Lulu201's Back In Action Journal

[Strings]

Erin,

I know you are feeling overwhelmed. The beginning of the school year is a very stressful time, especially for teachers. I know you can get through this. Just take the Baby Steps, and hopefully you'll through DZONE.

I'm thinking about you, and sending ,
Beth

 

[lulu201]

September 22, 2004 Day #22 on Thin Within

Good morning, everyone. Happy Wednesday! I only have a few minutes--I'll try to get around and visit folks later today, but I don't know how successful I'll be.

Weighed in at 170 again today. Feeling good about that. . .no loss, but no gain--no downs, but no ups--no drama, just an even keel. I'm just pressing on, walking the walk. I'm at a size 10-12, and I'm satisfied with that.

I've completed three weeks on this program and have experienced a lot of peace regarding my eating and weight obsession. I know should have exercised more this week--I know it's good for me--but I've let my body have control. Here in the Danger Zone, my energy level is very low. Next week I'm going to try to pump it up a bit, but for the next few days I'm not going to fight it; I'm going to accept where I'm at. Maybe I'll get a short walk over to the Dollar Store to buy birthday balloons for some of my students?

You know my plan, I know my plan.

1. Devotions-- Lesson today was on strengthening our faith through knowledge of scripture.
2. Vitamins
3. Water--have to intentionally drink!
4. Exercise--maybe a short stroll
5. Food--I'll eat when I'm hungry and stop when I'm satisfied.

Moving onward, looking Upward ,
Erin

 

[toystoryduo]

Good morning Erin,

My daughter really loves watching Finding Nemo (at least 5 times a week) and I thought of "Just keep swimming" Just keep swimming" when I read your journal entry from yesterday.

How are those "baby steps" coming? Were you able to get some things accomplished? I remember the beginning of the school year. I hope that you get much accomplished today!

Have a great Wednesday!

Tracy

 

[lulu201]

Thursday, 9/23 Day #23 on Thin Within

Yesterday was a good day, but food-wise things ran amuck later in the afternoon. Not a healthy living day--no exercise, bad food choices. Yuk. Today's a new day, though, and I've packed some healthy foods to be ready for me when I'm hungry today.

Today's a long, intense day of teaching. By tonight I'll be , but I intend to focus on the children, the families, the teachers who work with us--my aim is to enjoy the ride! I have some paperwork I have to get out to a potential "client"--someone who would like us to supply music ed services at their location; I feel some pressure to fax a packet in a timely fashion. It'll all get done, though, I know it. We're hiring and planning for Spring already. . .never a dull moment!

I'm taking a cue from Doreen and only posting here for the time being. . .I just don't have much computer time. Please, everyone, know that I think of you all and am sending you lots of .

Erin

 

[Strings]

Hi Erin,

I know the presentation will be perfect. Don't stress too much about it. Don't worry about journals for awhile. Just get what you need to done. We'll all be here when things settle down. I hope you get a good night's rest, because I'm sure you'll be busy again tomorrow.

Take care,
Beth

 

[Princess Michelle]

Erin, big right back at ya!

Hey, want to hear a joke?

What do you get when you cross DoeWDW, CruisingCA2005 (Rae Ann) and AuntMeMe?

DOE RAE ME!

Now if someone can let me know where fa so la and ti got off to...

 

[DoeWDW]

Michelle, that's priceless!!! I'm so glad I wandered over to Erin's journal to see it!!

Dear Erin, the busy-ness is all around us, but if we work at breathing deeply and centering ourselves in God's love and grace, we can be calm and at peace when all around us seems like chaos. This will be my focus for today. Maybe it will help you too. I'll be sending peaceful vibes your way and know that you're always in my prayers.

 

[lulu201]

Ahh, gee, Michelle, that is so funny! I love starting my day with a laugh! Thanks for bringing some to my journal!

Thanks, everyone, for stopping by and offering your support. You know I appreciate it.

Yesterday was a good day, but particularly exhausting because Aunt Flo came for her visit. I was up in the night taking ibuprofen and have dosed up again this morning--man, this monthly routine is a pain!

So anyway, I'm getting ready to take down all the mini-blinds and give them a serious cleaning. Doesn't that sound like fun? I don't go in to work until 12:30, so I figure I'll just take my good old sweet time and get some of these chores done before my company comes this weekend (and again next weekend). Nope, I'm not going to procrastinate, though I definitely am tempted.

Today is September 24, day #24 on Thin Within.

I've had some difficulties the last two days, and I know it's because I'm dealing with my stress and fatigue in my usual way--I come home tired, so I eat. It's what I want to do. Even though I know it's unhealthy and bad for my body, it's what I want to do. WHY????? I guess because it's comfortable. It's what I know. I need to remind myself that I have a new way of dealing with stress--one that honors God, that honors my body and my spirit. Too bad that sometimes it's so darn hard! Because my day isn't so hectic today, I think I'll do a better job of taking the time to listen to my body's signals, and I'll have more time to pray and to be centered. Today I'm going to do it God's way, not mine.

OK, so I'm not going to procrastinate, right? I'm going to get started on the blinds right now, right?

Leaving to wage a war on dirt,
Erin

 

[septbride2002]

Are you suppose to clean mini blinds? Aren't they self cleanning?

Have a great day today Erin and I hope you win the war on dirt! LOL! I know what you mean about falling back into old and comfortable habits. It is way to easy and then you feel like you are pulling a big truck behind you as you try to go back to your new habits. Take comfort in the fact that we ALL do it! But I also know that we can ALL get back on the right track.

~Amanda

 

[lulu201]

Wow, Amanda, you sure are right. It IS way too easy and it DOES feel like I'm carrying a truck behind me! It wants to pull me back to the old ways--and the sad truth is that sometimes I don't want to fight it--I just want to let it drive me to the fridge! Thanks for posting and giving me hope and determination to cut the truck loose and hop into a less cumbersome mode of transportation instead!

,
Erin

PS While cleaning the mini-blinds, I decided that I need another comfort mechanism in place for when I get home from work (instead of the graze through the kitchen). Tonight I start crocheting a new afghan!

 

[Princess Michelle]

HaHa, I'm glad you liked my joke! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

 

[lulu201]

Just quickly checking in for Day #25--

I'm super busy running around getting ready for company tomorrow--shopping, cleaning, etc. I'm just trying to be as healthy as I can. Had a hard-boiled egg, 2 hershey's kisses, and coffee so far today.

I'm thinking about you guys,
Erin

 

[septbride2002]

That sure is an interesting breakfast Have a great day and don't clean to hard!

~Amanda

 

[DoeWDW]

I hope you're enjoying your company!! Sure was beautiful weather for visitors today!

 

[lulu201]

Day #27 on Thin Within, September 27, 2004

I've lost most of my focus during the last couple days--so busy with cleaning, work, and company. Had a great weekend, but now am having a spell with a cold or allergy: heavy head, sinus pressure, hard time sleeping. Think I just need some time to rest a bit. DD has a cold/allergies, too--I took her into school late this morning, briefed the nurse, and told her I'd suggested to DD that she visit around noon for more ibu.

So, the old healthy lifestyle has been pushed into a corner the last couple of days, but I'm going to bring it out and dust if off after a little mid-morning nap. Haven't read my devotional since Saturday--I'll catch up on it on the couch! No walk planned for this morning, but I'll take my vitamins and drink lots. Soup will be my mid-day meal.

I'm not going to visit around much this morning; I just want to lay my head down on a nice soft cushy pillow.

Bye, friends,
Erin

 

[toystoryduo]

Sending and healing your way today. Take good care of you, Erin.

,

Tracy

 

[DoeWDW]

I hope you had a restful and healing morning, dear Erin. The nap sounds like a wonderful idea!

I do hope you and DD are feeling better soon and I'm sending extra-healing doses of for both of you.

Gentle , dear WISH-sis.

 

[septbride2002]

Oh Poor Erin! I hope you felt better after your nap.

~Amanda

 

[Strings]

Gentle Erin,

I hope you are feeling better this evening. You have been so busy lately that a nap this afternoon is definately in order. Take it easy and when you are feeling better, I know that you will get back on your program.

Feel better soon,
Beth

 

[lulu201]

September 28, 2004 Day #28 on Thin Within

Thank you, dear friends, for your sunny thoughts, hugs, and pixie dust yesterday. I'm still stuffy, but I'm carrying on--thanks to some little boosts from all of you.

It's been four weeks since I started this new approach to weight loss and weight management and I have feel like I've learned a great deal and have been challenged in many ways. Tomorrow morning I'll get on the scale and see if I've "released" any weight; even if I haven't I know that I've made strides in the way I think about this journey.

Today's lesson focused on several verses, but this one stuck in my mind "Come unto me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) From the book: "The Greek word anapausis, translated "rest" in the passage from Matthew 11 means 'rest, inward tranquility while one performs necessary labor.' " The book then talks about how procrastination interferes with this active idea of rest. We often rob ourselves of peace of mind because we just don't press on with what we have to do while relying on God's strength to help us with the challenge. Interesting, huh?

Food-wise, I've had some pretty OK days, which means I haven't binged, but I could have reduced my portions or waited to eat until I was at a zero. I'm still learning this plan! I've fallen behind in exercise, too, but I don't feel too bad about that. . .I'm just doing what I can do right now.

DD is home sick from school. I've been medicated so will head off to work. Lots to do, but I'm feeling like it's manageable. No choir tonight, so after I make dinner, DD and I will crash while DH teaches.

Take care, all--
Erin