Thursday, April 17, 2014

J-Bird Project: We're Going to Disneyland!





My amazing adventure began in Disneyland!!!

J-Bird's Epic Adventure Part 2: Las Vegas





My amazing adventure to Las Vegas this past February!

Spy Baking: Femme Fatale Tribute







My version of a Femme Fatale tribute!

Woman of Steel...almost!



This past weekend my sister, my niece and I participated in the Woman of Steel 5K. Now, we didn’t run the whole time or even half the time. We are power-walking fools! I know there are those out there who may ask why we even bothered to show up – given our lack of actual running enthusiasm. I may never be a runner, but I don’t participate in 5Ks to be the fastest. I realized that the greatest accomplishment was the fact that I was there and that a year ago you wouldn’t have caught me dead at a 5K. Progress, my friends!


Since August, I have been on an adventure of sorts. It started as a weight loss challenge among friends and has turned into a lifestyle change for myself. It hasn’t been an easy road, but I have no intention of stopping. I have finally hit the 30-pound loss mark! I have to say that it took longer than I ever thought to get from 25 to 30 pounds. I was cruising along and then I hit a wall. Sadness! I am at least proud that I didn’t just give up, but I was frustrated! Then, along came Lent. A ritual that I have never truly participated in due to my lack of religious ties to the practice, but I thought I would give it a try. I decided to give up fast food since that always seems to derail me. I seem to thrive on speed and convenience - I know I'm not alone. I've been able to keep this up so far - hooray! My coworker decided to take on a tougher endeavor - no white flour and nothing with over 10 grams of sugar. Honestly, I thought she was crazy! Then she started seeing results - quickly. I realized she was on to something! So, I decided to join her on the journey. This week marks the end of week three and I feel awesome! In three weeks, I have already lost 4.8 lbs. and an inch off my waist! Holy crap! I have been shocked the difference it has made in my body and my mood! My ultimate goal is to go 120 days with little prizes for myself every 30 days. I am allowing myself to have one cheat meal a week if needed. I can't go crazy, but if I'm really feeling a Reese's peanut butter cup it's ok. Just one!! It's been a long time since I've felt this good about myself! Woo!! I hope to keep posting about my progress and share some surprisingly delicious things I've found along the way.



P.S. I have discovered a love for cauliflower! Did not see that coming!!




 We are Women of Steel!!


 Look at our medals!


Kayliee and I showing off our muscles!

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Another Year: 2013 Reflection

...And so it begins.
Another day, another dollar - another year, another list of resolutions.
I suppose I should begin with things like "Happy 2014" and "My New Year's resolutions are..." but I'd rather take a new approach to the beginning of a new year.  Instead of dwelling on all the things I didn't  achieve during 2013 (and vowing to do them during 2014), I'd like to focus on what I did achieve during 2013.

Here are some stats:
5K's finished: 5
Pounds lost: 25 (Since August)
New job: FOUND!
Michael Jackson moves busted: Too many to count!

I am very proud to have participated in five different 5k races!  I did Kiss Me Dirty in August, Color Me Rad and the Heart Walk in September, Witches Brew Ha Ha in October, and the Human Race in November.  Since August, I have made an effort to be more active and eat better which has led to a 25 pound weight loss!  Out of my many efforts to lose weight in the past, 2013 has been my most successful year so far and it is something that I hope to carry into 2014.

One of my favorite things I did in 2013 was the Michael Jackson Thriller dance class.  I went to a two hour dance class every week in October to learn the dance from MJ's Thriller music video.  It was so much fun and I was usually drenched in sweat by the time class was over.  Although I was not a pretty sight at the end of class, it was very satisfying!  Our class also did a performance for the dance studio's Halloween party - such an adrenaline rush!  I may not be the best dancer, but I had the time of my life!!

All and all not too shabby of a year!

Kiss Me Dirty 2013 - At the finish line!!


My sister (Lisa) and I at Color Me Rad 5K


Lisa and I at the Witches Brew Ha Ha 5K

My mom and I at the Witches Brew Ha Ha 5K

Hooray!!  Finisher's medal from the Witches Brew Ha Ha!

My Mom and I at the Human Race Thanksgiving morning.


Zombies at the Thriller Dance performance

Working it on the dance floor with my MJ glove!
My zombie make-up!

Cause this is Thriller!!!!!