Work Out Wednesday with Skinny Meg

I'm linking up with Skinny Meg for Work Out Wednesday. 

 For a little over a month now I have been changing up my workout routine. I use to be strictly cardio with  weights twice a week. You know this from my constant posts regarding my long mile runs. (Hey, they are long for me) I haven't ran in awhile. Not a long distance. I'm wondering If I still could at this point. I'm hoping it's like riding a bike, you just get back on and start where you left off. Why do I have a feeling it won't be like that. Not at all. Anyways, after not really seeing much change in my body, or my clothes or the scale I decided something needed to change. My frustration was at a all time high, I was letting the number on the scale ruin my days emotionally and I wanted to throw eating healthy out the damn window and just eat a cheeseburger. And yes, I have been eating more clean for while now too, so between that and my work outs I thought something would change. Not anything. Six months later, and nothing. 

Now I love being a healthier version of me. I love working out, so stopping that was never really an option for me. I love eating better. Even if it's  hard, it makes me feel better.  And I love the food that I eat. But something had to give. I talked to several different "non-expert" Experts and although a lot of the information was different there were things that were consistent. Lift. More. Weights. More weight, less cardio. And do your cardio after weight lifting. So...that's what I did. 

I now lift five days a week. And I won't sugar coat it, in the beginning it was intimidating. I didn't know what I was doing, I still really don't, but I conquered my fear. I got past the uncomfortable, out of my safe box, and made it happen. I focus on each muscle group twice a week. I also do HIIT training and I find a lot of WOD (work out of the day) online. They are exhausting and I always get a really high calorie burn. I love them! Mostly I love looking forward to doing something different for my body. Change is good. 

Here is what I do for my Arm days. (Twice a week, followed by cardio)

I did these because that is where I see the most change. In my shoulders and my biceps. And although the scale doesn't reflect my hard work, my shorts are a lot bigger on me than they were last summer. Yep, so I threw out the damn scale.  

*I got a lot of this information from http://muffin-topless.com/ - I used it as a starting point and I change it up every week.

*You tube any move you don't know how to do. 

                                

Computer Hi-Jacked and Liebster Award

So obviously Bailee and I are Blog soulies. Or at the very least she was feeling the yearning within me to Blog again. Around midnight thirty last night I thought to myself, in between coughing fits, tomorrow I would love to make a big cup of coffee and hi-jack the computer back from my daughter and just write.....I have nothing in particular I want to write about and I also have very specific things I want to say. I know, a contradiction in terms. And this morning I received a sweet email from Bailee saying that she nominated me for a Liebster Award. Just what  I needed. The perfect excuse. So thank you Bailee for the nomination!!! I'm both humbled and appreciative of the sweet thought.

Oh and if you are like me, you have no idea what the Liebster Award is. (Does anyone just want to call it a Lobster Award for fun?) Anyways, it is an award for bloggers who have under 200 followers. And although I'm so close (only 175 followers away ;-) ) and I don't expect to receive it, it's really nice to be thought of. Isn't it?? Kindness goes a long way - I'm telling you peeps.

To nominate your fellow bloggers:
1. acknowledge the blog that nominated you
2. tell 11 facts about yourself
3. answer 11 questions the nominating blogger created
4. list blogs with less then 200 followers that you believe deserve this award
5. post 11 questions for them
6. notify them they have been nominated
AND! You CAN NOT nominate the blog that nominated you (total bum deal by the way)

11 Facts About Myself:

1. I love buying new make-up and make-up brushes.
2. I haven't had a pedicure in years.
3. I can't see well enough at night to drive safely.
4. If given the option for new boobs or lasiks - I would choose new eye balls.
5. I love lifting weights.
6. I hate when my husband chews on his finger nails.
7. I am fascinated by sharks and deathly afraid of the ocean.
8. I will let my kids swim in the ocean all day. (that seems messed up)
9. My three favorite blogs already have like a bazillion followers so I can't nominate them.
10. I threw away my scale at home.
11. I want several tattoos.




11 Questions from Bailee:

1. What is your favorite food? I mean how long can this answer be. No, really. I love food. But if I had to pick a favorite - It would be Mexican food. If you needed something more specific than that, than I pick Margaritas.

2. What is your favorite time of year? Definitely Fall. Even if it only lasts three days here in Texas. I love the cool breeze with the warm sun on your skin. I love that it is socially acceptable to wear boots again. The color of the leaves make me feel like I am in a different place. I see a lot more of extended family in Fall too.

3. What is your favorite quote? I have a few favorites for different reasons. I'm not sure mine are actually quotes as muchs as they are poems. I love a good poem.This one resonates with me the most.

here is the deepest secret nobody knows

(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud

and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows

higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)

and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart; i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

 - E.E. Cummings

 

4. If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go? Greece. Have you ever seen a picture of that place, no matter the city, that wasn't breathtaking? Definitely Greece. And Australia. I'm a sucker for an accent. 

5. What is your favorite thing about where you live? That my family lives here. Doesn't get much better than that.

6. If you could do anything in the world what would it be? A tourist in Hawaii. But old Hawaii. The part that hasn't been industrialized. I would get to see beauty every day and then share it with people.

7. What is your biggest dream? Dream big! I just want to inspire people. It's that simple. I want to be the reason someone makes a change for the better, for themselves. I don't feel like anything would be more rewarding than that.

8. Should you have a big wedding ceremony or elope? Big wedding. You have to do it. You just can't lose sight of the fact that it's not about the wedding, it's all about the marriage. If you can do that, then I say every girl should be allowed to have her dream day.

9. What is your favorite animal? - White Tiger. So majestic.

10. What is your favorite book? - The Hunger Game Series - I didn't want it to be over.

11. Who is your role model and why? - My mother. I have always felt like my mother always does the right thing. Yeah, she may get grumpy sometimes and she is stubborn as hell - like seriously, one of the most stubborn people I know. But in the end, she always does the right thing. Even if it's the hardest choice. She is my best friend.


My Nominees
All Things Beautiful
Just Me Lisa Marie
Crystal Michelle's Mess

My 11 Questions: (Geez there are a lot of questions and facts on this blog)

1. What is your biggest pet peeve?
2. What makes you a good friend?
3. What is your favorite dessert?
4. What are you most passionate about?
5. If you could live anywhere for just 6 months, where would it be?
6. Do you hold grudges?
7. What did you want to be when you were little?
8. What three words would you use to describe yourself?
9. You are on an island with just your family and the clothes on your back - What do you miss having the most?
10. What is the best advice you have ever received?
11. Would you rather get lost in a really good book or a really good movie?

Thanks again for the Nom Miss Bailee!!!!

Hiatus Over.

So if it hasn't been completely obvious I have been on a writing hiatus. For no particular reason at all. I'm not going on strike or taking an intentional break - so please, for the love of all that is Holy, don't panic!! Honestly, I just wanted to be able to apply and include the word 'hiatus' in one of my blog posts - this felt like the best way to do that. ;-)

Oddly enough I have had plenty going on in the last month to write about. I can't even recall how many times I thought to myself, "I have to blog about this." or "That was the best weekend ever, I must do a recap with full on pictures.". And each time, I didn't. Each time I let the moment pass me by and then the motivation was gone.

Ironically, now that I am sitting here, I have nothing of importance to talk about. Which could only mean one thing:

Random Thoughts - By Yours Truly

If you have never done a Color Run - you have to do it at least once in your life. But you have to do it exactly the way I did, or it will definitely not be as fun. Here are your instructions: First and foremost, sign up for the damn run the first day that you can register. Seriously, if you don't, the rest of this won't matter. Secondly, get a hotel room at the Embassy Suites - It must be this hotel. Then, you will need a sitter from 4 pm the day before until roughly 4 p.m. the next day. (If you don't have kids please proceed to next directive) Arrive at said hotel by 5:30 so you can enjoy a complimentary happy hour for two hours with your friends. Directly after the Happy Happy Hour, head on over to Razoo's and enjoy the chicken fingers and bowl of liquor with straws that are as long as your arms. (don't spit out the liquid from the bowl onto your brother in law across the table - he will NOT LIKE this - you are welcome for this tip), then pile the whole gang of like 23 people into one vehicle. I am not saying this is the safest way to go but definitely the most fun. Attempt to play darts with people that don't care if you suck. Get your rest (I may have forgotten to do this part) and wake up bright and early the next morning for the Color Run. Bring your sister so that while you are in mid sentence she can throw the blue color directly into your mouth. I know this sounds gross but it will make a fabulous addition to the Color Run website. After run, go eat at BWW. Even if your sister in law hates it. She will find something there she likes. Eat your wings and do NOT, wash off your face. Just your hands. Best. Weekend. Ever.

I am completely addicted to Supremely Spicy Hummus and Almond Butter - I will never go back to Peanut butter again. It is that good!!! I feel like I should mention that I don't eat these two things together.

I made the coolest discovery this weekend - My ears are double pierced. Still. Like I haven't put earrings in my second hole since middle school. I feel like a rock star. I wonder if I could still get a ring through my nose? Better not push my luck.

My amazing husband surprised me with a weekend getaway to Austin for our Anniversary. We have never been there together and it was such a perfect weekend. I now have a new favorite steak house and dessert. (Bananas Foster rocks my socks off) We went to the most amazing restaurant the second night to watch the sunset. The Oasis - and it was the most gorgeous view and the weather was perfect and so were the Margs.(Seriously, check this place out) I have never been to 6th street and in my old age I was determined to make it happen. I'm so glad I did. That place is crazy fun. And crazy cheap!! Thanks for the memories love!!


 Also...we may have laid out under the sun for slightly longer than we should have. 

Yesterday, I witnessed a random stranger in his car help a boy who was being bullied make it home safely. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. My heart was touched. There are still good people in this world. With all the crazy we have seen lately it's so important to look for the good.

How much longer does this damn Jodi Arias trial have to go? My sister has been sucked into the black hole that is the trial and she isn't coming out to talk until the verdict is read.

I hurt my foot a couple weeks back. I was so afraid to be in the same position my husband is in ( which is PT twice a week for 6 weeks and specific instruction not to do any running or circuit training), that I didn't want to chance it. I took a few days off from running. I didn't realize how much I loved it until I physically couldn't do it. My hubs is miserable right now. I totally get it.

But then...

I got right back at it and ran the longest distance I had to date - 6 miles!!! I am ready..I am ready to sign up for a 10k. Let's do this!!

I can't stand one uppers - like for real. We get it. Shut up. No one upping allowed.

I am so excited about our summer. Specifically the end of July. Where our feet will finally meet the beach again. Nothing better.

I would like to start collecting the following items: running/work out shoes/clothes, earrings, make-up, nail polish and colored jeans. I like choices. However, yellow nail polish is not for me. I have attempted it twice. No go.

I got to enjoy being a non Wal-Mart grocery shopper for like three weeks before my husband came to his senses. Completely bummed about this.

New Favorite Running Songs: Can't Hold Us (Macklemore), Boom (P.O.D.), Hall of Fame (Script)

Before I get new boobs - I want new eyes. Curse all you people who have eye balls that can see!!

I have kids to pick up from school and prescriptions to pick up from the pharmacy.

Have a fab week!!

With Love,

Amy Marie

Finish the Sentence...

Linking up with Holly and Jake for Finish the Sentence.

Finish the Sentence

1. If calories didn't count, I would eat... all the Mexican Food in sight. This mostly includes any and all Margaritas. Who doesn't like to drink their meals???
 

2. On my Prom night.... I wore pants first of all...and my belly was exposed...and instead of hairspray I sprayed my already hardened hair with spray deodorant. I kinda looked like I had a serious case of dandruff. My date and I lost all our money that was given to us by our parents in a bounce house. (We were so cool) and he then decided to end our good fortune of a night with a punch to his windshield. (We were also really smart) The End.

 

3. When I go to the store, I always buy... I actually don't get to go to the grocery store because my husband doesn't trust me to stick to the list but that's because when I do go to the grocery story I buy whatever I can that he "forgot" to put on the list. So...yeah, I get it.

 

4. Family functions typically... are chaotic. There is never enough alcohol.

 

5. I think my blog readers... are literally my 10 friends. Like, no joke, I'm going to hang out with them all this weekend.

 

6. I'd much rather be..... in a pool somewhere in the Bahamas. (Not an ocean - please see previous post regarding "man eaters") Sipping on whatever the hell drink I want because calories don't count.

 

7. I have an obsession with.... spicy hummus, make-up, work-out attire and Sons of Anarchy...Maybe in that order.

 

8. My work friends.... do not exist. I'm a horrible person and my work friends have told me they cannot stand to be around me. One person mentioned that I smelled of pizza that has come back up and another person said my hair lip is so bad that it's hard to have a conversation with me without staring right at it. Okay, but really I am a stay at home mom. My work friends really do not exist.

 

9. When I created my Facebook account.... I did it in absolute secrecy.

 

10. My least favorite word is... canal, fart, cream...hahaha....Canal Fart Cream...sorry...immature is another least favorite of mine.

 

11. I really don't remember.... what I ever saw in my ex husband. Seriously. He showed me his abs the first night we met and made fun of my shoes. Winner, winner chicken dinner Amy!!! Good one!

 

12. Justin Bieber.... should have been added to #10

Freaking Man Eaters...

It's been so long. Too long, right? Have you missed me? 

Don't answer that.

I'm bored and had nothing of value to write about today. Well except a bucket list. And who doesn't like to read other people's bucket lists!! Okay..well if that doesn't sound appealing than maybe just coming up with your own sounds fun. Yes?

 

Top Ten Tuesday 

 "Things I Want To Do Before I Die" or also known as, Top 10 Things On Your Bucket List.

1.  Visit New York City at Christmas Time. (Okay so if you happen to follow the link your going to see that the blogger that posted this actually had this as one of her items, actually her number 1 - these are not in order of favorites btw) But in all fairness, I so badly want to go to NYC during the Winter, specifically Christmas Time. I swear I do. Ask the Hubs. I have said it time and time again. I have been to New York twice and it's a fascinating city. It literally feels like you have been thrown right in the middle of a movie. But I want Christmas Time and I want the lights and the ice skaters. I want all of it.
   
2. Shark Cage Diving - Okay, so until yesterday this seemed way more doable and exciting. Then I happen to see a video on yahoo about a man who was diving with the Great Whites in South Africa (first mistake - that place is swarming with the "man eaters") And now it seems less exciting and more life threatening. Still. What an adrenaline rush. 
3. Run a Full Marathon - This seems absolutely insane to me. Insane and stupid and not fun. I can't even get to 6 yet. But, to be able to say I did this, would be worth all the damn pain. Maybe. 
4. Take my Family to a Foreign Country -  I want to be able to give them (my kids) an experience that they will never forget. That will be a first for all of us. That will make memories for years to come.
5. Feel Confident in Myself - I don't think I have to be a certain size or look good in a bikini (Umm but that would be nice) I just want to be able to feel like I am taking care of myself the best way that I can and feel good about the person that I am.  This includes the kind of friend, mother and wife I am. Always a work in progress I suppose. 
6. Instruct a Fitness Class - I think Body Combat might be my favorite. Or any kind of Turbo Kick. I would love to make that a job of mine some day. And I'm not getting younger. 
7. Come up with a potion to become younger - Okay I'm kidding...sort of...Okay, No I'm not. 
8. Travel to a New City - Jacob and I have talked about this off and on. But once a year, maybe twice, I think it would be fun to discover a new place together. Short and sweet.
9. Watch my Kids Grow Up - But not just grow up. To feel good with their choices. To be humble. To be kind to everyone. To be sympathetic. To be gracious. I would love for my kids to go to college. I would love for my kids to get married and have babes and live "the dream"...but if it's not ever something they want for themselves than at the very least I want to be able to see them become good people. I want them to be happy.
10. Buy a House with a Pool -  Can we move yet? I hate this house. Although I'm doing my best to learn to appreciate and love what we have but.....can we move yet?

Taggin' Tuesday: Fitness Survey

Today I am being completely lazy.

Thankfully my friend, Crystal Michelle over at www.crystalmichellesmess.com came to my rescue. I'm taggin' up with her so I don't have to put much thought into today's post. Please forgive me.

Body Pump was a good one this morning. My legs are still shaking. And this survey is right up my alley.

Taggin' Tuesday: Fitness Survey

1. Five fitness items I can’t live without:

• My "fun" workout tanks. They make it more fun to get dressed and go work out.
• Polar FT4 Fitness Heart Rate Monitor and Calorie Counter (Feel naked without it)
• My Iphone with my 'Workin It' Playlist. I will not run if I don't have it on me. Music moves me.
• My earbuds to listen to said music
• My sports bras from Target rock my world. I love them and all the amazing colors they come in.

2. Favorite pre-workout snack/meal:

 If it's a morning work out then I have egg whites and/or half a whole grain sandwich round with all natural peanut butter. If it's an afternoon/evening work out then all I really need is my Spark!!

3. On my fitness bucket list:

• I want to inspire someone to the point that they want me to help them get where they want to be because I got where I wanted to be and kept at it.
• Add weights to the bicep track in Body Pump. Those damn bottom halves are going to kill me.
• I want to get up to 7 miles and be able to do it at least two times a week.
• Run a 10k
• Run a half marathon and earn my 13.1 sticker
• Look good naked
• Become more educated in Nutrition
• To get through one damn work out without having to pull up my pants!! Just one!!

4. Must-have tech tools:

My Phone for my music and my HRM watch and chest strap

5. Top exercise gear:

Even though I want new shoes, I have to admit mine have pretty much got me through all my work outs. I can run in them, spin in them, do body pump and lunges and jumps and combat. All of it. They never slip, they never hurt, they never cause blisters. They just aren't colorful enough for me!! 

I have lots of different sports bras now. My Nike one and the racer backs from Target are my faves. 

I love, love, love my UnderArmour pants. They never show sweat and I can move in them easily. I just want more of them.

6. Motivational mantra:

Every day is a choice. And in each day are smaller but still important choices. One bad choice doesn't have to dictate your entire day/month/year. You screwed up, you move on. You make better choices. You chose to be healthy, whatever that is for you. But you do it for you.

 7. Next big exercise goal:

I want to be able to add more weights in Body Pump. I want my upper body to be stronger. And I want to run a 10k easily. 

8. Favorite cardio exercise:

Body Attack - No Question

9. Favorite strength move:

Is Plyo a strength move?? Haha..I love Plyo - like a kid I love it. Until I have to follow it up with high knees, then I hate it. I also love the shoulder and back track in Pump. I can feel it right away. And it burns ohhh...so good!

If your reading this.. TAG YOUR IT! – Link up to Taggin’ Tuesday!

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Powerless

Last Friday, the kids and I were on our way out to Fort Worth to get Jackson's allergy shot. It's a good little  30 minute drive for us both ways. It's a drive we take every other Friday. It's a drive that is part of our routine. Most of the time, Jackson just falls asleep in the front seat. Most of the time. This time was different. This time my 10 year old boy just held my hand. And he held it tight. Really, really tight. As if he was trying to tell me something but he didn't have the words. At that moment, I had to hold back tears. Because whether or not Jackson was trying to speak to me without words or he just wanted to hold my hand and cut off any feeling I had in it, the truth is, Jackson lives a life I can't relate to. Both of my older kids do. And that makes me sad. It makes it harder for me to make things better for them.

They live two different lives. Back and forth, between my house and their dad's, there is nothing consistent between the two households. Nothing. At all. Not even in the way we love them. Think about that. Because that is all I could think about on our trip out to Fort Worth that Friday. How hard it must be for a 4 year old, 5, 6, 8, 10 year old boy to be two different people constantly. I can't fix that for him. I can't change things that are out of my control. I can't change how he feels when he is on the other side of town, in a house that doesn't feel like a home to him. I use to think that this would make me feel happy. Or comforted in some way. But it doesn't. It makes me feel like I have child that is lost. That doesn't know who he is. Where he belongs. He doesn't know how to be happy. He is a people pleaser to a fault. He doesn't know any other way and until now, it frustrated me. (It still may a little) But I have to think that he is like this because of his situation. Because of how he has been raised and it may not be my influence but he has been influenced all the same.

As I sat there hiding my tears behind my big sunglasses I thought about when Jackson was Landon's age. Even younger. He was so happy. The sweetest, prettiest little boy ever. I thought about how I never pictured this life for him. That in all honesty, all you want for your children is to be happy. You will do whatever you can in your power to make that happen. I am powerless now. I can tell Jackson a thousand different times how "he's lucky because he gets 2 Christmases or 2 Birthday Party celebrations or that he has even more people to love him" - The truth of the matter is, Jackson would rather have some sort of normalcy on a consistent basis then 2 Christmas. Jackson knows that it's the best we can come up with when he asks, "Why?" And that this is the best it's ever going to get. That his life will forever be a struggle between back and forth. Between Mom and Dad. Between two houses that are as different as night and day. He will have to deal with choices some kids don't have to consider. He will have to figure out a way, on his own, to discover who he is.

All you can do as a parent with every other weekend is do the best to make your lives together and your house you are raising your babies in feel like home. Give them space to grow. Allow them to make mistakes and learn from them. Afford them the opportunities to make their own decisions. Don't ever make them feel like they are choosing between one or the other. Love the 'other' as much as humanely possible. Whether they deserve it or not. Set the good examples. Embrace the fact that you have no control over all of it. Take your "part" and blow it out of the water. I want my kids to say one day, "I want to be like my Mother. I want to have her heart. Her understanding. My mom was 'home' to me."

Hold on, to me as we go
As we roll down this unfamiliar road
And although this wave is stringing us along
Just know you’re not alone
Cause I’m going to make this place your home

Settle down, it'll all be clear
Don't pay no mind to the demons
They fill you with fear
The trouble it might drag you down
If you get lost, you can always be found

Just know you’re not alone
Cause I’m going to make this place your home