Busy Bee

(Originally posted on http://www.priorfatgirl.com/ on June 16, 2009.)

Holla, friends :) I feel like it’s been forever!!! These last four weeks have just been a whirlwind for me, and I’m sad to admit that my weight-loss efforts have taken a backseat. Well, not the BACKseat. Maybe the middle row of seats in a van or something.I had my best friend’s bachelorette party and wedding (maid of honor, what what), a death in the family and another friend’s bridal shower all within the last month. Every time I was calorie-conscious during the week, another weekend event would thwart my efforts. The thing is, though, I didn’t really care. So I gained and lost — and gained and lost again (and gained …) — a few pounds. Big whoop. I am THE ONLY one who notices those stubborn few, and I was feeling just fine.

Here’s a pic of Alia, me, Morgan the happy bride, Brianna and Jenna at Morgan’s reception. I think we’re lookin’ pretty fly … especially with the random sunlight :)
Anyway, things are beginning to settle down again, and I’m more than ready to get back on track. I hopped aboard the excitement train and set a goal for Jen and Annabel’s “Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is” Challenge. I could use a little extra accountability in my life. My goal is to lose 10 pounds by August 1 (8ish pounds to go!), which puts me at a total of 65 pounds lost. Ooodang that’s gonna rock!WHEN I accomplish this, I’m buying myself a Tiffany necklace. Jealous, right? It was originally my 30-pound reward, then 35, then 40, then 50 … and now, apparently, 65. I’m actually going to get the necklace this time, though, because I’ll need the reminder around my neck when I’m working to lose my last 15 pounds.

This is one I’ve been admiring

If the 10 pounds are not gone by August 1 (unlikely), I’ll donate 50 buckaroonies to the VH1 Save the Music Foundation (www.vh1savethemusic.com). I discovered that this charity actually helps a bunch of schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin (not to mention more than 1600 schools across the country), so maybe I’ll donate to them anyway. KEEP MUSIC IN SCHOOLS!

But back to business. I have three distinct action items that will help make my goal a reality:

First, I joined a softball team that will play every Tuesday through mid-August. In preparation, I went to the batting cages and attended a team practice last week. I was definitely feeling both activities in my muscles for a couple of days! I’m looking forward to the physical activity disguised as fun :)

Now for a throwback! This is me in high school as a softball toughie. Here’s to bringing back my skills … and getting my athletic bod back! Second, I’m going to begin taking classes at CorePower (www.corepoweryoga.com). I haven’t done yoga since high school gym class (and I’m pretty sure that doesn’t count), so I’m nervous yet totally excited. I’m going to take advantage of the free first week and then decide if I want to continue. It’s a bit pricey, but my friends who belong to the CorePower studios in the area love it, and I’ve witnessed their fab results. Also, can I really put a price on my health? I think not.

Third — and last because I’m not looking forward to it — I’m going to track all my food again. I was very diligent in the beginning, but then I just kinda knew how much my body needed each day. Luckily, that worked for me for awhile, and I think it’s fun that I’m so in tune with my bod now. However, I need to step it up again after a lax month, and tracking is one of the first keys to successful weightloss.

I will certainly be doing other things to meet the August 1 deadline, but those are three specifics. And blogging about it will hold me accountable ;)

As a parting gift, here’s a picture of me after I caught the bouquet at Morgan and Mike’s wedding.Usually I steer clear of the bouquet toss, but that night I must have been feeling especially competitive. I caught the bouquet and proceeded to run a couple of laps around the dance floor in celebration. Any excuse to raise the heartrate, right? I love everyone’s expressions. Great time :)