The Cancer is GONE!

Yesterday my mom got the call that we've all been praying for....the cancer is GONE!!!!!!!

The whole body scan, blood work, and ultrasound were all clear, and she doesn't have to do anything for another year! This time next year, she'll repeat the same process, but the odds of the cancer returning decrease each year. 

I wanted to thank you all again for praying for us. The power of prayer is just unbelievable. We all believe that the cancer is gone because SO many people were lifting my mom up in prayer. It is truly a miracle! God is SO GOOD!

Universal Studios + Bachelor Pad 3 Taping

Doug and I started off this great weekend by seeing Ted. We both LOVED it and laughed through the whole thing! Then on Saturday, we headed up to Hollywood to visit Universal Studios!

 They have 7 rides and a few shows. We were a little disappointed with the rides, since the majority are virtual. The Simpsons ride made me so motion sick, but we loved The Mummy and Jurassic Park (the only real rides!)

The studio tour was definitely one of the highlights of the day. 

They had everything- streets that looked like New York City, Mexico, the Old West...plus a lake, a subway station, and more! 

My favorite part of the tour was seeing Wisteria Lane from Desperate Housewives!

Gabby & Carlos' house

Susan's house

Lynette & Tom's house

Bree's house

War of the Worlds scene

As we were walking around, I spotted Gwen Stefani and her kids! No one else had seen them and I didn't want to bother them, so I quickly snapped a picture before they left!

Gwen's on the right, Kingston is in the black shirt, and Zuma's in the white

Then on Sunday, we were back in Hollywood for a Bachelor Pad 3 taping. We stopped to eat in Westwood at my favorites, Palomino and Diddy Riese. 

Yummy pomegranate margarita

My favorite pizza EVER

The best gorgonzola fries

After eating, we had a couple hours to kill before the taping started, so we walked up and down Sunset Boulevard and Hollywood Boulevard (it's still hard for me to believe that I even live here!)

And we found my girl's star! (I love Reese Witherspoon, if you didn't know...we even have the same birthday! :)

I can't say anything about the taping yet, except that it was for the final challenge of Bachelor Pad 3, with the remaining 3 couples! It was so fun and hilarious...such a great time! I can't wait for it to premiere on July 23rd! 

And if y'all haven't heard the news yet, they are doing a live After the Final Rose for Emily's season on July 22nd. I was hoping to attend this taping, too, and was so sad to hear this news since I'll be out of town. I can't wait to find out who she picks! While I love Jef, I'm definitely Team Sean. Arie just doesn't do anything for me...but I know he is a fan favorite! Who do you love on the show?

Project Get Fit

This is one of those posts that's easy to write, but so hard to publish! Because so many people I know in real life read this blog, it can be difficult to be so open and honest on here. It's a very vulnerable feeling, but I'm hoping that writing about this will hold me accountable.

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I've always considered myself lucky to have a very good metabolism. I have a major affinity for junk food and have always allowed myself to enjoy the delicious foods in life. I was able to keep my weight and size down without even having to exercise! Pure bliss! But, after I graduated college, I noticed my metabolism was starting to slow down. When I got my first job at the law firm, I began eating at the food court every day (hello, Moe's!) and the extra pounds appeared in no time. Then we moved to California, and a few more pounds joined in! Before I knew it, I had gained 15 pounds in the 2 years since our wedding (I know that's not a huge number but I'm 5'4 so it's definitely noticeable) 

Source: someecards.com via Julie on Pinterest

Since adding on the extra weight, I've avoided certain things. I feel uncomfortable in shorts and bathing suits, so I avoid the pool and beach at all costs. And when you live in beautiful sunny California, these are places you should enjoy every weekend! This is what made me want to change- to put in the effort and actually stick with it this time. I'm tired of being so self-conscious. 

I'm never going to cut out certain foods for good. I absolutely believe in moderation, and I think by completely depriving yourself of something you love, well, it'll only make you want it more. So I've begun to eat healthier during the week and then splurge a little on the weekends.

Source: hungryrunnergirl.com via Julie on Pinterest

Today was my first day of boot camp. And now I'm on the couch, unable to move. But I did it! I was SO nervous going into it, but they were all incredibly nice. When I told them it was basically my first day of seriously working out (ever), I could see the fear for me on their faces! It was absolutely the hardest thing I've ever physically done, but I'm proud to say that I stayed through the whole thing! The instructor told me that most first-timers quit before it's over (which I seriously considered doing!) I definitely had to stop at times and catch my breath, but at least I finished! However, I despise burpees.

(I found a deal on Groupon for 6 weeks of unlimited classes for $45! Isn't that incredible!? If you live in SoCal and are interested, email me and I'll let you know the details! The Groupon ends Thursday)

So, now that y'all know my insecurities and personal feelings (ahhh!), I'm hoping that writing about it will keep me accountable and maybe motivate others. For more inspiration, head over to Lindsey's blog. She posted about this same issue a few days ago and has really encouraged me to write about it, too! If you are going through the same thing, let me know and we can encourage each other! If I can do this, anyone can :)