Baby Steps

Can we just talk about how cute this picture is? I love baby rolls! Why can't being a chunky monkey when you're older be this adorable? I might have to start a movement...So, I've titled this entry Baby Steps because I've decided to approach quitting smoking the same way that I have did with eating and exercising. I need to take baby steps AND be okay with that. I haven't completely quit, but I have cut back. I did manage to go about 26 hours without smoking. I used to go through a pack about every other day. Now it takes me a few days to get through one. Popping my bubble gum to and from work is actually entertaining. It doesn't take much to amuse me! I do need to set a more realistic goal for myself. My current goal is to quit smoking by the time 2014 rolls around. It will be here before we know it! Sadly, I'm already over the Christmas commercials (Thanks, IHOP!) and someone that lives not too far away from me has had their decorations and lights up for at least a week now. What the heck?

I finally made it into the gym this week! Woo-hoo! I happened to get off from work early the other morning and I thought that 4:30AM would be the perfect time for me to pop in and get started. I was right. I love that Planet Fitness is open 24 hours and that they are staffed the entire time. I think I'm going to really enjoy being a member. I only made it in one day, but I can't wait to kill it next week! I did manage to hit the elliptical for 30 minutes. That's a new high time for me! I was so excited that I became that person that takes a picture of their progress...

Also, I thought this could be the last photo I would ever take...Longest 30 minutes of my life!

I thought for sure that I wouldn't lose any weight this week. I only exercised one day and somebody suggested that we needed a fast food breakfast on Friday morning. He was right, Hardee's biscuit and gravy hit the spot! I had Hardee's Friday morning and sushi for dinner. Of course, I had to indulge in my weekly Little Debbie as well. It's job security, y'all! So, I hopped on the scale this morning expecting to see the same number I saw last week, or worse, 250+. Well I must have done something right because I weighed in at 246 lbs! That's down 3 lbs from last week, down 22 lbs since I began my journey, and 47 lbs away from reaching my goal weight of 199 lbs by June 18th. It's all about the baby steps! I'm like my little niece, Brianna, who has started standing on her own but has yet to take off. Once she figures it out, there will be no slowing her down. The same can be said for me. Like the old Carpenter's song says, we've only just begun. And now, I give you my weekly selfie! Enjoy the face I'm making. I still feel ridiculous taking these so I figured why not express that via facial expressions...

I wanted to take a moment to once again thank each and every one of you for following this blog. I can't tell you how much it brightens my day and encourages me when you take the time out of your day to message me or reach out to me with your support. You guys and gals rock! Until next time...