Shrinky Dink

Over the last two months I have aquired a new nickname, which at first I was very unsure of, but now it has stuck and I love it! Since November, (granted not the best time to start with a whole new eating/working out lifestyle with all the holiday treats) I have been on a journey of weight loss and physical fitness. I knew I had weight to lose, but I had no idea where my journey would take me. Wanting to go into the Law Enforcement field I think it is very important to be in the best shape you can be. My journey started as getting in shape for the physical part of the law enforcement test that I had applied for. I had to be able to do a 300m run in under 60 seconds, 35 push-ups, 38 sit-ups (in a min), and 1.5mi in under 13:35, which for my 5'4" frame with little legs, was a stretch. When I started I could only do 10 push-ups, 15 sit-ups, and 1.5 miles in 15:30. Whew...I had some work to do! I have been athletic my entire life, playing sports etc...but have always been a little bigger. I knew I had to focus to get to where I need to be not only with working out, but with my eating habits as well.
I arranged my school schedule so I had breaks that forced me to work out in between classes. It worked and I was putting in at least an hour and a half at the gym everyday. Come test time I was nervous, but I had put so much work and dedication in, I decided to give my all. I did the 300m in 56s, 35 push-ups, 34 sit-ups, and I did the 1.5miles in 12:19, which was a personal best! I maxed out on two events and did the best i could on the others. It felt great!
I decided to join Weight Watchers in order to help with the food part. I lost 9 lbs in the first week! It's hasn't been easy, by any means. Daily trips to the gym and giving up some favorite foods like Red Robin french fries, fish and chips, and of course beer! Now, 5 months and -50 lbs later, I can say I am in the best shape of my life and I feel amazing!

This is where shrinky dink comes in...I was at my parents house in the living room...my mom looked up and said "Wow. You know you're like you, but the shrinky dink version!" For those of you, who are like me, and had no idea what on  earth a Shrinky Dink is, its a plastic shape (toy) that you can put in oven or under heat and they will shrink up to make charms, jewelry., etc...The nickname has stuck and I love it!

Graduation Thanks

As of two weeks ago, I am a college graduate, which is crazy, i know. I never thought I would get to this point after 16 consecutive years in school. I am not a big school person. I hate math, I disklike writing papers, especially ones with APA citation. It's the death of me. Thank goodness for copy/paste and easy bibliography websites! It felt great to be a college graduate. Did you know that only 17% of people who start college actually get a bachelor's degree? It was great timing as I was graduating in the best shape of my life surrounded by amazing love and support. Anyway, as I head into my new journey of life I am bogged down with uncertainty.I had my life after graduation mapped out with a job in law enforcement, but as I have found out, its not so easy. But before I move forward, i want to take a moment. Breath, soak it all in and THANK the people who have all helped me along the way, because without any of you, I wouldnt have made it through! I had a grad party, and seeing all the people who have been there at different stages at my life all at once was amazing. I have had people who have left footprints in my heart all along the way and I am blessed to be surrounded by such amazing friends, family, teachers, mentors, and others!

• To my parents, who are rock solid through anything, thank you for all your love and support in no matter what i want to pursue. Without you, none of this would be possible literally. I would not be the person I am today if you were not my parents! J: You are such an inspiration. Thanks for always being there. I am so blessed to have an amazing sister like you. Our relationship only gets better everyday! JP: You are always good for a laugh, thanks for being such an amazing brother, I love spending time with ya and look forward to being your neighbor. M: I love you, you have been there through thick and thin, even when we couldnt see eachother for weeks, when I pulled all nighters, thank you for being so amazing and supportive. You've seen me at my worst and still love me anyway. Mama T/Sister Shelly: You have been so supportive through school and life struggles. I am so glad I have been able to get to know you and the boys over the last couple years. Thanks for allowing me to impede on your life :) Beauty group: Through such a tough time, i have found friendship with some of the most amazing people I could ever know. Thank you. TK, KG, AO: You are so funny! I love gettin comments from you to "shrinky dink." You may not know it, but it keeps me going, so thank you! Kal: You are such a strong, amazing woman. i look up to you so much, thanks for being an amazing friend even when you're dealing with more than i could ever imagine.

Those are just a few in a list that grows and could fill up several posts! Which, I intend to thank more people in future posts, so dont feel left out if you're not here :)