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Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Here's the thing...2010 sucked

The good news… It’s not 2010 anymore and that’s great. So here’s to a great 2011! I’m bound and determined that it will be better than last year (it HAS to be) and that this is the year for a new me…


How, you ask? I’m so glad you did  :)

1) Weight (size – period!): Bye-Bye! I’m working out again & watching my calories and seeing results already! My goal is to look great in my Matron of Honor dress at my sister’s wedding, so the race is on!

2) Hair: Bye-Bye! I chopped my hair off about 2 weeks ago. I’m still not totally sure about it, but it just feels good to have some change. I’ll probably end up growing it back out, but for now, I’ve got a short and sassy ‘do!

3) Style: Hello! It’s been a few years since I’ve felt like a cute girl, so I’ve really been slacking in this area. Jeans & a KU shirt are my normal attire outside of work. Accessories have been non-existent, so I’m working hard to correct that. I bought some new jewelry and am trying to use it, but it’s hard to go against what has become my “norm”. I refuse to buy new clothes until that weight falls off, so hopefully that is sooner than later!

4) Inside – Of course, with all of these outward changes, I have to do something for the inside too, right? My confidence has been lagging as badly as my weight over the last few years. Chalk it up to 2 kids, post-partum depression, working full time, and just the every-day stresses of being married with kids. I need a boost. I think the steps above are just what the doctor ordered. I know that if I feel better about the way I look, I will hold my head a little higher. I know that if I can zip on those skinny jeans, I will smile more.

5) Last, but certainly not least – Spirit: 2010 was a rough year spiritually – a lot of tough challenges that make you realize that you’re standing on a shakier foundation than you previously thought. Well, 2011 is a year of building for me. My God brought me through the toughest year of my life and He is urging me to pick up the pieces and live the life He has planned for me, so here it is. I will go as He wills me and do what I know is meant to further His kingdom. I will get involved again and pursue the things that are put on my heart. I’m most excited about where step #5 takes me and to see His plans for this new year.

I blogged a week ago about how I realized that I needed to take care of myself in order to take care of everyone else and that keeps getting thrown in my face in various ways. I can tell that this is a lesson that I need to learn and remember. So there it is, the year of Beth :)

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Chronicles of a Post-Baby Body

I am overweight…there, I said it. Now, it’s not as bad as it could be, but it’s gotten out of hand. And it’s past time to reign it back in. My sister is getting married on the beach in May and I really don’t want to be the one nervous about being out there in my swimsuit or look like “the chubby sister” standing next to my beautiful, size 4 sister when she says I Do. I want to have the energy to chase around after my kids and keep up with my husband. Most of all, I want to be confident again. I miss looking forward to buying cute clothes and not worrying about sucking in when taking a picture. I want to be someone that my husband is proud to be married to and feel comfortable in my own skin like I used to…so here goes!


Here’s the mission: 40 pounds in 13 weeks. Now, I realize that might sound a bit lofty, but the math means that I need to lose around 3 pounds per week. I can do that. I know I can. I’ve started counting my calories again and started working out every morning (5 am is early for Bob Harper’s cheerfulness). I already feel better even though I almost fall over every time I get up to walk away from my desk. I know I’m doing something good for me, and that’s rare. It’s time to take care of myself and make “me” a priority again. They tell you time and time again in those pregnancy and parenting books how important it is that you put yourself first in order to take better care of your kids. I’ve ignored that until now, but I’ve started to realize just how important it is to the kids and to Randal that I take care of me first. Then, I’m in better shape (and a better mood) to take care of them and meet their needs.

This is the most excited I’ve been about something like this in a long while. My thighs burn and I’m sore, but man, it feels good. :)

Monday, January 10, 2011

Recently...

Randal so nicely reminded me this weekend that I had not posted on here in a while, so here I am :)

There has been a LOT of action since my last post (thanks to Randal for the 12/18 post).  First and foremost, Madison turned 1!!  I can't believe my baby is so big!  She's hilarious, go figure and her bright eyes and smile just warm my heart!  I knew I would love my kids, but I had no idea what that love would feel like and am bowled over every day with how much those kiddos mean. 

The kids both had a ton of fun over the holidays and Mason had great fun helping everyone open their gifts.  They both got a lot of great, fun gifts (as well as some that mommy has had to take away already! ha!) and Mason ate WAY too much fudge!  We traveled all over for different family gatherings and Mason was so confused when we got back home for good...wouldn't it be wonderful if we always got to spend that much time with everyone?!  Oh well - I guess one day we will! :)

My cake business has started getting some serious action.  I've already got 4 baby showers, 1 party, 2 weddings, and 2 bridal showers planned for 2011! Wow! 

Today, I started a new workout that I hope I can stick with.  I have owned The Biggest Loser Boot Camp DVD for a couple of years now...I bought it after I had Mason.  Well...I finally took the shrink wrap off last night and got up early this morning to begin.  I feel good...inside.  Outside, my legs feel a bit like jelly - Bob likes squats  and lunges...I haven't had my thighs burning like that since high school volleyball practice.  This could get interesting!  I just keep telling myself, "If you can get through natural childbirth twice, then you can get through a stinking 30 minute workout".  We'll see if that method pans out for me!

It's going to be a busy 2011 for the Schafers family, but I'm excited for the ride!!