Presidents' Day Half Marathon

Once again, Sue and I made up our own half marathon because we didn't participate in any "official" events for the month of February! Who goes out and walks 13+ miles just because they can? We do! We were lucky enough to not be rained on (although we were both totally decked out in full rain gear) and the walk was very enjoyable along the Willamette River in Portland. We both had on new shoes and both had very happy feet! Afterwards (as it started raining... whew... it waited until we were done!), we enjoyed wonderful, warm mochas at the very closest Starbucks we could find! It was a really great day!

And of course... bling was included (thanks, Sue!)...

GREAT... until I got home... because since then I have been working on our taxes for the past three hours! Ugh!

Better times ahead though... Ray is cooking up a nice dinner and my sister-in-law is about to arrive from north of Seattle! Fun times to be had tonight as we will be meeting up with my daughter and causing some trouble out on the town! haha I will fill you in on what we're doing later! ;) hehehe

A CAbi "Photo Shoot"

Something different for a change - I got in front of the camera... willingly!

Linda and I modeling clothing by CAbi



Showing off the cut of the "Work It Jacket"

I don't know why my hand looks like that... I swear it isn't THAT wrinkly!

I *think* I like these pictures. I'm being brave and posting them here! I'm not used to seeing any pictures of me that I think look decent (but I'm told these do!). Of course we all pick ourselves apart, don't we? WHY ARE WE SO HARD ON OURSELVES?! WHY ARE WE SO HARD ON EACH OTHER?! Unfortunately,  I still view myself as fat! Will that ever change?! I'm trying to feel comfortable in my own skin but it is NOT easy. I often wonder, Will I ever be happy when I look in the mirror? I have less than 20 pounds to lose to reach my goal weight. I sure hope my eyes/brain/mind catch up soon!

Determined to live the life I want to live!

I got another one! I knew when I got [past the pain of] the first one, I would eventually get another one. They are unbelievably addictive.

My tattoo is a daily reminder to myself of how far I have come... how I got here... and where I'm going.

The Japanese writing means "determination". That single word has changed my life. People ask me all the time how I have accomplished my weight loss and the answer is always the same... DETERMINATION. It took a lot of determination to get off the couch, move past the back pain and start walking. It took a lot of determination to lose nearly 100 pounds. It will continue to take a lot of determination to get the last of the unwanted weight off and then keep it off.

The numbers represent the distance of a full marathon. Walking marathons has also changed my life. Walking helped me lose weight. Losing weight helped me find my passion for walking marathons! And to walk 26.2 miles... well, it takes A LOT of determination!

Health, mobility, courage, self-confidence, pride, happiness... the list of what I have gained goes on and on! I look at my tattoo and I see all of this! It really means a lot to me.