Tea over Thoughts on the universe................

So I just read that if we are ready God and the universe will give us what we are ready for.

As I am starting to feel better emotionally and physically I sometimes still want to hold back for fear of getting sick again.  It can hold me back at times.  The book I'm reading right now is very good and I think it may be helping me to realize I have more control over me than I think.

So I was thinking last night and this morning- What do I want? and Am I ready for it?

I guess it's no surprise what I want- to live in health and be there for my family. 

I want health.

This morning I did my run and I decided to dress nice (as in no gym clothes) and I thought- I'm gonna ready myself health.

I ran into the drugstore for dog treats and nail repair stuff.....

AND as I'm leaving the girl says:

Thank you and Be Well.....

I feel really good lately and sometimes it's hard to talk about because who walks around saying how happy they are- most of us are onto complaining of the most recent problem.  Some may even think it's rude or annoying.....I did at one time in my life.  But isn't more rude to smear negative emotions?  We should all talk about how happy we are a lot more often- then I won't sound like a wing-nut!

I can honestly say sometimes I'm driving and I just feel so darn HAPPY.

I think it comes from being more real and being content with my life.

It's SO easy to get caught up in the rat race and thinking certain things are important when in fact they are not.  That person who you thinks has a good life have pain in their heart.

One of the reasons I'm so happy is my family is loving!

My family means the most to me and I want us all to be happy and content- I recieved this from Focus on the Family and thought it was well put!

How do you create a Christ-centered home?

Each family may answer that question differently, but here are some general characteristics:
1. Joy—Every family will encounter trials and hardships, but there is no circumstance that can rob us of our joy if we know that the key to our present welfare and future destiny lies in Christ alone.

2. Orderliness—As the apostle Paul says, "God is not the author of confusion but of peace" (I Corinthians 14:33).

3. Grace—A Christian home should be a safe place to mess up. Family members need to be reminded that love, not perfection, is the goal.

4. Service—A Christian home is tempered and flavored with acts of kindness, respect, humility and love.


5. Spiritual Disciplines—A Christ-centered home provides an environment in which every member of the family learns how to live by studying Scripture, praying and spending time in God's presence.

6. God's Purposes—A Christian home is a place where the family's goals are founded upon His values and the vision for the future is consistent with His plan.

Motivate me Monday: Dish to Pass, Cookies

Well I was asked to make something for 2 celebrations I've been invited to and I'm honored.

The 1st one requested I make cookies.  Now I'm less a baker and more a meal maker, but when I need a good recipe I go right on LoveVeggiesandYoga~  Averie is awesome!  Now I just have to pick one or two of these:

Definitely doing Magic Bars....(ok mine never look this cute- but they are SO yummy!)
Her instructions even come with pictures so it's SO nice- and easy.

These look good too- Mounds Bar Chocolate Coconut Cake Mix Cookies

And these NO BAKE Vanilla Cake Batter Truffles....look delish! 

Rob was asked to be God Father for my brother's baby and I was asked to bring a dish so I'm thinking I'll do Asparagus Risotto- that I've made in the past.  It's so yummy.  I just hope I can prepare it and pack it up well enough that it stays true to it's consistency.



Along with my baking/cooking motivation- I'm also shooting for making my 120 goal for Friday!!  Hoping to fit nicely into my outfit for the party:

Not so sure about this shirt- if it's super hot out it might be too hot.  I'm hot a lot of the time- I think because of my medication and hot flashes so I may have to change up the top.  I do love the shorts!

And if you are like me and dieting - sorry for the food porn- if I make weight I will be having a 1 Magic Bar....ok maybe 2 but if I don't make it NO BAR for ME.  I REALLY want one of those bars...lol.

It's Saturday and someone is getting married today!!

Some beautiful wedding images from:

OnceWed

GreenWeddingShoes

GreyLikesWeddings

Weddingzilla

I'm happy today

I was happy to see the scale this morning.  All that stuff I didn't eat and all those times I pushed to get out there and exercise paid off.

Remember this dress- hoping to wear it to a wedding in July 27th....

I'm zipping that baby up! 

The only bad thing is it will probably be too big before the wedding as it seems like it looked better on me when it was snug.

I had 2 fittings this week - it all started when I thought I lost my insert.

I never thought I would feel so lost without that thing- but boy did I.

When I called to find out how much a new one would be it was $415.00- WOWZA!

My insurance will pay for 1 every 2 years so that was gonna be out of pocket.

So I called my girl Sheila and she got me right in as she was going on vaca and I would be out of luck for a couple of weeks!

Her taking me in just like that was SO nice and I'm so blessed to have her.

A couple of weeks with out Gaga as I call her (my insert)- I was getting a little nervous.

SO I ran home before my appointment and I looked and looked and finally I said I don't want to do this- But- I'm gonna- I said a prayer to St. Anthony (out loud).  Well don't you know I found it 5 minutes later.

Sheila inspected my insert and gave me a talking to about my case and cover and then she measured me.  I told her about my whole St. Anthony thing.

I told her I feel funny praying for something so unimportant when I know there are much bigger things to pray for.

She laughed and said St. Anthony must have thought this girl needs help today.

She helped me with all the insurance stuff, because they cover my bras.  She even got me to try a really cute bra out and it was GREAT!

 I had kept my appointment anyways because my mastectomy bras are getting too big and I'm down a bra size!  This is good because my real breast is bigger than my foob.  Only my left breast has changed so he's catching up with my foob.

My second fitting came when I took a pair of shorts to Maria the woman who does our tailoring.  I love Maria- I really do.  It's so nice to go there- get a hug, try on clothes that are too big, sit down chat about life, laugh, cry, hug again and then plan for my return.  She is so sweet and her husband is such an inspiration to me- he's like 92 right now and the health stuff he went through- WOW.  It was so nice to be in the company of such a good person.  Maria is so full of love and as we chat we realize we are all a lot more alike than different.  Life is so incredible- it's hard- it's good- and we continue to love.  She of course spoke highly of God and she gives thanks to him everyday. 

So 121.2 is great- but nothing compares to those special people in our life that show us love!!!!!

:)

Jcrew Bracelet - Ebay
Clarks - Zappos
St. Lucia Lilac - Essie
and little Russian Girl Mira Duma- Love her style!

Where have I seen this number before?

So I'm up again but, I had a pretty busy workout schedule this week:
Monday- Elliptical at gym- 3miles & Piloxing

Tuesday- Spinning & Pilates

Wednesday- zip

Thursday- Spinning & Zumba

I wish I did more weights- but Tuesday was a busy work day and Wednesday was travel. 

I'm going to have to be more strict this week.

I can't get too down with this number because I've actually been feeling really good and my body is starting to go back to the shape it had in the past.  My fat is slowly leaving while some muscle is returning.  Spinning is a real challenge and I hate it when I'm there so I'm gonna keep on with it.

It was great to be in the city for my doctor appointment with my surgeon and to get my mamo!  Even though it brings me anxiety it isn't nearly as bad as it has been.  My mom was with me this time and she even came in the room with me and it was a good thing because it was a momentous occasion!  My surgeon declared me in good health and graduated me to the Healthy Survivor Program- I will get my mamo once a year and will be seen by a nurse specializing in Healthy Survivors!!!!  BUT if anything should come up I will be right back with Doc Morrow- Love her!  As soon as Dr. Morrow came in she said, "You look well" and to my surprise I said, "I feel well".  I would usually be too afraid to say something like that in fear of having something bad happen.  Something about being in the room with Dr. Morrow makes you feel stronger and safe to say something like that.  So I'm down to 2 docs at Sloan.

I LOVE MY MOM! 

THANKS MOM

 Here is mom and I at dinner.....notice mom's lululemon- love it!  We did go in lululemons in the city and mom bought me an awesome workout outfit!!!!  I'll have to post it- it's so comfy and cute!

It was wonderful to be over in the old stomping ground of the apartment....and having dinner at Espresso Cafe.  Here I am with owner Francesca- a sister survivor.  I will never forget the night she came over to our table and said - "I know that look".  She took really good care of me every time I went there.  She is an awesome lady and fellow survivor!!!!!!

 and while we were dining and on a bus home Rob was hard at work~

He's been working day and night~ and still managed to leave me a note when I got home~X

OK

Dress time

Dresses brought to you by Becky who gave me a gift card to my fav- TJMaxx

I seen this interesting dress and had to have it!  It fit so nice and besides having to cut off some attached necklaces it's PERFECT!

The ruffle bottom sold me.

so COOL....at least I think so

This dress I'm gonna wear for girl's night!
I love this shirt dress- so simple-and great with all sorts of footwear.

 

Becky I hope you like what you bought me for my Bday!

Fashion Friday....Just do it

Date            age/height           weight         chest             hips       left /right arm          waist
2/5/12..........42... 4’11”............137.2........... 39.0”..........41”........ 11.5”/ 11.5”…....... 36”
2/10/12.................................... 136.2........…38.5”......... 39.5”..... 11.5”/ 11.5”............35”
2/17/12.....................................134.6........... 39.25”....... 40.5”..... 12”/ 12”................. 34.5”
2/24/12.....................................134.2
3/2/12.......................................134.0............38.5”.........39.5.........12”/12”...................33.75”
3/9/12.......................................132.8
3/15/12.....................................131.4............38.5".........38.5".......11.75"/11.5"……....33"
3/23/12.....................................131.0
3/30/12.....................................130.4............37.5".........38"..........11.5"/11.5"..............31.75"
4/6/2012...................................129.6
4/13/2012.................................128.0
4/20/2012.................................128.4
4/27/2012.................................128.6............37.5".........38"..........11.25"/11.25"….....32"
5/4/2012...................................127.2
5/11/2012…………………….125.8….…...37”….…...37”......…10”/10.25”…..........31”
5/18/2012.................................124.0- sick the week before this hence loss
5/25/2012.................................missed weigh-in but pretty sure made goal of being 125 for my bday~
6/1/2012...................................123.6
6/8/2012...................................123.8

So I'm up a wee bit, but mostly I'm the same.  My measurements have stayed the same :(

It's time to re-evaluate my STUFF.  I really need to step it up.  My goal was to lose 30lbs by my wedding anniversary.  I made that goal  2/5/2012.  My loss has been slow, but I need to really try and lose 1 pound a week and if I do that I will be down to 108 by Oct 5...I did give my self 2 weeks of no loss.  And I did want to achieve my goal a bit before my anniversary so I made sure my anniversary gift was all set and wrapped ;)..

With such a tight goal- there is no room for slip ups and gains.  This scares me a bit, but honestly I've been attempting to get back to a healthy weight since July 2010 when I finished radiation.  SO it's time.

I found this quote one time and saved it for Lucas because it says a lot:
"Winning is not normal and those who constantly win follow an 'abnormal' path.  The discipline dedication and sacrifices are incomprehensible to those thousands standing outside, looking in, who are capable of joining the winning team, yet unwilling to pay the price of admission.  Winners win in a fair effort, on a level playing field; because they deserve to win....they willingly pay their dues in full, time after time, after time"

Now I'll use it for myself- winning isn't about the points it's about doing your best and feeling accomplished and loving yourself no matter what. 

 I think I will re-do my motivational quotes and pictures to freshen things up.  I also tried two different classes; Piloxing and Spinning.  I must say I like them both and I'm hoping switching things up will help.  I'm also planning on concentrating on certain body parts at a time.  I may even spend a whole week blogging about my most challenging body part and experimenting with different methods of improving them.  I think my but will be 1st up!!

No dress picture on this fine Friday....I was on the move!

BUT here's some motivation NIKE LOOKBOOK pics

Can I have her whole body and outfit...please?

Oh the hair!  Love it! 

I SO want these tops for Pilates! 

Remember workout buddies are a great help and inspiration! 

I recently joined a challenge with my sista Becky -but pooped out!  Becky did great and this weekend I may go for final weigh-in to cheer her on!!!  Way to go Becky!

I may also get my measurements done just to see what someone else comes up with and to keep myself in check.

Thankful Thursday

St. Theresa

I continue to get blessings from sweet St. Theresa.  There are times I ask her to please go to someone I know needs her help.  She is so sweet.  I continue to see signs of her.  Like when I went out of town for this little guy's Baptism

Left of the front alter was this:

I know it may not seem like anything too amazing to find a statue of St. Theresa in a church, but to think I wasn't sure if I could make it to this baptism and in front of her is a statue of St. Peregrine who I also prayed to a lot.  This also all comes together at a time when I wasn't feeling the best about things.  The usual stress and worry about life.  To see her makes me feel good.  I love her so!

And then there's my garden boxes.  Finally they are all set up!

  I've had nothing come back......... 

BUT wait

I was mistaken

my little baby roses made it!

They are coming along nicely!

taken this morning

Oh how I hope she hangs around my garden lots this summer!!!!  I used to always imagine her sitting with me in waiting rooms NOW I want to imagine her sitting with me by my garden.  I think she does too.

If you listen you will hear!!!  Just be quiet

Veggie Wedgie Wednesday~ Broc&Bok

Broccoli with Bok Choy

--Hmmmm- Martha doesn't call it Broc&Bok, but I like saying it like that.

Well I browsing for a side dish to go with Lucas and Rob's dinner tonight and I found this one:



On Martha's site...where else?

I liked this recipe because I could get home by 5:30 and manage to get it done in time to leave the house by 6:05!!!  Very few ingredients as well.  The seasoning used is soy sauce, garlic, ginger and oil.  I didn't have fresh ginger so I used the ginger powder I had.

Rob said it was delicious and I'm not too crazy about Soy sauce- but Lucas likes it so I thought he would like it.  I did try it and I actually liked it too.  I really liked the bok choy!  I used a low sodium soy sauce and it tasted just fine.

I broiled the guy's pork chops got this side dish done and made it to Zumba by 6:30!!  Now that's a keeper!
I ate after class~ fish with left over tomato salad and a spoon of the Broc&Bok!!

Thanks Martha!