I did push ups and upward rows today - not much, but way better than the nothing I've been doing this week.  I had two bites of brownie, but other than that, eats have been on.  There are too many sweets here: brownies, chocolate chip cookies, fudge, sugar cookies.  Mostly, I've been trying to keep out of the kitchen.  Lots of reading.

back on it, sort of

Doing the best I can today.  Did some push ups and upward rows this morning and have eaten on track so far.  Just got home from the dentist - no cavities!  Woohoo!  Now more Christmas shopping is in order...

It's Official!

I'm a college graduate!  Hooray!  I've enjoyed having the last three days 'off' but am looking forward to getting back 'on' tomorrow as best I can.  Now that I'm home, it will be easier and harder all at the same time, but I'm going to do the very best I can!  I'm looking forward to jump roping with Tori (my 9th grade sister) first thing in the morning in the COLD!  But first, I am going to enjoy some of my favorite Dairy Queen ice cream cake in celebration of a great day.

Took today off

Had so very much to do today to get ready for Saturday.  Did laundry, cleaned my room for the first time in months, got a bit moreorganized so I know what is where and what can come home with me after graduation.  Also, Leahanne's parents and my parents (and grandparents from Indy) will all be here at some point in time between now and Saturday, so we had to clean clean clean.  This afternoon I had an induction ceremony to Phi Beta Kappa (a National Honors Society) and this evening I have an honors recognition ceremony.  Then we're going dancing tonight, so that will count as my cardio!

Have a wonderful day ladies!

Wednesday, so far

Got up early this morning to go to work.  Did not work out.  Read for 3 hours at work - loved it!!!  Came home and was going to eat, but decided I HAD to do SOMETHING today, so I lunged around my living room and did squats.  Then I did pushups for back and biceps.  My arms are wobbly.  So even though it wasn't a weight work out, it was still something.  Now I must feed my muscles!

Hiits are done!

Well, I got all the way through the OkGo workout today, which made me very proud of myself!  :-D  I did a minute and a half of the two minute long interval, but other than that did everything good! Abs will be done later this afternoon.  And I'm just about to have my first meal - yikes!

Thought I'd share some of my recent art work for our television show New Earth.  Check them out here.

Productive day

I got so much done today!  I woke up at 8:30 on my own - not too happy about waking up that soon on my first Monday without classes, but oh well.  Went down to the gym and did chest presses and inclined chest presses, then upward rows and side arm raises.  I was going to do kick backs, but the 10 lb. weights were too heavy and the 5 lb were too light, so I decided to wait until later today to do tricep dips once my arms didn't feel like spaghetti.  So i ran errands all morning and then worked for a couple of hours.  When I got home from that I did my tricep dips.  Eats have been great today except for lunch.  I had left over quesadilla and chips and queso and you know what?  They weren't even fulfilling, so I'm a little sad I did that.  But this afternoon I got right back on track. :-)  So all in all it's been a good day!  How's your blitz going girls????

PS.  It's  11pm and I'm already sore...woohoo!

Okgo kicked my butt!

I decided to try out my Okgo mix this morning on the tredmill, and wow!  Runners cramp set in after about 8 minutes and it was BAD, so I walked that out then ran two more HIITS and stopped.  That is going to take some serious getting used to.  I liked it though and have plans of continuing using it until I master it! or finish it, if that ever happens.  :-).   I should have listened to it before I went so I knew what to expect.  Next time will be better!

Now I'm off to work for awhile where I will exercise my mind by reading Atonement.  

Abs later.  :-)

Owie!

Who thought two-stepping could make you so sore?  Needless to say, I got more than just a lower body work out last night being on my feet dancing for three hours straight.  I think my feet might be plotting revenge against me as I type this.  It was so worth it though - had a blast and learned all these cool new moves.  And here I thought I could never do spins and all those cool things the Aggie Wranglers do when they perform.  Well, we weren't THAT good, haha, but we had a good time.  Great way to celebrate being DONE WITH FINALS!!!! Whoop!  

So today I'm taking off because after yesterday I am exhausted physically and mentally.  The great thing is that today at work I get to read Harry Potter and not even worry about having to get school work done.  It's good to be me today! :-D

Hooray for cardio tomorrow!

Off to a GREAT start - Updated

I woke up this morning and ran HIITS on the treadmill first thing.  I ran 4 or 5 1-minute long HIITS, and I was exhausted!  Just got out of the shower and made myself some eggs with turkey and a little bit of cheese.  I was going to wait an hour, but it's 10, and I need to start my day or I won't get enough meals in.  I will do abs as a break from studying in a couple hours.  

Other ideas for eats today since I will be at home all day:  turkey wrap with baby carrots, Clif bar, tuna sandwich, maybe something from Jamba Juice if Brandon wants to go, oh and WATER!!!  I promised everyone I'd make them chicken Kiev tonight, so that will be free.

Tomorrow I have to open the galleries at 8 and work until noon and then take two finals back to back, so eats will be on (Clif Bars, string cheese, etc), but I will not work out.  Instead, I will wake up on Saturday and work out, but it will still be a free eats day.  

Now I'm just procrastinating studying, so I should probably get to that!  Have a wonderful day girls!

UPDATE

I finished studying at 2 this afternoon! Go me!  Then I did my ab work out and ate a tuna sandwich with baby carrots.  Then I worked on the fall video I'm making for my friends before I go and started on dinner.  I've felt great the last two days - it's nice to be dedicated to the BFL lifestyle again.  I think allowing myself to just do my best made it much easier to do that.  Thanks for the kind comments gals, you make this 100 times easier too!

I did it!

I woke up this morning and almost didn't work out, but I just HAD to.  I LOVED it!  I did upper body - chest press, flys, upward rows, shoulder presses, and kick backs.  I felt great all day long knowing that I was already finished with my work out.  

Eats looked like this.

1) Eggs with turkey and a bit of cheese.  One slice of OatNut bread - my favorite!  Glass of soymilk.

2) Clif Bar, water.

3) Turkey wrap, water.

4) Clif Bar, water.

5) Chile-lime salmon with asparagus, slice of french bread, water

6) Yogurt and granola, water.

Not too bad, eh?

I also walked around campus today taking engagement pictures of Jenny and David in heels - yes I'm that good. :-D

Your days sound great too ladies - keep up the awesome work!

And tomorrow my day is empty - I plan on working out as soon as I wake up, then studying ALL day for my two finals on Friday - then guess what?  I'M DONE!!!!  I have a project due next Wednesday, but it is a super fun one with Brandon, so it doesn't REALLY count!  It's really almost all over!  Hooray!

Issues

So I've mentioned this, but it's the end of the semester, and with that comes my increasing lack of energy and interest in doing anything that requires action.  I have two finals left and a project.  I need to read a book, look through several weeks of notes many times, and write out the entire plot outline for a television show.  Really this isn't THAT much, and I'm honestly so excited just to have it over and be graduating, but the point is that my motivation to work out and eat right is almost non-existent, especially the eating part.  Spending time with my roommates is really important to me these last few weeks and one of the most important things we do together is cook dinner every night and eat together.  I look forward to it every single day, and my roommates have been amazing this semester about cooking healthier foods, but on these last two weeks here in CS, I don't want to demand that like I have in the past.  I just want to enjoy every last minute I have with them.

So those are all of the reasons why I DONT want to have a BFL lifestyle right now.

BUT, after reading your declarations, I can't help but be inspired.  So, I need to come up with a balance for the next month until I get to Colorado, when I will be fully back on with everything BFL.

This is what I'm thinking - 

I WILL do my work out's every day and will work out HARD, hopefully in the mornings when I first wake up.

5 of my 6 meals a day will be completely on target, and dinner will be as close to that as I can manage.

I will drink at least 5 bottles of water everyday, and unsweet cranberry tea occasionally.

Any other suggestions would be very appreciated! This is just a starting point.  

You gals are so inspiring!!

2 down

Did back and biceps today down in the weight room - took it easy because I'm still feeling a little week I discovered.  The good news is that I am feeling much much better (thank you Zicam) although I still have some nose and coughing issues.  I've spent the remainder of my day with my head in a book/notes studying for my first final tomorrow afternoon in Sensation and Perception - funny how much the chapter on how smell affects taste applied since I cannot taste hardly anything because of my stuffy nose.  At least it will be over tomorrow!  Now I've gotta head to class.  Hopefully will do lunges tonight.  It feels really nice out today!

Pictures of the Day

Still feeling crummy, probably will rest tomorrow and hopefully work out Monday.

Here's the info on Pictures of the Day - they're basically just that - you take a picture of something every day and at the end of a year you have a story of your year.  I started mine in September - you can check them all out here.  A friend of mine just had his two year anniversary of them, and it's awesome to look back through them.  Anyway, just a fun idea to pass on.

Free day blues...

While free day shouldn't be a time for being sad, the fact that the cold I've been successfully evading ALL semester finally caught me has me feeling a little down. I got some Zicam (the bottle says it's homeopathic, a plus!) as soon as my throat started hurting, so hopefully I will only feel bad for a few days. But today I feel cruddy and I'm working for 5.5 hours. Sitting behind a desk in an empty art gallery doesn't do much for my medicated, sleepy self. And I'm really sore - dunno if that's from the cold or from my iworkout yesterday with Josha. Might also be a slight fever. Enough pouting though. I hope you all are having a magnificent day!

PS. My 100th post was yesterday - fun!

Online work out

Well, the actual working out wasn't online, but Josha and I were chatting and then we both did push ups and tricep dips next to our computers.  And here I wasn't going to do anything today!  What a help it was to have Josha doing it with me all those miles away!  Yesterday I did abs but not cardio.  This is just the way the last weeks of school are - I get completely lazy.  :-(

Here's another BellyDance video from the recital.  This song is called Bab Sharqi.  Sorry it cuts off halfway through.

Oh and check out our living room!!!!  We have at least 100 handmade snowflakes hanging from the ceiling!

Needless to say, we've been having a good week here in 207.  I'm going to miss it here...

2 B's going on 3

Did back and biceps earlier today at the Rec, and am planning on doing lower body when Jenny gets home.  It's so weird not having water exercise and belly dancing anymore.  Sad :-(  Oh, speaking of belly dancing, here's one of the videos from the recital.  

More as the days pass.  

The next month or so is going to be a little off for me - because of finals and graduating, because of moving, because of being at my dads and not having a work out room or weights after I leave the apt, because of traveling for the holidays, BUT I'm going to do my very best for the next month until I get up to Colorado, and will be more than back on by the time I've got my work out buddy back (yay Josha!).  

PS Just finished doing lunges with Jenny - and my legs are all wobbly.  Amazing what a week off can do.

My 7

1. Belly dancing is my favorite thing to do.  Well one of them.  Mostly I like the pretty clothes!

2. Spending time with my roommates doing creative things like making snowflakes, painting, and making short films gives my heart a lot of joy.

3. I have a tattoo that says "Ohana" over my heart.  Ohana means family in Hawaiian.  My cousin, sister, and I got the same one while we were in Hawaii this summer celebrating my grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary.  It is one of the best decisions I've ever made.

4. I love cold weather more than I can say.  Scarves, mittens, and heavy coats with sweaters is my ideal outfit.

5. I am graduating college in 2 weeks!!!

6.  I have a pet dinosaur named Rowdy who hangs out with a wig named Edna, a mannequin arm named Linda, and an electronic cat named Koshka (Russian for cat).

7. I was born a Hoosier, and will always, always, be one at heart.

Mini-ab session and Update

Woke up this morning with some seriously uncomfortable back pain, and I'm not sure what it's from - not from working out yesterday - it started hurting during a test I was taking yesterday, and it hurts all over, not just one specific part.  I wonder if it has something to do with sitting oddly reading or typing at work and home - I've been doing a lot of both the last week.  Started doing abs, but my back made that way more difficult than it should be.  Truth be told, I don't think I have enough energy to work out right now, so I'll shower and get ready for class and then try again this afternoon.  I'm planning to jump rope!  Oh and I'm starving!

Update

Jenny and I jumped rope before dinner.  It was fun to have a buddy.  Gonna try to do abs before bed, and do those exercises Ruth suggested.  Tomorrow we are having a Fair Trade Market at school, which I am SO excited about!  Also 3 B's.  Ready for lunges!

How come naps are never that satisfying??

At least for me.  I just woke up and feel tired still!  Now I can't decide whether I am going to write my paper or sleep some more, but I did want to say that I did upper body earlier today.  It was hard to get myself down there and lift, but I was so glad I did afterward.  I did chest press, flys, upward rows, shoulder presses, kick backs and tricep extensions.  My arms were wobbly for awhile afterward.  Looks like I'll be sore tomorrow.  :-D  Josha - I hope you are doing better!  Ruth - don't let the snow and cold get you down!  You can do it!

Good to be back!

Started back on BFL today - it was a little wobbly - had some candy at work and some delicious corn/sausage chowder (Brandon's speciality) for dinner to celebrate the cold weather!  I jumped rope this morning and it felt great - I loved working out in the cold.  Trying to decide whether I'm going to do abs tonight.  Just saying that made me decide I was going to.  Hooray for day 1 of challenge 2.  Woohoo! 

Recap

I posted on my website about all things related to this past weekend.  See here.  My free week has been good so far, very much needed.  But I am so excited to start back up on Sunday - I've been feeling really sluggish, trying to rest up.  Enjoy the post - there are pictures from the recital on my web gallery as well.  Hope your weeks have been fantastic!

Looking back...

My Friday was a great one, even though I spent the entirety of it working.  I finished the second Harry Potter book yesterday as well, and I'm excited to start the third next week.  

I'm also excited because today was the last day of my first BFL challenge!  It's been an awesome last 12 weeks, and I've really loved getting to the habit of eating better and exercising regularly.  There were a lot of weeks when it was really hard, and a lot of adjustments I had to make with my living circumstances having non BFL roommates that I buy groceries/cook dinner with, etc.  But I think I found that balance really easily, and I'm excited to see all of the progress I've made.  There were a lot of times I didn't work as hard as I could have, but looking back, those give me motivation to do it better this next time around.  I can see a huge difference in my arms and my upper and lower abs - just the mid section I need to tone up some more.  I see a difference in my legs too.  Jumping 100+ jumps is no biggie now, and running sprints makes my heart happy.    

Here's my before pic 8/26/07: 

The after pictures were actually taken last Saturday, but they will work!  I can really see the beginnings of good definition in my arms and in my upper abs.  :-D

Oh, and I'm taking next week off, or I'm going to try to- couldn't fall at a better time - Thanksgiving feast, here I come!!! :-D

Let the celebration begin!

Today begins the best week of my year!  Not only is Thanksgiving only a week away, which means we had a Thanksgiving feast today at the school I work at, but tonight a few friends and I are going out to dinner to celebrate my birthday along with the birthday of my friend Charlie.  We are going to a restaurant in Bryan called Cafe Capri, and so as you might guess, today is a free food day, and let me just say that the homemade Thanksgiving Feast with the Special Ed class at was fantastic!  Those kids rock!  

As for work outs well....

I did them today!  Hooray!  I woke up extra early this morning and jumped rope and did stairs at the park with my iPod clipped to my pants, which kept creeping down, haha!  We had a cool front come through so it was amazing outside and sunny this morning - perfect exercise weather!!  Just got home from work at the school and read Josha and Ruth's post and HAD to to abs because I was so inspired!  What a great day!  Also, I got  a free 30 min work out mix from Apple today for being part of the Apple Students group on Facebook - woohoo!  I'll definitely use that Sunday.

Now for more exciting things:  I am graduating a month from today!!!!!  AHHH!   I've never felt better about anything in my life, and I cannot wait to spend a few weeks with my family over the holidays and then head up to Colorado for who knows how long!  :-D  More exciting things: my friends and I are going to see RENT on Saturday in Houston - how great is it that it is only going to be there the weekend of my birthday???  And Sunday is my real birthday and the recital!!!  I cannot wait to post pictures and video!  It's going to be sooooo much fun!

Tomorrow I am working from 9:30 AM until 8:00 PM.  I will not work out, but I will be on for eats provided I can bring 12 hours worth of food with me.  

Okay enough writing - time for me to celebrate a great day!

Quick post about yesterday and a look at today

Yesterday I did abs and jumped rope for a bit - I took it kind of easy to avoid injuring myself several days before the recital.  Then Jenny and I practiced doing hair and make up to make sure things would all turn out okay.  Here's a funny picture I thought I'd share that shows my inner BFL attitude.  haha!

Today we are doing a mini-performance at a local community college, and I am going to be busy, busy, busy.  Tonight we have belly dance class as usual and then hula practice afterward, so I may not get around to the 3B's, but I'm going to try to!

Upper Body done!

Got upper body out of the way early today (by 11).   It was gooood.  I'm chest pressing 15 lbs in each hand now (3 sets of 15).  Then I did flies w/10 lbs weights, upward rows w/ 10, side shoulder raises w/5 lb weights, and 4 sets of 15 kickbacks w/ 5 lb weights.  I was going to do tricep dips, but my arms were too sore to even do one!  Tomorrow I should be sore - yippy!  Eats so far : non-fat yogurt w/granola (Kashi)/Shrimp, deviled egg, and brocolli/turkey wrap/will have a clif bar for snack/shrimp salad for dinner/shake before bed (I've just been mixing light soymilk and peanut butter for my shakes since I don't have any powder, and I'm not sure if I want to get more or not.

Oh, and then I belly danced from 7-10.  I'm tired.

Good Morning World! - Updated

Yesterday was quite an amazing day - I woke up and did 3 B's, visited a friend who works at the mall and got Chick-fil-a breakfast while I was at it - my favorite!  Then I came home and worked on a paper and went to work where there was a reception.  The food could have fed hundreds, but only about 22 people showed up, so that meant when the night was over and food services hadn't come to pick up the left overs that my coworker and I got to take as much home as we liked.  This is what I ended up with: a huge veggie platter with squash, zucchini, tomatoes, carrots, baby corn, celery and of course, yummy ranch.  Then there was a massive plate of deviled eggs plus one of crackers and cheese, and to top it all off, a HUGE bowl of shrimp.  Even after splitting it, there was so much food!  And I know for a fact that it was very expensive food - to think they were going to throw it away... I can't imagine.  Then I came home and hung out with Brandon all night (Leahanne and Jenny are out of town) and we worked on our television show project and I painted(will post a picture soon).  Talk about a productive day! This morning I woke up and was ready to go run when I realized that I couldn't find my arm holder for my ipod - I have the ipod, just not the holder thing.  I looked and looked for it, but to no avail, so I really didn't want to run because I had no music.  I did abs (a mixture of the ball and pilates) and looked for the armband some more - still no luck.  Then I decided that I would go to cardio anyway without music, and well, it wasn't that great, but I did go!  I just finished eating some shrimp and a couple deviled eggs for breakfast/lunch and will probably bring something simple for lunch at work.  Well, I'd better get going!  Work and then a massive rehearsal for belly dance tonight - I think I will be exhausted tomorrow.

Oh and check out my new blog post on my website.

Here's the video we made for our television show, New Earth.

Happy Sunday!

Okay so, here is a picture of my painting.

And here is a video of our belly dance choreography for my small group.  Keep in mind this is practice and that we choreographed it ourselves.  Don't you just love the costumes????  Enjoy!  :-D

Dancing Thursday

We got our costumes in this morning so I spent the afternoon dancing - didn't manage cardio, but I did get pretty sweaty!  I'll post pictures soon.  Eats were on today except for one cookie.  Tomorrow I plan to wake up and do 3 B's.  Hope you all had a good day!

12 min run

I tested for my 12 min run in the water today - beat my last score by quite a bit!  Seriously good cardio work out too, even though today wasn't cardio.  For upper body today I did push-ups and tricep dips - I was too lazy to go to the gym.  But it was a good work out and eats were on today. Belly dancing was great tonight, we danced and danced and danced, which will be a recurring thing until our recital on Nov 18th.  Wish you all could be there!

Good day, free dinner

Got up and did abs this morning and did my cardio circuit this afternoon.  I made Chicken Kiev tonight for the roomies - it was delicious, and free.  Then we watched old intros to 80's and 90's cartoons.  It was a fantastic night.

Catch up

This weekend I decided that I was going to do a mini challenge until my birthday/our belly dancing recital - Nov 18.  Technically that's when my first challenge is supposed to be over anyway, but I've been slacking off the last couple weeks, and so I decided that starting yesterday I was going to really focus on doing my work outs and eating on target.  Mostly, I want to really push myself again in my work outs.  So I got up yesterday and did a new cardio circuit thing where I walked out to the park and did 50+ jumps with my rope, then ran stairs 5 times and then did 5 sprints.  I did all of this twice, and really liked it.  I'v found I have to change things up for myself to keep myself interested, and plus, its not as hard on any one joint area this way, which is good until I get some better shoes.  

After that I went to work, went grocery shopping, did some phone interviews, went to a scheduling meeting, and practiced belly dancing.  I had planned on doing abs when I got home, but a lovely headache that had been building up for a few hours put me in bed when I walked in the door.  That's the third headache I've had in the last week - what's going on?  Eats were on yesterday but were mostly clif bars and a shake because I was on the go ALL DAY!

After a great full nights sleep I got up early this morning and did lunges.  I will do biceps and back in a bit after I study for awhile.  Tonight I will be belly dancing like crazy because we are practicing after class for a few hours.  The great news is is that we are finished with the choreography and now all we have to do is practice, practice, practice!

Side note: I used to find drinking enough water everyday really, really hard, but I realized last week that I have no trouble with that anymore really, which makes me quite happy!

To run or not to run?

My legs are killing me today and while this makes me super excited about how hard I worked them yesterday, it makes me wonder about cardio today.  Suggestions?  Will do abs right now.

Happy Halloween!

Pictures soon...

Today was great.  Woke up early and did 3 B's.  Felt awesome all day.  Eats were good with the exception of a few pieces of candy since it was halloween and all.

Now for bed.

Sore, really?

I haven't been sore from an upper body work out in a while, so today actually comes as a huge surprise, and I love it!  I'm tired today though, and I've got the beginnings of a headache, so we'll see how the rest of the day goes.  I'm going to try to run when I get home from class, but I have to get my car inspected too and try to get some work done.  Of course, I might just see if Brandon wants to play frisbee golf with me instead of doing anything I'm supposed to do.  Again, we'll see how I feel. 

More later...

I feel as free as the air around me (Movie Monday!)

Wow,  I cannot even begin to describe how amazing this weekend was.  Everything with Mike was simply incredible, and the weather could not have been better.  It's felt like summer in Lake City for the last week now, and I am adoring taking it all in.  Plus, it was Ellen's (my sister) 21st birthday, and she is just one of the most fun people I know, so it was great.  Her celebrations included a trip to Bounce City, meeting a Harlem Globetrotter, and a fancy dinner in downtown Houston.

So I took the weekend off from BFL, but don't let that fool you.  I played harder than I have in a long time this weekend, but instead of writing it out I've decided to show you.  So here we go...enjoy...

Now that I'm sure you're laughing so hard you've given yourself an extra ab work out, I'll close up by saying that I drove home this morning after saying goodbye to Mike, and the first thing I did was go lift weights - it was FANTASTIC!!!!!  This is going to be one amazing week.

Quick Post

Man, it's been a crazy week, and I was thinking this morning how I didn't actually lift weights at all this week, but I exercised every single day whether that be belly dancing (which is exhausting if you do choreography over and over again), water exercise, running, doing lunges/push ups around the house, etc. So even though I never made it to the weight room, I feel great because I still made time to be active. I do however, plan on lifting next week. :-)

Now I've gotta run home and pack up stuff for the night because MIKE (my cousin) is flying in from Indy to visit for the weekend! YAY! It's likely that most of this weekend will be free, although I'm pretty sure Mike and I will run Sunday.

If I don't blog until Monday, have a wonderful weekend ladies!

Deep Water Day

This morning, water exercise was conducted in 17 ft water for a full 30 minute Level-3 work out.  Afterward I was exhausted, as I'm sure you can imagine and my heart was beating like crazy, so instead of lifting (I would have not done well at all), a couple friends from my class and I got in the hot tub and relaxed - much needed.  Tonight is Belly Dancing and the dance we're doing is very arm intensive, so I might not do real lifting today, but will do some push ups at some point probably.  Busy, busy day.

It's 47 degrees outside! - updated

And BEAUTIFUL today, oh the sunrise looks amazing.  I was going to enjoy a run in it this morning, but decided to wait until afternoon when it will be perfect outside.  I can't wait - yay!  Question: I'm still really sore from working my abs out Sunday - should I work them out again today or wait until Thursday?

More later...

Okay so this afternoon after classes, Brandon asked me if I wanted to go to Sonic and I said, yes, but I'm going to run, so I'll meet you there.  What a fun run!  1) It was amazing out side, bright, sunny, 65 degrees, windy 2) I was running on these sidewalks through this wooded area between my apt and the area where Sonic is.  It was awesome and relaxing.  Then I did one set of 15 front, right, and left crunches on my exercise ball and a set of 15 leg lifts.  I don't think I could have done more if I wanted to because of how sore I am, so I took it easy.  Hopefully Thursday I wont be so sore.  

Also, I'm still not sure what to do about new shoes.  I don't know if I want cross-trainers or running shoes.  I've done research online and stuff, but haven't found much help. :-(

Cold, rainy weather makes my joints tight

any suggestions?

Just got done doing part of an inside work out - 1 set of 30 lunges, then I stopped those because it was hurting my knees.  So I did two more sets of squats against the wall with my exercise ball - they were much better, but all my joints still feel really stiff.  I think I will do push ups in a bit for biceps and back.  It's gross out today, and while I am LOVING the cold weather, the constant rain and puddles and mud make walking down to the work out room a work out in itself, so today will be all inside my apt.  Also, belly dancing tonight and practice for our group afterward.  Should be a great rest of the day; I just need to find a sweater now.  :-D

I did it!

I got up and ran this morning and then did a new ab work out on my exercise ball today!  Hooray!  Eats were good too.  Also, I am going to buy new running shoes this week, maybe tomorrow, but I don't know whether to get running or cross training shoes, and I don't know exactly what to look for.  Also, I saw some that were running trail shoes that have extra grip on the bottom for off-road running (like down Hensen Creek).  Suggestions, ladies?

Also, our short film is up and ready for voting, so please take a few minutes to visit this site and log in/register.  It shouldn't take that long, and the film is only 3 minutes, so please, please, please take the time to vote for our short and pass it on!

Extended Break

I decided to take today off from working out as well.  I seriously need the break, and will be very excited I'm sure to start back up strong on Sunday.  Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

My brain needs a break

I am so completely glad to have this week over with classes-wise.  I am exhausted from a very busy Tuesday/Wednesday, and my brain is just about shot.  My plan was to run or something this afternoon, and I might end up doing that, but I am going to give myself the rest of the night off with eats.  It's just a bit too much for me to keep track of right now.  I might make up my cardio on Saturday.  So here's to a wonderful night off!

Pretty sure today could not have been busier...

but I did get my upper body work out in this morning after water exercise.  Then belly dancing was tonight, and I could REALLY feel my arms - ouch!  Eats were slightly off today since I was gone all day, but mostly good.  If they were bad it was more on the side of not eating vs. eating poorly.  Regardless, I am completely exhausted and plan on laying down and possibly sleeping as soon as possible.

I'm not gonna lie

abs kinda stunk tonight.  Brandon and I went to see a movie to celebrate the end of mid-terms and being on campus all day, and I came home with a small but intense headache above my left eye.  I wanted to take some medicine, but needed to eat to do that, so I tried to do abs before that, but it didn't help my headache.  So, I ate, took some medicine, and might try to do abs again if I'm up for a couple more hours.

The GREAT news is that I did get up this morning and run!!!!!  It felt awesome!

Some problems with the upcoming winter that I'm not sure what to do about:  I have a HUGE problem getting up when it's dark outside, and as winter gets closer and closer; it takes longer and longer for it to get light outside, but my classes of course do not start later and later.  I also will not run when it's dark out - just too creepy for me.  What I was thinking was that since it will also be cooler, I can run in the afternoons.  I'm hoping that my schedule works with that.  I'm really looking forward to the cooler weather though!  Hooray for fall!

I will do lunges....

That's what I told myself all day, and since I just got done doing them, I'm going to give myself a little pat on the back.  I did biceps and back (upped the weights on back) earlier today after class, but put off lunges because our weight room is too small, and I'm really liking how much I feel them, so I don't want to do something else.  Eats were decent today: cereal for breakfast (I need more breakfast ideas that are really quick and filling), some left over chicken tenders (I took off the breading as much as I could) and a left over baked potato.  We tend to eat out on the weekends, and I always have left overs and want to be able to eat them so as not to waste money.  Anyway, I had a turkey wrap later, a cliff bar, a taco, and now an apple and peanut butter, all of which were incredibly delicious and filling.

Here's to my first cardio day in awhile tomorrow morning.  I'm really ready for it.

Does belly dancing count as cardio???

Hah...well I guess if we do our dance over and over again it might, but probably not, right?  

What a crazy, busy day I have had.  First off, we got to bed by about 4AM after submitting our film, which will be posted Oct 19th (that's Friday).  I woke up at 10 to get ready for work.  Normally, I LOVE my Sunday morning runs, but I wasn't even about to get up earlier.  Worked from 11-3 then came home and made some interview calls for my research.  Now we're making supper - coconut Mahi Mahi (delicious!!!!) (Look Josha, I eat all kinds of fish now!) and then I have to go work on choreography for my small group Belly Dance performance.  I promise to work my little tushy and belly off!  I will do abs when I get home from that and then relax and watch Frankenstein for class.  Then the joy of getting a full night's sleep will make today a really wonderful day!

As a side note, I think I mentioned that Leahanne has been selling stuff on ebay from her grandfather's NASA collection, and her total as of today is $18,000.  Yep, she's rich, at least according to our standards.  Just needed to do a lil bit of bragging about my roommie.  Hope your Sunday was well.

TGIF!

Wow, what a week!  I just got back from working all day and then went to the gym and lifted (inclined chest presses, chest presses, upward rows, shoulder presses, kick backs, tricep extensions) whew!  My arms are all kinds of tingly.  I have a question for you gals: I don't always feel like I'm pushing myself enough, but at the same time I'm really worried about hurting myself.  Where do you draw that line?

Good news is that my biceps are getting big...haha.  

Eats have been good today too!

 Now I've gotta go get ready for a fun filled night - hopefully dinner and a movie with the roommates!  And tomorrow is Free Day!  I was going to move my work out til tomrrow since I didn't do it yesterday, but (and this is VERY exciting) my roommates and I are entering the Apple Insomnia Film Festival and will be waking up early tomorrow (by 8) when we will receive instructions for a short (3 min) film that we will script, shoot, edit, and score, and turn in by 8AM on Sunday.  Talk about an awesome weekend!  I plan on fully taking advantage of my free day to be a junkie artist - pizza, chips and coke, queso, ice cream, and whatever else we have lying around the apartment.  Oh, and champagne to celebrate!  lol.  I'm so excited.  What you have to do is when I give you the site to view it, you have to view it and rate it and then pass it on to everyone you know.  If we're in the top 25, big time producers and stuff will be looking at it!  Yikes!

Have a LOVELY weekend!

Took today off

Decided to take today off from working out.  Thursdays are always hard for me because they are the end of my school week and by the time I get out of class (today I actually had a test) I'm just done, you know?  Eats were great today though except for a couple cookies while watching The Office (hooray).  So today was off working out wise and that's okay.  Tomorrow will be back on.  Upper body for me!

Floating dumbells

Yep, that's how I started my workout this morning.  In water exercise we used dumbells and noodles to lift, seriously it's harder than you think.  I didn't feel like I was doing that much because we only did 5-10 reps of each little exercise, but when I went to the real weight room to lift, it was SO hard.  I ended up doing less than usual, but felt great afterwards.  I only did back and biceps and will do lunges around my apt in a couple hours.  

Eats:

• Oatbran hot cereal and peanut butter (the single serving of the cereal is too much for me, so I'm going to start making half, and if I ever remember, I'm going to boil some eggs for this week)
  
• Cliff Bar - Chocolate Chip Peanut Crunch - so delicious, seriously.
  
• Turkey Wrap (this is my favorite food right now)
  
• The buffalo burger recipe from EFL, but with hamburger meat because let's face it, I'm in college, can you really picture me eating buffalo?  Can you picture me eating buffalo anyway?  Strange...
  
• Almonds and raisins probably after Belly Dancing! - whoop!
• Maybe something else depending on how late I'm up.

One more resting day

My ankle is almost all the way better, but I thought I'd give it another cardio day off just to make sure, so I took a brisk walk this morning.  I plan on doing abs before bed - yippie!  Eats have been good today:  Oatbran hot cereal and peanut butter for breakfast, a turkey wrap on whole wheat tortilla w/ just a bit of cheese, and now I'm going to make myself a baked potato and some chicken.  Dinner will be something healthy and a snack of some sort later tonight will be too.  Today feels really great!

healthy food is so delicious

It's funny to me how I crave healthy food, especially after free day.  But I'm always excited on free day too!  

Well, I just got back from doing upper body at the apt weight room.  My arms officially feel like spaghetti, so that is gooood. Hopefully I will be sore.  My legs are still sore from doing lunges Friday - must do those more often!  

Now I must exercise my brain and write a paper on Frankenstein.   Hope you ladies had a great day!

So here's the deal

Yesterday was good eats wise (oh wait i had a couple peanut butter cookies) and I did abs - taking a break from cardio for my ankle.  Fridays have become quite crazy lately, and I so I was going to put off my 3 B's til tomorrow.  Then I started typing this and realized that I definitely had 15 minutes to do lunges and some push ups here in the apt, so I did!  We'll call that a mini-3 B's day, but I'm so glad I did it.  Tonight I am very excited because I am going to Houston with a friend to see one of my favorite bands - Rilo Kiley!  I'll make sure and post pictures tomorrow!

Awake Today

I've got quite a bit of energy today.  Had two awesome work outs this morning - aerobics in the pool and then lifting for upper body.  I did triceps and shoulders first because all of the benches were taken.  Both of those went very well, but when it came time to do chest, my arms were too tired, so I did a little and then came home and did a couple sets of pushups.  Eats have been good today too, so hooray for that!  The only sad news is that I did something to my ankle running yesterday and it hurts when I run (like when I ran to the bus this morning -haha) and when I jump :(, so tomorrow I think I will get up early and take a nice, leisurely WALK through the park to get some 'me' time in before the day begins.  That's all for now!

Running clears my mind

So running is officially my favorite thing to do right now.  I feel so great when I do it!  I took it a little easier today, but my shin splints are getting better!  I plan to do Pilates for abs tonight, another favorite.  Time to get to class, more later.

Update

Did abs - I am amazed at how much stronger I am now than I was at summertime.  Eats were good today, except I missed a meal cause I forgot to bring something to work and dinner was a little off, but still good.  All in all, I'd call today a success.  Tomorrow AM is water exercise and I wonder if I'll get lucky and we'll do upper body.  It's nice to try new things!

So tired!

I don't know what it was about today, but I was exhausted all morning.  I went to the Rec to lift and did squats and bicep curls alternating and then lunges with weights (that's what killed me).  My heart rate was really high after the lunges, to the point that I couldn't catch my breath (maybe I didn't breathe right this time, but I'm usually good about that).  I finished my last set of bicep curls and did hammer curls (sort of), but I was just completely spent even though I didn't feel like I'd done that much.  I had a slight headache and the pressure in my head didn't feel right.  Anyway, I stopped at that and will try to do back later today.  I took a nap and some headache medicine and I feel a bit better.  Just one more rant: it is ridiculously humid today!  I walked outside after I worked out and I thought I was swimming in sweat and grossness.  Guess I should go take a shower, eh?  When will fall be here?  I want to wear sweaters!!!!!

I couldn't not run today

Today is actually my day off from everything.  It's Brandon's birthday, so I took it off work and it's free day, but I woke up this morning and just HAD to run.  My shins are killing me though, so I might end up not running tomorrow.  Is rest all I can do?

Full day

Worked 6 hours today - then went to a movie and to dinner and to Katherine's apt and just got home - somehow going to the gym at 9:30 at night isn't sounding great.  I did get abs in this morning and I will do 3 B's tomorrow morning and have a free eating day.

Breathing easy and UPDATE

I just got out of the shower after my morning run, and I feel so peaceful and wonderful right now.  I saw an old lady with her dog and she gave me a big thumbs up, haha.  I really miss running in Colorado though - it's not that hot here (at 7), but today the air is heavy and muggy.  Eats will be on today (shake, almonds and raisins, a turkey wrap, apple w/peanut butter) until I get home from training tonight.  We're having people over for Office Appreciation Day (tonight is the premiere of the fourth season of one of our favorite shows - The Office) and so we're all dressing up and it's going to be amazing. So happy Office Appreciation Day to all of you!

Out little party was way fun!  Here's a picture of me and the girl I was dressed as and a picture of our whole group.  Didn't do abs tonight, but will

 do them tomorrow along with upper body.  Yay!

MMMexican Food

Dinner was good tonight, although probably not as healthy as it could be, but that's okay by me.  Got my work out in this morning - water exercise for legs, which was HARD! and then I did biceps and back in the weight room.  Now I must work on coreographing our recital dance - hooray!

Sort of free day?

Well I didn't get up and run this morning - felt awful when I woke up - thanks TOM.  The rest of my day is packed - class, work, and then our professor is coming over to cook dinner for us - pretty exciting!  So dinner at least will be free, and I will probably run tomorrow (it's not bad to do cardio two days in a row is it?  I'll do abs tonight though.

Have a good day ladies.

Sara

Spaghetti Arms!

Just got upstairs from working out - upper body for me today, and my arms will not stop shaking.  Even exerting force on the keys as a type makes them quiver with exhaustion, but I feel incredible!  I upped my weight on chest presses to 15 and did a set of 11, 14, and 9.  I also upped my weights on flyes and upward rows, on one set of kick backs and then I did some tricep dips (7) haha - that's going to take some practice!  :-)  I missed one meal earlier today because I was at work and forgot to bring my cliff bar with me :(.  Rest of the day should be good though.

Side note: in my health class today we learned that consuming too much protein can be back for your kidneys and that vitamins A,K,E, and D are not used right away and can store up to toxic levels in your body over months, so I'm going to try to keep those things in mind when taking vitamins/doing shakes and such.  I'm really working on cutting down on processed foods.  Ruth gave me some awesome suggestions!  I'd say the only thing I'm worried about is fruits and veggies cause they seem to go bad before I can eat them and I don't want to waste everyone's money on something that doesn't get eaten.  Thoughts??

Oh and here's a couple pictures I took last of the engagement:

JENNY IS ENGAGED!!!!!!!!

AHHH  my roommate got engaged tonight!  It was a crazy big deal complete with a Sabre Arch (corps thing), both families, tons of friends, and Jenny in tears.  

Okay, now on to BFL - I ran sprints this morning for the full 20 minutes (my longest time yet) and I plan on doing abs here in a bit.

overall it was a great day, hope yours was good too!

Ahh, the greatness of week well done!

Well, with the exception of things being off Sunday, and the chips and queso I had last night, I'd call this week a super success!  I just got in from lifting down at our apt weight room - worked my biceps so much that I could not do one more!  Dinner is going to be a little late tonight, but that is okay - it's just Leahanne and I tonight, and Friday nights I'm usually a little easier on myself.  I can't wait to see your pictures Ruth!  Have a fantastic free day tomorrow Josha!

make a note

Running at 3:00 in the afternoon in September in Texas is probably not the smartest of ways to get in cardio.  It was a good run though, but completely exhausting.  I did abs right before I went and sprinted my heart out for about 15 minutes and then walked home the rest of the way.  Then I took a shower and rested.  It was a good day.  :)

I think I might take a nap.

Well I just got home and ate some lunch (turkey and red potatoes..mmmm).  Went to water exercise this morning and did a 12 minute run in the water - easier than land, but still not that easy.  My legs could definitely feel it.  Then I lifted weights in the weight room at the Rec.  I did flyes, chest press, shoulder press, upward rows, kick backs and tricep extensions.  There was a girl next to me chest pressing 40 lbs in each hand!  I felt pretty wimpy next to her, but way stronger than myself at the beginning of the summer, so I was happy. :)  My arms still feel a little spaghetti-ish an hour later, and I think the turkey is setting in so I might nap for a bit before I study for my exam tomorrow.  Tonight is Belly Dancing! On Monday we did some serious ab work learning to do the belly -roll - a feat I have not yet accomplished.  Soon though - or at least by the recital... I hope.  :-)  Hope you ladies have a great day!

Nothing Beats a Cool Morning Run!

Actually got my butt out of bed this morning and went for a run through the park by my apt.  There's really nothing like running at 7AM.  Made sure I remembered where the emergency phone stands are, and had my cell in my sports bra - haha!  Saw a couple other runners out and no creepy people - College Station is pretty safe.  So hurray for a great start to today!  Now I am going to listen to the wonder that is a lecture on state politics.  Or I might play on here some more.  Bet you never had the joy of playing on a computer in class.  :-)

Josha - did you get the email I set with my site updates?  I made a Ready, Set, Summer - Part II video that you've gotta check out with the kids and Odell.

Ahhh Much better!

Just got finished up working out at the Rec.  It was super crowded today, and there were 5-6 girls over in the free weight section (which always makes me feel a little less wary of all the boys). :)  Eats are gonna be kinda artificial today - I'm on campus from 9-5:30 so I can't exactly carry much, but dinner is going to be sub sandwiches, which I will probably have in a whole grain tortilla instead of on white subs.  Then we have belly dancing and hula tonight - so it's a pretty active day.  Also, at work today I'm doing extra security so I'll be on my feet for 3 hours.  All in all, I'd call it a lovely day.  :-)

Any suggestions for easy things to cary with me on days that I'm on campus all day and don't really have a sit down and eat time?

Let me just say...

That today was a complete bust.  I felt completely blah all day and had to work.  Dinner was good - the herb chicken recipe from EFL, but that was close to all I ate today.  I might go jump later tonight or do abs, but mostly, I'm just looking forward to tomorrow.  Sorry this isn't more uplifting gals.  :(

Quite possibly a lazy day

Woke up this morning and did 3 sets of 15 push ups - may do more upper body tonight along with abs because I didn't get to do those yesterday.  I jumped yesterday for the first time in a week, and didn't realize how much I'd missed it.  Pushed myself really hard too.  Fridays are always a little difficult for me because a)it's the beginning of the week and 2) I work all day - tutoring from 10-2 and working on campus at the art gallery from 2-4, so it can be a kind of long day.  Today eats look like this: shake, cliff bar, salmon and triscuts, sweet potato with turkey, and then maybe another shake if I do work out.  

I kind of just want to crawl back in bed.

Thanks for checkin' on me

Sorry I haven't been blogging.  Brandon, Leahanne, and I have been working on a TV show this week a lot, and I've been quite distracted.  Good news is, that the show is looking awesome so far, and it's going to be a great project.

In my BFL world, I didn't do cardio yesterday - had a crazy schedule involving class, work, and then some show planning.  I did do abs and eat on track!  Today I did the 3 B's at the Rec, and ate on track.  Tomorrow I am planning on working out after class, but I think we are doing dinner out, so I will try to make that on track as well, but no promises, especially if someone mentions Blue Baker or Olive Garden!  :-)  

More good news: I'm starting to see a lot more definition in my muscles in my arms, my abs, and my legs and it makes me super happy!  I've been drinking shakes after I work out, and I like that too.

Oh Monday!

Just got back in from doing my upper body work out, and am about to head to the pool to lay around and read for awhile, and attempt to sustain my tan from Hawaii.  :)  

Yesterday was good BFL-wise too, although I still can't do cardio.  I got up and put on my tennis shoes and headed out to jump and did about a set and a half and wanted to cry - this blister is ridiculous, and about the size of half a quarter.  I may try wearing my softer, more flexible tennis shoes tomorrow to jump - yes that is actually a good idea I think.  They aren't as good for support and such, but they will work.  

We made the Rosemary chicken dish from Eating for Life last night and it was delicious.  My roommates are awesome and have been way supportive of making some of the Eating for Life meals.  The only difficulties I'm finding are in buying whole-wheat/organic things because they are more expensive, and I really don't think it's fair for me to ask them all to spend more in order for me to be healthy (although it would make them healthier too), and I can't eat a whole loaf of whole wheat bread in a week, ya know?  One day, when I have a family of my own I can buy whatever I want!  haha.   They've been awesome about compromising, and I'm really blessed to have them.

Also, Mondays are the health section of my Kinesiology class, and I always feel great reading about how we're supposed to work out x amount of time a week, and we're supposed to do x things.  Knowing that I'm doing that makes me feel awesome about myself.  It's good to be part of the percentage of Americans that do life a healthy lifestyle.

Anyway, happy Monday ladies.  Enjoy your work out!

here's to you!

First off, happy free day everyone.  I worked at the Galleries and then went to dinner and movie with my roommate.  We saw 3:10 to Yuma, which is a remake of an older western, and it was fantastic.  Then we went to my old roommates duplex and watched another movie.  We are such film people, lol.  

More importantly though, Josha just recently completed her first whole year on BFL, and I just wanted to say that 1) you should check out her post by using the link on the right and 2) that she's been such an inspiration to me!  Not only has she always been a source of great spiritual and emotional wisdom for me, but this summer she was an inspiration for me to start on BFL too!  I love the way that I feel now that I'm eating better and exercising regularly, and I'm so glad that I get to give myself that gift, so thank you Josha, for being an inspiration to me in so so many ways!

Happy Friday!

Alright, well first off, let me say that yesterday I didn't end up doing cardio because of my foot (I wished I had a bike) but I did spend the afternoon/night hanging with my roommates and relaxing.  I did do abs though!  

Already did my 3 B's for the day at the weight room here at our apt complex.  Used machines for my legs because of my blister, and then did bicep curls, hammer curls, rows, and single-armed rows.  I really exhausted my biceps today!  I've also started noticing some new definition in my legs, hooray!  And I can feel all of my muscles getting stronger.  

Eats will be on today until about 4 because we are going to Austin to see some friends.  Tomorrow for free day, I want to go to Blue Baker and get a soup bread bowl. MMM!  I have to work from 2:30-5:30 at the galleries, but that's about it.  I'm ready for a free day this week.

Quick Post

Any ideas for cardio that don't require tennis shoes?  I've got an awful blister on the back of my ankle and don't think running will help the situation.

Shimmy, shimmy!

Busy day today.  Had water exercise in the pool this morning - we practiced running in the water - much harder than you think.  Then I lifted for upper body with all the guys in the Rec.  Not even afraid anymore!  :)  Then I did some school work, worked at the galleries and was on my feet for two hours, then went to my 4:10 class with Dr. Brooks.  Came home and ate dinner quickly and headed to belly dancing.  Good news: some of the moves are easier for me now that my legs are stronger!  I have better control of my abs too.  Happy Day!

Hope you girls had a good one as well.

Tomorrow is the last cardio day before free day!  YAY!

Sore, anyone?

I got up this morning to jump rope, and nearly put it off, but decided to go ahead and do it anyway even though I was tired.  I was on my first set, and all of the soreness from the past week and a half decided it would hit me at once.  I did a few more sets, and then it was like my body just gave out on me.  I'm physically exhausted.  So I stopped after 11 or 12 minutes of jumping and decided to come in and stretch and take a bath, hoping to relax and loosen up some of those muscles.  Here's what's most sore/tight:  My shins (I think this is from squats, but I'm not sure), my quads, and my back.  Happy 3 B's from yesterday, right???

I have class all day today and then tutoring for a few hours, but hopefully tonight I can relax and get some reading done (I've got a heavy load this semester) and get abs in.  I might even do this PM Yoga VHS that I have from years ago.

Time for class...

I'm a Hula girl, in a Hula world...

Thank you Gracyn for forever etching "Barbie Girl" into my head.  :-D

So update:  Yesterday was Sunday and I went to the Rec and ran sprints, they were exhausting, but I felt awesome.  Then I did a little ab work but I was exhausted and it was late at night, so I didn't do all that much.   

Today, I woke up and got ready for my health class, and then afterward headed to the Rec to lift some weights.  That's right ladies, I walked right over to the free-weight section and showed all those boys what a real woman can do!  Haha!  It was awesome.  I also noticed that all of the guys look in the mirror when they work out, and I can't decide whether that is because they want to check their form or because they're obsessed with watching their super toned muscles work, hah!  Needless to say, I had a great 3 B's days.  And eats were good.  

Then tonight I had Belly Dancing - YAY! and that was so so so much fun!  Our recital is going to be on Nov. 17th, which is the day before my birthday, so that should be awesome, and hopefully my family will come since I'll be in several dances.  THEN we went to HULA and learned the first parts of a dance in that, but I don't know if we are having a recital for that or not.  Either way, we danced for two hours tonight between the two classes, and I am EXHAUSTED!

Goodnight!

It's Friday!

Wow! How exciting!  I am oh so very glad that it is Friday.  I've no classes, but I did have to do a quick orientation for tutoring this morning and have to work this afternoon.  I plan to start free day tonight with dinner - we are going to Bennigans!  MMM!  And then we are going to First Yell, which is basically a big show the night before our first home game.  Colin and another guest host from Who's Line is performing, and I can't wait to get a great ab work out laughing so much.  Last year Wayne Brady came and the year before that was Bill Engvall.  My freshman year Bill Cosby came, and I REALLY regret not seeing him.  Anyway, I just did my 3 B's, and I think that next week I will do 3 B's when you guys do since I'm off.  Here is to a successful week.  I'm sore ALL over, and I feel incredible.  

What are you guys planning on for free day tomorrow?  A lot of things sound really delicious to me, but the biggest thing I think is cookies and maybe some sugary cereal. :-)

I added a video to my post from yesterday, so be sure to check that out.  You will laugh, Josha.

Happy Friday to all!

I don't feel too well...and UPDATE

But I did run sprints at the Rec today with Jenny and did some abwork.  It felt great, but the migraine that I've been nursing all day came at me full force afterward.  Eats were pretty much on today.  I've been working everyday, and with classes and everything else, I'm exhausted.  Looking forward to a good nights sleep tonight and the opportunity to get some work done tomorrow.  Time for me to rest now and start feeling better.  

Well, I'm feeling better now, and Leahanne just sent me this video that she took of Brandon "working out" with me the other night.  Jenny is the other girl in the video.  I do so love my roommates!

So I gave myself a choice today...

I could wake up at 7:00 when my alarm went off, or I could do upper body when I got home from work this afternoon (btw, I think I'm off.  Maybe I'll switch next week so I can be on the same page as everyone else.  It helps.)  Well, I'd gone to bed at 10:30 or so, so that I could wake up at 7:00, and when my alarm went off, I thought about laying in bed and reading instead of working out, but after laying there for a few seconds, I changed my mind and decided to go ahead and work out anyway!  Hooray!  I did chest presses, flies, shoulder presses, upward rows, kick backs, and tricep extensions laying down.  Now I'm about to make myself a shake, which I've been making with whey protein powder and soymilk because they don't taste that great with water, and everyone is still sleeping in the AM when I'm up and I don't want to wake them up with a blender.   Planned eats for today are: a shake for breakfast, some triscuts and salmon and string cheese when I'm at work, a cliff or marathon bar, chicken parmesan for dinner, and who knows for a late snack.  

Also, yesterday was on track too except I missed one meal when I was at work because I left my marathon bar at home. :-(  I woke up early and jumped rope and then did abs at night after I got home from closing at the galleries.  On a side note, help me remember to not read The Ring (yeah the book the horror film is based off of, and yea, I have to read it for class) when I'm closing at the galleries and it's dark and empty.  CREEPY!  I should probably stick with textbooks on nights like that. :-D

Hope you ladies are having a great day!  Also, I added to my side bar a link to my website if you want to check it out and see what's going on outside of my BFL life.

Yet another successful day!

Well, first off, here is my 'before picture' from yesterday.  Today was the first day of classes, which I was SO excited about!  See, here is me being so excited:  

It looks like I cut my hair, which I did, but I just got new layers put in it, so it is still long in the back.  Also, check out the brand new hemp bag I'm sporting.  It makes me happy.

Jenny and I woke up at 7 and did lunges in the hallway outside our door.  Then we went and lifted weights in the fitness room.  I did bicep curls and hammer curls, rows and single arm rows.  It was super good!  Eats have been good.  I mixed a scoop of my shake mix into some chocolate soy milk this morning, which was super easy and yummy.   I was on campus all day, so I had a Cliff bar, then a serving of Triscuts, carrots, and salmon, and a marathon bar.  Just got home a bit ago and put some garlic lemon chicken in the over.  MMM!  I'm looking forward to waking up and jumping again unless I find out Jenny wants to run tomorrow night.  I feel awesome!

Day 1 - again!

Today was my official start day for my first BFL challenge. I even took a 'before' picture, which I will post here in the next day or so. I'm super excited to feel like I am in a situation now to where I can stay on track with my eating and my work out.

Today I woke up and jumped rope for the first time in a LONG time. It felt so so so good, and I was dripping in sweat when I was finished. All of my sets were at 100 and I walked stairs in between sets. I had a shake for breakfast, a Cliff bar (they're cheaper here) for a snack because Leahanne and I went shopping, two small slices of pizza in the afternoon (we hadn't gone grocery shopping in forever, and there was NOTHING else to eat, seriously). So we went to the grocery store awhile later, and I am SO excited about all of the yummy food I got. Then I had another Cliff bar on the way to a training meeting tonight, and we had chicken alfredo for dinner. I didn't have much sauce, and no garlic bread. Worked out just a bit ago for abs - plank, crunches, leg lifts, and bicycles. Brandon did them with me as he laid on the couch. Hopefully I'll be able to share the video footage of that soon. Haha. They didn't hurt as bad as usual, so I'm going to have to switch things up soon. For my last snack I had some Soy milk and two things of string cheese. I feel great!

The plan is to wake up early tomorrow before class and do the 3 b's with Jenny. Hooray!

Done already?

Yep, it's 1:00 and I'm done with my work out for the day! Now that is a great feeling! I did lunges, squats with weights, bicep curls, hammer curls, rows and single arm rows. I was so proud of myself. :-)

Eats so far:
Breakfast - slice of bread and a boiled egg with a little milk.
Lunch - some left over steak and a serving of reduced fat triscuts. water.
Snack will be a marathon bar.
Dinner I don't know about.
After-dinner snack - probably apple sauce and maybe an egg.

I'm gonna do it today!

I got kinda fed up with myself yesterday for slacking off lately. Granted, it has been difficult trying to eat on schedule and such when I'm with my family, but still.

So today, I woke up early on my own and ate a marathon bar and then just finished up doing abs and eating an early lunch/snack of two boiled eggs and some apple sauce. I worked out really hard: Plank for as long as I could/15 crunches/15 leg lifts/ repeat for 3 sets and then did some bicycle crunches (30). My abs were burning! I was going to go jump rope in our hallway, but they were pressure washing the apt, so I couldn't do that. I will bring my rope home with me though and jump later today
/tonight.

Hooray for me!

Good to be Home

Sort of. I'd really rather be in College Station, but Houston will do for now. Did lunges and squats today along with bicep curls, push ups and rows. I felt great afterward! Eats started off today and then I was on track for a couple meals. Dinner will be off though since I'm going out to eat with some friends from Indy that actually just moved down here this week. What a coincidence, huh?

Oh yes I did!

I've been feeling really sluggish since I haven't been exercising or eating on program (that could also be attributed to hours spent outside in the near 100 degree weather here in Indy - not sure why it's so hot, but it's miserable sometimes), and I decided yesterday that I was just wasn't okay with feeling that way. Now, living at someone else's house and being broke makes it hard to eat anything other than what I'm given, so I've been dealing with the eating part and enjoying some of my favorite food places here in Indy. Yesterday, though, I was reading and decided I was going to run the half flight of stairs at Mike's house. Started warming up walking them and then Mike came home, and I asked if he wanted to run sprints with me, so we went to the back yard and ran sprints around the back yard. They have a pretty decent sized yard (about like yours Josha). But it was hard to run very far in a straight line, so after about 10 minutes of running back there, we decided to walk down to an open field to run some more (I was already ready to quit). Keep in mind it was the middle of the afternoon and HOT outside. So we ran in this field for another 5 minutes or so and I was exhausted and mentioned stopping to Mike, and he said, "Sara, just do 5 more. You can do it!" I really didn't think I'd make it, my sprints were looking more like jogs, but I put everything I had into it and did 5 more! It was awesome to have Mike there to encourage me. I ran so hard! Then he dumped ice water on me, hah! We came home and stretched. This time Mike was the one crying to stop. :-) I did my ab work - warmed up with hundreds (Pilates) then alternated between planks on my knees (really concentrating on working my abs) and doing leg lifts. It was such a great work out (I can feel my whole body today), and Mike and I felt wonderful afterward. Today is lower body, and I've already told Mike we're gonna have a great time with that too. Haha.

Indy!!

Got in yesterday after a cancelled flight and a great tour of 3 of IAH's 5 terminals. Despite all of the drama and frustration of that, I got into Indy about 15 min before I was originally supposed to - gotta love being put on a non-stop flight! :-) Went out with some friends last night to a hookah bar. I love my friends up here. Today Mike and I went to the Indiana State Fair! It was a blast, but it is HOT here (about 100) and so 2.5 hrs of walking around was EXHAUSTING. Ate an elephant ear and some dippin dots (mmm!) and plan on doing at least abs today. It's always nice to take a break from BFL, but I feel sick if I don't eat healthy/eat right and I miss working out. I'm gonna concentrate on enjoying this week though, and getting back into a schedule and such when I get home next week. This will be WAY easier then. :) I'll post some pictures soon.

Quick Post

Before I leave for the airport, I wanted to update about yesterday. Woke up feeling very gross. Spent most of the day laying down and reading/watching movies. Didn't work out. :( I'm feeling a lot better today. I'll get into Indy at about 2 in the afternoon, so should be able to do my work out. I'll be doing my best this next week while I'm out of town. Man, I'm ready to be back in school and on schedule!

Difficulties

Well today wasn't anything like I thought it would be. Eats have been off time-wise, but I've been trying to at least pick healthier choices. I may do my work out tonight or tomorrow; I haven't decided. I'm way pumped about cardio tomorrow though because I got new tennis shoes!!! They're Pumas like my brown ones (Josha you know what I'm talking about) but they are black and light blue and have way more support, but they are still light weight and sleek. I'm so excited! My calves are killing me from stairs yesterday.

I think we are going to Schlitterbahn tomorrow in Galveston, so that should be a fun day. Then Wednesday I leave for Indy! Woohoo!!!!

Sunday Blues

Woke up at Brittany's this morning (I've been staying with her since there are no beds at my dad's house - too many guests) and did my ab work out - crunches and plank 3 sets and then the double straight leg (Pilates) which is a GREAT lower ab work out. Didn't eat breakfast though because we were on our way to church, and I didn't feel comfortable going through their cabinets to find something healthy to bring along. Dad suggested Olive Garden for lunch, so I guess today is going to be a free food day. Also, the reason for the Sunday Blues title is that I realized this morning that I left my jump rope in College Station and I won't be back there until after the 15th! I'd buy another one, but I'm well, broke right now. Haha. Guess I'll be sprinting and doing stairs for the next few weeks. It'll be good to get good at some other things! Hope you ladies had a great weekend!

Update

Did stairs today. Ran up and walked down 5 times, then walked to catch my breath. It was a goood work out.

I want me some Freebirds!!!

All of Ruth's talk about burritos has me craving the greatness that is Freebirds! It's too bad I have to leave for Houston today, and won't be in CS for free day. :( That is me being very sad. There's a Freebirds out by Willowbrook now, so maybe I will drive there tomorrow before Jacob Gunter's wedding.

Already did my work out for the day. Lunges and squats - with 10 lb weights! Bicep curls @ 10 lbs and push ups. Then two back exercises that I don't remember what they are called - help me out here Josha. :) I worked out HARD and am exhausted now. Had eggs with frozen veggies and applesauce this morning, which made me miss you Josha! I got the right kind of veggies too! Hooray for me! Plan to have wild rice and salmon for lunch, probably a marathon bar for snack, and whatever my family is having for supper - usually healthy.

Oh man, I want a burrito so bad. One more day!

Love ya ladies!

Woke up and did abs this morning. Drinking a shake as we speak. Abs weren't as hard as usual, I need to change some things up. Will probably do a couple more things later today. When I went to kickboxing the other night she had us do 45 seconds of crunches (taking our time) and then a 45 second plank. Now THAT was hard! I was actually down on my knees for most of the planks, but my abs were still burning!! I think I will try that later when I can put all of my energy into it. Still sore from the other night as it is. Will update later!

UPDATE

Just got out of the shower after jumping rope. Man, I needed a shower! haha. It was my first time in CS to do it, so I went out to our hallway on the second floor and then walked up to the third floor and back down in between sets. It was a really good, hot work out. I want one of Josha's ropes! Hope everyone else is having a great day!

Buddies are great and UPDATE

I spent the night at Brittany's last night, and we woke up and did Pilates abs this morning. It was good to have a buddy again! Reminded me of doing Pilates with Josha! :( I miss you! I plan to jump rope later tonight or this afternoon because I left my tennis shoes at my dad's and I just don't think that jumping in 4 inch heals from last night is a good idea. haha. For now though, we're headed to the pool to get some sun. Hooray for summer!

UPDATE

Oh man, I am so proud of myself right now. I left Britt's around 5:30 and came home to find my house locked, leaving me without a key. :( Luckily, I had my rope with me, so I jumped in the driveway, which was well, hot! Then Ellen got home and let me in the house, saying she was going to kickboxing. Dinner wouldn't be ready until we got back, so I decided to go with her. Now THAT was a workout. A full hour of high intensity punching, kicking, and jogging/sprinting. My whole body feels like spaghetti right now. Got a nice upper body work out too, which is good because all I was planning on doing tomorrow was push ups and tricep dips, which I may still do.

Eats have been good. High protein/ high fiber cereal for breakfast. Chicken wrap for lunch, mini bagel with peanut butter for snack, and steak and a baked potato for dinner (late). Will have a nectarine and some string cheese later. I feel great today!

Sooo Tired!

Woke up this AM and did lunges and push ups. I did two sets of each before I nearly passed out - haha! Boy, am I out of it! Also, I hurt my knee somehow a couple days ago (not from working out)and that made them harder. I can already feel my legs though, so I got a great work out, even if it was short. Eats were pretty good today. It's hard not being at my apartment where I have my own food, but I'm managing pretty well. I'm ready for the school year to start so I can get on a schedule - those work really well for me. Going back to CS Wednesday, and should be able to use the work out room there, which is great! I miss lifting weights. So glad to be back on a good eating schedule, I was starting to crave healthy food! Hooray! :-D

That's what I get for washing my shoes.

So, I woke up this morning (actually at noon) haha - don't you just love the college life? and was ready to have a full week of on track greatness. The plan was to jump rope, and then I realized that yes, I did wash my shoes yesterday, and no the our dryer isn't good enough to dry things in once cycle, so I did abs instead! I did the big five, and need to go shopping for a pilates video to change things up. That will have to wait until right before school starts though. Plan to do cardio later tonight after it cools down. My best friend from Pepperdine is coming to Houston today!! Maybe she will do it with me. Had a Bolthouse Farm shake for breakfast, err lunch I guess - it was delicious. Plan is to have rice and salmon for a snack, and who knows for dinner. We'll see what the family is cooking.

I have a question for you all: I find myself having some problems with family meals. For example, my dad and step mom are on their own diets, but the other night they ordered all of us kids pizza, and it was my first day back from CO, and I didn't want to be rude and say, no thanks, I'll just have this marathon bar. It's not a problem too much because I'm not around them that often, but I find sort of the same thing happening with my "family" of roommates here in CS. I don't like them constantly having to work around my eating schedule. I'm not too worried about that though because they seem to be okay and know what I need to eat, etc. I don't think any of it is that big of a deal, but I wanted to know how you balance your diet with the rest of your family. Now I'm going to be a couch potato and read a 700 page book assigned as summer reading by a prof of mine for next fall. It's about Dracula - yippie! Seems now is as good a time as any to get over my fear of the horror/suspense genre.

Finally!

An on-track eating day! Didn't make it down to the gym to lift, but figure I'll do some push ups before bed. I haven't had an appetite the last couple days; I don't know whether it's the jet lag to or what (which is really awful). I slept in until 11 almost and then took a 3 hour nap this afternoon. Had a headache and stomachache all day. I think after tomorrow I should be good to go all the way Sunday with eating and working out. Here's to hoping!

Question: I want to know more about the CLA stuff you guys take and do you think it'd be good for me? Also Josha, Ellen had a lot to ask me about the thyroid thing, but I didn't have much to tell her. Maybe you could email her or call her and talk to her about it??

Here's to starting tomorrow!

So what is it that I'm supposed to do again tomorrow? I'm so jet lagged and off. Can't wait to start back up though!!! Here's to a great BFL day tomorrow!

Took a break

Didn't work out the last two days. Finding a hard time finding a time and place to do it here. We're in the 8th largest city in the world and on a beach filled to the brim with people, so there's not a place to run really. We don't have a fitness center here; there's one at the hotel down the street that we have access too, but walking there by myself doesn't seem so safe. Haha, I was so spoiled in Colorado! Eats have been off too, but I'm okay with being off on both of them. I can't expect my family to plan things around my work out/eating schedule, so I decided to just lay off and take a break. I"ll be back on when I get home Thursday hopefully. Did do ab work today. Couldn't ready Josha and Ruth's blog and not be inspired to do SOMETHING! I did pilates - love that I can do that anywhere. Will plan on doing lower body tomorrow since I can do lunges/squats/push ups in the room. Any other suggestions? for cardio today or the 3 B's tomorrow?

Pictures!

Well, I woke up this morning with the intention of jumping rope, when I realized that I didn't know where said jumping was going to occur. Waikiki is the 8th largest city in the US, and it has it's fair share of sketchy people, so going out alone just didn't seem like the best idea. I plan on taking it with me to the beach today and either jumping or running or something and ab work later today. We're going to church here in a couple hrs then heading to the north shore for the day. Should be a good time!

In the mean time, here are some pictures from the trip so far: http://tamu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2349865&l=02ada&id=8316806


Hope everyone enjoyed free day. I sure did!

Aloha O'ahu!!!

So I broke down last night and paid $20 bucks to have internet in our room for the last few days here. I couldn't stand not being able to keep in touch with you girls! Here's what I've been up to:

Thursday: Jumped rope then hopped on a 7.5 hrs plane to O'ahu, Hawaii. Eats were decent, but not necessarily on time or anything. Just tried to keep in mind portions and mixing protein and carbs. Did the Big 5 before I went to bed.

Friday: We all woke up about 5 (thanks, jet lag) and so I did squats, lunges, and push-ups for lower body day. Not as good of a work out without weights, but I did it nevertheless! Again, eating on target was really hard since we had breakfast provided and I couldn't exactly make everyone work around my eating schedule. No problem though, I was so happy to stay on target working out wise! Went to the ocean a couple times and swam all the way out to where the surfers are twice, treading water/swimming for about a half hour. Sooo many cute boys here!!!! Went to Cheesecake Factory for dinner and ate a Caesar salad and then yes, Cheesecake. It was incredible!

Today is free day and we're going on an island tour - some lookouts and other nice places, like the Dole plantations - mmmm Pineapple!!!! :-D

Must get ready for breakfast now. Here's a picture for fun.

A workout room with A/C

Yep, I'm workin' out in style now! Not that I didn't LOVE working out in our exposition room, Josha...it was just a little hot, haha.

So yesterday I did jump rope on my dad's driveway with the lawn mowing men watching across the street. It was, well, awkward. I finished up and was drenched in sweat, thank you, Texas. Had to take a shower and then headed out to the great College Station to spend the day with my friends. Started out eating on target, but trashed that idea as soon as I walked into Blue Baker (a favorite restaurant only in CS). Didn't mind eating being off target; I expected it to take a little while to get into it down here since I haven't gone grocery shopping and thus don't have any good food. Met with advisors and had dinner with a prof with my roommates. It was gooood. Then some friends came over and we sat around and talked for several hours. It was good to be with people my age, haha. Didn't think I was gonna do abs, but walked into my bedroom and checked myself out in my full length mirror, saw the progress I've made and decided, I'm gonna do it! So I did the Big 5 from Pilates, which felt great! Then I passed out and slept so so well.

Woke up this AM and went to our apt weight room with my roomie Leahanne (she's kinda doing BFL too now - at least working out everyday and alternating which muscle groups she's doing - I'm so proud of her!) Did shoulder presses, upward rows, chest presses, flyes, kick backs, and tricep extensions. We've got a decent weights in there and a bench kind of like yours Josha, which made me super happy! I plan to eat on target today, had a Medifast shake for breakfast. My step mom works for a medical spa and gets a discount, so those may be the shakes I get from now on. We'll see. Well, I'm off to sell some of my old clothes that don't fit anymore. Goodbye 6's! :-)

UPDATE

So Josha already posted about this (she's wonderful!), but I wanted to share that I went shopping today and tried on a pair of 4's that were too small, so I looked for 2's, no luck, and figured I'd try out the 1's, sure enough, they fit. I almost cried. How fun!

Alright Ladies!

I didn't go to bed til about 4 AM, and yet somehow, I am awake at 8. While I don't understand this at all, I am glad that maybe, just maybe it won't be 100 degrees outside when I go jump rope here in a minute. It's my first day "alone" doing BFL, and we'll see how it works out. I'm glad I've still got Josha virtually, even if it was way more fun working out with her in person. I'm gonna have my little sister join me this morning. She ran outside to meet me when I got in at 2:30 last night, and stayed up until 4 talking with me. Maybe she'll like the wake up call, maybe not. Either way, we're gonna jump, jump, jump! :-D J: I'm drinking a cup of coffee and thinking of you. Ruth: You'll appreciate this. Yesterday, Josha and I were doing biceps and were doing hammer curls for burnouts and I was going to stop at 20, but I saw that she kept going, so I did too. Turns out she was doing the exact same thing.

Okay, time to make like Tigger and bounce.

Fashion Show-Down

Haha, not really. Here's Josha sporting her very cute size 4 pants! Doesn't she just look great!?! Work it, work it!

Sprints and ab work were great today. I can feel almost every muscle in my body right now. I love it!

Sore already???

My back is hurting already. Crazy! Had a great workout this morning with J. Did squats and lunges, bicep curls and hammer curls, and I can't remember what the back exercises were called. They were goood though! I really pushed myself.

The pilates video Josha and I have been doing is from Gaiam (sp?). It's an ab video with Ana Caban, and it's pretty good. The Windsor abs video is good too, or any Pilates book with exercises in it is great. I've taken several classes, and the most important thing is to breath right and keep your belly in. Pilates is definitely my favorite way to work my abs.

Anyway, I'm off for the night!

Hope your days were great!

Oh dear

Well I'm exhausted today. I woke up feeling off and stayed that way almost all day, except at the softball game. Cute boys can do that I guess! ;-) haha! Jumped rope this morning, and did not so well. My ankles hurt for some reason and didn't appreciate being pounded on the deck. Wore a cute headband all day, which gave me a headache , why do they do that??? Didn't feel well most of the evening, but just finished doing pilates ABS with Josha. I'm having a hard time breathing through parts of it, that should get better if I keep doing it. I love pilates!!! Well, the rest of the family is here, and so I'm off for the night. Must sleep soon!

Spaghetti arms

Haha, yeah that's about how they feel after doing upper body. I did shoulder presses, lateral raises, flyes, chest presses, kick backs, and tricep extensions. It was goooood!

MORE GOOD NEWS: I went shopping yesterday and when I tried on a pair of 4's THEY WERE TOO BIG! So I got the 2's, which was INCREDIBLE! They're a little snug, but it won't be long before they fit just right. I haven't been a 2 since I was a sophomore in high school. I do wish that stores made pants for girls by waist size though because I'm a 6 at some places and a 4 at others. It's very annoying. I think I'm in my 4th week now and I can't wait to start seeing results. I love the way I feel and how much energy I have, and I can't wait to keep it up after I leave in a week. Two of my roommates are already talking about doing it with me. How exciting!

Tomorrow is cardio day, and I love that! Cardio day makes me happy inside. :-D

Here's to all of you gals being great!

Sara

It won't let me post a title. So here's the title: Fighting For it All - that's a song by Mindy Smith that I heard today at work. Was a favorite of mine a couple years ago.

I had resigned myself to not working out today; my cold has me feelings so blah! I woke up feeling eh, took some medicine, rode the bike to work and worked for 4+ hrs and was on my feet the whole time. I was exhausted when I got home. Hung around for awhile then ate dinner. Had pretty much decided that I wasn't going to work out, but eventually asked Josha to come keep me company while I did it. Boy did that help! Thought about eating some ice cream afterward, and was going to, but then thought I could wait until tomorrow. Must remember to eat ice cream tomorrow. MMM! Free day is here!

Workout:
Squats w/ball- 3 sets of 15 burnout: lunges with weights (7.5 lbs - might could do more next time)
Inclined bicep curls 15. 12. 15 @ 7.5 Burnouts: Preacher curls 1 set of 15 @7.5.
Rows 15.15.13 @ 5 no burnouts cause I felt lightheaded - thank you, cold.

We did it... almost.

Woke up late this morning and jumped rope then got ready for work and rode there and back. Had my 10,000 steps by about 2. Came home and hung out for awhile. Did abs with Josha tonight. Put in the 30 min video and did about 15 min of it. Got through the Big Five and then quit. Couldn't breathe. Thank you cold. Need more peppermint tea, and probably a bath. Maybe tomorrow.

What a 4th!

The last couple days have been really off for me. I had a mini-emotional crisis (not like me at all) yesterday and the day before that left me feeling really sick, and I had a hard time eating/working out. Josha and I ran sprints yesterday, and planned to do abwork, but by the time we were going to do it, I really thought I might get sick, even though I'd figured out for the most part everything that was making me so upset. I got a good night's rest, and felt much better this morning. Meant to work out this AM, then remembered we were selling Gracyn's jewelry in town, but eating was good for the most part. Biked to work and back, and almost got in my 10,000 steps. Had a 'free meal' tonight for the 4th and company came over. The fajitas and margaritas were GREAT, but I ate way too much and am definitely ready to be back on track tomorrow! Will probably do upper body tomorrow too, which makes me happy. I've noticed the biggest difference there so far. For now though, I'm exhausted!