Wednesday, September 29, 2010

With A Little Help From My Friends


I had to post a few pictures taken at the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA Critter Ball this weekend because it was such a great night at CHO (not to mention that I couldn't have even thought about fitting into a vintage dress  back in May!).  Wearing a dress that's shaped like a tent does make it a little easier to hide your flaws though - thank you 1960's fashion designers!

I'm actually not a huge Beatles fan but I've always loved the song "With a Little Help From My Friends". Probably because friends have always been a big part of my life - and right now is no exception. My friends (far & near - new & not-so-new) have been so amazing during "My Journey".  I'd never have been able to make all these changes without their help or through the down times without their support.  And let's face it, it doesn't exactly suck when people notice that you've lost weight (and my friends have been SO kind about mentioning it!).


Though I definitely wasn't on my best behavior this night (who knew losing a few pounds would make me such a lightweight?!?) I've managed to keep on track over the past few weeks.  At one point I hit a brief plateau in both numbers and motivation, but I quickly jumped back on the wagon and am moving forward toward that goal once again. Hyam got incredible new bikes at the studio which allow my shins a break from the running one day a week and, I have to admit, I totally love the change of pace cycling brings. Don't tell Hyam though - I wouldn't want her to think I'm enjoying myself!


Thanks to the fabulous SPCA Critterball Committee, the amazing people at CHO and, of course their fearless leader, my friend Barbara Hutchinson who, on top of being one of Charlottesville's most amazing women, is making incredible strides on her own journey right now.  Oh, and she's a darn good photographer, too! (Thanks, Barbara!) 


The sun was setting when we arrived - what a gorgeous view from CHO!

Can you believe this is an airplane hanger?  It was amazing! 

Outside the hanger was a beautiful cocktail hour 
and fabulous silent auction (that Ginger rocked!)

The Newsplex represented with my buddy Dan Schutte 
(who was a dance contestant last year) 
and the gorgeous Jessica Jaglois
(not to mention some stellar dancing by Travis Koshko later in the evening}

Ginger's dress and Preston's big win stole the show!

Sasha and I were looking and feeling groovy

And we were lucky enough to pick up these two while we were there!


Tuesday, September 28, 2010

I Have a Confession To Make


I think I am actually starting to enjoy this running thing.  Yes, me, who even in my fittest days would whine when we had to run laps at tennis and practically cried every time the coach made us do Killers in basketball.  Me - who just a few months ago could barely make it to the end of Elliott Street (where Clay Fitness is located) - is starting to actually enjoy it.  

Don't get too excited about this.  I didn't say I LOVED it and I'm not signing up for any marathons or crazy shit like that. I'm just not wanting to die, cry or curse Hyam's name as I'm doing it anymore.  I've been running three miles almost every day I'm not at Clay and I even signed up for a 6K in October (Real Girls Run - want to join me?).  It's insanity, I know.

Hyam's getting a big group together to run the Charlottesville Fall Classic 10K for Clay and I don't think I'm quite ready for that yet (mentally or physically) but who knows....maybe next year?

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Shrinking

I've been working out with Hyam for four months and I'm happy to say that I've lost 17 pounds.  I'm down two pants sizes and one shirt size.  I'm almost comfortable wearing a tank top in public and I even rocked a super short mini skirt a the Lady GaGa concert without feeling too self-conscious.  The most remarkable change, however, has been in the size of my feet.  Yep, you read that right - my FEET ARE SHRINKING!  

I first noticed it back in August when I put on my favorite pair of super high black heels on my anniversary.  You know that pair that you just had to have at the store because they were just soooo perfect? So perfect until you actually wore them out and realized they kill your feet but they are so beautiful you wear them anyway?  Those.  They apparently hurt so much the last time I wore them that they made an impression on the Spicy Chicken because when I took the out he remarked, "Please don't wear those - your feet will be killing you in an hour."  I, of course, completely ignored him, put them on and marched out the door.

I knew immediately that something was different (they fit!).  They even felt , dare I say, a little roomy.  I made it through the entire night in those shoes - including a 5 minute accidental hike through the Keswick golf course due to a wrong turn on our "romantic walk" - without one single complaint.  

So you'd probably think that was the end of my story, but no - it gets better

A few weeks later I found myself shuffling through the racks at TJ Maxx when I saw them - the most perfect, beautiful pair of red, patent leather heels.  They seemed to be calling my name so I started toward them.  But wait - they were in the 71/2 section and somewhere between now and college I'd grown to an 8 - sometimes even an 8 1/2 - I'd never fit into those.  But there they sat - glistening in the incandescent light - whispering my name.  I couldn't resist - I just had to try them on.  And guess what???  Yep - they fit!

If I'm this excited about fitting into a pair of shoes can you imagine what's going to happen when I reach my goal weight?

They are really great shoes. 


Sunday, September 5, 2010

The Search Goes On

Sorry for the absence - been spending most of my "free"time trouncing through the woods looking for Miley.  No, we haven't found her yet, but we are continuing to search.  We've gotten a few leads, but she hasn't surfaced yet.  I'm sad and frustrated, but still hopeful.

Meanwhile, life has to go on and I've managed to stay on track for the most part.  Updates are in progress - will be on tomorrow!