The calm before the storm...

It's probably been too long since my last post, and I'm bound to forget some of what has happened. In any case, the past few weeks have been both relaxing and hectic--relaxing because I haven't had the stresses of law school, but hectic because I've been doing so many other things. I've been replacing my wardrobe, slowly but surely, at least for the summer. Since I still plan on losing more weight, I haven't completely replaced everything, but I have acquired a ton of new work clothes for my job this summer, as it probably wouldn't be so impressive to show up at the law firm in a suit that's two sizes too big.

In addition to the endless shopping, I ran a 5K this past Saturday, a charity run benefiting ALS research. I really enjoyed the run, save for the part when I was nauseated after crossing the finish line. Otherwise, the run was great. It was something that, 6 months ago, I would have never voluntarily done, and I completed it in an acceptable amount of time--nothing great but still better than my last 5K (before I started to lose weight). I'm poised to be running in a few more races this summer and only hope my time will continue to get better.

Otherwise, I've just been resting and preparing for my summer job. I moved into my apartment in the city yesterday, and I am very excited about it. The place is a perfect fit for me, and the building has a gym and a rooftop pool. Please don't all try to come over at once!!! Haha.

On a more general note, I'm very thankful for everyone who has been so supportive of me recently. Whether through encouraging posts on Facebook or otherwise, my success with my weightloss and in my other endeavors has been made easier because of all of you. While I haven't been focusing on losing weight during the past two weeks, I know that I need to get back at it. This is the calm before the storm--a summer that is likely going to be full of plentiful drinks and fine dining. I only hope that y'all will push me to stick with it. Thanks in advance for your continued support.

Besito,
A

25 Down: "All the right moves...so yeah, we're going down."

It's official. Down 25lbs. I almost pinched myself when I saw it on the scale because it's hard to believe I've made it this far. I've never made this long of a commitment to my health, and I'm excited to see all that there is to come. While I'm somewhat nervous for all of the wining and dining this summer, I just have to keep it all in control. I know that I can survive this summer calorically, even if it seems scary right now.

In any case, I better get going - errands and miles to run, as the 5K is coming up on Saturday and I start work in two weeks!!! Went shopping for new professional clothes since my whole wardrobe doesn't fit...more on that later.

Besito,
A

"Feels like I've waited so long for this, I wonder if it shows..."

This will probably be my last post from Chambana until August -- I know, I'm just as sad as y'all that I won't be in the cornfields for three months...which is to say, not sad at all. I will say this, I ran a 5K in the cornfields yesterday and really enjoyed myself. It's the first time I've run outside since October, and it felt like a breath of fresh air, minus the humidity. It was also pretty crazy because in the middle of my run, it started to rain -- which was both nasty and refreshing.

After my run, I showered up and headed out to the End of the Year Party. It was great fun to see everyone, some for the last time and others for the last time until August. It's hard to believe that another year has gone by. Clearly, a lot of things have changed since school started in the fall and since I started this weight loss journey in January. Many of my classmates approached me last night to comment on the physical changes, which was a welcomed surprise. I guess I am having a hard time noticing the physical changes separate and apart from the numerical change on the scale. With the exception of breathing easier when I run and my clothing not fitting, I don't really notice much of a difference physically. From what I've read, the eyes/brain are slow to catch up with reality in terms of weight loss. I guess I still see myself as Old Alyse to some extent for that reason. Nonetheless, I felt much more like my old self last night, and I can't wait to see what it's like in the Fall. For any 3Ls reading this, I will miss you very very very much. Now, get back to studying for the bar!!!

Now, I'm just packing. Bleh. It's really not very fun seeing as I'm also getting rid of clothing that doesn't fit, which is hard. It's hard to let go of so many items with which I have such a positive association, but I know it's for the best. I chose to do this, and the consequence is that I'm going to have to let go of this silly sentimental attachment and buy new clothing for new memories. With each item I give away, I'm reaffirming my commitment to never go back. Still, it's hard.

In any case, I better get back to packing so that I can hopefully finish and then go for a quick run, especially considering that I signed up for a 5K next week. Yay.

More updates later.


Besito,
A

Who says you're the only one that's hurting...trust me, that's the price of beauty!

There are so many song lyrics that capture my feelings right now. I retitled this blog post at least three times, probably more like five. Shhh, don't judge! I really should be studying for my final on Friday, but I kinda felt the need to sit down and write a short update. I've been hanging out with one of my law school friends a lot recently, a simply amazing and selfless individual - the kind you never expect to find in a law school, let alone in a profession like this. She has probably been the most supportive person during this journey and was actually one of the first people to find out about it. Unlike many others, she doesn't get jealous and doesn't even sigh when I probably talk a bit too much about my diet and my weightloss. Our friendship has become one of those in which we would both do almost anything for the other. It truly is a beautiful thing. Tonight presented us with a new opportunity in our friendship - I actually got to be supportive for her. I introduced her to my favorite therapy - being at the ARC (U of I's nicer gym). Although the cute boys must have been at home studying, it was therapeutic nonetheless, helping both my friend and I get our minds off of the stress of finals, among other things.

After she left, I kicked it into the highest gear I could find and ended up running three one-mile intervals. I haven't run that far at one time since October and definitely not as quickly as I did tonight. I simply feel fantastic, and I have to give thanks to my friend for putting me in the right mindset to do that.

For all of my law school friends reading this, I'm going to keep it short so y'all can get back to the plague that is studying. Wishing everyone the best of luck during the marathon that is law school finals season. We've got this! "Greatness is what we're on the brink of."

Oh, and I'm officially down 22.8lbs, in case anyone is keeping tabs. :)

Besito,
A