I am determined to concentrate on the positive and let go of the negative. I have "Worry Wart" stamped on my forehead, it is that obvious if you know me. But I see that reflected in my oldest son, and see now how pointless it is. Author Eckhart Tolle really helped me see this in myself and I'm working on it. It is getting easier with age though. But I do have worries, stuff going on that I dont' want to air out on the world wide interwebs. Some of it I have no control over, it is just this economy and we need to make the best of it. Other things I do have control over, but I'm fearful of the solutions (I need to get over that). But they are all things I can live with, and I'm learning to be okay with all that!
Friday, July 8, 2011
To a Cake-Free Birthday (and Bikinis)!
I celebrated a birthday this week, and this is the second year I have forgone the birthday cake. And lookie there, I survived! So here is to cake-free birthdays! The night before the kids took me out to dinner at Maggiannos. I got the Chicken Ramano and substituted the pasta it came with for Broccolini and shared a beer with the Husband. I did sneak a few bits of the bread, but not even half a piece. The next day the kids woke me up with a spa appointment (my favorite thing!), a babysitter for half the day (my other favorite thing!) and a new temperature station (I NEED to know the weather outside BEFORE I got outside. The Husband thinks this is weird, yet still bought me a new one). Then the Husband and I spent an evening in Palo Alto on University Ave just across from Stanford. We had dinner at a Cajun restaurant (where I ordered my first cocktail in maybe a year, and hated it) and then had a French Press of decaf with cream at another place. It was so beautiful and relaxed, a really nice evening.
I am determined to concentrate on the positive and let go of the negative. I have "Worry Wart" stamped on my forehead, it is that obvious if you know me. But I see that reflected in my oldest son, and see now how pointless it is. Author Eckhart Tolle really helped me see this in myself and I'm working on it. It is getting easier with age though. But I do have worries, stuff going on that I dont' want to air out on the world wide interwebs. Some of it I have no control over, it is just this economy and we need to make the best of it. Other things I do have control over, but I'm fearful of the solutions (I need to get over that). But they are all things I can live with, and I'm learning to be okay with all that!
So anyways, this is Amber at 42. I'm figuring stuff out and learning to like myself. I'm learning to solve my problems and live with the solutions and decisions I make. You might look at my before/after here and be disgusted. I am scared, to tears nearly, to post these photos, both of them. I'm not pretending to be perfect, or done. I am a work in progress. I'm not going to point out the spots that really need some work, or mention I only wear this suit in my backyard with only immediate family. But I'm posting it for a few people who might be motivated by my journey. For a few people out there, who think it's not possible to change their lives or their bodies. Because it is possible. Because I did it. And I survived.
I am determined to concentrate on the positive and let go of the negative. I have "Worry Wart" stamped on my forehead, it is that obvious if you know me. But I see that reflected in my oldest son, and see now how pointless it is. Author Eckhart Tolle really helped me see this in myself and I'm working on it. It is getting easier with age though. But I do have worries, stuff going on that I dont' want to air out on the world wide interwebs. Some of it I have no control over, it is just this economy and we need to make the best of it. Other things I do have control over, but I'm fearful of the solutions (I need to get over that). But they are all things I can live with, and I'm learning to be okay with all that!
Labels:
before photos,
eating out,
maintenance
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First off, happy birthday! Ssecond, you look awesome! I hope I can wear a bikini this summer, thanks to the belly fat cure! I am proud of you for your accomplishments- you inspire us! Now have a great weekend and enjoy that bikini amber!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! Who needs cake anyway when you can have a bikini! I admire you so much for having the courage to provide cowards like me with motivational tools such as your pictures. Thank you so much, and please know you really are helping someone by doing it.
ReplyDeleteI love coming to your blog for ideas, tips and inspiration! Thank you! (and happy birthday!)
ReplyDeleteYou look AWESOME! Here's to a new year of health and happiness!
ReplyDeletePatty G. in NJ
Happy Birthday, Beautiful Lady!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your kind words Ladies! I really appreciate you all!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kathy....Who needs cake when you look smoking hot in a bikini! If I looked that good in a bikini, I'd wear it to the grocery store! :) Anyhow, I mentioned it on facebook, but will do so again...Happy Birthday! Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteCarey Callander
what a birthday present - you in that suit!! You look awesome Amber... Sounds like you had a great day :-)
ReplyDeleteAmber, what a terrific thing you did posting those photos. It must have taken alot of courage, but you really do look great. I feel like you are talking to me, because sometimes I feel like I am never going to accomplish my goals or change my life or my body. I don't think I believe it deep down inside, and I believe that is the first step toward making them happen. I don't know how to get to the point where I change my mindset. I can't even bring myself to post before pictures, or my actual weight for that matter on my blog. I'm just not able to.I am going through the motions alot, and talking the talk, but not walking the walk. I am a worrier too. I know what you mean about not posting all your troubles on the web. I've never been one to open up to eveyone about my personal stuff. But I worry all the time too. All the time. When things are going well, I worry about what if something bad happens. I wish I was able to spill it all out on a blog, but I can't. Anyway, I do get motivation and strength when I read blogs like yours. I wish you a happy, worry free birthday!
ReplyDeleteYou look AMAZING!!! Now you can head into your later years knowing that at 40 you still wore a bikini!
ReplyDeleteI am a worrier too. My husband says it is like a pop machine, the next worry drops as soon as one is gone.
Happy, happy, happy Birthday!
WOW!!!! One word, INSPIRATION!!!
ReplyDeleteYou look amazing!!!!
ReplyDeleteAndrea
Hubba, hubba and a belated Happy Birthday! :-)
ReplyDeleteAmber, you are indeed, an inspiration & a role model. Never doubt that. We see how you have changed inside and out and know we can do the same. Happy Birthday and THANK YOU!
ReplyDeleteKim
You look AWESOME!!! Go Girl!!!
ReplyDeleteHeather - My first hubba, hubba ever! Thanks for making me laugh!! - Amber
ReplyDeleteI don't know why you would be scared to post that pic. You look fabulous! 42, no way!! I'm 30 and would kill for a body like yours!! Congrats and Happy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteU look so cute in that suit and at least ten years younger than the first pic! Thanks for posting that i have a hard time looking at old pics of myself. Ashamed i let myself get that way and feel sad that i was so depressed that i felt like food was my only friend :( thanks for posting those...makes me feel less alone and inspired! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteGreat inspiration Amber!! Congrats and happy be-lated birthday 8-)
ReplyDeleteYou look incredible! Yay for you… and thanks for sharing. I can only imagine the courage it took to post your pics.
ReplyDeleteAmber I tried your tortilla crisps with the cinnamon "sugar", but instead of using whipped cream to layer them I used home made ice cream!! It was delicious! My son liked the cinnamon crisps almost more than the ice cream! Thanks for the recipe.
ReplyDeletewow you look incredible so inspiring you should be so proud!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou look fabulous! I am totally inspired by your pics...Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWow congrats!!
ReplyDelete