LaPetiteMort

Day 113 ~ Body Stat Updates

2012-02-13T12:00:00.000-08:00

Today was body fat, weigh in day!

WooHoo!

(sarcasm there)

I don't know why, but I always dread and am excited for this day.

So, what did today give us?

0.65% decrease in body fat and a 2.5 pound loss.

My newest numbers:

107.5 pounds, 17.58% body fat.

Is it sad that I'm hoping as I near 15% that my monthly visitor may quit making appearances?

Friday I had my first posing session.

I never knew just standing and flexing and walking could make one so freaking sore the next day!

Wow.

I am happy to report that my trainer/coach is very happy with where my back is, shoulders, abs and calves.

There will be tweaking to even me out though.

My booty area, thigh area though, need much more work.

Oh those problem areas, they are a thorn in my rear.

After posing, we worked on my routine more.

It's coming along. YaaY

Today was a personal training day, then I met my friend for cardio, and then she gave me a sassy new haircut.

I feel all shiny and new.

Thanks Traci!!!

Making Valentines

2012-02-09T12:52:00.000-08:00

Yeah, I'm a little late on it.

Since my parents and my aunt don't have a computer, I can post stuff for them here.

I decided to try and make some valentines this year.

I procrastinated, as usual.

They are still drying, and I may add a little more.

This means that they won't get in the mail until tomorrow.

Gosh only knows how long it will take them to get to their destinations in different parts of Louisiana.

If I had begun early enough, I would have sent them out to all of my friends too.

Time to begin planning ahead and more efficiently!

As you can tell, all I did was cut some construction paper with decorative shears.

I cut out various words and pictures from local papers and glued them on.

I added a few sequins and ribbon.

Not fancy, but it gave me practice and ideas for other holidays and events.

Plus, it's about time I start using all of the crafty items shoved everywhere around my house~

I'm also giving a go at making a little fire brick from some shredded paper.

Suffice it to say, that I know now that I will need to shred far more in order to fill a bread loaf pan with my drippy remnants!

Day 106 ~ Body Stats and dipping my toe in to acupuncture

2012-02-06T11:55:00.000-08:00

This morning I met for my weekly small group training - all 2 of us, haha.

My poor trainer.

I say this because I had to give him the list of my restrictions from my doctor.

(I went to see the doctor after, so more on that later.)

It was a little funny because he'd have to stop and go, "No wait, you can't do that."

Then he'd pop out with some modified exercise.

Let me tell you that I still was winded and tired afterwards!

I then did my allowed cardio, I've been walking on the treadmill at an incline of 12% to 15% in order to get my heart rate up to my target zone.

(Maybe tomorrow I'll give the bike a go, or even the elliptical.)

Then, it was

dum, dum, dum....

body fat check and weigh in time!

I will not lie.

I had some off limits foods last week.

I think between the crazy snow and feeling bummed about my restricted workout intensity,

my psyche was affected.

So, yeah, I had some whole grain bread and a little too much wine.

Bad.

But I told her about it, confession if you will.

So, in the past week, I'm down

0.58% body fat and 1/2 a pound.

New numbers are 110 pounds and 18.23% body fat.

If I hadn't allowed myself a meltdown last week, I do believe those numbers would have been stupendously better. Wait is "stupendously" even a word? Oh well, I like it.

I've climbed back on my little bicycle and riding on.

I had my chiro appointment after all of this.

Side note: Did I mention that I had my first ever massage last week?

That was awesome!

And it helped tremendously!

Back to the doctor appointment.

The muscle and joint are getting better.

It's still best not to push it and allow it to heal fully.

I will be still following their advice and keeping my workouts less intensive.

I've learned that it is okay (especially if I keep my diet in check!)

I got all my treatments, plus a little acupuncture in my sacroiliac joint.

May I say that acupuncture is amazing!

I swear you can feel something going on once the pins are in.

It does feel sooo much better.

I will be getting another massage soon too.

I'm going to try and keep this body happy with all of the work that I'm making it do!

Tomorrow, I get to try on my bikini!

(That got rescheduled because of our crazy snow storm Friday.)

Friday, posing and choreography - continued!

Sunday Sentiment ~ A little food for thought

2012-02-05T07:36:00.000-08:00

Jake Reilly's "Amish Project": 90 Days Without Cell Phone, Email or Social Media

I read this on Yahoo.

It really resonated with me.

I always say that I'm going to step away for a while, but then I always get sucked back in.

This was a great read today.

He makes some really valid points.

Could you live without daily electronic conveniences -- Twitter, Facebook, email, texting and more -- for 90 days? Jake P. Reilly, a 24-year-old copywriting student at the Chicago Portfolio School, did just that. [Related: See more of Reilly’s work at www.bodycopybyjake.com]

From October to December, he unplugged from social media, email, texts, and cell phones because he felt that we spend more quality time with gadgets and keyboards than we do with the people we really care about.

During his social experiment, he found that some people he counted among his close friends really weren't that close after all. He also discovered that taking a break from his relationship with social media and really paying attention to the people around him can revive real-life romance.

I spoke with Reilly over the phone this weekend about his 90-day project, what he learned from living without electronic leashes and how it changed his life.

You say you spent three months completely cut-off from the virtual world. What steps did you take to do that?

Reilly: I called Verizon and suspended service for my cell phone. I deactivated Facebook. I deactivated Twitter, deactivated Linked-In, deactivated Spotify, and anything where there was a social component. I put up an out-of-office on both of my email accounts, like, "I'm sorry for the inconvenience, but I won't receive this until the end of the year."

Did you ever cheat and check to see what messages came in?

Reilly: I never went back on any of the social stuff. There were a few times when the bank would send me an email verification. My roommates would see me checking something like that, and they'd see me with my hands up to shield my eyes from the bulk of the screen, like a girl would do when she's watching a horror movie that she doesn't want to see. I genuinely didn't want to see what was there, because once you look you've got an urge to read it.

Before what you called "The Amish Project," how much time would you typically spend on social media sites, texting, and so forth every day?

Reilly: It was pretty bad. I was reading every single Tweet and I follow 250 people. Then, I would waste a good hour and a half on Facebook. I was sending more than 1,500 texts a month. I never really counted minutes on the phone, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was 600 to 900.

What about now, has it changed?

Reilly: I mean, I struggle with that because everyone wants to know about it, and wants to know how different it is. It's hard, because I was just going to turn off my phone at first. That was the thing that bothered me most, but I realized that if I turned off the phone, people were just going to email me all the time or send me a million Facebook messages. It's kind of a hard thing, because we're getting to the point where if you're not responding to people's text messages within an hour of when they send them, or within a day for emails, it's just socially unacceptable. It's been hard for me since I've been back. I've been bad with my phone and people are, like, "What the hell? I text messaged you…" So I haven't been up to social standards in terms of responding and people don't really understand that, I guess.

In the opening of your "Going Amish" presentation, you say that you had friends over and realized what was going on. Describe what you noticed and your feelings right at that moment.

Reilly: I live with three guys and we had two of our best friends in visiting from New York City. We only see these guys once a year, maybe every six months. We were at the University of Wisconsin watching a Badgers basketball game or something like that. Every single person had either a laptop or a cell phone. That's just kind of funny to begin with, then, I was like, "What are we all doing?" I asked everyone what they were doing and somebody's playing Words with Friends, somebody's playing Angry Birds, somebody's playing online trivia. Nobody's really doing anything, just sitting quiet. It's like this was what we were all looking forward to and we're just sitting here numbing our minds.

That's the thing that drives me crazy. People go out to dinner with a crowd and everyone's on their phone. I mean, what else are you looking for?

How did you communicate with family, friends and business associates during your "Amish" period?

Reilly: Ha! Not well, to say the least.

Do you have a landline?

Reilly: At first, we didn't, but my mom started freaking out a little bit and we got a landline. For the first three weeks, there was a hospital right next to my apartment. I went into their waiting room where there's a courtesy phone for their patients. I was using that to call people. I had written a little address book with all the important people that I needed to have their phone numbers, but, you know, most people don't answer their phones. Most people just use them to see who called. Then, they'll text you, or they'll call you back when they have time. So, I'd either sit at the hospital waiting for people to call back or I'd go home. I was in and out of this stupid hospital waiting room all the time for the first couple of weeks.

Then, we started to have more fun with it. I started to carry chalk around with me. I ride my bike a lot, so, I'd ride my bike over to people's houses and leave them messages in chalk on their sidewalk. I set up a couple of systems with people where, when they got home, they would put something in the window, like a stuffed dog, or put a pumpkin up on the ledge that meant "Hey, I'm here. Come talk." I started having fun trying to dream up different ways to get people's attention.

Were there people who said, "I'm just not going to participate in this. If you can't answer my texts, I don't need to talk to you."

Reilly: Yeah, I mean, I definitely just lost complete contact with people that normally would have been part of my life. I mean it's also an interesting metric for your life to see who some of your closest friends are, you know, and who's willing to take the time. I started to feel bad for them, too, because it definitely became a nuisance, but, yeah, it definitely changed the level of, or the number of friends that I had and the level of contact that I had with them.

So, with some people it clearly decreased your level of interaction, but were there others with whom your contact increased in either quality or quantity while you were disconnected from the virtual social society?

Reilly: That was my other favorite part. I had so much free time on my hands. I also wasn't watching TV, because that felt sort of counter-productive. I would go to school, and then there was really nothing for me to do at home, so I would just ride my bike to people's houses, all these people that I would usually text or just see on the weekends or whatever. I would just ride by and chat with them, face to face. So, that was really cool, reconnecting, doing things you'd never normally do like having breakfast with someone's parents.

You posted several of the notes you received from friends during your isolation. One note read "Jake, I'm pregnant. Call me." What was that about?

Reilly: Ha! At the school, there's an elevator. No matter where you're going, everyone has to use the elevator on the ground floor. So, for the people that I went to school with, that was the first place we'd post projects or memes. I didn't say this is my message board, but one of the girls just started leaving messages, like, "Hey. I'm on the fourth floor. Come find me," or "Jake, where are you?" It's a very public forum, so everybody can read it. It became my message spot.

Then, people almost treated it like a Facebook wall. It evolved from leaving messages for each other, to joking around, like, "Jake, your mother called. She said she doesn't love you anymore," and "Jake, the cops are looking for you," and all this stuff. It turned into a funny thing.

At one point there was a Christmas greeting trampled in the snow? What were the circumstances around that?

Reilly: Yeah, that was mine for my long-term girlfriend who I had kind of stopped seeing, but then this whole thing kind of, I think, helped us get back together because whenever we were together there was no pressure. It was, OK, we're just going to enjoy each other right now, because I don't know when I'm going to see you again. There was no drunken text messaging and jealousy from Facebook. It was just her and I.

So we started seeing each other again, and I did a lot of cheesy stuff like writing a big chalk message on the street in front of her office building and sending her a cookie with a message written in frosting and stuff like that. On the last week that she was in Colorado I went out and wrote Merry Christmas to her -- that picture was taken from the roof of the apartment we were staying at.

Do you think that those who rely so heavily on social media to interact with others are training themselves to communicate only at the most superficial level?

Reilly: Yeah, for sure. I think that Facebook is the biggest waste of time, because everyone is just presenting such a filtered picture of themselves. You only put up your best pictures. People only check in when they are at the fanciest restaurant in the city. They only keep things up there that are flattering to themselves. I just think it's like keeping up with the Joneses, but for life. You're never going to get on top of it. Someone's always going to have a better job than you, go on better vacations than you, have a better looking wife than you, or whatever it is. So, it's superficiality on top of superficiality. You never get to see the real parts of people.

Did you have to relearn skills to function without electronic communications? Writing letters, for example. I know my son has nearly illegible penmanship because he has been typing everything instead of handwriting since he was very little.

Reilly: I really don't have good penmanship at all. The funny thing is that I had written like 15 or 20 letters, and I just held them for two weeks until one time I dropped my pack and realized that I had lost the letters. I had taken all the time to write the letters and then lost them, because I didn't take the time to go mail them. You know, when's the last time I sent a letter? Never. So, I had to remember to stamp it right away and get it in. Then, it's going to take a week to get there. So when you need to say something to someone, you need to get it right in on time.

You said that you had much more free time when you stayed off Facebook and social media sites. Did this extra time translate into higher productivity or better grades at school?

Reilly: Yeah, a hundred times over. Like I said, there wasn't really much to do at the house, so I stayed at school most nights until 10 when everyone else leaves around 6, without a doubt. I think what's so hard for people and so distracting for people is that where they work, there are social media distractions on the same machine that they are supposed to be using to do their work. I'm sure every office in the country suffers from these things. I couldn't go to these sites, and when you can't distract yourself, all you can do is work.

How did you fill all this extra time? What's one thing you would have never accomplished if you hadn't taken this break in your relationship with social media?

Reilly: I did a lot of things that I don't know […] other people would say they want to do. But I think, if they actually did them, they'd be of incredible value. I started meditating. People give you a lot of books that you can take time for, like "The Power of Now."

The best part for me was just the difference between riding your bike to work and going for a bike ride just for the fun of it. I would sit in the park a lot, throw the football with my friends, go ice-skating, and all that kind of silly stuff that you take for granted. It's all around you. I think that was the best part and most people really overlook that.

So you ended up not only with more time for work, but more time for play as well.

Reilly: Yes, absolutely. It was weird, because you had to think of how to play. Most people think more time for play means let's watch a whole series of video clips or tag some pictures, but when you don't have all that stuff, you expand your mind about what you want to do with your free time.

There's a real difference in the quality of that time. If I sit and play Angry Birds for an hour a day, I don't look back and say "You know, I had a really great Angry Birds session three weeks ago. That was a really great time," but if I share a sunset walk on the beach with someone, that's a memory that I can treasure forever.

Reilly: Yeah, sometimes you just sit on the internet and four hours goes by, and you're, like, I really didn't do one single thing. Maybe I looked at an article, looked at pictures, watched some dumb videos and got stuck in a YouTube black hole for an hour, just looking, looking, looking. I think you'd have a hard time finding anyone who thought that was really enriching your life.

I mentioned your story to my father-in-law the other day, he said "You want to interview somebody, talk to me. I've been doing that for 69 years!"

Reilly: Ha! I think that's what's so much fun about it. I've had a lot of action on Twitter for the last few days and a lot of people send me emails saying exactly that. I think adults really relate to it and think it's cool that someone from my generation is choosing to do it. They all say, "That's how we lived for 40 years. Can you imagine our whole life is like that?" That was interesting to me. I asked my grandparents, "How did you guys find each other when you wanted to go out or something?" They said stuff like throwing window pebbles and just driving by people's houses, and having a diner that you would go and turn up at where people were always there. I mean, they obviously managed just fine, and I was anxious about it and didn't like it for the first few weeks. Then, I didn't even think about my phone or miss it at all. You just find new ways.

I understand your father, ESPN sportswriter Rick Reilly, had a suggestion about your experience?

Reilly: Yeah, he's tweeted it out on his account and he's gotten a lot of reaction to it, too. He's been talking about trying to do a romantic comedy about it. There were so many missed connections. I mean, at first, I would meet girls out at the bar, and they'd be, like, "Here, take my phone number." I would have to explain that I didn't have an email address or Facebook…

…but if they'll give you their address you'll stop by sometime?

Reilly: Yeah, and they were, like, "Screw you. If you don't want to call me just say so." I'd say "No, no. Tell me where your office is, and I'll send you a bike courier message or whatever." I think there's a lot of funny stuff like that. I keep telling people the hardest part was having to send all of my sexts by USPS. I mean, I didn't actually send pictures…

In the end, having finished this whole thing, is your life different now or did you fall right back into old habits?

Reilly: It's definitely different, but I catch myself doing exactly what I hated. Someone is talking to me and I'm half-listening and reading a text under the table. For me, it's trying to be more aware of it. It kind of evolved from being about technology to more of just living in the moment. I think that's what my biggest thing is: There's not so much chasing for me now. I'm here now, and let's just enjoy this. You can be comfortable with yourself and not have to go to the crutch of your phone. For me, that's more what I will take away from this.

Do you have future projects planned?

Reilly: I keep telling everyone I should do another 90 days where I don't speak to anyone in person and only communicate by internet or through technology, but that's just a joke. It's really changed my life. Like I said, I'm back with this girl. Everything's a lot simpler. I'm more than happy that I did it.

What else did you learn?

Reilly: I think the letters were the coolest part and how people were really into it. I think I wrote 75 letters and nearly, I'd say, 85 percent came back with responses. Now all these people are responding to the video online. All the appreciation, I think the coolest part is that all these people really see this in themselves and wish that there was a different way and we weren't so tied to all that stuff.

Let me ask you one more question about the letters. What's the difference in the level of thought and feeling that you put into writing a letter compared to typing 140 characters?

Reilly: What we do now, on e-chat, is people just flying off with whatever comes to mind. It's so much different to have it really thought-out. I'm a writer, so it's time consuming. I think it takes 20 minutes or half an hour to write a letter and really get it the way I want it. I think it's a better, purer way to communicate. People appreciate it so much more when you send them a handwritten letter or even a thank-you note showing that you're taking the time to think about them.

Conclusion

With modern technology, texts and Facebook wall posts can serve as an attractive veneer making relationships seem more genuine than they really are. Conversely, social media can interfere with our most intimate real-life relationships. How many of your closest relationships would suffer if people had to invest more effort than sending a text to stay in touch? How much better could your relationship with your significant other be if you could give your partner your full attention whenever you're together? There's one way to find out, if you dare.

To see more of Reilly's work, go to BodyCopyByJake.com.

Blog Love

2012-02-02T11:53:00.000-08:00

I love vintage.

I love pretty.

I love eccentric.

I love reading The Glamorous Housewife's blog.

She talks about all of these and more.

Her blog is also just plain pretty to look at.

I dream of the clothes and accessories that she posts about.

This week, she is doing 4 days of giveaways!

That's right.

You should go over and check out what she's giving away.

Here's today's giveaway .

But be sure to go see what else she's giving away this week!

Day 100 ~ Sidelined

2012-01-31T12:39:00.000-08:00

Went back to the doctor today.

She wants me to take it super easy this week.

No bending, "super" stretching, running, high impact, or heavy weights.

She said that I am allowed light weights, the bosu (exercises she approved), walking, elliptical or the bike.

I see her again Friday to reassess.

Bummed.

But I will listen because I want to heal and be on my merry way.

And in the future, I will definitely make sure that I DO do a warm up before working out.

I have far too many times neglected that.

I will not try to be super woman and lift what is far too heavy for me to stay in proper form.

I will not try to push my stretching beyond what is safe.

I will get the flexibility that I want eventually.

Maybe I should work on patience.

It seems all of the bad practices that I acquired come from lack of patience and trying to rush...

Shame on me.

Lesson learned.

Day 99 ~ Body Stats

2012-01-30T12:01:00.000-08:00

So, I gained 1.5 pounds in the past 7 days.

Coach thinks it's probably water weight and probably a little muscle gain, because everything else has reduced.

All measurements have either gone down and 2 stayed the same.

I'm down another 0.75% in body fat.

Newest numbers

110.5 pounds, 18.81% body fat.

I'm still progressing and that's good.

I have two doctor's appointments this week for my back/hip stuff.

I took it light Saturday and rested Sunday.

It does definitely feel better,

but there is still the ever constant ache.

Still working out, but keeping it light.

Here's to this little kink working itself out this week.

Catch ya later.

Day 97 ~ Push Ups

2012-01-28T18:06:00.000-08:00

You know, starting this journey I could not do one real push up.

And here I am mangling the one arm push up, working on a zig-zag push up and now that I have mastered an head stand, aspiring toward the hand stand push up.

Who would have thunk it?!

(from beastskills.com)

Yeah, probably won't get that by the time of my first competition, but there's no harm in trying, right?

Unfortunately, at the time, I am nursing a lower back/hip injury, just soft tissue.

It's nothing major, just annoying as hell.

I do not have to stop, just lighten up.

That's also annoying as hell.

I want to do more, lift more, work harder, faster,

yet,

it hurts when I do.

Sucks.

I decided to take today and tomorrow off, or just as very light active days.

Today, all I did was head to the state park with one of the pups and the husband and hit the trails.

Uncomfortable, but at least active.

Walking.

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

I go back this coming week for two more check ups and treatments....

plus I already had a massage scheduled.

SWEET!

Yesterday was shadow/teaching then choreography.

Choreography was awesome, even if I couldn't go full force.

I realized there is so much that I can and will be able to do in my routine that I would have never dreamed of three months ago. Plus, so much that is not required in an amateur show!

Even though the first show that I am competing in IS a national qualifier.

I feel that I must show that I CAN do the moves even if it's not required of me.

On the good, I got some extra contract work.

Even if I was not expecting it at this time.

As usual, no notice, just POW here it is.

I'll get it done.

I just had to tell them that I had already planned out this upcoming week and had appointments every day so I would not be available to be at anyone's beck and call, but the work would be done and delivered to them within their time restrictions, no worry.

So extra $$$ is super nice.

Nice.

And that my dear friends is Day 93.

Okay, stupid, useless, not really important rant about clothes

2012-01-25T06:17:00.000-08:00

Ok, I now see how this happens.

No, not becoming a cute cartoon illustration, but wearing workout clothes all the time.

Sadly, at this point, it's happening to me.

Not necessarily because I want to wear them everyday, all day -

though I am working out or at the gym(s) 6 days a week.

It's because nothing fits.

Last month, I got two new pair of jeans, in the smallest size that I could find in my area, size 2 petite, and one pair of casual pants, size XS short.

Now?

They are huge on me.

Seriously.

Seriously?!

Even my cute cardigans are swallowing me.

I counted on them over my tees during these chilly months.

Now, don't do this to me.

Yeah, I'm getting tiny, but DAMN!

Can a girl wear some cute normal clothes?

Plus, I hate to get rid of brand new clothes.

Once I'm at a point that I know that I will be at normally - noncompeting -

I think that I will have to either make or get made some new clothes, or

spend the pretty penny on them.

Truly, I'm still not on a real competition diet.

I'm still eating the same meal plan that I've been eating since September, just without cheating.

This will probably be the diet I maintain after competing as well, with cheat stuff, so I want to see where my normal, noncompeting body will wind up.

Why waste money on clothes?

Yet, my closet is full with clothes that I don't fit in and don't want to part with.

Oh, the evils of wants and owning.

Stupid attachment to "things."

On the positive,

I still have 3 pencil skirts that are fitting, and a few dresses.

That's a definite plus!

But, I'm loosing all my boob-age.

It's also time to go get a bra fitting.

I have plenty of bras with now empty cups,

hello sports bras everyday.

Day 93 on this Journey

2012-01-24T12:19:00.000-08:00

93 Days into it.

Got my body stats done today.

In the past 8 days, I've gone down 1 pound and down 0.75% body fat.

I'm a little disappointed, but I knew my diet wasn't spot on this past week.

Newest numbers

109 pounds

19.56% body fat.

Just for fun I took some measurements today:

chest = 32"

waist = 25.5"

hips = 33.5"

I am happy to finally be under 20% body fat!

I discovered a new food that is delicious!

I thought that I was picking up a package that had ginger root in it.

Well, I was wrong it was sunchokes!

Jerusalem artichokes.

I simply washed them, chopped them up, rubbed with a little olive oil and sprinkled with pepper & sea salt.

They baked for a while at 400.

I have to say, very tasty!

New Competition Time Line, Blinging Suits and Snacks

2012-01-21T16:19:00.000-08:00

2 months 24 days

Here's the new time line.

Here's the color of my posing suit.

(This is not the actual suit, nor the person making it, but this is what I found that was closest to the color.)

Mine is going to have rhinestoned swirls and flowers.

My rhinstones are going to be in pinks and yellows and clear and blues.

I am so freaking excited.

When I get it, I will definitely post pics.

I'm going with a local lady (who is also a fitness competitor).

Her name is Laura, and I highly recommend her.

Her company is Suit Yourself Posing Suits.

But on to the other stuff.

Why is it that when I'm coming up on Monday mornings, I become petrified that I'm not going to have lost any body fat or gained any muscle?

Yesterday, not even while exercising, I pulled a muscle in my lower back.

Boooooooo.

It felt much better this morning, but I didn't want to push it.

I did my cardio and did some extra stretching.

I'm thinking of hitting the gym tomorrow to add a day of weights.

Maybe I am getting used to this liftestyle?

Two of my new favorite snacks:

1.) Half cup of 0% Fat Greek Yogurt, 1 T ground flax and 1/2 t real almond extract

2.) 1 small apple diced, sprinkled with cinnamon, baked for 20 min at 350 and then mixed with

1 T all natural nut butter and 1 T ground flax ~

This one is really my favorite. It tastes so decadent.

Just as a side note, I feel like I should begin hitting harder.

Though I am/was right on track for 8 weeks, I want to make sure that I am at my absolute best now. I want to lift heavier and make the best possible choices.

Randomness & Did you Know?

2012-01-21T11:31:00.000-08:00

In the past two months, I have had four people tell me that I should write a book. When I inquire on what subject, all reply that either it doesn't matter or something based on my adventures (not necessarily nonfiction, but characters maybe involving some escapades.)..... Interesting. If only I had focus to do it.

I began two novels probably 10 or 15 years ago. Both were of the smut variety, one modern and one a period piece set in 1830's Louisiana. I did tons of research of the period and history. It helped that I lived in Louisiana and had access to so much information. I even possess letters written from the late 1700's to the mid 1800's.

I went through many years where I was addicted to historical romance novels... and horror/supernatural. If both were mixed together, well, I was in heaven!

I did not finish them, obviously.

I began to doubt myself immensely. It was probably due to my deep insecurities that I had about myself and any ability I may have had.

Also, during my attempt to go back to college, one of my several majors was English. Oh, I aspired to write entertaining books.

I did a summer abroad in Madrid studying American Expat Lit and took Spanish because, well, if I was in Spain I might as well learn the language! This was one of the monumental experiences in my life. I am so glad that I did it. Also, it was something that I did by myself. I went in knowing no other person there. Terrifying, yet so exciting it was.

I even had a stint where I wrote band reviews for a local music site in New Orleans. Of course, it seems that any gig that I have picked up in an artistic venture has been fun but of no monetary gains, hahaha. Isn't that the way though? I sent those articles to actual publications with queries. I received great feedback and was told to send stories. Then, somehow, I just lost ideas, inspiration. The dreaded writer's block. A brick wall slammed down in my brain.

So, folks have been planting these seeds in my brain. Right now, they are just seeds.

I have had no light bulbs go off, no immediate ideas, but this may be something to ponder. Maybe, I'll spend some time free writing or jotting ideas in my journal.

Who knows, right?

Behold the Shoes

2012-01-19T16:14:00.000-08:00

Now, I'll have to sell some of the pairs of various ones that I've had for years, but have only worn once......

Yep, I own various colors and styles of stripper shoes.

Love the look,

walk like a dork in 7" heels or higher.

A Minor Setback, but Good Stuff Too

2012-01-19T13:47:00.000-08:00

A little wrench has been thrown into my plans.

The entry form came out today for the competition that I wanted to do on March 18th.

I'm reading through and notice there's no information listed for Fitness.

Wha?

So, I contacted them, and sure enough, this show will have no Fitness Division.

Bummer.

I was assured, though, that the show in April will.

So, new plan and almost a month's more time to prep!

Sure, I'm a little disappointed, but I thought about the extra time and think that I can get even better in almost a month's time! Time to put in the extra!

I met today with one of the most rad people ever!

She's making my posing suit.

She was so freaking awesome.

We got along famously, and she is so helpful.

She invited me to join in their gymnastics class - for fitness competitors who,

um, don't have that background and may need a little extra help, lol.

Plus, we talked nerd a lot and have a ton in common.

It wasn't as bad as I thought either, trying on a suit.

My hips and ass aren't quite as horrid as I imagined.

It was overwhelming to have so many fabrics and sparklies and designs to choose from.

I'm meeting with her for the fitting of my suit when I meet up for a gymnastics class with her.

So exciting.

It makes it feel all the more real.

Well, that's what's up today.

New goal date

April 14th

New countdown

86 Days or 2 months 26 days

Let's Rock

Play List Love ~ New Find to Me

2012-01-18T09:24:00.000-08:00

You know you love to feel it.

Barney Stinsen lives it.

Awesome....

My hubs turned me on to this song.

It's the Dollyrots

Because I'm Awesome

The newest addition to my workout playlist!

It's up there with Sexy & I Know It!

Tuesday Through Random Photos

2012-01-17T17:37:00.000-08:00

Morning Mini Bundt Muffins

Made with my new Mini Bundt Pan

by NordicWare and made in the USA

And this was after they baked!

Cleaned pretty darn easily.

Today's workout

After said workout, in the locker room.

Back at home, cleaned changed and trying to see some abs,

while wearing a Pilsbury Dough Boy shirt no less.

Hope your Tuesday was epic!!

Monday Munchies (and a Body Stat Update)

2012-01-16T16:10:00.000-08:00

I've made this twice so far, slightly two different ways.

Both times it came out really good.

I know many of you are not familiar with shrimp mirliton casserole, but

it's often made by my family and many others, especially around the holidays in Louisiana.

Usually there are large amounts of Italian breadcrumbs and some more Parmesan cheese.

Here's how I made it last night.

1 1/2 cups of zucchini (diced)

1 minced clove garlic

a little diced onion, maybe 1 to 2 Tablespoons

about 1 teaspoon diced jalapeno

Italian Seasoning

Mrs. Dash Spicy Seasoning

1/2 cup baby spinach

4 oz. raw shrimp

Optional:

1 Tablespoon 0% Fat Greek Yogurt

1 Tablespoon low-fat Parmesan

I "saute" the zucchini, onion, jalapeno and garlic in a little water.

I let the water evaporate, add more water a little at a time if need be to get these soft.

Eventually, though, you don't want any water left.

I add quite a bit of Italian Seasoning (to replicate the Italian Breadcrumb taste)

and a few sprinkles of the Mrs. Dash Spicy.

Then, I throw in the shrimp and spinach. Usually the spinach and shrimp get done around the same time.

I plop this in a bowl.

Adding 1 Tablespoon of low-fat grated Parmesean makes it delicious.

Last night, I skipped it because I was feeling like something creamier.

So, I added 1 Tablespoon 0% Fat Greek Yogurt and mixed it up.

It was just as delicious.

Another success was the

Lemon Merignue Protein Bars from

Busy But Healthy.

These are a little bit of heaven in your mouth.

I feel them becoming a staple in my repertoire.

Source: busybuthealthy.com via Jen on Pinterest

And taking a lesson from yesterday's post,

I enjoyed some coffee in my Mum-in-Law's old cup & saucer.

Next step is to start using my vintage Milk Glass set.

I have to admit that it did feel good to be a little fancy with my coffee.

I did feel more charming, haha.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today was Body Stat checks!

Down 1.63% body fat in seven days!

Woohoo!

Weight is 110 pounds.

I'm still at 20.31% body fat, but now that I'm full on and not cheating I'm losing

more than 1% a week.

And as a side note, I'm 5' 3/4" tall, 38 years old.

Not too shabby. =D

Sunday Sentiments

2012-01-15T08:28:00.000-08:00

I thought I would pass this on.

It's from A Girl, A Style blog.

I thought that she had some amazing ideas

10 Ways to a More Charming Life.

There are some simple ideas that really can brighten a day.

Day 82 ~ Dance, Dance, Dance

2012-01-13T12:36:00.000-08:00

Up at 4:30 this morning so that I could get downtown to set up to help teach boot camp this morning.

I'm getting a little better, smoother, but still a ways to go.

Thank goodness for the head coaches who help me, give me pointers and encourage me.

Then, I headed back toward my end of town to hit the gym.

Legs and cardio today.

I had a little time before my choreography session, so I spent some extra time stretching and working on those ever looming strength moves.

Then, I ate M2 in my vehicle, called my mom while chowing in the parking lot and headed

back downtown to get my boogie on.

Now, this is being overly generous.

I'm a slow learner and quite awkward when picking up steps.

I have to get my counts and moves down.

Then, I speed them up to the actual beats of the music as I practice.

So today while we were coming up with steps and where to put moves,

we counted and went over it slowly.

Then when we threw on the music,

I looked like this

(http://watermarked.cutcaster.com/cutcaster-photo-100737674-Nerdy-man-dancing.jpg)

I rock, most awesomely.

I tripped over my feet a lot.

But!

I know the moves, the counts and can work on them slowly until I speed them up with the music.

Practice, practice.

I get to help put in my own moves too.

Although, my quirky self may be hilarious during the routine.

I do not own sexy well.

The great news is that I am picking up strength moves and some more flexibility moves within a few tries.

YaaY me!

I finally counted down too.

65 Days

I grabbed a ticker.

I love candy corn.

And jelly beans.

And Twizzlers.

Morning Delight

2012-01-12T06:50:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I have the craving for something decadent.

Instead of cracking and going all out, I've come up with my own little solution.

I get a protein shake in the morning anyway.

Sometimes, I mix my 1/2 scoop protein powder and my 4 oz of unsweetened almond milk and add it to my 1/2 decaf, 1/2 caffeinated fresh pressed coffee.

This morning was chocolate!

Yum!

Non-Fitness Related Post ~ Dreamin'

2012-01-11T11:17:00.000-08:00

Did I ever tell you that after we returned to Louisiana after Katrina that we lived in a vintage Avion for about 6 or 7 months?

It's true!

It sort of looked like this.

Sadly, we have no photos of her.

We sold her once we moved to Colorado.

It really scratched my vintage love itch.

However, it brings me to the much crazed Tiny House furor.

The husband and I often think back to that time and reminisce.

It was much simpler.

Before that we lived in a 700 sq. foot condo.

It was actually quite large to us.

Now, here we are in a house, almost double that size, and all we've done is collect more stuff.

Really, stuff we really don't need.

Cool stuff, but just stuff.

We have been debating downsizing again.

I garden, veggie and fruit style, when the weather is conducive to it here.

I grew up with chickens, for eggs.

My mom often cooked on a wood burning stove in the winters.

We both like, old ways for doing things.

I have a clothes line, or hang inside when it's snowy/icy out.

We don't own a microwave.

We compost.

We up-cycle furniture, clothing or try to find new uses for things.

So, we've been talking Tiny House.

My background is drafting.

I've designed houses.

I've designed much, much more.

We peruse the fancy internet looking at tiny houses, gypsy caravan houses and even vintage trailers that have been revamped.

It's a little dream.

I often say, "We can have a huge garage sale and just sell everything."

Will that actually happen?

I doubt it.

But we sit and doodle plans, talk whether we want it to be permanent on acreage or mobile to become travelers of the country.

We've also had dreams of living on a house boat.

Even checked one out at one time, but our future was up in the air.

Oh, dream the literally little dream....

Day 80 ~ What's Up

2012-01-11T10:04:00.000-08:00

I get up this morning before 5am since I am helping teach boot camp downtown today.

I look out the window, all is good.

I leave around 5:15, a few flurries.

No biggie.

I come out a little after 7am.

Whaaaaaa?

Sneaky snow.

I won't complain or bore you with tales of my precarious ride home.

I will say, however, that though it took me well over an hour to get back to my part of town, with a few yikes situations, I found the need to stop at the gym anyway.

The best part?

Ghost Town!

I popped out my chest and cardio.

Then, I hogged an area in the group fitness room and practiced my strength moves in the wall to wall mirrors.

Sweet!

There were two guys in there doing their thing.

I was a little self-conscious at first, but then thought "What the Heck! This is for everyone's use."

I stole a few glances, and like true gym rats, they could care less what I was doing.

I did a little plyo and cardio at boot camp this morning.

I still have snow to shovel, but am waiting for it to slack up a bit.

In efforts to look a little cuter at the gym, this is what I wore yesterday.

The top was given to me by a friend.

I kind of love it, a ton.
(I <3 hand me downs.)

The pants, I've had about three years.

They used to be full length, but over time they became worn and shorter length.

So, I chopped and hemmed them to be capri length.

The bottoms of said pants became this sports bra that I made.

I really should make more.

I'm making an effort to buy less clothing this year.

I have a closet stuffed full of clothing, be it some is too large, but I should use my crafty-ness to create new things.

The exceptions are the competition wear.

I have an appointment next week to see about my posing suit and fitness routine outfit.

I will also have to go purchase my clear stripper shoes.

Sad, because I have an Imelda Marcos size shoe collection, including stripper shoes.

Unfortunately, none of the clear variety!

Where did I go wrong in my purchases, hahaha!

In case you're interested, here are my workout journals for the past two days.

Now, I'm off to clean house....

That's a joke with all this snow and two large dogs heading in and out of the doggie door.

So maybe, I'll bake!

I've been eying up this recipe for a while.

Maybe today will be the day to try it out!

Busy but Healthy Lemon Meringue Protein Bars

Day 78 ~ Too Much Stuff!

2012-01-09T11:36:00.000-08:00

Today I had my body stats and a training session.

So, in 6 days I lost 1.11% body fat?!

What, What?

Oh yeah, oh yeah!!

I did gain a pound.

Tiff was not concerned about that because all of my other measurements are doing exactly what they're supposed to, woot!

I know why up the pound too...

I was too embarrassed to tell her.

Now for the "too much info" time.

I hadn't pooped in days.

My cocktails sort of kept me regular, lol.

All of this clean eating with no alcohol to flush it out, clogged me up.

No worries though.

That problem has been remedied.

It has just taken a while to get my system, adjusted.

I'm pretty sure that I have lost the pound already and that this will not be a problem anymore.

My system is getting used to the diet, including the up in protein.

So, to celebrate I stopped today and got myself a treat!

I <3 Burt's Bees.

So, while I was at the store buying this.

Which by the way, I did not have to wind up using.

but it will be nice to have on hand, if the problem ever arises again.

I also picked up this!

(Pardon, this is after my workout)

Two different tinted balm and shimmers, on clearance to boot!

(Notice what's on the shelf above me, yeppers, Buffy!)

To up the reward, I also bought a bar of natural soap that smells like heaven....

and food.

I spied this,

but decided not to splurge.

I have a deep adoration of Snoopy.

My bedroom was Snoopy & his sister Belle (did you know he had a sister?)

until far too late in my teen years.

I still love him.

Anyway, we still don't have to change my diet.

I don't have to increase my cardio.

Just do what I'm doing for the next week, and we'll check again.

Yippee!!

I have to say, this has been a godsend to me lately.

Walden Farms BBQ sauce.

I could probably make it myself judging from the ingredients, but

why? It's yummy and works in my diet!

I am actually enjoying planning out my 6 day split.

I'll finish my plan for the week up today and make lists. =)

Today was legs.

Of course, I'll practice on my routine and do some stretching and work on moves.

Have a great one folks!!

Day 75 ~ The Fun Stuff

2012-01-06T13:15:00.000-08:00

From the boring =

today I did legs and my cardio at the gym.

I left, sat in my vehicle and ate my Meal 2 and then headed to my coach.

Today we began

dum dum dum

Choreography!

I was a little nervous because it has been a REALLY long time since I have had actual dance.

I was also a little nervous about the strength holds, flexibility moves and kicks and such.

Luckily, she and I had the same vision, even some of the same moves planned in some of the same places once she heard my music. We touched on costume and prop ideas.

I showed her where I was at on the strength moves I had been practicing.

Then showed her my spits, straddle, kicks and my backbends and forward roll (somersault).

To my relief, she was pleasantly surprised, and she showed me some more moves to practice and work on that we may add to the routine.

We've started with the beginning, of course, hahaha.

After the 30 minutes, of going into strength and flexibility moves between dance steps, I could not hold them anymore. I was pooped.

Still am.

She also told me that I can use the back room to practice when ever I want, as long as, you know, the trainers aren't using it to train people.

This rocks! So, I can practice at home, but then have the luxury of a mirrored space to see myself.

WoooHooo!

So, I have a tiny portion to practice until next week.

I also have more strength moves to learn, work on perfecting the ones that I can semi-do, get my flexibility even more bendy, work on coming up from a backbend, and work on headstands - without the wall.

We may be adding some fun hula hooping in there too!

Because I love it.

This is the super fun part for me.

Of course, it means even more time in addition to actual gaining muscle and shaping my body gym time.

Just like me to choose this category, heh.

I am just so very, super, extraordinarily lucky that I have a partner who supports me, and that I have the luxury to pursue this dream.

Now, I'll leave you with photos of stuff that I may be doing.

(from http://www.sueromero.com/testimonial.html)

http://www.ironmanmagazine.com/blogs/ruth/?p=875

(from bodybuilding.com

http://www.bodybuilding.com/contest_media/18282/231132/d/img_45901302544603.jpg )

(from bodybuilding.com

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/allisa30a.jpg )

(http://www.hardfitness.com/emagazine/issue12/images/WTF072004FitnessRoutines%20422.jpg)

Oh, and Yep, my theme is

That's my girl!

Day 73 ~ Be Aggressive!

2012-01-04T10:55:00.000-08:00

And that's exactly what we're doing now.

I'm going up to lifting six days a week.

I'm losing about 1/2% or more of body fat a week right now, which is good.

I only lost 1/2 a pound, but that's not very much concern because I'm losing fat and still gaining muscle.

I am super psyched.

I know that I may not be completely at the absolute best competition shape that I can be come March 18th.

I mainly mean that I'm petrified of the routine portion.

I am not a tumbler.

I do not have gymnastics experience.

I am flexible.

I have confidence that I can nail many different strength moves.

I have dance background, but I am a little dorky.

I just want to do this.

I want to get the first one over to see how it is out there.

Get the feel of things.

Then, I know I will be able to perfect it and go on to the next.

Friday we have our first choreography session.

My music isn't cut and edited yet, but I'll do a butcher job to start working with, hahaha.

Monday we'll review my diet once again to make sure that I'm good for right now or if we need to begin tweaking.

I'm finally getting what other people are talking about.

But, I know that I can do it.

(See that positive spin there?)

Here's me yesterday, sporting some stylish tight pants, lol.

Now, here is a lady that I am inspired by.

Though my physique won't be that aesthetic, but

I LOVE hers. I know many people don't find it attractive, but I am AMAZED by it.

I here that she stays in that shape all year long and that she's all natural.

I really admire her.

Dana Linn Bailey

(from bodybuilding.com)

Thank You & Goodbye 2011

2011-12-31T15:19:00.000-08:00

We had a good run.

Many wonderful things happened.

Changes for the good were made.

But it's time to say Au Revoir.

I have new plans, new adventures, new goals.

(Wouldn't that be fun to have in a living room?)

I'm debating WHAT exactly I would like to achieve this next year.

Well even if we have MayanCalendarApocalypticZombieBrigade on 12-21-2012,

that's pretty much the whole year to accomplish things, right?

All I do know is that I want to be happy.

I want to achieve things that I would like to achieve.

Hell, I may even be a little selfish this coming year.

In the same instance, I would like to do more for others.

I would like to achieve a good balance..

I would like to spend more time with friends.

I've already been planning dates, including yoga on weekends with one gal pal, then coffee or tea afterwards. I have a quite a few girlfriends who have memberships at one of the same gym chains that I do. This means hooking up & working out, YaaY!

I really don't want to hermit myself up in my house, as I have tendencies to do all too often.

I don't know. There are many things that I would like to do.

Maybe I will sit and make a list.

Like, clothing and remaking it ~ Pop-in-law just bought me size 2 Petite jeans & they're already too big, along with many other things~ Woe is me right?

Tonight, however, I will spend a relaxing evening with family, enjoying my last sips of red vino until after my competition in March. Watch a little "Grimm." (Haven't checked it out yet)

May have to pop in a few Twilight Zone episodes because it's just tradition.

(Um, and I'm a little obsessed.)

So, I will wish 2011 goodbye and welcome 2012 with open arms.

Lucy Love

2011-12-30T17:20:00.000-08:00

Okay, I don't normally have love for a particular "brand."

However, being a petite (a/k/a super short person, vertically challenged, can't reach my cabinets), I have found a place that actually fits to their size chart and the length is awesome!

I have fallen in love with

Lucy .

Their stuff is adorable.

Their stuff FITS!!

I think that I have found a "brand" that I actually may be loyal to?!

Plus, I've even found their stuff at my local thrift store too!

Who threw it out?

I don't care because it was like new and fits perfectly!!

So, whenever I do actually earn some bread, I will be spending it there.

I've only purchased on their SALE items so far, but

DANG so so worth it.

And that's my 2 cents of love.

Bringing My Mojo Back

2011-12-30T08:44:00.000-08:00

I've fallen into the trap ~

workout wear all the time!

Hahaha!

Now, granted, I'm not wearing makeup to my workouts.

I used to.

However, it's not good for my complexion.

Sweat + Makeup = clogged pores and breakouts!

I do however wear tinted chapstick.

I am a lover of Burt's Bees.

If I have errands to run after the gym, I do splash my face and

try to swipe on a little mineral powder on my face.

I really don't want to look like a shlump all the time.

I have upgraded my workout wear.

I do not to wear huge, baggy t-shirts or pants anymore.

It's nice to trade those in for workout tanks and a little more fitted yoga pant or crop pant.

I have to say, I was inspired by

The Glamorous Housewife.

Well, I'm always inspired by her gorgeous posts, but this one she posted a while back has really stuck in my head. I had to go look it up again this morning.

Ideas For Comfortable Yet Glamorous Outfits

She has great pictures of Dita Von Teese leaving her pilates classes and looking adorable.

Her polyvore collage is on that post too.

She's wonderful at doing these.

It gave me some ideas to make my workout wear look a little cuter when I'm leaving and running to stores after the gym. I'm going to add a little cardigan, maybe a little lipstick.

Maybe I'll switch out to some ballet flats, as long as it's not snowing or crazy icy out.

Yep, it's a little petty, but I miss feeling cute. Although my wonderful husband always tells me that I look pretty no matter what, I don't always feel it. I don't think there's any reason that I can't look cute and a little stylish while working out..... or really after! Plus, if you did not know, I have a really deep adoration of vintage. Before getting on my journey to fitness, I dressed in vintage or vintage-style most of the time. Now, all my vintage is too big. I have put off buying new clothes because I know my body is still changing. I'm challenging myself to change/upcycle what I currently have to become "new" and fun for me.

Here's a couple of cute images and ideas.

Here's Dita leaving her pilates class. Just the jacket adds flare, besides a hoodie (which I love hoodies, lol)

(from http://mobi.cocoperez.com/tag/pilates/)

Simple, yet adorable!

So let's see if I can step it up and look cute and fit this year.

Day 66 ~ Indulgences

2011-12-28T17:57:00.000-08:00

WooHoo!

Today was my last day of "member classes" in my paid instructor training.

I did pass my certification to be an instructor.

I will now begin shadowing.

So today was one our boot camp, run home, shove meal 2 in face, drink big cup of 1/2 decaf/1/2 regular black coffee, brush teeth and head to gym to meet friend for steady state cardio.

Fun, really!

So, I'm writing about indulgences.

I found out last night that my regular trainer is leaving for a new (you know, real more reliable job).

Sadness.

I was really comfortable with him.

I LOVE all the other trainers, but you know how it is when you workout with someone twice a week.

It's just like a friendship.

Good for him, but still booooooo.

So, I know that come next week it will become hard core mode.

It's wrong, but I'm indulging.

Indulging in....

Oh yeah. You see, I'm always about 98% clean on food.

but oh, oh, vino, you tempt me.

Is this not the perfect name of a wine?

It's zin-ful!!!

So kill me, I like a good pun!

I'm not expecting to make great progress next week, but I'm already a month ahead of schedule.

(She should have never told me that!)

and once again, I'll miss St. Paddy's celebrations....

hey, but I have to skip that every year due to work and school or whatever!

BUT

oh, the night of the 18th, I think it will be AWESOME & EPIC!!

I don't anticipate to place because I know there will be others there who

are more experienced and talented, but

I will be there with game face on!!!

Oh, and just to add....
No guilt at this point for enjoying a little bit of holiday cheer!

Day 59 ~ Some pics

2011-12-21T10:21:00.000-08:00

I should have taken pics in the gym locker room in good light before I ran out of there this morning.

But you know, it was early and I still had to hit the grocery for a few last minute things before they get insane with shoppers considering the incoming snow and holiday.

(I woke up in the middle of the night getting up to write a list of things we should have for my pop-in-law.)

I decided to take pictures when I got home this morning.

Our office (nor any other part of our home) has good lighting, except natural light.

I was trying to get my abs, but I'm not sure that I captured much of anything, lol.

I really need a tan!

So, I did break down and buy some lotion that gives you color.

We'll see what that does, lol!

Day 58 ~ Body Stat Update.

2011-12-20T20:01:00.000-08:00

These are based on the same scale, calipers and such that we use every time.

December 6th

Body Weight = 113lbs

Body Fat = 26.04%

lbs in Body Fat = 29.43

lbs in Lean Muscle = 83.57

December 20th

Body Weight = 111.5lbs

Body Fat = 24.34%

lbs in Body Fat = 27.14

lbs in Lean Muscle = 84.37

We've met my January goals.

So, we've made new goals to lean out and will

then work on my physique a little more.

I was just excited when I got undressed and she said,

"Look at your abs!"

Then, she pointed out that she could clearly see my triceps too.

YaaY!

Breakfast Redo

2011-12-20T08:38:00.000-08:00

One of my morning meals is

oats (amount depending on what I'm doing that day)

1 T ground flax

1 whole egg

1/2c egg whites

(can add cinnamon or whatever)

Most of you know this can get repetitive.

I have been playing with ways to vary it up -

muffin style.

It makes them great to have in cooler with a boiled egg, ready to be munched after my morning cardio.

(I usually have a protein shake 30 minutes after waking and then hit the gym.)

I should note that doing this you can always pour this into a non-stick (or sprayed) pan and make them into a pancake form.

Now, I'm sure many folks out there who have been competing for a while already know this,

but I was all excited to figure it out.

Better later than never!

I grind my oats in the coffee grinder,

add 1/2 packet raw stevia, cinnamon,1 T flax and 1/2 cup egg whites and mix.

Recently, I've been adding in little extras.

1/2 t Lemon Extract and lemon zest, sometimes a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a lemon-y treat.

When I'm craving savory, I dice up jalapeno and put in the seeds too,

add some chili powder, cumin, cayenne and get a southwestern-y treat.

(I also have been known to throw in 1 T low-fat shredded cheese.)

I think that I'm going to invest in these stevia syrups that I've seen as well.

I keep thinking they could liven up some stuff.

This morning I was in the mood for some lemon!

Here's the little guys pre-baked.

Here they are after and ready to be devoured!

With ~~a few~~ a huge cup of Dunkin Donuts Mocha Mint Coffee! (black)

Look they're even Christmas themed.

Day 57 ~ Bah Humbug, but hey there's abs!

2011-12-19T11:33:00.000-08:00

Just call me Ms. Grinch.

I have never been a super Christmas girl.

(I am all about Halloween.)

I think it's because of the way people change when out and about during this season.

They are anything but what Christmas is about.

I tend to observe them.

I see more road rage with tight pursed lips.

The same face exists in the stores as they try to run me over with their buggies

while I am perusing navel oranges, nudging and pushing at me as though the

pile of hundreds of sunny fruit in front of us will somehow disappear before they get one.

God help you on the baking aisle.

I send out cards.

I have more sentimental gifts that I send out to very few.

For instance, since I live about 1300 miles from my parents, we do not get to see them often.

I cannot travel down as much as I like.

Both, due to years as hard laborers and accidents at jobs and so forth, are not in the best physical shape to travel long distances. My mom is bed bound at the moment with one leg not working and is looking toward

back surgery after years of trying to get around it.

So, I made them a photo album of crazy pictures of myself and hubby and fur babies.

Sweet pictures, nutty pictures, costumed pictures.

They loved it.

Other than them, I send my two godchildren cash.

And hubster, gets really weird items that other folks would think are just crazy for Christmas presents.

I try to stay out of stores from the day after Thanksgiving until Christmas, going at really odd times to

get necessities. Heck, I'll even go to a drugstore and pay more just to avoid the

insanity of pushing and shoving over a 50 cent made in China toy that I'm not going near, but will be tripped in order for someone to make a leap to swipe from the end of the aisle.

Yes, it's happened.

But that's how we are.

I am not into gift exchanges and such.

That's not what it's about to me.

I like to relax during the holidays.

Sure, I cook and make fancy things.

We're having a duck this year and probably a rabbit as well.

I'll bake.

We'll have wine.

My father-in-law will be with us.

No craziness.

Maybe some Christmas music, the lights on our 4' silver pre-lit tree, fire in the fireplace,

conversation and laughs.

Phone calls to our family back in Louisiana.

I guess I'm not a complete grinch.

I'm just not so intertwined in the mass commercialism of the holiday.

I'm a bad consumer.

I am, however, super excited because we are starting to see my abs!

Merry Christmas to me!

I think that I'll have the six pack eventually afterall.

Day 52 ~ Becoming More Diligent

2011-12-14T09:30:00.000-08:00

I am trying to become more diligent in my cardio.

Yeah, I skip it A LOT.

So, I'm trying to make it a habit and do it the requisite number and length that I'm supposed to.

Also, last night, after coming home from my training session, I began dinner.

Husband was drinking a dark, foamy Guiness.

I broke down and had 2 Stella Artois.

However, they didn't have the wonderful taste nor satisfaction that I would normally feel from them.

In fact, I was quite blah about them afterwards.

What the hell is wrong with me?!

Maybe completely cutting out the alcohol from after New Year's until my first competition won't be all that bad.

So, I'm making an effort to do my cardio, correctly from here on out.

No half-arsed attempts.

All in.

Now, I must continue to work on flexibility and strength moves too.

Need to make those look effortless eventually.

Here are two of my favorite fitness routines from the 2011 Olympia.

Tanji placed 2nd.

Jodi wasn't in the top 5, but her routine just stuck with me as a favorite.

Now, on a crafty side note.

I tried making some t-shirt yarn from old tees.

I just starting cutting and continuously spiraled up cutting until you reach the arms.

I wound up with a big pile of ribbon.

So I began to roll a ball, stretching the fabric as I rolled it.

It tubes up and becomes skinny.

I gave it a try and made a little chain stitch.

I worked!

Now I know that I can use it to make other crafty things

rather than just cut them into rags to use for cleaning around the house,

which we have TONS of.

Crafty!

2011-12-12T11:37:00.000-08:00

I believe I have found another craft project to try soon.

Knitting or crocheting old t-shirts into dish clothes!

Talk about a great recycle project.

Here's a great link, at Fiber Arts Monday.

They also have a link for making area rugs too.

Of course, you can just search all over for fun crafts and tutorials.

(from Money Saving Mom's site)

Day 49 ~ Theme Ideas

2011-12-11T14:58:00.000-08:00

My nerdy side always wants to prevail.

And with my admitting that I am, in fact, a girl of geekdom, it

should be of no surprise that I have a deep love of

So, as I was re-watching, from Season 1, I thought

"This could be my theme!"

Totally cheesy! Totally fun with a foam Mr. Pointy!

The moves could totally work in as I kick invisible vampire butt.

Maybe I could work in a bedazzled top like this?

Perhaps I could get someone to add in memorable quips and quotes from the show during the theme song?

Oh too much fun thinking of ideas.

Oh Joss, you fill me with happiness.

Now, if this could work.....

Day 47

2011-12-09T07:24:00.000-08:00

I'm not sick, my nose is just overflowing with awesome.

Barney Stinson

(ok, I just discovered this show and am obsessed with love for it)

Yep, that's about right.

I've been fighting against getting sick for a week now.

I think it's getting the better of me.

I decided to make today a light day.

I'm so awesome that it's overflowing down the back of my throat into my stomach and making me feel queasy.
I didn't think that I could handle boot camp this morning and chancing all that
awesome hurling out onto the gym floor.
I will be dosing up with vitamin C, echinachea and such to try and knock it out.
Instead, later today I'll spend some time stretching to work on my flexibility moves and then
my strength holds. It seems I can never work too much on that.

Speaking of those, the fun stuff is about to begin.
Tiffany says my physique is coming along and once we get that,
um ~cough~ fat layer off, I'll be great.
My check this week had me at 113 pounds and 26.04% body fat.
That's not too shabby since I began at 121.5 pounds and 29.73% body fat on September 14th.

Things will definitely be tightening up with my diet and
~cough, cough~
cocktails.
I should begin to try and start losing 0.5% body fat every week.
I'm sure it will get really serious after the first of the year because I will
only have about 10 weeks....

I'm going to be entering the
Denver Novice BB/ FIT/FIG/BIK/PHYS Championships
on March 18th.

This leads me to the fun stuff.

Fitness Routine Planning!

Tiffany and I are planning on beginning with it in January.
I'm supposed to come in with my theme ideas, song ideas, any choreography (if I'd like to tackle some), costuming ideas.
Whew!
We threw around a little the other night.
Now, my mind is spinning and the ideas are too numerous.
I was thinking of a flashback to the 80s/90s.
Something fun, silly, goofy.......
just like me.

If you have any fun ideas for songs, feel free to throw them my way.
I may be handling this all wrong because I'm handling it
as though I were preparing a burlesque routine.
I listen to songs until one just hits me and I have visions of costuming and dance moves.

Oh and I do believe that my trainer Justin has taken it upon himself to kill me.
Yeah.
After coming in and telling him that I wasn't bad after our last workouts,
he has been coming up with some killer workouts, always changing with moves that make me tilt my head, arch an eyebrow and look at him with a
"What you talkin' bout?" face.
This week, he was successful
I have been S.O.R.E.
It feels great though because he makes me attempt things that
I would never think that I can do.
Great trainer!
YaaY!

Day 44 ~ Enjoying the Ride

2011-12-06T08:06:00.000-08:00

At times during this journey, I become obsessed with what the end result will be.

I mean, that is part of it definitely!

I worry if I will fall far from what others will be on stage.

I worry if I will be able to pull off a flawless routine,

including all of the required moves plus some.

I worry if I will make a fool of myself.

Then, I came across this blog at Muscle & Fitness Hers.

Top Rules of the Competition Road

written by Cheryl Brown.

Here's the main part of the title:

Where to begin and guidelines for how to enjoy the journey!

Here are her basic rules, and you can click the link to see how she gives tips about each.

#1 Recognize the Positive on a Daily Basis
#2 Compete with Yourself
#3 Choose Your Expert and Ignore Everyone Else
#4 Plan Ahead
#5 Always Get Feedback

I am definitely going to begin implementing some of the advice that she gives.
I am going to be keeping a journal, hand written.
I definitely need to plan ahead and so much more.
After all, it's all about enjoying the ride.
The end results are just gravy!!....
or cupcakes, or cheesecake....

This evening, fat check, weigh in, cardio and training.

Day 39 ~ Random, Scattered Thoughts

2011-12-01T09:05:00.000-08:00

Today is a gloomy, snowy day.

I am being quite unproductive,

as I have been the past two days.

I have not been feeling quite up to par, but that's the way it goes.

I have training this evening and probably body assessment.

I am not looking forward to the assessment as I am a cramping, bloated mess,

but I'll just keep that in mind when the results come out.

So, I'm being super lazy right now browsing the evil web.

I'll get to it in a few and go jump rope, clean and cook dinner so that the husband can heat up his dinner while I am gone and I can just come home to heat mine up.

Random note: I forgot how much I enjoy farm fresh eggs.

I grew up with chickens.

We never ate our chickens but did eat the eggs.

All of our chickens were like pets and there were many buried in our back yard when they died of old age. Heck, my parents now have 5 acres and still have chickens and one looney duck (a rescue).

I recently, got some fresh eggs and am back in love.

I will definitely shell out the extra money for them and not feel guilty in the least.

Switching Thoughts Again

Remember my Pants on the Ground post?

Well, I'm trying (the key word here is trying) to not buy new clothes because I know that my body and shape are going to continue to change.

I have way too many articles of clothing anyway.

Sometimes I wish that I were like my husband.

He has probably seven of the same shirt that he wears to work, same with pants, same with weekend wear. He never thinks about what to put on.

In my constantly swirling mind, I'm thinking of my small ways to make a difference and declutter my life a litttle.

I'm wondering if I can go the year without buying new clothes.

(Now, this would not include a posing suit or fitness routine outfit because I do not think that I have the skill nor patience to make those!)

Now, for a few years I have been intrigued with the Uniform Project.

I am wondering if I could do a version of it?

I could mix and match it with the clothing I have and as I out grow, my wardrobe would decrease, yet I would have a staple piece to accessorize.

Not only that, you can raise money for a charity too.

I think that's killing two birds with one stone!

I am really loving their LBD Classic.

Of course, right now they are out of it and the pattern, booooo.

I shot them an email asking if they were going to get it back in stock and if they would please notify me when they did?

I figured that since my workout wardrobe is pretty decent, I can just up-cycle to create

new items when other things wear out.

That sports bra that I made in Getting Crafty

is pretty darn comfy and supportive, believe it or not!

Heck, maybe when I need it I can get people to donate their old workout wear, and

I can create new funky styles from them?

Plus, I never did do my Days for Girls/ Project Thrive project this year.

I really want to do that as well.

I'm feeling very altruistic.

Since I am limited in my income of actual currency, maybe I can provide in other ways.

So far, these are some of my ideas.

Comparisons ~ Day 38

2011-11-30T12:34:00.000-08:00

Since the plague of all womanhood is affecting me right now

and making me feel all blah and squishy,

I decided to look through photos and do some comparisons of where I've come from last year.

From the Left to the Right

August 2010, July 2011 and November 2011.

Maybe from now on, I'll wear the same thing to do photos.

And on a random note, I really have to get better at prepping my food for during the week.

Also, I have to make sure that I'm eating every 2 1/2 to 3 hours.

I get caught up in other things and completely forget to eat.

Maybe I'll set the alarm on my phone or something to remind me -

EAT!!

Getting Crafty.

2011-11-28T13:53:00.000-08:00

I was inspired by a shop that I saw on etsy of

funky athletic wear.

So, I thought to myself, let me try that.

I took the bottoms of some yoga pants that I had to cut off because I am vertically challenged.

That's the base and lining.

The striped part is some socks that got holes in the toes.

The banding and straps are from an old t-shirt.

And the sugar skulls and silver are from my bin of tons of fabrics.

I realize the silver isn't laying quite flat.

I also have not sew in the straps in the back yet.

But not too bad for a first attempt.

Price on etsy between $42 and $60.

Mine, free, except for my time trying to figure it out.

Done

Day 35 ~New Focus

2011-11-27T07:55:00.000-08:00

Besides workouts, diet, cardio, etc.,

I have a new focus.

I have to begin working on and nailing these moves

which will be worked into my routine.

First let's have a looksy at the flexibility moves.

Thankfully, I pretty much have this one.

The Side Split

(http://sandrafieldsdancefitness.blogspot.com/)

(bodybuilding.com)

Then, there is the

High Kick

This move, not so much, lol.

(bodybuilding.com)

(Save Women's Fitness Now! Blogspot)

Now on to the strength moves!

These two I can do on a raised surface, like a bench or box, but still fail to do on the floor,

Boooo.

(I can even turn myself halfway elevated)

The Straddle Hold

(Save Women's Fitness Now!)

(bodybuilding.com)

Leg Extension

(bodybuilding.com)

(Tanji Johnson @ King Crossfit)

The good old

One Arm Push Up!

I can bust out some perfect military push ups,

but this one will take some practice!

I can go down with perfect form, but

coming up is a hot mess.

(Both from bodybuilding.com)

And if only I could look like this when I do it!

(hardbody.com)

I believe these are the mandatory moves for fitness routines,

according to the NPC.

Then, I would like to perfect these to add in as well.

Crow

(http://7daysgrace.wordpress.com/)

Or this

(sueromero.com)

Full Front Split is always a neato one.

(Jodi Boam)

Perhaps this

There's even more to focus on now.

I just have to stay determined.

When I first began, I could not even do a real military push up,

now I can bust them out by about 20 before form starts to break.

So, I'm constantly improving, and I just have to remember that.

Day 29

2011-11-21T16:45:00.000-08:00

Pleasure reading.

I have to thank my girlfriend who is a college professor for scoring me these sweet reads.

Otherwise, everything else is quite the same at the moment.

Doing my competition training 2x a week in the evenings on Tuesdays & Thursdays.

Working out on my own.

Taking my boot camp classes, four more and I begin shadowing.

Lusting for awesome new clothes and workout clothes.

Looking at sparkle-y posing bikinis online and wondering how the hell that's going to happen.

(I foresee a Brazilian wax.)

Right now, I'm just preparing for Turkey Day with the hubby

and continuing to try to keep up my workouts and diet.

Hopefully, something fun will happen that I can post on soon!

This is my Extravagance

2011-11-17T06:27:00.000-08:00

Wanting to compete in a fitness competition is my extravagance.

It's my selfish thing.

It's something that I battle with internally everyday.

It is a waste of money,

but

it is something that I have always dreamed of doing.

I want to get into that magazine, contest body,

rock the bedazzled teeny bikini

and perform some insanely impossible routine.

(Myriam Capes)

I will always work out.

I hope to teach classes.

But in all actuality,

I like a really simple life.

Taking things old school.

I love to garden and grow my own veggies and fruit.

I love cooking vegetarian style.

I really long to be more minimalist,

but still struggle with getting rid of all of our

"stuff."

I am trying to slowly get rid of non-essentials and

things that don't fit anymore.

I would love a tiny house, with some land to have a bigger garden and perhaps some chickens for eggs and goats for milk.

Can you say homemade cheese?

There are times we dream of the houseboat.

Heck, before we moved up here we looked at a few to live in

before we decided to leave Louisiana.

Then, I would have to figure out better container gardening, lol.

Go check out

http://www.thetinylife.com/

for some amazing small homes, tips and just fun pictures to look at.

I'm in love with this interior.

But this is my extravagance right now.

(Adela Garcia)

I am trying really hard not to feel guilty.

I love it, I dream of it and I will do it.

Day 23

2011-11-15T09:24:00.000-08:00

Got up this morning, hit the gym for my cardio.

This evening, I begin my "group" competition training.

I have to admit, I am a little nervous.

I'm scared that I won't be up to par or be able to keep up

even though she checked with the other two trainers who have been working with me to make sure that I could.

I guess it's just that fear of the unknown.

Tomorrow morning, I will get up at 5am to go to my first boot camp class.

I'm picking the location closest to my house to start with.

Wow, I haven't been up that early in a while, haha.

I have to get there about 15 minutes early to introduce myself to the coach

and let him/her know that I'm a coach in training, get my t-shirt and fill out some paperwork.

Also, excited but nervous!

Yesterday, I took my little pumpkins from my garden and baked them.

Now, I have fresh, organic pumpkin meat for recipes!

YaaY!

I also cleaned the seeds and have them drying on a towel.

I have yet to decide whether I will go "raw" with them and just dehydrate them with a little cold pressed olive oil or go ahead and bake them.

There's my little guys!

They are called Amish Pie Pumpkins.

I'm pretty sad that our growing season is pretty much done.

I'm getting my big pots ready for indoor planting of veggies.

However, one of my dogs has decided that she likes to nose around in the dirt and eat it!

Last year, she ate my spinach and lettuce before I got to it.

She's a German Shepherd and can reach these big pots even if I put them up on the kitchen chairs.

You see, I like to plant in my kitchen because we have a sliding glass door that lets in tons of sun in the winter.

It's warm and conducive to growing indoors.

And this dog is super crafty.

She always figures out a way to get to things she wants and has figured out how to open many a container, door and so on.

Love her, but darn she's bad sometimes.

Here's both of them from a few Christmases ago.

I'll figure it out within the next week or so, lol.

Rottens, I tell you.

Even More Adventures on the Horizon

2011-11-13T06:34:00.000-08:00

(http://jachwadi.deviantart.com/)

I am going to be in training to teach boot camp/fitness classes.

Yep, I'm a coach in training.

YaaY!

They even do paid training.

Granted, it's not very much, but right now I'm earning zilch so this is great for me!

I'm super excited.

I am hoping to start training this week.

I'll be taking the BCOR Boot Camp Level 1 Coach certification (ACE) right before Christmas.

For me, this is a great way for me to get my foot in the door to begin teaching group exercise classes.

It will also give me the experience that I lack.

I also get to help folks get motivated and hopefully help them on their journey of getting fit.

Maybe this will get my butt in gear to finally finish studying and to take the full on

ACE Group Fitness Instructor Certification.

I'd also like to take trainings and certifications for other types of classes.

Teach varying classes at different places.

Perhaps eventually, I'll become a personal trainer, learn even more nutrition,

figure out all the ins and outs of competition training & diet and help those who would like to do that?

Okay, I should stop getting ahead of myself!

But I really am going to have to start utilizing a day planner.

My trainer hooked me up with teeny group training, just one other girl and myself.

This way I pay 1/2 price per training session, SWEET!

That's going to be 2x a week.

I will have to attend five boot camp classes to get a feel for how their classes run

(I get paid to do this!)

I plan on doing one a week right now.

Hopefully I can squeeze in one more though.

I have to get in my workouts that I have to do on my own.

Any performances that I book.

~~Fat pinching~~, I mean body fat/measuring, assessments scheduled weekly.

Then, any other things that pop up.

Luckily, the VFW sent a really nice little hardback one recently, plus several wall calendars -

I will be writing all over those so that the husband isn't all confused when I'm not home, haha.

I still have to print out the paper work, w-4's and such to get turned in for the boot camp job.

So much going on!

But it's good!

Oh, I have to throw this in.

I'm a little obsessed with this site right now.

Um, PROTEIN POW(D)ER!

Makes me want to drool every time I visit it.

I mean look at these cupcakes!

Pants on the Ground

2011-11-12T15:04:00.000-08:00

So I think I may be able to minimize my wardrobe without feeling as guilty.

Many of my pants and skirts and dresses, now just fall to the ground when I put them on.

????

I have had to go dig out "skinny" clothes that were put away for a few years.

Even those are becoming loose.

Even the fantastic clothes that my friend gave me when I went home to New Orleans last month are now falling off.

So, if you ever want to clear out your closet

start eating clean, working out and decide to train for a fitness/figure/bikini competition.

Maybe I'll become a minimalist.

Day 16

2011-11-08T14:05:00.000-08:00

Oh my Bazinga!

My chest, shoulders, arms and abs ~~were~~ are so sore today.

It's the good sore, but still,

OWWWWWIE.

Luckily from the waist down was not sore.

You know what that means?

Leg Day.

So, I met up with my friend Traci, and we banged out legs.

We each did different exercises, but pushed each other to do more than we had wanted.

Then, I hit the stairmill for cardio.

Gotta love it.

Except

~sigh~

I left my iPod at home!!!!

Nooooooooo! It made for a longer session, but I got it done.

Funny how that time seems to drag endlessly if I don't have my

songs to pump me up through it.

Then, home to do all the daily duties & chores.

I also received a phone call about an inquiry that I put in last month involving

teaching bootcamp classes.

It's a reputable place, and they say that they will train their fitness coaches.

You make less as a fitness coach, but I have yet to finish studying or to register to take

the ACE Group Fitness Instructor test.

I have an interview this week, and we'll see what they say.

If it's meant to be it will be.

Perhaps, if it is meant to be, it will light a fire under my butt to finish studying and take the darn certification test.

Secretly, I want to do this.

But I'm so sore and tired, I will more likely be doing this as soon as I get the opportunity this evening.

Arms of Jello ~ Day 15

2011-11-07T14:37:00.000-08:00

My arms, they quiver.

They are like the jello.

My chest isn't free from the wrath either.

But my arms are popping right now too!

(from hugginthecoast.com)

(Okay, I don't even like jello, but these are cute!)

I have to admit that I have probably only been giving 90% with regards to my diet.

I have still had some cocktails and a treat now and then.

I can only imagine what will happen if I give 100%.

I think I have not done that yet because I keep thinking that March is so far away.

In reality, it's not.

I have to start cutting it out!

Also, I'm a little nervous as to if I will be able to do all the required moves for a fitness routine.

I think I'm going to allot a little more time to practicing that stuff.

In other good news, my trainer has hooked me up.

I will be training and tiny group, 2 of us, with a trainer who is also in his competition mode.

It will be two evenings a week, upper & lower body weights.

The best part, 1/2 price per session.

Sweet!

This does not mean that I'm still not searching/applying for part time work, but it sure does help.

What would be awesome is if my contract work came through soon, but I know that depends on them winning the contracts for the work.

I just keep keeping my fingers crossed that it will come through soon!

(too cute, borrowed from here)

A Fresh Thought for Friday.

2011-11-04T09:48:00.000-07:00

Taking a cue from the wisdom of the Peanuts.

I am a positive force -

or at least I am trying to be.

Trying to shed the negative influences and people from my life and only

rein in the positive so that I can try and return it.

Here's to a wonderful day.

~*~*~*~*~

This morning was my "bonus" weight day, lol.

This means that I have been upped from 3 days of weights to 4.

Here's a breakdown of my week right now.

Legs & 20 min. of cardio in target HR zone
Back & Shoulders & 20 min. of cardio in target HR zone
Chest & Arms & 20 min. of cardio in target HR zone
Lats & Hamstrings & 20 min. of cardio in target HR zone
20 min. of cardio in target HR zone (I can also switch this into the middle somewhere if needed)
rest ~ for now (or light cardio)
rest ~ for now

Today.

Day 11 - Chest & Arms & Test Kitchen

2011-11-03T14:04:00.000-07:00

Today was chest and arms and, of course, the always present cardio.

I really don't know how I'm going to get through when the cardio increases.

I'm getting better at making playlists that keep me hopping though.

So, I decided to give protein muffin testing a go today.

I looked up tons of recipes with nutritional info.

I then picked 2 to play with.

Today's was a chocolate peanut butter one.

I tweaked the recipe and these came out pretty good, but there's something a little too dry about them.

I'm not sure if I baked them too long or just should have added more liquid.

I only made a tiny batch of 5 muffins.

Yep, I ate one, lol - had to test!

Plus, it fit in as one of my snacks today.

I will be giving this one another go to try and make them super yummy.

Then, I'll post the recipe and nutritional information for them.

Hopefully, as I get better at this, I will have some good recipes to share.

Thank you to The Glamorous Housewife too.

She shared this with me, love it!

http://fuckyeahfitspo.tumblr.com/page/16

Arms!

2011-11-02T09:26:00.000-07:00

I've been working it, hard.

Today, I decided to snap a few shots in the mirror to see if anything would finally show up.

WooHoo!!

I'm FINALLY able to see a little definition in pictures!

And now, in this snowy, blizzardy weather -

I tried to go to the gym this morning, got stuck, dug myself out and got back into the driveway,

only to greeted with a flat tire.

Sweet.

Yep, I'm going to be a girl and wait for S to get home to help me change it.

It's flipping freezing out there.

I will go shovel after the snow finally stops though.

Luckily, I have weights here at the house.

Not the heavy amounts that I'm used to but at least 15lb ones to get a small workout in today.

Tomorrow, I'll hit it super hard and Friday.

I now want to push it further and harder.

As a Lark ~ Maybe Not

2011-11-01T10:47:00.000-07:00

I want to say I read this at

The Mean Girl Diaries.

She was somewhat joking when she said that she should issue a

Wear Your Bikini On Christmas Challenge.

I laughed when I first read it.

It has stuck in the back of my brain though.

Now, I'm seriously considering it.

What better way to rock Christmas morning than by coming down in a

sparkling red bikini...

or green,

or silver and blue,

or some variation thereof?

Oh yes, I am thinking that I want to buy an itty bitty shiny bikini,

the kind that I would and have never worn before.

I have been having lustful thoughts as I peruse them on the web.

Pretty, pretty.

It would also be more motivation for me to push even harder than I am now.

The body fat percentage keeps shrinking,

muscle in pounds is increasing (though slowly).

Maybe by Christmas, I can rock that hard-core!

(These are from fitnessprodirect.com)

(from chynnadolls.com)

(from teenyb.com)

See how my mind wanders to completely random things?!

It's the Great Pumpkin!

2011-10-31T08:06:00.000-07:00

Every year, S and I exchange "Great Pumpkin" gifts.

I slacked this year and did not even think of it.

We barely even decorated, since we were out of town and such.

In fact, I feel blue because this is usually my absolute favorite holiday,

and I slacked.

Any how, S gave me my Great Pumpkin gift all wrapped in haunted house ads from the Westword.

Sweet.

This year I got

An art nouveau paint/ craft kit.

Love.

Here's a shot of our treat bags we traditionally make every year.

We make up bags with creepy toys and Halloween themed pencils, erasers, notepads and such.

Waiting anxiously to be handed out tonight.

And now, I must go to the trainer.

Two more paid for workouts.

May have to take what I've learned and workout on my own for a week or two until

I can somehow make enough to pay for some more, lol.

Learning experience, learning experience.

Side note

2011-10-28T18:54:00.000-07:00

I think one good side of all of this training &

having to get rid of my current vintage clothing.

I'll have a smaller waist.

Then i can get new, tinier vintage spice!

Etsy will have different items all the time.

There are just some things that I'm too attached to!

I can't totally give up one of my vices.

Feeling guilty & selfish

2011-10-28T11:40:00.000-07:00

I'm only just beginning this journey, but I'm feeling guilty and selfish.

You see, I usually am pretty frugal. I research things on my own. I bought a gym membership last year, but I got a deal - $15 a month. I use it too, as I go a few times a week.

I shop at thrift stores.

We cook home, almost the whole week.

We eat out maybe once on a weekend.

I make many things that we use.

We garden.

We upcycle.

So, when I decided to looking into competing, I knew there would be changes.

It's something that I have wanted to do for years and years.

It feels extravagant to me.

It's not a "need."

It is most definitely a want.

I am having feelings of guilt and selfishness.

I wonder if others have felt this way when they first struck out to achieve this goal?

I am trying to push those down.

I know that I will learn a lot through this as well -

even though it's a pretty penny, lol.

This is going to be one hell of a ride.

Me being a dork - Sluttin' It Up

Just because this makes me happy.

Day 2 & 3 to the Goal

2011-10-26T08:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I met up with my friend and workout buddy, Traci.

I decided to hit shoulders, biceps & triceps then do my cardio.

I did have my first fall in diet yesterday

2 11oz beers.

Yep, fell off the wagon.

Sad part was that they didn't even taste that great.

Boo.

I think I said screw it after choking on a tiny fish bone in my dinner.

After that, I was annoyed and wanted to indulge.

I mean, I have til March.

Besides that, I was craving something sweet -

chocolate, a cupcake, anything.

I just drank tons of water and ignored it.

Tomorrow, I will ask for my trainer's magic muffin recipe that I keep hearing about.

Today, I woke up, strapped on my heart rate monitor and hula hooped for my designated times in my HR zone.

Fun cardio.

Today is just a cardio day.

This is good because I am sore all over.

I know I need to stretch more today,

especially since I have a show tonight with 3 acts.

A show that I won't get home from until after midnight.

I am losing my night owl status.

I am dreading getting home that late and having to shower all of my zombie makeup off and

then try to get to bed and fall asleep after being hyped up.

I'm supposed to get at least 8 hours of sleep every night.

Unfortunately, due to my internal alarm clock, it doesn't happen even after staying out that late.

I'm always up, the latest 7am.

I'm taking an advil pm when I get home tonight.

I have afternoon training with Tif and another late night show tomorrow night.

Sleep must happen.

Contract work has not come through yet.

Etsy has no bites, lol.

(I was given some new advice to try and will be listing things more frequently during the week instead of a big lump once a week)

Burlesque does not pay great.

I'm still applying for part time work.

Unfortunately, I'm not what most part time jobs are looking for -

older, over-qualified.

Such is life.

I have confidence that things will eventually work out.

After all, I have until March.

Day 1 to the Goal ~ hopefully

2011-10-24T14:38:00.000-07:00

Today I went back to training after being sick.

(Still have residual nose leakage, but feeling good.)

Tiffany trains me, and I LOVE it.

She works me until my muscles quiver, and I pretty much collapse.

Today she brought in another trainer with her just to give me a few really crazy, weird and hard exercises.

It was the first time that other people were there being trained while I was.

This is a small gym where they train people to compete.

I know this.

I knew this going in.

This is why I wanted to go here.

They make transformations.

(On a lesser note, most place in there competitions - though that is currently not my goal, it is a testament to the work they do.)

I have seen great improvement in the few weeks that I have been going to Tiffany.

If you knew me, you could tell the changes in my body.

At least, that's what everyone tells me, even those who are not aware that I'm working out.

I have been feel pretty good about myself.

I've had a little boost of confidence even.

Until.

Today.

Yep, seeing two other ladies who are on the road to competing made me feel like I looked like this:

Womp. womp. womp.

Now, granted my tummy does not look like that.

Rationally, I know it, but damn, seeing those other girls knocked me right down to old insecurities.

I also know that I should not compare myself to others.

I am me.

I will be the best me that I can be.

Maybe, I can learn a little something from them once I am around them more.

I am shaking it off and moving ahead.

My diet is on track.

I haven't cheated with a cocktail in a week.

Hell, I haven't even had a cheat meal.

If I focus and keep the plan, I know that I eventually will look like this

MAYBE.

.

2011-10-22T11:46:00.000-07:00

Thankfully, I feel like I'm almost over this.

Besides just feeling tired, I'm down to just the annoying runny nose.

This is good because by Monday I want to start doing this again.

I'm totally stoked for this.

I know it will be hardcore.

I am worried about cravings, but I'll need to buck up that willpower...

Wait, do I even have willpower?

I just keep thinking about getting to the end product.

Here We Go

2011-10-21T10:43:00.000-07:00

I met with my trainer yesterday for my newest body analysis.

We didn't train because I'm like this right now.

She's also told me that I have to rest in order to get 100% before we begin training again.

Why?

Because she envisions me on stage come March.

What?

Yeah, wow.

I'm scared and excited all balled up in one.

So, I'm resting today because honestly, I feel just wiped out.

I'm pretty sure that it's just a head cold.

You know, the snot is still clear, it's mainly my head that's just congested.

We want my immune system to be up to par as we start

ripping this body apart, lol.

So, until next week (we're tentatively meeting for another workout Monday),

we're concentrating on getting the diet down.

I guess I'm still a little in denial. I've always thought about doing this.

I went in saying, I was thinking about it, maybe, didn't know if I could.

She says I can.

I'll have to get the confidence that she has in me.

Good Stuff

2011-10-17T09:38:00.000-07:00

Oh vacation!

How I need a vacation from my vacation!

Just kidding,

because it was glorious.

We went home to New Orleans for a visit.

I miss the place so much.

The first night there,

well, I indulged in an

Lovely Green Fairy.

Walking to the bar that Hubby and I met at,

we saw this in the window.

What a mix, right?

Steampunk, religious, blasphemous - means I loved it.

This was a place on Royal that I have always loved.

Sunday we went to Gretna Fest.

It was quite impressive from what it used to be.

I think there were six or seven different stages, an ampitheatre that

was built by the Mississippi River down the levee and

blocks upon blocks of food, rides, crafts and lord knows what else.

This is me sitting outside the German Beer Garden listening to music and wishing that I had brought my sunglasses or a hat.

All in all, I kept my diet pretty darn good.

Lots of grilled, raw or boiled seafood and salads.

We stayed with my most wonderous girlfriends.

They're sisters and I keep saying that if hubby dies before me that I

am going to move in with them so that we can be the crazy old ladies together, lol.

Look at what she had set up in our room.

Yep, that's a bar menu too!

There are tons more pictures that S downloaded.

I'll have to go through and pic some to post.

We went fishing the day before we left.

I have the farmer's tan/sunburn to prove it.

Hahaha

Now, we're home and somehow when we collected all of our pets we wound up with one additional.

This little brown ferret was a stray that was hit by a car and nursed back to health over the past few weeks.

What can I say?

I'm a sucker.

Besides Boopie (our white little girl ferret) adored him.

Welcome new fur baby that has not yet been named.

Today was back to good, hard workouts.

I have a weigh in and measurements on Thursday.

We'll also be going over more nutrition and workouts and plans.

Funny, I was wondering how I would pay for this.

My old work that I contract for happened to contact me today.

They were wondering if I was interested in helping out again.

They tell me they are like a bad rash that I can't get rid of.

Well, at least they come at the most opportune times!

Things do seem to work out when they need to!

Song Love

2011-10-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

This just makes me smile and giggle.

It's the song that I'm obsessed with at the moment.

It is going on my workout playlist because

it just puts a little hop in my step, lol.

The Trend the Past Week - Blowing It!

2011-10-04T11:19:00.000-07:00

I follow many blogs,

especially ladies who compete.

In case, you didn't notice my new obsession.

Today, And Away She Goes

summed up the latest of what I have been reading,

diet meltdown.

Actually, MuscleBombshell.com had an article called

I'm About to Cheat... On my Diet too this week.

GIT IT GIRL! had

Getting Back on Track

There were more as well this week.

I have to say that this weekend, I blew mine!

There were far too many cocktails, food that I have not been eating, bad processed food late at night, cheese!

So, reading all of these stories while I was hungover Monday morning,

(by the way, it was the husband's birthday this weekend, lol)

I am getting back on track again.

I am trying not to feel too guilty, as the past two weeks I had done really well with

great changes in my body.

So, it's back to the regimen.

Heck, this is the first time EVER that I am packing food in my suitcase for vacation!

And we're going home to New Orleans?!

What the hell am I thinking?

I did tell my trainer that I planned on having beignets at least once and

a freaking Port O Call Burger (best burgers ever, ever, ever!)

because I haven't had one in over 5 years, lol.

She was totally cool with that, YaaaaaY!

Plus, the best-est ever happened last night.

My trainer called me to check in (because I won't be seeing her for 2 weeks) and to thank me for referring someone to her.

She's giving me tons of referral cards to hand out because she said

that she could tell that I was going to become a walking billboard for her, woohoo!

What a great compliment!

Because I have dreams of this:

(linked from Crazy Concepts Blog)

and this:

(bodybuilding.com)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

On another note, I am setting up an etsy store.

I've begun the works, but have not listed anything yet since

we will be out of town.

When we get back, I am planning on listing a bunch of vintage clothing that I have hoarded

plus, handmade items that have a vintage/mod/kitsch feel to them.

My handmade items will be useful besides just cute too.

Depending on how my skills progress in the clothing department,

I may begin reconstructing and up-cycling garments to give them new homes too.

(me in a vintage wedding dress photographed by

Norman Dillon Photography)

Vanity

2011-10-03T10:27:00.000-07:00

I am getting old.

Even worse, I am getting crotched-y.

(My made up word for grumpy.)

I do not, however, want to look old and grumpy.

I suppose this is why I am trying to get hard-core into this healthier life-style.

My trainer, former Ms. Fitness USA 2008, is 42 and looks barely 30.

Yes, I know part of it is genes.

Nonetheless, I have noticed many of the ladies who lead the said fitness, healthy diet lifestyle

appear far younger than they actually are.

I guess I am thinking more and more about this because I am approaching the old

4-0.

I mean, I still have a year and a half, but I want to turn 40 and look like this:

and not like this before my time!

A little fitness update

2011-09-30T10:20:00.000-07:00

I am so loving training with Tiffany.

I only go to her about twice a week because I workout on my own.

She gives me "homework".

And we've started working on moves like this.

(Meghan McCurdy)

I can lift myself, on a chair or bench, but cannot get my feet this high yet.

I can also half turn in (kind-of) this position.

It's amazing to me what I did on the first try.

Practice will make perfect.

We are also working on this move.

(Tiffany Yee)

This was funny for me to even try to get into, even with lovely trainer spotting me.

Another moment of practice will make perfect....

oh & building up muscle, lol.

Here's some more of what I will be learning.

(Jodi Boam)

(from Tanji Johnson's site)

and more!

I still have a loooooooooong ways to go, but it feels good. =)

Plus, the little bit that I am learning I can begin to incorporate into upcoming shows too. ;)

Vintage Halloween - Part 3

2011-09-29T14:31:00.000-07:00

Ta-Da!

There is also a cat cutout on one side and a bat on the other.

Now, on to the head piece and underthings!

10 Day Challenge

2011-09-29T07:44:00.000-07:00

I spend far too much time blog reading.

It's an addiction, as is reading in general.

I have come across the 10 Day Challenge,

mainly while reading

The Mean Girl Diaries.

I adore her blog, so witty.

I've decided that I would try to take up this challenge.

I am not sure if I will begin today or tomorrow or Sunday, lol.

It depends how hard I find coming up with answers.

Here's what it entails:

Ten secrets, nine loves, eight fears, seven wants, six places, five foods, four books, three films, two songs, one photo of yourself.

Hell, I may even take up her created "Rock Your Bathing Suit on Christmas Challenge" -

even if it is a spoof.

Halloween Inspiration - Part 2

2011-09-27T13:30:00.000-07:00

Remember how I said I wanted to recreate the outfit this photo?

Well, I'm going about it with my own interpretation.

It's obviously a different shape.

I don't know how to draft true patterns, so just have to fake it through.

The fabric that I bought was a little thin so to get some poof to the skirt I psuedo-pleated it.

Here's the base dress.

I have not put on closures yet.

Now, I have to work on cutouts.

I have great purple glittered heels.

With that in mind, I'm making the head piece out of purple sequinned fabric.

Though, I think mine may turn out more cap/turban like.

Hopefully, I'll have it done before the first Halloween shows that I'm booked for next month.

Then, I'll be scouting for a fun, vintage Halloween song.

For the love of the chapeau!

2011-09-24T13:08:00.000-07:00

I am having a serious problem with hats.

I keep buying them,

vintage, vintage reproduction, showgirl-ish, something different...

Today, Sammy got me another wool cloche!

It really goes with my 20s/30s aesthetic love.

Luckily tonight I am performing in a Frilles & Follies charity event.

It's carnival themed, and they requested guests to dress Depression Era.

Easy peezy!

Plus, I get to perform my flea circus act!

Fun, fun!

Puppy Love

2011-09-23T19:53:00.000-07:00

(from msn.com)

I am such a doggie lover.

Don't know what it is about it, but

they just touch my heart.

This story made me tear up and my heart swell.

I am in love with little Harper. =)

Deformed puppy, rescued from trash, learns to walk.

And this is one of my furry kids.

We adopted him from a rescue, wow, I think almost 4 years ago.

He's a big old love muffin.

Hip to Be Fit - Marilyn Working Out

2011-09-22T07:53:00.000-07:00

Even Marilyn lifted and exercised.

(amazon)

(corbis images)

Embroidery - Crafting

2011-09-21T15:36:00.000-07:00

Remember this sketch?

Well, I finally finished the embroidery of it,

and made an apron of it.

I wish that I had pleated the apron to make it poofy, but oh well.

The pictures are not great because I used my camera phone.

Actually, it's pretty sturdy and strong.

I used 2 pieces of material for the apron so it's extra thick.

Now, I'm debating giving to a friend who has a birthday coming up,

but wonder if they'll really like it.

Or maybe I'll list it on my etsy site

and make some cuter ones, along with napkins, tea towels,

and vintage clothes that I have been hoarding but don't need.

Halloween Inspiration

2011-09-20T08:29:00.000-07:00

I think that I'm heading out to the fabric store.

Yep, I want to recreate this for Halloween.

Enjoying Reading

2011-09-19T09:38:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not, I have not

been spending as much time on the computer lately.

I was getting sucked in by all the great blogs out there.

Instead, I've been filling out part-time job applications.

Well, that takes computer time because hardly nowhere has in house applications anymore.

I've been working around the house.

I've been working out and cooking and eating clean.

I've been trying to finish half done crafts.

I've been tending what's going to make it through the fall in the garden.

And in the evenings, I'm falling back into a missed habit of reading for enjoyment.

Currently, I'm reading

Vamp: the rise and fall of Theda Bara

I also picked up a few other books, as has become a habit when I go to the library.

Becoming Mae West

because I've read blurbs about her, and my interest was piqued.
Some things that caught my attention were her height and measurements,
which are pretty darn close to mine -
or at least were since I've been losing some.
Then I read she never drank or smoked or cursed, which was surprising I guess because of the characters that she plays, lol.
Once I finish Theda's story, I'll move on to Mae.

Then, I stumbled upon the recipe book section of the library.
That, I cannot resist.
I LOVE food and cooking.
I love making people happy with food, which is so wrong in some ways, hahaha.

I am not a vegan, but this book caught my eye.

The first page I flipped to was a recipe to make a vegan chorizo sausage.
In fact there's a whole section on "sausages."
I had to pick it up just because of that!
Making healthy sausages?! If it comes out tasting half as good as normal chorizo,
well, maybe I'll have a healthy alternative!

Then, I picked up this one.

Turns out it's a vegan one as well!
I had picked it up because of all of the veggies we constantly have from the garden.
I am always on the hunt for new things to do with them all.

I saw one that I'm going to grab next time because it was something like the Gardner's Cookbook.
Knowing me, I'll eventually just check out every cookbook in the place!

I'm in love

2011-09-19T05:25:00.000-07:00

Sealed with love: happy ending for little seal no-one wanted to play with

A little albino seal abandoned by his mother and siblings.

Luckily, he was found and rescued.

So flippin' adorable

Rant of Disappointment

2011-09-18T12:01:00.000-07:00

(found on Zazzle)

I'm really saddened lately by so many folks.

I will not lie,

I have superficial wants, desires.

There are also material things that I would like.

I will often vocalize these as well.

However, I DO NOT think that I am entitled to any of it "just because I think I deserve it."

I think some of it stems from the loss of human touch that I talked about here.

Lately, I have heard a ton of selfish talk.

Gimme, gimme, gimme,

I deserve, I want, I should be given it.

(found on this blog)

I mean, between facebook, blogs, real life eve's dropping,

I'm frankly appalled.

One woman was truly enraged that a perfect stranger wouldn't buy her a drink,

for that matter all of them that she asked.

If she wanted to be out and drinking, she should have brought her own money.

What makes women think that all men are obligated to buy them drinks when they go out?

It's rude, stereo-typical of needy women, and just wrong.

I can honestly say, I never asked anyone to buy me a drink.

I even would spurn the offers.

(this often led to me being called some awful slur, but why would I want to be around a guy like that anyway?)

You can ask my husband.

When I met him, it took a month or more before I would accept a drink from him.

Taken from the Mean Girl Diaries

& you should totally read this post,

rings to everything that I'm thinking!

Take for instance, something really simple - losing weight.

Why do you think all of those diet books, pills and infomercials make a fortune?

People want a quick fix.

Why not just eat correctly, and possibly

get off their bums and move a little?

Too much effort on their part.

There's so much more in my head.

It's wrong, I know this.

But there is this mentality of

"I'm better than thou" from others that is driving me batty.

Little things, holding the door open for the little old lady behind you instead of letting it slam on her.

Yep, seen that done.

For that matter, if I hold the door open for you don't just push past me while looking me up and down.

A "thank you" is just common courtesy.

People have also made themselves think they are better that they are openly hostile, will say horrid things to random strangers and not even hide that they are eyeing you or how you look.

Even my laid back husband has noticed the changes.

And one weekend while we were at an upscale mall doing some shopping, after some women passed us, stopped in front of us, turned and looked me up and down, gave the stink-eye-giggle then turned and walked ahead - he asked, "Why were they looking at you that way?"

Probably that I wasn't head to toe in expensive name brands, but whatev's.
He dwelled on why for quite a bit that day, but some people are very
judgemental.
He thinks it's because I wasn't carrying the $500 dollar purse nor wearing the $500 heels.

It's a shame because that happens more and more frequently with me.

Just rude.

I guess because I'm not a hair-extensioned, fake-tan-expensive-brand-wearing-just-like-everyone-else?

Of course, with adults acting this way, how do we expect the next generation to turn out watching their peers act like they have never left high school?

What ever happened to working for what you want?

Exerting a little effort?

People just want it, and they want it now.

Screw everyone else, they deserve it!

Screw saving money for something you want and making seem more valuable.

Just put it on a credit card and put yourself in debt.

Truly, more and more folks seem like morons

everyday when I hear them open their mouths and

spew forth their rhetoric.

And now, I sound better than thou.

But seriously, can people not become a race of toddlers?

(from here)

Well, well, well.....

2011-09-14T16:04:00.000-07:00

Today, I had my consult with

Tiffany Yee

Yes, Ms. Fitness 2008

Holy crap, right?!

We did calipers, lean muscle percent, fat percent (aye, aye, aye,), goals, symmetry talk, competition talk, nutrition......

Yeah, I wanna do it.

I want to whip myself into crazy good shape and walk across a stage

and perform a fitness routine.

I signed up for starting some training and nutrition plans....

I know, I need to gain tons and lose tons.

I'm a fatty.

But, I want to be fit.

Athletic.

Strong.

It will probably take me longer than others.

(Especially finding the cash to do it. I put the beginning on a credit card today.

It's been at balance $0 for well over a year.)

I will find a way.

If I have to burlesque every night, I will.

I taught myself to do this and the splits.

I have minor dance skillz

& a comedic side.

I will figure it out.

I will make it happen.

Right now, I'm having a glass of wine, an ear of corn with dinner -

hell, I may have 2 more glasses because tomorrow

I start the nutrition plan Tiffany gave me.

I meet with a friend to do "our" version of leg day.

Friday, I meet with Tiffany.

She's going to introduce me to a real

BACK DAY.

Saturday I meet with a friend from roller derby

to go do my first boot camp.

Then, I'm meeting more with Tiffany all next week......

I will more than likely die.

Time to start picking up every penny that I see.

But, this is something that I would want to do for a living.

Teach people how to eat and become healthy.

Not necessarily to be able to go across the stage,

but to be able to eat & exercise in an acceptable way

to be happy & healthy.

LaPetiteMort

Day 113 ~ Body Stat Updates

Making Valentines

Day 106 ~ Body Stats and dipping my toe in to acupuncture

Sunday Sentiment ~ A little food for thought

Blog Love

Day 100 ~ Sidelined

Day 99 ~ Body Stats

Day 97 ~ Push Ups

Okay, stupid, useless, not really important rant about clothes

Day 93 on this Journey

New Competition Time Line, Blinging Suits and Snacks

Randomness & Did you Know?

I went through many years where I was addicted to historical romance novels... and horror/supernatural. If both were mixed together, well, I was in heaven!

I did not finish them, obviously.

I began to doubt myself immensely. It was probably due to my deep insecurities that I had about myself and any ability I may have had.

Also, during my attempt to go back to college, one of my several majors was English. Oh, I aspired to write entertaining books.

So, folks have been planting these seeds in my brain. Right now, they are just seeds.

I have had no light bulbs go off, no immediate ideas, but this may be something to ponder. Maybe, I'll spend some time free writing or jotting ideas in my journal.

Who knows, right?

Behold the Shoes

A Minor Setback, but Good Stuff Too

Play List Love ~ New Find to Me

Tuesday Through Random Photos

Monday Munchies (and a Body Stat Update)

Sunday Sentiments

Day 82 ~ Dance, Dance, Dance

Morning Delight

Non-Fitness Related Post ~ Dreamin'

Day 80 ~ What's Up

Day 78 ~ Too Much Stuff!

Day 75 ~ The Fun Stuff

Day 73 ~ Be Aggressive!

Thank You & Goodbye 2011

Lucy Love

Bringing My Mojo Back

Ideas For Comfortable Yet Glamorous Outfits

She has great pictures of Dita Von Teese leaving her pilates classes and looking adorable.

Her polyvore collage is on that post too.

She's wonderful at doing these.

It gave me some ideas to make my workout wear look a little cuter when I'm leaving and running to stores after the gym. I'm going to add a little cardigan, maybe a little lipstick.

Maybe I'll switch out to some ballet flats, as long as it's not snowing or crazy icy out.

Here's a couple of cute images and ideas.

Here's Dita leaving her pilates class. Just the jacket adds flare, besides a hoodie (which I love hoodies, lol)

(from http://mobi.cocoperez.com/tag/pilates/)

Simple, yet adorable!

So let's see if I can step it up and look cute and fit this year.

Day 66 ~ Indulgences

Day 59 ~ Some pics

Day 58 ~ Body Stat Update.

Breakfast Redo

Day 57 ~ Bah Humbug, but hey there's abs!

Day 52 ~ Becoming More Diligent

Crafty!

Day 49 ~ Theme Ideas

Day 47

Day 44 ~ Enjoying the Ride

Where to begin and guidelines for how to enjoy the journey!

Here are her basic rules, and you can click the link to see how she gives tips about each.

#1 Recognize the Positive on a Daily Basis

#2 Compete with Yourself

#3 Choose Your Expert and Ignore Everyone Else

#4 Plan Ahead

#5 Always Get Feedback

I am definitely going to begin implementing some of the advice that she gives.

I am going to be keeping a journal, hand written.

I definitely need to plan ahead and so much more.

After all, it's all about enjoying the ride.

The end results are just gravy!!....

or cupcakes, or cheesecake....

This evening, fat check, weigh in, cardio and training.

Day 39 ~ Random, Scattered Thoughts

Comparisons ~ Day 38

Getting Crafty.

Day 35 ~New Focus

Day 29

This is my Extravagance

Day 23

Even More Adventures on the Horizon

Pants on the Ground