Outside and Uncoordinated

Yesterday...outside Wednesday...100 degrees (ok, 99)....I SURVIVED!!!

Paul was actually nice and only made me do three sets of exercises instead of the usual four sets we normally do outside. I was still dying...but there was a nice (warm) breeze the whole time, don't get me wrong, it was still very hot, but bearable! I think he was hot too. :)
He still made the usual positive comments about how uncoordinated I am, and how he has never seen anything like it before. He told me that he has never had anyone who CAN NOT do an exercise in a straight line...EVER. It is just my thing, I don't try to veer off...I just do!
It's ok, if Paul was not giving me a hard time, it just wouldn't be the same!

Dave told me yesterday that he is going to make a page on the website completely dedicated to MARETHOUSE MAMA!!! He is going to post info and pictures on my progress. That is nerve wracking and exciting at the same time. It definitely gives me motivation to reach my goals, people are watching!!!

Thank you so much for the continued support, this journey is not over and will never be. The positive comments and huge support system I have really keeps me going.

Soakin up the sun in Sargent!!!!

Hawaii???.....nope Sargent Sunset!

This weekend was a blast! We have decided to make it an annual "cousins" event! My cousin, Amy, thinks that we should plan it somewhere a little less "outdoorsy"...with better accommodations next year, i.e. Vegas! Sargent's accommodations are a little rough!

In addition to all of the fun, and NO KIDS...the weekend took on a much deeper meaning to me. It was the first time since I can remember that I actually enjoyed myself, and felt comfortable. I wasn't worried constantly about how tight my clothes were, or worried about everyone talking behind my back at how much weight I had put on. It was actually quite the opposite!!!
I wore my new bathing suit (which was a little too big!) most of the weekend, and didn't feel uncomfortable...or like I was wearing a tent. ALL weekend I got compliments on how great I looked, and how hard I have worked, and it was the best feeling in the world. A couple of my cousins were even asking me advice on keeping the motivation, exercise, and eating...unbelievable. Never in a million years did I think anyone would ask me for exercise advice! Paul might agree that it is still too early for that! Ha! But, it was a wonderful feeling, and it only made me more motivated to keep going!

I have lost 41 pounds since January, I still have 35-40 more I want to lose. I can do it!!!

Pray for me today: It is outside day, and I don't know if anyone has checked the weather channel, but it is supposed to be TRIPLE digits. I am going to die!!! Probably a good thing I enjoyed myself this weekend, it might have been my last!

Below are a few pics from the weekend:

My brother, Chad, and me

Ryan and I at the fancy restaurant!

Cap'n Chad

My cousin Kelly and me on the boat

Trucking along...

This week has been good so far! Paul and I had a great workout on Monday....no throwing up. So that was good news. I am working very hard on not throwing up ALL week, it will be a record. I am a little nervous though, because today is outside day...and its 96 degrees! I can do it. I hope I can do it.

I am very excited about this weekend. We are headed down to Sargent, TX for our 1st annual Cousins Weekend! If you know my family...it should be a good time! There will be around 15 of us going....with NO kids! The grandparents have all volunteered! I am looking forward to actually wearing a bathing suit this year, not a tent.
For those who are not familiar with Sargent---
It is a SMALL, Po-dunk town off Matagorda Bay with a population of about 500. Our family owns a bay house on Caney Creek, and we have made many great memories there growing up! Sargent is known for man-eating mosquitoes, gorgeous brown water, and most of the permanent residents don't own a bra. BUT...it is fun!!!
PICTURES TO FOLLOW!!!

Its been a while....

I have to apologize for the lack of blogging. Work has seriously been super ridiculously crazy. AND...I am having trouble thinking of something creative to write about!
But I am getting complaints again from my loyal readers so here ya go: A re-cap of this week!!!
Monday Paul killed me in the gym, I seriously felt like I had never worked out before. It was ridiculous! I struggled through the entire workout...
Paul asked what the deal was? I don't know, maybe I was just tired. I'm not sure!
Tuesday I met Britta at the park at 5:30am for some cardio. It was good. It actually feels SO good in the mornings before the sun comes up.
Yesterday I stayed home from work with Charlie. He was sick, poor baby. We snuggled and cuddled, but by the end of the day I was actually looking forward to getting to the gym for my workout! There is only so much Dora, Diego, Wonder Pets you can take before you feel like you might need someone to talk you off the ledge...
Wednesdays as you know are outside days, which I was a little nervous about considering that it has been SOOOO hot here the last week or two. I was already sweating just getting out of my car which is not a good sign! But something miraculous happened at 5 o clock yesterday, the clouds covered the sun and there was a nice breeze the whole hour we were outside!!! God was looking out for me. I also had a workout partner join me yesterday, which was fun. Karen, the operations manager at the gym, and a very good friend of Paul's decided to join us. Let me just start by saying her entire body is about the size of ONE of my thighs...so I was a little hestitant about running next to her! As everyone knows...I run like a duck. But having her out there was very encouraging and helped me push myself harder so that I didnt look dumb. And by the end of the workout, Karen was gasping for air as much as I was, so that made me feel better too!
AND...Paul told Karen she runs like a gazelle! Random, but funny! And it was nice for him to pick on someone else for a change!!!

Below are few cute pics from the last week of Charlie!!!

Fun in the sprinkler

The house got quiet...I went looking for Charlie and this is what I found. He said...he was stuck!

Driving his big red car

Playing at the park

Feeding the ducks...

Charlie and Poppa hanging out

Charlie on the tractor at Poppa's house

This sweet little guy lives in our backyard, we see him all the time, and daily Charlie screams out the back door "Where are you baby bunny?"