More challenges (aka life)

This week has been a challenge with my hubby gone, but I think overall I have done really well.  Not great, but a lot better than I first envisioned.  I have ate more than I should and a few things I should have avoided, but there have been small victories (for me, anyway).  

I haven't been scrapbooking in months because of my Lego obsession....

Another challenge starts for me this afternoon.  I will be going to the spring craft retreat (formerly the scrapbooking weekend, but we're trying to open it up to more people... which works great for me because I haven't scrapped anything in about a year...).  I'm off for a few days with friends, working on crafts, and hanging out in the hot springs pool and hot tub.  I generally eat way too much at the retreats.  And yes, occasionally drinking too much as well.  I always have a good time and after the month of work stress and stress of dealing with my mom, I am very much looking forward to getting away.

As always, I'm worried I will eat way too much and come home feeling fat and lethargic.  I always go with a plan and often I have done well, but there have been times I have gone totally overboard.

I am taking a few "treats" with me, but trying to limit those and take some healthy snacks as well.  I also plan on taking my laptop so I can at least do the stretching videos in the morning.  So I have a plan.  And it helps to know that at least one of my friends going will also be watching what she eats and drinks (she's lost 10 pounds doing Weight Watchers online -- way to go Michelle!!).  

And speaking of losing weight, somehow I managed to drop about a half pound.  I found this amazing since I know what I ate yesterday (and yesterday was not a good day... overate and didn't get out for my walks).  I think that kind of spurred me to be careful this weekend.  I don't want the way I ate yesterday to become a trend for the weekend.

The highlight of my week of challenges, was my run on Tuesday afternoon.  I ran the mile loop around my neighborhood again (same exact route as I did on Sunday) and shaved 29 seconds off my time.  The run didn't feel as good as Sunday, felt more forced, a few more aches and pains, and a lot more walk breaks, so to get it done in less time, felt amazing!

The morning stretching that I'm doing thanks to www.romwod.com is really helping.  Usually the stretching videos are about 20 minutes, but this morning was the once-a-week "warrior workout" that is 40 minutes.  I debated skipping it and redoing one of the shorter ones, but decided to give it a try.  I knew I could always end it early if it became too much.  Some of the poses were difficult, some I could definitely feel the stretch, but as I held each pose, I would remind myself why I was doing it.  I visualized myself running again.  The 40 minutes went by quickly and I'm proud of myself for sticking with it.

I realize this is rambling blog post today, but I'm trying to get back in the habit of writing again.  I really did miss doing this for the months I wasn't writing.  It's a great way for me to vent, rant, cry, and laugh.  I use it to help remind myself of the things I have accomplished and the things I'm capable of.  It helps me to organize my thoughts and work through whatever may going on in my life.  I know that I would get the same release from keeping a private journal, but the things I get out the most from keeping a blog, is it makes me realize I'm not alone.  My friends may not comment via the blog, but they do email or text me after they read it.  It's a comfort to me that others are going through the same thing I am.  I am not on this journey by myself.  I am not the only one who is struggling with weight, activity, or just the daily stresses of life.  So thank you, to my friends who share this struggle and thank you to those who read this and understand what I'm saying.  Please know you are not alone.