152.4

And this week the numbers went down again.  But more importantly, I've noticed other differences over the past few weeks (even when the weight was holding steady.) 

1) Clothes are fitting more comfortably, specifically my work pants.  Do you call them slacks?  I feel like my Omi called them slacks.  Is that term still used?  Anyway, my work pants are much more comfortable these days.  It's a good thing.  

2) My belt has more slack.  When I put it on and cinch it, there is more at the end to tuck under the belt loops.  That's an exciting thing for me.  That's where changes are happening...where they probably have been happening for a while, but now they are noticeable.  

3) Changes with my jeans.  The good news:  I fit into jeans handed over from a friend!  The bad news: some favorite pairs are too loose...so they will have to go.  It's not really bad news, it's just that I like those jeans.  But, just as I would rid my closet of clothes that are too tight/small, I will get rid of pairs that are too loose.  The fun part about that is that I will load up some bags and bring the clothes back to Goodwill and probably check out the racks when I'm there.  

So, yeah, there are changes happening and I keep reminding myself that slow and steady is the way for it all to happen.  

This past month I set fitness goals for myself.  Thanks to my sister's Christmas gift of the Runner's World Calendar, there is a spot each month for goals.  

As you can see, I banged out a 10 miler last week and it felt great! I've been running twice a week, started the month off with a race and the 12 days of fitness challenge at the gym.  

Setting these goals in print, on the calendar I pass several times a day has helped me keep myself accountable.  

I have had some slight shin pain the past few days....so, no run today, but I will get to the gym for some cross training.  We'll see if a run feels good tomorrow.  

I think February's calendar will include goals relating to food and strength training as well.  

And now it's off for the rest of the day....an easy ride at the gym, some errands and catching up on a book.  

Be well, everyone.   

Psalm 139 Sermon

This sermon was preached the weekend of January 14.  
Better posted late than never. ;)

January 14, 2018

Second Sunday after Epiphany

1 Samuel 3:1-10(11-20)

Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18

1 Corinthians 6:12-20

John 1:43-51

Please pray with me,

May the words of my mouth and the meditations of all of our hearts be acceptable and suitable in your sight, O God, our rock, our strength and our redeemer.  Amen. 

Listen to these words from Psalm 139, it is the assigned Psalm for today, and truth be told, it’s one of my favorites.  As you listen to these words, think about how the Psalmist is speaking to God about how God knows this person.  I invite you to close your eyes as you listen…and maybe even hear your own voice speaking to God as I read. 

O Lord, you have searched me and known me.

You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away.

You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways.

Even before a word is on my tongue, O Lord, you know it completely.

You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it.

For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.

My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes beheld my unformed substance. In your book were written all the days that were formed for me, when none of them as yet existed.

How weighty to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!

I try to count them—they are more than the sand; I come to the end—I am still with you.

In this Psalm, a Psalm of thanksgiving, you can hear how personal this interaction is with God.  The psalmist knows God and knows how well God knows him.  The psalmist addresses God directly. O Lord, you have searched me and known me…you know, you search, you hem me in.  This is deeply personal.  The depth of this, too, comes from the intimate relationship which God has with the psalmist. 

Seeing and knowing God, leads to relationship with God and the depth to which God knows us.  Seeing and knowing God invites us into a deep and intimate relationship with God. 

This is more than “he sees you when you’re sleeping and knows when you’re awake.” 

This relationship, this knowing is being connected to us, knowing our innermost feelings, struggles and joys and remaining present with us through it all.  All because of God’s great and amazing love for each of us. 

And because of this amazing love, this intimate relationship, we are able to praise God. 

I praise you, because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Your works are wonderful; that I know that full well.

As we think about being fearfully and wonderfully made, it is important to know that fearfully in the Hebrew did not mean the idea of fear in a scary – run away, run away or let’s retaliate sort of meaning.  The word in Hebrew encompasses a larger meaning of awe, reverent respect and honor.   A better translation might be reverently. 

And wonderfully has the meaning of different, striking, remarkable – outside the power of human comprehension. 

So hear this, I praise you, because I am reverently and remarkably made. 

That is who each of you are.  That is who God created each of you to be. 

You are reverently and remarkably made…you are each beautiful and unique in your own way. 

This, my friends, my sisters and brothers, is how God knows us: intimately, deeply and compassionately as unique beings created in God’s image. 

And that impacts and shapes our relationship with God. 

When we are known intimately and deeply, we are invited into a relationship in an intimate way.  Because God fully knows us, we are free to be ourselves in the presence of God.  We are free to be our true selves in God’s presence.  We are free to shed the worries and concerns about what others may feel about us.  We are free to let go of others expectations and demands, and to embrace being who we have been created to be: fearfully and wonderfully created beings. 

God’s relationship with us began with our creation and continues through our relationship with Jesus.  God’s love for us is so great that God sent Jesus into our world in our own form to live, love, teach and serve, so that we may see God’s great love for us in the flesh.  And so we may see that God’s compassionate relationship does not end with death, but continues on in life everlasting. 

But there is something to be said about how God knows us in this psalm. 

The psalmist recognizes that when the knower is God, the vulnerability is worth it. 

Let me say that again, when the knower is God, the vulnerability is worth it. 

The psalmist resigns to God’s inescapable presence in his life and embraces it by conforming his own identity in light of how God sees him.  (Hannan)

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.

When we are aware of how God knows us and that God’s presence will never leave us, we have the opportunity to be our true selves and be open to entering a space of vulnerability. 

My friends, God is here with us and for us.  God desires our openness, our honesty and our vulnerability to truly be ourselves not only with God, but with ourselves and with others. 

When we are open and honest with ourselves, we live more fully into the beings God created us and calls us to be which makes an incredible impact in our community, our nation and our world. 

As we move into a week that celebrates the life, message and service of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. it is as important as ever for us to be open and honest with ourselves and others. 

In a nation of rich diversity, we are called to see and recognize our differences and how our uniqueness is a visible sign of God’s presence in others and ourselves. 

We are in a time in our country when it seems easier to act out of fear than out of love. 

When we act out of fear, we find ourselves living into the sin of prejudice, racism and hatred. 

When we act out of love, we live out of the relationship that God has with us and the relationship we are called to have with others.  We lives filled with compassion and action for our neighbors near and far. 

Living out of love may mean entering into a place or space of vulnerability, where we as individuals open ourselves up to others around us, where we share stories and experiences and listen to one another with open hearts. 

It may mean entering a space where we are truly able to see the presence of God in places or faces we least likely expect to see God. 

This relationship God has with us is a transformative one….and it will transform how we impact the world around us. 

May we have the eyes to see God’s presence in ourselves, in our unique beauty. 

May we have the eyes to those around us as fearfully and wonderfully made, just as we are. 

And may we live in this world relating to and with each other as God relates to us, in vulnerability, in compassion and in love. 

And may the peace, which passes all understanding, keep our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus and let all God’s people say, amen.  

153.4

New week....same numbers.  I'll take it!  

So while I did not lose weight, maintaining is a big step for me right now after several weeks of steady increases.  

Now, on the flip side of the whole eating thing, my word of the year has been wholehearted.  Last week, while trying to balance the diet and exercise, I was able to do things that contribute to living a wholehearted life.  

The week included a zany road trip to pick up a new to me car! :)  Which meant a 13+ hour train ride with plenty of time to rest, read and watch the UCONN Huskies.  

My new motto...always bring a book.  In this case, three.  I finished I am Malala.  I started Rising Strong and then at 11:00pm realized I needed something a bit more lighthearted so I began Bossypants.  Tina had me giggling.  Which was the perfect way to end the evening before a short nap on the train.  

Train travel....when you are at not in control...so with every delay, you take a deep breath and especially when it comes to making a connection, you pray that it will all work out.  In my case, it did.  I had a great ride to the train station with a dear friend and her two boys.  

I made it to Philly and finally to Columbia, SC.  Where I had a late night/early morning pick up and a place to stay that felt like home.  

I enjoyed lunch in North Carolina with another dear friend and her son.  

No pictures of the fried green tomatoes or the delicious grits with goat cheese smothered with chorizo and oven baked eggs....we were having too much fun with some coloring, tickling, telling stories and reconnecting.  

Sadly, my layover just out of DC did not happen because my other friend's kiddos came down with the flu.  So, I caffeinated and headed home to PA. Other road trip food included:

Caffeine = check.

Dinner? = check.

Upon returning home, I was ecstatic to be in my own bed...and have Maris Otter, the 2008 Subaru Outback safe and sound in PA.  

Saturday night included a few tasty snacks as friends and I danced our hearts out at a fundraiser.  It. Was.  Awesome.  

And last night capped off the week with homemade pizza with a bunch of youth as we planned out youth led worship.  (There were also Doritos.)  

So this morning, I'm back in the game.  This week begins the Winter Fitness Challenge at the gym: the Iditarod.  

So, I should be going, to get some cardio in this morning.   

Be well, everyone.  

Take time for you, this week, do something that feeds your heart and your soul.  

Be well. 

153.4

Not sure what to say about this week's weigh in.  I'm not excited that over the past few weeks there has been a slow increase.

But let me share a few positive thoughts:  

1) Since starting this weight loss journey about two months ago, I am now seeing the weight loss.  Not on the scale, but how different pairs of jeans fit, how the shape of my face is more slender than it was and feeling more comfortable in my own skin.  

2) I met this past week's goals.  After feeling sick two weeks back and taking it easy on the workout schedule, I did complete the goal of 30 mins of cardio for 6 days.  

So where does that leave me for this week?  Not too sure.  

Since this journey has been going for about two months, it may be time to shift gears.  We started South Beach in mid November.  While we have been following it since New Year's there have been some fun splurges from time to time.  Not that those splurges make or break this plan, but I need to be aware of them and not let them become regular habits.  

I'm looking at being out of my normal schedule for a few days this week which will impact both the eating and exercise, so I made it to the gym yesterday in anticipation of that.  I'll get a run in at the gym as soon as this is posted this morning.  

I'll keep moving as much as I can earlier in the week, I'll continue logging my food and we'll see how the week goes.  

Thanks for following along...the support means more than you know.  

Be well.  

Running and reflecting.

I have been enjoying my page-a-day calendar tremendously.  

I remember receiving them as Christmas gifts when I was younger.  The Far Side was a personal and family favorite.  The only house rule was that you could NOT look ahead.  

I have been following that rule with my A Happier 2018 Desk Calendar.  It sits perfectly in the kitchen, so I can read it before or alongside my first cup of coffee each day.   

Sunday was a good one.   

(It's a bit crinkled, because the back has already been used for a few to-do lists.) 

I love this and have been pondering it all week.  As I went for a run today (outside because the temps are in the 60s!) I was thinking about how I adjust my daily schedule so that time for fitness and exercise is first and foremost.  I guess you could say that I am selfish about carving out that time and honoring that time.  But this is what I've come to learn about myself.  After exercise, I feel good.  After a solid strength training, spin class or run, I feel even more ready to face the day.  My head has had time to focus on working my body.  My heart and lungs have been pushed and encouraged to work hard to nourish my body with oxygen.  My stomach is thankful for post workout meals and snacks that healthily refuel muscles and water that hydrates everything.  

I am better able to give of myself and be present with others when I have spent this time caring for my body.  On today's run I thought about selfish and selfless.  There was time for a selfie with an amazing young woman in my life, who was also out for a run.  (Why we have yet to run together is a mystery.  Although, with the depth and length of our coffee conversations, we would need a long run!) 

After a hug and a selfie, we wished each other well and went on our ways.  There we were getting our runs in on a rainy day, taking time to care for ourselves.  

As the run continued, I saw two women from church who were dodging raindrops as they went to the local salon for a hair appointment.  These women spend time together as one assist the other with errands and transportation.  While they are family, this time is selfless.  

This got me to thinking about the many women in my life who not only care for themselves, but for others, as well.  There is something about the role of caring for others and caring for self.  Sometimes it is a fine line, but I believe our lives are continually enhanced when we are able to care for others, be present for others and to serve others.  When we are able to see beyond our own selves, our own needs and be present in the lives and journeys of others, our relationships will deepen with one another and impact the world around us.  

Caring for others is not limited to women, but it just so happens that I am a woman, that my interactions today were with women and that women bring a presence into the world that needs to be seen and heard.  

I pray that women (and men) continue to model lives that show care of self, so they may care for others.  May we see what feeds our own minds, bodies and spirits, so that we are able to feed others in love, service, compassion and care.  

I should also say this, it took a while to hit the road to run today because I was overwhelmed with the news and the words spoken by the president about the countries of Haiti, El Salvador and Africa.  My thoughts and prayers have been swirling through the words of Psalm 139. The verses in italics are from our lectionary readings for this coming Sunday.  

To the leader. Of David. A Psalm.
O Lord, you have searched me and known me. 
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
   you discern my thoughts from far away. 
You search out my path and my lying down,
   and are acquainted with all my ways. 
Even before a word is on my tongue,
   O Lord, you know it completely. 
You hem me in, behind and before,
   and lay your hand upon me. 
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
   it is so high that I cannot attain it. 

Where can I go from your spirit?
   Or where can I flee from your presence? 
If I ascend to heaven, you are there;
   if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. 
If I take the wings of the morning
   and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, 
even there your hand shall lead me,
   and your right hand shall hold me fast. 
If I say, ‘Surely the darkness shall cover me,
   and the light around me become night’, 
even the darkness is not dark to you;
   the night is as bright as the day,
   for darkness is as light to you. 

For it was you who formed my inward parts;
   you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
   Wonderful are your works;
that I know very well. 
   My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
   intricately woven in the depths of the earth. 
Your eyes beheld my unformed substance.
In your book were written
   all the days that were formed for me,
   when none of them as yet existed. 
How weighty to me are your thoughts, O God!
   How vast is the sum of them! 
I try to count them—they are more than the sand;
   I come to the end—I am still with you. 

O that you would kill the wicked, O God,
   and that the bloodthirsty would depart from me— 
those who speak of you maliciously,
   and lift themselves up against you for evil! 
Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord?
   And do I not loathe those who rise up against you? 
I hate them with perfect hatred;
   I count them my enemies. 
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
   test me and know my thoughts. 
See if there is any wicked way in me,
   and lead me in the way everlasting.

I'll share more on this Psalm, my reflections and additional thoughts after sharing my sermon this weekend.  

I'll leave you with these prayers from the ELW (Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

Almighty God, in penitence we come before you, acknowledging the sin that is within us. We share the guilt of all those who, bearing the name of Christian, slay their fellow human beings because of race or faith or nation. Forgive us and change us by your love, that your word of hope may be heard clearly throughout the world, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

O God of all, with wonderful diversity of languages and cultures you created all people in your image. Free us from prejudice and fear, that we may see your face in the faces of people around the world; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Until the next post, dear friends, take care, be kind to yourself and others, speak up, speak truth, do justice, love mercy and be humble.  

153

And we're up...but I kind of felt this coming.  

This past week has been a tough one.  I mean, don't get me wrong, it started off quite well.  A super low weigh-in last week was a wonderful way to begin the year.  I enjoyed a 5K on the warmest day of the week (at least the sun was out with double digit temps) and took 2nd place in my age bracket.  And the post race eats included some tasty pizza and beers. 

But then a cold set in.  I felt the beginning of it on Sunday...and a little on Monday, but Tuesday morning it began to take hold.  I began the 12 days of fitness on January 1, so I continued those exercises through the week, but cardio was on hiatus.  I completed an easy 3 mile run on the treadmill on Friday and rested the rest of the day.  Saturday morning, spin class kicked my butt, or kicked my cardio, because I had been out all week.  And truth be told, my eating was a bit off, too.  

So a few take aways.  One:  I'm okay with a week of recovery.  Exercise-wise, I had been working hard for the last 7 weeks.  My body was ready for a week of rest.  I'm not back to 100% this morning, but will get to the gym shortly for an easy run and the 8th day of fitness.  I'm thankful on these super cold days for an indoor place to workout.  

Two:  I did miss the regular exercise.  After 7 weeks, my mind and body were used to the routine.  I was enjoying the endorphins, the camaraderie and the routine of it all.  I also missed that time to myself in the morning.  Don't worry, I filled it with extra sleep, coffee and reading, but there was something amiss with it gone last week.  

Three:  Yes, this will be a yearlong journey.  Not that weight loss and exercise are my focus for this year, they will take a prominent role in living a wholehearted life. The way I feel with regular exercise in my life is key to a balanced day for me.  I also generally feel better when I'm eating healthier.  This past week, while I did log into My Fitness Pal everyday, I didn't fully log everything each day.  I will get back to that this week.  

and Four:  It may be time for a new goal.  After completing the 7 weeks of maintain, not gain, I think my mind and body thought, "Oh, it's over. Relax.  Take a breather.  Have a snack and a tasty beverage."  Not a bad thing, for a bit, but this is where I need to shift and not let this behavior become the norm.  

So, looking ahead....I'm back to the gym this morning with the goal of 6 days a week with at least 30 mins of cardio each day (aka - return to routine).  
I'll be regularly logging food and exercise this week through My Fitness Pal.  
Oh, and until this cold is totally gone, a nod to keeping track of my sleep, as well.  I'm ready for several nights of 8+ hours of snoozing :)

I have received so much support over the past several months when it comes to eating, diet and exercise.  Many people have said that I do not need to loose weight because I am fine the way I am.  I am grateful for these words and the continues support.  I do respond to that with the fact that I have been a few pounds lighter and know that my body responds better to exercise, stress and life a bit better when I'm in better shape.  That's where I'm headed.  

I saw this post on Instagram yesterday:

I know my body is capable of great things.  I know that my body is a gift from God and that treating it well is a way to thank and honor God each day.  

I am continually working on loving my body as it is, as it changes shape, and as it continues to grow stronger.  It is one more step along my wholehearted journey. 

Blessings and joy to you each this day.  

Until the next post...

Frist (First) Sunday of Christmas

December 31, 2017

Frist Sunday of Christmas (After printing my sermon, I noticed the typo.  It seemed fitting with the busyness that happened between Christmas Eve worship and the weekend after Christmas and made me laugh out loud when I read it.) 

Isaiah 61:10-62:3

Psalm 148

Galatians4:4-7

Luke 2:22-40

Please pray with me,

O God, you have been our help in ages past, our hope for years to come.  As we welcome this new year, bless us with peace.  Fill our days with the light of Christ and lead us on the path of life until we see you in our heavenly home.  You live and reign forever and ever.  Amen. 

It is good for us to gather together this week in this space, in the season of Christmas and on the cusp of a new year. 

It is good for us to be together as one year ends and another begins. 

It is often a time to reflect upon the last 12 months…both highs and lows and to think about the year to come. 

This time of year is when many people are coming up with New Year’s Resolutions.  Sestimates say more than 40% of Americans—make New Year's resolutions. (For comparison, about one-third of Americans watch the Super Bowl.)

But for all the good intentions, only a tiny fraction of us keep our resolutions; University of Scranton research suggests that just 8% of people achieve their New Year's goals.

Last year I read the book, One Word that will Change your Life.  

The authors talk about how it is often the case that New Year’s resolutions are broken or left unmet, often by the first week in February.  Yet, if you focus on one word for the year, you are more apt to see positive changes as the year progresses.  As I have shared in the newsletter and on my blog, my word for last year was focus.  I took time throughout the course of the year to focus on different things in my life, which helped me take more time for reading, exercising, family and friends. 

Guided and shaped by one word, instead of focusing on one or more specific resolutions, I could follow a different path.  If I missed an opportunity to focus one day, I just shifted my focus for the next day.  I found that this word was part of my day to day life throughout the whole year….which I cannot say was true for past resolutions. 

My friend, Mindy chose the word strength.  Here is a jar that she kept on her dining room table throughout the year. 

Every time she did something that showed strength, she jotted it down and put it in the jar.  Some of her strength moments included, Marched in my first protest.  Ran on treadmill.  Brain MRI. Brave text.  Hiked Mt. Washington. 

Just as focus took on its own meaning for me, strength was defined by Mindy. 

As you look towards the beginning of a new year, what ideas or dreams or plans do you have in mind?  What goals do you hope accomplish? 

What do you plan on happening in 2018?  In addition to the tradition of a new years resolution…and preparations for a new year, are there other traditions or rituals that will happen in the next few days?  Pork and sauerkraut, perhaps? 

We see an example of a different tradition or ritual in our gospel lesson today. 

We are 8 days after the birth of Jesus which was the customary time for the presentation of a child.  So, Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to the temple.  This is just one example of Mary and Joseph observing the law.  Just prior to our reading today, the Luke shares that Jesus has been circumcised, another example of the parents of the Son of God following the law.  They are holding to these rituals and as they do, we see that Jesus’ life begins with fulfilling the law and coming into the temple in Jerusalem 

Essential to Judaism is the praise of God in all of life.  The Jewish law taught that God was to be honored in one’s rising up and lying down, in going out and coming in, in how one dressed and what one ate… (Culpepper) 

If we think about our daily rituals, not just the ones that come up at the beginning of a new year, but even just day to day, how do we or how are we seeing God in the ordinariness of all that we do?  Where do we practice praise and honor of God each day? 

We have the opportunity to give thanks to God from the moment we awake each morning. 

We have the opportunity to pray alone or together before meals to give thanks to God for family, food and the time and space to share a meal.

Sadly, it is too true that with the busyness, the pressures of secularism and modern life have reduced the significance of ritual observances in the lives of most Christians. 

A handful of activities and jobs mean that families are eating fewer meals together.  Prayer before meals and family Bible study are observed in fewer homes today than just a generation ago.  For many, religious rituals are reduced to church attendance at Christmas and Easter and to weddings and funerals.   (Culpepper)

Alan Culpepper talks about how ‘marking both daily and special events with rituals that recognize the sacredness of life and the presence of God in the everyday is practically extinct…The result has been that god has receded from the awareness and experience of everyday life.  Many assume that God is found only in certain places, in sacred buildings, in holy books, or in observances led by holy peoples.’ 

As we as a society shift away from these rituals and practices,…what have we lost from our daily experience?  How can we make that shift back? 

I had a conversation with someone this week who wondered if this was a generational shift.  She and her friends talked about how they saw Jesus in the presence of others, where her daughter just saw a friendly or helpful person. 

While it may be a generational shift, how can we as active members of the body of Christ bring back how we see and name Jesus in our midst? 

As we begin a new calendar year together, how will our lives and world be shaped by Christ?   How will we seek out God in the ordinary everydayness of our lives?  How will we name Christ when we see him? 

Not only are we given a fresh start each year to do this, but we are given a fresh start each day, because we have been washed in the waters of baptism.  We have been made new in Christ.  We are a new creation.  Washed in the (ritual) waters of baptism, we are freed from sin and death to proclaim Christ in our midst this day and all days. 

I encourage you as the year begins, to remember your baptism.  Just as we welcome Cole into the body of Christ, remember that you are part of this family of God, washed in these waters. 

Remember that you are gifted and able to see Christ in your midst and point him out. 

You are equipped to bring Christ into the ordinary and honor and praise him each day. 

May we learn (or re-learn) to greet the morning with gratitude, to celebrate the goodness of food, family, and friendship at meals, to recognize mystery in beauty and to mark the rites of passage – like a 16^th birthday or a school graduation or a retirement . . .you name it. 

May we see these daily rituals not as restrictive…as something we have to do, but in ways that celebrate the goodness and mystery of life. 

Go forth, celebrate, give thanks and honor God each day. 

And now my the peace, which passes all understanding, keep our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus and let all God’s people say, amen.  

151.8

Happy New Year!  

I'm super thankful to report that my goal of maintaining and not gaining between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day was not only met, but I'd say it was crushed!  

I weighed in the Monday before Thanksgiving (Nov. 20) at 156.8.
I weighed in this morning at 151.8.  

I dropped 5 pounds!  Woo hoo!  

It has been a tough season, but with a serious commitment to daily exercise and not splurging on sweets, carbs or alcohol it's been a good season.  There have been some 'cheat' days if you want to call them that.  There was no way I was going to pass on bacon cinnamon rolls and a mimosa...

The extravagant days were not a regular occurrence and they were balanced out with days I had more control over my food intake.  

At this point, it has become habit.  While I used to be a cereal and oatmeal breakfast person, I now reach for the protein in eggs either hardboiled or in an omelette to get me going.  More carbs are coming back into our diet, but they are in the form of whole grains and definitely in moderation.  

The thing I have missed the most, is pizza.  So, truth be told, after today's 5K, there will be pizza and a beer.  

The weight loss journey will continue.  The overall goal is to get down to around 145 and then to maintain.  I'll continue blogging my weight on a weekly basis until I get there.  It is a helpful way to keep myself accountable.  

I will continue to stick to a good and regular workout routine.  I will say that the 12 days of fitness were super helpful, and I'll do those there first 12 days of each month this year, just to keep my body guessing.  I guess that means a 1 minute plank is on for today.  :)  Good times.  

In other news, my word for 2018 is wholehearted.  There will be a post later this week with more reflection about that.  I know that my continued weight loss journey will fit in with that word.  

Thanks for all the support through 2017.  Blessings, joy, adventure and peace be with you in 2018. 

Until the next post...