Keep on keeping on

Almost done with this month, the first of 2012 and I know in my heart of hearts that I still have to kick it up a notch. I began a new position at work, lots more responsibility, different work hours and I know I am definitely out of my comfort zone. Change brings forth progress and sure I want to run and hide and stay within my comfort zone. No, I can't because the pain of remaining the same, stuck in the same rut, doing the same thing became too uncomfortable. I have to break out of my comfort shell, do some possibility thinking and get up and move my duff more! Glory. I am keep on keeping on, stumbling and fumbling at this thing called life and learning to live my best life out loud!

Getting my praise on

I am trying to give this blog its due attention this year. Normally I blog everyday on my Sparkpeople.com page-it has been my lifesaver for the past three years, especially dealing with the loss of my Mom in 2009 and having to uproot myself for my job that same year and move to KC. Life is a journey and what we make of it. I am going to live my best life. I need to take some updated photos of myself, especially since I treated myself to a keratin treatment for Christmas. I am amazed at my my natural hair growth, not giving myself much credit. I have gained some length and I am happy with it, so far.

My weight loss battle stalled for this past week. I am strengthening up my support team, I attend weekly Weight Watcher meetings, even got my girlfriend to drive across town to sign up for a meeting with me. I know I won't see her again because she hates leaving her side of town, doesn't like all that driving. Oh well, life goes beyond my backyard and I can't limit myself to it. Hopefully I will convince her that if she wants to hang, we can do things over here on the Kansas side and I can come over there on the Missouri side. For the past two years, I have been going over there, no more. Time for a change.

I have to get use to working this new schedule, midnights. I seem to have more time to do stuff, but I get a bout of sleepiness around 4:15-4:20 AM and it drives me crazy. I am not doing much before work, forcing myself to stay in bed to at least 2:00pm. My poodles have seen to adjust, but then again they are just dogs. I just mess up my sleep pattern on the weekends, I am off now on Fridays and Saturdays. Yesterday was a prime example, I stayed up late and was too tired to get up for church, for Sunday will be my normal work day now. I ended up catching my former Pastor online for a right on time message. He was discussing fasting and prayer and how it opens doors for God's continued guidance, answers to life and His mercy in our lives. I have not been too great at fasting for the new year, but I am going to get on the good foot, get right and do what I need to do to get the job done. I know that God is going to do exceedingly abundantly great things right now in my life and I am open and receptive to heed His word and receive His blessings in my life today!

All these blogs, oh my!

How do I keep up with all blogs? I need an app just to help me organize them. New year, fresh perspective. I discovered in he last quarter of 2011 that carbs and I are really not good friends. I also discovered that I have to kick it up a notch, do cardio, sweat, sweat, sweat. I turn 50 this April and that is exactly what I plan to do, sweat more, tone and begin to shape. Out with the old and in with the new!

Well, we are in the throws of the holidays, a festive frenzy as my sister would call it. If I hear that song its the most wonderful time of the year, I will go insane. If I could forgo my family obligations, I would pull the cover over my head and sleep the day away. Oh well, despite frightful weather, ribbons and bows and wrapping paper, let the games begin. Remembering my second Christmas without my Mom. Lord help me get through it!

Still standing...one year later

A year ago this time I was on Fullerton, just getting back from the hospital after being there all day and the doctor pronouncing my Mom gone around 7:10 pm. I remember it just like it was yesterday. I drove out of that hospital parking garage for the last time. I wouldn't have to up to the fifth floor-Hospice ward. I wouldn't have to smell that antiseptic. No more wandering the halls, gulping down gallons of coffee, or giving slight smiles to the kind nurses.

We buried Moma on November 2nd, I slept for about eight hours and got back on the road to St. Louis with the poodles. I slept for another eight hours and then drove to Kansas City on November 4th to find an apartment and begin putting my life together. One year later, I am still standing, slowly putting my life together.

Started working here at the GM plant in Kansas City, finally moved all my junk, put my house on the market and started working on the "Evolution of Kelly", a work in progress. I got serious about my weight, joined 24 hour fitness, took Financial Peace again (what a blessing) and found a weight loss challenge group here locally. Embracing change, still evolving, open to endless possibilities that God has in store for me.

It is hard for me today to wrap my mind around the fact that I haven't heard my Mom's voice in over a year. I worry that my memories may fade and I will forget the little things. I will forever keep "G" as the queen of my heart!

Kansas City Weight Loss Challenge

I am in week 2 of the Fit Bottomed Girl-Energy Zone eight week weight loss challenge. I have followed Fit Bottomed Girl for about a year and I recently found out that the co-founder of the website is based right here in Kansas City. A casting call went out for women who wanted to lose weight and get fit. FBG teamed with Jessica with Energy Zone, a health and wellness company. Jessica is a nutritionist that moved from California here to Kansas City to raise her daughters with more Midwest culture and values. Her mission in life is to enlighten and empower women to enjoy the journey and love the skin that we are in.

Jessica and Jennipher are a breath of fresh air, just what the doctor ordered for me. I needed to get out of the fog and step out of my comfort zone and get down to serious business. So far this year I have lost almost 30 lbs. I have much more to go, but I am learning not to make food the event and love the skin I am in. I am getting more into me now, almost being here in KC for a year and learning to live life without Moma. Some days are better than others and I know in my heart of hearts she wants me to be healthy, whole and happy. I am getting to happy.