Hello. Hello. Can you hear me?

Are you alive?

Hey there my posse`! How are we all doing? Is it time to restart our blogging accountability? Where are we all at?

Should we try and restart? Or let the blog die for good? I'm ready to restart!!!!!

So I don't know that I posted it earlier, but I was out of commition for a while. I was pregnant, and had such little energy I just didn't have it in me to workout on top of the bare necessities that needed to be done. So now that my little T3 (first girl!) is here, and I'm starting to feel back to my normal self.

So TODAY was my first workout since T3 was born. (Born on June 16th, so almost 2 months old.) I did the 30 day shred, level one. My boys wanted to workout with me too. Which was really cute, and I figured it wouldn't hurt, because I knew Jillian was going to my butt. However I was pleasantly surprised at how well I kept up with her! I think I'll be moving onto level two sooner than I first expected. Yay for me!
I can't wait to hear what the rest of you have been up to and what your thoughts are on getting this going again.
~Nikki

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?

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.

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.

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!!!!!

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!

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!

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!

Millbrae- Day 6

So, I like how Mrs. Oregon puts "Oregon" at the beginning of her posts, just to kind of identify her even more. It's hard enough not having faces to put with the names (other than Sarah's of course). So I think I'm gonna copy her, and start putting "Millbrae" at the top of mine. I was just going to put CA, but I'm not the only one from CA, so I decided to put my city instead.

January 2004, Our Wedding Day!!!

Walking out of the Oakland Temple

I also haven't given much of a background of myself. So here's a little bit about me...
I am Nikki Nelson. I'm 27 years old, and have been married for almost 7 years (will be 7 years in January). I have two boys, T1 is almost 5 year old, and T2 just turned 3 year old.
I have lived in CA since my husband and I got engaged in Oct. '03. We married in the Oakland Temple. My hubby grew up in Northern CA, I grew up in Salt Lake County, UT. I have known my husband since I was 13 years old, however I didn't like him at that time. It wasn't until he returned from his mission, and he met up with my brother (they were best friends their senior year of high school in CA), that we started hanging out.
I am a stay-at-home mom, and I love it for the most part. I love that I get to raise my kids, and not let someone else have that blessing. However, as much as I love it, it's definitely not an easy thing to do. I have found through the years that I have lost my identity. I check in with myself sometimes, and wonder 'Who am I?' 'Do I even know who I am anymore?' I have changed over the years of marriage/ motherhood. A good part of that change is for the best (in my opinion. Hubby might have a different opinion. Haha!).

Sept. 2010, We like to get this particular wedding day pic 'updated' whenever we're there as a family.

I loved CA until I became a mother, and as much as I always thought I'd never want to move back to UT, after becoming a mother, I have realized that living close to family really doesn't sound like a bad idea, and it really would be nice. I've been yearning to move back to UT for about 5 years, and have desperately been wanting to move back for the past 3 years. I completely dislike CA.
Confession: (not so much for your sympathies, but just to be open and honest.) Having such feelings as being alone, because I only have 'loose' friends around here and really no family, and not having much of a social life has left me feeling pretty depressed over the past few years. Which has lead to me:
1- gaining weight, nothing I've ever had to battle with before having kids,
2- loosing my discipline for food, which has been surprisingly hard to regain that discipline with food/ diet.
3- not being as friendly and social as I use to be (which is a change that hasn't been for the best, and I really don't like about myself...well, none of these three changes have been for the best for myself or my family, really.)

So I guess that's more than just a little bit of info about myself. Hahaha! Sorry.

As I mentioned before, since the beginning of the year I have lost 18 lbs, and I'm hoping to loose another 15-20 lbs, and also regain my discipline for food. It's not that I eat junk all day, but I need to get my portion size back under control, and loose a quite a bit of this sweet tooth I've got. I eat somewhat healthy, but also snack on unhealthy things way too frequently also. So again, thanks to Sarah for getting this challenge started, to try and help me get re-motivated to loosing the rest of this weight.

My report for today... -Day 6- I didn't do any exercise. Nada. I decided to sleep in today, since it was the only day this week I'd be able to. Then I slept in way too late to get a workout in. I was going to try and get one in this evening, but I don't have the motivation to do it, and I'm still feeling sore enough to rationalize to myself that I can take a couple days off.

I'll catch up with y'all on Monday.

Millbrae- SO SORE

I am still sore. Feeling very, very sore. In fact I made a comment about our challenge on my facebook, and one of my friends asked me if I knew what 'foam rolling' was.

Well, I don't know if any of you have heard of that, but I haven't. It's a form of stretching... kinda. The way I understand it is, you put pressure on your sore muscles, and kind of rub against it, back and forth. "It helps get rid of teh lactic acid in your muscles. It hurts like the dickens for the first few times you do it, but then it feels so good."- my FB friend says.

I googled 'foam roller exercises' and printed off a 8 page article type thing from http://www.performbetter.com/. I've only glanced at it, but it might be more of 'exercises' than stretches with the foam roller.

She explained that you can pick up a 'pro-roller' at any sports store, like Sports Authority, Big 5, etc. She ordered hers online, can't remember where online, but it has a # on it of... 800-367-7393, she remembers it cost her about $40, but she's seen them at Big 5 for around $20. I'm interested in it, and I think I'm going to be finding myself a 'pro-roller' to try it out. I'm more sore today than I have been since I started the challenge. So I'm looking forward to trying this out. If you try it out, or have heard of it, it'd be great to hear your input/ feedback. I'll let you know what I think of it when I try it.

Now to my report...

-Day 5- Level 2 of the 30 Day Shred. Still used my 5lb weights, but think I'm going to try my 3lb weights and see what differnce, if any, that will make... besides being lighter. I also started doing my Ab Jam workout and got about 70% through that, until my oldest needed a talk about school. So I stopped the workout, and we talked about school, and why he seems to not like it anymore, which also took up my shower time. I felt so stupid/ humiliated going to school with no makeup, stinky, sweaty, and yucky. That talk better have made some sorta difference. Haha!

Millbrae- Day 4, and I'm already crazy

This morning my husband woke me up with a text at 5:30 (he was already at work) saying... "Hey, you should get up and do your workout, then you can shower and get ready all before T1 goes to school." I texted back, "Yeah. I know. But I don't wanna. I'm tired."




However, his text did come, right at the same time my first alarm went off. (I so wish I was a morning person.) So my alarms kept going off, and at 6:20 I was working out. The boys woke up during my workout, so I got them sat down for breakfast, then I did my Turbo Jam- Ab Jam workout, cleaned them up from breakfast, got showered (didn't wash my hair today, didn't need to.) got my foundation on, got dressed and walked T1 to school, dragging the sobbing T2 the whole way, and even carrying him for part of the way. Came home and made some scrambled eggs on sandwich thins (toasted), and a banana. Trying to start off healthy.

I seriously have no idea how I can still move. I am SO SORE still! I think I'm going down to the hot tub tonight. Hahaha!

-Day 4- Jillian's 30 Day Shred, LEVEL 3! It's intense! Just look at the warm up and you'll be afraid! I did the 'beginner' parts, with Anita, on most of the circuits. I've done about half of the things that she does in this level, on other dvd's I have of hers, but the rest of it was brand-spankin- new to me! It's KILLER! I wont be going back to that one for a while. I'll be sticking to levels 1 & 2. After I got done with Level 3, I did the Ab Jam also.


Sprots Bra- I bought a two pack at Costco of Champions. One black, one white. I would say that I'm pretty busty, and I bought a Medium to help hold 'em tight... It's a comfy sports bra, (for a sports bra, ya know) but I'm sure I could find something that would do a better job. It does good for walking and all, but running, and those dang jumping jacks, etc... I'm not as secure as I'd like to be. So I think that is a great question! I'd like to hear others input on your question.

Millbrae- Today is day 3... right?

I am SO SORE! It's pathetic. I'm remembering why I only would workout every other day. I am always so sore after doing a Jillian workout.
-DAY 3- I did the 30 Day Shred, Level 2. Sarah, Level 2 is my fav too (out of 1 & 2, since I haven't dared to even try level 3 either. lol!) However, I pulled out my 3lb. weights today, just in case I didn't think I could do my 5lb. weights. I did all of the strength with the 5lb weights, except for the last rep of strength. (The squat with the fly). I did the first rep of that with 5lbs. It was so hard. So the second round of them, I used the 3lbs. I was laughing so hard, I couldn't believe how much lighter they felt to me. LOL!
When I decided to take on this challenge, I wanted to do the Turbo Jam- Ab Jam workout too whenever I did a Jillian workout, since I'm really trying to target this belly, since it's my biggest problem. However, I really had to push myself to get a workout done today, and by the time I got done with the 30 Day Shred, I didn't have time to get the Ab Jam done too. I had to hurry and shower, and go pick up my oldest from Kindergarten.
Holy Cow though! I'm so sore! I'm not sure how I'm going to get a great workout done tomorrow. It's going to be a funny sight to see, I'm sure! Hahaha!



Rachel, I didn't like Jillian for the longest time. She bugged me for about the first month I did her workouts. But I bought 4 of her workout dvd's for $5 each, and I couldn't let that money go to waste. Plus I was really seeing results with her workouts. They just kick my butt every time I do them. It's easier for me now, because I just shrug it off as 'Jillian being Jillian', and she really doesn't bug me anymore... not that I watch the biggest looser, or that I'm a huge fan of her. I just love the change and progress I see in myself with her torturous help. Hahaha!

I hope I can find strength to get a workout done tomorrow. Maybe I'll be crazy enough to try level 3! Hahaha!

P.S.
Oh, and can I just say how much I HATE doing jumping jacks! I have to try so hard to do my kegel exercises at the same time... and I fail every time. It just SUCKS! I'm sorry if that's TMI for some of you. But I hope I'm not the only one that just HATES the jumping jacks. I have to wear a heavy pad every time I workout. What am I 75!? Sure feels like it when I do those dad-gummid jumping jacks!.... venting is complete now.

Here's to hoping I can move tomorrow!

Millbrae- Goals....

Me- 7 years ago...

... the me I want to be again...

...Someday.

Right now I have two goals... the usual effective things for getting healthy...

Goal 1- loose weight
Goal 2- eat healthier

Goal 1- is to loose another 15- 20 lbs. This is probably not completely realistic. But I'd love to have the body I had when I got married... and I've only been married for 6.5 years. So far I have lost 18 lbs, from the beginning of the year. At the beginning of the year, I weighed the most I have ever weighed, besides my pregnancies. I need to get rid of this double chin that creeping up on me too. Double chin = YUCK!

The ME Today...

It has been hard to stay motivated. Partly because I can't see much of a difference in myself after loosing the 18 lbs, and you expect to be complimented, but it doesn't happen. I've only had one person truely compliment me. I can feel a difference in the way my clothes fit though, and that's a great feeling.
So to try and keep myself motivated, besides willingly joining this awesome program,
I took a side and front pic of myself this morning. I'm mortified of this gut I've not gotten rid of after having kids, but hopefully those pic's will also help to keep me motivated. (I can't believe I just informed everyone that I took a 'before' pic! Don't expect me to post it! lol!)
Goal 2- to try and eat more healthy. Not that I'm a always unhealthy in my diet. But I definately could do more to make better, healthier choices.

To report for -DAY 1- (yesterday) I didn't get a good workout in, but I did walk my oldest to school, and ran some errands. I was exhaused yesterday from jetlag, and lack of sleep from a long weekend.

So today -DAY 2- I did Level 1 of the 30 Day Shred. I am surprised at myself and how well I did. It's been almost 3 months since I've been able to workout, for various reasons, and I'm impressed with myself! I also did a 20 minute workout from Turbo Jam called Ab Jam. I'm hoping I really feel sore in my core tomorrow. My core is what needs the most work.

Thanks for getting all of this started Sarah!