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!

510 Hikers

I've recently joined a hiking group.  I was prompted to do so after seeing a friends photo on his Facebook page. The group completed a hike a Lake Chabot.  That is in my hood!  I only wish I would have known in order to attend. I frequent Lake Chabot,  but I will only go so far before turning around because the sounds of nature get the best of me.  After seeing the pictures from the hike, I invited myself to the gourp and I'm glad I did.

To date, I've gone on three hikes with the group. All have been challenging for a variety of reasons.  For starters, the terrain is not what I'm used to, the elevation is quite steep, and I'm simply not strong enough (yet) to keep up.  Joining the group has been rewarding, too.  I have gained some new cheerleaders to keep me encouraged as I continue to focus on my fitness goals, I've met some new folks with great stories, and this is another opopportunity to see all of the beauty the bay area has to offer.

If you haven't explored a hiking trail, get out and do so!

Check out a few of my pics!

Mt. Tamalpais, Mill Valley, CA

Mission Peak, Fremont, CA

Healthy Checks: Take Control of your own care!

As reported in 2011, a lump on my thyroid was discovered.  Since then, I have had 3 fine needle aspirations, biopsies, and an ultrasound.  The last exam being the ultrasound.   You see, from my annual physical exam in 2013-April/May, I noticed my neck area was looking rather large. I felt my thyroid and the lump that is there felt larger and seemed to be more visible to me.  I didn't immediately react, but just noticed it with each view of myself in the mirror.  After a few weeks, I finally make an appointment with my doctor to further discuss. After her exexamination,  she said it didn't seem to have grown based upon measurement,  but I disagreed given it looked like I have an atom's apple growing.  I wanted her to be clear,' I am a full-fledge woman and don't want to be a man!' I shouldn't have a visible lump in my neck/throat area! I insisted that I see a specialist to make sure all is well.

I see an Ears, Nose, Throat doctor, Dr. Kim who determines the lump feels rather large to the touch and wants me to get an ultrasound and then a guided fine needle aspiration. Dr. Kim wanted to know the exact areas she took samples for the biopsy.  After this painful procedure all is well.  There is no major concern and this something I will have to monitor.   Because the lump on my thyroid is kind of big, swallowing is a bit challenging,  but not enough to warrant surgery.

I have an excellent rapport with my primary care doctor. She provides great care and can usually calm my nerves when I'm freaked about something.  However,  I am glad I didn't easily accept her diagnosis that the lump is fine, but that I actually checked it out.   At tbe end of the day, I knew something wasn't right and I am glad I took action for confirmation.

Happy Mother's Day!

This weekend was all about mom, for sure! We spend a lot of time together anyway,  but this weekend was extra fun.  Suffice it to say, I am exhausted. Happy Mother's Day mom. I am so glad God chose me to be your daughter.

Rockwall Winery-Mother Trucker

SF Noir Wine Event- BGR Ladies

SF Noir Wine Event

After a beautiful church service

Mother's Day Brunch prepared by my little sister. 

Oakland Running Festival: part IV

Today was the 5th Anniversary of the Oakland Running Festival,  but my 4th time completing this event.  Each year the organizers get better and better. This event is picking up steam on the fun factor, too.  They've always offered a relay team to complete 13.1 and next year, I want in on a team!  They also added a 'we run Oakland' medal, which is the completion of the 5k and the half marathon. Leave it to my mom to take things to the next level, by completing both events.  I walked the 5k with my sister, Pam and friend, Lourdes.  We had a nice chat along the way.  After the walk, I went to church and was truly lifted. I'm so glad I did both events today.