KIMPY225's SparkPeople Blog http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal.asp?id=KIMPY225 KIMPY225's Blog on SparkPeople, home of free diet plans and a healthy living community SparkPeople.com http://assets2.sparkpeople.com/assets/nav/logo_spark.gif http://www.sparkpeople.com/ Garden/Organic Party - Recipes & Pictures! http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5363356 Happy Tuesday! I finally did Zumba last night! It was great. My shoulders and arms are a bit sore today though - but it is totally worth it =) After doing zumba, I really want to exercise more often. I feel really flabby lately, and I just need to push myself to do more exercise. Hopefully that will help me get to my healthy weight! <BR> <BR> The party on Saturday night was really fun! I had the Garden Trivia and everyone was laughing at how hard it was. It was a good time. Someone bought ch... Tue, 21 May 2013 11:25:53 EST Happy Wednesday! Random Blog - 5K results, Park & Craft Pictures http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5357223 Good morning! I have a bridal shower next month. The first thing I did after reading it was wonder what the bride & groom registered for. The biggest reason I wanted to find out what I could buy them is so I can be creative with the gift idea. I don't normally like to just get a gift and give it. I like to jazz it up! I checked this morning to see what the two registries have. I might get a pitcher and put some recipe cards with it or decorate it somehow. I am not sure yet - I will have to th... Wed, 15 May 2013 09:48:08 EST Happy Monday! Weekend Update & Organic/Veggie/Fruit Recipes - have any recipe ideas? http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5354971 Good morning. Hopefully everyone had a fantastic weekend. <BR> <BR> Saturday I went to the pet fair & went out to lunch with my Mom. Even though the weather was half rainy, I am glad they still had the fair open! It was great to see the dogs do the agility course! After the 5K yesterday, we went to the flea market. It was nice to be outside for half of the weekend!My 5K went well. It was the PERFECT day! It was sunny with a nice breeze. It was 60-62 degrees which was great. The race was in ... Mon, 13 May 2013 10:31:12 EST We should all give ourselves a big pat on the back! http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5344402 It has been super slow at work this past week. Quarterly payrolls are done. April 15th is long gone now. The accountants still have work to do, but I have none right now. Since I have had free time, I have been browsing on Spark friend blogs again. I noticed about half of the blogs mention the words "scared" "worried" and/or "upset". <BR> <BR> We are all on Spark for a reason. Some of us want to fit into a dress for a wedding. Others want to lose their freshman 15. There are other Sparkers ... Fri, 3 May 2013 12:53:37 EST Official 5k race time: 33:53 - new PR http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5340654 Happy Tuesday! and Happy last day of April! Quick update for me! <BR> <BR> I finally got the results for the 5K race I did on Saturday. I think I did well because my family was there to support me. They did the 1 mile walk before the race and then waited for me to do the 5K. I had my music this time, so that definitely helped too. I got a new PR! I know the time doesn't matter too much because the main point is that I completed another race! But I am glad I did better. 33:53 woohoo. My old b... Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:25:22 EST Why can't I find running pants with waist string? http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5336490 That was definitely a strange Blog Title - but it is true! I have been growing out of my old workout clothes again. Most of my tight-fitting workout pants are too big. When I run, they slide down. Only one pair has a string where I can tie them tight. I have been trying on new pairs of pants, and none of them have string on the waist! Even when I try on the smaller size, I jump up and down a few times and the pants just start to slide off of me. When I ran the 5K a few weeks ago, I had to lit... Fri, 26 Apr 2013 14:59:06 EST I have more free time but my Sparkpeople motivation is missing! http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5331488 Happy spring everyone. It has been a while since I posted. <BR> <BR> I got all of my blood work results back - I don't have lyme disease. My iron is at 20 and it should be 40 or above? Also I have low Vit D. I have been taking iron and Vit D for the past 2 weeks. The Dr told me the Vit D would give me more energy in a few weeks. I don't know if I have more energy, but I do feel happier. Even in the mornings when I wake up, it is easier to get out of bed. Now I even smile in the morning inste... Mon, 22 Apr 2013 09:32:57 EST Happy April! I love this weather - Different goals this month & outside pics included! http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5308749 Thank you to everyone who has supported me! I really appreciate it. Every compliment and piece of advice and support really helps me going forward! Thank you! <BR> <BR> Normally every month I post my goals for the month. I have been very busy with work and my personal life. Instead of posting my normal goals, I just want to post about what I would like to accomplish this month and what I have planned. <BR> <BR> I have two 5K races. One is 4/7 and the other is 4/27. Since I have been on the ... Tue, 2 Apr 2013 10:59:40 EST Walk in the park = tick bite & symptoms after. Yuck! http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5299685 I had a pretty good weekend. The weather was sunny & not too bad on Saturday. I went to the park after work and walked around for 2 hours. Unfortunately, the next day I found a tick on the back of my neck. I did a quick check after the park, but apparently I missed one. Ugh! It really hurt when it was taken out. A few hours after taking it out, I started getting really tired and got an awful headache. I had a 99 fever - which isn't too bad... but I did have the chills for 2 hours before bed. ... Mon, 25 Mar 2013 15:27:36 EST Adventure Weekend: Ice Skating & Rock Climbing Pictures included http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5291166 I have been super busy with tax season. It is tough having just one full day off a week. One month left until it is over! The extra money is nice, but I still feel like I don't have enough time to relax sometimes! <BR> <BR> The weather was nice last weekend but then it snowed over the weekend a little bit & it is cold again! I haven't been home much to use the treadmill & I don't really want to run outside when it is so chilly! I know - excuses! <BR> <BR> Even though I haven't ran too much... Mon, 18 Mar 2013 13:23:42 EST 5K results - new PR! http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5281597 I just got the website for my 5k results. <BR> <BR> I got a new PR! 34:34 woohoo <BR> <BR> First race 37:37 <BR> Second Race: 36:36 <BR> Third Race: 36:04 <BR> St Pattys race: 34:34 new PR! <BR> <BR> Maybe I will get 33:33 next race! I have one scheduled for April 7th! I can't wait to break in my new running shoes and go to the next race! <BR> <BR> Even though my legs are a bit sore, I went to the park this afternoon to walk around because it was so nice outside! <BR> <em>244</em> ... Sun, 10 Mar 2013 19:48:09 EST St Pattys 5K! http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5281324 The race went pretty well. I was a bit tired this morning, and I didn't feel ready for the race. I never feel ready though! It was a sunny day, but it was super windy. It was also chilly!! The day got nicer, but it was 40 degrees at the race. The wind was making me super cold so I actually wore my sweatshirt at the race. The race was up & back on an old airplane runway. I knew exactly how much of the race I had left to go. It was tough having a straight stretch of land at the end of the race.... Sun, 10 Mar 2013 15:12:02 EST Living the Good Life - Better Habits http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5272364 I haven't had time to blog over the weekend - so here is a quick one! <BR> <BR> Habits I want to develop: <BR> -Go to bed earlier instead of staying up late <BR> -Find time to exercise more instead of putting it off <BR> <BR> How I can develop these habits: <BR> -Get my chores done earlier in the night & Don't start a show so late when I know it will keep me up late. I could listen to music instead of watching a 45 minute show <BR> -Use my calendar more for scheduling exercise <BR> <BR> Ho... Mon, 4 Mar 2013 09:20:44 EST 94 lbs lost so far, small frustrating issue & March Goals http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5264746 Every time I make plans to go over a friend's house or party, I have to ask if I should eat first. I feel bad asking every time, but I always assume they are going to order a pizza. Usually I am correct & they are planning on getting JUST pizza. =( Normally I don't care that I eat differently than most people I know. I only get weird about it when I know everyone else is going to have pizza and I won't eat it. If I was allergic to wheat or couldn't digest cheese it would be one thing... but i... Tue, 26 Feb 2013 13:22:49 EST Quick Update! http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5256248 I don't think I will meet my goal of 155 this month. BUT I am not upset about it. <BR> I have been working a lot of extra hours at work. My social life has been busy too even though I have less free time. I am not complaining about having things to do outside of work! <BR> <BR> Last week I went back to yoga. Well, it is at a new facility, but it is similiar to what I was doing before. I am going tonight and I hope to go once or twice a week as long as my schedule allows it! The class starts... Tue, 19 Feb 2013 13:23:14 EST Lent starts next week - I need to figure out what I would like to give up http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5243115 Happy Friday! <BR> <BR> So I was reminded that lent starts next Wednesday. I am not a very religious person anymore, but I still like to take up on this tradition. Some people are against those who participate in lent even when they don't go to church regularly - but I still do it for me. I feel like I should do it and I do! One year I gave up chocolate for lent. Another year I gave up cheese. I think I would like to give up some kind of food, but I am not sure if this is what I want to do f... Fri, 8 Feb 2013 17:26:19 EST I just realized... eventually I won't be able to help out in weight loss challenges http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5240003 Happy Wednesday. I was just figuring out how much weight loss 5% would be. Eventually I won't be able to lose 5% more weight! I will have to find challenges that are for maintaining. I am getting closer to my healthy goal weight of 155. I want to lose more weight after that, but eventually I will get to a point where I won't lose more weight! I am not there yet, but the thought just crossed my mind! It is harder to lose weight now because I lost so much so far! <BR> <BR> I am hoping to do Zu... Wed, 6 Feb 2013 10:12:25 EST Winter 5% Weight Loss Commitment http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5238393 The Winter 5% weight loss challenge is approaching soon. I am in another Sparkteam which has 2 more weighins and one other team has 3 more weighins. The 5% Challenge will be starting in a few weeks. I will be doing the 5% Winter Challenge & I may start back up with Sparking as a team in March - it depends on my schedule. <BR> <BR> It has been a while since I wrote up a commitment. I went back to the Fall 5% blog I posted in September & I am going to edit it to fit! I am not sure when this c... Tue, 5 Feb 2013 08:54:06 EST My February Goals http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5233412 Happy Friday & Happy February everyone! <BR> <BR> I felt inspired to post my goals today since a friend asked me about how I lost so much weight. I went over everything I do, and it inspired me to keep pushing forward. I would like to get to 155 by the end of this month. It has been busy at work, so I really need to find time to exercise! I need to make time I think! <BR> <BR> I can't believe it is Feb 2013 already! I really would like to get to 155 by the end of the month! I have been wor... Fri, 1 Feb 2013 15:10:36 EST First attempt at Batch Cooking - pics http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5228823 Thank you again to everyone who has supported me - your comments make me smile & they help me keep going. I wish I had more time to comment, but I haven't! Everyone is so awesome - I love Spark! <BR> <BR> Last night I worked an hour extra for work.. not too bad. I stopped at the food store on the way home and got some food. I was in the mood to cook. Since I have been feeling better, I have been trying to catch up on some of what I missed. I am trying not to over-do it, but I wanted to make ... Tue, 29 Jan 2013 13:16:33 EST Once I am healthier I will ____ http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5227115 Thank you to everyone who sent me some get well soon vibes! I am finally back at work today. My ears are still hurting a little, but I am much better now. Work is very different now in this new position. I am still not used to all of it, but I am trying my best. We are working late nights and Saturdays now when there is work to do. I am not busy right now, but I know that will change soon. Every time I ask for something to do, there is plenty to do. I just have a break right now so I am takin... Mon, 28 Jan 2013 12:43:44 EST Jan 17th already- Wow! http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5211545 Sometimes I wonder where time goes. I lived each day since my last blog, but it still doesn't feel like it is January 17th already. <BR> <BR> Thank you for all of your support on my last picture blog. I really appreciate all of it! <BR> <BR> I missed a day of work because I have been sick. I don't have a sore throat or a runny nose - but I have had an awful headache since Sunday night. Yuck. It still won't go away. I still feel like I am running on auto pilot. I have been trying to have mo... Thu, 17 Jan 2013 12:49:58 EST 90 lbs lost - Comparison Pictures 250 vs 160 http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5202196 ****WARNING - FLUBBY COMPARISON PICTURES POSTED BELOW**** <BR> <BR> So I finally took some comparison pictures. I don't notice as much of a difference between 170 and 160. My back does seem a little different in the 160 though. I definitely should do more exercising. I don't feel skinny even though I am much skinnier. <BR> <BR> I am very close to my healthy weight goal, but I still mentally feel so far from where I would like my body to be. I am trying not to be too selfish about my looks,... Fri, 11 Jan 2013 13:11:51 EST Why does it feel like I need to eat MORE?! http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5198390 Lately I haven't really been hungry - but I feel the need to eat. On the drive to work, I think about the yogurt I am going to eat. Then when I look the clock, I wonder if it is "snack time" yet. I normally have tea and some kind of snack between 1030 & 1130 to break up my day. I start at 8:30 & have lunch around 1:30. <BR> <BR> During lunch and dinner, I feel like I need to eat MORE. I want a lot of food. Even though I want to eat, I haven't really been craving "bad" foods. I just want mor... Wed, 9 Jan 2013 09:06:41 EST 2013: More energy, better goals & extra determination! http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5187836 Happy New Year! Although the way we write the date changed to 2013, not much else changed for me. Well, the weather did get A LOT colder! My goals are mostly the same though. Well, I am tweaking them slightly for January, but I am still on the same path! <BR> <BR> I want to keep saving money, sign up for a few 5K in the spring, and I want to be at 155 lbs by March 1st. However, I feel a little different about my goals. Unfortunately, I haven't had a lot of time to browse other pages & blogs ... Thu, 3 Jan 2013 09:50:55 EST 89 lbs lost so far & my Mini challenge completed! Some thoughts... http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5176655 December 26th already. Happy Wednesday everyone! <BR> <BR> I completed the mini-challenge I created for myself over the Christmas break. Even though there were a lot of snacks, I watched what I ate. I did my best to make sure I had as many normal meals as I could. Spark gave me my 1,000 fitness minutes trophy for December, hooray! I am still at 161 exactly! I am still surprised, but I am glad. I tried my best to have healthy breakfasts over the weekend. I had egg whites two days & also had s... Wed, 26 Dec 2012 12:16:45 EST Keep Pushing! Random mini- challenge for myself http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5172850 Happy Friday!!! <BR> <BR> There is quite a bit of chores left on my holiday checklist: <BR> -Help my Mom clean & clean & clean some more! <BR> -Go Food Shopping <BR> -Finish my hot chocolate gift project <BR> -Finish wrapping the gifts that just got delivered <BR> -Help my Mom prep & cook for the 22 people eating over on Christmas Day! <BR> <BR> Besides chores, I was invited to a game night & then a movie night! I need to make sure I stay true to myself. Over the years, I always put other ... Fri, 21 Dec 2012 11:58:21 EST Tis the Season! http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5171939 As most of you know, my work gave me a nice bonus the other day. It put me in a really festive mood! I made a nice fruit and candy basket for my co-workers last night. When they first saw it, they were joking around saying they bet it was soy & vegan chocolate or other healthy items & no good fattening food. =) They all love dark chocolate and caramel, so I made sure to get a lot of that! Everyone keeps walking around going "mmmmm". I am now thinking about making one for my Mommom and maybe ... Thu, 20 Dec 2012 10:52:00 EST Christmas Gift Project Update & Declutter!! http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5171036 Happy Wednesday everyone! <BR> <BR> So....I have moved most of my belongings 7 times since 2006. I moved out of my parents, then back, then out etc.... I used to have a nice filing cabinet with everything organized. As time moved on, I got rid of it & most of my important paperwork got shoved into big tupperware containers. I had to look for important documents last night, so I decided to throw out a lot of old receipts and bills I definitely don't need anymore! It took me two hours to go t... Wed, 19 Dec 2012 11:34:25 EST Raise & a Bonus - simple celebration time!! http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5169673 Happy... almost Tuesday! <BR> <BR> I was promoted to a better position within my company a few weeks ago. Although the training did not start yet, I had my review today. I started my job with this company last February. The review went great. I was given a $2 raise & a Christmas bonus. Woohoo! With my last job, I worked there for two and a half years and never got a raise. I did so much for that company, and everyone hated each other there. I am so thankful for the company I work for now. I... Mon, 17 Dec 2012 23:52:08 EST Christmas Party Fun & Some Pictures! http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5168632 Happy Sunday Sparkers! I can't believe the weekend is almost over!!! <BR> <BR> I had a lovely time at my Christmas parties. My work Christmas party was very nice. The country club was a very lovely place. The food was great & I didn't over eat. However... I did over drink haha. I did a lot of dancing, and I drank a lot! The bartender did a great job, but I had way too much to drink. I was nervous I wouldn't be able to talk to my co-workers, but once I was there it went a lot smoother than I ... Sun, 16 Dec 2012 23:52:30 EST Stress! How can I manage it?! http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5166414 Happy Friday everyone!!! Thank you for the awesome support as usual =) I lost another pound! 161.8!! The scale actually said 159.6 this morning - but I am not going to count it until I get that low at least two more weigh-ins. I hope I don't drink too much alcohol this weekend at the parties. I will do fine with the food. The alcohol is the only thing I am stressing about a bit. <BR> <BR> I randomly get stressed. Basically I can get stressed about anything! <BR> <BR> My work Christmas party... Fri, 14 Dec 2012 11:36:29 EST Jolly Holiday Challenge - December & the next 10 weeks! http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5164240 I definitely have been feeling very festive the past few days! Christmas is coming so soon. <BR> <BR> I am glad the Jolly Holiday Challenge started! This blog will mostly explain what I want to accomplish within the next 10 weeks. Hopefully I stay strong even though my busy tax season is coming so soon. I already notice I have less time to Spark. Hopefully I can at least get the exercise in I need! <BR> <BR> I modified my December Goal list to include the entire Challenge! <BR> <BR> - No T... Wed, 12 Dec 2012 10:45:48 EST My busy seasoning is happening already! http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5163226 I have had less time to be on Spark recently. I had to edit the work Christmas Card mailing list, fold the cards, stuff envelopes, postmark them & print the labels. Once I am done that, I am going to start with the end of the year tax organizers. The extra work is making the days go by faster, but I am also tired when I leave work now. It will get even busier once I start my training for the new position - then tax season will be here before I know it! <BR> <BR> Even now, I have less time to... Tue, 11 Dec 2012 12:24:20 EST My third 5K - details & a new PR!!! http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5161612 Saturday morning came way too fast for me. It was 7am, and I didn't want to get out of bed. It was still dark outside when I woke up, and it felt like I didn't get enough sleep. For a second, I even felt like missing the race. Something made me get up & get ready! I put ribbon in my hair to try to dress up a bit. They gave us bells at the race, so I put one on each first. I listened to my music this time. The only time I heard the bells was in between songs! <BR> <BR> It was a bit misty for... Sun, 9 Dec 2012 23:20:46 EST Thank you for the PUSH! I am mentally prepared for my 5K no matter what time I get! http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5158038 Happy Thursday everyone!! <BR> <BR> I am a more prepared for my 5K on Saturday even though I did not train last night. Thank you for all of the support on my last blog & my Sparkpage! I really appreciate it. <BR> <BR> Mentally, I am now ready to give it my all on Saturday! I woke up in a very happy mood today which is still here! I was invited to a board game night, and I am going to that tomorrow night. At least I will be having fun instead of worrying about the race the whole night! I ke... Thu, 6 Dec 2012 09:58:28 EST I still feel so unprepared for my third 5K run! It is this Saturday! http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5157313 Happy Wednesday everyone! <BR> <BR> The last time I did an official 5K was 10/13. In my head, I planned out training for the rest of October & November to include at least twice a week. I really wanted to shave a minute or two off of my last time of 36:36. Unfortunately, I only jogged a few times since then! Why did I slack off? It wasn't just the sickness. Mentally something was off. I did my own personal turkey trot in my neighborhood on Black Friday. I got a time of 38:22. I am still so h... Wed, 5 Dec 2012 16:56:44 EST Fall 5% Challenge Final Update & Pictures - I ALMOST made it with 4.5% gone! http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5151686 Happy Friday Sparkers!! I posted some Old 250 Pics vs Recent Pics at the bottom! <BR> <BR> Unfortunately, I did not reach my 5% goal - but I think I did a spectacular job regardless of what the scale says! I lost 7.8lbs (4.5%) in 8 weeks! I don't think I would have lost that month without this challenge. I didn't have any french fries for 10 weeks - Not even one bite! I completed a 5K in 38:22 after being sick & having no training those weeks! My Thanksgiving was great & I was able to share... Fri, 30 Nov 2012 12:58:53 EST Accomplished Goals in November & December Goals & Ultimate Goals http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5149716 Happy Wednesday! I am in a pretty good mood today (although I have another dumb headache!) <BR> <BR> I got a great idea from reading Snevil's blog - she has a chart showing how much weight she lost each month over the last year. I used this awesome idea to give myself my new Big Goal Weight Deadline! I lost about 42 pounds since January. I slacked off a lot from March to July. After I broke up with my ex in June, I focused on me a lot more in July! It seems to get harder and harder to lose.... Wed, 28 Nov 2012 16:55:14 EST I need new goals & I am starting another Challenge 12/10! http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5148562 I have been on this one SparkTeam for a long time now: 20 Somethings with 50-99 Pounds to Lose. I saw they sent out some Mail saying there is a Jingle Challenge starting 12/10. I said I would sign up! This would be my 2nd Spark challenge & first challenge with them. I am excited about it. I am waiting to hear back about what team I am on. They have two part challenges every week - one fitness & one non-fitness. I like the sound of that! <BR> <BR> I need to really sit down and figure out my ... Tue, 27 Nov 2012 16:04:35 EST I gained 2 pounds over the weekend?! oh dear! http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5147403 Happy Monday! I have a full work-week this week! I was off from work on Friday. I wanted to do some 5K training since it was so nice. I went to the store with my Dad in my workout clothes just to remind me to go jogging! Once I got home, I mapped out a 5K & decided I would attempt to do it. I didn't want to push myself TOO hard because it has been a while since I went that far. I brought my phone & headphones and listened to random songs. I did the 5K portion in 38 min 22 seconds and walked t... Mon, 26 Nov 2012 17:13:46 EST Happy Friday! 5K training - here I come! http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5144268 Thanksgiving is over - but that doesn't mean I stopped being thankful! I am off of work today. Instead of just sitting around doing nothing, I decided to clean the house for my Mom. She is having company over tonight, so I figured I would do it for her. She is working today (always from home so at least I see her). <BR> <BR> I did great with my Thanksgiving meal. I made some chicken sausage, butternut squash fries & a sweet potato. I took a picture of what I brought & then what I ended up e... Fri, 23 Nov 2012 13:17:50 EST 2012 Picture Blog: I am Thankful For..... http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5142646 After reading a lot of other Thanksgiving Spark Blogs today - my mood is extremely happy & EXTRA thankful now! I saw so many inspiring quotes from this awesome Spark Community! I definitely feel even more thankful for everything I have & everything I have done. <BR> <BR> I am getting out of work early today, off tomorrow & Friday. I am super thankful for this amazing job I have. My bosses are real people who treat us so well! I love that they understand we are people who have family & ou... Wed, 21 Nov 2012 13:54:54 EST Making Thanksgiving everyday... http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5141739 I went to the Dollar Store during my lunch break today. I got a few Thanksgiving Day cards to give to my family on Thursday. I also stocked up on "Thinking of you" and "Miss you" and "Get Well Soon" cards since I ran out of those the other day. When I can, I like to buy little gifts for my parents and friends. They joke around saying I am trying to buy their love. But I just like making people happy! Even if I just buy their favorite pack of gum... if I can put a smile on someone's face, it m... Tue, 20 Nov 2012 17:27:39 EST Happy Monday! Chilly & Chili! http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5140242 Good morning Sparkers! I am feeling mostly happy - which is nice. I have a bit of stress floating around in my mind, but I am trying to keep smiling. <BR> <BR> I had a pretty lovely weekend. Hopefully everyone else did too! I got some walking & exercising in. I didn't do any 5K training though. I definitely want to get to the park this week sometime - either on Turkey day or on Friday. It will probably be cold, but I won't let that discourage me. I am off both Thursday & Friday woohoo! 4 day... Mon, 19 Nov 2012 10:13:12 EST 2nd Half of November: Thoughts & Goals http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5137355 Happy Friday everyone! I am feeling a bit relieved compared to the other day. I did talk to my ex. Although things are definitely not 100% solved, I did tell him how I feel. He realizes I can't keep getting sucked into his sadness. I feel bad, but I can't keep letting him pull me in to the negativity! He did give me the Zumba dvds I have been asking him for though. I didn't get a chance to check them out to make sure they work- but hopefully they do! <BR> <BR> WOW!!! It is almost Thanksgivin... Fri, 16 Nov 2012 10:55:44 EST I need a self-PUSH today! http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5135237 ****Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way! I am now a Spark Motivator! Thank you!!!!!!!!! This website helps me so much. Hopefully I can help some of you too. Let me know if you need any support or help. A little goes a long way, and I am willing to help!**** <BR> <BR> When I woke up this morning, I felt a bit different. I realize I definitely need a self-push today. What is a self-push? I have no idea! I just feel like I need one to continue my life journey in the right d... Wed, 14 Nov 2012 13:40:10 EST A friend told me I need to stop losing weight? http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5129711 I weighed in for my 5% Fall Challenge today - 164.4! 85.6 pounds gone so far!!!!!! I am getting closer and closer to my 5% goal of 162.5. I am also close to my healthy weight goal of 155! At 155, I will have lost 95 lbs total. If I am lucky, I will get down to 150 and have 100 pounds gone. When the time comes, I will make new goals! <BR> <BR> I don't talk about my life changes with people in my real life situation unless they bring it up. I don't want to be that obsessed person who criticiz... Fri, 9 Nov 2012 15:25:12 EST 15 months on Spark so I created 15 reasons how Spark has inspired me to be a better person http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5127558 When I checked my e-mail this morning, I saw so many Spark e-mails! I can't believe I was featured as a Popular Blog on the Spark mailer! Woohoo! <BR> <BR> THANK YOU so much to everyone who has posted on my blog, sent me a message, and commented on my page. Usually I get 10-20 posts on the blogs I make. I appreciate every single one, and I try to write back and read other blogs when I can! If I get the chance, hopefully I get through all of them later tonight or tomorrow! Halloween was postp... Wed, 7 Nov 2012 16:59:11 EST Happy Tuesday everyone! 83.4 lbs gone so far! http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5125997 Hi-ya Sparkfriends! <BR> <BR> November 5th already! Wow! I feel so behind in my exercise for this month because of being sick. I am on my second round of antibiotics. I missed Zumba last week because I was sick & also because the facility had no power. I don't think I am going this Thursday either because I don't want to over-do it. I have been walking a bit, but nothing too crazy until I get all better! <BR> <BR> While I was sick, I mostly laid around and caught up on TV shows. My back was... Tue, 6 Nov 2012 10:14:27 EST