Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Don't quit!

Today's theme? Yeah, the title totally blew that game, didn't it?  Don't quit! I'm having one of those weeks were bad news abounds and good news is scarce. My brain is on overdrive and my heart is anxious and heavy. It would be so easy to let the happenings of life pull me under.  But I can't quit.  And neither can you!! Or you my dear friend who dared to speak that word out loud to me this morning regarding all the success you are considering throwing away.  Whether it's diet, exercise, work, a relationship or life in general.  Be a soldier! Pull up your big girl panties and keep on fighting!

Some of you may not know, but I am a poet. I've been writing poetry since I could form words.  Poetry has always been my therapy. It makes me happy to write and to read.  Here is one of my all time favorite poems. I could read it 10 times a day and never get sick of it.  It always inspires me and I'm sharing it with you.

Don't Quit
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, 
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill, 
When the funds are low and the debts are high, 
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh, 
When care is pressing you down a bit, 
Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns, 
As every one of us sometimes learns, 
And many a failure turns about, 
When he might have won had he stuck it out; 
Don't give up though the pace seems slow-- 
You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than, 
It seems to a faint and faltering man, 
Often the struggler has given up, 
When he might have captured the victor's cup, 
And he learned too late when the night slipped down, 
How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out-- 
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt, 
And you never can tell how close you are, 
It may be near when it seems so far, 
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit-- 
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.


Tuesday, March 25, 2014

True

Yesterday was one of those crazy days that just made my head spin. I could've easily opted out of a workout. I was almost at my 10,000 steps by the time I got home from work and there was so much to do and take care of at home, I debated not going. BUT I knew it wasn't all about steps on a fitbit monitor.  It was about feeling better, finding some down time to focus on me and getting my active on.  So I went to the Y and wouldn't you know it, I felt tons better once I was done. It really is the worlds best stress relief.  I saw this sign while I was there.

It made me feel even better about my decision to to squeeze in a workout. I'm working for my "it" every day and it's paying off. And this sign isn't just about workouts my friend. It's about everything in life we want. Nothing comes cheap or easy.  You've gotta work your little tail off to get anywhere worth going.  Can I get a hell yeah?

Absolutely loving my Fitbit Flex still. The ease of the system syncing to my phone makes me giddy. When you're a bit obsessed with metrics and possibly have a slight competitive streak, the Fitbit brings many smiles throughout the day and helps me push on and step up my game when needed. I gave Sissy my Fitbit Ultra to try out for a few weeks. Hopefully she can get as much use out of it as I did. It's such a fun tool.

Kara and I started our new 30 day ab and squat challenge. Day 1 done yesterday. You should join us! It's only a few minutes out of your day. And you have nothing to lose, except unwanted cellulite and inches, of course.

We're also doing an Advocare cleanse. Can I just say how much I LOVE their Spark energy drink? Holy cow, I'm a total addict. Energy and focus is up but it doesn't keep me awake all night. And I find I'm not nearly as hungry throughout the day either.  Woo hoo! 

Friday, March 14, 2014

TGIF!!

So I’ve been busy this week working off my carb and booze overload from girls weekend.  Phew! It’s like a straight detox up in here.  Yesterday was a great day. I worked out on the treadmill over lunch.  Left work and it was 60 degrees! Can I get a woot woot? Went home, ate a quick snack and then went out exploring the trails by our house. It was a little windy but the sunshine felt great and I got about 2 miles in.  Went to the Y and did an awesome pool class.  It was a lot of functional arm strength and swimming so I am feeling that in my shoulders today.  Feel the burn, love the burn. Went back home and the hubby had grilled me a nice lean pork chop. Then I went back to the gym to shoot some hoops for half an hour.  I ended up getting over 14,000 steps yesterday which made me happy. I’m slowly hacking away at Kara’s step lead.  I’m really loving my new fitbit flex and the ease of it syncing on my phone.


Speaking of grilling season, we had made these kabobs a few weeks back and they were awesome. If you’re looking for a delicious protein packed snack on the grill that isn’t a normal burger, check out these chicken, bacon, pineapple, teriyaki kabobs! If it stays nice this weekend we plan on doing lots of grilling out with the kids. And we have some projects to get done around the house before our company comes to town next weekend.  It will be busy but I plan on getting lots of steps, some sunshine and taking a little me time to work on my book. TGIF! Have a great weekend, everyone!  

Thursday, March 13, 2014

New toy

Oh my goodness, I've been busy! Working, travel, working, travel. And then squeezing in workouts at night, working on my book and praying for spring and warm weather.  I finally got my new toy on Tuesday. I went and bought the Fitbit Flex.  Since they recalled the Force that I wanted it was that or wait another year for the new version of the Force to come out.  Patience isn't really a virtue I possess so I went with the Flex. I'm loving it! It doesn't have the display face I'm used to but it syncs to my phone which is always with me so it's great. I like wearing it on my wrist instead of clipping it to my bra.  Now I don't have to worry about forgetting it when I'm changing. Hooray! I was hoping for the violet color but Best Buy had 3 lime and one black. My skin tone doesn't really rock the lime so I went with black and figured that way, it goes with everything.

I didn't get crap for steps in this weekend. It was girls weekend up at the cabin. The roads were icy and cold so I couldn't get outside and explore the hills. And I spent my time yapping with my ladies instead of walking in place or doing an indoor workout.  I take ownership of that.  I also ate my weight in carbs and booze. Ouch! Talk about some serious water retention this week.  But oh did I have a wonderful time. I"m counting it as a face and ab workout.  When you laugh so hard that your abs hurt for two days, you know it was a perfect weekend.

It's supposed to be in the high 60's this afternoon so you can bet your buns I'll be running around outside, soaking up some Vitamin D, and trying out the trails by my casa.  Can't wait!