The Graveyard, The Wedding and Halloween

Hello Everyone!  I hope everyone had a very fun and safe Halloween.  I also hope that there wasn't too much damage done in the way of candy and goodies lol! 

This week has been another challenging week but so much fun and part of the journey is to do as Ali says- and that is "Live Big'" and enjoy life.  I was on vacation last week and I was busy getting my workouts in, I took a trip to the National Archives, I read Ali Vincent's book "Believe It, Be It" and that was the best read I have had in a very long time.  She shares her personal struggle with weight loss and really touches on how the emotional issues are equally as important to deal with as the physical ones in the journey of weight loss.  I am still working on those issues myself.  I have not had time off work for 2 years so I was very ready to get some at-home projects done and enjoy some time off.

While at the library this past week I also checked out a Dancing with the Stars and a Biggest Loser Workout DVD's for at home to try out as well.  I am usually not a fan of the at home workout stuff but in order to get some extra calorie burn on I am willing to give it a shot.  I will let you know how it goes.

This Saturday morning after I got off of work I went home and changed clothes and made my way to the Historic Northeast neighborhood in Kansas City and participated in the Elmwood Cemetery Graveyard 5K Walk/Run.  This was my first time at this event and it was a lot of fun.  People showed up to run in costume, there were contests, etc.  I was upset that I did not beat my best time on this race because I went the wrong way somewhere along the race and ended up passing the mile markers not once but TWICE!!!  Ugh!  Let me tell you I was very frustrated but, the bright side was that (1)  I wasn't last in my age division and (2) I burned waaaay more calories running double the race distance.  I got a nice t-shirt for participation and the weather was brisk but clear and sunny so now for next year I know what to expect. 

Me after a 10 hour workday running in the cemetery for the Elmwood Cemetery 5k

So once i was finished with the run I had a couple of last minute errands to run while I was in the neighborhood before I returned home to get ready for my cousin Kristin Terranella's wedding.  This was the most gorgeous, elegant wedding I have ever attended.  She was married at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in the old Northend neighborhood where our ancestors lived soon after arriving in the United States.  Many of our Sicilian ancestors were married there including our great-grandparents Vito Lipari and Vita Savoca.  It was the perfect setting.  My cousin was absolutely beautiful and I am so honored to have been there to share in her very special day.  I haven't had an opportunity to get my pictures downloaded off of my camera as of yet but here is one I got from her that shows the family of the bride and groom together.  Next week I will post a picture of me in my very hot dress I wore to the reception. 



Left to Right- Mandy Wilcox (sister of Bride), Kimberly Terranella (sister of bride and maid of honor), Shirley Terranella (mother of bride), Victor Terranella (father of bride), Kristin Terranella (bride), Carl Gumina (groom), Rosa Gumina (mother of groom), Sal Gumina (father of groom), Tony Gumina (brother of groom and best man), Jamie Gumina (wife of Tony), and Adriana Gumina (flower girl and daughter of Tony and Jamie)

The reception was held at Argosy Casino in the main ballroom.  It was stunning.  I had bought a beautiful gold dress with a jacket and i bought these hot shoes to go with it.  They are Fergalicious brand by Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas.  Check them out!

Anyhow, the reception was a lot of fun and there was a DJ and they had Frank Vigliaturo come and sing.  he is a local Frank Sinatra/Dean Martin crooner and he is awesome.  The cake was beautiful and there were Italian Cookies as far as the eye could see.  Again, I cant wait to post pictures.  Eating challenges were definitely a part of my week with all the events taking place.  It happens so now this week will definitely be all about getting my calorie burn on.

Halloween night I went over to my friend Terisa's son and daughter in law's home to their annual get-together.  It was a lot of fun.  Kristy (the daughter in law) made chili and there were cookies that looked like witches fingers, a cake, punch, candy and the list goes on and on.... The chili was excellent.  Here is a pic of those cookies and me having fun with Terisa's grandkids. 

witches finger sugar cookies- so cute!

me and Terisa's grandkids- p.s. my hair is now dark again lol!!

Tonight I am on my way to Jazzercise the 30 minute Express class followed by the Pure Muscle class then home to eat dinner and watch Biggest Loser.  I wonder what drama they have in store for us this week! I continue to follow Jennifer Rumple, Courtney Rainville of Season 12 and Courtney Crozier of Season 11 on Facebook.  They always have some little inspirational motivation to post that gives me a little extra umph for the day.  I am also continuing to follow Ali Vincent's new show Live Big with Ali Vincent and one of her three things at the end of this week's show is my new mantra for the week.  She said- Finish what you start.  And that is where I am.  I have done a lot in the 100 lbs I have lost to date but I am not finished.  Even though I feel good and look better than i have in my life right now i cannot settle because I am not finished.  i am not at my personal best so its time to Finish What I Have Started.

I have a new goal- I am ready to lose 10-12 more pounds before December 21st.  We are getting issued new uniforms at work and I want that uniform to be too big BEFORE I ever have a chance to wear it.  And by my birthday in May 2012 when I turn 40 years old I will be at my goal weight.  I have another cousin getting married in March 2012 and another in May 2012 so I will be working hard to get to my personal best before those milestones arrive. 

Have a fantastic week everyone!  I want to go enjoy the awesome weather and get going so I dont miss out on working out.  Until next time!!