Success Begins With Small Steps

Well, it's been a difficult week, but the hubby and I have stuck with it and now we can say that week two in in the books. Neither of us has lost much weight (maybe a pound each), but we are feeling better and maybe, just maybe, our pants aren't feeling quite as snug as they used to.  So that is SUCCESS!

Here is what I have noticed though, I am physically exhausted!  Come 8:30, this girl is ready for bed!  I'm sleeping all through the night and still a bit tired in the morning. That alarm ringing at 4:30 am is really not my favorite thing!  What I do like is that we are done with the workout early in the morning, so I don't spend my day worrying about getting my workout done.  I've also noticed that each workout is hitting different muscle groups. For instance, I spent yesterday feeling muscle fatigue and soreness in my calves and hamstrings and today I am sore in my triceps and abs.  It is nice to hit a muscle group hard and then let it rest and recover while I'm working another.  All the while though, I'm building my cardiovascular strength and I'm really happy about that.

Along with working on my fitness, I have also been trying to lower the toxins in my home.  Not only in food, but also the household and beauty products I use.  Since I have been on summer vacation, I have made several products to replace the store-bought toxic versions and the expensive healthier items. I think I'll save that list for another day though.  Suffice it to say, that it's been fun and MOST items have turned out really well.

I'm really just working on taking those small steps that will add up to big changes for my future.

Building Good Habits

So I know I've done this before, but today is the beginning of my second week of working out regularly again. I've restarted Focus T25. I figured that 25 minutes a day is a great way to start. So far, my hubby and I have been up at 4:30 am and working out at 5:00, then walking after for 30-60 minutes. The workout is strenuous, but the walking allows for cooling down and time to visit with my busy husband. I enjoy the organization of following the predetermined workout schedule, it's nice to have that part of fitness taken care of for me.

Also, a while back I invested in a Fitbit. I can't believe how much this little bracelet has motivated me to not only move more, but also to make sure I am getting enough sleep each night.  Having friends that have them helps with motivation too. We challenge each other regularly to meet our own goals.

The diet isn't on point yet, but that will come. Small changes over time will add up. I'm looking forward to building upon these first steps. Wish me luck! And prayers would be appreciated!!

Changes Over Time

I just happened upon my blog again.  I'm obviously not doing well keeping it current. My last post was in September 2013. How did over a whole year go by?  I'm actually sitting here wondering where the last 20 years went as well. Hmmm, as the saying goes, " life got in the way" and really I wouldn't have it any other way.  It means I've been out living instead of sitting at my computer, and that's a good thing.
There have been so many changes in my life since I last wrote.  If you know me or have read all my blogs, you know my daughter left for college in 2012 and I wanted to update you on her. She is doing very well in school and should be ready to graduate in a year and a half. She started as a math major, changed to business, and then changed to education. It's taken a bit to find her calling, but she seems very happy now.  She joined a sorority in October of 2013, I was so happy for her to experience some of what I did in college and also to have her own adventures. This past year, she started a women's club volleyball team at her school. She took on the task and saw it all the way through to the finals in Missouri. It monopolized most of her time, so I'm not sure if she will continue playing next year, but what a wonderful legacy to leave for future students and players at her school.
My son has just finished his junior year of high school and at 6'1" and 235 lbs, I often wonder what happened to my sweet little baby boy who used to run to give us hugs.  He is very involved with his football team and works very hard on and off the field and during season and off-season to be the best player he can be.  For the past 3 years he has taken home the trophy for the best lifter of the team.  He continues to build his strength, but also works hard weekly with a speed coach to increase his speed and agility. He wants to play football in college and I believe he will get there. His dream is to attend a military academy, so we are working with a tutor this summer to raise his SAT scores to be academy worthy.  My son also adopted a boxer puppy Christmas time this past year, she just turned a year old and is a pistol. She is crazy and has stolen all of our hearts.
The hubby is still working with at risk youth and getting them back on track to be outstanding tax paying citizens. His job is rewarding and he loves it.  His program has been so successful, in fact, that CBS had news teams follow a class of cadets from start to finish. You can see those news segments here.  He also had the opportunity this year to meet the president. That was pretty cool. Not too many people can say they have shaken his hand and had a conversation (they spoke about his program).  He even got a presidential coin.
I continue to work for the school district as an instructional aide.  I was moved to another class to help start a new fourth/fifth grade program, like the one I was in for second/third that I loved so much.  I just finished my second year on the fourth grade side.  I really enjoyed my time and learned a tremendous amount from the teacher.  She was a lot of fun and I consider her a great friend now.  The school has since decided not to continue the program for fourth/fifth in the future, so I have requested to return to my old assignment in second/third. I really hope it is granted.  I have realized that I really prefer the academic side of my job to the behaviorist side.  I can do both, but I guess the teacher side of me just really wants to teach math and reading.
So now you are caught up, kinda.  Here's to becoming more regular with my posts. Cheers!