Good Bye Extra Poundage…
27 Oct 2010 Leave a Comment
in Random Ramblings of a Striking Diva Tags: christian living, diet, exercise, family trips
My summer was nuts. I spent a month on the road with no break visiting my family down in Georgia and my husband’s family in California. It was supposed to be awesome. It was TERRIBLE! I was overwhelmed by the differences in our family and I missed my husband desperately while I was in Georgia.
My girls were with me and they were pretty miserable with me. And so when things got rough I did what all concerned and loving mothers do. I pulled out my wallet and spent as much money as I could on them in order to make their vacation bearable. We ate out a lot. We went to movies. I gave them cash. I paid for amusement parks, aquariums, and trips to the store. And I ate. A lot. And after I got home, I continued to eat. A lot. And it was to soothe my frazzled nerves and escape from the incredibly stressful trips I had been on.
August came and I went back to work – 20 pounds heavier than when I left in May. I could barely get into my pants. I was so miserable. We were invited to a casual country wedding and I squeezed into my jeans and a ‘dressy’ top and when I got home and looked at my pictures I wanted to cry. Really – that’s what I look like?!?!? What on earth have I done to myself?
So for the past 2 months I’ve been on a radical weight loss plan – it’s called diet and exercise. And so far I’ve lost 21 pounds. But I’ve decided I don’t want to just lose the 20 I gained. I want to get back to the weight where I am most comfortable. So that means I have 29 more pounds to go. I am ready and committed to doing this. Because if I’m not healthy how can I serve the Lord? How can I be all that I was designed to be? I can take care of everyone around me but if I don’t take care of myself, slowly but surely I will not be able to do the things that I like to do, and more importantly, that I NEED to do.
So I’m trying so hard to do this. And I believe I can, and I’m praying for self discipline and endurance. 
Not Prepared Yet!
27 Oct 2010 Leave a Comment
in Random Ramblings of a Striking Diva Tags: anxious, church, photographer, photography, portraits
My Pastor got wind that I am a photographer. But really….I’m not. I like taking pictures. I think I have a little artistic ability but am I a photographer? Nope. I take a lot of pictures and once in a while I get lucky and get a winner. Ok, so I get a few winners. And I’m handy with Photoshop.
So anyway – I got an email a couple months back asking if I would be willing to take staff portraits and the Christmas Card photo. I was flattered! And a little wigged out, too. I am an anxious sort – and the pressure of taking photos that will hang in the foyer of our church….wow. But I said that I would try and would love to do it.
And then.
Nothing.
No follow up. No word. And I heard another guy in the church had volunteered to be the “Church Photographer”. So I started to think that maybe I was not going to be doing this. And ok, so I was a little relieved but then felt a teensie weensie bit of jealousy. If he has photog skills then he should do it while I ‘hone my craft’. But I was a little excited about the prospect…. Did I mention I’m an Anxious Annie?
So last week the church secretary emails me and tells me she wants to schedule the photo day and it’s in two weeks and if I’m willing we’ll get this thing done. So….I said “Sure! Can we please use a room with natural light….thanks!” Yep, sounding all kinds of professional – little does she know I’m freaking out here!!!!!!!
So. In a week and a half I will do my first portrait session with 6 couples (and their kids) and a group shot of all the staff. I really want to do a good job but I’m scared that I’m not good enough. But I am going to do it. I think. Unless I come down with a horrible communicable disease. It could happen. But until that time, I’m reading everything I can get my hands on trying to get ready. I’m not prepared yet, but I’m willing. And really….I’m excited! Cross your fingers for me!
