Facebook & Grains

Don't you think Facebook is funny sometimes? The other day I was thinking about that old philosophical question "If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it, did it make a sound?" The modern version of that might be something like, "If I do something and don't post it on Facebook, did it really happen?"

Of course I'm being silly and a little sarcastic. I just think it's weird that I know so much about so many people...like where they are every second of every day. The new "check in" thing is kind of creepy if you ask me. But I also feel the urge to check in quite often. Mi Casa...Mi Couch...Mi Potty...

Okay. Sorry. But here's my Top 10 Facebook Statuses. They aren't necessarily mine, but could be. Just the ones that I see most often and they kind of crack me up, or annoy me.

1. A negative remark about the weather.
2. Expressed desire for excessive amounts of coffee...or beer?
3. A vague, cryptic and sometimes hateful editorial.
4. A brief synopsis of why this person's life is THE BEST.
5. Ball game play-by-plays, critiques and cheers.
6. Announcement of a crappy day.
7. Announcement of a fabulous day.
8. Witty quotes or scripture.
9. Recount of funny dialog between parent and child.
10. An open letter to the day of the week Monday.

What are some of your favorite Facebook Status themes?

Thanks for all the advice from yesterday's post!!! I had never thought about some of the stuff that was mentioned and will definitely be implementing some suggestions. Now for today's inquiry...

Healthy Whole Grains: To eat or not to eat--that is the question.

I have been doing a lot of research on this. Up to this point the arguments seem pretty even to me. I personally have no problem losing weight while eating healthy grains (mostly 100% whole) but I know some people who seem to struggle when they do.

I am very confused as to why grains are pushed so heavily by many health organizations and are discouraged by many as well. How can something be really good for you and really bad for you at the same time? Trying to get to the bottom of this.

Any solid information that you can back up with a source or link would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Running on Empty

I recently started Couch 2 10K. It's great. It takes a very long time. I really want to do my workout in the morning because I see huge results on the scale (hint, hint :) when I do. Here's the problem, er...problems.

Problem #1 is that I can't eat first or my side will hurt. BAD. But with no food since dinner the day before (around 4pm), I run out of energy. Actually I don't have any to begin with.

Problem #2 is I can't drink water because then I need to pee every 5 seconds. But if I don't drink water I get dehydrated and have to call my hubby to come pick me up before I can finish my workout because I'm afraid I will pass out.

So, hit me with you best shot. Any advice from all the morning runners out there? The ones with small bladders and side stitches...

By the way, please don't take these for excuses. I will continue to pee in bushes and run with what seems like 50 pound weights on my feet if I have to. I am relentless, remember?

Where Would I Be?

This week Molly left me a comment that said this:

OH MY HECK! Awesome measurements! Nice job. What a change from January. Do you ever think about where you would be if you didn't make the changes you are making? I think about it every day and thank a loving Father in Heaven for the changes that have happened!

Molly, to answer your question--No! I haven't really thought about where I would be. Which is hard to believe because all I do is think. I internalize, analyze, over-analyze, replay...But this is not something to which I have given much thought.

Interesting.

Well, of course I have been thinking about this ever since I read Molly's comment. Whew. Tough stuff to imagine. I wonder if subconsciously it is such a scary thought that I have avoided it?

Some people would say to leave the past in the past. Just move on and never look back. I suppose in some instances that is a good idea. However, I can not afford to forget the past. Ever. I can never let myself not think about what might have been.

Since graduating high school I gained an average of 10 pounds per year. It's safe to assume I would be another 10 pounds heavier than I was this time last year, putting me at the frightening weight of 240 pounds on my 5'4" medium-boned frame.

I know without a doubt that I would not be exercising. Allowing my bones to petrify and my cardiovascular health to deteriorate at the age of 30 years old. People would still ask me what I was doing that put me so out of breath every time I answered the phone. Of course I would never tell them it was the mere act of getting off the couch to answer the phone that taxed my body so.

I might actually be institutionalized by now. I am not making light of this situation. I really felt like I was going crazy. My poor health and inactive lifestyle had led me directly to the gates of hell in the form of anxiety and depression by this time last year. I was paralyzed with the fear of death. Ironically, in my misguided efforts to avoid pain, I had caused a great deal of it for myself and those around me. I can only imagine how that would be affecting us now.

I would be wondering What is the point? I would be thinking that I can never get myself out of the pit I am in. I would still be dependant on something with no wisdom, no love and no life to provide my comfort. Food.

Where would I be? It would be a bad, bad place. It hurts me to think...

Molly, thanks for asking the question. The best part about thinking through all of this is knowing that at the end of my quickly fraying rope, I gave Christ control of my life. The feeling, the thinking, the eating, the using...all of it. All of me. I gave it to Him and He has made something out of nothing.

I'm more than just a beautiful mess. And so are you.


P.S. This song describes my feelings quite succinctly:

(You Are Everything, Matthew West)
I’m the one with two left feet
Standing on a lonely street
I can’t even walk a straight line
And every time you look at me
I’m spinning like an autumn leaf
Bound to hit bottom sometime
Where would I be without someone to save me
Someone who won’t let me fall
You are everything that I live for
Everything that I can’t believe is happening
You’re standing right in front of me
With arms wide open
All I know is
Every day is filled with hope
You are everything that I believe for
And I can’t help but breathe you in
Breathe again
Feeling all this life within
Every single beat of my heart
I’m the one with big mistakes
Big regrets and bigger breaks
Than I ever care to confess
Oh but, You’re the one who looks at me
And sees what I was meant to be
More than just a beautiful mess
Where would I be without someone to save me
Someone who won’t let me fall
You are everything that I live for
Everything that I can’t believe is happening
You’re standing right in front of me
With arms wide open
All I know is
Every day is filled with hope
You are everything that I believe for
And I can’t help but breathe you in
Breathe again
Feeling all this life within
Every single beat of my heart
You’re everything good in my life
Everything honest and true
And all of those stars hanging up in the sky
Could never shine brighter than You
You are everything that I live for
Everything that I can’t believe is happening
You’re standing right in front of me
With arms wide open
All I know is
Every day is filled with hope
You are everything that I believe for
And I can’t help but breathe you in
Breathe again
Feeling all this life within
Every single beat of my heart
You are, You are, Jesus You are
You are everything

Inches Update

Chest January:47.5"
Chest August: 43.25"
(-4.25")

Waist January: 52"
Waist August: 39.5"
(-12.5"!!!)

Hips January: 52.5"
Hips August: 47"
(-5.5")

Thigh January: 25"
Thigh August: 22"
(-3" x 2= -6")

Arm Jaunary: 14"
Arm August: 12"
(-2" x 2= -4")

This is a total of 32.25 inches of fat GONE off my body!

I am super excited because to be out of the woods, so to speak, for elevated risk of heart disease, diabetes, etc. the waist measurement for an average female is supposed to be less than 35". I am only 4.5 inches away from that! I am hoping to reach that goal by the end of this next 12 week session of First Place 4 Health.

For those who know me--I DID use a calculator for this but feel free to check my calculations ;)

Reward Shoes

On the sidebar of my blog I have listed some mini goals and rewards that go along with them. The rewards come every ten pounds. Several months ago when I broke into the 170's I should have gotten a massage. I never did.

But this week I decided I needed a new pair of running shoes. My feet had been hurting and my back, too. Neither pair that I alternate seem to feel too great and I think I have surpassed my recommended mileage on both of them.

So tonight I rewarded myself with a new pair. Actually my parents did ;)



They are pretty sassy, just like me. They feel like a little puffs of air surrounding my feet. I also learned at the store that most of my problem is likely due to my poor running technique. (Yes, they make you run in the store and watch!). So I will work on that.

Yay for new running shoes. And Yay that new running shoes are considered a reward in my book. This revived book of life that I am writing...

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep. --Robert Frost

Weigh In: 2.5 lb. Loss

177.5

For some reason I posted last week's weigh in on Friday! I don't know why. So this 2.5 lb loss was actually over the course of 5 days rather than 7. I am excited to see the scale moving. I also made the mistake last week of saying that 179 was my lowest. Actually my lowest was 177 which I was at a few weeks ago. Anyway, after this week hopefully the weight will be lower than ever and I will feel like this ship is actually moving again! Whew!


The before pic was from the same set as the Progress Makes Me Happy set I showed earlier this week. From several months back.

I am glad Fall is almost here. The routine that comes with it, not to mention the cooler temps really help me stay on track. I think this is going to be a very successful season of weight loss for me and hopefully all my weight loss buddies, virtual and otherwise, as well.

I have started the Couch to 10K program. Yikes! I kept telling myself I didn't need to do a 10K (5K was plenty!) but I finally decided that I would have to up my physical activity to get my system going again. Obviously since I started C210K last week it has helped with the weight loss. I actually started on week 5 of the 13 week program so that I will be ready to run a 10K in mid October.

I am doing my workouts with Kristi who is training for a 5K. Super proud of her! We meet in a secluded area that is half way between our homes and perfect for this training. It helps a LOT to have a workout partner. We both downloaded the app for our phones and it is so cool! It is like having a trainer whispering in your ear. When trainer lady says run, by golly I run. For $2.99 it was definitely worth it!

Just a few NSVs and then I'm out.

• Large t-shirts now look like nightgowns on me:
  
  
• Completed a 68 minute running workout last night. Hollla!
• Kept my food tracker all week and reaping the benefits.
• Completed my last FP4H Bible Study without missing any day's work.
• Avoided cookie dough disaster! (But possibly caused others!? Sorry again)

Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Trifle

I apologize for the apparent cookie dough feeding frenzy I caused yesterday. I forgot that most of you are recovering food addicts such as myself and well, that probably wasn't a great photo choice.

I am very upset because Deb tried out the "healthy" cookie dough and said it wasn't worth the calories :( I haven't made it yet so I may still give it a whirl but I'm not optimistic. I mean--can it really be close without the sugar, fat and flour? I just don't know.

Sigh.

I made this last night.



Oops, sorry! I did it again. But this is a dessert that is somewhat low in fat and calories.

Cocolate Covered Strawberry Trifle
1 box Low Fat Brownie mix, prepared, cut into 1" cubes
1 box sugar free, fat free chocolate pudding, prepared
1 carton FREE cool whip
2 c strawberries, sliced

Layer the ingredients in order 2 times. Estimated calories per 3/4 c: 150

This is easy and GOOD. Even better after it sits overnight. And this is coming from a person who scoffs at "Low Fat" anything. But somehow all of this low fat crap stuff put together is good.

I am not suggesting you eat this entire thing in the place of an entire recipe of cookie dough to be "healthier." I'm not even suggesting you eat this on a somewhat regular basis. But if you are having one of those moments--this is pretty indulgent and one serving isn't going to throw your weekly weigh-in. Also a great WOW dessert to take somewhere!

Okay, no more sweet stuff for a while.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

Such beautiful words. Let's just take them in, shall we?

Ahhhhh.

Chocolate chip cookie dough is the bomb. But not in the good bomb kind of way. It's like a ticking time bomb of failure to me. As I sit here typing this post, a rather large ziplock bag of my mom's world-famous cookie dough is calling my name from the kitchen. Seriously. I can hear it.

Keeeeeelieeee...come and eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeat meeee. Put me in the microwave for a minute and drown me in vanilla ice creeeeeeeammmmm.

Shut up you stupid cookie dough! I know better. For about 1 minute you will make me feel better. No, actually you will make me feel NOTHING for a minute. Then I will come back to reality only at that point I will be blazing mad at myself for giving in to cookie dough temptation.

I am going to resist. I'm going to let it burn. And I'm going to thank myself on Wednesday when I weigh in.

Think I'll mix up some of these instead!

A Preponderance of Evidence

I mentioned in an earlier post that I had the privilege of serving on a jury last week. It was one of the more meaningful life experiences I have had to date and one that I will not soon forget.

Something specific resonated with me and even today I find myself playing it back in my mind. In the prosecutor's closing statements he told the jury that each piece of evidence in and of itself would be meaningless to us. On it's own it would prove nothing. But it would be the layering of many pieces of evidence that, he felt, would ultimately lead us to convict.

A preponderance of evidence.

The concept played a huge role in our decision as a jury. A man's fate (at least for the next 2 to 10 years) was determined based upon a preponderance of the evidence. That's heavy. And as I was thinking about that today something hit me like a ton of bricks...

Each time I want to make a poor choice regarding the care of my body, I put that choice in a bubble. I tell myself it's okay; just this once. But my choices don't live in bubbles.

I submit to you that each decision we make in the minutes and seconds of our lives will not, in and of themsleves, determine who we are. Alone, encapsulated in the moment at which the decision is made, it seems irrelevant...unimportant. But it is the layering and building of many decisions over the years, months, weeks, days, minutes and yes, even seconds of our lives that will ultimately determine who we are.

Progress Still Makes Me Happy

I was SO proud of these and how I looked in them back in March. They are actually a very roomy size 12. When I bought them I did a special post about how Progress Makes Me Happy and well? It still does...



The sparkle butt jeans today:)




Next time something really exciting happens to you on this so-called "weight loss journey", remember--It just keeps getting BETTER!

Weigh In: 2 lb. Loss

179 lbs

I don't really know how much I lost this week. I'm so confused! I think it was 2 pounds. Really until I start dropping below 179 (my lowest weight to date) I don't consider it a "loss." I was happy to see that 7 in the tens place today! I really hope I can keep moving in the right direction.



The first pic was taken in March when I had broken into ONEderland. Such a sweet, sweet victory. I am ready to feel those amazing victories again. Don't get me wrong. I have really learned to appreciate and embrace the not-so obvious victories but I have to admit--the big ones are fun.

This week at my meeting we discussed faulty thinking. It was very interesting. The causes of faulty thinking can take on many forms: excuses, lies, misinformation. As it relates to weight loss and body image, what are some examples of faulty thinking you can identify in your own life? What steps have you taken to correct this way of thinking? What is the truth?

I look forward to hearing from you wise ladies and gents! If you haven't already, would you consider editing your profile information to show your email address? If you do this, I can respond to your comments directly via email. I can't visit blogs very often, as I have mentioned before, because we don't have internet at home. I have to come to my parents, whip out a quick post and that's about it. However, I get your comments and can respond to them on my phone so please consider sharing you email if you comment! I appreciate you and usually want to respond to your comments :)

Thanks!

3 Pics and Jury Duty

Football season is about to start. You know I live in Texas, right? Yeah. Kind of a big deal here. Especially when your dad is a coach! For most of my life dad has been coaching high school football and he has even coached at the college level for a couple of years. It is always fun to go to his games.

This is the shirt I will be sporting at some of the warm-weather games. Mind you, in no less than 2 months we could be sitting in 30 degree temps at which point I will show you THAT football outfit. No kidding. SNOW. In October. It could happen--it HAS happened! And I will be cute for it. Go Tigers!



This was the breathtaking photo I captured the other night as I was preparing to run on the high school cross country course. That was a fun change of pace. I really encourage you to get outside and exercise! It is wonderful! Sweat is not the enemy--remember that!



As summer is drawing to a close, I thought I would share the swimsuit before and after. The before was taken this past winter as I was cleaning out drawers. I am approximately 40 pounds lighter in the "after." Not bad, not bad at all. If any REAL FAT newcomers want to hear my southern accent (some people are amazed and/or entertained by this--I don't think it's that noticeable) you can watch this vlog I did back in February when I put on the swimsuit.

In non-weight related news, I served on my first jury today. It was incredible! We also finished today so I can talk about it now. If you have never served on one and are trying to avoid it--don't! I am so glad I was picked. It was educational, fascinating and fulfilling. I told a friend that I felt very American-y serving as a juror.

Relentless

At my FP4H meeting last week, we came across a sentence that said we should set realistic goals and then relentlessly act toward reaching those goals. We were told to believe strongly and act relentlessly. The word RELENTLESS has been embeded in my mind ever since then.

Relentless (adj.) showing or promising no abatement of severity, intensity, strength, or pace.

I like this word. Yes, I do.

Severe in my faith.
Intense in my training.
Strenth in the truth.
Paced through His presence.

This is the essence of weight loss. Relentlessness is not an option. It's a requirement.

Check out these posts by Sam and 266 for some inspiration.

Weigh In: Who gives a flying flit?

181.5 lbs

I do, okay? I give a flying flit. I have been the same for about 3 months. I guess I'm okay with it because I can wear a short turquoise skirt, orange accessories and I look...cute? Plus I feel great and I am growing and learning. That's what it's about. Maybe next week...but if not who gives a flying flit?

Geneen, Me and God

I finished Geneen Roth's book Women Food and God.

Wow.

I am still reeling from this book. I started it a couple of weeks ago and just couldn't get into it right off the bat. Some of the language offended me and I had preconceived notions of what the book would be about. I thought about quitting after the first two chapters.

I knew that I did not share some of the author's beliefs. But one valuable lesson I have learned in my short life is that you can disagree with someone (or think you disagree with them) and still hear them out. Doing this does not mean you are agreeing with them. It does not mean you are abandoning all that you stand for.

In my opinion it means quite the contrary. I have found that one who is secure in his beliefs is more able to hear and at least attempt to understand those of others. Just as a man who is secure in his relationship with his wife will not be afraid of losing her every time she walks out the door. I can listen to someone I don't see eye to eye with, be friends with them and even learn from them without the fear of losing all that I am and ever hoped to be! The most secure people are even grounded enough to realize that there is a possibility they might be...wrong. *Gasp*

So with that attitude I continued on reading. And I'm glad I did. Ironically I had to use some of the author's techniques of inquiry and creating awareness to try and understand where she was coming from throughout much of this book. I had to resist the habitual urge to cringe and huff and puff while I read something contrary to what I know so that I could glean what I needed to.

This is what I learned and/or agreed with in Women Food and God:

• People don't get fat simply because they like the way food tastes. I have been guilty of making that claim. It doesn't work that way. Geneen says, "When you like something, you pay attention to it." When was the last time you sat down to a bag of chips and savored every last bite? Alrighty then.
  
• Feeling my feelings can not destroy me. But food can.
  
• Getting to a goal weight is only going to result in happiness if I have fixed what is truly broken. The first step is understanding of self. Weight loss does not make people happy.
  
• I always try to find new, better ways of doing things. Short-cuts, more efficient and convenient ways. These are forms of procrastination and avoidance. A teacher of Geneen's once told her, "Instead of trying to change it all, start noticing what's already here." Show up where you already are. Live the life you are living TODAY.
  
• "With awareness (the ability to know what you are feeling) and presence (the ability to inhabit a feeling while sensing that which is bigger than feeling), it is possible to be with what you believe will destroy you without being destroyed." (pg. 92) Whoa--this was big for me. I'm a bad feeling-dodger. I want to be more aware. Of everything. My feelings, my cravings, my family, my words, my breathing. Everything. "Obsessions and awareness cannot coexist."
  
• Eat what you want when you're hungry and feel what you feel when you're not.
  
• It's not the feelings that hurt us, it's what we tell ourselves about the feelings that hurts. (pg. 103)
• Every time I reach for that which I am not truly hungry for, I make a statement about who I believe I am and who my God is. I am saying the food is bigger and more important. I am saying that the food can take care of me better than He can. I am not trusting.
  

This is only a small bit of what I learned. There is really no way to get it all into one blog post. Still I keep thinking of more to type, but I probably already lost most readers. Sigh.

Before I conclude I do need to address the latter 1/3 of the title of the book. The "God" part. Let me briefly explain both my view of God and the author's:

Me
I believe in God the Father. He created me. He accepts me despite my depravity. He sacrificed his own child because of his love for me. He romances me. He wants me near him. He loves me deeply. I believe in God the Son. He's lived life on earth. He has felt joy and happiness; pain and suffering. He died for me. He rose from the dead and lives now at the right hand of his father. He is coming back again. I believe in God the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit guides me. He gives me wisdom and words. He is my intercessor. I believe in a triune God--3 in one. My God does not allow for any other Gods so my sheer belief in Him disallows me from believing in any other. When I am weak He is strong. Where I end, He begins. He is my Deliverer. My Shelter. My Provider. He is my everything and without him I am nothing.

Geneen
"I don't believe in the God that most people call God, but I do know that the only definition of God that makes any sense is one that uses human life and its suffering--the very things we believe we need to hide or fix--as a path to the heart of love itself...I use the word [God] in this book because it evokes a vast expanse that we cannot penetrate with our minds, although we can know it through silence or poetry or simply sensing what is always here." (pg. 25) "And if you are willing to refrain from dieting and needing an instant solution, and if you want to use your relationship with food as the unexpected path, you will discover that God has been here all along...In each moment of kindness you lavish upon your breaking heart or the size of your thighs, with each breath you take--God has been here. She is you." (pg.201) *I tried my best to accurately represent the author's views by using only direct quotes from the book, in their complete context.

You can tell by reading the final sentence of each of the last two paragraphs--our ideals of God are in stark contrast to one another. So ultimately, would I recommend this book? Yes. Would I recommend the author's ideas of god? No.

As I told someone yesterday, I can plug my God into Geneen's template. It fits. She says that anyone could plug any god into that template and it would work. Even if your god is you. I just don't see how that can work. We are broken people. We are the reason we are reading a book like this in the first place. So somehow the idea of pull up your own bootstraps and become the god you were always meant to be just doesn't add up. It makes me tired, actually.

In the end, I learned much about my relationship with food--that it is flawed and that it can be fixed with time and God's help. I became even more deeply rooted in my own beliefs of God which are quite different from those held by the author of this book. The cool thing is, I think Geneen would be happy with this outcome.

Winner, Winner! (Eat a Healthy Dinner)

And the winner of the Fluffy Girl Fashion Show giveaway is...



I did a high-tech drawing to determine the winner.

Megan from Miss Madison's Charmed Life! Check out her great fashion tips!

Megan--email me your address so I can get that that little plastic bundle of joy right to you! keeliesue@live.com You have to show us what you find!

Thanks to everyone else for contributing to the Fashion Show :)

Bejeweled Belt

Love two things in this picture. First of all this belt is gorgeous. I bought it several months ago when I had a little accessory spree. I finally found the perfect thing to wear it with...

The blouse, which I also love, is one that I bought several years ago. It was an impulse buy--grabbed it off the rack and purchased without trying on. I got it home to find it didn't fit due to my body dysmorphia (aka: I thought I was skinny and I was actually, um HELLO?, fat). And over the years I would try it on but it just kept getting tighter and tighter.



A few weeks ago I remembered the blouse. I could not place it for the life of me. I searched high and low, even accused my friend of taking it. I was desperate. I was broken-hearted because I knew it would fit now that I am at least 40 pounds less than I was when I bought it.

Then one day I opened the door of a piece of furniture I had moved from our closet to the living room (I know--strange) and lo and behhold there it sat! Serendipity.





Tonight I went to the track to workout and as soon as I started running I needed to pee. I had been drinking a lot of water today. Yea! So I went searching for a bathroom. I ended up in my old high school locker room--where I used to suit up for basketball and get ready for track meets and such. I never felt very comfortable in there. Tonight I did. Check out the sweat.

Okay--thanks to my trainer, Norma, I am about to do 100 crunches and 25 push-ups. Rock on.

On the Road Again

View from the open road

I guess God was tired of hearing me whine about the heat because we got a refreshing shower yesterday afternoon that cooled everything off. It was in the 80's last night when I did 4.3 miles walking/jogging and in the 70's this morning when I did a 2 mile walk.


The final hill of 4.3 mi. route



Happy to be "on the road again"

My favorite view--welcome reward at the end of a hot, sweaty workout.

Several of you suggested I just workout inside to beat the heat. I do have a gym membership, actually I have 2 at the moment, but it's the act of getting into the car to go there that is actually the thing I dread. I know, that's weak. I did finally force myself to go earlier this week.

I could workout in my house, and I do that too, but it is hard for me to complete a workout at my house. I don't know why. Maybe has to do with my offspring...But--I LOVE getting outside for a good run. I am still working back up to the level of fitness I was at in the spring so hopefully I will be able to call it "a run" very soon.

I can't even describe the feeling of closeness I feel with the Lord when I am exercising in His creation. I feel like every view, every little animal, every breeze--He is creating just for me. That is the most motivational gesture. I will not be taking a break from this anytime soon. I don't know how I ever quit.

I am getting my groove back. It's in Him.

**Remember to join in the fun of the REAL FAT Fashion Show!! Two great posts linked up so far! Even if you don't link up feel free to enter the Giveaway!!! Click Here

REAL FAT Fashion Show

Did you think I forgot? Well, I did. But then I saw Maria's post and I remembered! I am hosting a Fashion Show!

Earlier this week I posted my own personal fashion suggestions for you to mull over. You might want to put some of those into action or even share some tips of your own. I will leave the Fashion Show open until Sunday since this is TAX-FREE weekend!!! Some of you may want to get your shop on and share your fabulous finds.

The idea is to realize that fashion is for everyone and there are ways for even "fluffy" gals (and guys--Patrick, I can't WAIT!) to have fun with clothes. It's about stepping out of your box, trying different things and embracing the new and changing body that is yours! We LOVE pictures so be sure to include those.

*ALSO* I am going to have my first ever Giveaway in conjunction with this party. One lucky fashionista is going to win a $20 shopping spree to TJ Maxx. If they don't have those where you come from, first of all I'm so sorry and second of all we'll figure something out.

Three Chances to win:
1. Link up your fashion-related post at the end of this post.
2. Mention the fashion show on your blog and link to this post.
3. Follow REAL FAT.

Then I just need you to leave a comment right here with either a 1, 2, or 3 indicating how many entries you should get. Honor System. I will announce the winner on Monday morning.

Alrighty...let the fun begin!

Workout Update

Let's talk about my workouts. My non-existent workouts. This is just ridiculous. I haven't really done any form of physical activity in a couple of weeks. My back was hurting for a few days mid-July so I had to back off and then it felt better but I continued to back off. Easy thing to do. It takes so much effort and determination to get a physical routine in place (not really but need to say that to make a point) and yet it is so easy to fall away.

Some of you may recall my sermon-esque posts regarding the importance of exercise. Well, even though I am a hypocrite in my actions, I still stand by those. You should see how flabby I am. You should feel how my body is aching. It is amazing how my energy level is about 0-1 all day long and I even need a nap every day. I HATE this! I LOVE the way I feel when I exercise.

So this is a no-brainer.

This was a day I was all ready to workout and then I got to wondering if the green and coral would be a good color combo. I ended up taking a picture and then not working out. What?

Thanks to all of you who could empathise with me in the comments section yesterday! I really appreciate it. But now I would like to pass on the message (in my own words) I got from Norma and Seth this morning, almost simultaneously. Suck it up; get off your rear! Ha! Forget about the heat--obviously take care of yourself--but just do it. Just do it is a great motto. Somebody ought to use that...

I also needed to put it out there that I am running in a 5K in September, a 5k in November, and a Marathon Relay!!! (4 mi. leg) in December. So I've got to get to it. I've got medals to claim, people.

Weigh In: 5 lb Gain

No, that is not .5 and no, I am not kidding. I gained 5 pounds in one week. I know I'm really bad at math but that's like almost a pound a day. Sheesh.

After losing last week I guess I thought I could coast on through another without being too strict on myself. Well, I thunk wrong. Hopefully this weight will fall off over the next week as I get back to eating more balanced meals and forcing myself to exercise regularly.

Excuses are for losers but here is mine anyway: it's TOO DANG hot. Seriously--if you aren't from around these parts there is no way you can understand. This morning we got in the car at 9:00 and it was already 95 degrees! Right now it is 104. If I even THINK about going outside my pits start spewing sweat like Niagara Falls.

But--it doesn't matter. I've got to get this ship going in the right direction again. No excuses.

What is really interesting is that I am now facilitating the First Place meeting that I have been going to since the beginning of the year. I love doing it--but how can I motivate the members to work the plan when I'm not even doing it 100%? Tisk, tisk.

On another note, thank you guys SO much for joining my BFF over at her blog. As of this morning there were over 50 of you there supporting her! I am touched and I know she is too.

Okay. I gotta go get my groove back.

Through Thick and Thin

Kristi and Keelie, circa 1983

I met my best friend when we were one year old. We lived next door to each other on a quaint neighborhood street in small-town Texas. We played Barbies like nobody's business, baked mudpies out the wazoo, faught and made up at least 10 times a day, had Christmas parties and Easter egg hunts...we were tight.

My family moved when I was about 7, but God saw fit for Kristi and I to stay close friends. We wrote each other letters (the kind you put in the mailbox) throughout grade school and high school. We visited on birthdays. We ended up rooming together at college for a short time. She was my maid of honor. She now lets my children jump on her like she is a bounce house and buys them stuff...

My Wedding, 2001

You get the gist of it. We are BFF's through and through. For 30 years we have been there for each other. Perhaps it is because we are so similar. We both have red hair, our names start with letter K, we love a good romance story, enjoy traveling, spending time crafting...lots of the same loves. Unfortunately one thing we both love a little TOO much is food.

Kristi, like me, is done with this. Over it. She has made the decision to change her life and has begun a new weight loss journey. This is truly the journey to end all others for her; I really believe that. We have done the thick together--now we are ready for the THIN!

Race for the Cure, June 2010

I would love for her to be able to receive the same life-giving encouragement I have had from you all. Some days the words just give me the little lift that I need and other days those words are the ONLY thing that keep me going. Kristi needs that, too. We all do.

So I need you to do me a favor--follow her blog! And be to her what you have been to me. An encourager, a reminder, a prayer-warrior, a friend.

I promise, you won't be disappointed with this blog. She is at the very beginning of what is sure to be a miraculous transformation. She is funny and honest. She loves to take photographs so I'm sure there will be plenty on her blog. Her life is about to change forever and you have the opportunity to witness it first hand. You do not want to miss this!

Now go immediately to The End of the Beginning and follow Kristi on her journey! Be sure to read from the beginning (I think there are about 10 posts) to get the full story. You will laugh and you might cry.

Thanks a million,

P.S. There will be a cash prize for the first 20 followers. Just kidding. Now go.

Fashion For All

When I weighed 229 pounds fashion was the last thing on my mind. I hated getting dressed. I did not put on jewelry or think about color. Upon walking in my closet of a morning, basically it was: Hmm...wonder what will fit today? Or: What can I put on that will not cut the circulation off my waist? Or how about this: What should I wear that will still be comfortable after I eat enough food for a small football team at lunch today?

As the pounds came off, I became more interested in how I looked in my clothes. Even now, 50 pounds later and lighter, I am still dressing a plus-sized body. Size 14. But I have a few tricks, rules, etc. that I think help. I am not nor do I claim to be a "fashion expert." I just like it when things look cute. So these may not work for you but just take it for what it's worth.



Keelie's Fashion Rules for Fluffy Gals

1. You don't have to wear black all the time. You can see fat rolls in black just as much as you can in red. Tackle the roll problem from underneath the clothes. Which leads me to rule #2...

2. Invest in some Spanx. Wear them. They will make you look better.

3. Get a bra that fits. Sometimes the girls can make us look bigger than we really are if they aren't under control. Lift and lock, as Stacey and Clinton would say.

4. Do not wear clothes that are too small.

5. Forget about sizes. They don't mean anything. Right now I can wear a size 10-16 in various brands. The way it looks is what is important.

6. Accessorize. If you are going to wear all black, even though I told you not to, then for heavens' sake get some colorful jewelry and shoes and a purse to match.

7. Utilize a belt to highlight the smallest part of your waist. You can put a cardigan, vest, or jacket over it to camouflage any bumps or rolls. Really need to do that.

8. Get a cute, modern haircut. That will help update all of your clothes and it will make you feel confident.

9. Step out of your box. Try on stuff even if it looks ugly or weird on the rack. Many times those are the things that will look good on.

10. Take pictures of yourself. In the dressing room, at home. When you look at yourself in the pictures you will see what looks good, or needs adjusting (or needs to be thrown away) better than just by looking in the mirror.

11. Don't wear a small pattern all over. A little burst of a small pattern here and there (like maybe a t-shirt that you wear a jacket over) are okay but not good all over.

12. Buy jackets. Lots of them and in all colors and textures. Fall is almost here. Jackets really help to pull a look together. It's also a great way to add color to a drab wardrobe.

13. Check out stores other than the "big girl" ones. While these stores do have some cute things, often they do not and they are outrageously expensive. Macy's has a great plus-sized department. Some Ross, Marshall's and TJ Maxx have plus-sizes as well. I find these places to be a little more hip that The Avenue and Lane Bryant. Don't get me wrong, I have bought plenty from those two...I'm just saying--branch out.

14. Don't be afraid to put together an outfit. Trying to recreate something you see in a magazine can be quite fun. Remember--no one looks like they do in those magazines. Not even the models! So don't be discouraged if it doesn't look "perfect".

15. Wear your confidence. 99% of the success of an outfit is the way you wear it. Hold your head up high and walk around like you mean it. Pretty soon people will be asking you where you shop. Even the skinny girls ;)

This outfit applies rule #7.

I don't want you to think that I think its all about how we look. It's not. But I'd be lying if I said it didn't matter. Putting time and thought into how I dress has been one of the most fun and rewarding parts of losing weight for me. So I want to encourage you to do the same.

Let's do this: In a couple of days I am going to have a linky party. What you need to do is apply one of the rules from above, blog about it, preferably include PICTURES, and link it up here. You need to try something different! Change it up! Step outside your comfort zone and tell us all about it. You could also share a rule of your own. Again, I stress--we will NEED pictures.

Okay. Everybody show up on Thursday.