DAY 50-LAST DAY FOR ZUMBA

Day 50 is a slightly sad day as it will be the end of Zumba for the season.  I so enjoy getting to laugh and giggle and "attempt" to wiggle like my instructor, Miriam, which of course as a person with little rhythm I don't do well but I do try.

Zumba was my first link to the outside world where I got to spend an hour just being me and being able to just have fun.  Me time is something I have never been good about since becoming a mom.  I always marveled at those mothers that would go away for long weekends or go to dinner during the week or join a bowling league.  I always felt I "had" to be home.

Well I've never been a very good bowler and always knew my little people would not be little for long.  Yes I sacrificed some time and yes my husband would have been more than encouraging for me to have more outside interests.  But as someone who went through divorce at 10 (and this was when it wasn't as common), lost my mom at 13 and grew up in a male household, I wanted my kids to have a mom that was there.  That was one of the reasons why I took a job with Lifetouch because I got summers off and all the school holidays.

Now before I get a ton a comments on how it was my own fault for not taking "me time" and I'm not putting anyone down. If what works for you works, by all means, if it ain't broke don't fix it.  But I've never been able to put myself first.  EVER!  For the longest time I cared too much about how other people felt and thought than myself.  Sometimes to my own demise.  But as you get older, you get wiser ( or maybe you just get too tired to participate in the drama and realize that the only person you have power over is you) But I count those blessings I have, a GREAT husband, wonderful kids (who seem to think it's their mission at times to see how patient I can be or whether or not I am wearing my invisibility cloak or waiting until that one brief second I close the bathroom door to ask me a question), I have a great job, heck I have two great jobs and I spend time with those that I know wish me only well.  I proved my brain works by getting my securities license (who knew it was still firing all those neurons)

But sometimes I do feel like:

So where was I going with all this... To be honest, I was just shooting off the cuff and wasn't really going anywhere with it.  To change course a bit:

A huge Happy Birthday goes out to my workout buddy and dear friend, who makes sure I show up for class, rain or shine:

AMANDA!

I HOPE YOUR BIRTHDAY IS AMAZING AND THE NEXT YEAR IS FILLED WITH LAUGHTER.  ALSO WE GET TO ZUMBA SO SOUNDS LIKE A GOOD WAY TO WORK OFF BIRTHDAY CAKE!  Also without my shyness, you would never get to have any "TMI" at Fusion and being able to smile while sweating and breathing hard!!!

The weather is getting nicer and it is harder to go into a building to workout, but without my new friends and workout divas, my weeks would be boring and filled with less laughter..

So 2 quotes today, why, just because.

QUOTES OF THE DAY

Balance is a tricky thing. Take your eyes off the horizon and sometimes you fall, but if you just keeping getting back on and riding, you will always move ahead.

(I know, pretty deep, right?  Sometimes I amaze myself at how Zen I can be, but then again, I feel like the picture above about the tequila and then all things get put back in perspective!)

Now I know I have an overinfestation of the terrible creatures and am working on getting the ZUMBA man or the Fusion Man (similiar to the Orken Man) to take care of these devilish creatures.

So a sweaty and fun filled evening of Zumba with the birthday girl and all my Zumba Divas, the 2 hours each week that I have gotten to spend with you has been enlightening to my soul and hopefully it has lightened my butt also.

And as anyone who has been in class with me knows, I'm a true soloist.  I believe that Miriam can attest to this, but I think Karla and I are Zumba soul mates!!!  Also I love that Miriam is a huge Pitbull fan, as am I (and not the dog breed, the singer/rapper who I just LOVE, who I have to say is kinda cute in a Mr. Clean kind of way lol)

So forward I go and tomorrow is a day be it adventure or challenge or just a big mell of a hess, I move therefore I am maintaining my balance!

COUNTDOWN:

DAYS DOWN:  50

DAYS TO GO:  19

Day 49-Workouts=Looking good naked!

Day 49
So got a round of golf in this weekend.  The weather was so nice if would have been a shame to stay inside, then came home and baked tester cupcakes for Graduation.  I haven't eaten one of them.  Relying on everyone else eating them to tell me if they are good or not.  After making them, I have no desire to eat them.

Fusion tonight and after this week only one week left of that.  Can't do the summer session due to concession stand but maybe I can get in just for the rest of May.  Would really miss seeing those ladies.

Motivation is at about a 15 out of 100.  I have grand plans at the beginning of the week but this day has definitely taken it's toll on me.  But Fusion will get me pumped back up, just have to get there first.

I've always been the tall girl or since I've gotten older, not the size 5 girl.  Never been in my DNA.  I am working on doing better but wish there was a magic pill or wand to bap me on the head and say, tadah you are know a size 5, go forth and prosper.

Unfortunately my weightloss fairy godmother must have lost her GPS system and is unable to locate me.  You would think that fairies would have better people detectors but hey with the advances in computers happening so quickly they are probably still on dialup for their internet.

So the task goes to me.  I wake up and I'm all gung ho and ready to go then I sit at my desk for 8 hours and my gung ho gets up and leaves me.  But I pep talk myself back into going to classes.  My knee is almost back to 100% as long as I wrap it before classes and don't try to overdo it.  It's nice not to be limping around anymore.

So to give you an idea of where my head is at, here's my quote of the day:

QUOTE OF THE DAY

I'm not saying that I want to be a supermodel when I look in the mirror but I'd like to look in the mirror and smile at what I see and not to go all blue on everyone, but when you are laying flat on a bed, yes your stomach looks flatter but put something round on a flat surface and it tends to W I D E N.  Unless you have a pillow top and then hopefully it sucks up all the stuff that is hiding behind you.

I don't own a full length mirror, which is probably why I'm slightly delusional as to how I look, when you only see yourself to the waist it is easy to live in la la land.

So exactly 20 days until Graduation and I need to step up my game, but my brain and my body seem to been having a difficult time relating to one another.  Every day I struggle, a bit here and a bit there, sometimes I win, sometimes I don't, but I figure as long as I keep trying then I cannot say I failed.

So enjoy the nice weather and hopefully if I get some fresh air and some sunshine my attitude will change for the better.  Rainy days and Mondays always get me down, the song goes but to be honest, finding a routine that works for me seems to be what is getting me down.  But there is always a tomorrow and that I can be forever grateful for.

Be well my friends

COUNTDOWN:

DAYS DOWN:  49

DAYS TO GO:  20

Day 46-only 20 days left on this Adventure or Challenge?

Day 46

Ok weighed myself and I went down 1 pound but that is my own fault for going off my path and reverting to my old ways a bit.  Notice if I don't have my gallon of water a day I'm just overly tired and have no energy.

I still have 20 days and 4 more pounds to hit my original goal but I would like to blast it out of the water by the end of the 20 days.  I just have to set my mind on go and make sure that my body follows.

So many changes happening in my little world that it is taking alot to process all the wonderful things that are changes and should change but it is taking a bit to get used to.  Having a daughter doing her own thing, a son graduating and soon starting college and my 6 foot 13 year old going to 8th grade and being my last one in public school.  I know I joke that I want all my children to move out and and pursue their dreams but it seems to be a lot of change all at once.  I am fortunate that my children seem to like to hang with us and they are around alot so it's not like I don't get to see them.  But every once in a while I get a little nostalgic and that's ok.  Change is a part of life and if I could just get my butt to be smaller, I would be forever happy with that particular change!!!

So prom this weekend for my son and doing a practice run of cupcakes for graduation.  So a full weekend ahead.  If the sun decides to peak out, my dear friend Amanda and I are going to try to get a walk in.

Ambition is a hard emotion to hang on to.  Some days I my cup runneth over with it and other days you would think that someone pokes a big hole in my cup and I couldn't gather enough ambition to cross the street.  Maybe I'm the only one that has this problem.  My friend Amanda and all the ladies I am lucky enough to meet at Zumba and Fusion help me on those days I have class, it's the days that I don't have class and especially the weekends were I over extend myself schedule wise and by the time I have a moment to myself, I opt for the nap or just sitting still for a minute rather than doing 100 squats.

I see all these stories on Advocare and facebook and Beach Body of all these people that have been able to change their lives and they look amazing.  Of course you don't get the day to day struggles that they had or exactly what they did, which I would love to know.  I'm a planner.  I like to have things organized AHEAD of time and follow that plan.  If I don't do that then I'm more or less sabatoging myself and even though I know this, sometimes the day gets away from me and I just want to hide under the covers.

But today is a new day and I'm the only one that can make the change.  I know I have great people who support me, but in the long run, it's really all up to me.  If I want my butt to get smaller, then I need to do more than I'm doing.  If I want to fit into a smaller pair of jeans, then it's up to me to say no to the cupcakes and even when I'm tired get up and do something, even if it's only for 10 to 15 minutes.  I love success stories and reading about how people changed their lives, I just really want to be one of them.  But I'm trying this healthy and doing the right way thing, rather than the fast and workout til I drop way I usually take, which works fast, but isn't very lasting.

So my quotes today reflect my mood:

QUOTES OF THE DAY

And this next one goes to Amanda, Savannah, Kathy, Shawna, Lisa R, Miriam, all the ladies at Zumba and Piloxing Fusion and to every person who every commented on FB or texted me encouragement.

Every day is a challenge and an adventure.  It's up to me to choose which one I want the day to become.  Some days you need to be challenged and other days you think you are ready for an adventure.  What will today be?  I'm shooting for adventure which a challenge here and there.

So have a great weekend everyone and I stay dry.

Remember,
You are Kind, You are Smart, and You are IMPORTANT, especially to me!!!

COUNTDOWN:

DAYS DOWN:  46

DAYS TO GO:  20

Weight Down:  16 lbs

Day 44-Exercise + Endorphins = Husbands that live longer

Day 44

Sorry about missing yesterday everyone, I was still tired from the weekend and barely made it through Zumba last night.  Miriam (my instructor) even gave us an extra 10 minutes of Zumba and no break for the full hour and 10 minutes which I thought I might fall over at one point due to the fact I was exhausted.  But it felt good to get my groove on even though my balance was way off.

It's cold again and I thought spring was here.  Guess someone forgot to tell Mother Nature.  Being tired in not great but add in the cold and I have a harder time staying on track.  Put in crockpot lasagna for supper, something hot and hearty for my boys for supper tonight.

I have Piloxing Fusion, which in my last post I said I was going to go, but I practically fell asleep driving home from work (which by the way is only about 3 1/2 blocks).  I was in bed by 7 and slept till 6:00 the next morning.

My knee seems to be getting stronger though I don't push it for fear of setting myself backwards. I received these pretty flowers for Administrative Professionals Day:

 And it's also EARTH DAY

So Happy Administrative Professionals Day and Happy Earth Day.  I have been struggling and when I see my friends at Fusion and Zumba, I always feel better.  My Amanda and My Savannah make each workout a fun time and they always give me that extra push I need.

So my QUOTE OF THE DAY, has to do with my hubby, who is such a trooper and has taken over feeding the brood on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (if I don't put something in the crockpot) so I can go to my workouts.  He wants and encourages me to go.  He even will guilt me if I even think about skipping and will ask me, "Is Amanda and Savannah going?' which I then feel guilty and make myself go which in the long run make me feel better.  So when I showed him this saying he said it sounded about right and a good thing for every husband to know.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

To to those "happy" women and their "endorphins" and the husbands who get to be married to them.  I salute all of you.

Have a great day everyone and try to not blow away.

Food log Thursday, April 22, 2015
Breakfast
Doughnut (I know, I just really really really wanted a doughnut)

Lunch
Chicken sandwich

SUPPER

Crockpot lasagna

COUNTDOWN:  

DAYS DOWN:  44

DAYS TO GO:  25

Day 42

Day 42.

I put in 24 hours of work this weekend.  But I love getting to take pictures, especially Prom and dance studio pictures.  I love the kids and all the costumes and beautiful dresses. But since I do not do this on a regular basis, my body isn't used to all the squatting and walking back and forth like it once was.  Plus my voice is a little out of practice saying instructions over and over and over and over again.  Saturday I worked from 4:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. went home and got back up to drive to Spirit Lake at 6:00 a.m. an took pictures until 9:00 p.m.  Needless to say, I didn't get a lot of sleep this weekend but my fitbit says I surpassed by 12,000 daily step goal both days and Sunday I really went beyond my goal.

I have 27 days and I really thought I would be much further than I am.  I am not getting down on myself, because I know it's a journey and it doesn't happen overnight and I have made some significant changes.  I drink a lake more of water than I ever did.  I exercise much more frequently. But deep down I wish I could do more to make the weight come off.  I've never been the stick then girl (well maybe back in 7th grade before the boob fairy visited) but I'm tired of being the heavier girl.  I think of myself one way and then I will see a picture of myself and completely take a downward spiral of the amazing power of my imagination that I thought I was small than I am.  But I wanted to do it in a healthy way this time.  I have done the water fasting, fasting in general, I have had bouts of bulemia and have tried diet pills which make me jittery and feel like I'm on speed.  I tried Weight Watchers, Atkins, South Beach, and numerous other diets, but they are not very lasting.  Quick results yes, but I'm don't seem to be able to sustain the diet due to such restrictions.  Healthy is what I am striving for and I have eaten more fruit and vegetables and chicken in the past 42 days then I can't remember when.

I say this story and I related to the donkey.  Not that I think I'm an ass, but that even when you think others intentions are to your downfall, sometimes you have to shake it off and you will find your way out of the hole.

STORY OF THE DAY

One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey.

He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down.

A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up.

As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!

MORAL :

Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a steppingstone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

1. Free your heart from hatred - Forgive.

2. Free your mind from worries - Most never happens.

3. Live simply and appreciate what you have.

4. Give more.

5. Expect less from people but more from yourself.

I thanked my Piloxing Fusion instructor, Lisa, last week for having the class and I teared up.  Those that know me know I'm not one to cry in public and I keep my emotions and opinions pretty close to my heart.  But it had been a very long and emotional week and just telling her how much I appreciated he having class and the ladies that are in it, I could being get out the words, thank you.  We would have hugged but it was AFTER class and we were a bit on the sweaty side, so a raincheck was made.

My original goal was to lose 25 pounds by graduation (40 was my "in the perfect world" goal), I have lost 15 pounds and I forgot to weigh in this morning, heck I forgot to eat breakfast and also realized after I got to work I had put my sock AND my sports bra on inside out (needless to say working the whole weekend affected my ability to do simple tasks like dress myself).  So until I weigh myself tonight, I still have 10 pounds to go.  10 pounds in 27 days, that that like 2,8 pounds a week.  I can do that but I just have stay focused and not sample too many of the cupcakes I will be making in the next three weeks that a practice for graduation.

So what will today entail, even though I'm completely and totally exhausted am still planning on going to Fusion tonight to sweat and smile, even if I can barely stand.  I will go.

So Monday and we are on the downslide to graduation.  

Food Log, April 20, 2015

Breakfast

Forgot to eat

Lunch:

Broccoli and cauliflower with italian seasoning

SUPPER:

Chicken

COUNTDOWN:
DAYS DOWN:  42
DAYS TO GO:  27

Day 39-PROM SEASON BEGINS

Day 39
This weekend marks the beginning of Prom season for me.  I take pics at prom in Boone on Saturday and am taking pics all day at a dance studio in Spirit Lake on Sunday.  Next weekend is Clarion's prom.

Man time flies.  Had a wonderful birthday and thank you for all you kind words.

Been drinking a lot of water lately and feeling much better.  Love my Piloxing Fusion class and even though I may be sore a day or two after, I'm so glad that I went.

The weekend will consist of working, which is ALOT of walking and standing so that should make my Fitbit very happy.  Going to try to keep my water with me and just keep drinking.

So here's my quote of the WEEKEND!

QUOTE OF THE WEEKEND!

So with working all weekend I may not post as much, but we are down to 30 days to graduation and last time I weighed in I was down 15.  Will weigh in on Monday because after running all weekend taking pics I'm sure to burn a calorie or two.

Only 30 days left and I need to step up my game and put in 200%.  I can do this and if I'm even a size smaller than when I started that is at least a step forward.  I will keep going forward after the 30 days.  Have 4 5k's left to do this summer and so many other things I want to accomplish.  So this is only the beginning of something even bigger.

So weather is supposed to be rainy, not good for Prom season but with enough hairspray any hairstyle can be set in concrete.

So have a great weekend everyone and just in the spirit of prom, do a little "Cupid Shuffle" to make your day a little brighter.

FOOD:

BREAKFAST

Caramel Ruthie Roll (only one)

LUNCH

APPLE

SUPPER
UNKIES IN THOR to celebrate my birthday and passing my Series 7 test.  It's the first family dinner with all of us in what seems like forever.!

COUNTDOWN:

DAYS DOWN 39

DAYS TO GO:  30

Day 38-Happy Birthday To Me

Day 38

Today is my 46th birthday.  And it's a glorious day.  Another year to find my awesome self and another year to spending find my bliss.

That's all I have to add today, because today is a free day and I am just enjoying being spoiled and pampered.

So Happy Birthday to me.  Another year behind me but so many more great ones ahead!

So thanks for reading and for being there for me.

Day 37-Be Brave, Be Strong, Be Smart

Day 37

I got an early birthday present from my Secret Pal at work today and it's also my Quote of the Day.  I put in on my desk right where I can see it and remind myself that everyday has it's challenges but as long as you keep a good heart and keep trying then even when things seem to be their darkest, you will still see a shimmer of light giving you hope.

I officially go over the hump in the 40's tomorrow and will be on the other side of 45.  I'm actually ok with it because to be honest I don't feel 45.  In fact sometimes I think I'm just making up this grown up stuff and my kids are just so used to me being right about stuff that they just follow me blindly thinking I really know what the heck I'm doing.  I still don't consider myself a grown up but in all facts and purposes I am. I can vote, drive a car, fight for my country.  I get to pay taxes (not my favorite grown up thing to do).  I can drink alcohol, I am tall enough to ride on the scary rides that have a height requirement.  If I felt inclined I could pretty much do whatever I wanted to do.  But I still like to have fun even though my grown up brain works overtime worrying about the world in general, I still try to find the smile in my day.  If I have to dance to get it out (which by the way is hilarious when I'm boogieing my way down an aisle at WalMart) or if I just have to yell, "Plot Twist" and turn the other direction, I will find a smile in each day.

I have struggled with my eating lately, if I do eat, I do try to eat healthy, but have to admit, I either haven't been hungry or I have a little of something and call it a day.  Not the best I know.  But this is hard and don't let anyone tell you different.  Yes, if there is fruit or vegetables I will fill my plate with those first and am trying to stay away from things I know are bad.  But each day is a mystery to me as to how I will choose.  Stress plays a big part and I am slowly changing that pattern but it's not a cold turkey kind of thing.

So Piloxing Fusion tonight, which I love.  I love hanging with my Amanda and getting to know all the wonderful ladies in class.  I try to learn at least one person's name that I didn't know before and I do give it my best but with my knee I take the precautious way for some of the exercises.  I figure as long as I keep moving than all is good in the world.

So here's my quote of the day (PS I love Winnie the Pooh, but Tigger really is my fav)

QUOTE OF THE DAY

My secret pal gave me wooden plaque with this written on it and I'm forever grateful for her giving it to me because it is a nice reminder.

Ok, so it's HUMP DAY which means that another week is on the downslide.  Drinking my water again and 1/2 a gallon is gone, the rest will be gone by 5.

So remember my minions,

You are Smart, You are Kind, and you are so very IMPORTANT TO ME!!!

Have a great day and see you tomorrow!

Food Log Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Breakfast:

Banana

Lunch:

chicken

Supper:

???

COUNTDOWN:

DAYS DOWN:  37

DAYS TO GO:  32

Day 36-GO LEFT YOUNG LADY!

Ok working out last night was just what the doctor ordered.  Felt a weight lifted off me and even though the same situation still exists I feel better.  Today a little stressed but hey I wouldn't be me if I wasn't a bit stressed about something right.

Trying to eat better and doing my knee exercises to strengthen my knee which seem to be working because I worked out last week and did my 5K this weekend, which I walked and jogged a little until my knee said, now that is enough lady.  And worked out last night and DID NOT come out with any injuries.  That's a big plus.

Need to drink more water, having trouble choking it down lately.  I do well for a while but then I just can't drink any more, flavored or not.  But am still trying to do better each day.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

So today I took a left and am remembering that I can only do what I can do and I can only help those that want my help.  No matter how much I want good for someone, until they want it also, all I can do it say I'm here if you need me.

So beautiful day out and the wind finally died down so may have to get a walk in after work today.  But have many more grad invitations I need to finish.  A mom's work is never done.

We are past the halfway point on this little adventure and I haven't weight myself this week, may wait until next week since I have a pretty full load with work and pictures and will be moving quite a bit so think I will wait til next Monday to see where I am.

So Tuesday is almost over and Hump Day will be here.  Get out and take a walk and soak up some of that wonderful Vitamin D that Sun is sharing.

Food Log Tuesday, April 15, 2015

Breakfast:

Apple

Lunch:

Chicken sandwich

Supper:

Chicken

Broccoli

COUNTDOWN: 

DAYS DOWN:  36

DAYS TO GO:  33

Day 35-Personal Day

Day 35
Need a personal day everyone!  Sorry, but dealing with things that are beyond my control and unfortunately not wanting to share.

Tomorrow  will be better but for today I am taking it as a personal day from my blog.

My quotes should give you an idea but just need to get to Fusion tonight to clear my head and sweat but until then this is all I have to offer.

I am one to deal internally and whether that is good or bad is neither here or there but didn't want to abandon my goal of my blog, just a bad day which hopefully will go quickly and without incident.

Just need a day to regroup, thanks for reading and keeping me in check.

Don't blow away in the wind outside and try to get a look at the sun.  

Food Log

Nothing, not hungry

COUNTDOWN:

DAYS DOWN:  35

DAYS TO GO:  34

Day 32-SNOW Way, was that really Snow this morning

Day 32

Well as I stated in my blog yesterday we were going to have one more day of snow and I guess I should have just stayed quiet because, holy buckets batman!  Started yesterday around 8 and everything was nice and white this morning.  Even had to turn on my car to defrost my windshield in APRIL. Amazing.

Picked up my registration packet for my first 5K of the year.  The Live Healthy Iowa 5k here in my little town of Clarion.  Will have to walk most of it since I don't want to push my knee more than I need to but hey as long as I finish, that is all that matters and the fact I showed up and did it is considered an accomplishment.

Had cheesy potato soup that I had made at a Pampered Chef freezer workshop for supper.  Have to say it was a bit bland and will not be making it again.  Wasn't a big hit with the boys either.  They said it was ok but asked that I not make it again.  So that recipe is not longer in the book.

This morning consisted of scrambled eggs and looking forward to actually having a Friday afternoon where I don't have a do anything.  Yes I could clean and start some spring cleaning, but let's not get to crazy people.

Love my quote of the day and will think of it every time I see a Stop sign or someone says stop!

QUOTE OF THE DAY

You decide on how you day should be!  But dance like no one is watching!

So 5k tomorrow and back on track, will see how I do on Monday's weigh in.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Food Log, Friday, April 10, 2015

BREAKFAST

Scrambled Egg

Lunch

Ham and salad

SUPPER
?

COUNTDOWN:

DAYS DOWN:  32

DAYS TO GO:  37

Day 31-Rain Rain Go Away

Day 31
Ok, It sounded like someone throwing pebbles at my window this morning but it was just big fat drops of rain hitting it hard.  Kind of like the sound of it but it was loud and woke me up.  I like rain, I even put in some cheddar potato soup for supper tonight because I had a feeling it was going to stay cold and rainy.

Only bad thing with rain is that I don't really get to be out and walk around like I would prefer.  But hey, Mother Nature is a bit more stubborn than I am and she can do what she wishes.

Went to Piloxing Fusion last night and my instructor, Lisa, played a song just for me.  Staying Alive by the Bee Gees.  I got my boogie on as well as all my fellow Fusion divas.  My arms are a little sore and had to ice my knee today because it was a little stiff but all in all I survived without any major injuries.  Maybe she should have played "Im a Survivor by Beyonce" since I lived through a workout without injury. ha ha ha

Had toast for breakfast and my tummy is feeling much better but not hungry for lunch and don't want to push it to much.  Still a little queezy here and there so just happy that what is going down is staying there.

Ok now to set up my quote.  We have a mouse, just one, that seems be very evasive and smarter than the average mouse.  We have a lot of traps all over the house, sticky ones, regular ones  you name it.  Anyway, he has found his way into my house and he goes from bedroom to bedroom and living room, never goes into the kitchen and is faster than fast.  Anyway, I did a bit more cardio when I was walking into my bedroom and the little bugger ran across my foot, I don't think I've moved that fast in a while and I think I may have screamed like a girl, which is why my son came running out of his room to see what had excited his mother to the point of screaming.  My husband and son got a laugh out of it. I do believe my son about fell to the floor because he couldn't control his legs anymore from laughing at his poor frightened mother. (I'll remember that the next time he get startled and then revenge will be mine!!!!!)  I'm not afraid of mice, but when you are barefoot and something runs across your foot it has a tendency to startle you.  So it wasn't a spider by my quote still applies:

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Also to anyone who has ever walked into a spiderweb, you completely get where I'm coming from.

So stay dry my friends and I will try to stay injury free (which it might be a better bet that you will stay dry, lol)  Another week is coming to a close quickly and perhaps Mr. Sun will decide to come back and visit.  But I was just told by someone today that in Iowa, once the robins return we have one more day of snow.  I'm hoping that this year it decides to just rain instead of snow but it's Iowa, wait 15 minutes and the weather will change.  

So snuggle up tonight and watch a movie.  My beloved show, the Blacklist, is on a small hiatus until April 23rd, so I'll have to wait til then to see who shot Red. 

Thursday, April 9, 2015

BREAKFAST:

Toast

LUNCH

Nothing

SUPPER
Cheddar potato soup

COUNTDOWN:

DAYS DOWN:  31

DAYS TO GO:  38

Pounds Down:  15

Day 29-Not Good Day 30-Better

Day 29
Woke up at 3 a.m vomiting and continued to do so for the rest of the day.  So needless to say did not get the opportunity to blog but did feel my abs get a heck of a workout.

Day 30

MUCH BETTER TODAY!  Don't know what I had but just glad that it has left the body!  Not 100% but definitely an improvement from yesterday.  Am going to Piloxing Fusion tonight to see if I can sweat out any of the bad germs that are left and get them muscles kickstarted again.

It's been a raining day here in the hood and it's a bit chilly outside.  My husband informed me he turned on the furnace last night and I would just have to adjust.  Well I guess he told me.

I want to be more motivated today but actually just trying to stay awake and reserve enough energy not to fall flat on my face at Fusion tonight will be a success.  April and May bring their own sets of stress, Proms are coming up and Graduation for my son which I, of course, being the mom that I am, do everything myself.  Yes I have great friends that help at the function which I can't thank them enough for volunteering to help me and let me visit with those that come to the party.  But it's  alot of work and alot to bake and cook.  So can't say I'm looking super forward to all of that, but I'm pretty good at organizing and I just have to get a game plan down.

My quotes of the day, one is funny and I think I will try to use it somehow today and the other just made sense in a logical way.

QUOTES OF THE DAY

I love this idea and if you happen to be standing next to me when I do this, just smile and nod and I will be on my way.

Now I'm not a huge Jillian Michaels fan, all her videos has size 0 models and she yells at you alot.  Not that I don't think I need a good talking to now and again she just doesn't do it for me but I likes this quote  and it made perfect sense to me.

So another day down, have to admit the weather is not helping my motivation or my mood much, so hopefully the sun will come back and visit us soon.

Have a great day everyone and remember:

You are Kind, You are Smart, and You are IMPORTANT to ME!!!

Happy Hump Day!

Food Log, Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Breakfast

Toast

Lunch

Roast beef on toast

Supper

Scrambled eggs

COUNTDOWN

DAYS DOWN:  30

DAYS TO GO:  39

Pounds lost:  15

Day 28-Taxes & Ice Cream

Day 28

Back on the water wagon and half a gallon gone by noon.  Eggs and sausage for breakfast and leftover chicken and roast beast for lunch.

It is one of those days after the holiday weekend were you wish you were back in school and got Monday off to just snuggle up and watch movies and do nothing but nap.  But unfortunately when you become a grown up you are expected to be at work on Monday morning, rain or shine, sleep deprived or not, to do your thing.

Piloxing Fusion starts classes two times a week this week but I unfortunately cannot attend tonight because I'm doing a different kind of weight loss.....my taxes. My checking account always gets a major workout and loses some pounds fast.  Just wish my body did the same thing.  I am not one of the fortune few that get to hear that wonderful "R" word at the end of  my appointment.......REFUND!  Nope I just pray that the number they tell me is what I actually have in the bank to pay and then another year is done and I can pretend like I'm going to get a refund NEXT year.  Which, of course, will probably not happen.

I'm not complaining that I have to pay taxes, I'm completely fine with that fact, but what is hard to swallow is the harder we work the scarier taxes are every year. Not to go political on you here but I would like to be in the "refund" category just once, but oh well, guess Uncle Sam is in desperate need of my tax money so might as well let him have it, I'd probably spend it on something silly, like food, clothing and shelter!!! lol

With the Easter Holiday over and giving myself a pass to indulge in a few bites of things I normally wouldn't have at my fingertips, I thought I did well.  Weighed myself this morning an lost 3 more pounds, which I actually think was probably more like 5 put I think I probably gained back a few the week I was "sitting" and studying.  So that brings the grand total to 15 and I'm not half way yet.  But think with more workouts and not having the stress of the Series 7 over my head, the challenge will be to keep motivated and on track.

Tried gluten free pasta for a salad I made for Easter, it was good but a bit stickier than the original kind.  But tasted good in the salad.

So here are my QUOTES OF THE DAY!  I found two.  One that tell my plight today and the other one I just thought was funny and a good parenting tip!

QUOTES OF THE DAY

This is definitely not something in my vocabulary!

This was brilliant and had to share.  Hey it's our responsibilities as parents to make sure I children understand their civic responsibilities.  ha ha ha.

So have a great day everyone and try to stay dry.  Maybe the sun will visit, but the chances are looking a bit slim to none.

Hey since it's such a dreary day, take your kids out for ice cream (see above sign for ideas)

Monday, April 6, 2015
BREAKFAST
Eggs
Sausage

LUNCH
CHICKEN
Broccoli

SNACK
Grapes

SUPPER
Roast Beef left over from Easter
Veggies

COUNTDOWN:

DAYS DOWN:  28

DAYS TO GO:  41

Day 27-Happy Easter to All

Day 27
HAPPY EASTER TO ALL!

I hope the Easter bunny was good to everyone.

QUOTE OF THE DAY:

COUNTDOWN:

DAYS DOWN:  27

DAYS TO GO:  42

Day 25-FRIDAY AND FABULOUS

Day 25

Friday, what a good day.  It has been a fury of activity today.  With it being Good Friday, no school for the boys and that means that Easter is only a moment away.

Drinking more water and lots of fruit and veggies.  But with Easter comes one of my weaknesses that really is only around at Easter and that are Cadbury eggs.  I really really love those chocolatey delights but I haven't been anywhere near any Easter displays so far out of sight, out of mind.

But I'm not a huge candy eater, just a certain day a month, otherwise I can take it or leave it. Right now I'd rather have fruit than chocolate.  Boy did I really write that, fruit rather than chocolate, something must be happening if that is even a thought in my head.  But it's true.  Would I have said that 25 days ago, I'm pretty sure that response would have been "HECK NO, BRING ON THE CHOCOLATE!"  Nice to know that things are changing.

My arms are still a bit sore from Fusion on Wednesday, think maybe I may have really gave it my all and my arms are recovering for it.  This week just flew by, maybe because I finally have a huge weight off of me (and not on the scale by the way) but am looking forward to such wonderful things as Prom, Graduation, and summer activities.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

I love this, made me smile

So off to do family things and spend time with those I love this weekend and then on to another week in my adventure on Monday.

Today it's short and sweet as there are many things to make for this weekend.  Deviled eggs, salad and possible dessert, haven't decided on that yet.  But a fine weekend ahead and I hope you have a glorious Friday.

Remember:

You are Kind, You are Smart, and You are IMPORTANT to me!

Hopefully the sun decides to visit today, because that wind is a bit chilly.  Spring is here but it's taking it's time to come to its full potential.

Friday, April 3, 2015

BREAKFAST

Banana

Eggs

SNACK

GRAPES

LUNCH
Salad

SUPPER

Chicken Breast

cauliflower bites

COUNTDOWN:

DAYS DOWN:  25

DAYS TO GO:  44

Day 26

Day 26

So sunny day and a bit cool in the breeze department but at least the sun is shining bright.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

As long as your mind is clean and your soul is pure then this makes perfect sense and has no "dirty" undertones whatsoever.  But if you fully get the joke and are smiling right now, you are my kind of people.

Saturday, April 4, 2015

BREAKFAST

Grapes

LUNCH

Nothing wasn't hungry

SUPPER

COUNTDOWN:

DAYS DOWN:  26

DAYS TO GO:  43

DAY 23 & 24 -I am FE+MALE!

DAY 23

Was in Des Moines most of day for a doctors appointment, but was able to hit Sam's Club and get lots of great grapes and bananas and apples and broccoli.  My fresh food drought is over.

Got back in time to hit Piloxing Fusion and getting to see my Workout buddy/friend, Amanda, I missed seeing her so much.  I had missed last week and with studying haven't really done anything that would produce an actually sweat since then (mental sweat yes, but not physical)

Anyway it was lots of upper body workouts and I'm a bit tender in the upper arm area, but so excited that class with be 2 days a week starting next week.  So for the month of April, I will have Fusion on Mondays and Wednesday and Zumba on Tuesday and Thursday.  I think that is a pretty good week.

Still on Cloud 9 for passing my Series 7 on Monday so very hard for me not to be smiling ALL THE TIME.  Yes I still have one more securities exam to take called a Series 66 but I have been assured that it is definitely easier than the Series 7.  The "7" was made to keep people out, the 66 is just making sure I know the rules and regulations.

DAY 24

Woke up this morning and I had a soda, I know, not part of the plan, but have switched to water and will keep that up today.  Actually had purchased it before I was even thinking clearly, not an excuse just what happened.  Still catching up on the sleep I'm been missing out on due to self induced stress and overworking of my brain.

Had some red and green grapes for snack this morning.  I really like grapes for snack.  I forgot how much I really like fruit.  I'm not a big melon fan (watermelon is really the only one I like) and I'm a bit picky in my berry selection (strawberries are good fresh, and only really like raspberries if they are in something like a smoothie).  But love grapes, bananas, apples, oranges, pineapple, and mango and as long as I have them handy that is the thing I will grab, so one of my missions is to make sure I have these things in my house.  Not easy since to get the fruit I like I sometimes need to travel out of town in order to get a good price.  Just economics, but when you can get twice as much for the same price, you go where your money has the biggest bang.

Since I have been feeling AWESOME this week.  I found my quote of the day and it is very superhero, AVENGERS Superhero.  So to all my peeps out there of the female persuasion, this is for you too:

QUOTE OF THE DAY

See told you it was brilliant.

So getting more active and trying to do a good job of eating well.  I realize I was a little extreme at the beginning, but I am still avoiding sugar, and breads, and processed foods as much as possible, which still isn't easy.  But each day I do well is a good day and each day I stumble I have to give myself a pep talk and say, "Just because you tripped, doesn't mean that you fell" and just do well for the rest of the day and keep that in mind tomorrow.

So enjoy your Thursday my dear friends and I hope you get to enjoy some sunshine today.

Remember:

You are Kind, You are Smart, and you are so very IMPORTANT to me!

Thursday, April 2, 2015

BREAKFAST

2 eggs

SNACK

grapes

LUNCH

Brat

veggies

SNACK

Banana

SUPPER

CHICKEN grilled

roasted broccoli

COUNTDOWN:

DAYS DOWN:  24

DAYS TO GO:  45