New website

Hey all. I haven't stopped writing.. I have found this amazing new love OF writing. However, it will not be here anymore

check out www.designedbycreativity.com Larry and I have started a new website with a passion for our writing but also a Passion to lift up fellow bloggers and see their gifts and talents appreciated and noticed!!!

Check it out.. Sign up to be apart of it!!

We know that this is something NEW for us!!! However we feel that this is something that God is also calling us to do. Share our hearts, open and transparent and see what he can do!!

Thanks all

Heidi

My Wake up call- Call to Action

I believe that I am a pretty loving, caring person, and one thing that God has been stretching and growing in me is the Grace that I have for others, in all realms of life. May it be at work, and home, at the grocery store, or even while I am driving on the roads. What about the Grace for those that step in our churches??

I realized that I am a little naive, or in denial when it comes to how people actually feel about the church. When I started going to church, the one thing I felt was acceptance and love. I was a 15 year old girl, who was desperately seeking relationships and love, I wasn't getting that from my school. When asked to come to youth with a friend from my choir, I jumped at the chance of going out on a "Friday night". I found what I was desiring for at my youth group, I was loved and was acceppted just the way I was. (A very Fuzzy permed haired, tad over weight, 15 year old girl) and because of that, I found Christ and my life was changed forever.

However, when I see some conversations on the World Wide Web going around about the "church", it's not this beautiful depiction that I have. A friend on Facebook had posted that she was in search of a new church. She didn't want to go by herself though. She had many responses but one response actually RIPPED my heart out of my chest. It said

"Hi Friend, I have stopped because I can't seem to find one that welcomes me with open arms they all look at me like im some sort of diseased being something.. I would be willing to check one out with you maybe"

A diseased being, not just one church but MANY churches were making her feel this way. This needs to be our wake up call. If we truly know the Grace of God, then all of our judgments and hazy glares and predispostioned thoughts should be no more. Everyone is covered by the Grace and love of the Cross, EVERYONE. Who are we to judge, who are we to think that we are better then anyone. WE were created for great purpose and an amazing plan. All of us. Not one person is out of reach from his Love.

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling (1 Peter 4:8-9).”

It's time church that we take a stand and be Grace givers and not Grace destroyers. Grace to the single Momma who is with child again,and just wants to know that she is cared for and loved, Grace to the Pastor's Wife, who struggles with self confidence and self image, Grace to the out of control child, who is living with Foster parents because their parents would rather do drugs then care for them, dare I say Grace to the Pastor, who's human and makes mistakes too. Grace to the broken, Grace to the needy, Grace to the sick and the healthy, Grace to all, to everyone that you may come into contact with. No one should feel like we are looking at them with some sort of disease. OUr arms SHOULD be wide open and ready to Love on them forever and ever. Yes Forever!!!

I write here today to "apologize" to those who have felt like the young women on Facebook. You are absolutely amazing and I see God's amazing Grace all over you, I see amazing potential, I see Greatness and such a Destiny all over your life. You matter to me and I will always be in your corner Cheering you on.

I type here today with my heart on my sleeves and ask you to remember what your faith is all about. It' time that we become World changers. It takes ONE person to start a flood of revival. Our faith is about the Grace of Jesus on that cross saving us from all of our sins, and rising from the tomb because he is God!! This was for all of us.

Thanks

Heidi Kozlof

In a plateau

Hello everyone. After realizing it's been a while I thought I would get back to this blogging

I'm still at 220lbs. That's 15lbs since January. I have been between 220-218 for the last few weeks.
It is almost the end of my competition and another lady has completly been kicking my butt. I am almost embarrassed NOT to win, but know that the last month I haven't been working so hard. This lady has been faithful and deserves to win her prize!

I am in a bit of a "rut" I don't want to run, I don't want to excersize and I want to eat Ketchup chips.. LOL I do however want to keep losing and get healthy, so I must continue and keep moving and eating better.

I see others losing the weight and getting healthy and almost "envy" them. (So not Christian of me.. lol)

I am struggling because I always seem to start strong, then dwindle off- Then have to start ALL OVER!! Why oh why do I do this to myself. I almost set myself up for "failure".

Anyways, I will keep you posted on how things are going.

I am doing the relay for life next week, feel really inspired to celebrate those that I have lost to the ugly disease of cancer and celebrate the survivors. This will be a very active a FUN event. Looking forward to it!!!

Heidi

Been a While

Hey all..

I have been some what absent from the blogging in the last little while. I do apologize.

Things are going well. I haven't been working out as much as I should, and I'm sure it will show when I do my weigh in. I was down another 2lbs but that was at my home scales not the scales at Vickie's. That's a total of 17.8lbs. I am very proud.

With that being said, I really am struggling with all the Easter chocolate and eggs lying around. I won't lie, this hasn't been the best week of eating or self control. I even indulged in a bag of chips. I did feel guilty right after eating the bag(I did share with others). I find it interesting at the guilt. I honestly feel terrible after eating "junk" like that. WHY do I do that?? I CRAVE all night to the point where I can't get my mind off of those RED, amazing tasting chips. Then after I eat them, I feel completely yucky and bloated and know that I really can't complain, since I knew it wasn't the best thing for me. Ketchup Chips are my weakness. Just a few posts ago I even said "I CAN'T eat them again- It's an addiction.. It really is. The only person to blame is me. I really want to make everyone proud, I want to eat healthy, I want to run a 5K. I have these ambitions, and I won't give up on them. I just fall into old habits, really really quickly. I know this sounds negative and it's not. It's just me processing this incredibly FUN, yet difficult journey.

Okay- I will tell you where my little bump on the road started (This is not a Poor me moment, this is me being completely honest). A year ago I made a goal to run the 5K next week-end in Frankville with a very close friend of mine. I have worked on this running thing, and I do enjoy it very much. However, with so much sickness in my home since Christmas, there has been a MAJOR decrease in training and I tried a run last week and came to the realization that I'm only doing about 2.5Km's(if that) and I am not at the point where I can continue. I am NOT ready for a 5KM run next week, and I guess I'm disappointed in myself. That being said, I wouldn't call this a Failure, because who would have thought that I'd ever beable to run as much as I am a year ago??? Not I!!! Therefore, it's not a fail, it's a "I'm not ready". I am so proud of my girlfriend as she is going to do this Run next week-end. I wish I was joining her, but I am at the point where I know that I'm just not ready. And I know that THAT is okay.

I still have a goal to do a 5K I just have to figure out that once I"m ready. I am ready :)

I hope this isn't too depressing. It's not meant to be. I'm still journey on this weight loss/healthy eating. People ARE starting to notice, which isn't why I'm doing it, but MAN does it feel great to hear "Wow you're looking great?" or "ARe you losing weight" YES YES I am Thank you for noticing.

Anyhoo. I will be in touch to let you know how I'm doing.

Love you all

Heidi

Terrible blogger but doing very well

Hey World.. It's been a LONG time.

One of my favorite verses is "I can do all things through Christ Jesus who gives me strength"

This Verse has been my life verse for the last several months. I have been working VERY hard on this healthy, lose weight journey of mine. I really started about a year ago, but REALLY started in January(if I was totally honest). I entered the Biggest Winner contest at Vicki's and have been determined to Win. I am NOT in the lead at the moment, but I still feel like a winner. I'm getting weighed this afternoon, and I believe I should be down another 2lbs, which would put me down 15lbs since January. (Less the when Preston was born and this would put me at 220lbs-almost under the 220's sooooooooo excited) I am beyond proud. I know that this journey is FAR from over, but I know that GOD has given me the strength to continue. Yes in this time, I haven't ate very well on certain days, but I get back on the wagon, and I work out HARD!!!

I am not doing this to be noticed or given attention. I am doing this for my family, for my body, to get healthy and STAY healthy!!! HOWEVER, Sunday a few people commented on my loss' and I was overwhelmed and STINKEN excited. If people are noticing, then I must be losing this weight, and I know that I am getting active and healthy. I want to be around for my Babies graduations, weddings, Grand babies. The way I was going/growing, mostly likely it wasn't going to happen!! I knew this and it frightened me

I am continuing my running. I had a break with Winter and sickness, so this week I decided to get back on the wagon with this. I am determined to do the 5K run in May. I have said this since I started this journey. I WILL do this. Even if I'm the last at the finish line, I don't care, I want to prove to myself that I am capable of this run. Please pray for me, I have been fighting a chest cold, that has stressed my lungs out and making it VERY difficult to breathe right while running. However.. GOD IS MY STRENGTH when I'm weak.. I WILL do this.. I HAVE to. God is my HEALER too.

I'm also excited to be doing the "Relay for life" with a team called the "Pink Rockets" My friend Linda was diagnosed with Breast cancer on her 29th Birthday. I want to support her with this and celebrate that she is now in "remission" and can't wait for this night. I haven't done an all nighter in Years, but I'm excited to join this event and help fight this horrific disease. (So if any of you can support me by pledging my team, I'd appreciate it!!)

God has given me this life, I need to embrace every moment with a new exciting attitude. There are days when I feel down, but I'm finding that doing a Run or an aerobic DVD really does help the emotions. It's a GREAT stress relief. It really is!!!

I feel blessed to have 3 Healthy amazing kiddo's. We have our challenges, but I know that God has never given me something I can't handle.

Preston is walking, which keeps me hopping- Bennet is doing really well. We are already focusing on getting him prepared for Grade 1 next year. Mikayla is doing well, she has some issue's focusing and keeping on task, but she has such an amazing heart. She makes me so proud. (They all make me proud) I'm not sure if I put this in another blog, however I am so proud that I will continue to write this. Mikayla was on the playground and saw a Peer of hers become angry and started swinging. She saw that he was heading for a tiny Kindergartener, so she step in front of this "wee" one and took this guys HIT!! HOW amazing is that for a 7 year old to take a hit, to protect someone smaller then her. WHAT a heart. I pray that I can be the Mommy that God wants me to be for her. To teach her and guide her to his path for her life. She's an amazing little girl, and I am blessed to call her my daughter. I am blessed blessed blessed!!!!!

I will let you all know how Today goes after my weigh in. I'm thinking I'm down 2, but we will have to wait and see!

Thank you all for being such a great support. I am so thankful that God has placed you all in my life.

If I can do this.. I know that anyone can!!

Love and Blessings

Heidi

O.K. After much thought I decided to put up some pictures. It gives me an incentive to keep going. I am almost at a 10lb loss and am very proud and excited.

I was looking for some pictures of me before Christmas. Could only find 1 and it's only 1/2 of me. I realized that I have been shying away from the camera for some time. I guess a little "self conscious" of what the picture will look like.

So Today I took a shot of me before leaving for work. As you can tell I still have some work. The neat thing about this picture of me in the M&M's shirt is that when I received it, it REALLY didn't fit me. I was so embarrassed but knew this was the shirt I had to wear. Today, it's still a little snug.. But I can wear it and see that YES my hard work is working

Thanks for your support.

Can't wait for my next weigh in

Heidi

Having a Craving..

Hey there everyone

Did my weekly weigh in and am very pleased. I am down another pound. I need to lose 1.8lbs and will hit a 10 pound weight loss. I am so excited and am finding a little bit of exercise and LESS calories goes a LONG WAY...

For myself this last few weeks has been a JOY!!! I know that sounds crazy but it's true. I've decided that No matter what the outcome, it's time to get healthy. The weight loss is just the bonus

I normally despise any form of exercise but NOT anymore. I have started a program called off the Couch to 5K. This is a running program that starts with 60 seconds running /walking. It's a 9 week program 3 times a week and surprising Works, IF you keep going, even when it gets tough.

When I'm not running. I'm walking for at least 30-45 minutes at least 4-5 times a week. I go to the Arena, or the highschool OR I have Walk the pounds away DVD's.

I also am eating less Calories. The way I am counting them is with a program that I use Online and IF you have an ipod, it's a FREE application you can use http://www.myfitnesspal.com/ It's really been a great help! If you decide to use it, you can add friends on it (kinda like a facebook for weight loss.. Feel free to add me,)

I am finding that if you enjoy yourself and BELIEVE in yourself. Set yourself up for success not failure. You can do it !!!! Don't be discouraged. You CAN do this!!!

Now I am having a little struggle. I want want want Ketchup chips. I've tried in the past the "rice crackers" but it is not taking away the "urge". I am PRAYING big time b/c I know that I WILL eat the whole bag. I just love them.. I can't just have "3" I know myself, so I am REALLY fighting an inner battle. I WANT to lose the weight and I want to WIN the competition. BUT I know if I eat that darn bag of chips, it could bring me back to square 1. It's like alcoholism, you can't just have 1 drink after getting sober. I can't just have 1 bag of chips. It's an addiction, and I need to BEAT it!! I WILL beat it. I just came to the revelation that if I want to get healthy, I can't go back to the chips. Wow!! what an interesting thought. I can do this!

Thanks for being my cheer leader. Please pray for me that I will continue to have a desire to work out.

Be blessed
Heidi

A Bible Verse and an update

Hey all.

Today I went in for my regular weigh in at Vickie's for my "Biggest Winner" competition. Can I just tell you that I was a little frightened, I know that I've been working out WAY more then the past. I know that I've REALLY been watching my Calorie intake too. Less food more exercise, and yet I was scared and thought that I probably GAINED. A voice in my head, (who was NOT God) was telling me that I was failing and a failure.

Well Guess what DEVIL.. I can do ALL things through Christ that Strengthens me. (This is my "signature" on my e-mail) and yet I forgot this verse until today!

I watched the scale and waited until the Zero's stopped. One foot then the next. Still a little worried, BUT when I saw the number at 227, I just about FREAKED right out. Having 2 other ladies screaming for me was also pretty exciting too. Ladies and gentleman, that puts me down 7.8lbs since January! I am so happy and thankful to my Father in Heaven. I know that he is proud of me. Just maybe I am proud of me too. Not too proud that I'm getting a BIG head, but PROUD that I CAN do this and WILL do this. I started this blog last April and it took me almost 10 months to really start seeing some progress. I am really pumped today and HOPE that I can continue this journey.

I am not writing this to be congratulated or cheered on. I am writing this to encourage everyone that IF you put your mind to it, you can DO this.

January I felt God really challenging me that my weight problem wasn't because I had 3 babies. My weight issues were ME and what I was putting into my body. Therefore, Today I am confessing that I am a bored eater an "emotional" eater and a "stress" Eater. BUT I want to be an example to my Generation and younger generations. I want to live for Christ and I REALLY feel that the way I eat is a bondage that Christ will set me free from. Today I am proclaiming to the World that I WILL be free from this. It won't be easy, and there are always "bumps" on this road. Today is a New Day and I hope you will continue on this ever so fun journey with me.

I really appreciate all of you. I find that having this blog allows me to be accountable to ALL of you. If any of you need prayer or just a little encouragement, send me a message. I'd LOVE to be there for ya!!! Having Vickie's Specialty shop Cheer me on, PROVES to me that there is POWER in accountability.

God Bless

Heidi

Down and excited..

Hey World. So this has been a very interesting week. I haven't been able to run for a week due to time restraints and my baby being ill. However, I have done some work out video's and really downsized my portions. With this routine and drinking my water......

I was down 6.2lbs from last week. I was shocked and excited. Hoping I can keep this streak going. If I do, I WILL be the Biggest Winner in the contest. I am REALLY hoping for this. $100.00 gift card for new clothes is SUCH an incentive.

I totally miss my running buddy and will be calling her this week. It's sooooo important to me that I get to the 5K ASAP.

My co-workers asked if I was losing weight. That was MUSIC to my ears. I hope I can keep it up.


thanks for sharing my excitement with me. I am doing this journey for me, but because I know that you are cheering me on. I WILL not QUIT. I picked up a key chain from Vickie's Specialty shop that say's "Do not Quit Do Not Quit DO NOT QUIT"
I am making a promise to myself. I WILL NOT QUIT I WILL NOT QUIT I WILL NOT QUIT

Be blessed
Heidi

Still running and joining the "Biggest Winner" Competition

Hey there World

SO I'm still running. We had taken a break for a while, but on Monday did week 4 day 1. It was incredible. 2- 5 minute runs and 2- 3 minute runs. I was really scared about the 5 minute run. BUT.... We did it! It was tough, but we did it. I was so proud!!! I look forward to running again tomorrow too! It will be a challenge, but I know it's about 2 1/2 times around the top of the Arena.

The new BEAUTIFUL arena in Sensational Smiths Falls has a Walking area at the top of the seated areas. I wasn't sure if I would be comfortable running there, but Courtney and I did it and it wasn't that bad. A little "loud" from a Bears Practice going on, but I'm happy we have a place to run. Much easier running there then on the snow.

Also excited because I'm joining a competition at Vickie's Specialty shop, one of my favorite stores here in town. It's called Biggest Winner (aka-weight loss) from Now til June, I will Simply weigh in once a week at Vickie's and collect my prizes! They are offering gift cards for EVERYONE who loses 5,10, and 20lbs and then a $25 gift card for EVERYONE who keeps their weight off all year! The person who loses the most by June 15th, will win a $100 gift card! That is my goal, the $100.00 gift card!!!! I will need new clothes, don't you think??? I can't wait!! A little more incentive to get healthy and LOSE the weight!!! Whoo-hoo to awesome ideas!

Well this is what's "new" now. Can't wait to write more and tell you all about my journey.

Heidi

HAPPY NEW YEARS!!!

Welcome 2011. I'm not going to make any resolutions on "eating healthy or losing weight" due to the fact that I've been at this journey since last April. I can say that I am working on it. It's a "SLOW" process due to my LOVE of eating.. HOWEVER that being said...

I am still running. I took a 2 week break due to sickness and Christmas festivities and helping out at the M&M Meatshops. I missed running.. I missed it ALOT (which surprises me, since I HATE Physical Anything... lol)

After church today I decided it's time to get back at it. I repeated week 3 day 3 of couch to 5K , just to get myself ready for week 4. I am unbelievably proud of myself, because I did it without my running buddy! I missed not having her there, but to prove to myself that I can do this on my own was SUCH an achievement. With this run into Today we can proceed on Tuesday as we run together again for Week 4 day 1. I can't wait! A tad nervous since there is More running then walking, but I know that we CAN do this. We also found out that we can run in the upstairs of the arena. This makes me very very happy. Bad weather WILL NOT hold us back. It's so exciting to me that I will actually complete this program (even if I'm a little behind)

Thanks to many of you that have encouraged me through this journey. I look forward to 2011 to see what God has in store for us.

Be blessed, YOu can do anything that you set your mind too.

Love
Heidi Kozlof

I feel like a new women

Hello World.

This running and getting healthy has been such a blessing to my life. I have a renewed sense of self worth. I can do something that I thought I never could. On Saturday I ran for 3 minutes straight TWICE. To many, this may seem like no big deal. To ME this was such an accomplishment. I get to do it again tonight, and I am excited about it!

With this getting healthy kick, I am noticing that I am not really craving the "sweets" as much. I still have the odd craving for "Ketchup chips". I think I may have fallen into temptation on this twice in the last 3 weeks. I will overcome and learn to have a little "self control". I just LOVE those chips, I can't help it.

Yesterday was the ladies "cookie exchange" that my friend Mary and I organized. I think it was a great success. We had over 30 people at our exchange. Massive amounts of cookies. It was wonderful. I have a vision of all the generations of ladies coming together in unity, and working together for Christ. We as women are known (no offense) to be "complainers, grumblers, stuck in our ways". BUT if we can walk with Christ, do his work, stop our pigheadedness, we WILL accomplish GREAT things.

Last night there were at least 7 generations of women/little women at the cookie exchange. It made me emotional and excited to see what God has in store for us. It was exciting to see some of our youth girls just helping out. These girls never grew up in church, but they were excited to be there and willing to help. It BLESSED me beyond words. It takes a "community" and I believe that our "community" is BEAUTIFUL and wonderful.. I look forward to the next few months of planning to see what's next for all of us

In regards to the cookie exchange. I hardly had any "sample" cookies. Which is AMAZING, since I LOVE sweets!!!

Well, God is good and faithful. Thanks for reading my blog. You make me smile everyday.

Ps- I lost 3lbs in the month of November. Larry even thinks I'm starting to "tone up" a little. :) Yippee to that.

Be blessed

Love
Heidi

Doing the run.. But running this race can be harder then I thought

Hello World

I am about to Rant tonight.. Let me say before I rant. This is directed at nobody, this is something that is stirring up in my heart, and I feel that I must blog about it.

I've been sharing with you my journey from couch to 5K. It's going so well and I am so thankful that I am healthy enough to try and train for a 5KM run. I am also running a race with my generation and for the younger generations of this community and Nation. My heart yearns to see the schools in our town/country and their students find the "truth" and hunger for more of God. I am on my knees for my generation. One thing that I am praying for and struggling with is a generation who has a huge distaste for commitment and lack of trust.

What is wrong with committing to something? Why do we find it so difficult to do so. I can see a pattern in our youth today because of our generation and the past generation failing to commit. Where is the consistency that needs to be? What have we done?

Why are we so afraid to commit?

I know for a fact that I too have a huge issue with commitment as well. We started Mikayla out in Soccer a few years ago. However, we barely made it to many of her games, because we had so much other stuff on our plate. Then we put the kids in Gymnastics last fall. We only missed a few nights but ended up not returning for the winter session, as it was just too much. Too much from what?? I don't get ourselves. Yes our schedule is pretty hectic with BG clubs on Wednesdays, small group on Thursdays and Piano and youth on Fridays. However, why am I so wishy-washy when it comes to certain things.

I know that our generation struggles with this and I just can't understand why? (I'm sorry if I step on toes today, this is not directed at a single person, it's just an observation that I've made in the past 7 years).

We need to be an example to the younger generations. I think it's time that we "rise up" and take a stand. Show them what it is to be committed and live in integrity. I want to be this person, I want my babies to know that their mother keeps her word. I see future leaders that struggle with committing 1 day a week to serve, I see parents struggle sending their children to hockey, soccer, youth, or special events that their children want to take part in, because they just don't feel like it. I'm there, I know what a hard day is like, however we need to teach the next generation what true priorities are.

You may be thinking "Wow, Heidi's had a rough day". Not so.. I'm just concerned for the future of my children and our "youth" of our nation. God has such a plan and I don't ever want to cause anyone to stumble, including my 3 beauties. I hope this "rant" makes sense. I just want to do what's right.

My husband has been in full time youth ministry for almost 6+ years now. It's by far a tough job, but so rewarding. To see future leaders have a passion for change, to see future leaders HUNGRY for more. I just pray that we can ALL be a good example, watch them grow and fall deeply in Love with Christ.

THAT brings me to another thing. If we TRULY loved Christ, would we not walk around with a Smile on our faces? Would we not Love our neighbors as our self. Wouldn't we be selfless? When we hear that it's time for a prayer night, wouldn't we be excited to go to it, instead of staying at home. Now, in all honesty when a prayer night happens, I usually stay at home with the kiddo's, BUT I am praying, just at home. However, a lot of the times when we hear "prayer night" we roll our eyes and don't step foot in the door. HOW are we going to change the world if we stop praying? If we truly loved Christ wouldn't we BE THERE excited and passionate about prayer? If we truly Loved Christ wouldn't we get off Facebook or shut the TV off and open our bibles?? Hey, I'm talking to myself here, I want to hear from God SOOOOOO bad, but yet can't get off the computer to "listen" and "read his word". Funny isn't it? I want to stop thinking about "ME ME ME" all time. I'm so sick and tired of having "pity parties" for myself and I'm beyond frustrated about how Christianity is perceived by our culture. It's time we move forward, it's time for a change. Today is the day we walk away from our legalism and start doing what Christ has commanded us to do. John 15:13: "This is my commandment love one another a I have loved you" This is it. We should be concerned for others, love others and stop worrying about ourselves. THEY (people) will know Christ by OUR LOVE>>> Are we loving people today?

Let's be serious, We can act like a Christian, it's so easy to "fake it". God wants MORE, he wants more from you and he wants more from me. Who's with me? If we stand up today and say "Time for a change" THINK at what God can do?? It's exciting, thrilling and amazing!!

O.k long rant is over.

Can I just say that I am so thankful for the church that God has placed Larry and I in. Beautiful people, beautiful family of God. I am truly blessed and they are truly family. Seeing Preston growing up with some buddies and a young girl all together, is really cool. Watching Mikayla grow up with the encouragement to be an encourager. INCREDIBLE. People loving on Bennet is wonderful. Someday my babies will CHANGE this World for Jesus. Bethel will have a HUGE role in their lives. We are BLESSED.

Tomorrow Mikayla is hanging out with Courtney, my running buddy and Mikayla's BG club leader. I am so excited to see my daughter build a relationship with such a role model. It's pretty cool to see :)

Thank you all for reading. I hope this doesn't sound negative. I feel VERY passionate about what is stirring in my heart. It's time I shared it with the World.

Love the Lord with all your heart!

Heidi

God is Good. I just want to do

Week 2 Day 1 Complete

I am enjoying the Couch to 5 K program very much. It's very difficult but I'm really really enjoying it.

Yesterday was a struggle to get out and run. However Courtney arrived and out I went. I was very nervous about the jogging for 90 seconds but I could do it! 90 seconds doesn't sound like a lot, but for someone who hasn't ran in years, 90 seconds can feel like 24 hours.

Courtney and I DID it we completed Week 2 Day 1 and I am honestly very proud. I am hoping that we will continue to do this and get VERY healthy!!!

I am gaining weight though. But I'm hoping that it's just "muscle" gain. I'm trying my best with the exercise and eating, so I'm going to count this as what I previously said.

Well I don't have much to say again- which is amazing..

Everyone keep going, do what you need to do. You can do it!!

Heidi

Restarted and excited

Hey there everyone

After a week break from any exercise due to an injured toe, I have restarted my exercise routine. I have started Couch to 5K again, with a runny buddy. My friend Courtney has joined me on this journey and she's a GREAT encourager and wonderful running buddy.

Mikayla and Courtney ran with me yesterday. It was fun and the time FLEW by!! I look forward to watching Courtney and I run to the 5K.

I am excited to see what I can do..

Larry and I have started our new business too. We do our first Paid photo shoot on Saturday. Looking forward to it!

This isn't very long, as I'm just touching base.

Thanks again for your encouragement, I couldn't do this with out you.

Heidi

Finally Moving and now I'm loosing

Hey World

Zumba was FANTASTIC! It is very hard to follow, but I am going in with the attitude to have fun and get moving. It's dancing, it's salsa, it's MAJOR sweating and the heart is beating. I love it and am hoping to go back next week.

I have started the couch to 5K. Like I said, the first day I couldn't complete it. HOWEVER>>> Yesterday I completed the whole run. I was getting ready to go out and do this, when Mikayla asked if she could come. At first I thought, "It's probably too much for her" BUT REALLY it isn't, so I agreed. Such a special moment. She was hilarious, cheering me on when she knew I felt like quitting. Reminding how GOOD this was for her and I. "Mom this is so important to keeping us healthy" What a girl. I really thank God for her. She NEVER stops moving. She's a GREAT running buddy. I seriously am looking forward to doing our runs together. A great Mother/daughter moment.

Today I've already had a 30 minute work out on Wii Fit plus. SERIOUSLY!! There is this "skateboarding" game. My heart is pumping, and sweat is coming. I love it. It's tons of fun too

I weighed my self this morning. I am down 2.2lbs. Whoo-hoo.. It has begun again. I'm almost out of the 230's! 21lbs to go and I get my week-end away with my hubby!!!

If I can do this... ANYONE CAN!!

Thanks again for reading. Look forward to posting again real soon


Heidi Kozlof

Try something new today

Hey Everyone

Well I did my first couch to 5k yesterday. It was a struggle, I was running in the rain, hoping that would make me feel a little better. I start off on a walk, my warm up, the the lady in my ipod says "RUN NOW". I'm off, I'm feeling good, I'm running I'm running and then I start to feel my breathing start to get heavy. "I think I can I think I can" is running in my mind. 60 seconds is up "Walk now" the lady in my ear says. "This isn't too bad" I think to myself. Then by the 4th run time, I was starting to doubt myself. I kept going.. Gotta do this, Gotta do this. I did 2 more runs, then walks and I seriously couldn't do it. I decided to head back home and do the run as the girl in my ear YELLED for me to do. I got home and was exasperated and a little sad that I didn't complete the whole "Week 1 Day 1" routine. My Loving husband reminded me that I should start slow. I won't move on to day 2 until I complete day 1. Which I am doing tomorrow. When I looked at my ipod I only had 1 more run to do, then walk, then cool down.. I was ALMOST THERE!!! I know Tomorrow I will push myself just a little.

Today I checked my blood pressure and I seem to be back to normal. I am thinking that I was just a little stressed that morning and had a coffee a few hours before I went to see the Doc. I've actually had a lot of fun today. Larry's day off, so I went on the Wii fit for an hour. There is this skateboarding activity that is a great work out. Tons of fun too.

Tonight I'm trying Zumba with a few girls. I will see what I think tonight, it's my free night. If I enjoy it, I may join. It's Monday evenings at 530. My girlfriend says it's a blast. I am wanting to try anything that will get me moving!!!

My new goal for this week is to drink my 8 glasses of water. I really stink at that. I am also working on a meal plan, so that we don't just "eat out" and eat "junk". I'm excited about this "journey" again.

I weighed myself and was back to 233lbs. IF I can hit 199lb my Mom is willing to send Larry and I away for a week-end. She's giving me some incentive to keep up the great work. I love it, Bribing me!! It works for Mikayla, it works for me. LOL . I also have another incentive of $1.00/lb. Right now I'm and $0.00 so that's just not going to stick with me.

Zumba tonight, running tomorrow (morning if possible)

Something else that I am working on is my devotional life. I think that is the MOST important part of my whole journey, is spending time chatting with God. I think if I can get THAT in order, I can also get ME in order too.

Thanks for reading. I really appreciate all the facebook messages and "comments" from you. It really does encourage me to know that I have "cheerleaders". I too am cheering all of you on, who also wants to get your health back. I believe that my body is the temple of Christ. It's time that I start treating it with respect and love.

Enjoy your day. I'll let you know how Zumba goes tonight.

Love and Joy

Heidi

My eyes were opened

Hello world.

My journey began April/Mayish. My weight is practically the same. I haven't really been trying and I have been just plain lazy.

On Friday I went to the doctors to get my ear looked at. IT's been plugged for over 3 weeks, and I was getting very frustrated and I just felt plain ill. When they took my blood pressure, it was high. I keep thinking, "It must have been my coffee" or "I have been stressed with all the illness in my home". These excuses are probably the reason, but even still I really do need to get my butt in gear and get moving. What if I actually do have high blood pressure?? AT 30!!! The only person to blame here, is ME!!

When I started this "Get healthy" walk, I had said I want to do a 5km run in May. I am still there. I still want to do the Where is Frankville? run. However, at this point I am NO WHERE near that goal.

Many of my friends have suggested couch to 5km. I tried it once, and it was tough. Last night I was thinking about this 5K run, and really really really want to do this. For my birthday my hubby was kind and gave me an ipod touch. I went on to the app site and there it was. An application for this. My ipod will be my "coach".

My girlfriend has started the program, and is doing AMAZING. Yesterday she ran 20 minutes without stopping. I am so proud of her, and she has inspired me to DO THIS! She told me that it's HARD.. But if you keep at it.. You CAN DO IT!! I go with that. Keep at it and DO IT!!!

Today after church I am going to do my first run. I am just a tad frightened at the thought of breathing REALLY HARD. With that being said, "I can do this, I must do this (for myself and my family) and I look forward to going to my first run someday soon.

Thank you for all of you that support me. I do appreciate your love

Sincerely

Heidi

Humble Pie

My husband surprised me tonight with a birthday party. He had sent out invitations last Sunday, before my birthday. How do I feel?? Embarrassed, silly, humble and blessed.

What have I learned about myself this week?? That I can be totally honest, and even "selfish" but yet I have friends that don't look different at me and Love me for who I am.

Larry had me so convinced that I'd be having a nice evening with a couple tonight, that I was so confused when people started arriving after they had. My jaw dropped and I told Larry he was "bad". LOL But inside I was excited and still a little "shameful" about my horrible attitude on Monday.

I just want to thank Larry for his sneaky ways. I want to thank EVERYONE for making me feel special. Tonight is a night that I will not forget.

This is a short little note to say that I am eating some humble pie tonight. :)

Life is great!

Heidi

I learned something today. Not an uplifting blog but a deep in thought blog

O.k before I start the brutally honest blog. This isn't to make anyone feel bad. This blog is about something I learned about myself yesterday that I am almost ashamed of, but need to put it out there. I am sure I'm not the only person that struggles with this.

Yesterday was my 30th birthday. I don't know what I had expected, I know that birthdays are just another day, but for some reason I was thinking that THIS one was going to be a very SPECIAL day, that everyone in this World (o.k not the whole world) would celebrate MY 30th birthday. How narcissistic is THAT!! I honestly don't know what I wanted, but I felt WAY too emotional yesterday to understand what was going on with me.

As I reflect on my feelings of yesterday I realize how selfish I can be. I wanted a party, with all my friends, food, cake, cards, all that jazz. However, my birthday was on Thanksgiving and everyone was busy with their families.(which they should be doing) How old am I?? I'm not a child anymore, why did I want this???

I did have my family here for the week-end, they celebrated with me, spoiled me with a basket of groceries (love that) and my sister gave me a wonderful Joyce Meyers book that I'm looking forward to reading. My friends also had us over for lunch and made me a YUMMY chocolate birthday cake. I had over 100 Facebook birthday wishes. But why wasn't that enough??? What is my problem? Why did I want a party so bad? We are trying to teach Mikayla to not be greedy, and here I am struggling with greediness and selfishness too!

I have heard through the grapevine that some of my friends and family think that I like to be the center of attention, maybe that is it? I never thought I was like that, until yesterday. I wanted a silly party to Celebrate Me, that almost makes me sick to my stomach to think that I am like that. Then my question is WHY do I crave attention? I don't want to be like that at all. I just want to live for Jesus', be unselfish, help others, and do God's will. With that being said, "Why do I struggle with selfishness?" I have a dislike for this "weakness" of mine.

Larry knew that something was bothering me yesterday. When he'd ask all I could say was "It must be PMS". (Too much information, I apologize) I didn't want him to feel bad about the way I was feeling. It wasn't his fault, this was something that I had to deal with. He is so great though, because he kept at me, until I confessed what I was struggling with.

It's really funny, because on Sunday Larry preached about "baggage" we all may have. I am biased, but I think it was one of his BEST sermons yet. One of the baggage was "EGO". That we need to bring this to the CROSS, and ask Jesus' to help take this away. He will put it "under that cross". Is this my baggage? Do I think I DESERVE everything?? I have decided that I need to bring my self worth, and my selfishness to the cross, leave it there and walk away.

Do I want a party? Not really, especially now, since I just laid everything out on the table. Messy isn't it? It just saddens me that after knowing what Jesus has done for me, the most UNSELFISH thing a man could do, that I still struggle with ME ME ME.

I am so thankful for my family, for Larry and the kiddo's. Having them with me all day yesterday was such a gift. The best gift in the World! I really did have a wonderful day, a great 30th birthday. A highlight was playing Mario Kart with Bennet. I looked at him and said "You're going down" He looked at me and said "NO I AM NOT" and then he kicked my butt in the race. Hugged me and said "you went down, but I Love you Mommy". What a treasure, what a life that I have. God has blessed me with so much. I am truly thankful and wouldn't want it any other way.

I am learning so much about myself and am thankful that I can sense the "garbage" that goes on within me. I am sharing this today to say. "We can have those selfish moments, but don't let them control who you are"

Party or not- I am loved, I am blessed and am thankful for my life.

Heidi