Oh my goodness!! Where Have I Been?!

Happy Monday Everyone!

Where did I disappear to?? Seriously, I've been working on ME!

While working on ME, I realized that I seriously MISS writing...blogging...or venting...whichever you want to call it...but I'm back!

While this post can be long, because I've been MIA for 6 months...let's make this short and sweet and we'll get back on a regular routine!

If you've been following me for a while, you should know by now that I always take on more than I can chew...well, that hasn't changed. In fact, it's grown! What else could I honestly take on??

October Fitness Challenge Day 3

Hey Everyone!

Today is officially the beginning of WEEK 1 and what better way to start that than with a morning smoothie recipe and a high protein breakfast, supplements and a morning stretching routine before we start the day!

October Fitness Challege - I Wish, I Did!

Hey Everyone!

One thing I've noticed about starting a new month with new fitness goals is that we always wish to eventually be at the next level, but now. We always want the next best thing, not the current thing. First: Don't rush. It's not going to leave without you. As long as you don't give up on yourself, you will get there. Everyone's body is different. Don't try to be like the person running those extra 2 miles in the gym on the treadmill next to you...you don't know how long it took them to get to where they are. Just like, you aren't going to be able to run two miles tomorrow if you're only able to walk a mile today.

Start your month's with small goals and work your way to bigger ones. Start with goals like "I'll walk the neighborhood another lap every day this week" or "I'll do an extra mile on the treadmill today." Bigger goals should be well thought out...and planned way in advance. Such as...I signed up for a 5K at the end of October.

Days 71 - 83 ~ Chaos

Well... talk about a length of time that went up in smoke. *poof* There it went. Yep.

Let me try to recap the last thirteen days, so we can start on a clean slate tomorrow morning...

• I've been to 3 more interviews for one company in particular, who has already told me they want to hire me, but they are waiting on the background check (which I'll pass with flying colors) & proof at the police department I volunteered at for four years.
• That police department that I volunteered at for four years, hasn't been contacting me or my potential future career in almost two weeks. They are the only thing standing in between me and providing a life for my son and I. The volunteer coordinator adored me, until I left. So, I had to go above her and e-mail her Sgt. We'll see if that does anything.

Day 19 of 30 to a More Organized You

Today is our nineteenth day to having a more organized month.

Let's do this!

Challenge
Tripped up by time traps?

Identify where you repeatedly lose little bits of time. If you search for your keys each morning, hang a nail inside the front and back doors. Deposit your keys there each time you come home so when you're ready to leave, you'll know exactly where they are.

Always dashing to the drugstore for a birthday, anniversary or get-well card? Buy a dozen blank greeting cards and write your own wishes for any occasion.

Days 67, 68, 69 & 70 ~ Results, Interview #2 & Another Migraine

Day 67 - Sunday - September 11th

Last night, I did an Ultimate Wrap Applicator on my belly. Snapped my before pictures and took my measurements, wore the wrap for two hours (even though you can get away with 45 minutes), and then snapped my first after pictures complete with measurements again. I will also be taking more after pictures and measurements over the course of three days. So Tuesday night, I will have my final results! Please take a moment of silence.

Day 59 ~ But...Today Isn't Going As Planned

Mark and I ended up sleeping wayyyyy past our alarm this morning and we completely missed our Monkey Gym class...as in if we left after scrambling to get dressed and in the car, we would have made it for the "goodbye song." This is a bad habit....bad bad bad. Thankfully, t-ball is coming up and we'll be doing something else and won't be paying for this class for a few months.

Day 58 ~ Busy schedule, Healthy Lifestyle!

Today has been another day full of training via Facebook, with some added monthly challenges - which I need to finish tonight. I was so swamped with that this morning, that I completely missed breakfast. However, I did remember everything else in my morning routine. Dishes were put away, little man's breakfast was made (complete with juice), he was frozen in front of his favorite Nick Jr. shows, whipped up my morning smoothie with some of my GREENS and headed to grab my notebook and pen to start my day. What did I miss? My actual meal! While I was focused on my session, Mark got to spend some quality time with my dad, since he was off work today.

It wasn't until after I finished, that I went to ask Mark if he was ready for lunch time, did I realize that the frying pan on the stove wasn't used - which meant I didn't make breakfast for myself. However, I did stay scheduled on my supplements. 

The rest of my day slowed down a bit... little man helped me whip up some lunch for the both of us. He had spiral noodles with butter and sprinkle cheese with some cut up strawberries and juice, while I had a full plate of some yummy goodness (picture below)!

Avocado, Strawberries, Cheese, Turkey, Genoa Salami and a Sweet Potato with butter and cinnamon.
Seltzer (not pictured)

Day 57 ~ Hurricane Hermine & Cabin Fever Leads To A Remodel

This morning, we woke up to hearing the Tropical Storm Hermine has changed direction. Thankfully, it missed a majority of my family who live in Florida, as well as decreasing its speed. While it was still nasty outside, Mark's play time outside was canceled and I completely forgot about his Monkey Gym class this morning, but because of the weather, I don't think they would have minded.

It barely rained at all today, but we did have a few gusts of wind that were stronger than the others. Toward the afternoon, however, we ended up having a tornado warning for a few hours. 

My Paleo/It Works Journey ~ Posts 51-100

For easier access to my individual posts of my Paleo/It Works Journey, I came up with this go-to list for easier access (it's easier than having to scroll for the post that you want).

Posts 51 - 60

Day 51 - Haircuts and Salads!

Day 52 - Mama and Me Day!

Days 53 & 54 ~ Surprise Meetings... I'm slammed!

Day 55 - Gene Wilder

Day 56 - Remodel, Hurricanes and Organizing

Day 57 - Hurricane Hermine & Cabin Fever Leads To A Remodel

Day 58 - Busy Schedule, Healthy Lifestyle!

Day 59 - But... Today Isn't Going As Planned

Posts 60 - 70

Days 60, 61, 62, & 63 - Labor Day Weekend Job

Days 64, 65, 66 - Migraines, Marathons and Wraps

Days 67, 68, 69, & 70 - Results, Interview #2 & Another Migraine 

Posts 71 - 80

Days 71 - 83 - Chaos

Posts 84 - 90

October Fitness Challenge Day 1

Days 53 & 54 ~ Surprise Meetings... I'm slammed!

I think I'm a bit behind on some of my daily posts, or it may just feel like it. I've been slammed with surprise training sessions all week and I'm beginning to forget what day it is. I literally stared at my calendar for 20 minutes trying to figure out what days I was covering today. Yep, that kind of day.

I don't even remember what I did yesterday, besides receive a phone call from a potential job opportunity that has great hours, great pay, breathtaking products and 100% benefits...and I have an interview on September 6th. But, more on that later.

Day 51 ~ Haircut Silent Treatment and Salads!

Mark was scheduled for another haircut today. I couldn't take the "poof" anymore. He was starting to look more like a mom than my little boy. While he totally HATED it and me for putting him through such a horrible experience, he no longer is "scruffy." He's also ready for t-ball in a few weeks. I received the silent treatment for the remainder of the day, like I usually do, no surprise. He was buddies with my sister the rest of the day and anytime I tried to talk to him he would glare at me and walk away. Lucky for me, I was able to get some things done around the house.

48, 49 & 50 ~ Fall Off & Jump Back On

So, after attending Mark's friend's birthday party Sunday and devouring three slices of cheese pizza, skittles and soda...I knew I was headed for falling off the wagon. I had a nice healthy dinner of steak and zucchini noodles, but it didn't feel like it was enough. I also didn't feel the side effects yet.

Monday I really felt it. Major side effects. Ugh. Do you know what happens to your body after being off of carbs, yeast, soda, massive amounts of sugar for several months? I know I didn't cover every food group that I've stayed away from...

Day 47 ~ It's Not A Weekend Without A Party!

After two amazing nights with my fellow mom's who needed a much needed break... I need to get back on my Paleo/It Works Cycle...

I picked a few magazines that talk about clean eating and paleo and I'm hoping to find some yummy recipes in there that I can share with everyone. Who doesn't love recipes that help fuel your body?

Today is a big day for Mark. He'll be attending one of his friend's birthday parties. Why is it big for him? He hasn't really grasped to the fact that birthday parties aren't just for him. So, when he see's presents... he assumes they are for him.

Speaking of presents... I was going through some bins yesterday... in search for my long lost baseball glove so I can work with Mark... and in one of the bins, I found a birthday present I hid away already wrapped for Mark's 2nd birthday (that I apparently hid from myself really well) that I even started second guessing myself if I actually bought for him or not. Well, sure enough... it was a win and he immediately wanted to open it and set it up. It's the race car connection for his V-tech track. 

Day 40 & 41 ~ Clothes, Groceries & Meal Prep! Plus Some Exciting News!

Day 39 - Friday (additional)...

Friday evening, I received a phone call from a local employment agency informing me that I was completely qualified for a job only 15 minutes away from me. After years of being either over-qualified or under-qualified... I started crying. While it isn't my dream job, it is a foot in the work force and I can continue applying myself for my dream job. What blew me away is that I am perfectly qualified for a job in the medical field...a field I wasn't even aiming for. I saw an employment ad and applied for it, honestly believing I wasn't going to get it (like every other job) and I got it.

I wish I had a camera on me when I received the call, as I was in tears (without sounding like I was crying on the phone). While it is only a temporary to permanent position, this will open soooo many doors to the future. While the hours aren't great, I will be off on the weekend to spend quality time with little man. The pay is great, we (Mark and I) will be able to soon call ourselves debt free, as well as have some money in our savings.

Day 29 & 30 - Utter Chaos with Sprinkles on Top!

So, the last three days, in a nutshell...

Life happens. Woo saa. 

*glares to my friends that dared me to do this* Actually Sunday, I was dared to do a 31 Day Challenge to help me build confidence in front of the camera while I talk about the supplements I use that help me lose weight. Monday was Day 1 and I was SUPER nervous. I can't remember how many "and's", "but's" and "um's" I had in the four minute video while I talked about our current bonuses and promotions.

I waited until Mark was down for his nap. It was an off day for both of us. I kept forgetting to take my supplements. Thought I put them in my purse, before heading out to Mark's gym class and then realized I didn't. Then Mark's gym class was canceled and since we missed last week, we couldn't have known ahead of time. Ugh!

Day 28 - Bad Monkey, Lunch & Day 1 of It Works Challenge!

Day 28 of my Paleo/It Works Lifestyle & Day 1 of my 31 Day It Works Challenge

Monday... the best day of the week... not. Who else agrees? I want my weekend back!

Since Mark and I were both sick last week, we missed an entire week of fun in the sun. So, this week we wanted to make up for it. But, everything we tried, kept knocking us back down. Bummer.

We missed my gym (aka "monkey gym") last week. Mark was bummed, because he missed the chance to climb something. I was bummed, because it was a "child energy drainer" that he was going to miss. Yes, something that burns his energy off faster, so I can sleep better at night. Even if we were sick or not.

My Paleo/It Works Journey ~ Posts 1-50

For easier access to my individual posts of my Paleo/It Works Journey, I came up with this go-to list for easier access (it's easier than having to scroll for the post that you want).

Days 1 - 10
Day 1 - Paleo-ish... with a mix of a Toddler Meltdown?!
Day 2 - Paleo & It Works!
Day 3 - Hot As A Pepper!
Day 4 - Double Slack With Greens On Top
Day 5 - My Gym & Fred's Market
Day 6 - Hair Mask & Giveaways
Day 7 & 8 - Migraines & The "Look"
Day 9 - Turtles, Park & New Rental
Day 10 - Numminess (Eats), Weigh In & Shopping

Days 11 - 19
Day 11 & 12 - Busy, But Healthy Weekend
Day 13 - Party Day!
Day 14 & 15 - Migraines & Paleo Talk!
Day 16 - Sore, Graston and KT Tape!
Day 17, 18 & 19 - Focus on Healthy Lifestyle and NOT Stress!

Days 20 - 30
Days 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 & 25 - We've Entered The Gates of Sicknessville!
Days 26 & 27 - Healthy Again, New Weigh In & New Workouts!
Day 28 - Bad Monkey, Lunch & Day 1 of It Works Challenge!
Day 29 & 30 - Utter Chaos with Sprinkles on Top!

Days 31 - 39
Day 31, 32, 33 & 34 - Organized, Weight Loss Goals & Accomplishment & Relaxing...
Day 35 - Workout & Healthy Eats
Day 36 - Rest Day, Grocery/Meal Planning & My Motivational Board
Day 37 & 38 - No Gym :(, Playing Video Catch Up & Getting Ripped Off!
Day 39 - A Peek Into My Paleo Lifestyle

Days 40 - 50
Days 40 & 41 - Clothes, Groceries & Meal Prep! Plus Some Exciting News!
Day 42 - Reese's Cups Are Evil!
Day 43, 44, 45 & 46 - Weekend Plans
Day 47 - It's Not A Weekend Without A Party
Days 48, 49 & 50 - Fall Off and Jump Back On

What's the Paleo/It Works Lifestyle?

The Paleo Diet... who doesn't want to eat healthy? It isn't really a DIET. The big word that everyone is scared of - "oh, it won't work," blah, blah, blah. Erase that from your mind. Paleo is actually how we're supposed to eat - fresh and from the land.

I've never cut out grains or dairy before, so once I ween it from my normal intake, I should be shredding pounds in no time. Especially with hitting the gym three times a week.

Day 26 & 27 ~ Healthy Again, New Weigh In & New Workouts!

Hello Everyone,

Thank you for being patient with me during the last week. Mark and I came down with an awful head cold that kept us in bed for the first four days. Mark only had a cough, while I was full-on congested til to end.

The unfortunately thing about being sick last week, was that I completely lost my appetite. I couldn't even force myself to have a nibble of anything. I stayed on water, hot tea with honey and Mucinex. I honestly couldn't wait to be finished being sick. And, I'm technically not done... as I still have sniffles.