wednesday weigh-in #2

What a week it has been! I can't believe it's already Wednesday again. It's time for another Wednesday weigh-in. I've been so excited this week to finally be able to post this because I have been working hard to reach my weekly goals. Last week's goals were to lay off the chocolate, walk more, and drink less soda.

The hardest goal to reach was the chocolate. At work, our trainer keeps a bowl of chocolate at the front of the room. It is so tempting. I feel like it's screaming "eat me"! So needless to say, I had a hard time resisting. I'm going to include that for this week's goals and work a little harder to keep away.  

I'm also still having trouble staying away from sodas. I tend to get very tired about 2 o'clock so it seems convenient to get some caffeine in me to make it through the rest of the work day. I've got to figure out other ways to get energy though. I drink a lot of water, but I'm still sneaking in those sodas. 

My 3rd goal of this week was being more active and committing to walking at least 3 times this week. I'm so happy to say I achieved this goal! I actually went over and beyond and have gotten up and walked almost every morning this week. I've been trying to alternating walking and running in order to build up my stamina and get more of a workout. I HATE running, but I would really like to become a better runner.

So for my overall goal, I hoped to lose 2 pounds this week and **drum roll please**, I DID IT!!! I was so happy today when I stepped on the scale and saw the numbers! It's an awesome feeling to reach any goal, no matter how small. 

So for this coming week, I am hoping to lose 4 pounds. To do this I'm going to have to be more focused on reaching that goal and making healthy decisions.

• Goal 1: NO chocolate, NO soda. This is obviously self explanatory, but the goal is to stay away from these 2 things as much as possible. I don't want to deprive myself forever from these things, but I want to focus on the discipline it will take to avoid chocolate and soda this week. I can do this!
• Goal 2: Have healthy meals for lunch and dinner. It's so easy to come home after work and throw something together to eat, but more times than not it is unhealthy. This week I want to focus on making meals with more vegetables, lean meats, and less starches. 
• Goal 3: Continue walking and running daily. DON'T GIVE UP! There are mornings when I want to just roll back over in bed and hit the snooze button, but I can't do that! I have to stay motivated and build up my stamina day by day. 

I CAN DO IT! I keep telling myself that every day, especially when I'm running. JUST KEEP GOING! It will totally be worth it!

Anyways, I will leave you with my favorite picture of the week: 

wednesday weigh-in #1

Today I'm starting a brand new weekly series documenting my weight loss and my weekly goals and accomplishments. I'm so incredibly excited to be on this journey, even though it's been so difficult to get started. I figured having written goals and being able to see these goals and my accomplishments weekly will help motivate to keep going.

For starters, this is how I feel when I step on the scale...

Seriously, weighing in is no fun when you don't like the number you see. I know that "numbers" aren't everything, but they are a big indicator of progress throughout any attempt to lose weight. My current "number" is 180. I want to potentially reach a goal weight of 130 within 1 year. According to many ideal weights for my age and height I should weigh between 100 and 120. I definitely do not want to be stick thin, so I'm reaching for a slightly higher goal weight. This is going to be my "starting" photo (excuse the bad quality of this picture) and hopefully my "goal" photo will show a completely revamped and confident body!

One of the biggest things that I've started this week to jump start my journey is drinking lots and lots of water. I've taken my camelbak to work everyday and filled it up a few times while at work. Needless to say, I've had to use the bathroom every 2.5 seconds, but I think it is definitely making a difference and helping me feel better and healthier.

Some improvements that I plan on making this week include:

• laying off the chocolate 
• taking a walk/run around our neighborhood at least 3 times this week
• and completely laying off the sodas (I've still been having at least 1 a day)

The plan is to focus on weekly goals which will make it easier to wrap my head around than huge numbers. So for this week, I'm hoping to lose 2 pounds. I know this is a small goal, but I know if I start small then I'll be more likely to reach those goals and stay motivated to do more!

5 Things I've Learned from Having Pets

Last week we welcomed a new member into the Anthony family. I'm pleased to introduce Abby Snow Anthony to the world! She is a sweet, fun-loving kitty who has completely stolen my heart. I mean doesn't that face just make you melt. 

 Abby has been a big ball full of joy and excitement over the past few days and has also helped us realize many things about having pets in our family. This is my first cat so it has definitely been a learning experience. From the likes of it, I'm thinking pets might help hold over the "baby-fever" for us for a good while and here's why:

1. Cats don't have to be potty trained. Since day one Abby has used her litter box every day and is only 7 weeks old. I've been pretty impressed with her. On the other hand, our 3 year old dog still can't figure out why we take her out everyday. She still wants to use the potty inside instead. She is driving.me.nuts. I feel like we've tried everything with her, but of course we will keep trying because we love her so much.

2. Cats are amused by the simplest of things. We haven't bought Abby a single toy yet and somehow she manages to find all kind of things to play with. A soda can box, her collar with a bell (that's entirely too big for her little body), Greg's video game cords, and our printer. Yes our printer. She has found a way to hide in the back of it to get away from her pestering sister Daisy.

3. Dogs like to take care of babies. No I would never leave a newborn "human" child with our dog, although it probably would be hilarious. Daisy loves Abby, like I would have never believed before hand. She has taken her under her wing and plays with her, licks bathes her, and tries to find her when she is hiding. They are the most adorable two things ever. I think the new kitty has eased Daisy's "baby-fever" too!

4. Cats are clean. Abby is so clean, she cleans herself up after pottying, she doesn't make messes in the house, and she keeps her food in her bowl. Okay, I'll admit this one is kind of silly and a stretch, but it's so true, especially compared to a baby or small child, or any human for that matter. Abby is allowed to roam the house freely at night and she doesn't mess with anything. Everything stays in place and untouched. Daisy on the other hand, would shred through our bedroom door just to get to us if we didn't let her sleep in our bed. Don't get me wrong, we love Daisy to pieces, but she is a high-maintenance little diva.

5. Kitties love to cuddle. If I didn't need to make money, (like that would ever be the case, ha!) I would stay at home and cuddle with Abby all day long. She will get in my lap and cuddle her little heart out and then cuddle some more. She loves to perch on our shoulders and just snuggle up in a little ball. *Swoon* I just love kittens!

And there you have it, how animals are so much easier and more manageable then babies. Or at least this is my attempt to find excuses to curb this baby fever…. let's see if it works!

Until next time, Happy Blogging!

Taking "me" time

Sometimes it is essential to take time for ourselves. The past 2 weeks, I have had to take a step back and really put focus in on my marriage, a new job, my health, and life in general. Greg and I have really had to take life by the handle lately and focus on what is most important and where our future is taking us. For me, my new job has been a huge leap in the right direction. I'm working at a place where I have the potential to learn and grow. I feel like I could make a career at this company. To say the least, I am in love with my job and the people I am working with. I honestly feel like God has placed in this position to help others and to find my place and purpose. I'm really bonding with the girls I'm working with while also pushing myself to learn everything I can about this job. I'm right where I am supposed to be.

In other news, Greg and I are growing closer each and every day. Marriage is harder than I ever imagined, but it is also more rewarding than I imagined. I'm learning so much about myself through this adventure. Being married has taught me to be selfless to my husband and also to be selfless as Christ is. Showing love even when I don't want to is easier said than done, but our marriage is teaching me that the best feelings come from seeing your spouse smile. I love Greg more and more each day.

My last post, 2 weeks ago, was about becoming healthier and putting more focus on eating right and staying active. This transition has not really taken off like it should though. I've come to the conclusion that I love food and I love eating. This may seem common for everyone, but having a life that revolves around eating is not healthy. Every schedule resolves around eating, cooking, meeting for dinner, having a snack. Literally, food is all around us. My problem is always wanting more. If I order a fast food meal I want to up-size it. If there is a regular or small choice, I always go for regular. If there are low calorie options, I definitely skip those. I always get soda at restaurants and I always feel like I need more. What is wrong with me? How do I fix this? I haven't quite figured out a solution, but I'm determined to be more conscious of my decisions and do what I can to be satisfied with less.

I have realized over the past 2 weeks that taking time for myself is definitely necessary. I have to focus on myself and the goals for my own life so I can be the most successful in my job, my marriage, and my life as a whole. I also have to realize that this life is not my own and I should always being doing everything for the glory of God. He is the reason for everything that has happened in my life and I owe it all to Him. As I slowly transition into blogging more, I know that I have to keep the focus of my life and my blog on Him. I want to be His vessel in every area of my life so that someone else may come to know Him.I want to do everything to the best of my ability to bring Him glory.

Becoming Healthy

Well if you checked out my twitter yesterday you know that I started day 1 of working out and starting to eat healthier. With this new job sitting down the whole day, I know that being active and healthy is something I really need to start focusing on. It is so hard to make healthy decision when there are SO many unhealthy options out there. For instance at work there are vending machines at every corner, free popcorn, and free tea and coffee throughout the day. While all these things are amazing, they can be very unhealthy when consumed on a daily basis.

Anywho I spent tonight on Pinterest finding easy, healthy foods that we can start adding to our diet. This post on Six Sisters Stuff blog has 100 healthy food ideas.

There are so many great recipes in this list and there are quite a few that I want to try at home. I'm also working on finding snack foods that are healthy alternatives to vending machine snacks. I know if I take some things with me then I will be less tempted to head to the snack machine. Some snacks that I've decided to start with include:

• dark chocolate/berry trail mix
• greek yogurt 
• carrots and ranch 
• sweet potato chips

Hopefully these snack options will keep me away from the unhealthy snacks! 

The other eating choice I'm trying to change is drinking only WATER. Now to be honest, I love soda. Like more than anything else so this is going to take some time to completely transition, but I know if I put my mind to it I can do it. 

Along with being active in someway everyday, I'm hoping these changes can help me lead a more healthy lifestyle. I suck at committing to change something about myself, so this is definitely a challenge. I'm hoping to use Beth's tactic of making mini goals to reach a bigger goal and also using "non-scale" victories to motivate myself. 

I'm so excited to start this new journey and hopefully create a better lifestyle for Greg and I. I'm ready to feel and look better than I ever have before :)

Happy Blogging :)

Endings and Beginnings

Today was my last day working in childcare for (hopefully) forever! I have worked with kids for the past 3 years and although its been a wonderful experience, it is past time for me to find something new. For the past year I've been with infants and I am absolutely going to miss my little babies and really all the other kids in the center.

Some of the toddlers were dying to take pictures on my phone today and I am so glad I will have the photo memories forever! These kids were in my baby room when they were little :)

 

Aren't they the cutest! I will definitely be back to visit my sweetie pies on occasion! My coworkers have been so sweet since finding out about my new job. They all ordered pizza and got a cookie cake today to celebrate! I also got a beautiful orchid from a parent and a bouquet of flowers from my dad! I feel so loved and so grateful for the opportunity to have spent 3 years taking care of kids. 

I can't wait to begin this new adventure working in a call center. It is going to be completely different, but I think it will help me propel myself into a job that I can call a career. I have never been more excited and more ready to get through the weekend!

Happy Blogging beauties!!!

Twitter Love

Hey so The Anthonys are finally on twitter. So I caved and created a twitter, I am totally lost when it comes to twitter so if you are reading show me some love!

Also I have GOT to fill you guys in on some news that I've been holding back. Remember last week when I told you I was waiting to hear back about a job. Well….I start my new position on Monday! Tomorrow is my last day working in childcare and I am beyond excited. I will be working in a call center and the office is directly beside our apartment complex. It is absolutely such a great opportunity and I cannot wait to start! 

Life is definitely looking up for us and we are so thankful to God for all the blessings! 

Be Blessed and Happy Blogging (and don't forget to follow us on twitter)

Weekend Trip to Charleston

This past week has quickly gone by and life has sort of gotten in the way of blogging which is definitely NOT a bad thing. This past weekend we celebrated Greg's birthday by taking a weekend trip to Charleston, SC. Charleston is one of our favorite cities because there is always so much to do. There are historical sites, the beach, shopping, and great food. 

We drove down early Saturday morning and spent the day at Folly Beach right outside of Charleston. We laid out for a while, walked on the beach, and looked out from the pier. 

Folly Beach was a new experience for us and we really enjoyed the beach. We had a hard time figuring out the parking situation at first because you can park along any street and we were worried about our car getting towed. Once we finally googled it, we parked on the main street and headed to the shore. There were lots of families out, but there was still plenty of room for us to be separated. At most beaches along the South Carolina coast, it is wall to wall people this time of year. By the time we got settled, I took my beach chair to the water's edge and got lost in Dan Brown's new book, Inferno. So good!

After our daytime beaching, we found ourselves shopping a little at the Outlet stores and then we headed back to the hotel to get ready for dinner. Is it just me or are outlets not really that much cheaper?  I can never seem to find good deals at outlet stores. Anyways, we headed to Hyman's Seafood for dinner which is one of the most recommended and visited restaurants in Charleston. We have heard so many great things about this place so we thought we would try it out!

Let the record stand, that all the recommendations were right on point! We loved Hyman's Seafood. The food was delicious and fresh. Greg got shrimp and grits (one of his favorite foods) and I got seafood fettuccine alfredo. We also got crab cakes as an appetizer. There is absolutely nothing like having fresh seafood, probably caught the same day. The service was exceptional! It was a little pricey, but the portions were big and the experience was definitely worth it.

On Sunday we spent the morning at Isle of Palms laying out on the beach again. Isle of Palms is a lot like Folly Beach only on the opposite side of Charleston. We decided after the beach to visit Patriots Point which is the home to the USS Yorktown, a Navy aircraft carrier from World War II. There was a submarine, USS Clamagore and a destroyer ship, USS Laffey. Like I've said before, Greg is very interested in historical artifacts and really enjoyed finding out all kind of neat things on these ships. I, on the other hand, could have spent more time on the beach, but it was his birthday weekend after all.

Overall we had a wonderful time together. Traveling really helps us to bond and grow closer. Its easy to get wrapped up in the routine of everyday and going away really helps us to focus on each other. There is nothing I love more than discovering new things with my husband and experiencing the journey together! 

Be Blessed Y'all! 

Washington D.C. Part 2

We were really able to explore the city more on our second day in Washington DC because we woke up early and stayed late. We were so excited to get the day started and woke up at practically the crack of dawn. My husband is such a history junkie and couldn't believe all the amazing things we saw throughout our time there. I mean come on, it is pretty awesome to see a letter written by George Washington and space suits with moon dust on them!!

Everyday we rode the train into town from the very last stop on the blue line. Talk about a long train ride with lots of stops! We really had a blast riding though. I love people watching and public transportation is THE place to do it. So many different people and unusual characters!

 There are tons of Smithsonian museums surrounding the National Mall and we were able to go through quite a few of them. This castle is the Information Center for all of the museums and was the original National Museum. They have since expanded the museum to 17 separate museums, all unique and amazing in their own way.

 Our first museum stop was the Air and Space Museum. At first I wanted to skip this one. I mean, I'm not really into space or air history so I figured why waste our time? However, Greg insisted and I am so glad he did! We saw so many awesome artifacts and original things it was amazing. My favorite things were the Space suits, the first airplane flown by the Wright Brothers (yes, the original) and the control center of Apollo 11 (the first to step on the moon!!). Crazy, real life history right there. It was beyond belief seeing all the artifacts!

I personally am not a saver of anything! I am not really sentimental about keeping old papers or cards, but it is awesome to see all the historical artifacts that make our history so much more real to me. It's unimaginable!

 Greg was blown away by the Capitol and how big it is in real life. We really fell in love with Washington, DC and hopefully one day we will be able to live and work there. Now THAT would be a dream come true. My husband has such a passion for everything political and would totally be in his element in DC.

Being that it was Memorial Day weekend, there was a massive bike ride through the city on Sunday. And when I say massive, I mean 250,000 motorcycles massive. It was the craziest thing. We waited to see them come by where we were at then we went to lunch and came out and they were still going strong. It was an amazing sight to see. So many of the bikers were veterans and supporters of POW-MIA. I just love patriotism and supporting this great nation!! And there's me in my blue and white scarf, it was was too cold for my red shorts though.

One thing I didn't get a picture of was our lunch. We went to the American Indian Museum and ate Buffalo and Duck burgers. Can I just say, yummm! They were delicious! Greg searched out some good places to eat in the area and apparently congressman walk down to eat at the cute little cafe in this museum! It was definitely a great meal!

The Museum of Natural History was next on our list and it was definitely one of the most crowded places we went in during our trip. Full of families with kids and strollers, but it was worth dealing with all the people. We saw so many different animal skeletons and human skeletons. We were very impressed with everything in this museum. We even saw one of the Moai from Easter Island. This museum was very fascinating.

Our next stop was the National Archives. I have no pictures of it because you weren't allowed to take pictures inside due to the sensitivity of the documents there. We saw the original Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. How awesome is that?! I was so impressed by the quality of these documents from long ago.

By this time it was afternoon and we had a few more stops to go. I don't think my feet have ever hurt as bad as they did by this point. I somehow managed to keep trekking along. Greg was determined to see as much as we could on this little weekend getaway. We were headed to see the White House next and made a quick stop at Ford's Theater where Lincoln was assassinated. Abraham Lincoln is Greg's favorite president of all time. I think he saw the recent movie Lincoln about 3 times in theater. Ford's is still an up and running theater so we weren't able to go in and look around. We did get a picture of the sign though :)

Here is the White House in all its glory. The first is the back and the second is the front. We were in definitely in awe of this building. To know that our presidents have lived in this house is just amazing.

And here we are with the beautiful gates and the front of the White House. I think this picture might be our Christmas Card. I'm sure Greg would LOVE that. While we were there we bought 3 Christmas ornaments for our tree. Just a LITTLE obsessive ;)

On our way to dinner we saw none other than Marine 1 and 2. When we saw this we knew that the president was in one of those helicopters and next thing you know it lands on the south lawn of the White House. This was probably the most exciting part of our trip because its not everyday that you get to see the President of the United States come home. Everyone around was snapping pictures everywhere!

To end such a wonderful evening we enjoyed a live orchestra concert on the Capitol lawn to celebrate Memorial Day. The event was live broadcasting on PBS and included many singers and famous people. It was nice to just sit and enjoy being in our Nation's Capitol celebrating the men and women who have lost their lives defending it. I was deeply moved by the performances and stories that were recounted.

Our trip to DC was unforgettable and will always be our first road trip together as husband and wife. We definitely want to go back one day, but there are so many places that we would love to see and do! DC is definitely a must-visit in my opinion! Just simply amazing.