Why am I doing this?

Hey, everyone! I don't really have anything super interesting to post today...I mean ya know the self makeover front is a slow proccess. So, I decided to post that mission statement I told you all about earlier (minus the before pictures - your welcome!).

I’m not going to go into a long drawn out story of how I got where I am…it’s just not interesting if I’m being honest. Just really a bunch of whining and I just don’t have time for that anymore.

I will, however, tell you where I am and why I’m doing this. I’m 33 (on the downward slope to 34) and I’m FAT! Did you hear me? F*A*T – FAT! And, basically, I’m sick of it. In fact, here is a list of some of the things I’m sick of in regards to my weight (BTW, I’m a list maker):

not finding anything in my closet that fits

not finding anything cute in the stores that are cute (and on sale, but that’s another story)

wearing cardigans in the summer because I WILL NOT show my arms in a tank top (that’s for your benefit…your welcome)

seeing something cute in a catalog and thinking "maybe next year I could fit into that"

seeing something cute in a store window and thinking "I doubt they have my size"

feeling my underwear roll down when I sit because the fat roll is too big (nice visual, huh?)

standing in the heat and feeling the sweat collecting between my fat rolls

feeling like everyone is looking at me thinking "OH MY! I hope I NEVER get THAT fat!"

feeling like guys look at me and think "YIKES! RUN BEFORE SHE SEES YOU!" (of course, any guy that says "yikes" should know I’m not interested)

Ok, so that is just a few…I’m sure if I took enough time, I could think of some more, but you get the idea.
Does this make me shallow? Yeah, but I’m cool with that. I mean, it’s not like I won’t get actual benefits from loosing weight. You know, like lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, less chance of heart disease, yada yada yada…

So, I guess I can say that my goal is to just not feel like I can't do something or have something just because of my lack of self confidence or my weight.

Ok, so that's it. Have a great day!

Kristy

GOAL!

I have an older brother that is a "gadget guy" - you know the guys that just like to have lots of gadgets for the heck of it. Well, I think it rubbed off on me growing up, because I LOVE to play with the electronic displays in stores! And, earlier this year I got a fancy iPod Touch and of course downloaded tons of apps on it just for the sake of having them - I am so thankful for free apps!!

Well, anyway, I downloaded this one app that is a "Couch to 5K" training program. Yeah...it's been on there for like 6 months. Well, yesturday I decided it was time to utilize it! And it's actually not so bad.

I added my music to the app and it just goes. It tells you what to do (Run now, walk now) and 30 minutes later, I have gone 2 miles and I'm sweating like a mad woman!!! It's wonderful!

So, I decided that my first goal on this new makeover of sorts is to run a 5K! So, I'm planning on running in the Big Pumpkin Run on Oct. 30th. It's in Roswell and starts at 8:30 am if you care to join me. As soon as I figure out how to add a web link to this thing, I'll add one to the registration page, but for now, you can Google it or Bing it. Whatever you prefer!

OH, and back to the gadgets thing...I ordered my very own piece of fruit (that's for you, Mary!) and I can not wait for it to get here!!

I'll keep you posted!

Kristy

NEW PROJECT....

Ok, so if you haven't noticed by now, let me clue you in...

I'm a "start-something-new-and-don't-finish-it" kind of girl. I'm not sure why I do that, but I always have, and I suspect that on some things I always will be that way. HOWEVER, I have gotten better at saying no to things that I know for sure just are NOT going to get done. I mean this blog is called Grace Along the Way for a reason (I'm not oblivious). So, having said that, I'm going to reveal my newest project. Drum role, please...

ME

What? Is that it? Seriously? YES! That's right! I am my own new project. It's actually quite scary if you think about it. Basically, I'm stuck in a rut and NEED to get out. Now, don't freak out...this is not a cry for help. Scouts honor (and that's for realzies). So, I have shacked up (so to speak) with a couple of other friends that have decided to make themselves their own next projects as well, and we are getting out of this funk!

I mean it's for serious! We have mission statements; "before" pictures have been taken; meals plans are posted daily; exercise plans are created and to be carried out and posted on! I mean FOR SERIOUS, PEOPLE!!!

So, if you see me, I'm gonna need encouragement! (By the way - THIS is the cry for help part! LOL!) And, I would never normally request this, but LIE to me if you have to!! "Oh wow, Kristy! You look a.maz.ing!" Look, even if it's not true, it will keep me going...yes, I'm that shallow.

Just remember, this is step one - appearance. I'm not sure what step two will be, but if I plan too much, it won't happen.

Thanks, everyone for letting me vent! See you soon!

UGA Alumni...

Ok, Everyone! It's finally here....The BIG graduation post!

First of all, let me just say that I would like to post about 6 or 7 more pictures and movies, but a) I don't want to bore you all to death and b) this stupid computer is too slow and I can't deal with it.

So...here we go...

A special thanks to my sweet friends and family for all their love and support!

I had quite the cheering section:

The Garvin/LaQuaglia Family (Ken, Patty, Barbara, and Laura)

My Aunt Melissa

My Nephew Caleb

And (of course) my proud Parents

Not everyone is pictured because I just couldn't handle the slowness, but you know who you are and THANKS!!

The ceremony began with the graduates walking from the stands to the field. It took about 30 minutes for us all to walk down. And my cheering section said they actually saw me walk in (which is pretty amazing given the amount of people graduating).

Once we were all seated, President Adams spoke and introduced everyone that was going to speak. Two main things to note:

1. Alton Brown was our keynote speaker. He is a UGA alumni and is the host of Good Eats on the Food Network. Pretty Cool!

2. Notice the large medallion Dr. Adams is wearing. The guy sitting next to me yelled out really loud "COOL MEDALLION!" It got a pretty big laugh in our area.

And this graduation ceremony was very special for another reason. It seems that this year (2010) is 225th anniversary of the charter of the school. (1785 - 2010 Yes, that makes UGA the oldest public chartered university in the nation!) So, as a celebration, they did something they don't normally do. First, they had part of the band playing live (which they don't normally do, apparently) AND...they had a big fireworks finale! It was very special to be a part of such an important ceremony not only because I finally graduated from college, but because it was such a special time for the university. And I am so proud to be a DAWG!!

Thanks, again, to everyone for your love and support. Some of you could not make it, but I know you are just as proud of me anyway!

I love you guys!!

What had happened was....

Ok - yet again I have failed you all!

And for that I am sorry.

Please understand that I did TRY to post on graduation, but apparently my laptop went on vacation without telling me, and as a result, we are not currently speaking to each other.

It's having some issues with photo uploading and connectivity. So I AM working on it. That I can give you my word on.

I am going to take a little break this weekend and spend some time with an old and some new friends, then I will a) be rejuvenated to deal with my laptop and b) have something else to blog about (BONUS)!!

Thank you for your understanding!

You're Fired!!!

OK, so basically I'm really......no wait......REALLY bad at keeping up with this blogging thing. As a matter of fact, if you are even reading this, you may think you are dreaming. Or, the shock and awe may cause you to go into cardiac arrest.

Please don't fret...you are not dreaming (and if you are in cardiac arrest, stop reading this and dial 911).

I have been busy to say the least. Now, that is no excuse because most of the people that read this (yeah...like all two of you) are mothers with jobs and households to run. I get it.....but I'm willing to embrace it....I'm just not disciplined enough.

BUT....I make you this promise. Well, maybe it should be more of a contract. My next post will be my graduation which is May 8th. I will force myself to take pictures and I will post on it within 48 hours of it's occurrence.

Thanks for hanging in there with me!!

See you soon...

Kristy

Oh, Edward!

Yeah, it's officially an obsession. But I am not alone. Thankfully, all my girls at work are obsessed with it too. And some of my friends (some of you reading this now perhaps). If you have not read the Twilight Saga, I suggest that you do. It is by far my favorite book series to date, and the books are MUCH better than the movie (and future movies, I'm sure). I am willing to let you borrow mine - maybe. Even if it's just to get them out of my house so I can do other things. You see, when you begin reading these books by Stephanie Meyer, you become consumed in all things Twilight. You stay up all night reading, you don't do ANYTHING else. You can't. You get sucked in. All of your thoughts will be centered around Edward and Bella and.... (I don't want to give away too much).

How can I prove to you the obsession? How can I make it real to you? How about a picture from a recent party I attended. That's right, people. I went to a party for no reason EXCEPT to celebrate the story of Twilight. Everything was themed - the food, the music, the attire, the games.

That's what you think it is. A "pin-the-lips-on-Edward" game. Now, it was home made - just a simple poster and lip cut outs, but I participated. Not only did I participate, but I WON! Well, actually, I came in second only to the hostess, but she would not take the prize, so she pulled herself out of the running.

So, in conclusion, I beg you to read this wonderful series, however, I do warn you: STAY GROUNDED.

*This post is in no way meant to be mean towards anyone obsessed with the series. I am, in fact, probably more obsessed than anyone I know. This is only meant to be in fun and slightly melodramatic! :o)