Total Transformation Week 1 and Things Giving Me Life

This last week was recovery week, and we took full advantage of it. I slept in until 6:00 am on the week days. I haven't done that in weeks! I still went to bed around 9-9:30, so I got extra sleep. I had a goal in mind to workout in the afternoons doing something light. Yeah, Monday was the only day that fire got lit. It was because Mr. B suggested it. It was just a light track workout. We were lazy the rest of the week. It felt so good. Since it was recovery week, camp schedule looks a little different. TPT was having her camps only Tuesday/Wednesday morning. When I didn't show up Tuesday morning, I got a text at 6:30 that morning asking where I was. I informed her that she told me I could take the week off, so I did. She admitted telling me that, but she just didn't think I would actually do it. Think again, TPT, think again. I was exhausted and sore from this last camp. Now I feel rested and ready to take on this next camp starting tomorrow. This is the Total Transformation Camp! This camp has a nutrition challenge built in. I did my body composition test on Saturday and wanted to cry. I won't be posting those results on here at this moment. Maybe some day.....

Here is my meal and workout plan for week 1:

I've actually opted for pancakes the whole week since I can make those in advance and just heat them up each morning. I also opted out of the wraps for lunch. I'm just going to eat the chicken salad over romaine lettuce in case I need carbs in the evening due to an extra workout.

I don't have my evening workouts scheduled yet. I'm not sure if I'm going to get to do my one-on-ones this week or if I'm going to attempt to go to evening camps this week. I do know that I have 20% of body fat to lose before I am in the normal range for my age/gender/height. I get about 1600 calories a day if I'm not working out. If I'm working out once a day, I get about 1900 calories. If I'm working out twice a day, I have to eat about 2250 calories a day. The breakdown is 45% carbs, 30 % protein, and 25% fats. Those double workout days are going to be tough to get in all those calories. I usually can hit the 1900 mark pretty easily. It's easy to consume a ton of calories if you're eating unhealthy foods, but those nutritious foods don't have as high of a caloric intake. That's why it's called a challenge!

Speaking of challenge.....I wanted to attempt to beat my lap time at the track. I was going over 3 minutes per lap. My first lap on Monday was just under 3 minutes.

After I walked a lap to recover, I attempted another running lap to try to beat my time. I was determined to beat it. I beat my time by 18 seconds. It felt great!

Now I want to challenge myself to pick up the pace when running during this camp. This includes the warm up lap. I think I know why I run so slow on that initial lap. I think I'm trying to conserve my energy for the actual workout. I have to get out of that mindset and know that I will have time to recover before getting back into the workout.

My recipes for this week are coming from the Fixate Cook Book from Beach Body. It's based off the 21 Day Fix eating program. I will post recipes in my "What's Cooking" section of my blog.

Occasionally my friends and I like to text each other 3 things we're loving. I heard a phrase on a podcast I adore that said "things giving me life." I decided I liked that better than just the plain "3 things I'm loving." So, I have a few more than 3, but these are some things that are "giving me life" right now.

This book is what I'm currently reading. I'm hoping to interview (and receive) a job that uses the practices from this book. If that doesn't work out, I think I still want to incorporate these things in my classroom next school year.

I'll have it in my "book worm" section with  my thoughts when I'm finished.

I love my Younique makeup. All of it. But these lip Bon Bons!!!! It's a tinted lip balm that gives just enough color and moisture to your lips. It's my go-to daily wear. I only have 2 of the 5 shades, but I'm sure that will change soon enough.

Speaking of Younique products.....I'm a white girl all the way. I will brown beautifully in the sun. However, my legs refuse to take in sunlight. So I decided to give this new product a try. The first one I ordered, Sunset, was the lightest shade. It basically is foundation for your legs. It gave me the appearance of wearing nude panty hose. I decided to order the darkest color (Malibu) to see if I could get a bronze look. I used it for the first time this morning. The Malibu alone was just too dark, so I added a touch of the Sunset to it. It worked pretty good. I still think I'd like to try the medium color, Hermosa, to see if that is the perfect fit for me.

Here is the before/after shot of my legs (don't judge the hugeness of my calves....they're a work in progress). My goal is to hide all the purple road maps on my legs.

A couple of weeks ago, I tried out the 5 performance products Beach Body offers. I used them all on a Thursday. These 3 were my favorite, so I decided to order them. The other 2 were shakes. I have other shake options that I use, so I didn't feel the need to be redundant with my products.

The first is "Hydrate." This is an electrolyte replacement drink. I like to drink this during my PM sessions since I sweat more. The second one is "Energize." I drink this 30 minutes before my AM workout so I can get turnt during my workout and not fall asleep on the way to work after. Y'all, 4:15 is early!!!! The third product is "Creatine." This helps with muscle development. I drink this mixed in juice within 30 minutes of lifting weights. 

Next, Bitmojis! Shout out to Vanessa for introducing us to these delightful things. This just adds a level of snarkiness to our daily text conversations. This is a must-have app. 

TPT and I talking about our horrible food choices before Total Transformation starts....

Stupid auto correct....it's supposed to say "depriving" not "tidying." There's even a bitmoji for auto correct haters! #justnowcaughtthat

Finally, the Marriage is Funny podcast. This is put on by a married couple just sharing life in marriage. They tackle all the difficult topics in marriage in a tasteful and humorous way. They laugh and cry together on this podcast. They're just real. If you're not listening, you should!

Marriage is Funny

Next week I'll be sharing my TT week 1 reflections and prepping for week 2. Bonus Post on Wednesday....."What's Up Wednesday: May 2016 edition" coming this week!

Another successful camp and other life moments....

So, this shirt arrived this week! I can't believe TPT convinced me to sign up for CG games. I remember hearing people talk about these games when I first joined CG. I laughed to myself saying I would never be able to do stuff like that. Here I am just 4 months later already registered and making that commitment. I'm still less than optimistic about my ability to perform adequately at these events, but a lot can happen between now and the end of August. I've already come such a long way. I've definitely got more in me.

Team Tuff Enuff is ready to get this done! I can't wait until we get our team swag made!!!

I found this little eCard on Facebook the other day. Just replace "gym" with "CG" and that pretty much sums up my thoughts about the morning. I just had to send this to Mr. B. It was just too good not to send it.

I love my 5AM workouts. I also look forward to my recovery week (which is this upcoming week)! As much as I enjoy the early workouts, I don't enjoy waking up at 4:15 every morning. It never gets easier, no matter what time we go to bed.

Since it was the last week of this camp, that means burpee fit test on Wednesday. I used to dread this day, but now I look forward to it. Why? Because I love to try to beat myself. I set my goal and aim to beat it. 

1/27/16: 50 modified burpees

3/2/16: 42 modified burpees (I cried this day. It was a rough week that week)

4/6/16: 54 regular burpees (all the praise hand emojis on this day)

5/11/16: 65 regular burpees (I'd worked so hard since doing one-on-ones with TPT that I just knew I was going to kill this fit test)

So then I found this on Facebook. Yikes! That's about 10 burpees per fry (give or take). I love me a good fry like the next person, but it's so not worth it!

Total transformation is coming, and I'm bout to get serious and conquer this beast!

Another great meme I found this week. This is so me after a leg day with TPT. Walking becomes a challenge. I used to love leg day because I thought it was easier than upper body. Now I am the exact opposite. I like upper body day. I imagine it's because I'm finally seeing some definition in my upper body. 

OK, just one more. A fellow fitness friend I follow posted this great motivational picture on her Instagram. I thought this fit me so perfectly in my journey right now. I'm all about bettering myself, and I love to compete with myself. I'm doing this for me and for the children I want to have some day. 30 is not too old to get your life right. Although I confess, I'm eating jelly beans as I write this. Total Transformation will have me sacrificing for my betterment. I may or may not be struggling with letting go right now. I promise I will commit on May 23rd and give it my all. I PROMISE!!!!

Since it's nearing summer time, and my arms/back/shoulders are looking better, I'm in need for some fun tanks. Here are 3 that I need in my life:

From Milk and Honey Tees: It's based off a Bible verse, but fits me in so many other ways, too. I need this in my life. Come on payday!

From my fitness pal I mentioned earlier. She has her own fitness/boot camp facility in McAllen, TX. She's designing these tanks for her campers. She assured me that friends and family purchase gear from her all the time. So I'll be ordering one of these beauties. 

Another find on Facebook. This one just made me laugh. I mean, could this describe me any better? I really do enjoy the idea of being fit and working my way towards that goal. But the struggle with the food situation is so real. I'm on that struggle bus daily! Again, sitting here eating jellybeans.....

Saturday morning we went to Texas Motor Speedway to participate in the Bubble Run and celebrate Pam's birthday. We were supposed to race at 8, but some weather decided to roll in earlier that morning. Our race was postponed until 9:30. It sounded like a cool concept: running a race and running through colored foam bogs along the way. However, the whole course was rocky, uneven, muddy, and crowded. It was near impossible to run any of it without fear of twisting something on those rocks or slipping in the mud. Not to mention, it was pretty chilly with that storm rolling through. The wind was fierce. Nevertheless, we found ways to make it enjoyable. At the conclusion of the race, we went with our friends for a late breakfast at this cafe in Justin. I had the Justin Scramble. It was "slap yo mama" good. Think open faced biscuit with scrambled eggs, bacon, hash browns and smothered in cream gravy. My life!!!! We then spent the rest of the day at home doing absolutely nothing. OK, so I did a little laundry. Other than that, we were totally chill.

Early morning on a Saturday, but all smiles and ready to race (or walk)

Our NBCOC race crew! Love that we have great church friends that share our interests! Blonde birthday girl in the back!

Mr. B and I paused on the last bubble bog to take a quick selfie with the bubbles!

Since it was group meeting Sunday, Mr. B had the day off. We had to pose for a Sunday selfie. I sure do love it when he dresses up. He cleans up so well:)

We have 2 more weeks of school. I will survive! I'm so excited to get my summer started. I did find out that my potential job offer wasn't going to happen. I was very disappointed. I was looking forward to being closer to home and having this new opportunity. However, it was nice to know that my future teammates, while sad for my lost opportunity, were thrilled that I was staying so I could work with them next year. It made me feel wanted and appreciated. It'll be exciting to work with this new group of ladies next year. I also feel my students knew that I needed some love that day, too. One little girl made me a book using Mother's Day papers and crossing out "Mother's Day" and writing "Browning." Another girl made me a card at home saying she was glad that she knew a teacher that was "as pretty and smart as her." That was a direct quote. Her mom said she spent 45 minutes on that card at home the night before. She even completed it with a red/black envelope. I've trained my kids so well! One of my little boys who has had my heart from the beginning of the year through all our ups and downs wrote a sweet story about me in his writing journal. These kids! Just when you think you can't take much more, they go and show you why you're here and that you matter to them. 

I don't know what next year will bring, but I know that I'll be where the Lord wants me to be using the talents he has blessed me with.

What Did I Do This Week!?

Another week finished! This week went by so fast. I'm guessing it went by fast since I was so busy all week. I had little to no down time at all this week. Every day there was something going on when I got off work. Monday we had a pizza party for our UIL participants then I was going to sit in on more interviews for our second grade team for next year. When I got there, my principal informed me that it wasn't necessary that I attend those interviews. I'm guessing that's a good sign??? She must know something I don't...... (I'm still waiting on that job prospect). I may or may not have driven by the school to check it out.....

Moving on. Tuesday we had a meeting after school, so I got home late. Wednesday I was supposed to have a Bible study at 5:30, but for a 4th week in a row we had to cancel. Maybe this week we can finally meet up. I had some down time until church started at 7:00. 

Thursday I got home and had my workout session with TPT. It was a double weight day for me. It was an upper body weight workout for me that afternoon. It was so hot outside! This was one of my favorite workouts so far with TPT. This was my view that afternoon:

10#, 12#, 15#, and 20# weights

doing some preacher curls with Mr. B's 20# weights

a different bicep curl with the 20#  weights

TPT snagged this pic of me beasting out with the 20's and added a filter to make it profile pic worthy

#gunshow

#thosearmstho

#swollhappens

Fun Friday at camp was really fun. Our whole team for CG games was at the workout, so we teamed up for some games at camp. Thanks to Megan for snagging this team pic of us before we left.

team #tuffenuff

#notfastbutnotlast

Friday after work I had another session with TPT in which she made me do legs. I hate leg day! I survived, however. I let myself have a little treat when I was done. 

Saturday I slept in until 8:30. I had my shake and cleaned up a bit around the house before heading to the track to warm up before my track session with TPT. It was a sprint day with some upper body and abs thrown in. I do love me some sprints. 

I've been feeling smaller lately, so I wanted to try on some new pants in a smaller size to see if I could fit in them. Well, I totally could. They were snug and very fitted, but they did fit. I didn't buy them, however, because it's too hot for jeans right now. I'll wear my baggy jeans for now. Besides, I hope to get smaller and don't want to have to keep buying new pants because they are expensive. 

While I was in the store, they were doing a drawing for some free workout clothes. I decided to put my name in because #whynot

I got a call later that evening saying I won! So Sunday I went to pick out a new pair of pants, a new top, and a new sports bra. I didn't pay a dime for any of it! 

my free workout swag

I was so exhausted from the week's activities that I was in bed watching TV by 6:00 Saturday evening. I was crashed out by 8:30. 

Saturday night goals....#sleep

It was also Teacher Appreciation Week at school, and I felt very appreciated. One of my students brought me a bag of smelly good stuff on Monday and a bouquet of yellow daisies and a king sized Hershey bar on Friday. Our principal, the PTA, and admin staff provided stuff for us each day.

Monday: donuts and a cute clipboard

Tuesday: El Primos for lunch

Wednesday: Italian for lunch with dessert

Thursday: candy bar with a card for a free box combo from Raising Canes and a free snow cone from Bahama Bucks

Friday: muffins and fruit

Tuesday was the official Teacher Appreciation Day where businesses were doing things for teachers. I hit up all the food joints offering teachers incentives. At lunch, I got a free Chick Fil A sandwich from the store by my school. On conference, I snagged my free Pei Wei entree from the one by my school. After work, I hit up Chipolte and another Chick Fil A by my house. I had food all week. I had my Raising Canes meal on Friday night after my workout. 

Come May 23rd I'm back on the self-deprivation wagon. Total Transformation is coming, and I'm going to kill it! #goals  #cgstrong  #thickandfit

Conquering New Physical Challenges

I felt like I was constantly on the go this week. I had very little down time it felt like. It started off on Sunday. I wasn't really home at all that day. Between 2 church services I had lunch with the girls then a little get together after services with church friends. I came home, got ready for the next day, then went to bed. 

I was at school until a little after 7:00 Monday night. I had my final UIL practice then went to sit in on interviews for our new second grade team for next year. Mr. B had to work late, so I wasn't leaving him lonely. I came home a little after 8:00, grabbed a quick bite of food from whatever I could scrounge up (chips and cheese), then went to bed. You know I'm not about to sacrifice my morning workouts. 

Tuesday's workout was the worst. For some reason, I was totally on the struggle bus that morning. I was supposed to have a meeting after school, but the weather was supposed to get bad and it was cancelled (actually rescheduled). That means I was able to train with TPT because we don't let a little thing like weather get in the way of our goals! So I did some leg work. More like a booty burn. 

Then the dreaded Wednesday came. That is my least favorite day of the week. However, the workout was manageable, and Vanessa did my lunch duty. I was secretly looking forward to this particular Wednesday since I had a job interview that evening. Sunday afternoon I received a call for an opportunity to interview for a new school opening near me. I've been waiting 5 years for an opportunity to interview for this district. The interview lasted an hour, and I thought it went really well. I still haven't heard back yet, but they said it'd be a couple of weeks. I'm at peace with whatever decision is made. God will put me where he thinks I need to be. 

Thursday I decided to have my track day after a long day at work. I was supposed to do my track workout on Friday, but it was supposed to storm again Friday afternoon. I asked TPT to switch up my  workout. When she shows up she informs me I wouldn't like the workout. I was tired, moody, cramping, and had a back ache. I didn't want to be at that track, but I have goals. She informs me that we are going to time my mile. Say what!? I've never ran a mile in my life. In track, I couldn't even make it around the track once, let alone 4 times! However, I totally dominated that mile! I did a 13 minute mile, only stopping for 30 seconds after the second lap for a swig of water and a short walk before resuming. My workout then consisted of a 5 minute break, 3 laps, a 4 minute break, 2 laps, a 3 minute break, and a final lap (done in under 3 minutes), and a plank!

I really wanted a loaded baked potato from Spring Creek BBQ, but I settled on a salad because it was late and I just couldn't bring myself to order it. We won't even mention the roll that I "might have" ate with my salad. Roll? What roll? If it isn't in My Fitness Pal, it didn't happen.....right?

Friday it did indeed storm. I got caught in it on my way home. Luckily, I was almost home when it hit. It was a garage weight workout for me. Since I was doing low reps, TPT thought I should go ahead and use Mr. B's 20 pound weights. Those 15's just looked too easy. We all know I'm taking a pic of that greatness! 

Straight beast mode! The gun show is coming. 

Saturday I had to work all day at the UIL meet. I came home and went grocery shopping, had some Menchies (so obsessed) for lunch, then went to get a new phone. We won't even talk about how I lost all photos post late 2013. Thank goodness so many of them were uploaded on Facebook or on the blog. The only ones I was really bummed about were my before/after pictures that documented my weight loss journey. Guess I have to start fresh with Total Transformation. Mr. B made burgers for dinner, and we finally got to watch some TV. 

Sunday was a day of relaxing....finally! I went to church for both services and watched my shows in between. We are letting Mr. B's parents use our car this week, so we transferred our CG gear to my trunk. It was too funny not to capture the sight......

You think we may be addicted? At least we have no excuses. The weights are always with me.

Just 4 more weeks of school left before summer break (all the praise hand emojis)! I'm packing up my room regardless. I'm either moving down the hallway or moving schools. I've got HIIT week coming up this week at camp! Time to make some fat cells cry with all the work that's about to go down at 5 AM this week! #getswoll

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.