Phase Two

I usually wait until further down in my posts to announce the weigh in news, but I am just too excited to wait.  This morning in our 4th weigh in, I lost (drum roll please...) 3.2 lbs bringing my total to 8.9 lbs for the month (applause).  I am just shy of my monthly ten pound goal, but I feel very good about the results.  With one month down, I will just keep pressing on as I enter phase two of the Arrow Meltdown contest.

This week I had the opportunity to put some of what I have learned from our nutrition classes with Mrs. Vicki Mascagni into practice.  Over the weekend, I went to a women's retreat sponsored by Morrison Heights Baptist Church.  I must say it was great fun and a tremendous blessing in my life to connect and reconnect with friends.  However, being away at camp meant my meal choices were limited.  Friday night was a seafood buffet which consisted of mostly fried foods.  I found some baked fish on the buffet and I heard Mrs. Mascagni's sweet voice in my head reminding me that a portion size of meat should be about the size of a deck of cards as I served my plate.  I also remembered her saying that at least half of my plate should be fruits and veggies.  All weekend I followed that plan, plus I stayed away from the dessert table which had, picture this,  cobbler with ice cream and lots of pie, but I chose the green Jello with fruit.  I must admit I felt a little deprived, but I tried to think of the bigger picture.  My only splurge there was a handful of Chex Mix while staying up talking with the girls.

My exercise was nonexistent this week except for boot camp.  I am not proud of it, but wanted to be honest about it.  I was not well for several days and with that and the retreat I just missed out on the gym.   I will be back at it this week because I am beginning my training for the Clinton FireFly 5K on Friday, April 29, 2011.  I will have to walk most if not all of it, but I am going to do it just the same.  All the Arrow Meltdown contestants will lead the way at the event and this will be the final weigh in where the winners will be announced.  I have built up my endurance this month and now it is time to focus on the 5K.  The registration information is not posted where I can find it, but when it is I will post a link here.  It should be great fun so plan to join us. 


The three things I learned or was reminded of this week:

I have no rhythm.  This is no joke!  This morning in boot camp we did Zumba.  I knew it was coming eventually and I was dreading the week we did Zumba because I knew I had no rhythm, but now everyone in the Arrow Meltdown and the few people who walked by the window can attest to this fact.  You would think I could put this big hips to use and shake them a little, but instead I looked more like I was having a seizure.  I did best at the African Rhythm dance, but that is not saying much.  I think the failing arms just come a little more naturally to me than some of the other moves.  The instructor was really good and if she is reading this post, I want to apologize for being on the front row and her having to watch me be a total spastic.  I am sorry you came to work at 5 a.m. to witness this crime against humanity!

Mrs. Vicki is serious about those food logs.  Mrs. Mascagni called us out about our food logs this morning.  She meticulously reads them and give us individual advice on how to improve our meals.  Her goal for us in not just weight loss, but it is a total lifestyle change that equips us for weight loss and healthy living.  I appreciate the investment she is making in us and I hope I can make her proud this week.  I stocked my refrigerator with salmon, tilapia, spinach, sweet potatoes, parsnips, brussel sprouts, grapes and greek yogurt last night.  Hopefully, that will do the trick.  I will let you know next week about my adventures in cooking fresh parsnips and brussel sprouts.  This could get interesting.

Oh how I love thee, let me count the ways.  I love Morrison Heights because for the last 18 years (my whole adult life) it has been the perfect place for me to call my church home.  I love it because of events like the women's retreat where relationships are built and God's word is taught.  I love opportunities to serve and influence the lives of others especially the pre-schoolers I see every Wednesday night.  I love our staff and their dedication to the Lord and our congregation.  I love, love, love, my pastor and his family.  They serve so well and Dr. Greg preaches God's word with such boldness and humility.  I enjoy his sermons so much that I go back and listen to some of them throughout the week.  I am really enjoying this study in Exodus we are doing now on Sunday nights.  It is good stuff and I love it!  If you want to listen, you can search MHBC Podcast on iTunes or go to http://www.morrisonheights.org/.  You are also welcome to visit us anytime.