A New Start-January Goals

I mentioned yesterday that I had some goals for 2012.  I hesitate to call them resolutions as I feel as if I'm setting myself up to fail.  But clearly, that's what they are.  The coming of the new year brings with it a sense of change so I'm stepping up and sharing with you some things I've been wanting to do in my own life for some time.

1.  Go to the gym/work out at least 5 X a week.  

I had a pretty good routine of 4 X per week going before Christmas hit so I'd like to bump that up a little bit to get in some more cardio.  With this goal also comes the obligatory goal of losing weight.  I put on some pounds during the holidays so I have some serious work to do.  I actually took a before shot of myself yesterday morning and intend on doing an after shot on my birthday (6/3/12) 5 months from now.  Lord, let me look better than I do right now.  It was not pretty.

2.  Read my Bible everyday.

When I was working I had the perfect set up.  I read the Word during my breaks and at lunch and finished the entire thing in a year.  But since then, I've kind of been lackluster in my reading.  And honestly, I've been lost at how to approach it.  I found a Bible I was gifted when I left my job in a different translation than my regular one so I'm excited to get into it.  It has a reading program in it so I think I will follow that for now.  My plan is to do it as soon as Natalie goes down for her first nap before something else comes up.  I started yesterday.  So far, so good!

3.  Give up pop.

I'm not a big pop drinker.  I gave up caffeine when I got pregnant and have pretty much stuck to it as I've continued with the breast feeding.  But some days I just really want one, you know?  I know water is much better for me so I'm going to try to bump up my intake of that instead.

4.  Organize recipes that are winners.

I'm a meal planner.  And probably uniquely so, I exclusively make new meals.  Okay, that's not entirely true...but for the most part I'm a one and done kind of girl.  I'm not sure why, but I just have so many recipes waiting to be tried that I have never even thought of keeping a list of those that we loved.  Kind of stupid when you think about it.  So I'm going to start a folder on my desktop to compile those I would make again.  And, you know, make them again.  Does anyone have any other easy way of keeping track of this?  The folder idea's all I've got.

5.  Finish Natalie's 1 year photo book, keep up with her baby book, and print pictures to put in albums.

I'm about half way through Natalie's photo book in Blurb, but I recently got a Shutterfly coupon code for a book so I'm not sure what to do.  Anyone made one on either of these sites?  Recommendations?  

I'm fairly good about keeping up with her baby book but I have yet to print any pictures to put in there.  I'd like to get that done.

Also, I do want to print out all of our pictures and keep them in really nice leather albums just so we have them.  Do any of you do this?  Suggestions for great albums to use?

6.  Get an Ohio driver's license.

Okay.  Confession.  I have lived in Ohio probably 6 years now and I still have an Indiana driver's license.  I know.  I'm hanging my head in shame.  I do have Ohio plates though, so that's a start!  I have lots of excuses as to why I haven't done this...such as I didn't want to do it when I was pregnant...or before I lost the weight...or I didn't want to take the lame written test.  But it's seriously, seriously time.

That's my list so far.  I want to check back every month to keep an updated list of how things are going and perhaps add some new idea that come to mind as the year progresses.  Keep me accountable, okay? 

Oxygen Mask

Lately I've been in a weight loss rut.  I've been yo-yoing the entire month of October and it's so frustrating.  I find myself super motivated one day and then not caring one bit the next.  Or even bouncing between these two extremes in the same day!  Like in the morning I'm awesome...but by the evening I'm searching for any trace of chocolate we have in the house.

I'm trying hard to get my motivation back.  For starters I try to get to the gym four times a week.  It's been a little difficult lately as we've been out of town so much and Natalie keeps getting sick.  But I really do better when I have that time at the gym.

I attended a spinning class on Monday where the instructor spoke about the hour as being our oxygen mask.  She said we needed to use that hour to refuel ourselves so we could be better able to give to our loved ones the rest of the day.  Kind of like the oxygen mask on the airplane.  You're supposed to put your own on before you help someone else, right?  Well, same concept here.  We give and give all day long and need that time to better ourselves.  It's not selfish.  It's necessary.

That concept really struck me.  I do feel like I give all day long and have very little time for myself.  Now, I chose to give.  I want to give.  I'm called to give.  But it can be draining day after day.  I'm thankful for that time I get at the gym to sweat it out and really concentrate on myself for a change.  Natalie is always so good in the nursery so I am finding myself worrying less and less about how she is and what she's doing and more about working out harder. 

Spinning has become my thing.  It's my time to push myself.  To prove to myself that I can do this.  I need it.  And although it's the most difficult thing I've ever done, I crave it.  Hoping it can be the push I need to get back in the game.

What's your thing?

Biggest Loser Fridays

I thought since my co-workers and I just started a Biggest Loser competition...and we weigh in on Fridays....I would take this opportunity to check in and tell you about my weight loss and work outs! Oh, and food. Always food. I'm calling it...Biggest Loser Fridays. Genius, I know.

source

Since I was out of town on Monday (our initial weigh in day) I had to weigh in on Tuesday this week. That only left me with three days of "dieting" before the weigh in today. Eek! Tuesday and Wednesday I hit the gym hard with new classes. I tried out Boot Camp and Cardio Circuit, both of which kicked my booty in a major way. I also did my old standbys of Yoga and Pilates as well as some lifting and cardio on my own. I cannot express to you how sore my little abs are. Well, they're not so little...so I guess it's a good thing they're sore!

I also did great on my food intake. I'm back on "poor girl Weight Watchers" AKA: doing it on my own. I stuck strictly to my points both Tuesday and Wednesday.

Thursday I had a dinner date with a friend at Bonefish Grill. I had never been there before so I checked out their menu online. I couldn't find any solid nutrition facts so I just used common sense. I went into the meal with 8 points left and ordered grilled tilapia with no sauce and some veggies for my side. That's it! And drank water! So I think I did just fine.

At the weigh in I lost 0.5 lbs. It was quite a bit lower than I hoped for but I'm trying my best not to get discouraged. I did only have 3 days so I can't wait to see what I can do with 7! And the people at the site are doing fantastic! One guy lost 9 lbs! So far this morning we have lost about 40 lbs. total and only half of the people participating have weighed in. I'm really excited about the program and the success it is having thus far. Hopefully next week will bring more of the same (except a little more of a loss for me please!).

Hope everyone has a great weekend! We have NO plans so I am completely stoked!

The Biggest Loser: Lucky in Love Style!

Late last year, a few of my co-workers and I were standing around chatting about, what else, reality TV. The subject of The Biggest Loser came up and I offhandedly said, "We should totally do that here!" Well the other women were all for it!

So after a few months of planning and getting the final approval from management, my work is officially starting a Biggest Loser program on Monday! I am crazy excited about this seeing as even with the new year...my motivation has been low and my attitude blah. I wake up energized and ready to be the best I can be...but by the time I leave work...I just want to sit. I feel like something is wrong with me. But I'm a pretty competitive person so I'm hoping this program will be the kick in the booty I need!

What are you ladies doing to work out and stay healthy in the new year? I think I need a new routine. I got burned out doing the same things everyday last year and I started to hate going to the gym. I'm thinking about starting a few new classes next week and hopefully that will help. Any suggestions??

2010: Here I Come!

I'm not big on making New Years Resolutions. I never have been. But this year I'd like to set some goals for myself in the new year. Call them resolutions if you will. I will, however, refer to them as Jenny's List of Ways to Improve Her Life-2010.

1. Attend church every Sunday (or at least on a regular basis)
The church we currently attend is approximately 45 minutes away from our house. Although I love it and think there are so many things there for us, it's just come to be too far for me. It's so easy to not go when the weather is bad or when we're tired and know we have to get up even earlier for services just to drive there. And I am not able to get involved the way I would like to because going there during the week just isn't possible. Which brings me to my next point:

2. Find a new church in close proximity to where I live and get involved!
I was raised Catholic and Matt is a Southern Baptist so we have quite different backgrounds when it comes to church settings. Although I've made the decision to follow a different path with my religion, the structure and history of the Catholic church is something in which I find comfort. But, I also love worship songs and live music and hearing preaching directly from the Bible. Clearly I have my work cut out for me!

3. Not worry so much about what the scale says
Aside from the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I live and breathe by the scale. There was a time when I weighed myself every single day. I was down to once a week before Thanksgiving, but I began to realize just how much that little (or big!) number was reflecting my mood. I want to pay more attention to how my clothes are fitting and how I feel instead of focusing so much on the pounds. I don't expect to give up the scale completely, but I'd like to limit myself to once a month if even that.

4. Eat healthier and cut back on sweets
Although I don't want the number on the scale to dictate whether I have a good day or not, that does not mean that I don't want to lose weight. I want to live a healthier life and put food into my body that reflects that. I'm also a HUGE sugar-holic and I'd love to see the packaged snack goods disappear from my diet (and my pantry!).

5. Be a better friend
I have a tendency to complain about not having any friends or that the friends I do have suck. Well, perhaps I am not as fabulous of a friend as I think. I want to make an effort to talk to my friends back home more often. I never call. I hate the phone. But I shouldn't expect them to always call me and take the initiative. I'm setting a goal of calling my BFF once a week. Also, I want to build better relationships with the women I have met here in Cleveland. I'm going to make more of an effort to plan things for us to do without our husbands. It's time I made some girlfriends. Period.

6. Formulate a workout schedule
Between being sick and the holiday season, I haven't been to the gym in a long time. I really long time. I'd like to get to the gym at least 4 times a week.

7. Run a 5K
I battled through a running program not that long ago so I'd like to dust that program off and really concentrate on following it through to completion. Plus, I'd like it to take me less than 45 minutes to run it :)

8. Have a baby
This is the year. The year we start trying to expand our little family. Although this is a goal in which I have very little control, I'm putting it out there as my prayer to God (who reads my blog...of this I am certain) that I am beyond ready for my little miracle.

So spill it...what is your "list of ways to improve your life??"

Yowzers!

I just realized that I forgot to put my sports bra in my gym bag this morning.



That elliptical is going to do a number on these C's for sure.



But there is one bright side. It's not a running day.


Ouch.

Weight Loss Update!

It's been a while since I have talked about my exercise/weight loss routine, so I thought I would give you a little update!

I have really hit my stride in the last two weeks. I've continued doing The Couch to 5K program and am now on Week 4. I'm running faster than I ever have. (Note: this is relative. I know you speed demons go way faster...but 5.5 in my book is lightning fast!) Although the running increment increases week to week are tough at first, I gain confidence with every day I am on that treadmill. Not only am I getting my cardio in by running, but I am also throwing in some time on the elliptical and the bike doing burst training. I incorporate weights and abs 2-3 times a week as well.

Onto the subject of food. Obviously this is an area of weakness for me, but besides the wedding I attended last weekend where I indeed partook in some cake (yum!) I have stayed on track with my Weight Watchers plan for two whole weeks. I have lost 4 1/2 lbs. so far and I couldn't be more excited. 4.5 down...24.5 to go! It's a daunting task and I am aware that it will take me some time to get there...but just putting it out there really helps and makes me feel like I have a distinct goal in mind. I will try to remember to keep you guys updated on my progress at least every other week so we can motivate each other! I've also added some weight loss and running info to my side bar for additional accountability.

I have found an incredibly amazing support system here in blog land and the accountability with my workouts and food intake has been key to my success thus far. I have no desire to have to tell my friends that I ate 1/2 a pizza and downed a bag of candy corn for dinner...which I have done before. I seriously could not do this without you ladies and your unending support of a girl who starts and stops weight loss programs like it is her job. I cannot thank you enough!

So, how are you doing??

Why I Do What I Do

Do you ever get really hyped up for a diet, everything is going really well for about, oh I don't know, a day, and then you just lose steam?  Of course you do!  We're women...we've all been there.  Well, I am there right now.  Some days I am super motivated.  Take me to a cook out, I'll find the fruit.  Out to eat, no problem...grilled chicken!  But then some random day at home?  Now I feel the need to eat everything in the house.  Why?  No idea.

On my motivated days, I sometimes sit and think about all of the reasons why I want to lose weight and goals I want to set for myself along the way.  Today, I thought I'd share those with you....and ask for additions....so maybe we can all look back on this list during the tough times and remember why we are doing this in the first place and what we want to accomplish!

Why I'm doing this:

• Health.
• I want to live a long, happy, and active life with my husband and future children.
  
• Babies.
• I've read that pregnancies and labor are easier on women who are fit and healthy.  And if there's anything I can do to make labor easier, I am sure as heck going to try!
  
• Peace of  mind.
• I lost a lot of weight before my wedding and I vowed to myself I would never, ever see a 2 at the beginning of my weight again.  There...I said it.  I was in the dreaded 2's.  But I'm not anymore...and I would really love to be down low enough that even when I get pregnant, I won't have to see that number again.

Goals:

• Buy single digit jeans
  
• Run a 5K (or at least 30 minutes on the treadmill!  No walking!)
• Stop judging myself when I look in the mirror
• Be able to watch The Biggest Loser and not think, "I need to go on that show."
  
• Wear tank tops and not think my arms look fat
  
• Be able to do Downward Facing Dog in Yoga class the whole time instead of stopping to rest
• Look smoking hot when my BFF gets married possibly next summer
• Beat said BFF in our fitness contest so she has to buy ME a drink at our annual Christmas dinner and not the other way around
  

Let's remember why we are doing this..and keep our motivation alive!

Why are you trying to lose weight??  Any goals you want to share?  Tell me!  Let's help each other!

A New Plan!

Just a quick reminder...don't forget to enter my giveaway!! It ends tonight at midnight!


Remember a few weeks ago when I decided that because I always slacked off doing the 30 Day Shred in the afternoons...I would start getting up earlier and do it in the mornings before work??



Yeah...that didn't work out.



Apparently rolling out of bed and working out with Jillian 5 minutes after waking up does not agree with me. After finishing my workouts, I literally felt like I was going to throw up...all.day.long. I really wasn't having trouble getting up earlier...but the sleepiness hit me like a ton of bricks at night. I would fall asleep on the couch in the 8 o'clock hour. I hated this because Matt usually gets home in the 7's and this didn't give us very much time together. What fun is it to spend your evenings sitting next to a sleeping spouse on the couch?? Not so much. So, after 3 days...I quit!


But...in place of my morning workouts, I am now determined to not be a slacker in the afternoons. There is absolutely no reason I should get off work at 3 p.m. and not have enough time to get in a good workout before Matt comes home. So far I have made it 3 days (hey...it's a start!) and I can feel my motivation starting to return. I've also been running every other day and I've attended Pilates and Yoga at the gym...with Spinning on the schedule for today.


I even went to my WW meeting last night...which I tend to skip when I feel like I have gained. But I wanted to just go and make it a new starting point...weigh in and get it over with. Face it! So I got in the Taurus...drove to the Rec Center...and no one was there! Yeah...in the whole Rec Center...which is usually packed! Um, apparently I missed the memo that our meeting was canceled?? So I walked myself back to the car, ate my WW cookie I brought as a snack...and headed home...thankful I had one more week to work out before I weighed in :) I think God was shining on me yesterday!


So girls...motivate me! I need a week's worth of blogs about running, shredding, and working out so when I read them I will feel guilty skipping the gym! So no blogs about sweets okay? Or ice cream...or cake...and anything else you know I love. Or pizza!

Oh my...

These Abs Don't Come For Free People

Ah, a working out post. Oh how I have neglected you...



So you may've wondered where the old Jenny went? The girl who posted about running, WW, and trying to eat healthy. Want to know what happened to her? Well, the Dr. told her to take a few days off to recoup...and she took almost two weeks! Yeah, I know! Bad Jenny.

However, you will be excited to know that I have started to run again (just not as far as I once could...imagine that!) and I am back to WW. And honestly, I didn't gain NEAR the amount of weight that I thought I did...so I'm actually feeling very motivated.



So I've been riding the Shred train for a while now...but I must admit...I never really committed to the program. I did it quite sporadically and it became more of an afterthought to my other workouts making it very easy to skip. Well, no more!

In order to attempt to remedy the fact that by the time I got home from the gym....I no longer had the energy or will power to listen to Jillian scream at me...I have decided to work out with her in the mornings. Now, for those of you who have been with me for a while...you know that I start work at 6:30 a.m. This rendezvous with Jillian is really cutting into the little bit of sleep I get. But...I have a plan (shocker!)


I'm going to try this out for 6 weeks...really commit to the whole 30 day Shred concept. So I'll be doing Level 1 for 5 days a week for two weeks, then onto Level 2, etc. In 6 weeks, I will officially be shredded! She told me this morning I was well on my way!

I'm hoping I can stick it out. This morning I was able to bound out of bed with no problem...pretty good for a Monday morning! I suspect there will be roadblocks ahead, but I am trying to remain focused and keep my eyes on the prize...the very, very skinny prize!

I'm planning on updating when I switch levels just to see how my progress is going. I think I'll take some measurements today as a starting point. That should be interesting.

Your Questions Answered-Random Edition

Here they are...the last set of questions you asked!


Mrs. Southern Bride & JLC from French Kiss asked, "Where do you like to shop?"

Want to know a secret? I don't really shop. WAIT...please don't stop following me! Here's the thing. It's not that I don't like to shop or that I don't want new clothes or shoes or purses...I hate spending the money. I honestly would rather put my money in a savings account than buy a new dress. Sad, I know. I get e-mails from Rue La La and Shop It To Me and I haven't bought one thing. Besides my wedding dress or maybe Prom, I don't think I have ever spent over $65 for a dress in my entire life. I just don't buy clothes for no reason.

But, if I'm going to an event, I need a new pair of shoes in a different color, or something else for a specific purpose I tend to look at H&M, Target, J.Crew, Old Navy, Banana Republic, or maybe Gap. Outlet malls are my friend.


JLC also asked a few more questions!

"If you had only one day to live, what would you do?"

I would definitely spend a lot of it in prayer asking God for forgiveness from my sins and thanking Him for the time that I did get here on this earth with the people that I love...and asking for His love and care on my journey to meet Him in Heaven. I would spend the rest of the day with my husband making sure he knew just how much I loved him and how being with him has changed my life for the better.

I would not work out.

"What country would you most like to live in?"

Honestly, I'd live in the United States. I know that is not the adventurous answer you were looking for...but it's me! I do really enjoy traveling, but the language barrier makes me nervous. Also, once I'm away from home for like 3 days, I'm ready to come back. I'm also really weird about trying new foods so I would be bad in a foreign country for an extended period of time. I once went to Holland and survived on Twix bars for breakfast and lunch for a week!

But, I would love to visit France, Italy, and Greece. Anyone want to be my translator?? Ha!

"What's your fave film/book?"

Some of my favorite movies include Dirty Dancing, Juno, & School of Rock. I hesitate to say Twilight was the best book I have ever read, but it is definitely one of my favorites. I also really enjoyed The Middle Place. I'm currently forging my way through the Bible for the first time cover to cover. I'm really excited about my progress and everything I am learning!


Tasha from Biology Gal asked, "Since I'm a science person too, just curious what type of work do you do in the lab?" Angela from 20-Something Dreams also wanted to know what I did for a living.

You two are in for a treat! Not. Ha! I work for a science based products and services company. Our particular branch in Ohio manufactures parts for jet engines, mainly for the military. The lab here consists of three people and our job is to test these manufactured parts before they are shipped out to the customer. All of the parts require different tests, but mainly we do thermal analysis, acid digestions, and peel strength testing. Basically, I get to walk around all day in a lab coat with my safety glass on and my steel toed shoes playing with sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide. You can usually find me sporting a bright yellow spill proof apron, a face shield, and aqua green nitrile gloves. Super. Sexy.

It gets old doing the same tests day in and day out, but it pays the bills. My degree is actually in biology and I would LOVE to get back into that field. I was planning on going to medical school for, well, forever, but then had a change of heart during my masters program and decided that I didn't want to spend my years dealing with more school. Well, what's a girl to do with a masters in biology?? I have no idea. Suggestions, please!


Angela also asked, "What are your guilty pleasures? Sweets? TV shows? Shopping items?"

I've covered my go to anti-diet foods and my shopping habits but I do have a few must see TV shows. I'm a soap opera junkie and DVR Days of Our Lives everyday...and have since I was in elementary school. I do admittedly watch Jon and Kate Plus 8, The Office, 30 Rock, Grey's, & The Biggest Loser. I've drastically cut back on my television in the last year or so, but these shows made the cut.


Mrs. Ruby from Ruby Red Slippers asked, "What is your most embarrassing moment?"

Okay. Fine.

Before Matt and I were married, his mother was talking to me about some clothes that she had made for him. Well one of the items was a pair of boxer shorts and I was like, "Oh, I've seen those before!" I tried to play it off like I had seen them when I did our laundry together one time, but I don't think she bought it. Idiot.


Krystyna Lizabeth from everything happens for a reason asked, "What is your favorite part about living in Ohio...or your least favorite!?!"

Ha! Well if you've read my blog for more than 2 days you know that I don't like much! Okay, okay. Perhaps I am being a little hasty. I do like only living one state away from my friends and family and being within driving distance. I LOVE our neighborhood and the city we live in. Although downtown Cleveland leaves much to be desired, I do appreciate that they have sports teams to watch (giving me the chance to see Chicago teams when they come to town!). I also am a huge fan of the West Side Market downtown where they offer tons of fresh meats, fruits, and veggies for cheap! Oh, the lake, I like the lake! Although we don't venture out there often, I do enjoy being able to go to the Lake Erie Islands and pretend I am on vacation for the weekend.

I won't ramble on about all the things I don't like...but my least favorite has to be the weather. Although I grew up and Indianapolis and I am completely used to having horrible winters, I am over it. I hate the snow everyday but Christmas. I hate driving in it, walking in it, being out in it at all. It is only warm like 3 months of the year. I mean, this morning it was 60. It's almost July people. I need to be somewhere where it is 80s year round! And shoveling snow blows.


Cristina from Another Day in Paradise asked, "What keeps you motivated to work out?"

My fat? Ha! Well, it's kind of true. Just looking down and seeing it everyday makes me want to hit the gym. I will say that attending Weight Watchers meetings has done wonders for me. Actually having to weigh in front of someone who knows my name keeps me accountable. I also do a fitness challenge with my best friend from Indy to see who can work out the most in a 10 week period. There a point system we use to keep track and it helps us to avoid the bad foods and hit the gym!

Also, just belonging to a gym motivates me. I know I am paying for it so I might was well go.

I also get a ton of inspiration from blogging. There are so many people I look to when I feel like giving up. Some people are just starting out like me and others are old pros who are awesome at giving advice. Here are links to some of my favorite blogs that are written by fabulous women who are always pushing me to keep going: French Kiss, Just Another Day in Paradise, Mrs. GI Joe, not all those who wander are lost, Post Smith, The Shabby Princess, & Chic Runner.


Anna from Pocket Full of Pink asked, "What is on your iPod while you run?"

Y'all will get a kick out of this answer! I am not really a fan of rap music or anything that is "in" right now. I have a mix of country, oldies, and rock on my iPod right now. Some of my favorites at the moment that really add a little pick me up to my runs include:

Mickey by Toni Basil
Party for Two by Shania Twain and Billy Currington
I Wanna Dance with Somebody by Whitney Houston
Settlin' by Sugarland
Bye Bye by Jo Dee Messina
Don't Stop Believin' by Journey
I Think We're Alone Now by Tiffany
Bang the Drum All Day by Todd Rundgren
Gimme Some Lovin' by The Spencer Davis Group
Hot Hot Hot by Buster Poindexter and His Banshees of Blues


The Reality of Happily Ever After asked, "If you had to describe yourself as any character in a movie, what movie would it be and what character?"

This was the hardest question I had to answer! I thought long and hard about it, and you know what? They just don't make movies about girls like me.

I had the highest GPA in my class in high school, but I wasn't a nerd who didn't have any friends. I was an athlete but not good enough to play where I wanted to go to college. I wasn't unpopular, but I didn't really hang out with the popular kids outside of school. I wasn't misunderstood or always getting into trouble. In fact, I was quite the goody goody. Although I didn't have any serious boyfriends before Matt, I wasn't a girl pining away for her Prince Charming. I knew he was out there and I would find him someday.

My story would not make for an interesting movie. I'm just your average girl!


Brittany Ann from Living in the Moment asked, "What inspires you?"

This quote has always inspired me. I actually used it in my high school graduation speech. "Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."

I am incredibly inspired in church by God and the people in the congregation to live my life for Him. My husband inspires me daily to be the best person I can be for him and our future children. And lastly, I'm inspired so much by my bloggy friends! You ladies keep my butt in the gym, keep me focused on what is really important in life, and have provided me with friendships I so desperately needed.

Whoa! Done!

Thanks again so much for your questions and for following my little blog. You all mean the world to me and I am so thankful you spend a little part of your day here!

Running Update!

So remember when I started running and I was doing the run/walk method? I had an 8 week plan which started off with a lot of walking and a few minutes of running and eventually ended up with just running. It centered around time and not distance. Well, since that plan ended, I have taken up another 8 week plan. This one is not as concerned with time as it is with distance.

I'm currently on week 3 and yesterday I ran my very first ever 2 miler!! I have never in my whole life ran 2 miles without stopping. I know this doesn't seem like a lot...but for me...HUGE accomplishment! I think it was the new songs on my iPod. The change really energized me! I'm excited to keep this up for the rest of the week and hopefully improve my time a little each session.




So, of course, I'm totally pumped to show off my new mileage to hubs when he comes home...so I say, "Guess how much I ran today??" First he said, "5 miles?" I laughed at his guess and then he said, "10 miles?" Ha! Thanks for making my 2 stinking miles look like nothing honey. But I guess I shall love you anyways, since I promised God and all...


And in other news, Heather at Mrs. Southern Bride gave me this lovely award the other day! She is too sweet. She and her husband Josh are the cutest couple ever and you have to check out her blog if you haven't done so already. So go!



I'm going to pass this award on to my 5 newest followers!!

Mrs. W from Keeping Up With the Westmorelands
Angela Darling from 20-Something Dreams
Life of a Savannah Bride
New England Girl
Semjenole from Jen's Modern Life

Thanks for following ladies! And I'm super excited to start learning more about you!!

I Need Rest!

I took a much needed day off of exercising yesterday to get my house in order for the in-laws' arrival this evening. I opened up the windows, put on some music, and proceeded to clean the entire house! Okay, okay, I cleaned the areas they would see. My bedroom as well as my bathroom were not touched. But, I did actually sweep and mop the kitchen, clean off the cabinets, sweep all of the hardwood floors, vacuum, and put ALL of our clothes away. Don't you feel so great when your house is clean!?! And it was so nice to have the doors and windows open! It was simply beautiful yesterday.

I was also able to get a grocery list together for food for the next two weeks, so hopefully I can knock some of that shopping out today before I do some running. That will leave the weekend pretty much free for family time.

So, going back to this whole "taking a day off from exercising" thing. I have a serious workout scheduling issue. Every week, I make a schedule of what I am going to do each day to work out. I have a goal of what I want to get done every week: 4 days of running, 3 days of the Shred, and 3 days of lifting. I also do other things on top of this, but these are my "must dos." I try to take 2 days off for recovery a week. Lately, this has not been happening and I am tired! I can't seem to fit everything into just 5 days. AND, when I do take a day off to relax, I feel like I'm being lazy and the guilt sets in. I feel like anytime I am just sitting on the couch watching tv I could be exercising. I have a lot of trouble letting myself relax.


For example, this is my schedule for next week (yes, I do them in advance...don't make fun):

Monday: 30 min. treadmill, 30 min. elliptical, weights
Tuesday: The Shred, weights, yoga class
Wednesday: 30 min. treadmill, 45 min. elliptical (WW meeting)
Thursday: off day (I have a cake due on Friday!)
Friday: 30 min. run, The Shred
Saturday: Zumba class, weights, The Shred
Sunday: 45 min. run

How the heck can I fit in another day off? And what would I cut out?? Should I be doing more in a day than I am?? Who the heck knows....

I know all of this stems from my wanting to lose weight...of course. It is coming off...but so slow...and I feel like I am doing so much! And then I'll have ONE bad meal and it screws up my whole week...so then I start to feel like I can't make a mistake. At my meetings, some of the women start incorporating small amounts of exercise 30 minutes a day like three days a week and they lose weight. Um, what the heck is that about? I wish I could go for a walk around the neighborhood three times a week and lose weight. No, I have to bust my butt for hours at the gym, sweating my booty off, and I'll lose 0.2 lbs. This whole dieting thing/lifestyle change is rough!

Please forgive my rant! I do enjoy the exercise (for the most part) and I know I am getting stronger and building so much more endurance running than I ever thought I could. It is just completely frustrating some days!

Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday!

I will leave you with this gorgeous bag I found online today! Oh how I want you...


Sorry Lilly. Can't even afford you on sale.

I'm a Runner!

While we were out on the town Saturday afternoon (do you consider Chik-fil-a out on the town?? I do.) I picked up these beauties:




They are my very first pair of real "running" shoes! They actually said "running" on the sign with the price so I know it's legit. I've been wanting some new shoes but have been hesitant about spending boat loads. Have I mentioned I'm cheap? But I know running is something I want to continue to do so I figured it was an investment. I don't want to get hurt because I AM wearing the wrong shoes, right? Right!

So I forked over the $100 (DSW rocks my world and gave me a $65 discount from the original price) and got them! I just couldn't pass it up. I've used them twice already and I really like them. They have tremendous arch support which is great and are super light weight. I can almost feel the air moving through them as I run!

I now officially feel like a runner.

And I have amazing news! I'm on the last week of my 8 week training plan. This is the week where all of the interval training comes together into full out runs with no walking in between. Well, Monday, I ran 20 minutes without stopping...and without dropping my speed!!! I have never run more than a mile (without walking) in my whole entire life...and I finished 1.68 miles! I really wanted to stop after about 1 minutes...but I kept going. You know what gave me inspiration?? This amazing post by Chic Runner. I freaking love this girl and she is so inspiring. She just happened to write this post the very day I had to start my long runs and boy did it help. She really gave me the confidence in myself to keep going. So thank you so much Chic Runner! You rock my socks off...and even my new running shoes!

And another milestone to celebrate...my 100th post! You're looking at it! I was going to do one of those "ask me anything" posts...but everyone and their mom has been doing those lately...so I think I will hold off. But stay tuned!

Weekend Update!

My weekend was quite random and quite wonderful at the same time. Although I am a stickler for planning my meals weeks ahead of time..we decided to order pizza on Friday! Oh...how long it has been since I have ordered pizza! It's pretty much my favorite thing in the world. I'm a Papa John's girl to the core...but we opted for Little Caesars since they have that deal for a whole pizza for $5. It's pretty sweet...such a great deal! It was good...but come one. There's a reason it was $5. I miss my Papa!




Saturday, I started my day off with a little Jillian. Does it bother anyone else how often she mentions "no injuries please?" That really irks me. I also don't like when she says "a couple more" and then we do 6 more.

I showered up and hubs and I went to Chik-fil-a, probably our favorite fast food restaurant of all time. It's not super close to our house so it's not something we get to have on a regular basis. It's a treat!




I wanted to venture over there though because there is a Half Priced Books in the area. I'm sick of paying full price or waiting forever for Amazon to send them to me. I bought 5 new books for less than $20, score! We hit up a Borders Outlet across the street (totally lame by the way) and then I noticed a sign next door. You know what it said?? Puppies for Sale!!! I forced Matt to go in, even though he is allergic. Hey, it's not like he instantly started sneezing or anything. He was completely fine. He even said we could go in, on one condition...I couldn't buy anything. Fine....

It was the most fun! I got to hold little puppies and play with them! Oh my goodness...how I wanted to instantly take them home. I was in love. I definitely see a little hypoallergenic puppy in our future soon! Any suggestions?? No poodles please...

Our next stop was by a friend's house to check out their 2 1/2 week old son. He is just precious. He was a little squirmer though and would not sit still! He's the cutest thing and I can't wait to hang out with him again!

Sunday we went to church and then I went to the gym for my best run ever! I don't usually have a problem running the whole required time, but I usually end up slowing my pace down once I'm about 1/2 way through the run...and a lot down once I'm near the end. Well, this time I ran almost the whole time at my original pace! It was very exciting! Note to runners: you will be WAY more motivated listening to music than watching tv :) Shock! Good thing there is nothing on tv on Sundays!

I did the Shred later in the day, but spent most of it just relaxing. Matt did some cleaning and most of the laundry! He does the laundry a lot but I don't know what got into him with the rest of it. He was vacuuming, doing dishing, putting trash away, picking up, and gardening! At one point I even asked him where my husband was :) I did make Tortellini Soup last night which was fantastic and only 7 pts. for a huge helping.

And now it's Monday...and I am already looking forward to next weekend so I can spend some more time with my husband!

Friday Randoms

• I LOVED the Grey's finale last night!
• I was a total idiot and completely blindsided by the fact that it was George until he wrote 007.
• I think George will die (tear) but not Izzie.
• I'm irritated I have to wait months to find out if I'm right!

• I just joined Twitter!
• I have no idea what I am doing...
• Want to follow me? I promise I'll figure it out soon :)

• My 100th post it quickly approaching!
  
• What the heck should I do to celebrate that milestone??
• I'm so happy it's Friday!
• We're going to visit a friend's newborn tomorrow!
• I heart babies...
• I want one.
• Really I want two.
• I'm pissy that my husband has yet to kiss me on the lips since I've been home because of his fear of getting sick.
• I'm still a little sick.
• I ran my intervals outside yesterday in the beautiful weather!
• Thanks for all of the great comments yesterday.
• I was a little nervous to write the post...as it was a little controversial...but what wonderful and insightful responses I got!
  
• I do NOT want to run them again today...
• But I will!
• I lost 1.6 lbs. this week!
  
• I'm finally back to my weight from before the horror of Christmas treats killed my diet!
• I want fudge :)
  
• I can't wait to leave work...
• How about you?? :)
  

Running Just as Fast as I Can

I feel like I haven't done a running post for a long time! Sometimes I get confused about what I think about and talk about and post about...it all gets jumbled up! So if you're wondering how my running is going...




Still at it!

I'm on week 7 of my 8 week running plan. This week I am running 3 intervals of 11 minute runs and 1 minute walks. Hopefully next week I will be able to do a full 20 and eventually 30 minute run! If not though...I'm determined to keep at it. If it takes me longer than the plan, well who the heck cares, right? As long as I'm running, I'm happy!

Remember 7 weeks ago when I was running 1 minute at a time and I thought that was hard? Boy...what a difference! I've come to learn that running is so much of a mental sport as well as a physical one. I don't think I would've ever even tried to run more than 3 minutes if my training plan didn't say to. I just never thought I could do that. And now I'm running more than 3 miles...which is unbelievable to a girl who was, although athletic, ALWAYS at the back of the pack when it came to running. I may still be a slow poke...but now I can run longer than you...you itty, bitty, skinny, minnies from my high school would couldn't hit a free throw to save your lives!


Anyways....


Onto my weight loss...

I'm really great on WW at home when we have no plans and are in a routine. I'm a planner...what can I say. So the last four weeks have been crazy for me! I had the funeral where I was gone for 5 days...and then last week I was gone for the whole week. But...I weighed this morning, and if the scale did not lie to me, I am down! I'll let you know for sure after the meeting tonight, but hopefully I will see a loss in my weight column this week. We don't really have any plans that should get in the way until wedding seasons hits us in late June, so I'm counting on the scale being super nice to me for a good solid month! You hear that scale? I mean it! Don't make me hurt you.

On another note, (perhaps TMI...so stop reading if you wish) I had my annual "girl" doctor appointment yesterday...always a blast. I just wanted to thank those lovely ladies for offering me that free chlamydia and gonorrhea screening. I mean...did you even read my paperwork? I am MARRIED and have been in a committed, monogamous relationship for 6 years people! Well, if it's positive, at least I'll know who I got it from, right? Oh the trials of being a woman...

Water Park Fun!

Last night for dinner, all the girls went to this place called Moosejaw. This was a car they had outside the restaurant...what a huge moose!




The food was excellent. I had the most wonderful cup of Beer and Cheese Soup (to.die.for) and a small personal sausage pizza. Some of us also split this:




Yum! Well...for the most part :) I would say 7 of the 10 beers were really good...and 3 were totally ick! It was really fun tasting all of those different kinds of beers. Can you believe I've never done that before?? And I call myself a beer drinker...

Today I woke up...and totally flaked out on the days activities. I needed it though. I'm what you could say...cheap :) and I had no desire to shell out my hard earned cash on a tour of the Dells or the pic you see before you:



Instead, I caught up on blogs and ran my first interval training of the week...walk 1 minute, run 11! Yeah...that's right. That's not a typo. And ladies...I actually did that little number 3 times! This running thing is rocking my world and I can't wait until I can run the whole 30 minutes without stopping!

Then my mom and two of my aunts headed down to one of the water parks in this humongous place. We had an absolute blast! We started off in the wave pool and did a little water aerobics :) Then I laid by the pool and read a ton in my book. Then we all headed off to do a couple water slides...including one called The Hurricane! Are you scared?? You should be! It was intense!




We went three times! Well...my mom only went once...with her eyes closed the whole time :)

Now we're watching American Idol (even though I don't even watch the show...I know...don't judge...but I could really care less) and then we're heading off to the casino! Wish me luck! I need to win more money! That spa day was expensivo!!

A Mother's Day Surprise

I just booked a day at the spa with my mama to celebrate Mother's Day! I am so ridiculously excited about this! I hardly ever get to celebrate with her on Mother's Day because I live so far away, but we will be together all next week..so I decided to celebrate a little early (and she will be totally surprised...if I can keep my big mouth shut!)

We will be spending the day on Monday at The Sundara Spa in Wisconsin Dells. Here's a little taste of the accommodations:








Isn't it gorgeous!?! A complimentary town car will be picking us up in the morning and taking us to the spa. We will start with a purifying bath ritual (whatever that is...it sounds wonderful!) followed by some lounging at the pool. We will then be treated to manis and pedis followed by our massages! Oh...how I hope my mom likes this! I really think it will be a fun day. Apparently we can stay there as long as we want! I just wish my sister was going to be there :( Stupid actuary exams always taking up so much of her time.

In other news, after much hesitation, I went to my WW meeting tonight. I missed last week because of the funeral...and let me just tell you that I ate horribly at home...like really bad. Wine, brownies, wine, candy, wine, pasta salad, NOT low fat bread...it was rough. However...I kept up with all of my running...and it paid off! I only gained 0.2 lbs and let me tell you how crazy excited I am about that! I'm confident that when we are on vacation I will be okay. They have a fitness center, I am going to be able to go grocery shopping for myself, and I'm pretty motivated as of this moment :) Yeah for not screwing up as much as I thought!

Well...I'm off to watch the last 1/2 of Days and then it's bedtime for Jenny! Only two more days of work and then I'm off for a whole week!

The Birds

I'm back! Matt and I got home yesterday around 3:30. We were able to stop at Sonic on the way...which I am always in favor of since we don't have one close to us. It's sad that it took me so long to even go to a Sonic and realize it's fabulousness...and now that I have...it's no where in sight! Boo.

As soon as we got back...we rushed over to see Tammie and her new baby boy! I ended up going with the bib and burp cloth idea. Here's how they turned out:




I love them! And William is simply beautiful!

I went for my longest run ever today! I have no idea how far I went (ha!) but I ran for 27 out of 35 minutes!! I'm pretty excited about it! I had a rough week being in Indianapolis with my diet...but I did keep up my running and I'm glad that my endurance has not suffered. It sure was hot outside though...but I am not complaining one bit! I'm loving this weather :)

So after my run, I was enjoying my book outside on the patio when I discovered something atrocious! As you may or may not know, I am deathly afraid of birds. I'm completely unaware of what this fear stems from, but for at least the last 5 years I have had dreams (should I say nightmares!) of being pecked to death by these awful creatures! And...no birds are safe from my hatred...little baby birds...ducks...geese...nothing. I am, however, the most fearful of seagulls. They seem to swarm around me in flocks...just waiting to pounce. I'm seriously getting a little anxious just typing this!

So to my horror, I found a nest directly the the right of our sliding door neatly positioned above our patio light. I begged Matt to take it down...but he's concerned about the possibility of baby birds. Fine...I have SOME sympathy for the baby birds. But I'm extremely nervous knowing that thing is so close to me right this very second. Birds have been coming extremely close to the door...and now I know why! I hope they leave soon...

Want to know the craziest thing though?? The birds used some extra scraps from our Christmas tree that had been laying on our patio all winter for the nest! There is even tinsel up there :) It would almost be cute...if it weren't built by freakishly scary flying awfulness.