Talking, talking..

  Only one more week until our amazing Hilton Head beach trip that I have been looking forward to since the end of March when we got invited. I began by doing the 30 Day Shred daily as well as some videos on PopSugar Fitness online, but after a lightning strike hit right next to our apartment last Monday (during all the tornado watches!) our Internet was out for most of the week and I was unable to watch those videos. So I began thinking about how I lost 8 pounds in 4 months during the beginning of Full Sail simply by walking to and from class each day. Since then I have found paths that I enjoy- thankfully with many hills to work different leg muscles- and continue those loops as often as I can. Plus the fresh air does the body and mind a lot of good.

  I spend a lot of time thinking about how "less is more". I have been putting most of my paychecks towards student loans and will have a whole one paid off by this Friday! Then less than $6,000 to go on the other one. I will admit to complaining about "not having any money", but its a very good thing because I would only waste it on stuff I don't need. (I stare at all the unopened bathroom products I bought at Wal-Mart last month, wishing I still had the receipts to return them.) However, this responsible way allows me to eat less because I am forced to eat what I craved last time I shopped- many cans of soup- since I don't have money to buy more groceries until my next paycheck.

  I watched "Eat Pray Love" last week (on DVD when the Internet was down) and my favorite part was definitely when she was in Italy. She ate lots of spaghetti and lasagna. There is a scene that meant a lot to me. Julia Roberts and her friend sit down to eat real Italian pizza- too great of an opportunity to pass up on this amazing adventure- but the friend says she can't eat it because she had already gained 10 pounds. But Julia Roberts explains that no guy is going to complain about a few extra pounds on the woman he loves. It is likely he won't even notice. She says, “I’m so tired of saying no and then waking up in the morning and recalling every single thing I ate the day before, counting every calorie I consume so I know exactly how much self loathing to take into the shower. I’m going for it. I have no interest in being obese, I’m just through with the guilt.” The friend agrees. They are happy and full of delicious food and the following day they simply buy bigger jeans! I'm working towards feeling this way. When I was doing the 30 Day Shred (and/or the Ripped in 30 videos), I had so much extra energy. I was excited and I laughed a lot and didn't hold back on much. I'd buy a box of Buddy Bars because I didn't have to feel guilty. I had earned it and I think its important to work for what we want.

  I have to say I love my personaility. Although I sometimes say I wish I was really bubbly and social, my dry humor and polite sarcasm makes a lot of my friends laugh, especially the girls at work. And that makes me really happy. Sometimes I even laugh at myself, wondering how I come up with such hilarious comments! I enjoy being around a lot of people on occasion, but having alone time is very important to me. These are the things I think about when I'm by myself and its quiet.

Now I'm off to Google "free things on your birthday" and sign up for whatever I have to! ;)
** Woods photo by Michael Gore.