A few marathon pictures....

What an incredible experience and opportunity!!!

I Did It!

I went to Atlanta this past weekend and completed my first (but probably not last) half-marathon. It was incredibly hard but so wonderful to complete it! My body hurt the next day but it felt so good to push myself farther than I ever thought I could go. It is a beautiful city and it was a great day. Here's a picture of all of us before we began the race. As soon as I get a picture at the finish I will post that as well. Not sure what my next goal will be....gotta think about that for a while!

It's Been a While!!!

It's March already...my how time flies. Just got back from the high school track and ran/walked eight miles today. First time ever....feel tired but pleased. I SOOOO admire runners! I just am not one of them. I am still training for my half-marathon. It's three weeks from today. I hope to be able to run/walk it with my nephew (he says he's not running tho!) while my niece runs the whole thing. Regardless, going to Atlanta to be with them for a few days will be great. Haven't uploaded any recent pictures so here's one. Still plugging away at the weight loss. Took a little "vacation" recently and gained a few back. REALLY DUMB and I don't advise it since getting back on track is really hard to do.

Chloe looks really pretty in her new coat!!! Here's the girls from high school. Lisa's daughter got a drum set to go with her Wii. Let's just say that I am NOT a drummer....just couldn't get the hang of it at all! And here's a cute one of Benjamin..... so many great memories from 2008.



It has been a remarkable year for me personally and one that I will never forget. I have been given such incredible opportunities, met some wonderful new friends, and learned a great deal about myself and how determined and how strong I am.......for a 50+ year old woman, that's a pretty cool thing to learn. Can't wait to see what's in store for me in 2009!!!

December....a busy month

Lots going on this month...good friend visited for a few days....Christmas with family kept things lively....got together with all of my high school buddies....a really great snowfall gave us an extra day of vacation......two weeks off was pretty much perfect.......next week back to the real world and work......bummer! I've posted a few of my favorite pictures above.

What a difference six months can make!!!

I just came across this picture that I had taken shortly after I started the FAST Diet. Sometimes when I get frustrated about the SLOW weight loss I need to look at how far I've come and appreciate it a little more.

I want you to know that for the first time in a VERY long time (probably most of my life) I did not "blown" it on Halloween (and I even went to the gym Halloween night so I wouldn't blow it!) Usually by the end of the school day on Halloween kids have brought so many treats to the office that I feel almost sick to my stomach and frustrated with myself because of my lack of self-control. This year the kids know that I am trying to get healthy and trying to lose weight so they honor my "Please Don't Feed The Principal" sign and stop by to see me without offering me anything.
They are remarkable! I was so proud of myself on Halloween. I had two
candy corn and while I would have loved more, I believe that I am finally
getting the idea that it's just not worth it. I have my eye on the final goal and know that I will get there someday soon. Here's an updated picture almost 110 pounds off so far and wearing a new pair of jeans a size smaller!!! Hooray!!!