6 Months

Six months ago I married my very best friend. 

Last year at this time, we had just got engaged and I of course was already busy planning our wedding.  We decided pretty quickly that we didn't want a  long, drawn-out engagement.  Neither of us wanted to be stressed out the entire time, and having too much time meant that there was a possibility we would change our minds on little items too many times. 

We threw around dates and seasons.  We knew we wanted it to be outdoors, so we didn't want it in the heat of the summer or during a time it would be extremely windy.  I mentioned August 11, 2012, because I wanted our anniversary to be on the 11th.  It's my favorite number and I'm just weird like that.  Graham didn't think we'd have enough time to pull it all together by then though.  We finally decided on October 27, 2012. 

The past six months have been a whirlwind, to say the least.  We have already been tested with family issues, but I will say that even though we are still newly-weds, our marriage is getting stronger every day.  There's nothing that can be thrown at us that we can't conquer together and it's a wonderful feeling!

I love this man and I know that it was nothing short of fate that brought us together.  He makes me a better person and I pray I do the same for him.  I can't wait to spend an eternity with my husband!  =)

  In honor of our 6-month-iversary, I leave you with these...

Dad's 74th Birthday

Tomorrow is my Dad's 74th Birthday. 

Although I don't really have much of a relationship with him anymore, for reasons I don't care to explain, I can't help but think of him today.  It has been years since we were close, but I am so thankful that God put him in my life.  Having done so has strengthened my core and has taught me how to forgive, because I have been forced to do so countless times.

I'm not writing this today to reflect on the unhealthy relationship we do have, but to help me remember how lucky I am and to whole-heartedly wish him a 'Happy Birthday'.

Because of this man, I have a younger sister that I have an awesome relationship with.  Kelly and her family are my world.

Because of this man, I have 2 older half-brothers and 3 older half-sisters.  My relationship is different with all of them, but we're as close as you can be while having a 20+ year age difference.  I didn't grow up around all of them, but if it wasn't for him, they wouldn't be in my life.

I am a strong-willed, hard-headed woman and those traits couldn't have come from anyone else!  Even though I grew up in an abusive home, I don't focus on that.  My childhood doesn't define me, if anything it has taught me the importance of treating people well and keeping your word.

I have come to terms with the fact that even though I am a "fixer", sometimes you just can't "fix" toxic situations.  Sometimes the only thing you can do is walk away and love from afar. 

Even though we may not talk or have a relationship, I still love you Dad.  Your health and well-being are always in my prayers.

Back On Track & Cattle Guards Suck

After a week of not being active and eating whatever was in front of me, I feel like I'm really getting back on track this week.

I've only walked and done jogging intervals for 7 miles so far because after a week of loving my couch, my shins are having a hard time getting back in the groove. It's amazing how taking that little bit of time off was such a step back. I've always had shin splint issues, so I'm trying to get back to my routine without hurting myself.

Speaking of hurting myself...

Last night was supposed to be a rest night, but the wind is forecasted to be crazy today, so I decided to go ahead and get my walking done last night.

After my 3 miles was finished, I crossed the cattle guard on our road and my foot got hung up on one of the metal edges that was sticking out. It pretty much threw me onto the bars on the ends, banging up my shin and knee.

Luckily, none of our neighbors were outside, but there were tons of cars passing by on the highway. Needless to say, I jumped up quick and high-tailed my butt to the house.

I'm so sad it tore a hole in my new sneakers I got for losing 30lbs. =(

 

Meals have definitely been more healthy this week too. I'm back to logging all my food on MapMyWalk and I haven't gone over my allowed calories this week.

I won't be at my goal weight at the end of the month as I had planned, but I'm back on track. That's all that matters in the long run.

On a positive note, I finally weigh less than the hubs and have for about a week now. Granted, he hasn't been trying all that hard this month, but I don't care. I've been chasing him in weight loss since the beginning of the year and I finally did it.  I never want to weigh more than him again!

Crappy Week, Chocolate Wasted, & Reunions

Last week was the weirdest week I've had mentally so far this year.  I had no desire to work out and definitely no desire to keep track of what I was shoving in my pie-hole.  Which is why I spent most of the week chocolate wasted on cake.  I walked a mile last week.  That's it.  I only did that because I was frustrated at work and needed to get out and take a breather.  It was crazy windy Monday-Wednesday so instead of working out inside, I plopped my butt on the couch.  Awesome.  Which is why I'm up 3lbs from the week before. 

Binge eating has always been a problem for me.  I imagine it's something I'll always have to face, but I'm trying to learn how to prevent a binge before it happens.  Once it's started, Lord have mercy...

I'm not really sure why I was in such a funk, but I'm determined to not let this week be another repeat.  I'm starting to feel really good about my weight loss and I just want to see the finished project, so to speak.



Re-cap for the week -

A couple good friends I used to work with at Halliburton, when I lived in Hobbs, were in town for some training and I got to have lunch with them on Tuesday.  I saw Kathy last year at my bridal shower, but I hadn't been able to see Veronica since I moved almost 2 years ago.  I needed that visit with them.  Kathy is moving to San Antonio (lucky brat), so this will be last time I see her until I make a trip to Sea World again!

 


'03 Class Reunions
This year marks 10 years since Graham and I graduated high school (we didn't go to the same school though).  Even though most of our classmates are mutual FB friends, it's also been 10 years since we've seen any of them face to face.  Graham's reunion has been in the works since like last summer and we received a letter in the mail about it last week.  It's set for the end of June.  Graham doesn't really care to attend, but I think he should think about it at least! 

I graduated with an extremely small class.  I'm talkin' like 18 people y'all!  I've been messaging a few of the ladies to try to find out if a reunion was in the works, but there wasn't.  I've decided to put together a little reunion in June for those of us that would like to reconnect.  Since we waited to til the last possible minute and since there aren't that many of us, I think it would be fun to all meet for dinner in Lubbock (close to where we grew up) and then go out together after.  I've had a good response from the majority of the class and I'm hoping to get the date finalized soon. 


Saturday -
Graham was off that day so we spent most of the day in Roswell getting some things done that we'd been putting off.  My poor little car was running on some bald tires, so we got some new ones.  Also got the oil changed since there aren't any quick lube places in our town.  We did some shopping and of course some eating!

 

BL Competition Extended & Weekend Wrap-up

I got a phone call on Friday from my buddy that's hosting the Biggest Loser Competition at Halliburton.  He wanted to let me know that two of the other people doing it with us were going to be out of town on Saturday, which was originally supposed to be our final weigh-in date.  They were trying to figure out whether we wanted to go ahead and do the weigh-in; causing them to forfeit or to extend the whole competition for another month. 

I've been doing pretty well with my progress and was ready to weigh-in on Saturday, but knew the majority of the people would want to just extend it, so I chose to as well.  The final weigh-in with them is now May 13th, which works pretty perfectly since my final weigh-in for the competition at the plant is May 10th.  I was already planning on staying focused for another month anyway! 

I've got to figure out something to keep me focused once those competitions are over though.  Sadly, I've never worked at losing weight longer than three months at a time, so this really is new to me.  Obviously getting healthy and watching my body slim down should be enough momentum to keep me going, but I have to set little goals for myself to keep me motivated for the long haul.

I'm currently trying to figure out what I want to do for my 40lb weight-loss reward; which I should be hitting around the end of this month.  I received a gift card to get my toes done and some money that I think I may put to some more new running shoes, for my birthday last week.  I also have some gift cards from Christmas that I could use for some new boots.  Hmmm...  decisions, decisions.  I do know that I intend on being in Onederland at the end of May.  =)

On to the weekend...

Graham and I went to Jackson's baseball game Friday night and I went to the one he had on Saturday morning while Graham was working.  Our spring-time is usually always centered around baseball games.  We also make it a point to head to Texas to see Ayanna play softball as well! 

On Saturday I also got to try out my new heart-rate monitor Graham got me for my birthday.  It was beautiful that day, so I hit the pavement for about 5 miles.  I did a mile of sprint/walk intervals, walked 3 miles at a good steady pace, and then did another mile of sprint/walk intervals.  I love when it's nice out and I can get some fresh air while getting my cardio in.  It's supposed to be freaking windy for the next 3 days, so I'll be confined to my living room for my workouts.  Blah!



Saturday night Reg and Staci took us to dinner for my birthday.  We never really get to spend time with just them; they're usually pretty busy with the kiddos, so that night was awesome.  Of course, that's not to say we don't love spending time with the kiddos either!

Sunday we went to church and basically spent the rest of our day cuddled up on the couch together.  The wind was ridiculous, so we couldn't go play on the 4-wheeler.  We ended up watching the first two episodes of 'The Bible' mini-series that we've had recorded, but haven't watched yet.  They're like 2 hours each but I was seriously in awe of every bit of it.  I go to church now, but didn't really grow up in one.  I never really learned any of the Bible stories, so seeing it brought to life that way is so captivating to me!  I can't wait to watch the 3rd episode tonight.

Sunday was also spent eating our lives away, seriously.  It was for no other reason than boredom, but it happened.  I'm talking chocolate cake, grilled cheese sandwich(es), and popcorn.  Quite the group of comfort food, let me tell ya!  After weighing this morning, I'm definitely back on track though and am ready to hit my goal at the end of this month!

I found out this morning I'm the winner of an earring organizer and a Spark sample from one of the lovely blogs I follow.  Check Cece out!  I'm excited!  I never win anything!!

Ok, so this was quite the ramble, but I leave you with these beautiful flowers the hubby got me for my birthday.  Love that man!

My 28th Birthday

Yesterday was my 28th Birthday y'all! 

I know a lot of people don't really think twice about their special day and I just don't get it. 

I LOVE MY BIRTHDAY! 

Birthdays always lead me to reflect on my past and to focus on making my next year even better.  This year was no exception.  I'm so lucky to have everyone in my life and am so grateful for all of my blessings!

I tend to be pretty giving, or at least I try to be.  What can I say... I love the possibility of being a lil bright spot for someone else's day.  =)  This year, in honor of my special day I wanted to do a little giveaway of my own.  Not an online, blog-type giveaway that have become the norm in the blog-world.  But an actual giveaway where I go up to people and hand them my little gift. 

I gave away 28 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies to some unsuspecting family, friends, and businesses I deal with on a pretty regular basis.  I decided on boxes of cookies because my niece, Miss Ayanna is a Girl Scout and I wanted to help her troop... and because who doesn't love Girl Scout Cookies?!?! 

I attached these cute little tags on each box, but as I was giving them out I almost felt like I was asking people to tell me 'Happy Birthday'; which wasn't my intention at all.  I felt kind of awkward.  I had so much fun though and it felt good handing them all out, but I think the next time I do something like this I'll change the wording a bit.

We planned on meeting for a light lunch because we were going to go to dinner that night.  We decided to try out a new sandwich shop in town.  I had a roast beef sandwich and some pesto pasta.  It was all reallllllly good. 

And then, this happened.  I couldn't decide which one I wanted, so we got both and split them.  One was Zucchini Carrot Cake and the other was a Butterscotch Crumb Cake.  I ate so much and after all of the changes I've made with my eating habits this year; it made me feel like crap the rest of the day.  I don't care though, it was my Birthday and I enjoyed every bit of it!

After being miserably stuffed all day, I decided I'd pick up a rotisserie chicken and some deli sides for dinner, and we'd just stay home.  Graham went back into the kitchen later that night to put all the food up, only to find the container the chicken was in, on the floor and there was no chicken inside.  Tig had swiped it off the counter and completely devoured that sucker.  So now I'm hoping she doesn't have a problem digesting it or anything.  I'll have to keep an eye on that brat!

Graham gave me some beautiful flowers and the Polar heart-rate monitor I'd been wanting.  I've been wondering how many calories I've actually been burning during my workouts and now I get to find out.  It'll be another incentive to push past my comfort zone in my workouts.

With all the Facebook and Instagram love, texts, calls, and getting to spend some quality time with my hubby; my day was perfect.  I really am a lucky, lucky girl.  I'm so excited to see what's in store for me this next year.  I intend to make my 28th year of life my healthiest yet!

Weekend Recap & Big Week Ahead!

There wasn't a whole lot going on in the Guy household this weekend.  Graham worked on Saturday, so I laced up my new shoes I got for losing 30lbs and hit the pavement.  I did walking/jogging intervals for about a mile and then walked another 4.4 miles. 

I had intentions of signing up for a local 5k next month, but I'm not sure I'll be able to continue the training required until I lose some more weight.  It sounds like an oxy moron I know, can't run until I lose more weight.  But while doing the 5k training program I had been doing to get ready for The Color Run, I began to have pain in my hips.  Not the kind of pain that comes from just doing more than your body is used to, but actual pain.  It was making it hard to sleep at night and even harder to get up in the morning.  I'm not sure if it's an injury, but it rarely comes while walking.  I'll just keep trying!

I only ended up working out 4 days last week.  It's usually more like 5-6 days a week, but I got home on Friday and just didn't have it in me, so I took another rest day.  The wind is going to be ridiculous here for the next couple of days, so I will have to make myself do some workout dvd's; probably Zumba!.  I love zumba, especially at home, but nothing compares to being able to get out in the sunshine. 

This is going to be a pretty busy week. 

Today is my Grandma's (Mom's mom) 85th birthday.  She lives in Colorado, so unfortunately I don't get to celebrate it with her.  She is actually the last living grandparent I have, besides on Graham's side. 

Thursday is my 28th birthday and I can't wait.  I'm such a little kid when it comes to them, quite honestly.  I love having birthdays and I hope I never get to the point that I dread them.  I'm also doing a little giveaway that day, so there will be a post about that soon after.  =)

Saturday is my final Biggest Loser weigh-in for the competition with the Halliburton guys.  I'm fairly certain I won't be walking away with the prize money, but I am definitely happy about my progress so far.  And I feel good about how hard I've worked for the last 3 months.  I'll have a post up about how that goes as well!

Have a great week!

Reward - 30lb Loss

Through March I plowed through some more workouts and continued to count calories. At the end of the month, I had lost another 10lbs... Which leaves me with a total of 30lbs gone!

I was undecided as to what I would do for myself when I hit the next milestone. In the middle of the month I pretty much had that question answered when I noticed that I had jogged/walked my pinky toe out of the mesh on my shoe. I'd had those sneakers for right around 3 years and I had just worn them completely out!

Since I started a 5k running program at the end of January, I've been dealing with a lot of hip pain. I initially thought that it was because I am just so damn big, but I'm hoping getting new shoes will help a little bit. I'm excited to get on the pavement today!

3-Day Easter Weekend

Graham found out early last week that he would be getting a 3-day weekend for the Easter holiday.  He hardly ever gets extra time off, so I took Friday off as well so we could take advantage of it!

FRIDAY:

That morning I went ahead and got my 4 mile walk out of the way so we could just enjoy the rest of our day.  Graham got "a shearing", as he calls it.  He hadn't had his hair cut since our wedding in October, so he was long overdue!  We went to town and had lunch together for the first time this year, or at least during the week. 

Afterwards, we loaded up the 4-wheeler and headed east to the plant I work at.  We decided to cover a different area.  Sadly, we are creatures of habit and tend to ride the same ol' trail from our house to the river.  The change of view was nice!  We were hoping to see a coyote or two... but our ride consisted of seeing pump jacks, the river, and a frac crew.  Definitely not complaining though.  The weather was warm and beautiful and I love our little view in the NM desert!

Saturday:

That morning, I talked my honey into taking a quick 2 mile walk with me.  I always walk by myself during the week, since he's usually still at work.  It was such a pretty morning and so relaxing to take a little stroll with him. 

Artesia was having their annual Main Event Car Show so we went to town to check out some classic cars that afternoon.

The evening was spent at Reg & Staci's (Graham's fam) for their family's Easter Egg Hunt and dinner.  I grew up with Staci and are still good friends, so we're invited to their family functions quite often.  We watched the kids decorate and hunt eggs, jumped on the trampoline (ok, that was just me), and ate some awesome burgers (which happens to be my favorite food).  We love getting to spend time with them!

 

 

Sunday:

That day can be described with the following...