Saturday, December 17, 2011

Final update for our Christmas Dress Count Down Challenge…

WOW, time flies. I mean I started this challenge September 9th and it’s December 17th and today is my last day for this challenge. I succeeded on part of my challenge, I hung in there on a few things and I flunked one part. The part I flunked was the book. I had picked the Power of Now and I did read a good chunk of it but it was not quite right for me. I did learn to live in the moment and not to try and move ahead so fast and to enjoy the now and not before and later on. I did choose a different book for my health instead of mind and it really was a good one for teaching me more about leaving my 40’s and getting into my 50’s. My part of hanging in there was just sticking with 1200 calories or so a day and I’ve drank my gallon of water a day. The best part was I went from 185.2 and I dropped 11 lbs, today’s weight is 174.1. I did want another 10 lbs but that just can be part of my 2012 goal. My beginning size was a tight 14, today …. well you gotta see this…

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Size 12, no stretch jeans. No muffin top, still breathing.

Now I have to admit the last two weeks I have had stress on top of stress and wasn’t positive I could finish the challenge let alone get into the much looked at dress. But I prove to myself that even though I can’t give 100% all the time that as long as I try my best and let the Lord do the rest I can do this. I can live my life, take care of myself and change into the woman I really want to be. I have a ways to go. I want to tone up, lose a bit more and keep up the good work that I’ve started. But I know that I can do this.

Now I know you really don’t want to see any more words. Like me this morning you want to see if I made it to my goal, to get into the red dress Jim bought me 32 years ago. A few months ago I tried it on and I couldn’t even get it zipped or over my body. Today this is what I got…

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Now I had to take this pictures by myself because I didn’t want Mike or Jim to see it yet, so you don’t really get to see a whole bunch but you get to see that it is on. I am sure a bit more busty then I was back then and my arms sure aren’t the prettiness they once were but it’s on and even for a 32 year old dress on a 49 year old woman it’s not terrible. I can’t wait to share with Jim.

So I did it, I’m glad and I’m proud of myself. I’m not perfect but will never be but I can do what I set my mind too. I’m a slow learner, even slower loser but it’s happening. A bit more here and then and maybe one day I can really fit into this dress like it was made.

I’m off to read and see how you all finished up your challenge and also how your week went. Take care my friends. Have a blessed weekend.

24 comments:

Baby Sister said...

Julie, you look amazing!! You have done so well. :) You should be very proud of yourself. I'm glad the dress fit. :) And I'm sure Mike and Jim will love it. :)

Diandra said...

Beautiful woman in a gorgeous dress - your guy is lucky. ^^

Betty W said...

I can´t believe you still have a dress from 32 years ago. That must really mean a lot. And it looks stunning on you!! Congrats to size 12 jeans too. I bet that was so inspiring.
I hope you will be in the next challenge too. Your comments mean a lot to me and you know how to encourage someone.
Have a relaxing weekend and remember what you said, if you can´t do it all let the Lord. :)

Maren said...

Julie - you look stunning. Absolutely stunning!! I agree with all the comments above! :D

Debsdailylife said...

OH JULIE!!! Look at you!!!! A size 12 without a muffin top!! You rock!!! And that dress!! I cant wait to hear what Jim has to say!! Thankyou for all your encouragement! All the wonderful comments!! Have a wonderful day!!
God bless!

Jo said...

Oh, what an achievement, Julie! You look great in your Size 12's. And that red dress probably fits you better now than it did so many years ago.

Thanks for all your encouragement during the challenge. I hope we can join another one together soon.

Parry Peach said...

Julie, I am SO HAPPY for you. You look beautiful in jeans and your red dress. Size 12! Congratulations! What a great way to begin the new year. Merry Christmas to the beautiful lady in red - YOU!

Michele said...

Those pictures tell a wonderful success story! Wow, truly amazing, Julie! So, so happy for you! You did rock the challenge in many ways. To a new year firmly moving forward and Merry Christmas! Michele

Princess Dieter aka Mir said...

I am so glad I made you guys do pics. SO EXCITING. I'm Squeeing like a teenager over here!!!!!! That color is so sosososososososososo pretty!!!!

Really, for an updated look, all you need to do is change the belt. Seriously. Maybe a contrasting color, like deep purple or black. Or no belt...

I am so happy for you. Your hubby is gonna be thrilled to get that blast from the past. Smooch it up loads while wearing it,t oo!!!

On we go. To make more progress. And congrats on making a great loss in the challenge. Oh, I wanna be 174....I crawl, but I will get there. :D

Later, hugs...

Caron said...

Size 12 jeans and a beautiful red dress. Super! You did great on this challenge. :)

Anonymous said...

So proud of you. You look gorgeous! Merry Christmas!

Unknown said...

You are looking great in that dress, the family will be so proud! It's amazing what we can do when we put our minds to it, thanks for being an inspiration, I look forward to reading & keeping up with how you continue to achieve your goals in the future! Happy holidays to you & yours:-)

Jillian said...

Thank you for being such an awesome co-challenger! You look so great in your dress, and I can't wait to read all about Jim's reaction!

Denise said...

Congrats on fitting into your dress. It looks great on you. Thanks for being a great support to everyone.

Mrs. Bradley said...

YOu look awesome mama. Way to go....

lv2 said...

Julie you look great in the dress....and size 12 jeans...yah!...yah!. I have so enjoyed your blogs and comments. Can't wait to see what Jim says. have a great holiday season.

S said...

Excellent - what a beautiful colour on you. Don't forget to sashay in that dress - it (and you) deserve it!

Kim said...

Lovely dress and you make dress look even better. Good job and I know he is going to be overly surprised. You look amazing!

Anonymous said...

Wow! You do look so beautiful. the dress is lovely and the jeans...size 12!! Great work Julie! You are inspiring and I look forward to following you in 2012!

Karen Butler Ogle said...

Julie,
I'm only just now realizing that you moved your blog. I'm happy I found you and I apologize for my long absence. I will see you around the next challenge. Congrats on doing so well with this one. You look fabulous.

w0rld4vamps said...

You look fantastic in that dress! Congratulations! Thank you so much for your support throughout this challenge. It really helped tremendously!

Thank you!

-w0rld

Empty Nester said...

Look at you- all pretty in red! It's fantastic and so are you! You did GREAT!

Of One Heart said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Of One Heart said...

The red looks beautiful! You're a stunner in this one!! :)