Weekly Check In

                    This past week I challenged myself to finish out the month of March (which would be 16 days) by eating a completely CLEAN diet. I took some picture through out the week to help keep me accountable. I’ve been working out every morning when I get up before work since the hubbs left. I actually really look forward to waking up and working out each morning. I have also been walking the pups faithfully every day, some times multiple times a day. I’ve been really watching what I eat and controlling my portions (this one has been a big one, but I’m managing just fine). I’ve completely cut out Fast Food all together from my diet and I don’t do Soda. (I haven’t in 4 years.) Not to say that I don’t go out to eat here or there because I do. I’ve just cut out the junk. It started as simply just something to give up while the hubbs was deployed and nothing more. But I’m to the point were I will not go back. I’m sure I’ll have my day’s once he comes home were I’ll struggle to say no because it will just be quick and easy but I’m determined to stick with it. It's a lifestyle change not a diet. 

Saturday, I decided to change it up a bit so the pups and I went up to the Greenway for a stroll. What was just going to be a brisk 4 mile walk turned into a 3 mile run with a mile walk in-between. I would have ran the whole thing but Bailey my bigger pup couldn’t hang. When she’s done she stop’s dead in her tracks and doesn’t move. So I had to walk a bit between mile 2.5 and 3 to give her a rest. I had no intentions on running when I left my house but thankfully I had on good supportive shoes. No running watch, which in hin’s sight was probably better because I didn’t get caught up in my pace. Being it was my first run of the season. It did feel great though and I’m so glad I went for it. When I got home that afternoon I went straight into a 40 minute work out to finish out my day. 

           Sunday morning after church the pups and I went on a 50 minute walk around our neighborhood. It’s really not that big but I add in a side street and then loop around out circle twice and it comes out to 50 minutes. I had a good bit of homework to catch up on that I had put of so once I finished that I took advantage of having nothing to do and was completely lazy. Until 8:45ish that night rolled around I felt guilty because I hadn’t worked out yet so I got my booty up and pushed through a 20 minute work out. Going to bed feeling so much better about myself. 

               Monday morning I woke up 30 minutes earlier than I normally do got in a 40 minute work out and took the pups on a walk. During the week in the mornings I typically only take the pups half way around the neighborhood and cut through the middle street to loop back around. Simply because I always feel like I wont have enough time to make it all the way around and back before I have to leave. I though I’d give it a go this morning since I was ahead of my schedule and I had plenty of time. I even ended up running the back side on the way back. I had class that evening so I took my dinner with me and ate at work before going to class. I’m trying to avoid eating late. When I got home that night I did another 15 minute leg work out before calling it a day. Day 1- clean eating was a success!!! 

 Tuesday I started my new hours at work. The other Pre-school teacher asked if I’d be willing to switch schedules with her and work 7:30-4:30. Hello of course, I will. Anything to get off a bit earlier. The only down fall to that was, meant I was going to have to get up even earlier to get my work out in. I set 5 alarms on my phone before going to bed, fearing I’d sleep through them or hit snooze. Nope I work up right on time at 5:00am. (my goal was 5:30, but the earlier the better) I managed to get in a 50 minute work out at 5AM BEFORE work people!!! Talk about motivation. Then the pups and I headed out for our morning walk well before the sun came up. It was a bit strange to be out walking them in the dark but the temperate was amazing. 500 calories burned before 6:30am and later a freshly made smoothie in hand and I was on my way out the door to work and I even made it there 10 minutes early and wasn’t rushing at all. That evening after getting home I did a 15 minute arm work out, had my Crock Pot Chicken Salad for dinner and called it a night. 

Tuesday was also our St. Patty's day party at work and while the kiddo's enjoyed lots of yummy green treats I held my head high and ate my yogurt and granola. Day 2- clean eating in the books.

                  Wednesday was a little bit more of a struggle to get up at 5am but I managed and made it through my 50 minute work out and headed out the door for our morning walk at 6am with the pups. I used to get up work out get ready for work and then walk the dogs. But now I work out, and right after I walk the them. It makes so much more sense. I can't tell you how many times I'd get ready for work go our for a walk and come back feeling all sweaty. Ewh. This morning I though I'd run the back side of our street coming back around the neighborhood and although I did good and it felt fabulous my Fat girl Bailey though other wise. I just don't think she's got it in her any more. She can only manage running about a mile and she's done. She stops dead were she's at and doesn't move. It's so frustrating because I could be knocking two things out at once, my run and their walk. But I don't want her passing out either so I guess we'll stick to walking when I take them. 

I had a Tropical Oatmeal smoothie for breakfast that morning, took the pups on a 40 minute walk and added in a 15 minute work out from Tone and Tighten before dinner that night. Day 3- clean eat success. 

          Thursday morning up again on time, I'm quite impressed with myself for getting my booty up and moving. I really look forward to starting my mornings off with a good sweat. It's amazing what a workout will do to your attitude and out look for the day. 60 minutes done. That's been my goal, to get my morning work outs up to 60 minutes and I finally did it. No going back now. Morning walk with a 1.25 mile run with the pups before mixing up a Berry and Kale Smoothie and off to work. Another school night so I took my Chicken Salad with me to work for dinner. It's so nice not getting home and 8:45 almost 9pm and still having to eat and get ready for the next day. I wasn't able to take the pups out that evening because it was already late and I was exhausted but I did get my evening work out in. Day 4- Clean eating done!

             Friday morning, oh how glorious it is to see you. I've only got 9 hours till the weekend. I briefly though about skipping my work out this morning but that just wouldn't have worked out. I can't tell you the last time I skipped a morning work out even on the weekends so why start with today. After my 60 minute work out and morning run with the pups I was ready to tackle the day. I have loads of home work to do this weekend but no plans other wise, so I was looking forward to finally being able to sleep in. That evening when I got home the pups and I took our walk around the neighborhood and I did this killer full body work out when we got back. Day 5- of 16 clean eating is complete. 

You start off doing 5 of each set then you go up to 10, 15, 20, 25 of each and then you work your way back down 20, 15, 10 and then 5. The lunges got the best of my and my legs are so sore. But I did it and treated myself to a fabulous salad and some not so yummy blueberry greek yogurt. I got a single serving of the Chobani Greek Yogurt and I was not a fan. It may have simply been that I don't like blueberries but either way, I'll be stick with my Yoplait Greek Yogurt.

      I'm sure I wont recap each week in as much detail so I'm not even going to commit and say that I am. I do keep try of my day's on a calendar on our frig. Here's to next week and finishing out the month strong!!!

Just a little bit of This and That

Everyone loves a random bullet point, catch up post right. I mean why not throw it all together and call it a day, so here you go. A little of what's been happening, which frankly isn't to much. 

I saw these beautiful Scrap Maps on Instagram a few months back and just new I had to have one. Your able to completely customize it to you color likings and have a heart placed on each city and state were you've lived. I went with a fun color pallet and added hearts on AZ & TX were the hubbs and I are both from. Then on HI, SC and TN where we've lived together!! I can't wait to fill our map with hearts across the US of A. 

 Every morning before work I walk the pups around the neighborhood. I feel so bad that they are home all day while I'm gone its the least I can do. Even when it is freezing cold. I think we've missed collectively only 2 or 3 days walking since the hubbs has been done. That's pretty impressive if you ask me. This particular morning I decided to weight in. I normally only weight in on the first of each month but for some reason I decided to that morning. I was down another 1.2 pounds. Doesn't sound like much to some people but for me, slow and steady progress it what I'm going for!!! It definitely gave me that extra boost and reminder that what I'm doing is working. 

 It was a chilly snowing morning in TN and I had a photo shoot with a sweet friend and my director from work. The morning started off with me slipping and fall on my butt walking out my front door. Classic I know. I've never had much confidence in myself but after that day I felt like I can conquer anything that is put in front of me. All's it takes is a little time, energy and effort. Our move to TN has opened so many doors for me, more than I could have imagined and I'm forever grateful!!! 

 No where near the half way point but we are making progress on this deployment. Some day's it seems like time is quickly passing by and then other day's I'm in such a rut that I feel like we just started this. We've accomplished a good bit as a couple just over the last 3 months. Both physically, financially and with in our relationship. The 'ol sayings so true time and distance makes the heart grow fonder. I miss my husband each and every day more and more and I can't wait till he is home. 

 A week or so back a fellow local instagramer posted this beautiful rocking chair up for sale. There was something about it that caught my eye. It's simply beautiful and I knew I wanted it. I debated and slept on it for a night or two and then finally bit the bullet. And I'm so happy I did. My next dilemma was finding the perfect pillow to go with it. My Sweet friend R (who we were stationed with in HI) got my this prudy Hawaii Postcard pillow from a local store Miss. Lucille's. It's just prefect and my newest favorite spot to sit and read and watch out the back windows. I'm currently working on a afghan to go over the back and can't wait till its done. 

 My sweet blogger - turned real life friend Sarah and I went to a Pinterest craft night at church last weekend. It was so fun, I seriously had the best time. Chatting with some of the other ladies, listening to their stories and getting to know Sarah more was just a little bit of our night. Not to mention the yummy food the ladies brought. We got started on our frame and I'm pretty sure Sarah and myself both sat there for a good 10 minutes placing branches on our frame, taking them off, putting them back on, taking them off. This went on for a while before we realized we weren't making any progress and we'd better just bite the bullet and start gluing them on. And so we did. The Moss placement was a completely different story. How much, were do I put it, how does this look, how many eggs should I use, what color blue or white. You would have though it was rocket science but I think that made it half the fun. I can't wait to have another girls night out with this lovely lady!!! 

 I've heard of Advocare and sampled a few of their products back when we lived in the South but if I'm being honest I did don't remember how if affected me. A parent who's child attends my school sells it and asked if some of us would be willy to sample the products. Sure what the heck why not, who turns down free stuff. The only flavor of spark she left was Fruit Punch, I hate hate anything fruit punch. Wednesday morning I added my Spark into my 32oz water bottle before heading to work and by 10:30 that morning all 32oz's was gone. I typically try and drink two of my 32oz bottles a day. However I don't have to refill till lunch time. Not this day, I apparently chugged this stuff down. And I was on a roll, it really boosted my energy level and I felt so good through out the day. The fruit punch flavor wasn't to bad at all. It was rather tasty!!! That evening she did a Mixer Dimistratione at work on the products and gave us a little more of a insight on how it works and how it can help and benefit your body. So a couple of us girls at work are going to do the Advocare 24 day challenge in March. I'm really looking forward to it and seeing how it will help with my current weight-loss / bettering myself journey I'm working on. I'm not really one to try new things or weight loss programs so I'm doing this strictly for the energy level and to help clear out all the icky crap out of my body. 

In the mean time I did order some Spark from my friend R who sells it and decided to try the Pink Lemonade flavor. I haven't tried it yet but I love pink lemonade so I'm hoping it's good. 

January Review Week-2

I totally failed this week on the no spend January Month. In my defense all purchase were for a good cause or good reason. I'm working on a little something for the hubbs and well I can't say what it is on here but lets just say he's gonna LOOOOOVVVVVE it. So with that being said my target trip was much needed for this little project, plus I needed dog food. I did make a few other random small purchases over the weekend for a few things I'm working on at home and some needed items. I had a gift card for the majority of it so it wasn't to bad. It was such a beautiful weekend I seriously wanted to spend the whole time outside and while I spend a good amount outside, washing my car by hand was not on the to do list. But it needed washing something bad, so I splurged and drove it through one of those fancy car washes. In all honesty I've given it my best effort but life happens and gets in the way sometimes. This little project I'm working on wasn't planned going into January so it has kinda put a damper on things. But its gonna be worth it. 

As far as the 21 day no junk food challenge I did pretty darn fabulous good, I only caved twice. Once at work on Wednesday when our sweet cook made Pizza Rolls for lunch. OMG her pizza rolls are so so yummy. There on a croissant roll and seriously are the simplest most unhealthiest thing ever to make but so tasty. I just couldn't pass them up, she only makes them for lunch like once a month. The other time I caved was this morning when I made banana nut muffins for breakfast. I was desperate and going to be home all morning with plans to clean the whole house and needed something to kick start my morning. They were quick and easy from a package but mighty tasty. 

Still going strong on my other New Years Goals and quite happy with that. I'm determined to make this a great year. So with that said I'm going to start putting some of those DIY Pinterest home project's together. I mean why else do I pin them right, not for them to just sit on my board and look pretty. 

January Review Week-1

Well let's just say I gave it my best effort and I did pretty good (kinda) for the first week of the month. I've been pretty good with the no junk food 21 day challenge. Ugh, till it came to this weekend. Not gonna lie its been pretty hard some days but all it took was alittle will power and I pushed through but fell off the wagon over the weekend just a smig. This past week I had two mini bags of pretzels (which were gluten & fat free) from the vending machine at work. (on separate day's of course) I asked around at work and more people then not considered them not to be chips. I was desperate, hungry and had a dollar bill on me which never happens because I do not carry cash. I didn't consider it breaking the "No Spend January". For NSP I opted not to use my debit card. However let me clarify, I do not / did not have cash pulled out or set aside to use during the month. I just happen to have it tucked away in my wallet. 

So moving on, I never had to go on post unless I'm going shopping at the commissary which is about once a month. I did have to go this past week to pick up a refill at the pharmacy though. Which just happens to be located a few doors down from a Smoothie King, my weakness and the only one in town. I'm a huge fan I went back and forth all morning before going weather I was going to get one. I mean there's not another SK in the city and who knew when I'd be back on post again. So I caved and splurged spending a whopping $6.89 on a (healthy mind you) lunch. Friday morning one of our parents brought in Donuts for us, it was Friday PEOPLE!!!! I caved and indulged on a donut or two ok ok 3 but that's it and seriously I never eat donuts so it was a treat. A treat I should have done with out but I didn't. I had a sleepover with my Sweet Little Friend Savvy this weekend and had to stop and get something to finish dinner with and a small baby shower gift. Which are ok purchases on the "NSJ". However this afternoon when I was taking Savvy home she wanted cupcakes so we stopped. Who's the best Auntie!!!! Oh Yea Right here!!!! $16.50 on cupcakes all for her and the little dude. I did get one for myself because well, why the heck not. I only ate half of it which means I only half failed. Besides 3 small house hold bills that had to be paid and a late Christmas gift to myself. It was already budgeted for, I already had the money set aside for it (from my NeNe), I was just waiting for the item to come back in stock. 

I finished off the week with a Friend from work at a baby shower for one of our Co-Workers. Were I had two chicken salad sandwiches on croissant rolls. They were fabulous and after I left I felt so awful for eating them. blah. I refused to walk by the dessert table not to be tempted and I held my head high and did great. 

1 week down 3 more to go. Here's for a even better week 2. How are you doing on your New Years Goal's / Resolution's? 

Aside from this little January Challenge I've been doing really well on my New Year's Goals. Of course its only 10 days in but I'm quite proud of myself.

Baby Shower Shenanigan and my new Wifey sweater from my Spouse (Love it and You Girl, thanks a million) Paired with my Tiffany & Co. Crystal Tear Drop my husband bought me for our 3 yr Wedding Anniversary. 

August Goal Recap

As you may remember I set a few goals for myself over the month of August with the hubbs being gone. Over all I didn't do to bad, however there were a few area's I didn't do great in at all. Dear running injury you really cramped my running this month. More on that in a bit. I'm a little late at getting my recap posted for August, so September's goals will be up with in the next day or two.
To jog your memory here are my August Goals.

*Running- Well I most certainly didn't meet my 75 mile goal. But for good reason, well not by my choice that is. I sadly ended up straining my hip flexor and that kinda cramped my running. I made it through about half the month and totaled 29 miles. Not were I wanted to be at all, but it happens. I've never had this problem before and let me tell you it absolutely sucked. It hurts, so bad to even walk sometimes. So the rest of the month consisted of lots of stretching and icing my leg / hip. I added in a couple different work out routines at home though to kinda of make up for not being able to run and I've got my plank time up to 2 minutes and 31 seconds. I'm quite proud of myself. :)

*Saving- I actually didn't do to bad on this goal at all. I kept track of everything I spent and made sure I didn't make any unnecessary purchases. As funny or silly as it might sound it felt so good coming home at the end of the day and marking $0 on my calendar for that day on not spending anything. I was able to put a little extra aside into our savings accounts like we had planned and make a few purchases for the hubbs Welcome home gift. Not to mention I put some fun money aside for when the In-Loves come in town next weekend.

*Classroom--Success!!! I completed my classroom updates and set up. Shelves & Cubbies are labeled, Pictures are put up on wall and my centers are relabeled and they look so much better. There are a few small things that I still need to do to get ready for our be yearly evaluation coming up in November. Classroom art project, a on going art project with the kiddos, print and hang pictures from last weeks events. I completed all of their evaluations to see were they stand and have started working with them one on one in the area's they are struggling in. Over all I'm pretty happy with were I stand in my classroom.

*Eating Out- This one was a complete SUCCESS, I am happy to say I didn't eat out not one time. I did stop and get a tea from Sonic a time or two which was much needed dealing with my kiddos sometimes. But aside from that I either ate at home or at work. (lunch is provided to teachers when the kids eat) I did have a girls night out for dinner one night but that fell through. Another night I went out with a group of people from our neighborhood to a local bar. A few people ordered food and offered me some and I so kindly declined. This past weekend T from the neighborhood invited me to meet up with her and her friend J at Dunkin Donuts for girl time and "coffee". I don't drink Coffee and wasn't going to eat so I took my lemonade in with me. That same evening T invited J and I to grab dinner and then over to her house to work on a little project. I went with them to dinner at Zaxby's but ate before hand so I wasn't tempted to eat while I was there. After about a month of no eating out it really wasn't as hard as I though it would be to. Will power I tell you, it WORKS!!!! 

*Sweet's & Baking- Another SUCCESSful goal in the books. This one was hard let me tell you!!! We / I don't eat a lot of sweets but goodness every now and then everyone needs a piece of chocolate or some Froyo. The weekends were harder than the weekdays. Being home working around the house or veggie out on the couch every so often I would get a sweet tooth itch. I pushed through and didn't give in. There was no baking done in that oven of ours either. Boy that was a hard one, with the Pinterest randomness searching I found a few…ok many new yummy sweet treats that were so tempting to try but I didn't.

*Puppies- I actually did even better than I had planned out for myself on this goal. I walked the pups every day through out the month of August with the exception of only 3 days. Another one I kept track of on my calendar and made me fill good about myself by marking it down each time I'd come home from our walk. Our 3 days we didn't walk were because 1) it was raining one evening, 2) my horrible hip injury, 3) a late night errand run. We ended out the month with a 5.2 mile walk this evening at a local park / walking trail here called the Greenway. It was our (the pups and I) first time there, it wasn't to bad at all. It was really pretty and the whole trail area that we took was shaded. Next time we'll have to check out the other side of the trail. There were a couple of days I took them on two walks which I know they loved. It def. made me feel a bit better considering I couldn't run.

August shaped up to be a pretty good month even with the hubbs gone. I am looking forward to September and what it has in store for us both. I've defiantly been focusing more on my health and fitness here lately and its been going great. Makes me feel so much better about myself.
Here's to SEPTEMBER, its my brothers birthday month so its bound to be a good one, oh and the IN-LOVES are coming in a week YAY!!!!!! 

Back to School….

…..For this girl. After I can't even think of how long I'm heading back to the classroom. To be completely honest this is something I should have done forever ago. I wish all the time I would have gone back before now. But better now then never I suppose. I've been given this amazing opportunity through my new school were I work and I'm glad I took them up on it. 

I'm taking a 30 hour course at APSU - Austin Peay State University. I'm going through the TECTA program. TECTA is funded by the government and helps further your career in early childhood education. The course goes through the end of September. Short and Sweet but it slowly eases me back into the groove of things for the Spring. When I'll start two classes a night for  the next two - three years. I'm excited to finally not only have my CDA in Early Infant and Toddler but I'll also have it in Preschool as of December 2015. After the first two full semesters and receiving my Preschool CDA, I'll continue further towards my Associates in Early Childhood Development. My long term goal is to become a Kindergarten or 1st Grade Teacher. Like I said I sometimes wish I would have done this many times before but no going back now. I'm pushing full force forward from here and really focusing more on me and myself. Not only with my health and fitness but my schooling and future as well. 

All classes are in the evening which allows me to continue working full time. Actually because most of the programs are funded through the government you are required to still work a certain amount of hours per week to qualify for the funding. 

I was super excited to start this new me, but I was scared to death that I was going to get lost driving on campus. I was freaking out on the inside worried I'd be late because I couldn't find the classroom or I would have to walk forever because I couldn't find parking. I worked straight through my shift today vs. taking a lunch so I could leave a hour early. This way I could go home, walk the pups, grab some dinner, get ready and still make it on time. Whelp I tell you what…..I was early- 15 minutes to be exact, I found parking right outside the door, the classroom was right to the left when I walked in and I was greeted by the instructor. All that stress and worry for nodda thing. I'm not complaining though. I braved it up and walked to the middle of the room and took a seat. Any other day before I woulda stuck closer to the back, I'm trying here though, really trying. 

Classes are every Monday and two Saturday's (BLAH) except this next week because of the Holiday we are having class on Wednesday. 

Of course I had to take advantage of my "First Day of Preschool" plaque I made for my kiddo's. 

The first day of class went well, and I'm looking forward to what's in store over the next several weeks. 

August Goals

The hubbs is going away for a month (august) bummers (darn you army and your training schedule)!!! So I'm taking full advantage of it, well the best I can and setting some personal goals for myself. I came across the idea from one of my fabulous fellow bloggers Tamara who wrote a set of goals for herself for the month of August. I might start a monthly goal post's here, simply to help keep myself accountable. We'll see. I really can't believe this starts the 3rd month (4th month for the hubbs) that we've been living in Tennessee. Were has the time gone, we've settled in quite well and are enjoying our life here but I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss living in the South!!! There's not a moment that goes by that I don't wish we were there still.

*Running- I've been doing really good with my running, adding miles and dropping my pace. It's still a work in progress and that's ok with me. It'll always be a work in progress. I took some time off so right now I'm just working on getting back to were I was. Over July I ran a total of 60 miles, for August my goal is to run 75 miles. I've calculated it out and its completely doable, staying with the same routine I've been doing. I also have a time goal set for for my 5k time. I'd like to get it down below my fastest 5k time which is 31 minutes. I'm not a fast runner by any means but Its something I love to do and gives me a since of accomplishment and pride. I've got 3 minutes to drop and I'll be at my first goal time. I'm determined to get there by the end of the month.

*Saving- I'm (we're) always about saving, this is a on going goal. We have 4 different savings accounts set up. I'm kinda OCD about our finances (as I'm sure a lot of people are). #1- savings account that we put money in each month from BAH to pay our Mortgage. #2- savings account for our home, the long term goal with purchasing a home is/was to build a nest egg for our future. We pull money from BAH to go into this account as well. #3- savings account for the hubbs, we call it the Gun Fund. Each pay period we put a certain amount in it and he uses that for what ever wants for his gun / reloading hobby. #4- our main savings account that we put the majority of our funds into. The one we don't touch, we've worked so hard to build it up. So while the hubbs is gone, we will be spending less on gas, food, going out, and shopping etc. So my plan is to divide that up evenly into our savings and buckle down even more on what we put aside. In hopes to help us reach our end of the year savings goals even sooner.

*Classroom- Its going on the 3rd month at my new job, in my new classroom and it still seems to be a work in progress. When I started I took a week and worked with it the way it was. This way it allowed me to see what worked and what didn't and what I wanted to change. Once I figured it out I made the changes and adjustments needed. It worked well but there was always something that I still needed to finish up, last minute touches on this or that. Last week was our transition week, with school starting up this week. Meaning I have 15 NEW kids in my class. Just as I was getting settled, a routine, a groove, art work up, window theme's done…..I have to take it all DOWN. AAAAHHHH, of course I knew this was coming but seriously come on. I've gotten a lot done but of course there are still a few things that have been put on the back burner, for one reason or another. I'm determined to get my classroom completely set up and finished by the end of August. Sure there's always going to be art work to put on our art boards, monthly window themes to do. However the basics cubbie labels, birthday boards, napping charts, child portfolios' etc are done. One big project I keep putting on the back burner is relabeling all the shelves / toys / centers with pictures and labels. Its a big job and its going to be time consuming but I want / need to get it done. It will free up so much more time for me with the kids.

*Eating Out- Simple as that, I'm NOT doing it!!!! The only exception to this one will be if I'm invited out on the weekends to dinner with friends. Although the chances of that happening are slim to none. (more on that later) I went to the commissary this past weekend and picked up plenty to hold me over and cook through out the next few weeks. There really shouldn't be any reason to eat out. This one will be a struggle at times I'm sure. Cooking for one isn't always easy but by not eating out it will help with my Savings goal!!!

*Sweet's & Baking- NOT happening!!!! I think that's pretty self explanatory. I love love love baking but I'm not going to while the hubbs is gone. No particular reason here, just a goal for myself. Will Power People! On top of that…...NO sweets eating at all. Cookies, Cake, Cupcakes, Candy, Ice Cream, anything that could be consider a "dessert". We don't eat a whole lot of sweets to begin with but I'd be lying if I said we didn't at all. Really anyone that says they don't eat sweets is crazy. So cutting it all out for this month (on top of no eating out) while he's gone will help with keeping off a few extra pounds.

*Puppies- Oh those sweet, furry, four legged no good for nothing, hair shedding, barking dogs are our babies even when they do annoy the living crap out of me sometimes. I'll always love them. Truth be told we slack in the "dog walking" department a good bit. Partly because we both get home from work after 5pm, I do dinner, dishes, get ready for the next day, watch a bit of tv, sometimes end up falling asleep on the couch and then the next thing you know its 8pm or later and to dark outside to take them on a walk. So while the hubbs is gone my goal / plan is to walk the pups every evening after I get home from work. I'll give myself the weekends off, if I choose to. ;) Our neighborhood is a small circle, similar to a "U". The total distance starting from the entrance and back around is a mile. Of course I'll have to wait till closer to 7:30-45pm-ish when the sun starts to set and its not blazing hot outside. It will help me from being completely lazy and seeings they'll be home all day by themselves it will get them outta the house. They still have so much energy, it never seems to end. A mile power walk around the neighborhood every evening will be a good addition to staying in shape and building my strength.

Here's to a new month, goals, and finishing what I've starting and sticking with what I've got planned. I I (you) can do anything I put my mind to, and I plan on working hard to stick with and maintain the personal goals I've set for myself. I know its only going to better help me, my husband, and our future.
PS: Did I mention I start taking classes at Austin Peay State University at the end of the month, talk about a full plate. Again more on that to come later.

And just because everyone loves a good selfie!!

Feeling Fit

DAY 107

Once again it started off being another morning of not wanting to get my booty out of my cozy warm bed.  I kept thinking about how much better I would feel after the Zumba work shop, that some how got me out of bed. 

I managed to arrived right on time at the church / gym were the Health & Fitness Expo was going on that our zumba instructor was hosting. I registered and purchased this fabulous tshirt (above) to help support his growing company. Attending James' classes over the last 2 months has really opened me up to a new world so the least I could do is help support what he is doing. We started the morning off with some pretty hard core stretching and then bam right into his Master Zumba Class. This was in no way what we do on Wednesday nights, we were only 45 minutes into the 4 hour class and I was already feeling it. The next 2 & 1/2 hours was spent doing various styles of Zumba. James also taught us proper arm & leg exercises that we can do right in our own home. Through out the morning we would take a quick water break, while doing so he would tell us more of his story. Were he came from and how he got were he is today. How awesome is it to be able to say that you started your own Fitness Business at the age of 19 and now at 24 it is your whole life. That's just a brief overview of how fabulous (and yes he is a bit fabulous himself) he is. Coming from a very hard teenage life to were he is now he has such a wonderful out look on life and wants to share that with the world.  His motto for 2012 is "Extraordinary People Do Extraordinary Things" I truly believe that and have that quote stuck in my head. I was seriously exhausted at the end of class, we ended with a few floor stretches & I think I sat there after for a good couple minutes before I got up. I had a fantastic time, I feel so much better about myself after working out, even if its just for a hour. A year ago if you were to ask me about working out I would have told you, I never knew it could be so much fun. YES I said fun. Its not that horrible people you can do it and enjoy it at the same time. Sure it might hurt in the process or after but that means ITS WORKING!!!!!!!!! 

Theresa & I (my co-worker) are meeting with James this coming Wednesday after zumba to talk with him about doing personal training sessions. Really this guy does it all zumba, personal training, massage therapy & fitness best part is he is down to earth and keeps it real. He understands that everyone works at their own pace and is willing to work with you to meet your goals. I'm looking forward to coming that much closer to having the body that I'm in love with & proud of. 

I want to challenge you this week to get out of the house and do something different. That could be anything from going on a walk around your block, parking farther away from the store when you go, go a week with out soda or sweets, attend a class at your local gym, take the stairs vs. the elevator. The possibilities are endless you CAN do it, you just have to put your heart into it. 

I'd love to hear what you plan on doing different or what you did once you accomplish it :) 

New Years Resolution

When thinking back on what I wanted my New Years Resolution to be for 2012 it was pretty easy. I wanted to continue on the road to a better life style for myself.

1) Continue Running & attending workout classes to get in the best shape of my life.

2) Go back to school ~ I am thinking for teaching but would like to take some Culinary & Photography classes as well. (I've taken Photography classes a few years back and want to expand on that)

3) Start our Cookbook ~ I found a awesome program on line to build one.

4) Take care of a few person finances we have in preps for the future.

5) Take full advantage of being on the Mainland by traveling when we can and working on my 30 b4 30 list & Bucket List.

6) Continue to eat Healthy and cut out the crap. lol (Feb 1. makes a one year with no soda WOOP WOOP)

7) I also am going to continue with making our house more of a home by using DIY projects & making our home more personal, adding more pizazz to it.

I am determined to make 2012 a fantastic year. I'm so excited to get the year started and see were it takes us. I wonder what adventures are in store for the G family, only time will tell.

First Kiss of 2012 with My Love!!!!!!! Happy New Year Baby!!!!!