Really, Really Free (blair)

Blest, I was going to discuss in the comments of your post but this started taking on a “post-life” of it’s own.

My husband went to the store to pick me up some workout pants (it’s stinkin’ cold here) in a color that I can wear with other colors (like black). Anyway, he thoughtfully picked me up a top in the same size and the moment I saw it I knew it wasn’t going to work. It angered me a tad that the size marked on it was XL as I stared at it thinking “this will never fit”.

I should give a bit of background, we’re going to visit some of my in-laws tomorrow and I am totally self conscious about the way I look. It’s almost humiliating and has had me telling my husband there is no way I’m going. He went ahead and got me the pants so I’d have something half-way warm to wear when we saw them tomorrow…that fit.

Ok, back to the top. It did fit (a bit roomy too) but it was too short and while my husband might enjoy the peep show when I raise my arms…I’m pretty sure others wouldn’t. As I gave it to him to put away to return I said, “it would look cute on a thinner person I’m sure.” And cue the tears….yes, AF is due any day…yes, I’m emotional about seeing family I haven’t seen in 5 years….yes, I’m tired of feeling “frumpy”….so I cried.

I was feeling defeated and sorry for myself….all the lies satan has tried to feed me for years came rushing back. You’re fat, you’re ugly, your sisters are prettier and more talented, you’re not good enough, you can’t do anything right, you’re too sensitive, you’re too cold, you cry too much, you don’t cry enough, you’re an oddball, you’re un-thoughtful, you lack self-control, God can’t use you, you’re a lousy mom, your husband probably wishes he hadn’t married you, you’re a mess, you’re worthless, you contribute nothing to society ….. blah,blah,blah.

Yes, the tears came. I told my husband again, “I’m not going” as I sat slumped over in a chair. But suddenly from out of heaven (was going to say “nowhere” but that isn’t true), I feel pulled to my feet. A voice says, “get your shoes on NOW young lady.“ I go to the closet and start to put on my shoes. I find myself pulling on warmer clothing. I then grabbed my ipod and something to put over my ears and was out the door. The very first song that came on was Free by Steven Curtis Chapman. I was so distraught, running and praying my heart out that I didn’t even realize what song was on until suddenly these words caught my attention:

And if the Son has set you free,
Oh, if the Son has set you free
Then you are free indeed,
Oh, You are really free
If the Son has set you free,
Oh, if the Son has set you free
Then you are free, really, really free

A smile spread across my face as I said aloud, “The Son has set me free. Lord teach me to live like it! Bind this wretch from toying with my mind. Bind his lies! I am free!” Smiling, feeling strengthened with each painful drop of my foot as I ran (remember the calves) I decided to address the evil one, “Do you hear that satan and all your minions? I AM FREE! By the blood of Jesus Christ, I am free! You hold no power over me but what I give you and I am taking it back.” Anyone within earshot likely thought me a crazy person.

I spent the rest of my 40 minute walk/jog/run/sprint worshipping the ALMIGHTY God! Based on my mood, I could very easily have been into any number of food-type boxes in the kitchen. I most certainly would have been sulking and sitting on my rump doing nothing but whining in my cookies. I know one workout won’t “cure” my overweightedness (not a word but going with it); however, I think tonight showed some real progress for me in not just the physical realm but the spiritual as well.

Oct 20th, 10am - updating to add: I’ve been trying on clothes all morning to figure out what on earth I should take this weekend to the in-laws. I’ve avoided a pair of jeans for months now afraid I couldn’t fit in them anymore (I could wear them off and on last winter). Well, I’m sitting in them right now. They are a size 14 and while I don’t look like a babe in them they are wearable. I like these jeans because they go well with my Docs.

« Quote of the Day Check In!! »

1. I am praising God for this breakthrough! It is so easy to listen to the lies. But, don’t do it. Focus on God’s promises. You are free indeed! Visible progress will come on step at a time. Way cool workout.

   Comment by Anita — October 20, 2006 @ 6:34 am

2. Thank you Anita. It is so easy to listen to the lies - I’ve listened for years. It isn’t worth it though. Thanks for the encouragement - I felt a bit weird posting about it lol.

   Comment by Blair — October 20, 2006 @ 7:04 am

3. I am so very proud of you!!! (((((HUG))))) I am praying as you go and see family. God is so good to draw us to Him in a way that we can really “hear” Him. I am so glad for that time you had with Him as you exercised and the very powerful way that He spoke to you. I needed this message today, too. Your time with God has been good for many of us I suspect. Thank you for stepping up and sharing this!!!

   Love you girl!!!

   Comment by Leann — October 20, 2006 @ 7:46 am

4. I’ve got tears in my eyes cos I just know it’s true - we’ve got an amazing faithful God who has set us free. Thank you so much Blair for being willing to share this with us. I just love the way we can stand together and be encouraged even if thousands of miles seperate some of us
   Praying that this weekend will be really great and you’ll continue to be close to God and listening to his promises for you and your life.

   Comment by Debs — October 20, 2006 @ 9:50 am

5. ((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))))))))))
   I am so there with you! I pray that God will continue to use this and that you will be open to Him. Thank you so much for sharing this.

   Comment by Tami — October 23, 2006 @ 6:05 am

Quote of the Day (blest)

I knew you could do amazing things with make-up and computers…but wow.

Personally, I wear a little blush and some mascara. For church and special occasions I add a little natural-looking eyeshadow and some lip gloss. I haven’t worn foundation in YEARS.

You should have seen how shocked the reps were at a Mary Kay party. You had to wash your face before getting started and I looked exactly the same after the wash. It freaked them out!

« Announcing: I WANT IT Wednesdays Check In!! »

1. The Evolution of Beauty…

   …

   Trackback by Scribblings by Blair — October 18, 2006 @ 2:19 pm

2. Ok - mouth hanging open over here! I couldn’t let this stay here - I had to post about it too. Thanks for posting this.

   I don’t wear much in the way of make-up. I do wear foundation occassionally but not always. I like foundation that evens things out a bit but doesn’t make you look fake (been using a mineral powder lately…love it). As for other make-up, I dislike blush…yuck! Don’t wear it, haven’t in years. I do wear mascara and some earth tones eyeshaddow (browns to bring out the brown eyes). I Hate lipstick(is hate too strong of a word? I don’t know). I don’t wear it. I wear a chapstick type thing I get from Arbonne (love Arbonne btw). The closest I’ll come to lipstick is a tinted chapstick lol. My mouth is my least favorite facial feature so why on earth would I draw attention to it?

   I was an MK consultant at one time but that’s a story for another day lol. Ever tried Arbonne? Tee hee.

   Comment by Blair — October 18, 2006 @ 2:34 pm

3. Yeah see…I love tinted lipgloss. I can’t stand lipstick either. When I did my two pics a few weeks ago - the second one is my normal makeup. Like I said - just blush and mascara. I love my brown eyeshadow though. I just don’t wear it all the time. It works on green eyes too, dontcha know.

   Comment by blestwithsons — October 18, 2006 @ 3:12 pm

4. Okay all, how do I take this to my blog???

   Comment by Tami — October 18, 2006 @ 5:21 pm

5. That video was fascinating. Really. Not getting the whole self-esteem fund thing at all, but I get what they are trying to do. Great marketing strategy as well

   Since we are listing makeup: I wear foundation half the time, mascara all the time (my eyes are big and look bald otherwise), and lip gloss stuff sometimes. I do like lipstick for special occasions, but only “natural” colors. Oh and I wear a tetch of blush when I wear foundation. My makeup usually expires before it runs out.

   I have a friend who wears lipstick everyday. It kinda freaks me out. I always want to ask where she’s going.

   Now, if we start talking about hair enhancements….

   Comment by lady laura — October 18, 2006 @ 7:37 pm

6. I saw that video as well. Simply amazing! It’s no wonder we all have so many issues with the way we look. If I had some professional make-up and hair and then was photoshopped on top of that, I could look like a model too. I think I’ll stick with the real me with all my flaws. It’s what God and my husband sees every day anyway.

   Comment by Anita — October 19, 2006 @ 5:37 am

7. As for make up…I only wear some foundation if I have some ickies on my face which fortunately rarely happens when I’m not pregnant. I occasionally put on mascara just because and sometimes where only eye shadow and mascara. I detest lipstick…dries out the lips…I prefer a colored gloss if I’m feeling like color on the lips. My husband really doesn’t care if I wear make up or not. I’ve gone down that road many times and I always get the same answer…”You’re beautiful just the way you are”…such a sweet man huh?

   Comment by Tami — October 19, 2006 @ 5:41 am

8. I personally love make-up. I wear blush, lipstick, eyeliner, eyeshadow, mascara, and sometimes I will wear foundation and this highlighting cream that I have. Note to Blest - a plum eyeliner really makes green eyes stand out. I should put the disclaimer here that my hubby does work for L’oreal (and they own Lancome, Biotherm, Kiehls, Maybelline, Matrix, Redken, Biolage, Ralph Lauren, Armani, etc.) so I have my pick from lots of great free products. Maybe I will offer one of the weigh in prizes!! I am going up to the employee store in the next few weeks so I will see what I can do. Any suggestions??

   Comment by Mandi — October 19, 2006 @ 8:50 am

9. There’s a great Christian perspective on this, featuring this video and some responses to it. Check out
   http://girltalk.blogs.com/girltalk/2006/10/distorted_beaut.html

   Comment by Debs — October 19, 2006 @ 9:29 am

10. Over the years I have come to wear less and less makeup. It seems as you age the makeup actually makes you look older because, I find, that it accentuates the wrinkles. You know, those lines that stay in the makeup when you smile or frown? I certainly was one of those blue eyeshadow, over made up gals of the 80’s for awhile. My mother was APPALLED when she found that I don’t wear makeup most of the time anymore. With the Culinary Arts program we are not even allowed to wear makeup in the kitchen unless we are serving and then, only if you want to. I go to class with a naked face every night. LOL I do wear a smidge on Sundays. I tend to have a ruddy reddish complexion so I put a little foundation on. I have used the same kind of foundation since I was fifteen years old - Covergirl with no perfumes and no allergens - because I do have really sensitive skin. I wash my face with Ivory soap for the same reason. I also use a fragrance free moisturizer EVERY DAY with a sunscreen component. The MK and other products that I have briefly tried all make my face an allergic mess.

    On Sundays I will wear, like I said, a little foundation, some blush powder strategically placed for a little sun kissed color and then some eye liner and mascara. It is pretty natural looking but you can tell when I have it and when I don’t only because my eyes show up better when I wear the stuff.

    One of my goals in going more natural is my daughter. She is 8 and GORGEOUS!!! (ask Blest… it is true) I want her to know that she needs NOTHING to make herself more beautiful. I tell her that we should delight in the way God made us to look and we don’t need the artificial coverup because that is what it does - covers up what God intended. That has been something God has really convicted me of over the years. So, we take care of our skin and don’t cover it up anymore. We have talked about me wearing a little on Sundays and, I hope, she understands that there is a difference between covering up and enhancing and nourishing your skin with moisturizers and such. KWIM? Now, if I could just get her to brush her hair instead of being “content” with tangles! LOL

    As for lipstick - I do HATE IT!!! I never got in the habit of wearing it because I am a flute player and you cannot wear lipstick when you play. So, I don’t miss it. I will occasionally wear my Bonnie Bell Dr. Pepper Lipsmackers just because it keeps my lips from getting chapped and I LOVE DR. PEPPER FLAVOR!!! Oh, and I let Emmy have chapstick in fun flavors and really light colors because she tends to get very chapped lips. Functional is the key for us here…

    Comment by Leann — October 19, 2006 @ 1:59 pm

OH MY (blest)

I knew you could do amazing things with make-up and computers…but wow.

Personally, I wear a little blush and some mascara. For church and special occasions I add a little natural-looking eyeshadow and some lip gloss. I haven’t worn foundation in YEARS.

You should have seen how shocked the reps were at a Mary Kay party. You had to wash your face before getting started and I looked exactly the same after the wash. It freaked them out!

« Announcing: I WANT IT Wednesdays Check In!! »

1. The Evolution of Beauty…

   …

   Trackback by Scribblings by Blair — October 18, 2006 @ 2:19 pm

2. Ok - mouth hanging open over here! I couldn’t let this stay here - I had to post about it too. Thanks for posting this.

   I don’t wear much in the way of make-up. I do wear foundation occassionally but not always. I like foundation that evens things out a bit but doesn’t make you look fake (been using a mineral powder lately…love it). As for other make-up, I dislike blush…yuck! Don’t wear it, haven’t in years. I do wear mascara and some earth tones eyeshaddow (browns to bring out the brown eyes). I Hate lipstick(is hate too strong of a word? I don’t know). I don’t wear it. I wear a chapstick type thing I get from Arbonne (love Arbonne btw). The closest I’ll come to lipstick is a tinted chapstick lol. My mouth is my least favorite facial feature so why on earth would I draw attention to it?

   I was an MK consultant at one time but that’s a story for another day lol. Ever tried Arbonne? Tee hee.

   Comment by Blair — October 18, 2006 @ 2:34 pm

3. Yeah see…I love tinted lipgloss. I can’t stand lipstick either. When I did my two pics a few weeks ago - the second one is my normal makeup. Like I said - just blush and mascara. I love my brown eyeshadow though. I just don’t wear it all the time. It works on green eyes too, dontcha know.

   Comment by blestwithsons — October 18, 2006 @ 3:12 pm

4. Okay all, how do I take this to my blog???

   Comment by Tami — October 18, 2006 @ 5:21 pm

5. That video was fascinating. Really. Not getting the whole self-esteem fund thing at all, but I get what they are trying to do. Great marketing strategy as well

   Since we are listing makeup: I wear foundation half the time, mascara all the time (my eyes are big and look bald otherwise), and lip gloss stuff sometimes. I do like lipstick for special occasions, but only “natural” colors. Oh and I wear a tetch of blush when I wear foundation. My makeup usually expires before it runs out.

   I have a friend who wears lipstick everyday. It kinda freaks me out. I always want to ask where she’s going.

   Now, if we start talking about hair enhancements….

   Comment by lady laura — October 18, 2006 @ 7:37 pm

6. I saw that video as well. Simply amazing! It’s no wonder we all have so many issues with the way we look. If I had some professional make-up and hair and then was photoshopped on top of that, I could look like a model too. I think I’ll stick with the real me with all my flaws. It’s what God and my husband sees every day anyway.

   Comment by Anita — October 19, 2006 @ 5:37 am

7. As for make up…I only wear some foundation if I have some ickies on my face which fortunately rarely happens when I’m not pregnant. I occasionally put on mascara just because and sometimes where only eye shadow and mascara. I detest lipstick…dries out the lips…I prefer a colored gloss if I’m feeling like color on the lips. My husband really doesn’t care if I wear make up or not. I’ve gone down that road many times and I always get the same answer…”You’re beautiful just the way you are”…such a sweet man huh?

   Comment by Tami — October 19, 2006 @ 5:41 am

8. I personally love make-up. I wear blush, lipstick, eyeliner, eyeshadow, mascara, and sometimes I will wear foundation and this highlighting cream that I have. Note to Blest - a plum eyeliner really makes green eyes stand out. I should put the disclaimer here that my hubby does work for L’oreal (and they own Lancome, Biotherm, Kiehls, Maybelline, Matrix, Redken, Biolage, Ralph Lauren, Armani, etc.) so I have my pick from lots of great free products. Maybe I will offer one of the weigh in prizes!! I am going up to the employee store in the next few weeks so I will see what I can do. Any suggestions??

   Comment by Mandi — October 19, 2006 @ 8:50 am

9. There’s a great Christian perspective on this, featuring this video and some responses to it. Check out
   http://girltalk.blogs.com/girltalk/2006/10/distorted_beaut.html

   Comment by Debs — October 19, 2006 @ 9:29 am

10. Over the years I have come to wear less and less makeup. It seems as you age the makeup actually makes you look older because, I find, that it accentuates the wrinkles. You know, those lines that stay in the makeup when you smile or frown? I certainly was one of those blue eyeshadow, over made up gals of the 80’s for awhile. My mother was APPALLED when she found that I don’t wear makeup most of the time anymore. With the Culinary Arts program we are not even allowed to wear makeup in the kitchen unless we are serving and then, only if you want to. I go to class with a naked face every night. LOL I do wear a smidge on Sundays. I tend to have a ruddy reddish complexion so I put a little foundation on. I have used the same kind of foundation since I was fifteen years old - Covergirl with no perfumes and no allergens - because I do have really sensitive skin. I wash my face with Ivory soap for the same reason. I also use a fragrance free moisturizer EVERY DAY with a sunscreen component. The MK and other products that I have briefly tried all make my face an allergic mess.

    On Sundays I will wear, like I said, a little foundation, some blush powder strategically placed for a little sun kissed color and then some eye liner and mascara. It is pretty natural looking but you can tell when I have it and when I don’t only because my eyes show up better when I wear the stuff.

    One of my goals in going more natural is my daughter. She is 8 and GORGEOUS!!! (ask Blest… it is true) I want her to know that she needs NOTHING to make herself more beautiful. I tell her that we should delight in the way God made us to look and we don’t need the artificial coverup because that is what it does - covers up what God intended. That has been something God has really convicted me of over the years. So, we take care of our skin and don’t cover it up anymore. We have talked about me wearing a little on Sundays and, I hope, she understands that there is a difference between covering up and enhancing and nourishing your skin with moisturizers and such. KWIM? Now, if I could just get her to brush her hair instead of being “content” with tangles! LOL

    As for lipstick - I do HATE IT!!! I never got in the habit of wearing it because I am a flute player and you cannot wear lipstick when you play. So, I don’t miss it. I will occasionally wear my Bonnie Bell Dr. Pepper Lipsmackers just because it keeps my lips from getting chapped and I LOVE DR. PEPPER FLAVOR!!! Oh, and I let Emmy have chapstick in fun flavors and really light colors because she tends to get very chapped lips. Functional is the key for us here…

    Comment by Leann — October 19, 2006 @ 1:59 pm

I WANT IT Wednesdays (blest)

A new feature here at OWOA! (Cause we ADD people aren’t happy unless we’re doing something new)

I WANT IT Wednesday is our time to daydream…. to think ahead and visualize life as a fit person. As a woman thinks in her heart….so she will be, to paraphrase. So let’s think a little about life without the weight of those extra pounds and all the baggage that goes with them.

And since it’s my idea…I’ll get things started.

I WANT to buy a bike next spring. A real bike. I want it to be a bright, fun color and it has to have foot brakes. (I can’t do hand brakes) I want to get bikes for all my boys and teach them all to ride. (a hard skill for my special needs boys, I think) And then I want to find some fun parks with bike trails (I think I know some already) and go riding! I can barely remember flying down hills, no hands, with the wind glorious in my face. I haven’t ridden a real bike in - oh - twenty years! And I WANT IT!

You’re next! What do you want?

Do your own post. If you aren’t a member yet, post in the comments or on your own site.

« Check In!! Oh. My. »

1. Sounds interesting… I’ll get my thinking cap on for next week (just too tired to come up with anything today.) I’m hoping that once I’ve settled into my job I’ll be less tired, but I’d happily accept any prayers people want to say!

   Comment by Debs — October 18, 2006 @ 10:53 am

2. I’m thinkin’ on it. All I’ve thought of so far are PG-13 ideas at best

   Comment by lady laura — October 18, 2006 @ 12:35 pm

3. Hmmm - I’ll have to think about this one. Great “I want” for you though - I was going to say “me too, me too” but I have no idea when we’ll be settled and have room for bikes lol.

   Debs - hope you get some much needed rest and find some energy! Praying for ya!

   Laura - PG-13? “R” is what came to my mind…maybe even NC-17 or shall we say “HWB” (husband/wife business). I’ll try to come up with a G rated one though.

   Comment by Blair — October 18, 2006 @ 2:40 pm

4. I think I just want to get my eyebrows plucked.

   Comment by Anita — October 19, 2006 @ 5:40 am

5. ROFL Anita!! That’s awesome!!

   Comment by Blair — October 19, 2006 @ 8:41 am

French women don't get fat (LLaura)

(Cross-posted at my blog.)
I picked up the book French Women Don’t Get Fat by Mireille Guiliano at the library last week. I had heard so much about this book, I thought I probably knew most of the ideas it contained. I was partly right: French women eat more slowly, savoring every bite; they walk more often; they balance out their indulgences with the next couple of day’s eating in mind; they eat smaller portions of many things instead of large portions of a couple of things.

What I hadn’t already heard from the book but which struck me for various reasons was the overall philosophy of life and finding joy in the little things. According to the author, French women don’t control portion size just for the purpose of staying slim. They do so because when you take appropriate (real) pleasure in a small bit of fine chocolate, for example, you don’t want more. To eat to excess is to ruin the true experience of eating with pleasure. I imagine anyone can think of times when they have eaten too much of a good thing (Thanksgiving perhaps?) and made themselves miserable.

Another interesting thing I found in the book was how the French think of exercise. To work out for the sake of working out is rarely done. For example, in walking for exercise, it is not exercise that is on the mind so much as going out to for a stroll. When you are “working out” you focus on raising your heartrate, breaking a sweat, and/or getting done so you can get home to watch that tv show you love. It is something that many of us dread and avoid as much as possible. To take a stroll is to take pleasure in the scenery or people around you as you walk, smelling the smells, exploring new areas, breathing fresh air. It is something to look forward to. That one is burning calories through exercise is somewhat incidental. It also helps that the French don’t watch much television and don’t have the channels and programs to choose from that we are “blessed” with here in America.

For the French, meals are an important ritual. Care is taken with presentation both at home and in restaurants. Atmosphere is a focus; mindfulness is key. To eat in front of the television or while reading? Non! Each sense is employed to the act of eating, so less goes farther towards satiating the hunger, all of which is not physical. If on Thursday you are already thinking about what you will be preparing for Saturday’s breakfast (and beginning to prepare it if necessary), and you are looking forward to it, are not you less likely to gobble it down on your way out the door, barely tasting it? I know in my own experience that when I take care in planning a menu for guests and give my best to preparing even simple fare, part of me is already satisfied in those preparations and I am content with much less. The same is also true when preparing food for Nick. It is not the same experience for me when I open a bag of ready-made salad as it is when I tear, chop, and slice the food myself.

Another concept that is of interest to me is quality over quantity. As in, better to have one very nice tomato than a pound of tasteless tomatoes. Or one divine square of dark chocolate than a whole bar of (nasty) Hershey’s. This is so contrary to how I often think, especially when it comes to restaurants. Take my recent dinner out at the Chinese buffet. Some part of me wanted to eat as much as I could to make it worth the money. And how often do we base an opinion on how good a restaurant is by how much food they give us? Am I as happy with a small dish of great pasta as I am with a bowl overflowing with mediocre pasta? Often, not. It is contrary to my frugal get-the-most-for-my-money philosophy, but applying some part of this thinking to my food intake and preparations could be powerful. (Or even to the clothes closet. Am I really getting the most for my money if I buy three so-so jackets versus one well-made, timeless one?)

And finally, there is the question of what are we saving “steps” and taking shortcuts for? Are we running the dryer instead of hanging the clothes on the line to save energy and time for something truly worthwhile or so we can have more time to sit on our bums at the computer? Are we outsourcing our ironing so we can have more time to garden, or to sit in front of the tele? There is a cost to be paid for avoiding moving our bodies as much as we can. We are fat, unhealthy, stressed out people. Is it really worth it? Something for me to think about. (I don’t pay someone else to iron, btw. Not on your life.)

Some of the mindless things that so many of us avoid, things like kneading our own bread or scrubbing the floor by hand, offer an opportunity to not only move our bodies but to think our thoughts. How many stresses can be worked out, how many conversations with God can be had in those daily chores and acts of living? We seem to avoid the natural physical work of living only to then to have to carve out time for “working out”, which is mostly artificial. We have a vacuum cleaner on each floor of the house so as to avoid going up and down the stairs, then we join a gym and pay money to use a stairmaster. We drive to our friend’s house that is two miles away or take the elevator up to the fourth floor in the office building but then get on a treadmill to work out. It really is silly, it seems to me.

So, those are the thoughts I have had while and since reading French Women Don’t Get Fat. If you’ve read it, I would love to hear yours.

« Blessings All Mine Check In!! »

1. Actually, I put my clothes in the dryer because if I had to rely on the weather to make them dry here, they would NEVER get dry!

   Seriously, I love all those points. And my husband and I are trying to encorporate more of them into our daily lives. But it is hard when we live in a culture that is so opposite! That’s why we need friends who want to walk in this way with us. And you guys are part of our support system to do just that.

   I wholeheartedly agree with the one small bit of exquisite chocolate over a huge bar of bad chocolate. It’s really true! Now, if I could encorporate that thinking into more areas of my life… one step at a time.

   Comment by Anita — October 17, 2006 @ 10:06 pm

2. I had a friend who was trying to lose weight. She went to France on vacation to visit her husband’s family. She said she totally expected to gain weight while she was gone because the food was sooooo good and they ate all day long. What she found though was that she actually lost ten pounds in the time she was there (which if I recall was about 2 weeks).

   I agree that our lifestyles need to change overall. Now, in no way do I desire to do everything manually lol. Changes need to be made though. Recently I’ve been trying to go for quality over quantity and it does turn a piece of fruit into a delicacy! Eventually I’d hope to have a yard again and I’d like to have a garden…not sure when that will be.

   When I wore a pedometer every day I would find excuses to walk - maybe I need to get another one (got in the pool with it on by accident and ruined it). You know, we decided one day to walk to the park instead of drive to it (hubby’s idea). It ended up being about twice as far as we thought it was and we were exhausted by the time we got there lol - we should do that more often though….but go prepared next time….like with water!

   Comment by Blair — October 18, 2006 @ 10:13 am

3. Speaking of fruit, Blair. Something else the author said (I think, either her or someone else I read) was that Americans don’t eat as much fruit, in her opinion, because they have a heightened sense of sweet. Cakes, juices, donuts, etc. raise the bar on sweetness. If we were less white-sugar dependent, a poached pear or a fresh peach would be like heaven to us. Even our chocolate is overly sweet.

   I also read somewhere (maybe Lanie’s Letters for those who know about her) that she did her “workout” by manual cleaning and racing herself. So, like she would scrub the kitchen floor by hand with some jazzy music on and see how fast she could go. By the time she was done, she was sweaty and breathing hard, her floor was super-clean, and she could get on with her day. Free workout =) Interesting, n’est pas?

   Comment by lady laura — October 18, 2006 @ 10:29 am

4. Now see… I had no idea apples could taste so great until I started this. I look forward to my daily apple - and even a granny smith tastes sweet now.

   And for my chocolate treat - before I found my Tiger bars on the other side of town I bought a bag of Dove dark chocolate squares… WAY TOO SWEET. I ate one and was like “Blurgh!”. So I hunted down my Tiger!!

   And I get to have some today. Cue happy dance!

   Comment by blestwithsons — October 18, 2006 @ 11:50 am

5. Ahhhh see, yet another benefit to the old “clean something, you’ll feel better. Told ya.

   Comment by Blest's Mom — October 18, 2006 @ 12:23 pm

6. Oh I can totally see that Laura with the sugar and such! As for manual labor, I could do more for sure.

   Oh hello Blest’s mom “clean something, you’ll feel better”, does this work on kids? tee hee.

   Comment by Blair — October 18, 2006 @ 2:26 pm

7. Yes Blair, it makes the kids feel better ……..and burns mucho calories especially if you have to run them down to get them in the tub. Like your writing.

   Comment by Blest's Mom — October 18, 2006 @ 6:17 pm

8. I often wish that I lived in a city like Paris or London where I wouldn’t have to get into my car except to leave the city. I’d so much rather walk to the subway and go shopping that way. But… I live in Suburban America. I guess the least I can do is park way out at the end of the parking lot. Still wish I could get rid of that car somehow. Sigh.

   Comment by Anita — October 19, 2006 @ 5:46 am

Scarce (Leann)

I am going to be gone the rest of the week around here and online in general. My Mom is flying in this afternoon and will be here for the week and weekend. If you think about me please pray for my Midterm test on Thursday and that this head cold will completely go away. I am still struggling with gunk in my head. I did get up and walk today but I just don’t feel like running again yet.

I will miss you while I am gone and be thinking about you guys and praying as the Lord brings you to mind.

Blessings!!!

« Wobbly Legs Blessings All Mine »

1. Have a good time with your mom, Leann. Praying you feel better soon.

   Comment by lady laura — October 17, 2006 @ 10:25 am

2. We’ll miss ya Have fun!! Yes, praying here that you are better very soon and that you rock your midterm!!

   Comment by Blair — October 17, 2006 @ 11:49 am

3. Praying that you get better and the test goes well. Come back soon

   Comment by Debs — October 17, 2006 @ 1:33 pm

wobbly legs (blair)

You guys know that I was really bummed about my weigh in yesterday. Food-wise I totally didn’t deserve it but that’s how it goes sometimes. Well, during the pep-talk my husband was giving me we discussed how my eating more (which is totally necessary) had caused me to not drink nearly enough water (probably why the stones flared up also). Then we discussed exercise and how difficult it’s been for me to get in something strenuous enough on a consistant basis….oh and my 2 year old recently broke our VCR WITH my favorite pilates tape in it. We rarely use the VCR for anything except my old workout tapes. Anyway, I have a very small window of opportunity each day to workout and if I miss it, I miss it that day. I explained this frustration to my husband who suggested that maybe I needed to run the stairs while the kids napped. ACK!!

I have NEVER been a fan of the stair-machine at gyms. Well, I didn’t argue or anything I just nodded and said I’d try it. So yesterday (despite the fact that my kids really didn’t nap at all but kept getting up and playing), I grabbed my ipod and did the stairs. I didn’t run up and down them because I knew I wouldn’t make it past a minute if I did. Also, it was raining and the steps were a bit slick. I only made it five minutes before my legs felt they would collapse.

When my husband got home I told him I could only do five minutes and how frustrating that was because I need to work out longer than that. He then suggested that I go for a walk after dinner so with my 8 yo son in tow (the others were stalling with their dinner) I set out for a walk. My son and I did 36 minutes with some jogging thrown in for good measure. My legs are killing me today! They are so wobbly I look ridiculous when I walk lol. It did feel good to push myself though - I just need to do this on a more consistant basis.

« Check In! Scarce… »

1. YOU GO GIRL!!!!! I am so proud of you. Hurray for wobbly legs and feeling great about your workout. (((((BLAIR)))))

   Comment by Leann — October 17, 2006 @ 7:38 am

2. way to go, blair!! you can do it. those wobbly legs will be much stronger next time!

   Comment by anne — October 17, 2006 @ 7:49 am

3. You wanna come be my workout partner? Way to go!!! I too have been having a hard time working out. I have a small window of oppurtunity at 5am. I used to go for walks after the kids woke up bit it’s too cool now to take them. They are up by 6am and don’t take naps together.
   I know you can keep at it!

   Comment by Tami — October 17, 2006 @ 10:15 am

4. Going up and down stairs when you can’t get out to do anything else sounds a great plan. I’ll have to try that - maybe tomorrow when the boy I child-mind takes a nap

   Comment by Debs — October 17, 2006 @ 1:34 pm

5. Way to go! Even when things are tough, you are hanging in there. And hurray for wobbly legs. It shows that you really did work hard. The results WILL start to show up with that kind of determination.

   Comment by Anita — October 17, 2006 @ 4:22 pm

Changing my thinking (Anita)

On Sunday we went to church with some friends and the sermon was so good. Amazingly, the topic was right in there with what I’ve been studying in my Galations and Hebrews study.

We started with the verses in Romans 11:36 - 12:1 which says,

“For from him [God] and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship.“

I know we’ve all read these verses before, but for some reason they are becoming more real to me lately. A couple of points the pastor mentioned really stuck out for me.

1) The [worldly] thing that you think will set you free, will actually become obsessive and controlling. The obvious examples are drugs, drinking, etc. But, his example was of a woman he knew who began running to lose weight. Over time the running became an obssession and it hurt her physically. She began having a lot of joint problems. So, even if something starts out as good, without the Holy Spirit in control, this thing starts taking control.

And 2) The Holy Spirit must be allowed to change the way we think before we can change the way we behave. Psalm 119:11 says that “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” He was really talking about how so many of us Christians look just like our unbelieving friends and neighbors on the outside. We work, we accumulate stuff, we go to movies, whatever. No one can really tell the difference by our behavior, other than we go to church on Sunday. What we really need is to submit our whole body - mind & physical body - to the Holy Spirit and only then will our behaviors change.

God has been working on this in me over the last couple of years, at least! But yesterday, it struck me that what I eat has also controlled me in the past. And I can see that even as we all try to eat more healthy, it can still control us, even though we are looking better on the outside. I was encouraged and inspired to really submit my whole life to Christ. And I was encouraged that the behavior change WILL come, but not because I’m trying to be so disciplined, but because the Holy Spirit will change my behavior as I let him change the way I think from the inside out… even my eating behaviors.

« Check In! »

1. You are absolutely right Anita!!! Often times we move from being in bondage to eating too much and being out of control with our food to being in bondage to a “plan” or exercise regime. I desperately want freedom in this area of my life and I know God is working on me to get there…it’s just not going to happen overnight.

   I’ve said before that I believe anyone can lose weight but not everyone finds satisfaction in it (been there, done that). That comes through the Lord. Excellent post and thank you for sharing it!

   Comment by Blair — October 17, 2006 @ 6:41 am

2. Excellent thoughts, Anita.

   Comment by lady laura — October 17, 2006 @ 10:30 am

(tami)

Hello all! I am so happy to be back and have life returning to normal. For the last 9 days Jeff’s mother has been here. It was a pleasant visit however she is completely not supportive of the changes Jeff and I are trying to make in our lives in reguards to or weight loss journey. I have never met someone who wanted to eat out so much!! She also eats sugar all day long! Really guys she has to have some form of sugar or white flours CONSTANTLY!! I have gained 3 pounds over the last 2 weeks. I feel horrible but I’m not beating myself up over this. I really have learned a lot about myself through these past couple of weeks.

We ate out so much that I’m just sick of it. I had a lot of carbs and have seen an incredible difference. I feel so sluggish and feel as thought I need so much more sleep. I can’t believe it! This has completely reaffirmed why I want to loose weight and change. I can’t stand the weigh (ha ha) that I feel.

Well, anyhoots. Back on track now. It will be easier since it is just my husband and I and we both support each other and now that we are not constantly on the go. You know, I even suggested packing lunches on the days that we were going to be out all day. I was scoffed at. Anyways. It feels so good to be back with like minded people.dans porn moviesmovie windows maker downloaddead movie drop sexydvd software player moviemovies valley tit big echomovies sex eurofat movies sexporn female moviesfantasy movies hentai finaladult free sites movie

« Don’t Delay! Changing My Thinking »

1. Oh, I know how you feel. My mother is very similar. She loves junk food and we really try to keep it out of our house. I always gain weight while she’s visiting.

   Comment by Anita — October 16, 2006 @ 7:19 am

2. Oh boy have I been there! Glad to have you back and on track as well! You’ll knock those three lbs but isn’t it a great reminder of why we’re doing what we’re doing?

   Comment by Blair — October 17, 2006 @ 6:17 am

Don't Delay

It’s time to Weigh!!

We have a rockin’ prize today! The cd Restored by Jeremy Camp. So make sure you weigh in before midnight tonight to be in the drawing. This drawing is open to all commenters.

« Thoughts on Eating »

1. Still 193, I think. My scales are hard to read. Maybe I need new ones.

   Comment by Leigh Ann — October 16, 2006 @ 6:53 am

2. I’m down 0.8! Which leaves me at:

   144.4/143.2/125 (short term / christmas goal: 139)

   Leigh Ann, the Tanita scales are fantastic… I got mine at Bed Bath & Beyond and used one of their 20% off coupons.

   Comment by anne — October 16, 2006 @ 6:56 am

3. 211 up 3 pounds over the last 2 weeks…yuck!!

   Comment by Tami — October 16, 2006 @ 7:02 am

4. Exercised 5 days this last week. I have been sick through the weekend, though and have not done anything but rest a bunch. I am down this week, though. Last week’s was 157.6 and today’s is…
   156.2 was the morning weight

   163/156.2/135

   Comment by Leann — October 16, 2006 @ 7:03 am

5. Not too much exercising going on. But still trying to fit it in. The next couple of weeks are going to be busy. When I stepped on the scale this morning it was a smidge under 140. But since it’s not digital I think I’ll just say “no change” and only count whole pounds. So…

   147/140/129 - No change this week.

   Comment by Anita — October 16, 2006 @ 7:22 am

6. ((sigh)) I decided to wait until this morning to weigh in with you gals. It’s not good news. I’m up 1.8 from last Friday. I want to scream “it’s not fair”. I know, based on my eating, that I do not deserve to be up - I know this but seeing that I’m up….again….really is upsetting.

   Ok, well before I clicked to post my hubby came in here to have a pep-talk with me. I cried and I feel better lol. This is a new week, I can’t do anything about the past - time to move on.

   Oh and it’s good to be “back”. I had a lot going on last week and ended up passing three kidney stones even - whooppeee I agree with Anne, I have a Tanita and while I don’t love it this morning, it is very accurate and easy to read.

   Comment by Blair — October 16, 2006 @ 7:26 am

7. Well, I’m down to 212.7 I think I weighed in at 215 the last time. So that makes it 2.3 lbs down.

   Now that the children and I are living at my parents house we are eating according to plan,and even going for walks every night (most of it uphill). However, my shoulder is KILLING me.

   Pray for me, as I see legal aid today about my divorce.

   Comment by Kimberly — October 16, 2006 @ 7:32 am

8. No change for me this week. Still at 148.5.

   Comment by lady laura — October 16, 2006 @ 8:16 am

9. Down 2.2

   212.8/187/135

   Comment by blestwithsons — October 16, 2006 @ 8:53 am

10. Oh (((KIMBERLY))) I am so sorry. I will pray for you and the kids ((HUGS))

    Comment by Blair — October 16, 2006 @ 8:59 am

11. Praying Kimberly!!! (((HUG)))

    Blair, you have been on my mind a great deal this past week. I am so glad you are better and you will get it back on track this week. I am praying for you… I am so glad hubby was there to comfort and encourage. Mine is that way, too.

    YES, THE TANITA SCALE IS DABOMB!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Comment by Leann — October 16, 2006 @ 10:08 am

12. Thank you Leann ((HUGS)) Hope you are feeling better soon yourself.

    Comment by Blair — October 16, 2006 @ 10:29 am

13. Hello everyone. I’ve had my first day at my new job and it was really great. Well I’m down 6lb this week, so I’m now at 287.8. I know that some of that must have been water cos my period started last tuesday. So looking at it for the last weeks it’s a total of 6.2 which is really exciting. My aims for this coming week are to settle in a routine with my new job, and work out where the exercise fits!

    Comment by Debs — October 16, 2006 @ 10:35 am

14. Yah Debs!!!!! I am jumping up and down over here for you!!!!!!!

    Comment by Tami — October 16, 2006 @ 11:06 am

15. No change this week, but I didn’t really start feeling better until Friday night. Now I think the cold is gone and I can finally get back into exercising.

    Comment by Jana — October 16, 2006 @ 1:08 pm

16. I am down four — but 3 of that are the 3 I gained last week — so I have a net loss of only 1 — down to 165

    Comment by Maria — October 16, 2006 @ 3:00 pm

17. 210 / 181.2 / 140 — I am down .6 this week.

    Comment by Mandi — October 16, 2006 @ 3:46 pm

18. Up .2.

    Comment by Carrie — October 16, 2006 @ 6:13 pm

19. HI!!!! I almost forgot to weigh in today. It’s been so busy, with my family in town for my daughter’s baptism yesterday. It was so great. And then today is so rainy…

    Anyway, I remembered in time and was shocked to see that I’d lost a pound. I’m happy about it though. I’m at 249, and heading back down, here I go.

    Comment by Tracy — October 16, 2006 @ 6:31 pm

20. How did I miss that our goals are the same Leann?? You are just closer to it than I am ……

    Comment by Maria — October 16, 2006 @ 7:14 pm

21. *heeheehee* You might just be gettin’ there sooner if I cannot get it together and get past that 155 mark. That seems to be my plateau spot right now.

    Comment by Leann — October 16, 2006 @ 7:28 pm

22. .6

    NO COMMENT.

    Good job ladies!

    Comment by Kat — October 16, 2006 @ 9:19 pm