Shred...

So school is going to be a little much this semester. 4 nights a week with two out of three courses being 4 credit, might send me over the edge but I'm determined to get through it without going (completely) crazy.

I've been thinking about my weight a lot lately. (what woman doesn't?) Since getting married I've been amazed not only at how out of shape I've gotten but how much I don't care. Ross would still see me as the size 4 I was when we started dating even if I gained 50 pounds - which is amazing, bring on the oreos and fries, BUT I've seen a huge change in the way I think and how I feel - about life and about myself. I ran a half marathon right before Ross and I started dating and I, seriously, thought I could do anything. I could go out and run 10 miles without thinking twice about it. I walk up a flight of stairs now and I'm winded. Not only am I winded but I'm sad that I'm winded. And to be honest, I'm kinda sick of feeling sad about it. I'm determined to feel better about myself and about my life. I've lost a HUGE amount of self confidence in my ability to finish a task or to be able to

tackle a task. That + being newly married + full time work & full time school = a very stressed out human being. I miss my I CAN DO IT ALL attitude and I'm determined to get that back.

In life there are problems, solutions and the plans to the solutions.

My Problem: The scale keeps 'a' creepin'.

My Solution: I'm going to make this blog a form of my accountability. Yea I know, I have, maybe, 3 readers who are in fact all family members but it's a start. Once I start feeling better maybe I'll sign up for a little race.

My Plan: Seeing that I sleep in (everyday) I'm going to be waking up early every morning to either run on the treadmill (slow at first) or do some strength building with either some pilates or Jillian Michaels 30 day shred. To be honest I'm a little scared about this. I don't mean the whole plan - I mean of Jillian.

As of right now I weigh (sadly) about 23 pounds more than I want to. I've never been at the weight that I'm at and I seriously don't want to be afraid of a scale anymore.

This is to clarify (for the record) : This is so that I can feel better about myself and try to think more positively. I actually don't have a problem with the way that I look. It's that I can really FEEL that extra weight. Mentally, emotionally, and physically.

Wish me luck.

My goal:

P.s. If you read this.... I miss you Cori.

Here I goo......

: )

Cathy

Nothing Better....

The best thing about cold Sundays, other than being the day of spiritual refreshment is.......

Cold Stone Dark Chocolate Hot Chocolate.

You'll never go back to regular ol' hot chocolate.

Trust me.

Hope you're staying warm!!!

Cathy

West Elm...

I've been trying to find some fun designing tips lately. I really want to finish up our dining room and our living before, you know, we move. So I've been on the search for fun patterns, eco-friendly and unique ideas. I've fallen in love with some companies in the last few months. One being West Elm.

Their throw pillows are so cute and stylish.

I've had an eye on their bedding for our room, especially their organic line.

I love their rugs, which I'm looking at for our living room.

And all their light fixtures are so interesting and different.

Dear West Elm,

I love you.

Your stalker,

Cathy

Check out their website here.

Hope you're having a great Saturday!

Cathy

Sundays and Cakes...

I just got the new calling of teaching the 14 and 15 year olds, Gospel Doctrine. :)

I'm actually very excited about it. I few weeks before I got issued the call I was talking to Ross about how I really wanted to study the New Testament at a deeper level and than I got asked to teach the kids. I'm really loving it. The kids are great and I'm learning a ton. And now I have a reason to make treats without Ross and I eating them all :)

This week in my cake decorating class we got to decorate our first cake. :) Last week it was cookies, and next week will be cupcakes. We made our own frosting and learned how to frost and then decorate the cake. The frosting tasted AMAZING. We used butter flavoring and it was perfect. :) My co-workers devoured it.

It'll just be nice to be able to do my own cakes, and not always have to buy them. I can't wait to learn how to do the flowers and leaves.

Hope you guys have a great long weekend!

Cathy

The word Perfect...

So I wanted to share a funny story -

I was so kindly complimenting my husband yesterday, and said that he was perfect. Yes, I used the P word.

If you knew my husband - you'd know he over exaggerates everything. His exact words were "So you think I'm Jesus."

Fast forward to today. "I told everyone today at work that you think I'm like Jesus, that's not being prideful - you said it."

Note to other wives - think twice before calling your husband perfect. Even if you think he is :)

Cathy

Last of the holidays....

So here is the last holiday post. I know that was so 2 weeks ago but I never got to post our holiday card and I have a few hilarious (I looked like a scumbag) pictures from Christmas.


Our first Holiday Card :)

And a few from Malone....

Us on Christmas morning :)

My father in law rolling in all the wrapping paper. :)

Ross surprised me with the Cake Decorating Kit for my class that started two weeks ago. (blog soon) :)

Truman (Ross' Dog) before going to open presents. LOL.

Bach playing video games.

TONS of food.

It was a really great weekend. We loved it. :)

Now I'm off to finish cleaning the house and MAYBE finally getting around to making pillowcases for our bedroom.

**You might be asking, "Wow isn't Cathy supposed to be at work right now? She doesn't even have time to make breakfast most days." WELL you see the Capital region woke up with this view from their window this morning...........

Picture above = snow day for Cathy.

Have a great day!

Cathy

I'm Resolute.....

res·o·lute

   

[rez-uh-loot]

–adjective

1. firmly resolved or determined; set in purpose or opinion
2. characterized by firmness and determination, as the temper,spirit, actions, etc.

This has been a humbling year for me. Getting married for me taught and continues to teach me so many things about myself that I need to work on. It has been a great year in so many ways but it has also told me many times that I need to CHILL out and enjoy life! I wish someone would have told me that when I got engaged. Or told me to elope. But it's been great. Married life has it's good and bad days but Ross and I work really well together so we get through it like champs. :) I'm looking forward to a great next year with a few goals of my own...

-Read my scriptures everyday

-Lose all my post wedding weight!! Jeeze - who knew I'd put so much on so fast!

-Meditate as much as I can to calm myself down and to learn more about the "inner" me.

-And lastly, anticipate the future. I want to start looking forward to the rest of my life. Set lifetime goals and dreams and really cling to them.

Of course there will be plenty of other things I will work on but those are the main ones.

Completely out of order but we had a great Christmas. We had our own little thing here at our apartment and then we spent Christmas weekend in Malone with my in-laws. I'm beginning to really love them. I couldn't have asked for a better family to marry into. They completely spoiled us. More food then I have ever seen, present after present, and just abounding love. It was just a weekend full of eating, relaxing, sledding and sleeping. : ) Perfect.

Side Note: I should make another resolution to read a book a week because I got a TON for Christmas. Amongst my favorites are The World According to Mister Rogers (one of Ross and I's favorite TV shows as children) and Being Peace by Thich Nhat Hanh. Lots of great reading in the near future.

Ross is watching the Russian version of Tom and Jerry - very distracting. : ) I think I'll end there and watch some cartoons with my adorable husband.

Well I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. Now back to real life!!

Cathy