February 25, 2009

Last night, Mark had to go to a bar on base where there was a meeting he had to attend. The meeting was for the guys on the MEU that want to be on the rugby team they're creating. Of course, Mark wants to be on the rugby team!! If you ask my husband to be on a sports team, he'll tell you "yes" before you even finish asking him. HA. So when Mark got home, we got the boys dressed and we all went to Dick's Sporting Goods store here in Jacksonville. Mark had to get some cleats for rugby, and he wanted to look at other stuff [like clothes]. While we were there, Mark let me get these:


These are Nike Air Max 180 running shoes. I had a hard time deciding if I wanted to get the blue or orange ones, so Mark chose the blue ones. HA. They are SO comfortable though and I love them!! I really wanted to get new running shoes because the ones I've had for a while [also Nike shoes] have been hurting my feet for a while. Even with the gel insoles, my feet hurt like hell. But these new running shoes are great because there's this elastic band attached to the "tongue" [or whatever you call it], and it holds your foot and supports it. I've been wearing these shoes most of the day today, just to start breaking them in. I hate wearing shoes inside, but I do have to break these bad boys in because I want to wear them during the run next week!!

Also, Mark let me get this:

I call him "Ryder"! HA. We were looking at bikes and treadmills last night while we were at Dick's, and, I'll admit, I did kind of "cry" my way into getting this bike. HAHA. I would've preferred the treadmill, but the bike makes more sense for now. It's smaller and cheaper and it'll be easier for me to take to Ohio [that is, if I do take it to Ohio]. I just wanted a treadmill or bike to use for the days I can't go out and run with the boys because it's too cold outside and I don't want them getting sick. Mark saw my many points, and agreed to getting it. I, personally, would like to have a workout room one day, and I know Mark likes the idea of that as well. So I figure we should start buying things now so we can have that room sooner rather than later.

But I've already used the bike twice today. Both times I was on it for 30 minutes. The first time was 20 minutes fast, then a 10-minute cool down. I went for 8.54 miles that time, and burned over 250 calories. The second time, I did a 5-minute warm up, 20 minutes fast, 5-minute cool down. I went for 7.30 miles and burned over 300 calories. Each time I was covered in sweat at the end, and my legs were burning. I haven't been on any kind of bike in FOREVER!! So it was nice being on the bike, and I will probably get on it one or two more times before the day is over. I will just put the bike in front of the TV, turn on a show I like, and just ride for a total of 30 minutes...or maybe I'll just listen to the iPod and ride for 30 minutes. Either way, I'll ride for 30 minutes and sweat like hell...and love every second of it!!

Yesterday's workout sucked!! I only worked out in the morning, and it was for about 75-90 minutes. Ugh. How lame!! I know, I know...I at least worked out for over an hour, and that's better than nothing. I just would've liked to have worked out one more time during the day.

For the last two days, my eating habits haven't been "up to par". Yuck! The other night, we had pizza, and I had a few slices between that night and yesterday afternoon. Also, I snacked after 9:00 last night. NOT GOOD!! I don't know what the heck was going on with me, but things seem to be back to almost normal today. I guess I just stuck with being a bit strict for a little while that my body wanted me to take a break, and just "let go" and eat something gross. Well, now it's back to being serious!! I haven't stopped having my protein smoothies though, and I won't stop having those!! Oh no! They are so good!! I have one at breakfast, one at lunch, and one at dinner. My smoothie at breakfast time is all I have for breakfast. But at lunch and dinner, I eat food, too.

Since I'm not supposed to eat meat tonight [due to it being Ash Wednesday], I think I might grill some salmon and cut up some vegetables for myself. I don't know what I'll make for Mark and the boys though. Mark can get away with eating meat, since he's not Catholic; but the boys are Catholic, so I'll probably make them some macaroni and cheese because they love that stuff!! Yeah, that's what I'll do for dinner tonight.

I have to go though because I have to get the salmon out of the freezer so it can thaw, get the chicken ready, and clean up some downstairs. Our new dryer came today, so it's a bit messy in the kitchen because things had to get moved around so the dryer could get put in the laundry closet. I hope you all have a wonderful evening!! Eat healthy and stay strong!!

Monday, February 23, 2009

Do you ever find it ridiculous that once you're older, out of your parents' place and living on your own, paying your own bills [rent/house payments, cell, cable, etc.], taking care of your family, etc. that you get excited over the DUMBEST things that you never understood why your parents got excited over when you were a child?! Well, I can't help but laugh at myself because over the weekend, I got excited over a few appliances being bought/ordered. On Saturday, we ordered [and paid for] a new dryer because ours is one broken, busted down POS these days. [It takes three FULL times in there to get clothes dry, or simply even close to dry. That's three cycles of 80 minutes each!! Crapola!!] So I am so excited about the dryer being delivered on Wednesday!! Also, Mark and I went to Walmart yesterday morning with the boys, and we got me a blender. I was so thrilled to bring it home and use it!! But seriously?...A BLENDER!!!! You would've thought someone handed me $1 million!! HA. But now I have a blender to make my day's worth of protein smoothies all at once. It's nice being able to do that now so that when it's time for the next smoothie, I just pour it into a cup, rather than having to spend a few minutes each time I want one to make it. So wonderful!!

I've become more serious about my protein smoothies and now have the recommended number of them each day for better muscle growth [which is 3 smoothies per day] rather than just one or two smoothies a day. The whey protein really is helping me out though!! I can see and feel the difference in my muscles, which is great!! The main area in which I can feel/see the difference is my legs. I can now flex my legs muscles and see the muscles!! HECK YES!! My calf muscles are really coming along nicely, too!! I am loving them right now, and I know that they'll only get bigger and stronger the more I work out!! I am getting that "heart shape" to my calves, and it's just nothing short of amazing!! So whenever I go to wear heels, my calves will look pretty hot!! HA.

I am starting to see some more definition in my triceps, too. I'm not seeing as much definition as I'd like, but it'll take some more time and work before those bad boys are lookin' the way I want them to. But my biceps are getting a bit bigger and stronger!! My deltoids are also feeling a bit stronger. All-in-all, my arms are getting stronger and I can see some major changes in them...they're coming along nicely!!

Speaking of arms, that was the area [upper body] I worked out last night, along with my abs. The workout was pretty good. I worked out in the afternoon, and then again in the evening. I try to workout twice a day, for 1-2 hours each time. I try to get at least one hour of upper/lower body [whichever the target area is for the day] and one hour of abs each day that I do strength training. Also, Mark and I put the boys in thr stroller last night and went for a walk. We walked for maybe a mile though. It was quite windy when we went out, and we didn't want to keep the boys out for too long. We did have them all bundled up for the walk, but I just didn't want to keep them in that weather for a long time. So we just walked about a mile. The one thing I hate about walking in cold/semi-cold weather is that it feels so wrong when I sweat. Sweating in the cold is just not cool to me. It doesn't make "sense". HA. I love to sweat, but not so much when it's cold. HA.

Today is a cardio day. So once the boys and I get home from Michael's speech therapy and running to the store, I am going to feed them their lunch, put them in the stroller, and either go for a run or walk [depending on the weather]. I am going to maybe go for 1-2 miles [again, depending on the weather]. I don't want to keep them out for too long though because that walk/run is just something to "wind them down" so they can nap nicely. I love it because once we're home, they'll nap longer than they would if I just put them in their room without going for a run/walk.

Over the weekend, I got some more food. I bought two bags of shrimp, protein bars, whey protein [since I'm going through my first tub of it pretty fast], and other stuff. So for dinner last night, I had a few cucumber slices, 12 pieces of grilled shrimp, half of a green pepper [grilled], and a strawberry protein smoothie. It doesn't really sound like much [and it didn't look like much on my plate last night], but it was a filling meal!! Not only was it filling, it was delish!! I'm debating though if I want shrimp again for dinner tonight, or if I want to have some chicken. Hmm.... We'll see when the time comes, I guess.

Well, I am going to go now. I have to start getting things ready for the day. Stay strong, everyone!! =)

The new jogging stroller!!

I just wanted to put up some pictures of the new jogging stroller. This thing is B to the A!! Seriously!! I ♥ it!!

Front


Side 1


Side 2


This is where you hook the iPod up to the speaker!! LOVE IT!!

Back



And there are even pockets on the inside of each side so the boys can have stuff right next to them!!



After the boys ate lunch and after I had a tiny bit of macaroni and cheese [like, 5-6 spoonfuls] and about half of an apple, the boys and I went out so I could go for a run. The stroller just moves so smoothly!! Going over bumps in the roads and sidewalks was nothing - could barely feel them. I also love that the canopy is able to be pulled all the way in front of the boys' faces, because I had to do that a few times due to the sun shining right in their eyes. Another thing I love about the stroller is that I can adjust the back of the seats. I can have one back all the way up, and have the other all the way down. So that's definitely nice!! The boys liked listening to the music, and I think it helped Michael fall asleep. The stroller is just so easy to maneuver, not too heavy [but not very light either], and it's just so nice!! I love this stroller!!

So if anyone wants to get this stroller, I got it from Babies R Us/Toys R Us [on their website]. It was only $189.99, plus tax [and shipping]. [I got free shipping though due to the President's Day free shipping they had going on over the weekend.] It's a Baby Trend double jogging stroller with swivel wheel. I recommend this stroller to you all with two [or more] kids!! My only complaint about this stroller was it took me a while to get the front wheel on when I was setting it up. But other than that, this stroller is amazing!! I love it!!

February 19, 2009 in the AM

Things here have been going very well for me. I haven't given up on working out and eating healthy stuff. Even when the boys and I went to Chili's yesterday to have lunch with some ladies from the FOTF board, I had water and a salad. It's hard for me to go out to eat somewhere and order healthy things [which is why I hardly ever agree to going out to eat somewhere], but I did it and am proud of myself. But all-in-all, I have been doing very well, and I am continually seeing some changes!!

My workouts have been going, for the most part, great!! I haven't done any yoga this week, which is bad, but I still run on the days that used to have both running and yoga. Tomorrow is a running/yoga day, so hopefully I will squeeze some yoga in there. We'll see. I feel weird not having done any yoga this week. But my strength training days are still going great!! The other day, I was flexing my arms, and I could feel a major difference in my muscles compared to a few months ago. But my one problem is that the front part of my triceps seriously blows!! It's just not as strong as the rest of my triceps. Ridiculous, I tell you!! My legs are definitely getting stronger and stronger!! The muscles are showing more and more, little bit by little bit. My calves are really starting to show, which I am so excited about!! You know me, I want to have those killer calves!! My waist is starting to trim down some, which I am very happy about!! I won't be able to see any lines defining my abs due to the extra flab I've got there, but I can definitely see that my waist is trimming down, and I can feel the change when I tighten my abs.

Today, I will be working out my lower body and abs. I honestly love working out my lower body and abs more than anything!! So today is my favorite workout day. I love feeling that burn when I'm working out my legs!! It's a wonderful feeling.

The jogging stroller I ordered a couple days ago arrived yesterday!! I got so excited when the UPS truck stopped in front of our house!! HA. I started to put it together almost immediately!! The one thing that I LOVE about it, that I didn't know about before, is that is comes with a speaker and cord that you can hook your iPod up to and play music that way, rather than wearing an arm band and headphones/earphones!!!! How cool is that?! So I think tomorrow, I am going to put the boys in it and go for a run!! I am so excited about the jogging stroller!! All of the storage space it has, how smooth it moves, it's not heavy, and that the iPod can be hooked up to it!! Just simply amazing that stroller is!! [Yes, I am that excited about a stroller. Get over it. LOL.]

My eating habits have been going well. I try to have some sort of protein shake/smoothie at least once every day. Let me tell you, the smoothies are the best!! I love my strawberry smoothies!! But I am out of bananas right now, so I have to have a shake instead. Still good, but I just prefer a smoothie over a shake. I've been eating quite a bit of protein every day, along with vegetables and fruit. And with that, I have been losing some more weight. I am so happy that I am losing some weight, building muscle, and just overall becoming more and more healthy!!

Yesterday made it one year since Mark got home from Iraq. So, in honor of that, I did what I had been planning to do for a few weeks now...I took pictures of myself wearing the outfit I wore to the homecoming to see how much of a difference there is in myself!! I can say that I have lost 30-40+ pounds since Mark got home last year!! I still have a little bit more to lose, but I have made such an improvement in one year, and I am so happy and proud of myself!! So here are some pictures. [Please don't mind how angry/grumpy I look in the new photos. LOL. I was kind of tired.]
FRONT



SIDE



I've made such an improvement, but I know I'm not done yet!! I am going to continue working out and eating right from here on out. Even once I hit my weight goal, I'm not going to stop being healthy. If I stop, I will just get big again and be so unhealthy, and I am not going to risk any health problems!! I'm doing this for myself, and for my kids!! I am determined to not be "that mom" that can't do a damn thing but sit on her ass, instead of being out there and playing with my kids and having fun!!

OH!! And just so you know, I was wearing "spanks" when Mark came home [you know, the long underwear that "sucks" it in for you], and I wasn't in the recent pictures. So that also goes to show you that I don't need something to really "hold it in" for me anymore. That's another big accomplishment for me!! NO MORE "SPANKS"!! HA.

February 15, 2008

So as I mentioned in my previous blog, Friday and yesterday [Saturday] were going to be my days off. And that they were. I didn't work out. Well, unless you want to count playing DDR last night a workout, then so be it. HA.

Today's workout was great!! I did lower body and abs. The first time I worked out today was for an hour or so, and the second time I worked out was for just about two hours. My legs were really burning during the second workout of the day!! My abs were hurting some, but my legs were on FIRE!! I loved it! Absolutely amazing!

Yesterday [Saturday] was a day of shopping for things. I went back to Marshall's and got a TON of workout clothes for myself, as well as a few things for Mark. I stocked up on sports bras, pants, and shorts. I got some other things, too. For Mark, I got him some gym shorts. I went to Walmart yesterday as well and got some lotions, Dr. Scholl's insoles for my shoes, whey protein, and some other stuff. I got something for Mark as part of his [early] deployment gift. [He won't be leaving for a few months, but I wanted to get him the stuff now. I'll be giving it to him soon.] Hmm...where else did we go yesterday?! Oh, went to Best Buy and got DDR and another gift as one of Mark's deployment gifts. He'll absolutely love that gift!! Also went to Toys R Us/Babies R Us and got Brayden a new carseat. I LOVE IT!! I also got the boys some new Converse shoes while we were there. I wanted to get a double jogging stroller while we were there, but they were out of stock at the time. I ended up ordering one from their website though, and it should be here within 6-10 business days. The cool thing was that they have a President's Day free shipping thing going on right now on certain items if you have them shipped normally. So I can't wait for the stroller to get here!! I'm pumped!!

I sent in my registration form and check yesterday for the Relay for Life 5K run!! I am so pumped about it!! I've even e-mailed someone from back home who's working at the Relay for Life to find out about their 5K run [to see if they're doing that again this year]. If they are, I asked them to send me stuff because I'd love to run that one as well!! I should be getting back to Brunswick right before they have it!! My sister's looking into this one thing going on in Cleveland this summer that's for cancer. Don't know much about it, but hopefully she'll find more out about it soon. I'd love to do more races to help charities/organizations. There's a Run for the Warriors race in May here at Camp Lejeune, but I don't know if I'll even be here for it. If I am, I'm thinking about running that. And that one has the option of running a 5K or 10K. If I am here for that race, I might just run the 10K. We'll see though. Hopefully I'm here for it. I love to run just because, but I love running even more now for a cause. I can't wait till March 7th when I'm running that 5K. I'm thinking about ordering something from Stand Up To Cancer and wearing it to the race. I could wear one of my old Relay for Life shirts that I've got, but those bad boys are all torn up and massively large. But I figure that I should maybe wear something that's related to the cause [cancer], and Stand Up To Cancer is a wonderful place to order from.

February 13, 2008

Today was an "off day" for me. I worked out 6 days in a row, so today is my day of rest. Tomorrow will be another day of rest because Saturday is my normal "off day". So on Sunday, I will be back to working out.

I went to Marshall's today and bought some new clothes for working out and because I want to look sweet for the 5K next month. [Yes, I did buy new clothes for the 5K. Leave me alone. HA.] I bought sports bras, Under Armour shirts, Adidas pants, and a camisole top. I was seriously so shocked when I put the pants on because they are a size SMALLER than what I had to wear for such a long time. My butt and thighs are massive, and I always had to go for larges in pants...but not anymore!! HELL YES!! But I want to go back to Marshall's and get some more sports bras, tank tops, shorts, and maybe some yoga pants. I just feel so much better about myself now that I have gone down a size in pants and they fit very comfortably!! YAY!!

When I went grocery shopping this morning, I bought lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and some salmon!! Of course, I did get a ton of other stuff, but I was really set on getting fish and tons of fruit and vegetables. For dinner, I made some salmon for myself, and it was DEE-LISH!! I also got some protein bars when I went grocery shopping. I had one of them today and it was fabulous!! So good, so good! I just need to go out tomorrow or some time soon and get some whey protein powder so I can make some protein shakes.

Something I did today that's not related to working out and eating right was I went to Wilmington and got a LOT of hair stuff. And when I say a LOT, I mean a LOT!!!! Seriously, I got so much stuff!! But Mark said that I could go out and get whatever I want from CosmoProf. I got 5 bottles of shampoo, 4 bottles of conditioner, 3 bottles of developer, 18 tubes of permanent color, a bottle of clear shine, 2 bottles of PM shines, a bottle of processing liquid, 5 bottles of semi-permanent color, a color tube key, 5 bottles of color shots, 1.5" curling iron, flat iron, a Paul Mitchell DVD, and a crap load of product!! And for all that I got, you're probably thinking I spent a TON of money. WRONG!! I got it all for under $500!! [To me, that really isn't much spent for what I got.] I am just so excited about all of this new hair stuff I got!! You have no idea how happy doing hair makes me!! I enjoy every single nanosecond of coloring, cutting, styling, etc. hair!!!! Not once while I was in cosmetology school did I hate going in and doing hair for 8+ hours 5-6 days a week. It never got boring, it never got old. I love doing hair!! When Mark and I buy a house, I told him I want my own little mini salon in it so I can do hair there whenever I feel like it. Doing hair from home will just be a side job later in life. I can't wait to work in a salon!! It's going to be amazing!! I just find it to be such a joy that people pay me to do what I love [since I do hair here at home from time to time]. And when I do hair full time, it'll be even more enjoyable for me.

Did You Know?!

Did you know that ten months ago was the last day I drank pop and ate fast food?! Well, if you didn't know that bit of information, you do now!! Never did I think I could last even one week of not drinking pop and not eating fast food, but I have managed TEN MONTHS without that freakin' crap!! HELL YES!!!! Of course, there are times I would like to just shove a freakin' double cheeseburger from McDonald's down my throat, but it's just not worth it to me anymore. I never really want to drink pop anymore. The thought of pop, the sight of pop, having it in my house for parties, handing someone a pop, etc. just makes my stomach hurt so much!! I literally get sick just thinking about pop now. Seriously though, I am so shocked and amazed that I haven't had those things since April 12, 2008. But even moreso, I am proud of myself - VERY proud of myself!! I guess that goes to show how serious I am about being healthy.

While I am at it, I'll post about my workout today. Like I wrote in this morning's blog, today was upper body and abs. I know I could've done better with my workout, but I did have a pretty good workout today. I didn't sweat a whole lot. However, I definitely felt every part of my muscles working.

I have definitely improved my eating habits within the last few days. I'm eating more protein, drinking so much water, not eating till I get full but eating 4-5 times a day in small portions, and just staying away from craptastic foods. I've been eating eggs for breakfast and boneless, skinless chicken breasts for dinner. I need to get more healthy recipes for chicken because I can't stand plain chicken and the other ways I prepare it all of the time. I need more variety with my chicken recipes, damn it! I can't wait to go grocery shopping tomorrow though so I can buy some new things that I want to include into my own "diet".

Like every day, I did my body test on the Wii Fit, and I was pleasantly surprised to see the changes in my weight/BMI in just one week. Okay, okay...I was pretty f*ckin' thrilled about it!! HA. I've even improved my Center of Balance [COB] a lot!! I still favor my left side, but barely now. So all-in-all, I am very happy and very proud of how things are going for me at this time. I have about 15 pounds to go now till I reach my current weight goal!! YAY!!

Earlier today, I was looking at the homecoming pictures from last when Mark came home. He's been home for almost a year [the 18th will mark one year], and I just wanted to look at pictures and remember that day. Let me tell you something though...I have come such a long way in less than a year!!!! Seriously, I was f*cking fat last February!! Don't get me wrong, I am still fat, but nothing compared to a year ago!! I started laughing out loud at myself when I saw the pictures. So ridiculous!! Ugh. HA. But I have decided that I am going to wear that same outfit and take pictures of myself in it just to show how much I have changed since Mark came home last year. It's just amazing to see how much I have changed in a year...and I am not going to stop changing now!!

February 12, 2008

Good morning! I hope everyone slept wonderfully last night. I know that I did. My phone went off at 1:00 AM, and I didn't wake up. I actually just found out maybe 5 minutes ago that I got a text at 1:00 AM. The last few nights though, I have been sleeping so well at night!! I am so thrilled about that!!

Yesterday's workout was amazing! I did bump up my running time to 75 minutes. It wasn't that bad running that, but I think I am going to get something like Dr. Scholl's gel pads for my shoes because my feet were hurting the last 15-20 minutes. The good news is also not only did I do the 5 minute walk/75 minute run/5 minute walk once, I did it twice!! It felt so great extending the running time, and doing it twice yesterday! Maybe in 2-3 weeks, I'll bump up my running time to 90 minutes. I also did 65 minutes of Yoga last night. I love how Yoga can really relax me, but it also makes me work really hard and sweat like hell!! Fabulous!! I love it!!

Two days ago, my workout was lower body and abs. That was a pretty good workout! I did some lower body work in the morning, and then did some more at night along with ab work. I decided to add weights to just about all of my ab work because I want a little bit more of resistance and it helps me control my movements more, which makes me feel every single nanometer of muscle being used. It's good stuff! The only problem I had with my workout Tuesday was that I feel as if I could've worked out harder. I know I worked out pretty hard, but maybe it's because I wasn't covered in sweat that I feel like it wasn't good enough for me. I don't know.

Today is upper body and abs. I am really excited to use the Total Gym today. There are some moves that do on it and I want to improve them. I really like doing moves for my shoulders and triceps and the Total Gym. They make me work the most [and sweat the most]. I never really focused on my forearms before, but I am going to now. How dumb will that look having nice upper arms/shoulders, and just craptastic forearms?! That'd look STUPID!!

So up until recently, I wasn't working out as much as I liked and as often as I needed to. With the holidays, my BIL being in the hospital and going to see him, all of the traveling, being sick, appointments, etc., I just couldn't have the same schedule I had months ago. But now that I've gotten really serious about this again, I am seeing changes and feeling changes with my body. I've already lost a few pounds within the last week, and now have less than 17 pounds to lose to reach my current weight goal!! I am working very hard again, and I am so happy!!

I am planning on getting some cosmetic surgery before the year is over, but I don't want to allow myself to if I am not at a weight that I feel is right for me at the time. After having two kids and skin that has never been forgiving at all, I have skin that needs to cut the crap off because it's doing nothing but sagging. I know, it sounds gross, but it's the truth. There's no way on God's green Earth that my skin will snap back on it's own, TRUST ME!! So surgery is the only way to fix it. Also, my boobs look like shit and I need them taken care of. With losing so much weight, they have gotten significantly smaller and I hate them so much! But as you obviously know, I am not just going to go in and have the surgery as a "quick fix". I am busting my ass with every fiber of my being to get in shape and be healthy BEFORE I get surgery. And once I get the surgery done, I will continue to workout to stay in shape and be healthy. I am taking this very seriously. I have known for almost a year or so now that I would be getting cosmetic surgery, and I have not once taken it lightly. I have been very serious and very focused on my own personal goals and trying to reach them before I get the surgery.

Last night, my wonderful friend, Ashley, sent me information about a 5K. I have been wanting to start doing some races, but just haven't looked into it yet. So I was pretty excited when she informed me about it. I wanted to do the 5K with Ashley right from the beginning, but as soon as I saw the registration form and saw that it's a Relay for Life 5K, I just know I have to do it!! I used to volunteer at the Relay for Life thing every year in high school for cheerleading, and that was one thing I never had a problem doing. And now that since high school, my grandma has had a few surgeries due to cancer and removing it, a family friend passed away last year due to lung cancer, and I have had a few cancer scares of my own [especially recently], I know that deep down, if I don't do this 5K for Relay for Life, I will be very upset with myself. My only problem is that my printer sucks nuts and won't print the registration form for me. But I will get it printed off and sent in so I can run this 5K!!

Well, my day must begin now since I can hear my boys waking up. I hope everyone has a wonderful day! Get up and do a little bit of working out today, even if it's for less than an hour! Just do something because you'll feel so much better about yourself!!

February 9, 2008

My workout yesterday and the one today were both great! However, yesterday's workout just had me drenched in sweat! I'll admit, it was gross being that drenched, but I knew that my workout was nothing short of amazing! Today's workout didn't have me drenched, but I certainly was sweating.

Yesterday, I worked out my upper body, abs, and I did about an hour of cardio at night. I moved my Total Gym equipment downstairs and used it for the first time in a while. It felt great using it again! I loved it! I just know that using it is going to help me get some nice looking arms rather than just using hand weights and doing push ups. And just setting it up and taking it down is a work out all in itself. That sucker is not light! As for my abs, I've added some new moves to what I do. What I like about the new moves is that they require light weights and you really have to work to resist your body from twisting too much, which causes some sore abs once I'm done. The cardio I did freakin' kicked my ass!! I'm not going to lie, a little "somethin' somethin'" came up more than once during the cardio I did. HA. I just kept on truckin' through though. Personally, I like pushing myself to the point where I feel sick and when I'm drenched in sweat. I feel like I'm doing good. I know, it's not always a great thing to work out like that, but I don't mind it.

Today, I just did my usual 5 minute walk/1 hour run/5 minute walk, as well as 65 minutes of Yoga. I can't really say too much about those workouts because they were pretty much the same as always. But I am thinking about upping my running time from 60 minutes to 75 minutes. I feel that I am completely capable of lasting that long. I've been able to run for 1 hour straight for a few months now. It just feels right to bump up the time. I've gotten a lot better with Yoga as time has gone by. I can do all but one pose now that I've been working on since I started doing Yoga. Well, I can do the pose, but it's just that I do it at the end of the workout, and by then my knees hurt a little bit and my thighs are burnin' like hell. So therefore I can't stand on one leg, have the other raised as high as possible behind me, and twisting into the standing leg with one hand on the ground. I am really working at it though, and have gotten better at it. I just am not able to do the pose as well as I'd like. So if I can't do something as well as I'd like, I can't do it. I'll get it though.

Tomorrow I will be working out my lower body [legs and ass], abs, and a little bit of cardio. I love working out my legs!! They're freakin' tree trunks, but I just love working them out! I especially love working out my calves!! I want killer calves!! I am hoping to have killer calves by summertime!! I need my ass to look good, too. I used to love my ass, but I haven't in a few years now. My ass used to be pretty much pure muscle. Ugh, I loved it! [Hell, I used to be so ripped, it was ridiculous!! I'll have to find pictures to show you all how sick my muscles were!! I know I won't look like that again, but I can always work real hard to look awesome!] I know tomorrow's workout is going to leave me so sore, but I am so looking forward to it!!

You want to know one thing I love about working out?! I love stretching!! I always stretch before and after every workout. Even if I workout two times a day, I stretch out before and after each time. Not only is it the best thing to do for your muscles so you're not as sore the next day, but I just love how it feels when I stretch out. Of course, I hold each stretch for no less than 20 seconds and no more than 30 seconds. Holding a strech for 20-30 seconds is best for your muscles, folks! I learned that back when I was about 14 years old, and have stuck to that amount of time ever since. So thank you, James Speed, for that bit of information!! [James was the top cheerleading coach in the nation years ago. Hell, he could still very well be one of the best. I had the wonderful opportunity of working with him mutliple summers and I always wanted to cheer for his team at the University of Louisville. That dream ended when I got hurt and lost pretty much everything.] I stretch out every muscle, every day, even if I'm not working out that area that day.

I sat down earlier and thought about what I wanted to get this weekend when I go grocery shopping. I wanted to get more healthy foods so I have more variety, rather than she same ol' stuff that's boring and the junk that is just "convenient". I've decided to get protein bars because protein is key in losing weight and protein keeps you fuller longer. I want to get a tub of whey protein, too, so I can make protein shakes. That'd be a good "snack". don't you think?! I'm also going to look into buying some fish. I've never made fish before, but I'm sure I'll be fine. I'll just throw it on the George Foreman grill and cook it that way. Who cares. I won't cook it in grease and slop though. Mark hates fish, but too damn bad. HA. I always get some fruit and vegetables every time I go grocery shopping, but I am planning on getting more from now on.

Mark's gone right now training, but he's out in the field and whenever he gets some time to himself, we'll text each other. I suggested that from now on, we workout together. We put the boys to bed fairly early [around 7:00, maybe a bit earlier sometimes], and instead of us sitting around before our shows start, I feel we should workout. Mark likes the idea and I am so excited!! I think it'll be fun to workout together. And since it's going to be really nice out all of the time here soon, we can put the boys in strollers and go on walks again. I loved it when we would go on walks all of the time before. Maybe we can start running together, too. That'd be interesting...us running together. HA.

Hopefully my first of many.

I've had this account for a while now, but just have never put it to use. Now that I have started using it, I am hoping to continue using it at least twice every week. That's my blogging goal for now.

I feel as if I am a healthy person, but I do know that I could be healthier. I can still say that April 12, 2008 was the last time I had any pop and ate fast food. I never thought I'd make it a week, let alone almost 10 months!! I also still don't drink any sugar drinks [ie. Kool-aid and stuff like that] and I don't drink sports drinks. I like to stick with my water, milk, silk, and 100% pure fruit juices. I usually drink lots of water and orange juice though, with a little bit of the other stuff in small amounts. My eating habits aren't as very strict as they were about 6 months ago. I plan on getting back to strict eating habits, just not as strict as before. For a while, I wasn't able to work out as much and as often as I'd like, but it was difficult when we were constantly traveling. I am back to working out more regularly now, and it feels good. I really do enjoy working out. Yes, I even like all of the sweat. If you know me at all, you know that sweat and I are always together. HA. I am just a sweating machine and have been okay with that since I was 13/14 years old. The more I sweat while working out, the better I feel about myself and my workout. Simple as that.

Now here are the things I did today:
1. 5 minute walk/1 hour run/5 minute walk. The 5 minute walks are to just warm up/cool down.
2. 65 minutes of Yoga. I think everyone should do Yoga!! It helps with strength, flexibility, stamina, finding your center of balance, and you can just clear your mind so easily while you do it. It's absolutely phenomenal!!
3. 5 minute walk/30 minute run/5 minute walk. I really wanted to do some more running just because.
4. 1 hour of kickboxing. This is one thing that makes me sweat and, therefore, I love it!! Plus, with the things that today brought in my life, I needed to let off some steam and going out and punching someone just isn't an option. HA.

Today, I drank well over 100 ounces of water. I seriously love water!! I also had 8 ounces of apple juice. My eating habits today weren't too bad, but I forgot to eat breakfast. I think I forgot to eat breakfast though because I forgot to do my morning "liver cleanse" that I have to do as soon as I wake up for a week. For lunch, I had a bologna and cheese sandwich on a bun. And for dinner, I had a few of Brayden's left over ravioli and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I know I didn't eat a lot today, but what I did eat just wasn't 100% healthy. So I am going to fix that problem.

Outside working out and eating right, I am taking some other steps to becoming a "better me". I am going to try to just take a warm bubble bath at least once a week so I can relax and it'll be great for my body to just rest in warm water [verses just standing the shower under warm water]. I am going to exfoliate my skin once a week so it can be smoother and softer. I am going to take vitamins to help with my health. Taking vitamins is so important, and I need to start taking them again.

Other than physical things to better myself, I am also going to include mental/spiritual help. I've recently decided that I need to get back in touch with my faith. I'm not going to be someone who pushes/forces religion on anyone because I think that's just not right, but I know that I need to get back in touch with my faith. For now, I'm just reading the Bible and praying more often. I might go to Mass once in a while once I'm back home in Brunswick, but I don't think I will right now. I just want to take tiny steps for now instead of jumping head first and then wanting to stay away for a long time again. A few weeks ago at my appointment, I asked my doctor if I could go see a psychiatrist. I know, I know...you might think I'm crazy or something. Yeah, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder when I was 15 or 16, but that's not really why I want to see a psychiatrist. I want to go to one so I can just clear my mind, talk to someone who is unbiased, and just have someone hear me and not feel like I have to keep certain things inside. This will just be such a wonderful thing in my life. One's mentality has such a huge impact on everything in life! Personally, I think everyone should go see a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist. People have no idea how helpful seeing one is until they actually do it.

So yeah, I am making some new changes in my life now. I know where I am, and I'm pretty sure I know where I want to be. But to get to where I want to be, certain things need to be done, certain changes need to be made.

Before I go, I have some things I need to get off of my chest that aren't about working out and healthy habits. Today marks one year since my Grandpa Mike's funeral and one year since Glenna passed. Grandpa Mike...ugh, I miss you so much!! I know I didn't get to see you very often once I got older, but you don't know how much I wanted to. I miss playing card games with you and hearing you tell your dirty, vulgar jokes and laughs. I miss the times you would just ramble on, and the times you'd fall asleep on the wooden rocking chair with your mouth wide open, snoring as loud as you could. I miss you so much. I regret never taking any pictures of Michael and Brayden with you. I wish I would've so they could have a picture with you and look at it as they grow up. Glenna, you were simply remarkable. I am so glad that Shannon and Laura became friends, and that your family became a part of my family. You were the most generous, caring, kind woman I've ever met. You put everyone before yourself. You gave so much to those who were in need. You also gave to those who didn't necessarily need anything. You were just amazing. After each child of mine was born, you'd give me a big ol' basket full of things, like diapers, wipes, books, toys, etc. You came to Michael's first birthday party and you were so excited, as if Michael was your own grandchild. Grandpa and Glenna, I miss you both so much!! I hope you're having fun up there, even though I'm sure the waiting for everyone else seems to be so long and boring.