Weekly Photo Challenge – Together

These eggs are “together” in their nest.  They are the eggs and nest of a house finch.

Weekly Photo Challenge – Together

Critical Mass

The most recent assignment in my Design II class is called Critical Mass.  We were tasked with building a sculpture using no more than two types of items, and we had to use at least nine of each item, and no more than one million of each item (it’s possible if you were to use BBs or something of the sort).  I chose to create my sculpture(S) out of found golf balls and golf tees.

Fabulous Finale

I can’t think of a better way to end a weekend. A fabulous finale to a fantastic weekend!

What a view!

(TOTALLY love where I live!!!)

Weekly Photo Challenge – Sun

Weekly Photo Challenge – Two Subjects

The golf tees and the sculpture I am making out of them.

TWLC3 – My Starting Point

Last year I participated in a fitness/weight loss challenge coordinated by Jenna at That Wife.  It was called That Weight Loss Challenge, and I joined as motivation to get into better shape, not necessarily to lose weight.  In the six months following, not only did I get into much better physical shape, I lost quite a bit of weight, and most importantly, I got “me” back – the me that is happy, carefree, confident, and outgoing.  I wrote a detailed post about why I was participating and my feelings about it, and at the end, I published another post talking about the success I felt at meeting my goals.

AFTER ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ BEFORE
The Results TWLC1 - The most dramatic change.

I have to admit, that since completing TWLC1, I have not been as diligent about what I eat and how I exercise.  Initially, I was blaming my inactivity on injuries that prevented me from exercising, but then I just had to admit that I’d gotten off track and it was my fault.  Fortunately, I have only gained a couple of pounds back since finishing TWLC1, and mostly I have lost fitness and gotten out of shape.  I did not participate in TWLC2 because I was super busy with school, still recovering from my broken foot, and just trying to figure out life as a full-time college student with kids.

Weekly Photo Challenge – Journey

Earned, Not Given

I read this article today and found it speaking to me directly. Time to get off my butt and get to work.

By Amanda Ingle

We all know that weight loss isn’t easy. It takes determination. It takes focus. And if you mix that with adequate sleep, fitness, and nutrition, you will see results.* Just going to the gym isn’t enough, you have to push yourself. But how much?Life is full of decisions. Big, small…we make them every day. If you’ve decided to lose weight, then it’s time to strike a balance in your life. An equilibrium within the trifecta of weight loss: fitness, nutrition, and sleep. 

Fitness

Finding a plan that works for you is important. If you are just starting out, find a personal trainer at your club. They will provide guidance on where you should start, how often you should workout, and probably give you a fitness exam. This is your best bet to get on the right path from the get-go. You can also build your own workouts here on Anytime Health’s workout planner. Give it a try! 

Nutrition

The simple equation for weight loss is you have to take in fewer calories than your body uses. In short, calories in versus calories out. If you use the Anytime Health diet tracker, all you have to do is keep your calories within the bar (see image below). But it’s not just quantity of calories. You should be eating better quality food. Trade cheese curds for carrots and skittles for grapes.  

Sleep

One thing that rarely gets discussed when the topic of weight loss comes up is sleep. Sleep is key to your weight loss program. If you’re working out regularly, a good night’s sleep might be inevitable, but you should still make a point to get aim for a solid 7-8 hours every night. A lack of sleep cantrick your body into thinking it needs more energy (i.e. that donut in the work room).   

How Do I Get Started?

If you want to lose weight then you need to make a decision right here, right now. It’s not going to be easy. It will probably be hard. It’s not about giving up your favorite meal. It’s about making the decision to eat less of that meal. It’s not about giving up your favorite TV show. It’s about figuring out how you can watch the show and workout at the same time. It’s about, no more excuses. I can tell you from experience, it’s worth it! The feeling of being able to walk up the stairs without heavy breathing feels great. Fitting in a booth will make all the difference. Not worrying about fitting in a movie theater or airplane seat will be a past thing. You can be the new version of you. We know you can do it. Hell, if I can do it, you can too! * By results I don’t necessarily mean weight loss. Results also come in the form of being happier and healthier. But if you’re working hard, you’ll probably see weight come off as well!

Eastern Oregon Regional Children’s Choir Festival

One of the things Reagan started doing since we moved to Cove is participating in the Union County Children’s Choir.  They practice every Monday for a little over an hour, and they have several performances throughout the year.  The final activity for the UCCC this year was to host and participate in the Eastern Oregon Regional Children’s Choir Festival at Eastern Oregon University.