Declaration for Change

Unfortunately, I have gained some pounds over the last three years(though mostly I think it's from last 9 months) and I have decided to get rid off them. So tomorrow Troy and I are starting "no sweets, no fast food" diet until Thanksgiving. I will be allowed to eat candy on halloween but that's it. One of my friends nicely pointed out that the amount of weight I have put on is like a "sack of potatoes". So no need for Russet potatoes around my waist or hips. If you see me touch anything that looks like cookies, brownies etc, slap my hand! 

Does anyone have any good ideas on weight loss?? I will be running about 4 times a week so that should help, but I would love to hear anyone's experiences on the issue. Or if anyone wants to join me on my challenge, it's always easier to have more people supporting you.

I do have to confess that Troy is kind of forced into this diet, but a girl can't be healthy if the hubby is allowed to have sweets around the house. I probably seem like such a dictator to people...

My Husband Loves Me

Yes, I can even prove it to you. I went to check the mail few days ago and there was the declaration of Troy's love for me. I pulled it out the mailbox with excitement. My first issue of Runner's World had arrived. As Troy and I discussed possible anniversary present options, I told him that I loved reading this particular magazine and it would be nice to get a monthly reminder that he loves me. Don't get me wrong, he does tell me that he loves me on daily basis, but more tangible reminders are nice too:)

I'm in a "I want to be a hardcore runner" mood again. Since high school, I have identified myself as a runner. Back then I did the sprints and now I'm doing the long-distance; however, all I needed was a pair of running shoes to feel good about things.

How do you identify yourself? Obviously we all have several things that identify us, but what is your favorite?

P.S I am signed up for Tucson Half-Marathon on Dec. 7th. If anyone is interested joining me or just training with me, let me know!

Inspiration

I am one of those people who reads strangers' blogs because I find some of these blogs so inspiring. Few weeks ago, I came across a blog by a woman whose sister had been in a plane crash. The sister and her husband were both burned quite severely. They have four little children. Some of you might have even heard about her; she seems to be quite the hit as "blogger mom".   This morning I happened to go and read the blog again as well as the sister's blog; I was amazed by their positive attitude, their faith and love for life. What a great reminder on a Sunday morning to count my blessings and show more love to those around me. 

Back to Blond

So I am back to being blond and I totally love it. I don't think I'll go dark anytime soon again. They say that blondes have more fun and I have totally noticed it. It seems like the last three weeks have been like a big party. OK, I'm so kidding. Life has been crazy since Troy's surgery and school started. Luckily Troy's mom came and stayed with us for few weeks because Troy wasn't able to drive and I wasn't able to drive him to all of his physical therapy appointments plus to classes etc. So Troy's mom really saved us and also pampered us. She made us breakfast in the mornings and cooked dinner. She even made lunches for Troy. We have never been spoiled like that before so we absolutely loved it. 

This is the sight that welcome me back one day after school. Homemade cinnamon rolls and dinner on the stove:)

So I got some layers going on with blond highlights. Troy wants my hair even lighter but this is as light as they would go since my hair was pretty dark. 

So I'm doing a psychiatric nursing rotation for the next 5 weeks and work one 12- shift a week while Troy goes to school 4 days a week, has twice a week PT appointments and works 35 hours a week. We don't get to spend much quality time together, but I sure love being married to him. We just celebrated our 3 year anniversary on Wednesday. Our celebration mirrored our lack of energy: macaroni grill take out and  watching Jane Austen's Emma movie. Also my friend introduced us to Skinny Cow ice cream. So now I feel better about eating an ice cream sandwich that has only 140 calories in it. Of course, I never knew how many calories were in other ice cream brands but now I feel like I have more self-control!