happy fall

One of my favorite fall time activities has to be pumpkin carving. I love scooping out the gooey mess to roast pumpkin seeds and then enjoying a candlelit pumpkin that night. Cooler temperatures in Florida typically do not start until November or December but this year we got a cold front in October which made pumpkin carving all that much better. Cool temps, coffee, pumpkin goo, and a few of my fellow Tampa Chi Omega Alumnae sisters equaled one great afternoon.

For this party, I broke out my favorite fall pumpkin dip recipe which is perfect for any gathering this time of year or to serve on Thanksgiving. 

 

happy fall y'all!

A Sailing Adventure

Mallory and I set sail on a beautiful fall morning in Tampa. In the spring, we purchased a groupon for a half day sailing trip. I thought it would just be a fun little morning outing and it turned out to be one of my favorite days this fall.

We woke up early and headed to Tarpon Springs, a cute little Greek touristy town about an hour outside of Tampa, to begin our adventure. On our drive down, we enjoyed some Starbucks and chatted up a storm as we caught up on the happenings in our lives.

Upon arriving, we learned that Atlantis V Charters is a foundation that provides free sailing lessons for youth programs and children with special needs. Their charter services support their endeavors in the community. The captains and crew even donate their time. Mallory and I especially enjoyed learning that our fun adventure on the water also supported a great program.

The morning air was a bit chilly which I found to be perfect! There is something great about being snuggled up, all warm, with the cool breeze blowing and the smell of the ocean all around you. Once out on the water, we sailed out to a little island where we were able to get off the the boat to peruse for seashells and soak up the sunshine. After a few hours on the beach, we got back on board for a sunny ride into shore.

The funniest part of our trip was learning that my pal, Mallory, has a bit more of an obsession with Disney than I had previously realized. I became aware of this as she recounted Finding Nemo to me, scene by scene, hoping to jog my memory of her favorite movie. Being the non-Disney person that I am (I know, my poor kids!), I got a good laugh out of this. I mean, she knows the movie literally in scene sequence - its kind of impressive, really!

After our sail, we enjoyed a fabulous lunch at Rusty Bellies, a great local restaurant. I had some yummy grouper with black beans and yellow rice. Their menu is great and they serve delish hush puppies in a brown paper bag instead of the traditional bread basket, an added touch that I especially enjoyed.

View from the Rusty Bellies patio

After lunch, we decided to do a little shopping in downtown Tarpon Springs where we found a few little treasures. Having been bitten by the shopping bug, we decided to spend the rest of the afternoon at a local outdoor mall. We even had an afternoon treat of frozen yogurt topped with goodies.

The whole day was just perfect. We decompressed, soaked up the sunshine, got in some shopping, and spent some good, quality time together. If you are looking for an adventure to plan one weekend, definitely check out Atlantis V Charters (Warning: You'll need to book at least 2 months in advance!).

Bon Voyage! 

Fit by 30

When I created my Thirty Before Thirty list at the beginning of 2011, I identified that I wanted to stabilize my weight. Over the years I had been steadily gaining weight. First, there was the high school boyfriend weight that I accumulated by eating too much fast food and favoring cuddling on the couch over being active. Then there were the pounds you gain during college from alcohol consumption and a crazy schedule. With all of these little weight gains, I never topped an unhealthy place and I ate just healthy/worked out enough to to be okay. Not great but not overly worrisome either. In DC, I balanced my busy life with 5:00am workouts and a disciplined diet losing most of the weight I had gained during college. And then grad school happened to my body.

While I was busy being consumed by my classes, my assistantship, and fun with my cohort, it was wreaking havoc on my body. The days were long, caffeine fueled, and full of unhealthy food choices. Before I even realized it, I had gained 50 pounds within my first year. After graduate school, I continued on the all consuming path student affairs professionals sometimes find ourselves in and gained another 15 pounds at my first job topping the scale at 209 pounds.

During my second year at Arkansas, I realized that I needed to get my weight under control. I started dieting and trying different programs but my weight did not budge. When I came back to Florida, I got more serious about being healthy but I still could not yield any real results. For two years, I was gaining and losing the same 15 pounds. I found myself frustrated and defeated.

Summer 2011

In the fall of 2011, I visited my primary care physician to see what I could be doing differently. She instructed me to keep a food journal for 30 days and come back to see her. On my next visit, we went through my logs and she described the food pyramid to me and how I need xyz from each category and then told me that she did not see it feasible for my weight to be where it was if my logs were true to what I was eating. Rather than feeling as though I was making progress, I felt so ashamed sitting there. I was not going home and eating hoards of food every night but there was clearly something going wrong with my body. That visit was definitely the last straw for me. I got in my car, called my Momma, had a good cry, and committed to finding the root of my issue so that I could overcome this obstacle.

Over the holidays my Mom and I discussed some research she had been doing about hormone replacement therapy. In truth, she had been trying to talk me into this for a while but, finally, I was ready. Nothing else had been working so I was willing to give it a shot. To my great benefit, Momma found Age Management and Optimal Wellness and Jan, my wellness specialist.

During my consultation, we discussed the hormone (benefits and risks), the eating plan, blood work I would need, etc. I had just had a full panel of blood work done so I was able to get started right away. They found that my thyroid was not operating at the optimal level and I had several vitamin deficiencies so I began thyroid medication and a vitamin regiment. What sold me on them was not about the weight I could lose following the program but rather that they were looking at my individual needs and focused on getting my body back to its optimal, healthy place. The amount of weight I needed to lose was determined by me and then they provided the tools to help me achieve my goal.

In a meeting with the doctor, he asked me if I wanted to have children. I, of course replied with a big yes and then he asked me if I wanted them to be healthy.. yes, again. In that meeting I realized that I was not setting out on this path just to be thinner but I desperately wanted to be healthy and fit again. The final motivation I needed was realizing that the unhealthy decisions I was making for myself meant that I would one day be creating the same circumstances for my husband and children if something did not change.

Hormone replacement therapy is controversial but I did my due diligence in research. In studying up, I found that most of the causes for concern were not about the side effects of the drug but rather the severe calorie restrictions some used in order to drop weight fast. Age Management did none of that, I actually get in trouble for not eating enough. While I had no calorie restrictions there are a few rules I have had to follow:

1. Foods to eliminate - dairy, wheat, beans, high fat food (even the healthy ones), high glucose fruits, processed food, and alcohol.
2. No fruit after lunch to give your body time to burn off the sugar.
3. Always have a protein and a veggie at every meal/snack.
4. Get in some activity at least 2-3 times a week.
5. Sleep 6-8 hours a night.
6. Drink water and then more water.
7. Once my workouts became more intense, I had to add a 4th meal.

When I began my program in January, I immediately began to feel better and full of energy. Those headaches I had been getting every day for the last couple of years were gone. While I originally wondered how I would ever eliminate those foods from my diet, I discovered that the better I ate, the less I even wanted those things. I still love dairy and a glass of wine but now I have them as an occasional treat versus a staple in my diet. Some foods now just make me sick or give me a wicked headache so they are not even worth it. The reality is that sometimes even what we think is "healthy" is not so great for our bodies. After eight, almost nine months, I am not on a diet but rather this is the way that I eat and the good choices that I make for my body.

One of the great parts of this program is that I have not been alone. Each week, I meet with Jan who weighs me in, takes my body fat and measurements, and reviews my food journals. Day by day she reviews what I have eaten; when I have gotten off course, I get a highlight. Some weeks, I wear out that highlighter but let me tell you that there is nothing like seeing the bad choices you made on paper. She has kept me accountable and motivated me through the rough parts. My life is not any less busy so we talk through strategies for travel, long work days and balancing my active social life. I wish that everyone going through this process had Jan by their side because she has made all the difference for me.

As I went along this journey, exercise has become a huge component of my life. I began walking then running. I have completed two 5ks and am gearing up for a 10k in February. I do a crossfit-esque workout several times a week and, of course, hit the yoga mat every chance I get. I looked hard at my schedule and reallocated time to make room. My job nor my friends/family benefit from me being unhealthy. Now, I need this sweat time because it decompresses me, give me energy, and generally just makes me a happier person. In January, I could barely run for 3 minutes and now I look forward to the new ways that I can challenge my body. AND.. I love watching part of my body become more defined. I have some rocking triceps!

My second  5K, September 2012

My first goal was to be 150 pounds and to be in the normal body fat range by my 30th Birthday. Proud to say that was DONE! Currently, I'm working towards my final goal weight of 140 pounds - only 7 more to lose! When I started this journey, my weight and body fat placed me in the obese category. To date, I have lost 61 pounds and 11.3% body fat. I can happily say that I am healthy and fit at 30 years old. While losing weight was the initial goal, it has become less about the number on the scale and rather about how I can sustain a healthy body which ultimately lead me to a healthier mind.

Enjoying some much earned beverages on my 30th Birthday!

Many of you have followed this journey of #fitby30 on twitter or through pictures on facebook. I cannot thank you enough for the endless support and encouragement I have received. Some people thought I was crazy for my eating plan and questioned some of the foods that I was eliminating while others wondered if the hormone was safe. I recognize that my path is not for everyone but, for me, every day of this journey has been worth it.

I especially want to thank those of you who eat with me regularly and encourage my food choices rather than belittling them - it makes a difference!

Some of you have written me asking what I am doing or sharing your own story. I have been so touched by having this experience with you. Keep going because it will be worth it! And, if anyone wants my food plan, I would be happy to share it with you.

Almost Thirty...

Thirty is approaching rapidly and with each day that passes, I grow more appreciative for my experiences in life and each of the people that have filled my heart. The last ten years in my twenties have been one heck of a ride! When I began counting down to thirty, I knew it was a huge milestone, even a moment that I was preparing for, but I had no way of anticipating how sentimental I would become about my twenties or the emotions it would evoke in me.

When you are younger people ask you what you want to be when you grow up. My ideas ranged from FBI agent, to a nurse, to politics, until I finally found my way in Student Affairs. The journey was full of changes and lots of moves to different cities but each step has prepared me for what was ahead. I still have no idea where I will end up but I am confident that my heart will lead the way. What I realize about all of the hopes and dreams I had as a young girl is that I always wanted to help people, to believe in people and what they are capable of accomplishing. There is no better moment for me than seeing someone create the life they have always imagined. I remember my first few months at Arkansas, a student asked me how I made it to DC (she had aspirations of moving to NYC) and I think my response was something like, "I just took a chance and went and the rest figured itself out". Up until that point, I had never thought I was doing anything out of the ordinary, just following whatever door opened next, but I realize the gumption to go on the next great adventure is a gift that I have been given. This incredible gift has afforded me the opportunity to be a part of people's lives in a very unique way - to cheer them on when the skin their knees and to share in their greatest triumphs. And for the record.. that student is living her dream in the Big Apple!

All of us touch someone's life. Behind me every step of the way has been my family who have accepted and supported each new turn. They created opportunities for me that they did not have, sacrificed time with me, provided financial resources, told me that I could do it when I was not sure, and, most of all, they gave me the unconditional love I needed to become who I am. Along this journey, I have picked up mentors and friends that helped me see the possibilities, drove with me to a new city, sent cards to encourage me, and had long conversations with me over a meal to discuss what this thing called life is really all about. I am blessed to have their support and to be so incredibly loved by those in my life.

While there is still so much ahead of me, I feel grateful to be living the life I always imagined. I have no idea what awaits me but my only birthday wish is that I have the courage to continue doing what is next. All I can really hope for in my thirties is that life continues to be a wild ride, full of unexpected turns. Whatever course life may take, I am certain that I will continue to seek out work that involves service and assisting others in realizing their potential. I hope that I am a good friend to those I love, a sister and aunt that loves beyond measure, and a daughter my parents continue to be proud of. And, if along the way, I can touch someone's life in a positive way.. well, that is just the delicious cream cheese icing on a red velvet cake!

Here is to the last few weeks in my twenties!

"When I stand before God at the end of my life I would hope that I would have not a single bit of talent left and could say, 'I used everything you gave me'".

~ Erma Bombeck 

Portrait of a Leading Lady: Lauralee

For almost 12 years, Lauralee has been a leading lady in my life. We met in junior high but did not become friends until my sophomore year (her junior year) of high school in our Geometry Honors class. During that year, we just seemed to connect and by the time spring rolled around, she and some other girls talked me into trying out for our high school varsity cheerleading squad. That single moment of "oh, why not?" turned out to be one of the best decisions.

The younger versions of ourselves

Throughout my junior year, Lauralee and I were fast friends. I was drawn to her pure joy for life and the simple fact that I could talk to her about anything in the world. From the beginning of our friendship, Lauralee gave me unconditional love and the strength that comes from the bonds of female relationships.  We would spend hours and hours talking (which is still pretty true for us now) about our lives. Whether it was waxing our eyebrows or having a dance party, we were happy just to spend time together.

Lauralee has grown from the young girl I once knew into a beautiful woman that I admire, respect, and hope to be a little like someday. While she is now someone's wife and momma, I still see in her that young, joyful girl I fell in love with. She is now a busy, working mom that dedicates so much of herself to taking great care of her family. Her husband, Tony, is one of the best guys I know and their marriage is a great example for the rest of us. And then there are my two little best friends, also known as Tony and Lauralee's daughters, Ella and Olivia. Together they are one superstar family.

Being that her 30th Birthday is this weekend, I thought it only fitting to honor my friend as this month's Leading Lady. Thank you, Lauralee, for your friendship, love, encouragement, and for all of the fun we have had together. I am blessed beyond measure to have you in my life! Happy Birthday!

I am pleased to introduce you to Lauralee!

Age: 30 (in a few days!)

Occupation: Legal Assistant

Location: Middleburg, FL

Describe yourself in one word: supercalifragilisticexpialidoc

ious

What is your favorite book: US Weekly Magazine

What is your favorite music: Depends on my mood but usually Christian

What inspires you: People's selflessness

What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment: My family

What do you feel is the biggest misconception about you: That I'm tough, I'm the biggest sap these days but I'm cool with it

What is the best advice you ever received: Live each moment instead of thinking about tomorrow. This is so much easier said than done for me

What would you tell your younger self? Don't stress about the things you can't control

What do you love most about you?  The fact that I saved this question for last and still can't think of an answer. I guess that I do pretty well at keeping  myself in check but it’s also one of my least favorite things about me though

Describe your idea of a perfect day. Just me, my husband and our girls going out to the beach or park on a pretty day with a picnic. Anything as long as we are together

What do you consider to be your greatest adventure thus far? Skydiving or hangliding. My greatest long term adventure is definitely motherhood

I feel most beautiful... in my man's arms

My favorite guilty pleasure... Seriously, you want just one? How about my Top 10? Madonna's Immaculate Collection Album. Like a virrrgin- WOHOO!! Chocolate covered strawberries are my weakness in life

Happiness is... a journey, not a destination

Something people would be surprised to know about me is... I only drink alcohol two or three times a year and I pull out my eyelashes when I get stressed. In case you are wondering, they take a long time to grow back

 I feel fearless when... I am in control of a situation

My life... is a roller coaster but the best one I have ever ridden