Days 82 and 83

I haven't posted much the past few days for a few reasons...right now I'm feeling a bit under the weather, hoping that the Mucinex I just took will help soon. I also took my "dose of gross" aka Emergen-C today. My head feels like it weighs 200 lbs, and the rest of me doesn't feel far behind.

Feeling sick doesn't make me want to work out. I can hardly breathe just sitting still, so its obvious that running is out of the question at the moment. On top of that, I haven't made the BEST food choices in the past few days. I've done ok but maybe had one or two things that are considered "off limits" the past two nights. Yes, I am on vacation and I'm out of my routine, but I don't want to fall off track...especially so close to the finish of this challenge!

Tomorrow is the final day of this 12-week journey. I will not be able to post my results until I get back to Nashville...I guess it is therefore a 13-week journey whether I like it or not! Truth be told its a lifetime journey. I feel like this will always be my vice, I will struggle with it forever. But at the same time I know that I can beat it. Baby steps or leaps...it doesn't matter how.

Punching, xo

Day 81

I am literally just leaving Disney World! It was the most amazing, "magical" time...but I will write about it another time :)

We pretty much declared today as our free day about 5 minutes upon entering the gates of Disney haha. Let's just say it was well worth it. We did walk about 100 miles, though.

Smiling inside and out...soon to be sleeping!

Punching, xo

Day 80

I can't believe there are only 4 more days left in my BFL challenge!

Today was filled with a crazy array of emotions. I felt a little under the weather this morning so I didn't workout first thing...I talked to my mom and we were feeling like our last week of the challenge wasn't going as smoothly as we had hoped. I knew before I started that it would end while I was in FL, but it's really hard to find a new groove while out of my comfort zone! Then I got some unsettling news (or the possibility of it) and that threw me for a loop as well.

I'm proud to say I didn't let my emotions get the best of me. Instead I got on the treadmill tonight and ran hard for 30 minutes, followed by some bowflexing :)

We did, however, enjoy birthday cake (yes another!) and ice cream tonight for Alana's soon-to-be birthday. I had only a tiny sliver of cake and a half scoop of ice cream. It was every bit of worth it, too!

I'm planning to sweat it all off at Disney tomorrow anyway!

Punching, xo

Day 79

Not much to report today, but I wanted to post anyway...

Started off my day by running for 30 minutes on the treadmill and working up a really nice sweat. Ended the day at Cici's Pizza. Why? Because my dad's youth group went there and we followed. I thought they had a salad bar there--they did have salad, but it was pre-mixed with the dressing and stuff on it already. That kind of put a damper on my dinner "plan". So I admit...I did have 2 pieces of pizza tonight, but they were small! I passed on the dessert pizza and brownies, so I guess I did alright.

Now I'm watching tv before calling it a night!

Punching, xo

Day 78

I started today off right...as soon as I could, I got on the treadmill. I have to admit I could tell I haven't worked out much in the past week. I ran/walked for 20 minutes and then I did some upper body stuff on my dad's Bowflex machine. It was HOT, but I was glad that I got it done before the 106 degree temps that came later!

We ate lunch at Chick Fil-A and tonight my dad took Alana and me to see the movie "Up". It was a great day overall, but I'm pooped.

I also read some of Jillian Michaels book "Winning By Losing" today and it was pretty cool. I'm a junkie when it comes to books and/or magazines that have to do with fitness.

I guess the biggest victory of my day was drinking an unsweet tea while the rest of my family enjoyed Frosties tonight...Mmmm. Honestly? I didn't have a problem passing it up AT ALL!!!

Punching, xo

Day 77

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there who read this blog (um, my dad and Justin)! Its been a good day...a lot of drama from the little one this afternoon but nothing I couldn't fix with some grapes and wheat thins--for her, not me!

We ate lunch at Cracker Barrel (or Crack-up Barrel as Alana calls it). I had my usual grilled chicken, with green beans and turnip greens. Skipped the cornbread. I have found it hard to manage my food the past week or so. I don't eat too much, but I am finding myself not eating much at all...like if I don't have something BFL-approved on hand, I don't eat something "off limits" I just don't eat. I know that this, coupled with my lack of exercise as of late, is not a good thing.

I didn't workout today, either. FL is hot right now...we are talking sweltering heat. I can't go out the door without my glasses fogging up--and trust me, that makes me look awesome :) It is so hot that my dad's AC won't get below 82 no matter what he sets it on. I am laying here with not one, but two fans blowing on me and Alana sleeping next to me, sans pajamas. Now I am not trying to make excuses...but I didn't want to get on the treadmill at 10 p.m. when I can't even stop sweating just sitting here. I WILL get on the treadmill in the morning, though...I cannot lose my focus now.

It's almost funny, because I thought my problem would be with the food thing...that I would be tempted down here. I'm unbelievably amazed at how easily I sat holding Alana's doughnut this morning at church, not even wanting a nibble...I really have come a long way these past 11 weeks. And it feels good!

Punching, xo

Day 76

I'm posting from yet another state tonight! We made it to FL safe and sound! I am super tired but I wanted to report anyway.

Weighed in a day early, because we were leaving this afternoon. I lost 2 lbs this week! I am super happy with that, especially at this point in my challenge AND considering my lack of workouts last week.

I made today my free day, because we were supposed to go eat with some of Nancy's family at my most favorite restaurant in town (Mt. Dora Pizza). I figured it was safer that way, since they don't have any BFL worthy food :) Alana was pretty grouchy, so we ended up eating take-out from there. I had baked spaghetti and greek salad. Ohhhh it was yummy!

Didn't get a workout in but I'm so tired and so full of food! I'm going to get on it tomorrow though for sure...

Punching, xo

Day 75

Not much to report today...unfortunately! I woke up bright and early...then thought I was going to go to the Y, because Alana had KidFit. She decided that she didn't want to go for whatever reason, so we went to the splash park here in Smyrna instead. It was a nice change, and the water felt good considering it was 95+ degrees today!

I had planned to go to zumba tonight, so I didn't think it was any big deal that we missed the Y this morning...and then my brother called to say he was leaving town tonight and that I might not see him again before I go back to VA. He wanted to have dinner, and well, I can't say no to him :) I would choose dinner with Jonathan over zumba any night...and I LOVE zumba!

Then I planned to get on the treadmill tonight...that got squashed, too...So no workout today...I only went to the Y once all week, and that was for zumba Monday night. I REALLY feel like a loser! Just makes me realize how much I like working out, and how much better it makes me feel!

I will be weighing in tomorrow instead of Sunday, because I am leaving for FL and won't be here to weigh-in like normal. I am SUPER excited to be going to FL, but I admit I'm a bit nervous about the last 9 days of my challenge...Here's to staying focused while on vacation in sunny FL!

Punching, xo

Day 74

Back in TN! I left Norfolk at 2:25 a.m. and I'm still awake...barely! I DID make it back in time to go mail a package to Justin and take Alana to her last swim lesson! My eating has been the same as the last 2 days. I haven't eaten anything "off" plan, but I definitely haven't gotten 6 meals in, either. I didn't get a workout in...my arms are so sore from weed-eating yesterday. I will admit that while Alana was swimming at the Y, I was daydreaming--wishing that I was in the gym working out! I'm off to bed, as I have a day of packing tomorrow! We leave for FL on Saturday :)

Punching, xo

Day 73

Phew, I'm exhausted!!! This is the first time I've taken a break since 5:45 this morning (Eastern time!) Its been a crazy busy day, but I managed to get everything I needed to get done, done--and some!

I barely ate again today...which isn't a good thing! By the time I did try to eat dinner, Chick Fil-A's chargrill was down...and of course I'd already paid for my sandwich...so I opted to eat a regular chicken breast BUT with the whole wheat bun instead. It was soooo yummy, too! I didn't "exercise" either, but I did mow two lawns, get two different decals for two different cars, as well as put air in all of their tires, dusted and swept my apartment, went to the doctor twice (no worries it was all good) and even managed to shop in between. All I want to do now is sleep, but I've got a load of laundry to finish first!

It's up before daylight to make the trek back to TN tomorrow! I'm glad...being home by myself has been too weird! In a way it's exciting though, because it means I'm that much closer to Justin being home! Driving over the water last night, I looked over at the pier and smiled...because it won't be long til I'm standing there watching my hubby walk off that ship!

Hoping to get a real workout in tomorrow!

Oh! I almost forgot!!! When I went to the dr I weighed in at like 22 lbs less than I did 3 months ago when I was there :)

Punching, xo

Day 72

I've never posted a blog from my Blackberry, but there's a first time for everything so here goes! I am actually laying in MY bed in MY house on MY pillows...its so nice but really very weird, as I've never spent a night here without Justin OR Alana! I also don't have cable or internet, because I had it temporarily cut off while I've been in TN to save an extra $100 a month! Needless to say, its eerily quiet (except for the jet noise that comes with living in military housing).

My drive here was uneventful, which is a good thing! I made it here in 10 1/2 hours, only stopping twice the whole 700 miles :) I'm waiting for the lectures to start about how I need to get out and walk around! I found my home in one piece...my Beetle was still here, with no flat tires. And although my house stinks from being closed up so long...it's all good!

So, for today's update...I ate well, but very little as I was driving. I knew there was NO food here so I stopped and picked up Chick Fil-A before I got home...grilled chicken sammie and fruit. It was so boring that I was going to get on the treadmill and then realized I left all of my tennis shoes in TN. So I compromised and got in a good workout with my punching bag. And I also did lunges and some arms and planks. So yeah...I did something anyway!

The most amazing part of my day was trying on jeans tonight from my closet. Pair after pair slipped right on...to the point I was flipping out! There were a few pairs (out of about a dozen) that still don't fit--but they are small anyway! OMG I was soooooooo pumped! They didn't even come close to fitting even the last time I was here in Norfolk.

I am focused and even more motivated to finish strong! I have a lot to accomplish tomorrow, but for now I'm going to watch Twilight...yes, I am awesome.

Punching, xo (quite literally tonight!)

Day 71

I have been dragging all day today...and I'm pretty sure it was thanks to the sugar overload yesterday. It's nice to feel awful after a free day, though. It reminds me how bad I felt on a regular basis before starting this challenge. Alana had a pretty rough night last night, and consequently so did my mom and me! I didn't want to leave for Norfolk today, so I put it off til tomorrow...and I still don't want to go...but I need to!

My mom and Alana went to watch Liam tonight. I found myself sitting here alone and bored, and I started to think I was hearing the cake and ice cream leftover from yesterday talking to me. BUT instead of caving and giving in like I would typically do...I went to the Y and did 45 minutes of zumba! I didn't go this morning, and I didn't workout Saturday or Sunday...so I was having major withdrawals. I am so proud of myself for channeling that boredom towards something physically active instead of sitting here and scarfing down junk. Victory is mine! And the self-discipline paid off!

I'm still bored...but I'm also tired and going to bed soon. Tomorrow is going to be a long day!

Punching, xo

Days 69 and 70

I just realized we have TWO WEEKS left! Kind of wishing I didn't take full-on advantage of my free day today :) I didn't post last night, because my friend Felicia came into town for Alana's birthday party today. We went to dinner at Cracker Barrel and spent time catching up. It was nice! I've missed her! By the time everyone went to bed and called it a night, I was exhausted...as in, too tired to even post a blog. I kind of slacked anyways...well, on the exercise. I didn't work out, but I did eat according to plan. I have heard that's like 80% of the battle anyway :)

Today was Alana's party...I planned it strategically on a Sunday (or Free Day as we know it in this house). We seriously had a house full of sugar, and I am regretting every bite of it that I ate at this moment. My mom and I were talking about it tonight...We always feel AWFUL by the end of Sunday--craving some food that is good for us. This helps me realize how great what we are doing really is. We have changed those habits that I thought would never be broken.

I was planning to go back to Norfolk in the morning to take care of a few things before we go to FL this coming weekend...but I am SO tired that I am going to wait until Tuesday to go now.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot!!! I had my weigh-in this morning, and I lost another pound. One exactly. I'm so excited though, because I hit my next "decade" of numbers on the scale! Woohoo!!!

I want the last 2 weeks of my first BFL program to be as focused as the first 2 weeks!

Punching, xo

Day 68

It's almost midnight and I'm just now getting around to posting! It's been a good and busy day...I woke up SORE this morning...I am totally loving it, though! It's been a while. I guess Justin felt the need to end our sessions on a painful note :) I went to the Y regardless, because Alana had KidFit today. I got in a good 30 minute run on the treadmill. It's scary, but I actually enjoyed it! It feels so good to be able to run without feeling like I'm going to pass out in a minute.

Spent some time outside with Alana and Caitlyn (my mom's neighbor) while they played. I love sitting on the front porch swing, feeling the breeze and listening to Alana laugh over the sound of wind chimes. It's the simple things in life! We went to Logan's for a late lunch/early dinner with my mom. It was yummy, as usual.

I got another call from Justin today, too! Gosh, I was so excited to talk to him...and then he got all emotional and choked up on the phone. It was the hardest thing, having to hang up the phone knowing that he was feeling the way he was...It KILLS him not being able to be here for monumental moments...like Alana's birthday parties...and at the same time he is willing to make that sacrifice for our family. So it's hard...

It has become my Friday night tradition to go to zumba :) Alana and I went back to the Y tonight and I did an hour of zumba...with yet ANOTHER instructor! She was awesome, though...Lots of squats and lunges in her routines tonight! I am probably gonna be laid up all day tomorrow!

Punching, xo

Day 67

Hello folks. Thought I'd introduce you to my favorite trainer, Justin. I know it's kind of late, being as today was my last workout with him...sniff, sniff...

Me and J-Gro
(love how sweaty my shirt is post workout haha)

I felt like it I was going to a funeral today. It was sad. I said I was still in denial. Justin said he was working towards the acceptance stage :) I have thoroughly enjoyed the 20 sessions that I have worked out with Justin. He has helped me in so many ways...I obviously have to do the work, but he has pushed me past what I thought were my limits. How far I've come since that first day when I puked into the trash can while he held it...I told him today that I almost had eggs for breakfast, just for old time's sake.

After our workout, I did 20 minutes on the Arc...Eating has been smooth sailing today...and I got my hair cut. It's been a busy day. It could've been a day of mourning...but I say it's the start of what I was talking about yesterday--my SELF-discipline!

Punching, xo

Days 64-66

I have been slacking on my blog...For that, I am sorry. I am gonna try to clump the last few days together into one post, to the best of my ability. Here's the recap:

Monday-Zuuuuuumba...followed by 10 minutes on the Arc and a lot of minutes of Alana acting crazy and making me want to pull my hair out.

Tuesday-Workout with Justin...He had me warming up on the elliptical on Level SEVENTEEN. Ok, seriously...when I started this jazz a couple of months ago, Level 4 made me want to pass out. Once again, I conquered. After the session, I did another 20 minutes on the Arc. And once again...I had a VERY stressful day with Alana. It's overwhelming sometimes. I am not a single parent, but sometimes it feels that way. I am blessed to have my mom here, though...We are learning to laugh through the tantrums (to keep from crying haha) I ended the day with a bowl of Lucky Charms and some Cheeze-Its for dinner. Awesome, right? I don't know what the deal was...it was just one of those days. I hate feeling like I'm back in the trap of eating for reasons other than being hungry or to fuel my body...Baby steps!

And today (Wednesday)-Zumba this morning, along with 20 minutes on the elliptical and a much better behaved child. The day is not over, but I am determined to stay on track with my eating today!

I came across this website this morning, and it is all about self-discipline. I ordered a bracelet for both my mom and myself that says just that. I want to remind myself that no one else can do this but me. I told my mom today that I want to finish this 12-weeks as strong (if not stronger) than I started it...and what happens at the end of the 12-weeks? I start another 12-week challenge...This is for LIFE...and it's working for me :)

On an upbeat and makes-me-smile-a-big-cheesy-smile-while-I-type-this note...JUSTIN CALLED ME TODAY!!! He is in port, and I have not talked to him for quite a while--like a total of 10 minutes in the past 3 1/2 months...It was very nice to hear his voice and he had lots of sweet words to say. So thankful for him.

Oh, and tomorrow is my last workout with Trainer Justin...sigh.

Punching, xo

Day 63

I don't usually post too many pictures on this blog, but I'm too lazy to post 2 today...No, really I just don't have that much material :)

Yes, I'm posing like a dork...
Alana was refusing to take a picture with me outside, because the sun was too bright!

So we moved inside...
Liam SO wanted to be in the picture with us!

So we let him!

One more...
Then time for church!

We missed our official Sunday pictures last week (the ones we send to Justin), so we had to be sure to get them today. My hair was wet, thanks to poor planning...and yes, I am wearing a skirt that shows my LEGS! Hopefully you won't be blinded by the reflection of their lack of color :)

Today was weigh-in day...Guess what?! I lost THREE pounds exactly! I was soooooo excited when I stepped on the scale. I honestly had no idea what to expect, considering how crazy my week has been...go figure. I will not complain, though. I am encouraged by this!

It's been a fun day...After church, we had a block party on my mom's street. It was amazing! They had a big jumpy thing for the kids, music, dancing, lots of food...it was 95 degrees at one point, though. Ugh. I don't know how I survived my first 21 years in FL weather haha. Now my mom and I are watching "He's Just Not That Into You", even though I saw it in the theater with Justin before he left. I probably won't make it through the entire thing tonight...I'm spent! And I need to get my rest for zumba tomorrow morning!

WEEK 10 here I come...

Punching, xo

Day 62

First, a birthday shout out to my trainer Justin today. I'm shouting, but he won't know because he doesn't even know I have a blog and he's definitely not cool enough to read it :) Regardless, Happy Birthday to Justin G.

It's late and I have had an amazing, fun-filled day!

We went shopping--My mom, Alana and I...Literally, we were gone for over 8 hours! I can't tell you how long it's been since we've done that. It used to be a fairly common occurrence, though. I kept saying, "Wow, it feels like the good ol' days..." Alana was such a good sport! She didn't have any meltdowns the entire time, which TRUST ME is a victory in itself :) AND...I got some new workout apparel...SHORTS!!! This is a huge huge huge deal, because I normally loathe the thought of myself in anything above the knee :)

I ate great today, even though we were out for most of it. I missed my workout, though. By the time we got home, the Y was closed...and Alana is sleeping upstairs with me tonight, so the treadmill is out of the question. I won't beat myself up over it. My mom and I laughed hard enough, that I feel like that clearly counts as an ab workout--SOMEthing! We are in the process of making these index card boxes that will hold workout cards...Let's just say it turned into like an 8th grade slumber party over here, and my mom and I were getting goofier by the minute with it.

Tomorrow morning is my weigh-in...Not really looking forward to it this week. It's been crazy, being as I was sick at the beginning of the week. I haven't written down one thing in my BFL journal since last week at this time. We shall see what that proves. I have still been following my eating plan and worked out most days, just didn't write it in my book. I will definitely be sure to update tomorrow with my progress!

So thankful for such a wonderful day...

Punching, xo

Day 61

Happy Friday! Today was another double workout day! I had to go to the Y this morning, because of KidFit :) I ran for 20 minutes and did the Arc for 10 and then I was done. I saw Justin and was chatting with him a bit...he said I didn't seem as "effervescent" as I normally do. That's a weird choice of words, I know--makes me think of Alka Seltzer...but that's just my trainer for ya! I told him I just didn't have it in me for some reason. Usually I get there and immediately become motivated. My run was good, but by the time I got on the Arc I felt like I needed a nap. I guess I need to just listen to my body.

Tonight, we all went back to the Y. "We all" being my mom, Alana and I. I usually can't take Alana twice in one day...there are time limits! But since we only spent 45 minutes there this morning, she still had some time. I did zumba, while my mom worked out her cardio (this is a reference to that amazing Nashville commercial for all y'all locals!) Zumba was fun, but we only did ONE routine I knew tonight in an hour...and there was a 6-foot tall lady in front of me, blocking my view from the instructor. Every time I'd move, she'd move...It's all good, though. I managed :) Can I say that my pants kept falling down, too?! Gotta love drawstrings!

Alana fell asleep on the couch tonight. She was soooo worn out! I'm hoping she sleeps good so that the rest of us can, too! She had exercise class, played outside with the neighbor kids, jumped on the trampoline and then went back to the Y and ran around outside...The weather was BEAUTIFUL today. I asked my mom if it would be possible to somehow freeze frame the weather for the rest of eternity...

Hoping for another beautiful one tomorrow!

Punching, xo

Day 60

I have a feeling I might have to crawl to my computer to post tomorrow :) This morning I had my first workout with Justin in a week. He didn't have any sort of sympathy for me having been sick, and he surely didn't go easy on me! That's what makes him a good trainer! It was a lot of burning muscles...a lot of sweat POURING off of me...and a lot of him saying "Don't quit, keep going, get up!!!" Hahaha.

I was starving today...I didn't eat anything off plan, though. I have just been super hungry and can't quench my thirst for anything. We ate dinner at Logan's tonight, as a farewell to my Grandma who is going to SC for a little while to visit. I had grilled chicken and broccoli and salad, unsweet tea.

On a NSV note...I had to change my clothes after a quick trip to the party store today (to pick up party supplies for Alana's upcoming party). My shorts were FALLING off of me. Like, to the point Alana was like "Mommy, pull your pants up" haha. And these are shorts that were super tight when I went home not too long ago. So I put on some jeans that I wore just a couple of weeks ago that were pretty tight...and they were loose!!! It's so crazy...It totally excited me and keeps me wanting more :)

Enough of all that baggy clothes talk...for NOW!

Punching, xo

Day 59

Feeling 100 million % better than I did yesterday...Or as Alana would say, "A hundred meeeellion beeeeeellion" haha. It must've been a 24 hour bug, because it literally came and went in almost exactly 24 hours!

So after a good night's rest, I got up this morning and went to zumba. It is getting ridiculous how packed that class is now that school's out. I am so glad that I pretty much have the routines down, otherwise I'd be tripping over people left and right. It's just...that...crowded. Eating has been good, and I'm going to work out with Justin again in the morning. It's been a week! I'm sure he's going to kill me...

It's been a fun and busy day...Now I have to get Alana to bed and follow soon behind her.

Punching, xo

Days 57 and 58

My lack of posting last night was unintentional. I was overtaken by horrible stomach pains and nausea, which have somewhat subsided. I was up ALL night sick, so I had to cancel my workout session with Justin this morning. My mom picked me up some gatorade and I've been sipping on that today while Alana is happily playing with her friend from across the street. She starts swimming lessons this evening, so I hope that I feel well enough to go sit at the Y while she has fun!

Yesterday morning, my mom and I took our 8-week pictures. Again, I was amazed at how much my body has transformed in just 8 weeks. It's funny because if you just look at the after pictures, they don't look that spectacular...until you see the before pictures! You will just have to take my word for it :) I was so excited to workout after seeing them, that I went to zumba followed by 20 minutes on the ARC (at a higher level than usual).

As far as eating goes, yesterday started off well...Sometime after I ate lunch my stomach started hurting and I just felt off. I definitely didn't eat anything "bad"...I just barely ate anything at all. Today I have yet to attempt eating, though I am gonna have to soon. The gatorade isn't gonna hold me over much longer. I'm just scared after a long night of throwing up...sorry if that's TMI, but it's reality.

Another bump in the road, but not one that's gonna stop me...maybe just slow me down a little.

Punching, xo