Heading towards the big 4-0!

That's right...40 is just around the corner for me!  And would you believe I am excited beyond belief about it?  Get out the party hats, streamers and scotch (yes I will be drinking scotch on my birthday..preferably 18 year old Glen Fiddich) because I will be having a partay!  Actually I am planning on at least 2 or 3 parties!  Wanna come?  Just let me know!

As I approach the 40 year mark in my life I look back at what I have accomplished (who doesn't?) and I do have some regrets...but mostly I am happy with my accomplishments.  Three children who I adore....a loving husband who I love dearly and who loves me...two grandchildren who make me smile often....a mom who would do anything for me...brothers and a sister who love me enough to never cause bitterness between any of us. :-)  And don't let me forget the numerous friends I have made along the way!  The friends who I may not see often but when I do, it is like we never parted.  I love friends like that, don't you?

I started my fitness journey a few years ago with a goal in mind...that goal deadline is fast approaching!  It would be my 40th Birthday....the goal...to be in the best shape of my life physically and mentally!  I can honestly say without a doubt that I will reach this goal...heck...I am already there...but I want to see what I can do over the next couple of months!  I can say with all honesty that this goal in my life would not have been met if I had not discovered Beachbody.  And before you naysayers speak up I want you to know that I was a yo-yo gainer/loser for most of my adult life!  Nothing got me to the point of making the lifestyle changes needed except Beachbody.  I am sure you have heard others say...you can't just go on a diet and exercise for a bit and expect things to change....they say...you MUST make a lifestyle change before you will see the measurable lasting results of being fit and healthy!  That is a given...wouldn't you agree?

We are creatures of habit.  I personally had to evaluate my habits to determine which ones I needed to change.  When I honestly did this for myself...I found out what my problems were...and I CORRECTED them....little by little....step by step.  I did not have a miraculous overnight change.  I instead had a steady slow positive progression with my fitness level and my mental health level which accumulated into where I am now...The Best Shape of My Life!   Yes...that's me...the happy proud owner of a good looking, strong, well nourished body!

My friends...I implore you to consider what I have said for your own personal benefit....take a hard look at where you are and determine if that is where you want to continue to be or if you would rather make some changes that will compound into something AMAZING?  I can't make anyone change...not even my children or husband (believe it or not!)....only the individual can make the choices needed for themselves.  Are you going to make the choice to better yourself or not?

Just in time for the Holidays!

So you know someone who wants to try P90X or maybe someone who wants to give Insanity a run for the money?  Well look no further!
I would love for you to let me by your fitness consultant this holiday season.  You can get the best of the best fitness and nutritional products directly through me!  :)

We are all gearing up for a better new year, right?  Well...here is where you can start!  Check out this video to see what we have to offer!



Be sure to log into my site and let me know how I can help you this year and beyond!

Shakeology...From the Fields

"Nature in a bag" isn't just a cute phrase. It's what we do. Follow the Ingredient Hunter as he brings Shakeology from the highest cliffs and densest jungles of Peru to a TV/Computer near you!

Phase 2 of P90X today!

Here I am...week 5 of my 3rd round of P90X!  I was a little anxious to get this workout started today...no...I didn't rush through my pre-workout coffee...it was way too hot for that! LOL

Pushing play always makes me feel better about myself.  I think it has something to do with the little things that have built up over the past couple years...I have seen how doing something consistently can payoff big in the end. (well...not the end because there isn't really one of those)  My philosophy has changed from a few years ago....doing my thing (Beachbody) and getting what I want for my health and wellness!

How many of my friends out there would like to know how to get into the best shape of their lives?  I am not talking about hitting the gym for a few weeks and then whining and complaining about the aching and effort you have to put into it....I am talking about taking the small steps on a daily basis....hitting your workout routine the best you can each day....eating the best you can each day....always trying to improve upon the day before.  With small steps...you can reach your goals.

All to often our world is rush rush hurry hurry...well I am here to tell you...your fat belly will not be the first thing to go away when you get started...your flabby arms will not seem any more tone tomorrow....but if you are consistent and keep at it...you WILL see progress and be able to look back and say...I have been to the low point....and here I am on top of the mountain...with my flat belly and my lean tone arms!  WOOHOO!

When you are tired of being tired...you will do it...you can and will do what it takes.  If you are confused about those steps then reach out for support and help through a friend or mentor...I am always here for all of my friends...you just gotta ask.

Pay it Forward---Free Workout

Successful people do what others will not do...did you know that?

Something I have heard over and over lately is right here in the title of this blog post....and for me I am seeing how true this is!  What is it that successful people do?  What is the difference between a successful person and a not so successful person?  Each person has 24 hours in a day...how do they spend those hours?

Success comes from doing...not sitting around thinking about doing.

Success comes from following a few daily disciplines....not watching 3-7 hours of TV.

Success comes from knowing where you want to be or where you want to go in life....not from wandering around aimlessly looking for the next thing that will gratify you for a few moments.

Success comes from a decision that you must make....and committing to doing what it takes to get you to your goals!

My success is here....I have found something that I am successful at and I am very happy about it.  I can serve others who are willing to accept my help....I can be a part of something bigger than myself....I can change lives for the better!

Go get your dreams...get up and start taking the steps to make your dreams come true!  

DECIDE. COMMIT. SUCCEED.

Into week 3...

Quick update before I rush to get ready to head out the door to work!

Today was my scheduled Plyo X day...3rd week of P90X....but I decided to change it up and pulled out the One on One Plyo Legs routine!  I had never done this workout before...well if I had I didn't remember it.  The workout was amazing....hit the legs in almost every way possible!  My only issue with it was that it didn't have a way to quickly navigate the dvd to the next exercise...like the P90X dvds.  So I had to hit the FF button to get to the next one...yeah...of course I could not make it to the numbers that Tony was so my workout was much quicker!

I would highly recommend this workout for anyone wanting to change up their P90X routine on the Plyo X days....the moves are very similar if not the same....plus you get lots of great tips from Tony!  Did you know that if you wear compression type clothing like shorts it reduces muscle soreness because the muscles don't bounce around as much during the workout!?  I didn't really know this...maybe I have heard it mentioned but never thought about it.

Well I gotta run...time is a tickin!  Take care and make it a great Day!

It has begun...P90X Round 3!

Since I just finished my first day of my 3rd round of P90X I felt like I should just blog about it....you know fresh in my head and all with the joy and pain feelings I am left with!  LOL

If you know anything about P90X you probably know it is one of the toughest workouts out here and maybe that is why I love it so much.  I push myself a little harder than I would if I were at the gym and I am not left feeling like someone was staring at me thinking "she is a slacker!".  Yeah I know...it happens in the gym...you know it happens there as well.  People do it without even realizing.  Anywho...I love being able to know my limits and set my goals without feeling pressured to overdo it.  Even in our Fit Club I will back off when I know my limit is met and I don't get that feeling of pressure from anyone.  It is much more fun to workout with our Fit Club because most of us have been together for a while and there is great camaraderie and no one wants to see anyone else hurt them self.

Well...on to my first workout....I made it through both sets for each exercise.  My pushups have fallen way off and let's just say the band was my friend for my "pullups" today.  I set a goal of 10 pushups for each set and I was able to do it...some on the toes.....some on the knees....those diamond pushups get me every time and let me tell you how much I had forgotten about dive bombers! Holy smokes....that one kills me...and why is it at the end of the workout!?  LOL  By then my upper body is fried!  Who knew being fried could feel this great!

I would like to thank all my friends out there who are encouraging me and helping me along with my journey...this is one of the biggest reasons I love Beachbody so much....the community!  People helping and supporting each other in almost every fitness endeavor we seek to try.  Now sometimes we get the tsk tsk thrown at us...but it is only because people care enough to say something that will definitely help you in the long run.  So...let's all listen to our body and don't over do it...but always remember to BRING IT!

Getting excited about starting my 3rd round of P90X!

So...today is 9 weeks post op....and I have to say that I feel pretty darned good!  I have been dabbling in different routines over the past week and completed a P90X routine a couple of days ago without any real issues!  With that being said I do believe I am READY for my next round of P90X!

Planned start date is tomorrow...9-15-10....this will put my finish date just before the Christmas holiday time frame....I think it should leave me in a great starting place for TurboFire at the beginning of the year!  I will be adhering to a Primal eating plan but I will add extra carbs if needed to get through the toughest workouts...probably will be the Results and Recovery drink for that.  My go day is a Wednesday because this will put Yoga X on a Saturday schedule which is better for me since it is the longest routine I have for the week....not to mention I would really like to relax after finishing the routine and not have to jump up and into the shower and get out the door to head to the office!

Some modifications may be removing ARX from the routine....I know, I know....this is not how P90X works!  Well, I have found that by engaging my abs in the normal workouts they are worked plenty...and I will stand by that any day of the week!  It has taken me a while to figure out how to incorporate my abs in a regular routine, but since I have figured it out I find it to be a totally new experience with each workout! Engage that CORE people!

I hope to have many of you join me this round....if you can't get on the clock with this schedule then please get on your own schedule and just PUSH PLAY....for some this is the hardest part....but we have to do it to form the good habit of proper exercise.  Having the right mindset is very important to make this work.  :)  And believe me...once you get started and get the motivation and support you reach out for, you will be amazed at how well your body responds!

Let's do this!

Why make living healthy so difficult?

Let your mind wander on this for a second or two...Why do we make living healthy so difficult?

Is it because we don't know how to prioritize?  Or perhaps we are just admittedly lazy beings who can't muster the discipline needed to avoid the pitfalls that are thrown at us from day to day?  Or...maybe just maybe....we DON'T CARE enough about ourselves to make the changes?

Now...how many of you can honestly say that you don't care about your own health?  Really...how many of you have raised your hand to answer this with a YES...I DON'T CARE ABOUT MY OWN HEALTH! NOW LEAVE ME ALONE!  If that is you then read no further....but if you are one of the many people who I know does care about their own health and well being then stay with me here...

Over the past couple of years I have journeyed on what has become a path of passion for myself and others.  I believe that everyone has a desire to be healthy...if not on the surface then it is hidden within that person.  Why wouldn't someone want to be in control of the way they feel both physically and mentally?  In my opinion having this control is something to be cherished and is definitely worth the effort.

I take pride in being in control over the bad habits I used to have.  I will admit to making the decision to eat something that I shouldn't from time to time...but I take full responsibility for the way that makes me feel and I deal with it and move on.  I do not let it control me.  So what if I gain a pound or two...I have the power to lose a pound or two just the same and I make the decision to be in control each day.

My path may not be your path...but I would like to invite you to join me on my journey if you want to find a workable way to take control over your health.  I invite you to join a fitness revolution that will help put you in a place that allows you to have the balance you need to gain your health and well being back.  Making the decision is up to you....keeping the commitment is also up to you....having SUCCESS will be a given if you decide to commit to your healthier lifestyle!

What are you waiting for?  We never know what tomorrow holds, but I can assure you it will be very similar to what today held for you unless you get started on the change.

Back to full time hours tomorrow...

This coming Tuesday will mark my 6th week since donating my kidney.  This weekend I was able to mow the lawn and pick up my grandson who weighs 35 lbs!  :) I did notice a little tightness on my side, but nothing that would stop me from moving forward with my fitness.  My plan is to start a light workout program tomorrow morning and begin working my way back up to the more extreme programs that I enjoy like P90X or ChaLEAN Extreme!  And there is that wonderful new program that Chalene Johnson just came out with..TurboFire!

My recovery has been an experience...one that has helped me understand that giving my kidney to my Mom was one of the best decisions I have ever made! :)  Recovering from this type of surgery has brought me down to earth and made me pay very close attention to my body and what I need to do to make sure I don't cause myself more harm than good by starting a workout program to soon!  Mowing grass and picking up my grandson were good signs that I am ready for some mild exercise...I have been very anxious to get started with something for weeks now....fortunately I didn't jump too soon and hurt myself! ;)

Should I be concerned?

My lovely scar...they say it will shrink over time.

Yesterday I had my 2 week post op checkup...got a call today saying that all appears fine with my blood work.  My biggest concern is the information I was given about potential hernia issues after this type of surgery.  I can't say I knew this was something that could happen, but I was reassured that while it can happen, it doesn't often occur.  So...my lopsided look may be here a while and I will definitely want to not over do it as far as my mid section is concerned.  I fear this will cause me to be overly cautious with my physical activity which may slow my recovery down.  Only time will tell.  At least my weight has maintained.  :)

Today when I spoke with the nurse she told me that I may want to wrap my abdomen if I feel uncomfortable about it.  I will definitely keep this in mind once I start my regular workout routine again.  Depending on how my swelling is when that time comes will determine if I do this wrap or not.

I was also told that the swelling would be the last thing to go away...the pain would be the first which makes me happy, but having the swelling makes me worry just a little.  I suppose it is because I didn't really know what to expect with this type of thing after the surgery.  I will just keep myself in check for a while...albeit difficult to not be working out like I am use to...it will give me something to look forward to in September!

My time away from working out

The past few weeks have been a bit of a challenge for me.  For the most part I am trying to keep my sleeping pattern on track because I plan to return to work next Monday.  My lack of real workouts is getting me down just a tad...I really want to get back into a regular routine soon!

Knowing that I cannot lift more than 10 lbs or do any real stretching or exercises that strain my abs has been a bit trying on me.  Sometimes by accident I will twist or turn the wrong way and my side lets me know it and how!  I know I cannot get back into a routine for at least 4-6 more weeks but I am doing daily walks with my hubby at the mall.  That tires me out for now so I know I wouldn't be able to handle much more activity.  :( Makes me kind of sad really.

I am also weaning the pain meds down...I haven't had a pain pill since mid day yesterday! :) If I don't make any sudden moves that will strain my side then I am ok.  I am keeping my water intake up and trying my best to maintain my primal nutrition.  I will admit that I have had more icecream lately.  :( The kids keep talking me into it!  I think the heat makes us want it more?  OK...let's just go with that.  hahaha 

My weight has maintained though...even though my stomach and side seem to be still bloated from the surgery.  My digestion is still adjusting so that causes the bloating some too.  I won't go into details.  :)

Well I need to go get my shower in before my hubby gets home...we will be going for a walk later and I am looking forward to it more today just because I have been in the house all day.

One week later...

One week and a day later...feeling pretty good!

So a week ago Tuesday I donated my kidney to my Mom.  The operation was a great success!  Within minutes my kidney was functioning wonderfully for my Mom!  The Dr's were amazed at how well the kidney was working! :)

So a week later we are both doing great.  My pain level has been minimal but I can sense some real pain now just because the local anesthetic is waring off after a week.  I had something called On Q which was put into the wound area to give a continuous flow of pain relief.  Let me tell you...that thing kept my side completely numb up until yesterday.  The numbness is still present but not as much...so I have had to add a little more pain meds (percoset) into my day.  I had cut them way back just because the pain was not present due to the On Q.

My Mom tells me that she can now eat things that she wasn't allowed to before...and something she told me today just made me fly off!  LOL  They told her she could drink dark sodas now...but diet only!  WHAT!? Why even suggest soda?  It has something to do with phosphorous which she is apparently to low on...so they suggest stuff that is unhealthy to bring it up?  I found a list of healthy foods that my mom likes and told her some other options that are not soda or other processed crap that they may have suggested.  Good grief....the ignorance in the health field just frightens me!

And as for me...I am continuing my primal nutrition and am attempting my hand at creating a small primal style cookbook.  I have so many ideas in my head....I just have to contain them and get them written down.  LOL

Being a donor has really given me a new outlook...if you have any questions about it please let me know and I will share whatever I know and have experienced from it.  :)

I would also like to invite you to make a donation or even start your own team (or join mine) for the National Kidney Foundation 2010 Kidney Walk.  My team is called United Forever and we will be participating in the Richmond VA walk on November 7th.  I am very grateful that organizations like this exist...if they didn't my Mom probably would not have qualified for the surgery.

A little MOTIVATION for a Happier Thursday!

How I got into all this FITNESS stuff...

YO YO...that was me...a continual YO YO dieter with weight going up and down the entire time. Oh...but that didn't really start until after I started having children...errrrr...did I mention I had my first child at 16? Well up until then I was skinny...ate whatever I wanted whenever I wanted and never gained a pound! I am sure I was only setting myself up for trouble since heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure runs in my family. At such a young age I didn't even think about how what I was eating would effect my body. How many young people do? My kids still laugh when I try to explain the effects that the terrible food they eat from time to time will have on their body as they grow older.

Now....let's fast forward to 2008...January 1 to be specific....my husband and I had both been gaining weight from being so happy and carefree....eating out all the time and trying to find the best hotdogs, steak and cheese sandwiches and whatever else we had a taste for that normally didn't include many healthy options! I was really into micro brewed beers and I came to realize that drinking that much beer, even though it tasted great, was a bad idea! I tipped the scale at 207 pounds! Oh the shame and misery...I could feel fat rolls on my back and that would just gross me out so much...even though I had felt this for a while, it wasn't until Jan of 2008 that I decided to do something about it!

I contribute a lot of my beginning motivation to the Biggest Loser...I wasn't an avid fan of the show until that season...I watched Ali Vincent become the first female biggest loser and then the second female won the next season...what an inspiration to see them change and to know that Ali has kept it off has really been motivating. I have to also thank my friend Kerryellen who inspired me by providing the cheerleading section for me...she also inspired another friend of ours to lose weight and at the time he and I started a walking program at work which helped us both get started. Walking and eating healthier helped me lose 30 lbs in 3 months! I didn't kick it up until I joined the gym and I hired my personal trainer Sharon. With her help and motivation I lost another 20 lbs and I dropped 6% of my body fat! From that point I stayed in the gym...usually going at least 4 times a week...but I became lax with my eating even though I was working out regularly. I didn't have the muscle definition I was wanting...I suppose I didn't have the guidance I needed and I couldn't afford to hire Sharon for more sessions. :(

For some time I had been seeing the P90X infomercials on TV...I knew that program was way too tough for me but it interested me none the less. I would watch it like it was a sitcom! LOL Well...once I had lost 50 lbs through a year of healthier eating and regular exercise, I decided to just order it and go for it! And go for it I did....my hubby got a little upset just because he thought I wouldn't use the program and it wasn't overly cheap....considering how much I paid for the personal trainer it was dirt cheap! LOL

Anywho....I started the program on Jan 26th...by January 29th...I was HOOKED! I was so sore I could barely move most days...I LOVED it! within weeks I was seeing results and my husband started making positive comments...(not that he made negative comments before...he has always been supportive). Getting the nutrition lined up was a little intimidating at first...but once I figured that out I was on a roll....I would have my cheat days....but I continued to see results! Two weeks before the end of the first round of P90X I remember well...Not only was I able to do a PULLUP but my husband looked at me and told me that he was surprised...I asked him why...he said...Because you stuck with it!. :) He was so impressed with my results that he started P90X on his own a few weeks after I finished my first round!

What did I do next? Well in addition to P90X I have completed a round of ChaLEAN Extreme, 60 more days of P90X (had to cut it short due to tendinitis), various One on One workouts to mix things up from time to time and a little bit of Insanity. Needless to say I have dropped my body fat down to 19% at last measurement and my weight is 150 lbs....I wear a size 6 (something I have never been able to do as an adult... until NOW)! These results have been made possible by the various Beachbody programs that I have taken advantage of...with Beachbody I not only got great workouts which I can do right in my own home...but I also receive awesome support and motivation from my Coach Tami and many others who are feeling the difference that Beachbody is making in their lives!

Could I have done this at my local gym? I would have to admit yes...BUT only if I was able to afford the personal training that would have provided me with equivalent workouts. There is something about putting that DVD in and seeing others doing what you are doing...and hearing the trainers motivate you and give you the tips you need to get the moves right....My personal trainer was there for me once a week....Beachbody trainers are there for me everyday....everyday that I push play and make the commitment to complete my fitness program for the day. :) And you can't even get it twisted because Beachbody offers a MONEY BACK Guarantee on everything they sell...so no one can lose...well...lose fat and inches YES...but lose money...no way! :)

If I had anything to do over again...I would have jumped into Beachbody's programs on January 1, 2008....I can't even imagine where I would be now if that had happened. :)

Fitness is a Journey...Let's get started!

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Day 2....Vibram Fivefingers

Today is officially my second day wearing my Vibram (pronounced vee-bram) Fivefingers KSOs and within a few minutes of having them on this morning I could tell a big difference from yesterday.  Very comfy and entertaining...I can wiggle my toes and see them wiggling!  I will say that my pinky toe felt like it was not in the toe pocket....but that was just my mind playing tricks on me.  :)  All my little piggies are securely in their appropriate toe pocket!

Yesterday I wore them in the office for a couple of hours....took them off on the way home after walking a few blocks with them on to pickup my vanpool van.  After getting home I put them back on and the hubs and I went to Costco to pickup a few things.  Breaking my feet in slowly.  :) 

I am really anxious to complete a good workout in these bad boys....just wanna see how it feels compared to actually being barefoot.

Friends have been providing me with great beginner tips for these shoes....walk evenly and don't slap your heels is a good thing to know....otherwise I can see how your heels would soon start aching.  Also...take your time with them when you first get them...don't put them on and go for a run and don't keep them on for an entire day...both of these things can lead to blisters and really sore feeties!  ;)

I would love to have any feedback from anyone out there who has these shoes...how do you like them?  What styles do you have?  Which style is your favorite or least favorite?

Subjecting myself to junk...for the sake of what?

One day last week I told my youngest daughter that I was going to eat everything she ate for one day...this really didn't seem to matter very much to her...she actually thought it was funny I think.  I did try to convince her to eat healthier options, but she was not having any of that...except for the salad at lunch.  :)

We had our normal bacon and eggs for breakfast...standard stuff for me, so I had no issue there.  She came into work with me that day and lo' and behold...someone had brought in donuts and bagels!  Well you guessed it...she just HAD to have a glazed donut!  So I ate one...ughhh...not so good for me for sure!  Shortly after that she decided she wanted to try cream cheese...she wanted a quarter of a regular bagel with cream cheese on it.  She didn't care for the cream cheese so she threw that away...but she did care for the same plain bagel with strawberry jam (HFCS laced crap) on it!  Alas...I ate the same item...fortunately it was only a quarter of a bagel...minimizing the damage I suppose!

Lunchtime rolled around and we both ate a salad that I had made and brought from home.  Nice healthy option...woohoo!

Afternoon lulls lead to bored children who dream of icecream!  Oh my!  Yep...the King Cone with chocolate icecream and chocolate coating actually was tasty...but the effect it had on my system was practically devastating!  I had already hit a sugar crash from the earlier sugar overload....this icecream "treat" did not prove to be much better for my system...and errrr...did I mention the follow up of Raisinettes!? 

That day seems so long ago...but I do still remember the way I felt...listless and tired...I wanted to take a nap all day long!  My daughter on the other hand was fine!  Why is that?  She doesn't eat like that all the time...and when she comes to my office, others tend to "spoil" her with the sweet treats even when I give them the no go sign and the evil eye!  Guess I should be more strict on this since I am the mom....yep that is the truth!

To recap...I felt horrible...physically and mentally after consuming all those "treats" that day!  Our dinner was a normal regular meat and veggie dinner so I felt better about that part of my day.  :)  I am not sure how an 11 year old can not feel a difference from the sugar overload but maybe that is an advantage of being young?  All in all I would guess that I overdosed on carbs that day...something my body is definitely not use to because of my primal eating habits.  This could play a bigger role into why I felt so terrible and she didn't?  I try to help her remove the carb overload and so far she has adapted better than I thought she would...no bread and no junk carbs are in our house these days.  She doesn't complain...but I can tell that when she is out of the house and with her dad or in other places where she can access the bread/cakes/cookies/etc...she will get them.

All in all I really hope that my habits will rub off on my little girl....I hear it takes a while to get children to make the healthier choices on their own so I will keep plugging away with leading by example and one day I believe my little girl will be where she needs to be with her nutrition.  I am hopeful that she will make the right choices more and more....I really believe she chose all those "treats" that day just to get me to eat them....and not so much because she really would have had them on her own...OH WHO AM I KIDDING?....she wanted them just as much as the next person!  :(

Today is a new day and I have my nutrition lined up....if you care to check it out please do @ www.myfitnesspal.com/food/diary/momthirty2.  Back on track! 

Just remember this...everyone can fall off the wagon...the most important part about this is that you get right back up on that wagon and keep on going!  Never give up on what you know works!

TurboFire...One Amazing Program!

Cardio conditioning that brings awesome results!

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My Vibrams arrived today...

I was very excited to have gotten my Vibrams so quickly...but alas I will be returning them so I can upsize by 1....just too crowded for me and from what I have read I shouldn't be pressing my toes against the ends of my toe pads.  So...I am returning them and getting the next size up. :) If those don't fit right then I may have to try a different model.

I have "worn" them around for a little bit in the office but the more I walked in them the more my toes didn't like it.  I will be patient and wait probably another week before I get my replacement pair...oh how I sometimes hate to wait!  Plus I have to go to the post office to ship them back! I am terrible about getting to the post office...if anyone out there is expecting something from me through the mail please message me and kick me because I may not have sent it yet!  So sorry.  :(

I am determined to start wearing these things ASAP....so I better get moving to that post office! :)

Me....a Kidney Donor...

Today I went for my last round of tests to become medically certified to give my mom one of my kidneys.  Apparently all was good.  :)  Believe it or not...when my EKG report was given to me there was a message printed on it that kind of scared me...so I asked the nurse what it meant...she says that is just because you have a low heart rate...and I said..that is good though...right?  and she said...that just means you are very fit.  :) My HR was 61 when she took my BP earlier and my BP was 110/70....she said it was excellent!  Yaay!

I honestly did not realize that this would be happening...I mean I have been focusing on becoming healthier for the past two years...I am thinking that this is for my longevity and being able to do more with my kids, etc....I never once thought about actually being a donor!  :) This is actually a great blessing and I am very honored to be doing this for my mom.

We are officially scheduled to complete the surgery on July 13th....I should be out of the hospital within 3 days and my incision will be a few inches right below my ribcage on my side.  Not sure which side, but the surgeon said that they prefer the right side if the kidneys are equally healthy.  And did you know that some people have more than one artery connected to their kidney?  HUH!?  He said that if that was the case then they would not do the surgery...I suppose I am not an odd ball because we are good to go! :)

Well it is late and I should go to bed...I am kind of wound up because of all the stuff I learned today about being a donor...I will try to share more about this subject later because I truly believe that if more people knew more about donating organs then fewer people would need to be on dialysis and fewer lives would be lost due to kidney/liver failures. 

Been thinking about trying Vibram Fivefingers shoes...

Over the course of the past few months I have had an itch to get my feet into some Vibram FiveFingers shoes....no, not a fungus type of itch...just a curiosity kinda thing that can only be quelled by actually getting these things on my feet!  So...just a few moments ago, I ordered a pair of the KSO model directly from the company!  I was really trying to wait and see how they fit on my feet before actually ordering them, but every-time I call the local places that sell them, no one ever has my size!  Therefore I have not been able to try them on.  So I went to the website and figured out how to find my size...the sizes are way different than our normal shoes.  My size is apparently a 40 in men's styles for the most part.  My longest foot measurement is right at 10 1/4 inches. 

I should receive them on Friday...barring any unforeseen issues with the postal service.  :)  I am very excited to start my barefoot trek...I want to see if it can really improve my alignment.  I will tell you this...it sure can't hurt!  LOL!!!

So...My sister said we could....

Last weekend at my niece's birthday party I approached  my sister about having a workout group activity at her house. (her place has enough room)  She was like sure...that would be great!  So I proceeded to ask my sis-in-law and my brother's girlfriend if they would like to participate and both said that would be a great idea!

Well this morning I texted my sister and asked her about her schedule for the weekend...she immediately called me and was like going on about how she was able to do it on Saturday evening or anytime Sunday...she was excited to say the least! :)  So...I have a plan! We will be doing our first family group workout sometime this weekend...I am still waiting for my brother's GF to let me know if she is available.  If she isn't I am still working out with my sister!  :)

I also found someone who lives in our area and works in the same building I do...and she is all for doing the workout with us too!  So...it isn't just for my family!  I did tell the others to invite people...so I hope this grows and grows!  The more the merrier is what I say!

Reflecting back on my 3 Day Shakeology Cleanse....

So...a week ago I ventured into the 3 Day Shakeology Cleanse with a lot of enthusiasm.  I can tell you now that I found the whole process to be very do-able and I barely felt myself get "hungry" throughout the 3 days.  When I did get the hunger pain it was because it was time for a shake or dinner.  The green tea was very nice too...I mean I drink green tea pretty often but to have it only twice each day made it that much more enjoyable.  :)

When all was said and done I had lost a total of 5.5 pounds.  I am sure the weight was mostly from the "cleaning" process but I feel that doing this maybe 2 times a year will be a good way to get that taken care of.  :)

Now a friend of mine asked me...What are you doing this for?  She didn't see any point to it since everything just builds back up once you are finished and she didn't see that I needed to lose any weight.  Her question did give me pause....Why was I doing this?  Well....after a little reflection I realized that I wanted to do this just to do it...just to say that I had tried it and I survived without a headache...without having starvation pains...without any withdrawals to my morning ritual of bacon/eggs and coffee.  (I did miss the habit of having my coffee...but not the coffee itself...if that makes sense?)  Plus this cleanse is one of the most healthy ones available....where else can you get the nutrient dense daily intake with so few calories attached?  If you haven't taken a peek at Shakeology's nutrition label you can check it out here: Shakeology Nutrition
Now imagine having 3 of those each day!  I just can't deny the fact that this thing is GREAT! :)

Being an Independent Team Beachbody Coach is something I truly enjoy....I get to see first hand how life changing things like this product can be and being able to support others on their fitness journey is just so rewarding....I would love to help you or someone you may know reach their health and fitness goals...I have access to so many tools that can get you to where you want to be...And all you have to do is....DECIDE.  COMMIT.  & SUCCEED!

Recap of the second day of my 3 Day Shakeology Cleanse...

Well yesterday was pretty good...at least I felt fine...no problem with energy and no headaches.  :) I woke up at 4am and began my Brazil Butt Lift workouts around 4:30am....let me just say that the Cardio Axe is not my cup of tea...I felt ridiculous and I am sure I looked even more ridiculous!  LOL I am so glad no one was around to see that fiasco!  The second workout was High & Tight...that was a great workout...focused movements made it simpler to keep up with. :)
My day was good yesterday...followed the program very well...I added fruit to two of my shakes..only 1/2 a banana to each and the third one had nothing but water and ice.  My green tea was very nice too.  It is funny how much you enjoy things like this when you don't have so many other things to eat/drink.  :)
Dinner was pretty good too...I went to my local Giant grocery and fixed myself a salad...then my hubby and I went to a local Peruvian chicken place and picked up some chicken...I added some of the meat to my salad and voila....dinner was served!  Great stuff I tell ya!
Since I wake so early I end up not getting my first Shakeology until around 8am when I get into work...I suppose I could have it before leaving the house but I am really pressed for time at home to get out the door on time so I don't.  So far this has not really bothered me...I will say I was quite ravenous this morning before I had my Shakeology.  I am fine now that I had it...and by the way it was DELICIOUS!  I added a peach and a little fresh lime juice to the Greenberry....way yummy!

So far this cleanse has been great...I am feeling fine and full of energy...I am able to do my workouts without sacrificing my level of exertion...seems like a good way to cleanse and rejuvenate the body if you ask me. :)

Recap of the first day of my 3 Day Shakeology Cleanse...

I have to admit...I really thought that the first day of the cleanse would be overly painful...but I was wrong! :) Happily I say I was WRONG!  Even after doing my workouts yesterday morning, I felt fine all day long.  I thoroughly enjoyed each one of my Shakeology drinks...and for some odd reason the Greenberry flavored ones appealed to me more than the Chocolate...hmmmm.  I also really enjoyed my 2 cups of green tea which I had one mid morning and the other after dinner.  :)
My dinner consisted of a nice size salad and some chicken...about 4 oz.  I dressed the salad with some balsamic and extra virgin olive oil with a dash of salt/pepper and italian seasonings.  Pretty tasty!  I actually ate this after my second grandson was born...yep....I have another grandbaby!  He was born at 6:46pm yesterday and weighed in at 6lb 15oz.  :) He is doing great and so is my daughter.

Minus my little blip of almost consuming some dark chocolate yesterday I think the first day was pretty easy.  Oh...you want to hear about the dark chocolate...?  lol....well...I have a 70% cacao dark chocolate bar in my cubby here at the office...I saw it and reached for it...then I remembered...duh...that isn't part of the cleanse!  I actually had a thought to try and rationalize eating it!  But I didn't.  :)

Overall I feel that Day 1 was a great success....Now I am into Day 2 and I completed 2 Brazil Butt Lift workouts this morning....felt pretty good about that even though  my legs are really hurting from yesterdays workouts!  :)

I guess I will have to see how today goes....

Beginnings of Shakeology Cleanse and Brazil Butt Lift!

This morning I woke up and my plan was to start Beachbody's Brazil Butt Lift...which I did do...but my entire schedule was thrown off a little.  You see...I had to get up extra early...then I realized I couldn't drink my coffee which is a ritual for me even before I workout.  Why couldn't I drink my coffee?  Well...I decided that today would be the start of my Shakeology 3 day Cleanse too!
So...I pack my bags and head out the door...blender in tow along with my 3 packets of Shakeology and my Brazil Butt Lift DVDs!  I drive to work...arrive around 5:15am....find me a conference room to attempt to do my workout in...then after much technical difficulty I ended up watching the DVDs on a laptop. (couldn't get the sound to come out of the plasma!)
Workout kicked my booty....I had to do Bum Bum and Tummy Tuck...I followed those up with the first day of my 100 pushup challenge that I decided to add to this Brazil Butt Lift schedule.  Whew...to say the least I felt drained and I have never looked so forward to my Shakeology in my life!  LOL
I got my shower in and then went back to my desk and put the blender together...went to the deli and bought a cup of ice and a banana....threw in Greenberry Shakeology with 1/2 a banana, water and ice...It tasted awesome!  I am feeling a little better now....guess I will be having some green tea soon! :)
I won't lie...I missed my coffee and my bacon and eggs that I normally have for breakfast...(primal eating probably doesn't include my Shakeology cleanse but I am doing it anyways!) :)
So...the workout itself was quite challenging...there are so many moves that require coordination....I felt a bit lost but I know if I keep at it I will be fine with the moves soon!

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My Fitness Journey....what a Beautiful Thing!

Two years ago I am not sure I could have said that I would be sitting here in 2010 helping anyone but myself accomplish fitness goals....well today I was speaking with a friend and she tells me she has lost 6 lbs this past week!  She is very excited and she goes on to say..."it is just water weight"....I say BUT it is a loss and when you start out that is what happens.  She proceeds to thank me for being here for her and helping her stay focused on her goals.  What can I say?  People like her make me want to do what I do even more!

My way of doing things when it comes to fitness may not be the way everyone looks at fitness...but I know what has worked for me and that is all I can share with others.  Some will take it and run with it while others will just blow it off and stick with their way.  Will what they are doing or not doing help them obtain the level of fitness they think they want?  Or do they even know what level of fitness they want?  Many people that I talk to do not have true goals....they are just scattering their thoughts around and skimp through a workout just to say they exercised.  :(

What I can offer people is a proven system that will get them true results....not a quick fix....but something that will change their lives forever if they are willing to commit to it.  I will never say it is easy...we all know that anything worth having is never that easy....so when you are ready, let me know and I will be here for you....ready to get you on a track to true wellness!

I wish you the best on your Fitness Journey...Peace, Love & Happiness!

P90X....Start of Phase 3 and Continuation of Primal Nutrition

Well...I have to say I am so pleased with my Primal way of eating...I mean what more could I ask for?  I eat many foods that I love...I have doubled my fat intake and I am still losing pounds and inches!  I just finished the Primal Blueprint by Mark Sisson....Very good read and so educational...I highly recommend this book to anyone who is willing to step outside of the box a little and pay close attention to the points made within this book.

Now onto my P90X Phase 3 stuff....Yesterday was the first day of Phase 3 for me...it should have been Wednesday according to my well planned schedule but I did the no no thing on Tuesday evening by staying up late watching a movie...so waking up at 4am and working out just wasn't a productive thing to do....so I rested and made sure to get to bed by 9pm the next night.  Worked beautifully...I awoke at 4am on Thursday feeling refreshed and ready for Chest & Back....I was actually amazed that my pushup numbers climbed way up!  And I forgot to mention that my "Recover" week was actually one of leisure...I played more with my grandson and did more house/yard work....did not push play once that week for the recovery workouts.  But I felt great and I was still losing weight!  :)
So this morning I wanted to hit PlyoX with the learned stuff from the Primal Blueprint...I didn't want to over exert myself by pushing my heart rate through the roof which is what normally happens with Plyo X...so I strapped on my HR monitor and calculated my 75% of max HR....I did my best to stay within that range for the entire workout...it was actually very difficult to stay that low (my HR for that % is right around 132).  But I was able to do it for the most part and naturally I didn't feel burnt out afterwards....my body is utilizing my fat and not glucose for recovery which is what we really need.  :)

I am going to continue with my Primal changes and this weekend I will be visiting a local farm where I will be purchasing several different meats that are from grass fed non-hormone/antibiotic treated animals!  So excited that I found this local place!  woohoo!

I also found this amazing bit of information for anyone interested in looking at it...it covers the differences between GRAIN Fed meats and GRASS Fed meats....I will choose grass fed from now on as long as I can afford it.  http://www.eatwild.com/healthbenefits.htm

Primal Blueprint Nutrition....3 weeks or so....

so...I haven't posted in a while...been busy trying to see how my body is adjusting to this Primal Blueprint Nutrition program I started about 3 weeks ago.  I am happy to report that I have lost 5 lbs without really changing my workouts...truthfully I have cut back on my intensity a little on the cardio...my weight lifting is still increasing.  :)

I can honestly say I had my doubts about this type of nutrition...I mean come on....doesn't our body NEED grains?  Well...the simple answer is NO...it doesn't!  I have been so well balanced with my energy throughout the day...no lulls in the afternoon...maybe boredom but not for a lack of energy.  :)  All of what I am about to share with you is straight from my personal experience....my main carb staple is probably my Shakeology which is not defined as Primal, but we are striving for 80/20 as much as possible...Perfection could be impossible for a beginner.  Plus I won't sacrifice my Shakeology....It is definitely a plus on my nutrition scale!

I am enjoying eating eggs and bacon every morning for breakfast...organic on both counts...uncured bacon without the god awful nitrates! :) Good stuff! 
My mid morning snack is usually my Shakeology with a scoop of Whey Protein....I will also have organic berries with cream drizzled over them sometime after breakfast and before Shakeology.  The Berries are a nice treat each day...love 'em!
Lunch is usually a lean protein source like chicken/turkey or fish (tuna or salmon) and a bunch of veggies...usually steamed or sometimes raw. 
Afternoon I will usually have a Protein Shake which I make with 1 Scoop Vanilla Whey, Almond Milk, Water and Almond Butter with a dash of cinnamon....very nice combo!  I will also add a piece of fruit like an apple to this line up as well.
Dinner usually consists of a good wholesome protein source like Chicken/Pork/Fish/Beef, etc....and lots of veggies...if I feel the need for more I will mix up a quick protein drink much like the one I have in the afternoon except I might leave out the almond butter.
And if I feel a hunger pang outside of all this yummy food I will eat a serving of almonds to alleviate that feeling.  It is truly amazing what 24 almonds can do for your appetite....calming and so good for you!
My overall calorie consumption is right around the 1800-1900 calorie mark most days.  Carbs ringing in around 100-140grams, Proteins are on avg about 150grams and fat is near 80grams.  So far this balance seems to suit me just fine.

I find ways to implement this program even when we are out at a fast food place...I won't hesitate to order a burger and toss the buns...have them hold the sauces too...those have sugars and HFCS so I really do avoid those at all costs.

So far I have not had mood swings or headaches like I did when I tried the Atkins diet many moons ago.  I am really enjoying this lifestyle choice and I think I can make it fit my lifestyle for a very long time.

Please share your thoughts and comments...I would love to hear what you think.

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Recap Day 29-30 P90X

I started Phase 2 this past Wednesday. It was a much welcomed start just for the simple fact that the "recovery" week gets on my nerves a little because we aren't lifting and I love lifting...but I do know that the recovery week is critical for results because it gives the body time to recovery from the previous 3 weeks of intense lifting. So...I do it with my sights always looking ahead to results and the start of a new phase! :)

Anywho....I loved the last few days...Wednesday I had Chest Shoulders Tris and Ab Ripper X....I enjoyed both workouts immensely! I had awesome joy joy muscle pain later in the day and the next day. Plyo X was really good as well on Thursday. I didn't feel like it...but once I got started with it I really pushed hard and can tell you my legs were feeling it on Friday! Then on Friday I completed Back and Biceps and ARX (ab ripper). My abs were feeling it this week too...I have really decided to focus on making every ab routine count...in the past I had slacked on the ab workouts because they are not my favorite because they are usually the hardest workouts. LOL But anything worth having usually isn't easy...right?

Today I have Yoga X on schedule. Now I would normally rise early and get my workout in...but I decided to do today's workout this evening....before bed. I find that Yoga X is one workout that will help me sleep a lot better! :)

I have plans to go to a wine festival today with my friend Michelle...then I may be going to a local brew pub in the evening to meet some friends and have a beer. So today will involve alcohol consumption....I do not plan on over consuming....but all great plans can crumble....Let's just hope my plan doesn't. :)

The things I think about...and it burns my buns!

Is it true that people can eat unhealthy food, get the least amount of exercise possible and even sit around and complain about how they feel and think that that feeling is not directly related to the first two things!!???

Everyday I see so many OBESE adults and children and it really does break my heart...I want to reach out to them and let them know that there is a way to overcome obesity!  But I don't....I don't because I have no clue how they will respond...I would not want to make anyone feel like they were inferior to me because I am in a better physical state.  My biggest thing with what I see is how people seem to keep feeding the problem....more and more bad choices going into their bodies and the results are always the same...more and more health issues!

Oh wait...there is a fix for that...oh yeah...I keep forgetting...Just give me some medicine to alleviate my symptoms!  That will surely make me feel better, right?  Uh...maybe for a little while...and that is all it is doing...masking the real problem...making you "feel" better...until your body gets used to the drug of the day and you have to have a different one!  WHY do this to yourself?  I want to let people know that you can help yourself...You can change your life for the better...You can make a difference!  I want to help you if you need the help.  So many people have made the changes and they have reaped the rewards of a healthier lifestyle.  Here are a few of the benefits of eating healthier and getting more active....

• Healthy Weight Loss
• More Energy
• Fewer Unhealthy Cravings
• Less Required Medication (the pharmaceutical companies don't want you to grasp this part...they make BILLIONS every year from our unhealthy nation!)
• Ability to enjoy things that may have been difficult before....like playing with your children or enjoying a healthy sexlife!
• A sense of Pride (This is a great thing....not boastful pride, but pride in the way you feel...God did not put us here to suffer from obesity....He put us here to enjoy the world and when you are overweight you enjoy less of what God wants for you.)
• Less Depression (statistically overweight people suffer more from depression than healthier active people)

Please take some time to look at these videos and links....these are just a few success stories who have taken control of their health and have found that the benefits are worth the hard work! :)

Dallas Carter is one of the most inspirational stories I have ever seen...be sure to check out his story!





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