I'm Back!!! Change is Coming!!

Over a month!!  I'm so sorry friends!!  I have been so busy the past three months that I did very little "computer fun" things at all.  I had to stay focused.  And it all paid off..  Starting March 24th, I will be working with Alfa Insurance in Pelham (not with my brother)....  I'm so excited and so ready for a change.  I have enjoyed working at UAB, but it's just time to move on. 

I also can't wait to get back into a workout routine.  I let all that go when I was studying for my state exam.  I felt guilty if I wasn't studying!!!  So my plan is to start back going to Gold's after I get off work at 5.  It's right down the street so NO EXCUSES!!  Then, when I get Mac up in the mornings, I plan to do Cardio Barre...  Can't wait to start that program.  Now that I have to wear real clothes---this body has got to change!!  Cause I want some cute clothes and shoes!!!
 

Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year all my sweet friends!!  So sorry I haven't blogged in over a week.  So much was going on with the holiday's----I just never sat down long enough to do it!  Mac's dad came into town and stayed at the house.  I worked most of the time he was here so with him staying at the house, he got to spend more time with Mac. 
Also while he was here, we got another sweet baby to add to our family...  A Yorkshire Terrier named Oscar!  My heart screams love for him!!  Not to mention when him and Mya are laying together--I'm in Heaven!!  I promise pictures are coming!!  He is spending the day today with Aunt Marci and my nieces--I'm sure he will be pooped tonight!! 

Did you make New Year's Resolutions??  I'm going to try to stick to two this year..  One, continue to get healthy and workout the most I can.  Two, stick with the 52 Week Money Challenge.  If I can stick with this, I will have over $1378 at the end of this year!!  So what I think I'm going to do is make a money jar that once I drop the money in, I can't get into it unless I break the jar.  And I'm going to bling out that jar so I don't break it!  Anyone else doing it with me?  The computer I'm on won't copy a link--but just go to 52 Week Money Challenge and you will find tons of printable copies.  There is also a Facebook page!! 

I'll post some pictures of Oscar soon!!!

Is It Over Yet??

I love love love the Christmas season, but working this much through it has been crazy.  But thankfully things have slowed down and I'm almost to a normal schedule again. 

So where do we begin...  Mac and I are loving our membership at Gold's.  When we joined we were both getting over nasty colds, but all is better now and my sweet trainer kicked my butt Monday.  Then of course I couldn't go yesterday because Betty had to go into the shop and I was car-less...  Always something!!

Hopefully we have cured the dreaded headache's with some new specks.  Now it has been decades since I have worn anything other than sun glasses..  So this is going to take some getting used too.  They are progressives--and I only have to wear them at work, reading or driving...   They are kinda fun and funky...



Ya'll know I rarely, if ever, do "selfies" so here's a picture of my funky specks..

Since I've given up some bad habits (ie the abundence of wine I was drinking)---I'm feeling like a new person.  I reinstated My Fitness Pal app on my new phone and linked up my Jawbone Up to it as well.   So no excuses...   I'm still trying to get up and workout before I go to work---which means getting up at 4:45am..  Can I tell ya'll how hard that is for me!!  But if I want it bad enough I will start getting my ass up!!

  

Have a great Wednesday friends!!!

Steppin Wednesday!!

Since I declared that I'm no longer using my cold/sinus issues as an excuse to not exercise---I decided to use my Step 360 to start of my workout week..  If you haven't seen or used one of these before, they are awesome..  It really works your core and helps you with your balance.  I also like the ab workout on this the best.  It's very versatile, and can be used in alot of ways.  I can't get the "link" to work on this computer, but you can just hop over to Amazon or EBay and check them out.  I like Amazon because you can read the reviews and see what everyone else thinks of the product..

  I'm going to wear my Polar heart rate monitor, so I'll post it when I'm done---as proof that I did it!!  Gotta hold myself accountable!!!

What inside equipment do you like to use to change things up??

Finally Getting Better!!

Have I mentioned that I have had two colds/sinus infections in two months..  I feel like I have been sick forever!  However, I finally feel like I'm getting back to normal.  Either way, I refuse to be sick any longer.  My favorite time of the year is approaching---I love winter clothes!!  And boots!!  So, I'm planning on getting this ass up this week and working it out!!  Excuses no more.  I hope to take Mya with me, but sometimes she holds me back---her leash walking isn't the greatest.  She's only a year old---lots of "let's chase the squirrel" moments still in her.  So, I'm going to put my music in and get moving... 

For the Halloween party I've decided to go as a "Black Widow"....  Or, you can call it "Ho Tara"---either way, I'm wearing some killer red stiletto's with an awesome top and leggings.  The party is at Lisa and Tony's house and I want to be very comfortable---I'm pretty sure I might be having a drink or two or five.. 

I'm sure crazy pictures will follow....

Today starts Mac's first job as a "Manny" to our friends Sara and Vance.  He will be keeping their  5 year old triplets and their 10 year old son too.  It's a great job---no weekends, late nights or even holidays....  My little baby is keeping babies!!!

That's all I've got today...  Hope things are going good for ya'll!!! 



Confession Time..... Again..

It's time to confess again and put it all out there..  I haven't exercised since Mya got sick over a month ago!!  And the scale reflected it this morning!!   I've been telling myself for weeks that it's ok, I'm "maintaining"---well not anymore!!  Damn scale finally jumped THREE pounds!!  That was  truly a great way to start off day three of work...  When all I wanted to do was crawl back in bed and sleep til noon.  I think it may have brought on the Pop Tart I had for breakfast as well..  But I did do my Subway tuna salad for lunch, however, I know I'm getting a little "cracker" happy lately.  SO, I see the path of destruction---trust me.  I've also been having a little bit too much of the "juice" with the friends too.   Once again, I see ALL the wrong that I've been doing..  Mya is 100% better and screaming to get outside on our trails---but--I've just been a bum enjoying the nice comforts of my air conditioned house.  Well, no more!!  I'm getting back on track (for the billionth) time!   I even backed out of my Glow in the Park 5k because I was feeling so out of shape.  But I promise, when Run or Dye comes later this year---I AM doing that 5k!! 

So friends, feel free to slap me around for putting my health aside...  I promise I'm going to do better!!

     

No Time For This!!!

Well August is here.  Going to be a very busy month for me.  Mac starts back to school---and driving there!  That will bring on a little bit of worry for sure.  This Friday I'm having a Thirty One Gifts party at my house---SO--that involves lots of cleaning on Thursday and Friday afternoon.  But I'm excited.  I love their bags and plan to grab a new lunch box and one of their cute little purses.  I even use them for my Pure Romance inventoy.  The large utility tote is AWESOME!!  I'll try and post a link to it from my home computer later. 

 I'm very excited that I've got three awesome Pure Romance parties this month!!  Make that FOUR---another one just comfirmed!!  Their World Conference is going on this week, which means NEW PRODUCTS!!  Can't wait to order the new catalogs...   So much fun at these parties I'm telling ya!!

The only crappy thing that seems to be creeping in is a damn chest cold!!  Can you please tell me where I have time for that this week??  But I sooooo feel it coming on.  All I want to eat is hot soup cause it feels so good on my throat.  Flashing sign right there... 

Well better get off this thing and do some work..  Hope everyone is doing awesome!!  By the way, Mac starts his journey back this Friday from California..  My "mommy break" is almost over....  But I'm ready to see my baby!!!

  

Finally Fixed It!!!

I finally fixed Quinoa!!  I have to say it was really good.  I fixed it with bourbon salmon and asparagus...  So good..  It's a keeper..

 

I'm having some family issues, so this post will be short since its from my phone..  

I did get in a 3.9 mile walk/jog yesterday evening with Mya...  Felt great.   I need all the  stress-relievers I can get right now!  

More later friends!!

Day 3---Feeling Great....

Today marks day 3 of me revamping my diet plan and I'm felling great!  I think I was at a platuea of sorts with exercise and motivation.  So I had to change things up a bit.  I did some walking/jogging serveral days, felt great to get outside and get moving.  Exspecially after such a crazy work schedule the past two weeks. 

However, with the added running comes the dreaded runner's toe that I had last year too.  Poor little toes, just the one's next to my big toe---but the nail on each of them start turning blueish and will eventually fall off.  Hate that since it's summer and time for pretty feet!!  I did go get "fitted"  for some new shoes that will hopefully help my little toes...   Putting lots of hope that these new babies help them out!!

                                                          Women's Adrenaline GTS 13  

As of today, there are 50 days until the Glow in the Park in Hoover on July 26...   May end up doing it as a group too, which will make it even more fun... 

This week I'm going to weigh in on Friday so I can give the "revamping" time to kick in...  Is that cheating alittle???

       

So Excited!!!

I'm so excited to say that I'm going to do my first 5k in July!!  Run or Dye was going to be my first in November--but this one looks like so much fun.  I just couldn't wait!!  It's called Glow in the Park and its in Hoover--a night race!!  With an after party!!  It fell on my weekend to work, however, one of my beautiful coworkers said he would work for me!!  I'm so excited!!  Now I just have to find someone to do it with me.  But there again, have we ever known me to be shy??  I'm doing this for myself---so I will be fine either way....

The web site has alot of cool pictures that really shows you how much fun it is!!  Anybody want to do it with me??  The cost is $40 through June 15, then it goes to to $45 through July 15 and $50 if you register the day of the race... 

I  have a little over a month to train for this and plan to work so hard for it...  I've only ran on my treadmill and the trails at the park.  I'm more of a walk/jog kinda of girl since the "girls" are so big...  But I've got some great support for them now and I'm about to put it to the test!! 

So excited!!!

It's My FRIDAY!!!

Can you hear the angels singing???

I'm one tired chic!!  But I made it---overtime will be SWEET come payday!!  Now I just need to get through today and I see some serious pool time in my future...    My sweet Mac has been wonderful this week helping out around the house and doing his chores. 

On the weight loss home front, I've maintained the four pounds that I gained earlier this week.  My goal for tomorrow is to sleep in, obviously, then go walk/run three miles at the park.  I need to set my base time so I know where I stand as far as my pace and time per mile.  After that, it is pool time!!  Well, there is going to be alot of pool time..  Hell, with house work---I'm sure we will have a rainy day somewhere in my five days off that I can do it! 
So if I miss a few days posting, just know that I'm catching up on some MUCH needed rest!!!
My next post should come via pool side!!!

Let's Do This!!!

Here we go again, three more twelve hour shifts and then this chic is off for five whole days!!  My first summer stretch!  So excited!  I'm going to go get Mya a plastic pool so she can enjoy the backyard a little better since it is going to heat up quick here in Alabama.  Plus, I sometimes like just laying in my back yard enjoying my windchimes and the sun.  No need to go anywhere.  But first, gotta get through these next three shifts!

I haven't talked much about the weight loss lately because I've basically just maintained where I'm at.  Which is good, but I'm ready to move on from that number now.  So Friday starts a whole new plan.  Which no longer will include the red juice of the gods (crazy to start that on a Friday isn't it?).  I have exactly 171 days until my Run or Dye 5k so still a good ways away, but I think I would like to do one before that just to see how I do.  Sorta break the ice kind of thing. 

With all the wonderful blogs I've found about weight loss and working out and how motivated each and everyone of them are---it's time for me to be that person as well.  I was earlier this year for the first 18 pounds, then I got comfortable for a bit and slacked off.  No more slacking.  I'm going to put together a workout plan for each day or something to that effect.  Outside of the wine, food wise, I'm doing good still.  The best thing that helps me in that area is that I just don't buy the "junk" anymore.  And if it is not in the house, then I can't eat it.  Plus, I love grilling out in the summer time---which makes for a lot of healthy meals.  So, it just comes down to me getting off my "assets" and working out. 

That being said, bare with me on the motivational quotes and what not---things like that DO work for me so I may try and post one with each post.  To find that "special" one, I have to read several pages worth--by then, the motivation has kicked in!!  I'm not going to give myself a double digit number of pounds to lose, but take it in 5 pound increments.  5 sounds very do-able.  Not overwelming.  Wish me luck!

So, here we go---lets get these work days done and start enjoying the summer!

TGIF!!

I started back exercising today and feel amazing!! My doctor recommended Yoga so I pulled out one if my favorite trainers.. Yes, Bob Harper, via DVD, is my personal trainer.. Stretching and flexing felt so good. I was so tempted to take Mac to school and come back and get in the bed, but my neck is never going to feel better if I keep using it as an excuse. Guilt obtained by not doing something you enjoy, is almost worse than the pain.

If you haven't tried Yoga, and think you are not going to get a great workout---your wrong.. The best weights you can lift is your own body weight. Left me know what your favorite type of yoga is...

Have a most excellent weekend friends!!!

TGIF!!! And So Much More!!!

I have only worked one day, today---due to a nasty fall on my deck.  Which I thought was going to kill me!  My neck is so messed up..  Thank Goodness my sweet girl Mya was there to "assist" because if she hadn't been there, I would have gone completly over the deck.  Then, I would have been dead damn-it---for sure!  But you can rest assured that the nail that tripped me is no longer there!!  Smashed that thing with a vingence!!

Just been a horrific week.  Left my hair straightener on from Tuesday to Thursday---nice little spot on my bathroom counter from that.  I also got up yesterday and realized I had left a stove top burner on from the night before.  THIS HAS NOT BEEN MY WEEK!!!  Just let me make it through today with my gemped up neck and all will be good!!

Mac and I are going to see Oblivion with Tom Cruise tomorrow.  He also wants to eat at Waffle House!  I do have to admit, they have the BEST fiesta omlette I have ever had!  So, I'm actually looking forward to my date with the cutest man ever....

On the dieting front, weighed this morning and am down another pound.  I didn't exercise any this week so I think it's just from lack of eating due to my neck hurting so bad---I just didn't feel like fixing anything.  So I ate simple.  Fruits and things like that.  And it's supposed to be rainy on and off this weekend so I doubt I will get much outside time in.  Treadmill...  I just keep reminding myself---I have actually signed up for a 5k!!!  So work your booty out!!!  Today is payday, however, and I'm having my beautiful Subway Tuna Salad!!!  YUM!!!

Here is the trailer for the movie we are seeing...  Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!!

Rainy Day Work Out....

Can I first just say how damn glad I am to be off work.  What a beat down!!  Love my job, but wow--last three days have been bussssyyyy...  And of course I'm off today and tomorrow and we are having storms.  Damn again...  But just have to make the best of it.  Mya and I will be practicing our training.  If only I could teach her to help me clean house.

I'm starting or at least attempting a new work out DVD today since it's all yucky outside..  It's call Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30.  I know, extreme..  However, since I have found a wonderful sports bra---I'm ready to brave all things with jumping in them!!  If Mya could video, I'm sure she would be posting it on YouTube to get back at me for something...  Cause it's a hot mess of sweat and talking to Jesus!!  I'm 100% sure there will be pain involved tomorrow...    Here is a link to it on Amazon, but I got mine at Walmart.

I'm not saying I'll do this every day for 30 days..  But since its has three different levels and is only 30 minutes of torture---I think it's doable!!

Motivational Monday...

I'm needing alot of this for this very busy week I'm about to have.  I have everything in place, I cooked meals ahead of time, moved the treadmill into my bedroom, set out my workout cloths---did it all!!  Now it's time to put the words to actions.  Why can that be the hardest thing to do sometimes...

In reading one of my favorite books by Joel Osteen, I Declare:  31 Promises to Speak Over Your Life, I really thought this passage was so good.   It is true, I can handle the challenges I am facing.  I just have to stop letting "myself" stand in the way.  Everything takes time and patience---both qualities I have always struggled with.  But I'm learning daily...  Check out the passage below....

With that said...

New Gadget Lovein....

I'm really excited to use my new Nordic Ware Egg Muffin maker I bought recently.  I love anything that is fast and less mess.  And did I mention it's cheap?  Got it at Walmart...  So tomorrow after my workout or maybe before, I'm going to fix me a nice, low calorie egg white sandwich..  Yum!!  

I've started using the All Whites in the container.  There again, no mess and quick!  If you haven't tried them, well you should!!  I add peppers and black beans to mine---so tasty!!

Mac is heading out to the Spring Fling to finish up his community hours for school and I'm going to bust out cleaning this house!  Cranking up the music and turbo cleaning!  Mya is dying for a pretty day and a long walk after being inside for the past three days.  She is going with me tonight to my brothers so we can work on some of her training exercises.  That means I'm working on one of my goals of getting her "out" more around people.  How am I going to raise/train her to be a therapy dog if I don't get her out and around other people??  And it's really me not her.  I'm afraid she won't do good--BUT--I'm not even giving her a chance!!  Changing that this weekend!!!

What changes are you making this weekend??

New Favorite Things....

I just love finding new favorite things.  Two reasons, first is that it means that I branched out and tried something new!  Secondly---it means that if it's a "favorite thing" it is REALLY good!!  I'm in love with all things coconut right now and this thing is like a mound candy bar..  Awesome I'm telling ya!  It's got 190 calories and 9 grams of protein.  I don't think that's too bad.  The other day I had this and my favorite veggie right now, cucumber, and called it dinner.  I think Publix, our local grocery store, probably calls me "the cucumber lady" behind my back.  And yes, we could have so much fun with that--but this blog is PG--for today atleast...

My second favorite thing is Oikos Greek Yogurt Pomegranate.  I didn't try greek yogurt until this past year, but now I don't think I have bought regular yogurt since.  I also love this brand in blueberry.  This is normally my 4pm snack and then I try to dinner around 6:30ish to 7pm at the latest.  I find that I do better if I try to eat atleast every four hours.  Oranges and apples are also very good right now.  I try to have one of each everyday.  But the orange for sure...  I love sweet ones.  Back to the yogurt, TRY THIS!!  I promise you will like it.

What is your "favorite thing?"  I've learned in order to stick to my diet, I've got to branch out..  Variety is the key!!!

FitBit One Weekly Stats

My stats are not as good as I would like, obviously.  But I'm a work in progress.  I didn't get on the treadmill yesterday morning.  I think I was still frozen from the late baseball game.  And this morning, I feel like I'm getting a cold!!  I keep having those hot and cold moments.  That's not a good sign for me.  I haven't had the dreaded yearly cold yet.  And did I mention that I don't have the time nor the finances to be sick.  Seriously...

Here is the stats for last week...  I promise they will improve...

Update to the Spring Break/Vacation "To Do" List..

Ok, during the initial week, this was all that I got done.  I know, pretty sad.  BUT---there are reasons..

Mac just wanted to hibernate in his room..   Tags, well, they have to wait until payday.  I gave up WW for My Fitness Pal and the FitBit One and am loving both of them.  No fees and I haven't found an item yet that is not in My Fitness Pal's food list.  Didn't "spring clean"---but I did clean--so I'm good with that for now.  Blogging, no excuse---sorry.  My parents ended up taking me and Mac to dinner---so even better!!   I DID read alot of my magazines--and tossed several too.  But atleast now you can actually SEE my kitchen table.  I have a "stacking" problem--there, I confessed that.

Overall, not too bad.  Now this weeks goal is to get up and on that treadmill on my work days.  Yes, that is at 4:40am--I just keep telling myself  "how bad do you want healthy and skinny??"  And I have moved my alarm clock across the room...  Wish me luck....

1.  Take Mya to vet for follow up to surgery.
2.  GROCERIES---big MUST and soon.
3.  Nails---they are starting to look a little, well we won't say... (I'm thinking Saturday)
4.  Start, again, Couch to 5k--TOMORROW
5.  Take Mac to movie
6.  GET TAGS RENEWED!!!
7.  Major training with Mya
8.  New lotto ticket (can't win if you don't play)!!
9.  Finally attend a Weight Watchers meeting---been way too long!  Have to get scale moving again!!
10. Spring Cleaning!!  And that means even the baseboards!!
11. BLOG daily so I'm accountable for all of this.
12. Take mom to lunch--been too long for that as well!!
13. READ all the health magazines I have bought over the past month!!
14. Meet my FitBit goals!!
15. Track EVERYTHING in My Fitness Pal!!!!