Day #43..Chugging Along

I'm one tired mama this week. My hubby will be home tomorrow, he's been away the last couple of weeks on a course....short one this time, we can do 2 weeks standing on our heads.
I have continued to exercise while he's been gone, and I feel good about that. I've also been eating fairly well, which doesn't always happen when he goes away.
I weighed myself this morning, and I'm down nearly 8 lbs over these last 43 days. Not a huge amount of weight, but things are moving in the right direction. I know my body is changing, my clothes tell the tale.

We've had a little excitement as well. My youngest son ( he's 7) passed out at school yesterday. Just fainted and fell forward on the gym floor....caught himself with his face. Poor kids was only out for a few moments, but woke up screaming. There was a lot of blood. Bloody nose, bloody lip. It was all over his white shirt, so that scared him even more.
He's never passed out before, which concerned me a little. He'd had a big breakfast before school, a big glass of water. So, we went over to the Emergency room ( our town is very small, so short wait times thankfully). The doc checked him out, and said son was ok. We went back for bloodwork this morning, but haven't heard back on that. I think the hardest thing for him was fasting until after the test. I had him back home and eating by 9am.
Tomorrow morning, Yoga Meltdown. Look out Jillian!

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Day #41...... Next Phase....

It was a sunny Sunday, an actual Spring day. The sun was shining, with actual warmth, and nearly all the snow has melted.( Oh, I'd be glad to drop that word from my vocabulary for a few months.)

Yesterday was a rest day for me workout wise. I did a little Spring cleaning instead.. Gathered a bag of clothes from my closet for donation, purged the bathroom of all the nearly empty bottles I seem to save for no good reason. The bathroom looks so bright....the bedroom needs a little work yet. (Doesn't it always?)

This morning I was back on the workout wagon. Today was 12 Second Sequence, a workout I have done in the past. I was a little over-confident when I started. I figured, I'd done the 30DS, this has got to be easier than last time...nope, I was wrong. It's a strength workout, meant to be done twice a week. My abs are aching tonight, but I think I'll be ok for Jillian's Yoga Meltdown tomorrow morning.

Things that made me smile today:

*Jacob asking me if he had a tan after spending the afternoon outside

* Behn and Asher reading out on the deck this afternoon.

*Sihdney telling me she liked my cleaning when we cleared out her room today.

Day #39....I think it is....

I'm finished.... I completed The 30 Day Shred. Over the last week or so, I've not felt like blogging about it. I really struggled with the last 5 days. I HATED it, everything. I hated the plank work, I hated the ab work ( except for the final circuit, love that one!).  I think I was just tired of doing the same workout. 

Overall, I have to say I am glad I did the 30 days. The fact that I stuck with it is a minor miracle. I NEVER stick with anything fitness/health related.  Posting about my workouts here, on Facebook, telling my family about it...I really felt like I had to prove I could do it. 

I didn't get the major results I was hoping for, not as strict with the diet thing as I should have been. Baby steps folks, baby steps. I lost a few pounds, and a few inches, clothes are fitting better, jeans are getting looser....

So, now I have to decided what to do next. Yoga Meltdown on Sunday... I have to plan it out, or I'm afraid I'll lose momentum.

Days #35&36.....Wishing for Spring

Oh, Spring, the season or rebirth and snow....wait, what? Snow, it's a dirty word this time of year. More of an expletive than a description of the weather. We're presently bracing for yet another blast of that stuff. The kids have their fingers and toes crossed hoping for a snow day ( today was their second day back after Spring Break), and I'm hoping it just blows by.

One week and hubby will be home. The kids are missing him, especially Sihdney. " I miss Daddy!" is what I get every time I ask her to do something she doesn't want to do. She's come to it late, but she's finally a Daddy's girl. 

Okay, Shred report( I'm sure you're all quivering in anticipation). Yesterday and today were days #6 and #7 of level 3. The end is in sight and I CAN'T WAIT! I am so tired of shoving Jillian into the DVD player every day. I don't want to do anymore plank work! I've had some small success in weight loss and loss of inches. I had really hoped for a more noticeable result, but I'll take what I have achieved and be pleased. 

Next week, new workouts and new challenges. The big bonus with doing the Shred is I know exactly what I have to do, and how much time I need to do it. Guess I'd better get planning.

Day #33....Day #34......Weekend is Over

Sunday night....the dogs are playing on the floor, kids are in bed. I'm watching a little mindless TV, putting in time until I go to bed.
So, yesterday was Day #5  Level 3 of the Shred. I worked damn hard at it yesterday. In each circuit I tried to do the first set with the Amazon, and if I had to, the second set with Anita. Admittedly, there were only a few I managed to stay with the Amazon on. I think I made a little progress there.
I was supposed to do Yoga Meltdown with Jillian this morning, but opted out. I was so tired, and sore from yesterday. So, the kids and I had a traditional Lazy Sunday. We watched a mindless SciFi mini series (Alice), they played some video games, and Asher finally had his wish come true...he got to watch a Harry Potter movie. I think it was a nice way to end Spring Break for everyone.
They were all in bed at a decent time, and 3/4 are happy to go back to school tomorrow. I'd say that's not too bad.
I was a little bummed today. I've been doing this Shred thing, exercising for over a month now, and have had no big visible changes. ( I know, that will come with time) I've also been a bit blue about where we live. I honestly wanted to live in a small town. Loved the idea of knowing my neighbours, being able to give the kids the freedom we had never felt we could in the city. Too bad this town isn't like that. I forgot about the other side of the Small Town Coin: people live here, grow up together, know everyone. Newbies, military families like ours, are often left on the outside looking in. I've had a couple of previous posts, about the school and the troubles we've had, and I think that's a part of this Blue zone I'm in.

Then, I was flipping through the channels this afternoon, and happened on a documentary that made me pause and kick myself in the butt. Swimming in Auschwitz, what an amazing story these women had to tell. I highly recommend you watch it if you get the chance. Makes me think I can do ANYTHING, after watching a listening to their stores of survival.
So, tomorrow, Monday, is another day...and it's going to be a good one.

Day 32....Blowing Snow & Feeling the Burn!

 What a day. Just a normal Spring day here in small town Alberta. It started last night before I went to bed. If we lived near the ocean, it would have been a gorgeous, powerful gale. As we are landlocked here on the prairies, it was instead a whiteout. The flashing clocks in the house told the tale of a power outage, but I don't know when it happened, or for how long.....guess it doesn't matter much since we were all asleep.

I let myself sleep in a little. We had no big plans, no appointments to keep. Okay, not completely true, Jillian, as always, was waiting to kick my butt. I rolled out of bed around 8:30. It was a slow move, as my body had not yet forgiven me for 3 days in a row of Level 3 with Jillian.

First things first, the dogs needed out. I sprung them from their crate, and we went to the back door. Snow, drifts everywhere. The door is drifted, the dogs look at me like "WTH? This stuff was not here yesterday!" I put them on their ropes and shoved  sent them out to do their business. I'm not heartless. After I brought them in and dusted them off, I waded through the snow in my pj's ( dark plaid) and my lime green fleece...oh! I had pink winter boots on as well ( what a sight I'd have been, but I was hidden in the blowing snow), to the garage for the snow shovel. I broke trail ( is that the term?) with a hockey stick that had not been completely buried, and dug out around the garage door. I then made my way back, trying not to lose my breathe in the gusting wind. Took a few photos, dug out the back deck, and went into the house. Nothing like a brisk wind and shifting heavy wet snow to get you in the mood to do a Jillian workout.

I had to change. Flannel really isn't a fabrics I like to sweat in, and I was soaked through from the snow that had blown up at me. While Jillian was warming up in the DVD player, I got on my bras, knee straps, and gave myself a little pep talk.

Yesterday, and today, I really did NOT want to workout. My legs hurt, my arms hurt, I think I may have pulled something in my right calf. Any other point in my life, I would have allowed myself to use these things as an excuse to quit.

..............I didn't quit. I finished Day #4 of Level 3. Not my best performance,  but a complete one. Since I didn't do it on Monday, I have a weekend date with Jillian tomorrow morning. I didn't catch the Amazon today, but I've got her in my sights!  ;)

For fun tonight, I got on the Wii Fit. I am AWESOME on the yoga poses now! I should really do that every night. My Wii Fit age was 36...2 years older than I am. I'll aim for better this time next week.

Day #31...Wow, Really?

So, just over a month ago I started making my way to a healthier me. I'm going to be honest here...I didn't really think I would still be doing it. I mean, look at my track record. I have given up on every attempt at losing weight I have tried over the last few years.
Now, I can't say there's been much in the way of loss. However, there have been gains. My muscle tone is improving, which I love! (Muscles are hot!) I have had gains in my energy level, my stamina... and my confidence may not be soaring just yet, but it is definitely hovering above ground level!

Today was Day #3, Level 3 of the Shred. I'm not feeling too bad. My thighs are only quietly groaning in protest when I get into a squat position. Oddly, it's my hands that hurt today. That plank exercise where you hold yourself on the dumbbells are hard on them. I need bigger weights so my hands aren't so crunched up...but I don't think I can lift anything heavier.
Day 4 tomorrow...look out Amazon, I'm gonna catch you!

Day #30....Shred & Vomit...the Dogs' not Mine

So, it seems my dogs got into some garbage left for a brief time out on our back deck. They may have eaten some past due chili, veggies, and some chicken carcass scraps. They've both had the scoots, and a hard time keeping things down. Dexter seems to have come out the other side, but Booth....my sweet, but stupid wiener dog, has not. You see, he eats poop. He waits for it to fall from his friend like it's the best treat ever ( maybe to him it is ). We try to pick it up every time they go out, but always Booth finds a nibble or 2. Sounds gross? You're right, it is disgusting!  I bathed them both last night, as they were somewhat stinky, and they made it through the night. So, I'm hoping he's nearly finished. It's gross, and as much as I'm a dog lover, I hate this.

I am obviously a complainer by nature, and this post is no different. Today was Day #2 of Level 3. Ouch. Really, that word doesn't cover it, but I'm too tired to think of something better.
I knew it was going to be rough as soon as I opened my eyes. I stretched, and that was when I realized just how sore I was. My inner thighs protested the most, and my outer thighs were definitely there supporting them. " No Shred!" they screamed.
I flopped my way through all 3 circuits...and believe me folks, flopping it was. I may not have made it strong though it all, but I was sure to never rest ( gasp) for more than a beat or 2.
At this point, I'd like to say that I LOVE seeing the Amazon struggle with some of the exercises. I mean, is she's finding it hard, then it's ok for me too. :)
Level 3 is hard. Yup, talk about a "duh" thing to say. It is Level 3 after all, it should be harder than the first 2 levels. I've heard it said that the Supermans are one of the most detested exercises in the routine. I don't mind them....who knows, maybe I'm doing them wrong. I'm still struggling the Samurai jumping squat things...and the Rockstar jumps. Apparently, I am no Rockstar.

Day #29............ Shred & so much more

 It's been a bit since I wrote anything. It was a busy long weekend, full of family, food and shopping! I love, love, love having my family a short 4 hour away. That may sounds like a long journey to some, but not us. For most of my adult life, we've lived a minimum of 12 hours away.

Saturday we got up very early to make the drive into the city. Dad had meetings, so the ladies went to WEM. For the very first time I was able to go to  Bath and Bodyworks.... have you ever been there? I am in love. Everything smells so yummy. I spent a lot, but could have spent more..... I should bookmark that website. 

Sunday was Easter. The kids managed to stay in bed until almost 7am before hitting the ground running to look for bunny eggs. Hubby prepped the two chickens to roast for dinner ( he is so good at it). Dad made fresh, homemade buns for us to have with dinner. I made peach crisp for dessert ( the easiest bit of the meal). The house smelled amazing, and it all tasted even better.

Everyone went their separate ways on Monday. My parents off toe BC for tax season, my sis back home to get ready for the work week. It was supposed to be hubby's last day home for a couple of weeks, so he packed and the kids played.

Early this morning ( I'm talking 3:15 am ) hubby was up, getting ready to go. His ride from the base was to pick him up at 4am. No one showed up, and after a few fruitless  phone calls ,  he decided to take his own car so he wouldn't miss his flight. It was a good plan, but he still missed his flight. See, there were these deer that decided they could wait another minute to get across the highway. Ron managed to miss the first one, but there was another right behind him. Maybe they were playing tag, who knows? Fortunately, Ron is ok, I'm so thankful for that! Sadly, the little blue car is damaged, and the seer didn't make it.  So much excitement before 6am! So, instead of flying to Quebec, Ron is waiting to hear from the insurance adjuster.

My morning was not nearly as exciting. I was up to do the Shred this morning, even though the kids are ( finally) on Spring Break. Today was Day #1 of Level 3. It is now my favourite Level! It's hard ( aren't they all), but it flew by! I fell to my knees a lot, and would have gladly punched Jillian if it would have meant an end to those samurai squat jump things. I am positive that I will be unable to climb stairs without wincing tomorrow.   ;o)

****Update****

Hubby is leaving for Quebec tonight on the redeye. Looks like he'll make it for his course after all.

Day #24 ( yesterday)....Day #25 today.....

I am done Level 2!!!!! Yesterday was Day #9, today, thankfully, was Day#10. I will not claim that I have mastered all the exercises. There are just some things my knees will not let me master, but I didn't let it stop me. I am pretty sure any workout that Jillian puts together will never be easy for me...or pretty....or in any way coordinated. I am just impressed I have stuck with the Shred this long. Generally I throw in the towel after a week or so. 

Now, Monday is Level 3. My friend Heather ( Great blog) ( who says I am crazy), has just begun Level 3. Her first try she hated it, but gave it another chance, and she liked it. She hated Level 2, where I liked it better than Level 1.... I sure hope I make it through with a minimum of pain and suffering. Hope does spring eternal ( so says Coach on this season of Survivor).

It's not only Day #25 since the working out began, but it's also the Easter long weekend. My parents and my sister are here, and I am very happy to have them. I may blog a little less, but I'll be sure to fill it all in when I can.