BEW Weight Loss Competition: Week 2

This week was definitely not the greatest. I was so tired from work that I don't think I even stayed awake past nine any night. I'm so lame.

Weight Loss Goal by April 14: Lose 20 pounds

Pounds lost this week: 1

Progress Towards Goal: 1 of 20

Favorite thing that I made this week: Tilapia and asparagus. It has been so nice to be able to cook again the way I want to.

Exercising Goal for last week: Run 3 times.

Did I do it? Nope. I came home, made dinner and went to bed. :(

Exercising goal this week: same. I have got to start running again, and hopefully it will give me more energy.

Healthy change goal this week: no soda.

BEW Weight Loss Competition: Week One

Ok, y'all, here we go again. I'm pretty sure that the 8 week challenge I did a couple months ago was absolutely pointless given all the junk I've eaten since I've been back in Texas.  With that being said, I've decided to link up with Sarah, another blogger, and join her BEW Weight Loss Competition. I am only a few (not so much) pounds away from reaching my ultimate goal weight, and I am bound and determined to make that happen before summer arrives. 

Weight Loss Goal by April 14: Lose 20 pounds

Pounds lost this week: 0

Exercising Goal: Run/walk 3 times

How many times did I work out this week? Sadly, none.

Other goals this week: NO SODA!!

Back in the Heart of Texas

We're back and have truly been loving every single minute spent with family and friends. The holidays are over and we are finally beginning to slow down a little. I have so much to post about, but I just haven't had the time to sit down and do it yet. Hopefully, I will have some time to share with you all of my favorite things from the last couple of weeks, but for now, you will just have to rest assured that we are home, happy, and finally over that nasty jet lag.

Remember that 8 week competition I did from October to November? You do? How wonderful! Well, tomorrow I will be posting about a new competition from a fellow blogger that I will be participating in from now until April! Stay tuned.

A Few of My Favorite Things

In just a few short days, Teaven and I will pack up the last of our bags and hop on an airplane headed for the good 'ol state of Texas. I really can't believe that we've been here for a year and a half, and it's finally time to move home.

I wanted to take some time to document a few of my favorite things about Korea. There are so many.

Public Transportation

      

                                        

Seriously, it is so easy to get from one place to another in this country. I really wish it was this way in the US. AND not only is it easy, it's so cheap. We can take a taxi just about anywhere we need to go in our city for less than $5. Awesome

Coffee Shops

And, boy, are they in abundance here. We have at least 5 (probably a lot more) within 500 meters of our academy. Teaven and I are fond of sitting at a coffee shop for hours just talking (sometimes working). And I'm super fond of grabbing a cup of joe before work. Yum.

Seasons

Korea is a beautiful country, and it's even more accentuated by the vibrant colors during the seasons (well, minus winter). Growing up in Texas, I never truly got to experience a season other than summer. Let me tell you, Texas is missing out. Coming to Korea, I loathed fall. like, seriously, steamy passion hate. Leaving Korea, fall jumped up to possibly my favorite season. I still hate the cold that comes all too quickly here, but I will miss the beautiful snow.

Medical Care

We've been seen by dentists and doctors here for numerous reasons. On each occasion, the process was so quick, easy, and cheap. Also, it's really easy to just pop by a pharmacy and get a number of medicines that normally would not be considered "over-the-counter" in the US. We don't have insurance, and that hasn't caused a problem one bit. I love it and wish the US could mimic it. 

Food

Granted, this one is mainly for Teaven, since I've found I'm not too fond of Korean food. There are some things I love, though, like Korean BBQ, kimchi jjigae, cake, and several other things. But Teaven loves the food, and he will miss it greatly. 

Our Students

The students here are awesome. Well-behaved (for the most part), funny, and usually quite studious. Well, okay, as studious as kids get. I know teachers are supposed to have their favorites, but you're lying if you say you don't have a handful of favorite students. You know, those students that just find a special place in your heart? I've got several, and I will miss them. There've been a few students who Teaven and I would agree that we'd pack 'em in our luggage if we could. lol

This just got real...

Holy moly is time flying by!! I can't believe that there are only 2 weeks left of the challenge! And, even more so, I can't believe that means we are leaving the country in 3 weeks. Can you say crazy?

I'm determined to make these last 2 weeks count. My weight loss so far has been mediocre. I'm losing, but not as much as I should be, in my opinion. If I push really hard, and actually do what I'm supposed to, there's still a possibility that I'll reach my goal. So, Teaven and I are going to push each other to make the most of it before we get back and go shopping for our new, smaller wardrobes. SO excited to hit the stores. You have no idea.

Today we hit the teens in our countdown. 19 days. I can't believe what that means. You know when you're counting down to something and it just feels like a day doesn't take much off your countdown? Well, it's not like that anymore. Each day that passes, I feel a little more pressure to get things done and a lot more excitement that it's gonna be here before I know it.

I've started making my lists, and Teaven and I have Friday off this week to get some things done. He's going to the doctor to get his toe fixed before we move back to America, where medical expenses cost an arm and a leg. Seriously love that about Korea. Such awesome medical care. I'm going to get my hair done, and then we'll start the long-awaited for process of packing and deep cleaning our apartment.  So much to do, and I'm just so darn excited for this new journey in our lives.

Week 6

Here we are, entering Week 6 of the 8 Week Challenge. Can you believe we've been through 5 weeks already?

This past week was pretty good. I lost but feel like I am still pretty far from reaching my goal... and I feel like the time just keeps shrinking away. I've had a minor setback with running. I've got some type of problem with my right knee that makes it really hurt when I run. So, I'm taking a couple weeks off of running to see if that helps and only doing workout videos at home. I'm nervous it'll slow down my progress some because running is such a good workout for me, but I'm not going to let it stop me.

I'm determined to make these last 3 weeks count. Winter really gets to me. All this dreary, cloudy cold weather has me wanting to stay bundled up all day long. If it wasn't for Christmas, I would really loathe  winter. I'm not a big fan of cold weather, and I really look forward to getting back to Texas' warmer temps. I mean you people are still wearing shorts some days, right? Ridiculous. I think I'd die if I walked outside in shorts right now.

Our countdown to going home has passed the one month mark, and now each day that passes gives me a mini heart attack when I realize how close we are to leaving. There are so many mixed emotions that come with a big change like this. But that's for another post (which I promise I will write soon).

This week I'm going to forget all my setbacks. I'm going to lay aside my constant worry about how I want to look and focus on making healthy decisions.

Source: myfitnesspal.com via Toni on Pinterest

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.