Constant Beginnings

We took on another Korean adventure this weekend. We spent the weekend on Jeju Island which is a small island off South Korea's southernmost tip. Our trip began and ended with challenges, but we survived. The morning we were to leave, we quickly packed, walked 1/2 mile to the taxi only to catch a ride to the bus station and boarded the bus. During our little bus ride, I hesitantly asked Chris if we needed passports. After a brief discussion, we decided since it was a domestic flight they wouldn't be needed. So not true. Note to self: Korea requires identification for all passengers from birth on. Lesson learned. We arrived in Jeju an hour or so later. Beautiful. We were greeted with an eclectic mix of feelings--at times of Montana, at times a tropical island,  at times, the Cape. It was strange how one place could remind us of so many. It was lovely. Roses lined the streets, phlox greeted the curbs, and greenery was plentiful. Rocks were pounded by the rushing waves ...

Wow.  I can't quite believe it. Time is passing so quickly in certain aspects of my life and not so much in others. Odd. Work is slow, even though it is busy, we still haven't passed the one year mark of our two years in Korea, so that is going sloooowwwlllyyyy, but Mya is nearly to 2 years old and Claire keeps reminding me that she is almost 4. Wooosh. There goes time. Right. By. Me. One other area in which time seems to be escaping, oddly enough, is my workout regime. I've been on this journey for 3 months to the day. Wow. I have been a runner for 3 whole months! Wow! That is quite an accomplishment for one who formerly self diagnosed herself with exercise induced asthma ;) Once I was able to comfortably fit into all of my "before Claire" clothes, I adjusted my focus from losing weight to simply continue on the path of healthy eating and exercising. Now I run only 3-4 days per week and nothing too crazy--25 minutes, 2.5 miles, 3.0 incline, burns about 400 calori...

We officially made it ONE month on this little health adventure of ours. Phew! It has had challenges, but we've made it! I haven't had any sugar for an entire month, no bread either!! Those are two huge milestones by themselves. Amazing feat if I do say so myself. We will be sticking to this little plan, but just wanted to take a minute to bask in the deliciousness of a small success. I haven't lost anymore weight as far as the scale is concerned. Sticking at a flat 8 pounds. However, some large changes have taken place in terms of my body. I measured on day one and yesterday. I have lost 3 inches around my waist, 2 inches around each thigh. I even wore a size smaller pants to work this week and they looked great! I am working out at least 4 times per week and sticking to the diet with small moments of cheating (2 meals with rice this month). I am so pleased with our successes thus far and even more pleased that I have no desire to jump ship...YET!! So with that, here's...