status update

Seems like all us bloggers have less to say lately. Perhaps it's because we share on the go now through your typical social networking sites. I find it difficult to share anything on there more than on a weekly basis anyway.
However, I do have an update that I have not discussed online...yet.

Last year I saw some pictures of myself during a camping trip and I said out loud..."whoa, I look fat." I knew I had been slowly gaining weight, but I just hadn't really seen the overall look. It made me pretty sad, but I just wasn't at the right point in my life to focus on myself. Sadly.

I did get there around March of this year though. I was sick of not being able to fit into my clothes. My friend Erica had started losing weight (like 100 lbs - GO Erica!) and it inspired me. I had a little extra money and decided to hire a personal trainer. That move probably surprises the most people, since I am a cheap do-it-yourselfer. But, I know how lazy I can be. Trust me, I can talk myself into and out of anything. I knew I would be better off with someone who would hold me accountable though. I also knew that if I spent the money, I would follow through at 100%.

My "holistic coach" Kristen (visit site by clicking here) visits my house twice a week for some grown-up fun. Now, back in March, I would have described it as torture...but I really do enjoy our sessions. I'm at the point I don't get sore anymore. I look forward to seeing her. I push myself harder than she does. I workout on my own (gasp!). I am planning on running a 5K, then an 8K, and perhaps a 10K. Yes, I have become a person that has energy on the level that resembles my sister.

I always described Kristen as the personal trainer with "just the right amount of hippie" in her. We start each session with some yoga to warm up, and then do a couple circuits of exercises. We wrap up with some intense ab work and then a nice meditation. Couple this with my goal of being a vegetarian (well, with a side of fish now and again), and I am really seeing positive changes. Yes, I've lost weight. More importantly, I feel excellent inside and out. I fit into my clothes, my metabolism has sped back up, and my skin is uber happy.

With all of this personal development, I have slacked a bit on my Portland top ten list. It's ok, I know I'll reach that goal. I'm just glad I finally took care of me again. :)
Hope this little status update finds you all doing well!