It's been too long Part 2

I figured that I would make tonight a 2 parter since I had so many pictures in the other one.

I had been doing rather poorly in terms of my diet there for awhile and frankly the exercise sucked too. I got back on it after a slight fall down the mountain and now I'm doing better than ever before.

I'm viewing this journey as a hike up Mt. Everest.  I started at the bottom of the mountain and am working my way to the top.  The top will be my permanent home. I don't plan on coming down the mountain.

Emotionally this has been a rough few weeks as well.  Work stress and personal life stress have taken it's toll on me.  Luckily I have many wonderful people in my life that support me and love me for me. Everyone else can suck it!  You either support me or don't.  Don't fake it!

Last week I spent some time with my mom.  She lost her husband only 1 short year ago and because of him, we have both made some life changes that for the best.

The roller coaster isn't quite as crazy as it has been but I still think it could slow down and let me breathe a little.

Thought of the day/week/month:


Libby the Ladybug says, "Dot your life with love and friends... and be grateful for all you have."

It's been too long!

Hello loyal followers!

I have been on a roller coaster lately both emotionally and physically.

On October 6th I made a trip to Lawrence KS (Rock Chalk!)!  I did my 3rd 5k!

I must say that I have renewed my own knowledge that I CAN in fact change my life.

I ran a total of 1.5 miles of the Color Run 5K.  It was not in one go but it was enough for me to know that I am getting healthier and stronger each and every day.

Before the Color Run... It was COLD!

Crossing the finish line!  Yes I'm running!

Color Cloud!  Those are so much fun!

I'm completely covered in color!
Including my teeth.

Lolly pop?!  No, the Color Run!

It was white and clean... now not so much! 

My support system for the day!
Erika is a wicked awesome cupcake!
Check out her blog!  Cupcake Hippie :)

Erika had never been to Lawrence before
o of course we had to visit campus.

I just love this guy!

He needed a kiss!
I met one of my best friends at KU so
I have a lot to be thankful
for from this awesome bird!

Rock Chalk

My job

Some days I complain about the students.  Some days I complain about the work load.  Some days I complain about the politics of education.

But...

On days like today, it just seemed off and nothing seemed to work out the way I wanted, one thing is for sure; my students can make me smile.

Sweet moment number one... I was helping one of the first grade teachers test today.  She has lost her voice!   The students never did find it though.  Anyway, a special friend brought me a poster signed by all the students with a piece of candy from each student!  I nearly cried right there!  Thank you Heather E.!!!!

Sweet moment number two... Same little friend is telling me all about Spiderman (no surprise if you've heard my stories) and starts drawing Spiderman for his writing he'll do Thursday.  At the top of his paper I see this...

He told me it is a "radybug cause you like dem!"  Then he gave me a hug!  Tears started to form!









Sweet moment number three... I got a new little friend on my roster last week. She's just cute as a bug!  Since she has very little English, I have started working with her.  She has attached herself to me now!  I told her that I would take her to the bus.  I was holding her hand and a parent stopped me in the hall.  The girl was pulling on my hand and I shook her hand and gave it a little squeeze.  She squeezed back and smiled her big toothless smile.  She was just playing a game with me.  Too cute!

It's those kinds of things that make not so good days even better!

Logo

Here she is!  Isn't it beautiful!

My wonderful friend Pam Kurzen did this!  You can find her here http://www.pamkurzen.com/

Love ya lady!  You are awesome!

Realities

Okay, so let me tell you something.

The reality of my body is pretty nasty!

I'm ashamed of it really.  There are folds where there used to be fat, there are wrinkles of skin where there used to be fat, I have a heat rash or something on my thighs, between my thighs and stomach and near my lady parts.

See... not pretty!

On the other hand, I know there are some realities that will just always be and I'm okay with that.

#1 My thighs will forever touch when I walk and stand.
#2 I will never be able to see my feet without bending over.  The girls are preventing that from happening once the tummy flattens.
#3 At some point in my journey, I will have to have surgery to remove this sagging gross skin.
#4 I will never be 100% happy with my body but I figure if I can get to 80% then I'm doing pretty damn good.

Forgive me for saying this...

Always remember that your life is yours and not someone else's.  Live it the way you want to live and how you know you should live rather than how others THINK you should live.