The Struggle....Is REAL!

I have many challenging days motivating myself to hit the pavement.  Today was definitely not an exception.   The funny thing is I decided to make my walk a bit more challenging by adding 4lb weights.

As I began my walk, I immediately felt like I did not want to be out there and wanted to turn around to get back into my bed.  I took a few more steps.  Got hot so I had to take my jacket off.  Took a few more steps.  Thought about turning around.  I took a few more steps to sit on the bench. Understand,  I pass this bench each time I walk Lake Chabot, but never have I sat down.  Today, I sat down for a minute, never reading the dedication on the bench until I was ready to resume my walk.  A man approached me and commented that he too was tired and wanted to take a rest. He stated he had recently 'gotten on track' and had been struggling a bit, too.  I shared the same sentiment.  I was wearing a Nike Women's Marathon Finishers shirt to which the man congratulated me.  He also tipped his hat for the accomplishment.  I wished the man a good finish to his walk and to stay on the track and he the same for me.  When I turned to see the dedication, I thought how fitting.  I really wanted to go home, yet I know the importance of health and fitness in my life.  I think that man chatting with me was God's way of telling me to keep going and not go home.

I don't know who the Schultz family is, but I thank them.  Their words were very fitting for me and the man.

What a difference a year makes!

Top Pics: 2014 Birthday

                                                                  Bottom Pics: 2013 Birthday

I've had an enjoyable birthday celebration.  In fact, I've had a great year and these last 2.5 months have been great!  I've been off work catching up with friends, which really means eating out and drinking a lot of adult beverages.

While I have been going out on my hikes with my 510Hikers and walking on my own, my recent slack off has finally caught up to me.  So much so, I can visibly see that I have picked up weight from birthday 2013 to current year.  I'm not dissing myself, but I'm merely stating a fact that I can not hide, nor deny the weight I've gained.  Pictures don't lie, especially in the face!  Not only that, my clothes aren't fitting these comfortable these days, either!  

With each new year, one is always called upon to reflect and make changes for the upcoming year.  Eating right and working out is always a priority in my life.  Not because I look better, but I also feel better about myself, working out keeps me sane, and relieves stress.  I have to get on track with a quickness!!  You see, I have an event scheduled for next summer and I plan on wearing a two-piece bikini.

I.AM.NOT.KIDDING!! 

There were some smokin hot suits out this season and next season, I plan on rockin one or two of them on the beach!!

Y'all betta get ready!!

Monif C, 'Aquatic Goddess'

Swim Suits For All, 'Nala'

Forever 21, 'Fatkini Leopard Print'

  

Happy Birthday!

 Today, God has blessed me to see another birthday.  I am truly thankful and set out last March to celebrate in a way that I've always wanted for many years.  I was finally going to cross an item off of my bucket list- Celebrate my birthday at the happiest place on earth!

I shared my plan with my mom, best friend, sister, and a few friends. I wasn't necessarily extending an invitation.  I was however, sharing my plans. Anyone who was interested could get on board.

I am so glad I chose to enjoy my 44th year of life at Disneyland and California Disney Adventure.  I've had the time of my life with two of the best people in my life, my mom and best friend.  Happy Birthday to me! Keep making wishes and making them come true!