FITori

Come on over!!!!

2010-01-23T19:34:00.000-08:00

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New BLOG!!!

2010-01-01T11:17:00.000-08:00

FIToriBLOG.com

Come check out my new site!!!!

There are many new features and hopefully it's a bit easier to use. I love that it has an email subscription by feedburner so sign up for emails when I post new blog entries.

I think it looks better and I still have a lot of work to do....BUT I think you'll like the layout better...I know I do! Thanks prophotoblog.com!

My blog roll is at the footer as well as my archives and a search function.

I will be soon adding all of my progress pics as a link at the top and will go all the way up to competition....so they'll be easier to locate! Someday, I plan to add update pics of prego and afterward also...thanks Anne for the idea!

As always, let me know if you have any suggestions or anything you don't like! I hope to post more now that I'm on my new site. I've spent weeks getting it all set up....this is a whole new world for me!

Laptop shelf

2009-12-23T19:55:00.000-08:00

My dear hubby made this great shelf for my work laptop in my home office where I work every day I'm not traveling for work. I needed to hide my ergonomic keyboard and mouse and...mission accomplished! What a great workspace I now have....and for so little!

Costs:

Wood - 1/4 sheet MDF - $8.50
Paint $3.99
Wood Putty $2.99
Screws or nails

Eating Well Magazine

2009-12-21T11:32:00.001-08:00

I am SO impressed with this magazine and the recipes in it! I can't wait til I'm done w/ comp prep and I can experiment with fun, healthy recipes! There are tons of recipes available online also without a subscription, though of course I recommend the subscription! They have menus on their site also....

http://www.eatingwell.com/

The Truth About Online Anorexia (BBC)

2009-12-19T12:13:00.001-08:00

Just thought I'd briefly share this documentary that is very interesting. I've been aware of these pro-ana websites for years....about a decade. The documentary calls these sites "new" but they are not new at all. When I was suffering from my eating disorder, I visited some of these sick pro-ana sites for inspiration. I understand that anorexia isn't just about food and exercise, or about a low body image. There is MUCH more to it! But, I feel and hope that by giving kids the tools they need to eat healthy and exercise appropriately in order to achieve or maintain a normal body weight and stay healthy, we can give kids some control over their weight the HEALTHY AND FIT way and maybe save some kids from this path. I think (and again hope) that if I had the tools back then my story might have been different, but I do not know!

I have done a great deal of research on eating disorders and a LOT of my research has led to the mothers of these girls (and boys) and their commentary being a HUGE factor in their childrens' anorexia!!! So, moms, be careful what you say around your children about yourselves and to your children about them and their weight.

Long story short, I want to bring these sites to the attention of my parent friends so they can be sure their teenagers (girls and boys) are not looking at these sites! Comments welcomed!!!! I'd love to hear what you all have to say!!!

Robin McGraw: Inside my heart (Choosing to live with passion and purpose)

2009-11-22T09:04:00.000-08:00

I really enjoyed Robin's book and I think many of you will too. I try to find something to learn in every moment in my life and certain people have a lot to offer, especially people who have been through different phases in life ahead of me.

Robin shares advice and personal experience about being a wife and mother. She shares what worked for her and I found a lot to learn from her experiences. She is a more old-fashioned wife than we are used to seeing and hearing from today. Many modern women, I believe, are afraid to care for their husbands. I love Dr. Laura and Robin McGraw because of their philosophies about marriage and that women and men are different! Yes, folks, we're different! Some women may not like their philosophies, but I believe them and they work in my marriage and I think they're worth others reading. Take it or leave it! You'll be better for it if you read Robin's book and Dr. Laura's books.

I am including some of the things that resonated with me in this book.....

(p. 3) I declared my independence from the rigors of daily parenting and am now poised on the brink of a new and exciting phase of life. [speaking of the next phase of her life after her kids moved out]

(p. 3) I absolutely believe that in order for a woman to experience happiness, fulfillment, and peace, she needs to know two things: who she is, and who she is meant to be.

(p. 4) I want to get you excited about whatever phase of life you're in, excited about being a woman in this day and time, excited about being the woman that God created you to be.

(p. 9-10) Writing this book has required me to think about the choices I've made, and it has made me aware of the exhilarating power of living a life of my own choosing. I don't know how it happened, but as far back as I can remember, I've always known my life had a purpose, and I'e pursued that purpose with a passion. I have never thought of myself as a victim of circumstance; rather, I examined the circumstances I was in, evaluated their usefulness in my life, and used them as a blueprint for how I would build the life I wanted. I always pictured myself as the one person and the only force besides God who I could count on to design the life I wanted to live, and make it a reality. I knew I was meant to be a wife and mother, and I made it happen. I wanted a husband who didn't dink or gamble, and I made it happen. I wanted to take care of myself to remain vibrant and healthy for my family; and I made it happen.
[I finally found someone who put this philosophy that I live by into words that didn't appear spoiled...I know what I want, I find a way to get what I want....sounds spoiled. She puts it in a much better way showing that knowing what you want and going after it is OK! It's great! It's the way to be happy and no one should make you feel ashamed of having those things that you wanted, searched and worked to have! ]

(p. 10) My goal for this book is to tell everyone who reads it about the power of choosing her life rather than taking it as it comes along - not so you'll make the same choices I made, but so you can make the choices that are right for you.

(p. 14) As a matter of fact, yes honey, sometimes you do have "stupid" stamped on your forehead. [cracks me up because my dad asked me this all the time growing up...must have been a Southern thing...and I would have loved to have answered "as a matter of fact, yes" to his question many times]

(p. 18) As I said, it's all about choices, and I made the choice to be sure that I had a strong and clear voice that was heard, and that I was treated with dignity and respect by all three of the men in my life.

(p. 24) I firmly believe that how happy my sons are is a reflection of who I am and how well I did my job.

(p. 25) parents aren't raising kids, they're raising adults.

(p. 29) [hilarious story on page 29]

(p. 33) Accept him for the man he is, and accept yourself for the woman you are. Do not apologize for your feminine ways....my femininity is my strength...It's just that I don't feel a need to compete with him for dominance in our relationship.

(p. 36-7) And what makes them [men & husbands] happy is to be accepted. That is why I have chosen to bring a spirit of acceptance to my relationship with Phillip, and to embrace the differences between us rather than resist them. And that is why I don't think we should judge our husbands too harshly. We have to accept our mates' ways because that's what makes life interesting. I'll be coming back to this acceptance idea throughout the book, because it's such an important part of what makes our marriage work. I know now that just because Phillip loves me, doesn't mean he's supposed to think the way I do, or act the way I do, or know you're not supposed to put a thirty-five-dollar bath towel on the garage floor (or your wife in the trunk of your car). [see hilarious story on p. 29 for why that should be funny]

[excellent story in Chapter 3 preceding this quote] (p. 50-1) I learned a lot that night. Among other things, I learned that I would protect my children, my phone, and my family with all my might, just as my mother had done...My mother's womanly self-awareness was her ruby slippers: she knew she couldn't beat those men at their game, so she trashed the rules and created her own. It was one of the oldest strategies known to man, deployed by a woman ahead of her time. Even back then, my mother understood that sisterhood was far more powerful than a trio of drunken cowboys proving their manhood by carrying off a teenage girl's bedroom set. She knew that, in the sober light of morning, there weren't many wives who would conspire with their soused spouses to make off with another woman's furniture, poker game or not.

(p. 57) When it looks as if people have all this great stuff going on, it's only becuase it's right for them, and that's because they did their best to make it that way....it's about figuring out what you want and making it happen. [Amen!]

(p. 57) [I live by this...] there were both good things and bad things about my father, and...I was going to let go of the bad and embrace the good.

(p. 57-8) My father often told my brother, "Women are to be respected; they are to be treated with dignity. We are only two men in this house with five women, and it is our job to protect them, to look out for them, and to always treat them with respect. Do not use foul language around them and do not walk into the room without a shirt on. Adore these women and respect who they are."

(p. 59) "Robin," [Phillip McGraw] said, "if I ever do anything to upset you, I want you to promise me two things. Number one, that you will tell yourself that I did not do it on purpose, becuase I'm going to tell you right now: I will never, ever do anything to hurt you on purpose; if I do hurt you, it's just that I didn't know what I said or did would upset you. So promise me you'll tell yourself, 'He didn't really know it would upset me.' Number two, promise that you'll just come and tell me what I've done, because if you tell me what I did, I can tell you right now, I will never do it again."

(p. 60) As much as we love our men, the one thing we need to love even more is ourselves.

(p. 64-5) There comes a time when you have to look deep within yourself and say, As good a person as I am, as kind as I am, as loving as I am, that's still not enough. I have to respect myself and do what it takes to be able to live my life in a way that makes me proud. As women, it is our responsibility to respect ourselves and do what it takes to live our lives in ways that make us proud. We need to live this truth every day.

(p. 68) My point is that women are born with gifts of discernment that we could, and should, use to get what we want out of life. But too many of us decline to use our gifts, accepting what comes our way rather than taking charge and making sure that what comes our way is what we want. I cannot count the women I know who feel they've been dealt a crummy hand, yet would rather play cards they've been given than demand new ones...you get what you ask for and that if you don't ask, you're going to end up settling for less than you want (and deserve).

(p. 81) I've always been the type that once I've made up my mind, that's it. I'm an all-or-nothing person, which in some ways is good and in some ways is bad. But, good or bad, I have strong convictions, and I stand by them.

(p. 83) I believe that God means for me to be an advocate for myslef, both in my marriage and every other aspect of my life.

(p. 92) To me, there's a huge difference between expecting happiness to come to you because you deserve it, and going out and getting the happiness you believe you deserve.

(p. 92-3) As soon as I know I want something to happen in my life, I start thinking and acting as if that much-desired thing is just around the corner, waiting for me to come and launch it into being...the Lord helps those who help themselves

(p. 94) And while I firmly believe in striving for a good life, I also believe you've got to recognize when you've got it good, and thank God for what you've got. I have a good life. I wake up every morning in my wonderful home and thank God for all the joy and abundance with which He has blessed me.

(p. 95) it was born in my heart and made real by my hands. I imagined it and made it happen. To me, there's nothing better.

(p. 110) she was gone because she didn't take care of herself [speaking of her mother...a huge lesson I'm learning young]

(p. 112-3) This person had the right to say it. But you have the right not to react to it....You can't control other people. You cannot control what they say, what they think, or what they do. People have the right to think and say whatever they want to. But you have the righ tnot to take it to heart, and not to react. "When you allow a person's words to upset you, you're giving away your power," [Dr. Phil] said..."You are giving someone else the power to control how you feel and how you think. You need to say, 'You have the right to say it and you have the right to think it. But I have the right to disagree: I have the right to not react; I have the right to continue to believe what I know is true."...The reason he has this calmness about him is because he is dismissing this person's comments as nonsense, and he thinks I should do the same. He was right. And from that day forward, I have always known that what other people think of me or say about me ought not influence what I know to be true about myself. To doubt myself because of others would be to hand over my power to them, and that is something I will not do. I never give my power away.

(p. 114) if you allow other people to erode your good opinion of yourself, you're giving them power over you.

(p. 114) I now enjoy a warm relationship with this person because I made the decision -- just as I did with my father -- to allow in only the positive aspects of the relationship and to reject the bad ones.

(p. 119-20) To this day, when there's a health issue I want to learn about, I go straight to the bookstore, sit on the floor, skim every book on the subject, and buy the ones I want to read. I shop in health food stores (you can learn a lot from the people who work there), talk with pharmacists (they know a lot about not only medications but also the doctors who prescribe them), and I read every magazine, newsletter, pamphlet, and periodical I can get my hands on that can help me keep myself and my loved ones healthy.

[another excellent story p. 120-5] Nor have I forgotten what I learned that day about the nature of love and mercy and forgiveness and their role in a working marriage.

(p. 126) And on the rare occasions when Phillip and I have a disagreement, I try to remind myself that an argument is really an opportunity to show my husband who I am. And believe me, I use all of those opportunities. It is an option every woman has, if only she will use it. It's your choice.

(p. 139) [This is one of the most important aspects of why our marriage is so great and something we learned in our pre-marital counseling through the Catholic church.] I think the success of a marriage is in large part based on the willingness of each partner to do what it takes to meet the other's needs.

(p. 141) Here's this woman doing the opposite of what her husband wants so he won't think he can control her, whereas if she would wait for him to come home, crawl up in his lap and flirt with him, she'd have him hooked better than anything in that cooler of his.

(p. 141) he'll ask the husband if it's important that his wife feel proud of him. The husband, always, always says yes....the husband always admits that he's hurt because his wife doesn't respect him and what he does for her and their family.

(p. 142) But I've got to tell you that y'all's opinion doesn't mean a thing to me unless she...[Dr. Phil nods toward Robin McGraw]..is proud of me and thinks I'm doing a good job. That's all I care about.

(p. 145) But for us, commitment granted freedom to the marriage: freedom for both of us to not only be our true selves, but to speak the truth about who we were and what we needed without worrying that either one of us would walk out over a thoughtless remark or a stack of unmailed thank-you notes in a tennis bag. For us, commitment was liberating, not confining, because it promised certainty and coninuity that was both comforting and necessary.

(p. 146) I believe that good marriages aren't born, they're made---and they're made over time by an ongoing process of loving, unselfish negotiation...we've done it by negotiating our differences...Who ever said marriage is romantic? Marriage is about partnership, sharing, cooperation, and compromise. Sure, romance is in there, too, but it tends not to surface unless the other components are in place. And they're not going to fall into place easily and peacefully all the time. Sometimes you have to advocate for yourself in a relationship, which means figuring out what your needs are in a given situation and having the conviction to be honest with your partner about it.

(p. 148-9) Just because Phillip and I came together as a couple doesn't mean that we love all the same things....you're not the same person as your husband; why expect him to like all the same things you do?...He is supportive of anything I want to do that brings me joy, and I am supportive of anything he does that brings him joy.... That's who he is, and I don't want him to give up an important part of himself because he's married to me.

(p. 149-50) [This is for you, Shawna, and some of my pilot wife friends] In a marriage, you have to do what works. We have always eaten dinner late--eight o'clock or later--because Phillip gets off work, plays tennis for a couple of hours, comes home, showers, and only then do we eat. When the boys were little, I never put them to bed early...It was important to me that our sons have time with their father every day, so I had them take naps at five o'clock and woke them up at seven-thirty, right before Phillip got home, so he could play with them for a while.

(p. 150) Phillip never told me he wanted the kids to be awake when he got home because that would be invading my motherly turf-- something he has never done. I don't think he ever changed a diaper or woke up in the middle of the night with a crying child because that's the way I wanted it. He did wake up once and wander over to Jay's crib when he was crying and I shooed him back to bed because his job was to work during the day to support the family; mine was to care for the family so he could focus on work. That was our agreement when we got married and we were both satisfied with the terms....Phillip has never complained about being the sole breadwinner in our family, and I have never felt resentful, put-upon, or exploited because I was responsible for the childcare and housework: those are things that I am good at, and things I love to do. Had I felt overwhelmed or unhappy at any point I would ahve renoegotaited the terms of our agreement...my husband has always shown his appreciation for what I do. Appreciation is a big component of a successful marriage.

(p. 155) The simple act of turning your consciousness away from your own inner world to connect with your partner's is a great gift to a relationship; in fact, it's the essence of relationship. You've got to be willing to put energy into listening to your partner--not just hearing, but really listening--so you can pick up signals he's sending out about what he needs to be happy. And you've also got to be willing to send out some signals yourself that enable your partner to make you happy.

[Chapter 7 has a great story about trusting your instincts as a mother] (p. 180) But you have to stand up for yourself. You can't stand by passively and ignore your maternal, womanly instincts in this or any other kind of challenging situation. You can't let somebody go poking around on your baby's arm or leg or anywhere else. Again, you can't let anyone tell you something about anything in your life without thinking, feeling, and acting in accordance with your instincts and knowledge. It's not about being stubborn, hardheaded or close-minded; it's about listening to yourself and trusting what you hear.

Ok, to be honest, I'm moving onto my next task and I'm sick of typing so read the rest of the book. The last few chapters have some other wonderful things in them about motherhood.

A must read!!!!!

Progress Pics

2009-11-15T11:22:00.000-08:00

November 13, 2009

This is my first butt pic so please be nice :) I plan to show my befores (which are GREAT befores..if you know what I mean) when I have a great after...this will be the in between. It's funny that you can see my left arm in the middle picture has a "farmer's tan" or "driving arm" from driving so much lately - including the 5 hour drive to get there on my business trip....all the way in the sun. Oops!

I feel as though I've maintained the last few weeks which I know is a great thing...it's hard to maintain, but as hard as I've worked I hope to see more results. I have done it to myself though...last week was so rough at work and with my final masters paper due and being called out of town last minute on a business trip, it was all I could do to stick to my diet and get some sleep. I will do a better job next week as my masters paper was turned in and I can spend those extra hours in the gym!

Check back with me in a few weeks.

Progress and Update

2009-10-28T05:21:00.000-07:00

October 26, 2009

Yes, that's an ugly bruise from lifting....I banged a weight into myself....and that's what happens!
I must say that I'm not proud of my results this last month...I've maintained! I did really well the week of my brother's wedding, but the 2nd week of my husband's homecoming....I cheated...a LOT. Once I started, I didn't stop. I tried all the good food in Chicago and was a really, really bad student at that point. My trainer would be and probably is disappointed. As soon as I got home, I got back on track from day 1 and I have maintained my weight loss, but obviously the progress I could have made....I didn't. It was a waste of a month because I'm still maintaining. You can see if you compare my progress pic with the last few that it's pretty similar.

I'm also struggling with my back still. It got worse than it's ever been last week, but then it got better. I think being in the car on my business trip all week did the most harm, so I think that's why I'm feeling better now that I'm home. I'm not sure. I did well last week on my business trip and stuck to my diet but missed 2 cardio workouts due to the amount of hours I was working. So, again, back on track this week. I'm not being too hard on myself for the past, but am using it as a reason NOT to cheat at all and NOT to make any excuses TODAY....or TOMORROW. I can excuse last week, but I can't excuse today.

I have an MRI scheduled today. Hopefully I'll get some answers, but the best thing is that I'm starting to feel better, finally...so let's hope that progress in the right direction (healing) continues!

A peak at our Chicago trips...

A peak at my brother's wedding.....

Progress

2009-09-24T08:09:00.000-07:00

* Thursday, September 24, 2009 *
Yes, my hair is straight-ish! Thought I'd change it up a bit w/ the Chi ceramic flat iron!

Progress is going to my brother's wedding, with all of my family there, eating out every meal and sticking to my pre-cooked meals and workouts!!!! I am really proud of myself for sticking to it and doing so well! Everytime throughout this process that I have done something I never thought I could do, it has been great! I'm learning so much about what I'm capable of and it's awesome!

I also felt awesome at the wedding. I didn't feel bloated or controlled by food. I didn't feel pissed that my clothes wouldn't fit. I didn't have to dress around the possibility that I might eat carbs and get so bloated that I'd have to cover up. I felt great. I didn't have to wear Spanx to the wedding and I felt comfortable in my own skin at the alter and in all of the pictures. It was a great experience AND I know that I only have further to go in my leaning out and will only feel BETTER in the coming months. What a cool place to be??!!!

I did discover that when I'm tired, it's like being drunk and I lose my ability or ease to control what I eat! I was drunk dialing Domino's when I got home! I'm trying not to beat myself up but good grief it was like an out of body experience and when I woke up the next day I couldn't believe what I'd done. Moving on.....

The only pic I have so far of the wedding week - at the rehearsal dinner with my brother!

UPDATE & Progress Pics

2009-09-10T08:58:00.000-07:00

September 10, 2009

May 7, 2009 * June 3, 2009 * September 10, 2009

I spaced this morning and turned the wrong way....oops!

I'm seeing some GREAT changes lately...the last few weeks. I don't think I'm quite ready to post my back shots yet. It's looking much better (my ass that is) but not quite there yet.

I thought it'd be fun to show how far I've come since May b/c there are some SERIOUS changes since then. I'm loving taking these 2 week pics b/c it's easy to be in denial but when looking back I can't help but think NEVER again!!!

I'm hoping to be ready by April! We'll see...I'm taking it one week at a time. I really thought this process would be quicker but I'm learning how it works and I'm learning about myself and I wouldn't change this experience for anything ! It's been great! No more time to bulk before the show, but I'm adding muscle and strength while cutting so I think I'll be ok! I'm stoked about my shoulders so I'm thinking by April, I won't be disappointed in my size, but we'll see!!

I had my first refeed this week. I was terrrified!!! I was freaked out to eat carbs at each of my six meals yesterday! I even emailed Erik after Meal 2 and asked him if I really had to finish out the day! Really??? I didn't notice a fatty staring back at me in the mirror this morn! I am so amazed that I didn't look bloated all day or today after that! Again, I'm learning SO much about this whole process!

Off to do my cardio....yuck!!! Good news is that I'm wearing shorts to the gym. Crazy for ME to wear SHORTS! I'm feeling really good and can't wait to see even more changes!! I'm so excited!! Can you tell?

Progress Update

2009-08-27T05:33:00.000-07:00

7/11/09 * 8/27/09

I haven't done a before and after in a while. I don't see that many changes, but a few...it's happening. I am a little pink from the tanning bed...trying to get tan for my big brother's wedding in a few weeks. We'll see if I can get tan enough by then! I am seeing a difference in my quad sweep/size on the side shots and I'm seeing my shoulders pop more and my waist a bit trimmer in the front shots. I feel like I just can't get the fat off my middle and lower half!!! I can't wait to see the finished product months down the road. I will be amazed I'm sure and feel like I'm in someone else's body - or maybe I feel like, finally, this is the body I always thought I had! I wonder when the cellulite will disappear! Ugh...I have a ways to go!!! I'll just keep trucking along!

I'm finally down to 151....After bulking I got up as high as 167, so I'm down to 151. Haven't moved the scale too quickly but I have seen changes in the way my clothes fit and inches. The last month or so I've lost 2 inches on my butt and an inch on my waist....not too much but noticeable. I still feel really strong in the gym and feel like I'm gaining strength/mass, definitely maintaining my hard-earned muscle and I'm still losing fat on top of that! So, I'm getting the best of both worlds...and I'm rarely hungry.

My back is getting a little better. I'm feeling much better than I was a month ago so it's healing...takes time!!!! Let's hope that's it for sports injuries for a while!

Thanks so much for all of your support!! I'm really excited about getting even leaner and I can't wait to see a 6 pack!

Habits and Update

2009-08-23T18:38:00.001-07:00

Today, August 23, 2009 about 8 p.m.

I have been lazy lately with blogging....I'm sorry!!! I took this photo an hour or so ago and thought I'd at least give you a bit of an update. I have been wondering lately if what I'm doing now is becoming a habit or if I'll be so sick of it next year after my comp that I'll rebel and go back to my old ways...say it ain't so! I really hope this is becoming a habit for me.

I can see me later in life with kids, packing up my lunch and snacks and packing up lunches and snacks for my toddler(s) to go out on the town for the day. We'll see. I hope that I don't make my kids crazy with all of my obsessions and preoccupations about weight. That's a topic for another day...moms who have any advice about this....please share!!!

Still truckin' along on my plan with cutting. I'm seeing changes, slowly but surely. Erik has me with no cheat meals for 2 weeks to try to see more results. I really think my cheats were affecting my results. I decided to change my mental theory on them. Rather than planning for them all week and really feeling like I deserved everything I'd craved ALL week in one sitting, I'm not planning a cheat at all, but rather waiting until I truly crave something and if on a training day (a day I can have carbs) and it's been at least a week....if I truly cannot live w/o it...I'll have a CONTROLLED cheat....really truly controlled!!! This is a work in progress for me! But, I'm doing better and as I always say...life is a journey!

Those of us who do this are crazy, yes, but motivated and we keep our routine day in day out, week in week out, month after month, some year after year. I think that exercise is a part of my life now that I could not live without...well, I should say lifting....I can probably live without cardio. Though I think I will get a bike during or after this comp and may enjoy road biking...we'll see. I hope that this diet will also be part of my life after this comp. It is quite easy to keep it up...maybe with a little bit more relaxation and some family dinners that aren't on my "plan."

MY BACK - It's getting better though it's not totally better yet. I had an xray and found out it's musculature, so glad to know there's nothing wrong with my spine or discs!!! But, as you all know, sports injuries take time to heal and I'm working on healing right now. It just takes time and Erik has been great about adjusting my workouts to do what doesn't hurt for the time being....don't get me wrong....my new workouts are kicking my BUTT!!! WOOHOO!!! LOVE IT!!!

Keep up your routines and make them habit!!!

For Caroline and her Mommy

2009-08-22T07:53:00.000-07:00

http://www.last.fm/music/Jamie+O%27Neal/_/I+Love+My+Life

(That was the best video I could find, so I suggest clicking on the link above and listening to the recorded version. The sound quality is better.)

I LOVE this song! Since the first time I heard this song, it's made me happy! I used to listen to it during my last job when I was miserable and remember why I was working so hard....for my husband, our future, and our future "little blond haired" children.

Now that my BFF has had her first baby, Baby Caroline, I am in love with this kid and I haven't even met her yet. Now this song makes me teary...yes, me!...me who never cries!! I still see myself in the movie playing in my head, but instead I'm teary seeing Caroline as the "little blond haired" kid and my BFF and hubby as the two "dancing in the living room". So, I'm sure it'll make my BFF teary, since I'm hearing she's crying at Walmart commercials including mom & daughter.

For you, with love, Caroline and your mommy!!!
I know you hate country music, but get over it for 3 minutes!!! :)

"I Love My Life" (Jamie O'Neal)

Her little blond hair's blowin', she's swingin' while her daddy's mowin'
The grass, and the dog needs a bath
But he's chasing the cat up a tree
I'm lookin' out the window, happy just watching my world go round
And I think to myself, how lucky can a girl be

I've got everything, more than I ever dreamed
I love my life
I thank God for all I have
And that I love this man
Who loves his wife
I love my life
I love my life

Twenty kisses goodnight, turn the little butterfly night light on,
'til the monster is gone and she's finally fallen asleep
We tiptoe downstairs, cuddle up and we kiss in the big chair
and I smile and you whisper, now it's just you and me

I've got everything, more than I ever dreamed
I love my life
I thank God for all I have
And that I love this man
Who loves his wife
I love my life
I love my life

Blue and pink in the nursery
Gold and silver anniversaries
Dancing in the living room
Our little girl, and me and you

I've got everything, more than I ever dreamed
I love my life
I thank God for all I have
And that I love this man
Who loves his wife
I love my life
I love my life

Uncovered

2009-08-07T06:34:00.000-07:00

I saw the author, Jordan Matter, on the news the other day promoting the release of his new book, "Uncovered" and the part of his interview that caught my attention was not that he was photographing naked, topless women in public, but rather what he was saying about how the women felt about their bodies.

Jordan Matter is a photographer and usually photographs models, who, as he said, are supposed to be the epitome of beauty in our society, right? We all, meaning women, look at these women and aspire to be like them? Or at least at some point in our lives we have done this. And, he said that it made an impact on him that these women, the epitome of beauty in our society, all hated parts of their body and asked him, the photographer, to not shoot the left side of their nose or their fat thighs. Fill in the blanks, they all have the same insecurities that you do!

I also thought it was interesting that most of the women didn't want to get dressed too quickly after being naked in the streets!!! :) One of my favorite photos that was previewed was that of his wife very pregnant and in her bathrobe....very cute! There are a few other pregnant women in this book.

There was also a controversial photo of a child playing in a pool that he put in the book only to pose the question, at what point do women need to start wearing shirts and covering up their chests?

Take a look at the link below, you can see a sneak peak of his book on his site...

http://www.jordanmatter.com/uncovered.asp

WOW! The Shake Weight! Where can I get one?

2009-07-30T07:02:00.000-07:00

I stole this from one of my favorite bloggers..... Muscle and the City

All I have to say is....wow! If only it were that easy.

Wedding Dance - SO CREATIVE!

2009-07-27T06:38:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-94JhLEiN0&feature=player_embedded

They have disabled embedding of their video so click on the link above for great fun. What an original idea!!! What fun!!!

Update Pic

2009-07-23T17:23:00.001-07:00

I'm sick!!! This is the first time in 11 months that I have been sick with a cold or sinus infection and I didn't miss it when the last 11 months!! I feel awful and hope it gets better soon. This is miserable and I have too much to do to be feeling crappy! I'm hoping that I don't lose any ground by being sick for a few days.

I asked Shawna of styleberryPHOTO to take my photo after the gym the day before I got sick. I never flex my left shoulder enough when I'm not in front of a mirror....I'll have to work on that!

Take your lunch in style

2009-07-12T09:36:00.000-07:00

I am so excited about this lunch tote/cooler bag I found in the latest Crate and Barrel catalog! I just ordered mine and I can't wait. Now, i won't stand out quite as much when I'm always carrying my cooler around!! Genius!!! I never leave the house without food and I always take an extra meal beyond what I think I'll need and I usually need it!!

I might have to get a second one. I got the teal to go with my blue Coach bag, though I maybe should have gotten the black....but I thought it might be a wee bit boring! :) Trying to add a little color to my life!

Order yours here

***************************
UPDATE
***************************

I asked Shawna of styleberryPHOTO to take this photo for me to show how small this bag is. It works for a lunch, or a few meals but not much more than that. It's pretty small. We both thought that this was a shoulder bag almost, but it's pretty small. The bag I take now has room for food, 2 cooler packs and a huge water bottle. This is still more stylish for around town, or one errand, but I'll stick to my huge backpack for all day road trips. Just thought I'd update you after I received my purchase!!!

Alias

2009-07-11T19:52:00.000-07:00

I'm totally addicted to Alias!!! I'm only on Season 1 (Gotta love Netflix!!!) so DON'T SPOIL it for me if you have seen them all. As always, I dig a tough female lead and of course Garner is a tough and lean female lead! Great show!

Little Black Dress

2009-07-11T19:38:00.000-07:00

Oxygen Magazine

I love this idea!!! I have my brother's wedding as my short term goal in Sept but of course my comp next year is the long term goal for me in general. It's nice to have a short term goal or a realistic goal of a moment that you want to look excellent to keep you on track when you want to fall off!!!

Progress Pics (A Little Late)

2009-07-11T06:48:00.000-07:00

June 4, 2009 ~ July 11, 2009
Sorry these are backwards! I'm really bad at getting the same shots each week.
I can definitely see the difference a few pounds makes in my abs!! Woohoo!!!

So the last few weeks have been crazy. My parents were in town to visit, my mom for 2 weeks because she's a teacher and can do that over the summer. As you all know I'm also busy working full time and getting my masters! My trainer has added in a few more cardio sessions (not many) but I haven't been religious with getting them done this last week. I am proud of my progress because I cheated a few more times than I should have while my parents were in town and for my birthday and I haven't done all of my cardio, but I still have results!!!!

June 18, 2009 ~ July 11, 2009
Don't pay attention to my mean farmer's tan! I'll have to get rid of that before my brother's wedding in September!!

I'm down another couple of pounds. I'm 2 pounds or more lighter than my last pics in each of those photos as of today! Woohoo! So, I'm still seeing progress, even though I have not been as strict as I know I should have been! I know that I could be seeing more results if I was sticking to the plan more diligently....next week! I will also be out of town for around 9-10 days coming up so that will be a bit of a challenge, and I'm thinking I might skip my cheat today to make up for it. It's been 9 days or so since I've had a cheat and I'm doing ok! I have weak moments, but they pass!

June 18, 2009 ~ July 2, 2009 ~ July 11, 2009
Not feeling this most recent pic of me on the far right...looks like my hips are a bit softer than in weeks prior. I'm not sure if it's the angle or what! I'm at least 2 pounds down from the other 2 photos, so who knows. I feel better and know I'm losing, even if my photos aren't worthy of a magazine and even if I'm not ready to get on stage yet!

I'm really having peace about this whole transformation process. It is SUCH a process! I'm enjoying the process. I'm learning that I can do it and that it's not that tough. I'm leaerning so much about myself and resisting temptation. It's a crazy thing to know I CAN DO IT! I'm gaining the tools I need for later in life to maintain my weight the healthy way and teach those tools to my future children. I'm learning that it takes a great deal of time to lean out at this point but that it CAN be done if you stick to the plan.

THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR YOUR SUPPORT! IT MEANS THE WORLD TO ME!!

It's Never Too Late

2009-07-11T05:04:00.000-07:00

I like this quote because I often look back and wonder what life would be like if I would have started this process earlier towards competition. But, that's the wrong attitude. The point is that I've started now! The point is that life is a journey and the tools that I'm learning daily will help me with the rest of my life. The point is that our lives are a plan and each day builds on the next and each part of life is an important part that prepares you for the next.

It's never too late to do what you've always dreamed of and be who you've always known yourself to be!!!!!

Standing Still

2009-06-22T07:12:00.000-07:00

I got an email this morning from SparkPeople and loved this quote. I love this saying because I think there's even more meaning with weight loss and fitness goals. Sometimes even standing still is better than quitting or going backward and gaining weight back. Sometimes standing still, maintaining weight loss and fitness goals, is tough!!!! It appears that is where America fails....we can ALL lose weight but can we keep it off? Can we stand still and maintain our weight loss? That still takes a lot of work and effort (and self control)! That still takes exercise and a maintanence level of calories.

For me, I'm struggling with how slowly the progress is happening but that's what happens when you lose it for good! When you lose it the right way it takes time. When you lose fat and not muscle it's a slow process! I'm working hard and succeeding at enjoying the process....I hope you can too!!!

Inspiration.....Me???

2009-06-20T18:49:00.001-07:00

June 18, 2009 ~ in a hotel for work....excuse the background!
Please also forgive the morning hair and no makeup ~ it was 6 am and this is right after getting out of bed at my hotel (I was traveling for work)!

I was at the gym the other day and a man asked me a question about working out....this happens now and then. I usually refer people to the BFL book or answer their questions about what I do, if it relates or if I can give a short answer. This time, though, he said to me that he works out harder when I am in the gym because he always sees me busting my a$$!!!

Me??? Inspiring others to work harder in the gym??!!! That is the coolest thing!!!! So, think of that while you're in the gym ladies, even if others don't say it....they may be thinking it! It's nice to know that not only am I doing a great thing for myself by being at the gym, but to know that I may be motivating others while there is just icing on the cake...no, no icing at the gym :(.

I'm pretty happy with my results so far with Lean Bodies Consulting. I wish they had come faster, of course. And, I feel like had I worked harder or been stricter with my diet or cheats that it would have come faster. Regardless, I'm looking forward to the next few weeks of continued results during this cut. Thanks so much for all of your support! I truly appreciate it.

And, the BFL Challenge that I organized for the wives is starting on Monday!!!! If anyone wants to join with us for the fun of doing a challenge, it starts Monday, June 22, 2009!!!

Progress Pics - Another 2 weeks

2009-06-18T05:24:00.000-07:00

Left June 4 * Right June 18

Left May 21 * Middle June 4 * Right June 18

I added an extra picture because of my "stance" I changed it from week to week by accident!

I apologize for the background in these images...I was out of town for business when I took them. I had to adapt. I did the best I could without a camera tripod, using the counter in the hotel room!

I am so excited about my results this 2 weeks. I really see that my waist is trimming. My thighs are leaning out a bit, but I have a ways to go before my jeans will fit. I'm still one size up in my jeans and pants for now. I'm getting much closer though and I'm pretty confident that I will be able to wear my pants again once I lean out. I know I have bulked up a lot in my lower half but I'm hoping that I still have a lot of fat to lose so I can wear my old clothes again soon!!!

I was really worried about my results this week because after my cheat meal last Saturday (full of carbs and sugar as usual) I gained 9, yes NINE, pounds overnight. I'm sure it was only water weight but I've never heard of NINE POUNDS OVERNIGHT!!! Every day after, it was slowly coming down, 2-3 pounds a day but part of my brain said, OMG...I ruined it in one meal!!! I talked to my trainer and he's perplexed as well, it seems. He thinks it might be hormonal....he's probably right! The human body, especially the female body, is amazing!!!

My new iPhone background

2009-06-13T08:32:00.000-07:00

Sent from my iPhone

Cottonelle Puppy Gets Pampered commercial

2009-06-11T12:44:00.001-07:00

As the proud owner of a "retriever" I have to admit that I love all ads and commercials with retrievers in them....labs or goldens. So, when I saw this commercial I thought it was adorable. I know it has nothing to do with Fitness but it has something to do w/ me...FITori :)

Israeli woman mistakenly junks $1 million mattress

2009-06-11T07:05:00.000-07:00

By IAN DEITCH, Associated Press Writer Ian Deitch, Associated Press Writer – Wed Jun 10, 3:32 pm ET

JERUSALEM – An Israeli woman mistakenly threw out a mattress she said had almost $1 million inside, setting off a frantic search through tons of garbage at a number of landfill sites on Wednesday. The woman told The Associated Press that she bought her elderly mother a new mattress as a surprise present on Monday — and threw out the old one.

The next day, she said, she remembered that she had hidden her life savings inside the old mattress. "I woke up in the morning screaming, when it hit me what happened," said the Tel Aviv woman, who asked not to be identified.

She went to look for the mattress, but it had already been hauled away by garbage collectors, she said. Searches at three different landfill sites turned up nothing.

She said the money was in U.S. dollars and Israeli shekels. She refused to say how she acquired such a large sum. "It was all my money in the world," she said. There was no way to verify her claims, and she refused to disclose key details.

Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said he was not familiar with the case and no report had been filed.

The Israeli daily Yediot Ahronot published a picture of the woman searching through garbage at a dump in southern Israel. The picture shows the woman, dressed in a white top and black pants with her back to the camera, picking through a huge pile of trash that fills the frame about 10 feet (3 meters) in all directions.

Yitzhak Borba, the dump manager, told Army Radio that his staff was helping the woman, saying she appeared "totally desperate." He said the mattress was hard to find among the 2,500 tons of garbage that arrives at the site every day.

He said he increased security at the site to keep would-be treasure hunters away.

The woman said the money had been stashed in a mattress because she had had "traumatic experiences with banks" in the past. She would not elaborate.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090610/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_israel_million_dollar_mattress

My Hair Throughout the Years

2009-06-07T17:18:00.000-07:00

Childhood 1

Childhood 2

Childhood 3

Middle School

High School 1

High School 2

High School 3

High School 4

College 1

College 2

College 3

College 4

College 5

Engagement Pics ~ Summer 2004

Wedding ~ September 2004

2005

2005 - 2006 A

2005 - 2006 B

January 2008

February 2008

March / April 2008

Summer 2008 A

Summer 2008 B

Fall 2008 A

2008 - 2009

I have a friend from college who did an album like this and it was the coolest thing!! I wanted to do the same, but as always, I'd LOVE feedback from you ladies!! What do you think on length and color? I'm thinking I need to keep growing my hair out for my competition next year. I also think that with a tan on stage, that blond will be the best. I also plan to stick with my curls on stage, because that's me! What about with my pale skin??!!! Should I stick with my natural color or add some more blond? I added some blond but feel like I need to add more blond to make it show up with my curls. Keep in mind the tan vs pale differences when critiquing the images!

Body For Life

2009-06-07T09:30:00.000-07:00

I know I have posted on BFL before but I am re-reading it again this time for my BFL Fitness Challenge that I'm doing for the wives in our squadron!!! As I was re-reading it last night, I realized that I didn't do a great Book Review or "Cliffs Notes" post (as my BFF calls my book posts) so I thought I would b/c there are some GREAT "cliffs notes" pages in his book that give an idea of what you'll get if you buy this book. I plan to get used copies for each girl who participates in the BFL Challenge...they're as low as $4 online at Amazon.com!!! You can't beat that!

Life I said before about BFL, it has all you need! It gives you the motivation to do it through the stories and before and after pics, then it teaches you a bit about how to get your head in the game. Next, you learn the tools of nutrition and exercise! It's so easy and it is for beginners and experienced athletes. This book is fantastic....and you can even do the workouts from home if you have some dumbbells and a treadmill or can run outside. The cardio is only TWENTY MINUTES!

This book is how I started my LOVE for fitness, nutrition and health and I hope that it can give others the tools they need to start on the path to a healthy and fit BODY FOR LIFE!!!

Preface: Real-World Proof
"Don't let anybody tell you that you can't do it. You can. It's up to you. Decide to do it and follow through."

Forward: The Promise
No matter who you are, no matter what you do, you absolutely, positively do have the power to change.

Part I: The Breakthrough

This section is great because it shares stories that you can relate to that will motivate you to begin the work it takes. I just picked one at random....

You can see hundreds of BFL Before and Afters here...

http://bodyforlife.com/success/beforeAfterAfters.asp

Part II: Crossing the Abyss
This is the section that mentally prepares you for the challenge. In sports psychology (I know very little) I learned that there are stages we go through when deciding to start a fitness regime. One of those phases is preparing yourself mentally that you can and will do this! Bill Phillips is a straight shooter and I think all of us need that when it comes to getting real with ourselves about what we're doing and what we are capable of doing!

There is a world of difference between knowing what to do and actually doing it.

Make the decison to change.
Identify your reasons to change and write them down.
Focus on your future vision.
Dream of what you would like to achieve within 12 weeks.
Transform five of those dreams into goals by giving them a deadline, a way to measure them, and writing them down.
Identify three unauthorized patterns of action that may hold you back and write them down.
Identify three new patterns of action that will help you reach your goals and write them down.
Read what you've writen first thing in the morning and again at night each and every day during your 12-week Program.

Part III: Separating Myth From Fact

He goes into enough detail in the book to give you a great deal of info on each of the following....

Myth: Aerobics is better for shaping up than weight training.
Fact: To transform your physique, you must train with weights.

Myth: If you exercise, it doesn't matter what you eat.
Fact: If you exercise, it matters even more what you eat.

Myth: If women lift weights, they'll get "bulky."
Fact: Resistence exercise helps women create lean, toned bodies.

Myth: Weight training is only for young athletes.
Fact: People of all ages should be weight training.

Myth: Muscles grow while you're working out.
Fact: Muscles grow whiel you're resting and recuperating.

Myth: A certain number of sets and reps gets the job done.
Fact: High-intensity effort produces the best results.

Myth: Eating right means three "square meals: a day.
Fact: Eating six nutritious meals a day is the right way!

Myth: People who overeat lack willpower.
Fact: Overeating is a natural instinct.

Myth: High-carbohydrate, low-fat diets work best.
Fact: People are becoming fat from a "carb overdose"

Myth: You have to count every calorie you eat.
Fact: You should count "portions," not calories.

Myth: If you "eat right," you don't need to take supplements.
Fact: Studies show many of us do need to take supplements.

Myth: You need to drink water only when you are thirsty.
Fact: Your body needs more water than it's telling you.

Myth: You have to eat "perfectly" all the time.
Fact: There's no such thing as eating "perfectly."

Part IV: The Training-for-LIFE Experience

The following tracking forms can be found on the body for life website.

http://bodyforlife.com/exercise/journals.asp

Weight train, intensely, for no more than 46 minutes, three times per week: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Perform 20 minutes of aerobic exercise, first thing in the morning on an empty stomach (I don't think that's absolutely necessary -FITori), three times per week: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Take Sunday off - it's your free day.
Alternate training the major muscles of the upper body and lower body. For example, the first week, train upper body on Monday, lower body on Wednesday, and upper body on Friday. The second week, train lower body on Monday, upper body on Wednesday, and lower body on Friday. (See chart above).
Perform two exercises for each major muscle group of the upper body, which includes: chest, shoulders, back, triceps, and biceps; and for the lower body: quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves. Train the abdominal muscles after lower body.
Select one exercise for each muscle group and conduct five sets, starting with a set of 12 reps, then increasing the weight and doing 10 reps, adding more weight and doing eight reps, adding more weight for six reps. Then reduce the weight, do 12 more reps, and immediately go to another set of 12 reps of another exercise for that muscle group.
On all lifts, use a cadence of two seconds (say "I am building my Body-for-LIFE") to lower the weight and one second (say "Body-for-LIFE") to lift it, and "hold" in the top and bottom positions for a count of "one."
For each muscle group, rest for one minute between the first four sets. Then complete the final two sets with no rest in between. Wait two minutes before moving on to your next muscle group. Complete this pattern five times for the upper body training experience and four times for the lower body training experience.
Follow the Intensity Index pattern and push yourself to reach higher every week.
Always plan your training beforehand. Plan what time you're going to exerices, which particular exercises youl'l be doing, how much weight youll be lifting, and how long it will take you to complete the session. Also, keep accurate records using the Training-for-LIFE Experience Daily Progress Reports (as shown above and found on the link above as well).

Part V: The Eating-for-LIFE Method
When you nourish your body with pure energy, you transfor from the inside out.

Eat six small meals a day, one every two to three hours.
Eat a portion of protein and carbohydrates with each meal.
Add a portion of vegetables to a t least two meals daily.
A portion is the amount of an authorized food approximately the size of the palm of your hand or your clenched fist.
Consume one tablespoon of unsaturated oil daily or three portions of salmon per week.
Drink at least 10 cups of water a day.
Use performance-nutrition shakes if necessary to mkae sure you're consuming optimal levels of required nutrients.
Plan your meals in advance, adn record what you eat, using the Eating-for-LIFE Method Daily Progress Reports (shown above and available at the link provided above).
Plan your grocery list.
Once a week, on your free day, eat whatever you want.

Part VI: Staying on Course
Life, the ultimate challenge, is not a race to the finish but rather a process of continual growth.

Expect adversity and be prepared to transform obstacles into energy.
Honor self-promises by finishing what you start.
Harness the power of positive pressure by embracing challenges.
Focus on progress, not perfection in order to build confidence.
Practice the Universal Law of Reciprocation by giving unselfishly.
Let our Body-for-LIFE Support Team help you succeed.

Afteword: The Gateway
The Dream: Change the world...one life at a time.
The Goal: Transform one million Bodies-for-LIFE by 12/31/01.

Appendix A: Questions and Answers

Appendix B: Terms and Jargon

Appendix C: Exercise Guide
This is an exceptional guide to exercises. You can get an exercise ball and a set of dumbbells and do this workout completely at home, with a few occasional gym visits to change it up if needed. This book gives you ALL of the info you need!!!

Appendix D: Daily Progress Reports

Appendix E: Real-Life Success Stories

Dad surprises daughter with return from iraq

2009-06-05T07:10:00.000-07:00

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

You all may know that my husband is in the Air Force....I saw this and just LOVED IT!!! And, had to share.

PROGRESS PICS - Another 2 weeks

2009-06-04T07:30:00.000-07:00

Excuse the red tummy on my pic on the right from today...I took it right after I got out of bed, hence not showing my face!! :) I do see a wee bit of a difference in my stomache looking a bit flatter! Only time will tell.....keeping it up!!!

Photos on the LEFT were taken 2 weeks ago, today, on 5.21.09 and the ones on the RIGHT were taken today 6.4.09

This has been a crazy week so I apologize for my photos this week sucking!! My BFF suggested that i get a camera tripod...it's on my list of things to go get but haven't done it yet. So, like the past few weeks I have been stacking up books on a dresser and making it work. So, I apologize for the pics being a bit of different sizes this week and my side shot was a different stance also - leg out vs in! Sorry! You can see that there was a bit of a difference though. I had an extra cheat meal last week due to circumstance (those of you who know me personally know what was going on...but not internet-worthy info). And, this week LBC changed up my workouts and diet and "kicked it up a notch" which is awesome! I know I will see even better results coming up!!! I'm excited! The numbers on the scale and the measurements are not that drastic, but I feel and look better. I'm still gaining muscle mass and getting stronger while I am also cutting...so it is the best of both worlds!!!

Courage

2009-06-02T20:00:00.000-07:00

Enough said....This was out of the June 2009 Oxygen Magazine

Preparing mentally for the work out

2009-06-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

I love this image and think it's a great idea for a pic of me at some point....but I think it shows in one image what she is thinking, mentally preparing for her next lift. To me, she is "talking" to herself saying something like... "You rock!" "You're a beast!" "Light weight" "This is easy" "You can do it" She is getting mentally prepared to lift more than she ever has before.

Take the time to spend 10 seconds before your next set to get mentally prepared and syked up for the next lift!!

YOU ROCK!!!!

Naturally Thin

2009-05-31T06:45:00.000-07:00

I have mixed emotions about this book, like many other friends and bloggers. But, like ANY how-to book or political book, for example....I don't think we have to agree with every word in the book in order to pull something from it to apply to our lives or to learn something. So, my opinion on this book is that it is well worth the read, but you have to look past some things in the book to get to the part that is relevant and applicable to your life.

To be honest, also, I did not read the second half of the book, which is the first week's plan on her "diet" because I am working with a trainer and can't apply this diet to my life yet anyway. I AM trying to apply some of Bethenny's principles to my life as I am working on "healthy eating habits." I am working on a healthy relationship with food and some of the items in this book have helped give me a great perspective on some aspects of food and eating.

I think some of the aspects of this book are a bit obsessive and I've heard that the last half of the book has Bethenny eating so little that it's almost sickening. I also do NOT envy her physique. As you have all seen on my blog, the ideal body type that I envy and am striving for is muscular, strong and lean, not skinny fat! BUT, that doesn't mean that she doesn't have some principles that apply to my life and my relationship with food.

She has some great "Heavy Habits" and "Naturally Thin Thoughts" that are neat and though provoking. She also has some great recipes in her book that I have yet to try but will blog about them after I try them!

As you can see on Amazon under the Table of Contents, the Rules are as follows:
1. Your Diet Is a Bank Account
2. You Can Have It All, Just Not All at Once
3. Taste Everything, Eat Nothing
4. Pay Attention
5. Downsize Now!
6. Cancel Your Membership in the Clean Plate Club
7. Check Yourself before You Wreck Yourself
8. Know Thyself
9. Get Real
10. Good For You

Some great quotes from the book that I have highlighted for myself...

* "I don't believe in eating mediocre food just because it will supposedly make you thinner. It won't. We should all aknow that by now" (p. 4)
I apply this to my cheat days when I don't waste my cheat meals on anything I'm not truly craving.

* "They [Europeans] value food more than Americans do, but obsess about it less." (p. 11)
I find this interesting because I find that those of us who try to stray from the American way of eating are looked at like we're crazy though other countries have discovered that there is a better way to eat and a healthier relationship with food exists.

*I LOVE her "Point of Diminishing Returns" (p. 28) "The point of diniminshing is what I call that point when a bite you take isn't quite as good as the bite before it." I am really working hard on apply this and I have been successful with some things....but not my trigger foods (more on that in a later blog entry on food addiction).

* "Pick what you want, what you really want most, and enjoy it." (p. 35)

* "If I can't stop thinking about it, I probably want it, so I decide to have a small portion. The key is that I decide to have it. I'm in control...If you decide you really want somethikng, then indulge. Otherwise, you will eventually rebel against the unfair restrictions you are putting on yourself, and you'll end up eating twice the calories you would have eaten otherwise. But (here's the key), when you do indulge, really enjoy yourself....And if you don't stop? Give yourself a break. Shrug it off. Chalk it up to experience, and move on." (p. 36-7)

* She spends a lot of time in chapter 3 talking about Italy and their eating habits. It is so interesting! Americans use fat-free and sugar substitutes, while Italians use real sugar and full fat millk but they don't eat the quantities that we do! And, the idea that I don't have to finish everything shouldn't be that hard for me to grasp but IT IS!!! I have to work very hard at this one!

* It's a give and take...I have often said that I don't choose to drink because I'd rather have dessert and it's the same principle applied in her book.

* "(Celebrity Secrets) To me, it makes a whole lot more sense (and costs a whole lot less money) to eat right every day. Then you never need to go to such extremes." (p. 46) It's true that it'd be WAY better to maintain your weight rather than splurge and gain 10 pounds and hate yourself and then diet that 10 pounds off, be happy with reaching your goal and then going back to eating everything in sight and gaining weight again. This is a goal for me to work on...maintenance!

* Conscious Eating....spend time preparing beautiful food, take time to take your food and enjoy it, chew your food, be ok with being a food snob, sit down and enjoy your food.

* Downsizing your food says it all....I have to work on this when it comes to filling a plate or bowl with more food than I need because I'm starving or it looks good. "There is never any reason to eat a huge oversized portion of anything. There is never any reason to stuff yourself until you feel sick." (p. 65)

* A great point that she made is how you disrespect your dinner guests (meaning ME) when the food comes and I am so obsessed with the food! "If you focus on your friends and having a good time, you'll focus less on the food." (p. 67) It's a great point!!! "HEAVY HABIT: Are you a person who stops everything the second the food arrives and focuses entirely on eating? Well, stop it. It's just rude, for one thing. And think about it: is food really that important? You can relish and enjoy every bite of your food without acting as if you are having hte last meal of your life. If you focus on the company, the conversation, the environment, the atmosphere, and having a calm and relaxing time, you will have a much better experience, and enjoy your food even more. Balance your dining experience. It's not all about the food." (p. 80) [bold/underline added by FItori].

* My favorite chapter, I think, is the one on binge eating. I have recently realized that I have a "food addiction" towards certain foods and "binge" on those particular, favorite foods. I plan to blog on that later.

* "improve your relationship with food, so you never have to waste another day immersed in negative thoughts. I want you to be able to enjoy food and not be chained to it like a prisoner. It is posible to get there. I know, becuase I did it." (p. 92)

* "I was also obsessed with food. I used it for comfort and to dull strong emotions. It took me a long time to realize that food was not my friend or my enemy...It's also not your girlfriend who will always be there for you when you are feeling stressed out, depressed, or emotional. It doesn't love you and it doesn't hate you. It's food...I always know I can stop, and I always know tehre will be plenty of other chances to eat french fries again. I quit my bad habit by recognizing that it's OK to eat, but it's not OK to hurt myself with food. Binging is self-lothing, anxiety producting, and bloating, with no upside." (p. 93-5)

* "It's a great feeling when you first learn how to stop binging, especially when you recognize that you are in the situation where you might have binged, but didn't. When you can taste something good and stop, or when you decide not to eat at a certain moment because you are particularly anxious, or when you learn to fill up on healthful food first and they calmly and happily enjoy something that once would have triggered a binge, you'll know you've made a huge step in the right direction." (p. 96)

* "Obsess about more important things--cleaning your house, wearing a great outfit,...long-distance running,...or whatever it is." (p. 96) This is so true! I'm learning to put the focus on things that are SO much more important! It has been freeing to me to have a plan written by LBC so that I just follow it and quit obsessing over what to eat, when, how much, etc!

* "It's time for you to make your own peace with food. The journey toward a healthy relationship with food can start today, but it won't end today. Be kind to yourself, and if you slip up and wreck yourself with a binge, forgive yourself so that you don't make it any worse. Step back and look at where you are going and what role you want food to play in your life, and then gently return to thep ath." (p. 97)

* "You can't be a size zero when you are six feet tall." (p. 101) Hello! Why don't tall girls realize this??!! We will never be 100 pounds!!! Our 145 pounds is shorter girls' 125 or whatever!

* KNOWING YOUR TRIGGERS!!! This is a huge one for me. I'm learning I have a few dessert triggers that I simply cannot control myself around! I tried on one of my cheat meals to see if I could handle it b/c I have done really well with a lot of items during my cheat meals, but I'm learning that there are some that I cannot control myself around. I did not beat myself up!!! I learned this lesson about myself and may try again later down the road.

* "One person might not be able to keep chocolate in the house because she knows she can't possibly control how much chocolate she eats. Another might be able to keep it in the house with no problem because the simple recognition that chocolate is OK is enough to put the brakes on. Which one are you?" (p. 103)

* I get made fun of for this all the time.....I have portion-controled baggies of foods in my pantry. It's a great way to watch your portions!

* "If you follow the ten rules, you'll be able to participate in anything life thows at you without fear that you are breaking your diet." (p. 137)

Order Naturally Thin from Amazon.com

New Monica Brant Photo Shoot

2009-05-29T06:29:00.000-07:00

As you all know, Monica Brant placed a whopping 6th at the Arnold!! But, these are some of the amazing photos she took around that same time. Talk about inspiration!!!!

Boden

2009-05-27T18:16:00.000-07:00

I started getting these catalogs and I like the clothing...it's kind of like J Crew. I wasn't sure if you all had started receiving these catalogs yet. They're a bit pricey, but like everything....they do go on sale.

Bodenusa.com

Believe in yourself and all that you are

2009-05-27T06:30:00.000-07:00

Last page of the May 2009 issue of Oxygen Magazine

A smaller you. In a much bigger world.

2009-05-25T16:29:00.000-07:00

Forget that it's a Hydroxycut ad and read the text...think it at the gym and BE THE PERSON YOU IMAGINE YOURSELF TO BE.

My new iPhone background

2009-05-24T16:27:00.000-07:00

Sent from my iPhone

Progress Update - 4 Weeks with LBC

2009-05-21T17:04:00.000-07:00

Far Left is Just before my injury (I gained a bit more weight...5 lbs probably after that before starting with Erik 4 weeks ago)
Middle picture is 2 weeks ago and FAR RIGHT is today (after 4 weeks with LBC) 5/21/09

Call me crazy, but I see the transformation after in the last 2 weeks above.
The pic on the left is from less than 2 weeks ago and the one on the right is from today 5/21/09.

I promised progress pics a month ago!!! So, here are some of them. It's been four weeks with LBC and I've lost about 10 pounds since my highest weight this year in 2009. I just updating my second bi-weekly and sent it to my coach, Erik.

If you don't remember, I started bulking mid-January and I tried it on my own, gaining too much fat for the amount of muscle I put on. I then, decided to work with LBC and I got injured. I took almost 2 months to get my writes to where I could get back in the gym and now I'm still almost healed again. I still have limited strength in my right wrist which limits me in the gym but I'm doing the best I can!

I am losing at a pretty slow rate of about a pound a week with LBC but I am also gaining strength while cutting!! It's amazing! I'm increasing my weights on a lot of exercises while I'm cutting. I'm not ridiculously exhausted...in fact a feel pretty good most days, even though I'm "dieting" or "cutting." I'm trying to remind myself that the slower the better to maintain my muscle mass that I've worked SO hard to gain!

Stay tuned for more great cutting!!! (Then back to bulking!)

Plans are still to compete in 2010. And, my plan to get my priorities in order have worked well!!! I think I'm getting a B in this current masters class...no more 4.0 GPA which was part of my plan for backing off that and realizing that I don't have to have a 4.0 in order to get my masters. I want to get my masters while having a life and still giving to my husband, my job, my fitness and myself and rathan fully cutting one out...I realized that there was another way to balance. I don't have to be perfect at everything!!! So, I spent a bit less time, energy and stress on my masters and it was much more manageable!! Can you believe it? I can let go and not worry about being perfect!!! I'm working on adding that into all aspects of my life! It's coming along! Thanks al for your support!

Twitter link at the bottom of my blog

2009-05-07T17:58:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my BFF.....it's been a year since all this began. First, I started this blog with no idea what I was doing. Then, I joined Facebook (true, way better than Myspace) and now I'm on twitter! Can you believe it?? And, even worse, I have now added twitter to my blog!! It's at the bottom of my blog down there and you can read my last 5 tweets and "follow me" into tweetland. I'm a sellout...and I'm more connected!!! Thanks BFF

Live the life you imagined.....

2009-05-05T06:17:00.000-07:00

My new iPhone background

Testing my new blog signature

2009-05-04T09:55:00.000-07:00

Testing that my new blog signature works below.....

HYDROXYCUT RECALL!!!!

2009-05-01T08:32:00.000-07:00

I stopped taking it for my new diet, but I know a lot of you use it and love it...please stop taking it and read below by the FDA....

FDA News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 1, 2009
Media Inquiries:
Susan Cruzan, 301-796-4540
Consumer Inquiries:
888-INFO-FDA

FDA Warns Consumers to Stop Using Hydroxycut Products
Dietary Supplements Linked to One Death; Pose Risk of Liver Injury
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers to immediately stop using Hydroxycut products by Iovate Health Sciences Inc., of Oakville, Ontario and distributed by Iovate Health Sciences USA Inc. of Blasdell, N.Y. Some Hydroxycut products are associated with a number of serious liver injuries. Iovate has agreed to recall Hydroxycut products from the market.

The FDA has received 23 reports of serious health problems ranging from jaundice and elevated liver enzymes, an indicator of potential liver injury, to liver damage requiring liver transplant. One death due to liver failure has been reported to the FDA. Other health problems reported include seizures; cardiovascular disorders; and rhabdomyolysis, a type of muscle damage that can lead to other serious health problems such as kidney failure.

Liver injury, although rare, was reported by patients at the doses of Hydroxycut recommended on the bottle. Symptoms of liver injury include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes) and brown urine. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, light-colored stools, excessive fatigue, weakness, stomach or abdominal pain, itching, and loss of appetite.

“The FDA urges consumers to discontinue use of Hydroxycut products in order to avoid any undue risk. Adverse events are rare, but exist. Consumers should consult a physician or other health care professional if they are experiencing symptoms possibly associated with these products,” said Linda Katz, M.D., interim chief medical officer of the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.

Hydroxycut products are dietary supplements that are marketed for weight-loss, as fat burners, as energy-enhancers, as low carb diet aids, and for water loss under the Iovate and MuscleTech brand names. The list of products being recalled by Iovate currently includes:

Hydroxycut Regular Rapid Release Caplets
Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Rapid Release Caplets
Hydroxycut Hardcore Liquid Caplets
Hydroxycut Max Liquid Caplets
Hydroxycut Regular Drink Packets
Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Drink Packets
Hydroxycut Hardcore Drink Packets (Ignition Stix)
Hydroxycut Max Drink Packets
Hydroxycut Liquid Shots
Hydroxycut Hardcore RTDs (Ready-to-Drink)
Hydroxycut Max Aqua Shed
Hydroxycut 24
Hydroxycut Carb Control
Hydroxycut Natural

Although the FDA has not received reports of serious liver-related adverse reactions for all Hydroxycut products, Iovate has agreed to recall all the products listed above. Hydroxycut Cleanse and Hoodia products are not affected by the recall. Consumers who have any of the products involved in the recall are advised to stop using them and to return them to the place of purchase. The agency has not yet determined which ingredients, dosages, or other health-related factors may be associated with risks related to these Hydroxycut products. The products contain a variety of ingredients and herbal extracts.

Health care professionals and consumers are encouraged to report serious adverse events (side effects) or product quality problems with the use of these products to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online, by regular mail, fax or phone.

–Online: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm
–Regular Mail: Use FDA postage paid form 3500 found at: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm and mail to MedWatch, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787
–Fax: 800-FDA-0178
–Phone: 800-FDA-1088

The FDA continues to investigate the potential relationship between Hydroxycut dietary supplements and liver injury or other potentially serious side effects.

Link to the info on FDA.GOV...

http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2009/NEW02006.html

Triathalon Motivation

2009-04-30T20:09:00.000-07:00

I found this on Jensjourney.com - a great blog that's not about Figure or Bodybuilding but I think all athletes need to stick together....learn from each other, motivate each other and gain strength from each other...

Priorities

2009-04-29T19:19:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking a while about priorities. I feel like some days there isn't any time to relax, unwind and recover so that I can start all over the next day and do it again. I was trying to decide what to give up! I had a few choices:

Work - NO!
Masters - Maybe, but I really don't want to be a quitter
Workouts - Maybe, but I feel horrible when I put that off b/c I'm too busy
Diet - Same as workouts
Housework -Maybe, but I can't live and work in a home that is filthy!

I don't want to be a quitter. I want to finish what I started w/ my fitness goals of competing next year as well as my masters. They are both goals that I have started and want to finish...and not too late either because I want to finish my masters and complete my first competition before we have children. The masters is what I was thinking of giving up to pursue my fitness goals, but I just can't stand the thought of starting something and not finishing it. So, then I realized....it's not all black and white!

I don't have to work 60 hours a week. In fact, they'd probably rather I not!!! It's hard though b/c I really love what I do and want to keep it up and get ahead of my work rather than be behind
I don't have to get a 4.0 GPA on my Masters Program (though I have that now and that's a hard one to let go)

I can find a balance with it all I think if I give up my perfectionism to do everything perfectly! I want a Masters and I'd love to put a 4.0 GPA on there also, but realistically, does that matter? Does it matter if I'm fat and unhappy in the process?

I'm learning to let some things go and try to find more of a balance so that I can "have it all" without having to give anything up at this point in my life. Any advice would be great!!!

Also, I have to say that working w/ Erik (Lean Bodies Consulting) really has freed up my time. My workouts are 30-45 minutes each, some days 2 a day, but not bad! And, my meals are so planned that it's easy. I'm sure it'll only get easier to plan my meals the more I get used to these measurements and how much to cook on the weekends to be prepared. Sticking to the plan is the hard part, but being on a plan does allow some brain power to go to other things. There's nothing to think about except what time the next meal is and whether it's already cooked!

Smashfit.com & Heather Frey

2009-04-26T09:32:00.001-07:00

I thought I would introduce you all to Heather Frey and Smashfit if you are not already familiar. You can add her and her Smashfit group on Facebook. The reason I suggest this is that she sends GREAT Facebook messages. They are not about training and that if you do 25 crunches a day you'll have abs of steel by June....instead they are mental and pscyhological messages about how to stay focused and keep on the right track, which is what we all need now and then, right?

I attached a sample of one of those messages above. Also, her site has some really great articles also.

My favorite so far....

http://www.smashfit.com/article.php?aid=7

She also has a new shirt that she's selling once you're fan of yours like I am....

Thanks, Heather for being an inspiration!

P.S. I tried to link you to her Facebook pages if you click on the links on my first sentence but I'm not sure if that worked!!! Also, check her out on Twitter!

Lean Bodies Consulting

2009-04-25T19:19:00.000-07:00

Well, I said " stay tuned" to my blog for an update on whether or not I chose to hire a trainer, but then I got injured. Actually, just after I signed up with him, I got my diagnosis and we decided it was best to wait until I was healed. Now, I am not 100% better, but almost there and READY READY READY to get back into "training." Since my own "bulking" attempts caused me to gain more fat than muscle, I believe, we are cutting now until I am at a better place and then will start to bulk again. I still plan to compete next year in 2010....so hope that no injuries occur between now and then!! I plan to work with Erik, though life evolves and you never know what will happen in the future. At this point, I trust his plan, knowledge and philosophies more than other trainers I have spoken with thus far (and I've listed those below)....no offense to anyone!

Check out Erik and Noel here:
Lean Bodies Consulting

There are some fantastic blogs on his site. Erik and Noel both have great blogs! I am extremely impressed so far with Erik and his plan! His workouts are kicking my ass!!! I made a bit of an ass out of myself at first telling him I didn't think I needed any training assistance because "there's only so much you can do with training"....turns out I was wrong! I'm learning every day from his plan! Also, his diet is great! It's so simple and makes so much sense AND is really easy to follow.....willpower, as always, is the hardest part!

Things I like most about Erik's plan and "philosophy" and trust him over other trainers because:

His plans do not include 2 hours of cardio a day to cut. His training is concise and compact and works. Look at Allison Ethier who uses his training.
He doesn't think that a client has to gain a ton of fat in order to bulk and in fact sets a "high" end and once that is reached, cutting begins because, after all, we all have a life to live even if we want to bulk at the same time.
He doesn't plan on a "show" date until he's worked with you enough to see how your body will respond. Makes sense, right? I love the idea of cutting, until you reach see your body responding and THEN setting a date. I think it's the fear of every new competitor to not be ready to get on stage and face the dilema of 1. quitting 2. getting on stage and not being ready.
Also, check out his CLIENT PICTURES (Before & After) which sold me on him totally!!!

Long story long....I am very excited about this new "chapter" of my life and am really excited about cutting back to my normal size and eventually into better "shape" than I've been in a while or ever. I can already see during week one that I am a bit out of shape and looking forward to seeing progress!!!

Also, I'll start posting progress pics in a couple of weeks. I'll be sending him biweekly progress pics (I think) and I'll start posting them. You've already seen my "before" as the last pic I took after bulking.

My new iPhone Background

2009-04-16T05:10:00.001-07:00

Sent from my iPhone

Self portrait

2009-04-14T18:33:00.000-07:00

While I was taking pictures of my hair for the previous post, I decided to steal Shawna's idea for a self portrait. I always take photos straight on so I thought it'd be neat to see a photo of me from a different angle. Again, I'm stealing Shawna's idea...thanks friend!

Product

2009-04-14T18:20:00.000-07:00

I was asked a while ago to post on curly hair products but haven't yet! I got some new products and thought I'd post those products as well as how my hair looks w/ them...both in the morning and after a full day at work!!! True test, right??!!

Above photos - LEFT is in the morning and the RIGHT is after all day at work (without touching my hair...don't touch curly hair once it's styled...that creates frizz!!!)

I use Redken Fresh Curls as my shampoo and conditioner. I have used their styling products in the past and liked them ok. I felt like some of them weren't strong enough and others made my hair too crunchy....it's always worth a shot to see if you like them or not!
Here are the products I used this morning. First, I put on the Extreme Protein, then the rootful to lift my roots and then the layer lift as a spray gel. Finally, once dry, I always use that spray! I love that spray! It's perfect....thank you Renee for that product. I love it now and can't go anywhere without it!

I'll try to keep doing this when I try new products (or old ones).

In The Motherhood

2009-04-06T18:51:00.000-07:00

The jury is still out on this show, at least for me! From what I've read the ratings aren't quite there either. So far, I like it. I like that it shows the faults of women and that wives and mothers are not perfect. The stories are true stories from other mothers, so that is definitely appealing also. The cast is great, these are three fantastic actresses. Try it out and let me know what you think? Do you like it? It is too progressive for may viewers? Do you think it will last? Does it make you cringe to see all of the nannies and the mommies unable to care for their own children even on the weekends? Did the end of the last episode "turn you off" at all with the mom walking out the door saying 'Thank God the vacation is over...back to work!' I'm not a mother, so I have no personal place of reference. I'd love to hear what you think....but in the meantime, I'll be watching.

Perfection

2009-04-06T07:41:00.001-07:00

"The moments when you attain a goal and realize true perfection probably account for less than 2 percent of your lifetime, while the process of living and working toward your goals occupies the rest. If you look to perfection to supply your sense of success, you are discounting the other 98 percent of your life."

-- Katz and Liu, authors of The Codependency Conspiracy

Is that me or what???!!! Does that explain you as much as it explains me to a T??!!

Day at the Range

2009-04-05T17:41:00.000-07:00

More photos and video to come.....Marcus took some and actually got a video! So cool!

67 Year Old Holds Bench Press World Record

2009-04-02T17:33:00.001-07:00

What great motivation for the rest of us!!!
(Thank you Marc C. David of NoBull Bodybuilding)

Keith Urban: Defying Gravity

2009-04-01T19:01:00.000-07:00

Another great album out yesterday is Keith Urban....I went to his concert last year (Thanks, Dana) and it was GREAT!!! This album is AMAZING like all of his other albums!!! I have so much new music to listen to....I'm so excited!!!!

with Dana at the Keith Urban concert this time in 2008
Dana looks fabulous while I'm sweating up a storm! This is the day after I cut all my hair off!!!
I really shouldn't look at these pics b/c when I do, I really really want to cut off my hair again...THAT SHORT!

Gavin Degraw: Free

2009-04-01T18:58:00.001-07:00

I love Gavin Degraw and a new album came out yesterday....it doesn't disappoint. It's as beautiful as his last two. Check it out on iTunes....it's beautiful music. His piano playing is amazing.

Pet Happy

2009-04-01T17:24:00.000-07:00

I got a great email today from Martha Stewart and was so excited when I started flipping through it!! I copied the image of my email. It's such a nicely laid out email and there was some GREAT info! I watch a few quick videos on traveling with pets (because I will be traveling with my Toby in the coming months on my business trips) and it was very informative. I thought I would share!!

Female bodybuilding and Eating Disorders

2009-03-30T18:50:00.000-07:00

I'm writing a paper for my masters class on Female Bodybuilding and Eating Disorders. What do you all think? Is there a link? Do all of us have some sort of disordered eating in our past? Or do some just have some disordered thinking - self-image issues that are tied into self-worth? Or are we all just Type-A perfectionists who except nothing but the best out of ourselves. Or, is there an issue w/ weakness and a fear of weakness? Do we all want to build muscle to be stronger, on the inside and out.

What is it that makes you want to lift weights, compete, be strong?

Have you heard of Bigorexia? There are new classifications of eating disorders nowadays...not just anorexia and bulimia. I doubt that Bigorexia affects too many women, but maybe. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Ode to Tough Chicks - Fast & Furious

2009-03-30T15:13:00.000-07:00

This is an ode to tough chicks...Michelle Rodriquez due to the opening of Fast & Furious Friday.

Blond again?

2009-03-29T13:24:00.001-07:00

Should I go blond again?? Many of my friends, including my BFF will say absolutely not. My mother would say absolutely yes. I'm thinking about it. I really started to think about it after my mom continued to push me to do it and I told her it was a waste of money and she offered me, her adult daughter, a check every month to pay for my hair to be blond...incentive? Yes! Then, Brooke White (who many have said I look like) made an appearance on American Idol a month or two ago singing and playing the piano and looked fantastic with blonde hair and a similar skin tone as mine (pale). I am growing my hair out again for next year's competition and think I'd like to go blond for summer. What do you all think?

Here's what I'm thinking....
Me as a blond....(I was a little tanner than I probably will be ever again)....
My natural color....
My hair a little darker brown....
So, what do you think???

Self-discipline

2009-03-29T12:54:00.000-07:00

"Liberty is the luxury of self-discipline. Historically, those people that did not discipline themselves had discipline thrust upon them from the outside."
~ Alistair Cooke ~

I ordered one of those bracelets above for $4.00 plus $1.50 shipping and handling from the website listed above. My husband has a tattoo that says "discipline" as a reminder and I do not have any tattoos...but I like the idea of this bracelet when I'm having a weak day :)
We'll see how it looks when I get it. I found this site when I was looking for an image to go with the quote I posted above.

Pale is the new tan

2009-03-29T11:23:00.000-07:00

I love these shirts so I thought I'd share!

Dream? or Overkill?

2009-03-29T11:07:00.000-07:00

Only in Arkansas

2009-03-25T15:56:00.000-07:00

Since I am in Little Rock and I happened across this email that I got a couple of years ago....I thought it was only fitting that I post it right now, in honor of my trip to Little Rock.

When I worked at Progressive Insurance, their Little Rock office ordered a cake from the local Walmart (probably the same one that's been in the news this week for the robbery...if you haven't read about that check it out. The guy he was trying to rob had a concealed weapon and shot him! Woohoo!)

http://www.katv.com/news/stories/0309/606739.html

Anyway, the team leader from the Progressive office called and ordered a cake and said "Write Best Wishes Suzanne and underneath that write We will miss you" and the above photo is what happened....hilarious!!!

You know you're living in 2009 when....

2009-03-15T10:55:00.001-07:00

You know you're living in 2009 when....

1. You accidentally enter your password on the microwave.

2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.

3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of 3.

4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.

5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have e-mail addresses.

6. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home to help you carry in the groceries.

7 Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen.

8. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.

9. You get up in the morning and go on line before getting your coffee.

10. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. : )

11. You're reading this and nodding and laughing.

12. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message.

(My aunt forwarded this to me and it's so funny cause it's true!)

Why do we care about Jessica Simpson's weight?

2009-03-15T10:38:00.000-07:00

Jessica Simpson - pics that started the media frenzy

Jessica Simpson - photos that started it all

Jessica Simpson in the best shape of her life, I think

I know I'm a little late posting about here because I think she's old news now and has probably lost a bit of her weight at this point. But, I still think it's an important topic. Why do we care about Jessica Simpson's weight gain?

I think many people care because misery loves company and people are glad to see the rich and famous with their chefs and personal trainers fail. It makes their failure ok.

For me, her weight gain illustrates that we are all the same. The battle to lose weight and to be healthy and look like we want is more than just having the resources at our disposal. Many of us look at celebrities and say....it's easier for them. Is it really? Do they not work just as many hours as we do and have to make time to work out? Some of them do. Do they have to make choices when they get home from a long day of work and have to decide whether or not to eat a box of Girl Scout cookies or salmon and rice?

recipes: Grilled Salmon with Rosemary

2009-03-15T10:35:00.001-07:00

from the South Beach Diet Cookbook

This is a great recipe from the South Beach Diet Cookbook that we use often when we make salmon. I thought I would share.

DIAGNOSIS: Tendonitis & Carpal Tunnel

2009-03-13T19:42:00.000-07:00

I went to the doctor about two weeks ago and found out that the pain in my right wrist was not all in my head and I wasn't being a big baby - I have tendinitis and carpal tunnel. I was told not to work out for two weeks, and if I do, to ice my wrist afterward. She gave me a brace - see above! She proscribed an ergonomic keyboard and mousepad - which is working well. Oh, and anti-inflammatories.

I am having a hard time though! I'm taking it easy but every time I do go to the gym I am frustrated and it's more frustrating and stressful than it is relaxing and enjoyable like usual. It's hard because I can't do what I want to do while I'm there. It hurts half the time. My grips hurt b/c they put pressure on my tendons and without the wraps I hurt myself. Even doing legs I hurt myself - getting up from the Leg Press or using the bar for squats, good mornings, lunges, etc. I like to add weight to all the exercises off a machine but that requires the use of my wrists.

I am right handed and it is my right wrist...cool huh? So, life is frustrating right now. I know this injury is not as bad as many others...like Julie Lohre's knee. But, I can say I'm sure that is even more frustrating if I am feeling the way I am. I am feeling in a bit of a rut at this point and I'm needing some direction!

Key word: frustration

Goldens: Oprah's Magazine

2009-03-13T18:12:00.000-07:00

O Magazine - January 2009

Funny.....Erin Vey has a fantastic blog that my BFF Shawna turned me onto. I had the January 2009 issue of Oprah's Magazine in my gym bag (Erin Vey found this ad while reading this O Mag at the gym...which is what I should have been doing, had I done my cardio) for three months and hadn't actually read it yet! Shawna sent me this link and I was so excited I had to share. As you all know I save al the ads I see that have Goldens in them. Oprah has Goldens also.

80's/90's are back at J.Crew

2009-03-13T18:08:00.001-07:00

I'm not too thrilled with this "new" style except that I am absolutely familiar with how to tight role my jeans like that! Who knew that skill I learned in elementary school in the late 80's for my first NKOTB concert would come back!

MOTIVATION: IN MY ABSENCE

2009-03-13T17:42:00.000-07:00

I need to remind myself this more....and I really need to hang this up on my vision board. I do not think I am that important but the fact that I feel so compelled to be by my laptop and phone from 8-5 is silly, really. Do I really think I'm that important? really? Can the world not revolve without me available? Can I not take a break for myself so that when I come back I am better prepared to handle those issues?

Something to think about!

Testing 8

2009-03-13T17:20:00.001-07:00

Sent from my iPhone

Testing the last time again!

Testing sending via iPhone

2009-03-13T16:54:00.000-07:00

Testing text
Sent from my iPhone

Progress pic taken at the gym last week

2009-03-13T16:41:00.001-07:00

testing

sent from my iphone

Golden Ads: Potterybarn

2009-03-13T16:35:00.000-07:00

I think this is out of Potterybarn

Fast & Furious April 3

2009-02-28T19:28:00.000-08:00

I am freakin' crazy excited about this! I am so so so excited about this coming out on APRIL 3!!! It's on my calendar I'm so excited! I loved the first one! I am a huge fan of Vin Diesel.

Natural Peanut Butter

2009-02-28T19:18:00.001-08:00

Natural peanut butter is part of any competitor or health conscious person, at least in part of their diet, sometimes (or they're counting down the days until they can have it again), unless of course you don't like peanut butter. I found this in Real Simple magazine, but was disappointed that my favorite, as listed below, was not on the list!!! How could it not be? I have wanted to buy that mixer for almost two years now and still haven't logged online to get it. Do any of you have it? What do you think?

Dooped by JCrew

2009-02-28T18:56:00.000-08:00

I love J.Crew and still do. It fits my style to a T, pun intended. And, I also know that airbrushing and photoshopping occurs, but it's one of those things that until it slaps you in the face, you can live in denial. A while back, the unedited photos were accientally placed on jcrew.com with the edited versions as seen above and below. See if you can find the differences in their thighs! So, I'm a little peeved at J.Crew yet on the other hand, I feel a bit better about myself, knowing that even the perfect models had to be edited in order to make it on the pages of my catalogs.

http://www.counterfeitchic.com/busted/

http://photoshopdisasters.blogspot.com/2008/08/j-crew-does-this-make-my-cutout-look.html

Golden Ads

2009-02-28T12:01:00.000-08:00

Those of you who know me, know that I love goldens and have one. This is from a series of catalogs that JCrew put out that were filled with goldens. And, of course, I tore every single page out that had a golden or a golden puppy in it to save. I tend to tear out all pages that I see that have goldens in them. Thought I'd share.

Are your friends making you fat? DIETTRIBE

2009-02-23T22:55:00.000-08:00

So, I was watching DietTribe the other day. I tend to tivo weight loss, health and nutrition shows and see if they are any good. This one was about these 5 friends who were all losing weight together and were so glad they were supporting each other through this. It was a great positive message but also got me thinking about what they were like as freinds before and how often does this happen to people?

I have talked about it a lot on here....what is normalcy? Do we choose to go out with friends for drinks and dinner more often than we choose the right patch becuase we don't want to be the crazy fitness, nutrition freaks? Or do we choose to surround ourselves with people who "get" us and our interest in fitness and our intensity for nutrition and health?

I have also found that being a thin person in a relationship with someone heavier can sometimes be a bad thing for the skinnier person. There are studies and I don't know them well enough to site them. I did see on Oprah that if your three best friends are overweight there is a 50% better chance you will also be overweight (I saw this on the Oprah that had Dr. Oz on discussing Longevity.)

I often talk about how I want to surround myself with people who make me want to be better. It's not that I don't like heavier people, it's that I don't want anyone in my life who weighs me down and nags on me for not being lazy like them. I want people in my life who are better than me or better in different ways and push me to be better.

So, are your friends making you fat? Do you need to cut some of the fat out of your life?

Take a look at some of these before and afters from the show DietTribe I showed above. Keep in mind that the show is only 6 weeks, so not quite as crazy of results as the Biggest Loser....

The Bachelor Spoiler

2009-02-23T19:00:00.000-08:00

Anne, thank you for the info as I have been totally out of the look this last week working on my final Masters paper. She clued me in that there was some spoiler news that you will see at the bottom of this post. First, though I found this video that also spoils and proves to some extent part of the claim of the ending videos from Reality Steve.

So now we know that he picks Melissa...or does he? If this is old news to you, just move on to another post of mine or another blog...this was not new to me. I just heard about it last night from Anne...thank you Anne!!!

Reality Steve: The Bachelor Finale Part 1

Reality Steve: The Bachelor Finale Part 2

Reality Steve: The Bachelor Finale Part 3

So, the finale is on Monday, March 2, 2009. I am really hoping that he doesn't dump Melissa on national television and that if he does that it's all a hoax to get "us" the viewers and that Melissa and Molly weren't harmed in the making of this madness.
We'll see...only time will tell and hopefully someone will come out and speak about the truth of what happened during this show....if there is any truth at all.

Reality Steve posted more new info today...check out his blog...

realitysteve.com

BIGGEST LOSER: Ali

2009-02-20T08:15:00.001-08:00

I loved this season when Ali won. She is such an inspiration to everyone! She has a website and a blog that I listed below. She answers her fans' questions on her blog which is really cool.

http://alivincent.com/

MUST HAVE: Vision Board

2009-02-15T12:25:00.000-08:00

I got the idea to blog about my vision board from Girl With No Name on her blog. Great idea!!! Thanks!

I put together my vision board when I redesigned my office last Spring. I did not know that this year I'd be working from home and staring at it every day. Back then, I was using it only in the evenings after my long days at work when I wrote my masters papers. I'm now in here all day for work and then to write my papers at night, so my board is really important.

I also blogged about my calender and you can see that blog post here to see how and why I made this calendar:

http://fitori.blogspot.com/2009/01/inspiration-calendar-2009.html

I change the pictures periodically. I have a pyrografie of me that was done on my trip to Germany last summer. I have some quotes:

Become the woman you admire

Be happy for this moment, This moment is your life

The longest journey is the journey inward - Dag Hammarskjold

We do not remember days, We remember moments - Casare Pavese

Your work is to discover your work and then give yourself to it - Buddha

Be a Fitness Leader

I also have the meaning of my name: Victoria is Latin for Conqueror

her provocative and engaging smile will win you over
she commands attention wherever she goes
she will acheive great progress with little effort
others blossom under her influence
(I LOVE LOVE LOVE THAT!)

You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone else who will never be able to repay you.
- John Wooden, former UCLA basketball coach

There are no shortcuts to any place worth going

Stay Fit, Love Life! (Monica Brant's slogan)

Real Women: fit bodies "She even makes grocery shopping look good..."

I went to Hobby Lobby (with a coupon, of course) and purchased 2 cork boards. I also then purchased khaki colored linen and I stretched it and stapled it over the sides. I also got picture frame hardware for the back so that I could hang it and I used outdoor double-sided tape at the bottom to stick it to the walls. I am still looking for thick enough curtains to match this khaki linen to cover the window in my office.

I challenge you to make one. Don't be afraid to be made fun of...especially if you're on the beginning of your challenge. You will soon be able to say...see, I can do it! I did it! Keep reminders around you of what you want and what you are working towards. It will inspire you and keep your mind in a positive place and it will make you feel as though you are not along in this journey. I think often we feel like we are the only ones and like we are freaks when we get out and socialize with people who are not like us with fitness. It's nice to have a safe place where this is not crazy! In my office, I am me. I am working towards my goal and my fitness "friends" and inspiration are all around me supporting me and pushing me.

EXERCISES: Skullcrushers (Triceps)

2009-02-15T11:36:00.000-08:00

Muscle & Fitness HERS - Mar/Apr 2008 - Figure Pro Felicia Romero

I call these Skullcrushers and I use a 30-40 lb BB or Curl BB. I have been having pain my right wrist lately and these have strained that too much to use. There are some variations of this, like on an incline bench that I have not tried but sound like a nice change.

EXCERCISES: Barbell Squat

2009-02-15T11:23:00.000-08:00

Oxygen Magazine - april 2004 - Katy Odiatu

I used to use the Smith Machine solely for squats. I have since branched out and I'm adding weight. I'm nervous to add too much weight though as I start to lift heavier to add size. I'm afraid I'll make an ass out of myself and lift too much. I need to quit that. I added 100 to the bar yesterday and honestly it hurt my forarms and wrists more than my legs. It was a lot of weight to be walking around with on my shoulders but damn did it feel good to squat that much on my own!!!

fitness gear: Hand Sanitizer

2009-02-15T11:16:00.000-08:00

I found this in Oprah's Magazine in September 2008. Thought I'd share with you because it looks like a great thing to keep in the car. I've added it to my list to get one. At least one day a week I forget to wash my hands before I get in the car and think...EWWWW! This looks like a less messy way than the gels and foams.

EXERCISES: Leg Extensions

2009-02-15T11:10:00.001-08:00

Oxygen Magazine - June 2002 - IFBB Pro Adelina Friedmansky

I know most of you know this machine, but I also wanted my blog to be for beginners to learn and some of you are still intimidated by the weight room. This is one of my favorite quad exercises and I like to wait until the end of my workout so I can work my quads to failure. (It's better to fail on the leg extension than a barbell squat! :-D) I have been kickin' it w/ my leg extensions lately pushing 150 - 175.

I also vary this and do singles too at 65 or so per leg until I'm "spent." It's nice to isolate each leg and see where your strength is. Most people have a dominant side.

EXERCISES: Bench Step Ups

2009-02-15T11:04:00.001-08:00

Oxygen Magazine in Spring 2008 - Glutes Collectors Issue

If you read my workouts in my journals you see I've been doing these on Saturdays with my workout partner on my quad day. Because I use these more for Quads, I really concentrate on the step up and using my quad. I also add a 20 or 30 lb BB to my shoulders. You can also hold DBs which helps you to use your arms to still be able to swing during the movement.

Reality Bites

2009-02-15T09:27:00.000-08:00

click on image to blow up so that you can read

This article came out of Runners World (October 2007) and I thought it was hilarious. It's about a guy who east nothing but protein bars for two weeks. It's hilarious!!! He is such a great writer!

exercises: Upright Rows (Delts)

2009-02-15T08:54:00.000-08:00

I got this image from the Abs Collector's Issue of Oxygen Magazine from Summer 2008

I use my VersaGripps on this exercise usually. And, I use 50-70 lb BB depending on the day.

Are you a gymaholic? - Nikewomen.com

2009-02-14T11:07:00.001-08:00

This is another great ad I found from the folks at nikewomen.com. I just love motivational ads...if you've read my blog for long you know that!

Nike Butt ads - Nikewomen.com

2009-02-14T10:54:00.001-08:00

I love this series of ads that came out in 2005, I think. When I found them there were women who commented about how they are "real women" ads, but I don't think so...I think they are real HARDWORKING ATHLETIC women ads. The women in these ads work hard to look the way they do. Which one suits you the best...the butt ad is definitely my ad :) I dig the Thunder Thighs ad except for the running...I've never enjoyed running. The shoulders reminds me of Shawna b/c she's a swimmer and now totally into yoga and the buffest pregnant chica I know!!!

Importance of Sleep

2009-02-14T10:44:00.000-08:00

I've always know that sleep was important so I've done very well to be sure to get enough of it, until last week! I pushed myself too far and stayed up late to write a paper for my masters class and then got up early for a long day at work. By Thursday night, I was so tired that I was like a walking zombie! I lost all will to eat healthy. It was completely chemical! I have always known that sleep impacts willpower and increases appetite. You're really tired so you're ability to control yourself is weakened and also you're so tired that your body is needing something...sleep, so you eat to fill that void!

I think had I just started my weight loss journey and had I not had enough sleep like on Thursday night I would have assumed that I was not strong enough to accomplish my weight loss goals. I am sure that many people are in this same position. They really just need a few more hours of sleep at night but they think they are not strong enough to complete a goal.

So, bottom line - get enough sleep people or you won't be able to achieve your goals!

JOURNAL: 2.8.09 - 2.14.09 WEEK 3 BULKING

2009-02-14T09:36:00.000-08:00

Allison Ethier is my motivation and inspiration this week. She has been so gracious helping me with information on trainers. She works full time, has a husband and child and also is a successful competitor. She just won the Bodybuilding.com Spokesmodel contest and she is competing at the Arnold in a few weeks! She's a true inspiration!!!

***********
FOOD
***********
Sunday 2.8.09
Water 1 Gallon
730: 8whites, 1.5T Peanut butter, 1/2c oatmeal
1115: 6 oz salmon, 60g rice
23o: 9 oz abs diet Burger w/ organic ketchup & mustard
500: 1 orange
530: 6 oz salmon, 50g rice
630: 40g GNC protein
930: 40g protein casein

Monday 2.9.09
Water 1 Gallon
730: 8 whites, 1/2 yolk oops, 3/4c oatmeal, 1.5 T Pnut butter, 150 B, 1000 C, zyrtec, 1hydro
1100: 6 oz salmon, 125g rice, 1 hydro, bcaas
*wkout*
200: fruit Smoothie 50g, L glut, bcaas
500: 6 oz chicken, 50g rice
800: 40g whey protein

Tuesday 2.10.09
Water: 1 Gallon
730: 10 whites, 3/4c oatmeal, coffee, 150b, 1000c, 1hydro, zyrtec,
1130: 6 oz tilapia, 100g rice
100: 20g whey, 2 scoops cell tech creatine, Bcaas, l glute, 1hydro
**wkout**
230: 40g fruit Smoothie
530: 6 oz chicken, 100g rice, salad w/ olive oil
730: 20g protein
1030: 40g casein protein

Wednesday 2.11.09
700: 9 whites, 1/2c oatmeal, 1T peanut butter
900: coffee w/ 2T creamer
1130:6 oz tilapia & chicken, 70g rice, 2scoops creatine
500: 150g wheat pasta, 12 oz spaghetti
900: 40g casein protein

Thursday 2.12.09
800: 8 whites, 2T peanut butter, 3/4 cup oats, 150b, 1000c, 2thermo
900: 1 scoop creatine, 20g EAS
1030: 40g protein fruit Smoothie, 1 scoop creatine
120: 6 oz tilapia, 80g rice
5oo: 9oz spagetti, 120g wheat pasta
700: cheated cookies - (tired - see blog post about sleep)

Friday 2.13.09
730: 9 whites, 3/4 oatmeal, 150b, 1000c,2thermo, zyrtrc
900: 1 scoop creatine, 20g whey
**wkout*
1100: 40g protein and creatine Smoothie fruit
1200: l glute, bcaas, b, c, pain med, 1hydro, flax oil
200: 5 oz chicken, 100g rice
515: 5 oz chicken, 100g rice
530: l glute, bcaas, fish oil, pain
700: cheat cookies

Saturday 2.14.09
730: 7 whites, 1/2c oats, 1T peanut butter
830: 1 scoop creatine
**wkout**
930: 1 scoop creatine, 40g protein with fruit smoothie

**********************************************
WORKOUTS - resting 1.5 min between sets
**********************************************
Monday 2.9.09 - Chest & Tris
Chest: Hammerstrength Press: 50/12, 60/10, 90/5, 90/5, 90/5
Pec Deck: 75/4, 75/5, 75/5, 75/5
Incline DB Press: 20e/10, 25e/7, 30e/4, 30e/4
Decline DB Press: 30e/4, 30e/6, 30e/6
Tri: Str Bar Cable Pulldown: 80/5, 90/3, 80/7, 80/6, 80/6
Tri Ext machine: 60/7, 60/10, 70/6, 70/6
Overhead Rope Cable: 60/6, 60/8, 60/5
TOTALS: 450 calories (right wrist still hurting)

Tuesday 2.10.09 - Hams/Glutes
Seated Leg Curls: 80/10, 100/5, 100/5, 100/5
Stiff Leg Deadlifts: 90/10, 100/7, 105/6, 105/6, 105/5
Walking Lunges: 30/20, 40/20, 50/12, 60/10 **start at 60BB next time
Smith Squat (deep): 50/10, 70/8, 90/5, 90/5
TOTALS: 420 calories

Thursday 2.12.09 - Shoulders and Abs (rushed)
D Ring Shoulder Press: 30e/12, 40e/6, 40e/6, 40e/6, 40e/6
Cable Rope Front Raise: 30/5, 30/8, 30/8, 30/8, 30/8
Upright Row Cables: 70/8, 80/7, 80/6
DB Lat Raise: 12e/12, 12e/12, 3 more sets to failure + 3 more for Left side
Oblique Dips: +10/20 e side, +25/10, +25/10
TOTALS: 320 calories

Friday 2.13.09 - Back/ Bis (right wrist still hurting w/ bis)
Back: Wide Asst Pullups: -70/8, 70/8, 65/5, 65/5
Wide Str Arm Pulldown: 40/6, 40/6, 40/6, 40/6
Close Grip Pulldown: 85/6, 85/6, 85/6, 85/6
DB Bent Over Row: 40e/5, 45e/5, 40e/5,
Hammerstrength Lat Pull: 25e/6, 30e/6, 30e/5
Bi: DB Curl Standing: 20e/7, 20e/8, 25e/3, 20e/8
Hammer DB Curl: 20e/5, 20e/4, 20e/5
St Bar Cable Curl: **rt wrist hurt too bad
Curl Bar Cable Curl: 30e/4, 30e/6, 30e/6, 30e/6
TOTALS: 400 calories

Saturday 2.14.09 - Valentine's Quads
Squats: +50/8, +80/8, +100/5, +100/5
Step Ups: +30/7, +20/8, +20/8, +30/5
Leg Press: 180/8, 180/8, 180/8, 200/5
Leg Ext: 150/10, 165/6, 150/8, 150/6
Singles: 60e/6, 60e/6, 45e/8
TOTALS; 375 calories

**********************
PROGRESS PICS
**********************

I have put on about 4 pounds in the last 3 weeks of bulking and that is too much!! Women can usually put on about .25 lbs of muscle per week which is about a pound a month so I've put on 3x as much fat as muscle if the scale is right. Now, some of that is problaby water since I did start creatine. Regardless, I am lowering my protein intake for next week and thus lowering my calories. You can tell in this picture that I have put on some weight....so it took a lot of guts to put a picture on my blog of me heavier!

This week has been interesting. I learned the important of sleep. I always get at least 8 hours of sleep and this week was the first time I was truly sleep deprived and so by Thursday, I was so tired that I caved!!! Then by Friday I just got discouraged because I'm putting on so much weight!

Please don't mind my doo-rag that I am wearing as I'm just getting home from the gym.

******************
DECISIONS
******************
See above where I decided to lower my protein.
I think I have also narrowed down my decision on a trainer for nutrition and training.
I'll let you know as soon as I have signed up with him and made my decision!
I need help to put on as much muscle as possible with as little fat.

I Can't

2009-02-14T06:13:00.000-08:00

I found this on Erik's Blog on Lean Bodies Consulting, but it was originally written by Leigh Peele on her blog. I feel like I should give them both credit here for both writing it and for me finding it. I love love love it!! It's fantastic!!!

********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

I CAN'T.....

I can’t hit my diet today because I didn’t get a chance to get to the store.
I can’t do my workout today because it is cold outside.
I can’t get up right now and do my stretching because my neck hurts.
I can’t stick to this diet plan because it just asks too much of me.
I can’t stick to my diet today because I just need to get the job done.
I can’t stick to my diet today because I am tired and stressed and just need a break.
I can’t do this because I just want to live my life.
I can’t go out because I am too fat for life.
I can’t not eat when I go out with friends, it’s rude.
I can’t tell my spouse that I wish they would stop tempting me with fast food they bring home.
I can’t say out loud that this is the 2nd 3rd 4th 5th year in a row that I made a diet resolution.
I can’t tell my family that I need their help this time.
I can’t tell my friends that this time I want it to be for real.
I can’t take off my shirt and not cringe.
I can’t get it out of my head how good my life would be if I could just do this.
I can’t figure out what it is I am doing wrong.

I can’t be the person that says can’t anymore.

How to be a good wife

2009-02-13T17:38:00.000-08:00

I have always thought that this article was interesting. It has not been confirmed to be true or false. It is definitely funnier if it is true. I hope you enjoy if you haven't seen this before.

JOURNAL: 2.1.09 - 2.7.09 Week 2 Bulking

2009-02-08T12:35:00.000-08:00

I am trying to make this the fittest year of my life, are you? (Not those of you who are pregnant...you are exempt from this question)

*******
FOOD - Week 2 Bulking
*******
Sunday 2.1.09
900: 8 whites, 1yolk, 1/2c oatmeal, 1000 c, 150 b, 1 hydro, 1zyrtec, coffee
1130: 6 oz salmon, sm yam, 10 oz broccoli
300: EAS
400: 6 oz chicken, 75g rice, salad, 2t evoo, 2t balsamic
600: 5 oz pangasius fish, 50g rice, 1orange
900: casein protein 40g
Water: 1 Gallon

Monday 2.2.09
800: 11egg whites, part of 1 yolk, 1.5 T Pnut butter, 1c oatmeal, 1hydro, 1000 c 150 b
1015: 3 BCAAs
1030: EAS
1230: 50g fruit Smoothie
200: 150 b, 1000 c
330: 6 oz steak & salmon, 75g rice, 10 oz broccoli
700: 6 oz pangasius fish, 1lg orange
830: 40g casein shake, 1T Pnut butter
Water: 1 Gallon

Tuesday 2.3.09
730: 11 whites, 1c oatmeal, 1.5 T peanut butter, 150 b, 1000c, 1hydro
**Wkout**
930: 20g protein, 16 oz milk, banana (gag), coffee and cream
1230: 6.5 oz fish, 50g rice, salad with olive oil & balsamic, 1orange
330: 6 oz fish, 50g rice,
530: 1orange
715: 6 oz tilapia and chicken, 100g rice, salad with olive oil and balsamic
900: 40g casein protein, 1.5 T peanut butter
Water: 1 Gallon

Wednesday 2.4.09
730: 11 whites, 1/2c oatmeal, coffee, 150b, 1000c, 1hyro
1100: 6 oz tilapia, 100g rice, 10 oz broccoli
330: 6 oz tilapia, 50g rice, 1orange
645: 15 oz gr beef and organic sauce, 170g wheat pasta,
945: 40g casein protein
Water: 1 Gallon

Thursday 2.5.09
630: 11whites, 3/4c oats, (forgot) 1.5 T Pnut butter, 150b, 1000c, 2thermo
**wkout**
900: 50g Smoothie fruit
1000: l glut, bcaa
1130: 6 oz chicken, 100g rice,
300: 6 oz tilapia, 100g rice
330: 150b, 1000c, l glut, bcaa
600: 12 oz sauce, 100g pasta
615: EAS 1 orange
730: 20g whey and Pnut butter shake
815: 40g casein protein
Water: 1 Gallon

Friday 2.6.09
800: 3/4 c oatmeal, 11 whites,
1T Pnut butter, coffee
900: 150B, 1000C, 1hydro, 3BCAAs
1200: 6 oz chicken, 115g rice, 1000C, 150B, 1hydro
**wkout**
230: 40g fruit Smoothie, BCAAs
630: 6 oz sirloin
700: bites of brownie & 2 sugar cookies
1000: 40g casein protein
Water: 1 Gallon

Saturday 2.7.09
Free day w/ protein and supps
Protein 140 + other bad food :)

*************
WORKOUTS - 1.5 min rest between sets
*************
Monday 2.2.09 - Chest/Tri
Tricep Pushdown w/ Rope: 60/12, 70/6, 70/6, 70/6, 70/6
Tricep Skullcrushers: 30/12, 30/10 (wrists)
Tricep Overhead Extensions: 60/8, 60/4 (wrists)
Chest DB Press: 25e/10, 30e/8, 35e/6 (spot), 30e/8
Chest Incline Bench: +20/8, +20/6, +20/8, +20/8
Chest DB Decline: 25e/8, 30e/8, 30e/6
Chest Flat Bench DB Fly (deep): 15e/12, 15e/10, 20e/8, 20e/8
Totals: 400 calories

Tuesday 2.3.09 - Glutes/Hams
Seated Leg Curl: 80/12, 90/10, 100/8, 100/7, 100/8
BB Stiff Leg Deadlift: 70/12, 80/8, 90/6, 100/4, 90/5
Glute Machine: 110/8, 120/6, 110/8, 110/6
Outer Abductor: 90/8, 100/5, 100/4, 90/5
Totals: 350 Calories

Thursday 2.5.09 - Back/Bis (quick bi's)
Wide Lat Pulldown: 70/10, 85/8, 90/6, 90/5, 85/6
Row w/ good form: 70/6, 70/6, 70/5, 70/5
Straight Arm Pushdown: 40/6, 40/6, 40/5, 40/6, 40/6
Cable Straight Bar Row: 60/6, 60/6, 60/6
Bicep Curl BB: 30/12, 40/6, 40/6 (wrists hurting)
Bicep DB Curl: 20e/6, 20e/6, 20e/6, 20e/5
Totals: 350 calories

Friday 2.6.09 - Shoulders / Abs (a little mismatched - worked in w/ husband too)
Arnold Press 25e/7, 25e/7, 30e/6, 30e/6 (spot)
Lat Raises: 12e/10, 15e/4, 15e/4, 14e/4
Drop Sets w/ BB Press: ? 3 sets
Cable Pull ins : 20e/4, 20e/8, 20e/5, 20e/8
Calbe Pull outs: 20e/10, 30e/8, 40e/4, 30e/8
Upright Rows: 50/5, 50/5, 50/5
Left Arm (weakpoint) DB Lat Raise: 12/8, 12/8
Decline Abs: 3 sets

Saturday 2.7.09 - Quads
Leg Extension: 105/10, 120/10, 135/10, 150/8, 165/6, 180/5 (Rt knee hurting at end)
Squat w/ Bar (elevated heals): +50/8, +50/8, +70/8, +80/5, +80/5
Leg Press: 160/12, 250/5, 210/8, 210/8
Totals: 377 calories

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THOUGHTS
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I'm realizing that bulking is hard on the psyche and understanding why. Without a coach I am nervous that I'm just packing on the pounds of fat though I know I'm making gains. I think I'll be adding some creatine into the diet next week. I'm still bad about writing down my supps and I'll work on that next week also.

How to read a Nutrition Label & Ingredients

2009-02-08T12:18:00.000-08:00

Lately, I'm catching myself reading more ingredients than Nutrition Labels and honestly, once you find your favorite food...the staples of your home, you stop needing to read these all the time. I saw Dr. Oz on Oprah a couple of weeks ago talking to overweight kids and teens and explaining how easy these Nutrition Facts are to read. A GREAT TIP he said was that anything on the top portion of the label, you want LESS of and on the lower portion of the label, you want MORE of...so, less calories, fat, sodium, etc and more protein and vitamins. It makes sense. Also, be sure you're reading the serving sizes!!!