Whew.

That was a rough one today. I was thinking about taking a rest day. I slightly pulled a muscle last night in my thigh while washing my face! LOL. But it was feeling fine this afternoon so I went for it and did level 2 again today. I took some pics afterward so please excuse my sweaty, messy self. Also, it's laundry day so please don't mind the laundry everywhere! I set up some comparisons but I'm not seeing much difference yet.

Didn't quit and *that's* the goal!

So, I just finished getting my butt kicked by Jillian Michaels. Today is my Day 5 of the shred. I think this is the longest I've gone in years consistently working out on a daily basis. I am feeling great overall, but today was tough. I really, really didn't want to do this workout today. But, I knew I would have more energy after I did it and so I grudgingly put the DVD in. No sooner did it start than I started to hear those negative voices in my head. "You don't need to do this," and "You can quit and do this tomorrow. You're really tired, you deserve a break." etc. Well, in spite of those thoughts I continued to push. And push. "2 more minutes," I kept repeating to myself. "I can quit if I just do 2 more minutes." And yet, as each 2 minute milestone passed, I continued on. Painfully, but I just did. I reached deep inside myself this morning to pull out a workout on ZERO motivation. And it feels so intensely good that I didn't quit. I am absolutely, totally impressed with myself today and that in itself is me reaching a big goal. So, yay me!!

Started the 30-Day Shred today....

And there is no better way to keep myself accountable than embarassing myself in photos. I took pics today on day 1. I've never done this before so I'm hoping it adds a level of accountability to this program for me. This is 12 pounds thinner than a few weeks ago, but I need to kick my weight loss into overdrive! Please excuse our messy bedroom, I was just about to start cleaning when I got the idea to snap pics. YIKES. I cannot believe I'm posting these. Well, I hope it works on my little brain and helps me stay motivated!! I want kick-ass after pics!!


This is the view I DO NOT LIKE!!

Busy, busy, busy!

Life has been quite busy lately, so I haven't had much time to sit on my rear and write. But, I figured I'd pop on for a few minutes while I nuke my dinner. To many people it would seem that is a departure from eating healthfully, but for me to get the protein I need, eating a microwave meal is often the only way I'm going to get it on a regular basis. I try not to eat them too often because of the sodium content but I do find them quite satisfying from time to time, along with easy and relatively nutritious, compared to what I'd eat previously.

I'm continuing to get my exercise in, though today I didn't get much-- I did do a lot of housework so that should count for something! I love walking the boys to the park and playing with them there. It really refreshes me to get that time outside. It's pretty dreary and rainy today so it wasn't an option but I'm hopeful tomorrow will be much nicer.

Well, my meal is not done yet but Luke is throwing a fit so I'd better pop off! I'm loving my new lifestyle, new home and just everything lately.

Had a great mother's day, too!!

Annoying day today...

Ever have one of those days where everything just seems to be turning out wrong? I'm having one today. It's really, really frustrating me. I have been good, got in a good walk and everything but it's like the world decided to open up and crap on me today. ANNOYING!

I know once my boys wake up from their naps they'll make me happy again, though. :)

Hectic days!

Tomorrow is Aiden's birthday and I can't believe he's going to be 2 already. Two years ago today I'd been in labor for like 15 hours already! He wouldn't come until 6:52 am on the 2nd, but boy were we thrilled when he finally graced us with his presence. His arrival was pretty scary but you'd never believe it when you see him today. :)

So, back to the present, I've been diligently cleaning the house in preparation for his birthday. We're not really doing anything major but I wanted things to finally be in order. I'm FINALLY feeling like I'm getting a handle on this apartment and getting things where I want them to be. My mom got me a really nice desk for my birthday and that really helped me too. The desk I was previously using was a free item from Craigslist and when you would lean on it it was pretty hairy-- it would lean about 6 inches in any direction. It served its purpose but I'm glad to have a sturdier, more solid desk.

I've been keeping up with my exercise and eating healthy, as well. I think this is the longest I've ever been consistent about a fitness or health program. I'm really quite proud of myself. This morning I stepped on the scale and I am still below 130!! I am at 128.5 finally!

My pants really are getting a little bit loose! I have lost 2 inches around my waist an inch from my thighs and like 1.75 inches from my hips. What a great feeling that this is finally working for me, and it is totally do-able. I think that's the best part-- I don't feel like I'm on a diet. If I really want a Coke, I have a Coke. I just don't have a Coke every single time I feel like it, or mindlessly anymore.

I got myself the two Sparkpeople DVDs-- "Cardio Blast" and "Fit, Firm and Fired Up" after my last battle with my Wii Active. I really like the workouts on the Wii Active but so many times I just want to throttle the thing when I have to do 25 extra curls because it doesn't read my position correctly. I have really small hands [think Burger King commercial] so it's hard for me to hold the controller the way they want and hold my resistance band. So, when I don't feel like wrestling with that thing, I can do these DVDs instead. Today is heavy cleaning day around the house, though, so I probably won't get to them at all.

To do today: floors, bathroom, lots of laundry folding and dusting!