Almost Over

The year is almost over!!!

So what big milestones have occurred in my life for the year 2011?

Let's see...

I lost forty pounds
I dropped three sizes
I fell hard for a guy and had my heart bruised
I learned even I can believe stupid lies
I stayed in the same job past the one year mark
I have written thousands of words for several stories
I have ran a total of thirty miles for the year
I have exercised for over 5,000+ minutes
I have lost a car
I have changed a tire
I have gone on my first date
I have acquired twenty pairs of shoes, among them four pairs of boots
I have ice skated successfully
I have driven a smoking car ready to set on fire
I have taught Sunday school without any major catastrophes
I have read thirty books
I have been on facebook almost every day

I can no longer think of anything more, my brain is rung dry...any additions?

For the New Year:

Forty pounds
Two-three sizes
366 miles (one per day)
LSATs
New running shoes
5K marathon or the Transmountain Marathon in October
Boxing classes
Pole Dancing
At least three dates (with the same guy or three different guys)
Red high Heels
Little Black Dress
NAVY

LSATs

Rescheduled them for February...it was a good move, if I must say so myself.

Went to a work party on Friday night and spend it dancing...it was great. I've slept all three nights through and being that tonight is my last night off, I'm slightly concerned about having to re-set my schedule once I head back to work Tuesday night.

I've gotten back to the gym since it's too cold to do INSANITY outside and my room is too small to do it in here. So back to the treadmill and other cardio machines.

My new goal, for whatever is left of the year, is to get down to 235LBS. If I can achieve that during the holiday season, then I am set for the new year.

I'm amazed that I actually accomplished one of my 2010 new year resolutions for this year that is almost to an end. I made the resolution to loose thirty pounds and I have...amazing to see that I have it in me to push myself, even after being fallow and lazy for two and a half weeks thanks to a throat/sinus/ear infection.

Well, nothing much new to update.

Next year, I plan to loose up to forty pounds, more if possible. I will also complete my first book, search for an agent and have it published.

I will be a bridesmaid at a wedding in Floresville in August and God willing, will be joining the NAVY in November/December 2012 or if still needing to loose more weight and get fit, joining in January/February 2013.

Not to mention the LSATs in February 11,2012.

I cannot believe that we are almost done with this year...next year, I will be 28, hitting my ten year high school graduation anniversary and will still be single...

I think I'm okay with that...I think.

No Updates All Of October?

Shame on me.

How has life been going for me you must be wondering, in case you're one of those diligent readers of my blog...I don't even know if there are any out there.

Well, updates for month of October...back to working out again, I'm on week two, day two of INSANITY. Have already lost the first two pounds and still have sixteen more to go before the year is over.

My goal is to be at 220LBS by midnight of Dec. 31st. This means two pounds a week, starting last week.

Work has been uneventful. Still working the occasional crazy hours, like today...I don't go in until two in the morning.

I've had to replace two tires on my car thanks to a nail in the street.

I've been teaching Sunday school but this past Sunday had to stay home due to a sour stomach...being that I didn't eat until the next morning, it took that long for it to abate.

Also, had to work Halloween night and since they allowed us to dress up...


As you can see, I dressed up as a pirate. I lasted nine hours of the twelve before I had to take the boots off and loosen the corset.

I definitely looked better this Halloween than the last time I dressed up, which was two years ago.

Wanna see?

So do you see the difference that I see?





Well, enough is enough. Time to eat and rest before heading to work at the indecent hour of two in the freaking morning.

Adios to everyone and Hasta Luego!

Another Two Miles

And this time, I did it in ten minutes less than last week.

Met with Maili this morning to go running...she's starting to take over the role of my personal trainer...unpaid but still effective.

Last week, I did two miles in fifty minutes...walking, running, jogging, sprinting, running backwards, running sideways, and lunges...all in fifty minutes.

Today, I ran a total of a mile, not consecutively but a combination of running, jogging and sprinting, not to mention running backwards and sideways...we finished our two miles in forty minutes.

Next week, I aim for thirty to thirty five minutes and plan on running more...

It's truly amazing to me that I can actually do this...a year ago, I would have been on the floor with an asthma attack after running 1/4 of a mile...now it only takes two minutes to be able to run again...

I have, indeed, improved.

Good thing there's still more need for improvement otherwise I wouldn't know what to do with myself!

The Bassinet List

Recently, due to SO MANY friends getting married and HAVING BABIES, not to mention working post-partum and being used (at my suggestion) as a newborn-sitter, I've been hearing my biological clock ticking away, getting louder and louder with every tick.

TICK-TOCK-TICK-TOCK...

The tick is usually followed by a how hard could it be to get pregnant?

Then the tock is followed by a not without being married.

The next tick is followed by a single parenthood isn't all that bad. My mom did it and look how good all her three kids tuned out (err...maybe rethink that one)

The next tock is followed by a don't want to be a single mother unless it is inevitable, such as divorce (no plans on that) or widowhood...or, God forbid, the nightmare of every woman actually happens to me.

Basically, I've changed the ring tone to my biological clock, which is driving me crazy. Now, it loudly chimes

PRO-CON-PRO-CON

So how to deal with this aching need to have a baby, to be a mother? I mean, here I am soon to be twenty eight and I'm nowhere near having a child...

I don't want to get so damn desperate I end doing something stupid...like artificial insemination (I would then join the ranks of virgin mothers) or even worst and life altering, a one night stand (which does not guarantee a pregnancy).

I know, thoughts are insane but that's me...so I think I may have found a solution to my damn chiming biological clock...

The Bassinet List...a list of things I want to do before motherhood forces me to throw them all out the window.

1) Get down to my healthy weight of 155 lbs by my thirtieth birthday (I have two years and seventy eight pounds to go)

2) Go skydiving (I give myself permission to back out once I am in the plane looking down)

3) Visit Italy (this I want to do alone or with someone special because children will just make it hard to enjoy it all)

4) Go to law school

5) Practice law

6) Buy and own my own car

7) A high paying job

8) Ride a motorcycle down Route 66

9) Visit New York

10) Complete and Publish a book

11) Wear an actual little black dress...with red high heels

12) Go on a few dates, break a couple of hearts

13) Meet the one guy that makes me want to strangle him and kiss him at the same time

14) Fall in love

15) Plan the wedding of my dreams (it involves the outdoors, TONS of flowers, and down home country food)

16) Enjoy my best friend/husband/lover for a while

17) Share the news and joy of a pregnancy

18) Work with my husband and daddy to be to set up a nursery

19) Survive the labor

And twenty would be the end of my bassinet list -hold my own baby in my arms as I look into it's eyes and realize...I've never loved like this before.

In the end, I pray that God's plans help me hang in there so that I may be able to fulfill my list...and do it all to His Glory and His Glory alone.

He knows my wants, my needs, my desires...I just have to remember that patience is His calling for me...because I will be brought forth to a time such as this...

Two Miles

Yesterday morning, after work, I headed to a friend's house so we could go running, being that Stephen was heading to Ruidoso that morning and leaving me running buddy-less.

I must say, it was a decision made at the spur of the moment and it ended up being a milestone never reached before...

I ran about three-fourths of a mile, this includes sprinting and slow jogging.

I also did lunges, ran backwards to work out my calves and then ran sideways which works inner thighs...

The rest I walked, trying to catch my breath and keep my sides from splitting open...know what I mean?

It all added up to two miles. I've never done two miles of anything...

It made me realize that I still have a lot in me to dig into...I still have more determination and dedication and discipline that what I am using at the moment or even of what I'm aware of having.

I am sore, hurting from the sole of my feet to my shoulders...but I still went running this morning after work and want to do it again tomorrow morning...the factor working against me would be having to wake up early to do it...I guess we'll have to see.

Intriguing to find out that there's so much about yourself that even you don't know.

As I slowly shed the weight, it seems that I am also slowly discovering who I really am...or perhaps I'll still be the same person I've always been...just healthier and better looking.

Ha! With time, I suppose.

Let's see...

I'm at 236 LBS.

Started running with my best friend/big brother/pastor (gonna start calling him Jack instead of Stephen) last week...we actually did four mornings in a row and have mutually decided to keep it four mornings...Tuesday through Friday.

I will be starting INSANITY month one over again, but this time, I'll be doing it with my friend Maili 'cause I found out that I push harder when I work out with someone else.

This time around, there will be before and after pictures because I WANT MY SHIRT!

I've gotten about four pairs of new shoes in the past three days...thanks parents!

I am back to a normal working schedule, which involves working four days, one half shift and three full shifts. Exhausting, but the overtime will be worth it.

I will soon be getting a new bed, smaller which means more space to move in here in this tiny room of mine.

My car's starting to act up again but I will coddle it until I can afford to get it fixed...which I will do.

Oh, yes, I went out on my first date last weekend...dinner at Fuddruckers and about four hours of wonderful conversation that involved laughing and learning about each other...I like this guy very much.

His name's Chris.

243-239

Lost four pounds in five days doing INSANITY.

It's not official though. This Monday, I'll put in the official weight loss of a week doing INSANITY.

It's taken me five days to finally make up my mind...I love INSANITY.

It's amazing, it's hard, and it makes me sweat. I love it.

Point to remember: Must buy a heart monitor.

Month's Almost Over

So here's my monthly post along with a picture updates.

I have lost a total of fifty pounds since 2007 and have a new goal of losing another fifty by my birthday in March 2012.

That's in eight months, starting August first, which means losing six to seven pounds a month. I believe that can happen.

I have bought and received the INSANITY program, so that's my new project for the month of August and September...I plan on following everything, from their exercises to their meal plan...looks good. All it takes is a little planning and organization and we shall see what I look like by end of September.

This is a hard project coming up and I will try to update often but I can't make promises, what with possible changes at work that I am so looking forward to and other such things.

Thanks to all of you who keep tabs on this blog.

Adios and hasta luego!

Scale is not my friend...but I don't care!

I try not to weigh myself so much or even to hang my hopes on what the scale shows...especially when it shows I haven't lost any weight since I started going to the gym almost three weeks ago...

But it doesn't bring me down!

Not when I can run five minutes straight and am able to catch my breath and lower my heart rate in less than five minutes. Before, whenever I tried running, I would jog for one minute and it would take an hour to catch my breath and another two for my chest to stop hurting...yes, I used to get exercise induced asthma attacks.

Not when I can do a combination of six hundred abdominal crunches in one day when before I could barely do five in a row.

Not when my size eighteen jeans are starting to fit a little loser when before, I had to lie down on the bed just to zip 'em up.

Not when I am literally swimming in my scrubs when before they used to be so tight I was afraid to bend down and rip a seam.

Not when I am full of energy when before all I wanted to do was sleep and even when I slept twelve hours in a row, I was still exhausted.

Not when I crave healthy food when before all I seemed to shove into my mouth was junk food.

Basically, the scale may not be my friend but it's also not my motivator...no, for that I have my mirror...

I am seeing the changes and I am loving it!

PS> I will be posting a picture of myself from back when I was weighing 290LBS on July 1st...it's embarrassing but a necessary thing so the difference can be seen when I post a new picture after July 15th...

Should I be Hurting this Bad?

I've been to the gym eleven days out of fourteen this past two weeks...

And I hurt!!!

Well, doing great, work okay, home okay, finances in ruin (no surprise there) and my own health is good.

Muscles screaming bloody murder and wishing I had the money for a good one hour deep tissue massage...oh, that would feel oh so good!

Will try to update more often.

New Project: GYM

I got a gym membership today and spent three and a half hours at the gym...meant to just work out for two hours but once I hit the zone, I couldn't stop, thus the extra hour and a half.

Okay, summary of the last two months right?

Let's see...finished Billy Blank weighing 253LBS

Lilian Michaels and I did not work out but I discovered Zumba.

At the end of two months of Zumba, I finished weighing 247LBS

I've started my gym project after a week of neutral (basically, lazy inaction) weighing 247 LBS.

Aside from planning on dedicating two hours every day of the week except Sunday, I am giving up bread for the month of June.

Goal for weigh in on June 30th is 237 LBS...and a red halter top dress for a wedding in July...

Target for this month is fly away arms and abs...not to mention butt, thighs and hips...lots of work to do!

Will try to update more often if possible.

New Month

Which means starting over again...I do this every month...although my new start date is not until May tenth...

Last I weighed myself, I was at 249 LBS.

I abandoned Jillian Michaels and have done Zumba, three to four times a week, as well as started Kickboxing last Saturday....

Right now, I am sore like crazy! I did Zumba for two hours yesterday and one hour today...tomorrow is going to be a doozy!

Well, gotta head to work, I have a half shift to do.

Will try to update more often this month.

Adios!

Good Friday

It's shocking when something so sudden and tragic happens. Especially when it's unexpected...and you're unprepared.

I went to the Tenebre service at Zion with the Heimers, then had dinner and came home to a message from my fellow work UC, asking me to call her, so I did.

My friend and co-worker, a CNA with three kids, the youngest eleven years old, was found on the floor of her house by her daughter after getting home from working last night...they rushed her to the hospital. She had a stroke and passed away.

Last time I saw her was Wednesday night -Thursday morning...she was so excited 'cause she had gotten tickets to see her favorite singer. She was telling us about how she had bought new clothes for the concert and how she was looking forward to going with her boyfriend, who was willing to look the other way while she acted like a total groupie fan.

Why do things like this happen? It makes no sense at all.

And I realize that it doesn't make sense because they aren't supposed to happen. We aren't supposed to die, we aren't supposed to hurt, to cry, to feel alone, to feel abandoned. I can't help but think how her children must be feeling right now...she was just forty years old.

God gave His Son for days like these, for moments like these. To show us love when we're hurting, to carry our loneliness upon His own shoulders, to cry along side us...

The coming of Easter Sunday...a reminder that not only does my Savior live, but so does my friend. She's with her Love and Savior...

While the rest of us are left hurting...but with the comfort of life after death with Christ Jesus and His Father God.

Investing In The Things That Matter

One hour of Zumba today...

I've decided to combine Michaels and Zumba...

Friday, Saturday and Monday will be Zumba days. Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday will be Michaels days.

That leaves Thursdays as my Rest Days...I like my new schedule.

Investing my time on exercise will better my health and overall appearance...it is worth it.

Today, I bought myself a Reading Comprehension workbook...I have six weeks left for studying Reading Comprehension...it will be worth it when I get a HIGH score on my LSAT...which is approaching fast!

I also need to practice my writing...that was, after all, the reason I bought myself a LSAT Writing Workbook last month...

Well, tomorrow morning is weigh in and I have Zumba at 8:30 AM...joy!

Today, I hope to see my Heimer kiddos...I got them Easter gifts. And I'm starting the blanket for Kiah, Dawn and Carl's kiddo up in Virginia...finally bought the yarn.

And I need to get moving on Taylun's blanket, Ashley's little girl who's coming in July this year...up in Wyoming...wow. My blankets are sure starting to make their tours.

Will post pictures of them when I'm done...

Adios and Hasta Luego!!!

Rest Day

Today was a rest day...and I got placed available AGAIN...technically, I only worked one twelve hour shift this week...ridiculous.

Yesterday was Zumba day...one whole hour of Zumba and I am feeling it today.

Tomorrow, back to Michaels...and clean house, buy groceries, study and work on stories.

Anything else?

What A -

Jillian Michaels is kicking my behind...and has me doing it too!

Another twenty minutes...I still have to stop and catch my breath...I would of thought Billy Blanks would have prepped me but no, I was struggling.

Perhaps I would have struggled even more if Billy Blanks hadn't gotten to me for a month...well, for five weeks.

I bought me some chicken and mixed veggies...so I won't starve. Yay.

Well, nothing else is new.

THE SHRED PROJECT
LEVEL ONE DAY TWO ENTRY

Sweating and struggling by the third circuit...my goal is to be able to eventually do complete butt kicks...which means literally kicking myself in the butt.

I feel sore but it's a different kind of soreness from last month...this time around, the soreness feels good and not just plain painful.

I keep my mind on my goal...May tenth. Twenty minutes every day until May tenth...

So today was day two, eight more to go for Level One

I'm doing it!

Well, Wadda Ya Know? I have a RESET Button

And I had to press it this morning.

Confession time...three days without working out...three whole days of no exercise...just being lazy and lazy and lazy some more....

Needless to say, the lack of endorphins left me feeling depressed most of Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

One, they've cut my hours immensely at work and I had to cash in about twenty-four PTO hours so I wouldn't end up with a severely small check, which I will still probably do.

Two, my parents headed off to NM for the week on Friday and I have NO FOOD in the house...no worries though...I'll be getting some tomorrow with the last twenty dollars on my account...it should last me until Wednesday, which is when I'll be able to buy groceries.

Well, being that the reset button has been punched, today was day one of my new project...

So here's the statistics so far concerning my first project:

THE PT 24/7 PROJECT

Starting Date: February 27,2011
Starting Weight: 268 LBS

Ending Date: April 9, 2011
Ending Weight: 253 LBS

TOTAL LOST: 15 LBS

Starting Size: 22
Ending Size: 20

Total Minutes of Work-Out Time: 1,265

So this morning, having reset myself, was DAY ONE of my new project which means restarting journal entries. I've decided to put away PT 24/7 and see what SHRED can do for me in thirty days...looking forward to see who wins, project one or two.

THE SHRED PROJECT
LEVEL ONE DAY ONE ENTRY:

Twenty minutes and I was breathing hard and sweating...but it felt sooo good to get back on those endorphins...just like a junkie going through withdrawal finally get a hit...

Day One, Level One started with me weighing 253 LBS and wearing size twenty...

This project ends on May 10, 2011...my weight lose goal is to beat the PT 24/7 results of fifteen pounds...

I also want to drop one size which means be able to wear my size 18 jeans again.

Here's to the first ten days of Level One!

I'm doing it!

Oh My Abs!!!

Today was the first day of combining Billy Blank with Jillian Michaels...so that means journal entries shall resume.

I am exhausted...fifty minutes of working out and the 30 Day Shred Lever 1 isn't as easy as I thought it would be...then again, I did it AFTER I did my Body Blast Billy Blank DVD.

Weigh in this Sunday morning...oh, I hope I've lost something this week...being that last week I lost 0 pounds...

So I'm still at 254LBS...

On other areas of my life -they're cutting my hours at work due to over-staffing, which means I have to dip into my PTO hours to get paid those hours I'm getting flexed out of.

I think it is time for me to start looking for another job...preferably a day job this time around that isn't shift work and that pays me more than what I get paid now...

I've yet to do Reading Comprehension studying but I plan on doing some of that tonight at work...if I work. If not, I'll do it here at home.

THE BILLY/JILLIAN PROJECT
JOURNAL ENTRY #1

I'm starting from scratch today, adding Jillian to my Billy workout.

Results of doing Billy Blank from Feb. 27th to March 27th was a total loss of fourteen pounds, having started weighing 268LBS on Feb. 27th and ending at 254LBS on March 27th.

My next goal is to lose ten pounds, which should be reached by April 27th...a month from my 27th birthday.

The Jillian Michaels' weight loss goal is differing, being that I started today...so that means that I want to lose ten pounds between today and May 6th...

So to record, today I weigh...let me go check -254LBS.

Trying not to let frustration get the best of me.

I'M DOING IT!!!

Did I Just Do That?!

Choose to believe me or not, but I can bend backwards...no joke!

I can also do sit-ups correctly...really!

I will eventually take pictures, or a video, demonstrating my awesome flexibility. I love it!

Worked out today for my forty minutes...wonderfully relaxed at the moment as I continue swimming in endorphins.

I received DVD one of three...plan on starting the first one at the end of this month...which means I'm sticking with Billy for two more weeks after this one. My goal is to get in enough shape (and lose thirty pounds) by August, which is when I plan on buying INSANITY.

I will earn that t-shirt!

Tomorrow's weigh in morning...we shall see if I lost the two pounds and a half I needed to lose this week...pray to God. I haven't missed a single scheduled work out day...but I haven't been diligent with my diet either. Don't get me wrong, I haven't been binging or eating unhealthy food...I've just haven't been eating according to my schedule...

I'll have to do some grocery shopping soon.

Well, arrivedercie to all!

Victorious!!!

today I accomplished a goal...completed the entire Basics DVD of the PT 24/7 series...

That goal was set after my first workout on February 27th...

Totally amazed...I can completely sit up when doing sit ups now...can do at least twenty five push ups...can stay in the plank position for five minutes before having to hit the floor.

I can do one hundred cross punches...

But I still cannot do the stupid jumping jacks...must get a steel support sports bra to be able to do that.

Okay, so what else is going on with my life.

These next two months are dedicated to practicing my reading comprehension for the LSAT...and practicing my writing by doing a writing exercise once a week...I bought myself a work book for that.

I also need to start looking into scholarships and financial aid...have to request transfers and send out requests for letters of recommendation.

Oh, I had forgotten what a hassle it is to get into a higher education school...but in the end, it will be worth it.

Just like everything you have to work hard for...nothing worth having comes free.

I'm doing it...I don't expect handouts although I will take help.

Adios and Hasta Luego!

Sometimes...

Sometimes...

BREATH OF ANGEL -A Book Review

As a reader and writer, I enjoy discovering new authors, new genres and new writing styles. It was for that reason that I signed up for Blogging for Books.

*Breath of Angel* by Karyn Henley arrived last week in the mail. I opened the envelop, re-read the excerpt on the back of the book and then put it aside, having other things I needed to do.

Two days ago, being that I finally has some downtime, I picked up the book and opened to the first chapter...I didn't put the book down until I finished the last chapter about five hours after having started it.

Being an avid reader and serious book lover/nerd, I was surprised at what an easy read this book turned out to be, considering the deep themes brought up in the excerpt of the book.

Perhaps its because I'm an avid reader or perhaps because it was meant to be read that way, but *Breath of Angel* ended up having so many familiar resonating undertones from other beloved books I've read, mainly C.S Lewis' *Narnia Chronicles* and J.R.R. Tolkien's *Lord of the Rings* Trilogy.

The writing style was simple and easy to follow, the Scriptural analogies within book's fantastical theme of angel involvement within human nature easy to pick up for any trained theologian, such as myself.

The theme of the book consisted of restoration of a destroyed divine object...in the case of the book, the Stairway to Heaven. This, of course, involves opposing forces that make it difficult for those who are aiming to restore the stairway as well as those who are aiming to permanently leave the stairway destroyed.

The blood feud between the immortal brothers is the founding upon which the success or failure of restoring the stairway is build upon, which makes it a central point in the story.

The other central point within the story is the casting of the young priestess, Melaia, as the one and only answer to the restoration of the stairway, thus casting her as the Savior character for the stranded angels on earth.

Of course, the involvement of other characters, different levels of angels as well as angel hybrids, the resulting offspring of angels and humans, makes the story multi-faceted, introducing other themes, such as the budding romance between Melaia and Trevin, a hybrid much like Melaia that had originally been serving the "evil" first born brother but in the end of the book, had declared his loyalty to the Angelaeon.

This romantic strain between Trevin and Melaia make this book, to me at least, interesting to read, especially with the contradicting feelings within Melaia concerning her feelings for Trevin and her inability to trust him as being on the side of the Angelaeon.

I do recommend this book to those who enjoy books along this fantastical-Scripture undertone genres. If you enjoyed the *Narnia Chronicles* as well as the *Lord of the Rings* trilogy, you'll more than likely enjoy *Breath of Angel.*

I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series...it's an intriguing beginning to what seems to be a promising series.

Will Melaia succeed in restoring the Stairway to Heaven? Will the king, her father, be of help or a hindrance? Will Trevin's brother Dwin become a loyal follower of the Angelaeon or will he return to Lord Rejius, the evil first born, as soon as he has a chance? Will Melaia and Trevin fall in love? Will they have a chance to have a future together?

Will the Angelaeon be able to succeed without losing many of their members, such as Livia, Jarrod and Serai?

Looking forward to getting my hands on the entire series as it is released.


*I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review*

A Year...Difference?

So I accomplished one month of working out...amazing! Looks like there's more to me than what I thought.

My physical goal for month of April -To lose ten pounds. And to work out all thirty days...

I also need to get my behind moving on studying for my LSAT...these next two months are dedicated to Reading Comprehension...oh joy.

Well pictures as promised.

These two were taken last year on my 26th birthday, which was celebrated by going to church on Sunday morning then heading to Olive Garden for lunch curtesy of my little brother.

Yesterday started with a weigh in at six in the morning, working out for thirty minutes, going for a walk with my mother, showering, breakfast, getting dress and heading to church. The Heimers semi-surprised me with a birthday lunch and I got to cuddle my Livi-girl for long periods of time.

The only picture of myself I took is below...the rest of them are of my Livi-girl. Yes, Krysia, I'll e-mail them to you.

If you can see a difference, let me know. Because I still can't. But no despair...I shall keep working at it until I do see a difference.

Tomorrow...

I will be turning 27 years old tomorrow...

I've completed my one month workout project...and am embarking on a second workout project tomorrow...

Tomorrow is also weigh in day...we shall see...I'll be happy if I lost the two pounds I gained during week three.

I will soldier on...

THE PT 24/7 PROJECT
JOURNAL ENTRY #18

I completed 90 percent of the Cardio Burn DVD!!! And it turns out Billy Blank still makes me sweat...therefore, he's not done with me...except that by next week, he'll be joined by Jillian Michaels...oh boy!

I completed my one month challenge and am now challenging myself to another month...

I'll update a picture of myself in my birthday clothes (haven't figured out what those will be) along with tomorrow's post...

I AM DOING IT!!!

Picture Update...Click on Link in Post to Observe the Four Year Difference

Almost Over

April 1st

That's when I receive my next workout project. I am almost done with PT 24/7 and I'm ready to try something new and different, thus enter Jillian Michaels from THE BIGGEST LOSER, which is one of my to watch reality shows.

I plan on combining Jillian Michaels with Billy Blank just to see what I get...that means going from a thirty minute workout to an hour workout. Hopefully that will get me ready for INSANITY as I start saving my money for it...I want that t-shirt!

THE PT 24/7 PROJECT
JOURNAL ENTRY #17

I worked out for thirty minutes today because I had to do things before the day went away. I did the scheduled Ripped Core DVD although I did it on top of the scheduled DVD yesterday.

I actually completed 95 percent of the DVD! And I didn't have to stop as often as before....and it still makes me sweat!

I've ordered my next DVD workout project...I am bringing in Jillian Michaels into my world along with Billy Blank, therefore creating my next project, which starts the day after my birthday...I shall call it THE JILLY BLELS PROJECT...or something else.

Next weigh-in is this Sunday morning...on my 27th birthday!

It took Nine Years...Will it Take that Long to Reverse it ALL?!

I made myself a progress slideshow...because I don't see any changes in me...although there are. I definitely do not look like I did four, almost five, years ago.

It's going to be a slow process and I can't lose heart. Keep at it, keep at it, keep at it....

THE PT 24/7 PROJECT
JOURNAL ENTRY #16

Today I combined two of the DVD workouts...Power Boot Camp and Ripped Core. It was a good hour work out and I completed 80 percent of each video.

I must say, I am ready to start something new...so tomorrow I am buying two of Jillian Michaels' thirty day DVDs...which means two months....and I plan on mix-n-matching with Billy Blank.

This I'll be doing until I save up $115 to get myself INSANITY...I want that t-shirt! In a size medium!

I can, will and am doing it!

Flipping Off Billy Blank

I found myself, in the middle of today's workout, flipping the bird at Billy Blank...and I couldn't help but smile.

I've got the needed drive now...the determination to continue despite wanting to stop.

Last time I flipped the bird at someone was my driving instructor...and I got my license after six one hour lessons...

For me, the bird means "I'll show you."

So believe me when I say, no matter how long it takes or how hard it gets, I'm gonna do it...so now I'm looking forward to seeing what I will look like by the end of this year...as I said at the beginning of the year, this is my year.

THE PT 24/7 PROJECT
JOURNAL ENTRY #15 (?)

I can complete up to eighty percent of every workout but I'm still having a hard time doing the cardio at the speed done on the video...but I do get my heart racing.

I am contemplating the possibility of starting to learn to run once I drop twenty more pounds...I've always wanted to run but I never did because of my weight.

I've settled on my next workout project just haven't bought it yet...so looking forward to that.

I'm doing it! -!-

The Groove

Trying so hard not to lose the groove.

I'm on week four, almost about to reach my goal of four weeks of working out and I feel like I'm about to lose my groove...not to mention my dedication and discipline.

I can't let that happen. I just can't.

Today is a rest day but since I took my rest day on Sunday (yes, it was on the schedule) I decided not to take today's.

Not only that, but I plan on working out extra time...for some strange reason I feel like thirty minutes is no longer enough.

I will be buying a new program this week to start a different work out project for next month...and I also plan on combining it with the PT 24/7 program. It doesn't hurt to work out for an hour instead of just thirty minutes after all.

And yes, I'm eating healthy...I'm just not seeing myself in a healthy way, which worries me. But I'm doing my best on not focusing on that.

Well, here's to my hour for today!

Good work out. I must stay in the groove. This is the time where encouragement will help.

Quick question: Does my face look thinner in the following picture?

Compare the above, taken yesterday, with the one below, taken at beginning of my four week PT 24/7 Project. Is there a difference? 'Cause I can't see any. So I need impartial, unbiased opinions. Feel free to share.

Adios and Hasta Luego!

PS> No Journal Entry because I wasn't scheduled to work out but I did anyway, using one of Blank's DVDs, Ripped Core...I completed about 80 percent of it...it's getting easier every day I do it.

Sweat Drips

Sweat Drips

THE PT 24/7 PROJECT
JOURNAL ENTRY #14

I was able to do eighty percent of the video today. My only down fall is the cardio and the kicks...especially when both are involved.

I am so excited to see the results this Sunday of another week of working out...I am already at a point where I want to work out every day...I don't think I plan on taking any more rest days...I will not get complacent, I will not get lazy.

Today is a Reality, Tomorrow is a Promise, and Yesterday is History. Those who think about doing something are usually passed by those doing it.

I know which on I am. Which one are you?

>Click link at beginning of post to be directed to my sparkpeople blog page<

One Hour!

Today was a rest day according to my Billy Blank calendar...but I couldn't do it.

So I used some of my other work out videos...I have several Ten Minute Solution videos and I did fifty minutes total between three videos.

Then I did ten more minutes just jamming to Flo Rida, Black Eye Peas and Rihanna.

An entire hour of working out!

It feels so good and my muscles aren't as sore as they were when I woke up this morning.

I've been leaning towards getting Jillian Michaels' DVDs for my next work out project.

When I feel ready, I plan on putting down serious money for the INSANITY program, but not yet. I still need to drop a good sixty pounds before I get that...it's a very intense program and I will be using it so I can tone up my flabby parts.

I tried putting on my size 18 jeans...not a good moment. I got them to zip up and button, something I hadn't been able to do three weeks ago, but it made my belly bulge look huge! And, of course, that made me feel exasperated because I don't SEE results in the mirror, just on the scale and on how some of my clothes fit...mostly my scrubs from work. They aren't as tight as they were three weeks ago.

Oh, to be able to see results. But this time around, I will continue because I really am addicted to those endorphins.

By the time I finished my hour of working out, I was sweating as in dripping...very good indeed.

Well, no PT 24/7 entry today because I didn't do PT 24/7 today. Back to it tomorrow! Along with extra music jamming workout after wards.

Becoming My Own Drug Dealer

It's amazing, how wonderful I feel after working out. I have started adding ten extra minutes after my DVD workout...which includes dancing...and I can now dance an entire song without losing my breath.

Work has been going well, and I do say I am enjoying the half shifts on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Well, nothing new to add. Just loving life, loving healthy food and loving the work outs!

Still need ideas on my next workout project.

THE PT 24/7 PROJECT
JOURNAL ENTRY #13

Yes! I did 80 percent of the DVD today! I still have a hard time doing the combination work outs on cardio speed but with time, with time. I don't plan on giving up.

I added another ten minutes working out with five pound dumbbells again and then, three song dancing.

Gotta love the booty shakin' songs. Got my hands on Pitbull, Usher and Flo Rida and danced to Calle Ocho, OMG, and Low (Apple Bottom Jeans).

Yay on the endorphins!

Oh, yes...I am so much more flexible today than I was last week. That's what I'm talking about!

Today is a reality, tomorrow is a Promise, yesterday is History. Those who think about doing something are usually passed by those doing it.

I'm doing it!

To Do More

I must say, for the record, I hate rest days. But I do them because one, they're on my schedule and two, they are necessary...yucky, but necessary.

Today, I added some extra abs workout after I finished my thirty minute Cardio DVD. It feels good to want to work out more, not less.

THE PT 24/7 PROJECT
JOURNAL ENTRY #12

Did about 60 percent of the Cardio DVD. I also added some abs work out using five pound dumbbells after the video.

I am really starting to see some minor changes here and there on my body and that makes me feel good. I've yet to try putting on any of my jeans...I just don't want to feel disappointed if they don't fit.

I mean, I have lost thirteen pounds and it's been good for me, energy wise and such. But I'm starting to wonder if I'll be able to reach my goal of wearing my size sixteen jeans on my birthday. Well, that's two weeks away, so I still have time.

I am doing it!

WOW!!!

Yesterday's weigh in resulted in....

255 LBS!

I lost seven pounds this last week which brings me to a total of 13 LBS!

I see a bit of a difference in the way my clothes fit but the biggest changes I am seeing is in the scale.

For those who thing thirteen pounds in two weeks is too much, just know that I am not doing anything harmful to lose weight that fast...it's just happening.

I work out about six days out of the week and I eat my six times during the day/night.

I am still trying to get the hang out of switching eating schedules for my nights off but this past weekend, it didn't work out all that well. I ended up not eating my six meals on Saturday and I didn't eat on Sunday until I made a blueberry smoothie after working out and before work.

Alright, y'all, more to come.

Two weeks left on my PT 24/7 Project!!!

After I finish the four weeks, I will continue with it but I am looking into adding a new video workout.

Any suggestions?

Bellybutton!!!

Only Becca will know what that's all about.

Day eleven and I feel amazing...I posted a video on facebook of my biggest supporter and was amazed to see how small my face and shoulders looked in the video.

It could have been the camera angle because I don't see a difference when I look in the mirror although my parents say there is a difference.

What truly matters right now, when I can't see a difference, is the fact that I feel great...I have more energy, I sleep better, I'm in a better mood most of the time.

I am slowly finding the healthy girl inside this fat girl that had taken over my life for almost ten years...but not anymore.

It the long run, it will all be worth it when I finally feel good about myself and have learned to love myself as well.

THE PT 24/7 PROJECT
JOURNAL ENTRY #11

I still have a hard time doing some of the cardio but I can do most of the DVD....another new goal is to be able to do the different kick combinations on the videos as well as be able to do the cardio.

Tomorrow morning is weigh in at 6:30 AM. Don't forget to spring your time forward tonight!

Today is Reality. Tomorrow is a Promise. Yesterday is History. Those who think about doing something are usually passed by those doing it.

I'm doing it!

God is Great, Endorphins are Good and People ARE Crazy...

Relaxed, high on endorphins and smelling minty fresh....this is definitely the way to spend a Friday off from work...as soon as I get some energy, I am indulging on girley time and doing my nails...they definitlely need it.

Later today, AIM date with Becca...always look forward to that!

It is good to be 26, motivated, single and happy. God is Great, yes indeed He is.

I am anxiously awaiting Sunday morning for my second weigh in...curious as to what two weeks of exercise and one week of healthy eating have done.

One thing for sure...I am getting addicted to working out. Even during work, I can't help moving around, working my abs by twisting when I do certain things or working my legs by walking long and fast, picking up my feet the entire time, which in turn works out my seating area.

It is, by far, the best addiction ever...it may even be better to an addiction to chocolate...but jury's still out on that one.

THE PT 24/7 PROJECT
JOURNAL ENTRY #10

Today was a return to the Basics DVD...the very first one I struggled with on my first work out day on Feb 27th...I was able to do thirty percent more of it than I did the first time...that means 60 percent of the entire 30 minutes.

I've noticed the technique needed for kicks and punches have improved since I first started. Heck, I was actually able to do about 80 percent of the cardio in the video, both punches and kicks.

I still get a little confused with the combination moves but with time, I'll get those too.

Weigh in morning on Sunday...we shall see what has happened.

Today is a Reality. Tomorrow is a Promise. And Yesterday is History. Those who think about doing something are usually passed by those doing it.

I'm doing it!

Ten Days working out and counting!

Waste of Money

YAY!!!!!

I'm clotting the right amount, do not have anemia, my WBC (White Blood Cell Count) is within normal limits, my thyroid is doing it's thing the way it's supposed to, my kidneys are functioning properly, my EKG is normal....

The only thing that's wrong is a bit of a high cholesterol. My good cholesterol is in the right level but both my tri-cholesterol and LDL cholesterol are a bit high...the first is at 206 when it should be 150 or lower and the second is at 130 which is the boundary line for cholesterol.

Oh, as for my nosebleeds...dry mucus lining so I've been prescribed a nasal spray. I think I might also look into getting a humidifier for my room and see if that helps.

Won't be seeing the doctor until June...yay!

Oh, and at that time, we'll also see how my cholesterol is doing...will have to remember to schedule my labs two weeks before my appointment.

As for today, it is rest day. So I plan on washing my car after I get some more sleep. And then go for a walk...that will be good, yes, yes, it would.

Adios and hasta luego!

Endorphines...Nature's Own High

My parents shared an observation they had made recently...I wake up in a bad mood, not wanting to talk or interact with them...but after I work out for thirty minutes, I'm relaxed, smiling and cheerfully willing to talk and help with what they need.

Yep, my brain is starting to enjoy those endorphines...I think, for the sake of it and those around me, I won't be able to stop working out.

Tomorrow is rest day...but I plan on taking a long brisk walk...after I see the doctor about my lab results...depending on what he has to say, I might try to find a cliff to take a long brisk walk off...but no, God is in control no matter what...and there aren't cliffs in El Paso.

I've had a good two nights in my attempt to eat healthy...tonight I need only take a snack and my dinner...

Still struggling to figure out a right calorie and carbohydrate balance...with time. Thanks to www.sparkpeople.com I can take the guess work out of the counting.

THE PT 24/7 PROJECT
JOURNAL ENTRY #9

Today I completed 80 percent of the thirty minute DVD workout! I remember how hard it was to get through the Ripped Core DVD last week and am amazed to see myself actually doing six out of ten of the cardio movements...

It's all going great! I will be eating my breakfast soon, at six thirty then at eight thirty my snack then lunch at eleven before leaving for work then second snack at work at one thirty then dinner at three thirty.

My meal schedule is a little off from what it usually is but that's because I don't go into work until midnight today and tomorrow and I already had a protein drink before working out.

Today is a reality, tomorrow is a promise, yesterday is history. Those who think about doing something are usually passed by those doing it.

I'm doing it!

Jumping Jacks + Me = Not happening

Ever since I developed up top (I never went through the training bra phase to my great pre-teen embarrassment) I have not done jumping jacks...they hurt. I'm sure most women that actually have something up top can identify with this.

So that's one thing I don't do from the DVD...not until I find a sports bra tight enough to keep the ladies in place.

Last night, I kept to my eating schedule and it was good...I even had some of my lunch left over to use as lunch today.

Today's menu involves orange juice and a half sandwich of wheat bread, roast beef, cheese and lettuce. Snack is blueberry yogurt, lunch is turkey with green beans, peas, sweet cord and carrots. Second snacks is a medium wheat tortilla with peanut butter and for dinner, a chicken and spinach wrap with sour cream, cheddar cheese and tomatoes.

Good going to me...trying not to lose the motivation as I think about Thursday's appointment.

THE PT 24/7 PROJECT
JOURNAL ENTRY #8

I was able to do about 45% of the Cardio Burn DVD today...I did notice a lack of motivation in my attitude...not a good thing.

Encouragement would be appreciated.

Keeping to a food schedule helps, I've noticed. The only downside is when I run out of food and have no more money.

I am contemplating selling plasma a couple of times to get some extra cash...but not sure when I can do it because I have to get a TB shot tomorrow for work.

I suppose I'll just let it all go and let God do what He's best at...leading my life down the right path.

Today is reality, tomorrow is a promise, yesterday is history. Those who think about doing something are passed by those who are doing it.

Which do I want to be?

Possible Bad News Rescheduled

For lunch, I had a medium sized wheat tortilla, sour cream, fresh spinach, chicken breast and shredded cheddar cheese.

It was good but I'm still hungry.

Probably because I didn't really have much of a breakfast aside from two crackers and a protein drink. I'm trying not to eat too much because I have to eat tonight at work. Which means my breakfast starts at five thirty pm as a fruit smoothie, then greek yogurt for snack, then spinach with tomatoes and cucumbers with chicken and rice vinegar dressing, cottage cheese and raisins for a snack and for dinner is going to be peas, asparagus, broccoli and turkey bits seasoned with garlic and herbs.

How does that menu for tonight sound?

Well, to the doctor's appointment soon and then working out, shower, resting before work, prepping my food and then on to work.

Will update this after doctor's appointment.

3:32PM

Apparently, Dr. Chauvet had an emergency at noon and his assistants didn't bother to call in time to reschedule the appointment. Needless to say, I'll find out on Thursday...thanks to the nurses silently gesturing to each other over my lab results, I am now very pessimistic about them.

The worse thing they could tell me is that I am dying...something I already knew. So I will not agonize over them and give it up to God.

I was angry though about the whole thing so I worked out as soon as I got home...I completed about 80 percent of today's video...pushed myself hard but not hard enough. With time.

THE PT 24/7 PROJECT
JOURNAL ENTRY #7

Today's work out had my heart beating fast...and if felt good. I can do a little more than what I was able to do last week...and I get excited at the idea of working out.

I'm getting more flexible, able to touch my toes without bending my knees and I can squat without losing my balance...

It's good to be able to paint my toenails without having to prop my foot on my other knees or tie my shoelaces without losing my breath.

I am going to start a food journal now that I have food in the fridge. Tonight's menu has been written above and I already have my eating schedule in my head.

Basically, I will be eating every two and a half hours...that covers three meals and two snacks and still gives me three hours after my last meal before I go to sleep.

Drumroll Please....

Weigh in occurred at 6:24 this morning before eating my breakfast of two soft boiled eggs and a grapefruit...and my bottle of water...

And my new weight after working out for a week is....

Drrrrrrruuuuuummmmmmrrrrrooooolllll........

262LBS!!!

I lost six pounds in one week with exercise!!!!

It is, by far, the most amazing thing ever! I still, of course, have a hard time fitting into most of my old clothes but patience is something I shall seek and gain.

I want to thank a couple of friends. Jen for giving me the mayo clinic healthy recipe website (so looking forward to that avocado dip recipe) and I'd like to thank Rachel, ex-RA from Harms at CUA for introducing me to www.SparkPeople.com

That will definitely help.

On a more serious note...I find out the results of my EKG and lab work tomorrow at 2PM. Please pray that my next blog is titled "Waste of Money."

I shall enjoy today's rest day! I look forward to working out tomorrow!

Noodle Legs!

One week down! I am rocking!

Tomorrow is weigh day...we'll get to see what one week has done.

Now, I have to step it up...and educate myself on healthy grocery shopping and eating.

Today, I bought new sneakers...they actually give me high arch support, something that I have never been able to get no matter how much the shoe promised it. It's absolutely great!

I also bought some vitamins at Vitamin World (we were there to buy mom's vitamins which help her with her fibromialgia) called Lipo 6 Black. I take one thirty minutes before working out. It's supposed to help burn fat...we shall see if it helps...all with time.

I actually did one week! I am still amazed!

Even more amazing is that I am enjoying myself, feeling more energetic, sleeping wonderfully and looking forward to working out.

Now I need to set myself a eating schedule...and I need to buy groceries for me in mind.

But the problem is that I don't know how to shop healthy or how to set a menu...especially because I eat my three meals and two snacks during the night on the night's that I work...so what to do?

THE PT 24/7 PROJECT
JOURNAL ENTRY #6

Six days! With one day rest in between. I actually finished the first week!

Goal for week two...step it up a notch on the cardio...accomplish five to ten percent more of the workouts.

Second Goal...food. Educate, buy, eat.

Tomorrow morning at 6:30AM, weigh in time...we shall see what a difference a week can make?

More Benefits of Working Out

Five days working out...

Wow! One more before rest day on Sunday.

Today, I woke up at 3:30AM went back to sleep, woke up at 5:30AM then just laid in bed until 7:30.

Got up, got dressed and headed out...a first for me...up and about before noon...WAY before noon.

Got a chai cream frap and a low fat blueberry coffee cake for breakfast then headed back home because nothing in El Paso is open before 9AM.

Headed out and got a great hair cut and a painful eyebrow waxing (never again will I let that woman wax my eyebrows...but she can cut my hair every time) then went to pay a bill before getting some lunch, buying money orders and heading home.

Had my lunch, filled out money orders and finished my taxes before heading out to the library to print my taxes and mail them with my bills...unfortunately, I realized while I was there, but thankfully before I sealed the envelope, that I had forgotten my w2s.

So the bills got mailed but the taxes will be mailed tomorrow.

Took a nap, then worked out for thirty minutes...my arms sure got a work out!!! Which is great...good bye to bye-bye arms!

Tomorrow's plans...mall with mom, buy new sneakers, work out.

Oh, study my Logic Games from my two new LSAT books.


Picture of new haircut as promised.

Awake, Alive, Alert...Enthusiastic!!!

I gotta get errands done today, send out payments, make payments, a little personal care (wax eyebrows and a haircut...I am chopping off two inches of my hair) and then come home and work out.

So looking forward to working out...I think the endorphins are starting to kick in. As stated in Legally Blond, "Exercise releases endorphins, endorphins make you happy, and happy people don't kill their husbands."

Don't have a husband but basically, I feel happy, relaxed, energetic and ready to take on the day.

Will post picture of new haircut.

THE PT 24/7 PROJECT
JOURNAL ENTRY #5

Yesterday was a core workout...and it was good. I feel my abs and am completely surprised that they actually exist.

Plan on grocery shopping but must do it smartly which means planning a healthy menu and a grocery list.

Gonna go eat breakfast...does egg whites and wheat toast sound healthy? It does to me!

Four Days With No Sugar...

Except for one peanut M&M on Wednesday at 3:30AM...for me, the chocoholic, that is amazing.

I do have a chocolate bar given to me by a co-worker yesterday...it is sitting in my candy tin can along with several tootsie rolls and real bubble gum...it will all stay there for a month...perhaps longer...

Yesterday was a day of rest...I did not do my twenty minute walk, I only had four bottles of water and I did not do yoga...just light stretching...and I know I lied, Beccs, but I did sleep most of the day...in two hour increments.

There's no point to lying...but back on the horse today.

For some weird reason, this time around, I am ubber excited about working out!

Let's bring it on!

Oh! Can't make up my mind how to reward myself at the end of the four week project...should I buy myself a new book? A new dress? Or perhaps purchase those pair of red high heels I've been wanting for a long time? Along with a black or grey dress?

Any suggestions?

THE PT 24/7 PROJECT
JOURNAL ENTRY #4

I did not do the minor things I wanted to do on my rest day, as written in previous journal entry.

But I, once again, avoided the oreos...and the chocolate cake.

I plan on going grocery shopping for healthy food for me...and I have to put together a menu of sorts...

Today I start working out again and do so for three days before my next rest day, which is this Sunday...

This Sunday is also the first weigh in day at 6:30AM...we shall see what one week does....

Sleep or Exercise?

Donut or Cottage Cheese?

Oreos or Cereal?

Yes, my last two days have been filled with temptations...but so far, I am overcoming them.

Today, I reached a personal milestone. Normally, I always choose sleep over anything, and I mean ANYTHING!

I can eat later...I can exercise later...I can play with Jaden later...

But today...today later became NOW.

Yay me!

THE PT 24/7 PROJECT
JOURNAL ENTRY #3

Redo goal: To be able to do every single DVD by end of month, including the cardio at the cardio speed.

I can feel all the muscles on my back, shoulders, arms, upper and lower abs, obliques, thighs and calves...today, I finally got to feel my butt muscles.

This is wonderful!

Tomorrow is rest day...goal of the day is eight 16oz bottles of water in a 24 hour period, one twenty minute walk and some slight stretching in the form of yoga...

Becca! Hold me accountable for tomorrow so I don't sleep the day away!

Today is a reality, tomorrow is a promise, yesterday is history. Those who think of doing something are passed by those doing it.

Aches!

I hurt! But it's a good kind of hurt. I did my first DVD workout yesterday...there's seven of them, each for one day, and they alternate throughout the month. I've got two more DVDs to go through before rest day. So technically, this week, I only work out six days...but if I can actually make it through the six days without slacking off, I will be impressed!

Normally, I can't make it past day three, whether walking, yoga, belly dancing, whatever.

I like this DVD workout I got because it works out EVERYTHING at once instead of isolating one thing at a time. I don't want to work out one thing at a time...that will take too long and I'll look seriously misshapen if I have skinny legs but a big butt or skinny arms but a big tummy. So everything at one...although at this moment, the only thing doesn't hurt is my face...

New Mantra for me: Today is a reality. Tomorrow is a promise. Yesterday is history. Those who think about doing something are passed by those who are doing it.

Becca, schedule for this week...Sun -Basics (DONE!), Mon-Cardio, Tues-Combo Scultp, Wed -Rest Day (I am so looking forward to this! I must drink lots of water this day to flush out toxics and do some slight stretching to flush out lactic acid...call me out on both), Thurs-Ripped Core, Fri-Boot Camp Power, and Sat -Cardio Burn.

Thanks for the accountability...OH! I am filling out your Birthday card to send it out today. Love you!

THE PT 24/7 PROJECT
JOURNAL ENTRY #2

I've change a bit of my goal...I want to be able to get through the entire basic DVD without having to stop or falling behind...which I did yesterday. I probably completed about 50% of the entire workout...but I'll build up to it.

I also need to drink more water....water...water...water...

And I need to learn to snack healthy...

Adios Fat Girl!

I have nothing in my closet that fits me. NOTHING. And this isn't the usual closet full of clothes nothing, but the actual closet full of clothes that are at least one size smaller than me!

I am certain that I've started pushing towards size 22 again...not going to happen!

I am finally seriously fed up...and no matter what, I will no longer cut any slack for that fat girl that's taken over my life.

That declaration may have come too late, or right on time, being that today I start my four week project.

THE PT 24/7 PROJECT
JOURNAL ENTRY #1
Feb. 27th

My goal for this four week project is to be able to wear my brand new size sixteen jeans on my 27th birthday. I would like to lose up to ten pounds for the month but am more concerned with dropping three sizes.

I also would like to achieve the goal of actually completing the four week project and being that I have a schedule of what to do on which day, I have no excuse. I am using my obsessive planning/planner need against me. No more excuses to procrastinate.

I would also like to learn a little more about food and how to eat it...this means I have to start eating breakfast...and I need to learn to snack healthy...and water will become my beverage of choice.

To change my body, I must change my eating habits and exercise habits. To change those, I must change my way of thinking.

It is time I learned to love myself and better myself...all in God's glory.

As I progress on this project of mine, encouragement would be appreciated from all those who read my blogs, whether friends or strangers.

And Becca, you have been designated the accountability buddy...I will send you a copy of the workout schedule so you can email me or leave me a message on facebook asking if I did my work out that day. Don't let me slack!

This project starts with me weighing at 268LBS, a size 22, with atrocious eating habits and no energy whatsoever.

Keep reading to discover the results!

utter evilry

five nights working, tonight off, then back to work on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday...

If there were such things as karma gods, I must have pissed them off....

God...kill me now...'cause I think I'm about to die of utter exhaustion.

Where's grizzly bear when you need one? It doesn't have to be grizzly...I'll take a polar bear, a black bear, a panda bear, a silver tipped bear....

Any bear that would get the job done! Please!

Indulging the Girlie Side According to Luz

This is a How-To indulge the girlie girl in you via my way...

What is needed?

A towel
Wash cloths
Overnight foot cream
Nail Polish Remover
Cotton balls
IZOD kleenex (Thanks Erin!)
Toe nail clipper
Nail file
Cuticle stick
Four sided nail block (evens, smooths, buffs and shines)
NutraNail Flexi-Shield Nair Hardener Clear nail polish
Sally Hansen Nail Growth Miracle Nail Color (the color of the day is Beautiful Berry)
Willy Wonka Waterfall Chocolate Bar
Media Player set on Random
Best friend on AIM

What to do...

Set your Media Player to play on Random (gotta love Nickelback, Poison, Brad Paisley, Conway Twitty, Toby Keith, and many more during a girlie session)

Get your bestie on AIM and reassure her it's okay if she doesn't want to join the relationship rollercoaster you are currently on with the man your currently talking to about said relationship

Wipe your feet clean and apply overnight foot cream to soften them and give yourself a quick relaxing foot massage

Remove nail polish from last girlie session

Clip toenails if necessary

Push back cuticles and make sure you don't make your pinky toe bleed (OUCH!)

Take a bite of Willy Wonka bar...YUM!

Change song because you don't like the one playing...Alison Krause is not a girlie time artist at this moment

Make snarky comment to bestie, who's watching The Dark Knight on Blu-Ray and isn't really paying attnetion to you, but that's okay

File nails to nice round edges, then even them out, smooth them out, make comment to bestie about having ugly toes, buff them, then shine them

Apply single coat of NutraNail Flexi Shield Nail Hardner but before you do, put cotton balls between your ugly toes because you can't find your toe separaters

Change song because you don't really want to listen to Lost and Found at this moment

Once right foot has its coat of Nail Hardener, repeat process with left foot (watch that pinky!)

Once Hardener is dry, apply single coat of Beautiful Berry then admire how pretty your toes look (although they are ugly...makes you think of little alien heads...HELLO EARTHLINGS!!!)

Allow toenails to dry while moving on to fingernails...

Apply hand cream to soften cuticles, then push cuticles back with manicure stick...oh! Take a big bite of Willy Wonka 'cause you've been ignoring him while doing your toes.

Ah! Idea of story hits you so pause process to share it with bestie on AIM

Continue with cuticle pushing...ouch! Don't make your cuticles bleed...too late.

Run to living room after your toenails are dry to show them off to mom...she agrees they look pretty, affirming your need to know if you do indeed have ugly toes...mom says no, so you don't...

Use nail file to shape nails, then use block to even, smooth, buff and shine...admire your shiny fingernails then apply single coat of Nail Hardener...

Make comment to bestie about how you just realized you hate using nail color on fingernails but not on toenails then giggle when she says you're quirky.

Take bite of Willy Wonka.

Attempt typing while your nails are still wet...success! You rock!

Finish Willy Wonka off then get on your blog spot and update your blog with a How To Indulge the Girlie Side According to You...

Oh yes! Update picture of pretty/ugly toes...

Scratch the picture idea...feet and toes look like midget hands in a picture...

Adios and Hasta Luego!

Mean Luz

The RNs and CNAs accuse me of being mean because I tend to compare babies to whatever they remind me of. I know some of my comparisons are a bit...well, not cute, but hey, call it as you see it. I'll do the same thing when it comes time to have my own. But just for fun, here is the baby list comparisons...of course, I won't give you the real name of the babies, what with HIPPA but I will give you the comparison...

1. Baby Michelin Man
2. Baby Monkey
3. Baby Marshmallow Peep
4. Baby Mr. Planter's Peanut
5. Baby Bobble Head ( I wouldn't want to birth this baby...head bigger than his body!)
6. Baby Mandrake from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
7. Baby Smeagle/Gollum from Lord of the Rings
8. Baby Werewolf
9. Baby Rocky (the boxer movies...towards the end after he wins the fight but he's all bruised and eye swollen shut...yeah, the baby had the same look...apparently it was a fight for him to get to earth...or perhaps he was fighting to stay where he was...)

I suppose I could add to the list as more funny and somewhat ugly but cute babies come along...but no promises.

After working five day weeks for the past month and a half, I've got a pretty good idea what a large number of people were doing nine months ago...

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream and Sweet Home Alabama with Becca

It has been so long since I've gotten to just sit back, eat ice cream and watch the friendship movie SWEET HOME ALABAMA with my bestie. For that reason, we decided to make a ice cream and movie date...despite the miles that separate us. And because we are both movie quote nerds, we decided to share as many of the quotes that we can from the movie on a blog and see how many are the same. So no one else needs to read this except the bestie involved.

~*~

"Answer the question."

"No."

"No you won't answer or no you won't marry me?"

"Jake Perry, I'm ten years old. I've got too much to live for."

~*~

"We'll be safe here."

"Says who?"

"Everybody...lightning never strikes the same place twice."

"Why do you want to marry me for anyhow?"

"So I can kiss you anytime I want."

~*~

"Not us, just you. I just make the coffee."

~*~

"One man for the rest of my life? I'd cry my bloody eyes out."

~*~

"He's loud but he don't bite. How may I help you?"

"Well, for starters, you can get your stubborn ass down here and give me a divorce. Come on, Jake, let's just finish this."

"You're shitting me, right?"

"You know, I never understood that expression but no, I'm not shitting you."

~*~

"Don't pretend that you've missed me."

"Oh, I missed you alright but at this range, my aim is bound to improve."

~*~

"Honey, get your ass back in that car, go see your folks and then maybe we'll talk."

"Don't you honey me, honey."

~*~

"Jake! You dumb stubborn redneck hick! The only reason you won't give me a divorce is because I want you to."

"Wrong! The only reason I won't give you a divorce is because you've turned into some hoity toity Yankee bitch and I'd like nothing better than to piss you off!!!"

~*~

"Hey, genius. Next time you try locking someone out, make sure they don't know where the spare key is."

"See, that's the funny think about hideakeys...it'd be nice if your wife told you where it was."

"I'm not your wife, Jake. I'm just...I'm just the first girl to climb into the back of your truck. But you're right...I have changed. I'm not that girl anymore."

"Well, allow me to remind you."

~*~

"You make clothes right?"

"I design them, there's a difference."

"Design anything with stripes?"

"You called the sheriff? You know that old bastard hates me!"

"And with good reason."

~*~

"Did he take a swing at you? Cause if you tell me he took a swing at you, I'll take him right in. We take that kind of stuff pretty serious nowadays."

~*~

"Oh, and I suppose shoplifting steaks at Win Dixies is alright?"

"Oh! Oh! I took them back and you know it!"

"That vandalism down at the stockyard? Totally her!"

"Like I can tip a cow by myself!"

"Wade...isn't there some outstanding warrant for whoever tipped your mama's tractor into the pond?"

GASP

~*~

"Mama, I only have three minutes."

"Oh, honey, you didn't have to call, just come on by."

"Well, see, that's the thing. I was sort of hoping daddy could come and get me?"

~*~

"So what put you in jail this time?"

"Jake and his big fat mouth."

~*~

"Oh, honey, are you tired? You look tired...oh, you know, maybe it's the way you where your hair now."

~*~

"I see your priorities...Jake, jail and then home."

~*~

"The boy's going places."

"Once upon a time you were going places too."

~*~

"You look like sex on a stick in that Gregory Montana get-up."

"Listen Bubba, why don't you just kiss my -ass! Oh my God!"

"Now, listen lady, I don't do that sort of thing out in the street."

~*~

"I guess we all have our secrets, don't we Bobby Ray?"

"I guess we do...course, I read about yours on the internet."

~*~

"Yeah, I gotta get back to the factory but are you in town for a while?"

"God, I hope not...I'm just hitting the bank."

"Well, I'd better scram!"

~*~

"Oh, them things. Russ don't want to put one in on account we lose personal contact with the customers."

~*~

"Cut the shit. Where's my stuff?"

"Now, what kind of wife would I be if I didn't pick up after my husband?"

"The kind that don't live here. I'm going to ask you one last time...where's the hideakey?"

"I had the sweetest talk with Wade's mama about her tractor."

"Nice to see you got your accent back."

~*~

"Holy shit! What happened to the stove? Oh! Where are the little magnets I had over here? What the hell is this...chick food?"

"Lite beer...less calories."

~*~

"Whatever blows your dress up darlin'. You go right ahead and spend your money."

"Oh, but darlin', I thought you said we should think of it as our money."

~*~

"How much did you take?"

"All of it."

"Son of a bitch!"

"You want a wife, you got a wife! And what are you doing with all that cash? Why don't you invest it? Don't you know anything?"

~*~

"I don't ask you about your boyfriend, you keep your nose out of my life. Deal?"

"Who told you?"

"Honey, just 'cause I talk slow doesn't mean I'm stupid."

~*~

"Nobody finds their soul mate when they're ten years old. I mean, where's the fun in that, right?"

~*~

"Uh-Eh! Batten down the hatches, look who just walked right back into my life! It's my favorite daughter-in-law!"

~*~

"Who's the lucky guy?"

"His name's Andrew. He's in politics."

"Well, he's got my vote."

~*~

"Hell, I've got three more at home. This one's still on the tit so I can cart him anywhere."

~*~

"You must be Jake's hot date."

"I'm Star."

"I'm Melanie, Jake's Yankee bitch wife whom he refuses to divorce even though I'm engaged to another man."

"Hot dog Jake! Look at the size of that thing!"

~*~

"Not her and I us, you and I us."

~*~

"Come on, guys, grab a stick and let's play some pool. If you can't find a cue, pull the one shoved up her ass."

~*~

"Well, see, that's the problem. I'm not a watch and see kind of gal. Am I, Jake?"

~*~

"Like Elton here...he never could get his balls in the right pocket."

~*~

"How can I forget? That's the night Jake got me pregnant."

"Why don't you just go public with that shit?"

"Oh please, like anyone can keep a secret around here...except for Bobby Ray."

"Now, what did I ever do to you?"

"You didn't do anything to me honey...or any other girl in town."

~*~

"I liked her better when she was crazy."

~*~

"Go get them Yankees."

~*~

"People need a passport to come down here."

~*~

"We weren't aiming for you...but I doubt I would of come to your funeral."

"I guess I don't blame you."

~*~

"Damn button trousers...no wonder we lost the war."

~*~

"Aren't you just a big fat liar?"

~*~

"Oh, honey, you drink that from the top."

~*~

"I'm not as clumsy as I look. She just can't keep time."

~*~

"The hell you say. Let me at him."

~*~

"You can't have both wings and roots, Mel. It's one or the other."

~*~

"Fifth regiment! Has anyone seen Earl Smooter?"

"He's about to surrender!"

~*~

"You and I are in love with two different people."

"Is he your second cousin?"

"He's my husband...I mean, ex-husband."

"You married your cousin?"

~*~

"Don't you go accusing me of thinking."

~*~

"For somebody who's been holding on to something so hard, you're pretty quick to let it go."

"Hell, mama, I can't control her anymore than I can control the weather."

~*~

"Well, he may be a Yankee, but at least he's sober."

~*~

"Mr. Beauford...he signed the papers."

"He did...you didn't."

~*~

"Can't ride two horses with one ass, sugar pea."

~*~

"The truth is...I gave my heart away a long time ago. My whole heart...and I never really got it back."

~*~

"You...in my entire life, I have never met anyone so manipulative...so deceitful...and I'm in politics! I won't have the future president of the United States get dumped at the altar by some psycho Daisy Mae. You go after him you little bitch!"

"Now, there's no need for name calling. She spoke her piece and that's all there is to it."

"Oh, go back to your double wide and fry something."

GASP

"Nobody talks to my mama like that!"

"Praise the Lord, the South has risen again!"

~*~

"Hey cowboy! You owe me a dance."

"Nice dress. Where's your husband?"

"I'm looking at him. Apparently, you and I are still hitched."

"Is that right?"

"Yeah...why didn't you tell me you came to New York?"

"I needed to make something of myself."

"You about done?"

"What is it about you Southern girls? You can't make the right decision so you try all the wrong ones?"

"At least I fight for what I want."

"What is it that you want, Melanie? I don't even think you know."

"You're the first boy I ever kissed Jake. I want you to be the last."

"Maybe you and I already had our chance."

"Fine! Have it your way you stubborn ass!"

~*~

"What the hell are you two trying to do? Get yourselves killed?"

~*~

"What she'd do this time, Officer?"

"Seems she ran out on a perfectly good cake."

!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!

Done! Now to publish and compare to Becca's post!

Emergency Update!

So...David's talking to me again...

And he's explained that he wants us to meet first before he gives me his personal information that I've been wanting...I can understand that.

I, in turn, asked if we can slow down until we meet as well...

Still going to do the Cookie Dough and chick flick...

God guide this all the way...

And I will guard my heart...told David just that.

I'm putting a bit of brakes on the rollercoaster that has been getting to know him and vice versa and see what's left.

Mind, Heart and Life

Interesting to find out that when God answers prayers, He doesn't always do it in the order you ask.

It seems David is out of my life...

But that leaves my heart a bit bruised and my mind constantly dwelling on him.

But no worries, I've taken a bit of a Sabbatical, so to speak, to think over what I'm feeling and I've realized that God has guarded my heart the entire time...because what hurts more is a bruised pride and not my heart.

So I'm giving myself up to this Saturday to dwell on what was and what could have been, then I'm closing that chapter of my life with Cookie Dough Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream and the all time favorite chick flick SWEET HOME ALABAMA.

So next blog update shall be Cookie Dough and SWEET HOME ALABAMA with Becca...yes, she's closing this chapter of my life with me too...long distance but she's doing it. For sure, the bestest friend I've ever had.

Thank you for reminding me that I didn't lose...he did. Too bad and so sad for him.

For now, I'm thinking I just need to get to meet people and have some fun, go out on a few dates and just be single for as long as God will let me.

Oh, yes, and study for law school. The LSAT is approaching fast!

One more thing...I am embarking on a four week project that I've titled PT 24/7. The beginning date is February 27th so I have this week to prepare but just thought I'd let you know because you'll start seeing PT 24/7 Journal entries at the end of my blogs for the next four weeks...this project's results will be published in writing and pictures on my 27th birthday, March 27th.

Adios and Hasta Luego!!!

Suicidal

I realized yesterday as I was sightlessly and unfocused-ly driving to work that I've always been suicidal.

There has always been these many different scenarios in my head as to how I can end it all as quickly as possible.

Through God's love and grace, though, no matter how much I hurt or how hopeless it all seems or how angry at the turn my life has taken I may be, that life is still worth living when you have Christ in it.

So I just let my soul curl up into a tiny little pearl, knowing I am held tightly in God's fisted hand.

He'll never let go...and I don't want Him to.

It's One of Those Days

Woke up with my alarm at 7AM, left the house by 7:15AM, got to the lab place by 735AM.

It took me forty-five freaking minutes to pee one ounce into a cup! I drank to pints of water, ran the faucet, thought about crashing waves, did the pee-pee dance and even then, I still couldn't pee into the cup!

My goodness, I was going to end up being there forever! Finally, a trickle and that's it...

At least I was able to fill up four vials of blood in two minutes. Thank goodness for my excellent every phlebotomist's dream veins!

I was out of there in like two minutes before I hit the hour. Headed to McDonald's to buy breakfast and guess what?

I had to pee!

Got home to throw in my scrubs into the washer before eating some breakfast and relaxing 'cause I have a EKG in the afternoon and guess what?

I needed to pee again!

What is up with today?

I woke up in a mood...like in a Texas Revolutionary mood. Little Mexico is on the war path and that's not good...

Let's hope I don't end up screwing something great up but it can't be helped.

Yeah...it's a no touche day. Argh.

After breakfast, guess what?

I had to pee once more!

Well, got to the place for my EKG at 12:15PM, went in at 12:30PM and finally got out at 1PM. They had to redo my EKG four times...they said it was the probes and cables...they weren't placed right, the cables were crossed...really. Your heart is beating just find and it's not all over the scale...it's the probes, we say.

So now I'm starting to wonder...is there something wrong with my heart that it merits four EKGs to make sure the results are right?

Yikes.

So on the drive home from EKG place, I was thinking to myself that I've gotten things screwed up in my head lately what with David coming into my life unplanned and unexpected.

I've actually started thinking that David was my new plan, my new road to walk and who knows, he may be, but that is for God to decide and not me.

God has yet to tell me that my path is changing...so why am I slacking in my studying? Why am I suddenly seeing law school as second choice and David as first choice?

What the potato skins is wrong with my head? So left brain finally made itself heard and said to me:

LUZ, THE ONLY WAY OUT OF EL PASO AND FORWARD INTO THE FUTURE IS NOT THROUGH A MAN...NEVER THAT. IT IS THROUGH GOD, AND THROUGH HIM ALONE. YOUR EFFORTS TO GET INTO LAW SCHOOL SHOULD NOT BE WASTED...YOU SHOULD NOT BE SLACKING OR GIVING UP ON THAT. WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?! GET YOUR BUTT MOVING AND GET TO STUDYING! LAW SCHOOL IS THE WAY TO GO! IF DAVID IS GOD'S PLANS, THEN THAT WILL HAPPEN IN ITS OWN TIME. MEANWHILE, YOU CAN'T JUST SIT BACK AND TWIDDLE YOUR THUMBS WHILE YOUR WHEELS ARE SPINNING. SINCE WHEN HAVE YOU LET OTHERS DO FOR YOU WHAT YOU CAN DO YOURSELF WITH THE HELP OF GOD? GET IT TOGETHER YOU STUPID SILLY GIRL!!!

Yeah, my left brain isn't very nice...sometimes, I'd like to kill it.

Well, that's my Texas Revolution story of the day.

Adios and hasta luego!!!

Oh What A Lovely Sunday

Today I didn't get to hold Livi-girl as much as I wanted to but I did get to have my lovely moment with my Jaden.

I told him I loved him and today, for the first time, he replied "I love you."

That was absolutely great for me!

A great way to celebrate the day before Valentine's.

Adios and hasta luego!!!

The Shadow of the Cross

February 14th is coming up...and it has never, EVER, been a favorite holiday of mine.

The commercialization of the day has left a ashy taste of it in my mouth...

This of course has also been enhanced by the lack of a significant other...but I've learned that Valentine's day is not about that.

It is not about proving your love to someone else by getting them flowers, candy, jewelry, taking them to a fancy dinner with candles and violins in the background.

When did it become about that? In reality, Valentine's day is about standing up for what you believe in...even if that belief leads to death.

Hence comes the history lesson behind the reason for Valentine's day.

During the reign of Roman Emperor Claudius, a verdict prohibiting young people to marry was passed in the belief that young SINGLE soldiers would be better able to concentrate and risk more...after all, they don't have a wife and family back home to return to.

It seemed that during this time, polygamy was much more popular than committed monogamous relationships. In fact, it was encouraged while monogamous relationships between young people was illegalized.

As we all know, there will always be someone who disagrees with an edict like such and find a way to get around it...thus enter a Roman Priest named Valentine. Valentine believed in the sanctity of marriage, but not only that, he believed in marriage within the Christian church...in other words, during the permissive time he lived in, marriage became a vehicle into introducing many into the Christian faith.

So...Valentine began conducting secret marriages...

As does everyone who breaks the law, he got caught in 296 AD and was sentenced to be beaten, stoned then beheaded...wow!

Apparently marrying people illegally was worth a three part sentence.

Now, here's where the all famous "from your Valentine" comes in.

One of those men charged with judging Valentine for his crime was named Asterius. Judge Asterius had a young daughter that was blind.

Prayer for healing over the girl's blindness had such an effect that Asterius became a Christian, and more than likely, so did his daughter.

Before his final sentence (the beheading), Valentine wrote a letter of encouragement to Asterius daughter, signing it "From Your Valentine" and thus became what is known as valentines.

Love is something that changes and matures with time, something that does not need proving because it's there...growing and maturing and changing...always...

So what Valentine's really means "is that there comes a time where you have to lay your life upon the line for what you believe. And with the power of the Holy Spirit we can do that -- even to the point of death." (Father O'Gara)

"Love -- human love and sexuality is wonderful, and blessed by God -- but also the shadow of the cross. That's what Valentine means..." (Father O'Gara).

Quotes and information taken from http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/churchandministry/churchhistory/st_valentine_the_real_story.aspx

Hope you enjoyed the brief history lesson!

So what is this Valentine's day going to be like for me?

Well, I have lab works in the morning...so that involves a needle and my blood.

I have an EKG in the afternoon...so that involves probes and my heart.

LOL. Come to think of it, it seems Valentine's day is going to be right on target for me...

And the good thing this time around is that while I don't celebrate the commercial Valentine's day, I won't be needing to celebrate the S.A.D. day either...you know...Singles Awareness Day.

Why? Because...well...I'm not single anymore...