1 Week Down a LifeTime To Go!!!

          (its long but I PROMISE its worth the read!!!)
          I had the chance a couple weeks ago to participate in a Beach Body on Demand free 14 day program. I was apart of a challenge group where we helped keep each other accountable by checking in at the end of each day. The coaches that ran the group where great and super support supportive. Giving us challenges and recommendations to keep everyone involved on track. I was totally bummed when the 14 days ended and was looking for more. That's when my ever so Sweet Blog Friend Jenny (whom I learned about the initial program from) introduced me to her next challenge group starting up. "Spring into Summer" The Beach Body 21 Day Fix Extreme plan. I was hesitant at first for many reason but my excitement and drive to continue my journey to getting fit and living a healthy life far exceeded those fears. I talked it over with the hubbs to get his take and opinion on the program. I talked it over with a friend whose gone through the program as well. After going back and forth I bit the bullet and signed up to be a Beach Body Coach and haven't looked back once. I spent the next few days (and still currently) searching through Pinterest for approved meal plans: breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts, treats, snacks you name it I wanted to know everything. Suggestions on how to incorporate this into my life. Not to mention the million and one questions I had for Jenny, she was such a doll to answer them all and so supportive.
          Once I received my kit in the mail I spent the evening reading every piece of material provided. I was so excited to get started with this new journey. I made out my meal plan for the week according to the container allotments I was allowed and took the weekend to prep for the week ahead. Something I've been doing already since the hubbs has been gone, I just had to put a little more work into it this go around. Which was a big reason behind wanting to do this program in the first place. I've been eating the right foods, clean / healthy foods but not necessarily the right portion amounts for each food group. With 21 Day Fix Extreme program it lays it all out there for you. Its pretty much fool proof. Included is a nutrition guide / food plan - that goes along with each food group and a coordinating colored container (also included) that allows you to measure out your foods. 3 sets of work out DVD's and a weekly schedule to follow. If that wasn't enough also included is a month supply of Shakeology, which is a meal replacement protein shake filled with super foods your body needs. Shakeology helps with increasing your energy levels, reduces cravings, weight loss, improves digestion and regularity and simply transforms your health. - i.e.: straight from the website. (I've had shakeology a couple times before but it was only a small sample pack and I didn't stick with it.)
          Today I officially completed the first of three weeks in my first round of the 21 day fit extreme plan. It wasn't completely horrible at all, in fact I had trouble making sure I fit in all my containers when making out my meal plan for the week. But I got it done. I've grown to love shakeology, it tastes amazing and really is a great way to start my day. I've found that I've been in a much better mood through the day and much more alive if you will. I go to bed looking forward to waking up just so I can have my Shake-O. It's that good!!! I'm currently drinking Strawberry but can't wait to try out some of the other flavors. This past week had definitely opened my eyes to a new way of looking at food and how to incorporate it into my day. Not to mention the workouts, 30 minutes might not sound like you'd get that much out of it but boy let me tell you. I used to bust my butt for almost a hour every morning. With the 21 DFX I'm sweating my booty off half way through it. And I'm not doing the same routine every day.
          Needless to say I'm loving this new me and the 21 DFX program. It's something I plan to continue with even after the 21 days is up. That includes my daily does Shakeology. I plan to even continue with the Fix after my husband returns from deployment. I've worked to hard over the past several months since he's been gone to toss it all out the window when he comes home. It will most definitely be a adjustment, I'm not going to lie, it will be a struggle to get into a routine and learn how to cook according to the Fix for Two. But I'm up for the challenge and I'm not going to let life get the best of me.
          Living a New Fit Healthy Life Style has become a new love of mine. Not to say I lived a horribly awful one with horrible choices before. I / we ate relatively healthy, (we lacked in the veggie and fruit department) I didn't exercise but I did run quite a bit. However that wasn't enough. And I know that now. I don't know everything about being healthy and working out or making the right choices nor will I ever I'm sure. But I'm learning as I go and enjoying the ride to a better me. Will there be mistakes, cheat days, frustrations, failures, times I want to give up. YOU BET. Will I pick myself up and dust off my feet and keep going? YOU BET.
          I've only got one life to live. I plan on living it to the fullest. The longest, To the best of my ability. I know the only way to do that is through trusting God and his plan for me. I strongly whole heartily believe this is his plan. I've got a wonderful support system through many friend both in real life and through my challenge group and of course my biggest supporter my husband. I wouldn't be where I am if it wasn't for him.
          I say all of this (my own opinion, review and feed back) to 1) keep myself accountable. 2) put out there what has changed about me through this deployment and how I've grown. 3) to give you and / or someone you know the knowledge I've gained.

You've got goals, dreams???

          If you are looking to jump start your life to a healthier you, drop a few or several pounds, maybe break some old habits, fit into those jeans or swim suite again (hello summer is HERE) or simply want to get your nutrition on track. Please Please let me know. I would more than love to help you with that. I promise you wont regret it at all, in fact you'll be thanking me later. 

1 week down a LIFETIME to go!!!! 

55 miles

I set a goal to run 29 miles in the month of April in honor of my 29th birthday. Well I not only passed it but for just getting back into the running season I crushed it. I finished out the month of April with a total of 55 miles logged. I was so and still and so pumped. I have been really working on my pace this past month and its improved so much, it's really boosted my self-esteem and given me the confidence that I can do anything I put my mind to. I've got the distance down and don't really have a problem with that. I typically only run short runs between 3-5 miles during the week though. I love being able to get my run out of the way during my lunch break from work. (I work out in the mornings before work) So coming home in the evenings and simply walking the pups and being able to have dinner and relax is such a great feeling. I'm hoping to continue and improve my pace as well as continue to build my miles back up per run. If you follow along on Instagram you've seen my progress post's but I wanted to share them here as well for ol' time sake and of course for me to have to look back on. I'm really wanting to get back into racing as well. I don't mind going alone, but when we lived in Cola. I had my running buddy and we always went together. I wish I had someone here to run races with. Maybe one day but I'm telling myself I can't let that hold me back. I've completely stepped out of my comfort zone / box since the hubbs has been gone and it's been great to really get out there and find myself. I know I can over come this as well.

I'm loving this new tank my Spouse Sarah sent me for my birthday, not only does it show my love for Texas but HELLO its Monogrammed!!!! 

I've got a little challenge with myself to get my 5k time down to 25 minutes. This just a smig over 2 minutes that I have to shave off my time. That's less than a minute a mile, totally do able and I'm determined to get there!!!

Spring is in the air and baby its HOT outside but that's not stopping this girl!!! I love that I've gotten to work on my tan all while getting my sweat on. Its a two for one deal. :) 

I crushed my goal for April with 55 miles, so I've set another mile goal for May. I know its totally do able but that mean's I'm going to have to up my game a little bit!!! 

Here's to another month of living a healthy fit life and working on a better ME!!!! 

Taking Control

DAY 90 

I'm taking control, its been almost a year now that I have really been working out faithfully. Devoting time, being excited about going to the gym and running has become a daily part of my life. I don't even think twice about my gym or run days. Its as if I have been doing it for years even though its only been about a year. Wednesday nights are Zumba nights with a co-worker at her church right up the highway. Thankfully its only about 5 miles from our home so that makes it nice. The zumba classes on post are Thursday nights & Saturday morning, so I haven't attended them yet. I take a spin class on Thursday nights which I don't want to give up and here the past month or so we have been going to the range on Saturday mornings. I am planing on trying out the Saturday class soon though, maybe once the hubbs starts school & he isn't here those mornings I'll go. But for now the next 3 Saturday mornings are booked.
This evening after Zumba I signed up for a 5k Memorial walk that is being held on Jan. 21 at the church were we have class. It was free & early enough to still be able to enjoy the day & do whatever else we decide to do.

The following Saturday (the 28th) T (my co-worker) & I are going to attend the 3rd annual Health Fair that is also taking place at her church. Sponsored by our Zumba instructor & founder of MBS Fitness, James himself. They are going to offer health screenings, zumba, boxing, advice on living a healthier life style and so much more. I'm really looking forward to this event and learning more ways to better my health and expand my workout routines.

The Saturday after that would be the first Saturday in February the 4th & there's ANOTHER Zumbathon going on!!!!! They are hoping to break the World Record AGAIN for the most people doing zumba. The goal is to get 2100 people or more to attend the event at the Storm Thurmond Wellness & Fitness Center. The plan is to get SC heart healthy, who doesn't want a healthy heart or want to help support people getting their life back on track. I'm really excited about this and can't wait to dance my booty off with T. I've been doing a bit of research online and there are quite a few Zumbathons coming up over the next few months that I'm thinking of attending.

The year is off to a great start and I plan to do whatever I have to do to continue it that way. This past year has really changed me & I'm more focused on my health & fitness then I have been in a while. It's awesome to be so pumped about it and wanting to continue making a change in my life. It got me through the last part of our deployment so I know that it will help get me through our time here at Jackson. If nothing else comes from being stationed here, I've become more fit, healthy and added years on to my life. (so I guess something good has come of us being stationed here.) Although I haven't yet given up hope on SC I know it just takes time to find the beauty in something, its out there we just have to dig and find it. I know we were sent here for a reason (other than because the Army said so) I'm just still trying to figure that out. 

I'm really pumped about the next 3 Saturdays, its giving me something to look forward to while the hubbs is busy with Drill School & studying. (he starts a few days into the new week)

OMG!! what a day

It started off as a early morning, I was hoping once Gabe left for PT I would easily be able to fall back asleep like I normally do. Little did I know that wouldn't happen.
Dingo was going crazy and was just not sleepy any more & just wanted to play. There was no point in putting him on the floor, seeings he can jump up on our bed now. If I put him in his kennel he would just bark his head off. hug, finally he settled down & I was able to fall back asleep for a bit.
Gabe got home really early from PT & I was surprised to see him, but when he told me he had to turn right around and leave because he had one of his soldiers with him & he had to take him to Tripler. Blah, fine. So at this point there really is no point in going back to bed because I had to be at the occupational health clinic by 9am anyhow.
So I take the dog down stairs to go out and in the mean time I check my cell phone to see if anyone had called or text and I'll tell you what, there was like 5 or 6 missed calls from Angela (Angela= best friend back in TX who has my dog Chloe till we return to the mainland). Ummmmm, I thought this is strange, I wonder whats going on. So I listen to my messages & come to find out my lil. Chloe was out in the backyard when a thunder storm rolled through TX this morning and managed to sneak her way out under the fence. At this point I am almost in tears sitting on the stairs listening to the voicemail. OMG, I though. I quickly called Ang. back and thank goodness she was found. Poor Angela and her son were out walking in the rain going house to house looking for Chloe. When it dawned on Ang. to call the vet. They had already been notified that Chloe was found and safely waiting her ride home. She managed to make her way down to a Chase Bank near I-20 & New York which is a good ways from Angela's house. I couldn't believe it. I was just so thank full that the lady that found her took the time to call the vet and that I have such an amazing friend like Ang. that would do anything for me. She truly is My Best Friend and I'm so blessed to have her in my life.
After I heard about that whole ordeal. I was so caught up with everything going on and I was on the phone with another friend back in TX Adena. When I realized I didn't shut the laundry room door. I heard dingo ripping the paint off the wall again in the laundry room. Yes, again. The crazy dog like to chew on stuff and the wall just happens to be one of those things. AAAHHHHH, this was not starting off to be a very good morning. I quickly toss him in the kennel and head up stairs to get dressed to leave.
Because of my new job being employed by the military and working with kids its a bit more work to get started. I had to go in today for blood work and get a TB test. I was so not looking forward to it at all. I HATE needles so so so much, but I had to do it. Almost 2 hours later I was done and back home. I let the dog out and noticed some water on the floor around the washer so I bent down to clean it up and when I stood up I hit the top of my head right on the corner of the shelf that is hanging above the washer on the wall. OMG, did I freak out or what. I started bawling my head off it hurt SO BAD. All I could do was stand there and hold my head. I took my hand down for a moment and noticed that it was covered in blood. At this point I am panicking like crazy, my head is bleeding and is pounding like no other.
I called Gabe and I don't know how but he managed to calm me down enough to find out what the heck was going on and then I hear him tell some of the guys he works with that he has to go. He doesn't ask, he tells them "Hey guys I have to go my wife just had a accident and it sounds bad, I will call you and let you know whats going on when I get home."
He talked to me the whole way home, luckily we live less than 5 minutes from the company area so he was home in a split second. He was so worried when he got here trying to figure out what happen and how and making sure I was okay.
There was just a small gash on the top of my head and some blood but everything was ok, it still hurt like crazy but having him there to look at it and make sure I was ok was just amazing. He ended up staying home for the next 2 hours and fixed lunch for us and just sat with me to make sure I didn't fall asleep or things didn't get any worse.
I am so lucky to have such an amazing husband who is so loving and so caring so drop everything and rush home to make sure I am ok. I don't know what I would do with our him in my life. He takes such good care of me and spoils me soooo much. I Love him to death.
It was not my morning at all, it wasn't even noon yet and it was already a eventful day. Thankfully Gabe was home from work by 3pm and we spent the rest of the day just the two of us. We made our way around the track with Dingo and came back home for some dinner. Nights like to night are the best. I love you Gabe and thank you so much for always being there for me.

20/20

Today was Gabe's last of so many eye appointments since his accident after he returned home from Iraq. I have gone with him to each of the appointments because well one I'm not working & so it just made sense. As well as the fact that he had to get his eyes dilated just about each time and so he could not drive after. I also enjoyed going because the Dr. he was seeing was so nice and very friendly. She went above and beyond her job to make sure his eyes healed correctly and there was no permanent damage. She said "she had never seen a case like this, that was this bad". And so she was watching the healing process for her own practice as well as to once again make sure he healed fully. On the 27th of March we went in for what he was hoping was his last opt. and everything went well. All of the redness from his eyes was almost 100% cleared up and the Dr. was so impressed. She came out to talk to me for a bit while Gabe was with the Nurse, telling me "how good his eyes were and that she was happy with the progress" I asked her if she was "going dilate them again" (hoping not because we had plans to go to the USS Missouri after) and thankfully she said "no, but that she did want him to come back for a full eye exam in 2 weeks". Something that he really did not want to do. He has always had 20/20 vision and didn't want to hear that it had changed.

So today we headed up to the Family Practice here on post once again and waited and waited, they are always so busy every time we would go. Once seen by the nurse the Dr. came out and told us we could come back for the exam (I stayed in the waiting room, while he went and did his thing) and about 10~15 minutes later he came out with the glasses they give you when they dilate your eyes. "AGAIN", I said. aaaahhhh, the exam went more than great he still has 20/20. She just wanted to check one last time to make sure there was no damage behind the eyes and after they were fully dilated he went back and shortly after we were done and on our way. With NOTHING WRONG, his eyes looked great and the only thing she said was "to do a follow up opt. in 2 years".

Thankfully he is ok and 100% healed with no more redness in his eyes and the best part he still has 20/20 vision. He was still as gorges as ever, even after the accident but to be able to see his beautiful blue eyes POP when he smiles back at me is the best feeling ever.