Okay, so I'm back. I was doing so well and then...well...not so much. Where have I been you ask? Well here is what's gone on in the last 5 months (or so) in a nutshell.
First I left Kansas, and went on a whirlwind 4 1/2 week vacation starting at the end of June. We started in St. Louis for my hubby's Grandmother's 90th birthday. All the extended family was there, and of course there was FOOD, and lack of exercise. It was okay though, I was feeling good about myself and was determined that it was only temporary. It was a ton of fun, and although we didn't all know it at the time, a blessing that we could all be together for the long weekend.
This is where it gets hairy. My two sons went with their Grandparents to Iowa, my hubby grabbed a train back to KC (he had to go work), and my daughter and I left for Michigan for the vacation experience of a lifetime. We spent the next several weeks, rehearsing, and preparing to participate in a play at my old High School. How often do you get to be on stage with your daughter? I'm guessing the chances are slim. Anyway, along with preparing for the show, it was like a huge class reunion. Reuniting with old friends, making new ones (even ones that I found out live in KC with me :). I spent most of my time at the school building, painting, rehearsing etc. Of course then we end up ordering pizza at odd hours, going out for drinks after and getting appetizers, or filling our bellies with whatever suits the moment. On the other hand, I was staying with my WONDERFUL Aunt and Uncle who tend to treat me and my family like royalty when we are there, so we had gigantic breakfasts everyday, and coffee on the deck next to the pond, and relaxed. Honestly, it was like pure heaven! Fun, relaxation, extraordinary food, no responsibility, or bills to pay. Oh, and well, I made it to Zumba once while I was there. Yeah, not really the best exercise/food intake ratio.
Oh well, it was worth it. I was going to get on the band wagon as soon as I got home right? Well I did go to the gym once the first week I was home. Then, the worst of the worst. My father in-law passed away very sudden and unexpected (remember when I said what a blessing we had in St. Louis but didn't know it). Fortunately my two sons were able to spend two weeks with him this summer while my daughter and I were in Michigan rehearsing. Then we stopped by for a night on our way home from Michigan (which was not in the original plan) to say hi.
Long story short (and hopefully not as depressing) we immediately left for Iowa. Our family spent two full weeks there for the services, and getting all the affairs in order for my Mother in-law. However, what happens when there is a funeral? Everyone brings food, and with a large family like ours, they bring LOTS of food. What do I do when stressed, or depressed? EAT :( So I had just gotten back from 4 1/2 weeks of food and luxury, then right into two weeks of food and sadness. Not a good combination for my waistline.
Then to make matters worse, we came home and two days later school started, Cub Scouts started, Cheerleading practice started, Soccer season started, and the whirlwind of my life took over and the routine of going to the gym and paying attention to my health had all but disappeared.
So now that our crazy life has slowed ever so slightly, I need to pick up my again heavier self, and start anew. So I'm back, I'm headed to the grocery store today to fill my pantry with smart snacks, and meal preparations for my family and we shall start again. I think I shall change my outfit for my progress this time around, we shall see what I find in my closet.
Thank you all for your support and understanding as I've slipped, tripped, and fell into my fat jeans again.
