CANNOT believe I'm almost at Week 3! Today's workout was "Rest or Stretch X". I opted for Rest, simply because I had limited time this afternoon, but I did start the Stretch X DVD until I realized it was 60 minutes long. I stopped it to make dinner and to get ready for tonight. I work one night a week in the nursery at my church, in addition to my day job. I would love to pop the Stretch X back in now, because the little bit that I did earlier was soooo relaxing.
Still no significant weight loss, but I have lost 2 inches in my neck and waist, and one in my hips thus far. A co-worker told me today that she could see I'd lost weight in my face. Progress!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Dreams Becoming Reality...? Part II
Ok... So feeling really nervous today. I was pulled into another meeting with my boss regarding my upcoming internship. I determined on the LPC website that I will need 600 hours of internship, which includes 250 hours of face to face client contact. My boss has a case that will fulfill those 250 hours, and the summer program will count toward most of the rest. I ended up accepting full time hours (40 hours) which is salary, as opposed to my now 30 hour/week hourly pay position. The pay is a little more, and the flexibility a little less, but I was assured and reassured that I will still be able to set my own hours with clients and that I will NOT be expected to come into the office 8-5 or anything close to that. I was relieved to hear that part. I just don't know how I feel at this moment regarding adding an extra 10 hrs/week to my job. I love my Tuesdays and Thursdays as they are, where I can take a day here or there to myself, or to go and have lunch with my children. I don't know if I'm ready to give up that flexibility. But I said yes to the salaried position. Money talks, after all.
So, starting next week, I will be working with a teenage boy with substance abuse issues. I can't say anything more than that due to confidentiality. I really need to pray about this, because 1. I am not too terribly familiar with teenage boys, and 2. Substance abuse issues = manipulation to the extreme. My goal in his treatment will be to get him interested in healthy, positive extracurricular activities, help him with independent living skills, help him build a strong support system, and work on self-esteem. I won't be doing the substance abuse piece since I do not have that training. Another counselor will be working with him in that area. Thank goodness.This will help to fulfill my 250 hours of face to face contact for my internship, which is PAID. Now I just have to ease my husband's mind about this particular case, as he is a little on the fence about me working with a teenage male. I have only been assigned to females with this agency.
In addition, I will keep my current clients, but I will be relieved of some of my administrative duties (again, thank goodness, this means I'll get out of the office more!), and I am still in line for the summer program. I can bring my children, and again, this is PAID.
All in all, I think this is a good start. I need to get on the ball and see where I need to be with my schooling. I have my master's in psychology, but not in counseling, so I need to call my school to see if I can get into the required courses to pursue LPC. This is NOT something I'm looking forward to doing, and I may put it off until after I finish the internship this summer. After all, I will need time to adjust to working full time.
With that being said... in this field, full time is not really full time... it's more like 30 hours/week, anyway. The rest of the time is mostly paperwork, driving, and B.S'ing. Even my boss told me this today. So, it really shouldn't be that different for me. At least I hope not.
I really could use your prayers!
Thank you :)
So, starting next week, I will be working with a teenage boy with substance abuse issues. I can't say anything more than that due to confidentiality. I really need to pray about this, because 1. I am not too terribly familiar with teenage boys, and 2. Substance abuse issues = manipulation to the extreme. My goal in his treatment will be to get him interested in healthy, positive extracurricular activities, help him with independent living skills, help him build a strong support system, and work on self-esteem. I won't be doing the substance abuse piece since I do not have that training. Another counselor will be working with him in that area. Thank goodness.This will help to fulfill my 250 hours of face to face contact for my internship, which is PAID. Now I just have to ease my husband's mind about this particular case, as he is a little on the fence about me working with a teenage male. I have only been assigned to females with this agency.
In addition, I will keep my current clients, but I will be relieved of some of my administrative duties (again, thank goodness, this means I'll get out of the office more!), and I am still in line for the summer program. I can bring my children, and again, this is PAID.
All in all, I think this is a good start. I need to get on the ball and see where I need to be with my schooling. I have my master's in psychology, but not in counseling, so I need to call my school to see if I can get into the required courses to pursue LPC. This is NOT something I'm looking forward to doing, and I may put it off until after I finish the internship this summer. After all, I will need time to adjust to working full time.
With that being said... in this field, full time is not really full time... it's more like 30 hours/week, anyway. The rest of the time is mostly paperwork, driving, and B.S'ing. Even my boss told me this today. So, it really shouldn't be that different for me. At least I hope not.
I really could use your prayers!
Thank you :)
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
P90X, Week 2, Day 6
Today has been an interesting one. I scheduled myself a day off, basically, so that I could attend my step aerobics this morning. Considering how late I finished my workout last night, I overslept this morning and felt very tired. I was able to get the kids to school on time as usual, and I made it to my step aerobics class with little to nothing on my stomach (a granola bar), which is probably a good thing, because everything in your stomach sloshes around the entire time. It was a great class, and I really worked hard. I sweat, sweat, sweat. So, I came home from that, took a shower, and met both of my kids at school for lunch. That took up a good portion of my day, because my daughter's lunch and my son's lunch are spaced so far apart. I know that they love it when I come, and it was worth sitting in that LOUD lunchroom just to see the smiles on their faces. After lunch (it was around 1 PM), I came home and CRASHED. HARD. I slept until 4 pm when the kids got home, and then I even went back to lay down once they got here. I am thinking I either crashed due to all the exercise or maybe I'm coming down with something. I had a horrible headache, too (which could be related to the extremely loud lunchroom), but took some extra strength pain reliever and feel ok now.
I debated on whether or not to do my P90x workout today, which was Kenpro X. I waited until after dinner, popped it in, and pushed "play". I suddenly started to feel more energetic. I made it through the workout, and was covered in sweat by the end. It's really a fun workout; I could see where muscles are starting to form in my arms as I watched myself throwing the punches and blocks.
So, crashing wasn't fun, and I don't know what I can do to prevent that in the future. I ate as soon as I got home from Step Aerobics, and I snacked (healthy snacks) all day long, as well as ate a balanced lunch and dinner. I'm out of my protein shakes, so I'm not sure if that is what made the difference. If I'm coming down with something, I guess I will know very soon.
That is all... Good night!
I debated on whether or not to do my P90x workout today, which was Kenpro X. I waited until after dinner, popped it in, and pushed "play". I suddenly started to feel more energetic. I made it through the workout, and was covered in sweat by the end. It's really a fun workout; I could see where muscles are starting to form in my arms as I watched myself throwing the punches and blocks.
So, crashing wasn't fun, and I don't know what I can do to prevent that in the future. I ate as soon as I got home from Step Aerobics, and I snacked (healthy snacks) all day long, as well as ate a balanced lunch and dinner. I'm out of my protein shakes, so I'm not sure if that is what made the difference. If I'm coming down with something, I guess I will know very soon.
That is all... Good night!
Monday, February 27, 2012
Dreams Becoming Reality....? (NOT P90X-Related)
I had an interesting conversation with my boss at work today about where the company is heading and what my role will be. Things in our industry are constantly evolving and changing, and I have just gone with the flow for the past 3 years. After all, I was a stay at home mom prior to taking this job, and I still have a lot to learn. I have grown so much by accepting all different types of job duties, including counseling, writing, billing, assessing clients, supervising other counselors' paperwork, etc. I even did my supervisor's job for one week while she was on vacation. By being diverse and flexible, I feel that I have allowed the agency to shape me into a more marketable employee with a pretty wide knowledge base. And the best part about it? The agency knows---- my boss knows---- that my family will always come first, and my job second. And they seem to respect my wishes regarding that, which is just amazing.
So, today, my boss came in to talk to me, and she shut the door. She started by asking me questions about other counselors, and then informed me that our agency is opening another office further west. I had heard rumors regarding this, so it wasn't that shocking. I believe we've been trying to get this other office up and running for several months now. My boss proceeded to tell me that we are going to be offering out-patient therapy now, which is something I have my heart set on doing. She asked me what I needed to do in order to complete my licensure. I am hoping to someday get my LPC. Scared and embarrassed, I told her I'd have to not only take 2 counseling courses, I'd have to also complete an internship. Without batting an eye, she offered me a paid internship at the agency this summer working at the kids' summer program, which we offer for 12 weeks. Not only that, but I can bring my kids with me and they can attend. I was grinning ear to ear, because not only is this helping my boss out, it's helping me to solve 2 problems with one solution. I always have to line up child care for my kids for the summer at least 2 months in advance, if not more, and I have been so anxious/scared about looking into internships, that I've just sat on my butt and done nothing about it. I become frozen by my anxiety most of the time. So... it looks as though I'll get the bulk of my hours (for LPC) done this summer, and I will also be given an in-home case (working with a child and his or her family) to obtain the rest. I have been kind of nervous (I don't adapt to change that well), but excited at the same time, because things are finally starting to happen FOR me, and all I have to do is what I normally do... which is go with the flow. I think the counseling courses will be fun and interesting as well. I should do well in them considering I've been counseling for nearly 4 years now. In the grand scheme of things, 4 years isn't that long, but when working with Schizophrenic clients, 4 years can seem like an eternity. Not that I'm complaining, because I love every minute of it.
My goal is to one day be an outpatient therapist, preferably a Christian one, who can use Biblical principles and spirituality in treatments. I think I just got one step closer to achieving this dream today :)
So, today, my boss came in to talk to me, and she shut the door. She started by asking me questions about other counselors, and then informed me that our agency is opening another office further west. I had heard rumors regarding this, so it wasn't that shocking. I believe we've been trying to get this other office up and running for several months now. My boss proceeded to tell me that we are going to be offering out-patient therapy now, which is something I have my heart set on doing. She asked me what I needed to do in order to complete my licensure. I am hoping to someday get my LPC. Scared and embarrassed, I told her I'd have to not only take 2 counseling courses, I'd have to also complete an internship. Without batting an eye, she offered me a paid internship at the agency this summer working at the kids' summer program, which we offer for 12 weeks. Not only that, but I can bring my kids with me and they can attend. I was grinning ear to ear, because not only is this helping my boss out, it's helping me to solve 2 problems with one solution. I always have to line up child care for my kids for the summer at least 2 months in advance, if not more, and I have been so anxious/scared about looking into internships, that I've just sat on my butt and done nothing about it. I become frozen by my anxiety most of the time. So... it looks as though I'll get the bulk of my hours (for LPC) done this summer, and I will also be given an in-home case (working with a child and his or her family) to obtain the rest. I have been kind of nervous (I don't adapt to change that well), but excited at the same time, because things are finally starting to happen FOR me, and all I have to do is what I normally do... which is go with the flow. I think the counseling courses will be fun and interesting as well. I should do well in them considering I've been counseling for nearly 4 years now. In the grand scheme of things, 4 years isn't that long, but when working with Schizophrenic clients, 4 years can seem like an eternity. Not that I'm complaining, because I love every minute of it.
My goal is to one day be an outpatient therapist, preferably a Christian one, who can use Biblical principles and spirituality in treatments. I think I just got one step closer to achieving this dream today :)
P90X, Week 2, Day 5
I'm still working on it... I got a late, late start... long story... Just did my Ab Ripper X, and I have my back and legs video to do next.... will post soon.
Later... Ok, I finished. I don't feel as though I "Brought it" as hard core as I could have, had it not been nearly midnight when I started. As I said, it's a long story. I worked today in the office, then saw a client, then came home and got my kids, and we had to attend an awards banquet/pizza party this evening. It started at 6, but I swear we sat around for 2 hours eating pizza and waiting for them to begin the awards. The whole time, I was thinking, "I could be doing my P90X". Then I got home and watched what was left of the Bachelor... pathetic, I know... and don't even get me started on Courtney Robertson or Robinson, whatever she goes by these days... So once I got my crap TV fix and both kids were asleep, THEN I broke out the P90X.
Now, as I stated, the cub scouts had PIZZA, of all things. I ate one slice of cheese pizza from Little Ceasars, which is equal to 250 calories, and one crazy bread stick, equal to 90 calories. I also had one very small glass of sweet tea, which I guestimated to be around 40 calories. I felt I had plenty of time to let the pizza and breadstick digest; However, my dinner kept wanting to come up throughout my entire workout. I think it was probably the grease, which I've grown unaccustomed to since trying to eat healthier. With P90X, there is an awful lot of bouncing around. My workout was weak due to those 2 things (being so late, and feeling like I may barf), as well as the fact that I still do not have the proper equipment to do my back exercises, and I'll have to make that up at the gym tomorrow night.
Tomorrow morning is STEP AEROBICS. I'm excited, yet a bit worried that my legs might be sore from tonight's workout. I tried my best to stay with the trainers and work my legs as hard as I possibly could. It' just hard when the energy level is not there.
AGAIN, I need to do my workouts in the mornings whenever possible! Good night ya'll...
Later... Ok, I finished. I don't feel as though I "Brought it" as hard core as I could have, had it not been nearly midnight when I started. As I said, it's a long story. I worked today in the office, then saw a client, then came home and got my kids, and we had to attend an awards banquet/pizza party this evening. It started at 6, but I swear we sat around for 2 hours eating pizza and waiting for them to begin the awards. The whole time, I was thinking, "I could be doing my P90X". Then I got home and watched what was left of the Bachelor... pathetic, I know... and don't even get me started on Courtney Robertson or Robinson, whatever she goes by these days... So once I got my crap TV fix and both kids were asleep, THEN I broke out the P90X.
Now, as I stated, the cub scouts had PIZZA, of all things. I ate one slice of cheese pizza from Little Ceasars, which is equal to 250 calories, and one crazy bread stick, equal to 90 calories. I also had one very small glass of sweet tea, which I guestimated to be around 40 calories. I felt I had plenty of time to let the pizza and breadstick digest; However, my dinner kept wanting to come up throughout my entire workout. I think it was probably the grease, which I've grown unaccustomed to since trying to eat healthier. With P90X, there is an awful lot of bouncing around. My workout was weak due to those 2 things (being so late, and feeling like I may barf), as well as the fact that I still do not have the proper equipment to do my back exercises, and I'll have to make that up at the gym tomorrow night.
Tomorrow morning is STEP AEROBICS. I'm excited, yet a bit worried that my legs might be sore from tonight's workout. I tried my best to stay with the trainers and work my legs as hard as I possibly could. It' just hard when the energy level is not there.
AGAIN, I need to do my workouts in the mornings whenever possible! Good night ya'll...
Sunday, February 26, 2012
P90X, Week 2, Day 4
Yoga X again! Aw man, I feel sooooo relaxed! It's a good thing, since it is 11:30 at night. It is a 90 minute routine, which means I started at 10 PM. I have had a busy day, with church, cleaning, grocery shopping, taking my daughter to audition for a part in our church's Spring musical, and then taking the kids to the gym to swim with a friend. I did some cardio while there; only about 30 minutes worth. My friend and I were taking turns watching the kids swim while the other one worked out. It's not something I really had time to do, but we've been trying to get the kids together since Friday, so I said what the heck.
So, back to Yoga X... This time, I skipped over the Crane and Plough into Shoulder Stand altogether. I know, it wasn't the right thing to do, but I am really tired, and my head is starting to hurt where I fell on it back in November. I have a very tender spot on the top/back of my head, and lying on the mat just kind of made me realize how tender it actually it is. I did all of the other postures, however. I really like the twisted prayer poses. I have noticed that I've become much more flexible since I started taking yoga regularly. I also feel that sense of exhilaration, which is really cool. I like Yoga X a lot.
The diet went well today. No sweets... whoo hoo! I stocked up on healthy foods at the grocery store, so I'll be ready for the week. I'm out of my protein mix, so I'll have to make do with cereal or oatmeal in the mornings instead of my protein shakes. Gold card week at GNC isn't until the 1st of each month, and we save a lot of $$$ by shopping there that week.
I have to get off of here and catch some Z's so that I'm ready for the week ahead of me! Love to all. Good night.
So, back to Yoga X... This time, I skipped over the Crane and Plough into Shoulder Stand altogether. I know, it wasn't the right thing to do, but I am really tired, and my head is starting to hurt where I fell on it back in November. I have a very tender spot on the top/back of my head, and lying on the mat just kind of made me realize how tender it actually it is. I did all of the other postures, however. I really like the twisted prayer poses. I have noticed that I've become much more flexible since I started taking yoga regularly. I also feel that sense of exhilaration, which is really cool. I like Yoga X a lot.
The diet went well today. No sweets... whoo hoo! I stocked up on healthy foods at the grocery store, so I'll be ready for the week. I'm out of my protein mix, so I'll have to make do with cereal or oatmeal in the mornings instead of my protein shakes. Gold card week at GNC isn't until the 1st of each month, and we save a lot of $$$ by shopping there that week.
I have to get off of here and catch some Z's so that I'm ready for the week ahead of me! Love to all. Good night.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
P90X, Week 2, Day 3
Oh my garsh! I thought I was going to die today! Today's workout kicked my butt. It was shoulders & arms again, and Ab Ripper X. I think I waited until way too late in the day to complete the DVDs, and I had also taken an hour of yoga this morning, as well as helped haul brush (in our woods) this afternoon. By about 7 PM, I was on the couch determined to take a nap and thinking I'd probably skip my P90X workout. But after a little rest, I willed myself to get up and do it. I did great with shoulders & arms, but I was grunting through most of Ab Ripper X, and I could feel certain exercises like reallllly deep down in my abdominal muscles. I'll be sore tomorrow! I'm just glad I got through it. I think I will try to get my workouts done first thing in the morning, as much as I possibly can. I notice I do much better BEFORE eating anything, and then I get to have a protein shake afterwards, which feels so refreshing and rejuvenating going down.
That's about all I have to say about today- the workout that almost didn't happen. I was happy that my favorite yoga instructor was back in town today. I was disappointed that our 75 minute class was cut short (to 60 minutes) due to a belly dancing class that came in afterwards. (No, I've never tried belly dancing). I didn't get the euphoric high that I sometimes get after practicing yoga, but it did leave me feeling very relaxed and energized.
My weight is still fluctuating up and down about 3 lbs, which is frustrating, but I see where my belly and my butt/thighs are tightening up some. The cellulite is slowly fading away :P TOO MUCH INFORMATION?
That's about all I have to say about today- the workout that almost didn't happen. I was happy that my favorite yoga instructor was back in town today. I was disappointed that our 75 minute class was cut short (to 60 minutes) due to a belly dancing class that came in afterwards. (No, I've never tried belly dancing). I didn't get the euphoric high that I sometimes get after practicing yoga, but it did leave me feeling very relaxed and energized.
My weight is still fluctuating up and down about 3 lbs, which is frustrating, but I see where my belly and my butt/thighs are tightening up some. The cellulite is slowly fading away :P TOO MUCH INFORMATION?
Friday, February 24, 2012
P90X, Week 2, Day 2
WOW, what a great workout today. I did Cardio X again, and I did a much better job. Form was better, energy level was better, and attitude was better. I was a bit worried I wouldn't get to work out today due to working all day, then having to run the kids here, there, and everywhere. But I found a way to make time for it, and I'm so glad I did. I don't want to miss any days; I want to BRING IT and be HARD CORE bringin' it! I want to be ripped and representin' the P90X system. I want to be wearing a shirt that says "I BRING IT" lol. Ok, that's a bit much, but I'm determined to get physically fit, no matter what.
The diet went well as usual, but was a tad bit off due to meeting the hubs out for lunch today. I consumed more calories than I would've liked to for lunch, but made up for it by eating a light dinner and working out. I got my fruits, veggies, protein, whole grains, and dairy... No sweets today. Surprising. Thanks for reading...if you're reading. Nite nite <3
The diet went well as usual, but was a tad bit off due to meeting the hubs out for lunch today. I consumed more calories than I would've liked to for lunch, but made up for it by eating a light dinner and working out. I got my fruits, veggies, protein, whole grains, and dairy... No sweets today. Surprising. Thanks for reading...if you're reading. Nite nite <3
Thursday, February 23, 2012
P90X, Week 2, Day 1
Wow, I'm onto week 2 now! I'm proud of myself for sticking with it, even if my form is not the *prettiest*; I still try to keep moving and keep my heart rate up & do the best I can. I am still not seeing any weight loss on my scale; it fluctuates 2-3 lbs which is driving me insane. I've started taking my measurements and I'll compare those in a couple of weeks to see if I've lost any inches... I'll take centimeters at this point!
Today's workout was Core Synergistics again. I'll have to go back to my post from Week 1, Day 1 and read what I said about this workout last week. Even though I just finished the workout, it's not very memorable to me. That could be due in part to my memory issues, or the fact that it was easier this time. I can't think of one particular exercise that was harder than the others. I did really well on the prison cell push ups this week, which is one exercise I really struggled with last week. I also did the Bonus Round this time, which I had skipped on day 1 of last week. Even though I'm not losing weight, I feel stronger. I see muscles starting to form in my arms (there under the flab somewhere). I still have a long way to go... 82 more days!
Tonight I'll be joining my husband at the gym to make up for the back exercises I missed last week (due to not having the proper equipment). I'll take a printout of the workout with me and get him to help me- he works out 5-6 days/week too, and is a good spotter/trainer. I may have to do my back at the gym every week due to not having the proper equipment. That's ok, because I love working out at the gym. I kind of miss it, and I'm actually looking forward to going tonight. I do feel as though I'm getting a good workout with P90X, but sometimes the accountability factor is not always there like it is when you take a class at the gym... everyone there can SEE your form, or SEE when you stop for a water break, and it kind of holds you accountable. At home, you can pause it, walk away, take your time... and your heart rate drops.
As I said, 82 more days to go.... Praying that I lose this stomach of mine... it HAS to GO!!!
Update: I got a good hour-long workout with my husband tonight at the gym, targeting the back muscles. He showed me a few exercises to do, so I didn't exactly follow the P90X routine, but I worked the same muscles in the same way. I'm officially all caught up now ;)
Today's workout was Core Synergistics again. I'll have to go back to my post from Week 1, Day 1 and read what I said about this workout last week. Even though I just finished the workout, it's not very memorable to me. That could be due in part to my memory issues, or the fact that it was easier this time. I can't think of one particular exercise that was harder than the others. I did really well on the prison cell push ups this week, which is one exercise I really struggled with last week. I also did the Bonus Round this time, which I had skipped on day 1 of last week. Even though I'm not losing weight, I feel stronger. I see muscles starting to form in my arms (there under the flab somewhere). I still have a long way to go... 82 more days!
Tonight I'll be joining my husband at the gym to make up for the back exercises I missed last week (due to not having the proper equipment). I'll take a printout of the workout with me and get him to help me- he works out 5-6 days/week too, and is a good spotter/trainer. I may have to do my back at the gym every week due to not having the proper equipment. That's ok, because I love working out at the gym. I kind of miss it, and I'm actually looking forward to going tonight. I do feel as though I'm getting a good workout with P90X, but sometimes the accountability factor is not always there like it is when you take a class at the gym... everyone there can SEE your form, or SEE when you stop for a water break, and it kind of holds you accountable. At home, you can pause it, walk away, take your time... and your heart rate drops.
As I said, 82 more days to go.... Praying that I lose this stomach of mine... it HAS to GO!!!
Update: I got a good hour-long workout with my husband tonight at the gym, targeting the back muscles. He showed me a few exercises to do, so I didn't exactly follow the P90X routine, but I worked the same muscles in the same way. I'm officially all caught up now ;)
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
P90X, Week 1, Day 7
DAY SEVEN, I made it!!!! Today is Rest Day or Stretch X, but since I messed up earlier in the week and did an extra workout (day 5, I believe?), it put me behind a day. So, tonight I did Kenpo X, which is a really fun workout. It's a karate/cardio mix, and I didn't find it that difficult at all. Many of the reviews I read said that it was one of the more intense workouts, but probably the most fun. The reviews also said that the hour-long workout would feel really short and you'd be covered in sweat at the end. I would say most of that is true. However, I didn't find it as 'intense' as some of the other workouts. I might pop in the Stretch X DVD tonight as well so I'll be completely on track. I have some really sore muscles from working my legs in step aerobics and then the legs workout last night. Stretching might be good... reallllly good.
Today someone at work said, "I can tell you've lost weight in your face", and tonight, my daughter said, "Mom, you look like you're losing weight in your stomach". MUSIC TO MY EARS!!!!!
Today someone at work said, "I can tell you've lost weight in your face", and tonight, my daughter said, "Mom, you look like you're losing weight in your stomach". MUSIC TO MY EARS!!!!!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
P90X, Week 1, Day 6
Tonight's workout was a little disappointing for two reasons. One, I realized that I did the wrong workout yesterday. I did the chest, shoulders, arms workout when I should have done the back & legs workout. The chest, shoulders, and arms workout comes into the program in the 4th week. So, tonight I had to make up for the workout that I missed (Back & Legs). I was a bit tired from doing step aerobics this morning and then working all day, and the workout required resistance bands and/or a pull up bar, which I do not have. My husband has a pull up bar, but he wasn't home to help me put it up (it's one of those that hangs in the doorway). Plus, I have no idea where he keeps it. So, to be completely honest, I skipped the portions of this workout that consisted of pull ups. But I did do ALL of the legs exercises, and I did all the reps recommended and went full force. I think it's okay that I skipped the back tonight since I did burn so many calories this morning (around 600-700) and stayed well below my calorie intake throughout the day. My notes to myself today are this: Step aerobics was AWESOME this morning; way to "Bring It!" I did much better today for two reasons: 1. sports bra, and 2. I didn't eat prior to the workout, so I didn't feel as though I was going to barf from all the bouncing around! Those two things helped tremendously. I fixed a protein shake afterwards and was good to go. The step aerobics (offered at my gym) left me feeling invigorated for the rest of the day, and I was full of energy when I met with my clients. I do feel a bit guilty for not engaging 100% in P90X today; however, I will try it again once I have the correct equipment.
Monday, February 20, 2012
P90X, Week 1, Day 5
Day 5 of P90X, and I'm starting to slack a little. It is now 10:12 PM, and I've only completed half of my workout for the day. I did Ab Ripper X, which is around 40 minutes of abdominal exercises. I have been in a terrible mood today, which has affected my motivation level and my interactions with others. Today is President's Day, the kids are out of school, and I had requested to have the day off from work, for which I was approved. But last week, I missed those couple hours when I was frantically searching for my keys, plus I missed the following day when my daughter was home from school sick. So... I went in to work today, leaving my sleeping babies with their sleeping father, who worked from home all day. I left the beautiful snow-covered ground to go to an office where hardly anyone showed up for work, and when I arrived, my supervisor (who I had a 10:00 make-up meeting with) wasn't even there yet. She came in later, around 11:00. Coworkers said, "I thought you were supposed to be off today". Ugh, I wish I'd just gone with that idea. I had the meeting at 11 once my supervisor showed up, and it was one of those, hold-on, let-me-close-the-door type of meetings, because apparently I stated some sincere concern and desire to help one of my mental health clients, which she referred to as counter-transferrence, and apparently that's not really that good. I was simply stating that, as a counselor, I wanted to help my client (who is at risk of falling due to medical and physical issues) move from a two story apartment into a ground level apartment because her community has one available for her. I was merely stating I wanted to help this person and needed to find resources to help her successfully move by March 2nd. I believe I came off sounding like I was taking on my client's stress, when what I'm supposed to be doing is encouraging her to figure out a resolution on her own. Problem is, she is so limited in what she can do, and in reality I will only be meeting with this person 4 or 5 times before March 2nd. That means there will be a lot of prep work involved, including cleaning out closets, packing items, finding a truck, and finding strong men (or women) to assist with moving large pieces of furniture. That is a lot to get done in 4 or 5 meetings which last 1-2 hours in length.
So, after the meeting, I did the administrative part of my job, which includes reading & writing. That sounds funny, I know. I am a writer for the agency and I write about our clients and their symptoms and behaviors and send my work off to their insurance companies to hopefully get them approved for our services. I also supervise other counselors' notes to make sure they are lookin' good. While the paperwork aspect of my job is not my favorite, it's easy work (shhhh, don't tell them I said that), and it makes up the bulk of my hours. It pays the bills, in other words! I left work at around 4 o'clock today and I came home to a very grumpy husband who complained about how I didn't do this right and didn't do that right (around the house), and I just lost it. He was mad because I came home starving and fixed myself a salad. How could I do such a thing?? Not sure what his reasoning was there, just that he was angry that the house was a mess and he wanted to pick a fight with me, I guess. So, I basically told him where he could shove it, and moved on with my day. I know that isn't what a good, loving, submissive Christian wife should do, but that's what I did.
Moving on to now... I've done my Ab Ripper X workout, and although it is late, I am MAKING myself do the next portion of Day 5, which is Chest, Shoulders, and Triceps. I hope it's a short one because I'm exhausted. Something is just off with me today, not sure what it is. I have been extremely grumpy and even my kids' sweet little voices were just grinding on my last nerve earlier. Maybe it is that time of the month? TMI? Or maybe it is just exhaustion from working out/dieting, and frustration over lack of support in the home, plus extra frustration that my scale isn't cooperating with my weight loss goals. Okay, off to complete Day 5, and I'll post an update later....
*UPDATE* at 12:35 PM... I made myself do the Chest, Shoulders, Arms DVD which completed Day 5 of P90X. Again, my note to self for today is that I need to use lighter weights on anything with the word "Fly" attached to it, because my 20 lb'ers are too much. Even the trainer was using lighter weights. I had to double up on Chunky soup cans to do some of the exercises, which is just lame, but at least I completed the workout. Also, this workout consisted of like over a thousand pushups. No joke. I hated it. Since starting P90X, however, I've gotten stronger and better at doing pushups, which demonstrates progress. I do end up on my knees doing the girlie ones most of the time. Next time, I will make sure to go with lighter weights and do my best to stay off my knees. This workout was one hour long and pretty darn grueling. I will make sure to start it well before 10 PM next time... it would be a great morning workout if I could find a way to squeeze it into my schedule (without interruptions).
After finishing this workout, I feel better both physically and mentally. I feel guilty for being such a grouch earlier, but at the same time I still feel justified for my feelings. I need to learn to better cope with anger and frustration. And the husband needs to learn to shut it. How sweet. Ok, good night friends... tomorrow is a new day! :D
So, after the meeting, I did the administrative part of my job, which includes reading & writing. That sounds funny, I know. I am a writer for the agency and I write about our clients and their symptoms and behaviors and send my work off to their insurance companies to hopefully get them approved for our services. I also supervise other counselors' notes to make sure they are lookin' good. While the paperwork aspect of my job is not my favorite, it's easy work (shhhh, don't tell them I said that), and it makes up the bulk of my hours. It pays the bills, in other words! I left work at around 4 o'clock today and I came home to a very grumpy husband who complained about how I didn't do this right and didn't do that right (around the house), and I just lost it. He was mad because I came home starving and fixed myself a salad. How could I do such a thing?? Not sure what his reasoning was there, just that he was angry that the house was a mess and he wanted to pick a fight with me, I guess. So, I basically told him where he could shove it, and moved on with my day. I know that isn't what a good, loving, submissive Christian wife should do, but that's what I did.
Moving on to now... I've done my Ab Ripper X workout, and although it is late, I am MAKING myself do the next portion of Day 5, which is Chest, Shoulders, and Triceps. I hope it's a short one because I'm exhausted. Something is just off with me today, not sure what it is. I have been extremely grumpy and even my kids' sweet little voices were just grinding on my last nerve earlier. Maybe it is that time of the month? TMI? Or maybe it is just exhaustion from working out/dieting, and frustration over lack of support in the home, plus extra frustration that my scale isn't cooperating with my weight loss goals. Okay, off to complete Day 5, and I'll post an update later....
*UPDATE* at 12:35 PM... I made myself do the Chest, Shoulders, Arms DVD which completed Day 5 of P90X. Again, my note to self for today is that I need to use lighter weights on anything with the word "Fly" attached to it, because my 20 lb'ers are too much. Even the trainer was using lighter weights. I had to double up on Chunky soup cans to do some of the exercises, which is just lame, but at least I completed the workout. Also, this workout consisted of like over a thousand pushups. No joke. I hated it. Since starting P90X, however, I've gotten stronger and better at doing pushups, which demonstrates progress. I do end up on my knees doing the girlie ones most of the time. Next time, I will make sure to go with lighter weights and do my best to stay off my knees. This workout was one hour long and pretty darn grueling. I will make sure to start it well before 10 PM next time... it would be a great morning workout if I could find a way to squeeze it into my schedule (without interruptions).
After finishing this workout, I feel better both physically and mentally. I feel guilty for being such a grouch earlier, but at the same time I still feel justified for my feelings. I need to learn to better cope with anger and frustration. And the husband needs to learn to shut it. How sweet. Ok, good night friends... tomorrow is a new day! :D
Sunday, February 19, 2012
P90 X, Week 1, Day 4
I made it to Day 4, and I was stoked to find out that today's workout was YOGA. I love, love, love yoga, mostly because of the euphoric *high* feeling it gives me (discussed in yesterday's blog). I even bought a super cute Yoga mat yesterday.
My overall thoughts on Yoga X is that it's very good! I thoroughly enjoyed it and have gotten flexible enough to where I was able to do most of the stretches and poses throughout the workout. There were only 2 out of 38 poses that I absolutely could not do. One was called the Crane. In this pose, you end up supporting your whole body in the air using your elbows. I uh, did what I could. The second pose I could not do was called "Plough into Shoulder Stand with Leg Variations Into Plough". Yes, it was as difficult as it sounds. It was basically a backwards headstand...? I don't know how else to describe it. You support all of your weight on your head/shoulders and your entire body, including torso are up off the ground. I definitely need more practice on this one, and I know I'll get it with 86 more days left to go.
I had to do this workout with a lot of commotion going on in my home. There was my husband, who came into the room to peek in on me from time to time, then sat down at one point and loudly yelled from the room I was in to our son, who was all the way at the other end of the house. I had to kick them both out of my workout area and my peaceful zone at one point. Then there was my husband (again), who grew impatient with the 90 minute routine and repeatedly asked, "You done yet?" because he was hungry. And lastly, there was my husband... who kinda stood there baffled, watching me in some really embarrassing sort of positions. I much prefer to work out in the peace of an empty home; However, that was not possible tonight. The good news is that I looked pretty good doing this particular workout because I've been practicing yoga for several weeks now. I would not have been able to get through an upper body workout with people walking in and out and asking me questions!
I'm sitting in front of a roaring fire now watching the snow come down in my picture window. I made a grocery run earlier, though I did not brave Walmart as I previously said I would. I went with Kroger. I stocked up on some healthy foods for the week. I'm still motivated to stick with this fitness 'stuff'; I just hope it all pays off in the end, because I'm getting frustrated with my weight just staying the same. And as I'm saying this, I'm checking out the bag of assorted Lindor truffles that my mother in law brought over for Valentines Day. Creamy chocolate straight from Heaven. Which brings me to another topic- it seems my mother in law is always trying to fatten me up; what's up with that? But I'll save all the mother in law talk for another post. Good night, friends.
My overall thoughts on Yoga X is that it's very good! I thoroughly enjoyed it and have gotten flexible enough to where I was able to do most of the stretches and poses throughout the workout. There were only 2 out of 38 poses that I absolutely could not do. One was called the Crane. In this pose, you end up supporting your whole body in the air using your elbows. I uh, did what I could. The second pose I could not do was called "Plough into Shoulder Stand with Leg Variations Into Plough". Yes, it was as difficult as it sounds. It was basically a backwards headstand...? I don't know how else to describe it. You support all of your weight on your head/shoulders and your entire body, including torso are up off the ground. I definitely need more practice on this one, and I know I'll get it with 86 more days left to go.
I had to do this workout with a lot of commotion going on in my home. There was my husband, who came into the room to peek in on me from time to time, then sat down at one point and loudly yelled from the room I was in to our son, who was all the way at the other end of the house. I had to kick them both out of my workout area and my peaceful zone at one point. Then there was my husband (again), who grew impatient with the 90 minute routine and repeatedly asked, "You done yet?" because he was hungry. And lastly, there was my husband... who kinda stood there baffled, watching me in some really embarrassing sort of positions. I much prefer to work out in the peace of an empty home; However, that was not possible tonight. The good news is that I looked pretty good doing this particular workout because I've been practicing yoga for several weeks now. I would not have been able to get through an upper body workout with people walking in and out and asking me questions!
I'm sitting in front of a roaring fire now watching the snow come down in my picture window. I made a grocery run earlier, though I did not brave Walmart as I previously said I would. I went with Kroger. I stocked up on some healthy foods for the week. I'm still motivated to stick with this fitness 'stuff'; I just hope it all pays off in the end, because I'm getting frustrated with my weight just staying the same. And as I'm saying this, I'm checking out the bag of assorted Lindor truffles that my mother in law brought over for Valentines Day. Creamy chocolate straight from Heaven. Which brings me to another topic- it seems my mother in law is always trying to fatten me up; what's up with that? But I'll save all the mother in law talk for another post. Good night, friends.
Fireside Ramblings
Oh, how I love Sundays. I haven't been home from church long, and I'm sitting in front of a cozy fire, coffee in hand, while my soup simmers in the kitchen and I'm surrounding myself with happy thoughts. One thought I have is this: Men in Carhartt overalls are really sexy, I just had to throw that out there, because my husband has his on right now. He wears them on cold days like today, because he is basically a lumberjack on the weekends. He single-handedly keeps up 60 acres of land, mostly woods, and we are still cleaning up from Hurricane Irene, which hit back in August. His Carharrt overalls are brown, and i like em! Aside from that thought, I am sitting here reflecting on today's sermon about tithing. Man, I hate talking about money... It is a sermon that is preached every few months, and it makes me squirm every time. I know that 10% is the minimum amount of money we are commanded to give, and I respect that, but it doesn't make it easy. And I know it's not supposed to BE easy, that's the point. There have been periods in my life where I've tithed very faithfully and I trusted God and I witnessed all the blessings He promises us in the Bible. Mostly I witnessed financial blessings. I know God keeps His promises. I guess that's all I can really say about this topic, because I know what I need to be doing, and I know what my struggles are. I work, Corey works, and we are not rich by any means, but we have what we need, and we are able to provide for our children. My basic problem is organization and keeping track of expenses and paying bills on time to avoid late fees. It's ridiculous, because I HAVE the money but just go all scatterbrained and forget to pay stuff when it's due.
I'm trying not to think about the things I need to get done today, which include grocery shopping, P90X, and doing my notes for work. I can get my notes knocked out in no time (I obviously love to write), and I'm kind of excited that Day 4 of P90X is YOGA!!!, so those tasks are not as daunting as the fact that I need to get groceries. We are seriously out of EVERYTHING. I always let it get to this point for some reason. And of course, it's supposed to snow today, and in some places it's already started.... And of course, I shop at WALMART of all places (to save $), and so it's going to be even more of a zoo than it normally is. I just want to sit here in front of the fire and take a nice, long nap and forget about all the other stuff, except for my sexy husband in his Carhartt overalls. Is that too much to ask?
I'm trying not to think about the things I need to get done today, which include grocery shopping, P90X, and doing my notes for work. I can get my notes knocked out in no time (I obviously love to write), and I'm kind of excited that Day 4 of P90X is YOGA!!!, so those tasks are not as daunting as the fact that I need to get groceries. We are seriously out of EVERYTHING. I always let it get to this point for some reason. And of course, it's supposed to snow today, and in some places it's already started.... And of course, I shop at WALMART of all places (to save $), and so it's going to be even more of a zoo than it normally is. I just want to sit here in front of the fire and take a nice, long nap and forget about all the other stuff, except for my sexy husband in his Carhartt overalls. Is that too much to ask?
Saturday, February 18, 2012
P90X, Week 1, Day 3
The "Tip of the Day" on today's P90X workout was "Don't smash your face". This comment made me laugh out loud as the trainer worked my arm muscles to the point of exhaustion and had me lying on the floor holding two 20 lb weights over my face. Had I dropped a weight at that point, I mighta just smashed my face in.
The other Tip of the Day was "Don't forget to breathe".
Again, I'm doing the Lean Version of P90X, so Day 3 for me was a workout for the arms and shoulders, and a separate workout called Ab Ripper X. First of all, let me just mention that I woke up with more sore muscles this morning. Not only are my calves still sore from last Tuesday when I did step aerobics, my hamstrings are still burning from Thursdays's P90X workout (Core Synergistics) and now my quadriceps are sore from Friday's P90X workout (Cardio X). This morning, I did 75 minutes of Yoga at the gym with my friend Susan in hopes to stttttrrrrrettttttchhhhh out all those sore muscles. It helped, and it left me energized enough to do some cleaning around the house, which is something I HATE to do, as well as gave me enough energy to agree to not one, but TWO playdates today. Each one of my children got to have a friend over. It's funny how our house has become the hang out; kids love to come over and play, and their parents love to bring them over. I think it's because of the amount of land and woods that we have for them to run around and play. Either that or we are just exceptionally cool =) Even my mother in law's dog came over to hang out awhile.
I put off Day 3's workout for as long as possible, tending to the kiddos, cleaning the house, fixing supper, and then relaxing and massaging my already-existing sore muscles. Once I had worked up the motivation to work out, I locked myself in my bedroom away from anyone who might laugh and make fun of my terrible form. I found today to be extremely difficult. I started with Ab Ripper X, because my abs are my #1 problem area. I had a little trouble with these at first, because the exercises which involved the legs (i.e. bicycles) were excruciatingly painful with sore muscles. I did the best I could, and with time, I got better with the ab exercises. Ab Ripper X was a GREAT workout, and I have faith that this DVD will help me get a 6-pack if I continue to do it as recommended. I know I will be extremely sore -in all the right places-tomorrow.
As for the shoulders and arms DVD, it was long and grueling. I own 5 lb weights and 20 lb weights, but nothing in between. I learned pretty quickly that I need something in between, preferably 10 lbs, for some of the more difficult exercises. At times, I had to put the weights down and pick up other household items (such as Corey's heavy boots) to complete the exercises without straining too hard. I felt pretty wimpy. The seated 2 angle shoulder fly was one of the exercises where my 20 lb weights were too heavy. i did pretty well with the rest of the bicep/tricep/shoulder exercises, because I've done these at the gym on numerous occassions, though not recently. I skipped the Bonus Round, again feeling as though I'd better take it easy with this being my first time doing this DVD. I do not work my upper body nearly as much as I do my lower body, so I didn't want to be in too much pain tomorrow. The Bonus Round consisted of 4 or 5 rather difficult looking exercises which I hope to get to... on another day...just not today!
That's my summation of Day 3 of P90X. Overall, I'm proud of myself for just sticking with it. Shoulders and Arms was one of the DVDs I was most scared of, but after finishing it, it wasn't as scary as I thought it would be. Talk to me tomorrow, though, and ask me how sore I am! If there is one common theme with all of these workouts, it's that I get through them and think that I might not have worked to my full potential, but the next day my muscles are screaming at me and telling me that I worked them too hard.
The diet is still coming along too. I continue to log everything into My Fitness Pal, the Iphone App that I've been using to calculate all of my caloric intake. I can't say I've experienced any significant weight loss yet, as my weight has shifted up and down about 3 lbs over the past few days. I'm not sure if it's because I'm building muscle or what. I really hope that my weight will stabilize and continue to drop.
If you're reading this, thank you so much for taking this journey with me (or reading along). My hope is to look back on these blogs in 87 days from now and to be in the best physical shape of my life and be able to laugh at all my whining and complaining and see how my hard work paid off in the end.
The other Tip of the Day was "Don't forget to breathe".
Again, I'm doing the Lean Version of P90X, so Day 3 for me was a workout for the arms and shoulders, and a separate workout called Ab Ripper X. First of all, let me just mention that I woke up with more sore muscles this morning. Not only are my calves still sore from last Tuesday when I did step aerobics, my hamstrings are still burning from Thursdays's P90X workout (Core Synergistics) and now my quadriceps are sore from Friday's P90X workout (Cardio X). This morning, I did 75 minutes of Yoga at the gym with my friend Susan in hopes to stttttrrrrrettttttchhhhh out all those sore muscles. It helped, and it left me energized enough to do some cleaning around the house, which is something I HATE to do, as well as gave me enough energy to agree to not one, but TWO playdates today. Each one of my children got to have a friend over. It's funny how our house has become the hang out; kids love to come over and play, and their parents love to bring them over. I think it's because of the amount of land and woods that we have for them to run around and play. Either that or we are just exceptionally cool =) Even my mother in law's dog came over to hang out awhile.
I put off Day 3's workout for as long as possible, tending to the kiddos, cleaning the house, fixing supper, and then relaxing and massaging my already-existing sore muscles. Once I had worked up the motivation to work out, I locked myself in my bedroom away from anyone who might laugh and make fun of my terrible form. I found today to be extremely difficult. I started with Ab Ripper X, because my abs are my #1 problem area. I had a little trouble with these at first, because the exercises which involved the legs (i.e. bicycles) were excruciatingly painful with sore muscles. I did the best I could, and with time, I got better with the ab exercises. Ab Ripper X was a GREAT workout, and I have faith that this DVD will help me get a 6-pack if I continue to do it as recommended. I know I will be extremely sore -in all the right places-tomorrow.
As for the shoulders and arms DVD, it was long and grueling. I own 5 lb weights and 20 lb weights, but nothing in between. I learned pretty quickly that I need something in between, preferably 10 lbs, for some of the more difficult exercises. At times, I had to put the weights down and pick up other household items (such as Corey's heavy boots) to complete the exercises without straining too hard. I felt pretty wimpy. The seated 2 angle shoulder fly was one of the exercises where my 20 lb weights were too heavy. i did pretty well with the rest of the bicep/tricep/shoulder exercises, because I've done these at the gym on numerous occassions, though not recently. I skipped the Bonus Round, again feeling as though I'd better take it easy with this being my first time doing this DVD. I do not work my upper body nearly as much as I do my lower body, so I didn't want to be in too much pain tomorrow. The Bonus Round consisted of 4 or 5 rather difficult looking exercises which I hope to get to... on another day...just not today!
That's my summation of Day 3 of P90X. Overall, I'm proud of myself for just sticking with it. Shoulders and Arms was one of the DVDs I was most scared of, but after finishing it, it wasn't as scary as I thought it would be. Talk to me tomorrow, though, and ask me how sore I am! If there is one common theme with all of these workouts, it's that I get through them and think that I might not have worked to my full potential, but the next day my muscles are screaming at me and telling me that I worked them too hard.
The diet is still coming along too. I continue to log everything into My Fitness Pal, the Iphone App that I've been using to calculate all of my caloric intake. I can't say I've experienced any significant weight loss yet, as my weight has shifted up and down about 3 lbs over the past few days. I'm not sure if it's because I'm building muscle or what. I really hope that my weight will stabilize and continue to drop.
If you're reading this, thank you so much for taking this journey with me (or reading along). My hope is to look back on these blogs in 87 days from now and to be in the best physical shape of my life and be able to laugh at all my whining and complaining and see how my hard work paid off in the end.
Friday, February 17, 2012
P90X, Week 1, Day 2
Today's workout was called Cardio X. I am doing the "Lean" version of P90X, and apparently you have to do the DVDs in a different order than you normally would. Anyway, I thought Cardio X was much easier than yesterday's workout. There were certain moves that I had to stop, rewind, and rewatch in order to catch on, and my form wasn't the prettiest, but for the most part, I kept up. I think my favorite move so far is Superman Banana, which is a yoga/pilates combo which involves rolling from Superman pose to Banana pose, back and forth, over and over. I did my best today, though like I said, I could use some work on my form. There was one move which I believe was called punch, cross over, hook, jab, that I really need to practice. I watched myself in the mirror and I looked like an idiot trying to do this move. I think it was just a little fast for me and these are not moves I'm used to doing. While I worked up a nice sweat doing Cardio X, I am actually contemplating whether or not to go to the gym and get in a little extra cardio on the eliptical or treadmill. I am used to staying on the eliptical for at least an hour at a time and burning 600+ calories. I know I still burned calories with Cardio X, but I don't know, something about the 30 minute intervals just seemed a little too ADHD for me... I guess I prefer more boring, monotonous stuff. I also worry that with not doing some of the exercises properly, I didn't get the workout I should have gotten... and time/energy is crucial to me right now, in order for me to achieve my fitness goals.
I will say... that yesterday, after doing Day 1 of P90X, I had that same feeling immediately after doing the workout. I thought, maybe that wasn't as intense as a workout I would've done on my own... but I started HURTING by yesterday evening, in all the right places. My hamstrings especially. I would so love a massage right now! So, perhaps I just need to give it some time to see how I am feeling later. Tomorrow is my Saturday morning Yoga class, which is 75 minutes long, and I LOVE it. I never thought I'd be a Yogi, but with some practice, I've become quite flexible, and I love the Yoga high/state of Euphoria that it gives me. I've only experienced it twice so far, and I've tried my hardest to recapture that feeling. The two times I felt it, it was INTENSE, and I had a big, goofy grin plastered across my face and was so giddy, it had my family wondering if I'd been drinking! Seriously. I hope to experience that euphoria again tomorrow in my yoga class.
Tomorrow's P90X workout is Shoulders, Arms, & Abs Ripper X, which sounds really hard, and it may be one of the longer workouts. I do not know what to expect, since I'm new to all of this. Everyone keeps warning me about how hard the P90X program is, calling it "brutal" and "a killer". So maybe I just lucked out today with what seemed to be an easier workout. I'll keep you posted, whoever may be interested.
2 Days Down, 88 More to Go!
I will say... that yesterday, after doing Day 1 of P90X, I had that same feeling immediately after doing the workout. I thought, maybe that wasn't as intense as a workout I would've done on my own... but I started HURTING by yesterday evening, in all the right places. My hamstrings especially. I would so love a massage right now! So, perhaps I just need to give it some time to see how I am feeling later. Tomorrow is my Saturday morning Yoga class, which is 75 minutes long, and I LOVE it. I never thought I'd be a Yogi, but with some practice, I've become quite flexible, and I love the Yoga high/state of Euphoria that it gives me. I've only experienced it twice so far, and I've tried my hardest to recapture that feeling. The two times I felt it, it was INTENSE, and I had a big, goofy grin plastered across my face and was so giddy, it had my family wondering if I'd been drinking! Seriously. I hope to experience that euphoria again tomorrow in my yoga class.
Tomorrow's P90X workout is Shoulders, Arms, & Abs Ripper X, which sounds really hard, and it may be one of the longer workouts. I do not know what to expect, since I'm new to all of this. Everyone keeps warning me about how hard the P90X program is, calling it "brutal" and "a killer". So maybe I just lucked out today with what seemed to be an easier workout. I'll keep you posted, whoever may be interested.
2 Days Down, 88 More to Go!
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Thinking Of Dee Dee
There isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss my grandfather. We called him Dee Dee. He lived to the ripe old age of 89 and that's with smoking at least a pack of cigarrettes a day. Dee Dee was married to my grandmother, Mee Maw, for 57 years. I never saw them argue, ever. They were good, humble Christian folk. My grandmother had gone to Radford University and was a school teacher in a one room schoolhouse for many years before having her four children: Mary Lee, Howard, Gayle, and Betsy,who is my mom. Dee Dee was born and raised a farmer in Tenessee and then moved to Virginia, met my grandmother, fell in love, and the rest is history.
Of fourteen grandchildren, there were only 3 girls. I was obviously his favorite, at least in my own head. I spent more time with him than any of the other kids. I tagged along beside him as he tended to the family farm and helped him to collect chicken eggs. By the time I came along, he had given up raising livestock, but he tended to his crops. My favorite thing to do with Dee Dee was to help him tend to his hunting dogs. He had pen after pen filled with beagles and hound dogs. He woud have a litter or two every summer, and I'd get to snuggle with those little puppies. Every year, I'd fall in love with one particular puppy and beg my parents to let me bring him home wth me to the bay, which was 5 hours away. Every year, my parents would say no. I would stay with Dee Dee and MeeMaw several times a year, and summer was always my favorite. MeeMaw would cook up a storm, all organic., home-grown goodness. She'd tend to the house mostly, and always had every meal on the table for Dee Dee when he came in from working on the farm.
Dee Dee would ask me questions about my life- you know, like he was really interested. His lips would curve into a smile when I talked to him, and his baby eyes would twinkle like Santa Claus. He was a snazzy dresser I always thought. He wore Timberland boots and work clothes and owned many, many nice flannel shirts and corduroys :) He just had this very relaxed aura about him, and he was so comfortable to be around. He was average height with a very slim build, and I thought he was the most handsome, kindest man in the world. He never raised his voice at me; he never laid a finger at me; he never made me feel stupid in any way. Just loved.
The really cool thing about my Dee Dee is that although he had no degree in veterinary medicine, he WAS the town vet. People literally drove from miles around to bring him their sick animals. I don't know if it was from years of experience or instinct, or the connection he had with animals-or all of the above- but I watched him save the life of many animals, as well as vaccinate and de-worm them. He kept horses for pets. He had shown horses for many years in the past, before my time. He and my mother also shared a special bond, much like the one that I had with him. She was his little horseback rider, and she won all sorts of blue ribbons with her skills.
Every time I visited, Dee Dee would drive me and whatever cousins(s) were visiting to a restaurant called Swanee's. It was just a little diner on the side of the road, but to us kids, it was a special, magical place. I have 14 cousins, as I said, and we are all like little stairsteps in age. I am one of the younger cousins in the bunch. I mostly hung out with my cousins Matt and Josh, who were brothers, and Robyn, the devious one. Swanee's was my DeeDee's hangout, where he'd go to smoke cigs, drink coffee with extremely too much sugar, and talk to his "boys" (other local farmers). He'd show us off to his friends and we'd be "so cute" and "getting so big" each time. The waitresses just loved us and let us help ourselves to the giant jars filled with candy... oh, what kind of candy was that....
Dee Dee was a terrible driver, I remember that well. He'd run off the side of the road in his black Chevy pickup truck in a heart beat. I remember one day my baby cousin Josh had bought a pinwheel at the store while we were out one day. Dee Dee was blowing on the pinwheel and not paying a bit of attention to the road, and ran us right off the road. Luckily, it was in his own driveway. His driving only got worse with age. I never heard about him getfing into any car accidents, but I worried. As he got older, he was so deaf his hearing aide would whistle and he couldn't even hear it. The TV would be 1000 decibals too loud. How could he possibly hear normal traffic sounds? As soon as I turned 16, I drove Dee Dee around.
Dee Dee was simple. Not in a bad way. I just mean he wasn't complicated. He was a nature lover and just loved his life outdoors. He would only come in to eat, sleep, or watch TV in his recliner... which resulted in snoring every time. It is because of him that I developed a love for the outdoors and take the greatest pleasure from the simplest things: sunsets, rainbows, trees, butterflies...
My grandmother had ongoing heart issues for most of her adult life, and had open heart surgery at least twice that I can remember. She also developed dementia in her later years, and this was a very sad development for our family, although a slow one, so at least we got more time wih her. My Dee Dee took care of her the best that he could, until he himself was diagnosed with cancer. His love and devotion to her left a permanent imprint in my mind of how a husband should love a wife. They were my best role models, as my own parents divorced when I was 12 and my father brushed us all to the side and started a new family with his mistress.
My time with Dee Dee more than made up for what I lost. I just needed that ucomplicated, peaceful, unconditional love. Cancer claimed his life nearly 10 years ago when I was 24 years old. I took the news very hard, even though I knew he wasy dying and that he'd lived a full life for 89 years. I had a difficult time letting go. I still grieve for my best friend. The only love I have felt since then that compares to his is the love of my Heavenly Father. It is uncomplicated, peaceful, and unconditional. I embrace that love with everything I have and I thank God for giving me DeeDee in my life. I pray that I will have this sort of impact on my own children and grandchildren and great grandchildren :)
Of fourteen grandchildren, there were only 3 girls. I was obviously his favorite, at least in my own head. I spent more time with him than any of the other kids. I tagged along beside him as he tended to the family farm and helped him to collect chicken eggs. By the time I came along, he had given up raising livestock, but he tended to his crops. My favorite thing to do with Dee Dee was to help him tend to his hunting dogs. He had pen after pen filled with beagles and hound dogs. He woud have a litter or two every summer, and I'd get to snuggle with those little puppies. Every year, I'd fall in love with one particular puppy and beg my parents to let me bring him home wth me to the bay, which was 5 hours away. Every year, my parents would say no. I would stay with Dee Dee and MeeMaw several times a year, and summer was always my favorite. MeeMaw would cook up a storm, all organic., home-grown goodness. She'd tend to the house mostly, and always had every meal on the table for Dee Dee when he came in from working on the farm.
Dee Dee would ask me questions about my life- you know, like he was really interested. His lips would curve into a smile when I talked to him, and his baby eyes would twinkle like Santa Claus. He was a snazzy dresser I always thought. He wore Timberland boots and work clothes and owned many, many nice flannel shirts and corduroys :) He just had this very relaxed aura about him, and he was so comfortable to be around. He was average height with a very slim build, and I thought he was the most handsome, kindest man in the world. He never raised his voice at me; he never laid a finger at me; he never made me feel stupid in any way. Just loved.
The really cool thing about my Dee Dee is that although he had no degree in veterinary medicine, he WAS the town vet. People literally drove from miles around to bring him their sick animals. I don't know if it was from years of experience or instinct, or the connection he had with animals-or all of the above- but I watched him save the life of many animals, as well as vaccinate and de-worm them. He kept horses for pets. He had shown horses for many years in the past, before my time. He and my mother also shared a special bond, much like the one that I had with him. She was his little horseback rider, and she won all sorts of blue ribbons with her skills.
Every time I visited, Dee Dee would drive me and whatever cousins(s) were visiting to a restaurant called Swanee's. It was just a little diner on the side of the road, but to us kids, it was a special, magical place. I have 14 cousins, as I said, and we are all like little stairsteps in age. I am one of the younger cousins in the bunch. I mostly hung out with my cousins Matt and Josh, who were brothers, and Robyn, the devious one. Swanee's was my DeeDee's hangout, where he'd go to smoke cigs, drink coffee with extremely too much sugar, and talk to his "boys" (other local farmers). He'd show us off to his friends and we'd be "so cute" and "getting so big" each time. The waitresses just loved us and let us help ourselves to the giant jars filled with candy... oh, what kind of candy was that....
Dee Dee was a terrible driver, I remember that well. He'd run off the side of the road in his black Chevy pickup truck in a heart beat. I remember one day my baby cousin Josh had bought a pinwheel at the store while we were out one day. Dee Dee was blowing on the pinwheel and not paying a bit of attention to the road, and ran us right off the road. Luckily, it was in his own driveway. His driving only got worse with age. I never heard about him getfing into any car accidents, but I worried. As he got older, he was so deaf his hearing aide would whistle and he couldn't even hear it. The TV would be 1000 decibals too loud. How could he possibly hear normal traffic sounds? As soon as I turned 16, I drove Dee Dee around.
Dee Dee was simple. Not in a bad way. I just mean he wasn't complicated. He was a nature lover and just loved his life outdoors. He would only come in to eat, sleep, or watch TV in his recliner... which resulted in snoring every time. It is because of him that I developed a love for the outdoors and take the greatest pleasure from the simplest things: sunsets, rainbows, trees, butterflies...
My grandmother had ongoing heart issues for most of her adult life, and had open heart surgery at least twice that I can remember. She also developed dementia in her later years, and this was a very sad development for our family, although a slow one, so at least we got more time wih her. My Dee Dee took care of her the best that he could, until he himself was diagnosed with cancer. His love and devotion to her left a permanent imprint in my mind of how a husband should love a wife. They were my best role models, as my own parents divorced when I was 12 and my father brushed us all to the side and started a new family with his mistress.
My time with Dee Dee more than made up for what I lost. I just needed that ucomplicated, peaceful, unconditional love. Cancer claimed his life nearly 10 years ago when I was 24 years old. I took the news very hard, even though I knew he wasy dying and that he'd lived a full life for 89 years. I had a difficult time letting go. I still grieve for my best friend. The only love I have felt since then that compares to his is the love of my Heavenly Father. It is uncomplicated, peaceful, and unconditional. I embrace that love with everything I have and I thank God for giving me DeeDee in my life. I pray that I will have this sort of impact on my own children and grandchildren and great grandchildren :)
P90X Week 1, Day 1
Well, I've had P90X for over a year now, and today I finally took it out of its box. I attempted this earlier in the week, and I started with a workout which I thought was the right workout, but it turns out I started in the wrong place. Still, I did get a good workout that evening, and I have been sore ever since. Today, I started with the right DVD, which was called Core Synergistics. I have to say, it's a good thing that I've been working out for a month and a half straight now, because you have to be in good shape to do this P90X stuff. Since January 1, I've been going to the gym and taking step aerobics (60 minute class, burns close to 800 calories, once per week), yoga (75 minute class, once per week), Gutts and Butts (45 minute class, once per week), and doing at least 90 minutes of cardio 2-3 days per week as well. When I weighed myself this morning, I had lost 3 pounds just in this week! Finally, I'm starting to make some progress! So, I was thinking, who needs P90X?! I've already got a good thing going on, with my workout routine and my calorie counting... but after the first workout, I can see where P90X is going to help me get into even better shape. It was HARD.
I did okay, but I'll admit I cheated on the "Prison Cell Push Ups", which are just like regular push ups, only you bring your knee up to your chest in between each one, alternating the knees. I wussed out on that one and did regular push ups. I believe in taking baby steps, after all. I was pretty impressed with myself in that I was able to follow the rest of the program and keep up with the trainer. I definitely broke a sweat and it was well worth the 60 minutes of my day (or however long it was, I didn't time it). The DVD offered a "bonus round" which included about 4 more exercises, but the trainer said, "You can stop now and fast forward to the Cool Down" if you'd like... so that's exactly what I did. I figured, I will be doing this stuff for 90 days, I can work my way up to the Bonus Round.
I know I can do this. By May, I hope to be a Happy Camper! It has been so long since I was in great physical shape. I want to do this for ME, because no one else can BUT me! I deserve to feel awesome about myself for once in my life. If anyone out there wants to join me in this journey, please feel free to comment and/or add me, and we can chat about our experiences.
I did okay, but I'll admit I cheated on the "Prison Cell Push Ups", which are just like regular push ups, only you bring your knee up to your chest in between each one, alternating the knees. I wussed out on that one and did regular push ups. I believe in taking baby steps, after all. I was pretty impressed with myself in that I was able to follow the rest of the program and keep up with the trainer. I definitely broke a sweat and it was well worth the 60 minutes of my day (or however long it was, I didn't time it). The DVD offered a "bonus round" which included about 4 more exercises, but the trainer said, "You can stop now and fast forward to the Cool Down" if you'd like... so that's exactly what I did. I figured, I will be doing this stuff for 90 days, I can work my way up to the Bonus Round.
I know I can do this. By May, I hope to be a Happy Camper! It has been so long since I was in great physical shape. I want to do this for ME, because no one else can BUT me! I deserve to feel awesome about myself for once in my life. If anyone out there wants to join me in this journey, please feel free to comment and/or add me, and we can chat about our experiences.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
A Little Blurb About Me
Hi, my name is Beth, and blogging is kinda new to me. I live in the beautiful state of Virginia with my husband and two children. We have a very sweet, simple life together, and we love the Lord. I work part time as a Mental Health Counselor; I work with adults who have mental illnesses and my specialty is Schizophrenia. I absolutely LOVE what I do, and I was blessed with THE perfect job.
My husband and I have been married for 11 years and as I said, we have two children-a girl, age 10, and a boy- age 8. We are very blessed with these two bright, healthy, beautiful children. I'm a mom, first and foremost, and I fit my work schedule around theirs. I'm home every morning to take my children to school, and home every afternoon in plenty of time to pick them up from school. My family is my whole life. I came from a not-so-happy home life, so I tend to overcompensate for what I missed out on. I can analyze myself all day long; after all, that's kinda what I do for a living.
I'm sort of new to blogging. I tried it out on Xanga.com per a friend's recommendation, but I quickly realized that it's a bit outdated. When I searched for groups of interest, like Christian groups, the most recent posts were from 2005, so I'm hoping to find more recent postings on this site.
Right now my interests lie in getting into great physical shape and furthering my career through pursuing an LPC. I have many requirements (hoops to jump through) to fulfill before I can accomplish either goal. I also want to work on getting closer with the Lord. I hope I can find people with similar interests on this site :) I have been dieting and exercising since Jan 1 (with the rest of the world), and I've lost some weight, though I'm not exactly sure how much... somewhere around 10 pounds would be my guess. I recently started counting calories (within the past week) using a great Iphone app called My Fitness Pal, and I am going to start using P90X tomorrow. I already work out 5-6 times per week, but I want to switch it up and see if the P90X program will help me to lose even more weight. I'm the largest I've ever been, even at 9 months pregnant :( So my goal is to lose around 20-30 pounds by this summer. I want to own a bikini this year, perhaps several. I want my biggest concern to be, "What color bikini should I wear to the pool today?" I want to feel confident, strong, and sexy.
So, that's a little blurb about me. I will blog about my progress throughout the week!
My husband and I have been married for 11 years and as I said, we have two children-a girl, age 10, and a boy- age 8. We are very blessed with these two bright, healthy, beautiful children. I'm a mom, first and foremost, and I fit my work schedule around theirs. I'm home every morning to take my children to school, and home every afternoon in plenty of time to pick them up from school. My family is my whole life. I came from a not-so-happy home life, so I tend to overcompensate for what I missed out on. I can analyze myself all day long; after all, that's kinda what I do for a living.
I'm sort of new to blogging. I tried it out on Xanga.com per a friend's recommendation, but I quickly realized that it's a bit outdated. When I searched for groups of interest, like Christian groups, the most recent posts were from 2005, so I'm hoping to find more recent postings on this site.
Right now my interests lie in getting into great physical shape and furthering my career through pursuing an LPC. I have many requirements (hoops to jump through) to fulfill before I can accomplish either goal. I also want to work on getting closer with the Lord. I hope I can find people with similar interests on this site :) I have been dieting and exercising since Jan 1 (with the rest of the world), and I've lost some weight, though I'm not exactly sure how much... somewhere around 10 pounds would be my guess. I recently started counting calories (within the past week) using a great Iphone app called My Fitness Pal, and I am going to start using P90X tomorrow. I already work out 5-6 times per week, but I want to switch it up and see if the P90X program will help me to lose even more weight. I'm the largest I've ever been, even at 9 months pregnant :( So my goal is to lose around 20-30 pounds by this summer. I want to own a bikini this year, perhaps several. I want my biggest concern to be, "What color bikini should I wear to the pool today?" I want to feel confident, strong, and sexy.
So, that's a little blurb about me. I will blog about my progress throughout the week!
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