Ouch!

I'm falling apart! My left knee has been slightly hurting for sometime now. And, just recently both of my shoulders have started pinching during push ups and even swimming. I wonder what I've done to myself.... Looks like I need to see my massage therapist Jenny Windle!

On other news. White Rock is hosting a half and full marathon this December. One of my "to do" items for 2008 was to finish a half! If anyone is interested in doing long and slow walks with me on Saturday mornings please let me know. When I say long I mean about 6 miles. I haven't even walked more than that, that I know of. And, because it's getting so warm out there I'd say we should get started about .....I dunno, like 3 am!!! =)

OH! And Congrats to the Rozell's!!! They're expecting another baby!!!!

The Weigh We Were

I can't believe I totally forgot about this site!!! It's called The Weigh We Were (clever, huh?). I got this email notice out of nowhere today and it helped inspire me to keep going.
Check it out: www.theweighwewere.com

I feel yucky! I need to get back on a strict program. Keep reminding me that this is a lifestyle not a diet! I'm headed to the pool today after work. BTW: Thanks for the awesome workout Robin! I love you, chica!

While you were working...

I was at the beach! Corpus had an unusually dark and cloudy weekend and I loved every minute of it!
I love watching people riding.

Although, my Mom is small (standing a full 4'9) she looks exceptionally tiny against the Gulf of Mexico.

After a while I headed off into the ocean. There was something alluring about the way the undertow pulls at your body beckoning you further and further away from shore. It reminded me much of sin. Sin has a way of pulling at your heart strings. Sin also has a way of feeling momentarily good and it feels good to go with the flow. What I mean to say is that I noticed that the less I fought to stand my ground on a certain sand bar the easier it was to be pulled further out....much like sin. It wasn't until I got out to the 3rd or 4th sand bar that the waves started crashing down pretty hard. I'm so thankful that I'm incredibly comfortable in water. I could see how most people would begin to freakout in stormy waters. The waves that helped bring me back to shore reminded of God's grace & mercy. When I pushed against the current and fell into the waves that pushed me forward then I started moving back. I just had to fight in between each wave...

Napping with Maggie May

Mid afternoon I stuck off to my parents room and decided to take a nap. I found my parent's dog, Maggie May, already in bed.
She became my snuggle buddy.

Yummy Dessert

While visiting the family this weekend I decided to try something alittle different.
Sugar Free Angel Food Cake
Fresh Blueberries
Fresh Strawberries
Fat Free Cool Whip
Slice, Dice, Spread, Layer and serve!!!

Pre & Post Work Out

Mostly posting this to remind me of how great it feels post workout.
This is right before heading out for a late night walk.

Here's my post workout picture. Man it feel good once it's all over with. OH, and check out the cool heart rate monitor on my wrist! Thanks, ADAM B!!

Catch Up - Random Post

Wow, I can't believe how quickly times flies by! It's already Thursday and I felt like my last post was written yesterday. I'll be more diligent in keeping up this next week.

Saturday's weigh in went well. I'm down another 1.6 lbs! I'm between 5-6lbs away from losing the weight that I gained. Dang, it's so much harder taking it off that it was putting it on!!!

Working out is still going well. It's been so hot lately so most of my cardio is done at the pool or late at night but I haven't been strength training. No good excuse - I'll do it.

Speaking of late nights. I didn't get around to hitting my cardio last night until 9:30pm (we were watching So You Think You Can Dance - love it!). I felt like walking to so I decided that I'd walk to my gym and back, which is about 2.9 miles or 6 miles around trip.

I made it all the way to the gym in under an hour and started heading back home. I guess it might've been just a little bit past 10pm and I get a phone call from my sister. "where are you?!?!" She's such a mom sometimes! As I'm talking to her on the phone I notice MY CAR driving slowly past me. It sorta freaked me out. Well, it was her... she came to get me because she was worried about me walking alone so late at night. Oh, and as she's slowly rollin' past me she whistles and says "Heeeey Big Foxy Momma. You need a ride!?!" ..... gotta love sisters, right? =)

I didn't get in the car. =) I wanted to put in another mile or so, so I asked her to wait for me at a destination that would've put me right around 4 miles. So, she went and waited. As I approached the parking lot where she was waiting for me I noticed that the crazy girl, I call my sister, was rocking out to some old 70's rock song. It was pretty funny! She looked up and saw me but never batted an eye but rather just continued doing her thing. She makes me laugh.

We're headed to visit the family in CC this weekend. It was a last minute decision so we're hoping to surprise everyone. I haven't been home for 4th of July in ages! I'll be sure to take lots of pictures! I miss the way Corpus Christians celebrate Independence. Thousands of people migrate to Ocean Drive (long drive that lines the gulf for miles and miles), where you'll find all sorts of cool vendors, radio stations dj's with lots of loud music, maybe a stage for live music and maybe a parade... I can't remember! I just know that it's typically good times. But there's nothing like watching fireworks over the gulf! I can't wait!

I haven't seen a frog on any of my walk for weeks and weeks. Good day!

I met a lady at the pool a few weeks ago. She's a personal trainer out in Aubrey who's also a cyclist! I'm thinking about buying her million dollar Trek Hybrid. She met up with me out at the GreenBelt and had me try it out. I seriously hadn't been on a bike in like 15 years so I was a bit nervous. I'll have to tell you that story later.

So, adding cycling to my exercise routine might be all kinds of danger and fun! She's trying to get an all level cycling group started. Any takers?

It's amazing that I'd even have the guts to try something new like jogging or cycling.It's been an exciting year to say the very least.

My hyperlink isn't working so click here to see what I'm considering: http://www.trekbikes.com/uk/en/

Laminin

My boss sent this to our advertising team yesterday. I was way to grumpy to check it out, but today it couldn't have been more well received. Please, watch the entire video. It's worth it.

This is where I am.

8 Do not gloat over me, my enemy!

Though I have fallen, I will rise.

Though I sit in darkness,

the LORD will be my light.

Micah 7:8

I have fallen. Actually, I have willingly jumped into old sin. And, there's a process that I need to walk through before I can share the details. Please, continue to pray for me during this time.

James 4 is killing me!

It seems that everywhere I go James 4 is in my face. My small group co-leader, Sara L, taught on James 4 (and she did an awesome job!!) last last Monday & during our step study with Recovery at the Village James 4 was dissected once again by Michael S (not so awesome because I didn't want to hear it!). =)

When you get a chance check it out. I can hardly look at the first couple of verses without wanting to vomit! .... things in my heart are that bad!

quick reference to the Bible - www.biblegateway.com

Good News

I worked hard last week. I followed the plan. I worked out 4-5 days and it paid off! This weekend's weigh in brought good news!

I lost 3.4lbs!!!!!

A glimpse into our home

Here are just a few pictures I took for a friend in France and decided to share with y'all.

A small portion of my bedroom. My desk is usually littered with clothing =)

A very very very small portion of my medicine cabinet. I love girlie stuff!! Can you tell?

I've been looking for the perfect fruit basket for ages and this one was close enough to what I wanted, so now I own it!! And, I love it!

My sweet dad bought me this apron!! We were at WorldMarket shopping for patio furniture and when I saw this apron I just raved about it. Well, in his sneaky-ness he decided to buy it without me knowing. When we got home he came knocking on my bedroom door and when I opened I found him wearing it!!! He's so cute!

Nothing like a swift kick in the....

Yesterday, I received an email a friend. It made me smile. I know these words are playfully serious, heart felt and even better full of truth. These bits of scripture inspired my heart beyond words. I needed this email and I'd love to share it with you.
Read the following



Subject: WTF Mate

Hey you better not be quiting on all this progress you have made. I'll come up there and kick your butt if you do.

Romans 5:3
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance

2 Thessalonians 1:4
Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.

Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Don't Give up.

In Him^
AF

PS see attachment

Tribute to my Pre-Teens

It's silly to admit that I used to be a NKTOB fanatic! I was 11/12 years old so I was allowed to be an idiot! Here's a new song and video that takes me back to the summer of 1989!!




PS can you guess which of the 5 caught my eye? :) Donnie, Danny, Jordan, Jonathan or was it Joey?

Summer Swim Sisters

Just a random post of my sister and I swimming.

Aww, we look so sweet and in love, don't we?

This is where she begins to make her move...I know what's to come.

Yup! Somethings don't change... she dunked me.

Crap! Dang! Double CRAP!!!

Weigh in didn't go well this morning....at least I know where I stand. I gained 4.8 lbs in the last two weeks! I'm off track by almost 10 lbs!!! Looks like it's back to the drawing board for this super chica! Back to counting and measuring and planning and more planning and more counting.... oh, to be thin and carefree.

CCCCRRRRRAAAAAAAP!!!! Ok, I'm fine now.

***Sara, Renatta & Uyen looks like you're be getting an unmarked envelope from me on Monday.

Quick Story about a Hawaiin Sea Turtle

When I was in Hawaii a few years ago, for a friend's wedding, I had the privilege of swimming with one of these turtles. Actually, while I sun bathing in the shallow end of a lagoon one of these sea turtles decided to make my back their parking spot!! We were told that 5 HUGE sea turtles called this particular lagoon (in Kona) home for many many years. And he Hawaiians believe that if a sea turtle swims by and touches you that it's a sign of good luck. Well, let's just say the feeling of a having a 30 lb turtle laying on your back isn't exactly something I'd naturally be inclined to participate in but either I'll take that "luck" and just call myself blessed beyond measure.

New Hair

I should've posted this last week!
As I promised here's a picture of my new hair! I wish I would've had the foresight to sit up straight but I wasn't taking my brother serious when he was goofin' off with my new camera. I haven't decided if I like wearing it curly or semi straight. This is me with semi straight hair. Tell me what you think.

I'm back!

I'm finally back in Denton! I've been on a bit of a mini holiday. Well, not really a vacation but just out of town. It's nice to finally be back home though.

I got to the gym last night. I was feeling so tired and almost grumpy about working out but once my body got going it sure felt good. I jogged for the first time on the treadmill too! I cranked it up 4.5 and started jogging. I felt like I could've gone a little faster but to be honest I was afraid of losing my balance, falling off and making a complete fool of myself so played it safe.

I generally have awful reception at my office so anytime someone calls me I have to step outside to take the call. After ending a call I head back into the office and just as I was reaching my desk I took one last step with my right foot. Well, my right foot decided to continue to slide out in front of me which left me doing the splits right in the middle of my office! Thankfully I wasn't wearing a skirt AND only one of the guys was around to notice. I quickly recovered and got up laughing. I asked if he had seen it and he simply laughed and said "Oh, Marcy.!!.. always acting up for attention" I thought it was sweet of him to help me recover so nicely.

Just so you know... if you ever fell in presence I promise I couldn't help but laugh at you!! So, expect to be laughed at! And, if you ever see me fall I could only expect the same from you to me!

And then?....

Anytime my sister and I share a story we always respond by saying "and then?...." I don't know why but it's really funny. I guess you'd have to be there.

Keep your fingers crossed.
I was talking to this guy,Adam, from church last Saturday about my training schedule and we started discussing shoes and another gadgets that I've needed. I've been looking for a good heart rate monitor, specifically looking at a few from polarusa.com, and Adam also suggested me getting a polar heart rate monitor. He had a few places he wanted me to check out for better bargains and as he's writing his list of suggested sites, he stops writing and says "You know.... I have one that I don't use. You can just have mine." I couldn't believe my ears! Do you know how expensive those suckers are? Anyhow, I can't wait to have it in my hot little hand! What's an appropriate thank you gift? Any suggestions?

Themed Meals: After small group on Monday night a few of us decided we wanted to start cooking together more often. So, we decided to try our hand at new recipes. AND, we decided that our first "Themed Meal" would be Chinese. We planned our meals and decided to get together Wednesday night. I didn't have the foresight to take pictures because I was so stinkin hungry! My bad!
This is what we served. Steamed Rice, Chicken fried rice, beef and broccoli, sweet and sour chicken, and a stir fry medley of fresh green beans & sno peas! It was soooooooo yuuummmmmmmy! OH! and we also had edemame! I can't wait for our next attempt I'm thinking maybe Italian or Greek.

I have pictures to post but I haven't had time to upload them! But, I will! I will!

Peace out.

Quick Update

Weight Watchers went well this weekend. I lost an entire pound! Ok, 6 more pounds until I'm back on track.

I finally got in the gym yesterday for a much needed workout. It was really cool to remember old Sir Chadwick routines that were long forgotten. True to form I'll be sore today as of about 3pm. I'll keep you posted.

I haven't forgotten about pictures! You'll see some soon!

Weekly Recap

Hello out there.

This week has gone relatively OK. I did workout 3-4 days but didn't once step foot in the gym. Most of my cardio was done outdoors, actually all of it was done outdoors. I'm nervous about tomorrow's weigh in.

Food was a better this week. For the most part I made better food choices but the scale will tell me exactly how I did. I'm just nnnnnervous. I still can't believe that I gained 7 lbs in two weeks. It's sorta messed with my head more than I expected. *sigh* remind me that it's not over!!

I'm thankful for it though. I mean had I gained 7 lbs in the past I probably wouldn't have even known about it nor would I have cared... I used to live my life purposeful ignorance. God says that his ppl perish for lack of knowledge...I wonder how many areas of our life that particular text covers.

My heart is better. I still feel like I carry a little residual something in my heart. Man, is sin ever so heavy. Thank you again for all your well wishes. I can't tell you how much it means to me.

I spoke with Sir Chadwick a few days ago. He asked if I needed help and my pride caused me to refuse. I'm just so afraid of needing him again. Things got so messy toward the end of us not working out together and I don't think I can afford to go there again. It was hard to realize that our working friendship was coming to an end after spending pretty much every day together for 7 months. Essentially, we broke up. :) Well, at least that's what it felt like....it was painful, hard and confusing. I'm glad that ordeal has subsided.

I'm still waiting to see what God is going to do. He did promise to move me in a different direction (a promised land) so in the mean time pray for an extra measure of faith during this darker period of my life.

Emily Rozell send me the cutest little "something" a few weeks ago. I'm going to take a picture this weekend let y'all see it.

Oh, and on other news.... I had a hard day on Tuesday and on whim I decided to cut most of my hair off. I'll get pictures of that too! :)

Denton Runners

Denton now has a new Running Club.

Check out the blog
http://www.dentonrunners.blogspot.com/

Events are scheduled on the blog. FYI you don't have a be a runner to join. I'll be meeting up with everyone but walking instead of running. If you're interested in walking come join me and a few of the other walkers.

Also, is anyone interested in going to Austin with me this June? There's a 5k I think would be fun to do. It's Keep Austin Weird on June 28th. I may make a fun weekend out of it so let me know if you're interested.

*thank you for all your prayers and words of encouragement. I love you all.

Fever Broke II

It's been a rough go for the last two weeks. All of it was my own doing. Just know that the devil is in the details and there are a lot of details.

Unbelief rules my life at times. A friend gently pointed out that I always have a plan B. I never noticed it before but I do always have a backup plan ready to take action in case God's plan doesn't work according to my will.

I also recognized that I seriously began to feel like God owed me. I know it's a bold statement and I also know that it's sinful/prideful. I began to think "I've been good for so long.I've worked so hard. I've fought the good fight. And, I deserve a break." I felt that because I had tried soooo hard in not falling into various temptations that I had done well and I deserved a pat on a back and a free pass to sin.

Again it was pointed out to me that the temptations I was able to fight off and the freedom that I've seen in my life were not in anyway of my own doing. It was not done by my own power, my strength nor my will but completely done through and by the Holy Spirit.

I was taking credit for what God was/is doing in my life. And, not only was I taking credit for it but I wanted to be able to sin because of it. And, it seems that the last two messages delivered at church have been almost more than I could bare. I was astonished by John's the Baptist's life, even though I'd heard and read it for myself hundreds of times before. He was obedient and his purpose in life wasn't about his own comfort or his own joy, but it was about God's plan and God's will. God was satisfied with John's life and it ended with his beheading. God was gloried. And God's plan continues to move forward through all generations, even into ours, and John the Baptist died a long long long time ago with out ever living a life of comfort or seeing all of God's promises fulfilled.

I was astonished to see how quickly I fell into my own pit of sin and how quickly my heart began to harden. None of us are immune. When our guard is let down for just a second and we begin to focus on our own agenda it's amazing how quickly the enemy comes in and begins to weave such colorful and deceitful promises. I'm thankful for tight community. I'm thankful for people that speak truth into my life. I'm thankful that I attend a church where the Word of God is poured out in a simple and unapologetic fashion. I'm thankful for the Holy Spirit that continually stirs our heart through conviction that leads to repentance.

I've always said that my weight loss (and gain) is directly attributed to my spiritual well being. Saturday's weigh in was a shocking yet expected. I gained 7 pounds in 2 weeks. The woman that weighs me in each week, Linda, made a remarkable statement. She didn't even look at me when she said it, but just made this blanket statement "Marcy, you've lost your motivation."

She couldn't have been more right.

I have fallen. But, I haven't stayed face down. This race is not over.

The Fever Broke

It's done. I've surrendered......

I'll work up the details later. Thank you all for praying. Thank God that He didn't allow me to go "there".

Restless Part II

Wish I had an conclusion to the my last post but currently do not. I feel tempted to the point of punching someone square in the head. I'm irritated that I can't just shake it off. Went to recovery last night (Denton campus), sat alone and just brooded. I didn't want to be there. I knew I had to be there. I didn't want to get better, yet I knew that I needed to get better. Of all the topics in the world to discuss last night we covered.....temptation.

I don't want to me good. I don't want to surrender. My heart wavers between obedience and rebellion. A sweet peace falls over me in the moments when my heart turns toward God and it seems that 5 breathes later I'm defiant and completely obstinate. What is happening? I've never been in a battle so thick.

I left Recovery early. Went home, changed, and headed out the door with my keys in one hand and cell phone in the other. I had no destination so I just headed north. I almost walked clear to Northlakes (my gym). The return walk felt better, until temptation came knocking.

I am....

Restless.

The struggle between my flesh and my spirit is so evident one could almost feel it on me.
I'm struggling.
Why do I want this thing that is soooo wrong? Why do I want it soooooooo badly?

Week 1

I never would've thought I'd be able to say this but I'm excited to get back to working out. Family left this early this morning. I didn't eat as much and my body has thanked me for it.

I've attached a list of my new workout routine. I'm training for a triathlon. No, I will not be competing I'll just be training for one for the next 16 weeks. There is a triathlon event in Dallas this coming October and in August the Denton Natditorium is hosting one but I'm not sure I'll be ready for either so I'm not planning on registering.

Even though tomorrow is my "off" day I'll go for a long walk. And, I'll continue to do some strength training long with this routine. AAAAAANNNNDDDDD, I'm back to counting points. I tried the "core program" from weight watchers and I didn't do very well - mostly because I tend to overeat and I haven't been diligent in watching my calories on sparkpeople. So, I'm back to old faithful...Weight Watchers and counting.

There's something to be said about working out with a trainer. I remember really trying super hard during the week because I was so afraid of disappointing him. I was more afraid of wasting his time more than disappointing him but now that his time isn't an option and we're not working out together I've noticed that I've gotten a bit lazy. I have to honestly regroup and re-evaluate why I'm working out.

So, why am I still working out? I'll have an answer for you later. Just know that over these last few months I've come the realization that food isn't the issue, it's just the symptom. I struggle with pride, idolatry, and unbelief. If you didn't get a chance to go to church this weekend I highly recommend that you podcast today's msg. God was speaking loud and clear.

I leave you with the new routine.

Monday: DAY OFF

Tuesday: Swim 20 minutes 100 meters (m) warm up (choice stroke) 8x25 m freestyle (fr) (15 seconds rest) 4x50 m (as 25 backstroke/25 freestyle with 15 seconds rest) 100 kick (grab a kickboard) 100 m warm down choice Total: 700m

Wednesday: Run/walk 20 minutes 5 min warm-up walking 4*(1 min jog, 2 min walk) 3 min warm-down walk **** when I showed my old trainer this routine he said that I'd be able to do all of it except this running portion. Well, since that particular conversation and now I'm up to jogging for a solid minute and almost up to a minute and half. sweetness!

Thursday: Bike 20 minutes 5 min warm-up spin** 5x(15 seconds fast spinning, 45 seconds recovery) 5x(15 sections hard gear/tension, 45 seconds recovery) 5 min warm-down spin ***spin is pedaling in an easy gear

Friday: Swim 25 minutes 100 m warm up choice 10x25 m fr (alternate between half of the lap fast arms, half recovery with 20 seconds rest) 2x50 m (as 25 breastroke/25 freestyle with 15 seconds rest) 3x50m (as 25 backstroke/25 freestyle with 15 seconds rest) 150 kk choice (grab a kickboard) 100 m warm down Total: 850m

Saturday: Run/walk 20 minutes 5 min warm-up walking 3x(2 min jog, 1 min walk) 2x(30 sec faster than jogging pace, 1:30min recovery walk) 2 min warm-down walk

Sunday: Bike 30 minutes 10 min warm-up spin 4x(15 seconds fast spinning, 45 seconds recovery) 4x(15 sections hard gear/tension, 45 seconds recovery) 4x(10 seconds standing, 50 seconds recovery) 8 minutes warm down spin

**This workout was taken from www.active.com it's a tri-athlete training guide for total beginners.

Total Chicken

I didn't go weigh in today. I woke up late on purpose because I was too chicken to face the music.

I had another run in with a damn frog today! Only this time I didn't see him (because it was dark) and accidentally stepped on him and the sucker jumped up into my right pant leg! I won't go into the gory details but just know that I couldn't get in my car fast enough!

Eeeekkk it's tomorrow!

Sooooooooooooo, I'm a tad bit nervous about tomorrow's weigh in. I haven't eaten this much since I was home for Christmas. AND, if you'll remember my last weight gain was also last Christmas during my holiday with the parentals!

You know how some parents drive their children to drink? Well, mine drive me to eat! Ok, lame excuse, they're not that bad at all (most of the time).... I just love Infante style cookin'. We only get to eat like this maybe 2 or 3 times a year so it's all good.

I've indulged with more than my fair share of my Daddy's BBQ and my body is begging for mercy. I need to sweat it out. Earlier this week my dad asked if he could hit the gym with me. I thought it was a sweet gesture on his part. It'll be fun to get some one on one time with him. AAAANNNNNDDDD, now I can't wait to pound him! hahah!

I head to the gym with my daddy-o this afternoon. It'll be fun putting a routine together!!