Meet Mrs. Meat

One of my closest friends calls herself a “vegetarian” and it’s sometimes hard to call her a friend. She is from Vermont, so does that excuse her? It might! EP is not the only person in my life afraid of the “was alive, now dead” food option. My sister lives in Idaho and her boyfriend has cows. She would tell you that she has about 100 best friends because she names and becomes friends with each calf that is born. Thus she also will not eat red meat. It’s a problem when her boyfriend brings home Helen for dinner because, well, she just “didn’t make it”. I am a true Montanan, I love meat. Needless to say, if my dinner made noise on a farm, I’ll eat seconds.  

Recently Lana has asked me to stick to a pure protein and veggie diet. At first I thought it would be ridiculously difficult, but honestly it has been awesome! The idea is to kick habits that were starting to creep back into my day. I am still sugar free, which I am very proud of, but the eating junk was starting to come back. On Friday I will be weighing in (at 6:30 in the morning if you want to come) to see the difference protein is making in my life! I am so excited to share with you how it is going. I hope that I’m on track to lose 50 pounds in 180 days. That makes my 6 month weigh in on Halloween. So I think for Halloween I’ll be skinny? That would be nice! 

One Less Day

Pictures Worth 1,000 Words

I'm No Superman

Fishing With Friends

The sounds of flowing waters hold the power to melt my troubles away. I have always said that a bad day on the river is better than any good day at school. But, as I learned the other night, a bad day on the river can make a bad day even worse. I have found that the best way to give myself a break after a rough day is to go fishing. After a few events unfolded, I took off for the Gallatin to fish till sun down. One of my best friends came along, it was a perfect Montana fall evening, and we were headed to my slot machine. Land owners in Montana do a nice job to keep each angler guessing about how exactly to get to the hidden water. There was once a bridge over the irrigation ditch, but that has recently been removed. Ben and I then had to jump down into the culvert, that is about six or so feet high to get to the other side. He handed me both rods and reels and I placed them on the opposite side so we could each have two hands to get out. Ben literately had to hoist me out of the ditch to get to the other side. In the process, I accidently broke BOTH rods. Not only did this make fishing impossible for the evening, but it made my bad day worse.

Reality checks are free, but they will cost you! Last week was my 4 month weigh in at the gym, and it was a reality check for sure. After working really hard for three months and doing very well I was feeling invincible. I met my kryptonite after running my last 5k. I was no longer allowed to run, and it felt like I lost all of the wind in my sails. I started eating out more and my workouts became less intense. But I still have not had any sugar! I am human, and for the first time on my journey I was convinced that I was done. The good thing is Lana keeps pushing me. She is not letting up! I have a goal to reach. My journey is a marathon, not a sprint.

I did continue to lose weight this month, but not very much. Also my measurements were up a little. The good news is that I am motivated again! Here is to a fresh start in the fall. Kissing summer goodbye and I hope to never see August again. At least the attitude that came with August.  Even when you feel like giving up, don’t do it! It may be easy but so not worth it. I need your help and encouragement, this is not easy!

One Less Day

Dear Blank...

Dear Four Months,

Here’s to you- celebrating the best thing that could have ever happen to me this summer. I cannot believe how quickly time flew by yet how long each workout was. It was because of you that I could allow for the two a day work outs. Summer has never been so rewarding to me.

Hats off to you!

Dear Jacobs Ladder,

Really? Spending two minutes with you is hard enough, and you suggest five. Yeah we are in a hate/hate relationship, just in case you have yet to figure that one out. I could do without you, and so could every other innocent individual at the gym.

It might be best if I never see you again. Just saying.

Dear Boot Camp,

My entire body hurts. But yes, I can’t wait till Wednesday. Sprinting is my favorite activity followed closely by lunges and downhill sit ups. I must say that if it weren’t for you I would still think I couldn’t do it. You are worth all the blood, sweet, and tears I spent on you.

P.S. Where’s my CAMO t-shirt?

Dear Lana,

Have you realized that you are in the business of major life transformations? If not, please look at my life as a prime example. You have been far more than my drill sergeant, you have become my friend. You are someone who cares about every corner of my life and how I am making the changes. Thank you for breathing life changing breath into me every day!

Although it takes a lot to say something nice to you, I really do mean it.

Dear Sugar,

Do you miss me? I wish I could say that I don’t miss you. My time away from you was meant to be only temporary, but I may need to make the permanent change. I am afraid to say that we had a very unhealthy relationship. I often enjoyed you far more times than you enjoying me. Let’s make a deal. If I come back to visit some time, will you do me a favor and not be as lovely as you were before?

I know. That would be impossible.

Dear Man Church,

News Flash. There is work to be done in the real world. It does not do itself. Please change out of your bodybuilder.com t-shirts and return to Mother Earth. Also, that mixture of electric blue drink you are drinking from the Ranch dressing bottle, sick. That is so not normal.

In a room full of mirrors I can see you when you check yourself out.

Dear Friends Of The Blog,

Thank you for supporting me! It has been a rough few weeks as I am starting to get readjusted to school work and maintaining a healthy life style. I have not fallen off the wagon so have no fear! You are the reason I keep going. What a joy it is to work alongside you as we travel this road together.

BFF!

Dear Mountain Bike,

I love you. A passion for a high energy fast moving summer sport is just what I needed. You make me work hard up hills, but because of you I can just let go and fly down.

Sometimes I fall with style, too.

Dear 30+ Pounds,

See you never again? Sounds good!

I’m not sure I’m going to miss you anyway.