Fun with breakfast!!!!

I like to eat breakfast!!!!!!  And I like to have FUN!!!! So why not combine the two?????  So you take these simple ingredients......take a coffee mug....spray it with non-stick spray....break the egg and mix it in the mug....tablespoon of bacon (only 25 calories)....and one cut up laughing cow wedge.  I like a lil spice, so I use the chipotle flavored one.  Stick in the microwave for a minute and you get YUMMY FLUFFY eggs that taste mighty good! And keep you nice and full.  I eat this breakfast before my morning workout :-)  And BTW....I'm getting on the scale tomorrow morning and I'm quite CERTAIN that I will have reached my first goal.  To be in the 150's BEFORE Christmas! Wooooo whooooo!

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I know I've been the absolute WORST at blogging lately!!!!!!  So once again I shamefully apologize.  I'm still doing P90X and loving it.  At this point I'm convinced this is the workout for me (along with my power walks...weather permitting), because every time I walk by a mirror and see the results I'm stunned.  Even now that the Christmas season is upon us and my baking skills are being put to the test every day.  I'm not finding it hard to resist small temptations :-)  Alllllllmost to my first goal!!!!
Today is my last final and then I'm off for month.  I plan on making this blog fun and interesting during that time......
Much love to all!

Week 5

Good morning peeps!  I know I'm terrible for not having blogged in a long time.  I only have one word "SCHOOL".  I've been really good however.  Just started week 5 of P90X on Sunday.  I increased my weights.  So we'll see how that goes.  My weight is good....I'm happy to reveal that I am ALMOST out of the 160's.  I really would like to be in the 150's by New Years.  I think I can!!!!!!!!  I will be baking this year though! I can't pass that up.....I just won't eat it.  I'll give it all away to friends and neighbors!!!!!!  (Ok....maybe just a taste) 

Bringing it!!!!!!

Morning folks!!!!!! I'm in the middle of my third week of P90X....and still LOVING it!!!!!! Not once, have I dreaded doing it.  Especially when I see the results.  I'm doing the P90X Lean version, and this  morning I was supposed to do the YogaX.  Well....since I'm not a HUGE fan of yoga (only cuz I'm not uber flexible) I decided to switch it up a bit and do the Plyometrics.  Uh-HELLO!!!!! Never in my life have I sweat so much! Gawh!!!!! I'm dieing here! But I feel great....and I didn't throw up.
So thanks to Tony Horton I am now one size smaller in jeans and all this in less than 3 weeks.  In fact, I'm in need of everything new below the waist (I won't elaborate), because it's all "literally" falling off my _______!

2nd week of P90X. Have not missed any workout!!!!! Waist is looking GOOD!!!!! Nuff said ;-) P90X! YEAH!
(Oh! And weight is down too!) I sense jean shopping in the near future.

Tomorrow is my "rest day" and OH BOY am I ready for it!!!!! As of today I've done 6 days in a row of P90X and I am liking it more and more every day.  Yesterday I did legs and back, and then Ab Ripper X and today I did Kenpo X.  I've never done any form of martial arts.  I did box many moons ago so the arms moves were familiar.  The kicks got me though!!!!! OMG!!!!! My arse is on FIRE!!!!! I'm feeling it from my butt cheeks on down to my quads and inner thighs.  Every time I sit down or get up I'm reminded of the 58 minute workout I did this morning!!!!! HOLY MOLY!!!!!!  I'm really thinking this day of rest tomorrow will do me some good....BUT it's a good thing I'm not going to be sedentary because I have a feeling that it wouldn't be pretty if I was.

Moving right along....

So yesterday I did a double whammy.....P90X Arms and Shoulders and Ab Ripper X.  Holy HECK did it hurt! All day I was holding my stomach every time I laughed or sneezed.  Today was Yoga X, and might I add, that SURE is a long work out!!!!!  Had to cut it short due to time.  Spent the day in Tunica with my company, so I didn't have time to work-out this morning like I prefer to do.  Doesn't matter though.....got a nice work-out in with lots of yoga poses and plenty of sweat! I really do need to work on my flexibility so I'll give myself more time for this monstrous workout next week.  So far so good....not falling apart yet.  Tomorrow is legs and back (I think) and another Ab Ripper X-YIKES!!!!! Scared! But looking forward to it.....I think I agree with Tony Horton....he says "Ab Ripper X....I hate it, but I LOVE IT!!!!"  Oh....and FYI....(my opinion) Ladies: If you are thinking about getting P90X, I highly recommend, if anything, it's very pleasant to watch.  Lots of eye candy.....HELLO!!!!!

Cardio X

I just did day 2 of my P90X....Cardio X....still loving it!!!!!  This time there was only one move that I couldn't do (which was actually also part of yesterday's workout).  D'reya rolls....OMG....I feel like such a retard for NOT being able to do these!!!!!!  Maybe with some more practice.....
Anyway....I have so much adrenalin now!!!!! Ready to conquer the day!!!!! My parents are coming and so is our wonderful "life long" friend Ms. Valerie Clark.  She's known me since the day my parents brought me home =) 
I have dinner already going in the crock pot, my house is clean (thank you James for doing MOST of it), and now I'm off to my class.  Have a nice day everyone!
P.S.  Feeling a burn in my quads and abs today.

P90X!!!!!

K peeps....I know I haven't blogged in some time now....I'm sorry.  I was waiting for my P90X to come in, now I'm sure I'll have a TON to talk about.  Started it this morning.  There are 3 different ways to do it (as some of you may or may not know), I'm doing the "LEAN" version.  Seemed about right for me.  Today was "Core Synergistics". HELLO!!!!! I did the entire hour workout and was able to complete about 80% of the moves......BUT DANG!!!!!!  All I can say is I'm glad I warmed up with Jillian before I tackled this!!!!  It was TUFF!!!!!  But FUN. And that's why I like it!!!!!  I'm not in any pain....yet....but I do feel a nice little burn in my core today.  I think what I'm going to like the most about P90X, is that it changes every day.  I get bored easily.  I'm really looking forward to this!!!!!! 

BEEN FOREVER AGO!!!!!

Omg! I feel so bad for not blogging lately! I've been good though.....Not SUPER good....just GOOD.  Have not had a double workout in a while....which is frustrating.  I really like double workout days.  I have though, been doing something every day.  Today Connie and I took a really nice power walk. We were aiming for 9-10 miles but had to cut it short once we got near our houses because one of the "lesser friendly" neighborhood dogs was on the loose.  He's a boxer.  And scary. And Connie and I....well, we don't really dig big dogs.  We got past 8 miles however....so still not too bad.  Another thing that has been frustrating me lately....my dang P90X STILL hasn't come!!!!! In the mean time, I'm still shredding.  Please dear God....please make it come tomorrow!!!!! Please. 

Kettle Bells: Before and After

Today I dusted off my good old kettle bell and did an hour long kettle bell workout.  The workout consist of 3 total body circuits all in which the kettle bell is used.  At the end of the 3 circuits (the last one btw...is SUPER fast paced) there is about 15 minutes of ab strengthening, also with the kettle bell.  Now let me do a quick comparison for you! ;-)
Before Shred:  When I did KB workouts not only did my "arse" hurt something fierce afterwards, but I was never able to complete the ab portion.  I would mostly just lay there like a dead fish and imagine doing the moves in my head.  Yeah....pretty lame....I know.  Sometimes when I did KB workouts, especially after long pauses of not doing it, I couldn't even sit down on the toilet my glutes hurt so bad. 
After Shred:  I OWNED this work out today!!!!!!  OMG!!!!!! It felt great! And the best part!!!! (Can you tell I'm excited???) I made it ALL THE WAY thru the ab part.....WITHOUT PAUSING!!!!!!  And in case you're wondering, I sat down just fine on the commode today.  Of course, I felt a "slight" tug in my glutes....but nothing like before.  The hand weights I used for Shred are 3 and 5lb, and my KB is 10lb. SO.....the only place I'm noticing anything today is in my biceps and shoulders.  But it's not bad....nothing to complain about.  Good night folks......can't wait to start P90X!!!!!!

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Done with SHRED!!!!!!

Yay!!!!! Completed Shred yesterday....highly recommend.  It's only a 20 min work out but that's what I like about it best.  Weight still hasn't budged much....so I'm still sticking to small frequent meals but I'm adding MORE protein.  I'm bound and determined to find out what makes me body tick.  James bought me P90X today....so that's my new focus.  Can't wait until it gets here!!!!!!  In the mean time, I'll keep doing my power walks (6.43 miles this morning) and I'll also keep shredding.  This weekend is gonna be super busy with Bambina's birthday and studying for an upcoming exam....so if you don't see any posts....don't you dare think I gave up!!!!!  That's NOT the case.  Hope you all are doing well....much love to all!

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Tomorrow is it!!!!!  LAST day of shred.  I didn't do 30 days in a row, but I sure as heck did 30 days.  Started on August 26th to be exact.  I really like those workouts....so until I figure out what do to next (still thinking about upgrading to P90X) I'll stick to those, maybe alternate Level 2 and Level 3.  Maybe I'll even try to squeeze in a day of Kettle Bells.  Who knows?????  All in all....I feel great.  I especially like how my arms and abs firmed up.  Still have a lot of work to make goal....but I DO see the light at the end of the tunnel ;-)

Back in the saddle....

After a day of being "down" due to dental work and consequential headache.....back in the saddle today and completed day 7 of level 3 of shredding.  I can't believe it's almost over! I'm gonna be sad. I know I will still do the shred workouts from time to time....I really enjoy them. I can remember when I started and I did day 1 of level 1 and I thought I was gonna die.  Laughing at that now!!!!! Thinking about maybe investing in P90X next.  Not sure.  Any thoughts?

Manic Monday

I was good this weekend....shredded both days....Saturday and Sunday.  Level 3 is still kicking my "abs".  Didn't have time to shred today, but I did manage a good walk this morning before school....it was lovely out might I add!  Love mornings like that....Cool breezes, sun.....
Today was Hank's birthday.  Wanted to make a home cooked mealed but ran out of time for that as well.....Monday night is Boy Scout night. We ended up eating at McDonalds.  (Blech!) I ordered my usual, cheeseburger Happy Meal, no ketchup.  Been a while since I had Mickey D's.....felt like a big pile of crap after I ate it.  Think I'll cleanse tomorrow by eating nothing but fruits and veggies....I'm serious....my insides feel like "mush".  Sayonara boys and girls...I'm OVER and OUT! Peace. Namaste.

Ta-Dah!

Yesterday was my birthday....and in celebration, I busted out an old pair of jeans that I have not been able to wear in a long time.  Well actually....I COULD wear them....just not comfortably.  This is brave ya'll! I actually took a picture of myself in them!!!!!  (Hence, the photo)  Heck ya I was nervous!!!!!! But I SWEAR!!!!! I'm not sucking it in!!!!!  I wore these jeans ALL DAY!!!! Wore em proud too!!!!!! Even ate in em and didn't have to unbutton them!!!!!  Now here's the BAD part.....I didn't work out yesterday.....NO TIME! I know, I know I said no excuses.....What could I have done differently? Woken up an hour earlier I suppose. Got caught up today though......after a long day at school (clinicals) I came home and shhhhhredddded.  Felt good too! And now I'm ready to go out tonight and celebrate my birthday =)

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Day 3 of level 3 this morning.  Getting a little bit easier but skill feeling it! Which is good I guess.  Since I DO like to feel as though I actually exerted myself.  I changed my eating habits as well.  Remember a while back how I said I was getting fuller faster????  Well....I don't like that feeling, so now I'm only eating small meals but more frequently.  I'm such an air-head for not implementing that sooner! I'm always telling people that it's best to eat smaller meals more frequently rather than stuffing yourself full with three squares. DUH SONIA!!!!!!  Been doing that since Monday and I'm down 2.5lbs.....and that's GREAT actually, considering I'm at the greastest "water retention" part of a ladies cycle.....I know I know! TMI.....That is why I say no more......;-)

Did you get your MUFA's today?

Yesterday was a much needed break.  Had my first nursing exam in Clinical Foundations and felt I needed to compensate for my misery by making a batch of brownies.  Not just ANY brownies though.  First of all, brownies are a great way to get your MUFA's in.  Did you know that?  MUFA's btw....are mono unsaturated fatty acids.  Healthy fats.  They are found in healthy oils, such as olive oil, avocados, nuts, and (my fav) dark chocolate.  So these brownies you see, are not only a source of MUFA's (I used Ghiradelli dark chocolate), but I also threw in a batch of fresh raspberries!!!!!  Makes em so good!  Even my "non-fruit eating" child loves them.  The best thing I like about MUFA's is that they battle belly fat.  So I try to incorporate them into every meal ;-)
Today was NO BREAK at all.  Did my usual morning power walk with my pal Connie and when I got home from school I did DAY 1 of LEVEL 3 of 30 Day Shred.  All I can say is WOW!!!!!  In level 3 Jillian introduces a lot of metabolic increasing jumping moves.  I hung in there like a champ.....but afterwards, my poor legs felt like jello!!!!!  Still feeling great! Ready to go jean shopping as my currents ones are too loose in the waist and arse.....(doing happy dance!) 
Those of you who follow my blog....Thank you.  And don't forget to consume your MUFA's!

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Some things that amaze me.....

I know I know! I'm behind.  But I've been working hard.  On Thursday I did day 8 of shred as promised and on Friday (crazy day) I walked AND shredded.  As amazing as I feel when I do back to back work-outs, I've decided that I like it better when I take a break in between work-outs....on my double w/o days.  Overall I'm feeling great and I'm noticing the most difference in my abs and arms.
Now I'd like to point out some things that amaze me that I've discovered lately.
1.) I'm amazed at my lack of appetite.  Don't get me wrong....I DO get hungry.  But I'm getting fuller faster.  Example:  Last night I ordered this INSANELY loaded with calories and fat sandwich.  It was a Monte Cristo.....hadn't had one in a VERY long time.  There was a time when I could eat the whole thing....and of course, feel like doggie doo afterwards.  Much to my surprise, when my food arrived (the Monte Cristo with a side of slaw) my gut instantly turned it away....before it even touched my mouth.  Even though it "sounded" good....it's not what my body wanted.  I only ate one piece (it was cut into 4) along with the slaw and the pickle.
2.) Second thing I'm amazed at, and this kind of links into reason #1, is the fact that I'm totally craving different things now.  If anyone has any interesting feedback in regards to this I sure would like to know. 
3.) Third.....I'm amazed at how well I'm feeling.  No aches, pains, headaches, sleeping problems...in fact, I'm sleeping better than I ever have. At this point I can't imagine resorting back to any other sort of life-style.  Before I always found excuses to not work as hard.....excuses like, too much school work, too much house work, oh it's the holidays, it's cold out....blah blah blah....NO MORE.  =)
Today is my last day of shredding on level 2.  And I'm gonna do it.....RIGHT NOW.

Battle of the breakfast!

I knew it was gonna be a hard day when I was faced with an important decision FIRST thing this morning!!!!!!  Steel cut oats or Greek yogurt! Such a hard decision and wayyyyy to early.  After pacing in my kitchen and pondering.....I chose the.....YOU GUESS!!!!!! Was it the healthy and nutritiously filling steel cut oats OR the creamy and equally satisfying Greek yogurt?
After my breakfast I walked a hella bunch of miles again with my girl Connie.  And it was HOT and HUMID this morning at 8:30.  Sadly I confess, that I didn't shred today.  No time.  Had to grocery shop, do a TON of school work, take a kid to the Dr. (again), and make dinner.  Will shred tomorrow....promise!

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Day 7 of level 2!!!!!!

So I'm almost done with level 2....can't believe it!!!!!  I'm almost scared to move on to 3 :-/  I get a good burn with level 2.  Those blank exercises and plio (spelling) moves KILL!!!!!! 
Yesterday morning I did a power walk....then yesterday afternoon I shredded.  After I worked out I started helping Harley with his homework and he says...."EWE! Mommy!!!!!  You stink!!!!" Guess I really sweat a lot!!!!!  LOL  Today I only shredded ....but still....damn proud of myself for making it this far.  I plan on looking smoking hot for my birthday celebration coming up. Did get on the scale again this morning but no significant weight loss.....HOWEVER (interesting point) I donned this dress yesterday, that I bought and wore over the summer.  Just a little regular cotton summer dress, size large.....well CHECK THIS OUT.....it was so BIG on me! Felt like I just put on a moo-moo......I even had to pin it in a lil in the breast area.  So yeah....BIG SMILES!!!!!!!

Friday was great!!!!!!  Did a seven mile walk with Connie, then came home and shredded.  My body felt amazing after all that hard work.....was a good day =)
Saturday.....not so much.  Was my first day of clinicals for school.  Woke up at the butt-crack of dawn and made it to school by 7a.m.......looooong day.  But this is how my Saturday's are gonna be for the next 12 weeks.....so I had better get used to it!  And I will.  No work out yesterday....super bummed!
But as I said before....it's okay to get off track....just as long as you get back on! Which I did.  Shredded again this morning and I'm back to feeling great.  Gonna meet Connie in the morning for another treck before class.  No pain! NO GAIN!

True Grit

So I got on the scale this morning.  Nothing.  No change. Nada.  Are YOU KIDDING ME!!!!?????  I was shocked.  Not upset, as I didn't gain, but SHOCKED.  No biggie.  Trying not to focus so much right now on the number.  More like....how I'm feeling and what I'm seeing.  Which is great by the way! I'm sleeping good, waking up in better moods, overall just better.  This picture was of my lunch today....and as you can see, I ate my lunch while doing my homework (note dosages book on the side).  I walked 5 miles this morning, then shredded this afternoon.  It was a nice "release" after an afternoon of school work.  Another reason why I'm not so concerned with the number right now is this: Scenario-I'm wearing black velvet yoga pants, and a clingy white tank top with gold and silver flecks on it (My Saint colors), and I'm leaning over the kitchen counter writing a letter to Kennedy's school for some classes that she missed yesterday.  In walks James from behind me.  James says "LOOKING PRETTY GOOD FROM BACK HERE!"  I say "Oh you're just saying that!" James replies "NO! I'm dead serious."  So yeah.....yay me!!!!!!!

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Being nice to myself.....

First let me explain.  I'm truthfully not becoming a slacker.  I took a break yesterday.  Had to! I owed it to myself.  This past weekend kicked my arse!  Housework, homework, workouts, parties, kids, husband, more homework, more kids....I was drained.  So I took yesterday off.  I didn't exercise.  Instead I did MORE HOMEWORK and relaxed with my family and friends at a nice Labor Day cook out at my wonderful friends (Tina and Jeff) house.  The one thing to always remember when you get off track....is that it's easy to get back on.  So today.....I woke up with bells on (not literally...but you know) and as soon as the kids were gone did Day 1 of Level 2 of the 30 Day Shred.....11 days total now.  I think to be fair to myself, I will take a break in another 9 days before I transition into Level 3.  And for the record.....Level 2 kicked my butt!!!!!  I'm feeling it again!!!!!  This time in my abs.  The routine consisted of a lot of planking and core strengthening.  I feel like I got sucker punched in the gut.  I also noticed that my arms are shaping up.....I like that =) 
One more thing before I go.....Since I like to share valuable information, I thought I'd share this:  CHECK OUT MY PICTURE ABOVE    Only 70 calories ya'll!!!!!!!!  70 calories of PURE deliciousness!!!!!!!  Have a great evening peeps.....love each and everyone of you!!!!!!  Think I'll take a quick walk....it's ab fab outside <3

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Ready for level 2

Today was a sad day.  Lost a good friend.  Spent hours doing homework and taking breaks to cry.....needless to say, didn't feel much like working out.  BUT I DID IT!!!!!!  At 4:30pm I found my second wind and did day 10 of the 30 Day Shred.  And it's true.....exercise does release endorphins and make you happier.  Felt so much better after I did =)  I'm NOT going to give up! On a brighter note....got lots of compliments Saturday night, so I KNOW it's working.

**RIP Jenelle Peterson**

Day 9 of Shred...almost to level 2

As I sit here and watch USF (Go Bulls!) whomp up on Notre Dame.....OH YEAH! They scored again!!!!!  (sorry)  I figure...this is the best time to catch up on my blog.  It's quiet...I'm alone....and I just finished day 9 of level 1.  I must say....I'm ready to move on to to level 2.  Nothing hurts anymore.  All though....yesterday, after my 7 mile treck with Connie, my legs felt like lead during the cardio parts.  BTW....between walkin, shredding, and house cleaning yesterday, I think I burned a gazzillion kcals!  Phew!  Went to bed early....got a good night sleep.
I haven't weighed myself yet....but plan to next week.  I will post my progress.  Promise!

Day 7 of Shred! Nuff said...tired....but feeling GOOD!

Chocolate for breakfast!!!!!!

How can your day possibly go bad when you start out like this???????  I HEART this cereal!!!!! It's SOOOOOO yummy!!!!!!  And I don't even feel guilty for having it.  Why!? Because I totally ROCKED this day, that's why!  After my bowl of deliciousness I walked 7 miles with my good friend Connie.  Time sure does go by quickly with her!  Walking with a friend is so much better than walking alone.  After my mid-morning chores and a healthy lunch, I hit the books.  Don't ask.....I still have....A LOT.  But hey....I signed up for this, so I'm not complaining in the slightest.  By the time my darling bambina came home (3:45), I was ready for day 6 of my 30 Day Shred.  So we did it together =)  I really like the fact that I have my almost 16 year old daughter involved in this shredding thing.  At least one other person in my household is motivated and doesn't mind jumping around like a spaz for 20 minutes!!!!!!

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What's your favorite exercise?

Half way thru Level one of the 30 Day Shred today!!!!!!!  Feeling good.  Wore a dress today....felt good on.....lil loose.....I think it's working!!!!!  We'll find out for sure this weekend when I go to my girl Lisa's 40th birthday bash.  Gonna wear something a lil "risque" (invisible accent on that e).  Oh! And my new Enzo Angiolini heals. 
K....so first of all this evening, I would like to thank my friend Mike Scherwitz for keeping me inspired to stay fit.  I've known Mike since Germany back in the 80's.  We swam together on the K-Town Kingfish swim team.  If Mike is not your friend yet, you should totally friend request him because he owns a Body Drive (gym) in South Florida and constantly gives out great tips and staying in shape and eating right.  He also posts his work-outs which are AMAZINGLY intense. 
Secondly, I would like to know what kind of exercise you like.  I personally enjoy my power walks.  I'm also really enjoying this 30 Day Shred.  I have a plethora of work out DVD's and I've tried them all.  Some I like, some I don't.  The ones I REALLY like (besides my current) are Yoga Booty Ballet, and Kettle Bells by Power Drive.  So tell me....what gets YOU going?  And do you LIKE it?  Be honest. 

Today was my first day back to school. Very over-whelming! I've decided nursing school is similar to boot camp.
The good thing about Monday and Tuesday is my class doesn't start until 12:30. After getting the boys up, making beds, getting them dressed, fed and lunches made I eagerly shoved them out the door. Really folks, its not that bad....they catch the bus at the end of our driveway.
After changing my clothes and indulging in breakfast (see picture) I did day 4 of the 30 day shred. I'm truly amazed at my progress. I know its only day 4 but I REALLY loathe cardio. All the walking has made my legs stronger.....so its way easy. Today I'm feeling the most burn in my shoulders. Oh and yesterday I totally forgot to disclose my starting weight. 167lbs. Yeah....that's right I said it out loud! ;-)

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So it's almost a year away......

I'm a mom.  I'm a student (working on my nursing degree).  And I have this wild obsession with cooking and food.....in other words, I'm always hungry!!!!!!  (Laugh out loud)  I DO eat and cook extremely healthy, but at the same time by biggest fear is gaining weight. Mostly due to the stress from school.  SO! Being the "goal oriented" person that I am, I've made a new goal for myself.  Let me break it down for you.
1.) I'll be 39 on September 23rd, 2011. (This is kind of a head start)
2.) My MAIN goal is to weigh 140lbs. for my 40th!!!!!!!  Sound good????
How am I gonna get there?  By not slacking anymore....that's how!!!!!  I REALLY enjoy my power walks, so I'm going to commit to doing them at least 3-4 times a week.  NO EXCUSES!!!!!  Furthermore, I'm going to add some cardio and strength training on the side.  By chance, I purchases Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shredd; and I must say that I'm LOVING it! I'm only on day 3 but I plan to stick to it.  It's only a 20 minute work out....for Pete's SAKE....I can spare 20 minutes a day.
The only way I feel that I can say true to this "commitment" is my blogging it.  So from here on out, every day, I will post what I've done.  I'm hoping this will keep me honest!!!!!!!!