Year Three, Day 1! A New Beginning!

Hallelujah!

Happy New Blog Year!

I have high hopes for Year Three.

I did a lot of painful soul searching my first two years of this blog.

But I learned many lessons. And have many new and useful tools to apply to my life!

This morning is breakfast with the family. I have already decided in advance to have eggs, hashbrowns, bacon, fruit and black coffee, after my ham overload crisis yesterday!

Live and learn. Live and learn!

I am sharing my stats today instead of Monday, because it is my Blogiversary!

Roughly two years ago, my stats were:

Stats: May 26, 2015

Weight: 213 lbs
Neck: 15"
Chest: 47"
Waist: 41"
Hips: 48
Thighs: 23"
Biceps: 14"

compared to today, May 13, 2017

Drum roll please!

Stats: May 13, 2017

Weight: 190 pounds

Chest:   40"
Waist:    37"
Hips:      44"
Thighs:   22"
Biceps: 13"
Calves:   15"
Ankles:   8"

WOOT WOOT!

I am adding mood. And this morning, my mood is an 8 (scale of 1 - 10, 1 being very depressed, 10 being ecstatic!

I am big on making goals and lists. As you can probably tell already.

So my goals for this year of blogging are:

Lose 30 pounds
Begin running.
Continue to workout with weights.
Conquer allergies!
Go out on a few dates with a man or two, that I enjoy spending time with.
Save enough money for a car (and car insurance)
Continue to eat healthy (No gluten, low sugar, low salt, focusing on fresh, whole foods)
Spend time with family (especially new grandbaby!)
Spend time with friends.
Make new friends.
Continue helping people in need.
Start planning to travel.
Spend time morning and evening in prayer.
Continue studying Greek.
Continue knitting.
Continue practicing ukelele.
Begin composing.

I am noticing a big improvement with my new eating plan.

But the big news is that I got up early enough this morning and went to the track at the school a few houses down! It is a lovely paved track. Many trees!

I did 1 lap. I was short on time - it was breakfast with the fam day. I mostly vigorously walked, but broke into a run for about 1/4 of a lap!

Coincidentally, on May 14, 2015, I posted the following after walking 3.43 miles on the Springwater Trail: "The journey of a thousand miles begins beneath one's feet" ~Lao-tzu.

And now, almost exactly 2 years later, I am finally beginning my running!

I am going to give the food log a break for now. I am sure I stayed within my caloric, sugar and sodium allowance. But I am quite tired. Looking forward to an evening of knitting and relaxing.

One of my student's mothers recommended I try Flonase for my allergies. I found the generic at Walgreen's. I have had my first dose and feel hopeful. I feel clear!

I am going to try and start each day with the running track. I am excited about that. It may be the motivation I need to get my arse moving in the morning. That and black coffee!

And now, since it is my 2 year blogiversary, I am going to share some before and after pictures. Very embarrassing before pictures, but I have made a commitment to be very transparent here. And frankly, it is motivational to see the changes. One can get better as one ages. Aging is not a disease contrary to some old thinking!