The Battle of The Bulge

I have been unhappy with my weight for quite some time. Since we moved to Bismarck 7 years ago I've gained about 30 pounds. I've tried to lose it on my own but have not been successful. I have managed to maintain my weight for the past year but I can't seem to lose any. It's been such a struggle. I'm so tired of it that I decided to do something about it.

I decided to join Weight Watchers. Last week was my first time. I have to admit I was already thinking I was going to fail. I think what I'm missing is the tools. After attending my first meeting I'm feeling hopeful and excited. The weigh -in was a bit embarrassing but also a reality!

Tonight I was nervous for my first week weigh-in. I lost almost two pounds. That was encouraging. Now I'm nervous about how well I can do while we're gone on our trip. I think it will be hard to make good choices. Some meals are planned in advance. That will mean not cleaning my plate. No matter what I will try my hardest. That's all I can do.

About two weeks ago I started running. I decided that I would run at the Capital grounds every other day. It's uphill part of the way and it's tough! The first time I didn't even make it halfway. My goal was to loop around once without stopping and then head back home. Now I can loop around twice without stopping. It's about 2.4 miles. I get up at 5:30 every day to either walk or run. I'm also using a couple workout DVDs. I wear a pedometer on my ankle everyday to keep track of how many steps I'm taking. I try to get at least 15,000 steps a day.

These are just some pictures of me in action. They are not the best pictures.My camera battery was dying. Anyway, I think blogging about this will help me stay focus. It's a bit embarrassing to put myself out there but I think it's going to help. The boys and Alan have been very supportive. They make sure I stay on task. So far it hasn't been hard.
This is me stretching and getting ready for my run. I can't get through without my music. I have to have a good beat to set my pace. So, with the help of Santana I can make it every time!

This is me heading back home. This was a good day I made it all the way home without stopping. It gets easier every time. Although sometimes when I get to bed too late it's hard to get up. I have to force myself out of bed. I don't have as much energy and it's hard to keep going.I'm really proud of myself on what I have accomplished so far. I think being accountable is really going to be the key. The Weight Watchers meeting are great because you are encouraged by other people's success. Tonight there was a women who met her lifetime goal. She lost 86 pounds and she looks great! I also like that we start with small goals. Right now my goal is to lose 14 pounds. In three to four weeks I should be halfway there. Wish me Luck!!!

My Thoughts On Conference

I remember a time when I thought that conference was at times boring. Of course that was when I was a teenager. I didn't understand the importance of counsel given by Apostles. Now, I don't know how I could live without it. They are truly inspired men of God. They understand the perilous times we live in and what we should be doing to prepare ourselves. We have been warned over and over about staying out of debt and living within our means. For years the brethren have been warning. Now we see the state of the economy and people losing their homes and jobs. People are scared and nervous. The gospel teaches that if we prepare we have no need to fear. Our cars are paid for, we have a roof over our head, jobs, everything we need. I'm grateful for that and the peace that gives us. It's funny that all the financial experts are now advising us to live within our means. For many people, this advice is a little late. Yet people will listen to them but not to a prophet of God. Anyway, all this has strengthened my testimony about listening to the prophet. There is safety in righteous doing! I'm grateful for conference and the opportunity to hear God's word through his servants.

This conference was so inspiring! I felt so uplifted! My testimony that President Thomas S. Monson is a Prophet of God has been strengthen. To learn about his life is inspirational! His relationship with the Savior amazing! To be in tune with the spirit as he is is humbling! I want to be more like him. I hope I can do better. My prayers will be more meaningful, I will laugh more, I will be more grateful, and remember the Savior more.

My two favorite talks were by Elder Lawerence E. Corbridge and Elder Jeffery R. Holland. Such beautiful and powerful words. The talk about angels reminded me of my cousin Lucy. I was thinking it will be one I will be sharing with her. She believes in angels and talks about it all the time. I love the words of Elder Corbridge. "Jesus Christ is the way. Any other way is madness. The Lord's standard is the highest." So simple but so true. It reminds me that everything I should be doing in my life should be held up to that standard. Anyway, all I can say is, wow!

The Lord is great and he is the only true way! There is no doubt in my mind about that!

By the way, I added this song because I actually knew Kenneth Cope. He used to run around serenading all the girls. Our apartment was one he would come to a lot. We loved it! He was so adorable and we all wanted to marry him.