What I'm currently reading...

My gf, Bianca, recommended this book (I Love Everybody by Laurie Natoro) a few months ago. I'm just now getting around to reading it and to my utter surprise I've totally found myself laughing out loud and completely identifying with most of her outrageous stories!! Just to clarify I'm not just talking the usual "haha" of a humorous line but an actual bring tears to your eyes, hold your stomach and continue laughing every time you think of the line you just read, kinda laugh! It's refreshing.

Music for my heart

Hey out there! I need new music because I'm currently sick of all "my music". I need some suggestions... Throw me a bone here!

love ya!

Recent Pictures!

It's been a bit of a busy week for me. I generally try to find time to blog during my lunch break at the office but lately time hasn't been on my side. Weight loss sucks. Working out sucks. And, life continues to move forward despite my minor set backs. All is well. I haven't totally given up. Sir Chadwick and I have an agreement. I'll owe him $20 if I don't get him a copy of my food diary from SparkPeople by Saturday. If I've learned one thing in all this time (aside from knowing that God has to be in the core of this journey) it's that keeping a food journal is essential for weight loss, at least it has been for me!!!

Here are a pictures taken tonight at a friend's surprise party.

Amber & myself

"D" & Me

My sister swears that I've made this face since I was a little girl. I posted it because it makes her smile and, because most of you don't get to see my silly side... I would've posted some video of us dancing but that would've been too funny (mostly for you) and way too painful (for me)!

Sculling

I generally get my swim workouts from Robin H or I go to http://www.swimplan.com/ and during this weeks swim routine I found that I was asked to do 6X50m of front sculling. Now I've been swimming for many many years I've never come across sculling. I wasn't even sure what it meant. So, I youtubed it.

HE'S A BOY!!!

My sister is cruel! This poor guy is never going to win. He's just a pawn in her hands....

Sorry, little buddy. =) haha

Veggie-Stack Pita Pocket

I neeeed this in my life TODAY!

Beans are packed with lean protein and make a versatile spread for all kinds of sandwiches. Mix and match with the vegetables your child enjoys and you've got a delicious, vegetarian, kid-friendly lunch.

1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas or white beans, rinsed and drained
1 to 2 tablespoons water
1/4 cup grated manchego or pecorino romano cheese
2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
Pinch red pepper flakes
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 ripe Hass avocado, pitted and sliced
1 small cucumber, sliced or 1/2 bell pepper, seeded and sliced
10 to 12 whole-wheat pita minis (3 inches), lightly toasted

Combine the chickpeas, water, cheese, lemon juice, salt and red pepper flakes in a food processor and puree until completely smooth, about 5 minutes. While the motor is running, pour in the olive oil and process until fully incorporated and velvety. Season with pepper, to taste.

Spoon a scant tablespoon bean spread into toasted pitas. (Put remaining bean spread in an air-tight container.) Add avocado and cucumber slices, or other vegetables of choice and season, to taste, with salt and pepper. Wrap in parchment or butcher paper, and pack in a plastic container to keep from getting squished. Pack in a lunch box and send to school.

TIP: Remaining bean spread becomes a dip for vegetables or pita chips, or as another dimension layered in your child's favorite cold cut sandwich.

Copyright (c) 2008 Television Food Network, G.P., All Rights Reserved

I'm a baaaad blogger!

My apologies for not blogging. I've been a bit preoccupied with... ahem... books. I'm almost embarrassed to say that I have totally gone bonkers with the Twilight Saga. I'm about to start the final book tonight! If you don't know what I"m talking about then do yourself a favor and don't find out! Just forget that I've ever mentioned it on here! Unless, you're into vampires, romance and suspense! =)

Quick recap on working out. I haven't forgotten about posting the one year mark pictures! I'm sad to say that I didn't reach my weight loss goals. I'll get some pictures posted soon. These last 6 months have sucked the life out of me.

Sir Chadwick and I are working out again. But, there's a twist in this story because he's not my trainer but my workout partner. We meet twice a week and hit the routine together. It's kinda nice to see him sweat.

I'll post extra this week.

What in the world?!?!

I read this article on Yahoo this morning about a Russian Race. Here's the twist to the story....it's A HIGH HEEL RACE?! Seriously?!?!

I'd kill myself in half a second flat!!
How do they make it look so easy?!
Way to run it Russian Style!

Inspiration

These photo's inspire me.
My heart quickens when I watch the swimming portion of the Olympics.

When I used to compete in high school. My events were the 100m Butterfly and the 200m IM.

I've increased by swimming routine to 3200m last week. To say that I was pooped is a total understatement!

The look on his face reads...

"Mom, I hate this stupid haircut!"

Diamond Back

I should've posted this last week but I've been way busy playing! I have recently acquired a Diamond Back-Sorrento moutain bike!! Sweet, huh?!

My sister just about died when I told her that I was getting a bike because she seems to be under the impression that I'm a bit clumsy. Well, I can't fault her because I've had my moments in history involving bicycles followed by a few months in casts! Ok, so I'm a little bit of a sketchy cyclist!

I've gone out the GreenBelt a few times and have riden around my side of North Denton. I generally try to head out at night when I'm not able to be seen nor laughed at by passersby! haha I'm still a bit awkward on it but I'm getting better. The only parts of my body that seem to suffer at the moment are my palms from all the pressure of leaning forward and my *ahem * "girlie parts". =)

PS if you just so happen to see me laying on the side of the road please be kind and help me!!! Once I'm in the safety of my home then and only then do you have permission to laugh your @#$ off! ok? =)

I laughed so hard ....

After getting home from a looong swim yesterday. I sat on the couch for a bit of a rest. I playfully put an old pair of goggles on my dog, Roddey. The stud just sat there and worn them like he didn't have a care in the world. Naturally, my sister and I set to work on getting some photos.

Check him out! He doesn't even care! I love my kid.

We seriously didn't think we could laugh any harder until (look at the next photo)

Until...we put the goggles on her dog, Parker. He's NOT OK! I had to coax him into to sitting still by rubbing his belly while my sister took these shots!! haha

Oh, the things we do this little guy!

We love you, Parker Poo Poo! (as if he can read!!)

Sweetness!

Congrats Cookie & Jeff!!
You're wedding was a total blast!!
Love you both!

Unmotivated...

Yuck! I feel blah! I didn't work out at all last week and I hate like I had no business doing so.

I decided to start my weekend off to a good start so my dear friend, Kendra, joined me for a 6 mile walk down Elm Bottom Circle. I made the grave mistake of not stretching properly after working out and it cost it.. big time!!! I was hobbling along all weekend.

In two weeks I'll head back to the doctor's office for an annual report of my medical progress. I wish I had kicked butt these last 2 months but instead I fell off the wagon...well, I was hanging on the wagon with my bare feet while my head got the mess beat out of it!!

I'll have updates and weight loss/gain progress after that appointment on the 2nd.

I'm sorry did you say....?

It's 9:19 am. I just placed a call to a possible new dub house. The conversation went something like this.

Receptionist: Good Morning. Thank you for calling ___ ___.
Me: Hi. I need to speak with Jeff, please.
Receptionist: Ummm. Ok? Welllll, he's like currently in a session right now.
Me: Ok.
Receptionist: Would you like to leave him a msg?
Me: Yes. Thank you.
Receptionist: Ok. Oh. Hold on. (She puts me on a hold a few seconds and I'm beginning to wonder why she sounds so confused.) Ok. Your name please?
Me: Marcy Infante with Media Source.
Receptionist: Oh, Ok. (she begins to scribble then I hear a pause...) Umm did you say Marcy from Bombay?

AhaHAHahaha!! I guess Bombay and Infante almost sound alike, don't they? Oh, what a great laugh to help kick off this morning.

What Just Happened?

Imagine this: In my left hand are a few raw almonds. In my right hand my little white iPod headphone.

I'm in the process of putting in my headphone in my right ear while also trying to drop a few almonds in my mouth. In the mix match of my brain pattern guess where each ended up?! =) You guessed it! I got a mouth full of headphone!

Thankfully, I didn't get an ear full of almonds. However, just so you know iPod headphone's don't taste like almonds nor are they chewy! I swear!!! Someone kick me already!

A Few People I Love

Sara & Renatta

Uyen! We were all gathered to celebrate her birth. I love her!

My delicious sister!

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