Sweet Jesus

God is so sweet to you. These words from a dear friend really touched me today. It's so true. God has blessed Teaven and I so much.

We are really feeling the big transition that is coming. We really started feeling it when we told my parents about our "early" arrival and even more so when we found out that new teachers had officially been hired to replace us. It's all becoming so real that we're moving back to America and probably never going to see this place again, our first home together. This last month here is really going to be bittersweet.

Last weekend, Teaven and I had the pleasure of seeing one of our friends from America in Seoul. It was so refreshing to talk with someone from back home. We had a great time with Kat, only wish it could have been longer!

We met up with her and headed to Gyeongbokgung Palace. This was probably one of my favorite places we've been to in Korea. It was absolutely gorgeous. I was so disappointed that the weather was so nasty that day because the fall colors surrounding the palace were so breathtaking. 

Then, we headed to Itaewon for dinner and shopping. We were there for Halloween weekend, so naturally, we had to by these cute headbands. We ate at a delicious Indian restaurant, then walked around shopping for souvenirs. At one point, a man came yelling down the street about how people need to know Jesus. Then he pointedly looked at the three of us, and said, "Do you love Jesus?" When we all nodded and said yes, he quickly replied, "Good. See you later in Heaven." and walked away. We all agreed that anger probably isn't the best tactic, but his parting line was hilarious!

During our time together, the topic was brought up about how Kat's house in Killeen would be available to rent this month. When she offered it to us, we were both a little taken aback. Could this be a God-thing? (of course!) Up to this point, our plan was to go back and live with my parents until we could find something more permanent.   The only drawback of that plan is my older sister and her kids are currently living there as well while their house is being built in San Antonio. So, Teaven and I would be taking up space that really wasn't there. Isn't it amazing how perfect God's timing is? After some prayer and consideration, Teaven and I felt that this was the direction God was taking us (and if definitely doesn't hurt that her house is gorgeous!) We are so thankful for her generosity and truly blessed to have been able to spend time with her!

So, you see? God has been sweet to us. When I feel that sudden inkling of worry or doubt creeping into my mind about this move, I am sweetly reminded that he is in control. He has already provided so much for us, and it seems that he likes to give us these surprises to remind us that he will continue to do so. 

8 Week Challenge: Week 3 Reflection

Well, here we are entering week 4 of the 8 week challenge! I can't believe we are almost halfway finished! I did not have such a great week, especially compared to the awesomeness of last week. Towards the middle of the week I started feeling sickly and we had a busy weekend. I know that's no excuse, and I didn't eat terribly. It was just one of those weeks where I wanted to give my brain a break from the constant weight-loss mindset. I feel like a lot of my thoughts are directed towards my health, and I just needed a little break. Do you ever have moments like that?

In other news, my jeans arrived. You know the ones.. the beautifully made jeans with the single digit size on the tag. Yup, they're here, and they fit like a glove.

Part of me wants to be really disappointed in myself for the week that I had, but sometimes it's just so hard when I know I reached one of my BIG goals. I can wear a size 8, people. I still can't believe it at times, and I'm scared I'm going to go back to America and realize it was just a fluke. Ah, well, that's just my insecurities coming out. I told Teaven the day I got them that I don't usually get really proud of myself, but knowing I reached that goal made me SUPER proud. I did it. I accomplished what I set out to do, and it just reminds me that I can do this. No matter how hard I make it seem, I got this. 

So, I'm going into this week remembering this:

Surprise!

I know. I know.

Once again, I've failed to post my weekly update on the challenge on time. But thankfully, this week it is not because of a discouraging number on the scale. In fact, I was feeling great last week, and I just knew I would see a good number on the scale!

And guess what, I did! I lost 1.7 kilograms this week, which is totally awesome! However, I'm psyching myself into thinking that it's just too good to be true and my number next week will be worse. Just goes to show that you should not trust your emotions. I swear every week I'm either really positive or really negative. Maybe I should get this under control. But once again, I am going to push forward no matter what my emotions tell me. Sure, a nap sounds better than a run, but I will definitely feel a heck of a lot better after a run.

Anyways, all that to tell you the real reason I am so late in writing this post. You see, Teaven and I have been keeping a secret (and before I go any further, no, I'm not pregnant) from my family. We were planning on continuing to keep this secret, but certain things have happened that made us feel it was the wisest decision to tell them now.

And, they were shocked!

What's the secret, you ask? Well..... Teaven and I will be boarding a plane on December 8 to head back to Texas for good. We're going home and could not be more thrilled about it. PLUS.. We get to spend Christmas with our family, which makes it that much sweeter.

At first, we were hesitant to tell my family. I mean, we'd been keeping this secret since May, and the prospect of showing up at my parents' front door unannounced was sooo appealing. Can you imagine their faces? But now that we've told them, I feel good about it. I can now blog about all the things we are experiencing as we are working towards another big move. I don't imagine the cultural transition being as easy as one would think (but that's for another post).

So, now you know. My 8-week challenge doesn't end in time for my mom to send me a box for Christmas. It ends in time for me to fly to America and going shopping in all those wonderful stores I've so greatly missed for a year and a half.

Only 6 weeks left in the challenge! Can you believe it? That means I'll be in Texas in 7 weeks.

Here's how we told my family:

8 Week Challenge: Week 2

To my avid and faithful readers (there's bound to be at least one or two of you out there),

I am so sorry I have yet to post about Week 1 of the Challenge. We are now into Week 2, and I must say, I think I avoided this blog on purpose. Mainly, because I am an excellent avoider when I don't want to face something I don't like. And, to be honest, I did not like this week's results.

And, even now, I'm avoiding finishing this blog because it feels much easier just to give up and say, "What's the point? I'm just gonna eat that PB&J I want so badly right now."

But then I realize, that's why I'm here, that's why I started this challenge. Not to give up after the first week, but to keep going EVEN WHEN I DON'T LIKE IT.

And, to be honest, I found myself wanting to workout at times. Running is still somewhat of a challenge, and even more so because I've found myself with some type of knee injury this week, but I still enjoy it and love the way it makes me feel. I even worked out each day over the weekend. That never happens. NEVER!

Food is my problem. It has been and probably will continue to be my problem. I'm horrible at counting calories. I'll do great for a couple of days and then eat something that I deem is too difficult to find the caloric value for. So, I give up. I'd much rather stay in my innocent little world where I think I'm eating the right amount of calories (when in reality, I've gone over). There we go, avoiding again.

Unfortunately, avoiding doesn't work. Never has. Never will. And that's why I'm here to tell myself to STOP IT!

I could make an excuse that the number on the scale wasn't what I wanted. I could say I have an injury and can't workout. I could say, "What the heck? I've already gone over my calories, why not just eat that PB&J?" I could give you every excuse in the book.

But I'm not going to. I'm going to push forward and not let that inner fatty take control. I am capable. I am willing. I am persistent.

8 Week Challenge - Week 1

Alright, today begins the 8-week challenge. I've been trying to think of a creative name for it, but I'm not very good at that. All I've come up with so far is 8 to great, and it sounds so much better in my head than it looks written down. Ah, well, if you have any suggestions, let me know.

For me, Sundays will be my weigh-in day. I decided this would be good because I tend to eat worse on the weekend, but I feel that I will be more conscious about what I eat if I know I have a weigh-in coming up.

So here are my stats for today. I didn't do my measurements today, but I will be sure to do them next Sunday.

Starting weight- 74.3 kg (163.8 lbs)

It was definitely disappointing to see that number because two weeks ago I was lower, but it's still a good starting point. Definitely better than the 88 kg I started at.

It's gonna be a short one today because I've got a pounding headache and am about to go to bed, but I want to encourage you (and me). We can do this! It's going to be a great and fulfilling next 8 weeks.

Ready. Set. Go

Source: helpwithweightloss.org via Sarah on Pinterest

8 Week Challenge

Fall weather has officially set in here, and I am really enjoying the cooler temperatures. Unfortunately, with the cooler temps comes a strong desire to curl up under a blanket, watch movies, and drink hot chocolate. Sounds nice, right?

Well, sadly, that's all I want to do sometimes, and I've lost my motivation to exercise and eat healthy.

So, I've decided to give myself an 8-week challenge. This will lead me right up until the last week of November, perfect timing for me to have my mom ship me some new, smaller clothes! I plan to be very open about this journey because I find that the more shut off I am about things, the easier it is to let my bad behavior slide. Now, I've got the whole blogging world my few readers on the edge of their seats waiting to find out what happens. hah. Plus, I realized that I'm bound to not be the only person who struggles with these things.

Let's start by talking about my goals. A few days ago, I ordered my very first pair of goal jeans. They will hopefully be here by mid-October (thanks, mom!). Now, when I tell you the size, don't laugh because I've never been this size before, and I'm really excited to get there. They are a... wait for it... size 8! I've never been a single digit pant size in my life. Well, maybe as a child. I set this goal a few months back but unfortunately, living in Korea, doesn't allow me to just go to a store to see how far away I am from that goal. And I'm super nervous that when I try them on in a few weeks, I'm going to go into hysterics because they won't even fit over my leg (trust me, that's happened).

I also have a weight goal of 68 kilos (roughly 149 lbs), but at this point I'd just be happy to get out of the 160s. Not sure I can lose 4.5 kilos in 8 weeks, but I'm still gonna try!

Now, let's talk exercise. My goal is to run AT LEAST 3 times a week, usually a 5k if not more. I also plan to do some type of strength training exercise 2-3 times a week.

Finally, let's talk eating. Oh, how I love eating. I think that's my biggest problem. Food is just so... delicious. I love pizza. I love Baskin Robbins. I love Dr. Pepper and Coke. Can you see where I'm going with this? Pretty much anything bad for me, I love it. I am a firm believer of cutting back, not cutting out but sometimes I just need to. So, no soda and no Baskin Robbins. Pizza.. only once a month (hey, a girl still needs a taste of America once in a while). More veggies. More fruits. More water. Less sugar. Less calories. Speaking of calories, I do plan on tracking my calories on MyFitnessPal.

I always say that I need accountability, but in reality I just need determination and self-control, something I lack. So my hopes in continuously blogging my progress and struggles is that I will be able to reflect and continue to be determined and excited about accomplishing my goals. The challenge begins on Sunday. Let's pray I can actually follow through this time!

So, who wants to join me? Ready. Set. Go!

Celebrity Status

Here's one thing living in Korea has taught me:

I have no desire to become a celebrity.

Let me explain. As you know, Teaven and I live in a small city, where there are only about 70-100 foreigners. The population of the city is about equal to Killeen, so that gives you some idea of how small that number is.

In our town, foreigners are a spectacle, a sight to see or rather say, "Hello. Nice to meet you." (I could write a whole other blog on how many people have told me it was nice to meet me when they don't even know my name.) And, I think Teaven and I are the only white people who live in our apartment complex, which is not small by any means. We are practically celebrities here. Ok, maybe that's too strong of a word, but that's what I feel like sometimes. Everybody knows us. Everybody knows that we live on the fifth floor. Everybody knows that we have a beagle.

And, frankly, I'm tired of everybody involving themselves in my life. It's nice when they just say hello and keep walking. But when they decide it's their business to tell me what to do with my dog or what not to do with my dog, I get a little peeved. Last night, as I was taking Sader out, a lady started talking to me.

"Dog (points to Sader). Pee." Then she proceeds to make a motion like she's picking something up. Naturally, I was a little confused because nobody picks up pee. So, I just said "Neh." But she persisted, and I finally, in my broken Korean, told her that Sader was not going to poop outside. This seemed to satisfy her, and we both went on our way, me a little annoyed that she thought I needed to know I have to pick up after my dog. Then, Teaven comes in this morning after taking Sader out and said the same thing happened to him.

It's not the first time something like that has happened. People always ask if I'm going running with Sader or where we are going. Sometimes, we'll get in the elevator, and they will have already selected the fifth floor for us.

Another prime example is the other night, Teaven and I were at a pub not far from our school. We were there with some of our friends, and a man sent a note on a napkin to one of our Korean friends saying that he knew who we were and was wondering if he could talk to us. When he came over, he told us he knew we had a Beagle and what floor we lived on. I'm pretty sure he used us as an excuse to talk to our pretty Korean friend, but still it's pretty creepy.

It's also not unheard of for us to be out at a restaurant or something and see people with their phones out taking pictures of us. Yeah, we're just that cool.

Then again, sometimes I'm thankful when people remember me, but that's only usually when I go to order pizza or something that we regularly eat. And, I'm happy that I don't have to stumble over my Korean words while trying to order correctly.

I guess that's just Chungju for you. Here we are living the lives of rock stars.