So you say you want to sell your house (part 3)

So, you sold your house...you found one you like and it isn't falling into the ground and you agreed on a number.  Next up on the list is starting your loan!

We started at our local bank but when our paperwork wasn't correct, we decided to go with a friend of mine.  This honestly has been the easiest part of the whole process!  We brought the paperwork he needed to work up everything and that was it!

Now we are waiting for the appraisals to get done.  Until those are done, we can't get the lone completed!  AHHHHHH!

For once this is all I have to type!  No novel to read :)  You're welcome!

~ <3 ~
Me

So you say you want to sell your house (part 2)

So last I posted, I left you at the point in our journey where we had received an offer on our home.  Let's just save you the frustration and anxiety of the "haggling" :)  After some back and forth, we finally came to an agreement with the buyer.  YAY!

OH.....now the fun stuff....what stays and what goes.  We were pretty lucky with this aspect in that the buyer wasn't too demanding.  So next step was having our home inspected!  They came, they left, all was well.  We are very blessed and lucky that my husband is handy and everything since we have moved in was updated or replaced.

So....that is all done....so now what?  OH, the best part!  Now you find a home in the process of all this mess.

WELL, we found one!  I walked in and felt peace.  I felt like I was home.  I could see our family growing up there.  So, we made an offer.  Now, we were thinking that we would have some "haggling" and be done....like our house.  OH NO!  The seller wanted nothing to do with our offer (which by the way was very fair for the area).  So, we came back again with a better offer.  OH NO!  Again wanted nothing to do with it.  Is it us?  Do we smell funny?

We make one final offer....laid it all out on the table.  FINALLY!  The seller accepted with terms we laid out.  So, now what?  Inspection time!  A few safety concerns, but its small enough that the seller should be able to take care of it.  Now onto the loan.

We sat down to sign off our loan and the agreement paperwork wasn't written up the way we intended it to.  SO, back to square one and we resubmit the offer (no less money to the seller) and we wait.  This whole process has been a waiting game....the seller taking their good ole time getting back to us.  Almost two days go buy and we get a call from our realtor.

Here is the best part!  The seller came back accepting our offer but then taking back things that they agreed would stay when we first agreed!!!!  GASP!  At this point we were so fed up and angry we said we were done.  Skipping past the painful details, we ended up signing an agreement to cancel the entire agreement.  Then the seller changed their tone.....to the point of doing repairs that we didn't even ask to be done that the inspector noted in his report.

We waited and gave ourselves time to really think things over.....and decided to continue with the buying of this house.

Thanks for reading today!  Next up is the loan and appraisal process....OH YAY!  Stay tuned!

~ <3 ~
Me

So you say you want to sell your house? (part 1)

No, this isn't fitness related, but this is what my life entails right now, so I want to share it!

So you decided to sell your house did you??  Thought it would be simple, fun, and easy did you? 

It took us almost 2 years to finally decide to list our home.  We decided to list with a Realtor who we were confident with and who (through friends) got the job done and fast. 

Someone came to take pictures.  I will tell you that if you EVER want to feel like you are living in a strangers home, prep your house for showings.  We moved furniture to our Aunt's house and we cleared all counters and clutter.  I am still looking for things that we have put away.  SO, you get the photos taken....a few days later....BAM!!!!  Your house is officially listed online for thousands of people to see.

So not only am I paranoid wondering what people think about the photos.  I am wondering if they like them enough.....will anyone come and see our house....did we list it too high....what if we miss out on a house we love because ours isn't sold yet.  My brain has been in overdrive.

So our home gets listed on a Tuesday.  Tuesday afternoon my phone goes off and someone wants to see it already the following day.  SO, we have a plan....get home from work....organize a bit and vacuum....pack up the two kids and two dogs.  We head out and grab some dinner and take the kids to the park. 

When you show your house you are given an hour time window.  This means the potential buyer can come 10 minutes before the time or 10 minutes after the end of the hour and stay until they are done.  Now, having two young children and two dogs with you, you hope they come early and leave ASAP so you can just get back home :)

Then you walk back through your door and see that little business card sitting on your counter and all you can think about is "What did they think?!"  "Will they make an offer?!".  So, you just basically have to wait and see!  We are lucky that our Realtor sends a survey which lets you know what the potential buyer thought.  The survey came back great!  So great that they came in and made an offer.....a very low offer.  We were disappointed, but started the "haggling" process and fingers crossed that it would come to an agreement.

That is where I will leave you today...this was a long one.  I will continue within the next few days of part 2!  Thanks for reading!

~ <3 ~
Me

Hit The Bottom

I have officially hit my rock bottom point since starting my journey.  Not everything I do and everything I post is positive.  Sometimes I have to keep it real and be honest with myself and others and let you know that it isn't always a glamorous fitness life.

I got dressed this morning....looked in the mirror.  I saw it.  I felt it.  I looked squishier.  My smaller jeans are getting uncomfortable.  My face is getting rounder.

My eating has been out of control.  My fitness has been lacking.  Just because I am an online fitness coach doesn't mean I can't have moments of weakness.  I still struggle with my eating issues.

I have to do something.  I haven't gotten this far to lose it all.  I worked too hard to give up.  YES I am stressed.....YES I have a lot going on, but I CAN'T use these as excuses!  I WILL NOT GIVE UP!

I refuse to be that tired, lazy, exhausted Mom.  I refuse to be the woman ashamed of her body. 

I WILL be the wife I intended to always be
I WILL be the mother that runs and plays with her children
I WILL be the woman who walks with confidence
I WILL get back into a routine
I WILL start eating better
I WILL NOT........GIVE UP!!!!!

~ <3 ~
Me

Where Have I Been?

Wow......It has been since February since I have last posted an entry.  My trainer recently asked me if I still kept up with my blog.  I had to think about it and realized that I hadn't!  So many things have changed in my life.  A lot on our plate here at home, I started a new job (which has been amazing), I have been struggling in my journey, and I have definitely fallen off the wagon.

All my life I have a pattern.  Whether it was work, or relationships, hobbies, goals.  I start and throw myself into it but then slowly I cut back and taper off and cut things entirely.  I am looking into why I do this.....I am not lazy.....but there is something.  So, here I am getting ready to start all over again!

I am keeping up with my trainer once a week, but once a week isn't enough.  The at home DVD's make it so easy to slack or turn off or just avoid in general.  Ideally, I would win the lottery and hire my trainer daily and also hire a chef to prep and pack everything for me.  Oh.....dreams....they are wonderful :)

So, why have I returned with my blog?  I need to change my habits and I also felt like I was doing better in my journey when I WAS posting my blog entries.

Since my last post, I have run various races.  A 10k, a few 5k's and various workout programs.  My race times have been embarrassing and disappointing.  It is my own damn fault.  So, how convenient now that I want to start as the weather is turning cold and winter will be here before you know it.

In conclusion, here are my GOALS for the remainder of 2015.
-excercise more regularly
-healthier choices and tracking my food
-more personal development (helps stay positive)
-more time with family and friends
-more unplugging from social networking

What are YOUR goals to finish strong this year.  Have you accomplished any that you set in January?  Thanks for reading and love to you all!

~ <3 ~
Me

Happy 100!

Happy 100th Blog Post!!!

So, I have really come a long way.  I feel like I am on this hamster wheel of fitness and going nowhere.  However, on the same hand, I see pictures like THIS and think "Wow, that is a big difference!".

I started my journey (and this blog) back in May of 2013.  I started training with my trainer in April 2014.  I have run 5k's, 10k's, done full sit ups and some band supported chin ups.  Things that I thought would NEVER be possible are becoming a reality!

I come and go on this blog.  No, I have not been consistent, but it has been so therapeutic to write when I need to vent or when I need to find support to keep going in my journey.  Have I thought of giving up?  OH SURE!  But it is so easy to just give up.  That means I am lazy and really don't care one damn bit about myself, or for that matter those around me.

A few months back, I did become a Beachbody coach.  I stepped away from that because there was a lot going on in my life and I just wasn't ready to commit.  Recently I have gotten back into it and feel so satisfied in my life.  I honestly just wasn't ready last time!  It is so hard to explain, but it just feels right the second time around.

I started by ordering a workout program called Piyo.  I never did it.  Then I read about something called 21 Day Fix.  It is a food portion control program and it helps you to not only eat the RIGHT amount, but to eat the right foods to fuel your body!  At this point in my life, I decide to say "What

the hell!".  I mean really, what else do I have to lose, right?  I get it in the mail....read up and go grocery shopping.  My first week I dropped 1.5 lbs.  Week two I dropped 1lb.  Now this past week I wasn't doing so great with the eating, but amazing with working out.  SO, this is my third week and I cannot WAIT to see how well I do!

Now for me, this program is not just a 21 Day thing and done.  This for me is a lifestyle change to keep me healthy for my family and so I can enjoy life better!  I really noticed a difference.  I have more energy, I am happier and just all around less depressed.  Now, living in Ohio, our winters are dark and dreary, so to feel this good is AMAZING :)

I joined a free online support group during this 21 day challenge and the women have been just so wonderful and motivating.  When we have a bad day, we have support.  No judgement.  It is nice to know I am not alone when I slip up and have the support and the eyes watching me making sure I don't do it again.  My Coach has been great in putting this group together, and I have met some amazing women.

So, you can join as a coach to get the amazing discounted price off Shakeology (which is ugghhhhh  so amazing) or a fitness program, but I signed up for another reason.  For that man or woman sitting there not knowing what to do with their life.  Feeling helpless and lost.  Feeling anxiety and nervousness and apprehension of joining a gym or a fitness group.  I was there!  I started running at 200 plus lbs!  My body ached.  I couldn't breathe!  But you know what?  I did it dammit!

I hate when veteran gym rats say "Oh it'll die down after a month.....no one is going to stay".  SCREW THAT!  You go up to them and say hello.  You put a smile on their face knowing that you aren't staring at them in disgust and shame and full of judgement.  That you are there to support their journey no matter what they weigh or what their goals are.  They need people in their lives that will support them and hold them up when they feel like giving up. 

SO, as I am coming up on two years into my journey now (so hard to believe) I am looking back and remembering why I am doing this and trying to stay focused.  I feel more energized and I feel more fit.  Here is to those who are just getting started!  Don't be afraid to ask for help or support.  The people around you who care for you and believe in you will back you up 100%!

My Reason

~ <3 ~

Me

Sick of Being Sick

I will tell you what.  This, hands down, has been my worst end of year yet.  Fitness wise, health wise.  I for some reason keep getting sick.  I have been doing my best keeping up with fitness which I WAS doing decently until this week!

This weekend I have been MISERABLE!  Fevers, coughing, losing my voice, sinus infection.  It never ends!

I am literally SICK of being sick.  I am doing some healthy smoothies, taking my amazing vitamins.  All I have done this weekend has been lay on the couch and sleep.  I have changed over some laundry though LoL.

My body is sore and tired and weak.  Lots of water for me!

My next blog post will be #100!  I want it to be something big and special if I can.  We shall see :) 

Sorry that I haven't been around much.  I am trying to keep everything all in line and together!

~ <3 ~
Me

I'm Back....Right?

WOW!  Almost 2 months since my last blog post!

Well, a lot has changed since then.  First, I have been eating horribly and NOT working out other than my weekly training sessions.  Second, I decided NOT to do the body competition next year.  For me, it is not a good fit with my lifestyle at the moment.

I realized I was spending HOURS at the gym rather than with my family, and it was not what I wanted.  I DO want to get healthy and I DO want to get back in shape.  So, my trainer and I discussed it and he worked up a new plan for me.

Going back to basics!  Starting over!  Back to the beginning to get back on a good track.  To be honest with you, my eating has taken the WORST toll.  Back to my old ways, and it is even worse now because there is no yummy summer fruits that are local and fresh!  I can feel it.  I feel lazy and tired all the time.  I don't feel healthy! 

I really let myself slide this summer by NOT keeping up with my three times a week of running.  I got lazy with it.  I almost had that "I know i can do it so i don't have to prove it to myself" attitude.  I let it pass by and I am angry with myself.  I need to get back to it....I WILL DO IT!

I HAVE to do it!  One of these years I WILL wear a two piece bathingsuit...one of these days I WILL finally feel comfortable in my own skin.  I hope :)

I have to for all of the same reasons that I did it a year and a half ago!  The reasons haven't changed.  My desire for it hasn't changed.  Mentally I need to get back with it and FAST!

Sorry for being gone for so long and thanks for reading this if you stuck with me :)

~ <3 ~
Me

The First Day

Well, today was the first day of a new life.  My goal?  To be in the best possible health of my life.

I decided to take my trainer's offer of prepping for a body competition next year.  YEP!  Next year, I will be posing in a bikini....on stage....posing.  AHHHH!  Even thinking about it freaks me out!

So, my trainer gave me a whole work up of daily work out plans and eating plan.  He has kept it super easy for me to follow, which I am very thankful for.  So, as I am reading, I start to FREAK OUT!  I was so overwhelmed and had NO idea what to do.

Thank goodness for Google!  I was able to look them all up and find images to show me what exactly I need to do.  PLUS I had a fellow gym member who offered to meet me today and "show me the ropes" as you will.  I felt SO much better.

However, I can barely raise my arms to wash my hair.  My legs are so sore from a good 40 minute run and 10 minutes on the step treadmill.  I am sore but am so glad I have started this!

Just had to share, and yes, I will keep you posted.  I took a before picture a few days ago.  I will post them side by side with my progression over time!

~ <3 ~
Me

Feel The Burn

WOW!  So yesterday I felt amazing and near the end of the day I started to get a little bit sore.  I stretched on and off the whole day.  

Can I just say that when I woke up this morning.  I felt the wrath of PT today!  This little meme made me laugh so hard because that is how I feel today!  I had another 30 minute PT (and now I am all caught up on any missed time).  I thought I was going to die!

Started with a walk/run for 10mins then got right into it.  He was training someone today and this gentleman took over my second half.  He did good!  I felt every fiber of muscle in my legs today Ha Ha Ha.

Our little guy woke up with a really nasty cold today.  We had plans to meet a friend of mine who we haven't seen since we got married.  He came from Arizona for a wedding.  Now we don't have anyone to watch our son, so my husband said he would stay home with him.  I feel bad because our date night will not be happening, but I love him for doing that so I can still see a friend.

Well, onward for another busy weekend.  I have missed two Piyo classes after tomorrow because we have had so much going on.  I hate it.  BUT I will be able to start next Saturday, so that makes me happy!

I still have no decided if I will follow into the footsteps of my friend and start training for that competition.  I am figuring it all out in my mind.  I also need to find the time to discuss it with my trainer.  So many things to think about!

Ok, I am tired, and sore, and tired :)  This is blog post 96!  Almost to 100!  I don't keep up as much as I should, but 100 is impressive I think!  Have a great weekend everyone!

~ <3 ~
Me

An Interesting Proposition

So, after two weeks of no PT time, off I went for a full HOUR!  I was a bit nervous because I have just been feeling so out of shape and blob-like.  I warmed up with a 5 minute brisk walk and a 5 minute jog.  THEN it began.

I am going to regret typing this, but it was a tough yet doable workout.  I didn't feel like death until I had the spaghetti arms this afternoon :) A bit off topic, but my trainer says today, "Are you going to talk about me today?".  Hey....at least I know that people are reading my blog right?!  On the other hand I'd better watch what I say huh?  :) 

Any who.....I do feel strong.  We got on the topic of working out as well as crossfit (which his explanation as to pros and cons really made sense) and I was saying how the 203+ lb me wouldn't have been able to do much of anything.  There are many things that I know I can't do YET.  YET being the key word.

So also during my training Tommy says "Are we going to get you to do THAT next year?"  As he points to the wall where gym members competed in a natural body building competition.  Immediately I say "NO WAY!".  He asks me "Why not?"  Then he said something that really resonated with me after I left. "It gives you a goal to attain to keep you motivated."  I mean....how could I do that?  I can barely sing in front of people (I am not horrible either by the way) how would I get up on stage in a skimpy bikini and pose?  Even as I type it I get panicky.

Then I started thinking......"why not have that as a goal?" What scares me most is the eating.  I really think I am addicted to food.  Not good food either.  Just junk.  I know it takes a lot of dedication to clean eating and fitness. 

I have a friend of mine who is really into it and has progressed amazingly this year and done great

with competing!  Congrats Nicole!!!  That is here right there.....doesn't she look AMAZING?!  Truly and inspiration to me and many others.

So I guess I would need to have a plan and see what I need to do and create a goal?  I don't know!  But he was right.  When I have a goal to accomplish I can strive for it!  When I don't, I will just sit here in the middle and stay stable.  That hit me because it is how I function!

So, here I am trying to figure out what I should strive for.  As stated today "Don't you want to be in the best physical health/shape of your life?" 

YES I DO!!!!!

~ <3 ~
Me

I Hate Geese!

So, I went for a run today knowing that I wouldn't be able to go tomorrow.  Toby and I were doing great UNTIL this huge group of geese started wandering in a field we ran by.

I am sure he is trying to kill me!  These geese are just sitting there....chillin'....mocking my dog.  Ugghhh!

I almost didn't go and run today because it was misting outside.  You know that fine annoying mist?  However a friend sternly told me to get off my lazy butt and go running.  It ended up raining pretty hard, so I felt bad for Toby as we ran through the cold rain.  He was a trooper though :)

I noticed that I am pretty sore today but not in my thighs or calf muscles.  My shins!  That makes me nervous as to maybe now that I have dropped some weight that maybe I need a different shoe for support?  I haven't consistently ran a few days in a row in probably almost a year!  So I am really seeing how the shoes are doing.

Ok, I am tired and sore.  I am going to stretch and head to bed!  I still have a long week ahead!

~ <3 ~
Me

Back From The Dead

So I had to post this.  I did a blog post awhile back called RIP Fitbit One .  So My husband was letting me use his Fitbit Zip (which I didn't really like) and I got off track from using it.  SO, I browse eBay and find a used one for $30!  That is a steal for a $100 step counter brand new!

So, I buy it and it says I should get it in just a few days.  So, while I am completing my order, I go and find my old one to get it's accessories together.  I decided to give it one more go at working and BAM.  It turns on!  I couldn't believe it!!!!  I kid you not I had tried just a few weeks prior to turn it on again and nothing happened.

I charge it up and it works just fine!  SO, I decided to give this new (used) fitbit one to my husband.  I FINALLY got it today!  It took 2 weeks from Texas to get here...ridiculous!!  So I am charging it up for my husband so he can use it, and I am giving the Fitbit Zip to a friend who I know will love it and use it daily like I am now doing again.

I missed my Fitbit One.  I don't know what about it makes me use it more, but I enjoy it and I did miss it.  Just a quick post to share!

I  plan on running with Toby tonight since the weather is so gorgeous.  I can't wait to get home!

~ <3 ~
Me

My New Running Partner

This here is our newest addition to the family.  His name is Toby and we adopted him the end of August.  I have been having the baby bug and now that we made the decision to have no more children, this guy here was the next best thing.

It has been an adjustment between skin issues, and issues with our other dog Krista.  But slowly but surely he really is coming around. 

He has been such a snuggly ball of fur for me and I just love him so much and it filled whatever void I had.  As exhausting as he can be. it really has been a joy to have him around and to know we rescued him!  We adopted him from NE Ohio Lab Rescue and I am so glad we did!

He has been amazing with the children and our other dog.  SO, I decided to make the decision that he would be my new running partner.  He is pretty good on a leash.  That means he still needs corrected and managed slightly to avoid distractions.

I researched for a whole weekend online as to what would be a good leash to use when I take him running.  I hate having the leash in my hands because it is so distracting to me and I can't focus on my run because I am to worried about how I am holding the leash and how it feels in my hand.  When my research was complete I had found the perfect solution.

So this is the Stunt Puppy Stunt Runner Hands-Free Dog Leash.  I bought it on Amazon.  Big surprise because I buy everything off their website LoL.  So we started last week.  Day 1 was really hard.  I have bruises on my shins and I am pretty sure I took fur off his paws when he cut me off to chase squirrels or people to play with.

Day 2 went a bit better.  I only tripped over him once.  I would say that was pretty good!  The only issue is that his training collar slides around his neck so sometimes I have to make a quick stop to adjust it for him.

Today went VERY well!  I took him to one of the local Metroparks with a friend and we ran together.  I did the best time since I started running again and made it in just over 37 minutes.  I have really been struggling, so I was so happy with that result.  There were a TON of people walking past us and he did AMAZING!.

Our first furry baby loves walks, but she can't keep up with the runs.  She hits 1.5 miles and she just stops.  Her arthritis gets bad too and then she can't even walk up the small 6 steps to get upstairs.  I feel bad when I leave her behind, but she just can't do it.

So, our Toby has been doing amazing and I will tell you something; he behaves so much better when he gets that exercise. 

So, this has been my crazy life so far.  I have been a lazy bum with my fitness and eating.  I just started back up with my running this past week because my last two races have been AWFUL time wise.  Work, kids, dogs, life.

Never a dull moment, but I am taking it in stride and enjoying every moment as I can :)  Happy Fall to all of you my friends.  Enjoy your baked goods and cinnamon-y smells.  I have my fall candles going and my fall decorations up.  Pumpkins, pumpkins, pumpkins.  I just love pumpkins! :)

 

~ <3 ~

Me

The Inner Crossfit Struggle and Other Struggles

**Warning - Rant Near The End**

Ok, so recently I started researching Crossfit.  My trainer doesn't like it so much, doctors don't seem to support it, and article upon article I read tells me I will become hospitalized and just fall to pieces.

On the other side, I have friends that are avid "Crossfitters" and some that go every once and awhile.  I also know people who are hard core into it and everything else sucks.

I am so confused!  There are two "Boxes" near my home.  Probably the same distance, however they have different hours.  One has later hours for WOD time and the other has them in the morning/afternoon.  Both have mandatory newbie type classes to learn technique and such so that you DON'T fall to pieces.

I feel like as much time as I put into researching, I can't find anything that makes me decide one way or the other.

On top of that I have the financial struggle.  I want so bad to start the Piyo program through BeachBody and train with my friend who has become a coach.  It's so expensive and I just can't swing it right now but I want to so bad!  OH the struggles LOL

It is so frustrating that almost daily we are bombarded with these "options" for us.  WHICH, by the way, none of them are cheap or feesable.  Why should I have to sit and say "Hmmm groceries this week or a new fitness routine?".  The one that aggravates me the most is the "Hmmm $100 for groceries, or $300 for organic pesticide free so my family can grow healthy and disease free."

WHY SHOULD WE HAVE TO MAKE THAT DECISION?!?!?!?!?!

It should be organic or bust.  We don't need bananas the size of a squirrel or watermelons the side of my 3 year old son.  I will take organic over not ANY day.  BUT.....why does it have to be so expensive.  They are making it too easy to choose the disease causing foods because it's affordable.  Because in today's times you need a double income to aid in child care, mortgages, and other expenses.  SO when it comes to your monthly expenses you have to save money.  After cutting tv, phone....you start looking elsewhere and it is TOO easy to do it to the food.

It digusts me that we live in a country so in bed with pharmaceutical companies and the government that SOMEHOW they have brainwashed a large percentage of people that live here.  Look around....how many fit people do you see?  Not as many as I would like.  When you go out to eat, why do they give you food for 4 people on your plate?

Ok, seriously I could go on and on and on.

My squirrel moment brought to you via: Our son announcing he is swinging by himself.....and he is.  Pumping his legs.  All by himself.  

Ok, so any who.  I guess I am just so overwhelmed that I don't know what to do, where to start, and what to believe.  My sensory issues are on overload and I think I am losing my mind.

If you have made it this far, I applaud you and thank you.  If you didn't, I totally get it :)

~ <3 ~
Me

Final 5k for 2014

Well, I ran my final 5k for 2014.  With my surgery I did miss one race because I was still feeling jut a bit sore.

My husband and I ran together.  Well, we started together :)  He did amazing.  Really, for someone who doesn't work out and hasn't trained for running, he ran this race in 31:44.  I however was not so lucky.  This was my worst time ever.  I ran in 36:00.  Last year I ran in 35:17.  That is a huge difference!

I did have to remind myself though that last summer I was running three times a week at 3 miles.  This summer I was really struggling to stay motivated.  I have maintained my training once a week, but my running really took a hit.  It is my own fault and I really needed to put everything aside and go after it.

After having my IUD removed, I have to say I have been feeling amazing!  I am not as "angry" as I was feeling.  I just in general feel great!  I really think it was messing with my body.  I am so glad I had it removed.  It is better for everyone :)

SO, the cooler weather is approaching and here I am.  The same place I was last year although even more nervous.  How will I do over the winter.  Will I maintain, will I get more intense and try to lose the weight.  I am able to go to the gym that I train at and use their equipment and treadmills.  Ugghhhh treadmills :)  Ellipticals are also there as well as the dreaded step mill....how I hate her, yet she works and makes you gross and sweaty!

So, this afternoon I am relaxing under a blanket and enjoying some quiet time before the rest of my day comes to an end.  Thanks for reading, and I do hope to post again soon!

~ <3 ~
Me

First Workout Post Surgery

Well, I had my first PT (Personal Training) session since my surgery!  I am one week post surgery and still have slight surface soreness and definitely some internal soreness.  I don't see myself running for maybe a few more days.  All of that bouncing and jiggling still isn't super comfy yet.

I was nervous for PT today but excited to get back into it.  I was off last week because I had to change my PT day with a changing work schedule and it landed on my surgery day.  That meant, because my trainer had the time, that I did an hour to make up for last week!  WOW was it a hard hour!  My

trainer pushed me and near the end I had to tie my shirt up to get it off my incisions because it was sticking and pulling.  OWIE! 

I seriously needed one of these handy 80's tshirt clips.  Don't act like you don't know what these are or that you never used one.  WE ALL DID!  :)  After I was able to adjust my shirt I felt better but realized something about myself.  I REFUSED to look at myself in the mirror.  All of this progress and my body still makes me turn away!  I closed my eyes (which also helps me focus on breathing and finishing strong with my reps).  I get distracted when I see myself and when I feel tired it makes me feel even MORE tired watching myself.

I think it didn't help that for the past week I have been so over bloated from surgery PLUS my period should come this coming week. Not sure though since my body has been through a lot recently.  Just been feeling a bit blah lately and that is ok, but it now is time to snap out of it and get back into the swing of things.

Back to the eating and fitness schedule.  We have some time off coming up followed by the start of the school year!  I can't even believe our baby is going to be in Kindergarten!  These years are flying by!  AHHHH!

Ok, that was my squirrel moment HaHaHa  I am having such a hard time focusing because I got nailed with an awful sinus unfection this morning and can't even keep it together to type.

Thanks for reading and I will try to post again soon!

~ <3 ~
Me

Recovering!

Well my friends, surgery went well!  All went as planned and I was out of there in no time!  I felt amazing yesterday.  When I woke up out of anesthesia i had a cracker and some motrin and was fine for the day!  I even changed sheets and swiffered the floors....SHHH don't tell my doctor.

I took another motrin today to help with inflammation and vacuumed and have been just laying around on the couch.  I hopped in the shower quickly and realized one of my incisions was bleeding.  I gave myself some new bandages and decided I had pushed myself enough and needed some down time.

As I was home yesterday I got a delivery from UPS.  Those gorgeous flowers are from one of my best and amazing friends....Yurisa!  They are gorgeous and smell amazing!  She is so sweet!  My parents also came over and brought us dinner from this amazing Italian restaurant around here called Dino's. It was SOOOO yummy!  I ate it in seconds and enjoyed every moment of it :)

So, my doctor said everything went well.  I have a follow up this week.  I had my mirena removed and my tubes removed also.  I didn't have any soreness I read about!  No pain in the shoulders or back from the gas breaking down.  Just my incisions today are a little sore, so I am keeping up with the motrin for the inflammation and trying to stay comfy.  I am also trying not to over do it.  Since I am so bored I keep doing random things and I should just lay here and let my pool boy take care of me :)

My husband has been amazing.  So helpful with the kids and things around the house.  He truly is my prince charming!

Ok, my friends....just wanted to say hello and that all went well!  I will post soon!

~ <3 ~
Me

Almost Time and Progress Pic!

Well, I call the hospital tomorrow to get the time of my surgery Friday.  I am a bit nervous, but at the same time I just am anxious to get this thing over with already :)

I started researching having my tubes tied.  We have discussed and decided that we are not having any more children.  I read that 5 in 1,000 women have an unplanned pregnancy even after having their tubes tied.  Ummmm....HELLO!!!  I was 8 in 1,000 to have my Mirena fail.  I was NOT about to take that risk! 

I called my OB and he called me after hours to discuss what I wanted done and the pros and cons.  I love him.  He is an amazing doctor and just has such a calming presence.  So during our conversation he mentions the option of removing my tubes.  I was a bit hesitant but he then said "If we did that, it significantly reduces your risk of ovarian cancer."  After that, it was a done deal!  The cancer risk is fairly high in my family, so it was a no brainer!

Now onto something new.  I went back to Karate group class today!  I also went for a run once I got home.  It felt amazing!  I am going to do my "homework" tomorrow as my last moment of activity.  I am not sure how I will feel after friday.  From what I have read I will be in pain as the gasses they use to inflate my stomach for surgery break down.  I am hoping that is just Friday and I am good to go the rest of the weekend.

I re-started my couch to 5k app using it for interval training.  I haven't been super consistent with it so I doubt it has helped me much yet.  I am trying!  It is funny going back a year ago though and seeing how much farther I can go now in the same amount of time that I had last year.  It makes me happy.

Here is a new progress picture....It isn't great because I am bloated from just finishing my period and now I will be HUGE and bloated after this surgery, so I probably won't have a good one for another month or so!

 I feel like I haven't made much progress

I look leaner and more muscular however....my arms are stronger and my core is stronger....not strong enough but I am getting there.  UGGHHH.  I did start on my eating schedule with my trainer....just a few cheating days here and there but I noticed how quickly my stomach thinned out.  Someone told me it was because the foods I was eating were a natural anti-inflammatory.  Next week starts a new cycle of foods and I am anxious to get started.  4 weeks of the same foods have been driving me insane!

Ok, thanks for reading and I will try to post this weekend after surgery!

~ <3 ~
Me

A Little Rain Didn't Hurt Anyone

Had a little PT today with Tommy at YDM (Your Daily Motivation) Fitness today.  After that I went for a run.  It rained a bit on and off but it felt amazing.

I decided to start using my Couch to 5k App again! Click Here  I decided to use it for interval training and working on improving my time.  Today was alternating 1 minute of running with 1:30 of walking.  When I did the one minute I was RACING!  It felt great!

I went back saw that when I first started I did 1.99 miles and today I did 2.31 miles!!  I can't complain about that!  It felt good and I was really huffing and puffing!

I was kind of excited because during training today my trainer said "Now that your stomach is small enough we can start really toning and tightening things up".  WHAAAAAAAT?!?!  WOOOOO!  I will post an updated photo soon but this made my day!  I noticed that just within the past week I have really thinned out in my stomach area.  I just have my "Mom pouch" right now.

The eating has been going....it hasn't been easy, but it has been making quite the difference.  I am only on week two but I do notice my body slimming up.  A woman I work with says its acting as an anti inflammatory and reducing the swelling in my body.  HEY....I'll take it!

The countdown until my surgery is quickly approaching!  Still nervous yet calm about it at the same time.  I just want to get it over with!

Ok everyone...thanks for reading!  I'll make it back here soon!

~ <3 ~
Me