A Series

I chose this particular image because it's empowering and truthful. You can be the strongest person in the world but if you don't believe in yourself, you are your weakest link.

Life really is a series of ups and downs, roll overs, and side-ways flips: emotionally, physically, externally, and so on. I've been doing really good lately; keeping up with my school work but still not back into my gym routine (mostly because both are best done for me in the morning). There are so many excuses to give about not making it to the gym and they can all be quite valid. It's up everyone to find their motivation once more.
For me, getting back to the gym has always been made easier with group fitness. I've found a yoga class at the USF Rec Center that I enjoy and it's challenging enough that I'm not just stretching-- I'm pushing myself. I know that yoga is going to be a part of my life for the rest of my days, and I haven't missed a day in quite some time.
In addition to getting back by leaning on my yoga, the tickets for MegaCon going on sale have made it all even more real and pressing. I need to whip this butt into shape and I'm even considering doing shakes just to make it a more simple process. The trouble is I don't like drinking my meals-- as I have probably mentioned before. The reason I want to do this type of fad is to get me to where I'd like to be-- maintaining shouldn't be too tough for me because I almost always have a steady weight (TOM can be thanked for the random 2 pounds I gain and lose once a month). Of course, also working out again will benefit my shape but I know it's not enough to get me further. It's not enough because the area I am trying to tone up on my body is my lower abdomen-- my own personal main fat store. Second main fat store is my thighs.  Really gotta whip this all into shape if I'm going to be wearing a bodysuit.
In other news, I have come to terms that daily blogging needs to be put to rest for me (at least for now) and make way for a more feasible dedicated post. With everything I need to be doing throughout the week, I think a weekly post would work well and then I can post additional whenever I want to record something.

Lift Those Books!

Big note to self: hall your butt earlier to the gym so you have less people to compete with (there were like a gazillion people hogging the workout mats trying to do weird bar-weighted moves-- and I mean the whole bar, not dumbbells or medicine balls). Despite that, I took my usual hour for arms and legs. I really need to get in some back workouts but the trouble is I'm dead after arms and legs. I know I could totally isolate different parts and do one for each day but I honestly like to get it all in in one day. I feel weird going just for arms or just for legs (honestly, I don't know how people complain about the time it takes to workout-- time flies when I'm on the floor). Perhaps it's people who spend their full 30 minutes of gym time on the elliptical or treadmill. I'm not downing on the elliptical/treadmill but, seriously, it's boring to just be on it for 30 minutes. I only do it when I need to or I'm too lazy to make the trip to campus; even then I still need good music to sing along and dance in my head to.
I'm not sure what else I'd like to share with you readers in this post. I almost have all my textbooks and doing okay with money to move into the new place and still buy groceries, thanks to my mom. The new semester is starting off okay. It looks like I have a weekly discussion for each of my classes so maybe that will keep me involved with all of them... I really hope I can keep up with my school work a little better this semester. I also hope my interests are restored once more with these classes-- I'm very hopeful for the History of Libraries and Teaching Information Literacy.

Active Clocks

The day after another weight session, my triceps, abs, and inner thighs are feelin' it. I wanted to do muscle madness group fitness class at noon but I know that if I go my muscles will be uncomfortably be shaking the whole time. I've opted for a 4 PM Step Class and just no sweets for today. I'm hoping to cut back my sweets to a once a week treat... we shall see how it goes.
Yesterday I got to meet one of Kaitlin's friends (it was very nice to meet you Iiana!) and enjoyed a delicious small cup of Haagen Das Belgium Chocolate Chocolate ice cream. Then while Alex went to his first day of class, Kaitlin and I got whisked away in Sephora. Or rather, Kaitlin got whisked away and I marveled at her eye for colors and quality products.
As today goes on, I see that I truly cannot allow myself to remain inside through the morning and into afternoon. Doing so affects productivity and I've found it's better to get the day started with physical activity. Breakfast, then physical activity of course. It would be favorable to have more options for gym classes in the  morning. I cannot allow myself to be picky when it comes to this matter. I should have gone to yoga at 10 AM.
We learn with time.

Debt Is Easy; Knowing What Is Worth It Is The Challenge

Poop. I knew I'd forget if I didn't do it in the morning. Oh well here it is.

I can't allow myself to skip out on the USF gym. It'll be easier to push myself there with the gym classes. 

What I would like to do every week is 1-2 weight days and the rest are group workout/cardio. Abs are going to happen everyday prior to workout. It turns out abs are a million times easier when you do them before your workout because you are (or should be) always using them when using your body. 

I may need to consider doing them prior to my bike ride to the gym afte I move. It's not far away from my current apartment but I'll have a couple more minutes to add to the ride. 

I hope this semester starts off well if it both school and my workouts. 

I'm starting to feel uneasy about school because what I've chosen is such a different educational path (but still similar). You all know id rather just be in a yoga teacher training program but I'm already in library science... Too deep into it, too deep in debt. That's the sad truth about furthering education. No matter what you will be in debt somehow. My brother is in debt and the Navy have him a full ride to dental school. 

It's one of my fears that money will be an obstacle to my dreams... I mean it already is with yoga. Perhaps my fears are horribly misplaced since life is struggle. If everything we easy, what would be the point?

Stronger Than Britney Spears

Click for an awesome history of female bodybuilders

I have had such a love affair going on with group classes that I forgot the rush of lifting. Don't get me wrong, I really love the group workout classes-- they're what got me into campus gyms in the first place. I enjoy being pushed and challenged and doing new moves and techniques I hadn't even thought of. With weight lifting, I feel strong (even though my wimpy little arms can barely do more than a 10 pound curl).
This morning I had an awesome first day back with the weights.  My lifting was near-full body today; I was going to do lower back but I felt so light on my feet I knew it was time to finish up (not that lower back would have taken much time). Some muscles were like "whoa I thought we were done with that nonsense" while others were gun-ho and asking for more.
Now let's hope the rest of today is as productive as I need it to be- there's laundry to do and so many people and places to call about financial aid and moving into the new apartment come September.

Susy All The away

I've actually been doing a decent job at being a busy bee-- not always busy with what I had planned but busy nontheless. Last night I worked with a pattern all by myself for the first time. I didn't need a pattern to make an apron-- I've made a few before as gifts (with the help of Colie) and they came out awesome. I just needed to start working with patterns and getting my skill level marked. So far it's already safe to say I have a lot to learn but somehow I'll manage with Alex's support and some FaceTime help from Colie. 

Last night I also played pokemon with drunk Alex and it was rather hilarious. The moment he foresaw I was going to win with my hardcharmed Yvaltl and supply of energy he tossed his cards and quit but then assured me he still wanted to play-- just not with the hand the two of us were dealt. 

As for today? An awesome Susy Tuesday (last weeks was awesome too-- days with Kaitlin are generally good ones) spent chatting, cupcaking, carbs, and planning for our birthday month. Unfortunately we may not be able to do a Disney Tea Party as we thought we may be able to so we looked at tea places in Tampa and found one we liked as an alternative. Doing a nonDisney tea place makes it slightly easier to invite friends-- especially since I'll have the bigger apartment with the space downstairs. So Kaitlin and I may just do that and then do Disney Parks with Kaitlin's comp tickets another day. We are going to talk with friends about the tea party and such and see. 

So as you can tell the craftiness is going pretty okay but the fitness stuff isnt quite the way I'd like it to be. I wanted to do group workouts but there are not at USF Rec until the beginning of fall. So far I've just occupied workout time with the elliptical and whatever yoga I can fit in with Rinpoche and Penny getting all over me and the mat (honestly I just do it without the mat most times though the last couple times it didn't matter-- the babies still wanted love while I did yoga). I was to do burpees and such because I remember quite a bit of my group fitness workout routines but that requires space and a ceiling that doesn't have a fan at the neither my fingers tough when in Mountain Pose. Only a couple more weeks and we ll be in the new place. I bought some seeds today for the pallet garden I'm going to do: bush beans, spinach, and then bell peppers for their own potted spot. 

Made of Tin

Day after intense leg workout at Muscle Madness group fitness class? So sore it's tough sitting down. At work today I felt like I was walking like the Tin Man from Oz. It was very frustrating just as spin class was frustrating because they've both made me feel so out of shape.
I'm going to keep pushing forward because I enjoy the classes. The more often I go the less I'll feel so exhausted. That and I just need to start drinking the vegan protein again afterwards-- totally should've done that yesterday. After all those lunges? Definitely. I don't usually do lunges-- I didn't even do them with weights and I'm probably more sore than the other people that were in the class. I can do this.
Tomorrow is Tampa Bay Comic Con and there is no way these stiff legs are slowing me down. I'm so ready for my first convention. I don't have a nerdy outfit or anything but I do have my dorky nerdy self to bring and share. It will be awesome to meet new people and get to ask questions at the cosplay panels. Of course, I'm also excited for the cosplay competition! Who wouldn't be?

Is It Just Me?

I don't know if a person is supposed to feel lower back and neck pain when they are doing certain workouts but I certainly do. This is the exact reason why I don't do/like crunches and why so many other moves are just not a part of my self-approved workout list. I'm fine with really creative sit-ups but other moves that I'm supposed to relax my neck but keep my shoulders off the ground? No. 

It'd be really great to know if other people experience this same sort of super discomfort because when I'm doing the group workout classes, I look around and everyone else can put in a good effort where I can barely do one without taking a moment to rub my neck or back. Am I just weak?

Spin To The Bed

It's been a month since I last did a group workout class let alone a high intensity one (and I still gotta get the last day of the cruise typed up!). I had originally decided to try yoga at 3:30 since my original Monday class was moved to 7:30. Then when I went to sign up I thought "why don't I try spinning at the rec?" And thus I sealed my fate of exhaustion. That ride kicked my butt and totally made me feel out of shape. I used to be really good with spinning-- well not like amazing but I did good enough to get through the class at a healthy challenging pace. I would go like once a week and even buddied up with one of my sisters, Danielle, to go to the class and do abs after. 

This new spin class was really tough on me and it's good because it's what I need to hop back on the bike, so to speak. It sucked just a little because I wasn't prepared. My body was just done after that spin class-- so done I just wanted to shlump and lay but for some reason my back was hurting. Thankfully the bicycle ride home is mostly down hill and only 10-15 minutes. 

So tomorrow I'm not sure yet what I have planned but I know I'm working out. It may just have to be arm day or something because I'm feeling so tired physically that my brain is running extra for it. Maybe it'll be a just Just Dance day. Probably not that though because Alex will need his rest when he gets home from his 4 AM. We shall see. 

And thus Monday says farewell. 

Bridesmaid Numero Dos

I finally got to bring my bridesmaid dress home today after three fittings and then a final adjustment today when I went in. I know you're probably all dying to see it but I don't currently have a picture of me in my actual dress. I believe the image above is the exact dress. Mine is purple.
This was the second time I've gone to a seamstress but it was the first time I had to get so much done. Like I have mentioned in past posts, the dress was exactly a size too small but luckily there was enough fabric to let it out. The reason I had to have it fitted three times was because it was let out a bit too much, then the under layer was too snug. Now it's finally done and I'm happy to have the worry of someone tossing it into a giant blender full of mandolins parts off my mind. If you live in Tampa and you're looking for a good seamstress who will work with you until your dress fits AND you're happy, go to Emelina's off of Busch and Armenia. I worked with Emelina herself and everything went well. I told her the deadline and she made sure that I got to take it home with time to spare. The shop also sells dresses for more than just weddings: proms, quinces-- you name it!
I'm happy it's all done with. Now I can just get my hair trimmed and my nails done then relax while someone else does my hair and makeup for my brother and Jenny's big day.
Their gift is still in process. I have all the parts; I'm just waiting on one to dry. Oh no I've given it away! There's only so many things that can be dried! I will share the gift and the reasoning behind it after the wedding (and the cruise because I'll be lucky if I get a moment to sit down and just write a post. I'm sure I'll have lots of lovely pictures to share, though).

As for other news, I continue to go to the gym and work out pretty much every day. Cutting out all the unnecessary sweets has been a challenge but I think I may have gotten to the actual point of no-more-sweets-until-my-brother's-wedding. Because, come on, there's going to be a ton of delicious dessert options!
I'm a bit bloated today because of TOM but I weighed myself and measured my trouble area.
This morning I was at 132 lbs and my waist is 26.5 inches while my lower abdomen is still in the 35.25 inch area. I know that my lower tummy is going to be the biggest issue for my cosplays. I have to dedicate myself to very limited to minimal sweets along with smaller portions.
Has anyone tried those portioning plates? Do they actually help or do you just end up letting your food crawl up and over the portion ranges? Maybe it's worth a try?
Here are some new pictures; it's been forever:

Gosh that strap is bothering me...

Crunches vs. Sit Ups

http://www.fitsugar.com/Tone-Your-Abs-Without-Crunches-7859508

I honestly don't know if it's just me but crunches are awful-- like painful for my back and neck. I do proper posture and everything yet they are one of the two most uncomfortable moves for me to do (second most uncomfortable is side leg lifts when you're laying on your side on the ground-- my hip bones just shove into the ground like a bruise). I can do sit ups just fine and I can still challenge myself with those too. I feel my full midsection working with abs whereas all I feel is upper abdominal working and my neck and lower back yelling. Maybe that's why some trainers combine the two-- to isolate the top them make it all work.
WHY do people prefer crunches over abs though when they're only doing one? Is it because it's a burst workout? Is it because they can't do sit ups?
Until I figure out why people are doing crunches instead of sit ups, I'm going to keep doing sit ups so I can spare my poor back and neck. I have no problem with other abs moves either. The link above gives plenty non-crunch moves.

I Am a Kitty, a Very Active Kitty

So I'm still awful at tennis. Alex and I went to play on campus and it went okay. We had fun and it's nice to be outside with him-- it's also nice to have an option other than the bicycle (give my knees a break). When we were bicycling back home from the tennis courts I realized that we still haven't made it to the pool since the start of  "summer". I think it's because we want to get out and stretch our legs. Since neither of us are swimmers, the pool is a source of relaxation not activity. 

I'm excited to say that I've been doing awesome with my workouts and activities. I told you about Soulful Yoga but I don't believe I talked about Muscle Madness. I kicked my own butt and did moves I didn't know I could do. Yesterday Alex and I went for our usual route bike ride (7 miles). Today was elliptical in the morning before work and then tennis when I got home. 

I must express how happy I am at the level of activity both Alex and I have been exhibiting this past week. I know I said before that the cosplay craftiness was helping our relationship but I definitely think that working out and doing physical activities together really makes a difference. I feel like this is why he and I work so well together; be both like to be active and do research but we have differences that make us interesting to each other. I can't imagine being partnered with anyone else for my life.

Work It Out Wednesday

I So today was definitely workout Wednesday. I started my day with the usual morning yoga and stuff, talked with Colie about cosplay and sewing skills. At noon I did a muscle madness group workout and got my butt kicked (I swear I didn't know I could do all of that and still be able to ride my bicycle home from the gym). 

Then when Alex got home we went to. Joann's and I had a moment with what needle to get. I figured it out but I have to go back for it. Then we came home and I looked up more sewing stuff (gosh I need to do homework and get my textbooks!). That will have to be for tomorrow. 

After research we went and kidnapped Kaitlin so she could play Just Dance 4 with me and test it out. She was not kidding when she said it was a workout. We sweated, giggled, and moved our bums for 2 hours and 26 minutes. Woo that was a good Wednesday cardio part 2. 

I'm feel really tired but I know I can push through this. Red later a that wear form fitting outfits don't has pooches or squishy bums. 

Lifting Up Da Bum, Tighten Up Da Pooch

So my workouts have been going good. I went to the gym in the morning before work on both Friday and Saturday. I didn't go Sunday because I was out dancing (no drinking either) late Saturday night so I figured that could count and I'd allow myself sleep to be mostly functional at work. A big cup of tea saved my life for sure.
I also went to the gym for a workout class this morning and I'm going again tomorrow for some yoga. Right now I'm pushing myself to just be doing some sort of workout every day. I want to reincorporate weights back in since they do help burn more fat (plus help lift the bum more).
I really feel like legitimately planning out cosplay is really helping motivate both Alex and myself. It's nice to feel so enthralled in something with him-- something so active with multi-parts. There is so much to learn with sewing, design, and just general cosplay but I think we're off to a great start.
Alex and I purchased our tickets for Tampa Bay Comic Con in August so we can go and check out the scene, ask some questions and hopefully get helpful answers. This will be my first real convention so it'll be good to just be able to enjoy all the excitement and fun silliness instead of having our debut be my first convention. I have gone to what was considered to be a convention in PSL but it was very small it was more like a little community event. I'm excited to see the cosplay/geek community on a larger scale.
Our debut will be Mega Con April 2015 and just thinking about it makes me more and more excited.
We've been doing a ton of research and just finished inspecting our sewing machine. No lie, Alex and I really lucked out with it. Upon opening it up we discovered that it had been repaired, all belts lubricated and replaced at least within the past year. It's  nice to know that the only thing wrong was the missing spool pins and spool pin felts (which are ordered and on their way here!).
Words can't express how much I see this project is positively changing not only Alex and my habits but our relationship as well.

Nonsense

Further inspired by Kaitlin's no more nonsense blog post, I am kicking my butt into gear because I know that I only have less than one month left of these two least motivating classes of my college life. I will get my stuff done. I will get my plump bottom back into my gym habits. I will fit into that bridesmaid dress when it arrives. And I will finish painting my graduation gifts for Kaitlin and Colie in time.

Here's the absolute beginning of no nonsense.

Today during the day I will do my yoga, then bicycle to campus to work on and finish some of my assignments: Case Study 2, Discussion Boards, Strategic Plan. Eat a sandwich I bring with me. Then I will bicycle back home once I have worked a significant amount on my school stuff. Late afternoon to bed time is open for working on my gifts to Colie and Kaitlin.
All of this, I hope I do not have to endure with these awful allergies that are starting to resemble a head cold but luckily my head isn't that foggy. My throat is feeling terrible from all the sneezing. Please PLEASE kick in soon, generic allergy pill.

Oh, and to update on fitness... as I've said I haven't been doing what I would like but I'm getting back to it today. No. More. Excuses. I have enough time to watch my shows, I have enough time to go to the gym. I have to fit into this bridesmaid's dress coming in June. Yes. I have to and I will.

I recently remembered that Alex and I purchased a scale but it was hidden in the closet.
I weighed myself this morning and I'm at 134 which isn't bad but it isn't my best. Nor should I be considering this number as important.
It's the measuring tape that counts with fitness not the scale.

39" shoulders

32.75" chest

29.75" underbust

26.5" waist

36.25" hips

37.25" butt

21.25" thighs

13.5" calves

Plus this is supposed to be fun. This race to abs needs to be given more fuel because obviously I burnt out from being bummed and whatnot. Well, here's some gas, let's go! No more nonsense.

Amrit, Not-it Yoga

Amrit yoga was not what I expected at all. I figured it would be spiritual with strong focus on breath during poses but the entire class I went to was centered on breath, and connecting with your seventh chakra. While that sounds kind of cool, it was very frustrating at the end when I have so much energy build up to spend. I wanted to use my energy, relieve myself of tension and while the instructor meant well, sometimes just breathing isn't enough. It's great for people who have long work days and are stressed but this is at a college campus where there is stress and students do get tired but not the extent of a full-scheduled mother or anything like that. The day I went was a very blah day thanks to the icky rainy weather and I just bummed around the apartment watching movies all day, caught up with my shows. I needed to use that energy build up but unfortunately Amrit Yoga is not meant for that.
At least now I know. I gave it an honest attempt and respected the instructor's styles but it's just not for me. I need my Vinyasa; I need to feel my muscles shake while sweat drips down... I need my power yoga back. I'm still hunting and to be honest I'm still trying to get myself back into good habits. I've just been so busy in the mind and now I feel icky because my period... I need to push past these excuses. I will keep you posted.

Namaste.

Updating... Updating... Hi I'm Penny!

So I had written this on Friday while on my lunch break at work but the weekend happened which, for me, is: work, being tired, tidying up the apartment, and trying to get in some much needed social time. But, here it is along with my current measurements and a picture of all that's going on here in our little family (though I think once you have two kids -ahem- pets it's a normal size family).

This is what I see when I do my forward fold. 

I want to say right away that Penny is doing great. Alex and I took her to the vet on Thursday and they gave her antibiotics for what they believe is an upper respiratory infection. Afterwards we took her to this beautiful dog park in downtown Tampa. At first she just wanted to smell everything but then other dogs came and she sprinted to play with them. I don't believe I've vet felt so nervous. It was my first time ever at a dog park let alone at a dog park with a dog. The first meeting between dogs at the park is very interesting yet frightening because it starts friendly but then they make growl-y bark noises and it's just frightful. Proves I'm a cat person because although I love Penny and all animals, I don't enjoy that part of dogs-- that inherent nature for territory, boundaries, and sometimes aggression. Of course a well trained dog will have all these natural instincts minimized and controlled. Penny isn't aggressive but I strongly believe she has much to learn before I feel entirel comfortable with her with other dogs and other dogs with her.

Also at the dog park we met a nice woman named Gabbie. I am so happy to have met her because it's been so long since I've met someone new who is so open to new people and wants to get to know them. We stayed at the park for two hours talking with her and watching Penny play with the other dogs. I wish I had taken pictures but you know how it can be when you're having a grand time; you're in that moment-- like really in that moment-- and you don't worry about preserving the memory of how gorgeous the day was or how cute Penny looked while having a grand time. 

It truly was a lovely afternoon and even though Penny got paw blisters and she's super pooped I know she will be happy to go back again. 

I was super tired too and almost forgot that I had made plans with Kaitlin. Luckily I still had my I'm-so-tired-that-I'm-awake-again energy to hang out. It's always worth it to lose some sleep for friends. Especially when you don't get to see them often. 

Oh! I almost forgot to share that we re making great progress between Penny and Rinpoche. What we did to get Rinpoche comfortable again was put up a baby gate between the kitchen and bedroom and feed them both at the same time on opposite sides of the gate. Rinpoche was so unsure at first and continues to be hesitant about being in view or proximity of Penny but he eats his food wherever we place the bowl now. He's also left the bedroom. We took down the baby gate because he was sitting at it like a prisoner even though he could easily jump over. Now he explores areas where Penny is as long as we are there too.

One of the best pictures I've ever taken. My heart, my soul, my spirit.

Since Alex and I went home for a couple of days to see family and friends, and adopted Penny, I haven't had the chance to head over to the Rec Center. I miss my weights. More-so now, though, I miss riding my bicycle. My tube and tire blew up two nights ago so Alex and I headed over to Target to get replacements. Unfortunately, the new tube managed to pop on me, too. Both explosions occurred while in the apartment while immobile. I think my bicycle is giving up on me-- it knows I'm saving up for a new one. I'm not sure what bicycle I'll be getting but I know it's one with a step-through frame so I can hop on easier. I also know it will not be single speed nor fixed gear. I like my gears. I like adjusting to the situation and being able to press on breaks.
So I'm missing the gym but I signed up for an Amrit Yoga class tonight. I'm not sure what to expect as none of the yoga classes I have been to have claimed to be Amrit. From what I read it sounds like it's about holding the postures, breathing and meditation. I myself am a Vinyasa girl (breathing with change of poses/motions) but it's good to try different approaches to the practice.

My measurements:

9.5" biceps

39.25" shoulders

33" chest

29.5" underbust

26" waist

35.75" hips

37" butt

21.5" thighs

13.5" calves

Can't forget a Rinpoche fan-pleasing picture!:

Here Is Your Moment, Breathe In... Breathe Out... It's Gone

Tonight you don't get to see a picture of me. I took my measurements this morning and I just finished laundry so the only excuse I have for not taking a picture for this week is being busy and slightly lazy. This week I incorporated weighted ab exercises and I actually like them-- they make my sit-ups easier and I can feel the muscles there whenever I'm active. I like it. I like feeling the changes in my body-- something that wasn't welcomed during puberty.
Since I don't have my own original photo to share, I've shared the one above because it is one of the moved re-pinned ones on my Pinterest. It's very simple but says something peaceful yet adventurous. I don't say adventurous because she more than likely has no bikini top on; I say it because the calm world around her and her open arms suggest it. When we open ourselves to the world around us, anything can happen. If we close ourselves off and allow our fears to take over our decisions and our life then we have no adventure and not much else to call a life.
Yoga has taught me so much and there will always be so much to learn but right now I feel it's just time... time is something to be embraced because once we spend this particular moment or that particular second, it's gone. In my undergrad at FSU I took a literature class with Timothy Parrish. I did my best to keep up with the readings and contribute to class discussion but what I found was most important was listening. When I listened closely in this class, I found my own words being voiced by others. We all understand that time is not something that can be grasped; the moment we say we are in the moment, that moment is over. With yoga I am in the moment but also transcending it because I do not limit it to itself. I realize that while we cannot grasp a moment, we can take advantage of now.
I've been having a hard time lately just really focusing myself on school work. I want to be active and do stuff; I don't want to be confined to sitting down and reading materials unless I am able to immerse myself (it doesn't happen often other than with Disney Infinity and a really good book). I really want to go out and do more but I know I also need to work on disciplining my mind. I need to be able to focus on something, while being mentally present, without having a panic attack that I'm not doing anything.
I can do this. I know I can. I just have to keep trying.

So enough of my shpealishness, my measurements this week are:

39.25" shoulders
9.25" biceps
31.75" chest
29.25" underbust
26.75" waist
36.25" hips
36.75" butt
21.75" thighs
13.5" calves

Still going strong with my workouts. I haven't been able to squeeze in weights more than twice a week but I'm doing my best to be active every day. I really have to become more strict with everything though. My bridesmaid dress for my brother's wedding will be here the month of June, the deadline for the Race to Abs, so I have another reason to keep in top shape.

I hope all of you are doing well and you're going strong with your goals.

Namaste.

Le gasp! Undies!

So, if you recall, there was a complete scandal the last time I posted a picture of myself in underwear but life is just too short to always wear clothes in the privacy of your own apartment (or at least everyone has a laundry day). So, BEHOLD! My underwear! And my abs in progress. The changes are not too visibly obvious but I'm feeling stronger and more full of energy (before 8 PM). My gym routine is going well though my idea of getting a gym buddy hasn't quite worked out how I would've liked but I guess it's normal for strangers to have difficulties making commitments. I carry on.

This week's numbers are:

39.50" shoulders

34" chest

29.5" underbust (I took these measurements in the morning so I don't have any food in my belly or much water weight).

9.15" biceps

26" waist

31" belly button

36.25" hips

37.25" butt

21.5" thighs

13.75" calves

I promised you guys a post with the recipe to my awesome vegan chili and I will indeed get to it. My goal is to have it up tomorrow night and I'll be sure to share it on FB the moment I complete it. I promise it'll be worth the wait for the recipe as well as the time for it to finish cooking in your own kitchen.

What do you guys think about me doing more posts on food and cooking? I have done a food blog in the past but it was mostly reviewing food at restaurants. Maybe this time I'll go for some cooking videos. That's asking a lot of myself considering I still have trouble getting my weekly post up on the same night every week. At least I post often; I'm pretty happy I've been able to kick my butt into writing and keeping record every week.

The abs deadline is still 4-5 months away (June. Alex and I didn't say exactly when in June) but I feel the urge to really step it up. If I could I would do more but work, school assignments, and preferring mornings really makes it a task. Eventually I'll get this all together into a nice system. I'm still working on that goal's list ya know. I think it would help if I printed it out and taped it on my vanity mirror. That way I remember the ones that are most important to me each day.

Well I have to get back to my studies. Assignment due tonight then work in the morning.
I hope your weekend is looking up. Stay warm and dry.
Namaste.

Habits Lead to Fitness

Don't forget to floss and rinse!

So I have a lot of good habits going on this month (aside from re-discovering my interest in cutesy-amazing-story videogames), not limited to eating more kale, eating less sweets (still a habit in progress),and getting my butt to the gym. Now it's time to start pulling in bigger guns like making cardio sessions lean more toward fat-burning, high-intensity, lifting weights more than twice a week, and making leaner meal choices. The ladder is a bit difficult on the weekends because I don't have a lot of time to cook for my work meals so I'll just need to be sure to make enough leftovers  on Thursday night-- not an  easy feat with a night class but I'm sure I can make it happen.

The numbers for this week are:

39.75" shoulders

34" chest

30.5" underbust

9.25" biceps

25.75" waist (the change from earlier this week is probably due to being a girl, bloating is mandatory).

31.75" belly button

36.75" hips

37.25" butt

22" thighs

14" calves

I think my biggest concerns for winning this race to abs are my weakness for sweets and the fact that my main fat store is my lower abdomen... and that I hate crunches. (Seriously, what does the world have against complete sit-ups?!). I'm also worried about school and keeping up with everything I need to do to build up my experience for future job prospects; I really want to be in the best shape I can be but I can't sacrifice my grades... it's very tempting to just switch over to fitness but I have no science background so I'd need to start all over. So. I'm sticking with Library Science since I'm almost done anyway and I'm going to make sure school is at the very top of my list. Gosh, lists...

Don't worry I won't share another list with you. Unless you'd like to see my average grocery list? That would be an interesting one to share because diet is more than half the 'battle'. I know some people love/hate that statistic but it's true. If you eat nothing but meat, starch, and processed foods, you're going to feel and look crappy. If you eat clean veggies, fruits, complex carbs/starchs, portioned lean proteins and/or meats, you're going to feel better. Yes that slice of decadent chocolate fudge cake will be amazing on your fork and goo-ing between your teeth but that signal that the food is sending to your brain is just that-- a signal. It is instant pleasure rather than lasting enjoyment. The goal should be for lasting enjoyment, a.k.a. food that transfers into long-term energy for your body.

I'm still not sure how to get myself through 3pm without feeling like sleep is the only thing in the world I want. Solution: siesta. Not gonna happen.

I'll continue to do my best at keeping up with the weekly posts. Hope you're all taking January by storm. 

Namaste.