. . . in the distant, early morning . . .

I’m shrrrrrinnnnnnking!!!

I should have done these measurements when I started in January.  Since I started 25lbs higher than the initial measurements, the numbers would look even cooler.

But, does it really matter? The numbers here are pretty freakin’ sweet, wouldn’t you say? Notice: this is only 12 weeks.  **12** weeks.  WOOT!

-Lisa, on June 9, 2011 at 7:50 am .::. Comments and Reactions

Over the last 10 days, during Chris’ visit, many things were accomplished.

* Planter cleaned out, filled with good soil, and planted with herbs and veggies.
* Electric washer procured and deck cleaning started.
* Ikea Besta unit assembled and doors changed on existing unit to prepare for new TV mounting.
* 9’x12’ area rug acquired and sectional quit slipping.
* Elka furminated.
* Composter assembled and compost started.
* Re-seeded dead patches in the yard and filled in holes.

The most physical of those items was the planter.  I had to clean out the garbage I’d stored in there and then Chris and I had to shovel & wheelbarrow soil from the driveway through to the planter and dump it in.  We had hoped to have the soil dumped inside my gates, but the truck would not fit.

6 months ago I would have paid someone to do that job, it would have cost 2-3x as much just for labor.

But now?  Now I don’t fear physical activity.  I dug, I wheeled, I filled holes, and I planted, and it felt good to be moving around, to be able to lift heavy things, and do extended physical activity.  There was a great sense of accomplishment in building my garden with my own (and, of course, Chris’) hands.

We also drove out to the gorge and stopped at Multnomah Falls.  We walked up the pathway, and went up the falls.  We didn’t do the 2, or 7 mile trail, but we climbed much higher than I would have even contemplated 6 months ago.  6 months ago I would have stayed at the bottom and peered up in awe. 

Now I climbed up and peered down in awe.  Now I said, “in a few months I can bring the dogs and hike up the trail.  Next summer, we can go to the top of the falls (I think that’s the 7 mile trail).

Physical tasks no longer seem impossible, or daunting, or unenjoyable.  They’re now goals and activities that I enjoy and strive to do. 

So the 45lbs lost so far, the foot around my waist that has disappeared, the pant sizes decreasing - these things are fantastic.  But it’s the ability to *live* that has really improved.  The ability to go out,  _do things_, be physical and active and enjoy it - that ability is truly invaluable.

My life is changing, and I’m the one creating that change. 

That’s a great feeling.

-Lisa, on June 5, 2011 at 12:31 pm .::. Comments and Reactions

Today marks my 4 year anniversary of being a full-time team member at EllisLab.  In May, 2004 I received a free license and that changed my life in ways that I never could have predicted.

I felt thankful for that free license and started helping out on the forums.  I started the EE Wiki.  I helped people succeed.

Along that journey I was made a moderator, then went on to part-time support while I studied at Smith College.  As graduation approached,  Leslie Camacho and I started discussing my future.  A few weeks after I graduated, I began my full-time journey. 

Throughout the years, I’ve gone through a variety of job titles, even more job roles, amazing successes, and total failures.  The best aspect has been the joy of being part of an incredible group of people.  The EllisLab team is .... there are no words.  I love my team, as cliché as it may seem, they feel like family to me.

What do the next 4 years hold?  I don’t know.  But my vision is to continue to be part of EllisLab, to grow with my amazing family, and to continue to help in the successes both for EllisLab and our stellar community.  I have certain goals, certain aspirations, and I want those to happen as part of the EllisLab family.

So here is to the future.  Cheers!

-Lisa, on June 4, 2011 at 1:37 pm .::. Comments and Reactions