The Necessity of Modifications

Sometimes things just don't work.  You make a plan and think you've worked out all the details.  You get started and things seem to be going fine.

Then suddenly, you find yourself being the crankiest of all crankies because you can't eat chocolate.

That is the story of what happened to my "life changing May" project. I'm still working out like I planned.  I'm still eating healthier like I planned with smaller portions and healthier options. I did GREAT on the "no sweets" part for about two weeks.  And then...

I decided that no sweets at all wasn't working for me.  And I got a chocolate bar at church for Mother's Day (because our church recognizes all women over age 18 on Mother's day with chocolate and a flower).  And I decided that a little chocolate wouldn't kill me.  Eating a square of chocolate bar wasn't going to make or break my "life changing May."  So I ate it. And I've eaten several sweet things since then, all in small portions.

And you know what?  I don't feel guilty one bit.  I'm the only one doing this "life changing May" thing, and so I can modify it when necessary.

All that to say, I'm really LOVING how I feel.  I've been exercising a little bit every day since May 1 and have only missed 3 days (which I'm allowed one skip a week, so I have kept on track!).  And surprisingly enough, I'm actually ENJOYING eating healthier!  I'm excited for our garden to start producing so I can eat fresh veggies, too!

I'll update you again at the end of the month, but from where I'm sitting right now, I'm pretty sure I'll keep up with the exercise and the eating healthier because I love how it makes me feel!

On the spiritual side of this "life changing May," I am definitely struggling with memorizing Romans 6.  I think I've only added one verse from where I was last year.  I am TERRIBLE at memorization.  That's why I hated tests at Bible college that were mostly full of random facts. I am however, still enjoying Romans 6 just as much as ever!

Total Body Cleanse, Part 2

Last June, I did something I called the Total Body Cleanse.  Basically, between June 1 and June 22, I watched no secular tv, listened to no secular music, read only Christian books, and spent extra time in devotions and prayer.  I also drug myself out of bed earlier every morning to go running.  And I attempted to memorize Romans 6. 

I wasn't planning to make this an annual thing, but in the six weeks I've been home, I've put on a few pounds.  Not too many.  Just a few.  Most people don't realize this, but two years ago I went from a size extra large to a size slightly-larger-than-medium-but-not-quite-large in the course of about six months without trying. I had surgery to remove my gall bladder, and six months later I was wearing pants four sizes smaller. I'm terrified of putting all that weight back on, and so even the HINT of weight gain has me determined to make it STOP.  I will NOT put that back on after I lost it all.  

So, I've chosen to make May my "Total Body Cleanse" month this year.  I'm modifying it to my current needs, and since it's MY program, I guess I'm allowed to change the rules. Last year, I needed to focus hard core on my spiritual/mental life.  This year, the focus will be more on my physicality, bit will include the other two categories as well.

Starting tomorrow, I will:

• exercise six days a week. I can choose any day I want as my "free" day. I will be following a 6-week program I found online. (Physical)
• Eat healthier.  This means NO soda, NO junk food, & smaller portions. (Physical)  
• Drink at least 4 glasses of water every day. (Physical)
• Read my Bible every day. (Spiritual)
• Finish memorizing Romans 6. (Mental/Spiritual)

This might seem easier than last year's, but I only did 3 weeks last year.  This year I'm doing an entire month, which doesn't seem like a big deal, but May is a LONG month!  Seriously.  Anyhow...

Prayers and encouragement are much appreciated for the next month! Hopefully, this year's Cleanse will be as successful as last year's!

Where Has Lacy Gone?

I'm sure my three faithful readers are wondering where on earth I've been the last six weeks.  I've been so good about updating regularly this year, and all of a sudden, I just hit a rut and blogged the same thing over and over again.

Well, while I still really like the "Right Now I'm..." blog format, I promise, I'm back for some real blogging.

The last six weeks have been C-R-A-Z-Y!  I've relocated, started a new job, celebrated Easter, and started regularly working out. I know... that doesn't sound very crazy, well at least not the last part, but I assure you- it's been nuts!

Relocating:

Moving home was the best decision I've made since I decided to move to Ankeny.  I know that sounds weird, but moving home has been really, really good for me! It's been so great to be with family again, and while I won't admit to it if asked in public, I've actually kind of enjoyed living in the country again.  I know.  You don't believe me.  Don't worry... I'm not sure I quite believe me either. The only glitch I've found so far is that I had to drive all the way to Burlington (50 miles one way!) to pick up the new Michael Buble cd on Tuesday!  Talk about a hardship!  (Yes, I'm smiling and laughing as I type this....)  And just in case you're wondering, it was TOTALLY worth it!  To Be Loved is Michael Buble's best album yet! :)

My New Job:

I started my new job at the bank five weeks ago, and I LOVE IT!  I started out at the main branch for a few days before moving on to Donnellson for my training.  I was hired to work in the Mt. Pleasant branch, and I was positively excited about that.

But...

Sometimes God answers the prayers we're scared to pray. When I applied to work at the bank, I had hoped to work in the Donnellson branch, but they weren't hiring at that location.  Then I went there for training, and I kind of just fell in love with it- my coworkers, the patrons, and the small-town way of life.  But, oh me of little faith, I didn't even ask God to let me stay because I didn't want to get too attached.  I knew I was moving on, so I didn't ask because I didn't want to face disappointment.

But...

Sometimes God answers the prayers we're scared to pray.  And while I was supposed to only spend two weeks in Donnellson, I've now been there for five weeks with no indication of being moved any time soon.

PRAISE THE LORD!

Easter:

Easter was great!  It was so fun to be able to go to church with my family and celebrate the resurrection of our Lord! After church, we spent the afternoon flying kites and hunting Easter eggs.  Nothing too exciting, but a sweet memory nonetheless.

Workin' Out:

One of the hazards of living at home is Mom's cooking.  The hazard isn't in the food itself, but in the availability of amazingly great home-cooking and it's direct effect on the waistline. YIKES!  I've only been home 6 weeks, and it didn't take much for me to realize that adding a work out routine into my schedule is REQUIRED.  I've just been doing a cardio workout video I found (where else?) on Pinterest and lots of sit-ups.  I'm trying really hard to make it a daily habit, but so far it's about an every other day kinda habit.  Oh well, a girl's gotta start somewhere, right?

Well, that's all I've got for now.  Stay tuned for more life!

Right Now I'm...

Listening: Michael Buble's new cd doesn't come out until April 23, but it was "pre-released" on yahoo music online, so I've been listening to that a LOT the last few days. Because it's his best album yet. And I LOVE IT!

Reading: Irene Hannon's latest novel "Vanished," which thus far has been pretty great!  She writes Christian suspense novels, and I'm a huge fan!

Eating: It's Saturday, so that means it's pizza night at the Vance house (my favorite!).  Also, my "rent" for living at my parents house is to make dessert for Sunday dinner, so I'll be baking a strawberry cake with strawberry frosting tonight! I'm not sure how that counts as "rent" since my mom bought all the 'gredients, but I won't complain!

Wishing: That spring was in full bloom. With warmer temps (All I'm asking for is steady 60-70 degree weather.  Is that really too much to ask?).  And sunshine.

Needing:  I would say a good lunch box.  This morning that's what I needed.  But Mom and I went grocery shopping today, and I ended up finding the perfect lunch box, so I no longer need one! Yay!

Rejoicing: I'm loving my new job at the bank!  It's exactly what I was looking for, and I love the people I work with.  It would be nice to know where I'll be for sure, but it's looking like there's a good possibility I might actually get to stay in Donnellson, which is where I wanted to be in the first place!

Indulging: Salt Water Taffy.  Mom picked up some today in town, and I tell you that stuff is addicting! I super love the banana kind, even though my family thinks I'm insane.

Loathing: Worms.  It's been rainy here, and I'm just dreading their arrival on the sidewalk.  Just the sight of them makes me gag... add the smell and I loose my breakfast. Gross.

Saying: Lots of funny and random stuff.  I came down with a HORRIBLE sinus infection last weekend, and so I've been on meds this week.  Apparently, I've been saying lots of rather hilarious things.  Like... more funny than normal.

Meditating: There's a Legacy Five song titled "Ask Me Why," and its basically all about the love of God.  And I really really love that song.  I heard it on the radio this morning at breakfast, and it's been in my head all day.

Picturing:  Easter two weeks ago.  I never did put up pictures, so for all my wondering readers, here's a quick glimpse of our day.  The only thing missing was Helen, who spent Easter in Ohio.

Right Now I'm...

Ok, so I'm obviously stuck in a little blogging rut, but I kinda like it.  I like blogging in this format for right now because it suits my needs and keeps people up to date on little areas of my life. :)

Listening: The Pitch Perfect soundtrack... because it's awesome.  Also the new Glee songs from last night's episode.  Because they, too, are awesome.

Reading: Full Disclosure by Dee Henderson.  GREAT book!

Eating: Real food.  That's what happens when you move home! (It's fabulous, by the way!)

Wishing: That spring would show up in full force ASAP.  I'm sick of winter and cold and snow.

Needing: At this moment, I can't think of a single thing to put here.  That's a good thing though, right?

Rejoicing: I'm home!  It took me 12 hours from the time I started packing boxes in Ankeny to the time I finished unpacking boxes at home.  Go me!

Indulging: Home Cooking. I don't plan to feast forever, but the next few days, I'm just enjoying my mama's good eats!

Enjoying: Being at home. Spending time with my family. 

Loathing: My stupidity.  I totally should have taken a week break between jobs.  My grandparents will be here next week, and my family has half a week off from school.  I definitely wasn't thinking when I said I could start March 25.  Oh well...

Saying: Lots of conversation with my family.  Mostly with my mom, since she's been the only one looking alive and alert today.   

Meditating: On Easter.  The death, burial, and resurrection of my Savior.

Picturing: My final days in Ankeny & my move.  Great stuff!