I'm always skeptical when the doctor or nurse tells you that you can test on a certain date. I guess I'm skeptical because I don't fully trust the result. Or, I'm afraid of the result that I don't want. Thus, I wait.
I've become a professional at waiting.
Maybe I should add it to my resume.
We were told that I could take a home pregnancy test on Friday, March 4th. Because my cycle was expected to start on Monday, March 7th, I decided to wait until at least then.
I was so hopeful in this cycle. Things just felt right about it. We made it in a nick of time with my husband going out of town and it seemed like the stars were aligning to make it happen.
I was also really hopeful because that Wednesday was my husband's birthday. I had this dream of being able to present him with an amazing birthday gift...a positive pregnancy test.
Since my cycle did not start that Monday, I decided to go ahead and take the last home pregnancy test that I had stashed away in the drawer. I have always been reluctant to take them without waiting for at least some time past the time my cycle should start as to not "waste" them. I know, other women probably think I'm crazy, but I'm also really pragmatic and frugal when it comes to this kind of thing. And yes, I know I can purchase crazy cheap ones on Amazon...
Much to my disappointment, the HPT was negative. I was hoping for even a faint line. No such luck this month.
The really annoying part was that my period didn't start until that Wednesday and it was really light and kind of odd for my normal cycles.
I called my RE's office to ask about next steps.
I went in that Friday for a baseline ultrasound and if everything looked good we would start straight away on injectables and use the last of my Follistim from the previous cycle.
Unfortunately, to add insult to injury, the sonographer found a cyst on my right ovary. Great. Something else to get in the way of progress. I was given options to take a birth control pill to help move the cyst along or to just wait until my next cycle starts. The nurse also told me that the cyst could be causing the funky period.
Well isn't that nice?
On top of it all, I wouldn't be able to start the injectable Follistim meds...which means that the rest of the vial that I have...that cost beaucoup bucks is going to go to waste. Which hurts my head and my heart from a purely practical standpoint.
And just as the cherry on top to this entire situation, I woke up that Thursday not feeling great, and by Thursday evening, I was running a fever of 102.8 - the highest I've ever seen in my adult life. I had chills, body aches, a slight cough, and a fever. I had the flu. And man oh man, this string of the flu was a doozy. I spent the better part of a week in bed, about 4 days feeling pretty crummy, and finally on day 7, I'm starting to feel normal, but still have a nagging cough.
So yeah, my last two weeks have not been great.
I wish I had more positive news to report, but sadly, I do not.
Just more waiting.
Showing posts with label goals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label goals. Show all posts
WEEK 10 WRAP-UP: JAMIE EASON LIVE FIT PROGRAM
I have a confession to make.
Week 9 was a wash. I tweaked my neck and shoulder after I tripped on my suitcase (I know, a likely story) and was out of commission for the week. I couldn't even sit up straight without being in pain. Luckily, I was able to make an appointment with my chiropractor who clicked me back into place. It took about three days after that to feel back to normal and not sore anymore.
This is real life. And accidents and bumps in the road happen.
In a weird twist of events, I actually missed going to the gym.
I'm happy to report that I was back in the gym this week and completed Week 10.
So I must say that this was probably my least favorite part of the entire program. That's because it incorporated "active rest" period of plyometric type stuff such as mountain climbers, jump squats, burpees (I hate burpees) and such.
I survived.
But man, the third day in the gym after doing mountain climbers on Monday, my IT bands were killing. I didn't feel all the soreness at first, but as soon as I tried to do another mountain climber, my legs about fell off.
I'm not doing the carb cycling as the program suggests in the nutrition department, but I'm following a food plan laid out by my sister in law who is an aspiring bodybuilder. The food plan is set up to help me lose 15 lbs or so. It's a lot of food to eat!
Week 7 Wrap-Up: Jamie Eason Live Fit Program
My, my, my where has the time gone. You know, when I first embarked on this 12-week adventure, I never imagined that it was going to go by quickly. I figured more that it would be slow, possibly tedious, and easy to quit.
The funny thing is, I haven't quit! There have been some bumps in the road. Some stumbling blocks. Some cheating. But overall, I have been getting myself to the gym. And it's been awesome.
I wish I could say that I've been 100% faithful to the nutrition plan, but this is real life people.
However, the thing that I have learned in the process of this program is that when you want something enough, you're willing to put the work in like never before.
I have this goal, this desire, this yearning to start our family. And I know that a lot of it is on me. I know, I know, it's a 50/50 partnership with your spouse, but let's be real....I will be the one with the bun in the oven. And in a true, valiant effort to make things happen, I know that I need to get in shape.
If anything, exercising is just a good idea. Period. If there are added benefits such as lowered insulin resistance, less PCOS symptoms, and regulated hormones, then that's just a bonus.
Week 7 of the Jamie Eason Live Fit Program was more of the same from weeks 5 and 6, a little different, but cardio on non-leg days and dedicated leg days.
You know, I see the same people at the gym nearly every day. And even when I go at different times. Which makes me wonder, DO THESE PEOPLE WORK? How can they spend 3 hours at the gym everyday? Who knows. I don't. Maybe they do. Maybe they don't, it's none of my business.
But I can see that it's that laser type focus that helps you get things done. Build those muscles. Cut that physique.
Here's to Week 8.
Week 6 Wrap-Up: Jamie Eason Live Fit Program
Halfway done with the program! And I'm feeling great! And I feel like I'm Internet yelling! (which I wouldn't do in real life....it's easy to be excited online.)
Week 6 was interesting. My schedule was jam packed with things to do besides the gym, but I still made time to workout Monday-Wednesday and Friday-Saturday. I decided to make the effort to go into work early so that I could leave early and hit up the gym. Or, like on Tuesday, where I felt like Superwoman because I dealt with some fraudulent charges on my debit card (thanks random person in South Carolina), walked my dog twice, went to get gas instead of running on fumes, had a photoshoot at the State Fair, and finished the day off at the gym. Under "normal" circumstances, I would have skipped the gym, but something in me was like, "you have time, you should go". So I did. Must be some extra energy from the regularity of working out. Let's go with it.
Week 6 workouts are identical to Week 5, with the incorporation of cardio on four days a week. I'm super excited that Gilmore Girls is now on Netflix because I have the perfect way to pass the time on the elliptical. I'm hoping that by adding cardio back into the workout, it'll start to burn a little more fat.
The crazy thing about working out is that you want to see changes. Okay, I want to see changes. But because you see yourself everyday, it's a lot harder to see your own changes. That's why I'm making an effort to take photos weekly so hopefully, when I look back, I'll see how far I've come. I've found that relying on the number on the scale is a lost cause.
Can I just say that I want the scale to budge?! Just a few pounds. While I'm glad that it hasn't gone up and since my heaviest-ever weight, I've lost 30lbs or so....it would be nice to see it go down a few more pounds. Especially with all my effort!
Food and nutrition is more of the same. I must say, however, that I'm a fan of my protein shakes that I drink as soon as I get home from the gym. Jamie talks about supplementation and I think that the protein shakes are a huge part of that!
I've been using Nature's Best Isopure Low Carb Dutch Chocolate Protein Powder. I also use it for the protein bars I've made. I love it because it tastes good when mixed with water (which seems rare in the protein shake world) and it packs 50g of protein per serving. I haven't found any other protein powder with that much protein. Most have 20-25g per serving. This one has double that! I've purchased it from Puritan's Pride and Amazon.
I've also been using Advocare's Catalyst, which is their BCAA (branch chain amino acids) product before I go workout. I can't say I notice a difference between taking them and not because since I've started this program, I've taken them every workout. I'd try it without them, but why do that?!
I can't believe that Week 7 is already here. At the outset, 12 weeks seems like a long time. But with how fast the days go by, it's really not that long!
Week 5 Wrap-Up: Jamie Eason Live Fit Program
Made it through Week 5!
I think the best benefit that I have gained from starting this program has been the new habit of going to the gym. And not just going to the gym, but going to the gym with purpose. Knowing which machines to use and how many reps to do.
Week 5 starts Phase 2 of the Jamie Eason Live Fit Program. In Phase 2, cardio is put back into the workout. Also, workouts are increased to 6 days a week. Now, I will be honest, going to the gym 6 days a week is not the easiest endeavor. In fact, with my schedule, I still only find myself going 5 days a week, but that's still exponentially more times than I have gone in the last two years.
I think that through this program I have used my gym membership more in the last five weeks than in the last three years. (I have a sweet deal at 24hour Fitness with a yearly membership fee of only $99. I hope they never revoke that! It was set up maybe 15 years ago [crazy!] through my dad's then-workplace with a sweet corporate discount.
Anyway, as much as I love doing weight workouts, I'm not a huge fan of cardio. Luckily, it's only for 30 minutes and with the miracle of technology, I can pass the time watching Netflix. On current rotation: Gilmore Girls and Call the Midwife.
Also in Phase 2 is lifting heavier weight since the rep count is lower. This means more like 85% total max reps. One of the really cool things is to see myself gain strength. I have yet to see a lot of muscle definition thanks to good ol' layers of chub, BUT I feel stronger. I did bicep curls with 20lb dumbbells! What?!
Food has and always will be a challenge. I've been really good about bringing my food to work and eating it there. However, my lunches are boring and kind of not exactly on the food plan. I'm eating bread. WHHHHATTT?! I'd like to point out that it's "Flax and Fiber" bread so I'll rationalize that at least it's not white bread, right? I've noticed that eating every few hours has definitely been beneficial to both my blood sugar level and mental state.
Before I started this program, I would go hours without eating and then be ravenous and hangry until I got some food in me. I would get the shakes because my blood sugar was low. Not the smartest, I know, but finally, finally, finally, I'm seeing the light.
I do have a cheat day(s) on the weekends, so I do account for slower progress due to that fact, but I'm okay with it. I feel myself getting stronger and will continue doing my best to eat healthy. It's been 5 weeks of no fast food, too! That's a miracle in and of itself!
Onto week 6!
Week 3 Wrap-Up: Jamie Eason Live Fit Program
Another week has gone by and I am entering week 4! It's gone by so quickly and I think that I have developed a new habit: working out!
I still need to be better about my nutrition, not that I have been eating exceedingly bad, but I have not been super strict about my diet either. Which I'm okay with because I feel more sane that way. Friday nights are usually my cheat day and I'm good with it.
I know that anything that is worth the effort doesn't come easy. But I have to say, I wish I liked vegetables. I really do hate them. And maybe it's the way I prepare them, but broccoli makes me want to gag. Green beans are totally unappetizing. And of course the only way I really will eat them is if they are slathered in a sauce or something. Totally defeating the point.
Luckily, I have one saving grace in this battle with vegetables: the green smoothie. I am onboard with green smoothies. I can eat a whole pile of spinach and never even have to taste it. (I must say, I do like spinach salads). And mixed with frozen berries, it's the perfect frozen treat.
My Green Smoothie Formula:
1 cup water
1-2 cups fresh spinach
1 banana
1 cup frozen fruit
Blend the water and spinach first. Then add the banana. Then the frozen fruit. Voila, perfect smoothie.
I'm wondering if I can toss broccoli in there and get the same effect. I know some people use kale, and I have yet to try that out. But I imagine that as long as there is fruit, the taste of the veggies should disappear.
My husband thinks I'm ridiculous for my distaste for vegetables. But what can I say, growing up, our vegetables included salad (with Ranch dressing) and corn. Carrots in pot roast or curry. And yeah. Seldom would you see broccoli on our dinner table. It's okay, I still make him broccoli and attempt to eat a few pieces before it makes me want to hurl.
So there's that. About the workouts...
In Week 3, Jamie encourages you to increase your weights from the 60% max weight from Weeks 1-2, to 85% of max weight. Sometimes it's a little hard to figure out the accurate weight to lift, but the reps have been decreased from 12 to 10.
I definitely feel like I am getting stronger. I've increased the weights I'm lifting by at least a plate on the machines and I'm doing bicep curls with 15lb dumbbells! One day it'll be 30lb dumbbells.
I'm still enjoying the no cardio. In Phase 2, cardio starts up and I think I'll be choosing the elliptical. I'm also hoping that by incorporating cardio with weight lifting, I'll start to see even more changes.
I'm learning that the scale is not a friend. It's like that annoying kid in class who wants to trick you and point and laugh. And I know that I shouldn't weigh myself everyday because of fluctuations based on the time of the month and whatnot, but man, I want that digital display to move!
Oh well.
Onto Week 4!
I still need to be better about my nutrition, not that I have been eating exceedingly bad, but I have not been super strict about my diet either. Which I'm okay with because I feel more sane that way. Friday nights are usually my cheat day and I'm good with it.
I know that anything that is worth the effort doesn't come easy. But I have to say, I wish I liked vegetables. I really do hate them. And maybe it's the way I prepare them, but broccoli makes me want to gag. Green beans are totally unappetizing. And of course the only way I really will eat them is if they are slathered in a sauce or something. Totally defeating the point.
Luckily, I have one saving grace in this battle with vegetables: the green smoothie. I am onboard with green smoothies. I can eat a whole pile of spinach and never even have to taste it. (I must say, I do like spinach salads). And mixed with frozen berries, it's the perfect frozen treat.
My Green Smoothie Formula:
1 cup water
1-2 cups fresh spinach
1 banana
1 cup frozen fruit
Blend the water and spinach first. Then add the banana. Then the frozen fruit. Voila, perfect smoothie.
I'm wondering if I can toss broccoli in there and get the same effect. I know some people use kale, and I have yet to try that out. But I imagine that as long as there is fruit, the taste of the veggies should disappear.
My husband thinks I'm ridiculous for my distaste for vegetables. But what can I say, growing up, our vegetables included salad (with Ranch dressing) and corn. Carrots in pot roast or curry. And yeah. Seldom would you see broccoli on our dinner table. It's okay, I still make him broccoli and attempt to eat a few pieces before it makes me want to hurl.
So there's that. About the workouts...
In Week 3, Jamie encourages you to increase your weights from the 60% max weight from Weeks 1-2, to 85% of max weight. Sometimes it's a little hard to figure out the accurate weight to lift, but the reps have been decreased from 12 to 10.
I definitely feel like I am getting stronger. I've increased the weights I'm lifting by at least a plate on the machines and I'm doing bicep curls with 15lb dumbbells! One day it'll be 30lb dumbbells.
I'm still enjoying the no cardio. In Phase 2, cardio starts up and I think I'll be choosing the elliptical. I'm also hoping that by incorporating cardio with weight lifting, I'll start to see even more changes.
I'm learning that the scale is not a friend. It's like that annoying kid in class who wants to trick you and point and laugh. And I know that I shouldn't weigh myself everyday because of fluctuations based on the time of the month and whatnot, but man, I want that digital display to move!
Oh well.
Onto Week 4!
Week 2 Wrap-Up: Jamie Eason's Live Fit Program
It's really kind of weird to be saying that I've enjoyed working out. But, I've enjoyed working out on this program so far. It's probably because there's no cardio involved.
I know some people are crazy about cardio.
I am not one of those people.
That's why I'm super happy to get in and out of the gym and completely bypassing the cardio machines.
Most of the workouts require free weights and there have been times where I feel like I have to fight people for equipment, but for the most part, I'm able to grab the machines or weights without a problem.
Things I've learned/observed since starting back at the gym:
I know some people are crazy about cardio.
I am not one of those people.
That's why I'm super happy to get in and out of the gym and completely bypassing the cardio machines.
Most of the workouts require free weights and there have been times where I feel like I have to fight people for equipment, but for the most part, I'm able to grab the machines or weights without a problem.
Things I've learned/observed since starting back at the gym:
- The receptionist at this 24-Hour Fitness rocks a crooked weave. It's one of those things where you wonder if they know just how bad/fake it looks. AND IF IT'S ON PURPOSE.
- There are a lot of big dudes that workout here. Like with big muscles. And they're always here when I get here. Which makes me wonder do they work or what?
- I get really annoyed when people monopolize the equipment. All I need is about 10-15 minutes (probably less) with the squat rack. This woman took her sweet time and must have done like 8 sets. Like I get it, but there are other people here! Stop being selfish.
- People are sweaty. And it's really gross when said sweaty people don't wipe down equipment after using it. I don't want your sweat mixed with mine. That's gross. I'm sweaty too.
- WHO ARE THESE WOMEN WHO ARE WEARING FULL ON MAKEUP AT THE GYM?
- And same said women who are clearly wearing their outfits in an attempt to catch anyone's eye. I know this has to do with self confidence.
- I'm a terrible gym selfie taker.
I can say that even though it's only been two weeks, I definitely feel a little bit stronger. I've been able to up the amount of weight I've been lifting, although I'm trying not to rush it.
As far as the food front goes, it's going okay. It could definitely be better.
I've been good about bringing my lunch to work, which helps me not to stray out to a fast food joint. I'm not going to lie, French Fries and Shakes sound delicious!
I have to say that Jamie Eason's Chocolate Protein Bars have been my saving grace. They satisfy my sweet tooth and I love that it's not cheating!
I do wish that I liked cooking more. It's not that I hate it, it's more that I feel like I hit a wall when it comes to figuring out what to make. If I could have my meal plan decided, purchased, and prepped for me, I'd have no problem with cooking every night. Sadly, that would mean hiring a personal chef. Not something in my budget.
Overall, I'm really happy that I'm doing this program, taking it day by day. I'm looking forward to see what kind of progress I can make happen.
Week 1 Wrap-Up | Jamie Eason's Live Fit Program
Last week I completed Week 1 of Jamie Eason's Live Fit Program.
This week I start Week 2 of the Live Fit Program via BodyBuilding.com.
This week I start Week 2 of the Live Fit Program via BodyBuilding.com.
And so far, it's been great!
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| Gym Selfie Week #1 |
Now, I'm not normally the type to get excited about working out, but returning to the gym and lifting weights has been really therapeutic in many ways.
I like that there is no cardio this first month so that I focus on just lifting heavy things.
I also like that I can take an hour out of my day, pop in my earbuds and just concentrate 100% on myself. We all need this, you know?
I'm also excited at the results. In one week, I lost 3 lbs! I saw a number that I haven't seen in YEARS. I've been stuck at the same weight (which is the weight I was when I got married five years ago and before I gained 30+ lbs), for a couple of months, so I'm excited that this made it budge.
The eating more often thing has definitely been an adjustment. I've become so accustomed to do periods of eating and fasting (sometimes to the point of totally putting lunch off for hours) that getting to eat more often has had its own learning curve.
And to be totally honest, I haven't stuck 100% to the recommended eating plan, but I would say that it's been a good 80% and making good/best available choices for the other 20%. This has helped keep me sane.
Our dinners for the past few months have consisted of protein + vegetable, so there's no big changes there. It's just sometimes, things get monotonous and you need something to spice it up. I tried Jamie's recipe for a 3 Bean Turkey Chili and it was tasty. I think it's a great choice for having leftovers and a filling lunch option.
I'm totally digging the Chocolate Protein Bars that Jamie has a recipe for. While they are not brownies in any sense, when you have that chocolate craving, they definitely do the trick.
This next week includes 4 days at the gym with the weekend to recover. I'm ready for it!
Jamie Eason's Chocolate Protein Bars
So when I heard about these protein bars, I was kind of skeptical. After reading the list of ingredients I didn't think that their was any way that these could taste good. Like for real. I was even hesitant to make them. But since I made a commitment to stick to this program and it was one of the few things on the list that was sweet (and I LOVE SWEETS), I bit the bullet and decided to go for it.
Well, I was pleasantly surprised! As someone who will easily spit out food if it tastes gross to me, I was really happy about how these turned out. I ended up using Chocolate Whey Protein Powder (since that's what I have for my protein shakes) and I used Apple/Pear/Banana and Apple/Blueberry baby food (that was the first time I was ever in that aisle!). As for the Oat Flour, I googled it (since I couldn't find it in my local Kroger) and I simply put a cup of Old Fashioned Oatmeal in the food processor. So easy...and free!
While these protein bars resemble brownies, they do not taste like them. However, they do taste good! The taste is like a semi-sweet chocolate and they have the texture of a cake-like/spongy brownie, minus all the sugar! I had one while I was around some friends and they thought I was being greedy keeping the "brownie" to myself.
I would definitely make these again!
Chocolate Protein Bars
Calories: 96
Fat: 1.4 grams
Carbs: 12 grams
Protein: 10 grams
Ingredients:
1 cup Oat Flour (I put a cup of Oatmeal in the food processor and pulsed until fine)
4 Egg Whites
2 scoops Vanilla Whey Protein Powder (I used Nature's Best Isopure Dutch Chocolate Whey Protein Powder)
½ cup Splenda, Truvia, or Ideal
½ tsp Baking Soda
¼ tsp Salt
8oz Berry flavored Baby Food
3 tbsp Baking Cocoa
4oz Water
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Mix dry ingredients (oat flower, vanilla whey protein, baking soda, salt, baking cocoa)
together in a large bowl.
3. Mix wet ingredients (egg whites, Splenda, Truvia, or Ideal, Berry flavored Baby
Food,Water) together in a medium sized bowl.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix together.
5. Spray cooking dish with a non stick butter spray and add batter to dish.
6. Bake 20-30 minutes in oven.
Makes 16 squares, serving size=2 bars.
Original Recipe: Jamie Eason's Chocolate Protein Bars
Well, I was pleasantly surprised! As someone who will easily spit out food if it tastes gross to me, I was really happy about how these turned out. I ended up using Chocolate Whey Protein Powder (since that's what I have for my protein shakes) and I used Apple/Pear/Banana and Apple/Blueberry baby food (that was the first time I was ever in that aisle!). As for the Oat Flour, I googled it (since I couldn't find it in my local Kroger) and I simply put a cup of Old Fashioned Oatmeal in the food processor. So easy...and free!
While these protein bars resemble brownies, they do not taste like them. However, they do taste good! The taste is like a semi-sweet chocolate and they have the texture of a cake-like/spongy brownie, minus all the sugar! I had one while I was around some friends and they thought I was being greedy keeping the "brownie" to myself.
I would definitely make these again!
Chocolate Protein Bars
Calories: 96
Fat: 1.4 grams
Carbs: 12 grams
Protein: 10 grams
Ingredients:
1 cup Oat Flour (I put a cup of Oatmeal in the food processor and pulsed until fine)
4 Egg Whites
2 scoops Vanilla Whey Protein Powder (I used Nature's Best Isopure Dutch Chocolate Whey Protein Powder)
½ cup Splenda, Truvia, or Ideal
½ tsp Baking Soda
¼ tsp Salt
8oz Berry flavored Baby Food
3 tbsp Baking Cocoa
4oz Water
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Mix dry ingredients (oat flower, vanilla whey protein, baking soda, salt, baking cocoa)
together in a large bowl.
3. Mix wet ingredients (egg whites, Splenda, Truvia, or Ideal, Berry flavored Baby
Food,Water) together in a medium sized bowl.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix together.
5. Spray cooking dish with a non stick butter spray and add batter to dish.
6. Bake 20-30 minutes in oven.
Makes 16 squares, serving size=2 bars.
Original Recipe: Jamie Eason's Chocolate Protein Bars
Jamie Eason's Live Fit Program: Getting Started
For the past six months, I've been going to Pure Barre classes. I love Pure Barre because it's low impact, but you definitely feel the burn, right away. Also, as a former dancer, it gives me my fill of ballet-like moves, even though there is zero dancing involved. I think it's all the turnout exercises.
However, my membership term came to an end, and while I love Pure Barre, it's not cheap. It's totally worth it, but I wanted to try something different. I'll most like go back to Pure Barre in January. I already miss it. Even though sometimes, it feels like a struggle to simply get there. As soon as I'm in class and we've made it through the first warmup I know that's it's just downhill. In a good way.
Well, a few weeks ago I was perusing the web and came upon the Made with Love blog. I had heard and read about Jamie Eason's Live Fit Program a while ago and thanks to the good ol' World Wide Web, I was looking for some reviews. Enter Alesha's blog. She did a week-by-week update of her progress and food prep. It's awesome. It's what sold me on the idea of doing Jamie Eason's program. (It's a free program by the way!)
With our struggles to get pregnant (while everyone and their sister gets preggo!) I knew that some additional weight loss couldn't hurt. PCOS sucks and the whole "trouble losing weight" is a bugger. It's just the "symptom" every girl wants, right? And while I love me some Pure Barre, I just needed a change of pace. Plus, who doesn't want Michelle Obama arms? A girl can dream, right?
So on Saturday I hit up the gym to make sure my membership still worked and then on Monday, yes, Labor Day, I started the Jamie Eason Live Fit Program.
Gym selfies are the most awkward, but I needed a "before" photo. And the gym wasn't too crowded in that corner!
It's funny how much you don't realize you'd made progress until you see an old photo. As of this blog post, I've lost 26 lbs from my highest weight, and finally made it back to my pre-wedding weight. The married 20 is for real. The struggle is real. In fact, in the first year of marriage, I gained almost thirty pounds. Talk about no self control, portion control, or limits! Goodness.
My goals in doing this program are to lose 10-15lbs and gain muscle. I'd love to see more tone and definition throughout. Overall, I just want to feel better and healthier. And maybe, just maybe it'll help with my PCOS symptoms.
The Live Fit Program is 12 weeks long with the first month being weight lifting alone. As someone who prefers not to run (actually, I loathe it), this no-cardio thing is totally welcome! I'm pretty excited to spend this first month just lifting weights. In fact, weightlifting was my favorite unit in high school PE. (I hated tumbling! BTW, why is "tumbling" even a unit?!)
My husband's brother has been bulking and building his physique over the last year thanks to his wife who is an aspiring bodybuilder (and about to have their first baby). I consulted her back in January (before I started up Pure Barre) when I first embarked on returning to the gym. While I have no aspirations of becoming a bodybuilder or anything like that, I know that they are awesome resources.
I think that my biggest challenge is not going to be the workouts. It's going to be the food. I know that preparation will be the key to success in all of this. And some self control wouldn't hurt either.
I'm excited about this journey. I plan to blog my progress and use this blog to help keep me accountable. While 12 weeks sounds like a long time, I know that it will pass quickly. I want to give my all to this program and make the most of it.
I'll report back with my thoughts on Week 1 of Jamie Eason's Live Fit Program!
However, my membership term came to an end, and while I love Pure Barre, it's not cheap. It's totally worth it, but I wanted to try something different. I'll most like go back to Pure Barre in January. I already miss it. Even though sometimes, it feels like a struggle to simply get there. As soon as I'm in class and we've made it through the first warmup I know that's it's just downhill. In a good way.
Well, a few weeks ago I was perusing the web and came upon the Made with Love blog. I had heard and read about Jamie Eason's Live Fit Program a while ago and thanks to the good ol' World Wide Web, I was looking for some reviews. Enter Alesha's blog. She did a week-by-week update of her progress and food prep. It's awesome. It's what sold me on the idea of doing Jamie Eason's program. (It's a free program by the way!)
With our struggles to get pregnant (while everyone and their sister gets preggo!) I knew that some additional weight loss couldn't hurt. PCOS sucks and the whole "trouble losing weight" is a bugger. It's just the "symptom" every girl wants, right? And while I love me some Pure Barre, I just needed a change of pace. Plus, who doesn't want Michelle Obama arms? A girl can dream, right?
So on Saturday I hit up the gym to make sure my membership still worked and then on Monday, yes, Labor Day, I started the Jamie Eason Live Fit Program.
Gym selfies are the most awkward, but I needed a "before" photo. And the gym wasn't too crowded in that corner!
It's funny how much you don't realize you'd made progress until you see an old photo. As of this blog post, I've lost 26 lbs from my highest weight, and finally made it back to my pre-wedding weight. The married 20 is for real. The struggle is real. In fact, in the first year of marriage, I gained almost thirty pounds. Talk about no self control, portion control, or limits! Goodness.
My goals in doing this program are to lose 10-15lbs and gain muscle. I'd love to see more tone and definition throughout. Overall, I just want to feel better and healthier. And maybe, just maybe it'll help with my PCOS symptoms.
The Live Fit Program is 12 weeks long with the first month being weight lifting alone. As someone who prefers not to run (actually, I loathe it), this no-cardio thing is totally welcome! I'm pretty excited to spend this first month just lifting weights. In fact, weightlifting was my favorite unit in high school PE. (I hated tumbling! BTW, why is "tumbling" even a unit?!)
My husband's brother has been bulking and building his physique over the last year thanks to his wife who is an aspiring bodybuilder (and about to have their first baby). I consulted her back in January (before I started up Pure Barre) when I first embarked on returning to the gym. While I have no aspirations of becoming a bodybuilder or anything like that, I know that they are awesome resources.
I think that my biggest challenge is not going to be the workouts. It's going to be the food. I know that preparation will be the key to success in all of this. And some self control wouldn't hurt either.
I'm excited about this journey. I plan to blog my progress and use this blog to help keep me accountable. While 12 weeks sounds like a long time, I know that it will pass quickly. I want to give my all to this program and make the most of it.
I'll report back with my thoughts on Week 1 of Jamie Eason's Live Fit Program!
24 Day Challenge: Day 4
The first three days of the 24 Day Challenge are pretty rough. Mostly because the first ten days are a cleanse. But not the starve yourself crazy cleanse. You get to eat while cleansing. WHAT?! That's awesome. Because I love to eat.
I also have a crazy sweet tooth. Like, I love Halloween candy. And brownies. And cookies. And cake. And almost anything with sugar in it. Except for maybe Candy Corn. I hate Candy Corn.
I thought that I would be a raging lunatic come the first couple of days because I had to cut out sugar (at least all that processed junk) and coffee. I'm also a huge Starbucks nut. Last week, before starting the cleanse, I took advantage of the buy one - get one holiday drink offer. Yeah. I drank both.
So here we are. Day 4. I'm feeling pretty good.
I'm thrilled I don't have to drink the Fiber Drink for four days.
Real talk. The Fiber Drink is like trying to drink liquid sand. Or imagine that you pulverized tree bark and mixed it with water. It's kind like that. And it kind of smells like pencil shavings. Needless to say, it's not a pleasant experience. I chugged it down and tried not to gag.
But I gagged. All three days. It's bad.
The good thing is that I have four days off of the Fiber Drink. Hallelujah!
I'm also really glad that my sister-in-law told me to chug it and to chase it with Spark. Spark, on the other hand, is sweet and delicious. It definitely helps to replace any sugar/sweet cravings. And it's an energy drink that helps with mental focus and sharpness, which is never a bad thing.
The thing that has helped me the most is the the little guide that comes with the 24-Day Challenge. It outlines what you should be taking and when. And I love the fact that I can eat fruit. For someone with a sweet tooth, it helps a lot with replacing the junk I would normally go for.
Also, another important thing is drinking enough water. I've been drinking 110oz water a day. Needless to say, I run to the bathroom a lot. But if it's flushing the toxins and bad gunk out of my system, I'm all for it. I've had more salads and veggies in the last couple of days than ever, but I guess that's a good thing.
She also told me to eat enough calories per day. She said that lots of people don't see results because they are not eating enough calories. While it seems a little counterintuitive, considering that she's done this before and lost weight (and built muscle), I trust what she says. So the funny thing is that when all you're eating is whole foods - proteins, fruits, veggies, and complex carbs - it takes A LOT of food to meet the calorie quota, even the lower side of the range!
Maybe I'm a little crazy for doing the 24-Day Challenge while it runs through Thanksgiving, but since we're not traveling to either side of the family and basically have to fend for ourselves, I think there will be a whole lot more self control. Plus, I'll be done with the cleanse by then!
Let's see how the rest of this cleanse phase goes....
I also have a crazy sweet tooth. Like, I love Halloween candy. And brownies. And cookies. And cake. And almost anything with sugar in it. Except for maybe Candy Corn. I hate Candy Corn.
I thought that I would be a raging lunatic come the first couple of days because I had to cut out sugar (at least all that processed junk) and coffee. I'm also a huge Starbucks nut. Last week, before starting the cleanse, I took advantage of the buy one - get one holiday drink offer. Yeah. I drank both.
So here we are. Day 4. I'm feeling pretty good.
I'm thrilled I don't have to drink the Fiber Drink for four days.
Real talk. The Fiber Drink is like trying to drink liquid sand. Or imagine that you pulverized tree bark and mixed it with water. It's kind like that. And it kind of smells like pencil shavings. Needless to say, it's not a pleasant experience. I chugged it down and tried not to gag.
But I gagged. All three days. It's bad.
The good thing is that I have four days off of the Fiber Drink. Hallelujah!
I'm also really glad that my sister-in-law told me to chug it and to chase it with Spark. Spark, on the other hand, is sweet and delicious. It definitely helps to replace any sugar/sweet cravings. And it's an energy drink that helps with mental focus and sharpness, which is never a bad thing.
The thing that has helped me the most is the the little guide that comes with the 24-Day Challenge. It outlines what you should be taking and when. And I love the fact that I can eat fruit. For someone with a sweet tooth, it helps a lot with replacing the junk I would normally go for.
Also, another important thing is drinking enough water. I've been drinking 110oz water a day. Needless to say, I run to the bathroom a lot. But if it's flushing the toxins and bad gunk out of my system, I'm all for it. I've had more salads and veggies in the last couple of days than ever, but I guess that's a good thing.
She also told me to eat enough calories per day. She said that lots of people don't see results because they are not eating enough calories. While it seems a little counterintuitive, considering that she's done this before and lost weight (and built muscle), I trust what she says. So the funny thing is that when all you're eating is whole foods - proteins, fruits, veggies, and complex carbs - it takes A LOT of food to meet the calorie quota, even the lower side of the range!
Maybe I'm a little crazy for doing the 24-Day Challenge while it runs through Thanksgiving, but since we're not traveling to either side of the family and basically have to fend for ourselves, I think there will be a whole lot more self control. Plus, I'll be done with the cleanse by then!
Let's see how the rest of this cleanse phase goes....
24 Day Challenge
Today, I started the 24-Day Challenge on Advocare.
I had been considering it for a long time, but it wasn't until I had a chat with my brother-in-law's wife (does that make her my sister-in-law?), that I finally felt the push to give it a go. What did I have to lose? At least a few pounds right?
I've been kind of stagnant in weight loss lately.
Although, from my highest weight ever which was in 2011, I've officially lost 25lbs! Yay! I never want to see that weight again. I just want the scale to keep going down.
This year has blown by so quickly that I just don't know where it has gone.
Over the summer, after we returned from a trip to Europe, I tried my hand at Pure Barre. It was great. The first couple of classes (and the soreness that followed) were kind of torturous, but after that I felt great. I liked it so much because while you're burning calories and toning all the major problem areas for women, you're not exerting crazy effort. Instead, it's all about the isometric holds and tucking.
A whole lot of tucking.
Right when I started going to Pure Barre classes, the studio had started a 30-day challenge. Attending at least 20 classes in 30 days. While that didn't sound too daunting before signing up, after looking at my schedule, I was really going to have to commit myself to it. Luckily, since it was summer, and no photo shoots lined up because it's freakishly hot outside, I was able to do it.
The gold stars didn't hurt either.
It's so weird and silly that a little thing like a gold star could help me along in the challenge. But I was determined to get those stars, dang it. And I did. I was thrilled to have completed the challenge and did not give up half way through or something.
I continued Pure Barre through August and issued myself another 30 Day Challenge.
But let's be honest, Pure Barre is not the cheapest workout on the block.
Come September, I decided to opt out of Pure Barre, since it's an expensive (though worth it if you can afford it) workout choice. I turned to my trusty Turbo Fire to get back into kickboxing and burning some major calories!
I've been doing a mix of Turbo Fire and P90X (but honestly, I've only done one P90X class since I've been super busy with photo shoots and ordering appointments).
So when my husband and I went back to Georgia a few weeks ago to hang out with his family, I talked to them about it. His brother and wife are Advocare distributors, and she is training for a bodybuilding competition (she has big biceps and is proud of it), so she talked me through the 24-Day Challenge which is the best introduction to Advocare products. She told me about her results and how her hormonal levels reset, and considering that we are built similarly, I thought that I could give it a try.
So I started it today. I plan on staying on track. Even with Thanksgiving next week.
It doesn't hurt that the little booklet had checkmarks.
Whatever works, right?
I had been considering it for a long time, but it wasn't until I had a chat with my brother-in-law's wife (does that make her my sister-in-law?), that I finally felt the push to give it a go. What did I have to lose? At least a few pounds right?
I've been kind of stagnant in weight loss lately.
Although, from my highest weight ever which was in 2011, I've officially lost 25lbs! Yay! I never want to see that weight again. I just want the scale to keep going down.
This year has blown by so quickly that I just don't know where it has gone.
Over the summer, after we returned from a trip to Europe, I tried my hand at Pure Barre. It was great. The first couple of classes (and the soreness that followed) were kind of torturous, but after that I felt great. I liked it so much because while you're burning calories and toning all the major problem areas for women, you're not exerting crazy effort. Instead, it's all about the isometric holds and tucking.
A whole lot of tucking.
Right when I started going to Pure Barre classes, the studio had started a 30-day challenge. Attending at least 20 classes in 30 days. While that didn't sound too daunting before signing up, after looking at my schedule, I was really going to have to commit myself to it. Luckily, since it was summer, and no photo shoots lined up because it's freakishly hot outside, I was able to do it.
The gold stars didn't hurt either.
It's so weird and silly that a little thing like a gold star could help me along in the challenge. But I was determined to get those stars, dang it. And I did. I was thrilled to have completed the challenge and did not give up half way through or something.
I continued Pure Barre through August and issued myself another 30 Day Challenge.
But let's be honest, Pure Barre is not the cheapest workout on the block.
Come September, I decided to opt out of Pure Barre, since it's an expensive (though worth it if you can afford it) workout choice. I turned to my trusty Turbo Fire to get back into kickboxing and burning some major calories!
I've been doing a mix of Turbo Fire and P90X (but honestly, I've only done one P90X class since I've been super busy with photo shoots and ordering appointments).
So when my husband and I went back to Georgia a few weeks ago to hang out with his family, I talked to them about it. His brother and wife are Advocare distributors, and she is training for a bodybuilding competition (she has big biceps and is proud of it), so she talked me through the 24-Day Challenge which is the best introduction to Advocare products. She told me about her results and how her hormonal levels reset, and considering that we are built similarly, I thought that I could give it a try.
So I started it today. I plan on staying on track. Even with Thanksgiving next week.
It doesn't hurt that the little booklet had checkmarks.
Whatever works, right?
Getting Kettlebell Serious
Today I begin an experiment.
An experiment using kettlebells.
I've read and read about how awesome kettlebells are and how they can get you fit. I'm not a fan of running. I'm not a fan of working out in general. I am able to work out, for which I am thankful, but I don't particularly enjoy it. The easier that I can make the workout (less barriers to getting it done), the more likely I am to do it.
I've been reading 4-Hour Body on and off for the last 18 months. I tried the 4-Hour Body diet, and I did well for about a month. But then, after that, I gave up because there were barriers to eating on the plan. Cakes and sweets loomed just around the corner. And my self control? Not too good.
At the beginning of this year, with the plan of starting a family, my husband and I decided to start eating Paleo. At least mostly Paleo, while cutting out most grains and sugar. With a cheat day each week. I needed to lose weight. Well, I NEED to lose weight.
So we signed up for eMeals.com so that I wouldn't have to think about what to each eat evening for dinner. And I have to say that I LOVE eMeals, it's great and streamlines both cooking and going to the grocery store.
And then I hit this wall. I was working out. I was eating Paleo. And yet nothing was changing. Talk about frustration. I would lose about one pound, and then if I looked at a cookie, that pound would come right back.
A really frustrating and confusing part of this whole process was that last week, I didn't workout at all. I didn't modify my eating (so about 50/50 Paleo and regular) and I lost 3.5 lbs! While awesome, that did not motivate me at all to workout!
So today, I started something new. Today, I started working out with a kettlebell doing one move - the kettlebell swing.
Last week, I ordered a 35lb kettlebell from Amazon. I had tried out different sizes of kettlebells at Dick's Sport Authority to get an idea of what size I should get. I had read that I should purchase a kettlebell that I could grow into. I tried a couple - 20lbs, 25lbs, 30lbs, and 35lbs. 35lbs was the best for me to work into. I could swing it, but it was difficult.
I told my husband that I wanted to do an experiment. I wanted to try working out according to the 4 Hour Body plan of doing kettlebell swings twice a week.
I worked out this morning and it was great. The workout was hard (not nearly as taxing as doing tons of cardio), but I can feel my muscles. And it only took me ten minutes!
So I plan to document this experiment here and report my findings. I'm really interested to see what happens. I know that I'll really have to commit to eating clean, but for now, an 80/20 approach is working for me and I can stick to it.
An experiment using kettlebells.
I've read and read about how awesome kettlebells are and how they can get you fit. I'm not a fan of running. I'm not a fan of working out in general. I am able to work out, for which I am thankful, but I don't particularly enjoy it. The easier that I can make the workout (less barriers to getting it done), the more likely I am to do it.
I've been reading 4-Hour Body on and off for the last 18 months. I tried the 4-Hour Body diet, and I did well for about a month. But then, after that, I gave up because there were barriers to eating on the plan. Cakes and sweets loomed just around the corner. And my self control? Not too good.
At the beginning of this year, with the plan of starting a family, my husband and I decided to start eating Paleo. At least mostly Paleo, while cutting out most grains and sugar. With a cheat day each week. I needed to lose weight. Well, I NEED to lose weight.
So we signed up for eMeals.com so that I wouldn't have to think about what to each eat evening for dinner. And I have to say that I LOVE eMeals, it's great and streamlines both cooking and going to the grocery store.
And then I hit this wall. I was working out. I was eating Paleo. And yet nothing was changing. Talk about frustration. I would lose about one pound, and then if I looked at a cookie, that pound would come right back.
A really frustrating and confusing part of this whole process was that last week, I didn't workout at all. I didn't modify my eating (so about 50/50 Paleo and regular) and I lost 3.5 lbs! While awesome, that did not motivate me at all to workout!
So today, I started something new. Today, I started working out with a kettlebell doing one move - the kettlebell swing.
Last week, I ordered a 35lb kettlebell from Amazon. I had tried out different sizes of kettlebells at Dick's Sport Authority to get an idea of what size I should get. I had read that I should purchase a kettlebell that I could grow into. I tried a couple - 20lbs, 25lbs, 30lbs, and 35lbs. 35lbs was the best for me to work into. I could swing it, but it was difficult.
I told my husband that I wanted to do an experiment. I wanted to try working out according to the 4 Hour Body plan of doing kettlebell swings twice a week.
I worked out this morning and it was great. The workout was hard (not nearly as taxing as doing tons of cardio), but I can feel my muscles. And it only took me ten minutes!
So I plan to document this experiment here and report my findings. I'm really interested to see what happens. I know that I'll really have to commit to eating clean, but for now, an 80/20 approach is working for me and I can stick to it.
Goal Setting + Making Things Happen in 2013: Part 2
The end of the year and beginning of a new year always makes me very reflective. I like to think about what happened, what worked, what didn't work, and what's next. Thanks to Lara Casey for these prompts to get the ball rolling.
STEP FOUR: What are the three biggest lessons you learned from what DID work?
STEP FIVE: What are the three biggest things you learned from what DIDN’T work?
STEP SIX: What is your 2013 VISION? What kind of life do you want to live this year? Where do you want to be when you’re 80? WHY do you do what you do? What is your mission? What is your CORE?
I want to live my life with an abundance mentality. Of giving, of sharing, of growing. Of helping others. I want to live a life where I'm not worried about money or not having enough. I want to live a life where there's always enough and more and enough to share, whether it's money, time, resources, or knowledge. I want to be surrounded by those that matter most to me, building a life with my husband that is full of joy and centered on the Lord. I want to live an authentic life, where I can share my heart and not worry about what other people may think of me. I want to live with confidence in who I am, in who I am in my marriage, and who I will become as we start a family. I want to spend my days filling my life with inspiring things, not getting caught up in what other people are doing. Happily celebrating other people's successes. I want to live a bright, inspired, authentic life. (I'm still figuring out how to do that). When I'm 80, I want to have an arsenal of life stories to share with my grandchildren. I want to go on adventures. I want to travel. I want to see the world beyond the social media walls. I want to change the lives of others, even if in just a small way. I want to help women feel important and beautiful when they don't see it themselves. I want to have a successful business - one that is both fulfilling and takes care of the needs of my family. I want to create art, but I also want to run a profitable business. I want to meet people and build meaningful connections, knowing that it means that not everyone will be my friend. I want to live a life freed from the chains of comparison. I want to live a life that is open to trying new things. I want to have a life that gives more than it receives. I want to live a passionate life, passionate about my work. I want to write my own definition of success. I want to have a life that is simple. I want simplify what is complicated and life my best life yet. I want to help people. I want to inspire people. I want to add value to the lives of others. I want to put myself out there more. Create more. Listen to my heart. Listen to advice from people who have my back. Eat less, move more. Buy Less, make more. Stress less, laugh more. Feel blessed, love more. Worry less, live more. Breathe.
STEP FOUR: What are the three biggest lessons you learned from what DID work?
- Trust God. Always. This has got to be the biggest lesson I've learned this year. It took a long time to get me to this place; this place of turning to God first in all situations good and bad and talking to Him to get me through it. And in trusting Him, I surrender my control. For a control freak, that's saying a lot. But every time that I turned to Him first, I got an answer. That doesn't mean that it was my answer, but it was what was in his plan for me.
- Do what you love. I found that I did my best work when I was excited and passionate about it. It's tough to get through a project that you don't care about or have any motivation for. A couple of the styled photo shoots I worked on this year really fired me up and made me see that doing what I love creates the best work. In addition, listening to my heart. For the last several months, even through the rebranding process, I've questioned whether or not to continue with weddings as a core part of my business. I've prayed on it and asked God to remove the desire from my heart if it is not something I should continue to pursue. I believe that in listening to my heart, I'm listening to God and his plan for my life. There's just a little part of me that wants to hold on to that idea that the whole reason I started was to shoot weddings, and that by giving it up, I'll be giving up my dream. But there's some quote that says you have to say "no" to good things to say "yes" to great things....I'm still reflecting and praying on this!
- Focus on what matters most. This has been a huge lesson to me this year. While it was highlighted during the course of Making Things Happen Intensive in Austin, I believe that it's been something tugging at my heart strings this year. What matters most in my life? To me it's my husband, my family, my dog, my inner circle of friends. People. Connections. Feeding that connectedness makes me come alive. Everything else, just secondary. I know that if I focus on what matters most, I'll have everything that I need. I won't get caught up in frivolous things..like social media banter and useless gossip. I want to spend more time with family (though we have no family that is local), more time with friends (we really want to host more), and start a family of our own.
STEP FIVE: What are the three biggest things you learned from what DIDN’T work?
- Don't worry. Pray. Worrying. It's pointless. And as a recovering worrier...I've learned to pray instead. One of the greatest things that I've done in just the last quarter of 2012 was to write down my prayers. It's been really cool to go back and see how God has moved in my life and in the life of others. There were nights this year where I wouldn't be able to sleep because I was worried about something and my mind would just run around like a hamster in a wheel. On and on. It's been a process, but now whenever I start to feel some worries come on, I turn to prayer, whether it's on paper or just talking to God. A few months ago, after reading a devotional from our church, part of the task was to sit down and just talk to God as if He was sitting across the table from me. It was awkward at first, but at the same time, it was freeing and liberating just giving it all to Him. I even got emotional in some of my prayers...probably because they meant so much. So prayer has been HUGE for me this year, especially in the face of worry.
- Comparison is the thief of joy. I know that I cannot compare my successes/failures to someone else's successes/failures. But it's so easy! And the fastest way to launching myself into discouragement is comparing myself with others. Thanks to good ol' social media, it's even easier to sit behind my computer screen and see what everyone else is doing/sharing/making happen. And it's really easy to make it look like I'm doing big things thanks to social media...It's really interesting whenever I talk to someone and they ask me about my business. "Oh looks like you've been busy" "Looks like you're doing really well" "Seems like you're always doing something." Looks can be deceiving, my friends. And this is where I struggle in the digital world. It's easy to look busy. But busy doesn't mean successful, necessarily. When other people comment that it looks like I've been busy, it's hard to just admit that, "no, not really," or "actually my business needs more clients" or anything of the sort. I feel like admitting that my business is not where I want it to be shows weakness. Part of me strives to be authentic at all times, but the other part of me is terrified of looking vulnerable because in my mind that's a sign of weakness and failure. I know that's not the case. I think it might be different if those reading my blog were purely other photographers and creatives...but since there may also be potential clients, I feel like looking like a hot mess, like I don't know what I'm doing could be detrimental....is this the case?! My fear is that I don't want to appear like a failure to others. I know that one of the biggest things I struggle with on a constant basis is knowing that I am enough and that the opinions and thoughts of "others" don't matter. You know, I thought that those insecurities would be gone when high school is over, but that's definitely not the case.
- Push through the difficult things to get to the good things. I have a fear of money. Not having enough of it. Running out of it. This whole scarcity mentality going on. Because of that, I don't like to look at my finances (until absolutely necessary) which I know is not healthy in either my personal life or my business. So instead of cringing to look at my bank account, I set up a date with myself once a month to check everything out and make sure that it's on track. I've actually found joy using Excel spreadsheets to keep things in check and I use Outright.com for my business. Outright makes it super easy to keep track of business income and expenses without making it complicated. I've found that whenever I do get into my finances, business or personal, and push through it, I'm always relieved and glad that I did, in fact do it. There's something to be said for "ignorance is bliss"...until you've ignored it so long that it's out of control. Something that we're working on in 2013 is to get out of debt (minus the house) and I've read Dave Ramsey's book Total Money Makeover and after working some numbers, we can do it! These things aren't fun, but once you do them, it makes life so much easier.
STEP SIX: What is your 2013 VISION? What kind of life do you want to live this year? Where do you want to be when you’re 80? WHY do you do what you do? What is your mission? What is your CORE?
I want to live my life with an abundance mentality. Of giving, of sharing, of growing. Of helping others. I want to live a life where I'm not worried about money or not having enough. I want to live a life where there's always enough and more and enough to share, whether it's money, time, resources, or knowledge. I want to be surrounded by those that matter most to me, building a life with my husband that is full of joy and centered on the Lord. I want to live an authentic life, where I can share my heart and not worry about what other people may think of me. I want to live with confidence in who I am, in who I am in my marriage, and who I will become as we start a family. I want to spend my days filling my life with inspiring things, not getting caught up in what other people are doing. Happily celebrating other people's successes. I want to live a bright, inspired, authentic life. (I'm still figuring out how to do that). When I'm 80, I want to have an arsenal of life stories to share with my grandchildren. I want to go on adventures. I want to travel. I want to see the world beyond the social media walls. I want to change the lives of others, even if in just a small way. I want to help women feel important and beautiful when they don't see it themselves. I want to have a successful business - one that is both fulfilling and takes care of the needs of my family. I want to create art, but I also want to run a profitable business. I want to meet people and build meaningful connections, knowing that it means that not everyone will be my friend. I want to live a life freed from the chains of comparison. I want to live a life that is open to trying new things. I want to have a life that gives more than it receives. I want to live a passionate life, passionate about my work. I want to write my own definition of success. I want to have a life that is simple. I want simplify what is complicated and life my best life yet. I want to help people. I want to inspire people. I want to add value to the lives of others. I want to put myself out there more. Create more. Listen to my heart. Listen to advice from people who have my back. Eat less, move more. Buy Less, make more. Stress less, laugh more. Feel blessed, love more. Worry less, live more. Breathe.
Goal Setting + Making Things Happen in 2013: Part 1
As a business person, I often struggle with the idea of posting deeply personal posts that would show my weaknesses. There is a fine line between being authentic and showing that you're a hot mess. Because while it's a goal of mine to be authentic in everything I write on my photography blog, at the same time, I don't want to look like I don't know what I'm doing...as if I shouldn't be in business. You know what I mean?
There's this line of keeping up appearances and having it all together and just admitting that I don't have it all together. But if my potential client is reading... wouldn't that make her close the window and run away? As you can see, I struggle with this question. A LOT.
I feel like for the last year, I've been blogging on my photography blog, no longer for myself, but for the reader in mind. And with that, I think that I have lost my voice in the process. There's just something that has changed. Like my blogging voice has become more business-y and I don't know how to get back to just being me.
Earlier this year, I rebranded and worked with a talented group of women who came up with my three words that I should always be keeping in mind - bright, authentic, and inspired. Part of me feels conflicted in trying to stay authentic, without revealing what a hot mess I really am. How do you reconcile this?
One of my favorite and inspiring people in the world is Lara Casey, and I feel privileged to call her a friend as well. She blogged about Goal Setting + Making Things Happen in 2013 and I'm sharing my journey here.
STEP ONE: Let's take a look back at what worked in 2012. Make your list of things you made happen in 2012 and things you are grateful for.
STEP TWO: What didn't work? In business and life, what didn't work well to help you live your best life this year and what needs improvement?
STEP THREE: What fires you up?
My husband
Traveling
FRANCE!
dachshunds - Kevin
the ocean
spending time in the Word
date nights
writing
excel spreadsheets
coffee
conversations
community
friendship
fellowship
vacation, time off, time away
family
making babies happen
getting healthy - for good
efficiency
organized spaces
the beach
making someone feel important/beautiful
being authentic
sharing helping others
flexibility
financial stability
faith & tithing
simplicity
culture
interracial, interfaith, intercultural weddings, marriages, children
Making Things Happen in 2013: my Pinterest board of what fires me up!
What fires you up?
There's this line of keeping up appearances and having it all together and just admitting that I don't have it all together. But if my potential client is reading... wouldn't that make her close the window and run away? As you can see, I struggle with this question. A LOT.
I feel like for the last year, I've been blogging on my photography blog, no longer for myself, but for the reader in mind. And with that, I think that I have lost my voice in the process. There's just something that has changed. Like my blogging voice has become more business-y and I don't know how to get back to just being me.
Earlier this year, I rebranded and worked with a talented group of women who came up with my three words that I should always be keeping in mind - bright, authentic, and inspired. Part of me feels conflicted in trying to stay authentic, without revealing what a hot mess I really am. How do you reconcile this?
One of my favorite and inspiring people in the world is Lara Casey, and I feel privileged to call her a friend as well. She blogged about Goal Setting + Making Things Happen in 2013 and I'm sharing my journey here.
STEP ONE: Let's take a look back at what worked in 2012. Make your list of things you made happen in 2012 and things you are grateful for.
- I'm so thankful for my husband. He is my rock and the logical one when I get stressed out. He always finds the silver lining when I don't. He talks me off the ledge and encourages me like no one else. I'm so thankful for our marriage and trusting the Lord through it all.
- This year, we adopted Kevin, a black and tan dachshund who is just a wonderful addition to our family. I was so hesitant to adopt a dog; I didn't think I wanted the responsibility. But his picture came up on a local Dachshund rescue board, and I was in love. I applied and we were able to adopt him! I wouldn't trade him for the world, even if he makes a mistake in the house.
- I'm super grateful for the last year on my faith journey. This year has shown me undoubtedly that I am where I'm supposed to be. I can see how God orchestrated my life to come to Texas so that I could have a relationship with Him. A real relationship. One that includes time in the Word, attending a great church, serving, having a great Home Team (small group), and real prayer. I didn't really realize all of this until this year, and I am so thankful for all of His blessings. I am thankful for a relationship with the Lord and the ability to talk to God when I need to. I'm so thankful for His grace. Life would not be the same. And for me to even talk about it is huge. I am often hesitant to speak on my faith, especially growing up in California where it's taboo to offend anyone about anything. I'm still getting comfortable talking about my story, but I'm getting there. I LOVE our Home Team - it has been such a blessing to be a part of this group and I'm looking forward to growing in fellowship with them in 2013.
- I'm also thankful to be able to serve through my talents with the photography ministry at church. It's great to be able to help when I can. I'm also thankful that I started to serve with The Mix, the student ministry at church. The students have an inspiring energy to learn and know Jesus...something I wish I had at that age. I also completed a 365 day devotional that finished today... while I didn't read every day - I did read every weekday and spent time in the Word with God and just giving it all to Him. So thankful.
- I'm thankful for my business. It hasn't been easy building a business from the ground up. I try to remind myself of that all the time. Sometimes I hope and I wish that there was such a thing as overnight success, but I know that is just a pipe dream, and that's okay. I know that doing the hard work is worth it. I know that if it were easy, everyone would be doing it. I choose to do it because I love it. This year, I dove into the genre of high school senior portraiture for girls and I've loved it! While the clientele is still slowly building, I did have my first full paying client and I'm excited to see where this goes.
- I also dabbled in some glamour photography a la Sue Bryce (a brilliant New Zealand/Australian portrait photographer!) It was so fun. I'm not quite ready to launch that side, but I believe that it will be done in 2013.
- I rebranded this year! Finally. I was sitting on a brand...well, a logo really, and it just wasn't working for me anymore. I worked with some wonderful women to really define my identity and I'm thrilled with the results. I love that the words that they came up with as my branding words are "bright, inspired, and authentic" things that I strive to be in business and my life. This has been something I've been wanting to get done for almost two year. Check and mark.
- I love education, especially in the photography industry and I'm so thankful for being able to help and attend The Fix, go to WPPI in Las Vegas, and attend Making Things Happen in Austin. The Fix and WPPI were photography related and MTH Austin was life related and just what I needed to fire me up.
- I took on a goal of mine - to host a workshop - which I did with a friend, Elisa - called Lookbook Lab. I love the name of it. It was something I dreamed of and I'm stoked we made it happen. I also did two styled shoots, one was my idea - a 4th of July inspired shoot and one I photographed for a designer - a glamping shoot. Both took lots of hard work and determination to make them happen and I'm so happy they came together.
- I photographed one wedding this year and had the opportunity to second shoot several times this year. I also photographed details for a few clients, which I love! It's quick and the work is always beautiful AND it's something that the client needs because usually the photographer that's there, doesn't care about the details - their work!
- I finally put some elbow grease into make my office a real office after living in this house for three years. I finally got some cubby shelving and painted the office. I still have another wall to paint, which I will get done this year. The office will be completed this year!
- I was stoked that the casting calls I did for high school senior girls went great. I was looking for a handful of girls and actually had 16! I had so many that I broke it up into 3 different shoots.
- I also went back to California to serve my loyal family session clients. While I don't take on family session work, I will totally fly to California for them!
- I'm grateful that we were able to spend the holidays with family. Thanksgiving with my family in California and Christmas with his family in Georgia. I wish that we could have stayed with my family for longer, but alas, that's the way the cookie crumbles.
- I went to the dentist. FINALLY.
- Making a dream come true: booking a wedding for a dear friend in...FRANCE!! Yahoo!
STEP TWO: What didn't work? In business and life, what didn't work well to help you live your best life this year and what needs improvement?
- Overall office organization TOTALLY needs work. I admit that I'm a piler, not a filer. And I get comfortable in the mess as well. If a neat freak saw my desk right now, they probably would fall down dead. I really want to get better in the organization department this year. I know that it will take baby steps, but I need to be more organized. I want to attack office clutter with a vengeance and stop it before it becomes clutter. Clutter is crazy and then I get to the point where I'm just complacent with it and just let it sit.
- I'm terrible about money sometimes. I'm either really good or really horrible. I just avoid it. But I know that it no way to live. ESPECIALLY having a business. I need to know where I am and where I want to go. So at the end of the year, I got really serious and busted out the Excel and made spreadsheets and started organizing myself. Things I should have done since January.
- Okay, this is a hard one for me because this is something that I've been wanting to make work for 2.5 years and it's still a struggle. It makes me question if I should even continue to pursue it anymore: weddings. I was really hoping that after my first wedding in Texas that it would create some referrals and that would start to grow, but if I'm being really honest, it hasn't. Weddings hasn't worked for me. And I get really bummed out because I start to compare myself to other people and their tons of bookings and I start to wonder what's wrong with me. But on the other hand, maybe this is God's way of telling me to focus on the other genres? I pray all the time for this clarity, and I'm just looking for the discernment to follow what He wants me to do.
- I had the stint of Glamour portfolio building and I gave referral cards to each client, but it did not generate the referrals that I thought it would. This is something I'm working on in 2013.
- While I did have something published, I had a couple of projects that I was not able to get published. And bear with me this is going to be a moment of "woe-is-me" but there are some styled shoots out there where I wonder why didn't they ask me to shoot it... I know, it's terrible. It makes me question my work. It's crazy, but it's the honest truth. It makes me think that there's something wrong with my work....like I'm not hipster or artsy enough...alas.
- Facebook promos offering sales - this didn't work. And I'm okay with it. I would much rather have a qualified client over someone looking for a deal. I just thought that "everyone else is doing it..." Yeah, I shouldn't have thought that.
- So earlier this year I found out that I may have a condition called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) which could cause infertility. My doctor told me that the number one way to help is to lose some weight and lessen the amount of carbs consumed. THOSE EVIL CARBS! So I researched and learned about eating Paleo - basically meat, vegetables, and fruits. Eating like a caveman. I found it kind of hard and after a few weeks gave up. I felt great after I started, but I lacked the discipline to keep going. Will restart in 2013.
- Exercising - I started 2012 pretty well. Then, after we got the dog, I fell off the bandwagon and made excuses not to exercise. Exercise will go hand in hand with getting in shape especially if we want to start a family in 2013.
- I think that I may have been kind of depressed part of the year in 2012. About my business. So I allowed myself to get complacent and be lazy. I would wake up and after I read my Bible and prayed, I would watch episodes of Criminal Minds and Gilmore Girls..and before I knew it, it was 11am, and I hadn't done any work. I would waste most of the day because I didn't know what I should be doing and I was bored and depressed. I still battle it at times, especially when I see what other people are doing and I compare myself and wish for what they had. I know, it's terrible, but it's honest.
- So I have this dry erase calendar on the wall that I used in January. And NEVER ERASED for the next month. In fact, I only erased it in December to start over for 2013. I plan to do better.
- I really wanted to thrill my client and give them gifts for booking and the like. My follow up and follow through has been less than stellar. The customer service has been good with email and such, but the client experience has't been all that I want it to be. Same goes for packaging. I think that because I didn't have a huge client base or wasn't busy all the time, I let the idea of packaging slide. So when I finally had a client to serve, I ran around like a chicken with my head cut off trying to figure out what to do for packaging. That, and my rebrand and it being up in the air for a while.
- In addition to overall organization, I lacked a real set workflow. The workflow I had after the photos were edited was kind of crazy and didn't work. I've been wanting to refine my workflow forever and this year it needs to happen. I need to set myself up for success.
STEP THREE: What fires you up?
My husband
Traveling
FRANCE!
dachshunds - Kevin
the ocean
spending time in the Word
date nights
writing
excel spreadsheets
coffee
conversations
community
friendship
fellowship
vacation, time off, time away
family
making babies happen
getting healthy - for good
efficiency
organized spaces
the beach
making someone feel important/beautiful
being authentic
sharing helping others
flexibility
financial stability
faith & tithing
simplicity
culture
interracial, interfaith, intercultural weddings, marriages, children
Making Things Happen in 2013: my Pinterest board of what fires me up!
What fires you up?
Goals for 2013
It's almost the end of the year. If you're one of those people who sitting on pins and needles for the end of days tomorrow, good luck. I'm not holding my breath.
Just 5 days until Christmas.
This time of the year, I always find myself thinking about next year. And EVERY. SINGLE. YEAR. I always say that "this year is going to be different".
Just 5 days until Christmas.
This time of the year, I always find myself thinking about next year. And EVERY. SINGLE. YEAR. I always say that "this year is going to be different".
- I'm going to lose weight
- I'm going to get organized
- I'm going to eat more vegetables
- I'm going to be successful
And then, by the middle of the year, I've lost steam in my goals that I set in January and find myself slowly slipping back into bad habits and giving up on those goals. It's awful
This year I did lose 20lbs! But then, by September, I lost steam and have gained a little bit of the weight back. And now that we're in holiday mode, I've put off all exercise and healthy eating until the new year.
With planning to have a baby in 2013/2014, I need to get really serious about my health. My OBGYN said that if I lost about 20lbs, it would help with what she suspects could be PCOS - polycystic ovarian syndrome. While I haven't been formally diagnosed yet (we'll test at my next annual exam), I've read all the symptoms and my OB says I fit the description.
PCOS totally stinks too because it isn't curable, it's merely manageable. It includes symptoms such as trouble losing weight, excess hair, acne, irregular periods, and fertility problems - awesome, right?!
Thankfully, some of the symptoms can be reversed/reduced through diet and exercise, and sadly, by limiting carbs. Sugar is evil and yet so delicious!
Anyway, all that to say that I've been seriously thinking about my goals for 2013. And I think that what happens to me is that I get all excited about setting goals, but I don't really make them that specific or measurable. Instead, they are big, vague, and overwhelming. So this year, I'm laying them out here. Sharing them on this little blog, and hopefully giving me some accountability for making things happen personally.
My 2013 Goals
I'm sure that I will continue to add things to this list for 2013, but I just wanted to get things started before 2013 is actually here! I'm also thinking about starting a a 101 in 1001 list - starting January 1, 2013 and ending September 28, 2015. We'll see.
Health
- I want to lose 20lbs in 2013 and keep it off.
- I want to track progress - eating and working out.
- I want to get pregnant in 2013.
Life
- I want to celebrate our 30th birthdays with my husband with a party surrounded by good friends.
- We want to host at least 3 parties at our home.
- I want to go out to dinner with friends at least once every other month.
Travel
- I want to go to France with my husband. (Possible baby-moon.)
- We want to go on at least 2 vacations.
- We want to not travel during the holidays in 2013.
Organization
- I want to start meal planning on a weekly basis so that I cook at least 3 days a week.
- I want to get organized - better filing, less clutter with paperwork.
- I want to finish painting my office and make it a truly functional space.
- I want to create a "chores" list of sorts so that regular cleaning occurs each week.
What are some of your goals for next year?
