goals, dreams and fiction

I have a feeling this post is going to be random.  That's okay right?  Random is good.  I'm just throwing it all out there.  Every.single.thought in my head;)


If you've been following along on Instagram (my IG name is farmgirlpaints) you know I've been challenging myself a bit this month.  One of my hashtags is #50milesinmarch.  I saw it from another IG friend and it just struck a chord.  Not sure if you're like this or not, but I HAVE to have a goal or I do nothing.  I have to have a list.  Something...anything to get my body moving.

So this month I tied up my shoes and I kept track of my miles.  It was more or less just a number to countdown to.  It was just the little motivator that kept me moving.  It wasn't too lofty.  It actually was obtainable, and it challenged me enough that I had to keep on it or I would fall behind.  Heaven forbid;)


I had someone point out to me that just doing countless miles of cardio was really pointless and didn't do much good.  And I agree to a point.  I have enough fitness knowledge to know that intensity is key and lifting weights and watching my nutrition is really where the results will show up, but I wasn't trying to be perfect.  WHO NEEDS PERFECT!!  I was trying to just move.  And having a mile goal moved me.  So that's what I did.  I'm 8 miles away.  That's so doable!  I'm already thinking on next month.  Ready to tackle another challenge...you game??!!

I've been enjoying my time off from the shop.  One of the things I daydream about when I'm really really busy is just laying down with a good book and reading...alldaylong!  So that's what I did last week.  I've been reading one of Big Chick's books.  The Homelanders series by Andrew Klavan...SO GOOD! 


Why do I enjoy reading young adult fiction so much??  I'm starting to question my intelligence level.  Am I only able to comprehend junior high/high school fiction??  HA!  Regardless I'm happy understanding every word.  I'm happy to steal away for hours on end and lose myself in the fast pace adventure.  It's so fun to get caught up in someone else's life for a bit. 

So last week I got my hair done, and my lady highlighted it and then because I think I scared her into thinking I didn't want it too blond...she toned it down without asking me:\  This generally isn't a good plan for me.  I don't like surprises.  I go in for highlights, I want highlights...but it's growing on me.  I'm dark.  Haven't been dark in a while.  No pictures until I decide if I like it...k??

Oh wait this IS an after picture.  It doesn't look too dark.  Maybe I'm just a nut.  Regardless the girls had a make-over day too.  Little chick cut off several inches and at the last second decided on BANGS!  She's adjusted well;)  My other girlie wanted to go dark like her momma, so we low-lighted her.  It's so fun having girls to do this stuff with. 


Okay so my last random thought is in regards to the lottery powerball winner.  Have you heard about that?  Someone recently won 300+ million dollars and can get a lump sum amount of 221 million.  Can you even imagine??  I have no idea why I do this, but when I hear of lottery winners I immediately start spending their money.  So while I was at the gym the other day, doing my 50 miles, I was spending millions of dollars in my head;)  It's a fun way to pass the sweaty miles. 


I was giving money to family members and friends.  I was setting aside trust funds for the girls, and starting foundations.  I was buying our dream property on a perfect spot in upcountry...MAUI!!  It was grand.  There is just something about dreaming that is exciting.  Something about an impossible possibility that fuels this little creative trigger.  I love being carried away like that.  What would you do if you won the lottery?  What would you do if you could do ANYTHING for anyone and money was no object??  Let's dream a little:)

***Oh and thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing a little bit about yourselves with me:)  I've loved reading through your letters.  Soooo nice to meet YOU!

Be a blessing.

 

legs that carry me
friends that cheerlead
dreams that exhilarate
books that take me away
girls to do girlie stuff with

shake it up...the workout!

Okay so you know you've hit a wall when you ask your honey to help you lose weight.  You've seen my man right?  He's a hottie.  He takes his fitness and health very seriously.  I should've asked him to help me a long time ago.  It's obvious he knows what he's doing, but there's that stinkin' pride that gets in the way.  I just couldn't take the judgemental looks when I eat something I shouldn't...it seriously makes me want to stab him in the eye.  Marital peace has kept me from going to him, But I gotta say he's put me on a workout routine and it's kicking my rear.  We're talking sweat dripping off my cute little braids HARD! 

So here it is...

 

 

6 days a week...

HONEY'S SHAKE IT UP ROUTINE:

 

 

 

 

AT GYM

 

Walk/run (5 minutes)...to warm-up

 

Squats, leg presses or lunges (50 reps)...light weight, broken down into whatever increments you can manage

 

RUN (5 minutes)...this is a hard run.  I start at about 5.5 on the treadmill and increase it every 30 seconds until I'm at 7.2 or so.  This is a dead sprint for me.  I've got short legs...trust me I'm dying, I feel shaky...I can only do the last bump up for about 30-40 seconds and then I walk it off for about a minute.

 

Bicep curls (50 reps)...light weight, broken down into whatever increments you can manage.  You should feel a major burn by the end.

 

RUN (5 minutes)...this is a hard run again

 

Triceps pulldowns (50 reps) )...light weight, broken down into whatever increments you can manage

 

RUN (5 minutes)...this is a hard run

 

Dumbbell or Barbell Deadlifts (50 reps)...light weight, broken down into whatever increments you can manage 

 

RUN (5 minutes)...this is a hard run

 

Shoulder press or laterals (50 reps)...light weight, broken down into whatever increments you can manage

 

RUN (5 minutes)...this is a hard run

 

Pullups/dips (requires certain machine...50 reps each)

 

AB crunches (100 reps) broken down into whatever increments you can manage

 

Leg lifts (100 reps) broken down into whatever increments you can manage

 

 

 

 

 

AT HOME

 

Elliptical Machine (45-60 minutes) easy pace

 

AB crunches (100 reps)

 

Leg lifts (100 reps)

 

Push ups (50 reps)

 

 

 

Here's the deal...this workout is hard.  It takes almost 2 hours, and I'm dying by the end.  I alternate days, working out at the gym in the morning one day, and on opposite days doing the home routine in the evening.  This is because I'm sore and tired and need that much time to rest inbetween.  It's obviously not for everyone.  I just wanted to show you what I'm doing and if you want to join in you can;)  If you want to modify it, or you don't have a gym membership/elliptical, of course you can use dumbbells at home and walk/run outside.  You can make this as easy or difficult as you want.  The goal is to use fairly light weights, lots of reps...until you burn...and to intersperse with challenging cardio.  If you have any questions about what certain exercises are just ask me and I'll try to explain.


I can tell it's working. I can feel my waist shrinking.  I haven't weighed.  Weighing sabotages me.  If I'm up then I just want to throw in the towel and give up.  So I'm waiting a bit.  The perk to having my honey train me is that he's involved and very excited about my progress.  I can see him checking me out.  I can see that pride come over his face and I just know he's thinking...yeah I'm whipping her into shape.  And instead of that annoying me I LIKE IT!  We're working as a team, and it feels good:)

Have a blessed day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

773.  a shrinking waist

774.  energy to workout

775.  my husband's encouragement

776.  the time to do it

777.  feeling sore!

 

 

filter free and a father's day give-away:)

I switched up gyms recently.  Best move I ever made.  For some reason I hated my other gym.  There really wasn't anything I can pinpoint, but I never wanted to go.  At this gym I can't wait to grab my tennies and get out the door, and it's cheap.  Like practically free cheap...$10 a month cheap!!
 

I've become a little addicted.  I get that high.  You know the high that comes from pushing your body and feeling it respond.  The gym is hot and normally I can't stand that, but here I like it.  I'm drenched in sweat when I'm done, and I feel completely spent.  It's an awesome feeling.

One of my favorite things about my new gym is the eclectic mix of people.  You've got the buff bodybuilders, the older grandmas and grandpas.  We've even got the middle aged deer hunters, decked out in camouflage and jeans.  Then there is the dude with dreadlocks down to his waist that piles it all on top of his head with a pair of pantyhose.  It balances like a giant egg.

sorry for the blur...she was moving fast;)

BUT the one I look for is THIS lady (i know shame on me for taking this pic at the gym...major no-no).  She's always on the same treadmill, and I get as close as possible to her because she makes me smile down to my toes.  She skip runs on her tiptoes with her hands flying in the air.  She looks crazy ridiculous...every one stares...but I adore her.  She doesn't give a flip what anyone thinks.  She's there having fun.  Listening to her tunes.  Thoroughly enjoying her workout. 



I need to go up to her and thank her for making me smile, but I keep chickening out.  I should tell her that she makes my day...that I love her spunk...her lack of filters.  We do that don't we?  Filter.  I don't know how many times I've stopped myself from singing out loud.  I guess we need filters .  I don't want to bring attention to myself or invade anyone's space, but when it comes to JOY, when it comes to having fun...wouldn't it be great to be filter free?  To let it all hang out. To run Phoebe style;)?? 

I'm on the hunt for some new workout tunes myself.  I listen to the same songs every time.  It's amazing how changing it up can improve your stamina.  I'd love some suggestions. The give-away is going to the person who gives me a heart thumpin'...kickin' it music playlist.  OR...if you absolutely do not have any workout music suggestions leave me a comment about your dad or honey.  What is the quirkiest thing they do? My honey has to check the door knobs several times to make sure the door's locked. My dad cleans his plate to look like it just came out of the dishwasher;) Quirky!! 


The winner will get a custom cuff for their dad or honey for Father's day!  Yep it's that time, and I DO make cuffs for men.  So bring it girls.  Oh and I don't care if it's country, christian, pop or rap...if it makes me wanna run I'll love it!!  I'll announce the winner on Friday. 

Have a blessed day.

 

610.  my girl...so proud of her.  6 chosen out of over 600...recognized for honesty, accountability, respect and responsibility.  woot woot!!

611.  soccer is almost over

612.  that i get to be WITH my dad this year on father's day

613.  lunch with big chick today
614.  homemade Popsicles
615.  pool time with friends    

Boom Boom Pow

The sun is shining here today...praise God! It's been over a week, and seriously yesterday I went to Target and threw Vitamin D and St. John's Wart in my cart in a desperate attempt to feel better. When it's gray like that for days on end I have to "make myself" do everything; get out of bed, clean up the kitchen, fix meals for my family, go to the gym. I don't want to have to make myself do those things, I want to just do them. Does that make sense?

Anyway as I was dragging myself to the gym yesterday I had thoughts of "why bother...this is going to be a horrible workout, you might as well not go" etc... you know nice positive thinking:) But what amazes me every time I go is that as soon as I plug into my music I become a different person. I am addicted to the song BOOM BOOM POW by the Black Eyed Peas. When I start my run I always begin with this song and I replay it like 4x's to keep me motivated. There is one part of the song that lasts about 45 seconds and in that 45 seconds I feel like I could fly or at least sprint at 9 miles an hour. It's incredible the power of music.


This one thought led me to another and it got me thinking about God's word. It works exactly the same way. When I stumble through my day, struggling with this thought or that task, if I just take a minute and crack open my Bible...it always gives me the strength to push on. It completely clears my head and makes me think straight again. So why on earth don't I open it more often??? I really want to do better... I need to do better. Today I read:

Persecutions and afflictions will come, but endure them, for the Lord will deliver you out of them all (1). With God's love you can bear all things, believe all things, hope all things and endure all things (2)knowing that after you have endured temptation, and when you are tried, you shall receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to them that love Him (3) and happy shall you be (4).

Isn't that beautiful?

Do you have any music or scriptures that get you motivated??

Have a blessed day.

(1) II Timothy 3:11, (2) I Corinthians 13:7, (3) James 1:12, (4) James 5:11

Game ON!

Thank heavens the long holiday weekend is over. As much fun as it is to be lazy and relax, feast on wonderful food and take a breathier, for me getting back into a routine is where I do best. I ate pie...lots and lots of pie! I didn't cook one meal besides the big turkey dinner. We ate leftovers and snacked. Not the best plan for success when you have goals.

(a little frame I made for myself...with a very unflattering pic. honey took of me:O)

A light bulb moment clicked for me this past week. My honey said to me, "Are you taking care of yourself?" I can honestly say no. For some reason I have gotten pushed off to the side and have not focused a whole lot of energy on my well being. Part of the problem with my follow through, on this 21 day challenge has been the complete lack of a game plan. If I craved sugar I didn't really have a plan B to help me cope. I didn't really think any of it through. So here is my revised 21 day challenge. This is MY plan...not saying it's for you:)

My more specific goals:)

1.) No sugar in the form of sweets...candy, cake, ice cream, cookies etc...

If a temptation comes and it will...chew sugar free gum, jump on elliptical machine, pray:), drink a glass of water or skim milk, eat an apple etc... just don't give in! The cravings will pass.

2.) No diet soda! Drink tea, water, Crystal light, milk or coffee


3.) Exercise every day. Go to gym and do a long run 3x's a week with weights. Take one class. If you can't make it to the gym, do it at home!

4.) Read bible every day. Keep it by the bed and read for a few minutes before you turn out the lights. If you are too tired at night, do it first thing in the morning so you don't get too busy and forget.


I'm looking at this challenge like a wrestling match or championship football game. GAME ON! Today is December 1st. When we do this...it will be completed right before Christmas...perfect timing:) I know I can do it and so can you! Are you still with me?

Have a blessed day.

I am a cookie monster!

Okay so one week into the challenge and I have to be honest girls, I wasn't feelin' it. I'm pmsing and this week has been HARD! When I did the 21 day challenge before I did not cheat...nope not at all with the sugar and soda. This week day two... cheated, day three... cheated and so forth. I have never wanted sugar more in my entire life. It was calling me and I answered:( I'm so sorry.


Here I am starting this whole challenge thing and I blew it right off the bat. I was feeling so guilty and then I opened my Bible before bed and this is what I came to in 1 Corinthians 15:32 - ..."Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die." What? Did that say go ahead and eat and drink because we all are going to die anyway? Huh? No I know I'm taking it totally out of context, but it still kind of cracked me up anyway:)


I did however get my 3 miles a day in and read my Bible! So yay for that, and I do have a new resolve. I will begin the no sugar thing...the day after Thanksgiving because let's be real people I can not turn away pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving... I just can't. So I am really excited to hear about all of you. How did you do? Are you making some life changing, habit breaking progress...please do tell. I want details:)

Have a blessed day.

***Oh and it's not too late to sign up for my giveaway.

I draw the winner on Wednesday:)

Image: oprachic.typepad.com

Another challenge!

I'm becoming painfully aware that I've become lax with my eating and daily exercise. I have been really busy creating, planning and preparing for my Etsy store and in the course of that I've lost track of me! So guess what? It's time for another 21 day challenge. Yeehaw! I know your excited!!!

Here are my goals:

1.) Get 3 miles of some form of cardio in every day.
2.) Lose 5 pounds
3.) Read my bible daily.
4.) Continue with the no sugar, no soda.

Who's comin' with me?? Of course I will pig out on Thanksgiving, so fear not, but let's make some positive changes before the holidays hit. I'm going back home to Illinois for Christmas and I know I want to look smokin':) So let's do it together. It helps so much to have support, so let me know if you decide to jump on board this crazy train;) We can do it!!

Have a blessed day.

PS...Thank you for all of your suggestions with my business cards.

I've decided to have all of them made!

When in doubt pick them all right?

Love you girlies:)

Image: Flickr - quack 1701

Mission Accomplished

21 days ago I set out to make some new habits, develop some discipline and become a better me. In the past 3 weeks it has been really hard to stick to, but as of today Friday, Oct. 2nd I have accomplished what I set out to do. I completed my 21 day challenge!! What a great feeling to finish...to succeed! I have successfully given up sugar and diet soda. Almost every day, except for 1 or 2, I got in my 3 miles in one way or another. I read my bible and created every day. This was a huge life changer.






I really don't want to revert back to my old ways. I hope and pray that I will be able to continue with my dietary changes, because honestly it has helped me in more ways than you can imagine. Last month I wept on the phone to a nurse about my hormones being out of control. The doctor prescribed YAZ for me to help with the PMDD (severe PMS). I purchased the medicine, but after reading the reviews and worrying about the side effects, I decided to wait on it. I'm glad I did. This month come PMS time I literally had one day of bloat and then started. I didn't feel crazy, weepy or irritable and that never happens. It was just a non-event and normally it is a major event with me.




I also commonly have headaches. I pop Ibuprofen all of the time for them. During the last 3 weeks, I only needed it to relieve my cramps...no headaches. Now if this alone is not reason enough to stop the sugar and diet soda then my 3 pound weight loss is:) I lost 3 pounds without being hungry at all. I ate whatever I wanted with the exception of no sweets and I still lost weight. And when I refer to no sugar, I just mean the sweet stuff...ice cream, pudding, cookies, cake, chocolate etc... That's 3 pounds of pure sugar fat;) It's enough proof for me to continue on this path. I will indulge for special occasions and birthdays, but I feel like some answers have come my way regarding my health and I want to pay attention.





Thanks to all of you for cheering me on and supporting me. I feel like I just crossed a finish line and you were all waiting at the end carrying posters and jumping up and down for me. It's exhilarating.



My mom and dad are driving up today for an 8 day visit and then my mother-in-law arrives the day they leave to help care for the Chicks while I go to BRAVE GIRL CAMP. I am beyond excited for this next adventure. I just know God's got some great things in store. So for the next few weeks I am going to take a breather. I might post a few times, but I probably won't be commenting. It's really hard for me to step back because I love blogging so much, but it will be nice to take a little break. When I come back I'm sure I'll have lots to share with you.

Have a blessed day.

All images from Rhonna's Design

One week in!

A week ago I blogged about my 21 day challenge. So far I'm a week in and I have to say it's been a CHALLENGE. Everyday I consciously remind myself of my goals and so far I've been able to stay on track.




I haven't had a diet soda all week and in the process almost stopped drinking coffee just for good measure. Can't believe how that affected my body. Who knew I was physically addicted, but I was. Headaches, low energy, upset stomach, moody...oh well maybe I can't blame everything on the caffeine, but it was surprising to me. I CAN do it though and that's a liberating feeling.

I cut sugar too. I still eat bread, so that's probably cheating - but for me no cookies, pudding, chocolate, ice cream etc... is a BIG deal. I have cravings after every meal and it has made me really aware of how much I turn to sugar. I hope even after the challenge ends that I can just save sweets for "special" occasions like birthdays and holidays. It has to be helping me more than I even realize. Haven't lost any weight, which I don't understand. The body is such a complex thing. Maybe it's hormones;)

The running was a huge hurdle for me this week. I vowed to run 3 miles everyday. Well about 4 days in I started experiencing IT band pain! Now it's one thing to run in the first place, because we all know it sucks and is really hard, but add pain to the equation and it's almost unbearable. I had to supplement with the elliptical machine a couple of days, because I didn't want to make my injury worse. I don't think that's cheating. I was still moving and working toward my goals. So I'm okay with that.

Reading my bible everyday was probably the easiest, but I still had to remind myself to do it. It helped that I started a new bible study this week and that forced me to get on track. I would so love to keep this up even after the 21 days. I know that would help me a lot in my every day walk with the Lord, and it's like filling up at the pump. When I read I actually feel myself gaining strength and it just puts everything into prospective. I need that.



Then there was the creating something new everyday. This is probably the hardest goal of mine to keep. I actually took a plain frame over to my husband and asked him if he had any ideas...HA! I just lack in the creative department at times. But you know what?? When I made myself sit down and just do something - I was actually able to create. Amazing!

Anyway curious to know about you. Any of you sign up??

How are you doing?

Have a blessed day.

Image Credit: All designs Rhonna Farrer

Do it anyway!

I'm not sure if I've mentioned before how much I HATE running outside. Seriously it's like some sort of torture. I have a million excuses. I have asthma. I can't pace myself. It makes my feet hurt. But truth be told it kicks butt in the exercise department. I ran for 45 minutes and burned almost 500 calories!

They've just built a beautiful new road this summer super close to my house and it has a wonderful paved path and gorgeous views of trees and so it's been beckoning me to try it. But you know I have all those lovely excuses that I mentioned before and I've always said no, until...TODAY!

As you can see it was hard!! I wear a heart rate monitor and you would think that would help with the pacing part, but I seriously can't run slow outside. I try so hard.... Finally when my heart rate gets to 195 or so and is about to jump out of my chest, I have to stop and walk. At the gym I can run 3 miles easily without stopping. Why is it so much harder outside?? Anyway I DID IT! Little Chick rode her bike with me and even though it was hard it was fun. I loved being outside taking in our beautiful weather while we still have it.

I've been reading about Rhonna's 21 day challenge on several different blogs, so I checked it out and it sounds wonderful. I'm a little late getting started, but that's ok. I'm up for a challenge. I have some habits I'd like to break and some new ones I'd like to form. So for the next 21 days I'm going to:

1.) Run 3 miles outside or inside depending on the weather.

2.) Resist sugar.

3.) Avoid diet soda.

4.) Create something everyday.

5.) Read my bible everyday.

So my question for you is...what excuses have you been making? What is it that you need to push yourself toward...CONQUER?? If you feel up to it join me in the 21 day challenge. Maybe we can make some new habits together.

Have a blessed day.

Design images: Rhonna Design's

The Master Cleanse

A few years ago I became a Master Cleanse participant. I needed to get ready for my cousin Tammy's wedding in L.A. and I wanted to drop some weight.  So I followed the diet for 2 weeks and lost approximately 10-12 pounds.  Now for those of you who have never heard of the Master Cleanse it is a mixture of water, lemons, cayenne pepper and maple syrup.  You don't eat anything and you drink this mixture throughout the day.  You also drink a laxative tea...so needless to say you get a real "cleanse" if you know what I mean:)

I found the information in a little booklet at my local health food store.  Since that time it has become a very well known "diet" used by celebrities and people all over the world and has been widely publicized and criticized.  

The weight may have come off initially, but I gained it back almost as quickly.  I remember being so excited at first thinking I had finally found the answer to my weight struggles.  If I gained a few I could easily do the cleanse for a little while and get it off.  I attempted the cleanse probably 4-5 times in that year and each time gained the weight back.  I really feel it messed with my metabolism.  It seemed harder to lose weight the regular way after that and it kind of became a mind game for me...a crutch.

I believe 150% that diet and exercise begins in the mind.  There have been times that I have lost weight easily and it's because I had a LIGHTBULB moment.  Everything seemed to click and I was ready for it.  Other times, many other times... I would start and then blow it and then start and blow it.  So my question to myself would be "how can I get myself to that LIGHTBULB moment"??  What do I need to do to get there again?  I know the cleanse is not the right answer.  I don't want a quick fix.  There is no magic pill or easy button...I just need to get my head on straight.  I know I will.  I feel the lightbulb starting to flicker:)

 

What about you...have you ever done anything extreme to lose weight?

 

Thanks for listening.

Becky

 

Photo credit:  All images Flickr

Competing against the World

My friend's husband Aaron is a marathon runner. He told me a statistic that I found very interesting. Apparently 80% of the world's population cannot run 3 miles without stopping. Now to the average person this stat would not be that exciting, but to me I was ecstatic. You see I can RUN 3 miles without stopping. I am in the 20%...wow!! What incredible motivation to get on the treadmill and kick butt:)

Whether you can run 5 miles or just run to the mailbox...I encourage you to push yourself. We can do more than we think we can. It's great to have a goal to stretch for. Now I wonder what other little statistics out there would be a self esteem booster??

Have a blessed day.

Photo credit - (photo #1) elvso, Flickr, (photo #2) alicepalice, Flickr

Road to Change

As most of you know who follow along, I am on a "weight loss journey". For me this journey will never end. On my mother's side they are all very obese and I have seen first hand the hardships that this brings. My mom has battled her weight for as long as I can remember. Diet after diet and failed attempts over and over have been the norm. Recently she was diagnosed with Diabetes and for once she is getting a handle on her appetite. Her body had certain "requirements" and for her it was the missing key she was looking for. Since May she has lost 25 pounds through a changed diet and with medicine. I am so happy that she is making strides and seeing results. I can't wait for her to realize her dreams of "getting her weight off". It's been such a long road and I'm so proud of her.

Sometimes the road to change is a long one and we may stumble around awhile before we find it. The important thing is to not miss it altogether!! It's never too late to jump on and enjoy the ride:)

Have a blessed day.

Photo credit: Flickr, Edward Dullard

Motivators

In a few weeks I'll be going home...back to Illinois. While I'm there I will see all of my family, my close friends and then some I haven't seen in ages. We have a wedding to attend in Chicago...yay:) And my cousin Tammy is dedicating her baby William at my Grandma June's church. All these fun activities are a great weight loss motivator for me.

I've also noticed some other motivators. I was at the gym the other day struggling to keep up with my run...about to give up and this cute guy jumped on the machine next to mine. Now this in itself is no big deal or anything, but there were lots of empty machines and he picked the one right next to mine?? Well for some reason this little whatever you call it boosted me and I ran alot longer than I was originally planning;) It works the same with music. I can be dragging literally and a great song will come on my ipod and it is like fire in my veins or something. I can feel the energy coursing through me.

(Tammy and Missy)

Another motivator is being around physically fit people. My friend Missy is a great inspiration. She is a personal trainer and teaches aerobic/weight training classes at my gym and just being around her makes me aware of my physical body. My cousin Tammy is a motivator too. She looks amazing. She just had a baby not long before I went out to visit her over the winter and she looked so tone! But there is something about being around her that makes me want to eat. Analyze that! I think I am compensating for feeling like a defensive lineman around her and eat enough for the two of us...ha;) Whatever the reason, it is a wake up call and gets me fired up.

What motivates you to get your act together??

Have a blessed day.