I did manage to get in some exercise this week.  Yes, I wish it would have been more, but I was happy with what I did.  I had my first big exam this past week and that’s where my priorities where focused.  So any exercise was a win for me.  And this week, I will do more.

My eating was okay.  I didn’t always make the best choice, but I made better choices.  I am, without a doubt, a junk-food stress eater.  I had challenges with that this week.  But all in all, I made better choices and tried to limit portions when I didn’t make the best food choices.  And this week, I will do better.

I had also planned on writing everything down that I ate or drank. . .didn’t happen.  I need to get a little notebook or something to keep with me, although I doubt I would keep it with me.  I’ll have to figure something out.  I also need to take measurements and pictures.  Not looking forward to either of these things.  Although I heard this recently and loved the thought – instead of calling them “before” pictures, they will be called my “goodbye” pictures.  I’m saying goodbye to the person in those pictures and each day am becoming a healthier, happier person!

So, here’s to a better second week!

Get Healthy

Eat right.  Exercise.  Unfortunately, they do go together.  One without the other will only get you halfway to where you want and need to be.  But man, oh man, it is not easy!  Especially after years and years (and years) of developing the wrong eating habits and only exercising sporadically, at best.  I’ve heard a million times that if you write it down, you are more careful about what you eat.  That’s true, unless you just omit the things you know you shouldn’t be eating.

Eating Right

I’ll be honest, eating right is challenging.  I have found that it does increase my grocery bill and the time spent in the kitchen.  It is SO easy to get foods that are convenient, especially on those nights that you are just tired and want to rest.  For me, it is a constant struggle.  In addition, I like those foods that aren’t good for me.  I like the healthy foods too, but the extra effort to peel an orange is sometimes just not worth it to me.  Sad, I know, but true.

I am taking this one step at a time.  My goal is to write down everything that I eat or drink.  And I mean, EVERYTHING.  I am contemplating posting my daily food log, just to hold myself accountable.  I’m not going to put too much emphasis (right now) on what I am eating, but just try to focus on how much.  I have calculated my daily caloric need and that is what I am aiming for at this point.

Exercise

Okay, I really don’t mind exercise too much.  I love how I feel during and after.  It’s just the ‘before’ part that is so hard.  Getting up and just doing it.  Oy, that is tough.  I’ve found a program that I really enjoy and I have everything I need ready to go.  I have actually started and stopped many, many times. . .but only because I came up with excellent excuses.  Really, I’m sure no other person in the world had as good of an excuse as I did.  Ready for it?  I was lazy.  Yeah, I was busy and didn’t have much time and I was tired from being so busy, but we make time for the things that matter and I just didn’t make it a priority.

My goal is to keep both my food log and my exercise log here.  In addition, just a running blog about how I’m doing, how I’m feeling, etc.  I’m going to be as honest as I can be.  Hopefully I will make it past day one.  Cause to tell you the truth, I am really sick of day one.  I have had WAY too many day ones.  I’m really starting to wonder what day 2 feels like, or even more so, what day 30 feels like!

So, see you tomorrow!!

I finally made goal (about 9 days ago), so that’s a huge relief.   I’ve almost finished up all the craft items that are going along with us and have about finished all my personal shopping as well.  Now it’s just all that last minute stuff that sneaks up on you.

Thanks to everyone for all the prayer and support!!!

I’m winding down the fundraising as well, but I still have a little to go.  I’m only $193 away from goal at this point, so that’s GREAT!!  I don’t foresee a problem finishing this up in time.

I’ll update with a rough itinerary in a few days, but things are looking good!!  It’s hard to believe that it’s almost time!

Dad has gotten the itinerary all straightened out and has found a few ways to save us a little money, so that is always good.  We have about five weeks remaining until we leave, so time is running out!!  I’m going to have a yard sale this weekend (and depending on how that goes, there may be one next weekend as well).  If anyone else has some fundraising ideas, let me know!  I still have about $400 left to raise. . .so not too bad. . .just running out of weekends!!

Oh, and the doctor has cleared me for the trip.  I go back on the 19th, so as long as that is a good visit, I should be all set to go!!

Right now I am just trying to finish up my fundraisers and get started on preparing the crafts and lessons for the kids.  I’m getting close to my goal – only $478 left to go!  I’ve gotten the majority of my craft supplies, but there are still several things left on my list.  It will all come together though!!

Of course, due to the change in the date we have a smaller group going than we had originally planned.  And, as of right now, it looks like I am the youngest. . .as well as the only female that is going.  Last year I had my two cousins with me, so this is a little scary for me!  But, I’m still excited and ready to go!!

• Going on RIGHT NOW is the big raffle.  You only have 3 more days to get those tickets!!!  The tickets are $10 and it is for the chance to win $300!!  If you haven’t gotten your tickets yet, get in touch with me within the next 3 days!!!
• June 11th – 13th I am planning a second yard sale.
• June 20th – Car Wash / Bake Sale.  This date has been changed so many times!  I am going to do my very best to make this one stick!!
• Lots of other things going on in July through October, so check back!

The yard sale was a success.  I came in $.40 above my goal!  Actually, I was $10.60 under goal, but someone came knocking (or banging) on my door the day after the yard sale asking if we still had anything for them to look through.  I was on my way out, but took a few minutes to let them look around and they ended up spending $11, which put me right above my goal. 

It looks like we are going to be have an additional yard sale a little later.  We haven’t set the dates for this one yet though.

I want to thank everyone that donated items, as well as those that came and helped out!