"A Month of Sundays..."

It definitely has been a while. I'm not real sure where that phrase came from... Maybe my grandparents? East Tennessee talk for you I suppose, or that is what my roomie Martha would say.
It's been a while since I have blogged and not a lot has happened in life. I have been running running running. It has been cool to see that while running is physically hard, it is much more mental. The things we can do when we put our minds to it. My race is this Saturday, so a big blog coming soon. Unfortunately I have pulled a muscle in my leg so i haven't ran for about a week. It's been hard, so pray that come Saturday the pain will go away!
I have been also working working working and trying to figure out what's next in life. My lease is up at the end of August and while I LOVE Nashville, my heart wants to be near my family. SO here is a question to leave on: One city offers nothing really other that a handful (or less) of close friends and a big family with lots of babies that love you and another city offers you opportunity, growth in your career a community of friends, and many adventures... what do you choose?

"Me a runner? You are full of...!!!"

The title reflects my thoughts last May. I had begun to meet with Beth and we started walking/ jogging around her neighborhood. Words that I said to her in the beginning she still to this day will not let me live them down. It's funny how we grow and change over time. In all aspects of life.

I had been overweight since I can remember. Like I said before it never was an issue really. I do, however, remember being in lifetime wellness in high school and having to do a number pull-ups and run a mile under a certain amount of time. I took that class with my sister. Man, if I could only go back now to redo that class I would kick it's butt! I hated running then. I absolutely found no joy in running at all. Until now...

Many of you know my running addiction. If you read this blog or even it you are my friend on facebook then you know. Sorry to post on there so much but it helps to hold me accountable when I let people know. :) Between May 2010 and September 2010 I had a mental break through when it comes to running. If you are a runner please share your thoughts! In the beginning I hated it. I felt like it was worthless. Yeah I sweated and ultimately felt better after doing it, but honestly felt like it was a waste of my time, like I could be doing something more productive. It wasn't until the Fall that it became so much more. I can't remember if it was a stressful period of life, but I began to use running to escape. I now know that that is what I use it for. Stressful situations... I go run. Upset... I run. Super happy... running! It's the only time I can either quiet my thoughts, or I can think more clearer. It's weird, but good. What I can hnestly say is that it took a loooong time to get here.  

Which brings me to the point of this post. I ran my first 5k last September (if i remember correctly) and have ran 3 other since. Here is a pic from my first 5k! Menche's South Nash Dash!-------------->

One of the main reason's why I began running races was, and this is gonna sound really stupid, but it was for the free (but not free) t-shirts! I live for a new shirt!! After doing these 5k's and feel pretty good about it I decided it was time to move on. I have decided to try my hand at my first half marathon! 13.1 miles freaks me the freak out, but something that I have on my bucket list to do! After cheering on many of my friends here locally it was only fitting that the first 1/2 i do would be the race I know in my own town! So April 30 I will be running the Country Music Marathon! When making my decision to run this I knew that I wanted to do it with a purpose! I recently became a "Big" with Big Brothers Big Sisters here in Nash. I 100% believe in what they do and if you are looking to get involved in your community check out one in your area. So that is why I have committed to raising $500 for this organization. I ask as you read this that you consider partnering with me for this cause. $1, $5, $10... anything! Click here to donate.

This is definitely something that God has laid on my heart to do taking what I love to do and doing it for a cause. 

Also, it isn't too late to register! Wanna run with me? LET'S DO THIS!!! It could be a nice little vacation weekend in Nashville :) Free place to stay!!! (Can you tell I want visitors?) Thanks for reading my story and for caring about me. Much love to everyone of you!

Drink This... Not This...

So at a recent party with some friends, one busted out the book "Eat This, Not This." It is funny how somethings that you think are good for you aren't exactly what you would think. Juice has so much sugar, frozen "healthy" meals have soooo much sodium.... etc. It is no wonder weight is an issue for many. You eat this stuff that is cheaper and easier and says "good for you", but yet it isn't. Wouldn't it be easy to have a drive through that you pull up and can order grilled chicken, asparagus, and cous cous instead of having your options being nasty processed foods. Why can't eating healthy be easy, why can't it be cheaper? Questions that will probably forever plague my mind. I have had a lot of inquires about the diet portion of my weight loss. What I eat? What kinda plan do I have? So here I am to tell!
The Schedule:
So I decided when I began this thing that I would not feel starved at all. I LOVE food. So I began with 5 meals a day. I am single so it is just me, and I keep an on the go schedule, so I being planned out helped me a ton. Breakfast I ate as soon as I wake up. Snack at 10. Lunch at 12:30/1. Snack at 3:30/4. Dinner at 7ish.
The Foooooood:
So like I said I am a planner. I try to stick with things that I know are do-able and are pretty cheap. Kashi cereal/ soy milk, berries, yogurt, salad, black beans, avacado, fish, VEGETABLES, cous cous, grilled chicken, FRUIT... mainly non-processed foods and lots of veggies... LOTS.
Also, WATER WATER WATER. I drink no soda, so I don't know how things work with diet cola. I mainly stick with water or unsweetened teas like green tea/ passion tea.
I'm not perfect by any means... I have the hardest time drinking water. So I have to tell myself to

DRINK THIS...

NOT THIS.

I am a Starbucks Addict, which hurts my wallet more than my health I believe. Ha! I realized the other day that I drank nothing but coffee the whole day... It's a struggle, but I haven't had coffee today at all, so maybe I'm getting passed it. Doubt it.

One thing that I can tell you is that my social life hasn't suffered much at all. I do still eat out quite a bit with friends and believe me it is not that hard to find alternatives. I always check the menu ahead of time that way once I go in I don't stare at the deliciously bad for me stuff that I want, I already have my mind made up and I am good to go! If you find that the place you are going doesn't have much options don't be afraid to suggest a different place.
The beauty of it is that if you screw up you can always start over! Maybe spend a little extra time at the gym, or go for an extra walk... you can always redeem yourself. Don't give up! You can totally achieve your goals!

Side Note: I am totally listening to Adele like it is my job and if you don't know her you should. I got turned on to her before her first album "19" came out and I fell in love with her voice. Now she has just come back with her sophomore album "21" and here is her performing my favorite song thus far from that album... Enjoy.

"No, it won't all go the way it should, But I know the heart of life is good..."

Well it has been, what a week since i have blogged? I believe so. I'm trying to be better and write more, but not too often because I want the posts to be meaty ya know? Hopefully I will find a happy medium!!
This week has been an emotional one! A lot of thinking, deciding, and learning! Let me start first with good ol Valentine's Day. I have been known in my day to wear a shirt that says "This is the day..." on the front, and on the back it says "... that the DEVIL has made." Being an adult I decided that I should handle  this holiday more mature. So I had a Whine & Wine Party... it was perfect! Being single I did pout a bit, but then my night was brightened when I opened my mail and got this little gem...---------------------------------------------------------------------->
My nephews first letter that he had to send in school and he chose to send it to me :) My little Valentine! Definitely best valentine's day ever!

There was a few temptations that happened this week. While I have been able to maintain my lifestyle change when it comes to my diet I am not gonna lie, it is HARD as crap! V-Day makes it even harder. I am so blessed with many who think of me during this time of year, so if you gave me a treat please know that it was appreciated greatly, but did I eat it...NO and it was the hardest no I have ever had to say. Don't get me wrong I often treat myself, but I try to stay away as much as I can because with me one leads to three... I did have Sweet Cece's yogurt twice in one day... Happy Valentine's Day to me :)
Some big things happened this week!
*I received my passport in the mail! WA-HOOO!!!
*I made a grown-up decision that was hard and a bit scary, but with confidence and great peace from the Lord I'm certain I made the correct choice, and that feels great!
*I think I am down another pant size, but too scared to go try on clothes... which is great, but sucks cause I honestly have no clothes that fit!
* I have a little sister! Through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee I have become a "BIG"! She is the coolest high schooler and I'm excited to see our friendship grow!
*I went to my second hockey game EVER! GO PREDS!!!
* This week I give Birthday Shout outs! My little cousin and my good friend!
See photos below!!!

Cute lil Shelby Danielle, 8 yrs old

BIRTHDAY GIRLSSS!!!!!

Jennifer Lynn, 26

Second Preds game ever thanks to an amazing family!

 I'm off to Great Places! I'm off and away!

Current Running Playlist:

Adele: Rolling in the Deep

Anberlin: Never Take Friendship Personal

Avett Brothers: Kick Drum Heart

Beyonce: Diva

The Black Keys: Howlin' for You

Shakira: Waka Waka

Britney Spears: Hold it Against Me

Ester Dean feat. Chris Brown: Drop it Low

Jay-Z: On to the Next One

Katy Perry: Firework

Mumford & Sons: The whole album I can run to!!!

"That was her... This is me..." A forever fat girl's story.

The only time I ever remember not struggling with my weight was elementary school. Well, let me rephrase that. The only time I really remember not being a "bigger girl" was elementary school. I never really saw my weight as a struggle. I always had friends, my family never put me on a diet, I didn't have a hard time going up stairs or anything, I was active for my age. I played softball and basketball and while yes I probably would have been better had I had been thinner, it was never a hindrance that I can remember. I do remember in 6th grade my dad came into town and wanted to get me and my sister school clothes. He had to take me to the women's department and I was in a size 12 shorts. I remember that that was embarrassing and I cut all the tags out of the clothes, but I didn't let it define me.
The one thing I do believe that it hindered was and is my ability to let a guy in. I never really felt pretty or attractive and I mostly played the role of "best friend" with most guys I was close to. A good guy friend once told me that "I'm not the type of girl a guy dates, I'm the type that they marry." I remembered being crushed, a. because I thought that this guys was "the one" (high school puppy love) and b. how can I get married if no one will ever date me. I got comfortable in this role of being the best friend and have stayed there.
In May of 2010 and being 27, I needed a change. I had moved to Nashville to pursue music business. I had found, after searching, a great group of good quality friends that love me and support me. Still something wasn't right. I needed to learn how to love myself. To feel good about myself. I needed to find that confidence inside of me that I knew I had but never could find. It was time to lose some weight.
Deciding this, I knew I couldn't do it on my own. I had tried before and nothing ever really stuck. I knew a couple of things... I loved dancing. The community center in Nashville offered $2 Zumba classes. I then committed to going to at least 3 classes a week. Not so much for the fitness aspect of it, but for the fun of it.
Then came Beth, I have talked about her before (go back and read about her!) Beth became the accountability that I needed in the beginning. We met for coffee and decided that we were gonna do this thing. We talked about foods I liked and dislike, exercising that I was doing, reasons i think my weight go to where it did...etc. I opened up and shared my life with her and in turn she developed a plan to help me reach my goals.

May 17, 2010: The day I started my weight loss journey.
<---This picture is taken from a friends engagement party the weekend after I started my journey. I weighed in at 250lbs the largest I had ever been. Honestly, I felt like I was a contestant on The Biggest Loser, which I totally could have been. Stepping on that scale I knew there was no turning back. I had made a promise to myself that this is the last time I would ever weight that much. It was game time.


I began to meet Beth at her house at 5am. It was the only time that worked best with our schedules. I'd bring my work clothes and shower stuff and she would literally kick my butt for 1 1/2- 2 hours Monday thru Friday. On weekends I would do my own workout taking what I loved (zumba) and the other stuff she had taught me and applying them for myself.
Working out became a big part, but the biggest was my eating habits. I ate out a lot! Living in Nashville and working multiple jobs and hating the grocery store will lead you to that! It was nothing to stop by Taco Bell at 10pm... or to stop by the store and grab a carton of ice cream... it was bad!
Thankfully I'm not too picky when it came to food. After talking with Beth I decided to quit dairy, back off of the carbs and focus on more vegetables and fruit. I made a plan for myself... lots of water, 5 meals (3 meals, 2 snacks) planned out with times, and no eating after 8pm. Strangely, the food came waaaaaaayyyyy easier than the exercise.
Was everything perfect? No. Did I screw up? Heck Yes. Did I give up? Absolutely Not. When I fell off the wagon I didn't let it get me down. I got back up and just restarted. Like I said working out was so hard if it wasn't doing zumba. I ABSOLUTELY hated to run. Thought it was pointless, boring, lame... everything you can think, i thought it, but I didn't give up. And if you know me now you know that I am a running addict!

<---This is me now... about 9 months into my weight loss journey. At this point I have lost 81lbs. I am at 169. Is there a magic pill? Nope. Is it obtainable? Abso-freakin-lutely. :) If I can do it I promise you anyone can. My goal is to lose 100lbs by my birthday which is in July. I am 19lbs away! I'm going to treat myself with a cruise with my dear friend who is also on a weight loss journey that you can read about here.


I would love to answer any questions that you may have or hear stories about your journey. I would love to offer you motivation in someway... maybe a playlist that helps me get through a 5k, or what foods I like, or classes at the Y that I recommend! Please comment on here, message me on facebook! You can even email me! Let me know how I can help you!
My journey is not over, while I feel healthier I'm still working on the mental side of it. My head hasn't caught up with my body yet. I still and maybe will always view myself as a "fat girl" and I'm ok with that. But I hope to be able to share my story with others to help them to become the best that God has created them to be with the tools that I have have helped me!

SO yeah... That's my story and I'm stickin to it! And now that you know the back story, I hope to share some funny things that are happening in my life, little things that happen through-out my day, boy stories- cause who doesn't love a good boy story, and things that I find could help/ motivate others. So now I have been in Starbucks for 2 hours and out of a beverage so I should probably head out... until next time!

Love.

"...Always on my mind, you're in my heart, in my soul..."

Alrighty! So this is the to be continued piece of the cast in my life. Now this part may leave out a few of you but no worries, all of you are dear to my heart! I just want to recognize a few now, and as this blog goes on when I talk about you I will explain the impact you make. Hopefully that makes sense! Just know I love you! So we shall start with:

Beth LeMieux, aka The Beast!: Beth made the biggest impression on my heart in the past year. I met Beth at The GapKids, I had worked there for 5 years through school and she moved from Chicago to Nashville for her husbands job. We bonded over talk about The Biggest Loser. She had wanted to be a trainer and I needed one.  Beth soon became a friend, and my accountability and teacher on my weight loss journey.  Honestly, I would not be where I am if God didn't allow our paths to cross. Beth believed in me, she took time to listen to me, and to teach about health. Also, she can do so many freaking push-ups, the man kind too! We don't workout together anymore, a new work schedule made it complicated,  but anytime I'm working out I picture beth right there beside me cheering me on. I can never thank her enough for the way she help to change my life.

T-Rock & Bailey: My dear friend and accountability. We met at Springhill Camps andover time we connected. We have both been on the weight loss journey together and it has been cool to share advice, opinions,  and life stories. She has opened up her home to me many times and I know that if there were ever anything I needed she would be there in a heartbeat. I honestly could not have made it as far as I have without her and being able to share this experience with someone has made it all the more fun!

The Jacobson's, Ashley and Nick: When I moved to Nashville I was lost. I missed my family something terrible, but I knew that God had me here for a reason and I needed to embrace it and get comfortable. I began to work for a nanny agency as a temp nanny and got placed one night at The Jacobson's. That was about 3 years ago. Since then they have become my Nashville family! They let me hang out with their 2 adorable kids, Cameron and Avery. They ask me about life. They are so supportive. They worry about me in bad weather and text to check up on me. Ashley has become like an older sister to me here and I am blessed to call her my friend. Who knew that one night I was called to go to their house would turn into a lasting relationship? I didn't, but I sure am glad it did!

My bestie and her hubby!

FRIENDS!!!

Me, Kris, & Meg

The handsome Tommy Wilson and I at Ellen!

Good Good Friends :)

Lish and I!

The Lovely Cassie Morgen and I!

Best friend Amy and I!

"This is a story all about how..."

The purpose of this blog is to share my stories with you all and to truly know someone's story you must know the cast and crew that make it possible. So here I start. At this point I'm not sure if this will be a two part post or I will try to cram it all in at one... we shall see. So here we go...

My Grandparents: Dorothy & Bill, aka Mamaw & Papaw: If you don't know I was raised by my g.parents and my mom. Long story short, my mom was really young when she had us kiddos and unfortunately the man that was chosen to be my father turned out to be not much of a man at all. I am certain that my brother and sister would agree when I say that we have no clue where we would be if it weren't for my grandparents unconditional love and support to step in to help not only raise the 2 kids that they were blessed with, but to continue to help my mom raise the 3 that she was blessed with. These two people are my life.

My Seestoooorrrr: Michelle, aka "Chelle": My best friend. She is 3 years older than me. This girl will be my matron of honor at my wedding, probably in the room when I have my children too. (Talk about thinkin ahead!) My sister played a huge part in me becoming the young woman that I have. She has been my rock through many things. I know that at the drop of a hat I can call her and she will be there for me. We talk multiple times a day, every single day and I wouldn't have it any other way. She is such an inspiration and I absolutely love this girl. 

My Mother, Shelia, aka "MOMMMMMMMMMMMA": My mom and I have a sister relationship. We love each other and we fight with each other. My momma had 3 kids by the age of 21. I am 27 and cannot imagine having babies right now much less one when I was 16, 19, or 21. With the circumstances, my mom did what she knew best to do, and that was to bring in help, which is where my grandparents come in. I grew up with my mom, which is why I say we have a "sister" relationship. I saw my mom live her 20's and her 30's. She has faced many obstacles and has come out to be a stronger woman through each of them. and that is my moooooommmmmmmmmmmmma :)

My Brother, Mark, aka Sonny(pictured with daughter Laci): This boy is one of the funniest/ridiculous people I know. He is 2 years younger than me and when the three of us are together it never fails that we get yelled at for laughing to loud. I have seen him at his best and at his worst. I can tell you that I am sooo proud of the man that he is becoming. I picked this picture of him because i didn't have one on my computer of the two of us and I wanted ya'll to see what he would say is probably the best thing he has ever done and that is be a dad. He also has a beautiful happy healthy baby boy named Kaeson who I will picture later.

My Uncle Billy/ older brother figure: Being raised by my grandparents my relationship with my uncle was different than most. My Uncle Billy has taken on the roll of the my older brother. He has been a great example to me of hard work pays off. He has a successful career and a beautiful family. Even in his jerkish ways (love you uncle b.) he has taught me that it takes hard work to get to were you wanna go and if you stick with it you can go far. He has encouraged me, been so supportive, and asks me those tough questions that most don't but all need to hear... if that makes sense. In this picture is his wife and babies. 

The Loves of My Life: in age order, CJ, Shelby, Laci, Ethan, Elijah, Olivia, Kaeson (Brittney :) I stole this photo from you!)  My nephews and nieces! I am the most homesick here in Nashville because my heart is with each one of these babies! Man they are growing sooo fast and they are all so beautiful and smart and man they have the BEST personalities. Each so very different from the other! I would jump at the chance to move home and be able to have sleepovers each night of the week taking turns and loving the crap out of them, but God has other plan for me. I will settle for the phone convos and the quick trips home on the weekend.

 So I will stop there with my immediate family. The people who have made me me. the people that no matter what stupid decisions I make in life will be there to catch me when I fall. They are my roots that keep me grounded. These are the people that mean more to me than anything in this life.

I think I have decided to write when I can to get through the background stuff and then maybe go to 2 days a week! Props to Trina who go the song title last time, ( thought Trina, love you :), but I'm not gonna lie when I say I think that you may have googled it!) Jay-Z was the answer!! I've been running alot and I need music to keep me going! I recommend him! Well I think Starbuck's is tired of me... Until next time friends!

"Allow me to re-introduce myself..."

Hello All! Finally I have gotten around to doing something with this thing! So as a first blog post I have decided to let you know what I plan to do with this thing, why I am doing it, and what I hope to get out of it.
First: The title is compliments from my best friend Jennifer. You see C-MO is one of my many nickname. Most of you know that I have lost some weight, and if you didn't... well I've lost some weight :) That is were the "less to C" part comes into play. "MO to love" is based on the fact that as I am becoming more confident in who Christ has made me to be I am able open up and let more people in, therefore being more to love. 
Second: Everyone knows that I am a music lover of all kinds. Each blog post will be a lyric... comment and get it right and you get my upmost respect for having quality taste!
Third: I am writing this blog for a few reasons. I don't live close to many of you and I want you to know what is going on in my life! Like I mentioned above I have lost some weight and many of you have been asking me what I have been doing. I thought this would be the perfect place to share what has worked for me and to maybe inspire others with things and thoughts that have inspired me.


So please bare with me as I begin to open up about my life into this little blog, please forgive anything that doesn't make sense, any grammar/spelling mistakes... I am from East Tennessee after all :) (that ones for you Marth!), and whatever else that happens! 
In the next post I will present you with the cast and crew of this story, so get ready!!!!


I will leave you with this picture from high school. It's really funny to look back at and with it being my 10 year high school reunion this year I find it fitting. Go ahead.. you can laugh, I do!