Hmmm, it's been a while.

UPDATE TIME!!!

So, it's definitely been a while since I posted. Sorry about that!!! I've been busy with, well, life! But I have made some changes. Not big ones, but noticeable ones...but only in pictures. When I look in the mirror I still see the same old me. Confidence?! Nope, don't have it. Willpower?! Long Gone! But I do have an AMAZING friend, and gym buddy that gives me that little bit of UMPH! to get my booty to the gym each and every day!

So, here's a progress shot:

Would you believe that I weigh the same?! Yep, you guessed it...no weight loss!! As a matter of fact, I might even weigh MORE than before! I'll get back to you on that one. But, as of today I am sitting at 174.6 lbs. I still have a long way to go, but this is progress, and I can't be upset with that. 

So, I've had people ask me how I did it! Well, I'll let you in on my secret.....it wasn't from any magic pill, shake, or supplement. Don't get me wrong, I do take supplements...just not the weight loss kind. Currently I am taking a flax seed pill, and a multivitamin, and drinking LOTS of water throughout the day. I am also working out 3-5 days a week. Currently, I am following Jamie Eason's LiveFit program. Click the link to be directed to her page. 

Now, I am not following her nutrition plan, just the workout portion. I'm sure I would be seeing amazing results if I were, but I just don't have the finances, nor do my kids have the stomach (or mommy have the energy to make separate meals) to share with me -- plus it's not a healthy meal plan for young kids to have. Anyway, do what you will with that tidbit, but I can tell you that I've been hitting this program hard. I've seen myself able to lift more than I thought I would, and my endurance has increased.

I AM NOT A RUNNER!!! But, while building the muscle under all this fat, I have given my body the ability to do things I never thought I could. I am now able to run (well, jog - but it's running to me, okay?!) for a full 5 minutes without stopping, and keep up a brisk walk when I give out. That's pretty awesome coming from someone who couldn't run for a full minute 8 weeks ago!

I know I still have a long way to go, but I am pretty please with the distance I have come so far! I am going to be re-starting Phase 2 of the program this week, since my and my gym buddy decided to take this week off...so, I'm hoping for even more results in the next 4-8 weeks that I have left to do this program!

If you decide to give it a try, please let me know how it works for you! I can't promise that you will see results like mine, I can't promise you that you won't see results like the ones that she shows in her video, either. What I can tell you, is that if you dedicate yourself to WHATEVER you do, you will see changes. Getting fit isn't about how skinny you can get, or how quickly you can get it off - it's about the journey to reach your goals, and the things you learn about yourself along the way!

Another Update!!!

Well, it's me again....I know, I know - long time no complain, right!! Well, here goes the update! ;)

Hello, my name is Jessica and it has been TOO LONG since my last blog post. Please forgive me...I've fallen back in love with Chick fil a, Rosa's Cafe, and sitting my fat booty on the couch! BUT, alas I have found my calling....ZUMBA!! ;) Yes, you read that right. This over-weight, un-coordinated, non-rhythmically gifted white girl has officially joined a Zumba class!!!

Today was Day 2, and I am IN LOVE!! Yesterday was so much fun, I went with a good friend, Janis, and we rocked it out with a very adorable, though slightly feminine, Latino.  HA! He was so much fun, and could shake it like I have never seen a guy shake it before!!!! Why, oh WHY, couldn't I have been blessed with THAT kind of rhythm!?! What I wouldn't give to shake my hips, and NOT look like I was having a seizure!

Anyway, today, I walked in - a little nervous, sans above mentioned friend....I was on my own this time! Well, I showed up as they were cooling down from the toning class (which I soooo want to try, along with the boot camp) and I was SHOCKED that they were playing "Stronger" by Mandisa!! For those of you who have never heard this song - I've put the video at the bottom of my post...it's truly an amazing song!

Anyway, I was blown away, and so pumped that I not only had found a Zumba class, and loved it, but that they were a CHRISTIAN Zumba Studio!!!! I mean, what are the odds?! LOVE IT!!!!


So, with my new found love, I am starting over with my weight stats....as of yesterday when I weighed, I was back up in the dreaded 170 range....at 170.4, EEEWWWWW! :) But, I haven't weighed again to see if I am loosing weight...I just don't want to get discouraged right off the bat! So, my plan is to weigh in every Monday, and do Measurements every OTHER Monday and see what results I am coming up with this time. I have also found that the last two days, it's been so much easier to turn down the bad stuff, and tone done the helpings....I guess when you are sweating that much, you don't want to undo it all by stopping at McDonald's for a burger and fries!! (And yes, I have actually done that a time or 2 - shame, shame, I KNOW!!!)

Whelp, that's it for now...we will see how this one will go....wish me luck! Maybe this time it'll stick! ;) Don't forget to listen to the video below...it's a great one!! Good night, Y'all and God  Bless!! Mwahhh!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=WFY2Hdh7cvA

Just a little update!

Well, I guess God doesn't want me to loose the weight...I mean every time I get back into the groove and commit to bring healthy, something happens to derail me!! I am going to try really hard to let these newest developments NOT effect my drive!

Well over the last few weeks I finally got my eating under control, and got to where I thought I was ready for a real workout routine! But this past weekend my baby boy broke his leg and its just been a rough couple of days. I never thought I was an "emotional" eater....but I guess I am. I didn't eat while I was in the hospital with my son, but ever since we for home, I've been "bingeing" on everything. I know I shouldn't do it, and even as I am eating I tell myself that I shouldn't be doing that!

Ugh, I just don't know what I am going to do! I know that I need to keep it up, but after he fell down and got hurt I just don't want to do much of anything but sit down next to him and love on him! I want to go to the gym tonight, but I don't know if I should! I mean, my hubby is here and I know he is more than capable of taking care of the kids, but I guess I will feel guilty! :-/

Well, that's where we are now, as a family - and where I am emotionally....one day my life will stop being so hectic and finally be smooth for a change! Here's hoping!!!!

I love food - Need to find balance!!!

Okay, so obviously I have a problem. I love food....and not the kind of food I should love. I mean, I really do like fruit and veggies - but give me a choice between a burrito and a salad....I'm going to go for the burrito every time...then feel guilty and eat the salad after. I've gotten slightly better about it recently, but it's a constant struggle!! I've gotten MUCH better about making sure I eat breakfast in the morning...and not the fast food kind. When I work in the mornings, I have been drinking a Nestle' Breakfast Essential mix, so that I am at least getting a little calcium in my diet (I really don't like milk) and a few key nutrients!! Once I start getting to the point where I can afford it, I will be replacing that with the Shakeology shakes, and upping the "healthy" factor. But for now, these are going to have to "do" I am also packing healthy snacks and lunches for while I am at work/school (I am a teacher for a mommy's day out program 2 days a week) - which is helping...but when I get home I start BINGEING! I can't cut snacks out of my house all together, because they aren't that bad...in moderation, and my kids need food to tie them over too. Well, that's not really a valid argument, because my kids could just as well eat fruits and veggies for snacks just like I can - but I am definitely using them as a crutch. Plus the fact that I have to get groceries for a full 2 weeks otherwise that money will get spent before....so the fruit and veggie thing doesn't last the whole time.

I NEED HELP and IDEAS on how to be healthier and keeping in the small budget we have!! I bought lots and lots of veggies and fruit this last trip....spent almost double what I normally spend, and it's already all starting to go bad - with the exception of what I can freeze!!!

That's my struggle today - aside from personal ones....one day things will just CLICK!!!

Happy AFTER Holidays!! ;)

Well, the Holidays did NOT treat me well!!! :( I was sooo proud when I reached 160...then BAM I caved with the Halloween Candy - didn't hurt too bad....Thanksgiving is what KILLED me!! I just can't say no to Mashed Potatoes and Mac and Cheese!!! And unfortunately, these are two very big staples at any family function! So, I over ate....waited a little bit, then overate some more....the pattern pretty much continued through Christmas. Then, I stepped on the scale and saw 168.9!!! Oh My GOSH!!!! I was so close to passing back over to that dreaded 170 mark that I have been trying ever since then to get back on my "diet" which really isn't a diet so much as watching what I eat, and how much I eat!! I am trying not to eat out so much, and to cook healthier meals. I recently bought the Biggest Loser Cookbook , and have been slowly implementing those into our weekly meal plans. My fridge looks like the produce isle - which is definitely a good think!! I am about to start trying to make my own Cream of Whatever soups, and slowly start cutting out processed foods all together. If I can just get my kids and hubby on board, I'll be all set to go!!!! :)

I've also been doing really well with getting back into the gym. I'm not hitting it super hard like I was before - going 2+ hours every day!! I am going every day with the exception of Monday and Wednesday nights, since I work the next day, for an hour. I am alternating cardio and weights. I am determined to do this right this time!!!

I hope that this isn't just another false start, but I think with Janis pushing me to workout with her during the day, that I can do it!!! I mean, if she can loose her baby weight after only 4 months (this is the 2nd kid for her too) then I can do it after almost 2 years!!! I know it's going to be harder, but I am tired of feeling so horribly about myself. I am tired of looking at my pictures and seeing the fat rolls!!!


INSPIRATION!!

That's a YOUTH MEDIUM shirt, and size 5 jeans!!! I WILL GET there!!!

Shhhh....Listen - I'm Baaaaaaack!!! :P

Okay, so my title is from an oooooold song from back in the day! Show of hands....how many of you remember this song....Shhh, the Fireman commin'...re-ere, haha I'm back, now whatcha think about that.

Anywho!!! Obviously I am BACK in action, after a much longer than anticipated break from the gym. I think I just got so burned out from going every night for 2 hours, and not seeing the results that I wanted, that I just kind of gave up. Even with all the things in my life that were motivating to me, I just couldn't keep going. I have set a new goal for myself, and that is to NOT push myself to that point again. I am starting off "slow" but not light. I went to the gym tonight for the first time in almost 2 months. I decided that, as much as I love cardio, i needed to do something that would make me feel like I accomplished something...so I lifted weights..kind of.

I did leg curls, leg press, triceps dips, seated shoulder press, seated lat pull, the ab turner thingy, the ab crunch machine, and the back extension machine. I didn't over do it, but I feel like I did what I needed to do. As a matter of fact, as I am typing, I have to backspace every few letters because my arms are shaking (still) from the work I did! I wonder how sore I will be tomorrow! We shall see!!

So, this is it, I am going to fix me a little oatmeal, and watch a little TV before I head off to bed. :)

A Month of Thankfulness!!

It's going around Facebook, and I thought it would be nice to expand it to here....On Facebook, you are supposed to post 1 thing per day what you are thankful for....but instead of posting a mini blog each day, I will be posting 30 things that I am Thankful for. These 30 things are things that I will be praying, and thanking God for each morning when I wake up. I am trying to be more Thankful for the things in my life, instead of complaining, so I'm hoping I am on the right track! :) So, here it goes!!! 
(the first 2 were from my Facebook Statuses: :) 

1: In the Words of Scotty McCreery: For noisy children and slamming doors, 
And clothes scattered all over the floor, 
My husband workin' all the time, 
Draggin' in dead tired at night, 
My never ending messy kitchen 
And dirty dishes. 

2: I am Thankful for my Scentsy business! God has blessed me more than I will ever be able to Thank Him for, and I couldn't be more Thankful/Grateful for that! 

3: My Family and Friends who are there for me when I need them - day or night, they are always there! :) 

4: The time I got to spend with my grandparents before they passed, and the memories that I have of them. I'm also Thankful for the NEW things I am learning about them! My grandma has been gone for years this December, and my grandpa for 5 years this month. I'm learning new things about them, and I feel more and more blessed to have had them in my life for as long as I did! 

5: For having a God that always provides for me and my family. He always seems to bless us when we need it the most, whether it's surprise money when we are struggling to make it during a pay period, great new friends when we feel lonely, making a way when there doesn't seem to be one. 

6: For my Children! They may drive me crazy most days, but I love them more than my own life, and I couldn't imagine my life without them in it!!! 

7: For my Husband! Without him, I wouldn't have my 2 beautiful children, or the ability to stay at home with them (almost) every day! He does an amazing job taking care of our family, and I vow to do better at Thanking him for it! 

8: For my cat (yes, I know - that's weird). Seriously, she's always there, and seems to know when I need to snuggle. I love that she comes to snuggle with me, and just lays there and purrs while I pet her. She also lays on my feet and keeps them nice and toasty at night! ;P 

9: For the Fall Rains in West Texas!! Even though the last few times it's rained, it's been accompanied by downpours and tornado warnings, it's been a much needed blessing, and I can finally see the "green" in the grass - just in time for it to go brown for winter! ;) 

10: For our beautiful new (to us) house!! I'm so thankful to no longer pay "rent" each month...instead we are paying a MORTGAGE and I love it!!! No more throwing $1000's away each month - cheaper monthly payment AND we are investing in something GREAT! :) 

11: For waking up each and every morning, healthy and with wonderful friends and family. I am thankful that God has allowed me another day, even if it's not how I want my day to go, it's always a blessing to just wake up! 

12: For my Sparkpeople Friends!! You guys have become like another family, and I love that you all support each other! It's so nice to be a part of a site that has NO DRAMA!! :) I have not had one negative thing happen since joining, and I love that I can ask for help, and there is always at least 1 person there to lend a hand! 

13: For the ability to workout! Not everyone is phyiscally able to workout, and I am thankful that I am still able to get up off my butt and exercise!! When I put it into perspective, it makes me want to get up off my butt now, and move!! Not everyone has that option! 

14: For making changes to be healthy while my kids are still little. I know that if I make these changes now, they won't have the difficulty I have had in eating healthy - because it'll be what they know! :) 

15: For memories. I hope that one day I will have the time to put all my memories to paper so that when they are no longer there, I can look back and remember! :) You don't realize how many memories you "loose" until something brings them back. 

16: For my Nook! ;) I love to read, and love that someone has invented an e-reader, so I don't have to buy ANOTHER book case! We are already at 3 tall book cases, double stacked on each shelf (they are bowed from the weight of the books - YIKES). 

17: For the ability to READ!! I am so thankful that I live in a country that requires that I learn! I love the knowledge that I do have, and that I am able to do things that others never had the opportunity to learn. 

18: For COFFEE!! Without it, I don't know if I would make it through some days! ;) 

19: For my Scentsy Business (again)! Without it, my house wouldn't smell as amazing as it does, and I wouldn't be getting paid for it! ;) 

20: For my Scentsy Sisters, who have been there for me when I needed a pick-me-up, to lend me ideas when I am short on them, and for Scentsy Leadership get togethers! (Can you tell, I love my job!!) 

21: For little Blessings - kids staying with Nana, so mommy and daddy can have date night, a picture to make me smile, an inspirational quote when I need it, coming across an old memory. 

22: For perfect weather! I love when the weather is just right (perfect temp, no winds, not a cloud in the sky) where I can let me kids just run around outside, and play. 

23: For hearing my kids laughter! I think my kids have the CUTEST laughs and I love when they do things to make themselves laugh, or when I can make them laugh. It's the best sound in the world, don't you agree?! 

24: For Youtube, without it, I wouldn't be able to learn so many new things!! Making hair bows, tutu's, new ways to fix my hair and makeup...the list goes on!

25: For my Mommy, who taught me so much - even now when I need to learn something she tried to teach me when I was younger, but didn't care to learn. Without her, I wouldn't know how to sew, cook, clean, fold laundry, or LOVE selflessly! 

26: For my Daddy, for always letting me be a daddy's girl! For listening to me when I need to vent, for sharing the love of God with me and having those deep discussions that I can't have with just anyone, and for supporting me 110% in everything that I do (with just the right amount of "you can't do that" to push me harder to prove him wrong! 

27: For my brothers! Without them, I wouldn't know how to back down in an argument, or know what it's like to fight about everything and stick up for them when someone says something mean! They've been there for me, even when I didn't know it, and I couldn't be more thankful for my (not so little) little brothers!! 

28: For my crazy, messed up, redneck family!! Family get-togethers just wouldn't be the same if I had any other kind of family! We know how to laugh, love, have fun, pick on, support and argue like the best of them!! We've been through some tough times, but that's just made us that much stronger! I have the best Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and Grandma in the world!! The only thing better would be if I could have my other grandparents back!!! 

29: For the Holidays!! I love this time of year!! I just wish we would all (myself included) not limit the spirit of Thankfulness, and Giving to one time of year!! Wouldn't it be awesome to have Thanksgiving/Christmas EACH MONTH so we would always be in the spirit of giving and thankfulness, while not forgetting WHY!!! 

30: Last but NOT least - I am thankful for Jesus Christ!! I am thankful that he was born of a virgin, to be crucified on a cross and forgive me of my sins. That I had the opportunity to ask him into my heart as my Lord and Savior and that I will see my family in Heaven one day! :) 

This is my list of what I am Thankful for!! You might not agree with what I am Thankful for, but that's the beauty of Thankfulness - everyone is Thankful for something different!! :)