day.  Back on the treadmill after taking two days off.  Cleaning house.  And who knows what else.

Lots of Laughs

Mom and Kristi and I left bright and early this morning for a day trip to Mebane, NC to the Tanger Outlet Mall.  I was really looking forward to buying some Temp-tations, but was really disappointed in their selection today.  I did get a few things but really didn't overdo it.  The best part of the day was all of the laughs.  We had a really good time with late lunch/early dinner at Chili's in Greensboro on our way home.  I love to shop.  Now I need to find a day to make it to Williamsburg to the outlets there.

Evil Abounds!!

I could not bring myself to go to the funeral for little Dominic.  Bob's two facebook posts were heart wrenching enough.  I couldn't imagine how emotional the funeral would be.  But when I called to check up on Brenda Lucas this morning, she told me that she had gone.  She said that Bob and the family all seemed to be doing well.  She said that Bob made a strong point in his eulogy.  This birth defect and subsequent death was not of God.  Evil abounds in this world.  God did not inflict that baby with a fatal defect.  He does not want those who love him to suffer.  He does not want anyone to suffer.  His desire is for us to follow him and live a life in obedience to him.  However, he tells us in his word that there will be suffering.  It is by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ that we are able to deal with and get through the darkness of suffering.  And God will work good in every situation if we allow him to.  Thank you Brenda for sharing this point with me.  And God bless the Capuano and Moore families in the coming days.

It Was A Good Day!!

Up bright and early for some me time in the quietness of the early morning hours.  Two mile workout.  Nail salon and shopping and lunch with Janet.  Delicious salmon for dinner (thank you Kristy Rusinak).  Found a new and addicting game on the iPhone (thank you Janet).  Getting rid of our eye sore gas grill momentarily.  Yep...all in all, a pretty good day.

I Love Early Mornings!

I used to be an early riser. I don't know what happened. Maybe it's a husband who likes to stay up late. Maybe it's I'm getting older and require more sleep. What I do know is this is my favorite time of day. Just me and my Milo and my first cup of joe (and I Love Lucy as long as Hallmark decides to run the reruns every morning).

Getting It Done!!

Well...the long awaited household projects began today.  Well, unless you include the driveway sealing that was done a couple of weeks ago.  The house, both porches and front sidewalk were pressure washed this morning.  This is in preparation for the work to begin on the screening in of the back porch.  Tile, grout and sealer have been purchased and are waiting for Tommy Hogan to install our back splash in the kitchen.  A little at a time...one day it will be as I really want it.
Second day in a row that I had a good treadmill workout.  Did week 2 day 1 couch to 5k workout.  Really determined to get back in shape before our Disney trip in December.
Tomorrow is looking to be a fun day.  Janet is supposed to come to town and we are going to start our girls day at the nail salon.  Followed by lunch and maybe a little shopping.  Fun, fun!!
Still praying for the Capuano and Moore families as they will lay baby Dominic to rest tomorrow.  Father God, continue to uphold and strengthen them with each passing day.  Heal their hearts Lord and let your light and good works shine through this darkest of times in their lives.  Amen.

Another great evening with friends!

Our neighbors and good friends, Dennis and Brenda Chastain came for dinner tonight.  I love to entertain and love to cook. Tonight was meatloaf, green beans, corn, squash casserole, sliced tomatoes and cucumbers, rolls and banana pudding for dessert.  Yummy!!  But the company was so much better.  Dennis is doing so well since his recent hernia surgery.  He says he feels better than he has for two years.  All indications are he is cancer free.  God is so good.

Let's try this once again!!

Wow.  I decided to give this blogging one more try and went back to read some of the last posts I made and can't believe the things that have happened since my last post that I haven't blogged.  SHAME ON ME!!!  On October 31, 2011, I had surgery to revise the VBG.  What a difference that has made in my life.  I am able to eat things I haven't been able to eat for years.  I've said many times that Dr. Long is my hero.  However, being able to eat so well has had adverse affects on my weight.  Yes, I have put on quite a few pounds since the surgery.  Despite my best efforts to eat well and healthy, I have gained way too much weight.  My exercising has suffered as well, which doesn't help.  I am going to get back to my treadmill workouts today.  I'm on vacation from the dental office this week, so it's a good week to get back into the routine.  I have to.  It's the only chance I have of getting back to where I was this time last year...about 25 lbs. lighter.
2011 ended well for our business and we are on track to have the best year of our career in 2012.  God is so good and we have been so blessed.  Found out this week that Sean Turk is going to be joining RE/MAX All Stars.  I am so glad for him that he is able to do this.  I hope that he and Rick will be able to work together a lot.
Dear Lord, I continue to pray for the Capuano and Moore families.  Little Dominic passed away on Friday and while many were praying for a miracle, we are comforted in knowing that he is with you in heaven.  Please continue to hold and sustain this dear family through this unthinkably difficult time.  This little baby's birth and death all in the same week has been heart wrenching, to say the least.  I've thought many times this week that I don't know which is worse...never having the opportunity to be a mom or being given the gift of a child and have him taken away as quickly as he came.  I will never know the answer to that question.  I am so thankful for my faith and believe that you know my heart.  You know that I love you and that I trust you and accept that I will never be a mom.
Had the first ever "client appreciation dinner" last night.  Teresa Hubbard and Nancy Brown came for dinner.  Was probably the best dinner I have fixed in a long time.  Oven barbecued chicken, squash casserole, fresh green beans, rolls, and banana pudding for dessert.  YUMMY!!  What a good time we had.  Teresa and Nancy are good people.  I am so glad we got to break bread with them in our home.