"Family is not an important thing; it's everything!"

I can't believe it's November 25th- It's exactly 30 days until Christmas-- and believe it or not, I've got a lot of my shopping done. I've even written down the things I bought to keep myself a little bit more organized.. now where that list is right now... WELL I don't quite know!

Today is one of my very best friend's birthday!  And I'm lucky enough to even say this girl is my family.  Curry and I have grown up completely together.  She was always the closest thing I ever had to a sister, even when we weren't close.  Our birthdays are 10 months apart she being older, and how the school system started with birthdays we were in the same grade all our lives.

I remember doing lots of things together as kids.... She was my role model even when she didn't know it.  We both started swimming lessons; she quit, I quit.  We both took some dance; she quit, I quit! Ha- clearly we made a great team!

None the less we managed to make it pretty far together.  We had seperate friends most of our lives, but no matter what we're still family.  We went together on family vacations every single summer.  Us kids- Me, Curry and Cody were the only grandchildren and to say we were spoiled would be an understatement.  We traveled together to the beach, and I fondly remember our trip to Tennesee together.

We both graduated from high school, went on to college and weren't as close as we had been. Like I said, our social circles were quite different.  After college I moved home; this allowed us to be a little closer since we were both here more often than when in college. 

Mother's Day with the Fam 2013

 

Easter 2013

Christmas 2012

This picutre is my motivation that stays in the bathroom mirror. It was around this time that I realized how unhappy I was.  Granted I was "happy" here, but the change has been more than I could ever imagine!

 

Downtown Greenville Summer 2013 with Curry & Heather two of the best people!

Typical Family pic- Corey & Amber's party

She is the best party planner!

Our most recent picture- September 2013

 

I won't even go as far as to say that everything's always rainbows and sunshine around here. This is real life... and it won't be that way.  Curry and I have been through a lot together, some extremely shitty times and some pretty amazing ones too! Of course there are things we'd like to change I'm sure, but the past is in the past for a reason.  I'm grateful for the friendship that we have 26 years down the road.  Not many people get to experience something like that.  I can say without a doubt that Curry is one of my best friends.  We've grown much closer over the past few years and share the pains and joys of teaching too!  I wouldn't trade my pedicure pal for anything! I look forward to this time of year; things start to slow down a little and we get to spend some time together! 

 

Happy Birthday my dear! I hope your day was as wonderful as you! You deserve it!

Finally---- crisis averted!

I have to apologize because it's been almost exactly two months since I wrote here.... I blame technology.  I tried to blog here numerous times because I was really missing it, but the website had been giving me tons of grief, so I decided to just put it on pause until I had more time on my hands--- somehow I have found some extra time- actually it's my body it won't let me sleep past 8 am- I guess I can blame my 4:30 am weekday alarm for the gym, but hey it's worth it!

A lot has happened in those two months to pass-- There's no way I could catch you up on ALL of it and really tell you all about it like I should- so here's a photo dump from the last two months of my life! Slight explanations to follow!

If you're just getting started reading with me- This left picture was Christmas 2011, right October 2013

This girl has gone the distance right along side me! We take a picture at this particular spot at school every few months to check our progress! Below is our newest split pic.

This picture was taken after we had both started losing weight.....We've still made some lbs fall off! haha

Watching my favorite kiddo play soccer was so fun!

Amber's bachelorette weeekend--- this was only the beginning :)

Fam pic!

The group

Just one of our many 5 am workouts! I can NOT explain how much this girl's motivation empowers me and pushes me beyond my max!

This sweet girl seeing me at school every day is awesomeness!

Squealing on the Square... check out below!

Same car last year- and me this year!

Maternity shopping and football with my long lost team mate!

Had some fun baking time with mom!

Yep- we made a 6 miler!

Halloween Bunco! 

OH- and this girl! This was our celebration of finding out I was gonna be Aunt Jenny AGAIN! I can't wait for Baby Mac! 

This is only a small snipet---- actually this just just a dump from October! These last few months, especially the last month has been so extremely busy... I can barely keep up! I have had something to do EVERY SINGLE weekend! It's been crazy, but I kind of enjoy that busy life! I love doing this for other people and seeing the joy in their faces.

In the last two months I've made a lot of changes in many aspects of my life.. including the weight loss and fitness area.  My weight has fluctuated and I haven't lost any more... but I've been holding steady and right now... that's ok!  

I've learned a lot about myself even more over the last few months and weeks too! It's not an easy road, NOTHING in life is easy--- but I know it will be worth it!

As could be expected I have a busy day-- Monograms & Mimosas shower for the next Bride-- Leigh! I can't wait actually! 

Stay tuned this week--- I have more time... I'll be filling you in on wedding weekend, Girls Weekend, learning some martial arts and kick boxing and what's new!

Who do you have in your corner?

I just have to admit here, publicly that there are sometimes when you just can't get it all done.... I think it was my first year teaching that a veteran teacher said to me, "Jena you will always have to pick and choose and you can't do it all."  Never the less, I have always been one of those people who has pushed the limits to try to "do it all."  I think that I get this from my mother. 

If you know my mom, one thing you know is that she is by far one of the most amazing women on this face of the Earth.  She is incredible.  She cooks, cleans, works, and does more for others than I think she ever does for herself.  She's a Christian woman who sets an amazing model for me.  I won't ever be her, but I hope I come somewhat close.  She has faced battles that I could never imagine dealing with.  Two of those battles being living with me and my dad! Ha-ha

If you're reading this you probably know that I am pretty much, maybe a little too much like my dad.  We don't like to be told the same story twice, don't ask us too many questions and by all means, let us drive our own vehicle wherever we are going in case we want to leave at a different time than everyone else. With that being said, my daddy is the best man I know and the most important one in my life.

I know that I'm not always a peach, and I'm a mixed combination of my parents with my own spin as well, but one thing that I know for sure is this... my parents will always, no matter what crosses our paths love and support me.  I have realized over the last few years that I am so fortunate to have that in my life... I am an only child and only grandchild on one side of my family and I know immediately that generates a "spoiled brat" thought for some of you.  If that's what you think then you probably don't know me.  I view myself as fortuante to have these people in my life. 

Life isn't always easy.  Having a job, paying the bills, eating healthy, working out, and having some what of a social life creates very little "down" time for me.  And honestly I wouldn't have it any other way.  I know I can't get it all done, but every night when my head hits the pillow I know I've done everything I could to make it happen today! 

My parents are my biggest supporters.  They do so much for me that I could never ever re-pay them or thank them for all they do for me.  My mom is the best and she made salads for my birthday and that awesome dessert.  She said she didn't have all my birthday gifts quite ready... every day this week she's had a new birthday gift for me to open.  She makes my lunch every single week day and cooks about 80% of my meals during the week.  My dad makes my eggs, takes out my trash, checks on the house and texts me day to make sure "u ok?" 

Let's be real, sometimes parents, family, friends, the people who care about you can be over bearing and we get aggravated with them, but I know I have some of the best.  The last few weeks have been somewhat of a struggle, but the one thing I know for sure is that I've got some major love and support in my corner.

I hope you've got someone in your corner too!

Here are some of the amazing people that are in mine....

One of the strongest women I know.... my Aunt Christy

My parents :)

My incredibley sweet cousin Curry who is like my sister...

 

Even though you're not here with me.... I have no doubt in my mind you're in Heaven cheering me on! Love you with all I have!

They say it's your birthday!

That's right.. the day some of us look forward to, dread, enjoy, pass by, celebrate, etc.
I don't know what you do for your birthday but today is mine. 

Let me take you back at least a year.  I may have told some of you before, but my life, my families lives so much of it revolves around food. We eat when we celebrate, gather together and enjoy each other's companies.  I'm sure my mom cooked some amazing meal for me last year on my birthday. Chances are my Grandmother may have cooked a Sunday lunch of fried chicken strips, mashed potatoes and gravy, english peas, and lord knows what else.  My memory doesn't serve me well so I don't remember. 

Me & Sarah B-day 2012

Birthday 2012 w/ Brandi and Nate

The "birthday meal discussion" started with my mom about a week ago.
To say our family has been busy this week would be an understatement since my grandpa fell and broke his hip Monday, so it's been somewhat of a whirlwind.  This birthday was different though. When my mom asked me what I wanted there wasn't some mouth watering meal that came to my mind that I thought I'd just DIE to have.  A few months ago I never would have thought that's possible-
Instead I made a deal with my mom, we could have the traditional birthday lunch but with salads.  There were a few salads we could make that I really liked and to make her feel better about things she could make baked potatoes for everyone else.  And I did have a special dessert in mind I wanted her to make, for a one time ONLY deal.  I probably haven't had this dessert in a year and won't have it again for a long time.

Yummy salads and chicken!

My birthday plate!

The slap yourself dessert!

 

I have gone back and forth and probably will still be thinking about it after I push publish.. about whether or not to admit to this dessert indulgence, but let me tell you this... I did eat some of it and I enjoyed it.  I wouldn't dare eat anymore of it within the next few weeks because it was sweeter than most anything I've had in a while.  I didn't have half of it and it's my birthday for goodness sakes.  Don't worry I won't be anywhere near that thing for the rest of this year! If you think I made a mistake, keep it to yourself.  This is why this is my journey and not yours!

 

 

Last night I got to enjoy dinner with some of my most amazing friends and the people who mean the most to me! We had some delicious things at Tako Sushi and enjoyed people watching at Sip! I realized that partying thing that used to be such a part of my life is really NOT me anymore. I guess 26 does that to ya! Ha-ha

Anyways, here are a few pictures from last night--

 

Poor Blake hadn't sleep in forever- I love these two sooo much!

The gang-minus Sarah & Blake... the stranger who took this picture said, "You know this is like the blind leading the blind right?"

How lucky do you get to be able to share your birthday with your best friend? Love this girl!

So glad Gin & Carolyn got to come too!

 

We had a complete blast celebrating our birthdays! I am so glad to have these and other amazing people in my life! This morning- me, Heather and Tony got up and walked 3.4 miles before they had to get back to Columbia.  That right there tells me how much my life. I'm so glad to have my Hach a little bit closer and as such an important part of my life! Tony too, even if he did say my shoes weren't cute!

I think this happened in a matter of 30 seconds and explains totally why we are complete best friends!

Sweet Tony! Always taking the best pictures together!

 

 

Hope you had a great weekend! I'm ready for Monday- lunch packed, tuna ready and gym clothes out! Let's do this!



 

Here's what you've been missing.....

Wow guys! Sorry that it's been so long since I even wrote on here. Ya know I started all this for me, kind of as a way to keep me accountable and remember my journey along the way but I'm telling you what.. life is busy!
You know I love music, so that song... "I love this crazy, tragic, sometimes almost magic, awful, beautiful life.. " it sure rings true here in my life today!
Teaching 28 children every day, taking care of myself, working out and just living day to day takes it out of ya!

I commend those women and men in my life and out there reading this who have families to take care of... I don't know how you do it.  Those of you who worry about me being single... don't! I barely have enough time on my hands to spend some time with my own parents, much less a boyfriend! :) But when it comes around I'm sure we'll make do ;)

I've had such a crazy life and things going on lately it all seems like such a blur as I sit to write all this.  In the weight loss terms of things my weight has really changed much.  I've played around back and forth with about 4-5 lbs. the last month and well... that's frustrating to say the least but one thing I won't do is back down or GIVE UP!

Discoveries!

In the last few weeks one of the things I've discovered that I really enjoy is early morning work outs.. Yes my alarm goes off at 4:45am and YES most mornings I think to myself, "OMG, really?" But I know Marie will be there, expecting me and pushing me and I also know that afterwards I will feel banging!  I still go in the afternoons and am loving all of that!

I want to share a few things with you about me that some of you may already know but some of you might not-

In all honesty, looking back to January 2013 I never ever even slightly imagined I'd be right here today! I just didn't know if I had it in me to keep going like that and really fight all those odds.  I am a completely different person now... one that some days I don't even recognize myself.

I was, and sometimes am still completely addicted to food.  I remember Aaron telling me that I was probably addicted to food and how tough it was going to be to kick that addiction and really do this thing!  He would tell you right now that he had his doubts about me all the time and he never really knew if I'd stick this out or make it past month 2.  I know how proud he is of me and how much work we've put in and I'm not willing to ever throw all that away.

My journey isn't over and if you're reading this and on the same journey or thinking you just wish you had the motivation to get out there... Just go! Get off the couch, get some help, find support, join a YMCA, find a trainer.. whatever is going to make it happen- Go for it!  I promise the only thing you have to lose is some weight.  You're going to gain so much more through all this experience.

What I've Gained (not weight)
I have had so many non-scale gains over the last 9 months I could write for days about them.  One of the largest gains I've had would have to be in my faith and beliefs.  I have wonderful people around me, one of them being my incredible mother among many others who life their life in such a way that it astounds me.  I know that there's absolutely no way I could have ever come this far completely on my own. 
I found my best friends on the gym floor- here I go with music again.. but that song "I found Jesus on the jail house floor..." just came in my mind because honestly the GRIT floor is where I found and continue to find my best friends! After every single workout it seems like we jusy lay their in our own disbelief in our abilities to complete such a work out.  It is by far one of the best workouts I've done and I love it! If you haven't tried it- check it out! I'll even go with you :)
Confidence- I've always been a fairly outgoing person, one who had a good mix of friends and enjoyed spending time with as many of them as I could but I never had as much self confidence as the people around me.  I know that I'm not a drop dead gorgeous super model, but I don't intend to be one either.  I'm happy and healthy and have a different kind of confidence about myself.

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger--
I'm sure she doesn't remember this- but a LONG time back, like when I first started this journey I was dying on the treadmill I was way over 200 lbs then and just wanting to get off.  I had been texting back and forth with Marie who ended up being on the other end of the cardio room then.  At that time we weren't as close, and she sent me this text, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger!"  I won't ever forget her sending me that becaue it motivated me to keep going.  This week was one of the toughest I've had in a while in many aspects but I've been overwhelmed by the amount of out pouring love and support from my friends and family! They rock- 

Here's some pics of what you've been missing.....

So sweet when she knew I was feeling down....

 

This is my mom and I and Mary Kate and her mom Teresa.  Our moms were college roomies and best friends! She got married a few weeks ago and was probably one of the most genuinely happy brides I've ever seen! And pretty gorgeous too!

 

 

Went to Mumford & Sons with some awesome peeps!

Celebrated Jan's birthday.... in Columbia.. yes I was a Gamecock for a day!

Had an awesome time with these lovelies! Can't wait for their wedding!

This girl has been by my side since 2nd grade... she never gets old! I love her dearly!

Had so much fun being with these girls! The best time ever!

Gotta love some motivation while you're trying NOT to fall on the stair climber...... how lucky am I ?

And I hope you've all got some amazing people in your life like these girls who really pulled me up when I was feeling down! They rock!

 

My kind of care package from a former student:

Apple, Fitness Magazine, and hot tea!

 

 

My life is crazy and beautiful and stressful and magical all at the same time! It's not going to always be perfect, but I hope you are as lucky as I am to have someone supportive, and who loves you to keep you going! Make sure they know just how much you appreciate them!

 

Stay tuned.......