Snow Delay!

Well I really thought that I had moved back to Virginia from Colorado, but it looks like it has followed me here.  So the first weigh in and the kick off to the competition was supposed to be tomorrow, but all of this white stuff is going to prevent all of us from getting there.  It's been pushed back a week, so this will push the entire competition back a week, so it will actually end right at the end of July.  Hopefully the snow will stay away next weekend and we can get into it!  I'm ready to get started on this journey!

I've had a few moments over the past couple of days that have sort of reinforced this whole process for me.  On Wednesday, I had dinner with a couple of really good girlfriends of mine who I haven't had the chance to see in a while.  We ate at P.F. Chang's at Stony Point, and I ended up getting there a little early since my office is closer than they are.  So I decided to go searching for a purple shirt to wear to the first weigh in since we're the purple team.  I headed down the outdoor shopping area at Stony Point, and walked by so many stores with so many beautiful dresses and outfits that I have never been able to wear.  I went to Dillards and walked around the store, seeing so many things that I would love to buy and wear out and rock the way I know I could rock them.  I have never really had true hope before now that one day I could walk into a store like Dillards and grab a cute little cocktail dress, buy it and get out of the store quickly without agonizing over how I look in something.

Have you ever noticed how small the "woman" section is in a department store.  I guess I hadn't really thought about it until I was there this week.  It's a super SMALL section with lots of big clothes that don't have a shape, lack color, lack flair, and don't flatter...period.  I'm sick of having to shop in those sections because that kind of clothing doesn't allow me to express my personality through my clothes, which I love to do.  Now I'm relegated to using accessories, shoes, purses, jewelry to express myself.  I would love to have an outfit full express my personality and ambition.

I did find a purple t-shirt...in the men's department of course.  Dick's sporting goods doesn't carry anything for people who need to lose weight.  Kind of crazy if you ask me.  Here are the plus sized people who really need to get to the gym, and we have to go purchase menswear to do so and be able to be comfortable.  It doesn't make any sense.  Hmm....perhaps a future business venture?  How wonderful would it be for people who are overweight to be able to walk into a place like Dick's and purchase all of the work-out clothing and gear they need to feel comfortable, still attain functionality, and not feel like they're stuck in sweatpants and oversized shirts?  It really would be nice.

After shopping around and having a few revelations, I did end up having dinner.  Not the healthiest of dinners, but I did get a tofu entree, and I did split it three ways.  Kind of a last dinner out for six months if you will.  What was wonderful about the dinner was that I really talked to my friends about this competition.  They asked me tons of questions, and were absolutely 100% supportive and they can't wait for me to get to my goal.  I may have even convinced one of them to come walk the 10K with me.  The other friend will be running it like she does every year.  She runs every day.  This snow is killing her.  I asked her how much she runs and she said she does between four and six miles a day.  That kind of dedication is what I am looking to dig up out of myself.  With my knees I may not be able to run daily, but I want fitness, weight lifting, and nutrition to become a priority in my life.  I am dedicated to this goal and dedicated to making the life change.  It is only through changing our lives that we will be successful in this.

It's amazing how supportive all of my friends have been thus far and the competition hasn't even started yet.  It will get hard sometimes, but it's amazing to know that I have this huge network of people to fall back on, to moan and groan to, who will push me always to get to the next level.  I couldn't be more blessed when it comes to friends and family.  They're amazing.

Every one stay warm and safe in the snow!  Can't wait to get started in the competition!