September 2009
How to turn Goals Into Habits. Worth a read, but in summary: Be Specific, Start With a 30-Day Trial, Eliminate Interference, Identify Supporting Habits, Commit Yourself Publicly.
Challenge: Upper body strength training every other day for 30 days straight.
Reward: Hire a house cleaner (no, not full time of course! Just once a fortnight (14 days) for a couple hours, for yucky stuff like washing the walls, floors, under the couch, ya know).
Okay, I have become lazy in strength training habits, traded it for running. I would like to be sufficient in both. Wish me luck! The Reward is certainly worth it, eh?
**UPDATE: Okay, so I haven't gotten to the best start. In fact, I did one day, off two, on two in a row, off four in a row. NOT GOOD.
I best set up the dates for this, starting today. Sept 16, 18, 20, 22, 25, 26, 28, 30, Oct 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16.
Friday, January 30, 2009
First Week Weigh-In
30 Jan 2009
My official weigh-in is 75.2k (165.8lbs)! I lost 1.4k, or 2.6lbs!
Couldn't be happier - especially considering I had a melt-down last night and raided a stash of chocolate I came across. I ate 200 extra calories for the day, and 4 extra grams of fat (off-set because I ate less for dinner). But actually, I think my problem was even though I ate enough calories for lunch, the fat grams were lower. My lunch goal is 500 cal, 16g fat - I ate 523 cal, 10g fat. I really need to be carefull not to eat less than what I'm supposed to - or maybe my problem is the huge bar of Toblerone chocolate on the shelf in the fridge! I'll ask my DH to throw it out, if he's not going to eat it, when he comes home. That will help.
My official weigh-in is 75.2k (165.8lbs)! I lost 1.4k, or 2.6lbs!
Couldn't be happier - especially considering I had a melt-down last night and raided a stash of chocolate I came across. I ate 200 extra calories for the day, and 4 extra grams of fat (off-set because I ate less for dinner). But actually, I think my problem was even though I ate enough calories for lunch, the fat grams were lower. My lunch goal is 500 cal, 16g fat - I ate 523 cal, 10g fat. I really need to be carefull not to eat less than what I'm supposed to - or maybe my problem is the huge bar of Toblerone chocolate on the shelf in the fridge! I'll ask my DH to throw it out, if he's not going to eat it, when he comes home. That will help.
Weight Log
Here it is. Good, bad, and ugly.
Weight Log
Starting weight:
2007 - Somewhere around 180 lbs
2008 - Somewhere around 175 lbs
2009
23 January - 168.4 lbs
30 January - 165.8 lbs ( loss 2.6)
06 Feb - 164.8 (loss 1)
13 Feb - 162.0 (loss 2.8)
20 Mar - 157.0 (loss 5.0) (Total loss:11.4 lbs)
08 April - 154.8 (loss 2.2)
22 April - 153.4 (loss 1.4)
28 April - 153.0 (loss 0.4)
06 May - 151.7 lbs (loss 1.3)
18 May - 151.7 lbs (even)
02 June - 150.0 lbs (loss 1.7)
09 June - 147.5 lbs (loss 2.5) (Total loss: 20.9 lbs)
16 June - 147.0 lbs (loss 0.5)
24 June - 148.5 lbs (gain 1.5)
01 July - 146.5 lbs (loss 2.0)
08 July - 146.5 lbs (even)
15 July - 146.5 lbs (even again!)
23 July - 144.5 lbs (loss 2.0)
29 July - 146.0 lbs (gain 1.5)
5 Aug - 146.0 lbs (even again!)
19 Aug - 146.7 lbs (gain 0.7)
1 Sept - 148.6 lbs (gain 1.9)
22 Sept - 144.0 lbs (loss 4.6)
13 Oct - 143.8 lbs (loss 0.2)
20 Oct - 143.1 lbs (loss 0.7) (Total Loss: 25.3 lbs)
27 Oct - 143.9 lbs (gain 0.8)
03 Nov - 142.0 lbs (loss 1.9) RECORD LOW
08 Dec - 144.9 lbs (gain 2.9)
2010
01 Jan - 152 lbs (gain 6.9 lbs) (Holidays, boo)
01 Jan - 152 lbs (gain 6.9 lbs) (Holidays, boo)
22 Mar- 151.5 lbs (loss 1.5 lbs)
03 May - 156 (+5.5)
05 May - 157.2 (+1.2)
12 May - 152.6 (-4.6!)
07 July - 152.7 (+0.1)
25 Aug - 151 (-1.7)
2011
29 Aug: 168 (+17 lbs! YIKES!)
23 Oct: 167.5
7 Dec: 169.0
23 Oct: 167.5
7 Dec: 169.0
7 Jan: 171.4 lbs
16 Jan: 169 lbs
6 Feb: 171.5 lbs
2013
Starting again with Weight Watchers.
15 Aug - 201.7lbs
29 Aug - 199.7 lbs
TOTAL LOSS: 2 lbs
12.7 more to go!
Mini GOAL Weight:
187 lbs
187 lbs
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Another Great Morning
29 Jan 2009
You know, the first week on a diet is supposed to be at least a little hard. I feel fantastic! And to top it off, I weighed in this morning a full kilo lighter in just 6 days! Tomorrow is my official weigh-in, and I really need to commit next week to putting the scale away. Out of sight, out of mind.
The kids and I rode our bikes to school. Cadyn rode his own bike, and I pulled the girls in the trailer. It was quicker than I thought it would be considering it takes me 35-45 minutes to walk it. It took about 18 minutes there (because I had to be very cautious because Cadyn was following me, and also the big huge hill up to the school) and only would have taken 10 minutes home but I decided to take a quick detour along the river. I was home in 15 minutes. I was rather sweaty too. Thought I would take a rest before I get to work. Haven't done laundry or dishes yet, and I'm already 15 minutes late for my appointment with myself. Maybe I will call myself and reschedule it for 10:30... that's 30 minutes for dishes and laundry. Wish me luck!
You know, the first week on a diet is supposed to be at least a little hard. I feel fantastic! And to top it off, I weighed in this morning a full kilo lighter in just 6 days! Tomorrow is my official weigh-in, and I really need to commit next week to putting the scale away. Out of sight, out of mind.
The kids and I rode our bikes to school. Cadyn rode his own bike, and I pulled the girls in the trailer. It was quicker than I thought it would be considering it takes me 35-45 minutes to walk it. It took about 18 minutes there (because I had to be very cautious because Cadyn was following me, and also the big huge hill up to the school) and only would have taken 10 minutes home but I decided to take a quick detour along the river. I was home in 15 minutes. I was rather sweaty too. Thought I would take a rest before I get to work. Haven't done laundry or dishes yet, and I'm already 15 minutes late for my appointment with myself. Maybe I will call myself and reschedule it for 10:30... that's 30 minutes for dishes and laundry. Wish me luck!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Busy Day
28 Jan 09
No time for cardio, but my heart rate was up a lot today. I was on my feet all day, except when in the car, and for about 1/2 hour I was emailing.
Feeling tired, but great. Counted every calorie, and still not hungry. This is definitely the way to diet!
Chicken Paprika for dinner tonight, with pasta, mushrooms and capsicum (bell peppers, for the American viewers). The sauce made with paprika, canned tomatoes, and sour cream - reduced fat of course. SOOOO yummy! And a huge hit with the family too... should I tell them they're on a diet? LOL Maybe some day.
I feel like creating a goal for tomorrow. How about exercise. I have so much to do around the house that if I don't plan this I will never get around to it!!!
So, tomorrow I will exercise at 9:45. This is my appointment with myself. That gives me just enough time to get home from dropping the kids at school, finish a load of laundry, dishes, and change into work-out clothes. Perfecto. I'll do 1 set, 15 or so reps each, then take Gracie for a bike ride in the trailer. I am sooooo happy Johnny gave me that bike trailer for Christmas. At first (maybe you could imagine) I was disappointed that my gift wasn't something better. But my gift for him was just as lame. But now it's proving to be the most wonderful thing!!!
Anyway, I'm off to do dishes. Again. Seriously need a dishwasher... or a maid :)
No time for cardio, but my heart rate was up a lot today. I was on my feet all day, except when in the car, and for about 1/2 hour I was emailing.
Feeling tired, but great. Counted every calorie, and still not hungry. This is definitely the way to diet!
Chicken Paprika for dinner tonight, with pasta, mushrooms and capsicum (bell peppers, for the American viewers). The sauce made with paprika, canned tomatoes, and sour cream - reduced fat of course. SOOOO yummy! And a huge hit with the family too... should I tell them they're on a diet? LOL Maybe some day.
I feel like creating a goal for tomorrow. How about exercise. I have so much to do around the house that if I don't plan this I will never get around to it!!!
So, tomorrow I will exercise at 9:45. This is my appointment with myself. That gives me just enough time to get home from dropping the kids at school, finish a load of laundry, dishes, and change into work-out clothes. Perfecto. I'll do 1 set, 15 or so reps each, then take Gracie for a bike ride in the trailer. I am sooooo happy Johnny gave me that bike trailer for Christmas. At first (maybe you could imagine) I was disappointed that my gift wasn't something better. But my gift for him was just as lame. But now it's proving to be the most wonderful thing!!!
Anyway, I'm off to do dishes. Again. Seriously need a dishwasher... or a maid :)
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Day 5, Feeling Great
27 Jan 2009
I've been on my restricted calorie diet for 5 days now. Doing great. I feel wonderful, and I've lost half a pound. I know, I know, I said that I wouldn't check the scales except weekly, but I couldn't help myself.
Today was also the kids first day of school! Cadyn (7) is now in Year 2 and it was Lanaya's (4) first day of Prep! Now it's only me and Gracie (20 mo) home during the days. Very exciting, and refreshing, and fantastic :) It was very hard last year with Naya only going 2 or 3 times a week, and having to drive an hour twice a day to drop off/pick up. I'm going to have so much time on my hands I'm not going to know what to do!!!
I'm doing well with sticking to 1600 calories, and I've been exercising when I can. Because school's now in, I'll be able to do it every day. Thank goodness, because not only is it exactly what I need, but it makes me feel so good! I love it :)
Today, during Oprah, I did 1 set of 12 reps each, and then 15 min. of cardio. I would have done more, but I wanted to hurry and shower before Gracie woke up from her nap. I'll try and plan it better tomorrow.
I've been on my restricted calorie diet for 5 days now. Doing great. I feel wonderful, and I've lost half a pound. I know, I know, I said that I wouldn't check the scales except weekly, but I couldn't help myself.
Today was also the kids first day of school! Cadyn (7) is now in Year 2 and it was Lanaya's (4) first day of Prep! Now it's only me and Gracie (20 mo) home during the days. Very exciting, and refreshing, and fantastic :) It was very hard last year with Naya only going 2 or 3 times a week, and having to drive an hour twice a day to drop off/pick up. I'm going to have so much time on my hands I'm not going to know what to do!!!
I'm doing well with sticking to 1600 calories, and I've been exercising when I can. Because school's now in, I'll be able to do it every day. Thank goodness, because not only is it exactly what I need, but it makes me feel so good! I love it :)
Today, during Oprah, I did 1 set of 12 reps each, and then 15 min. of cardio. I would have done more, but I wanted to hurry and shower before Gracie woke up from her nap. I'll try and plan it better tomorrow.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Day 1
24 Jan 2009
Now I remember how much I dislike this. First day, and I am grouchy. I would like to eat what I want to eat, and I would love to stop meal planning! In fact, that has got to be my focus this week: Get meal planning down to a T. My specific goals will have to be:
1. Plan specific snacks and lunches ahead of time, ready to chose.
2. Write down specific meal content with calories/fat just once or twice a week instead of right before every single meal. It gets annoying real fast.
However, despite not feeling 100%, I managed to unpack and totally clean all my cupboard shelves in the kitchen and rearrange it too! I didn't get a proper work-out but I definitely worked hard all day. Perhaps that is why I'm pretty tired tonight. I wonder why this headache?
Oh well. Better luck tomorrow!
PS. Dinner was FABULOUS! Steak and potatoes with a salad. It was my first time baking a potato and it was easy and delicious topped with sour cream, fresh chopped chives, s&p. Yum
Now I remember how much I dislike this. First day, and I am grouchy. I would like to eat what I want to eat, and I would love to stop meal planning! In fact, that has got to be my focus this week: Get meal planning down to a T. My specific goals will have to be:
1. Plan specific snacks and lunches ahead of time, ready to chose.
2. Write down specific meal content with calories/fat just once or twice a week instead of right before every single meal. It gets annoying real fast.
However, despite not feeling 100%, I managed to unpack and totally clean all my cupboard shelves in the kitchen and rearrange it too! I didn't get a proper work-out but I definitely worked hard all day. Perhaps that is why I'm pretty tired tonight. I wonder why this headache?
Oh well. Better luck tomorrow!
PS. Dinner was FABULOUS! Steak and potatoes with a salad. It was my first time baking a potato and it was easy and delicious topped with sour cream, fresh chopped chives, s&p. Yum
Friday, January 23, 2009
Home again
23 Jan 2009
I'm back home, and it's hotter than I imagined it would be. The humidity is making me sticky and sweaty, which is quite unexpected because I've been in snow weather for over a month! It is so good to be home though! Johnny and I are like honeymooners, still (or again, or whatever). It's so nice to be home!!!
Although, being intimate with Johnny, I can tell that I have gained at least 5 lbs since I've left. My scale confirms my worst fear. However, looking on the bright side, I imagine I will be able to lose these pounds fairly quickly. The more I weigh, the easier it is to lose at first... at first being key words. With every other diet I've done, I know now to expect to plateau at around 155lbs. or about 5 weeks into it. I am 168 today (actually 76.4 kilo's).
I've changed my weigh-in day to Friday for good reason. In the past I've used Monday to weigh in, but I go really well during the week and half-way give up on the weekend. I think if I weigh in on Friday then I will be motivated to keep going through Saturday and Sunday to either shed the extra pounds I gain, or to not gain back what I've lost.
So here's to the real start of my journey to 135 :)
Annalisa
I'm back home, and it's hotter than I imagined it would be. The humidity is making me sticky and sweaty, which is quite unexpected because I've been in snow weather for over a month! It is so good to be home though! Johnny and I are like honeymooners, still (or again, or whatever). It's so nice to be home!!!
Although, being intimate with Johnny, I can tell that I have gained at least 5 lbs since I've left. My scale confirms my worst fear. However, looking on the bright side, I imagine I will be able to lose these pounds fairly quickly. The more I weigh, the easier it is to lose at first... at first being key words. With every other diet I've done, I know now to expect to plateau at around 155lbs. or about 5 weeks into it. I am 168 today (actually 76.4 kilo's).
I've changed my weigh-in day to Friday for good reason. In the past I've used Monday to weigh in, but I go really well during the week and half-way give up on the weekend. I think if I weigh in on Friday then I will be motivated to keep going through Saturday and Sunday to either shed the extra pounds I gain, or to not gain back what I've lost.
So here's to the real start of my journey to 135 :)
Annalisa
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Surprising Myself
19 Jan 2009
I am really suprising myself by how much I've changed my eating habits with little or no effort! I just kind of told myself to eat 3 meals a day & a few snacks, instead of eating (grazing) on food constantly throughout the day. I haven't been able to work out much this week, but just eating more healthy portions and with regular meals, I feel better about myself. A lot better!
The fact is, when I had a slice of Sam's pizza today, I thought it didn't look like enough food. I ate it slowly, adding crushed red pepper (yummy), and by time it was finished I was not hungry anymore! ME! Who used to be able to eat two or three with no guilt! And now, nearly two hours later, I'm still satisfied, not even ready to think about the next meal yet.
So here's to jumping over hurdles with joy and laughter!
Annalsia
I am really suprising myself by how much I've changed my eating habits with little or no effort! I just kind of told myself to eat 3 meals a day & a few snacks, instead of eating (grazing) on food constantly throughout the day. I haven't been able to work out much this week, but just eating more healthy portions and with regular meals, I feel better about myself. A lot better!
The fact is, when I had a slice of Sam's pizza today, I thought it didn't look like enough food. I ate it slowly, adding crushed red pepper (yummy), and by time it was finished I was not hungry anymore! ME! Who used to be able to eat two or three with no guilt! And now, nearly two hours later, I'm still satisfied, not even ready to think about the next meal yet.
So here's to jumping over hurdles with joy and laughter!
Annalsia
Monday, January 19, 2009
Feeling Better
18 Jan 2009Feeling much better today, though I don't think I've made much headway in the weight-loss area. I've been better at midnight snacking but not all the way there yet. The good news is that I will be on a plane... or rather FOUR planes on Tues - Thurs going back home! YES! So excited!!! Then I will be able to really start to focus on working my butt off... literally :)
Oh, by the way... do you like my new haircut? It's much darker, but it's growing on me.
As for the shopping list? It's down to:
- New pair of jeans.
- Pyjama's for kids.
- CD for Johnny's birthday.
- Hair clips & rubber bands... maybe cute things for the girls' hair.
- Hair gel for Cadyn.
- Sandals.
- Pocket calandar.
Only one day left... I have a feeling that I won't get to all of this, but that's okay. At least I can say I tried.
*sigh* There's still so much packing to do, and getting the kids organized... Oh my.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Getting there
17 Jan 2009
I had a bad day yesterday.
You know the saying "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all"? So I'm pleading the fifth.
As for my list? Let's see....
1. Mediation - check
I had a bad day yesterday.
You know the saying "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all"? So I'm pleading the fifth.
As for my list? Let's see....
1. Mediation - check
Guess that's it. Lots to do today! I'll let you know how it goes.
Friday, January 16, 2009
To Do List
15 Jan 2009
Today was much better even though I am still just as homesick... the feeling actually is more excitement now which is good. But now there is this urgency - I feel like I have so much to do before I leave in less than 5 days from now...
Today was much better even though I am still just as homesick... the feeling actually is more excitement now which is good. But now there is this urgency - I feel like I have so much to do before I leave in less than 5 days from now...
- Mediation tomorrow.
- Look up and visit travel agencies for trip to Europe.
- Contact lenses.
- Shopping spree for cheap stuff to bring back, hopefully saving $$$.
Wow... is that all I can come up with? Maybe I should have a shopping list too:
- New pair of jeans.
- Eye shadow & foundation with applicators.
- Eye liners.
- Pyjama's for kids.
- New belt.
- CD for Johnny's birthday.
- Hair clips & rubber bands... maybe cute things for the girls' hair.
- Hair gel for Cadyn.
- Sandals (we call them thongs) - not essential.
- Pocket calandar.
I guess that's all I can think of right now... though I have this feeling that this is about half of what I had listed before, mostly in my head. Oh well. If it comes to me I'll be sure to write it down.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Homesick
14 Jan 2009
I can (and did) have a day - a whole day - of being homesick. With all my heart I just want to be home. I think I said this to myself at least 20 times today. I just want to be home. Actually, at the beginning of today I was filled with excitement, because it's now less than a week until I leave Utah to go home. But tonight, I am just filled with homesick-ness.
Tomorrow will be better. Tomorrow I have to drive to Ogden, which will be something to do... not stuck inside again all day... thinking of summer and warmth and Johnny... all those things I am missing while I'm here. Tomorrow will be better.
I can (and did) have a day - a whole day - of being homesick. With all my heart I just want to be home. I think I said this to myself at least 20 times today. I just want to be home. Actually, at the beginning of today I was filled with excitement, because it's now less than a week until I leave Utah to go home. But tonight, I am just filled with homesick-ness.
Tomorrow will be better. Tomorrow I have to drive to Ogden, which will be something to do... not stuck inside again all day... thinking of summer and warmth and Johnny... all those things I am missing while I'm here. Tomorrow will be better.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
13 January and ONE WEEK TO GO!!!
Or in the words of my fabulous husband Johnny (did I mention he's such a romantic?) "I wish it wasn’t another week before you come home. It feels like you’ve been away for ever" - and he goes on to say he can't wait to see me. Me too!!! But of course, 7 days becomes 9 real days... ya know: Leave on Tuesday, arrive on Thursday! ***ssssiighh***
And I didn't even overeat until this evening! In fact I didn't eat much food during the day!
I didn't do an official cardio work-out, but I did get my heart rate up a few times. Then Pricilla and I went to Artic Circle and got Ice creams :D I got chocolate banana. Couldn't taste the banana, but the chocolate was what I was most looking forward to anyway.... "Lady Chocolate" is my name on my weight-loss message board I used to visit, and still do sometimes. That was until this blog started. Talking to myself I think is good enough for now. I'd be suprised if I had any viewers yet anyway.
I'll start to weigh in with big weight loss numbers and then you'll see!!! Can't wait LOL
~Annalisa
And I didn't even overeat until this evening! In fact I didn't eat much food during the day!
I didn't do an official cardio work-out, but I did get my heart rate up a few times. Then Pricilla and I went to Artic Circle and got Ice creams :D I got chocolate banana. Couldn't taste the banana, but the chocolate was what I was most looking forward to anyway.... "Lady Chocolate" is my name on my weight-loss message board I used to visit, and still do sometimes. That was until this blog started. Talking to myself I think is good enough for now. I'd be suprised if I had any viewers yet anyway.
I'll start to weigh in with big weight loss numbers and then you'll see!!! Can't wait LOL
~Annalisa
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
The Beginning and the Plan
12 Jan 2009
I write to you today from the house of my sister, in Utah. Cold, wet, miserable winter. I cannot wait to be reunited with Johnny - the love of my life. He had to stay home and work, while I visit my family in the US. Not exactly my idea of a vacation, but looking forward to getting back home.
So basically, here's the plan:
1. Get this vacation done and over with and get back home!
2. Get organized, start planning, and stick with it.
3. Lose 30 lbs.
I've put a lot more thought into it, but honestly, all this planning isn't doing me any good.
Thursday the 22nd I'll be getting home on the same day that I have to be to work at the school. I'll be exhausted after the long flight(s) from Salt Lake City, Utah to Brisbane Via Denver, LAX and Melbourne - all alone with my three children under 7. What was I thinking?!? Anyway:
GOAL: GET MY BODY IN SHAPE
DATE TO ACCOMPLISH: 1 AUGUST 2009
I write to you today from the house of my sister, in Utah. Cold, wet, miserable winter. I cannot wait to be reunited with Johnny - the love of my life. He had to stay home and work, while I visit my family in the US. Not exactly my idea of a vacation, but looking forward to getting back home.
So basically, here's the plan:
1. Get this vacation done and over with and get back home!
2. Get organized, start planning, and stick with it.
3. Lose 30 lbs.
I've put a lot more thought into it, but honestly, all this planning isn't doing me any good.
Thursday the 22nd I'll be getting home on the same day that I have to be to work at the school. I'll be exhausted after the long flight(s) from Salt Lake City, Utah to Brisbane Via Denver, LAX and Melbourne - all alone with my three children under 7. What was I thinking?!? Anyway:
GOAL: GET MY BODY IN SHAPE
DATE TO ACCOMPLISH: 1 AUGUST 2009
- I've already started exercising 3-4 times a week.
- I've already stopped snacking in the mornings.
- I've already commenced eating 3 square meals a day plus snacks.
- Next step: Overcome night snacking.
My mini-goal for this week is to overcome night snacking. Date to accomplish: 20 January. How should I do this?
What to do if I want to eat past 8pm?
- Drink a glass of ice water.
- Brush my teeth.
- Blog.
- Stretch.
- Go for a walk.
Wish me luck!
The Beginning of the Countdown
12 Jan 2009
This is my first attempt at Blogging - it's about time right? I am a born writer and I think this will be a great outlet for me, although blogging isn't exactly my style - not enough edit time. My emails are more eloquently written than this - don't say I didn't warn you ;)
I guess I will start at the beginning. Why am I writing? I am writing because I want to lose weight - 30 pounds to be exact - and so far, writing about it is as close as I've got to doing it.
I'm a writer, and a talker - I have big ideas, positive hopes, and loving faith in anything I put my mind to... it's just that I have a problem. Everything is SO much easier said than done. Which is why I've decided to blog what I say... in hopes that I can break the cycle. The endless cycle of setting up plans, dedicating my days to pursuing my goals, and falling short of success. This habit of mine - not following through - is over.
This is the end of procrastination, self-doubt, whining, complaining, excusing, and giving up.
The end of all that has lead me to the beginning of a very exciting journey of transformation. Wish me luck!
I'm a writer, and a talker - I have big ideas, positive hopes, and loving faith in anything I put my mind to... it's just that I have a problem. Everything is SO much easier said than done. Which is why I've decided to blog what I say... in hopes that I can break the cycle. The endless cycle of setting up plans, dedicating my days to pursuing my goals, and falling short of success. This habit of mine - not following through - is over.
This is the end of procrastination, self-doubt, whining, complaining, excusing, and giving up.
The end of all that has lead me to the beginning of a very exciting journey of transformation. Wish me luck!
Monday, January 12, 2009
About Me
Hello!
My name is Annalisa.
I'm 29.
Bit scary that I'm in the last year of my twenties!
But I'm up for it!
I am lucky enough to reside in the Sunshine State.
No, not Florida.
Not California.
Queensland.
Australia.
I was born and bread in west coast US, but after falling in absolute love with a homegrown Aussie boy, here I am. How lucky am I?!
Mother of 3 beautiful kids.
Cadyn, 11.
Lanaya, 9.
Gracie, 6.
They're gorgeous.
I want this blog to capture my journey.
MY journey that is complicated.
It has been a very interesting one.
I have so many different angles and perspectives I am coming from.
I was adopted at birth.
Raised in a cult called Mormonism.
My dad died when I was 15.
I moved out after that.
I have been a hateful drugo.
A rebellious harlot.
A very young mom....
A single, divorced and pregnant mom....
*Deep breath*
A single mom of two (under 3), working full time driving 300 miles a day, while attending part-time University and doing in-home day care with for kids round the 24-hour clock (with a friend).
*Phew!*
(God MUST have been looking out for me that year!
Because I would NOT have survived it without Him.)
I have been an Oregonian.
A Washintonian.
A Utahn.
A Californian.
A Coloradonian (?)
And now an Australian : )
Today I am a Christian.
A Born-Again Spirit Filled Christian.
A Jesus follower.
Saved.
Loved.
Free.
And finally today, I have found my journey's rest in this:
I am a PT working mum and housewife.
Learn-to-Swim Teacher of babies, toddlers, and primary school kids.
President of a community gardening club.
Family Organiser.
Weight-loss Warrior.
Salvation Army church member.
Super Mum.
But most of all:
I am a daughter of the Most High King.
Creator of the Universe!
God Almighty.
I feel pretty powerful :)
However, I have to inform you - I am painfully HUMAN.
I make mistakes. Sometimes daily.
Sometimes hourly.
Sometimes I never stop!
But one thing I can be sure of.
I can keep trying not to make so many mistakes.
I can press on in joy.
In freedom.
Through the good times, and especially the bad, I can claim the peace which is mine through Christ.
And from now on I regard no one from a worldly point of view.
Though I once regarded Christ in this way, I do so no longer.
I am a new creation in Christ;
the old has gone, the new has come!
All this is from God, who reconciled me to himself through Christ
and gave me the ministry of reconciliation:
that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ,
not counting our sins against us.
And He has committed to me the message of reconciliation.
I am therefore Christ's ambassador.
- 2 Corinthians 5:16-20
My name is Annalisa.
I'm 29.
Bit scary that I'm in the last year of my twenties!
But I'm up for it!
I am lucky enough to reside in the Sunshine State.
No, not Florida.
Not California.
Queensland.
Australia.
I was born and bread in west coast US, but after falling in absolute love with a homegrown Aussie boy, here I am. How lucky am I?!
Mother of 3 beautiful kids.
Cadyn, 11.
Lanaya, 9.
Gracie, 6.
They're gorgeous.
I want this blog to capture my journey.
MY journey that is complicated.
It has been a very interesting one.
I have so many different angles and perspectives I am coming from.
I was adopted at birth.
Raised in a cult called Mormonism.
My dad died when I was 15.
I moved out after that.
I have been a hateful drugo.
A rebellious harlot.
A very young mom....
A single, divorced and pregnant mom....
*Deep breath*
A single mom of two (under 3), working full time driving 300 miles a day, while attending part-time University and doing in-home day care with for kids round the 24-hour clock (with a friend).
*Phew!*
(God MUST have been looking out for me that year!
Because I would NOT have survived it without Him.)
I have been an Oregonian.
A Washintonian.
A Utahn.
A Californian.
A Coloradonian (?)
And now an Australian : )
Today I am a Christian.
A Born-Again Spirit Filled Christian.
A Jesus follower.
Saved.
Loved.
Free.
And finally today, I have found my journey's rest in this:
I am a PT working mum and housewife.
Learn-to-Swim Teacher of babies, toddlers, and primary school kids.
President of a community gardening club.
Family Organiser.
Weight-loss Warrior.
Salvation Army church member.
Super Mum.
But most of all:
I am a daughter of the Most High King.
Creator of the Universe!
God Almighty.
I feel pretty powerful :)
However, I have to inform you - I am painfully HUMAN.
I make mistakes. Sometimes daily.
Sometimes hourly.
Sometimes I never stop!
But one thing I can be sure of.
I can keep trying not to make so many mistakes.
I can press on in joy.
In freedom.
Through the good times, and especially the bad, I can claim the peace which is mine through Christ.
And from now on I regard no one from a worldly point of view.
Though I once regarded Christ in this way, I do so no longer.
I am a new creation in Christ;
the old has gone, the new has come!
All this is from God, who reconciled me to himself through Christ
and gave me the ministry of reconciliation:
that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ,
not counting our sins against us.
And He has committed to me the message of reconciliation.
I am therefore Christ's ambassador.
- 2 Corinthians 5:16-20
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