8/11- Okay, I don't make films. But if I did, they'd have a Samurai

Weight Loss This Week- 0lbs

So, this week started off in Colorado finishing up my visit to see Dad and Diane. I talked Dad into one more morning walk which was really nice. Then, he and Diane had work (he also had a golf tournament) that Monday, so I decided to go shopping and get some new clothes for the new school year. Now, we all know how ... unpleasant clothes shopping can be. And if you've ever been this overweight, you know how utterly depressing it can be. I have spent so much of my life just avoiding clothes shopping for the sheer fact that it meant I'd have to try on 26/28's or XXXL's. That will shoot any shred of self-esteem or good feelings right down the tube. I would wear clothes until they were falling apart to avoid that humiliation every time. Eventually, my parents just bought the clothes, guesstimated the sizes, and I'd keep what fit and that was that. I'd also opt for bigger, flowy clothing in some odd effort to not seem so large. It doesn't work, it just made me look even bigger. But, I hated clothes that might cling to me and show off exactly what my body looked like. It just sucked.

Nowadays, I'm still working on getting down to the goal weight, so some clothes are not options yet (YET). I am getting more comfortable with wearing more flattering clothing. I actually like the clingier clothes because they don't make me look like a total whale- they show how much less I weigh. Also, when they start to get loose, it's just the most amazing feeling in the world. I also like that I'm now down to 18's and L/XL- depends on the brand.  THANK GOD. I can shop in regular clothing stores for the most part- no more Fat Girls Only stores. I actually had a lot of fun going shopping that day- even though I was driving nonstop and tearing through racks and shelves like a mad woman. I went to Ross, The Outlets at Castle Rock, and Kohl's that day (thanks Dad and Diane for the car and the funds!), and I found 4 new work tops, 3 new work pants, 1 new pair of work shoes, and 1 new pair of tennis shoes. I was so proud :) Then, Diane surprised me with more tops, dresses, and a skirt. I'm going to be so styling :)

I have returned to Memphis and begun orientation/inservice for the school year. I met the other new teachers for SBA- they all seem really nice and cool. I even remember their names! I found out my schedule, students, and rooms for the year. I've been meeting other teachers at SBA- some names I remember, some names I'm still learning.  Everyone has been really welcoming, friendly, and helpful. I think it's going to be a great year :) I'm also crazy-excited that I can use a Smart Board everyday for my English classes (woot for Title I!).  The only downside to inservice is working on figuring out my working out schedule- but better now than right when school starts. I also got blisters from my new work shoes that kept from walking for two days- but back on track tomorrow! The combination of not getting in all my workouts and still celebrating with friends a few nights meant no weight loss this week.

I had fun with some neighbors Friday night up on the roof- I told you, it's the place to be. I met yet another teacher who seems really awesome and cool, so that's good. It's nice to have people who understand and validate your experiences. Saturday, I went to a Catechist class for about 6 hours. It was very informative- I think I got some more good ideas for the year. Saturday evening, the K Squared Book Club had their Meet and Greet! (Did I mention that Kerry and I have started a book club? I know, I know, we're rather amazing) A few members had to miss due to unforeseen circumstances, but we still had a nice time sipping on coffee and chatting.  Later, Sunshine and I went to see We're the Millers- so damn funny. I was howling through the majority of the movie, definitely a good one to see if you're in the mood for a comedy.

Today, I finally finished going through all my boxes in Mom's attic.  I had 5 big plastic bins, 2 suitcases, and 15 boxes in her attic at the beginning of the summer. Hoarder in the making, I'm aware. I went through absolutely everything in each bin, suitcase, and box. I have thrown away a lot of stuff. I have donated a lot of stuff. I have found about 1.5 bins worth of stuff I actually need/can use at my new apartment (I've been looking for most of it since I moved). I have about 2 bins worth of stuff that will go back into the attic along with the furniture I couldn't bring here. It was crazy to see all that stuff. I had so many cards, school papers, yearbooks, books, school spirals, textbooks, photos, clothes, purses, odds and ends, etc. It was hard to let go of some things, but also very liberating to be able to know that I was done with so much of that part of my life. Now, aside from the stuff I can bring and use here, what I want to do with with a lot of the t-shirts and school uniforms I found is make one of those quilts- or pay someone to make one of those quilts. We'll see what happens with that down the line.

Tip of the Week: When you get an injury (or blisters), allow it some time to heal so you don't further complicate it- or cause the blisters to create more blisters each time you work out.

Recipe of the Week: http://www.weightwatchers.com/food/rcp/RecipePage.aspx?recipeId=57951
I've made this a few different times, always delicious- consider not using the chocolate chips because they get pretty hard when frozen.

Now, time for more prepping and planning before continuing with inservice tomorrow :)