Life Is All About Choices

Hello and Welcome to the most cliche title posts known to man! However, it is arguably one of the most true statements. Choices-- we all have to make them every millisecond of the day, generally without our knowldege, often times they are natural and free of deliberation  and without them we would be stuck at a standstill not sure which prong to take when faced with a fork in the road. We couldn't comprehend our inner most wishes, and we wouldn't be standing where we are today without the choices and decisions that brought us to this moment. Which is exactly why, one should make choices with grace, dignity, and courage because you never really know the full outcome of your decision for a long time after it is made. 

This morning all I wanted to do was stay in the cocoon of my bed, but at 9:30 I dragged myself up and out, ate some oatmeal (the preferred breakfast of champions!) and made it to my French class where we had a sub who brought some much needed life back into the class-- let's just say that my current teacher is hands down the worst teacher I have ever had :(  Another choice I had to make was what I wanted for lunch. If I could have it my way I would probably eat cheesy grillers for every meal, but alas the countdown to spring break is slowly nearing the single digits (YIPPEE I GET TO GO HOME!). So instead of gorging myself on the cheesy goodness I said I would get a veggie filled sandwich instead because my hall mates and I would be enjoying pizza for dinner which appeared to be the perfect compromise, I guess I really am growing into a person who can make sound decisions! Sadly, I could not enjoy pizza because some how the boys managed to polish off the whole order a good 5 minutes before we were even supposed to meet in our lounge! Stupid boys! These two choices seem insignificant but I am proud of myself, I am proud that I attended every one of my classes today and made the choice to start eating for my health rather that just my immediate pleasure. 

With Lent coming up there is all sorts of talk about giving up this or that, but I can clearly remember my 4 year old self asking why give something up? Why not try and turn it into a positive and do something for yourself instead of just deprivation. So for my Lent journey I will live by the motto of one of my favorite people, Bethenny Frankel. She believes that we should "TASTE EVERYTHING, EAT NOTHING", now clearly she doesn't mean that you can't eat. Instead her philosophy is that you can enjoy food, but don't overdo it. Yes, another cliche but when it's put the way she has it makes sense to me, and is something that I feel I could truly implement into my Freshman college eating. This may seem like deprivation, but really its not. Instead of eating the slice of heaven that are the vegan chocolate chip cookies, and then feeling like immediate crap afterwards (not sure if the "guilt" or bloat is worse!) I will instead have a couple of bites and be happy with that. I will be happy because I know this is the best means to end for me. I am making positive life choices and because of that I feel like the universe has been rewarding me with small gifts, which is a greater incentive to continue down the path of happiness. 

Boy oh boy! I cannot wait to get back home and feel like warmth of the California sun on my face, laughing with my family and friends, showering without shoes on, and even just sitting in a car! 10 more days! Just 10 more days!! I CAN DO THIS!!! :)

Cheers!

A Week In The Life...

Well I would love to say that this past week was beyond busy with every second jam packed with something happening all the time. But alas, I was one lazy bum! I did work out more or less but  I most likely could have stepped it up a bit considering just how close spring break is!! If I am being honest I will admit that at times it has been really hard sticking to healthy eating just because when you are surrounded by the choices that college gives you it is very hard! I am proud that I haven't gained any weight and I will whole-heartily applaud this accomplishment with gusto!!! The working out part isn't hard, in fact it is very relaxing and therapeutic in way. I am loving how my body will support me on with two points of contact-- i.e. when doing the side plank. I can't get over the fact that I very well could have the body of my dreams. However, I feel like I am also my own worst enemy because right when I get close to having a "perfect" healthy day I will sabotage it by doing something. Confession: I am not too worried about the eating piece of my new life because like I mentioned before it is just too difficult to eat the way I would like to when only surrounded by the typical college fare. I think what I am most looking forward to about my future body is when I can walk from the pool chair into the pool with out a ounce of self doubt!! This is my motivation, my mantra? "September 3, September 3, September 3..." This date is important because it is the day I make my debut as maid of honor to my wonderful sister. I will find myself saying this date over and over again while on the rowing machine. This adds to the therapeutic quality of the workout.

For some reason I can't get motivated about school and this past week I discovered that I have no qualms about missing important classes. I am not concerned with the fact that this is in fact costing me valuable points in the class. I think I am just bored by the classes. But with only two weeks left in this term I think I will just ride it out. I really am in love with the idea of pursing the art history degree, but I am also concerned that I will not be able to do it. But I most definitely need to get over this fear because I really love the topic. It's time for me to just pursue what I want without myself getting in the way of it!!! I am the queen of making goals and plans but lately cannot come up with the follow through, but the fact that I am here continuing with this blog makes me optimistic that things are on an upswing for dear ole Lauren Dennis!

By the end of tomorrow I will find out whether or not I will be living in my sorority house, which is a dream! The house is gorgeous, but more importantly I feel like for once I will debut into my true sorority self!! I can't wait!!! Fingers crossed, power of positive thinking I am pulling out all my good luck tricks!! :) 

My colorful life moment this week? Watching the most adorable purple flowers trying to grow while being buried down with snow. It was the most precious thing of my life! I feel like these little violet flowers, trying so hard to grow but sometimes getting buried down by outside influences. However, what I learned from these flowers is that(as corny as I may be for admitting this) the sun truly does come out and melted away the sun and now these little guys have nothing in their way. GROW FLOWERS GROW!! I BELIEVE IN YOU :)

Cheers,

Lo

Hello World!

Hello World!

This blog is for nobody but myself! I am here to keep my thoughts out of my head and help manage all the twirls around in there, so welcome to my head! :) 

A couple of my close friends have turned to the world of blogging as a way to keep themselves motivated with their goals so I figured, hey if its good enough for them well then by all means it is good enough for me! I just turned 19 a few days and decided that 19 will be MY YEAR!! I am going to take control of my vices and overcome them. One of my biggest goals is to finally become healthy. My desire stems mostly from vanity, however after jumping on the bandwagon of The Biggest Loser I also now realize the importance of getting in control of your health before it is to late. So for the first time ever I am admitting that I weigh 160 pounds. There we go! It's now out there and I can't hide from it any more. More than anything I really just want to walk down the side of the pool when I am in Kiawah, South Carolina with all the other JAPs and feel like I belong, like I don't have to always grab a towel. Speaking of Kiawah-- I base most of my life purchases around the two weeks I spend in this paradise! The women and men who frequent this place are my heros. I envy everything about them, their perfect bodies that manage to tan perfectly, their ability to throw on the newest Lilly Pulitzer cover up and look like a model, I am envious of their perfect pearly whites and eyes that draw everybody in. I wish I had an accent and could be just like them, but alas I am plain ole Lauren Anne Dennis who just keeps trying and trying to emulate these heros. 

I think I am finally in control of my own weight destiny and I try to believe that once I drop the 40 pounds that I need to I may finally be able to hold my own. Don't get me wrong I enjoy the person I am, but at times I get down on myself and I also feel like there are some deep rooted issues that I have yet to take care of, but that is for another time. For now I am here to keep me accountable of my weight loss journey and in turn try to live my most COLORFUL LIFE!!!!

CHEERS!

Lo