RA training-round 5

Well-we have been in RA training for a week now-and have a few more days left of it.
I could write pages and pages on what is wonderful, sucky, great, hard, and various other things.  However after typing and erasing for about 20 minutes, I changed my mind.

RA world after serving for a day.

The most diverse but wonderful West RA staff.

I have lost 35 lbs. so far, and have 44 more days of loosing weight-I made the executive decision that 2 weeks before running the Bourbon Chase (October 4th) I am going to stop actively loosing weight, and slowly start incorporating carbs and calories back into my life, so I can participate in the fullness of the Chase experience.  Coincidentally, that is the Friday of fall break-so I look to fall break for yummy food and great friend time.  Whoever said that after so much time you start to crave sweets less LIES.  Everyday I would love to take a whole bag of peanut butter m&m's and stuff them in my mouth, but there are two words for you:  self-control.

I can't wait to make this and consume a whole pan by my self.  And then throw-up.

I can officially run 5 miles, and am steadily increasing the mileage.  I decided I'm gonna go for the 1/2 marathon in Gulfport on November 30th, and could not be more excited.  So I have a race in October, November, and am on the look-out for one to do in December or January for kicks (winter tri or 1/2)!  I can hardly believe I wake up every morning at 6:45 to go run or work-out, and I ENJOY it.  I am sore all the time lately still from starting upper body, but it feels oddly wonderful.

Just to be blunt-it is incredibly encouraging when people compliment me about how great I look, but always following is the question-how I am doing it?  Ummm-is there a secret?  Do you expect an answer other than dieting and working out?  Then the next phrase following is usually saying how great I am doing, how they wish they could, but they could never give up *insert favorite thing here*.  I must say that 3 months ago I would have never said I could go 10 weeks so far, 6 more to go, and have not cheated ONCE-not even a taste of anything (no grain, dairy, fruit, sweets, nuts, soda, sweets, etc.).  However I am realizing that it 'hits' people at various stages of life that we need to get our bodies into the top condition so we can use it to the best of our ability, and I guess now is my time.

Another delish thing that I can't wait to consume-probably also by my self.

I am so ready for classes to start.  I have the coolest classes ever:  Instrumental Conducting, TESOL, Chinese, Music History 3, Band, Earth Science, Piano, and Voice.  The least amount of classes I have ever had, and the most hours ever...the life of a music major who is stretching into other MC classes y'all.