Still plugging along

Well, somehow life has gotten crazy over the last few weeks, and I haven't had a chance to post. I'll admit that Thanksgiving time was harder for me than I thought it would be in regards to eating healthy! I definitely got off track a little bit, but I am back on track. I realize that I often do this in many areas of my life. I get really excited about something and work really hard at it, then slack off a little bit and struggle. It's just confirmation that most things require a lot of hard work, dedication, and the ability to pick yourself back up when you've had setbacks. Luckily, I am committed to making this a lifestyle change, and want to get healthier. I am thankful for all of you who have been encouraging me and continue to be positive reinforcement.

I am now down 11 pounds and 8 inches. Definitely not as far along as I would have liked to have been, but I am happy with my progress. I want to raise as much money as I can to help hungry children. I have had several opportunities recently to be exposed to organizations that help care for children in need. What an amazing experience. I am so incredibly grateful for everything we have, and the fact that my kids don't have to worry about when and if they will eat that day. The fact that there are children all over the world, and even right here in our area, who worry about that continually just breaks my heart.

So, I will continue on my journey until the 31st to see how much I can raise to help them. Thank you for your continued support.

Three Weeks Done

Well, it has now been three weeks, and I've lost another 2 pounds. That brings my total up to 9 pounds! I am definitely feeling better, and starting to feel the difference in my clothes.

I have to say that this has really been an incredible experience for me. I have gotten so much support from those of you I've seen in person, as well as through email. I honesty am looking at this whole weight loss challenge through different eyes, thanks to Larry's idea of including the pledges. I am really trying to be more missionally focused, and this is definitely helping.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. I am so thankful for a wonderful family, friends, and my health. I have so much to be thankful for. Thank you for sharing in this journey. Have a great Thanksgiving!

Update on Losing To Give

Check out this great update from my friend, Larry, on our combined efforts for Losing to Give. Very exciting!!

http://larryboatright.wordpress.com/

Week Two is Complete!

So, I finished week two and I am down TWO more pounds. I also keep track of inches that I am losing. I always find this to be just as motivational as the scale for me. In two weeks, I have lost over 6 inches. I'm definitely starting to notice a difference in how my clothes feel.

Last week was a little tougher, as I found myself wanting to cheat a little bit. However, I am really focusing on keeping this as a health transformation, and not a diet. I am eating more vegetables, making healthier choices, and moving much more! I will post more details about some of the approaches I am taking later this week.

Again, thank you for all of those supporting me. I am up to $14/pound, which is excellent! I still have room for sponsors, so feel free to fill out the form or just contact me directly with your pledge.

The more weight I lose, the more hungry children are fed! I love that!

Week one - Done!

Well, the first week is over, and I am down 5 pounds! I feel so good, and I am happy with my progress so far. I have been eating better, moving more, and taking a completely different approach to my health. Thank you for all of your support, both in pledges, and in your kind words and encouragement!

Feeling better

It always amazes me how quickly your body reacts to changes you are making. Simply eating healthier food and moving more can make a big difference. I have more energy, I feel better, and I am proud of myself for making better choices. And it's only the completion of Day 3. I am still looking for 7 more people to sponsor me (I know several of you are planning to, so you can either fill out the form or email me directly). I am excited about being able to lose weight and help others in need at the same time.

On a completely different note, my six year old, Jonah, has reached a milestone. He lost both of his front teeth tonight! It is always so cute (and somewhat weird) to see them like that. He is very excited about the tooth fairy coming tonight! I'm off to bed as well. Have a good night!

Day #2 - Done

I made it through Day 1 and Day 2. Sometimes that can be the hardest part! I am excited to say that I already have $9 per pound sponsored, with a few more people giving me verbal commitments. I'll update the blog as I get firm pledges. I also have someone who is joining the effort with me. I will update more information on her as she gets started.

Thank you for all of your encouraging words and support. I am excited to see what is in store in the next eight weeks!

Losing to Give.....A Partnership Opportunity

Okay, I have been meaning to start a blog for a long time now, but it was just one of those things I put off. Well, today, I got inspired to start something by our Assistant Pastor, Larry Boatright. The only way I could think to share it was with a blog, so I decided to start one! I'll also mention that some of what I'm going to post is "borrowed" from Larry's blog. However, I was so inspired, and wanted to dive in, so I figure, why recreate the wheel? And I'll give him credit - thanks Larry!

Many of you know that a few years ago, I buckled down and made some healthy changes. I ended up losing over 50 pounds, and felt amazing. However, as many of us do, I let life get in the way, and gained much of it back. I have plenty of excuses with the roller coaster that our life has been over the last few years. However, most of you know that I'm not an excuse person. I take full responsibility for being where I am today, and am pretty irritated with myself that I am starting over again. But, that was then, and now I am ready to move forward.

I have been trying to get started again, and have worked out somewhat inconsistently, but just couldn't get the motivation to make the real commitment to change. That's where Larry comes in. Today, he posted on his blog that he was going to start "Losing 2 Give in Aurora". He has set a goal to lose 25 pounds by 12/31/09, and he asked for people to sponsor him so that he can give that money to a local food pantry in Aurora, as well as to an international organization helping to feed children around the world. I LOVE that idea! So, I jumped in and sponsored him. But, after I did, I started thinking about how this really motivated me too. So, with his permission, I am copying his idea and partnering with him to do the same thing! I also have set a goal to lose 25 pounds by 12/31/09.

Now is where you can come in. I am looking for 10 people to partner with me for the next eight weeks. Ten people who will commit to x amount per pound up to the goal of 25 pounds. Maybe it's $1/pound, or $10/pound. It's up to you.

(Here's where I borrow from Larry's blog to show the math!) I’m going to partner with both a local organization to help homeless people in my community (Aurora, IL) as well as an organization that feeds starving children around the world. If you’ll donate just $4/pound, and I do my part by losing 25lbs, together you and I can serve nearly 600 meals to starving kids around the world. That $100 can also feed 200 homeless people soup for 2 days, buy 100 boxes of cereal for a local food pantry, or give a homeless child 10 days of shelter and 3 warm meals a day. That’s just one of you. Imagine what 10 people could do. Or even more. Us working together, me losing & you giving. It’s a win-win! I plan to give $$$ as well.

Even if you can't commit financially, I would love you support and encouragement! I will post about my progress and I have no idea where this will all go. But, either way, I will get healthier, and I already feel great that I will be doubling Larry's efforts. We are really making an effort at our church, The Orchard, to do more for our local community, and this is just one small way that I feel I can contribute. If you are interested in helping, you can fill out this form: http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHdiZkUzNDA3andITlJwX0VNYjY2Umc6MA

Thank you in advance for your support and encouragement!