goals....getting there!

so, I fell off track a bit with my diet & exercise goals.

I haven't gained....which is amazing, but I have been stuck at a small plateau for a bit now.

I should state that since I started actually tracking my weight I have lost 30 pounds and feel SO much better. I would like to lose another 70 to hit my goal, but I am focusing on a smaller one of 20 more pounds for now.

I joined a free online website which helps me track my food intake and it is eye opening to see what some of my more "empty" calorie choices are.

My goal for this next week is to watch my sugar levels....no more soda allowed.

Also to get back into my daily yoga routine...1 or 2 times a week is not doing it for me. I need the help with my balance and flexibility. Also it is my only time where I can focus on just me, not all the other stressors within my life!

and a follow up

I have to say how very surprised I am by how various friends have replied or not replied to my plea to help my friend Anya.

I wrote the note to my friends who I thought would be willing to help, even if it was only a sweet lil card to brighten her day.

I got more from people who do not know her at all

(like a couple of my fabulous Bookcrossing friends)

than I did from ones who know her, even if it is only through me.

I stopped to think about if I would be offended by getting a note like that from one of my friends if I did not know the person for whom help was being asked. I think that even if I was not in a financial way able to help I would at least respond and say that I was not able to, but how lovely of them to try on their behalf. Most likely though I would scrape up a few dollars to send though as I am one of those soft touches, haha.

Hopefully it was read and taken in by those people in the same spirit which it was sent, which was of love and friendship. I hoped for the best, but had no expectations.

I would like to say thanks to my sweet friend Steph who sent a nice gift card for me to pass along.

My sweet friend Dori also is posting off a fun book to brighten my girls spirits.

I really do think there are some amazingly lovely people in the world and I am blessed to have them in my life and that they care enough to help others!

Bless you all sweet friends!!!

friends....

So, I posted this letter below on my facebook notes and sent out a few messages to friends today.
I fully did not expect much from it as I know times are tough and at least half of the people I sent it to don't even know my friend so it was a risk.
I will say I am a bit suprised at the number of people who stepped up with kind words and offers of support in various ways.

HI my sweet friends...

I am taking a moment out of my day to ask for help for one of my sweet friends going thru a hard time within her life.

We all see fundraisers for people who are fighting battles, usually medical, but what about a person who is fighting an emotional or financial battle?

One of my dearest friends, Anya, who has supported me emotionally and at times even financially throughout our 20 year friendship is going thru some major life changes. After 20+ years her marriage is ending. In addition to this she also just signed a year lease on a new business, going into private practice for social work and now will be looking to move. I am looking for ways to support her emotionally & financially with all she is going thru. I am reaching out to my friends to see if there is any way for them to help. I am looking at this as friends helping friends. If you gave up that am coffee or after dinner drink with the girls for one eve and put that money towards helping my sweet friend get through a rough time in her life. If you do not have a monetary way to help (as I know times are tough for all of us) perhaps you would be willing to send a small card or note that might lift up her spirits? (Mail to me at PO BOX 123 Avila Beach, CA 93424 & I will fwd)Many of you know Anya and know what an amazing person she is. She is the most giving & caring person I know. As like most of us, it is not in her nature to ask for any help, but I have no shame in asking for her! Thanks for taking the time to read this regardless of what action you take. much love my fabulous friends!xoxox