The Thankful Challenge Day 1

So, I woke up this morning to this challenge from a very good friend of mine, you know who you are!

So, I thought why not share this on my blog. So here are my three things I am thankful for.

1. My kids

They may drive me a bit crazy but there are times when I appreciate the craziness. They are uniquely their own people and I wouldn't want them any other way.

2. My Mom

There have been huge changes in my life lately that I wouldn't have made it through without her. I love you Mom.

3. Having an in house washer and dryer.

Its the little thing, but my last place didn't have hook ups for a washer and dryer. I have 4 kids!! They dirty a lot of clothing, towels, etc! I swear I want to kiss the washer and dryer all the time. Even when its on the fritz I am still thankful for it.

So, In keeping with my exercise journey. I tried to get up this morning for my early, early morning walk. I will be honest, I failed miserably. I couldn't get up, too tired. So, I got up an hour later, got the kids up, got them to school, determined to exercise when I got home using the Biggest Loser Boot Camp DVD. I have used it for years, cause its a great work out you can do right in your own home. It's not just a basic work out dvd either, (I sound like an infomercial) it is a complete workout plan. You do the warm up, first set and cool down for the first week then add work outs as you go. LOVE IT.

Click above to buy it from amazon, you won't be sorry. 

See, sweaty, red and happy!!

I logged into Endomondo just to have a record of it. See...

Here goes Nothing!!

So I haven't been blogging for a while now. Over a year to be more precise. Sooooo much has happened. Some of which I won't go into great detail about but some I will because I have things to be proud of. For starters, I have lost 70 pounds and kept it off for over a year. I still have some to lose but I will be using my blog to keep myself more accountable and get over this plateau. Below is a picture of the tremendous change I have gone through, a before and after picture if you will.

Still want to loose another 20 or 30 pounds but I have kind of been stuck. I am going to hit the diet and exercise thing again to keep going and post what and when I exercise. Thankfully Endomondo has a way to embed data directly on my blog. Thank you Endomondo. If you don't have the app, get it. I love it. It tracks everything. Wish I had the paid version. For those Family and Friends that are reading this, I want the full version of the app for Christmas! Although, I am hopeful that I will just be maintaining again by then. Wishful thinking, I know.  This is what the widget looks like. 

 I have also been doing a lot of collage art lately. Which is very cathartic for me. I made these recently. 

I have decided to get back into crafting as a second job. Right now, everything is helpful. I will be starting my etsy shop back up as well. 

I am also starting a new job at Jersey Village High School! Go Falcons! I worked there years ago when I was pregnant with my second child and had to give it up due to doctor prescribed bed rest. 

I look forward to starting the new job, getting healthy and making beautiful art and crafts I can be proud of. 

It's Time!

OK, its time to put this out there. I am overweight and unhappy about it. 

Not that I should complain or be unhappy. I mean I am finally at a place in my life where we are (Dare I say it) stable financially, and by that I mean the bills are paid, foods on the table, and a roof is over our head and we have money left over. Not much, but we are finally at a really good point. The kids are happy and healthy. 

I love this picture!

However, I have not been taking care of myself and have been self-medicating with food for far too long. I wish I could say its baby weight, but Nevin is about to be two so that theory gets thrown out the window. Recently I have started being more aware of what I put in my mouth and we bought a scale this weekend. (I scream in horror!) 

So when I got on it I almost cried. No wait, I did cry. I don't know if I am comfortable putting the number on the screen, because then its like alcoholics anonymous. "Hi, My name is Leslie, and I am a fat ass!" Yes, I said that. Anyway, So I think I need to put it out into the universe (blog universe, but still a universe) that I am going to start chronicling my weight loss journey including what I ate each day. So far, for breakfast, I had a yogurt parfait and a diet coke. Oh, and a 5 hour energy drink, but I am not sure that has calories, guess I should check. So, I will let you know how the day goes. Oh, and I have started exercising too! If you have never tried them, The Leslie Sansone walking DVDs Rock!!Your walking but its great exercise, you even run a little! Its especially great on days you can't go outside for a walk (Its been raining here in College Station for like two weeks!). So to rap up: Eating Better! and Exercise!  That is All!