#doSOMETHING

HOORAY! The thing I love best about fall, honestly is  the fact that its about the best four months of the year. I love it because of the not so good reasons -- seasonal drinks @ Starbucks which I only indulge in twice, really make those cals worth it! I love the cooler weather which in FL it does happen -- when you're lucky ;) & its just that time of getting your family together because you just can and that makes me excited. There are many other reasons but I just finished working out 10 min ago so I am trying to keep this brief. (My mind works best after I work out in terms of blogging, kind of like when I used to have a planner & would cross off my to-do list).

So, the title of this post is #doSOMETHING which is my two day old fitness goal that I've challenged myself to. As much as I want to start our family -- I have to get my healthy, fit self back. Not just for my condition but because I just feel sooo good when I carve out the time for my best version of me. My challenge is basically that I want to stop making excuses (I'm too tired, takes too long, etc..) and just workout. All of September, I'm challenging myself to 30 min minimum. October 1st increases to 40 minutes. & so on.

Tonight I also did something great -- I re-faced MyFitnessPal. I held myself accountable and entered in all of my food/cardio/ab work and hopefully in 5 weeks -- I will be where they estimate. Secondly, I partnered with IdealShape for their 12 week challenge. This will help keep me focused, motivated and on track. Sometimes you just need a friend or a hundred ones who are on the course with you to keep you reminded of your goals and where YOU want to be.

Lastly, I just want to say a big THANK YOU to my amazing parents. I joke with them that I've definitely grown up when it comes to what I want for my birthday. When I was little - annually I'd ask for unrealistic gifts -- like a pony. My mom would smile but it never went that far.  But this year they surprised me with an early birthday gift -- new AMAZING running shoes from Saucony. We're talking hot pink shoes that just by looking at them -- fill me with JOY! This way I will be able to start walking/jogging and eventually break the I can't run chain -- and be a runner. I'd love to run a 10K next year and some day a half marathon.

My pretty new shoes! 

Other items I am interested in that my husband vaguely mentions he'll be taking care of -- 

the new Little Mermaid 3D & well my  birthday will be a Disney Cruise! 

I challenge you to make yourself a #doSOMETHING challenge even if its not related to fitness, maybe to spend less time on technology, take a hiatus from Twitter or Facebook or just find something you need to get done more. Either way, be BLESSED. -- J

Friday's Letters!

Dear Lindsay Lohan- I'm sorry but once upon a time you were this great actress but now every time I turn on the news you're being sued, smoking crack, running into cars, going to JAIL- seriously- you're an actress. Your job is to make bank by playing a character. You're younger than me & already a train wreck. 

Dear iced coffee- I love you & that you save me 100 calories every morning. You and I both know that I am not a morning person and I've gotta fake it for a few hours. However, you help me smile and make my work day a little less aggravating real fast.

Dear Skinny Cow: I love chocolate and I love to watch my figure. Thank you for allowing me to do this while letting me enjoy an indulgence.

Dear Saturday: its only Friday but I am already excited for you. I will be gladly turning off my alarm tonight & letting myself sleep in past 7:30, I'm such a daredevil. I know this will change when we have kids but until then-- I am excited for what you bring in a few short hours.

Dear iPhone: Just a reminder that I will most likely be terminating my time with you hopefully shortly. Your days are numbered. There are days that I think you're great but there are many more that I don't. Strangely enough I *might* miss you. 

So What, Wednesday! :)

1. I should be embarrassed to be seen in public with this massive bun on top of my head from this morning. I felt pretty stylish at work.
2. I've watched One Tree Hill on Netflix for the past 3 days & I'm not ashamed. 
3. I made brownies last night & they've disappeared. In fact, I had a brownie for breakfast. At least they're gone & my weight loss can continue.
4. Despite #3, my hubby is making us turkey bacon for dinner. Fave meal hands down.
5. The number one reason my printer runs out of ink: coupons. That night is tonight!
6. We're not trying for our first baby til this fall but my Amazon baby registry is all updated per ideas I found on Pinterest.
7. With #6 in mind, I'm shopping the big baby sale at Target daily. I think I just like adding items to my cart.
8. While at work today, I made a pre-baby bucket & that kept me occupied for 7 hours. 

Mind overload.

Today wasn't my best day but thankfully I'm feeling better than when I got home from work last night.

I think I am going to start opening up my posts with encouraging scripture (to help keep me positive) & quote of someone whose achieved greatness. I feel like its helpful to share other perspective as no matter how bad my day is or whatever my thought process is--  it's important to be positive.

So, ever since I was in high school, one of my favorite verses in the world has been Proverbs 16:3.

Put God in charge of your work & what you have planned will take place. (The Message)

Sooo.. My mind has been feeling a bit of overload lately. So, I am just gonna unpack my head and talk through it all.

First, my husband feels I am starting to hoard. A few weeks ago, my parents brought some more of my stuff over to our house so that I could go through it and decide if I wanted it. One of those items was one of my favorite items from childhood: my dollhouse that I got as a little girl. When I grew up, I wanted to keep it and give it to my future daughters. This morning, my husband reminded me that most kids want new stuff and won't care about sentimental things. So, now I am torn what to do. Any ideas would be great.

Secondly, I am thankful for my job but its not what I went to college for. I realize that unless your a teacher, doctor, lawyer, etc-- that you could be in this boat too. Everywhere around me people in my life are working at something they are somewhat passionate about. I am passionate about writing but my day job is verifying/packaging financial aid. Don't get me wrong, I am grateful (especially in this economy) to have a job. But I just wish I was in a job that made me feel like I am accomplishing something big. April 2013 is when I graduate with my Master's & I just want to use it to be the best version of myself.

Thirdly, a few years ago, I had an accident at WalMart that involved slipping in a puddle and slamming my head against a door in the frozen food section. I also hurt my knee in the process, and every once in awhile, the pain comes back. This week its back when I am trying to wrap up my January with a big amt of pounds lost.

Fourthly-  Since my husband & I have seriously started talking about trying for our first baby, it just so happens my alternative home, Target is having their baby clearance sale & I'm also keeping Craigslist/garage sales on my mind. This is my first kid & since I've had hypothyroidism my whole life, I am just trying to stay positive and know that my first baby is going to come and change my life. I'm sure this is nervous for a 20 something lady to be nervous but I'm just ready to have a baby but to get pregnant, I have to be the best version of myself & finally lose the weight I've dealt with since I was 11.

On top of these 4 big things on my mind comes the typical thoughts of ... 'boy, my house feels really messy!' 'Boy, I am so ready to be healthy.' I've never been a runner but I am determined to change that. I am tired of telling myself I can't. March 2nd, I am changing that. I am running the Central Florida Children's 5k that my dad so graciously registered me for.

That's not all, I am determined to start training and working up to a 15 minute mile to run with my family at the OUC Half Marathon in Downtown Orlando this December.. :) & then Jan 2014- my first Color Run with my best friends.

So, I felt I wanted to encourage myself knowing that I am not gonna tell myself - I can't run and that I am going to be the best version of myself. I am going to jog/run in 3 runs. & I am going to lose the remaining 85 lbs by my birthday on 10/3.

Hope you all have an incredible week. Any tips or suggestions, feel free to send them my way.

So What! Wednesday...

This week I'm saying SO WHAT IF...

1. I'm in the midst of losing weight but I love looking at Pinterest's food & drink section.
2. I had 3 skinny cows today, but I did 85 minutes of Zumba after work. Booyah!
3. I have an unofficial marathon of 'Hart of Dixie' & Parenthood on weekends,
4. I hate driving in Orlando traffic so much that I wish I could do that 'Bruce Almighty' effect would he divided the traffic into two-- especially on late nights.
5. I quote more Family Guy lines than I ever did before I met my hubby.
6. I love shopping in the maternity section of stores because the clothes look cuter than what I can fit into. Why not, it's cozier.
7. I already made my baby registry on Amazon & love to re-do it every couple of months. Still a year away from trying for baby #1.
8. I use Ebates to do my shopping at times just to make a 5 cent contribution to the check I will get. I live on the edge.

**For those who are unaware of what a Skinny Cow is- it's an amazing way to enjoy chocolate while losing weight!**

Skinny Cow <3