baby got back

When life is hard or sad or stressful... 
Hit da gym baaaaby!!!

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rant rant rant

You were forewarned with the title and my snipit on facebook so if you don't want to hear me up on my soap box, you might want to discontinue reading like... now!

Meet munchkin two (left, we call him Bubba) and munchkin one (right, we call her Bug)! Aren't my kids adorable? They look like their dad-- especially the little monkey boy. A spitting image. Anyway-- this post is in reference to an absolutly crazy day the monkeys and I had one day last week (Actually, Nov 1 to be exact) So bare with me-- I'll get there.

November 1 Bug's teacher called me as I was leaving the gym and said she had red spots, I needed to come get her. (You know you are a fitness freak when you say a prayer of thanks the red spots didn't come til AFTER your gym jam session) As I picked her up I thought it looked like it could be what I heard ring worm looked like, so we stopped by the nurse. She thought ring worm. So in a rush I call the dr that is 25 minutes from our house and am so so grateful to get her an apt in 30 minutes. Seriously, like I thanked the Lord right then and there they got us in right away. The thought of  ring worm is ew gross, I know. I kept thinking that people were going to think I don't clean my house or my dog is dirty nasty or whatever (fyi.. I am sorta a germ phob and as soon as someone said ring worm I started itching uncontrollably!) We wait at the office for 40 minutes (read:this is nap time, no one has eaten lunch...I am getting slightly annoyed after 20 minutes. I ask the office lady if we got skipped? She won the customer service award for the day and got us right back after I politely checked in again... NOT! She was a biotch but whatever people got stuff goin on in their lives right?
After 90 minutes (this is like 3:00 at this point) a different dr came in because our poor dr had apparently gotten stuck in a room with a patient that ENTIRE time! Dr is in our room for 3 minutes, ring worm for sure... oh wait she has it all over her arms? Legs? belly?
Hives.
THANK THE HEAVENS ABOVE MY HOUSE IS CLEAN ENOUGH.

So we get the hell out of therein the car and start driving through school and road construction traffic to stop at a Fast Eddy's (my most favoritest gas station ever!) to get me a diet dr pepper (oh yah, I didn't stay off it forever!) and the kids a snack. What, oh what can I find that is semi healthy to eat at a gas station? Nuts, banana, or crap.
They don't want banana or nuts, obviously. It's friggin 300 they're tired and hungry and they want candy dangit. AH HA! Fast Eddy's is the bomb! They have mickey mouse luncheable type things with apples, grapes and cheese in them for 3.00. Of course they have some sort of stuff sprayed on the food to keep it fresh looking, longer but this is about as good as it gets out and about. I think this is a genius idea! So were all set, I got my nuts (I didn't have any food with me and I wasns't about to eat a meal of crap processed food I didn't even want because I was starving..yay me!) and my diet dr pepper (boo I know it isn't healthy! Do as I say not as I do right?! Kinda)
Then we hit Walgreens after getting turned around in traffic and all we really want is to be home with a red box and some zyrtec. Every where I look there are candy isle after candy isles and display after display of....

Christmas CandY!!!
Are you kidding me? Halloween was literally yesterday! I only let my kids go around the block and we literally have probably 2 lbs of candy. I mean it is a huge bowl. But that isn't enough is it America!?
No wonder we are obese.
So some people from facebook were a bit annoyed by my maybe shall we call it "judgemental" attitude towards the candy.
It isn't THIS candy. It isn't THIS store. It isn't the fact that the cashier asked me for a donation for diabetes prevention two feet past this display (OK OK MAYBE THAT WAS WHAT GOT ME!)
Holidays are good and fun and a reason to celebrate and reflect on our blessings in life. But they have also become an excuse to BUY CRAP WE DON'T NEED, EAT CRAP WE SHOULD'NT EAT, and SPEND MONEY WE DON'T HAVE.
Diabetes prevention? Seriously? Ill give you prevention... give us two weeks between halloween candy and Christmas candy!
What people don't understand is this is literally killing people! Food is as much of an addiction if not MORE so than (yep I went there) alcohol and drugs. It is widely accepted that if you are having a bad day-- chocolate will fix it. Have a good day, food should celebrate it.

   Life is about the moments we have, with the people we love. Holidays should be spent surrounded by love and laughter and I believe some food and treats should and can be apart of those celebrations in a healthy and moderate way.  I don't think they need to be the dang CENTER of them.

What do you think? How do you celebrate? Does candy isle after candy isle annoy you too?

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every once in a blue moon

I forgot to tell y'all something serious... 

I sometimes get dressed and do my hair and do my makeup. It doesnt happen that often since im in the gym a lot of the time but i thought i should document it for you.

People at my daughters school didn't recognize me!!! Hahaha

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muscle boy

My son has bigger muscles than yours..  hahahahah cute lil army dude eh?!happy Halloween fitness friends!!

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family gym jam time

Shoulders and chest done today!!! Time to stock up at the grocery store with some healthy eats, but not until after i refuel with a power shake!
1 banana
8 oz unsweetened original almond milk
1 scoop chocolate whey protein
1 tbsp pb2
2 cups spinach
Blended up for a piece of amazingness!!! Even my boys wanted one- look at that lil face on bubba!!

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family gym jam time

Working it with the fam dam today...shoulders chest and triceps coming up baaaaaby!!!

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new shirt

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problem

With blogging from your phone is i think i post to my family blog but i actually post to my fitness blog- and visa versa as well  ;)
I can not wait to hit the gym for some heavy a$$ legs tomorrow.  Guess why? 
I got the cutest new workout tank on sale yesterday at old navy!!! Cant wait to wear it. Yep ill post a pic cuz i know ya'll are dying to see how cute it is!
Kick some booty this week eh?! Go big baby!

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bubbas getting close to 3

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glitter pumpkins

We finally decorated with glitter and last week the kids painted with daddy while i was at work!!! We love fall!

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Medication Review-- Listen to Your Body!

This post is a preface to my product review that is coming of the Zevia, the soda sweetened with stevia. Bare with me it will take me a minute to get it all out here because I have been missing in action for a while of my updates on my life and training.
June 2012 I was sick and tired of having this crappy acne that is cystic in some places on my face. I had been dealing with it for months and so I went to the dermatologist and was prescribed spironolactone for hormonal acne. I had previously(January) been prescribed that same medicine by my ob-gyn for acne and some unwanted dark hair growth that I have suffered with since I was a kid (although I stopped taking it after a few weeks because I was prepping for the show, didn't see immediate improvement, and was too tired to remember to take it all the time). I close to this time (June) also had seen my regular practitioner to have blood work and an annual physical performed and he, the third dr, also recommended this medicine.
So I started taking it, a low dosage and wasn't seeing improvement. After two months I went back to the dermatologist to see what else we could try. He thought my two options were increasing that medication or going back on accutane, which I took when my oldest (5 year old) was an infant for the acne that went nutso while pregnant and breastfeeding. I chose to increase the dosage because accutane is a big pain in the butt, having to see the dr each month, have blood drawn and tested each month, and of course using two forms of birth control everytime I have sex. Have you seen my husband? That's a lot of condoms. (Sorry TMI!!! I know you are so glad I am back!!!)
I increased the dosage for two weeks when I had stepped on the scale (I have gone back to weighing daily because with each month that was passing the scale was continuously going up about 3 lbs). I was getting on the scale and almost died, yes over 3 lbs again. I know 3 pounds is such a small deal, but I assure you that it is actually closer to 10, because I was ok with the first two months going up (could be more muscle, could be more water retention... a million factors weigh in). The week before I went into the dermatologist to increase the dosage I had Shawna check my body fat and it was 19%. Not the leanest, but I still was still defined up through the shoulders, running fast, and feeling good about myself. In a matter of two weeks I was freaking out feeling rounder and softer and heavier., especially in the belly area. Of course that is my trouble area but it was as if all of a sudden my stomach was much softer. You know how you just :"feel" heavier when you hit that certain mark?
I busted out the ol sure thing... talked to Jon. Told him the medicines I am on, what I am eating, how I am training.
I wish I had talked to him prior to starting the medication because guess what the purpose of the spironolactane is? It is to decrease the testosterone in your face, (Therefore increasing estrogen in the body) in order to regulate the hormones and therefore decrease acne. Welp, it didn't work super well on my face and it definitly had increased my estrogen and was making me pack on a few pounds.
What did I do?
Stopped the medicine.
At about the same time I had something show up in my newsfeed on facebook about a girl who had cut artificial sweetners and her cystic acne had improved in two weeks.
SHIZ MOTHER TRUCKER!!!
Mama loves her diet dr pepper. I am gonna be real with you right now, go ahead judge me. I deserve it. I was drinking atleast 44 oz of fountain diet dr pepper a day and had been for quite a long time. (Good thing I don't drink alcohol right?!) (Recovering from judgement a bit here, I also drink atleast 128 oz of water every day!)
I told the dr (actually 2 of them) that I was considering quitting the soda and wondered their opinion. They thought the "one a day" I told them I was drinking was fine and probably not having any effect on me until I of course, the girl who sucks at lying revealed just how big my one a day is.
Let's just put it nicely and say they were unimpressed and ordered me to one a day.
Remember me? Go big or go home? If I can only have a friggin can a day I don't want it. If I can't have a big gulp I might as well forget it. (Why is that anyway? I wish I were a more moderate person).
So it has been two weeks between the first and second set of pictures and I have had 3 total sodas (I will never forget Dr Bradford's eyes when I told her I have a 44 oz cup, I will never fill a 44 oz cup again) and they have been the medium size. Interestingly enough though, I really think my face looks a bit better.
I am hopeful that it will continue to improve in the next three weeks and I may not actually need the accutane. That would be fantastic, as I am pretty much sick and tired of putting medication into my body to supposedly heal one thing, yet having the side effects of so many other things on top of it.

Circling back to the weight loss blog thing here though (I told you it would take me a bit, and this is the condensed version! Sorry!) is that at times it can seem ridiculous to people that I weigh every day. It seems ridiculous to some that I stick to a similar training regimen each week, and it seems odd to some that I eat a similar menu of foods each week-- but you know what? I am extremely thankful and happy that those things are a part of me and who I am and the lifestyle I lead. If not, if I didn't have my weight on the calander atleast at the beginning of each month, or if I had taken two weeks off the gym or a few days here and there, or if I had just guessed around with the food that I fuel my body with-- there would have been no way or no grounds for me to honestly look the dermatologist in the eye and say "I can't take this anymore, it is making me gain weight." And if it weren't for those things, when he told me I was the only person he had EVER heard this from, I would have thought I was crazy and continued the medicine. (By the way, spent some time searching the internet and I am definitley NOT the only person who experienced this).
But I am proactive about my health and I am proactive about my weight (maybe too proactive at times haha) and that makes me feel good about myself and strong. I know that medicine was not working for my body, and now I am searching for other ways (yay if the no soda thing really works out) to treat this problem with out causing a plethora of other problems for my body.
Remember, listen to your body-- and listen to the inner voice that sometimes prompts you that something isn't right. Dr's treat patients everyday and most all of them are ready to write a prescription to help you with the symptom that you have. At the end of the day though, YOU know YOUR body best!

Do you have any advice? Any experience with acne or medications that made you gain or lose weight?

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Product Review--Tide Febreze Sport

Have you heard the saying
"If you look good when you are done, you didn't do it right!" That is in reference to your workout you dirty minded fuuuureaks!!!
So, I basically am the spokesperson for that saying, however I am the ANTI-spokesperson for this one
"Girls glisten, boys sweat"
Because I don't glisten, I don't perspire, I freaking sweat like a beast. Like, out of 6 workouts in a week, 5 of those my shirt is dripping wet with sweat. And out of 10 appointments with clients per week, 10 of those I have sweaty arm pits on my shirts.
I know, I am that girl. I used to be embarrassed by it, but as I have aged it makes me feel a little bad a$$ish that I work that hard, ya know? I mean, I am a mom of two and I can still kick most people's butts in the gym.
I have a bit of a problem and I have been noticing it for a few months. I can't replace workout clothes nearly as often as I'd like-- because let's face it, they are ridiculously expensive. I do have enough to wear something different for each workout of the week and maybe could make it two weeks on tops. BUT of course I have my favorite few that it seems like I wear more often that others.
Not long ago I was noticing my clothes had a distinct sweaty/musty odor to them... after they had come out of the wash, and before I had started my gym jam session. I tried an extra long wash cycle but that didn't seem to help. I have always used Costco brand liquid detergent and it does a great job of cleaning and holding the color of all my other clothes, but it just isn't cutting it on all these sweaty, nasty, stinky gym clothes.
I bit the bullet and spent $10.97 for 100 oz at the evil empire as my dad calls Wal Mart, or Crap Mart as my friend and I have commonly referred to it in the past, of this Tide laundry detergent that is meant specifically (or marketed to I should say) for workout clothing. I bought it yesterday morning and have done two loads of workout clothes and my husbands work clothes in them and the final verdict is.........

TWO THUMBS WAY WAY UP!!! My clothes smell fantastic! I even wore one of the clean shirts today to the gym and it even smelled like that yummy cleanliness through the first half of my sweat session, ya know-- before I got it soaking wet on the stair climber for 30 minutes.

So, although that is about double the price of my usual laundry detergent-- I have deemed that it is now an essential part of my laundry routine. I spend a good portion of time doing laundry and to have it smell, well, less than clean after the time I spend to wash it just isn't working for me. I will reserve the detergent specifically for workout loads, maybe whites and the hubbys heavy duty work clothes and it should last a good amount of time... and let's be honest, it's worth the extra money not to be the stinky chick at the gym.

*stay tune for a product review on Zevia, the soda sweetened with stevia soon....

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proud fit mom moment

On the way home from the gym jam my bug tells me she's gonna teach me to exercise when we get home.
She had me do pushups,  squats, jumps, and high knees with a little stretching.
love that girl and i just know shes going to be strong and fit as i continue to set the best example i can for her!

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Motivation Block

Every time I am at the gym or training clients it seems like this burst of creative motivation comes to me and I want to blog about it, so I can share my inspirations with you and maybe help you through your journey. It seems like this creative help used to come much easier to me and I rarely would have a time that I couldn't "not" think of something to share.

That was before meal plans and training schedules for my clients I guess. It takes me a while to get everyone's schedules and food all articulated out and by time I am done-- one of the kids is up from nap time, hungry, needs to go to the bathroom, or wants to "hod me." Balance has never been my strongest suit but I am trying my damdest to get this all figured out-- being most efficient with my clients and keeping my family as my number one priority. These babies of mine will only be 4 and 2 for a few more months.

Which leads to my lack of creativity by time I get on the computer at 10 pm. (Bed time is 10 pm for me so it's like "nothing is coming" at that point in the day.

On my week long vacation last week I enjoyed more food than I have in a year! I had a few fried things and a dessert almost every day. I was just sure the scale would go crazy, but I didn't want to worry about it so I really tried hard not to think about it. We exercised every day but one, but just did it for fun. I ran stairs, jogged, jumped, hiked and I enjoyed it so much. I had a built in workout partner because my aunt who is 50 almost--totally keeps up with me and even beats me sometimes was there.

Can you believe the scale went down 3 lbs? It's just pure craziness. I think some of the issue with weight gain and loss is just the stress that we put on ourselves over it-- and it causes our bodies to hold on to extra lbs. I felt really good about this because my relationship with food is improving daily and I am realizing that it is absolutly ridiculous to associate fear, guilt, and and anxiety over it-- especially when there are "real" things that deserve my time and attention (kids, husband, government, charity, church etc). That doesn't mean I think you or I should just eat to eat, or eat crap. It means that I think you and I should eat whole, nutritious, clean foods that will fuel or bodies and keep us full-- so we can focus on the really important things in life, and maximize our capabilities to perform whatever it is you like (pull ups, stair climbing, hiking, lifting heavy a$$ shiz for me!)

I got some new kicks in Atlanta, new Saucony's something or other. I don't know what they are called and I'd love to post a nice pic for you to see-- but I wasted about 15 minutes trying to figure it out with no luck. Phone to computer issues. I also got a cute new PINK Army tank top and it is so funny how it made me want to get in the gym and work harder.

Feel bored of the gym?!

Get some new get up and it might just make you more excited to go... (or does that only happen to me?!)

I also set a new PR today!!! GET THIS!!!-- I have been TERRRRRIFIED of this thing called UNDER DOGS. You know what I am talking about? The things where you push your kid so high you have to go under their butt then feet and out the other side of the swing. Well, everyone and their DOG has been doing this with my kids but I have been too scared to get kicked or hit or whatever. NOT TODAY FRIENDS!! I put on my big girl panties and I just felt the surge of ambition and I tried it-- and I ROCKED that underdog like nobody's business. My 4 year old yelled across the park (I was pushing her brother) "MOM!!! YOU DID IT!!!" I was totally like-- "I KNOW!! I WAS SO BRAVE HUH BUG?!?!"

Add about 10 a those to my shoulder workout today and I think I might be a bit sore tomorow. Functional training folks, I lift heavy-- I run fast-- so I can be the best mom I can be. And I can do underdogs, so I get to be their hero for another day.

Point to take home-- train hard, eat clean and focus on the things in life that truly matter! Exercise and good nutrition keep you healthy, happy and increase your chances of being around a little longer to see the things that are most important to YOU-- like your family. Take care of you, cuz no one else is going to!

I'm Here

I know you have all been very worried about my lack of posting, haven't you?!

I am still here, do not fear my fitness friends!

I am still crying a river over the acne volcano's, but it is getting better 7 weeks into the medicine. I am hopeful this is going to help heal my face and then I can go about my business with freaking out over how to cover the red spots from the scaring.

Seriously?! Sometimes, I just wonder why can't I get a friggin break. I have to work my booty off (literally) and be suuuper diligent with food to maintain where I am (140 lbs of love baby!), I have to color my hair because at 26 I already have grays poking through, I have saggy skin on my stomach, and I have to get my face waxed. ( There's more to complain about, haha, but I don't want to draw your attention to ALL my flaws-- ya know?!)

I mean, c'mon!!!!!!!
 It aint easy bein beautiful though is it ladies?! (haha)

Have you been wondering what I am up to? Well, I'll tell ya! I respected dr's orders for 4 weeks and took off from the iron at the gym... while it of course was calling me and calling me and asking me to come back! I could barely stand it I missed it so much! Which was good, because about the end of Mayish I was getting a little sick the hell of it and was ready for a break, hoping I would want to return at some point-- but wasn't really all that sure.

And back in my groove I am! I am loving my heavy lifting sessions and am getting stronger and stronger. I pr'd last week on deadlifts for 95 pounds ( I am new to deadlifting) and I pr'd today on lat pull downs at 100 lbs for 6 reps, as well as single arm rows at 40# for 4 sets of 8. I am feeling strong and powerful again, just like the old days. It feels good. It also feels good to be focusing on goals (trying to get those pull ups down!!!  2 today best I have done since I weighed 15 pounds less getting ready for the show! Beating my plank time-- longest hold 100 seconds so far, and beating my circuit leg day time each week!) rather than focusing on the number on the scale or the reflection in that DIRTY DIRTY mirror!

Oh ya! I didn't tell you, I took the ENTIRE month of July off from weighing myself. Can you believe THAT my friends? Wow, I couldn't either.I have been a scale junky since I started my weight loss journey in January 2010-- sometimes weighing 2 or 3 times a day! It was so FREEING, and LIBERATING and I am officially hooked on NOT weighing myself. That stupid number fluctuates so much and it was seriously messing with my psyche-- so I followed the get in shape girls' lead and ditched the scale for all 30 days (or was it 31?) and have since weighed twice, and gonna reweigh right before vacation and right when I come home in hopes of maintaining my weight within 3 lbs upon returning.

Last month in the gym was minimal cardio (10 minutes 3 days a week and 20 minutes 2 days a week) and lifting heavy as I could for 4 sets of 12-15 reps. THIS MONTH is so much more fun!!! Heavy as I can for 6-8 reps (I feel like such a beast!) and 20 minutes of cardio 5 times a week. I am intervaling the hell out of that cardio too and it feels so.friggin.good. to get those endorphin's rollin again! I am rotating sprinting one day, walking next, stair running and then walking again through out the week. I haven't been allowed to run sprints in about a year, so I am getting my time back up there. My old PR time was 10.5 for 1 minute sprint and right now I am at 10.0 for 45 seconds. (1% incline only folks!)

I am getting my groove back, it's all fun and enjoyment again. Not about a number on a scale or a reflection in my distorted mirror. Just about lifting heavy, moving quick and getting rid of some energy!

Hope you are all doing well.. go ahead and drop me a line if you wanna update me on where ya been, and how you're doing with your fitness journey! I miss you! And I wanna know what's up in your world's.

Volcanos

Totally wanted to skip the gym and hide inside all day due to the ferocity of my acne and cold sore
Seriously so so frustrated right now! I've been on acne meds for almost a month and eating clean and healthy ad well as exercise 5 days a week.
What the hell else could my body possibly want?!?! Its revolting and im sick of it!

Mamas back!!

I just kicked that stair climbers a$$.
My first sign that almost 4 weeks break from the gym was just what this girl needed. Every damn thing up in the club makes me smile.
Dumb bell rows with a 30# dumb bell...smile
Stair climbing not intervals 20 mins level 17...smile
Hammer curls cable curls....smile
Sweat dripping, wet arm pits, make up smeared....smile
Eggs and oats plain after....smile
Its a great day to be fit!

thumper

So i was driving at a busy intersection today and watched as a missionary (an overweight one) was pedaling as fast as he could to make it through a light behind his partner.  As i sat there i watched a lady yell out something derogatory to him and i was instantly so so upset. Like really, a tear came to my eye.
Why are people so cruel? Why would you ever waste your breath to say something, or anything for that matter that isnt kind.  I wanted to stop that lady and tell her to be kind and atleast the kid was out exercising.
Be nice! Be kind! Be happy for people and love them! We are all in this big crazy journey together ans we never know what someone else's story is. Be a cheer leader or stay in the locker room dangit!!!
As thumper would say if you cant say something nice dont say anything at all!

Cleaner Windows

"They aren't perfect, but they are definitely better babe!"
-Teri

Out of my mouth today at the end of my window cleaning streak I said that spicy little quote that I wrote in my journal and am thinking about placing on my mirror as well. After I said it, I realized just how insightful and profound those words really are, especially in regards to our fitness and health goals.

The whole round about way this thought came to relate to my personal physique goals is this: (please enter my brain here...) "Hm, I am not really that good at washing windows at all. Just like all the other things I am mediocre at. Why are there streaks everywhere? Meh, (Enter my outloud quote to husband here...'They aren't perfect but they are definitely better.' back to my head 'why is it so easy for me to accept that I am mediocre at many many things but yet I expect perfection out of myself with my food plan, with my workouts, with the way I look? That's so stupid. It takes years and years to put on major muscle (therefore having less fat... I didn't think that part I just wanted to explain why I am so obsessive over the muscle) why do I feel like I need to look like it today?! Everyday is one more step in the right direction if I will just keep moving.' DO DO DO DO DO DO!!!!- 'these darn windows totally relate to me! As long as I can look in the mirror at the end of the day and realize that I am not perfect today (or ever will be obvisously!) but I am better than I WAS, I feel content and happy and excited about that.'

Out of my head now ok!? (I know, I totally think like that, just like I wrote it-- tell me you do that too?!?! someone, anyone?!)

I am not perfect, but I am better than I was.


Obviously I have told you all before that I am a wife and a mom first, then a trainer second in life. I love my job and I love working with people and helping them reach their goals. But, I am not perfect in my training life. I am learning everyday how to be my best trainer and trainee while balancing that with being the best mom and wife I can be too. 


I mean ladies, it aint easy bein us! (Can I get a hell ya here?!)


We got a lotta hats to wear. There are so many things that pull our attention, good things that are deserving of our attention. I have sorta come to grips over the past few weeks that it isn't all about what I look like-- it is all about what I feel like, what I act like, and how I love like.


In all aspects of life-- aim for perfection, knowing that you will fall short because we all will. Just do your best to be better than the day before. Enjoy the ride of life because we really never know when it will all be over. Enjoy your training because you never know if you might get injured or need surgery and be down and out for 6 weeks or 6 months or you may even be told you will never train again. What else do you have in life that will fulfill you if that is gone? Enjoy your family dinners or your birthday parties-- what if someone you loved were taken from you? Enjoy life, it is meant to be lived with exuberance and zest! 


Find your priorities, and don't feel like you have to fit into a certain mold. Be you, because no one does it as well as you do. 

Mooned

Welp. I know you never tired of hearing the underwear/ potty training stories of the fit chick mom so....
Today bubba has strep throat and possibly hand foot and mouth so were hanging low at home.
He got a burst of energy and decided to "dance" aka twirl in the kitchen.  Of course me being me said stop you are going to fall.

What does he do?!

Turns around and pulls those cars 2 undies just below his bum and MOONS me!!! Laughing hysterically the whole time

Are you freaking kidding me?! How the h e double hockey sticks does he even think such a thing?!?!?!

Love that crazy boy and all the spice he adds to my life! P.s there is no mooning going on at my house unless a certain uncle who will remain nameless is visiting! :)

Motherhood

Is a blessing!  And a trial at the same time often times.
Today i have been taking care of my little man who has been under the weather since Saturday and this morning  i found out he has strep throat.
This afternoon he started breaking out with little bumps everywhere that ate itching like crazy and my big girl is now, running a fever so....
I cancelled clients ( sorry!) And i only got a short walk in myself ....and while i feel the extreme urge to go get my sweat on and throw heavy crap around - im needed here more than anywhere else in the whole wide world right now.
As i reflect on that truth, i feel really really blessed to get to have these two little kiddos for eternity. Its going to be a long week ahead for all of us, but we will get through and we will scratch eachothers backs as many times as needed to endure it!
Annnnnd tomorow ill be awake before anyone else so i can get an hour long aggression session in!

Funeral

I got to do an outdoor cardio workout today with my best workout partner, and four legged goldendoodle-- Belle. She is the best dog ever, seriously! If you have ever thought about getting a medium to large size dog, I highly recommend this breed. She is amazing.

We walked out on the hills today and as I walked to the 30 minute mark, ready to turn around I spotted the only thing that makes me happier than hills on a cardio workout-- stairs. And a lot of them. 55 to be exact. Belle and I decided to do 5 sets, being careful not to elevate my heart rate. I know that dog thought I must be crazy that I would walk down then turn around and go back up the same exact set of stairs 5 times, but she is loyal as they come and she would follow my off a cliff I am certain.

As we drove to and from our destination I couldn't help but notice that there were two separate funerals going on at the cemetery. I noticed that at one gravesite there were many many people-- maybe 50 and at another there were only 12 or so. Not that it really matters how many people were there but it got me thinking about my own life and the thought of "how many people would miss me when I am gone?"

I think it is a great way to be reflective, to think about that time in life when we will pass on to be reunited with our loving Heavenly Father. I don't want to get into all the heaven talk here and now-- but I am interested in having you think about this question--

Will you be missed?

As we go throughout our lives-- juggling really, all the things that we have going on. Family, work, church, play time, workout time, and all the other things we fit into our daily lives-- are we truly remembering to enjoy the journey?

That has been my motto from the get go-- let me help you find joy in your health and fitness journey.

I believe that we can live a fit lifestyle while enjoying life's moments to the fullest. I also believe at the end of the day, though I do really want to look good in my casket (haha, seriously though!)-- what is most important will be the relationships I have built and the lives that I have touched.

I hope that in our daily lives we can keep in perspective the things that truly are important in life and that we are constantly trying to improve ourselves to become the best us, we can be... and a long the way we are willing and able to offer a hand to help, and a shoulder to lean on to those who cross our paths.

If you are working towards your best self, remember that the people you surround yourself with can make or break you. We all need people to help lift us up and keep pushing us a long right?! Don't forget to be that person for the other's around you. Like Christmas it is often times better to give than to receive. Don't get so busy juggling, trying to do it all, trying to be the fittest, trying to be the strongest, or fastest that you forget to stop and enjoy a sunset, enjoy a giggle or a snuggle with your children, smell some flowers, read a good book or make out like crazy with your spouse.

Life is to be lived, it a journey of a million steps-- don't get so caught up in getting to the end result-- the best physique, the best career, the best house, the best "stuff" that you aren't able to enjoy every step that gets you to the end.

Find joy in your journey

Moms

Please don't take offense to that but all I can think right now is A FRIGGEN MEN!!

Please feel free to laugh your way through my potty training week of my almost 3 year old (did I mention this would not be possible if it weren't from my little hiatus from training at the gym right now?! Seriously, potty training is taking every ounce of energy I have!)

Potty training day 7 full time is today. We have gone a couple days with no accidents then Sunday there were two accidents, not to mention Saturday I had to clean up poopy cars panties, I mean undies at the gym daycare  (cardio bunny ova here!)

I feel like someone should give me a round of applause for NOT stopping at Maverick and buying 12 snickers bars and eating them, because I assure you-- that is what I wanted to do.

We made it through to now, Tuesday. No accidents all day yesterday or today-- and today he is even telling me "POOPING!!!!" when he has to go pee or poop. Whatever, at least he is telling me.

A few funny things about this are
#1 He obviously says screams"POOPING" when he has to pee or poop.
#2 He pees in the toilet after putting his hands all over the seat and moving his body from the front to the back to the front back to the back 500 times, he even can lean forward and put his hands behind his back like an airplane... "see mom".... ahhhh boys!
#3 He gets on the toilet to "pooping" and farts "HAHHH darted mom" Me: roll my eyes, "yes Bubba you farted." Then he gets down because he obviously doesn't have to "pooping" he just needs to pass gas. We get his panties undies back on "ooop POOPING!" has to get back on. We go through this process a few times, sometimes five not going to lie. I just try not to laugh because it really is funny. It's like the kid gets ADHD on the toilet seat for some reason
#4 After he does pee or have a bowel movement, he gets off and flushes the toilet and sticks his head as close to the seat as he can get it and yells, not says--YELLS "BYE BYE POOPIES!!!" As I cringe about all the effing germs that are on his hands and about the bodily waste that is flinging up into his face from the toilet flushing. I am a bit OCD about germs, he is going to put me into the grave early.
*I CAN NOT WAIT TO SHOW HIS FUTURE WIFE THIS POST! FOR ALL THE H_E_DOUBLE HOCKEY STICKS THAT BOY PUTS ME THROUGH, THIS WILL BE SUCH SWEET REVENGE!!!!!
#5 This is getting less funny as I type this, and listen to him cry in his room because he is supposed to be in bed...He has figured out that if he doesn't want to do something and he yells "POOPING!" he gets what he wants, and I forget what I told him he had to do before the bathroom came into the picture. Example: dinner, he didn't want to finish the turkey burger I told him he had to before he could get down... well well, what do you know, all of a sudden "POOPING MOM!"  so off we run to the bathroom. Right now, bed time.. he yells "POOPING!" from behind his child proof locked door and he hears me run to his door to let him on the toilet. This was cute the first three times but now he just reminds me of the little boy who cried wolf and I am about to be the friggin wolf that eats the naughty little boy for dinner!

So, this is potty training a boy at my house in a nut shell. The time off from the gym (week 3 of 6 now) is serving us well, we will get this little buggar potty trained and only have to interrupt the daycare ladies peace for 45 minutes instead of 90 each day.


I just want you to know, it is really hard to be 100% dedicated to a fit and healthy lifestyle whether you have kids or not-- but kids in between everything else sometimes is just freaking exhausting!! BUT, it IS worth it. (both haha kids and having  fit life!)

Deeelicious Summer Drink Idea!

Hey friends, I have lots of blog post ideas a brewing up in my head-- as I have always done some of my best thinking during cardio, and that's all I am able to do right now!
I wanted to share this with you before I forgot. My husband and I loved it and the kids even wanted in on some of this action too. I got the idea from Big Jon to help with sugar cravings

1 can diet (7 up, sprite whatever)
1 stick of crystal light any flavor

Mix those together in a cup and then add crushed ice!

SOOO yummy, I tried the pomegranate and it was just enough sour/sweet to really satisfy my desire for something sugar! Tell me if you try it what you think.

Vacation!

The kiddos and I got back from a little get a way to see my family back in the midwest this past week. I swear I am feeling older and older every day because it is taking me A WHILE to recooperate. I have been exhausted trying to catch back up on sleep since we have been home. 14 hours in a car, wiped me OUT!

You know what I haven't been doing though? Playing catch up with my weight! It is even steven and I couldn't be happier... I was worried about going to Gramma's (aka chef Gramma) for a month before I even left because she cooks and bakes for every.single.meal. And I love everything she makes. I was worried this was going to cause a wreck to my waist line but I got this email from my boss (Big Jon) in his monthly newsletter he sends out...

5 Reasons People Gain Weight on Vacation

Vacations are a time to get away from the grind of everyday life – to indulge mind and body in relaxation and enjoyment.

Unfortunately all that indulgence typically leads to a pound gained for each day that you're away.

To help you combat these unwanted pounds, I've identified the 5 main reasons that people gain weight on vacation, as well as your strategic plan of avoidance.

Reason #1: Not Having A Plan
Let's face it, the vacation mindset is a set-up for gaining pounds. Your priority is to relax, and for most that means eating, resting and forgetting the gym.

Your best line of defense is to keep your fitness goals at the forefront of your mind.

Your Plan: Before you leave for your trip sit down and set a goal.

A realistic goal is to maintain your current weight or to lose a pound or two.

The simple act of bringing your fitness goal to mind before leaving on your trip will greatly reduce your chances of coming home heavier.

Reason #2: Indulgent Snacking
There's nothing like a vacation to cause you to throw all caution to the wind with indulgent snacking.

Ice cream in the middle of the day, frozen coffee drinks topped with whipped cream, salty bags of chips and even a visit through a fast food drive thru.

While these snacks may be fun, the damage will quickly catch up to you.

Your Plan: Approach your trip with the strategy of indulging with control.

If you really must have a sweet treat, then make it small and follow it up with a balanced, protein-filled meal.

Another way to reduce indulgent snacking is to bring along your own healthy options.

Dried or fresh fruit, unsalted nuts, health bars, cut veggies and low fat jerky are a good start.

By filling up on these healthy snacks you will end up eating less when presented with a sweet or salty treat.

Reason #3: Forgetting Portion Control
You have no choice but to dine out while on vacation and whether you're visiting 5 star restaurants or fast food diners, you're going to face the same problem: large portions.

While the easiest thing to do with a big plate of food is to simply eat it all—you are on vacation after all...right?—that isn't the best for your waist.

Your Plan: Decide here and now that you will not indulge in large portions.

When you order your meal ask the waiter or waitress to bring you a to-go box. Take half of your meal and place it safely into the box before you even begin to eat.

This gives you no choice but to eat a healthy portion.

If you would rather not carry around a to-go box then ask that your entrée be made into a smaller portion. If it is dinnertime ask for the lunch-sized entrée.

Reason #4: Eating Too Late
Who really wants to go to bed early while on vacation? The days stretch long and undoubtedly end with a nice big dinner.

All these calories, eaten right before bed, will quickly land around your waist.

Your Plan: Simply stop eating 3 hours before you go to bed.

This easy trick is especially effective while on vacation.

So skip that late night indulgence and wake up looking and feeling great.

Reason #5: Not Exercising Enough (Or At All)
Oh, groan, do I really have to exercise while on vacation?

Yes, you do! That is if you want to look and feel younger and more alive.

Too often exercise is looked at as work, but vacations are the perfect time to really enjoy a good workout.

You won't be rushing home, trying to squeeze in a few minutes at the gym, but rather the vacation workout can be a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

Your Plan: Look at vacation workouts as a treat, and make it a priority.

Here are some ideas:

• Virtually every hotel these days has some type of workout room equipped with cardio machines, dumbbells and a universal machine, so make good use out of it.
• Vacations are also a great time to take your workout outdoors; take a run on the beach or do sprints, pushups and crunches on a grassy field. If you want more ideas of workouts you can do using just your body weight then give me a call or send me an email.
• Make a conscious effort to be active everyday. Go on a brisk walk after your day's activities. This is a great way to see a new city, and also a great way to burn off extra calories. Take the stairs instead of elevator in your hotel and any other buildings you visit.
• Go on a short jog in the mornings or evenings of your stay. If your hotel has a pool, swim a few laps each morning or evening.

Enjoy your vacation! And when you get back into town call or email me for a fitness and fat loss consultation and I'll show you a step-by-step plan for getting you the body that you deserve – it's easier than you think.

Cut Your Carbs

Vacation days are notorious for carb-rich meals, and it's a well-known fact that too many carbohydrates will quickly add up to unwanted pounds. Combat this fat-trap by choosing to eat one carb-less meal each day.

• Breakfast: This may be the most effective meal to use the carb-less trick, since breakfast often involves breads, pastries and pancakes. Skip the toast and fill up on egg whites and lean breakfast meats.
• Lunch: A great carb-less lunch is a salad with lean meat. It's so filling and satisfying that you won't even miss the bread.
• Dinner: Since you're on vacation, you don't want to feel deprived, so dinner is the hardest meal to go carb-less. But if you've indulged at breakfast and lunch then make it a point to cut the carbs at dinner. Stick with veggies and lean meats.

(it's me again now, I can't change the font back...)

I also saw a post from a friend that was on a CRUISE, with her goal to come back the same weight as she left. I sorta figured these were SIGNS from above, challenging me to be my newest best self while I was away. 

So I made a plan, in the car (14 hours remember?!) where I would be tempted with junk-- I came prepared with nuts, dried fruit, rice cakes, and protein shakes. Then at Gramma's I went to the grocery store with my dad (who is also contentiousness about what he eats and exercises every day!) and we stocked up on clean foods: oatmeal, egg whites, greek yogurt, cottage cheese, chicken breasts, fruits and veggies) I stuck to my every 3 hour clean eating plan and avoided carbs at night except for when I really wanted to indulge-- which was two nights, one pizza night and one gramma home made from scratch chocolate cake night. I loved that cake, and I enjoyed the pizza-- guilt free because I had prepared and planned it into my life. We also went for an hour long walk each day that I was away (I think I forgot to mention I am suspended from the iron for another 4 weeks, 6 weeks total... and YES it's killing me.. I miss it, the iron calls to me each day as I walk on the dreamill, or climb the stair demon)


I came home and was pleasantly surprised to see that I was not my weight that I left at-- but down 2 lbs! This is a big deal, because in my old life-- a vacation of any kind would put me back weeks in regards to my fitness and weight goals. But the new me, the new me plans for exciting events so I can indulge, but I have also learned to cook and eat healthy clean foods that I enjoy, so I can stay on track with my goals. 


So, friends. If you are reading this and you are about to go on vacation-- I assure you that it IS a sign, that you TOO can be on track while on vacation and still enjoy your friends and family's time together. All it takes is a plan, preparation time, and the desire to be your best self-- no matter where you are!

Strong Currents

Tonight the kiddos, goldendoodle and I went for a walk on our local (short) walking path that has a river flowing through the middle of each side of the path. The kids were playing tag and running and having so much fun outside being active. I felt horrible because the poor dog had been cooped up in the house during our 6 day vacation and my husband worked, literally, the whole time we were gone so we figured we absolutely HAD to get her out for some exercise today.
We took Belle for 3 laps around the river on the 2nd lap my 4 year old yelled for us to come back and check out the ducklings. They were down towards the end of the river part we could see, getting close to the fast current. All 4 of us stood there and watched the 7 or so ducklings (They were definitely kid ducks, but not little baby ones). I noticed that they were swimming awfully close to that current and then all of a sudden, swoosh-- the current grabbed one by one and pulled them underneath the bridge...the ducks were flapping and resisting as much as they could- but the current was too strong.
I couldn't help but relate this to our own health and fitness goals.
First of all, where or where was the mommy duck? Why wasn't she keeping her little ones safe from the swift current? Just the babies were there and even though it was obvious they knew how to swim-- they had let themselves get to close to the fast water. What about you, do you have a trainer? I know you know how to exercise and eat right, but are you actually doing it? Do you have someone leading you who actually is doing the things they are telling you to do? Do you have someone you feel confident knows not only the book knowledge but the practical lifestyle knowledge of living a fit life too? Some of us do better when we have someone to be accountable to-- whether it is a workout partner or a trainer. I have been amazed at how many people in the last week have emailed me in regards to online training. People do well with a plan layed out for them (something that is doable for a lifestyle, remember we hate the word DIET here.. DIETS die), and with someone to check in on them. Can I help you there? Can I help keep you away from the swift water?
Second I related the swift current to that of our diets. We all know that we need to eat clean. We need protein, we need complex carbohydrates, vegetables, a little fat, and a little fruit right?
 Do we need sugar? Do we need alcohol? Do we need greasy fast food?
No, we do not. Those things do nothing for our physical bodies, they do nothing to increase our performance, they do nothing for our waist line besides expand them. It is ok to indulge in them every now and again, as long as we truly do it only every now and again. Let's be honest here though (that's how I roll) how many of you can say you only eat dessert (candy, cake, cookies, ice cream, processed treats that you buy for your kids count here as well) one time a week? Or drink your favorite drink once a month? Or stop by the drive through twice a month? Typically speaking, sugar, fatty fried foods and alcohol are a FAST moving current that once you get close to it, they suck you in and they throw you through the river fiercely and fast, and all of a sudden you look at yourself in the mirror and you realize, you look exactly like that cheeseburger/chocolate cake/iced coffee/martini. If you can not eat and drink those things one time a week as a treat meal-- you need to avoid them until you have more control. Who can help you determine if you need to limit more or indulge more? Who sends you a random text message during the week asking you how your food plan is going? Well, if you are reading this and you are my client-- you can say that YOU do have this. Because I DO check in with my clients regularly and I want to know how it's going.
Don't let that slippery slope of indulgences pull you under the water. What feels worth it in the moment isn't always worth it later on. Don't let moments of weakness pull you under, have a plan and arm yourself to be successful in your healthy fit lifestyle.
Whether you think you can or you think you can't-- you are right. I KNOW you can do this, I KNOW you can be successful and you can determine who you are going to be for the rest of your life by the decisions and choices you make today. The thing is, YOU have to start believing in your success too! Let me help you find joy in your journey to get there.

Just do SOMETHING

Sometimes it feels like getting the body we want, looks and health wise is so overwhelming doesn't it? There are all these books out, every single one claiming to have the TRUTH! Each book has a set of rules that you absolutely have to follow in order to finally get thin-- and if you break those said rules-- you are a freaking cheater!! You have low self control and you should be very, very ashamed of yourself. And then there is the exercise. There are a million programs out there... kettlebells, TRX, crossfit, yoga, strength classes, cardio equipment for days and even those free weights! I mean there is so much out there. And every program says you need x amount of this, x amount of that, of course you have to stretch, make sure you get some yoga in and when you calculate that all up in your head, you are exhausted just thinking about the 3 hours per day you must devote in order to finally get the body of your dreams.

I used to be that person. I used to be that person, and I would ask a million questions about every exercise I did-- "should me toe be pointed or flexed?" "Should I run fast, or slow?" "Should I run?" "Should I keep my back straight?" "I better get my yoga in... (I hate yoga) or my 2 hours a day working out wont amount to anything... I have to do it all!"

Holy hell there are just a lot of things to think about huh?

Well, I am going to let you in on a secret-- that's what the people who are taking your money WANT you to think! The people authoring all those books, your nutritionist, your trainer, your supplement junkie... some of the people that are collecting your money want you to think you have to have them in order to be successful. Hell, I want you to think you need me, in order to be successful!

But, I want to teach you the tools to HELP yourself and then send you on your merry way, reaping the rewards of your referrals, and their referrals, and their referrals....

The cold hard truth is this, and it has been said by many a people before me and it is this-- you don't need any of that. You don't need to read this one certain book, or have this one certain operation, or have this specific trainer.

You need to eat healthy clean food, (Great easy to understand article on this here), you need to exercise (I can help guide you there!!), you need to drink plain ol water, and you need to get some friggin sleep. (If you are reading this and you only sleep 5 hours a night!!!!! FIX THAT PRONTO!!!!!!!)

Here's the other thing, you can't fix all these things at once. You can't just start eating 100% clean, exercising like a bad a$$, and become your best self all in the same day ok? (Some people can, but most can't-- for most of us it is a journey). Once you have one good habit down, add another one, and then another.

Start somewhere!

I hear time and time again-- I do not have time to exercise. Yes you do. You are full of crap if you think you don't have time to exercise. You may not want to make the time to exercise, but you do have the time-- maybe it just isn't a priority yet. Please stop telling everyone who does exercise that you "just wish you had the time." (It's insulting... like I am not busy or important because I DO have the time... bull shiz! I just carve out the time in every single one of my 6 days to make it happen. Yesterday, I had a 3 hour appointment, and because I was too lazy to get up before that 830 am appointment, and I had an appointment scheduled for 2 pm, I knew I only had a window of 60 minutes to get it in. Hell or high water, I was going to get it in. On the way to the gym, yet another detour-- called life happened and my time was cut in half... now only 30 minutes. I swerved in front of oncoming traffic and flipped a u turn and headed to the track. 30 minutes of heart pounding cardio, done (running intervals, walking, bleacher running). Do I tell you this to brag? No, I tell you this to remind you that you don't have to have 60 or 90 minutes to do a workout-- you just have to freaking bust a move and do something.

Second issue, I hear time and time again. Eating healthy is expensive. Well, I won't argue with you there, but Ill ask you this... how much money do you spend at McDonalds or Blimpie or Applebees per month? How much money do you spend on medical expenses every year? Have skin issues, have stomach issues, have head aches, have low energy? A lot can be traced back to the food you eat- the way you fuel your body. I promise you that eating clean, nutritious, filling foods at home will cost you less money in the long haul than eating out or feeding yourself processed chemical crap.

Third issue-- I can't afford a gym membership or a trainer. Well, you obviously have the internet, there are a million free resources online for workouts. I ran a bootcamp for 18 months with the highest weight being used a 20 lb bar and 10 # dumb bells. And you live on a street just like I do, there is a track less than 30 minutes from all of us. Workout at home, exercise outside. Especially if you are just starting out, you don't need to go pay 500 dollars for a gym membership-- you just need to start moving and keep doing it.

Consistency is key with anything. You didn't lose 5 lbs your first week? What are you going to do, go eat a box of doughnuts? Don't lie, I know people do that because I myself have done that. It happens. Weigh in, not what you thought, well then I'll sabotage myself. Stop doing that!!! You have to keep doing the right things for a long time to get the desired results. It just is the way it works. A million things play into that stupid number on that stupid scale, which is why I recommend everyone take their measurements (arm, belly button, hips, and thigh) and take progress pictures. You can SEE things that don't always show up on the scale.

Lastly, be patient with yourself. No one is an over night success story. Anything worth having takes work. I am not talking about a magazine picture body (reminder!! Those are models that are very hungry the day of their shoot, and they are airbrushed!!), but YOUR best body is going to take you some time and some work to achieve. It will be hard, you will mess up, you will want to quit-- but the blood, sweat and tears it takes to mold your body into what it is capable of, will be so sweet in the end-- I PROMISE you that.

(Did you fall down into a box of candy? Did you miss a workout!? Nobody cares and neither does your body... hop back on track and do what is right!! One mess up doesn't ruin a body, it is continuous mess ups that ruin a body. Keep your chin up and keep on keepin on.... It DOES get easier!)

Have questions? Need some guidance..... shoot me an email, I'd love to help!

Dinner Idea

So I sorta took a meal idea and made it my own this week after I found it on this other blog I read... Hey Joob.

I made this and called it a Chicken Fajita Taco Salad

I cut up 2 chicken breasts and seasoned with Mrs. Dash Southwest Chipolte 0 calorie 0 sodium seasoning. I cooked that for 5 minutes or so in a skillet and then threw in some onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, zuchini and squash.
I layed that on top of a huge bed of spinach, cherry tomatoes and a bit of avocado. Added 2 tbsp of salsa to the top and VIOLA..... 15 minutes later I had a delicious, nutritious dinner the whole family loved! (Ok, truthfully, I loved it... hubby was tired and said it was "meh, good." 4 year old wanted it in a taco shell with no veggies at all, and Bubba the 2 year old ate it like his sister of course, with plain spinach on the side.
Crazy kids!) But, I assure you it was super amazing!

Hey You

just wanted to remind you........

you are what you eat!

And we all got excuses, none are good enough for not making your health a priority.

So choose to live. Make it a great week!

Cleanse

Cleanse has gone well for all of those who are dying to know! It is over tomorrow and I feel like it has been a really good reset for my mind and body. I am ready to go back to my ol meal plan, missing rice cakes with peanut butter like crazy and some old fashioned oats with egg whites!

I haven't lost a ton of weight, I did poo, like a lot the first few days but now all is just "regular." I am maintaining about 133 lbs and with each passing day I become more and more ok with that.

I had some major swelling in my tummy from the excess junk I was eating, and that was really making me whig out. But-- when I see now what I look lie at 133 I am totally ok and even dare I say, Happy?!

Teri, what does junk do to your body? It makes it look junky!
Teri, how do you feel when your body looks junky? I feel sad!
Teri, how do you feel when you realize that you are 26 almost 27, have a body fat of less than 18% (I don't know what it is but it is definitely less than that), wear a size 5 pants, and your medium nike shorts are too big? How do you feel when you remember you have two babies that are more important than what you look like 24/7? How do you feel when you allow yourself to indulge in moderation and stick to a healthy plan the rest of the time?
I feel happy about all those things.
Teri, how do you feel when you do your leg workout and see crazy a$$ leg definition all through your quads? How do you feel when you lift 25# dumb bells for shoulder presses? How do you feel when you max out a stair climber? How do you feel when you go for a run and don't want to die? How do you feel when your kids want you to chase them, and you can kick their butts in any ol race? (haha, shut up I know they are only 2 and 4!)?
I feel good about those things.
Teri, how do you feel when your husband wants to make love to you every single.damn.day.of.your.damn.life?
Uh, still deciding on that one.
hahahah just kidding! Kinda!
that's another blog post.
Teri, how do you feel when you go to the water park and wear a tankini swim suit, that covers your tummy that you do not love, but accentuates your legs and shoulders and tatas that you do love?
I feel good and happy and proud.

Ok, I am done. But it's a valid point right? All those things are so so important, yet I have let the reflection of my stretchy tummy, or the number on the scale rule my day. Whether I am going to be happy or sad. Super silly when I write all these other things out that do make my heart smile, and do make me proud of the hard work I have accomplished to build the physique that I have TODAY! I will always be a work in progress in regards to my physical, mental, and spiritual progress... but it's a journey right? We aren't expected to be perfect, we are expect to try our best, learn from our victories and our trials, and PROGRESS into the people we are destined to become.

Tell me, what things make you happy on the inside? What are you proud of TODAY?