MaretHouse Mama: July 2009

I have been doing better, getting back into the routine of exercising at least 4-5 times/week. I was slacking for a while, only making it to the gym twice a week. It is so hard to get motivated again and back into the swing of things once you are out of your routine. But my journey is not over...and will never be...
Things I have really enjoyed this summer (compared to last summer):
- shopping for new clothes, smaller sizes!
- taking Charlie to the pool (wearing a swimsuit in public!)
- wearing sleeveless shirts
- attending events and ENJOYING them...not worrying about what I looked like the whole time
- seeing people I haven't seen in a while...and their reactions

I still have about 30 more pounds I would like to lose, but from where I started...that is a small feat! I go back to see my doctor next week and I am looking forward to seeing how much I have lost since my last appointment with him.

OK- on to more important news: Last weekend we welcomed a new addition to our family!
Introducing.....

Michael Jackson Farrell (MJ)

MJ has been a great addition to our family. He is incredibly sweet and very tolerant of Charlie. He has not hissed once! And as soon as you touch him, he is purring. Very sweet kitty. Charlie wakes up each morning asking for him, and goes to bed each night talking about him. I know the new will wear off soon, but he is really enjoying his new kitty!
His name: Those of you who know me, know that I have been ...well...a little obsessed with all of the Michael Jackson hoopla. I have watched every 20/20, Primetime, Dateline, 48 Hours, YOU NAME IT....I could write a book on Michael Jackson! When I saw our little kitty for the first time...he was black AND white...and it came to me instantly....MJ!

I don't even know where to begin! I know I have not posted in a month. My plan is to get back on track. The past month has been filled with all sorts of emotions. I lost my dear boss to his fight with cancer on July 1st. It has been harder than I ever imagined.
I have continued to work out as much as I could this past month, but I have not been consistent or on the pace that I need to be. Surprisingly, I have not gained weight...however I have not lost much either.
I have 12 sessions left with Paul and I need to make the most of it. I need to work as hard as I possibly can. Lately that has been difficult for me. I have had a hard time concentrating. There has been a lot going on, and its clear Paul has been disappointed in me. Our relationship has suffered due to my lack of effort lately. It has been weird because I have felt lots of anxiety everyday about working out. I guess all I can do is work hard and try my best. But with everything I went through this past month, the last thing I needed was to be given a hard time about my workout schedule, I was doing the best I possibly could. And to my defense, I think a lot of people might have just given up, gone back to old ways of NO exercise and bad eating habits...I think all things considered....I haven't done so bad. Don't get me wrong, Paul was very understanding through the hospitalization and death of my boss, I just don't think he realized how hard it has been for me to bounce back and get over it. I don't blame Paul for giving me a hard time, I know that he means well, and I guess I am just sensitive...especially lately. I don't handle criticism very well, I need positive motivation. Being given a hard time might motivate some people, but it makes me want to quit. And lately that is how I have felt.
With that being said I also need to say I know Paul has had a lot to deal with lately too...and my issues are the least of his worries! I just want to continue to make the Marethouse team proud and to continue on my journey to getting healthy.
I do owe all of my success to Paul, he has helped me achieve and reach goals I never thought possible. I would have NEVER made it to this point without him. And his friendship has meant the world to me. I don't want to let him down or disappoint him or myself. I thank God everyday for Marethouse Fitness. What a blessing!
Yesterday I sat down and decided I need to get out of this funk!!! I planned out my schedule for the week (meals, workouts, etc..). I went to the grocery store and loaded up on all my healthy food for the week. It actually feels like I am getting a grasp on things again. I am getting my life organized....and back on track!!!! I have a ways to go to reach my weight loss goals, and the key for me is to follow a routine. This past month I have been off my routine, and because of that I have felt every part of my life spinning out of control. It's not fair to Paul, David, my family...or ME. I want to continue to inspire others on their journey, I want to continue to make my family proud. And most of all I want to live up to my name...MARETHOUSE MAMA!!!
Thank you for all of your prayers and support through this difficult month.

A few HAPPY memories that I need to post:

Charlie's FIRST trip to the beach: he LOVED it!!!