What's Up Wednesday: April 2016

What we're eating this week: I got a roast on sale from Sprouts a couple of weeks ago. I'm going to cook that in the crock pot, shred it, and add BBQ sauce. We're eating beef tacos this week with feta. Thursday, Mr. B will head to Fresh Market and pick up another round of gourmet burgers for the Thursday Little Big Meal of the month. Those are so good! I'm about efficiency these days.

What I'm reminiscing about: This little toot right here!

I mean, when did that sweet little girl go from playing with Baby Bop and dollhouses, letting me dress her up in construction paper costumes, and imitating me putting on makeup with a mirror and a plastic hamburger bun to this lovely young woman of 20!? Wasn't I just changing her diapers yesterday? 

She's rocking that Younique makeup I gave her as a birthday present.

Now, she's a mama to this adorable little chunky dunky. This just doesn't seem to be possible. 

Like, I knew we were 10 1/2 years apart, but her turning 20 this month hurt! I remember when I turned 20. That was a few years ago, right? I can't even with all this! #gettingold

What I'm loving: So, Younique came out with tinted lip balms recently. I finally got my hands on one, and I'm OBSESSED!!! It goes on so smooth and has just the right amount of color and shine. If I want a bolder lip that's long lasting, I put the tinted lip balm over my lips after I've colored my whole lip in liner. That liner lasts all. day. long.

I've got the cherry cobbler color. I'm wanting to eventually get all 5, but I think raspberry cheesecake will be next.

We're also loving Menchies Frozen Yogurt. We went to the new one by our house a couple of weeks ago. It's probably going to become a weekly thing for us (except when I'm doing my 3 weeks of crazy). I love their flavor combos. So far, I've had Pecan Praline Cake Batter and Salted Caramel Cheesecake. I wasn't complaining either time. 

What we've been up to: We've just been working and exercising. We're going to CG 5 times a week. We are strictly 5 AM campers now on a regular basis. Sometimes Mr. B hits up an extra camp one or two days a week in the PM if he's feeling energetic. I don't really have that ability since I do my one-on-ones 3 evenings a week. Other than that, we're doing a lot of couch sitting, TV watching (or he watches TV while I read), and going to bed by 9:00 every night. Occasionally, we spice things up. Just not recently......

What I'm dreading: The last 5 weeks of school. We have to get through 3 days of STAAR testing in the upper grades. It's hard on us lower grades because we have to alter our schedules and not have outdoor recess. Then there's all the end of year testing and conversations about summer school and retention. And let's not forget Field Day. Oh, how I hate Field Day! It's always hot and humid on that day. We are outside all day long, and I HATE  and LOATHE this day!!!!!

What I've been working on: I started my blog about my journey to motherhood. I've been wanting to write about this for a while, but I finally started it a couple of weeks ago. I haven't decided how often I want to post on the blog...maybe once a month or every other week. I may just use it as an outlet for when I want to express my feelings on the matter. I'm also trying to start a Facebook page about fitness and beauty. I want a place to share about my journey to health on a regular basis. I want to have weekly workout challenges for people to participate in and to give me extra accountability and another component to my workouts. I need some burpee practice. I also want to post about my Younique products. I want to do makeup videos and show off some cool makeup looks.

What I'm excited about: Training for CG games coming up at the end of August. We finally have a team of 4 girls who are ready to get busy training. Our team name: Tuff Enuff (because you have to spell it with F's to show you mean business). Our slogan: "Not fast, but not last!" We are still deciding on the most important part of all this: our swag for the event. That's why I kicked Mr. B off my team and made him find a team of guys. If you have a co-ed team, you can't have as much fun with the swag. Let's just say headbands and tanks are in the works. I need a tank top because it's August and I need to show off my baby guns. As soon as TPT gets a list of all her campers that are competing, she's making every Friday training day at camp! There may be Sunday workouts to prepare for games. She wants us over prepared! GAME ON!

What I'm watching/reading: There's nothing really on TV this time of year. I'm only half watching The Voice. Game of Thrones just came back on, so there's that. Now, reading is another story. I recently finished "Eligible: A Modern Re-telling of Pride and Prejudice" by Curtis Sittenfield

Oh, this book was so good! If you like the story of Pride and Prejudice, you have to read this. It was 541 pages. I finished it in 3 days, reading intermittently. It was a quick read. Check out my review on my "Book Worms Only" page.

This is my next read:

This will be on my "Book Worms Only" page when I'm done. 

What I'm listening to: I've recently become obsessed with Spotify. I have 2 playlists currently. I have one with embarrassing music that I like to workout to. Then I just created a playlist of throwback country songs that I love to sing along to. Now that should give people who ride in the car with me cause for concern....or sheer joy because my car karaoke is going to be #onpoint

What I'm wearing: Maxi dress season is upon us. I may start wearing them to work again. Although, most of them are getting too big for me. On one hand, that's a good thing. On the other hand, that means I have to spend more money to get new dresses. #bittersweet
I'm also in workout clothes quite a bit since I'm working out 6 days a week and twice on some days. I got a bunch of free workout clothes from Pam, but now some of those pants are getting too big. One of my favorite pairs of black pants fall down when I run.

What I'm doing this weekend: I have a UIL meet on Saturday. So I'll be working from about 7-2. I think I will reward myself with a trip to Carlos Bakery (Yay Cake Boss!) in Dallas since I'll be in Arlington for the meet. Mr. B is off from work, so he's going to come with me to the meet and we'll head to Dallas afterwards. I had to ask Vanessa (shout out) about good places to eat in the area since she's a Dallas expert. I personally am not a fan of Dallas, but Mr. B and I really want to go to that bakery! We may also try to get new phones since we met our 18 month contract and can upgrade!

What I'm looking forward to next month: This one is easy: THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR!!!!!!! I mean, summer is right around the corner, and I'm excited for my 10 weeks of freedom. I'm also looking forward to the Bubble Run at Texas Motor Speedway and also getting to celebrate Pam's birthday! I'm hoping to be able to run some of this 5K!

What else is new:

• I officially found out that if I stay at my current school next year that I'll be moving to second grade. I asked for the move, so I'm excited about it. I'm not excited about packing up my classroom of 4 years and having to haul it all home, but you got to do what you got to do. Although, it's no secret that I'm hoping to get a job at a school closer to home. So either way, I need to move out of my current classroom. 
• My weight and measurements: both are down after 5 weeks
• My obsession with wanting to be a runner....I mean, what's the deal with me. I've been dreaming about being able to run a mile without dying. Like, I'm seriously excited about training to run a mile. Who is this Ashley? I mean, I really don't like running, but I really want to be able to be better at it. 

I Survived 3 Weeks of Food Torture!!!

So, I've completed 3 weeks of torture strict eating. It was a challenge for sure! They do say that nothing easy is ever worth it. I suppose that's true. I did lost a total of 6 pounds in those three weeks. By the end of this third week though, I definitely had this mentality:

I mean, this last week was the toughest since I was in recovery. I scaled back on carbs and calories. The thought of another salad was making me sick. I was literally choking down salads every day. I didn't mind my breakfast since I'd found a way to make oatmeal that I really enjoy. Dinner this last week was fish and veggies or chicken and veggies. I cut out my evening carb since I wasn't lifting this week. I already had to cut out my Shakeology for 4 days AND my beloved Quest bars. I'm surprised I survived. 

Friday FINALLY rolled around, and I was excited for another reason other than the end of another school week. I was getting to go back to camp AND lift weights. You know what that means....CARBS!!!!! (cue salsa lady dancing emoji) I started my day with Shakeology and had my Quest bar after my workout. I had some oatmeal around 9:00 that morning. I took a half day from work since I had a doctor appointment that afternoon, so I kept lunch light: bell peppers and hummus with chicken dippers (not fried). I drank another protein shake before my 5:30 PM session with TPT. So I did double weights that day. Oh, don't worry. I more than rewarded myself for my diligence. My legs took a beating with TPT. Squats, lunges, 50 burpees, running, planks......

Megan decided we needed a picture of our group, our parking lot crew, after yesterday morning's workout!

Working out with friends is so much more fun. You always have an accountability partner to make sure you're doing what you're supposed to. So thankful CG has brought some great friends into my life in the short amount of time we've been a part of it. Megan and I text each other at 4:30 every morning to make sure the other is awake and getting their butt to camp! #squadgoals

I rewarded myself with a trip to Pie 5 for a $5 pizza. I even managed to convince TPT to join us with her kids and indulge. I told her she could get a "lady pizza" like me. You really can make it healthy. She had never had the Pie 5 experience. She joined the "circle of crust" and will now be addicted like the rest of us. 

Another triumph for me this week was being active every day even though I wasn't going to camp. This has been a struggle for me in the past. I'm kind of a trainer snob, so if TPT ain't leading workouts I don't go. I really should get out of that mindset. I bet there are lots of lovely trainers out there that I'd like just fine. I'm a creature of habit and ritual, so......

Monday, I Cized it up with Shaun T to some Beyonce.

Tuesday, I stretched it out with Autumn with some yoga.

Wednesday, I let Autumn work me out with some pilates.

Thursday, Mr. B gets all the credit for me working out since he suggested a walk. So, a 3 mile walk is what we took that afternoon after work.

Friday: Yeah, I killed it on Friday.

Saturday: I'm thinking a nice walk and some easy stretching to prep for camp on Monday.

Sunday: I REST!!! (until CG games training starts.....)

In other news, I found a book I want to start reading. I have it on request at the library. I just have to be patient for it to come in. In the meantime, I will read my Shape magazine and see if I can learn something useful.....

I got the sweetest gift this week at school. One of the second grade teachers brought me this bear because she knew I loved Texas Tech. This is the second gift a second grade teacher has brought me because of my love for Tech. One of my students brought me a lollipop with the double T on it. Show your pride and you get free stuff!!!! I think I'm going to try that with CG and see if I can get some swag.....

Speaking of CG swag....Look what I got this week!!!! It took my 50 check-ins and Mr. B signing up to earn this baby! A $50 mat that I got fo' free! Well, I did have to pay taxes and shipping (we've got to please "the man"). Still, it was a steal:) I can't wait to bust out this beauty on Monday. No more chasing my mat around the parking lot!!!!!

Be sure to check out my "Book Worms Only" page for my latest book review of "Life After Life" by Kate Atkinson.

Also, I'm excited to announce that after much thought, I'm launching a new blog. This blog has been on my heart for some time. Those that read my posts regularly know my desire to be a mom. I wanted a place to write about my journey. The first post is up! The new blog is called "My Hopeful Journey to Motherhood."

4 Weeks of Progress

This week concluded my 3rd camp with Camp Gladiator. I also concluded my first round of sessions with TPT (minus one coming up this Friday). I've seen a lot of change in these 4 weeks. I'm lifting heavier weights. I'm doing more of the exercises at camp without modifications, and I'm crushing goals that I've set for myself. I've been pretty strict with my eating these past two weeks since they are the most intense weeks of camp. As of this morning, I'm down 4 pounds. I will do my final workout and final measurements this Friday during my last session with TPT this round. I will also weigh in again Friday morning. Since this is recovery week, I'm scaling back on carbs and calories to see if I can drop a few more pounds before Friday. I won't be lifting weights this week, so I don't need all those carbs I've been consuming. I saw this little motivational quote, and it made me think of TPT....

Except, she would add: "Go until you can't go anymore, then do 2 more!"

I really do try to keep that in mind when I set goals for myself. If I say I think I can plank for 45 seconds after my workout, then I try to plank for 50 seconds....or even a minute. I think I'm up to 1:10 after a workout. Well, assuming I haven't just burnt out my abs and/or upper body. 

Nothing exciting really happened this week. I stayed busy all week with work and exercise. I made it to camp all 5 mornings this week. I did a T/TH session @5:30pm with TPT. Wednesday morning was our burpee fit test. The first camp I did 50 modified burpees in 5 minutes. Last camp I had a rough morning; therefore, my workout suffered. I only got 42 modified burpees in 5 minutes. I had been practicing and getting myself pumped up for this camp because I knew I had made some changes. I told myself I was going to do 50 regular burpees in 5 minutes. No modified version at all. Well, I did 54 in 5 minutes! I was so excited that I beat my goal. I'm already getting ready for the next fit test in 5 weeks.....goal is 60 in 5 minutes. 

Saturday was a great lazy day for us. We got our errands out of the way on Friday after we grabbed dinner at Costa Vida. While Mr. B was stuffing his face with a smothered stuffed burrito, I was dreaming of my naughty nachos while eating a chicken salad. I mean, it was good, but it wasn't naughty nachos. All in the name of change I guess. We slept a blissful 11 hours and finally got out of bed around 9:30 Saturday morning. It was a rare Saturday off for Mr. B, so we took full advantage of it. We went and had a late breakfast at "Our Cafe" up the street. I stayed true to my healthy eating. Well, as healthy as I could get considering. I had an egg (no cheese), 1 pancake (no butter or syrup) and gave my second pancake to Mr. B, 3 slices of bacon, and some hash browns. I had some black tea since I couldn't have the creamer for coffee. We went and did a couple of minor errands before heading to the track for a quick workout. We did 2 miles. The first mile we walked. The second mile we ran the straight parts and walked the curved parts. The rest of the day was spent on the couch watching TV and reading. Mr. B grilled beef and vegetable kabobs for dinner......in the rain!

So, since I'm cutting carbs this week, that means no more Quest bars for a few days. You would have thought my life was ending when TPT told me to give them up for a few days. I told her it was the one thing I looked forward to when school was out and I was driving home. She didn't care. No weights= no extra carbs. That also means that I have to give up my cafe latte Shakeology for a few days since it has a lot of carbs (or more carbs than I should be drinking). Good thing I love my night time protein ISO 100 gourmet chocolate drink. I can double up on that each day. I figured I might as well try out this popcorn that's been in my pantry for a couple of weeks. I got this at Trader Joes and I LOVE it! I think I'm a fan of sriracha!

In other news, this is what I'm currently reading. I heard about it from Jamie Golden from "The Popcast." She was doing a guest spot on the "Surviving Sara" podcast. Since I'm usually #teamjamie, I had to give it a listen. She mentioned this book, and it sounded so interesting. I had forgotten the name, so I had to instalurk on her past instagram pics to ask her what it was called. I'm so glad she's a fan of social media. She responded within the hour. I immediately requested it from the library. I decided that I was too impatient to wait on the library, so I went and picked it up on my way home from work. It's Sunday night and I'm half way through and LOVING it!

Stay tuned for my small review on my "Bookworms Only" page for my thoughts.

We're down to 7 more weeks of school. I'm on the countdown. I've got so much to do. This week I'm testing for end of the six weeks. I'm taking advantage of recovery week but still working out. Here's my workout schedule for this week:

Monday 5:30am: Cize with Shaun T

Tuesday 5:30am: yoga

Wednesday 5:30am: pilates

Thursday 5:30am: yoga

Friday 5:00am: CG BOLD workout at our new location then a PM session with TPT

Saturday: track/yoga

I'd give a menu update, but I think I'm keeping it the same as last week so I stay on track.

Getting It Done One Week At A Time

This week was a pretty good week. I really felt like I made huge success towards my goals. My eating was on point. My workouts had me in beast mode. My spirits were up. I loved that I was able to stick to my eating plan without wavering. I stood strong even on Thursday when there was breakfast in the teacher's lounge. Yeah, those pastries looked good. But they didn't look as good as I'm going to feel when I crush these goals. I had to get creative on the weekend with my dinner since we were out of fish and veggies. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night we had breakfast for dinner. I had 1 egg scrambled with 2 egg whites with Jimmy Dean Turkey Sausage crumbles mixed in. I topped my eggs with homemade guacamole (3 small avocados, 2Tbs of salsa, onion powder, garlic salt). I'm diary free for a while, so I skipped the cheese. I had a piece of cinnamon raisin Ezekiel toast with natural crunchy peanut butter. It actually kept me full. My weekend lunch was modified from the salad kits. Since I'm home, I can make a salad at the house. I used a stalk of romaine hearts, a few grape tomatoes, minced garlic, hard boiled egg, Boars Head cracked peppermill turkey, slivered almonds, Mrs. Dash seasonings (garlic/herb and fiesta lime), 1Tbs EVOO, and 1Tbs balsamic vinaigrette. It was a great salad! I will probably repeat those weekend lunch and dinner options again this upcoming weekend. Here's a look at what's on the menu this week:

Breakfast:

• 1/4c oatmeal with soy milk (extra protein)
• 2 hard boiled egg whites
• coconut oil
• natural crunchy peanut butter
• honey/cinnamon
• blueberries
• green tea

Lunch:

• salad kit (either cranberry walnut or bacon spinach...both come with vinaigrette)
• mixed bell peppers with hummus
• hard boiled egg

Snack:

• Quest Bar
• Chicken dippers in BBQ sauce

Dinner (M/T):

• Salmon
• asparagus
• sweet potato

Dinner (W/TH):

• chicken (cooked with Mrs. Dash seasonings and coconut oil)
• stir fry veggies
• brown rice
• liquid aminos for flavor

I start my day with my cafe latte Shakeology before my 5AM workout. I don't usually eat breakfast until 7:45-8:00. It gives me just enough to power through the morning workout. I stop eating by 6:00PM. I have a protein shake before going to bed to make sure my muscles are getting nutrients while I sleep. I drink ISO 100 protein powder. Weekend dinners right now are unplanned. If we don't go out to dinner, then I will probably stick with what we did this weekend since it worked so well.

I find that eating the same thing helps me stay on track. I just do it until I absolutely cannot do it anymore. Then I find little ways to change it to make it new again. I was very successful week 1. I'm excited to jump into week 2 of this eating plan. 

Some favorite snack ideas:

My go-to high protein snack is a Quest bar. I love cookies and cream and vanilla almond crunch. Those are my favorites. I feel like I'm eating a candy bar, but it's good for me. I'm very possessive of my Quest bars. During a workout, I was doing punches and TPT told me to punch like I was fighting zombies trying to attack Mr. B. When that didn't seem to motivate me to move faster, she told me to punch like someone was trying to steal my Quest bar. Let's just say that the speed increased on my punches. I love that she gets me!

I also stumbled across this little delight while buying weights at Academy on Saturday. It's a protein cookie! Yes, please! I'll add it to my sweet treats list.

I made it to CG 4 times this week. I really intended to make it all 5 days, but my alarm didn't go off on Wednesday. I didn't wake up until 5:25, which is when it started. Oh, was I angry! I was throwing a fit like a two year old. My poor pillow suffered my wrath. I decided then and there I needed some insurance policies to make sure I got up every morning. I made Mr. B set an alarm, too. I also asked my friend and TPT to text me at 4:30 every morning. I'm glad I did that because my alarm didn't go off on Friday either. Hopefully I've fixed it and will have a fully functioning alarm this week. 

I'm breaking some plateaus with my workouts. I'm loving my one-on-one sessions. They are helping me get stronger and faster. I'm able to apply what I've been doing with TPT and get busy at camp. I'm almost at the point where I'm not having to modify as much. I've reached 1 minute and 20 seconds on my planks. I'm lifting heavier weights. In fact, Mr. B and are both increasing the weights. We went to buy him some 20 pound weights so I could have his 15 pound weights. We had to get a picture showing our new found strength. 

Mr. B gettin' swoll

Showin my skills

TPT pretty much told us we were going to do CG games at the end of August. I laughed when she said that, but she was full on serious. She had to put it in perspective for me. She said I didn't do 5Ks for time, so I didn't have to do CG games for qualification. It's just for the sake of saying you did it! It also gives us something specific to train for. She told me that I had no idea where I would be in my fitness journey by the end of August. Apparently, there is so much she can do with me......cue freakout

I worked out with TPT 4 times this week one-on-one. That means, on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday I pulled double workout sessions. I'm in a constant state of soreness. Saturday's workout brought us to the track, and she brought out her "toys." Yeah, I was intimidated. Sand bags, tires and sledge hammers, and fire hoses were involved. She started by having me do resisted bear crawls the length of the field while doing a resisted side shuffle on the way back. The real fun came with the fire hose. She had me dragging and pulling that thing the length of the field AND back! Surprisingly, I OWNED that hose! I'd like to thank my thick legs for getting me through that one. She loved it so much, she had to take some pictures.

YESSSSSS!!!!!

I'm going ALL. THE. WAY. No rest for me!

You want to burn out your legs? Just pull the fire hose backwards. Feeling the burn!

I finished up my workout with some resisted sprints. Apparently, running with that fire hose burns more calories that running a mile. I'll take it. #aintnorunner

So on top of the CG games challenge, I have another challenge TPT has given me: The first one is the "bathroom workout." Every time you go to the bathroom, when you're finished do 10 counter top push-ups and 10 squats. Easy enough, right? Unless you drink a gallon of water a day and you're going potty every 30 minutes. It helps your body get used to moving. I've done it for a couple of days pretty consistently. Hey, whatever helps my arm wings disappear.... #legsonpoint #armsonpoint

On a fun note: I received a package Friday afternoon from a former teammate who retired this year. She sent her "dream team" some pocket hand sanitizers and clorox wipes. I love how she's trying to keep the germs at bay for us! We love and miss you, SJ! #dreamteamforever

This is the final week on my first round of one-on-ones with my TPT. It's also the final week of this camp. I'm excited to see my measurements. I'm hoping to see some change. If not, that means I have to push that much harder and be more strict on myself. I've already proven that I can do it. Wednesday is our burpee fit test. Last camp I failed miserably because I had a bad attitude going in. I let my previous day's troubles get in the way. This week I'm going all in. My goal is 50 un-modified burpees in 5 minutes. I've got a strategy and a goal. I'm going to OWN this fit test! I'm not running on energy....I'm running on GOALS!!!