Goodbye 2012...Hello 2013!

So I know it's been a LONG freakin' time since I wrote a blog post, but seriously...life just goes and goes and sometimes it's all just too much.  As I think back and plan for the future, I really hope to be more dedicated to keeping up this blog and writing down all the awesomeness that happens in my life.  It's so easy for the negative to outweigh the positive, so while I may have other resolutions for this year, I will definitely make my #1 resolution a commitment to post something good about my life at least once a day.  Even if it's just a sentence, a funny quote from one of my kids, or the same thing I'm thankful for every single day, I want to make it a point to write down something GOOD from every day.  There's so much evil in the world...and it is so easy to get sad and start the whole "woe is me" cycle, so this is going to be one way I hope to combat that feeling and bring more joy into my family's life.  I guess I figure I don't want to be one of those people who always wears you down with bad news or sob stories.  Don't get me wrong:  I definitely have plenty to tell!  I want to be a more uplifting, positive, encouraging personality, so I am going to revitalize this old blog and get on with the business of being grateful for the billions of blessings in my life.

Now that that's out there, please keep me accountable.  Being that it has been nearly seven months since I last blogged, there's probably no one reading, but if you are, let me know!  Keep me honest. :)  Oh, and as always, feel free to add what YOU are thankful for as well!

On a Mission

So about a month ago, I began to get really sick of how overweight and un-energetic I was.  I watched a very good friend start a nutrition program called ViSalus.  Yes, people enjoy the benefits of weight loss through ViSalus, but athletes also use it to increase their performance.  Basically, she started drinking a shake for breakfast, a shake for lunch, and eating a normal dinner.  After two months, she had lost nearly 30 lbs.  I was amazed at how much more energy she had and just how GOOD she felt.

I've always been wary of these programs, though curious, and I guess she got to me at the perfect moment, because I decided to go for it.  I decided to join the Body By Vi 90 Day Challenge at the end of April.  Its now June 1 and I have lost 12 lbs and 5 inches off my waist.  Tomorrow, we go to Orlando for a trip to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary (which is actually the 22nd of this month, but whatever).  I did a little shopping for the trip and was shocked to discover that I was able to fit in a pair of shorts that were a whole size smaller than what I'm used to buying!  I am so excited and motivated.  My friends at work comment on how much more energy I have and how much happier I am.  I really do feel GOOD.  ViSalus is about so much more than weight loss...Its about getting healthy.  I CRAVE my shakes now, and when I don't get them I feel horrible.  Pigging out on pizza (yep, I still do it from time to time and STILL lose weight!) just makes me feel yucky.  Honestly, my husband is talking about where we'll need to stop for lunch on the way down, but all I want is to take a cooler and have my shake while we're driving down! :)

I have some friends who are using Advocare and are having tremendous success with their products, and I am so, so happy for them.  I feel like ViSalus and Advocare are similar in that the focus is on healthy living, not simply weight loss.  No matter what you choose, I think everyone should make this lifestyle change and GO FOR IT.  I love that I am able to keep up with my kids better and I'm truly desiring better foods.
Does it cost money?  Yes.  My Vi shakes are $99/month, but my gosh...I used to spend way more than that on JUNK that was making me feel horrible and gain weight, but now I am healthy and honestly don't see the need to go to the grocery often at all, since we don't eat that much.  Anyway...its been a fantastic thing for us and I am just so excited about it that I had to share!

Interested in joining us?  You can visit my site:  www.annairvin.bodybyvi.com OR my husband's site: www.chrisirvin.bodybyvi.com and join the challenge with us!