Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Jamie Eason's Live Fit- Week 5

Here's Jamie Eason's Phase One of the Live Fit Trainer Video to get your started!

Today, I started Jamie Eason's Live Fit Trainer on Bodybuilding.com. I started on week 5 because I wanted to continue the cardio I have been doing. If you are just starting out, start at week one. To find the best workout for you based on your needs, start at this interactive workout creator. I have used it in the past and it has been great. Each workout includes a meal plan. Now, something about the meal plans, they are a huge difference for anyone who hasn't ever eaten real, clean food. I suggest easing into it, but still, you have got to cut the crap, seriously, cut the junk food out. If not, you are wasting your time and effort.

Now, what I have done in the past and has worked for me, is follow it Monday-Friday to the letter and splurge a bit on the weekend. I suggest just one unclean meal on Saturday and Sunday each. After you have done this for awhile, you will be amazing how much you really don't want that stuff as often. If you absolutely hate eating clean, I would highly suggest letting yourself have this weekend pass BUT this means you have to be very dedicated to your meals during the week.

Today, I completed a 1.5 miles in my hilly neighborhood, which said to say took 18.24 minutes. Then completed day 29, back and cardio, of the Live Fit trainer but with Bowflex Ultimate alterations.

Workout video coming soon!!!

I have got to share Sweaty Betty's video about Sensa and other "sprinkle" products. I use to work with someone who used this stuff in order to curb appetite who desperately needed to loose some weight. This person was unwilling to make food or drink changes, was limited by an injury, and basically embodies most Americans these days. This person was very excited to share her start with Sensa with me, as I was know as the healthy workout girl in the office. I didn't know much about it (thank goodness) so I didn't have much to add to the conversation. Only added my subtle hints of making small manageable changes in diet are the way to go, such as loosing the diet soda. It never sank in unfortunately. I am glad I figured this out before I let my body get out of hand.

Although, for me, its not so much (but kinda sorta its) about my body. I started originally working out because I was tired and depressed all the time. I figured I could release some stress and feel a bit better. I gradually turned into an elliptical monster who was terrified of doing anything else in the gym.

When my husband deployed, I discovered Bodybuilding.com and became obsessed a little with researching food and how to use the equipment. If I had a workout buddy, I may have learned faster, but I made huge changes during that deployment. Lifting became a love! Kettlebells are my jam, just need some for my home gym!! Seriously, you want to tone and pump up your metabolism, use some kettlebells! There are lots of great videos on youtube to help you out.

When we got orders to move, I fell off the wagon a bit. But I kind of went back and fourth between working out and eating right. I was at least balancing a day with some healthy options, but the pizza and beer was hurting me. haha, I love beer! So, I am on my way to figuring out a happy medium to work this into my new life.

Be sure to subscribe to my page and watch me on this journey! I might even post some before and after pics if your lucky!

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Workout Entry 8/14/12

So, I said I was going to post everyday about my Bowflex workouts, well, shows you how dedicated I was to posting it!! Needless to say, I got busy with school and my crappy girls softball team. My team named "Pitch Slap" which ironically had crappy pitches and we lost most games due to walks, ended up being last in the league...WHOOO! So in your face!
On the plus side, I got some good exercise playing. Average practices about 2-3 times a week (yep, we still sucked!) and I made the most out of it so it could count for some fitness.
Anyways, I started running outside in my neighborhood. Yes, me who hates running with a passion and avoided all sports and PE classes as a kid so I wouldn't have to run. I figured, look at people who run regularly, they look awesome, I am going to do that and look awesome. So, I got the Nike+ app which is cool cause it tracks how far you run, the pace, the elevation, and other cool stuff. I simultaneously use another app called C25K Free which is an app to help you train for a 5 k. Basically, you run 3 days a week and each week you progress to different intervals. You can play music that's on your phone through the app or play Pandora while the other apps are running. The Nike+ app also lets you pick a power up song to get you motivated. I haven't used it cause I just play Pandora.
C25k app example: Week 1 you alternate between 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking for 20 minutes, then Week 2 alternate 90 seconds of jogging and 2 minutes of walking. Sounds easy right? WRONG, unless your awesome. Which I am, but it has been hard for me anyways. My neighborhood has a lot of elevation changes, so its great for building stamina, or so I think, but rough on a beginner runner. The C25k app tells you in a sweet voice when to run/walk. The Nike+ app tells you periodically how the time, distance, and pace you have completed. If you beat your best time or longest distance, you get a cool "Good Job" from Michael Phelps or other athlete. LOVE it, but kind of silly.
I have decided to stay on Week 2 for awhile, cause I am still pretty weak with running. My year of weight lifting and my 30 minutes of elliptical training have not prepared me for running on the ground. I will be honest, it has been rough on my ankles and hips, but the pain is slowly decreasing.
I will be better with the workout blog, so stay tuned. May even post some videos with the bowflex!!

Friday, June 29, 2012

Bowflex Workout Journel 6/29


seated lateral rows, 100lbs
narrow pulldowns, 80lbs
rear deltoid rows, 80lbs w/ chest bar
standing biceps curls, 50lbs w/ chest bar
reverse curls, 10lbs w/ chest bar
low back extensions, 100lbs
resisted reverse crunches, 50lbs
truck rotation, 50lbs
squats, 100lbs

Today is end of week 1 of the Bowflex Ultimate 2 journey. I finished off strong! Anyone average person, and I would consider myself average, that thinks they can't break a sweat on a bowflex is mistaken. I have this machine in a spare bedroom of mine right by the air conditioning vent and under a ceiling fan and I am sweating just as bad a a regular gym. 

On a side note, my softball team competed in our first two games last night, a double header. Unfortunately we lost both games horribly. A multitude of factors contributed to the losses, but the main concern was it was the first time we played with the entire team which was a huge set-back. Our practices average 5-6 show ups! That's ridiculous! Hope things get better.

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Start of Bowflex Ultimate 2 Journey

So, after lots of hunting for a good deal (and some eyelash batting at my husband) I finally found a used Bowflex Ultimate 2 with all the extras. We found it on a website called Bookoo.com which is similar to craigslist. Luckily for us, a couple was moving very soon and had no room in there new place for it, so we got quite a deal. The extra's they included were the ab attachment, squat attachment, and extra weight (weight now totals 410). I have been so excited to get started, so I plan on tracking my progress to see what kind of results I can get and share them with all of you.

The workouts I have completed are:

Monday, Jun 25th

Workout A
bench presses using the wide pulley, 60lbs
seated shoulder presses, 60lbs
cross triceps extensions, 40lbs
French presses (overhead tri extension), 40lbs
leg presses, 140lbs
leg curl knee flexio, 50lbs
seated calf presses, 140lbs
squats, 60lbs

Tuesday, Jun 26th
Workout B
seated lateral rows, 80lbs
narrow pulldowns, 80lbs
rear deltoid rows, 80lbs w/ chest bar
standing biceps curls, 20lbs w/ chest bar
reverse curls, 20lbs w/ chest bar
low back extensions, 100lbs
resisted reverse crunches, 50lbs
truck rotation, 50lbs

Wednesday, Jun 27th
Off day but had softball practice

Thursday, Jun 28th 
Workout A
bench presses using the wide pulley, 60lbs
seated shoulder presses, 60lbs
cross triceps extensions, 40lbs
French presses (overhead tri extension), 40lbs
leg presses, 140lbs
leg curl knee flexio, 50lbs
seated calf presses, 140lbs
Double header softball games

The plan is to complete "workout A" on Mondays/Thursdays and "workout B" on Tuesdays/Fridays with Wednesday/Saturday/Sunday as a no lift day (for the first month). I hope to add in some running, but at the moment it is too hot outside. Currently, I am participating in a softball league so I get workouts with the team on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. I am also am eating clean at the very least Monday-Friday allowing cheating on weekends for now, although not every meal. I will have to plan them out to balance the day. 

Keep you posted :)

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Gal Pal Blunders

I am finding it increasingly difficult to stay positive in the friendship arena. Since moving to my husband's new duty station, my high school insecurities have resurfaced leaving much to be desired. Although, the gal pal friendships depicted on film have never been apart of my life, there is some degree of my secluded nature that wants that. I cannot complain about the people I have met being unfriendly. In all actuality, everyone has been very welcoming.

I came here with every intention of being more outgoing, but as time goes on, my never ending stream of thoughts cloud my energy and attention so I am unable to put forth full effort to making good friends. I joined a military wives softball team and the only person I have slightly befriend is one person. This is a personal obstacle I hope to overcome but how?

Since my almost every thought is spent thinking about the future (career wise) and what I can do to strengthen my marriage, I think I loose the "enjoy life as it happens" experience.

I have suggested a "Suit Up" night with a group of couples from my husband's unit. The idea spurs from the character Barney from How I Met Your Mother television show. We plan on all dressing up and going to dinner. My thoughts were to play the night out like we are important well-to-do's. Kind of a themed night. We will see how this pans out. Everyone seemed on bored with the idea.

Although I feel lost still, I cannot say I haven't tried. I pretty much say yes to every invitation. The main change needs to be in my attitude and stop the hyperly self-aware streaming mental updates.


Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Summer Semester Blues

I am embarking on my summer semester which is proving to be the most challenging. My month off of school to visit family and attend a military memorial in Florida has made it difficult to get back in the grove of things. I find it unfortunate that online learning platforms still hold a stigma of being lowering in quality: this maybe true for some, but let us remember that if it is an accredited university, it should hold some clout. Of course I would have preferred to go to a prestigious school, but I am doing all I can to better my future so I hope any future employers will honor my will to overcome obstacles. My husband's current duty station limited the education options immensely. I could go to a brick and mortar school here, but there are in no way a traditional school and offer very limited degree plans.

My choice to attend American Military University was a hard one. They are regionally accredited, I don't have to pay out of state tuition, and many government agency's recognize them due to the overwhelming amount of military personnel who attend AMU while overseas. It seems it was my best, although limited, option.

I am still anxiously awaiting news on my internship application as well as some scholarship applications. It has been frustrating to apply for scholarship after scholarship with no success. It makes you wonder if the time spent on the applications is worth the $500-$1000 most of them award. I mean, I would  be eternally grateful to receive one, but the time put in to the money receive don't equate to a decent return on investment. 

If I receive the opportunity to attend the internship in Washington D.C., I have decided I will send out donation request letters to people/ businesses. Some will be back home I am familiar with and some maybe random businesses. It seems this maybe my best bet at success. Maybe I will send a letters to some of my state representatives? It is an election year? Hmm, I wonder if that is something they could do?

I will keep you updated on how it all progresses!

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Washington D.C. Internship Opportunity

I have applied for an internship with the Department of the State in Washington D.C. I should know in September if I was chosen. I am overwhelmed at the costs that is going to be associated with this venture but this is my best bet into the intelligence community since I have not served in the military. I need the federal government experience.

The internship may or may not be paid. That will be determined by the FAFSA information and the amount of available funds, so it looks bleak. I will have to find my own housing as well, so I have been on a hunt to see what's out there. It looks like I have two options: internship housing or rent a room. Out of safety and to get some kind of a college experience while networking for the future, the student internship housing is the most appealing. it is very expensive though, I am looking from $4000-$6500 just for housing. Although, this includes all utilities, fully furnished, safe location with security, close to Capital Hill, close to Metro, and includes planned events with the interns.

If my university currently accepted internship for credit, I would be able to use federal loans for living expense associated with this internship, but since they don't I will have to pay for all of it on my own. I will be trying to fund raise once I get official accpetance. If all the money is not raised, I will be taking a private student loan I suppose. This is my one shot to try and add some great experience to my resume.

Here is a website I started to help cover the funds. I have not promoted it much until I know for sure, but please feel free to donate. Anything I may receive if I don't get the internship will just go to another internship opportunity or will be returned to the donor if they do not donate anonymously. 

(THIS LINK HAS BEEN REMOVED DUE TO ACCOUNT FRAUD. PLEASE DO NOT DONATE IN THIS WAY.)

Just some information about my collegiate ventures.I am working towards a Bachelors in Political Science with a minor in Intelligence. All of my electives are focus towards government and intelligence studies as this is the only way for me to widen my knowledge base at this time. I was scheduled to graduate by May 2013, but if I take this internship, I will lessen the course load to part time in the Spring to I may work full time in D.C. I should finish by August 2013. I am interested in obtaining a Masters, but I have not fully decided that factor as of yet. I currently hold a 4.0 with my university and plan to keep it that way.

Feel free to share this information or stay tuned for updates. If you would like to donate to my internship fund, please got o the above website. It is safe and free with transaction through PayPal (paypal charge may apply but not fee to me or from website).

Thanks so much!!

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Bohdi...translation= "work!"


So, we adopted Bohdi the boxer last Saturday. He is about 7 months old and little over 40lbs. He is so good! He knows lots of commands and is so playful. The problem is me. I am having trouble communicating with him properly. I hope this gets better. I have been watching tons of videos online, reading tons of information about boxers, and teaching/training/playing a lot each day. At this point, he is not interested in much from me unless its food. I have stumbled across some great help from a trainer named Zak George. You should check him out. I have watched a lot of his videos and learning a lot. I hope that I can be half as good with his dogs someday (hopefully not in the too distance future). Anyways, if you want to check him out, see the links below. I also have added a little picture of my baby, Bohdi. I will be keeping yall up to date on our progress as I have time. Keep checking in!

Zak George Video via YouTube.com

Majestic Bohdi

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Bohdi the Boxer Rescue

My husband and I have applied to adopt a boxer named Bohdi from the Boxer Schnauzer Rescue of the Ozarks in conjunction with Midwest Boxer Rescue! We have already passed the home inspection in which they make sure your home is safe for a pet. We had to answer tons of questions during the application such as do you have a fenced yard and how much do you expect to spend on expenses and annual vet bills? We are going to meet him and the foster family this weekend with the hope of bringing him home! Here is some information about Bohdi, some rescue organizations, and additional information. If you have any questions about the adoption process, please feel free to contact me or the organizations below. Also keep in mind these organizations are always in need of donations which you can do on there websites!

Boxer-Schnauzer Rescue of the Ozarks

Midwest Boxer Rescues You can read stories and bios of Boxers to adopt or sponsor one by donation! Tons of info on the breed and adoption information.

Find Pets to adopt in your area! PetFinder

Before adopting a boxer or other breed, be sure to do you homework! Things to research are temperament, potential health issues, and the individual dogs history. This is a great site for information on Boxers
How could you not fall in love with this face?












Before adopting a boxer or other breed, be sure to do you homework! Things to research are temperament, potential health issues, and the individual dogs history. This is a great site for information on Boxers:

Friday, February 17, 2012

Friday Night Highlights

So keep in mind, it is now a Friday, I have read an unimaginable amount of political articles for school this week, and I am I emotionally and socially bored. In addition, I have had more than a couple of glasses of wine. yes, wine! This Texas girl has gradually tested the waters of wine although I have not forgotten the love of a good amber beer! Rest assured my friends (maybe stalker online friends), that my love for beer will withstand the test of time!!!

In an update, I am writing this missing home. Strange to say because my life back home wasn't much to write home about. I realize the humor in that statement, but stay with me. I came here with a new outlook, new attitude, but ultimately, with the same person... myself. How can I possibly change? I am not making new friends, living life to the fullest, or making my husband any happier. He is happy with a garage, some beer, and that meals magically appears everyday.

I feel selfish at times, that I long for more than just "ok". I want craziness. The stuff you think about doing, and DO IT! The things that you think is funny, laugh out loud to yourself, then someone asks "what's so funny?" and you would normally say "nothing", but instead eject, "it would be awesome if we tried..."

And believe me, I have tried to just say it, but it is always followed by a soft giggle and "your silly". What I find ironic is the same people that make that response to me would go insane if someone else said it. I feel like I can expect no more excitement in my life. I mean, I moved over 10 hours away from EVERYTHING and EVERYTHING I know in the whole world. Why do I feel like the same 14 year old girl stuck in her bedroom blocked off from the world? The only thing new I have seen since I have been here is the Army post, another walmart (and really, its like they are all identical), and a rock painted like a frog on my drive home from town. I am not asking for limo rides to big cities, or spending big money on fancy things. I just want someone willing to share adventures with, even if its just a look around the Wood.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

LOST... in the Wood

Acclimating to this new place has been challenging to say the least. Even more disheartening is the greenery I discovered on our house-hunt back in November as fallen and looks sadly like a brown, burnt summer in Central Texas. Nonetheless, it has been interesting.

We closed on the house and officially moved in on January 30th. We have been spending every night on an air mattress! We purchased a new mattress in January to be delivered within 2 days of our arrival... still no delivery. Supposedly, it will be here Monday. I find that I will become a not so pleasant patron if it is not here by then. We did, however, receive free delivery from the lack of planning on the mattress company's part. I suggested to my husband to kindly request (I really mean demand) a free full size mattress to begin works on our guest room. He laughed, I responded, "Seriously, I am not kidding." No such agreement occurred.

Last night was our first Army event in this unit. I was so nervous. I am defiantly socially challenged and seriously considered down liquid confidence before hand. I then remembered my promise to my-self that alcohol will only be allowed if not used as a medicine and instead just squandered around the house like a crazy person.

The potluck event was a going away party for someone in the unit. I decided to bring honey cornbread. My mother-in-law made this for us over the holidays and I loved it. I used my new boysenberry colored KichenAid stand mixer for the first time... HEAVEN! I loved it so much! It was perfect for making such a big batch and not to mention, it's gorgeous. The party went as expected at first, I was a wall flower for the first two hours, but as the night went on a became more social. The girl throwing the party made things much easier for me. I now at least have some acquaintances that may develop to good friendships. I was very excited to find a girl who is close to my husband's age, her husband is in the unit, and she has no kids or plans of kids anytime soon. This was music to my ears! Jared and I are not on a venture to have kids right now which seems to be the opposite plan from all of my other friends back home. It is nice that someone else understands the choice we have made to build a strong relationship, not hurry to spawn children into our craziness. We are still learning each others quips.


Thursday, January 19, 2012

Pending game of Tetris with a 28 foot trailer

You must be familiar with the game Tetris. It was an old video game which requires seemingly unimportant skills to move and flip shapes as they fall into the most favorable positions. As we embark on the task to fit all of our belongings into a 28ft enclosed car hauler, I find myself reminiscing on how much I sucked at that game. Although, I fondly remember loving Dr. Mario's similar version. I also played poorly.

In an attempt to be proactive in packing, I have been stuffing boxes and filling the trailer using it as a quasi storage unit. Reviewing the trailers current contents you would find an enormous and beautiful desk, car parts to my husband's unfinished '67 Camaro project, BBQ grill, freezer chest, and a various assortment of boxes. Following my review of the many contents left to be added, (including a new 7 piece bedroom set we will be picking up on the way out of town) I have come to the conclusion that I have failed to be a practical human being.

This conclusion stems from the following causes:
  1. I have too much stuff
  2. My husband has too much stuff PLUS his Army stuff
  3. It is ridiculous for anyone to have this much stuff
  4. I still want more stuff
I now find myself wondering if there is a solution. If so, how much work would be involved? And does life know that I am currently unemployed and do not want any more work?

I couldn't possibly leave my husband to figure this out on his own. In addition, I am anxious to get to Missouri by the end of next week, so I suppose I will need to accept the undeniably truth.

We have to completely unpack the trailer and reorganize it. Translation= Start over. 

We will be spending tomorrow playing a horrible game of Tetris. My only hope is that my husband is as good at Tetris as he is at Call of Duty.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

The Brave Little Toaster... and everything else I need to pack

Following the onset of love and all that encompasses it, my husband and I are soon to move to Missouri. There is nothing frightening or horrible about our new venture, quite the opposite in fact. I find myself completely and utterly excited for the opportunity to face new and dreadful weather conditions, live a jobless fate, and live perilously staring a this computer studying endless courses online.

I imagine you are currently becoming overwhelmed with jealousy. I understand it is hard to not pine for my fortunes, but before jealousy blinds you from the point of view of a stranger which could quite possibly be your only opportunity at a meaningful relationship with an not-so-important blogger, just read little further.

In the midst of packing away my life, I had a moment which I realized something amazing. I am one of hundreds or thousands or more who have experienced the exact same actions I am undertaking now. I am over course only including military families in this scenario and not every person who has ever moved. I am packing away my beloved cowboy boots, my Dwight bobblehead, and my toaster just as many have before me. With the uncertainty of what life has in store, will I make new friends I can count on? How will I survive without my family so close? Where will I shop?

The comfort I felt with this realization is that I am not alone. This statement is played out. What it lacks in originality it makes up for in cliches and truth.

I suppose if you have humored my long enough to read this far, you have noticed my lack of fully serious demeanor. Rest assured I understand the seriousness of supporting a service member especially after making it through his first deployment. If there is anything I have learned in my short 24 years is that life is worth enjoying. Every scary, uncertain minute is worth a little extra effort.

This is my first post in my attempt to come out of my shy shell. I am changing my life for the better starting now, and you get to watch this change as it happens if you stay tuned.