Summer Resolutions

I don't know why August is always so stressful. Maybe it's because I'm in the Education field, and, even though I work year-round, August just brings a whole pile of new work. Maybe it's because Carter Lane goes back to school and has football practice until at least 6:00 pm (both JV and Varsity since he manages), homework, tests, etc. Maybe it's because it's been 267 degrees this month and the heat makes me exhausted. Maybe, just maybe, it's because I'm just high-strung by nature.. who knows? I have, however, handled the stress ok this time around. However, I have made a few resolutions that I'm posting on here in the hopes of my promising updates will actually hold me accountable to the things that I'm saying.

So, starting sometime  (let's just go ahead and be optimistic and say tomorrow), I will:

• Begin (and work through to completion) the 30 Day Shred
  
  No, I don't think that I will lose up to or anywhere close to 20 lbs in 30 days. However, I am hoping that I can tone up some of the jiggly parts (Or at least convince myself that I have). It's a workout regime composed of 3 levels. I'm supposed to spend 10 days on Level 1 (which I have done before, and it seriously kicks my tail, even with the modified moves) and then 10 days on Level 2, followed by 10 days on Level 3 (that I've read is darn near to awful). I will probably take before and after pictures, but I make no promises to share unless I see some MAJOR results.

• Not enter one of my favorite places for a whole month:
  
  I know a lot of people are not Dirt Cheap fans... It used to give me panic attacks, too, when I walked in and there was no rhymoe nor reason to anything. However, I have found that if you have the time the desire, and a portable container of hand sanitizer, you can actually find some really good stuff. At least 10-15 items in my wardrobe have come from here (I probably shouldn't admit it, but I'm actually proud because I LOVE a good deal.) such as the sweater I'm wearing today (the picture doesn't show how cute it really is.. I love it!) that I purchased for $3:

• Actually finish a Bible study:
  
  I do ok on my quick daily devotional, but I often let Bible Studies fall behind everything else in my life (definitely not something I'm proud of). My church is currently doing the video series and workbook on Lord, Change My Attitude, but I have handbell practice while the study is going on. So, I have just picked up the workbook and am going through it with a couple of friends, and just the first week was amazing and changed the way I thought about my words, actions, and thoughts. I am going to finish this study, and hopefully let it change the way I am rather than just the way I think. I will share some of my thoughts and revelations throughout, but I would recommend anyone looking into this study, just for the little bit that I've already experienced!! (Not to ruin it for you, but the first week is on complaining, and I, first, never realized how much of a complainer I am, and, second, never thought about how it impacts other people and, more importantly, how it impacts my relationship with God. - You're curious now, aren't you?)

• Finally, to NOT gain back all the weight that I lost on Weight Watchers:
  I know that I've talked about it before (multiple times), but Weight Watchers really works when one is dedicated and using will power. However, I am the worst about reaching my goal and then thinking (erroneously) that I can eat like I was eating before WW and still look like I do post WW. Ultimately, I lost a total of 40 lbs on WW just by changing my eating habits ( I understand that you're supposed to mix some exercise in there, too, but I didn't do it... That's why I need to tone - see Resolution numero uno). To give you some perspective, I have found similar pictures of pre-WW Julie and post-WW Julie.
  
  PRE (Obviously)

POST

(So you can kinda see why I would like to not have to go through all of this again. )

Anyway, so those are my resolutions... I truly intend on keeping them! Any words of encouragement or wisdom will be welcomed :)

I hope everyone has a great rest of the week!