Day 81 - Is This For REAL?

I hereby dedicate this post to my Lil Man, Charlie Vincent Monaghan IV. Today he brought home a letter from the Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce congratulating him on being one of a handful children chosen from his school to be honored.

I'm struggling with guilt and pride. I was so surprised when I read the letter that I had e-mailed her asking her it it was "for real." For some reason I always pegged Lil C as being the class clown because he's so snarky and sarcastic, hates going to school and hates to do his homework. (Hold your comments, please.....Yes, I know EXACTLY where he gets it from... I thought I was writing my own biography in that last sentence)

Regardless, I had already come to grips with being satisfied with having at least one out of my two children excel in school, so this is just icing on the chocolate cake!!

My "Twenty" tonight was spend doing a circuit in my living room and kitchen while watching Survivor with my baby girl. It looked something like this:

20 Kitchen Counter Commercial Push-ups
10 Floor Push-ups
10 Sit-Ups
10 Floor Push-ups
20 Kitchen Counter Commercial Push-ups
10 Floor Push-ups
10 Sit-Ups
10 Floor Push-ups
20 Kitchen Counter Commercial Push-Ups

Are you taking back twenty???

Days 76 - 78: Farm Girl

I had no computer this weekend to do my blog, so here is my condensed version.

Spent 3 hours cleaning the house on Friday morning. No, we weren't showing the house. Charlie was working from home, and if I let him see me sit on the couch, eating Bon-Bons and watching my soaps, he's send me back to work, for sure!!

After the first 45 minutes, I had sweat dripping down my back, so I know I got a fairly good workout on Friday. There's a trick to burning more calories while doing housework... things like, if there are a pair of shoes that need to be put away, take one at a time, speedwalking back and forth. It works, I tell ya!!

That afternoon, the two Charlie's & I headed up with my BFF (Julie) to her parent's farm in Lake City. It's a 2 1/2 hour drive north from where we live...just south of the Florida/Georgia border. As much as we enjoy going to the farm, I know that it's never an easy trip for Julie. Her mom (in her early-to-mid 60s) has Alzheimer's. If you've never seen it first hand, it's hard to comprehend. All I know is that my BFF is stronger than 20 men.

On Saturday, after a few rounds of target practice with Charlie's new .22 Rifle, we DID manage to walk the perimeter of the yard 4 times for a total of approximately one mile. We guesstimated that one lap was comparable to one lap around a 1/4 mile track. Although it was still the last few days of Winter, it was a sweat fest for sure!!

Shortly after, we suited up and soaked in some Vitamin D, played a few games of online poker and X-Box video hunting, scarfed down some St. Patty's Day Corned Beef & Cabbage, then crashed around midnight.

Sunday was a lazy morning, getting packed up, cleaning all of our messes and waiting for her Dad to return from his hunting trip, and finally shipped off on our 2.5 hour trek back home. While I didn't go to the gym Sunday as I had planned, I did hammer out some Kitchen Counter Push-Ups and then some Sitcom Sit-Ups before cooking dinner for my two sisters and my sister's friend Sunday evening. Topped off the night with a Dance Central competition on the X-Box Kinect. Structured or not, burnin' calories is burnin' calories.

It was a completely non-productive weekend, and I loved every single minute of it.

Day 75 - Golf

I haven't played golf in months, so shooting a 117 wasn't too shabby for me.

For the past 3 years, my mother has always arrived before everyone else and picked up the tab. Well, today, I arrived before SHE did, so I took the opportunity to pay for her round of golf today. It's the least I could do to try and make up for the past 3 years of free golf. So, the man behind the counter pushed a few buttons on a register and said, "That will be $84.00."

<<<<<insert GASP>>>>>

WTH???  I was committed by this point. What could I do? Nothing - which is exactly what I did. Swiped the card and played some golf. I hope Charlie doesn't pay this much when HE plays golf.

Plus - they charge $42 per person and they don't allow you to bring your own liquor??? Thank God my mother knows how to break a few rules. She showed up with a bottle of Goldschlager hidden in her golf bag. I love her. She rocks.

My Twenty today? 18 holes of Golf and a sunburn. As crappy as I shot, I'm sure I walked a good 2-3 miles...and definitely got a nice farmer's tan in the process. I lost 3 balls and par'd once. I also woke up another 2 pounds lighter than I was two days ago. Booyah!

Have a great weekend, peeps. Headed to Lake City for some R&R and I'm sure I'll be shooting one of Charlie's new guns out in the cow pasture. Photos and blogs to come.

Day 74 - Discombobulation

Day 73 - Pimples & Periods

She's BAAAaaaaaaccckkkk.
The grouchy monster has arrived... right on schedule. While this means very bad things for those around me, it means 4-5 days of sassy, spicy blog posts for YOU! Starting tomorrow, of course.

I was going to head out to the gym tonight after dinner. Instead, I was side railed by a large pimple on my shoulder blade, just out of my reach, brought to my attention by a chuckling 37 year old man who lives in my house, sleeps in my bed and shares DNA with my son... this, coupled with a missing tube of Neosporin and a house full of people who refused to go upstairs and get it for me.

I finally got my Neosporin and Lil C applied the camouflage band-aid for me because no one else would come near me. He hasn't been around long enough to recognize the fact that it was clearly time to run. Big C (Daddy) coincidentally started his exercise regime tonight, and Sierra decided to hang out in her bedroom after I scolded her for leaving her radio on all day long, running up the electric bill.

I didn't make it to the gym, but I did manage the following while watching Cougar Town and New Girl. Perfect timing, ABC. ....... THANK YOU!

40 Kitchen Counter Push-ups
40 sit-ups
30 Planks
30 Sit-Up style Leg Lifts
25 Side Leg Lifts

Most people complain about this time of the month, but I get more done in these 4-5 days than I do the rest of the month.

Day 72 - BFFs & Sweaty Chocolate Cake

Oh yeah. Today was a rebirth. After getting hit with that super-bug last week and into the weekend, it felt GREAT to wake-up today feeling 95% well. The BFF took the day off so I grabbed the rest of my Birthday money and we hit the Hard Rock circuit in the morning.

We love poker. She's better than I am. She's rock solid. Poker is an endurance game, but not in the sense that you might normally hear the word "endurance." It's more of an emotional and psychological endurance.... especially after sitting at a table for 3 hours.

I came home in time to get the house cleaned, get Lil C from the bus stop, fix dinner and hit the gym.

It was good to get back into the gym....flipped on the iPad and caught up on Grey's Anatomy. I'm almost through with Season 6...it's getting better as the season goes on. I started sweating and I swear I tasted chocolate cake. (That was for you, Matt). I am actually starting to enjoy the heat and the sweat. I get hot, and then I sweat, and then I get cool again. It's becoming a cleansing ritual...like a shower from the inside out... only, you need another shower afterwards. While I was walking, I noticed this big football player sized guy next to me. He was plugging away...just like me...watching his own show on his teenie weenie iPhone. I felt bad for him. He must be reading my blog. Hahaha. Wouldn't THAT be funny!

Photo: Me and the BFF - Circa 1990

Day 71 - Harry Potter meets The Beverly Hillbillies

Sunday. Charlie and I decided to go check out the Gun Show at the Florida Expo Hall. I really don't know why I was so surprised by what I saw, but that was a freaky group. What scares me the most is the fact that all of those people were gun-carrying citizens. Some didn't look intelligent enough to get through life, much less have the money to purchase expensive weaponry.

There were those who were clearly hunters, decked out in their camouflage. Then, there were those well-dressed folks who I assumed might be collectors. Aside from those two groups, it looked like Harry Potter meets The Beverly Hillbillies. I think Gandalf from Harry Potter was there...he was wearing overalls.

We didn't stay long.

When we got home, I felt very tired and so I decided that I would rest one more day before jumping back on the wagon full force. My body was telling me something and so I listened. Good thing. I slept for about 2 hours on the couch. I should be good to go tomorrow. Fingers crossed.

.

Day 70 - Resurrection

Finally. Saturday night. After spending 4 days and 3 nights on the couch, I finally emerged back into society and enjoyed a nice quiet evening at the BFF's house hanging out with all of my favorite people, eating my favorite foods and playing my favorite (mostly) non-contact game: Poker.

Whatever I had this past week was atrocious. I am still coughing stuff out of my lungs, but I'm on day 5 of antibiotics. Normally I take the first 5-6 days of antibiotics and then stop when I start feeling better. For the first time in my life, I think I'll keep taking it for the full dose. I'm not going to take any chances that this nastiness comes back. I feel like I haven't been to the gym in forever, like I'm starting all over again. It's not a good feeling, but I still haven't gained any weight back. That, in and of itself, is a miracle.

In the past, if I had lost weight using diet pills or other means of quick weight loss, then taken a fall like this for a week, I would have already gained every single pound back and then some. Not this time. I'm starting to think that going at it long term allows for stumbling blocks like this, keeping me from being dragged back to square one. I dig it.

We stayed up until 1am, which was probably not the best idea, but we were having a blast. We'll see how this decision affects my day tomorrow.

Photo is my wine glass. A gift from the bestest of besties. I keep it at her house.

.

Days 68 and 69 - The Leper

My first double post. These two days ran together for me. I haven't been off the couch for 2 nights and 3 days unless it was to use the restroom or get some water. Slept there day and night since Wednesday night. Normally, when I get sick, Charlie gives me the bed and he takes up residence upstairs so he doesn't get sick. This time, I just so happened to be on the couch when I fell ill, and I never moved.

When we first lived together and he did this for the first time, I was totally offended. Now, I get it. In the almost 15 years that we have been together, he has been sick, maybe 5 times. I get something every 1-2 years. He also does everything he can to keep the kids away from me. One phenomenon in our house is when I'm lying on the couch, it creates a gravitational pull and the kids always end up on top of and all around me. Dad manages to stay on top of it and yell at the kids to get off of the leper, but they sneak in every once in a while when Dad's not looking.

Just for a little entertainment, as Big C (Daddy) was getting ready to head out to he gun range, I picked up his ear muffs and coughed on them, then turned them over and coughed on them again, then opened them up and coughed on them. He freaked. It took him a few minutes to find the Lysol and spray them down to get all of the germs off. Hey, I have been on the couch for 2 days. I needed a good laugh.


Image from: http://lowimmunesystem.org/how-to-prevent-your-body-from-infections/

Day 67 - Snot and Thin Mints

Sick.

All day.

Turns out Thin Mints Girlscout Cookies cures a headcold. Just chase 'em with Sudafed and a big glass o' milk.

Day 66 - Truth, Love & Consequences

I'm back on my daily wagon, but, boy, am I feeling the repercussions of eating fast food three times last weekend. My wedding band is tight and I can feel the swelling all over my body - especially in my face...around my eyes and cheeks. If you're a chronic fast food eater, there is no way to sugar coat it. You need to stop. On a monthly basis, we might eat "fast food" three times, with two of those times being pizza from Bosco's or Marco's. This weekend, however, I ate fast food 3 or 4 times. We were going non-stop all weekend and fast food was easy and cheap.

In the past, I would blame it on my busy schedule, however, now, I know that it's not because of a busy schedule. It's a simple lack of preparation on my part. It's not difficult to pack a lunch and a few snacks in a cooler and throw it in the back of the car. It would take less than 10 minutes to prepare lunch and snacks for the entire family, pack it in a cooler and put it in my car. Pure laziness. SMH. I'm paying for it now. I'm hoping that if I drink lots of extra water this week, I can flush out the swelling and get back to feeling normal.

I hit the treadmill again today. Managed 45 minutes before my episode ended. While I was walking, an older gentleman opened the door and just stood there. I watched, curious as to what he was doing. Turns out he was holding the door for an older heavyset lady, who I assumed was his wife. She came into the gym on a motorized wheelchair. My heart broke. Here is this man, who loves his wife so much that he loads her into the car, drives her to the community gym, helps her out of the car and onto her wheelchair, and then helps her squeeze into the gym (it's a tight entrance...but I'll be up there tomorrow to re-arrange the equipment for her). He goes to, what I can imagine, a great extent, just so she can do pull-down exercises while sitting in her wheelchair. You could tell that they had been at this routine for a while because once she was in, he let her go her own way. She did her arm exercises while he did the elliptical. They didn't speak. They didn't smile. Then they left.

I don't want to be that couple. When Charlie and I retire, I want us to be physically healthy. I want to go on cruises and travel the world, not be confined to a wheelchair. I want to believe that 2012 will be my turning point. 300 days to go.

Photo courtesy: www.sodahead.com

Day 65 - Squeezed It In

For those of you following me on Facebook, you might already know that I have been taking a Photography class at USF. I already have a Bachelor degree in Business Management, so I am toying with the idea of going back for a MFA (Masters of Fine Arts) in Photography.

Tonight was my last night of class for the course I'm in and so I spent 8 hours today putting together my project which counted as my Final Exam. I'm pretty sure I nailed it. I didn't learn much in this class. It was geared for those who are just getting started in Photography. I learned more from the side conversations with the professor than I did from the content of the class, so it wasn't a total waste of money.

If you've been following my blog, you might be wondering why I haven't "really" exercised in 3 days. If you're reading this blog to help motivate you, then I am very sorry to have failed you this weekend. It's all part of the cycle. When you declare that you are "on a wagon," it is only natural to eventually fall off that wagon. The only reason I am not going to allow this failure of a weekend to completely sabotage my plan is because I have removed myself enough to be able to see the big picture. In a 366 day year, what's 3 days? It's .008 to be exact. A mere blip on the radar. To put it into even greater perspective, if I were to commit to a 5 year plan, those 3 days would represent .001. I love Math.

Here is the equation I am testing in 2012:

Less Calories In + More Sweat Out = Pulling My Skinny Jeans Out Of Storage

After getting Lil C to the neighbors for a ride to his Cub Scouts meeting, I had 45 minutes before I had to leave for class. Normally, if I don't have a 30 minute cushion in between things I have to do, then I generally avoid doing them or put them off until the next day. Same goes for exercise. Not today, though.

Once I dropped Lil C off at the neighbors, I threw on my sweats & tennis shoes, grabbed a change of clothes, deodorant and my Final Exam project for class and then headed to the gym. It was going to be a tight race, but I was able to walk for 40 minutes while finishing one of my Grey's Anatomy episodes, then sprinted to the clubhouse bathroom to change and went straight to class. I "squeezed it in."

My apologies to the girl sitting next to me. Unfortunately for you, my exercise is more important than your olfactory senses.

Photo: My drive into class tonight... directly into the sun.

.

Day 64 - Out of Control

Had to spend another couple of hours cleaning the house today for another realtor. Scheesh. Hours of cleaning for a 15 minute walk-through. Hardly seems worth the effort. Finally finished cleaning, slicked the hair back into a tight pony tail in lieu of a shower and headed out to Brandon to meet an old friend for lunch. That's the beauty of old friends. They don't judge. She loves me, dirty hair and all!!

Here it is. My moment of truth: Onion Rings and a Juicy Burger or Soup and Salad?

Based on the fact that in the past 3 days I have had greasy pizza, taco bell and Chinese food, I went with the soup and salad. French Onion from Barnacles - Photo Above. Wow. Not sure about the health factor, but I'm sure it was healthier than what I almost ordered. 

After lunch, I headed over to my parent's house and had a glass of wine and chatted while they ate dinner. It's amazing how as a teenager, I did everything possible to NOT hang out with my parents, and now I try to hang out over there every chance I get.

We had a realtor scheduled to show our house at 4pm, so I had to time my afternoon carefully so as to avoid the awkward turtle situation when complete strangers go snooping through your closets. I left Charlie at home to be the greeter. I don't feel bad. I cleaned it.

Wrapped up this insanely out-of-control busy weekend with zero gym time, a few push-ups here and there, every chance I got, but I didn't keep track. However, what I lacked in Taking Back Twenty, I more than made up in quality family time with my awesome kids and husband.

Day 63 - Guard & Ambush

What a crazy busy day. Spent four hours cleaning my house so a realtor could bring his clients in for 10 minutes. Ugh. Then had to drive to Pinellas County to help chaperone Sierra's Winter Guard competition. It's insane the amount of preparation that goes into a 3 minute performance. We were there for 6 hours. No joke.

Grabbed some Chinese take-out on the way home. Probably not the best choice, but I was tired and famished. Finally made it back home, a hot mess from sitting in the sun and blustery wind for several hours in long sleeves and jeans. I really need to check the weather channel next time.

Here it is. My moment of truth.

I've been missing the BFF lately because our schedules have been off track. I had the opportunity to throw on my sweats and tennis shoes and head up to the gym, but instead, I decided to call the BFF and invite her over. She was out to dinner with a few other people so I told her to "bring the gang." That gang turned out to be a small army of 6 adults and 6 kids. I love impromptu parties with cool people.

I'm starting to feel the guilt of not working out for 2 days in a row, but I needed that mental break more. Taking care of your body is important, but taking care of your mind trumps everything else.

Day 62 - Donation Day

Days like today are the reason that I started this blog in the first place. Days like today are also the days that would throw me into a downward spiral, bringing my workout plan to a screeching halt. Nothing about this day was dedicated to me. Today it was all about cleaning the house so that a Realtor could bring his client by and show it, driving to Brandon and back in 5 o'clock traffic to drop off some camera equipment so that a client would have a photographer for her Christening on Saturday, shopping for groceries so that my family would have food to eat, and spending the evening with Big C at the Karate school so that Lil C could test for his Blue Belt (which he earned). OK, so I DID enjoy watching him perform, but I certainly didn't burn any calories doing it.

The positive side of all of this: I have a house to live in, a car to drive, money to pay for gas, camera equipment to do what I love, food in my pantry, two very healthy, talented children AND I'm almost ready to put my "fat jeans" back into storage. If I'm still at this on December 31st, I may just throw a TBT "Fat Jeans Burning" Bon-Fire party.

Photo: Lil C's Goofy Smile Face after earning his Blue Belt.
Here is his video clip:  Lil C's Karate Video


.

Day 60 - IN YO' FACE

I spent much of today getting my two photography blogs up and running, with tags and keywords and content and photos and links and OMG. I was so drained by 4pm that I could barely keep my eyes open. Managed to cook Charlie some dinner, chat with the BFF for a few minutes, make plans for the weekend and then had to head out to my 8:15pm hair appointment.

As soon as I got there, I was graced with 5 minutes of free time before she was ready to get started. BAM! 25 push-ups. She finally finished wrapping up with her previous client, started my foils, and then about 3/4 of the way through, she had to leave and go mix another small batch of color. BAM! 25 push-ups.

She finished the foil and then headed out to make a few phone calls while my "highlights" processed. BAM! 25 push-ups. She came back in a few minutes later to check the color. "Two more minutes," she says. Guess what... BAM! You guessed it... 25 more push-ups.

Now, if my calculations are correct, that would be a total of 100 push-ups.

BAM! (Or as my 7yr old would say: "IN YO' FACE")

The only problem is, because I was so preoccupied with getting my push-ups in, my stylist and I had some sort of miscommunication and now I'm a brunette. Oh well. I'm down another pound. Still just a total of 7 because of my shenanigans last weekend.

7 lbs in 60 days, not dieting, just eating smart proportions 85% of the time, and eating chocolate cake and ice cream the other 15%. WINNING!!!

Day 59 - Our Big Fight

So Charlie and I had an argument tonight as I finished my last set of 80 Kitchen Counter Push-Ups. Instead of me going to the gym to do my treadmill, he suggested that we go on a walk together. YAY!!! And it only took 59 days.

When I walk around the neighborhood, I generally walk a huge block within our neighborhood ...it's almost a mile all the way around.

Well, Charlie wanted to walk straight out of our neighborhood, down the road another half mile, and then walk back. This was our argument. With the exceptions of early mornings and the times when he is driving my car while I sit in the passenger's seat, this is as heated as it gets around here.

Clearly he doesn't understand Taking Back Twenty. My time, my game and my rules.

I'm not mean.... really. A little bossy at times, but never mean. My point for wanting to stay close was the fact that we were leaving Charlie and Sierra at home alone (7yrs and 16yrs) and if I were to get an emergency call, I wouldn't want to be a mile and a half up the road. By walking the mile block, I could be home in 45 seconds flat, running full speed from the furthest distance.

I'm not sure what his argument was, but I'm sure mine made more sense.  We walked around the block twice: 30 minutes total.

Thank you for joining me on my Twenty, Babe!! xoxo

Photo: I tried to get a picture of him before the walk, but he ran out the door before I could get it. Literally. You can see his foot at a wonky angle and an arm pushing off of the wall.

Day 58 - In Memory of Dana Prchal

Today I learned that my friend Dana passed away. She was diagnosed with Breast Cancer the same week that we met... She has 3 children and my heart is aching for them. It's just not fair.

Rest in Peace, Dana. Your smile and strength will be missed.

Day 57 - The Hang Over

I am hearby dedicating this post to my awesome husband, Charlie. Poker night last night at the BFF's house was BIG FUN...too much fun to be more accurate... so much fun that I decided to spend the night there instead of jail or the morgue. And while I was having fun with my new friends, Daddy was camping with Lil C and his cubscout troop...in the cold and rain. Poor Daddy!!

My headache this morning was directly correlated with how much fun I had. Did I say it was BIG fun??? It was REALLY big fun. I did absolutely nothing all day today, unless I could do it while lying on the couch. I took two naps, watched the last half of 3 separate movies, snuggled with my kids who were more than happy to keep me company all day on the couch...Lil C in his underwear and Sierra in her pajamas. Daddy even brought me food and fluids all day without complaining once, although he did snicker a few times...  He is my hero.

I haven't had a hangover in a very long time, and I will certainly revisit this post before our next Poker Night festivities, as a reminder of the repercussions of having too much fun.

.

Day 56 - Poker, Pizza and Push-ups

Had an amazing night of poker playing up in Dade City at my BFF's house, even though I didn't win. Also met some very cool people, two of which live in my neighborhood in Wesley Chapel. It's a small world, for sure!! I had the entire day to myself and did NOT go to the gym. Regretting that, since I decided to munch on all of the Poker Night goodies, which I'm sure were NOT low-fat or even in the neighborhood of being "healthy."

I DID, however teach one of my new friends how to do Kitchen Counter Push-ups. He made fun of me as I did sets of them in between stuffing my face with bites of greasy pepperoni pizza, so I challenged him to try a few. His arms were hurting the next day. Told ya so, Kevin. They're not for weenies. Try doing 200 of them. My "guns" might be water pistols right now, but come summertime, I'll be packing heat for sure.

It's not often that I meet people that I actually like, so to meet 6 new people in one month - and actually like them all, it's a friendship miracle.  Yay friends!!! Julie is still my favorite, though.

Day 55 - Push-ups, Burps, a Baby and a Mariachi Band

I didn't feel like going to the gym today, so around 2pm, I decided to start hammering out some Kitchen Counter Push-ups. When you do them in sets of 25, it's amazing how many you can do in a 4 hour period... 200 to be exact.  Yes, I kept track.

You may laugh, because they're not "real" push-ups, but I have the guns to prove that they are just as effective as a "real" push-up. I'm on a mission to get my armpits back. Not to mention, I'll be purchasing my first hand gun soon so Charlie and I can enjoy some adult time at the gun range... and I'll need the strength to control the kick back.

When Charlie got home from work, he took us out to Vallarta's Mexican Restaurant in Wesley Chapel and ordered a beer that was in a huge mug. It was as big as, or bigger, than his own head. 

Lil Charlie and Sierra fought like little kids and we enjoyed the talented Mariachi band that walked through the restaurant playing Mexican music. Sierra is determined to get her own Mariachi Band outfit. Good stuff.

There was a couple that sat down next to us with a little baby girl who was total perfection....absolutely gorgeous. So, I handed her mom my business card and told her how beautiful her baby was. I'm a photographer, for those who may not know...and I NEVER pass up a cute baby!!


All was great until Daddy decided to let an atrocious burp escape his body. Given the circumstances of Mexican food + a HUGE beer, it was to be expected. I should have seen it coming.

I wish I knew that lady's name who I gave the card to. If you know someone from Wesley Chapel with a cute, black-haired little baby girl and they post something about a photographer who gave them a card and then her husband burped really loud, let me know so I can send her a friend request.

.

Day 54 - Birthday Mission Completed

Today is my Birthday. I'm 38. I'm ok with that, but ask me again in two years and I might still be 38. My mother has always told me that her 40's were the best times of her life. She said something happens and you start thinking less about what others think, and more about what YOU think. Sounds good to me.

So today, my friend Amanda suggested I walk 4 miles and then get a pedicure. The conversation went something like this:

Amanda: Happy birthday!!!!! Treat yourself - walk 4 miles & get a pedicure ♥

Me: I'm thinking 2 miles and a new pair of kicks.

Amanda: no. i said 4.

Me: Challenge accepted.  

I don't take challenges lightly. I am competitive to a fault. Always have been, always will be. It took one and a half episodes of Grey's Anatomy to get there, but I did it. My legs felt like jello when I finished, but I did it. I had to pull out my inhaler when I got home, but I did it.

Plus, I did it in my brand new kicks!!! I went with Saucony Pro-Grid Guide 5, and donated my old shoes to charity.  Putting my Birthday money to good use!!! Check out my video below.

I wish I could say that maybe I'll lose an extra half-pound, but I know how much pizza and chocolate cake I ate yesterday. I might be back at square one, but I had chocolate cake, so I'll call this a "Win." 

My new kicks:  <3 PINK <3 (And they match my ear buds!!)

My new kicks IN ACTION:

Day 53 - SURPRISE Party

Had an awesome night with (almost) my entire family. Both parents, both sisters, most nieces and nephews...and of course, my own kiddies and hubby!

I did not work out at all today, with the exception of the hour I spent at Physical Therapy this morning for my back (which I torqued back in November 2011). Surprisingly, I DID work up a sweat while I was there.

Tomorrow is my Birthday. I will do what I want, when I want and where I want. Who knows what the day might bring. I'll be sure to take pictures....Should be an interesting blog post tomorrow. Stay tuned!!

Day 52 - Time Travel Camera

Light is a funny thing. You can't see it, but without it, you can't see. Plus, when you take a picture of yourself in the mirror with light coming in from the back, it lets you see into the future. I snapped this photo this morning and the light bending around my waist took off a good 3 inches. Don't be fooled. Those jeans are size 13.

It's a fabulous camera trick, if you can get it just right. I once lost half of a bride's neck in a very similar situation. It wasn't an important shot...so she never saw it. Ha!

I had 45 minutes to exercise today, (and by that, I mean that I procrastinated up until I only had 45 minutes left), so I used every single minute that I had left, truckin' with Grey's Anatomy. I'm almost finished with Season 6...then pulled back into the garage just as Lil C was getting off of the bus. Whew!

I still can't believe I'm walking for 50 minutes at a time, and it's a breeze. I remember the day when it took everything I had to stay on for the entire 20 minutes that I started with, and I can't imagine where I'll be on December 31st, 2012. Hopefully looking something like I do in that photo up there!

.

Day 51 - Fried Cheese

I skipped breakfast AND lunch today...surviving on 3 cups of coffee and a diet pill. No joke. Oh, you don't have to tell me how bad that is, I know exactly how bad that is for me...but the fair only comes once a year and so I sacrificed my health for one day in the name of caloric intake. No biggie.

Today had to be hard core because I knew I would be going to the Pasco County Fair with the BFF and kiddies... and I knew I'd be eating some fried bits of heaven. Corndogs and Fried Cheese to be exact. Oh yeah. I did it. I'll probably gain a pound or two...but I have 316 days left in the year to adjust for it. That's .000632 pounds per day. I think I can manage.

Talk about a freak show. If you're in the neighborhood and are into people watching...you have to check out the Pasco County Fair. I have absolutely NO idea how some of these people survive daily life. Lots of crack or lots of inbreeding. Makes me thankful for my crazy-normal life. Love you all. Have a wonderful week!!!

Be sure to check in tomorrow to see how much a corndog and fried cheese can wreck your diet.


.

Day 50 - Catch Me If You Can

Somehow, I missed a day somewhere, so here is my "catch up" post. 

Ha.

You know you laughed.

.

Day 49 - Big Fat & Juicy

Wow. Now THIS is something new. I'm not sure if it has anything to do with all of the physical activity I've incorporated into my life, but I'm thinking it might. After taking my "twenty" (which is now "50") on the treadmill watching McDreamy throw the Chief under the bus in an attempt to take his job, Charlie and I made plans to meet some of our best friends for dinner at Gator's Dockside out by USF. Did I order a salad and vegetables? Heck no!! I ordered the fattest, juiciest BBQ Bacon Burger on the menu. However, when the lady started listing my choices for side items, I should have stopped her at fries, because when she got to "veggies," my conscience kicked in and I couldn't very well order the fries knowing that veggies was an option. So, I got my burger and chased it with broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and squash.

I ate half of the burger at the restaurant and finished the rest at 10pm that night. Normally, when I eat something of this magnitude, I wake up feeling bloated and literally 3-5 pounds heavier...water retention I'm sure. This time, however, I woke up and weighed myself only to find that I was the exact same weight (to the tenth) as I was the day before.

Does this mean I'm going to start eating big fat & juicy burgers all the time? Nope. But, it sure does feel good to be able to do it once in a while without the guilt that I would normally carry with me the next day. The guilt that would then begin the cycle of failure, which would lead to more burgers and less exercise. Not going down THAT road again.

Photo: Not my photo. Found using google search. It IS, however, the big fat & juicy burger that I ate.

Day 48 - The Arrival

It has arrived.

Day 48.

The day of the invalidated excuse.

Today I spent a good part of the day sorting through receipts, e-mails and bank statements preparing things for my tax accountant (Mr. Joe Pitcher, for those of you looking for an awesome accountant).

Unfortunately, the feeling of relief that I felt as I entered the final document did not last long. I decided to check my voicemail from the day before, only to hear a message from a realtor who wanted to show my house in 3 hours. Wha???? So now, instead of spending the next 3 hours resting my eyes and brain, I spent it running from room to room, cleaning up all of the messes in the house, scrubbing toilets and sinks, vacuuming and mopping floors, etc. It lasted for a good 2 hours, and I was sweating.

Technically I could have claimed this time as my "twenty," but I didn't. I had a fully acceptable excuse NOT to go to the gym, but I didn't use it. I set the excuse aside, grabbed the iPad and my headphones and headed out the door. (Photo of McSteamy, my Grey's Anatomy workout buddy)

I win.

Day 47 - Gun Show Haiku (Warning Adult Language)

My butt is smaller.

Developing a bicep.
This $#%@ is working.

The End.


.
.
.

:o)
 .
.
.

Day 46 - Used Earbuds???

I just purchased my very first (ever) pair of earbuds....and they're PINK!!! I've never been really big into music, to the point where I would need to purchase a CD or a song for my iPod. I don't even own an iPod. Every other member of my family does...even Lil C. Plus, the old hard earbuds never fit in my ear...even the ones that "guarantee" to stay in your ear. What's the guarantee? They refund your money if they don't fit. I don't see what the big deal is with a guarantee like that....Doesn't EVERY company allow you to return earbuds if they don't fit? Maybe not...that would be kind of gross...buying 'used' earbuds?? Ewww.

Now, an iPad on the other hand...don't think I could live without one now. (Thanks for the iPads Meme & Papa). Heading up the the gym shortly with it...... and my new pink earbuds. 

Well, I finally made it back on the wagon. Not sure if it was 2 or 3 days that I went without "really" putting in the time and the sweat. I know that this started out as me just taking 20 minutes for myself...doing whatever I wanted to do, but I've at some point I started holding myself accountable for the effort that goes into my time. We had lots of family in town this past weekend and I suppose it took me a day or two to get back into my rhythm. But I'm back on top now and decided to add 5lb weights into the mix as well as add .3 speed to my pace. For 45 days I've been trucking along at 3.5mph for 50 minutes, so I'm upping the ante and will start pushing 3.8mph from here on out...maybe. Hey, it IS my time. As for the weights...eehh...if I feel like it, I'll use 'em. I'm down a total of 6 pounds in 46 days. You can do the math. I'm outta here.

Day 45 - AM Adrenaline Rush

Got a call from Charlie's elementary school this morning - they were desperate for someone to come in to sub for a Kindergarten teacher who had called out sick. I love kindergarten. They're huggers. They are always so sweet. Plus, Lil C loves when I sub at his school. He gets to go hang out with the office workers and they all adore him...so he gets extra special treatment.

Well, it was an easy breezy morning as the children came in and got started on their morning work. Suddenly, I look up to see a little girl standing at the door with a terrified look on her face. I think I actually jumped over a table and a couple of children when I realized what was going on. Her little ring finger was caught in the heavy steel door...and not where the door handle meets the door frame, her little finger was caught in the hing part. OOOOOOMMMMGGGGG!!! I opened the door and hugged her tight until she calmed a bit then looked at her finger and there was a dent in it that was so deep that her finger was half the diameter of her normal size. I thought for sure it was fractured.

We got her to the clinic and they called her mom. An hour later, I took to class to their PE class and walked back to the clinic to check on her. Her mom was there with her and I introduced myself. Her finger seemed to be ok, but she was still crying. I watched as her mom explained to her that if she came home, she couldn't participate in any after school activities. Wow. I thought I was the only mean mom who had that rule. Good to know!

It turned out to be a pretty fun day, except the fact that it was Valentine's Day and by 2pm the kids were all hopped up on sugar and bouncing off the walls. There were several subs there that day. Makes me wonder if the teacher absences weren't strategically planned. Hmmmmm.

Finally got home, had to speed clean the house for an early showing of my house, take Lil C to Karate, go visit the BFF for a spell, then finally made it home about 8pm...so no time for my twenty, but my valentines more than made up for that fact. Plus I restricted myself to only ONE Peanut M&M. It's all good. Getting my sweat back on tomorrow!!!

Day 44 - Nothing to see here, folks.

I told you so.

It was a crazy day. I'm down 5lbs, though. Woot-Woot!!

Day 43 - Alligator Headache

What a fantastic weekend. Celebrating my in-law's 50th wedding anniversary and getting to hang out with all of the people that we don't get to see enough of throughout the year.... *sigh*

The day started out slow... had to go through the recovery process after partying like rock stars the night before. Watched the original subtitled "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" then headed out to The Florida Aquarium with the entire family. LOVE that place...except for those darn alligators. I walked up behind all the kids to see what they were so interested in. I poked my head through the wall of cousins and WHAM!! Gator eyeballs two feet away....looking right at me. My heart skipped a beat then nearly jumped out of my chest. My skin got really hot and then tingly and my head started pounding. I'm not too fond of alligators, as some of you may know. That headache lingered for a couple of hours...

I have to give a shout out to my sister-in-law, Mary, for stepping up to the plate and joining me on my "twenty" - Although it was short lived, we managed to squeeze in a brisk 10 minute walk around the neighborhood and then returned to do 50 kitchen counter push-ups. When questioned about what I was doing, my other sister-in-law, Carrie, explained that they were my "kitchen counter push-ups." She reads my blog!! Yay. Feels good to share and know that people are reading!! Finished off the weekend with some yumalicious pasta with cappicola meatballs at Aunt Toni's!!! We've been eating low-carb in our house for months, so it was hard not to slip into a carbohydrate coma.

Gonna miss that bunch. Hoping to get together again this summer sometime!

Day 42 - The 50 Year Anniversary

Seriously. 50 years. I don't know what their secret is, but I plan to be there in 41 years...or is it 42??? What gets me is the the 7 years that Charlie and I were together BEFORE we got married. We earned those years, darn it.

So, today was a rest day...not planned in advance, but a rest day none the less. I woke early and then headed out to the University of Tampa for a Photography class field trip. It was fun, but I didn't really learn anything other than the fact that if you go to the concrete amphitheater in downtown Tampa and stand in this one particular square, the audio echo when you speak comes back - directly into your ears like you have headphones on and you can hear yourself speaking. It's wild. One step to the left, and it doesn't work. It was very cool.

After class, I had to rush home & clean the house to show it for a Realtor that was coming by at 2:45p, then we headed straight up to the clubhouse to start decorating for my In-Law's 50th Wedding Anniversary party. That lasted into the wee hours of the night, of course, leaving no time to take back my twenty. Today, however, I didn't mind. It was a fabulous day all around. Good times with good people and good wine. Cheers, all.

Photo is of the Bride (Meme) and Groom (Papa). Meme with my Lil C and Papa letting a young Sierra play beauty parlor with what was left of his hair while we vacationed in North Carolina. Priceless. Love my life.

Day 41 - Crazy Lady

I was presented an hour in the middle of the day that I seized to head up to the gym and catch up on another episode of Grey's Anatomy. I had the entire gym all to myself. How nice!!!

Halfway through my workout, the clubhouse manager came in and told me that I would have to change to a different treadmill so that the repair man could make a few adjustments. No biggie. I told him I needed to go get some water anyways. I forgot to bring mine, so I had to run into the clubhouse to rehydrate. Five minutes later, he returned with an ice cold water bottle. Somehow my ridiculous HOA fees somehow seem worth it!

Since I had the gym to myself, and I was plugged into my iPad, the TVs were off, which meant that it was extremely quiet in there while the repairman worked on the equipment. Unfortunately for me, the Grey's Anatomy episode that I happened to be watching turned out to be a tear jerker. And, yes, I cry watching tv shows if they're sad. I was able to hide my tears from the guy pretty well, but when it got to be too much, my nose started running and I made that sound you make when you try to hold back the tears too long....kind of like a sniffling snort. Yeah - from his perspective, I'm sure he thought I was crazy. I didn't bother trying to explain...so now he'll have a funny story to tell too!

Have a GREAT WEEKEND friends!!

Photo: Photographer unknown. Lifted from: http://www.fanpop.com/spots/greys-anatomy/images/10397326/title/greys-anatomy-photo

Day 40 - Seasonal Mood Disorder?

I am so thankful that I took advantage of yesterday's gorgeous weather and enjoyed a little sun bathing at our community pool because today's weather was cloudy and cold. I hate days like that...I tend to let the weather dictate my mood and energy levels, I believe they call it "Seasonal Mood Disorder." That's something else that bothers me. Why does everything have to be labeled as a "disorder" or "syndrome?" I'm sure there's a medical reason for it, but I believe that labeling someone with a disorder or syndrome strips them of their power to change. Not to mention, gives them a reason to start collecting Social Security Disability benefits. Don't get me started on THAT one.

I spent a couple years working in the HR department at GTE/Verizon and I have never seen so much abuse of FMLA and Disability Benefits. It would burn me up to have someone come bee-bopping over to my desk, smiling and waving at all of their friends as they bounced past them, then tell me that they have a migraine and have to go home under protected FMLA time... Now, I've had a migraine. It's hard to see or even walk when you have a migraine. Abuse, I tell ya! Disgusting. They're going to ruin it for those who are truly disabled.

I feel better now. Oh, the tangents that my brain drifts off into. I wonder if THAT's a disability? HA!!

So, on a more positive note, I'm loving the Netflix + iPad + Free WiFi + Grey's Anatomy + Treadmill combo because it equals 50 minutes of quality "me" time at the gym...sweating. Plus, I'm down another pound this morning. That's 4 total in 40 days. I believe I may be onto something.

Photo is of the beautiful sunset that tempted me to sit and watch it instead of heading inside the gym this evening. It was so colorful...much more colorful than what I was able to capture here. I'll try to get a better shot tomorrow.

Day 39 - Carpe Diem

Carpe Diem is becoming a staple in my quest for Twenty. It is too easy to allow other things and other people dictate your time. Today, I walked outside to get the mail and noticed how absolutely gorgeous the day was.

It's the heart of winter here in Florida, yet the skies were a deep blue, hardly a cloud in the sky, my palm trees were whispering in the breeze and the warm sun caressed my skin...80 degrees of pure heaven. Its almost poetic. So, I marched back inside, pulled out my bathing suit and headed up to our community pool. I spent a good hour and a half soaking in the suns rays, hoping that my nearly translucent skin would once again glow with color.

That is exactly what I needed. I am now more energized and ready to take on the world. Not to mention that I'm down 3 pounds in 38 days. I used to do fad diets and be able to lose 10 pounds in a week, but it turns out that was just water weight because it would come back right away once I hopped off the diet. These three pounds are gone and I will not take them back.

If you feel the need to take some "Me" time...I say, Carpe Diem. Don't let the world dictate your schedule.

Day 38 - Flossing Failure

I never thought it was possible. I walked for 50 minutes without batting an eyelash this afternoon, thanks to my secret Netflix donor. I used to dread 15 minutes...now I am pushing an hour. Yay me!

I took Superbowl Sunday off, then had my time stolen from me yesterday....so I was in a really bad place psychologically when I woke up this morning. I knew I had a busy day and feared another failed day. No more!! The lesson that I've learned so far is that if you have an opportunity in the morning to take back twenty, you need to take it. Yes, there are 500 other things that "could" be done, but you are more important than those things. Yeah - I trumped laundry today. Booya! I'm looking forward to the day when I trump the dishes.

If you're on my Facebook as a "Friend" (http://www.facebook.com/SoulSearchPhotography) then you might know that I went to the dentist this morning. As much as I LOVE my teddy bear dentist (pictured above - Dr. Michael Collins in Tampa - ask for 'Debbie' to be your hygienist. She's awesome!), I loath the disappointing "Your teeth look great...no work for me here!" That's his nice way of saying, "Your gums could use some attention." You see, I floss like I used to work out................... yeah. I said it. I had no cavities for 21 years.... until I got pregnant. Then I got 4 in one appointment, and haven't had another one since. I suppose the Taco Bell Burrito Supremes and the Burger King Chicken Sandwiches weren't giving me adequate calcium. I just hate to floss, and they know it. It's all good. I just pay an extra $88 a year for a third yearly cleaning. I suppose it would be cheaper to buy floss, but I really wouldn't know. That was just Charlie's opinion when he saw the receipt on the counter tonight....meant to hide that one. Ooops.

Are you Taking Back Twenty? or Thirty? or Forty? Please leave me a comment letting me know if this is helping you. If you don't, I may just start blogging about flossing my teeth.

Day 37 - One Text Message

What does it take to throw your entire day off and eliminate your chances of taking back twenty?

One text message.

"Mom - I left my winter guard stuff at home, can you please bring it to me at 10:30?"

How can this happen??? Not giving myself options is how this can happen. My day was completely filled today, with the exception of the time between 10:00a - 11:00a, when I had planned to stroll up to the gym before heading into work. I spent the morning getting Lil C ready for school, then had some catch-up work to do before showering and getting ready to go substitute at the Elementary School at noon.

I was at the Elementary School until around 4:30p, came home to feed Lil C and finish my homework before class tonight, then had to GO to class tonight. In all fairness, though, Sierra works SOOOOooo hard in Winterguard and Band, takes Honors and AP classes, makes good grades and stays out of trouble. She's the BEST DAUGHTER EVER and I would do anything for her!!

.
.
.

 This was it...my moment of truth. We all have these moments...the moment when you decide whether you are going to accept your fate or write your own story. I stood at the kitchen counter, phone to my ear, Big C on the other line. He's on his way home. I can't leave until he gets there to watch Lil C.

Five Minutes. That is what I had to work with. No sweat. In 5 minutes time, I was able to hammer out 60 Kitchen Counter Push-Ups and 30 Kitchen Counter Squats....in sets of 20/10 respectively. Heart was pounding. Good stuff.

I still feel cheated, though, so I'm going to take it back tomorrow.

Day 36 - No Time For Me

Spent all day sleeping in, cooking, playing, eating, watching, drinking, cleaning and being the designated driver. I can't complain. Back on the wagon tomorrow. Join me.

Photo from: http://www.dpreview.com/articles

Day 35 - Your Children Will Become You

The BFF and I took our families to the Monster Truck Show tonight. As we were about to enter the complex, we were faced with the decision of either standing in line to go up the escalator or walk up the 30 degree incline ramp. What came out of my son's mouth next just about blew my mind. Lil Charlie, for those who don't know him, is my 7 year old son. He is a video game master who hates sweating, team sports, and being outdoors in general. Well, as we approached the complex, Lil Charlie says, and I quote, "Let's take the ramp so we can get our exercise." OMG. It makes me want to cry right now, just thinking about it. This is profound. If any of you reading this think that your kids aren't paying attention to the things that you do and say, think again. Your children will become you. Be who you want them to be. (A modification of my favorite quote from Mahatma Gandhi "Be the change that you want to see in the world).

There was our answer. Little did I know JUST how far of a walk it was. Each lap around was about half the size of a standard track. Add on the 7 layers of ramp and I'd say it was at least a mile walk all the way to the top...at a 30 degree incline, I might add....with 4 kids. I'm sure you can imagine the kids reactions when we got to the top and then turned around to tell then that we now have to walk back down. HA!! They were pissed!

We eventually made our way back down, crossed over to the other side, and then decided to hop on the escalator this time. Ahhhhh...

The show was great. I want to be a Monster Truck Driver!!!

Photo taken from THIS blog page.

Day 34 - 6oz Biceps Curls with The Tres Hermanas

My "twenty" today was spent with my sisters, Carol and Tracey. We decided to meet at a restaurant/bar in my old hometown and hung out with the band while they played some great covers. While we were there, we ran into a couple of old friends, Shannon K. and Brock S. - Funny story...When we got there, Tracey got a text from Brock S. that said, "I'm watching you." This gave me an idea when I spotted Shannon before he saw me. I sneaked up behind him, snapped his picture, went back to where we were sitting and then sent him a text of the picture. OMG - it was hilarious. He freaked a little and we watched for a while as his paranoia kicked in while he scanned the room for whomever took the picture. Good times. I haven't seen those kids in a few years....loved catching up.

So, anyways, back to my "twenty." When we were young, we didn't get along very well. We had our moments, but mostly it was stealing each others clothes, wrestling down the hallway, throwing brushes at each other or ratting each other out. Carol is the oldest and would be most likely labeled the care taker....the conscience. Tracey is the youngest and she's spoiled rotten. Always has been, always will be. I'm the middle kid with your typical "middle kid syndrome." Thinking about our very different personalities, it reminds me of Freud's Theory of the Personality. (i.e. the id, the ego and the super-ego). We each represent one of these.

Tracey would be the "Id" - the personality component made up of unconscious psychic energy that works to satisfy basic urges, needs, and desires. The id operates based on the pleasure principle, which demands immediate gratification of needs.

I would be the "Ego" - part of personality that mediates the demands of the id, the superego and reality. The ego prevents us from acting on our basic urges (created by the id), but also works to achieve a balance with our moral and idealistic standards (created by the superego)...best represented by my own personal "Decision Making Flow Chart"

Carol would be the "Super-Ego" - the component of personality composed of our internalized ideals that we have acquired from our parents and from society. The superego works to suppress the urges of the id and tries to make the ego behave morally, rather than realistically.

So, together, we are able to stay in complete balance. For this, I am grateful. I love my sisters and they love me. Thanks for the "Twenty."

Day 33 - Not Worth Reading

I spent the entire day today editing photos from a family portrait session last weekend. They were such a gorgeous family...I'm talking magazine perfect. It's a shame she doesn't want them shared on Facebook. I can respect that. The dad is a Dr. for a few of the High Schools. I will, however, post a test shot I took before they stepped in front of the camera. It's at the lake behind our neighborhood clubhouse in Wesley Chapel. Talk about a GORGEOUS backdrop.

This is what Winter in Florida looks like. We've averaged 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit (that's 23-26 degrees Celcius) for the past 4 weeks.

I have a meeting at Lil Charlie's school tomorrow morning, and I have promised myself that I will spend at least a couple of hours in my bathing suit at our neighborhood pools...trying to capture some much needed Vitamin D....and try to tan this nearly translucent skin of mine. Going to bring our iPad2 and catch up on a Grey's Anatomy episode or two.

I managed to pull off 100 Kitchen Counter Push-ups tonight. I was so drained after sitting at the computer all day, I couldn't drag myself to the gym. Not to mention, the guys who are there in the evening kind of creep me out and get on my nerves. They're probably just trying to be nice....or to hit on me, who knows. I just figured that my wedding ring, headphones, lack of eye contact and limited responses to their conversational attempts would give them a hint. No such luck.

Looking forward to tomorrow! Have a GREAT weekend, folks...go take back what's yours.

Day 32 - ONE MONTH RESULTS

Thank you all for reading my blog. I get updates on how many people are reading on a daily basis and it truly motivates me to be my best.

One month. I made it. What a relief. Coming from someone who never sticks to anything for longer than a week or two, this is monumental. As a reward, I have officially bumped my 20 minutes to 40 minutes. Bringing the iPad2, headphones and Netflix to the gym is a game changer. One episode of Grey's Anatomy is 40 minutes....and once I get through Grey's Anatomy, I plan to move onto another series....brilliant, I tell ya!

On another subject, I had some bloodwork done a few weeks ago and it turns out that my B-12 and Vitamin D were on the low side, so I decided to go on the offensive and start taking the vitamins that I need now to help prevent what might be in my future. Not to worry, they were still within the "normal" range, but were definitely in the lower 20% of "normal." I eat fairly well, but I don't eat a lot of different things. I'm a meat 'n potatoes kind of girl. Meat, potatoes and pasta. (Note - Photo of my new Multi-Vitamin Arsenal) 

Here is my line-up: In the morning, it's B-12 Sublingual, Fish Oil, D3 2000IU and Biotin. In the afternoon it's One-a-Day Weight Loss Multi-Vitamin, Acai and Vitamin A.  After 2 days, I've noticed remarked long-lasting energy levels. These will be my monthly goal for February. I'm already addicted to "My Time" - and now my Twenty has turned into Forty.

Here are my results after one month: 
Weight Loss: I don't think so. I naturally fluctuate anywhere from 3-5 pounds in a 24 hour period, so it's really hard to tell. Plus, I've been eating bad stuff lately...lots of fats and sugars.
Armpits: They have clearly started to concave back to the way they should be.
Tri-ceps: A very clear indention from "Kitchen Counter Pushups"
Measurements: Neck and Arms are down by 1/2 inch, nothing else has changed.

Family Changes: 
1. My husband has started Crossfit again.
2. My anti-exercise son asked me on 2 occasions if he could join me on my "20"
3. My daughter volunteers herself to go the gym with me from time to time.
4. Both of my sisters have started their own plans for getting back to healthy.

Overall, I can honestly say that this has TOTALLY been worth my time and effort. I plan to be down 20lbs by December this year. I've gained 20 in the past 2 years, so it's going to be tough to get it off in half the time. I've tried every diet in the book, so I'm changing books. Going old school: Ingest less...Move more.

Day 31 - McDreamy & McSteamy

I got a call this morning from a Substitute Teacher coordinator asking me if I could come in to sub for half a day. YAY! I love when they call me personally to ask. It makes me feel special! However, next time, I'll be sure to take note of which elementary school calls to ask. Yes, I showed up at the wrong school today. Typical me. Gotta laugh.

So, tonight, I discovered that our clubhouse gym has free Wi-Fi. Rock-ON!!! Considering what we pay for CDD and HOA, they should provide free iPads...

Thanks to a certain Netflix donor, and to Meme and Papa for the iPad2, I blew through 35 minutes on the treadmill catching up on McDreamy and McSteamy. That's code for Dr. Sheppard and Dr. Sloan - Grey's Anatomy. There was one season a few years ago that had a really slow start and I quit watching. Regretting that now. Regardless, that was the fastest 35 minutes ever! I had to stop 5 minutes early because sweat was dripping in my eyes, and now I can't find the episode that I was watching. UGH!!!

Tomorrow I will recap my first month blogging and Taking Back Twenty. Posting results and my plan of action for February!! Peace out!~~

Day 30 - Near Death Experience

Today was a scheduled "Rest Day." I have them pre-planed on my calendar every 10 days. It's like a freebie day. However, after today's events, I feel lucky to be alive...undeserving of a "Freebie Day."

I was pulling out of a store today when some j-hole ran a solid red light at 50mph, and missed T-boning me by a mere 1/10 of a second. I'm estimating these numbers, of course. However, based on the fact that the girl's vehicle physically lifted off the ground as she flew through the intersection, tells me that she was going fast enough to get some lift as she flew over a small rise in the pavement. It happened so quickly, and she missed me by MAYBE 3 inches. In my mind, however, it happened in slow motion. I actually saw the expression on her face when she realized that she thought that she was going to T-Bone someone. In that exact moment, I gunned the gas and cut my steering wheel left...fish tailing out of her path...leaving only black skid marks on the pavement. I'm still not sure how I survived this.  It makes me think that my Guardian Angel somehow slowed down time to give me the time to get out of the way. Craziness, I tell ya.

I've had 2 psychic-esque people describe in vivid detail what my Guardian Angel looks like, and their descriptions were remarkably similar... One was a friend from when I worked downtown at Verizon. It was out of the blue. She knew nothing about my family, but was able to tell me 2-3 things that only my Grandma Birdie would know. She had passed several years before. Then there was a palm reader that my sister and I stopped in to see. We weren't searching for info..we simply had 2 hours to burn in a town where there was one Dollar General store and one psychic. It was something that my sister would never do on her own, so I dared her. Long story short....both described my Guardian Angel's looks in detail and explained that she was with me all the time.

You may not be a believer, but the simple fact that I'm not either dead or in jail is proof enough for me. I was a wild child: non-conforming and above the rules, but somehow managed to not only survive High School, but also get a full ride scholarship to college.

Whatever you want to call it...a sixth sense, intuition, psychic ability.... I've always had internal dialogue. Learning to listen to it was the key.

Photo is from my Photography class at USF...I got critiqued today. Ouch!

Day 29 - A Walk in the Park

Literally. The weather here in Mid-Florida today, in the heart of winter, was a balmy 75 degrees. We packed up the bikes and drove down to Hillsborough River State park. Lil Charlie learned what happens when you mix bike tires and soft sand....the same thing I learned while riding my Harley through soft sand about 7 years ago. Ouch!

We rode around the main loop and then checked out the camp grounds...wondering why we never camped here before...so close to home. Instead, we would drive 50 miles to a campground that looks exactly the same. I didn't think that Hillsborough River State Park allowed campfires for some reason, but there were campfires burning all over the place. I'm thinking that this little trip might lead to a new (and by "new" I really mean "used") camper in the near future.

Missed the BFF today...we'd be attached at the hip if we could get away with it.

Day 28 - Nothing

I have nothing for you for this day. I did get some movement in today, playing X-Box kinect... Boxing, Volleyball and Bowling....catching up on the 29th. It's hard blogging on the weekends!

Day 26 - Time Warp to BHS 1990

BHS.
1990.
Volleyball.
State Championship.

The only differences:
An extra 40lbs.
It's 2012.
We were in my living room.
We are on different teams.

That's me and the BFF in the blurry photo. Her daughter Jenna took it for us. Beggars can't be choosers, I guess.

We decided to use the X-Box Kinect to take back twenty tonight. The game of choice: Volleyball. You see, we played together back in high school. We placed 2nd in State in 1990, so this match got a little heated. She won the first match, I won the second match and the tiebreaker went into quadruple overtime. Final match score: 9-7 Winner: J.V.

I have to admit, I was skeptical and didn't think I would get a good enough workout. Well, let me tell you otherwise...the sweat was dripping from every possible sweat gland on my body. Thinking this might become my workout of choice...at least two or three times a week. In fact, we ended up taking back between 25-30 because we couldn't beat each other.

Tonight was a fun twenty. We all need a little fun in our lives. Doing the same thing every night would bore me, which is why this seems to be working. In 26 days I've had 2 rest days and 1 fail day, which I'm hereby declaring "an unscheduled rest day," and going forward will be known as "PMS DAY" No one knows when this day will come. It will lurk in the shadows, skulking behind you and when you least expect it...... BAM! Kind of like real life PMS. Toodles!

Day 25 - X-Rays and Monster Trucks

One part about getting older that I wish I could change is the amount of time it takes the body to recover. Bang your leg on a table and you have a bruise for 2 weeks. Go out drinking and partying until 5am, and pay for it for 3 days. Pull your back doing dead lifts in November, and you will find yourself at the Musculoskeletal Medicine / Orthopedic Surgeon guy in January. He was my age and he had like 2% bodyfat. Scheesh.

So the nurse took me back into a room and tossed a pair of paper shorts and a paper gown on the table. I looked around. There was no x-ray equipment in this room. WTH? I was going to have to walk OUT of this room in paper clothes. No way. Started thinking that they probably have portable equipment by now and she'll be rolling it in any minute.

Nope.

"Come this way," she says as she opens the door. {o.O} Hoping that we would be going into the room next door, I followed her down the hallway, past a lady and gentleman sitting in another room, around a corner, down another hallway past a few more people and finally made it to the x-ray room. Seriously? As if wearing paper clothes isn't bad enough? You had to parade me around the office too? Julie - I know you're reading this. Please send them a message asking them to not make you change until you get into the x-ray room. Seriously. How embarrassing.

Either way, the x-ray looked good and I start physical therapy next week because a Strain/Sprain shouldn't last for 3-4 months. If there are any x-ray techs out there that see anything abnormal, please let me know. :o)

In case you are wondering, I DID hit the gym tonight. 20 minutes straight on the treadmill, then 60 treadmill push-ups. Arms were burning after 45, so I know they're working. It was infiltrated by a pack of 17 year old high school boys towards the end of my workout...thinking about waking up at 6:30am to take back my twenty tomorrow. Not to mention the 500 calories that I'll save by going to bed at 11pm.

p.s. We got out Monster Truck tickets tonight for the Feb 4th show. Good family fun with the BFF and family. Can't wait!!