Kicking *kitten* In Our Twenties - April Challenge!!

Hey folks... An thanks for the "welcome back" Aly! I know I've been hot and cold on here a little. Life's just been hectic and I have struggled with finding the motivation to write on here because I tend to just end up venting and being a major Debbie Downer. I really don't want to be coming on here just to moan and complain about my problems and so I've been somewhat absentee until I could get them figured out. I'm far from "sorted" with most of my life problems, but I feel like things are at the very least becoming manageable, so I am back in moderation for the time being.

Allllways hanging around MFP though, as most of you know, so drop me a line on my profile or in a PM if you ever have a question, need support, or just want to say hi. That goes for everyone :bigsmile:

Guam - Girl, it sounds like you need a BREAK. I can totally understand how suffocating and overwhelming it can be to feel like you have zero options. Even the smallest set-back can end up feeling like a massive rift in your life when nothing seems to be "turning up Bethany". This is how I've been feeling as well the last month or two. It's so hard to pick yourself up when you feel constantly beat down, and falling out of routine makes it that much more difficult to feel like you can regain some control and get back to feeling good about life again. I wish I had "the right stuff" in this regard - I struggle a lot with feeling helpless and out of control in life, generally, myself - and could give you some awesome advice but the best I can do is try to be a support system and tell you that I really do understand how demoralizing it can be and how hopeless one can feel under those circumstances. I really hope you can find some peace in those parts of your life that you can still control, find happiness in the small moments in your day that make you truly grateful (like motherhood, fitness, making good choices for you when you can, and taking time to appreciate the journey), and eventually find some workable solutions to your living and employment dilemmas. We all just have to do the best we can with the card's we're dealt. You're working hard, you're a great mother, and when you can find the energy and time you work hard at being good to yourself. You should be really proud of that - hold your head high, lady We're all here for you <<hugs>>

Aly - Sounds like you had an incredible trip! Only 1.2lbs up is GREAT for a holiday as wicked as yours. Despite the event, I'm sure you ate and drank like anyone would on vacation, so that gain is totally insignificant in the grand scheme. You'll be back down to the 160s in no time! When do we get to see these pics, anyway?!? Don't hold back from us now!

Spell - Thanks! I'd love some healthified Indian recipes! Anything with eggplant would be amazing ... Either veg or meat dishes are preferred. I don't really eat bread, rice or anything too carb-heavy so those kinds of dishes are out for me. I also don't eat potatoes. I have been known to order/make Aloo Gobi from time to time, but I may as well try to steer clear to keep myself feeling balanced and in control with my carbs.... No sense making things harder than they need to be! Whatever you send will be happily received, though. I love new recipes and especially love trying new flavours and cuisines I'm not entirely comfortable with, just yet. Korean and Mexican I've got down to an art form. Indian is still a little rusty for me :laugh: But I'm learning!

Shannon - Thanks so much for such kind words :blushing: It's nice to see that people are still inspired by my progress and happy to read my long, blathering posts (you'd be amazed at how much MORE I used to post on these groups... :noway: these ladies can attest. I was an MFP-addict!). Don't you fret though - this group won't be going anywhere if I have my way! I love it here and while I've been maintaining now for a few months, I still get so much out of my friendships on MFP, including all of those I've forged in this group, and the new friendships I am building each and every month. No chance I'm giving that up! Great marriage/wedding advice, BTW - I HOPE CAIT WAS LISTENING TOO *ahem* :laugh:

Speaking of weddings.... Can you ladies believe I've never been to one? hah! This summer is my VERY FIRST wedding. Tyler's co-worker and close friend is getting married the weekend before the Warrior Dash. I've always managed to avoid weddings because I felt really uncomfortable and unattractive in tight or revealing clothing. I never wore dresses and I hated getting dressed up. I am SO excited for this occasion though, and for Ty to show me off to all his work friends :blushing: Who, apparently, think I'm a total babe. Will be a great opportunity to get these arms and shoulders totally RIPPED and then wear a fun cocktail dress to show them off. Can't wait! I think I may go down to the States to find something fun to wear... Should be a great shopping trip!

Eeek Work is quickly approaching. Working again Thurs/Fri/Sat 9pm-3am at my sketchy, dangerous awful job. Three more weeks and then HOME FREE! May 1st :drinker: And that just so happens to be the day Tyler officially takes possession of his apartment in Hamilton. Will definitely be a HUGE celebration on May 2nd :bigsmile: Lots of great life changes, that's for sure. Still mega stressed about not having a job after this one, but I am holding out hope that I'll find something soon... Eventually, something's gotta turn up. In the meantime I'm taking control of my fitness and my life and refusing to be a slave to carbs, calories, or this awful foot injury. LIFE GOES ON!

Have a great Friday everyone - I'll post an update once I get up, weigh-in and have some oats in my tummy :happy:
Much love everyone