Year of the Chipmunk

Did you know 2010 was the Year of the Chipmunk?
I did when I saw this photo of myself.
I was devastated.

(Yes, I purposely kept this photo small.)

My best friend in Pittsburgh (Bird) told me when I was ready, I would know
it and I would be able to make changes.
And she told me "I know you can do it."

For someone who knows me to my core to tell me
that she believed in me - even though
I wasn't sure I believed in myself.
Well, it meant the world to me.
Thank you Bird.

After a couple of months, I realized if
there was something within my power to change what I
didn't like, then I better "cowgirl up".

I started running.
I had always told myself that I wasn't a runner.
(unless there was a big dog chasing me)
I worked up to three miles every other day.
I began doing Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred DVD.

A couple of months after I started running, I took Caroline's class.

I was forced to look at myself.
Inside as much as my exterior.
I was encouraged by ladies who I've never met in person.

I found out that I actually like some of my features.

Weight gain = cleavage for the 1st time in my life

This shot below made me grateful my 5' 3" mother
married my 6' 3" father.


Some not so much. My once buff arms were not so buff any more.
BUT, I was encouraged to
keep on keepin' on.

This smile is genuine. I'm so grateful for Bird and Amanda,
who assured me that they loved me no
matter what the number was
on the scale.
Girlfriends do that for you.

Not being one to adhere to a strict diet, I did find
that my weight plateaued after awhile.

I kept running.
And then I began a 90-Day Challenge.
I am now down to a weight
I hadn't seen for 16 years.

This is me 30 pounds lighter.
Happy.

The 90-Day Challenge by Visalus helped me lose the last ten
pounds I wanted to say good-bye to!

I want you to know that if you found your way here...I'm so glad
you stopped. And if you need some encouragement,
I'm the girl for you.
I've been there.