The Battle To Lose Weight Is On!

During my whole pregnancy I gained a whooping 40lbs. It was the heaviest state that I’ve been in my whole life. Post-childbirth, I lost about half of it (which made me very happy) but I want to be back to my old weight or at least 2-5lbs more. I know it’s doable, I just need a LOT of motivation to do so. I want to be able to fit in my clothes again; to be as active as before too.

We don't diet much. Though we limit eating out because homecooked meals are oftentimes healthier. This way I could practice my passion for cooking too, recipes just excite me! Also, the mister and I have bought this exercise DVD – P90x. Oh my, it’s not a walk in the park! We sweat like crazy, we were so sore the next day we do a routine; bottomline is its actually working! I hope we’ll be religious enough to complete our 90 days because sometimes we get lazy. Well, at least we are in this together. I believe it's more fun and more effective this way, working out with a partner.

Bring it! (As per the DVD! ;P)

The Light That Guides Me Home

Family life is like a rollercoaster ride so far. Mostly ups, though the downs are inevitable. It’s just that I get overwhelm sometimes. Before Elysse was born, Vince and I could just sit and relax at 9pm. Having her around makes 24 hours seem not enough. I am not complaining, I just feel tired once in a while. Physical, that is. Then there are all these other matters like finances and work obligations. I remembered what Vince’s cousin told us, “always be good to each other, no matter what”. There are moments that I bitch around now because of stress and I feel guilty about it. Perhaps in times like this I should count my blessings, instead. I should really take a minute or two to contemplate that we’re fortunate than most people. I have a loving husband and a sweet daughter, they should be enough to keep me happy.

This morning I prayed hard for the Lord to clear my perspective, for Him to grant me more patience and understanding. Afterall my family is the light that indeed guides me home.

On Family Vacations II

We introduced Elysse to her first “supposedly-less-than-6hr-turned-more-than-7hr” roadtrip. One thing we learned -- roadtripping via car is much different from riding an airplane! It is more tedious! Mind you, we stopped almost every other hour and a half to change her soiled diaper or to feed her or for her to catch a breather just because she’s getting bored inside the car. We had an idea that our recent family escapade would be a little off the schedule but we didn’t expect for something that involved so much work! Everything turned out to be very enjoyable anyway. New experience, that was.

We went to Vegas for my brother’s birthday and my parent's anniversary celebration. Elysse was amazed that she kept on making cooing sounds while strolling inside the many hotel malls. I was surprised when I brought her into one of the children’s boutique. She became excited and her eyes just brightened upon looking at this particular yellow dress. Too bad the store didn’t have her size. But at least I know Elysse could be my shopping buddy when she grows up. Hah!

Living by St. Teresa of Avila's Words

"Let nothing disturb you.
Let nothing make you afraid.
All things are passing.
God alone never changes.
Patience gains all things.
If you have God you will want for nothing.
God alone suffices."

Lately, some situations just pushed us to feel a little anxious. It’s normal to fear, I know. Especially that we have Elysse now, Vince and I have to be more concern. I just want to really be on Vince's side whenever he's down too. Perhaps we have to remind ourselves often that we have the Lord in our family life; that is enough to assure us that everything will be fine.

On Luke 6:38

"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

I should remind myself of this bible verse everytime I feel overwhelmed with life. Even if things are hard sometimes; even if 24 hours in a day aren't enough; even if circumstances don't always agree with us, I believe that we've been blessed with so much. He has His plans and I just have to keep my incessant faith in Him that everything will happen in His own perfect time.