Monday, November 30, 2009

keep us far from our vices and deliver us from these prisons...

DAY 1:

Hi.

Good morning.

I'm sitting unusually high up in a chair in the computer lab at UMASS. This morning I woke up, showered, drove to school, and had some extra time. Instead of my usual sausage egg and cheese from dunkie's, I found myself an odwalla bar and a bottled water. I haven't grocery shopped yet, so I had to buy food...I think that's going to be the biggest struggle; I eat out a LOT. Like way more than someone with a limited budget should. I think this is a habit that I learned from my parents...still, I know it's my responsibility to change it. I told myself that after today, I'm going to get myself to Trader Joe's and buy some nutritious food. The problem with eating out is that A. it's super expensive and B. it's usually not that healthy, even when it poses as healthy. :)

I'm going to work out in between classes (a mile on the treadmill, weights, crunches). I plan to eat a healthy lunch (a whole wheat sandwich from the caf), and maybe a salad for dinner. Hopefully somewhere in my busy schedule I can find time to get to Trader Joe's. I may have to settle for Shaw's.

In other news, does anyone know of a good church body that I could get myself involved in? I miss it. I'm looking for good music and friendly people (who won't tell me I'm going to burn in hell for being gay). Preferably episcopal? I'm open, though.

Love and so much peace,

--Beth

Sunday, November 29, 2009

For all we could and should be being in the one life that we've got...

Friends,

I was recently doing my annual facebook stalkathon for the day when I came across a friend's blog with a compelling title: "The 180 Project"...This is what he wrote:

"I figured if I'm going to go on a diet, I might as well announce it and set myself a goal to keep myself accountable. In the past, I've been reluctant to tell anyone I was going on a diet because if I failed, then no one would know. Well, the secret is out. I currently weigh 240lbs. I see my ideal weight as 180lbs. I want to lose this by the beginning of the summer of 2010. With your help and support I believe I can. This will be a challenge as I attempt to balance life, school, work, and a possible Africa visit. Yet, this is what staying healthy should be, a totally integration into your normal life busy or not. In addition to my losing the weight, I want to put my money where my mouth is and run a half marathon at the end of June of 2010."

I can't say it better. I've been circling the runway for change for the last few months, and I just can't seem to stick with it. I think that accountability helps. As much as I would like to believe that I don't need any help from my friends, it's just not true! I'd like to set some goals for myself. One of them will be a weight goal. The others I will slowly start to build. I know that one thing I'd like to do is get into the habit of writing in my journal daily/reading a little bit of my Bible (quiet time has always helped ease any excess anxiety). I'd love it if you would follow along on this journey and help me to do the same thing that my smarty-pants friend is doing...make my own 180, if you will.

My current weight: 180 pounds. Ideal weight: 160. I'd like to do the same thing that my friend is doing and finish around the end of May or the beginning of June...If I happen to finish earlier, than that's great! :)

My mom always says that gradual change lasts, speedy change not so much.

I appreciate your prayers/good vibes/love when it comes to all of this change I'm trying to make for myself. Any support you can give is great. You'll be hearing from me everyday.

Love,

--Beth