Today marks the beginning of week four in P90x! Yay!
Can you tell that I am still ridiculously excited about P90x? Never in my life have I stuck with a workout program this long. I've always gotten bored or let life get in the way. I've always found some excuse to just stop doing it. That is so not happening this time around. I am so proud of myself.
I'm losing inches people. Inches. As in plural. My hips, my waist, my thighs. They are all skinner. Skinner makes me happy. I can handle skinner.
The scale? Well, that still isn't doing anything exciting. Technically, P90x really isn't a weight loss program. It's a get-in-the-best-shape-of-your-freaking-life program. Losing weight is just sort of a bonus. I'm stoked about losing inches, but I wouldn't scoff at a decrease in that number on the scale. I'm all for bonuses.
Now that I've completed three weeks of the program, I've almost finished Phase 1. This week is sort of a "relaxation" and "recovery" week. Basically, no weight training. Though honestly, there isn't really anything relaxing about P90x. Even the fifteen minute Ab Ripper workout tries to kill you. It's intense, people.
I'm excited for this recovery week because it's chock full of my favorite workouts: Kenpo karate, Cardio and a double dose of Yoga. I heart Yoga. I hate downward facing dog, but I still heart Yoga. One workout I'm not excited for is Core Synergistics. It's probably my least favorite workout because of all the pushups involved. I have a bad wrist, and my wrist just can't handle pressure at a ninety-degree angle. Thus, I hate the workout. I feel like I can't BRING IT like I'm suppose to because of the pain, and that's frustrating.
Overall, I feel amazing! Some days are a little tougher than others to get my butt out of bed to workout, but I'm hanging in there. Whenever I start to feel my motivation lagging, I just remember all the reasons I'm doing this. And how great it feels to know that when I look in the mirror, I'm already seeing a new me.
And like Tony says, "this is real sweat, real people." I am motivated each and every day by Tony and all the others featured in the workouts. They bring it. They do their best, and forget the rest. And if they can do it, I can do it.
Keep pushing play!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
MilSpouse Friday Fill-In
It's Friday again, and you know what that means. Wifey's military spouse Friday fill-in! Follow the link to join along.
1. When you vacation what type of vacation do you like to take (beach, historic, adventurous, food oriented, etc.)? submitted by Megan Dub-Yuh
I'm so excited for this question because we are in the middle of trying to plan a family vacation for when Michael gets home from deployment. We've never been on a vacation together before (which is insane since this fall we've been together ten years!), and we just don't know where to go. But we're definitely into more outdoor things like hiking or relaxing on the beach versus theme parks and such. I can't wait to read answers for this one.
2. What is your best memory associated with a song (you know we all have tons!) submitted by Ramblings of a Marine Wife
I love "How Sweet it is" by James Taylor because it's a favorite of both mine and Michael. We always sing it to each other if it comes up on our iPod playlists. We don't have the same tastes in music, so it's special for us to like the same song.
3. If you had six months with no obligations or financial constraints, what would you do with your time? submitted by Married to the Army
Go on a long vacation with my family. Michael and Evie would be perfect, but extended family along for the ride would be great too. I think vacations are just on my mind right now, but I'm just ready for some relaxation time with my family. I feel like we are always running towards something and never take time to really enjoy the moments we are in. Six months of traveling the world or sitting on a beach or hiking through the mountains would be perfect.
4. What is one thing about you that people do NOT typically notice at first that you wish they would? submitted by Our Motto is Patience
I'm a great listener! That's not really something you can notice about someone right away because trust is a huge part of sharing secrets or just our everyday lives. Plus, I'm a huge talker. But I am. A great listener, I mean. I don't think I need to solve everyone's problems for them so I don't feel the need to constantly give advice or add my two cents. Sometimes, people just need to vent.
5. It’s a summer of sequels, and if you had to live in one of each of the following “worlds” (there are three total) which would you choose and why? submitted by The Three Turners
Okay, I'm unsure if I'm suppose to a pick which world is the best or which situation in each world? I'll just go with what I feel like since I heart this question!
–X-Men: Be a Mutant, what would your power be?
I would love to be a mutant! That sounds weird to say. But I love supernatural stuff--way before it became cool to love it. My power would be telekinesis. I've always thought that would be a super cool thing to be able to do. Second runner up is to see into the future. That would be epic. Yes, I said epic.
–Harry Potter: Be a Witch or Muggle?
Oh. My. God. What crazy person would say muggle? Okay, sorry if you said muggle. But for real? I love the whole Harry Potter world, because as I said, I love all supernatural stuff. I would give up a kidney to be a witch in Harry Potter's world for a day. Meet Harry Potter and Ginny (because she rocks my socks off). Go to a wand shop and let the wand pick me. Drink butter beer. A-freaking-mazing doesn't even describe how awesome that day would be. A kidney well spent, I think.
–Twilight: Be a Vampire or Werewolf?
Definitely vampire. I hate blood, and I can't imagine drinking it. Eww. But turning furry? No thanks. Plus, vampires have always been my favorite of the supernatural world. And yes, way before vampires sparkled. And a vampire in the Twilight world would be way cooler than being a werewolf even though I do love Jacob. And bottom line? I want to be Alice's new best friend.
1. When you vacation what type of vacation do you like to take (beach, historic, adventurous, food oriented, etc.)? submitted by Megan Dub-Yuh
I'm so excited for this question because we are in the middle of trying to plan a family vacation for when Michael gets home from deployment. We've never been on a vacation together before (which is insane since this fall we've been together ten years!), and we just don't know where to go. But we're definitely into more outdoor things like hiking or relaxing on the beach versus theme parks and such. I can't wait to read answers for this one.
2. What is your best memory associated with a song (you know we all have tons!) submitted by Ramblings of a Marine Wife
I love "How Sweet it is" by James Taylor because it's a favorite of both mine and Michael. We always sing it to each other if it comes up on our iPod playlists. We don't have the same tastes in music, so it's special for us to like the same song.
3. If you had six months with no obligations or financial constraints, what would you do with your time? submitted by Married to the Army
Go on a long vacation with my family. Michael and Evie would be perfect, but extended family along for the ride would be great too. I think vacations are just on my mind right now, but I'm just ready for some relaxation time with my family. I feel like we are always running towards something and never take time to really enjoy the moments we are in. Six months of traveling the world or sitting on a beach or hiking through the mountains would be perfect.
4. What is one thing about you that people do NOT typically notice at first that you wish they would? submitted by Our Motto is Patience
I'm a great listener! That's not really something you can notice about someone right away because trust is a huge part of sharing secrets or just our everyday lives. Plus, I'm a huge talker. But I am. A great listener, I mean. I don't think I need to solve everyone's problems for them so I don't feel the need to constantly give advice or add my two cents. Sometimes, people just need to vent.
5. It’s a summer of sequels, and if you had to live in one of each of the following “worlds” (there are three total) which would you choose and why? submitted by The Three Turners
Okay, I'm unsure if I'm suppose to a pick which world is the best or which situation in each world? I'll just go with what I feel like since I heart this question!
–X-Men: Be a Mutant, what would your power be?
I would love to be a mutant! That sounds weird to say. But I love supernatural stuff--way before it became cool to love it. My power would be telekinesis. I've always thought that would be a super cool thing to be able to do. Second runner up is to see into the future. That would be epic. Yes, I said epic.
–Harry Potter: Be a Witch or Muggle?
Oh. My. God. What crazy person would say muggle? Okay, sorry if you said muggle. But for real? I love the whole Harry Potter world, because as I said, I love all supernatural stuff. I would give up a kidney to be a witch in Harry Potter's world for a day. Meet Harry Potter and Ginny (because she rocks my socks off). Go to a wand shop and let the wand pick me. Drink butter beer. A-freaking-mazing doesn't even describe how awesome that day would be. A kidney well spent, I think.
–Twilight: Be a Vampire or Werewolf?
Definitely vampire. I hate blood, and I can't imagine drinking it. Eww. But turning furry? No thanks. Plus, vampires have always been my favorite of the supernatural world. And yes, way before vampires sparkled. And a vampire in the Twilight world would be way cooler than being a werewolf even though I do love Jacob. And bottom line? I want to be Alice's new best friend.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Why, Why, Why
Military spouses are always talking about Murphy's Law in regards to deployment. As soon as our husbands leave, everything around us starts to break. The car will refuse to start or the garage door will fall off. Whatever our individual demons may be, Murphy will make sure they appear. It is, after all, the Law.
Murphy struck in a unique way in my household. With only one person to talk to day in and day out, Evie has found a new way to torture me.
The dreaded toddler phase has arrived. I thought maybe I would be lucky, and Evie would never enter it. But I was wrong. Oh, so very very wrong. The most common word leaving her little lips right now is "why". I'm investing in a pair of earplugs. I'm kidding. Maybe. Possibly.
Evie is a pretty curious child and she's definitely intelligent, so why I thought she would skip this phase, I have no clue. It was just wishful thinking I guess. Apparently, I wished on the wrong star. Because it is never ending.
"Why are you putting that cup on the counter" and "why do I need to eat my breakfast?" Oh, and "Why are we getting dressed, Mommy" (though this is actually a logical question because we don't always get dressed if we aren't leaving the house. No judgment, people!). Not to mention "why do I have to be quiet" and sometimes even "Why do you want to run away, Mommy?"
Often times, she doesn't even ask a question. It's just whywhywhywhywhywhywhy. I'm really beginning to hate that word.
But as not to seem unfair, I will admit she uses other words occasionally. Like "what are you doing" and "I don't know." That last one is a doozy.
Our conversations are pretty much scripted in my house right now:
ME: Evie, what color is this?
EVIE: I don't know.
ME: Yes, you do.
EVIE: Green.
All conversations are the same way. I ask a question, she tells me she doesn't know. I tell her that, yes you do indeed know the answer. And then she proceeds to answer me. Why can't she just answer the question the first time I ask it? Life would be much simpler if three year-olds were logical.
I know this is a phase, and one day I will see the light at the end of this blasted tunnel. But please baby Jesus, make it be soon.
Oh, and Murphy? I hate you.
Murphy struck in a unique way in my household. With only one person to talk to day in and day out, Evie has found a new way to torture me.
The dreaded toddler phase has arrived. I thought maybe I would be lucky, and Evie would never enter it. But I was wrong. Oh, so very very wrong. The most common word leaving her little lips right now is "why". I'm investing in a pair of earplugs. I'm kidding. Maybe. Possibly.
Evie is a pretty curious child and she's definitely intelligent, so why I thought she would skip this phase, I have no clue. It was just wishful thinking I guess. Apparently, I wished on the wrong star. Because it is never ending.
"Why are you putting that cup on the counter" and "why do I need to eat my breakfast?" Oh, and "Why are we getting dressed, Mommy" (though this is actually a logical question because we don't always get dressed if we aren't leaving the house. No judgment, people!). Not to mention "why do I have to be quiet" and sometimes even "Why do you want to run away, Mommy?"
Often times, she doesn't even ask a question. It's just whywhywhywhywhywhywhy. I'm really beginning to hate that word.
But as not to seem unfair, I will admit she uses other words occasionally. Like "what are you doing" and "I don't know." That last one is a doozy.
Our conversations are pretty much scripted in my house right now:
ME: Evie, what color is this?
EVIE: I don't know.
ME: Yes, you do.
EVIE: Green.
All conversations are the same way. I ask a question, she tells me she doesn't know. I tell her that, yes you do indeed know the answer. And then she proceeds to answer me. Why can't she just answer the question the first time I ask it? Life would be much simpler if three year-olds were logical.
I know this is a phase, and one day I will see the light at the end of this blasted tunnel. But please baby Jesus, make it be soon.
Oh, and Murphy? I hate you.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Vacation Food Shouldn't Have Calories
I think it should be a law that vacation food doesn't have calories.
I say this because I was just on vacation for three weeks and although I ate pretty well most of the time, there were moments when I wanted to devour the bad stuff and pretend calories didn't matter. Mostly, because the bad stuff is comfort food that triggers my warm fuzzies. The "I'm home!" food fuzzies.
If you've ever moved away from home, you know what I'm talking about. Some foods are pretty localized, and you just can't find them to save your life wherever you move to. For Michael, that's cheese curds and lefse. If you aren't from Wisconsin, you probably think I just spoke gibberish. But I promise, those are both types of food.
For me? Specific restaurants offer my warm fuzzies. Pizza from my favorite family-owned pizza parlor. A tantalizing appetizer from a Northern chain that doesn't quite reach us here in Wichita. And Oreo Cappuccino ice cream from a local shop that I managed to stay away from this trip.
I go home, and I all I can think about is food.
And to make it all worse (for my waist-line), I attended two family gatherings while I was there. You remember that large family I talked about yesterday? Well, when we get together there is a ridiculous amount of food. What else would you expect from a family that is trying to take over the world? Wink.
There is nothing I love more than the food at family gatherings. No event is complete without my aunt's taco dip, my mom's cookie salad, and my Grandma's baked beans. Oh. My. God. If you want to taste a piece of heaven, all you have to do is try those baked beans. I kid you not, boys and girls. Heaven. With a mouthful of beans. Weird, maybe. But oh so very true.
At my Grandma's birthday party, the bulk of my sustenance was taco dip and beans. Two plate fulls, I might add. I didn't even eat cake because taco dip and beans were way more important. Don't judge me.
I may have kicked some major P90x butt these past two weeks, and have already seen results. But I know if someone had passed a law along the way that prohibited vacation food from having calories, my results would have been even more significant.
Call your congressman, people!
I say this because I was just on vacation for three weeks and although I ate pretty well most of the time, there were moments when I wanted to devour the bad stuff and pretend calories didn't matter. Mostly, because the bad stuff is comfort food that triggers my warm fuzzies. The "I'm home!" food fuzzies.
If you've ever moved away from home, you know what I'm talking about. Some foods are pretty localized, and you just can't find them to save your life wherever you move to. For Michael, that's cheese curds and lefse. If you aren't from Wisconsin, you probably think I just spoke gibberish. But I promise, those are both types of food.
For me? Specific restaurants offer my warm fuzzies. Pizza from my favorite family-owned pizza parlor. A tantalizing appetizer from a Northern chain that doesn't quite reach us here in Wichita. And Oreo Cappuccino ice cream from a local shop that I managed to stay away from this trip.
I go home, and I all I can think about is food.
And to make it all worse (for my waist-line), I attended two family gatherings while I was there. You remember that large family I talked about yesterday? Well, when we get together there is a ridiculous amount of food. What else would you expect from a family that is trying to take over the world? Wink.
There is nothing I love more than the food at family gatherings. No event is complete without my aunt's taco dip, my mom's cookie salad, and my Grandma's baked beans. Oh. My. God. If you want to taste a piece of heaven, all you have to do is try those baked beans. I kid you not, boys and girls. Heaven. With a mouthful of beans. Weird, maybe. But oh so very true.
At my Grandma's birthday party, the bulk of my sustenance was taco dip and beans. Two plate fulls, I might add. I didn't even eat cake because taco dip and beans were way more important. Don't judge me.
I may have kicked some major P90x butt these past two weeks, and have already seen results. But I know if someone had passed a law along the way that prohibited vacation food from having calories, my results would have been even more significant.
Call your congressman, people!
Monday, June 6, 2011
Those We Leave Behind
This past Saturday was my Grandma's 80th birthday. We had a big family party in honor of the momentous occasion. And when I say big, I mean big. Because my family is hugemongous.
My grandparents had twelve children.
Those twelve children produced quite a lot of of their own children.
And those grandchildren are creating their own football team or two. We aren't finished adding to the roster just yet.
It's hard to get this many people together in the same spot at the same time. Even with the amount of people that came, a few families were still unable to make it. Gasp. I know. It's hard to contemplate even more people belonging to my family. It kind of makes you wonder if we plan on taking over the world someday or something. Unfortunately, I can't divulge that kind of information at this time.
Spending the day with my large family made me miss living in Wisconsin in the worst way. I'm missing watching my baby cousins grow up. No family camping trips. Or lunches with my closest cousins. We knew when we moved away that the absolute hardest thing about leaving would be who we left behind.
And most days, it's worth it. Because we have a fabulous life. New adventures, new places, new people. Financial stability. We have a lot of things that we didn't have before. I love our military life, and right now I wouldn't trade it for anything.
But leaving people behind is never, ever going to stop hurting.
Happy birthday, Grandma!
My grandparents had twelve children.
Those twelve children produced quite a lot of of their own children.
And those grandchildren are creating their own football team or two. We aren't finished adding to the roster just yet.
It's hard to get this many people together in the same spot at the same time. Even with the amount of people that came, a few families were still unable to make it. Gasp. I know. It's hard to contemplate even more people belonging to my family. It kind of makes you wonder if we plan on taking over the world someday or something. Unfortunately, I can't divulge that kind of information at this time.
Spending the day with my large family made me miss living in Wisconsin in the worst way. I'm missing watching my baby cousins grow up. No family camping trips. Or lunches with my closest cousins. We knew when we moved away that the absolute hardest thing about leaving would be who we left behind.
And most days, it's worth it. Because we have a fabulous life. New adventures, new places, new people. Financial stability. We have a lot of things that we didn't have before. I love our military life, and right now I wouldn't trade it for anything.
But leaving people behind is never, ever going to stop hurting.
Happy birthday, Grandma!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
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