Needing some Input

All right girls, it's time to figure out what's going on with this blog (thanks for bringing it up Marisa!). It seems like most of us are done with our 30 days, so I'm wondering who wants to start again. This little blog has been pretty neglected lately...I know life is super busy...so I'm just wondering if anyone wants to keep up with it. I loved it in the beginning when we were all checking in and keeping tabs on each other, but if nobody wants to keep doing it, I may just delete the blog. Hopefully, blog or no blog, everybody keeps challenging themselves and staying active. I love having the extra accountability and the friendships on this blog so I hope we can keep it up.

Having said all that...I am taking the next month off. You see, I found out at the end of the 1st week of this challenge that I am pregnant. I am so excited, but it really put this challenge on the back burner for me since I don't do much more than eat and sleep these days. Hopefully in the next month I'll have some of my energy back (I'm 8 weeks) and I can get moving again...not with Jillian, of course, but I'm hoping to find a good prenatal workout or do the Leslie Sansone dvd's since it's looking like our rainy season has come already.

So, if we keep the blog up, I will keep checking in this next month, and then start up again after that. Please leave a comment letting me know what you'd like to do. Also, if you know anyone else who wants to join I am happy to add them.

I hope everyone had a successful 30 days...would love to hear how it went for everyone!

Marisa- shoes quit on me

Hey all,

About a week and half (or two?) ago, the fabric on the back inside of my shoes gave way after 5 years of service and there was something under the fabric that was sharp and pokey, so I haven't been running since. We are going to get me fitted for new shoes tomorrow and I'll be back at it!
Since most are done with their 30 day challenge, what is the plan with the blog? Are we done and go our separate ways?

CORRECTION TO RECIPE - needs 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs!

I'm sorry - somehow when I copied the recipe, the graham crackers lost part of the measurement. It takes 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs.

The Recipe! Chocolate Chip Cheesecake

This made A LOT of crust - next time I would make a little less crust, but it's so much better than oreo cookies crust! I put a few more chocolate chips in the batter also. I also baked it in a water bath (set it in a large deep cookie sheet of water). This is supposed to help cheesecakes cook the way they're supposed to (not cooking the outside too quickly). Also, have the cream cheese at room temperature before you start. Had never heard of using sweetened condensed milk in a cheesecake before, but this was very rich and just like the ones at the expensive restaurants! Enjoy!

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake:

1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup white sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/3 cup butter, melted
3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
3 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon all-purpose flour

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, butter and cocoa. Press onto bottom and up the sides of a 9 inch springform pan. Set crust aside.
2. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sweetened condensed milk; beat well. Add vanilla and eggs, and beat on medium speed until smooth. Toss 1/3 of the miniature chocolate chips with the 1 teaspoon flour to coat (this keeps them from sinking to the bottom of the cake). Mix into cheese mixture. Pour into prepared crust. Sprinkle top with remaining chocolate chips.
3. Bake at 300 degrees F (150 degrees C) for 1 hour. Turn off oven (do not open oven door) and leave the cake in the oven to cool in the oven for another hour. Remove from oven and cool completely. Refrigerate before removing sides of pan. Keep cake refrigerated until time to serve.

Milllbrae- another week since I've blogged! Really!?

So I can't believe that it's been a week already since I posted last. I didn't workout over the weekend. Monday didn't get a workout either... unless you count wrestling with both boys, by myself, at the pumpkin patch in Half Moon Bay. They wanted to ride the train, the ponies, jump in the jumping houses, feed the goats, pet the goats, on and on! It was all fun, but just really exhausting for me. The morning started out cold down there, and I felt so bad for my boys, whom I dressed in shorts and short sleeve shirts, because it was suppose to get HOT! Well, in the end I was glad I dressed them like that, because it only took about a half hour,  maybe an hour tops before it was HOT!

Anyway, I got side-tracked. I didn't workout Monday, besides chasing the boys, and helping them out for a couple hours or so on Monday.

(T2, Goofy, T1- Halloween Time Oct. 2009)

Tuesday- I did Jillian, Level 3! I'm now using my 5lb weights for this level!!! And their's one strength part that I use one 5lb, and one 3lb weight, to put 8lbs on that arm. It feels GREAT! I just wish I could see some definition coming to my arms already.

Wednesday- no workout. But did get the pleasure of having Sarah and her kids over for the day! We had some fun.

(T2, Mickey, T1- Oct. 2009

These are all in honor of us going to Disneyland's

Halloween Time next week!!!)

Thursday (today)- last night I had the entire house cleaned! Toys put away, dishes done, etc. So before I went to bed, I thought, I'll get everything ready for my workout! I got my weights out, my towels out, workout clothes out, everything but my water (cuz I wanted it cold in the morning) was out and ready.

I got woken up at 4:50 to my youngest crying because he'd kicked his covers off, and wanted me to cover him. Well, I just should've stayed up. Because I ended up sleeping through my alarms until it was ready to get up and get T1 ready for school. So I didn't end up getting a workout done today. Bummer.

But I made home-made mac-&-cheese today for lunch... broke away from the sandwiches again!!! I used whole wheat penne pasta, and it still turned out okay. The boys and I ate it anyway. (Home-made mac-&-cheese is the only kind of mac-&-cheese my oldest boy will eat. And even then he wont eat much, so we don't make it much... which is a good thing, all in all.)

Question:
When you cook rice or brown rice, have  you ever added chicken broth to it? I'm just curious as to what the chicken broth/water ratio is. 50/50? 60/40? 70/30? Any suggestions? Anyone ever tried it?

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake and a companion

Well, so much for eating healthy! I made chocolate chip cheesecake from scratch for Becky's birthday (my daughter-in-law). So yummy, but very rich. Ate too much of it and got heartburn!

But Caitlin (my darling daughter) had stayed the night last night, and this morning she did a Jillian shred workout with me! She's going to buy the DVD, so I hope she joins our blog!

Sarah Day 25

Yep, I'm still here.  :)   Day 25....today I went on a 2+ mile bike ride pulling the kids in the bike trailer. Our nice, warm weather has returned and it is SO nice to be able to get out again.

I've been trying to get in some kind of exercise every day. This weekend we went camping, so we went on several hikes and walks. It was beautiful (we went to the Redwood Forest in Northern California) and so refreshing to be outside, surrounded by nature.

My goal for this last week is to use the hand weights for 10 minutes each day and then hopefully get some other kind of exercise in.

Visited Jillian

So last week I did a lot of walking/jogging in the park behind our house instead of the workout DVD. Emily started a little dog-walking business. Someone is out of town for two weeks and asked her to walk their dog every day (100+ pounder). Since I don't want her in the park alone anyway, it's been a great excuse for me to get out and jog while she's out there with the dog, especially with the perfect fall weather.

But I've been starting to feel like I need a workout here and there too, so this morning I visited Jillian with Level 2 - amazing how my body notices one week of not doing a workout! Had to do a little of it with low impact, but made it through.

Here's to a great week of drinking lots of water, eating healthy, and continuing to enjoy our beautiful weather out in the park!

Millbrae- Proud, wish I'd taken a pic.

So thanks to whoever posted the link for the kid lunches that look so cute. Was that Connie? I can't remember.
It inspired me today, to get out of my regular PB&J rut.
So I cut a piece of bread with dino crust cutters, gave them each one (it cuts out two dino's), cut some deli turkey meat into strips, rolled them up; cubed some cheese; a couple of baby carrots, 5 raspberries each. I put it all on a plate for them to eat like finger foods, or lunchables kind of.
Then for 'deseret' yogurt with raspberries and banana's. T2 asked for more deseret.

I wish I'd taken a pic. Not that it was all that picture worthy, or that it would've been as 'presentable' as the lunch blog's. But just to show the change, and to actually have a pic to post with this post. Haha!
I was very proud of myself, and so happy that they ate it all up. They're not really picky eaters anyway, but it was great to see it all inhaled.
Just wanted to share the success, and thank you for putting up the link to that lunch blog, it got me out of my rut, for a day at least. Haha!

Millbrae- Workout and Recipe

Hello, I know it's been a while since checking in with everyone. I can't remember if I worked out on Tuesday or not. I'm pretty sure that I worked out Wednesday. I know I worked out Thursday and today, Friday.

Yesterday I really wasn't going to workout at all, the day kept going, and I kept thinking, "I need to workout, I need to workout." And I just couldn't get the motivation! Finally I thought, "OKAY! You ate the Olive Garden's Never Ending Pasta, and gained two pounds! So get your butt working out." And I drug myself to the TV, decided to put on Turbo Jam's 20 minute workout. I remembered that I liked that workout, but I forgot how much I really enjoyed that workout! I even grabbed my 3lb weights for the first 5-7 minutes or so of the punches, and boy are my arms feeling it today!

Today I did Jillian, level 3. I'm back at my 5lb weights, and she totally kicked my butt! I HATE THE LUNG JUMPS AND THE ROCKSTAR JUMPS SO BAD!  But it feels so good to be able to do the lung jumps and almost land in lung position again. Not quite there, but definately progressing! If you guys think Level's 1 & 2 are intense, just wait til you get to Level 3! It's no joke! I almost forgot about all those days that I was so sore. Then last night and this morning I was feeling the soreness setting in. I think it's gonna be stickin around for another day or two too.

So I feel like a slacker for not posting the first recipe since it was my suggestion. And I love that you posted that recipe Rachel, because I have the same recipe, just with different sauces. I use chicken, tons of veggies, and rice (white or brown, depending on the mood). So I decided that since I was introduced with the Granola in the Who's Who post, and since we need to make some more, I'd post that. I got this recipe from my step-mom, Laurie. It's a great recipe in my opinion.

(Pic courtesy of Google images.)

Laurie's Granola

Combine in a large mixing bowl:

6 cups     oatmeal (either instant or regular)

1/2 cup   wheat germ

1 cup      chopped raw nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts)
1/2 cup   raw sunflower seeds
Optional- sesame seeds, wheat flake cereal, coconut

Combine in a small bowl:
1 cup      brown sugar
3/4 cup   water
1/2 cup  canola oil
2 tsp.     vanilla
1/2 tsp.  salt

Pour wet ingredients over the dry ones and mix all together.

Line a jelly roll pan with parchement paper and pour the granola mixture into the pan. Spread it out so that it is evenly spread over the pan.

Bake in a 300 degree oven for 30 minutes.

When cooled, add in raisins or Craisins or any other dried fruit.

Store in a covered plastice container (I use an ice cream bucket).

Enjoy by itself, with a low fat milk as cereal, stirred into yogurt... or even sprinkled on ice cream!

My notes:

Confession, my husband usually makes this, and I know he adds honey to it too, to help it stick together better. I'd guess it's about a 1/2 cup... maybe 3/4 cup of honey. He also likes to add corn flakes, and all kinds of other things to it too. He adds so much extra to it, that he usually has to cook it in about 3 batches, otherwise it's too thick on the cookie sheet to cook all the way through. I like to eat it as a cereal, or a snack, but you can switch it up with a lot of different things, which is really nice. We usually add the raisins/ craisins as we get some to eat, if we want it ... not all of us like to add the dried fruits to it. It's a great recipe! And even better, it's healthy! Enjoy it! And thanks  to Laurie for giving me to share her amazing recipe.

1 lb lost!

So I finally lost 1 pound (after losing the 2 lbs. I gained when I first started out). I know this doesn't sound like much, but for me, it's a big thing! Just need to keep things going in that direction now. :)

A break from Jillian

Hi all,
Haven't posted for awhile. It was a busy weekend, but I got out and did a very brisk walk Saturday. Yesterday and today I walked and ran too. It's been so nice out that I really wanted to be outside instead of inside with Jillian. Still haven't been able to tone down my eating, but at least I'm not gaining!

Rachel - good days and a recipe!

I promise I don't always have downer days! lol

Got my mile walk in today--have decided that it may be all I can squeeze in while I am alone this month. But I am determined to stay as active as I can, regardless.

Weighed in today--have lost .8 pounds this week. Not stellar, but I'm satisfied for now.

Nikki was talking about a recipe swap--and I wanted to share my dinner tonight!

I adapted this from a family beef and broccoli recipe--but only had chicken on hand. SO we mixed things up a little and ended up with this.

IT WAS DELICIOUS! All the kids loved it, and I seriously can't wait for lunch tomorrow (leftovers!) mmmm....

• 3 TBSP cornstrarch
• 1 1/2 C Hot water
• 2 chicken bullion cubes
• 1 TBSP white sugar
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 pound chicken breast (though you could use whatever chicken you want, really)
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger
• 1 bag frozen cut broccoli (or fresh)
• 1 C shredded carrots
• 1 can water chestnuts
• 1 red pepper, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 small onion diced
• 1/2 tsp salt (more if desired)
• 
  

Directions

In a small bowl, combine cornstarch, hot water, bullion, sugar, and soy sauce. Stir until sugar and cornstarch are dissolved.

In a large skillet or wok over high heat, cook and stir chicken in a little bit of olive oil 2 to 4 minutes, or until browned. Add salt and onions and cook until translucent. Stir in broth mixture, ginger, garlic, and vegetables. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer 5 to 10 minutes, or until sauce thickens.

ENJOY! :)

OH, and this serves 7-8 one cup servings (depending on how many veggies you put in)

I served it with brown rice (1/2 cup) and a 1 cup serving of the veggie/meat mixture.

Sarah- Day 20...I think

So, I'm pretty sure I'm on day 20....2/3 of the way done. I have to say I am kind of excited for this challenge to end so I can get a nice, clean fresh start with a different goal.

Day 18 and 19 I took walks with the kids in the stroller...up a huge hill. Man, that killed me! Yesterday I had no energy and it was freezing and windy outside so we couldn't really go on a walk. Instead my "exercise" for the day was what I like to call kid exercise. I was lifting and carrying one of them most of the day (Emma insisted that her legs didn't work anymore....ha!) But it did give me a good arm workout.

Ten more days!

Foster City

I did not post at all last week either. I really slacked on the exercise video, however, I did go on plenty of walks with my boys. Pushing a huge stroller adds to the workout too. Not to mention when I have all three boys on it, I have to push even harder. I too have not lost any weight, but I do feel my muscles starting to get tone. My pants and shirts feel more loose. That is my main way I tell if I am "losing weight". Muscle does weigh more than fat. When I was little my mom had a workout book. The lady showed pictures of her self at the same weight. However, one was with no muscle and the other was with toned muscle. What a difference it made in how big/little she was and how her body looked. All being at the same weight.

I sometimes feel like my body is telling me it is not ready to lose the weight from having three boys in a matter of four years. Maybe that is what happens to C-section ladies. I don't know. When I had my first son it took 16 months to start to somewhat fitting into my pre-marriage pants (I have no idea how long it took with my second because I was pregnant again when he was only 5 months old). I do wonder sometimes too if my stomach will ever be flat like it once was, or if I will always show a little that I had babies. Maybe that is why celebs get lipo because they have done all they can and it just doesn't take it away.

On the plus side my husband did notice that I am starting to "thin" down and "tone" up. Compliments are great, but when it comes from your husband it is the BEST!!!

I have a lunch website on my personal blog. It is mainly for kids' lunches, but I am sure you can incoporate it somehow into your own lunch. Here is the link http://www.anotherlunch.com/ I do have one thought on this website though....I think it is great, but who the heck has time to decorate their children's lunches like that. I wouldn't do that right now, let alone when I am trying to get kids out the door to school. Melissa is one dedicated mommy!

Millbrae- Hey, are you still there?

Yes, I am still here! I know, it's been about a week since I've posted. I just love reading and commenting on your posts, and then I don't have time to write my own.

So I've worked out every day except Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and today- Monday. So that really only leaves Wednesday and Thursday last week. Wow, I'm a slacker!

I've decided that I'm not going to workout on the weekends unless there really isn't anything else to do, which will probably never happen, but leaves it open to possibilites, right?

Mondays are going to be rough too, since that's the day I help out in T1's Kindergarten class. But if I can really commit to getting up before the butt crack of dawn, then this might be possible. However, I really don't have any reason most other days to slack, and I really need to get-r-done! I think I'm probably going to try and do some more of my Turbo Jam exercises too. I have a love/ hate relationship with Jillian. But I really do love Chalene aka Turbo Jam too. Her music really helps carry me through the workouts too, something I wish I had with Jillian.

Even if I can do the 20 minute Turbo Jam on Mondays or something, that'd be great.

I, too, haven't lost any weight since starting this challenge. I would love to loose another 10-15 lbs. I would be thrilled with that. However, I know that it's not a matter of working out more... at least not anymore. It's a matter of disciplining myself with the sweets. I love my fruits, I love my veggies, but I also love my carbs, and unsaturated fats too! They're so yummy! So, in order to help discipline myself with what I shove in my mouth, I have posted a couple of food pyramids in my kitchen. In hopes that it will remind me of how much I can eat that day, of whatever food group.

Sidenote: Have you guys seen these newer food pyramids? With the person running up the steps, and the food groups all meeting at the top? They're verticle! I absolutely don't like it even the slightest! YUCK! Seriously, what's the matter with the old fashion way sometimes?

I like the top one, not only because it's got it all grouped well, but also because it's got the water on the bottom, which is something I really need to work on.

I like the middle one also, and it's the one I printed off, and have posted in my kitchen.

The one at the bottom, is the best looking one, in my opinion, of the newest style, and it's only the kids on it that make it somewhat worth standing. But I really don't care for it at all! ... okay, I'm done venting about that. Haha!

Another question:

I need new, good, healthy recipes (that aren't seafood please). So would we all like to share our favorite recipe that's healthy? I'd love more ideas for lunch especially! But really any meal-time recipe would be great! I'm willing to share too, if this is something we're wanting to do. Please give your feedback.

P.S. I hope you guys don't mind the pic's every post. I like to post pic's.

Marisa- 1 mile start

So, it turns out the sun isn't up until almost 7 now. That makes me kind of sad. You can really tell in the past week that summer really is on its way out here in Colorado. Sniff. I don't want summer to leave. I think I'm the only one. That's okay; you don't have to agree.

Anyway, so the mile... welp, it went. 12 minutes. Man, it was a lot harder than I thought it would be. And it took me a whole 2 minutes longer than my 5K time. When I come in the door all slumped over with tiredness and disappointment, Brian said, "Yeah, but you'd be surprised how fast it comes back." And that's true; I've experienced that for myself. Even with my limited running experience. So hopefully next week will be a bit better.

Ben Does Life blog

I don't know that it's terribly interesting, but I like to see other people conquer something and keep at it, y'know?

Oh, and the Eat Like Me blog. She doesn't *usually* post anything about what/how she made what she ate, but I am a visual person, I guess. Pictures pretty much do it for me. Most of the time I can tell what it is I'm looking at. And you can post comments and ask how she made it, etc. Once in awhile she does actually talk about her food. And when she first started it, she ALWAYS mentioned her meals. Which I think would still be a nice thing for us readers.

Rachel--workout done

It's been an exhausting weekend.

Yesterday I ate good most of the day, until my emotions were shot--and then it all went crazy. I ate 2 brownies (when I normally would have passed on even ONE and opted for a 100 calorie pack of them instead) and before bed, I found myself sitting in front of baked tostitos with cheese on them. RIDICULOUS!!!

Hoping I can keep things in check today--and make a MUCH needed trip to the store to replenish my healthy snacks and fresh foods.

I am so tired and achy this morning--my baby is sick which meant I was up almost all night dealing with it myself because my husband gone for the month.

But I forced myself to at least put on my workout clothes and do the Leslie Sansone walk at home this morning. Just glad I got SOMETHING in today...

Hoping that helps to cross out my bad choices last night...and that I can get myself back on track today. I weigh in tomorrow, and don't want the emotional eating to have been my downfall.

(man I sound like a whiner! Sorry guys!!!)

Marisa- beginning

Tomorrow. 6:30 a.m. I'm back at it. I think my goal for now is to get faster. I'd LOVE to be able to run a 7:00 minute mile someday. But that won't happen until I've done some hard work! Tomorrow, I'll do a mile and see how long it took me. Then I'll go from there.

Brian did great in his marathon, by the way. Ran it in 3 hrs. 50 minutes. He's currently asleep on the couch, of course. ;-)

I also need to figure out a better eating plan. I just eat a lot of bread. And cereal. And more bread. In the past  I've used SELF's website and looked at the "Eat Like Me" blog for ideas. The author of the blog is a registered dietitian, and most of her meals look edible. So in case you're interested, click here: Eat Like Me

So we've all seen the guy named Ben that did the youtube video- where he lost 120 pounds and ran a marathon. Just curious if anyone else is following his blog now?

No weight loss

Well, yesterday I weighed myself and had loss the initial weight gain I had gotten after the 1st week of doing Jillian, but had not lost anymore. I was really bummed about it and decided I just wasn't working out that day!!

But today I got back on track and was up early in the morning doing Level 2. I tried 5 lb weights and used them until the very last weights exercise. My body had gotten too used to the 3 lb weights, so I will definitely keep using the 5 pounders till I can use them the whole time.

Thanks for the advice about not drinking too much water during the workout - I just took sips this morning and didn't get any cramps. Definitely easier for me to work out in the morning when I have a little more energy!

Am really hoping that I'm losing inches somewhere because it's really frustrating to not be losing any weight. Tomorrow I hope to do better in the areas of drinking at least 2 quarts of water for the day and leaving more of the carbs alone.

Sarah Day 17

What to say??? This has been a really lame week for me. I didn't work out at all the last 2 days. It was SO hot...I swear I sweat more just walking around the house than I usually do doing the 30 day shred! I just couldn't make myself work up another sweat...gross, I know...However, I did make myself put in the 30 day shred this morning and I did another half hearted, pause it every 5 minutes to take care of something for the kids, workout. But I got it done.

After not working out the last 2 days, I have also made a decision. I am giving up my goal of doing the 30 day shred every day. I feel completely lame doing this, and a little sad to not accomplish what I set out to do, but it's clear that I've already failed that particular goal. :)   I can't make myself do the same workout (or 2 or 3) workouts every day. I am SO bored with them. I have also realized the last 17 days how much I prefer to get outside and exercise. I know I am not a gym person. And apparently I am not much of a workout dvd person either. I have found, especially the last few days, that I plan on doing the dvd so I can accomplish my goal...and since I'm planning on doing the dvd I don't do much other exercise, but then I can't talk myself into doing the shred. So in the end I don't work out at all. I would much rather just do what I enjoy, even though it means abandoning my goal, because I will at least accomplish the bigger goal of making sure I'm active and moving every day. And that's what matters the most.

I DID IT~!

Sorry you all have to hear from me 2 times in a row...(anyone else still out there this week?)

This morning I met my goal of running a whole mile, without stopping. I DID IT!

I was SO excited!!!

Then I walked Jenna to school. Am going to take the rest of the day off from working out, because my husband leaves for month tomorrow, and we are having the rest of the day to spend as a family.

But I feel good about what I did.

And that's that. :)

Workout - check

Have been up since 3 a.m., when I got up to nurse Carter. For whatever weird reason I just couldn't go back to sleep.

As I was climbing back into bed at 5:30, the little man woke up again. So I fed him, AGAIN and then decided to tackle Jillian.

New sports bra helped! yay!!!

I did 5 whole pushups in a row. Real pushups. And I am dang proud, because before I would stop and do like, every other one--halfheartedly. :) My legs felt super weak today after finishing. Wanted to crumble up in a ball on the couch. :)

But I got the workout in, and then walked Jenna to school. Good start to the day!

UPDATE!

I also went running tonight...ran .8 mile without stopping. {I know, it's not much to most of you--but having never been a runner, I am slowly working up to big things!} Aiming for a mile tomorrow...

very excited.

Late Night Workout

I just finished my workout, and it's after 11:30. I really wanted to stop after the 2nd set. Definitely think it is harder on me to do it in the evenings, but I feel really good that I still got it in today! Maybe it will discount the 2 rich cookies I ate earlier. My husband bought a CASE of the Nestle chocolate chip cookie dough, cookies ready to put on the sheet. Yikes! I'm already getting a little tired of them, though, so hopefully I'll be able to pass them up fairly easily.

The past two days I've gotten a small cramp in my right side - haven't had a cramp there in many, many years. Anyone else get side cramps? I wonder if I'm drinking too much during my workout....

Marisa- Question

Ok, I have a question before I REALLY sign off.
Postpartum bellies. My youngest is 15 months now. Not to get TMI on you, but I really want to know from other women if it ever gets better.... I lost 25 pounds this spring/summer but I still have that dang pooch and the skin on my stomach is still all yucky loose. If I work on it, would it get better?? What's been your experience?

My 120 pound journey. Here's some motivation for you all. In case you haven't seen it.

Ah. I see Sarah posted it awhile ago. Did EVERYONE see it, though? Because, you should.

Marisa- Just checking-in

Hi all,

I know I seem MIA for awhile, so I just wanted to let you know I'm still around and riding my bike every time I need to go somewhere within walking distance. And I fully plan on getting my running shoes on beginning October 4th (because then the husband will be done with all of his marathon training by then).



P.S. Anyone else out there following Biggest Loser this season?

Worn out

I tried to do too much this morning and didn't get my workout in. But I just finished Level 2 - arms are a little sore, but I feel good that I got it done. If I could ever leave the sugar and carbs alone, I might lose a little weight! Thanks, Sarah, for keeping us going!

P.S. I DON'T care for those squat thrusts (I think that's what they're called.)

WOWZA!

So excited this week.

I've tried to be more gentle with myself about the workout thing...because truth be told, the little guy has basically been hooked up to me non-stop for the past several days. Growth spurt? Possibly...or maybe just a really, really hungry baby. But since I have been struggling with the nursing thing since having my appendix out in August, so I am glad he is wanting to nurse--even if it's an inconvenience sometimes.

Just threw in some activity when I could--went running, walked extra, did stairs. Ate well.

(and nursed like a manwoman! lol)

Weighed in tonight...lost 3.2 pounds this week.

Got my new sports bra in the mail today (had to order on the internet because they didn't carry my cup size in the store. boo to the big chest!!!) and am hoping that will help in my quest to be active!

Just a good weekend...and feelin' a good week ahead. :)

Sarah Day 14- Anybody Out there still???

I've been thinking the last few days that we haven't seen you guys on here as much anymore. So, I hope that means we're all just busy, and not that everybody's stopped working out.  :)   I know for me, I'm just losing my momentum...still gonna finish my goal though!

So yesterday I tried to work out in the morning. I've just resigned myself to the fact that I am going to get interrupted during my workouts. And I need to be okay with that. So, yesterday I stopped the video about 5 times to take care of various things for the kids. But I made it to the end.

We've been running all day today, so I'm going to try and squeeze in my workout tonight. I'm hoping it cools down by then, because I have no motivation to work out when it's 100 degrees outside and we don't have air conditioning!

Nicia- Day 7

Well, this is technically Day 7, but I have only actually done the DVD 4 times now. Oh well. I'm not worried and I don't feel bad. I was having tummy issues all weekend long, so of course was in no mood to jump up and down and such. But I still got out and walked/held the 20 lb. kiddo all day long, etc.
Today though was great! I did Jillian and felt a HUGE difference! I was able to keep up and it didn't hurt much at all! I have considered moving to Level 2, but I can still feel it a bunch with some of the exercises. No grunting this time even. :)

Millbrae- I'm still here!

Report:
-Day 11- Friday, 9/24/10
Didn't get a workout done, but did some running around in the morning hours

-Day 12- Saturday, 9/25/10
Still didn't get a workout done. But it was laundry day, and since I didn't do a workout, I couldn't allow myself to take the elevator. So I took the stairs for all of my loads of laundry, and I was up and down those 3 flights of stairs at least 10 times, maybe more.

-Day 13- Sunday, does that count when we're not working out on Sunday?

-Day 14- Monday??? 9/27/10
I woke up early and did level 3, with the 3lb weights. It really kicked my trash since I took so many days off. Plus, I woke up so early, and wasn't quite awake yet. But I got it in! I also did the second half of Ab Jam!

-Day 15?- Tuesday 9/28/10
I again woke up early, got level 3 done, and used the 5lb weights on a couple of parts. It's amazing how much more exhausted I get, and how much more I can feel it with just adding on those couple of lbs per hand. I also woke up early enough to get all of Ab Jam in. I hope I can start shedding this gut I've got.

Sarah- What day are we on? IDK if we're counting Sundays as a 'day' or not, since nobody's really committing to workout those days (unless they've missed so much they decide they want to.) So does that not count as a day? Or do we still count it as a day, but it's just a 'free' day? Just wondering.

I GOT A HIGH YESTERDAY!

So I've convinced my husband to go to Disneyland for T1's bday in Oct. I'm SO EXCITED! I love Disneyland all decked out in their Halloween gear! It's my favorite time to go to Disneyland. My dad and step-mom have been wanting to go to Disneyland with us for about a year or two now, and they've not been able to go when we have gone for one reason or another. So when I informed them yesterday of the dates we'd be going, I  was on the phone with them on and off all evening, because they're coming this time!... Anyway, none of that matters for why I got a high, I'm a horrible story teller, sorry... On to my high...

I was so busy on the phone I didn't have time to get dinner. So I decided I was going to run to the store real fast, pick up a few things we needed, and then go grab some pizza for dinner.

I'm at Safeway, I see my friend, Crystal, is working right by the red box, and I return my movies to the red box and say 'hi' to Crystal. She asks how much weight I've lost. I tell her the scale isn't showing any weight loss, and I'm not feeling any difference since I started this challenge. She says, well maybe you're toning up or something, cuz you're looking slimmer. I say thanks and go grab my few groceries.

I start on one side of the store with the produce, got my banana's and apples, and I'm headed to the other side of the store, to get some bread. I stop real quick half way through the store to grab a gallon of milk, and I'm on my way rushing to the bread section. Well, this handsome guy is on the same route as I am, over to the bread. I'm laughing to myself that he and I are both rushing to the bread. I hurry and grab my two bags of bread, throw them in my little basket I'm carrying, and start rushing back to the other side of the store to get in my friends cashier line. Well, seconds after I get there, I see this handsome man right behind me! (BTW, I don't wear my wedding ring... It hasn't fit me since I was prego with T2). At this moment I'm LOVING IT! He bumps me a couple times, so I finally look at him. He's giving me this strong, longing stare like, "Hey, how you doin'? Are you as interested in me, as I am in you?" At this moment I'm kind of wishing I wasn't married, only for the fact that it'd be SO FUN to start flirting! I miss flirting SO BAD! I use to be a big flirt. (For the record, I'm not really wishing I wasn't married.) Anyway, these glances kept happening. IT MADE ME FEEL SO GOOD!!! I just wanted to wait for him outside the store and say,"THANK YOU for making me feel so great! I'd totally be diggin you too if I weren't married."

I walked out of there feeling so great! Made me feel great the rest of the night! I haven't been checked out like that since before I was expecting T1! He'll be five in Oct! So it's been almost 6 years! Crystal texted me on her break "The guy behind you in the check out line was checking you out!" So that just confirmed it all for me! So later I wouldn't be saying to myself, "Was I just full of myself?" "Did I have a big dried booger in my hair?" "Did I have something on my butt?" Ya know those kind of questions. She just confirmed it for me!

IT WAS SO SWEET!!!!!

Need a kick in the pants here in Utah

Friday my alarm didn't go off, and time management for stuff just went downhill from there! Needless to say, I didn't get any kind of workout in that day except for a few sit-ups before my shower. Saturday I was up in Park City for the Bascom sisters retreat so didn't do the DVD workout, but did go on a nice run - gorgeous scenery, beautiful weather. My neice ran with me, so that was fun. Today is my day of rest, but tomorrow I need a good kick in the pants to get in gear and back on track. I also ate way too many yummy things at the retreat (so hard to say no!), so have to repent in that area too. My classes are proving to be a lot harder and more time consuming than I was thinking they'd be, so that has been extremely stressful, which has brought on the eating binges. Sometimes I wish I could put a lock on my mouth!

Sarah Day 12- Hanging My Head In Shame

I didn't work out today. On a Saturday of all days...what SHOULD be the easiest day to work out since Jon is here. But, it turned out that I got up at 5:30 with Matthew and Jon slept in till 8:30. When he got up we all started Saturday cleaning and then went on a little outing. Tonight was the Relief Society broadcast and I didn't get home and get kids in bed till 9:30. I am exhausted, tired, worn out...you get the point.  :)  And it's hot and I just can't bring myself to work up that much of a sweat. So, I'll do some crunches and climb into my bed and resolve to get back on track on Monday. In the meantime I'll be over here, hanging my head in shame...you know since I was the one who started this whole thing. I feel like such a failure...but I just don't care enough tonight to do anything about it. Good night and may next week be better!

Rachel - focus on the positive

Am not going to beat myself up over what I DIDN'T do.

What I DID do yesterday, was to walk to get my daughter from school, power walk/ shop looking for a sports bra, take extra trips from the car to my house, even though I could have gotten it all in one trip, and kicked the soccer ball with my little boy in the backyard for a bit.

Stayed good with food choices...knew I was going to be gone over lunch time (shopping), so I packed a sandwich to take, to avoid the temptation to eat out at some fast food place.

At dinner, we had an offer for babysitting, so we jumped at the chance to go somewhere! We went to Texas Roadhouse (if you've not been there, dang you're missing out! mmmm!) Hubby and I split an entree and I got a side of steamed veggies, and I only ate 2 small rolls. (if you've eaten these rolls before, ,you KNOW how easy it is to inhale them like popcorn. DELISH!)

Went to a friend's birthday party after that--didn't touch the bowls of candy in the center of all the tables, or munch on the cookies and such. SUCCESS!

Oregon - Day 11

I think this is day 11, anyway... I've lost track through not posting the last two days, sorry! I was here, though, and I try to keep up on the other posts and stuff. I have to admit, once school starts on Monday, along with my new work schedule, I am extremely unlikely to respond to other people's posts. I don't want anyone to get their feelings hurt if I don't answer something...

Anyway, I didn't get to work out on day 9, but I did work out yesterday. I haven't lost any weight yet, but I haven't changed my eating habits much and any time that I'm not actually doing workout I am sitting in front of the computer, since I've been doing job training all week. I have hopes of being able to ride my bike to campus and back once classes start next week, which will get me in another half hour or so (round-trip) on the 1 1/2 mile ride to the college. I'm still squeaking along on Level 1, grunting (and falling) on the push-ups, and gasping on the cardio. Wow. I must be even more out of shape than I thought... Ugh. I have to admit, though, I am pleased that I have managed a few more push-ups than I did on day 1 with Jillian :)

I haven't worked out yet today, but I have hopes of doing so once I get the kids to bed. Right now, they're bathed and pajama-ed in front of the tv watching G-Force. Steve has a late meeting tonight so I may be able to get my stuff in and shower before he gets home (fingers crossed).

And, just for the record, I would be interested in seeing a second challenge to change things up and keep us motivated when the 30 days for this is up. This has been really good, to have someone else to do the workouts "with".

Nicia- Day 3

Just finished Day 3! I didn't grunt and yell nearly as much today as I did yesterday. :) My hubby also gave my ache-e muscles a massage last night, so that might have helped. I know, I'm pretty much spoiled.
However, I definitely think it was better on me to workout in the early morning while the kids were still sleeping. I waited an hour after eating breakfast to do the workout, but I was still cramping and feeling like I had a ton of bricks in my belly, so I'm going to stick with your guys' advice and just have like a banana or something beforehand.
And I might do 3 lb. weights to ease into each levels. I don't know yet. I haven't decided. I think I'll just play it by ear.
Anyway, good work out today! Debating whether I should go on a jog too. That video Sarah posted definitely made me want to take advantage of the outdoor weather while I still can here in Cheyenne!

Sarah Day 11- My Biggest Challenges

I NEVER would have thought when I started this whole challenge thing, that my biggest challenge would be my kids. Seriously. I can't work out while they're awake, I can't work out while they're sleeping because I'm still asleep...or at least half asleep.  :)  Today Matthew was up early. When Jon got up he took him in the shower with him and then filled the bath for him. So I booked it to start working out. I figured that would give me more than enough time. But NOPE. I ended up pausing it halfway through when Matthew got out of the bath (shortest bath EVER!) and Emma woke up. I got them breakfast and then they wanted to take another bath. So I put them in and ran to finish the workout, which I finally did. But at that point I had completely recovered from the first half of the workout, so it just wasn't very effective. Very frustrating!

My second biggest challenge (a close second) has been motivation. I am getting tired of doing the same two workouts all the time (and I've tried level 3...not quite ready for it!). It may also be a combination of the half awake early mornings and getting bored of the workouts, that just make it hard for me to really get into it. Who knows???? If it weren't for this blog, and for the fact that I committed to doing the shred for 30 days, I would just quit. So when I start to slow down I just think of all of you, doing the same thing, and I make myself keep going. I am definitely looking forward to a new challenge in 19 days.  :)  Hopefully something that will work my abs more...any suggestions???  I can definitely feel my arms and legs getting stronger, but my abs, tummy, you know that whole middle area...that is my big problem area. And that's where I want to feel a difference.

Just wondering...and rambling

I know--2nd post today from me. But just had a bunch of random on my mind. :)

(This will be much more optimistic, promise!)

Am excited because my husband has the day off tomorrow--and so we get to hit up the fitness trail together. I had a great time last time and it really pushed me to run, which I am longing to do more! (Sarah is coming to visit me in a month and we were thinking of trying to do a 5k...so I am hoping I can work up to that, because I think it would be super fun!)

Also, getting to go look for a sports bra tomorrow--won't stop till I find one! :) I think that will make a big difference when I AM able to fit Jillian into my morning!

---what else? I have butterfinger bars sitting in my cupboard, leftover from an activity. I have refrained from eating one, haven't even been tempted--and am so dang proud. Those are my ABSOLUTE weakness (I would even pull a move like Kathy for one of those!!! lol)

--oh, and Nikki, don't be dissing your "flabby" size 8-10 because that's what I aspire to be at someday!! This is seriously the skinniest group of shredders ever (I was a size 4 in like, what, 3rd grade!?!! lol.) I am definitely the odd man (well, woman) out here. :)

And hey, on a completely random topic...

What happens with this blog after the 30 day challenge is complete? Will we all just start it over or keep going or have a new fitness goal? Just curious...

I would sure hate to see it disappear...because regardless of how often I can pull off the shred workout, I still AM trying to move more and be more healthy overall. And i love having this little place to talk about it....and I especially love "meeting" each of you.

Millbrae- Day 10

Another good day!

Stingray City, Cayman Islands

I got up and was exercising at 6:20. It sure does take a while for me to actually wake up that early in the morning. I was awake at 6AM, and I had to force myself to try and really wake up to get my workout done.

My report...

-Day 10- I did level 3 of The 30 Day Shred with 3lb weights again, and I also did the last half of Ab Jam again.

Me and my SIL at Stingray City, Sept. 28, 2009

I got T1 to school, came home watched a bit of Dr. Oz (I love that guy!... but I love the medical field too.) Got a quick shower in, got ready and went and experienced my first Farmers Market, with a friend, Crystal. She's invited me before, but this was something I always wanted to do as a family, and had declined the previous offers. However, if I always waited to do things as a family, we wouldn't get anything done, since the hubby is always working. It was fun!

Came back home and picked T1 up from school, and now I'm so ready for a nap. I wish my kids still napped, cuz I sure could use one, esp if I'm gonna try and stay awake to watch Grey's Anatomy tonight.... Wish me luck!

Kissing the stingray for 7 years of good luck! Better have worked!

Hope you're all having a great day today too!

Nicia-Before Pictures-9/22/10

Nobody laugh. I know I look like crap! I had just finished my workout. Anyway, here I am in all my glory! Can't wait to see some results!

Foster City

Today I was able to do Jane Fonda again. I still have not found the remote to my T.V. Maybe it is in one of the boxes I packed, but really don't need. I hope when we were moving I didn't throw it out because I didn't know what it went to. Oh well! I know it is not Jillian, but I am just glad I am doing something now instead of nothing.

I have three boys (3 years, 21 months, and 6 months). I was not able to drive my oldest to preschool today. Instead a friend did. After he had preschool they had a playdate. It is AMAZING how much I can get done with just one child gone. I was able to exercise (in peace), get some wash done, get most of the house clean, and give one on one time to the other two. However, as I am typing this my 21 month old is attempting to create disaster. Better go make sure he doesn't destroy everything.

Rachel - discouraged.

I just don't know what I was thinking when I set the goal to work out--let alone trying to do the shred.

I am struggling to find the time to fit it in--it is so dang hard because I don't have a choice but to nurse when the baby wakes up--so his schedule determines mine. If I don't get a workout in before getting the kids to school, Jillian just can't happen. I can only do that if I squeeze it in before school. (and I have to leave just after 8 with all the kids ready to go)

So today, I wish I had more to report. I came home from dropping everyone off and I had to still get myself ready for the day. By the time I did that, nursed again, and ran to a garage sale a couple blocks away (my sister in law had found some boy halloween costumes and I had to go pick them up), it was time to head back to pick up the boys from school.

We headed straight from there to a playdate, and by the time we got home, I had to nurse AGAIN and try to get Carter down for a nap.

I DID walk Jenna to school (instead of dropping her off on my way home from driving the boys to school) and when it was time, I jogged (in flip flops....lol) to the school again and she and I raced on the way back. So there was SOMETHING.

Just feeling discouraged that I can't have a set time, ANY TIME, to work out. I feel so lame compared to how well you all are doing with your level 3's and 5 pound weights! lol

Sarah Day 10- 1/3 of the way done!

I got my workout in, early in the morning before the kids woke up!!!!!!! If I had been awake enough to do it and do it right, it would have been better, but it was so much better than fighting off kids.  :)

And now, I'm 1/3 of the way through!

Nicia-Day 2

Nicia again. Just did Day 2 and YES, I used the 5 lb. weights still!! It's funny. There are some moves in the strength that I want to scream while doing (and to be honest, I sometimes do!) and others that don't bother me at all. But I am going to keep the 5 lbs. because I need a challenge.
I woke up this morning and didn't feel nearly as sore as I thought I would, so that's a good thing. Does anyone have a good website for good breakfast recipes/menus right before a workout? I don't want to eat something that's going to feel heavy as I workout. Thanks ladies!

Nicia-Day 1

Hi everyone! My name is Nicia Esplin. When Sarah posted this challenge on her blog I asked for an invitation thinking why not?! I had a baby 6 months ago, and I think nursing has really helped me drop the lbs. because I have not worked out at all, and my PRE-PREGANCY jeans fall off me now. I am very happy with my weight, I would just like to get toned up.
Anyway, to be honest I kind of forgot about the fact that I had agreed to do this challenge, so when my step-mom, Kathy Whittle called me out on it and noticed I was a follower, she kind of gave me that kick in the pants to go out and get the DVD. So...that's what I did today. I went to Walmart and bought my 30 Day Shred DVD and 5 lb. weights and I just finished my first workout!
Can I just say...IT WAS HELL! Sorry, I'm just being honest! I can't think of another way to describe it! I felt like such a wimp, but at the same time, totally hard core! My 3 year old daughter decided to join me, by the way, and used pencils for her weights! Totally adorable.
So, my legs feel like jelly, and I'm pretty sure my arms are shaking as I type. Yikes! Can't wait to start noticing it not hurting. That's always a good feeling.
I think what will motivate me even more is posting a picture of me before and after. So when my hubby gets home I think I will have him take a picture of me and I'll post it on here. :) Thanks!!

Millbrae- Level 3! for the second time.

I didn't get up early to workout, and be ready for the day today. I waited until T1 was in school. However, having gotten up at a decent hour (for me), instead of an insanely early hour, in my temporary opinion. I say temporary because, I'm hoping that I can get my internal clock to accept getting up early and getting ready before school, etc. I just had a much more productive day yesterday because of the great start. I also hope I can be disciplined enough to make myself do it.
Anyway, I didn't finish my thought, having gotten up at a decent hour, I felt like I was more awake, and had more energy, which is strange for me to feel energetic even to the mildest effect. So I was feeling up to working out. I decided since I'm trying the 3lb weights for a while, and since I was in such a great mood to workout, I'd try level 3 again. So I did. I remembered that it kicked my butt, but just wanted a refresher on it I guess. Haha! Then I thought to myself, 'we're only on Day 9! Why am I already wanting to attempt level 3!? I'm just as insane as Jillian! LOL! But I'm hoping that making myself work so hard today will help me not snack on the bad stuff so much today, and maybe if I can get somewhat good at level 3, maybe I can kick this plateau I'm on, and go down in my weight that I've been stuck at for months now.
I also did half of the Ab Jam... the second half, that's on the floor. I'm really tried to focus on using my abs. I felt my abs real good, I hope I can feel sore core muscles tomorrow. That would be awesome!
So short report now:
-Day 9- Level 3 of The 30 Day Shred, with the 3lb weights, and second half of Ab Jam.
Also, I'd recommend using the 2lb or 3lb weights when you get to level 3. I've been using my 5lb weights for a long time in Levels 1 & 2, but I sure don't recommend using that heavy of weights for level 3. Try it out, you'll see what I'm talking about. Haha!

My new bra!
I LOVE IT! I emailed Rachel the link to the one that looks the closest to what I bought yesterday. I couldn't figure out how to get the link on here. I'm not completely tech savvy. But I'm gonna try and connect the link here: http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/?sitesrc=usns_share_link#l=shop,pdp,ctr-inline/cid-100701/pid-283578/pgid-371394.
Well that was easy. But I don't know how to make it the word "here" and be able to click on that word to get to the web page. Oh well! Anyway, it's also got great ratings. I might buy a couple more, in different colors. I really was happy with how well it kept my girls in place. I bought a size smaller than I thought I'd need, and it's a good thing probably, because some of the reviews say then needed a smaller size too.
Sarah, I doubled up the sports bra's too, as you suggested. I think this new Nike bra did most of the work, but I did put my Champion sports bra on top of it, and I do think the two together did better than just the one of them could do. Thanks for the suggestion.

Something I forgot to mention yesterday... (I don't know HOW I could forget to mention this!)
While I was at Target, I bought some Pumpkin Spice Kisses! I was so excited, I'm afraid that the 'holiday's eating habit' is starting to set in ALREADY! Last year at one of my cousins weddings, these Pumpkin Spice Kisses were part of the center pieces. After the wedding I searched all of the stores! Target, Walmart, the local grocery stores, EVERYWHERE! for these puppies. I couldn't find them anywhere other than at the Hershey's website. I was in heaven when I found them yesterday! I grabbed three bags, held them to my chest and looked up in complete bliss. Then I threw them in my cart, and grabbed two more bags. That's how excited I was to see them!
I let my boys try them today, after lunch. They couldn't get enough of them either. I don't know what it is about pumpkins, but I am positive that my two boys and I are addicted to anything to do with pumpkins. Pumpkin pie, cookies, cakes, carvings, paintings, ANYTHING! We're so hooked it's pathetic. Anyway, if you see them in your store, get a bag and try them out.

Onto other randomness...
The heading doesn't really bother me. But I do like "Shredders Anonymous". Here's a pic that you might wanna put up instead. (I tried, but I don't have authority for it I guess.) I got this pic from googling "Jillian Michael's before and after" images.



While googling that I also saw a t-shirt that I thought would be another good option too, "Unless you faint, puke, or die, keep walking." -Jillian Michael's

See y'all again tomorrow!

Foster City

Day 2 Report:

Yesterday was not that great. About 10 minutes into the workout two of my three boys started crying uncontrollably. I did not have a chance to finish.

Day 3 Report:

Today I was able to workout for 30 minutes. Hopefully that will make up for the lack of exercising from yesterday. Before I had children I was able to do the whole hour of the Jane Fonda workout without feeling exhausted. Now I can only get through 30 minutes. The muscles in my stomach are probably the least toned. After doing crunches and the other ab exercises I could really feel the burn. I have got a loong way to go before I am in the same shape I was nearly five years ago.

Motivation:

I have a few motivation factors. * For two weeks in October my husband will be traveling for work. When he gets back I want him to be able to notice a difference. Most of the time if I loose only 5 lbs. he notices. So, if I lose 10 lbs he will really notice. *Over Thanksgiving my husband's side of the family will be visiting. *During Christmas I will be going to Las Vegas to visit my family. *Before we moved I was packing all of my clothes. It is amazing how many cute clothes I have but can't fit into. I really want to fit back into them. That way I will be able to use all of my clothes, not just some of them. *The last motivation factor is being able to report every day what I did. I want to be able to say I did exercise and it was terrific!

Need a Little Motivation?

My old roommate posted this on Facebook and I thought it was really appropriate for this blog. Very inspirational! Love the story, love the song! I just want to cry and then get out and run.  :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SbXgQqbOoU

Sorry, I can't figure out how to put the video on here, but the link should work.

Sarah- Day 9- Almost a Repeat of Yesterday

I'm still holding out hope that someday morning workouts will work for me. Now that Jon is home in the evenings I don't like working out then. Guess we'll see though.

Got up at 6:40 this morning and started getting ready to exercise. Before I even had time to change, I heard a little voice and then little feet pattering down the hall. UGH! Emma followed right behind him. So, I got them fed and then put a movie on for them and started working out. Got halfway through when Matthew came in and wanted me to play. Instead of trying to fight him off of me, I paused the workout, played with him for a couple minutes until he was occupied, and went back to working out. I got through the rest of it okay.

I am seeing progress with the workouts. I can do more without getting winded as fast, though I still take little breaks and change out exercises. And as a bonus, I've lost another pound in the last couple days!



So, on a random note, does anybody have any suggestions for our blog title, or is it okay how it is? I know...it's a silly little thing. But it drives Jon crazy! He thinks it should be titled Shredders Anonymous (since that is our blog address) and then have a subtitle. I could care less either way.  :) I just threw something up when I started the blog and didn't think it was going to go anywhere. SO...if you have a suggestion let me know, or feel free to change it. And if there are any other changes that you would like to see...background, layout, whatever, just shout it out. I'm open to changing things up.  :)

Rachel. up early, :)

Carter woke up to nurse at 4 a.m.

Have been up since then. (That to me is the WORST time to wake up, because once I feed him and get back in bed, my body is awake enough that I just can't get back to sleep.)

I got some stuff taken care of, and then was lounging on the couch in the dark watching Oprah when it struck me that I could actually be working out--and SHOULD be working out! So Oprah took a backseat and Jillian entered center stage. The kids got up shortly after, but they went to the playroom for most of the time, which I was glad about.

No school here today--so it was nice to not have to rush somewhere!

I did level 2. I really hate some of the moves--but there are actually some I do like more than level 1. Like the climbing pushups. At least I felt like I could do them!! (comparing to regular ones, where I am completely weaksauce!)

So, got the workout in, got the day started. Feels good.

Also, been wondering. Do you guys always put tennis shoes on to workout? I often don't, but wondered if it makes a difference.

Millbrae- Productive!

Okay, so I've got a lot to ramble off. Just because I want to have an adult conversation. But first my report for the past couple days...
-Day 7- (yesterday, Monday) I didn't workout. I was so tired, I just slept until I HAD to get up to get T1 to school. Kept trying to make time during the day, but that didn't happen.
-Day 8- (today) I ROCKED IT BABY! I woke up, a little later than I was suppose to, but still I woke up, got my Jillian Level 2 done, but didn't have time for my Ab Jam. Got showered, part of my make-up on, T1, T2, and I walked T1 to school, came back and finished getting my makeup on, blew my hair dry, and was ready for the day a bit BEFORE 9AM! This is a big deal for me. I don't even remember the last time I was ready that early for no good reason. Just to have the rest of the day ahead of me! Felt great! (just wish it all came natural to get up and going this early.)
So I went to Big 5 today, and got another sports bra $35... better be worth it! Seems to be a more supportive sports bra than usual. I hope it doesn't disappoint me. I also got a pro-roller. It was normally $25, but 'on sale' for $20. I also saw them at Target today for $25.
After that T2 and I went and picked up the mail, did some grocery shopping, then picked up T1 from school, and had lunch. Then my hubby came home from work, he'd been working since Sunday @ 9pm. I let him stay home with the kids while I went shopping. I went to Old Navy, got their Halloween costumes and other things too. Then to NY&Co. my fav! Got a couple things there, and then to Target, got some things there!


Oh! I got a 15 oz. pumpkin spice candle, for $5.99, there was also a 15 oz. winter pine candle... which rang up for the $5.99, but I argued with them because on the shelf it shows the price as $1.48. So I got it for cheaper than the tiny candle was worth! I was stoked about that!
I also meant to go to GNC and get some protein shake drink powder, or something for protein shakes, but totally spaced it. Maybe I can get to that tomorrow? We'll see.
Anyway, I feel like I had a productive day. Got a lot of running around done!
Well, I'm beat! I'm gonna go to bed now...
See y'all tomorrow!

My Reeses Story

Okay, I'll put off studying stats and tell my Reeses story - what I can remember anyway! This was a LONG time ago - like almost 20 years ago! Annette (Sarah & Rachel's mom) and I are riding along a neighborhood road. Annette is driving, and I'm in the passenger seat when we pass a small orange thing in the curb gutter on the right - I barely notice it - just a flash of orange as we drive by. But it's enough of a flash that I'm thinking, "Could it be? Could it really be......a Reeses?" "Hold on, Annette! Back up! I think that's a Reeses!" Being the awesome sister that she is, Annette comes to a stop, backs up for me, I hop out of the car, and sure enough, it's a Reeses, UNOPENED!! Of course, I snatch it up, open it, eat it, and get my sugar fix for free that day! (Don't remember if I shared with Annette or not!) I must have been pretty desperate.

Then there was the time that Annette and I bought a 4-pack of Haggendaz ice cream bars at the store (I think that was the brand) and each ate 2 before we ever got back to the house. Actually that probably happened more than once! Another time we stuffed ourselves at Olive Garden (NOT the soup and salad), then had a huge piece of cheesecake (each of us), and literally WADDLED out of the restaurant. We have Lots of stories!

There you go - I've since come out of the closet and am fairly open about the fact that I'm totally addicted to sugar and will do some pretty wild stuff to get some, including eating chocolate chips right out of the bag, mixing Cool Whip with peanut butter, and fooling myself that eating frosted mini wheats is okay because it is, after all, nutritious hay bails. :)