The Trifecta Is No More

Hey friends!

Ok, so I know you're probably wondering what the heck is going on with my blog(s). And even if you're not wondering or weren't even aware that I had other blogs, Imma tell  you.

For some crazed reason, I thought it would be a good idea to write, maintain and regularly update 3 different blogs-1 for my personal life, 1 for my weight loss journey & 1 for my organization business. So after all of about 3 days of that, I figured out that wasn't the best idea. Talk about time consuming!

So I've combined all 3 into 1-the way I figure it, this title makes the most sense for me (in this season of life) and it will work best for if/when I officially start my organizing business.

For the "meat" of today's post, hear me out about my title.

A Place for Everything was born a loooooong time ago. I was in college & was seriously considering starting this small business then-I've been dreaming of organizing for a living for over 10 years. At the time, the phrase was one of my favorites when it came to cleaning and organizing. I mean, who hasn't heard it said "A place for everything and everything in it's place"? Though things didn't materialize then, I kept the name tucked away in my mind (& heart) for a later time.

Enter said time. I've really started to believe that this could become a reality for me. Sure, I may never operate a huge, full scale business but with a bit more time, I could probably drum up enough business to help pay for vacation or other little luxuries Z & I like to afford from time to time.

As life moves forward, I've also started to realize that this title is more than just a title. It's a theme. For me & my life, there is a place for everything. Not just tangible objects but emotions, job obligations, times of relaxation, etc. Most everything in my life has a place & it is important for me to operate as such-in the right time for each thing.

I hope that makes sense to you. It's hard to find words to explain it adequately but I hope you will take a step back from your life to realize too that there is a place for everything-good, bad & otherwise. God has a divine place for it all if we will just follow.

Thanks for continuing to follow. I am thankful for this sweet life I get to live!

Blessings!

It's the Freakin' Weekend Baby I'm About to Have Me Some Fun

Heyo!

How'd you like that old school R. Kelly reference in the title? Especially since I didn't even know there was remix until I was looking for that link on Youtube. Oops!

Just checking in to see what weekend plans everyone has. I'm excited about this weekend because this little guy comes to spend the night with Aunt B (yes, similar to this lady) tonight.

Most adorable 1 year old EVER!

Nope, no bias here.

So I'll be spending my evening stealing kisses, enjoying his belly laugh when Oscar comes around and taking a stroll through the neighborhood since he is never happier than when he's outside.

In the morning we'll make a stop by the farmer's market to buy beef from the amazing people at Big Oak Farm and then head on to the spray and play park at the local library. After some fun there we'll take him home so he can see his daddy who's been out in CA on a guy's baseball trip for the last week. And while we're in town, we'll make a stop at Trader Joe's & Whole Foods to pick up a few things I've been researching. (Side note: is anyone as upset as me that Whole foods is now planning to coexist with Monsanto???)

Sunday marks Mom & Dad's 40th wedding anniversary but unfortunately they'll be celebrating the day after-since my anniversary brunch got cancelled because of Dad's church duties. That evening after a covered dish dinner, I'm singing at their church service which will be followed by an ice cream social. Yeah, that church loves to eat-but what church doesn't???

Looking forward to a great weekend with some new memories! Anyone have any memories of their own planned?

Blessings,

My Journey - Part 2

Read My Journey - Part 1 here.
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The first couple years of our marriage weren't so kind to me either. People say you tend to let yourself go and boy, did I ever. Poor Z-he probably never expected me to get to 309 lbs. Neither did I. We have what I consider a "normal" marriage-its ebbs and flows are comforting to me especially since in almost 4 years we have yet to have a major, end all, be all argument. Unfortunately, a very stressful job working 50-60 hour weeks for over 3 years led to some VERY bad choices regarding food and exercise.

2011 - At a friend's wedding - I had all but given up hope on ever being a healthy weight

Sure we had our glimmers of hope-joining a gym, walking the trails together, using the gyms in our apartment complexes. But each faded with time as my workload continued to grow, Z left his job & started working at the school where I was employed, and my constant stress over finances continued even though we easily afforded all of our needs and many wants.

One of the last pictures ever taken of me weighing 300+ lbs.

Late in 2012, we had our defining moment. The one that changed our lives. Z had been struggling with staying at his job at our shared place of employment due to personality conflicts with our boss. I was struggling with keeping my sanity thanks to continued growth of our organization which lead to additional job responsibilities and even longer work hours. At the same time, in May of 2012 my 1st nephew was born but he lived in North Carolina where I am from & where my parents, brother, and sister-in-law all live. (Shout out to my Cali brother JP & his girl, Toni! Get back to NC ASAP!) My feelings were those of longing to be with my nephew to watch him grow as well as being closer to my parents who may not need any looking after, but who I realized weren't getting any younger. A baby really does change everything.

HOP & Me on his birth day 05.11.2012

1 day old

So after much talk & consideration with each other, my parents, the good Lord & a few close friends-we took the plunge. We both resigned from our jobs, with no prospects in sight, packed up our entire life and moved from east Texas to western North Carolina. Since the move in December, we've been living with my parents in their upstairs loft & everything we own (with the exception of our clothes and a few personal things) is in a 10'x20' storage building. Although we both had hesitation about living with my parents-mainly because we didn't want to ruin a good relationship-things are going, as (I think) they say in London, swimmingly.

Since our move I've often reflected back over the sequence of events and while it definitely hasn't been the easiest journey (we both went without paychecks from December to May), I have become stronger, less stressed, and 1,000,000 times healthier along this path. Since November when I was at my highest stress level and January when I was at my highest weight, I have lost 50 lbs. 

June 2013

(Obvi I really need to work on taking progress pics since I have exactly 0.)

And that's what I mean when I say that this move changed my life. Actually, I truly believe that it saved my life. Last year at this time, I felt so hopeless and defeated-like I was destined to be the token fat girl forever. I worked 60+ hours a week, was mentally exhausted at the end of every day and felt like I had no choice but to make unhealthy decisions all. the. time. I was on a path of such unhealthy eating and little movement that I'm almost certain would have led to heart problems, diabetes (since both of my parents have been diagnosed), complicated pregnancies (if I were even able to conceive), and an early death. Moving to NC with no immediate plans allowed me time to work on me; to quit worrying about everybody else and worry about myself for a change.

After I did my 1st 5K on 06.08.2013-about 40 lbs. gone

I don't say any of this to brag about my success or complain about my continued unemployment. More importantly, I am extremely thankful for the opportunity to clean myself up a bit. Since February when I just decided to start making better choices, I have seen a dramatic change in myself. My lifestyle is completely different than it was even just 6 months ago shortly after we moved. I have more energy, make much better decisions and actually look forward to being outdoors and enjoying a good sweat session. I also have increased confidence and a new passion for sharing information I learn with others who are walking this road with me.

My hope is that you'll join me as I continue my weight loss journey and work toward my goals of getting fit and being able to wear that bikini I've always dreamed of-maybe even to the family beach trip next year. Whether you're just starting your own journey, are already maintaining that loss or are just looking for tips & info, I want this to be a safe place for the freedom of sharing our struggles, celebrating our victories & nurturing healthy relationships with others who can identify with us as we each mark our own course in this crazy life!

Hi everyone & welcome to A Place For Everything!

I know what you're thinking: "Great, exactly what we need. Another blog about organizing." And then you roll your eyes.

Believe me, I know there are (and have read) SOOO many bloggers who are contributing to the world of organization & home decor. And while I love to read their posts and gain new insight, I know that my perspective is a bit different from those I've read. I'm all about purging, sorting, and organizing on a budget-either using a bare bones structure or the most extravagant pieces I can find. One thing is for certain though, I live by the rule that there should be "a place for everything"-if not, it shouldn't be in your space!

Have you ever felt like every closet you open looks like this?

Here in my corner of blogland I hope to share my tips, tricks, before & afters, processes, and more while creating a safe place for others to come ask questions, get help or share organizing successes. Through developing simple, efficient systems for organization, I believe everyone can carve out their own way of having things in place so there is more time to spend doing things they love. I look forward to sharing with you as we work together to find A Place For Everything!

Thanks for stopping by & please come again!

My Journey - Part 1

When I first started writing this, I had no idea that it would be such a long post. So to save you from having to read a novel in 1 day, I've broken my journey into 2 posts: pre-wedding & post-wedding. Check out Part 1 of my story here & be sure to come back tomorrow for the dramatic conclusion.
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My journey really began when I entered middle school & was noticeably larger than my classmates. Though I was sure to be tall, my weight was destined to be a 'thorn in my (extra-large) flesh' for most of my life. 

So I saw in a magazine how to make a skirt out of men's neckties. I conned my Grandmother into helping me make it & then I wore that thing like it was Versace. Now I look back on it and think: "Wow."














High school wasn't any kinder to me-rather, I wasn't any kinder to myself. I mean, really? Name one overweight female celebrity who looks better with boy-short hair. C'mon....still thinking??? Yeah, me too.

This is the token memento I have to remember some of the most awkward years of my life.







College years were just an excuse to keep packin' on the pounds. So I did. Late night meals, very few fruits & veggies, and the lacto-ovo vegetarian diet I started in high school meant that I turned to the world's most beloved side dish to fill that empty entree void: potatoes. Any way you could cook them, I would eat them-and lots of them. Of course now I know they just turned from starch to sugar & went straight to my growing belly but at the time, they filled me up since I was never consistently eating enough protein.

Ah, the college life. 5 years, 5 majors & 5 different schools. Indecisive much?

Liivng on my own after college gave me a great feeling of success but it was not so successful for my weight loss. Sure, there were plenty of Sundays when I would tell myself that I had to start my diet-of-the-week on Monday but there were just as many Tuesdays that followed when I would just as quickly fall off the bandwagon due to lack of preparation.

In 2007 I moved to Texas to help friends at a church they were pastoring although my mother claims I was "chasing a pair of pants"-which may be partially true. I had lost some weight at that time and though I gained some upon moving, after the breakup with said "pair of pants" I was able to lose that much and more thanks to the city's greenway walking trail. I walked that trail often & by the time I met my now husband "Z" in July of 2008, I was at my lowest adult weight.

One weekend shortly after we began dating.












Looking back, I realize I started to gain weight not long after we met. It wasn't a lot but it was enough to notice. I also have to thank birth control for some weight gain which turned me into a total whack job (apparently my body + hormones = a super bad combination). Of course, since I had never been on it before (yes, I was one of 'those' girls who waited for the ring before giving up the bing) I got to experience the crazy mood swings & puff up like the Michelin Man just in time for my wedding.







Ok, that's not me but that's what I felt like.

On our wedding day 08.15.2009

To be continued...

Well, I'm back at it. I've decided to hop back in the blogging game & hopefully keep up. Only time will tell I suppose but I'm excited to get back to writing. I'll not spend hours writing a post catching you up on what's been happening in my life but I will say that I am looking forward to the future.

It may be a bit gloomy but I want to take this moment to pause and thank God for a lady who went to heaven to be with Him 2 years ago today-my dear Grandmother.

I remember it vividly as it was a Monday morning and I was so exhausted and not looking forward to going to work that day. I was awoken from sleep around 4am by a phone call from my mother who was staying in the rehab hospital with her that night. Frantic, all she could manage to say was, "They think she's gone."

I remember my adrenaline kicking into high gear as Z & I rushed around and hopped in the car making our way to the hospital. As we pulled in I could see through the back glass of an ambulance with responders performing CPR on a body I would later find out was her. I found my mother with a hospital staff person who was trying to put her shoes on her as she was crying. We rushed out and both climbed into the back seat and Z drove, following the ambulance to the main hospital less than 3 miles away.

I remember pacing in the ER waiting room and knowing what the doctor was going to say before he said a word. Mom broke down momentarily & then tried to compose herself. We made our way into the room where she was waiting, pale and lifeless. I held her hand one last time. I stroked her face one last time. I kissed her cheek one last time.

And in those moments, I understood the meaning of legacy. I understood the sting of death. But I also understood the victory of death. She was with our Lord & Savior-just waiting for Him to fill up her coffee cup and sit down to chat awhile. She couldn't have been happier....

So today, I honor her by working to complete her one request of me-to lose weight. I started in March and have since lost 52 lbs. I have 103 more to go but I am more motivated than ever to meet the goal and make her proud. I will remember the things she taught me & the generosity she shared with me. Not only will her genes live on with me, so will her faithfulness to the Lord-and her love of sweets!

Tomorrow will be a new day with a new post. I promise they won't all be so sentimental (or somewhat morbid) but I wanted to take the chance to memorialize one of the most influential women in my life-this day only comes once a year and it is befitting for me to do so.

Looking forward to walking the journey together! Thanks for reading!

Blessings,

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Wherever You Go, There You Are

Yeah, this post has been a long time coming. Yeah, this post should have happened over a year ago. Yeah, I'm still ridiculously sporadic in my posting.

And that's me. Love me or leave me.

I'm not even going to offer the routine apology for my another extended absence. If you follow me, you ought to be used to my wanton desire to write but lack of actual writing. All the same, thanks for stopping in again.

Of course I'm posting because I'm back at it again. Back at working hard to lose weight. I've read a lot of success stories by truly inspiring people and I've organized my food/exercise time for (hopefully) optimum success for myself. Another major catalyst is that my life right now is very different than it ever has been before. Let me explain briefly, if mainly to encourage myself a little about why I am where I am...

In October of 2012, Z & I decided that we were going to move closer to my fam. Yes, we both had great jobs & I was on the path of a very successful career but we also both knew that there was more to life than work. At first, he had to convince me but thanks to some revealing events at work (read: a dictator boss) and personal reflection, I was able to accept that the time had come to move on. So on November 30, 2012, we quit our jobs, packed up our things, and made the long drive from TX to NC. (One of the weirdest feelings ever, knowing I was driving that stretch of I-20 but wouldn't be returning within the week-our typical trip.)

So we did what any excited 20-something year old couple seeking adventure would do, we moved in with my parents. Wow, what a difference 10 years makes (it's been that long since I've lived within 100 miles of my parents, much less 100 feet of them). Really though, they've been so gracious & giving toward us as we figure out where we are headed and I can tell you right now, the extra time spent with my nephew, H has more than paid off any personality clashes while living with the 'rents.

And that's where we are right now-'figuring out where we are headed'. I honestly have no clue what that means. We've interviewed for a youth pastor position at a church a couple of hours away but both of us had bad vibes on that so it's a no go. Z met the brother of a family friend at the church we attended last Sunday and we really enjoy it there. They don't have a youth pastor but also don't have the $ to pay one so who knows, we may end up volunteering some there.

What I do know for now is that this is the ONLY period of my life I can remember that I have had enough time (because, you know, working and making money is so overrated) to really work on myself. I want to make the most of this in every way possible-especially since the first 2 months literally flew by and now it's already February. Come join me for this (hopefully) wild, (at times very) sarcastic, but (inevitably) hilarious adventure of life-one step at a time.

And The Journey Continues...

Hi friends Mom! It's day 1 of my 4 day weekend and gosh can I say I love working a summer schedule! 5 hours a day 4 days a week is such a reward from the 50-60 hour weeks I put in during the school year. Yesterday I even got kicked out of my office an hour early because our carpets were going to be cleaned. School schedules rock! (Remind me of that come September!)

This week has been a decent week for food intake & exercise. I missed 1 day this week of the gym and surprisingly, I was really upset about it. I felt so ashamed of not going and was frustrated with myself. I also overate a couple of days and am having trouble quelling my sweet tooth but I've only been over calories 1 day with the rest remaining within my limit or limit + exercise range. I can tell I feel so much better when I exercise and have kicked butt in the gym this week. Even though I still need to go to bed earlier, I have more energy.

One thing I am learning through this process is that every day brings a fresh start, a clean slate. If I happen to not do so great one day, it doesn't mean I'm a complete failure or that I am forever doomed. Even if I feel that way. It just means that I have to get back on track and make a more concentrated effort the next day. I think that's why I haven't succeeded in the past-because I would have 1 bad day of food choices or not working out and I would throw in the proverbial towel. But MFP really helps with that as well in that every morning I start out with 1500 calories. What I do with those is up to me, especially if I use them wisely and add to them through exercise or if I waste them on a temporary fix. I'm learning that beating myself up obviously hasn't worked so now it's time to be real and focus on one step, one choice at a time.

With our trip to NC 2 weeks away (YAY!), I'm doing some prep work in researching some exercises I can do since we won't be in a gym for at least 10 days. The good thing is that my parents have a treadmill and lucky for me, walking/jogging are things I can do outside if necessary (even in summer heat). I'm also checking out strength training and other exercises that will keep me on track while we are gone. We'll be at family reunions (w/huge meals) for 2 days and I'm already prepping for that-a spoonful of the things I want, not a plateful-and then we head to the beach for a few days. That part I can't wait for! We'll be going to the same beach where Z & I honeymooned and I'm looking forward to having some rest and spending some QT with my parents as well. Visits with friends as well as a surprise for Z will cap off the week and I can't wait. I only wish we had more time overall but 10 days is pretty darn good for a vacay. Can you tell I'm excited???

Guess I've gone on enough for now and Z & I have to leave soon for dinner/swimming with friends so...Sayonara for now!

Personal Best

Lemme just keep this short & sweet.

I set a personal best in the gym tonight: 12 minutes of jogging. That may not sound like much to a lot of people but to this 287 pound girl, it's a lot. And while it wasn't one long 12 minute stint (it was 7 and then 5), I'm pretty darn proud. You know why?

It's proof that I can do this.

It's proof that my body can handle it.

It's proof that I don't have to stay a 287 pound girl.

And one day, I won't be. You know why?

I'm taking it 12 minutes at a time.

I'm really tired...

Of writing entries that I never post. That's been going on for a while now. But it is no more.

About 12 days ago, I hit my breaking point. Not with life but with myself. I am DONE being the fat girl. I am DONE being the fat friend. I am DONE thinking about all the time I've wasted being lazy and self-serving rather than being active and self-denying. And so, as of June 14, I'm officially on the quest for healthiness. I wanted to write as soon as I made that decision but I also know that I move very prematurely sometimes.

So I waited. Then I waited. And I waited just a bit more.

And while 12 days is still not very long, I can feel and see a change in myself this time. Out of the past 11 days (my resolution was made late in the evening on day 1), I have been in the gym 10 days. I have a system, a rotation of sorts that helps me get in enough cardio and strength training. Hopefully on Monday, I'll be starting 2 a days meaning I'll be in the gym 2 times a day. With my summer work schedule (9am-2pm Monday through Thursday) I feel I'll be able to complete that challenge even though it is something I've never tried before. Heck, being in the gym once a day is barely something I've ever done before.

Paired with my time in the gym, I've also taken on healthier eating habits. Gone are the days of eating out twice a day or eating an entire entree by myself. Gone are the days of coming home from work and vegging on chips, Oreos or cake. Lately, my choices include more protein, fruits and veggies. I'm drinking more water and am trying to consume less processed food. A typical day of eating looks like this...

8:30am - 2 egg omelet w/ .25 cup cheddar cheese on .5 sandwich thin (This keeps me full for at least 4 hours.)

12:00 or 12:30pm - Carrot sticks with honey mustard; a turkey sandwich and yogurt; or a protein shake

5:00 or 6:00pm - Healthy dinner of something like nachos, oven-baked chicken tenders w/potatoes, veggie stir-fry w/brown rice, etc.

9:00pm - Snack of fruit & whipped cream or a cookie (Z has been making them lately)

That may not look like a lot but it's keeping me on my 1500 calories target and keeps me full all day. I think I'm most proud of this accomplishment.

To help me keep up with everything, I've been using an awesome app/online tool (MFP-myfitnesspal.com) and I'm aiming to hit 1500 calories per day. After setting up my basic profile, MFP tracks my food intake and keeps me on target for calorie, fat, carb, & protein intake. It has basically every food you can think of in its database and even has a way to just add calories if you know those and the food is not in the database. In addition to food, it also tracks water intake as well as daily exercise. The exercise database calculates the calories burned by an exercise in its database and then refigures the total number of calories per day by adding calories burned by exercise to the preset calorie goal. I can also weigh in and it will track my weight loss as well as having a community to use for encouragement, recipes, etc.

I'm hoping that all of the above mentioned items will create a 'perfect storm'. In the past, I have definitely started this journey and ended it basically before it even began but this time is different. I will not remain a 287 pound woman for the rest of my life. I am committed to being healthy for myself and my family (present and future). I was made for more than what I am now and only when I rely on God and push myself to continue this journey will I succeed. Failure is not an option and that's how I intend to think for the rest of my life. Which leads me to my way of thinking-a topic I'll be writing on next.

For now, I'm off to make the most of this Saturday afternoon and evening. And from me to you, make every step and every choice count!

Bethany

Grab Your Gym Bag

I just got home from a good workout at the gym.

Now there's a statement I never thought I'd type. But yes, it is true. I've always been a little terrified of gyms-scared that everyone's pointing and laughing at me (on the inside) and there are so many machines with so many different uses that I felt like I would never get the hang of it. In the past, I've gone to the gym at my college, two at different churches but this is the first fitness center that I have ever joined and paid for. Back in December, when I was really wanting to make a change in my health, we found Premier Fitness which we tried out for a few weeks (thanks to the management) and really came to like. They have a very diverse cardio area with numerous treadmills, ellipticals, stairclimbers and stationary bicycles. I've tried out all 4 of those and definitely enjoy the treadmill the most: a) because I can walk all day long (after 2 minutes on the bikes or elliptical, I can barely breathe); b) almost every treadmill has its own tv so I can watch a good show to pass the time; c) I feel that I know how to control my workout better with the options on the machine.

In addition to different group fitness classes (i.e. Zumba, spinning, cardio) Premier also has a huge weight lifting floor with additional space set aside for improv workouts with stability balls, jump ropes, and mats. I really love machines that are free weight style and use them pretty regularly. I find they are much like the ones I first learned in middle school with that crazy P.E. teacher of mine, Ms. Carter.

Aha! I may have found the reason I've been so afraid of gyms. Ms. Carter was quite an interesting character as the softball coach who only shaved her legs up to her knees but always wore shorts a few inches above that. I remember her super tan legs with all that blond hair showing. Ugh! Anyway, during the weightlifting portion of gym class, we would do circuits and rotate through various stations in the weight room and I remember how much I hated that. Mainly because I was always the weakest person in the class and also because if we didn't do a certain station correctly, she would bark orders like she was the queen German Shepherd. And I suppose she was but it still scared me.

For me, working out has always been viewed as a chore, something that should be done even though it's not all that great. First you gotta figure out where to workout, then what time, find gym clothes/water bottle/ipod/good music, then decide if you're doing a full work out or going light, decide about joining a class, make sure you don't fall while you'e there, etc., etc., etc. But you know, sometimes you just have to do like Nike said and "Just do it!" I'm really trying to work on my attitude to improve my chances of success with staying in the gym. I just have to make myself do it. Today, I would have totally rather taken a nap but I laid down for about 10 minutes and then just made myself go. When I got there, I pushed myself and kept thinking (and believing) that I could succeed. I did. And that's what I have to keep doing. I believe that it will be key for me especially this summer when the temperatures are in the 100's and I'm not able to exercise much outside-'cause you know TX has some HOT summers! Anyway, I just want to encourage myself to stay in the gym-find the best time to workout and just do it. In the end, it is just like a friend of mine said, "Going to the gym makes you feel skinny even when you're not." Eventually, I will be. : )

Current weight: 291 lbs.
Goal weight: 175 lbs.
Total to lose: 116 lbs.

Still working toward healthiness,
Bethany

10 Things

Inspired by a new blog I'm following, I decided to post my first 10 reasons I'm excited to reach my goal weight. Don't laugh (but it's ok if you do because I can't hear you).

1. Wearing a bikini
2. Pulling off the skinny jeans w/tall boots look
3. Outdoor running in cute workout clothes
4. Wearing cute dresses in the summer (even strapless!)
5. Taking dance classes/lessons (I'd love to take a hip-hop class)
6. Flying without having my hips invade the personal space of my neighbors
7. Having pretty underoos :)
8. Being able to go up a full flight of stairs without being winded
9. Having more energy to play and be active
10. Being able to cross my legs for extended periods of time without either of them falling asleep

What's keeping you motivated???

Good thoughts of success to you all, my loves!

Bethany

The 1st Step

It's been a while, huh? I'm not even going to try to make up for my absence nor recap my life over the past 11 months. I will just provide a few details about life as I now know it and then explain my reason for reappearance.

Life is good for Z & I. We're still in TX and I'm at the same charter school I've been at for about 1.5 years now. The only difference? Z works there now too. Actually, he's about 10 feet from me all day-we share a desk. While I'm still handling all things front office related (i.e. enrollment, school lunch program, parent requests, teacher requests, admin assistant-ish things), he's taking care of all things PEIMS (state reports) and is the attendance officer as well as assistant IT guy. He's been there since August and while I won't go into all the details, it really has been a blessing. We now both know what it's like to work in such a great environment with amazing (unwritten) benefits and under decent leadership. And our school is the first iSchool in Texas-check out ischoolcampus.org and cumberlandacademy.com (which will be new and improved very soon) for more details.

We are starting to be more faithful and get more involved in church after a brief hiatus for personal reasons.  God is really beginning to stir our hearts in different areas and we're looking forward to what the future holds. There's also a new member of our family:

Meet Oscar. He's our 4 month old Yorkie that Z surprised me with for Valentine's day this year. We had fallen in love with the yorkie that some of our friends have and I had puppy fever. I figure, better a dog than a kid. Oscar is learning to use puppy pads and is a playful little guy even if he is the quietest. dog. ever. No barking or whining at his first vet visit (which included shots) and he's super laid back and loves to cuddle. (Z says he got the perfect dog for me-we love cuddling...see below.)

Now for the reason I'm back to blogging (and hopefully not making this entirely too long).

A few months ago, I really got my booty into gear with working out and eating healthier. Z & I were hitting the gym 5+ days a week and on Weight Watchers, I was doing great at keeping track of what I ate. I lost 12 pounds in 6 weeks and was feeling good. Until I got sick. And then, I used my sickness as an excuse. And have been even to this day.

I'm tired of the excuses and ridiculous reasons I come up with about not being able to eat right or not going to the gym. So this time, I'm becoming accountable. To you. But more importantly, to myself. I know I don't have many readers and I may never have more than my mom and my husband. But I figure if I at least start writing about my journey to healthiness, I can be aware of the person I am, the person I'm becoming and the decisions I make.

With these newest posts, I plan to have weigh-ins, post pictures, write reflections and summaries of how I'm spending my days and what I'm doing right and what I'm doing wrong. I want to have some memories of my current life and be able to really see the transformation taking place-what better way to keep up with all of those things than the written word.

For the record, my heaviest weight was somewhere around 300 pounds. 300 POUNDS!!! Yes, you read that right. I'm not proud of that. Today, I hover around 290 and while I'm not obsessive about the numbers on a scale, my numbers OBVIOUSLY show I have a long road ahead of me. I'm back to tracking my food/activity on Weight Watchers and plan to let the gym kick my booty again soon. Join me if you'd like as I make this trek to a healthier life and if you choose not to, I'll just keep moving forward for the person it matters to the most: ME.

One step at a time, one choice at a time...

Bethany

Ah, To Be Young Again

Since I am homebound for the evening and have been since noon today, it's time for an update. I'm actually bored out of my mind even though I have a few things to get done and I've already been pretty productive for someone who has a sever sinus infection, no voice, and can't stop coughing to save my life.

There's not too much to say since my last post yesterday. It's funny how when I'm busy I want to be home but when I'm stuck at home, I desperately want to be busy. When I woke up this morning and barely had a voice, I decided that a doctor's visit was in order. So I went ahead to work and called the doc 15 minutes after they opened. I was in and out of there in 30 minutes so after dropping off my prescription, picking up breakfast and working a bit longer, I made my way home. I was online for a bit and tried to sleep but could only doze. So I got up and did what any sick person would do.

I made pancakes, washed dishes, filed bills, organized my planner, rearranged kitchen cabinets, took out the trash, wrote a birthday card, checked e-mails and here I am. I definitely don't like this whole "lay around the house all day" thing which is why I would never be a good housewife. I'd at least have to volunteer or work part time. (And I am definitely not opposed to either of those options.)

Since The Refining (my girls' small group meeting) last night, I haven't really been able to stop thinking about them. I had 5 teenage girls 13-17 and in all honesty, I had no idea what to do with them. Our lesson was about feeling invisible and how we aren't invisible to God but they shared so much more than I imagined they would. I am amazed at how much young women determine their value based on what boys say about them. Or even their friends. My heart breaks for them and longs for them to understand that the only opinion that matters is God's. But I catch myself, even before I say something that sounds like it came straight out of my mother's mouth, remembering how I felt at 15 and what I wouldn't have given to have just 1 boy tell me I was beautiful. The extra sad thing about this? All of those girls are beautiful and have no idea how much potential they have. But then again, at their age, neither did I. It's so ironic how similar we (girls) all are and how much we long for the same things and really just desire acceptance and love. And no matter how long I preach that God created us exactly how He wants us to be and loves us beyond anything we could ever imagine, we still just desire human love and affection-myself included. I can't tell you how many times I catch myself wishing for the days of my teenage years again and what I would do differently and how great my friends were. And then I remember the angst that every teenage girl feels and all the time I wasted focusing on boys or how good/bad I looked. As the phrase says, "If I had known then what I know now..."

I just pray God is helping them through me. I pray that they would learn to love and accept themselves as the radiant and beautiful young ladies that I know they are. And above all else to seek the approval of the only One who truly matters...

For His smile,
B

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14

Busy, Busy

Yeah, I'm over a month overdue for a post. And I would apologize for that if I felt sorry. But I don't. These past 5 weeks have been jammed full of "stuff". After spring break week-which ended wonderfully with our few days away in big D-work kinda spun outta control. Apparently, spring break signifies "the point in which we stop working" to the kids and teachers. A fact which I have forgotten since my elementary school days. Everyone's been stressed to the max and we still have some TAKS tests (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) to go. Not to mention I've been preparing paperwork for 500 packets to be given to new and returning students this coming week. Thankfully, I had a parent volunteer and my sweet husband to help me finish all of them. Otherwise, I'd be going crazy over finishing them. Needless to say, the next 6 weeks should be quite interesting as things start to wind down. And I'm just hanging on til summer break. Once the kids are gone, my days shorten and I'm pretty sure I'm off on Fridays. Hallelujah! Thank ya Jesus!

I'm supposed to be at church right now but Friday, I had the WORST sore throat ever accompanied by tons of drainage-yep, I just said that. Yesterday was ok but my breathing was still quite constricted and when I woke up this morning, everything had shifted and it all felt like it was moving to my chest. I've already battled pollen and won and we are FINALLY getting a good rain (after 2-3 weeks without much beyond some sprinkles of showers) so I'm hoping I can fight this off pretty easily. Z is the best and told me to stay home and get some rest so I can be ready to teach The Refining (my girls' small group) tonight. So here I am, listening to David Crowder and writing from bed.

I can't believe I didn't even write about the youth pastors' retreat because HELLO! It changed my life. Yeah, in some small ways but Z and I had so much fun and hung out with such cool people. We just really received much needed refreshing and were able to spend some good, quality time together. And we stayed at this AWESOME hotel which was just perfect and beautiful. (As a side note-I would just like to say that I LOVE heated pools.) I'm looking forward to the end of the month because we're attending a live recording at Christ For the Nations Institute for free and may get to stay at the same hotel.

The end of school may translate into a slow time for me at work but it means MAJOR acceleration with youth activities. We're 7 weeks away from our mission trip to D.C. I'm very excited but I'm just praying God will prick the hearts of our church people to support us in our endeavor. Our kids are going to have some amazing opportunities to see what true missions is all about instead of just giving it lip service or throwing money at it like so many people do. I believe this trip will literally change their lives.

We'll also be heading to youth camp in July and having pool parties, overnighters, and all the other fun events that make youth pastoring so "rewarding". Ha! We've got a 30 Hour Famine planned for the upcoming weekend and then 2 weeks after that is Fine Arts competition. Both of which are overnight events but will be fun to attend.  I'm looking forward to being able to spend more time with the kids since my job will allow me that opportunity unlike last summer. Our kids are making some serious spiritual advances and I'm so proud of them and the time Z is pouring into them.

Speaking of Z, he and I are still working on our weight loss. We've both lost 7 pounds and I'm so proud of both us for sticking with it. We didn't get to the gym as much as we'd hoped last week but it's a new day and we should make it this week. Yes, we want to lose weight but we're learning a lot about just living healthfully and making better choices. We're both drinking water exclusively (with a sweet tea thrown in maybe once a week) and overall, just feeling better. With working the weights at the gym, we're also feeling ourselves becoming stronger and toning up our muscles. It's amazing how much better we both feel.

Well, this post is ENTIRELY too long. So sorry but thanks for reading. Hopefully it won't take me so long to update next time. By the way, I didn't even touch on Easter Sunday or our church's building dedication but both were a great success. And you should check out this song I sang for Easter-had me crying by the end of hearing it the first time. Truly, we are the reason He had to die.

Thankful for His sacrifice,
B
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

SB Day 3: Running Fast

Today has been a BUSY day but so productive. I've been able to sleep a bit better although last night I went to bed with a headache-which has become more and more common. Z & I talked last night trying to figure out why I've had a headache almost every day for the past 2 weeks but didn't reach any conclusions and I haven't had one today so we'll see. It's not caffeine because I've still been drinking coffee and I can't really isolate any other reason. It's very frustrating but if I have to, I'll figure it out by trial and error.

Yesterday was spent eating lunch and bowling with the youth. We took 17 of our group and I think everyone had a good time. They are so funny and have such great personalities to be around. Last night we went over to my Grandmother's and had dinner with her-lots of veggies and some chicken. And some VERY tart pink lemonade. Today I've been running errands all day-car oil changed/inspected, bought new pillows for the master bed, bought a bathroom scale & set of strainers, bought some zebra jewelry, took a pair of my shoes & a pair of grandma's shoes to have the heels repaired, went to the post office and am getting ready to go to church and take the kids out to Whataburger. Wow-I'm tired just thinking about all that! I'm also doing laundry and getting things ready for our weekend trip :) I can't wait to get out of town and just enjoy time away from the hectic lives we lead here at home.

Well, that's all I have time for right now but rest assured-after our weekend away, there will definitely be some great updates! Everyone have a fabulous weekend & I'll check back in on Sunday or so...

Blessings,
Bethany

P.S. Healthy eating habits haven't gone completely by the wayside but I have a feeling this weekend isn't going to help things. On the plus side, I am hoping to get some walking in as we trek around the campgrounds. Maybe it will all even out!

SB Day 1: Sleep, Oh How I Miss Thee!

It has been quite the productive 1st day of spring break for me. Although I was up way too late last night, I got up (read-woke up) around 7:45 this morning. I know that's not early to most of you but when it's your 1st day of a week off...HELLO! Sleep, why aren't you my friend???

So I got up and made Z a quick breakfast of cheese eggs & toast-YUM-and then did a few house chores and met him at his office. We ran a few errands and had lunch together and I'm pleased to say that in 7-10 business days, I will officially be Bethany Ann Parker. Let me chase a quick rabbit here...

I've had quite a hangup regarding my name change since Z & I got married. Yes, my new name is Parker but there is a part of me that doesn't want to forget my roots, where I came from, because that's who I am or at least it has made me who I am. My family is a very important reason I am the woman I am today. So this whole name-changing process has me a bit torn. I really hate having to leave out part of my name, really I do. On the plus side, I don't have to change my monogram and I do like that I'm still BAP. :) So Mom, if you're reading, now you know the truth. (And yes, I do know how trivial this is to most people but it's kinda a big deal to me.)

Anyway, the wait time really wasn't bad at the social security office or at the DMV so I was able to finish that up pretty quickly and then come home and try to organize my music library. I have SO much music (read - cds) that I hardly know what to do with them all. But I'm making some progress. Dinner was enchilada casserole that turned out really good. I was quite full from that and some mexican rice (that I make by just adding salsa & taco seasoning to white rice). After my apple I realized that I had done pretty well today considering it's my 1st day of break. Granted, we still have the rest of the week to go but Z is helping me and we're doing well at staying on track.

Well, that's it for now. Tomorrow I have several things I want to cross off my spring break list including getting some of my recipes organized and getting my car inspected. We also will be having lunch & bowling with the youth and then heading to Grandmother's for dinner. Looking forward to another busy day...hopefully with a little more sleep.

Night night,
Bethany

SPRING BREAK :)

It is Sunday night of the week of spring break and I am SO thankful! I've been looking forward to this week for a while now and can't wait for all the excitement that is planned. I won't detail it now but how 'bout a little listy-list to share a few upcoming events:

1. Update social security card & DL w/married name :)
2. Workout at least 3 days this week
3. Eat lunch & go bowling w/youth
4. Visit grandma
5. Out to eat for Wednesday youth service
6. Organize/clean the house
7. Start recipe book (collecting & organizing the ones I have)
8. Help Z w/youth stuff
9. Organize Z's office :)
10. Finish editing my grandmother's picture book from her 90th birthday party
11. Clean inside/outside of my car
12. Head to Lakeview for a few days of relaxation & Dallas adventures w/ Z (YAY!)

I've got lots to get done but am so excited. I think this break is exactly why I've been needing to get me a bit more motivated in some departments and I'm SO looking forward to it.

Tonight was a good night of girl time w/the youth group girls from church. We started our small group ministry tonight and ours is called The Refining symbolizing that God is refining us and taking all our impurities and making us pure. Z & I are both SO excited about the direction this ministry is headed and we can't wait to see what God is going to do in the lives of our teens. They are precious kids and I only pray that they realize how much more the Father loves them than we do. We've had a lot of fun with them lately.

About the healthy living journey... It hasn't been all bad lately-just haven't made as many healthy decisions as I should. Yesterday we celebrated Z's dad's birthday in Rockwall at Gloria's and we all know how I LOVE me some Mexican food! It was the PERFECT day for being down by the lake-mid 60's, sunny w/a breeze-so we ate outside and then walked down by the water. We took some fun photos and then had Coldstone ice cream (where I LOVE the cheesecake & cinnamon mixed). But that plus and a little fruit and a fiber bar was all I had. I definitely need to drink more water and I'm hoping to get my workouts in this week. Some of the girls from youth want to go walk/workout with me so we may try to do that since everyone's off. Overall I feel good and am really proud of Z and myself for being so serious about this. We even gave up PIZZA today to come home and have beef tips and rice. So the health train is still rolling-hopefully it's picking back up after slowing down a little for the weekend.

Well, I better go get a little snack before heading to bed. Busy day tomorrow with all the errands I need to run but looking forward to extra time to sleep :)

Blessings,
Bethany