What can a year do?! Part 6

Okay, I'll admit to not looking up what "part" I'm on!  Just guessing here.  It should be part 7 but I missed Junes installment.  Between vacation and the kickin' a@@ heat wave we had here, well let's just say I didn't want to do anything.  And the post slipped my mind! 

During vacation back in June,  I worked out.  As hard as I could have ... NO.  In that two weeks, I ran about 6 times and did maybe 4 Pump workouts.  I did go in with good intentions.  But it is vacation!  I do wish that a pedometer was strapped to me because we walked.  And walked.  And walked.  Vacation brings a "give" in food.  I didn't go hog wild or anything but I'm also not cooking every single meal and cleaning up.  If I wanted to do that ... well, I'd stay at home! 

The "heat wave" really sucked the life out of me.  That is the truth.  I had a desire to sit in the kids playroom in front of the window AC.  Just breathing.  No desire to move.  No desire to exercise.  No desire to cook.  No desire to eat.  It sucked.  Literally.  But the vast majority of the US dealt with it.  Some better than others! 

I can't believe this is Julys' installment.  Yes, it is a little late.  I'll get back on track next month!  Before we proceed with the pics, please note that they were taken by my #1 Assistant and support staff member.  He literally had to take three sets of pics.  I had no head.  I was 1/2 a body.  He had it on zoom.  I asked for a pic of my calves and got a pic of my butt.  So photography is not something that comes easy to the Brereton men in this household! 

So, here are the pics and measurements as of right now..........

Taken 8-9-2012

Taken 4-12-12 ... I didn't raise my shirt in the months pics prior to this.  I can see a difference in my belly/waist line! 

Taken 8-9-2012 must admit....I'm getting closer to where I want to be! 

Measurements from last time and now ....

Chest      41 1/2                      40 3/4  (THIS NEEDS TO STOP SHRINKING!)
R Arm   14 1/4                      14
L Arm   14                             14
Waist     37                             36 1/4
Hips       40 1/2                      40
R thigh   24 1/2                      24
L thigh   24                            23 3/4
Weight   191                          190

You gonna notice that I am exceptionally consistent in one area ... weight.  I don't worry about the number what so ever.  Honestly, I don't.  I've been asked over the past few weeks, numerous times, how much more I have lost.  The look on their faces when I say "Nothing" is priceless.  I just try to explain that it is "distributed" differently.  I am aware that there is some "trimming of the fat" goin' on.  My clothes all fit differently.  Well the ones that still fit.  It makes me feel kinda good to know that I am 100% consistent with something in my life.  LOL

I know there could be more "dramatic" changes if I really got my nutrition in check.  I still say it is my biggest downfall.  I hate tracking.  I hate measuring.  I hate it all.  But I'm fully aware that it is necessary for myself at this point.  With tracking, I do well for a period of time and then let it fall by the wayside.  I don't like to plan out meals in advance.  I don't like to follow any preset plans.  It is frustrating. 

My plan is to keep pluggin' away at it. 

Remember my 2012 motto ......

It has taken a little while but I'm getting closer to it.  As Dan on the Pump videos says "If you want to look like an athlete, you gotta train like an athlete."  I wanna look like an athlete.  Guess, I just need to follow my plan ...... KEEP PLUGGIN' ALONG! 

FAVORITE Junk Food?

Yes!  That is right!  You are not seeing things!  I am writing a blog post on my favorite junk food.  I'm kinda jumping around on the "list" given by Fitness Cheerleader.  I'm not a big "in the box" type person anymore. 

No matter how we've changed our lives.  No matter what type of "diet" we follow.  No matter how healthy we want to be.  No matter how healthy we want to appear to be.  WE ALL HAVE A FAVORITE JUNK FOOD!  You know that "go to item".  That one thing that you cannot purchase because the entire bag, container, or box will be eaten. 

For some it is Lays Potato Chips ... there is a reason you can't eat just one!  Some it is the "will melt in your mouth, not in your hand" goodness of M & M's.  Or the every so slight creamy goodness of a quality ice cream.  Maybe even the "makes your mouth happy" Twizzlers.  Yes, I know a lot of tag lines for "crap food".  Who doesn't?  It is slightly ingrained into us. 

For those that don't know my 100% absolute go to junk food is ...... drum roll ...... DORITOS! 

Those little crispy golden tortilla triangles covered with all that orangish colored nacho flavored goodness.  Making your fingertips orange.  Tempting you to lick your fingertips clean.  That one or two in the bag just loaded with the flavoring.  Letting the taste dissolve in your mouth.  Yes, I do have a serious love affair with them! 

Before you jump on me ... I am more than aware this bag is nothing but crap.  There is not one single good quality about Doritos.  Well, other than there taste.  LOL!  And they do give you the worst breath.  Stellar night would be Doritos and Beer .. the breath would be DISGUSTING! 

I'll admit that I have a serious thing for Doritos.  I do not purchase them.  AT ALL!  I may try to eat healthy but we have "crap" in our house.  I can handle open bags of chips.  We have a large bowl of candy all the time.....the kids don't even eat it.  Cupcakes.  Cookies.  No problem.  Doritos cannot come in the house. 

I'll also admit to purchasing the little can of Frito-Lay cheese dip that is sold right along with them.  I go big or go home!  If I'm diving in might as well be the deep end!  Yes, it is not cheese.  It is a can of flavored chemicals but damn is it good with Doritos!  HA HA HA

So now my question of the day ..... WHAT IS YOUR ALL TIME FAVORITE JUNK FOOD? 

Seriously, I want to hear what they are.  We all have them.  No one will judge you.  Let's see how many are willing to share.   
 

Compliments?

A compliment is defined as ....

1.  An expression of praise, commendation, or admiration

2.  A formal act of expression of respect or regard

3.  courteous greeting, good wishes, or regards

Over the weekend, my husband and I received many compliments on a pig roast that we threw.  We gladly accept them and run with them.  We know they are truthful and heartfelt.  Him and I spend a great deal of time and money to ensure that our "get-together" is a smashing success.  As I joked with someone ... we do a lot of work for other people to have a great time! 

During that pig roast, I had various people comment on my appearance.  Over the years, I've lost a good deal of weight.  And over the past two years, mainly this year, my body has changed in appearance.  Most people in my life don't even mention or reference it.  So when it is mentioned ... I guess there is a little ...  IDK ... it just makes me feel good. 

I love when someone looks at me and says "Jen, you look great!"  Truthfully, it makes me feel good.  But also chuckle.  What did they think I looked like before?!  LOL  In the past, WAY BACK, I blew off compliments.  Thinking that I was not worthy.  You see.  Well.   I am a self proclaimed big girl.  So for some reason it always made me feel like a compliment was just a "false" comment. 

Not anymore!  I embrace that.  I cannot change genetics.  I cannot change bone structure.  I cannot change my physical build.  I am me.  This is my body.  I own it.  I embrace it.  I feel good.  I'm not going to apologize to anyone for the way that I look or feel.  I work to make me "the best me that I can be"! 

So, I bring to you the question .....

How do you deal with compliment?  Do you embrace them?  Do you shun them?  What is the best compliment you have ever received? 

I now embrace.  Always saying thank you.  And my best ever received was in reference to my children and just how wonderful they are!            

Zumba Flash Mob!

Good morning!  If you remember Zumba entered my life about three weeks ago.  Maybe four at the longest.  It is fun.  It makes you laugh.  And, at least for me, it is usually my third or sometimes fourth workout of the day .. twice a week.  A few weeks ago, the instructor came to the class with the flash mob idea.  Apparently another local group from the East Liverpool/Calcutta area had hit a festival while we were on vacation back in June. 

The idea was to hit the Wellsville Italian Fest.  I grew up just outside of Wellsville.  Literally, my entire life.  But I've never attended the Italian Fest before.  Unless there is another flash mob there .. I won't attend again.  Listening to bad polka music walking around drinking on the street while viewing bad crafts just isn't my idea of fun.  Sorry! 

I'm not gonna lie to you!  When the idea was brought up of the flash mob .. I jumped at it.  We live in what I've always referred to as "Slimeville" or "Smallville" Ohio.  And NOTHING EVER HAPPENS HERE.  Let me get my point across NOTHING EVER HAPPENS HERE!  When might I get this chance again?!  A good bit of people around here didn't even know what it was.  Trust me .. I looked like a third eye appeared when I mentioned it in conversation one day. 

The flash mob was comprised of individuals from the Wellsville and East Liverpool area Zumba classes.  We met and practiced two official times.  Practices didn't always go great for me.  You see I'm very confident in my dance abilities but I was right beside a lady that should be on Americas Got Talent.  Seriously!  I just wanted to watch her.  She would pop out with hip hop moves, etc.  She was great!

My stomach was flip flopping when I was getting ready.  But when I got there .. not so much.  It was nothing compared to standing in the small sea of people waiting for the marathon to start last fall.  Really .... 4 minutes versus what ended up being 5+ hours of my life ..... NO COMPARISON!  Attached is the video and some pics that were taken last night.  It was fun.  I would highly recommend it should you get the chance to FLASH MOB it! 
 

Few of the ladies beforehand!  Kim 1 (black shirt) talked me into going to the class .. well there wasn't much talking involved.  Kim 2 (with the P) and her daughter Felicia (hope I spelled that right!).  Both Kims ... AKA Wonder Woman and Bat Girl ... are part of the Super Hero group doing the Warrior Dash. 

Killer was enthused about being there! 

Go ladies! 

Goodness was I sweating! 

Go!  Go!  Go!  Go! 

I know it is blurry but right there in the white shirt ... Americas Got Talent girl! 

Fun!  Fun!  Fun! 


There you have it ... FUN, FUN, FUN! 

Early to bed. Early to rise.

Early to bed.  Early to rise.  Makes a man healthy wealthy and wise! 

Why did I choose that title?  Honestly, I have no idea. 

So the question of the day is .... Do you like to workout in the AM or the PM? 

I personally am a AM girl.  And I am not a morning person.  My normal routine was created in order to "not bother" my children with my working out.  More like so they don't "bother" me when I'm doing it.  I like to be up and at it by 6 am at the latest.  That way the majority of my workout is done before their eyes even open in the morning.  Works great during the school year!  I get up.  Get it done.  Take a shower.  Wake them. And we go from there.  If I'm planning a run that day .... it is done as soon as I drop them off at school. 

In the past, I've been brutally honest about working out in the PM.  Seriously, I hate it.  Loathe it.  Detest it.  Plus when I workout out at night, I'm wide awake for hours!  Who wants that?!  I don't want to sit up staring at the TV or reading a book just because I'm pumped because of a workout.  The kiddos won't sleep in for me.  And then I drag @ss the next day. 

So what is your preference?  I know a good deal of people must work around their work schedule.  So my view is as long as you get it in ... it is all good! 

August - a new month!

Thirty one days to do what ever.  If you haven't started on your journey, just think what you will feel like in thirty one days!  Wow!  By the end of this month, the kiddos will be back in school.  Boy, do we have some activities to cram in.   

So if we all remember correctly, I've been wanting to pick u my blog posts more frequently.  I came up with some good ideas.  Working on some guest bloggers.  You get the idea.  Then yesterday I came across Fitness Cheerleader.  She posted a blogging challenge for all fitness/wellness/inspirational/whatever bloggers out there.  One post every day for the month of August. 

She even gave us a list of ideas!  One for every single day.  Well, I'm going to use her listing loosely because I do have my own ideas.  But my plan is to refer to her list on the "I don't know!" days.  I then have to share on her blog and comment.  Sounds like a good idea.  Hope it all works out.  Last night when I tried to post a comment on her blog it kept blocking me.  But I'll figure it out.

Goal list for August ......                                                          

1.  Blog daily!                                                                    It may not be long!  It may not be
2.  Adhere to my training schedule!                                    extensive!  But I'm going to stick
3.  Have fun running the Warrior Dash 8/26!                     to it. 
4.  Share one recipe each week!
5.  Check pricing on local indoor pool                                I will accomplish every single item! 
6.  150 chair dip challenge                                                  Especially, number 7. 
7.  Be kind to myself.

My plan is also to post a daily challenge for all of you!  I will post both here in my blog and on my Facebook page.  These items may be fitness related.  May be food related.  May be share related.  May be related to your fellow man.  I don't know!?  It sounds good! 

So for today, I'll make it easy.  Let me and all the other readers know what one goal is that you have for August.  Can be any thing that you want to share.  Can't wait to hear from all of you!

From the Fitness Cheerleader share list .... Five favorite workout songs and why?

1.  Hey ya!  by Outkast  ....  seriously!  Do I have to say why?  I hear it and just want to bust a move!
2.  Mein Teil by Rammstein .... it is dark, it is edgy, it is weird, it is really messed up, it is by a really messed up group from Germany.  Remember they are much more open! 
3.  Run through the Jungle by Creedance Clearwater Revival
4.  Wiggle, Wiggle, Wiggle by LMFAO
5.  Paint it Black by The Rolling Stones .... they do nothing wrong in my eyes.  I love the Stones.  Paint it Black has always been a song that just puts me in the right place.  IDK why?  It is the last song that I listened to before each and every single sporting event I've ever participated in.  My BF back in the day, on our way to said sporting events, would just stop mid conversation and say "You better paint it black now!"  She just new.  I still listen to it in the car on the way to races. 

What are some of your favorite workout songs?  Why do they motivate you?  Can't wait to hear.  You never know what good song maybe out there just waiting in the wings.   

Let's set August on FIRE! 

The longest distance ....

Occasionally, the longest distance to travel is that between your ears. 

We can only achieve what the mind believes. 

Get your mind right.

Some of the time it takes a day of frustration to show you what you want. 

I've gotten my back in the right place. 

Where is yours?