October 31, 2010

My new shoes!



October 30, 2010

Over the Rhine

I went to a concert with some of my friends after Safe Halloween.  We went to see Over the Rhine (mind you, I did not even know who this group was until I went to the concert today) and I fell in love.  The main singer has an amazing voice!  Check them out!

October 29, 2010

So What?!

I am beyond tired right now!!!!!!!

The past couple of days I was in Louisville, Kentucky for a Yearbook Convention.  I don't think I told you all that I am the advisor for the yearbook at Hope College (Milestone).  Well anyways, we went to a convention to learn some cool and neat things to help us better our design/production/teamwork of the organization.  I never been to Louisville before but its a cool and happening place, I might have to go back for a personal visit sometime soon.  While I was in Louisville, I bought a "water bottle" but this is not any ordinary water bottle.  It looks like a regular cup that you get from a fast food place (you know cup, lid, straw) but its made out of plastic.  Oh my goodness its my most fav thing ever!!!!!!  The reason why I love it so much is the straw.  I really think I am addicted to straws, they just make my water intake easier to handle (I mean since I have to drink half of my weight in ounces).

Halloween........  Oh how I can't wait until its over!!!!! LOL, I am in charge of Safe Halloween for campus (which is tomorrow).  Safe Halloween is a program that Hope puts on for the children of the Holland community.  Its an hour long event where the kids can go to each hall to trick-or-treat.  So being my first year here, I do not know what to expect and hopefully I have all my details in place to where everything runs smoothly.  I mean I bought $937 worth of candy for the kids....... Lord please let this be a success, Amen!

So I am getting excited for my November Challenge, the 30 day Shred!!!!!  Not only will I do the dvd workout for the whole month but I will blog about it each day.  So if you know me, you know its a struggle for me to follow through on things but I am so up for this challenge!  I am trying to get some of my coworkers to jump on my Nov Challenge so we shall see what happens.  But if you think about it, by the time I go home for Turkey Day I probably will look like a new woman!  So that is my motivation for my up incoming challenge.  I think you should join me!!!!

Great Workout Song:

October 26, 2010

The difference between try and triumph is just a little umph!

Oh how I heart that quote!  One of the buildings that I supervise, one of the residents has this quote on their window and I love seeing it every time I get into my car.

So I really want to TRIumph over my weight loss journey and stick with my fitness and healthy eating for the rest of my life.  So I will TRY, TRY, and TRY some more.  And when I'm feeling like I cannot try any longer, I will put some UMPH in my workouts and my eating habits.

After kickboxing today I went to Target and bought the Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred because I was inspired by other blogs to do it.  So I will start the workout in November since there is exactly 30 days in the month.  Get excited!!!!!!  Hopefully I will stick with it!

SN: I weigh in tomorrow since I have to leave for a conference tomorrow evening.  Hopefully I will see the scale go down rather than up!

October 25, 2010

The 20-Minute, 300-Calorie Treadmill Challenge

My new workout that I will do on my off running days.  Kind of excited to try it out.


Minutes: 0:00-3:00
Miles Per Hour: 3.0Incline: 1
Minutes: 3:00-3:30MPH: 3.5Incline: 2
Minutes: 3:30-4:00MPH: 3.5      Incline: 4
Minutes: 4:00-4:30       MPH: 3.5Incline: 6
Minutes: 4:30-5:00MPH: 3.5Incline: 7
Minutes: 5:00-6:00       MPH: 4.0Incline: 1
Minutes: 7:00-7:30MPH: 4.5Incline: 2
Minutes: 7:30-8:00MPH: 4.5Incline: 4
Minutes: 8:00-8:30       MPH: 4.5        Incline: 6
Minutes: 8:30-9:00       MPH: 4.5Incline: 7
Minutes: 9:00-10:00      MPH: 3.5Incline: 1
Minutes: 10:00-11:00MPH: 6.0Incline: 1
Minutes: 11:00-12:00    MPH: 3.5Incline: 1
Minutes: 12:00-12:30MPH: 5.0Incline: 2
Minutes: 12:30-13:00MPH: 5.0Incline: 4
Minutes: 13:00-13:30    MPH: 5.0Incline: 6
Minutes: 13:30-14:00MPH: 5.0Incline: 7
Minutes: 14:00-16:00MPH: 3.5Incline: 1
Minutes: 16:00-17:00MPH: 6.0Incline: 1
Minutes: 17:00-20:00MPH: 3.0Incline: 1

Rule your mind or it will rule you.

My motivation for today:

"Rule your mind or it will rule you."

This quote is so TRUE!  Everything we do in life is really based on how we think.  If we walk into a situation and think that is going to be negative, then more than likely it will be.  Our mind sets us up for either failure or GREATNESS!  I am trying to transform my mind to think nothing but GREATNESS.

Today for prime example:  I did my running program and I was STRUGGLING!  My mind was telling me to just stop, get off the treadmill and walk away.  But I told myself no!!!!!!!  I could finish the program and I just thought about how great I would feel afterwards.

Lately, my mind has been thinking very negative about my weight loss and my exercising but I refuse to let  think that way any longer.  I am making a commitment to myself to think nothing but positive things and to do things that will help me with my journey rather than harm me.

First two steps to my commitment is waking up in the morning to wake up and stop making up excuses.

October 23, 2010

Busy Day Crockpot Chicken and Rice (3.5 PTS)




1 LB boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 cans 98% fat-free cream of chicken soup
1 can 98% fat-free cream of mushroom soup
1 box chicken flavor rice-a-roni

Put chicken and soups into the crockpot, turn on low for 8-10 hours. When you get home, cook the rice according to package directions. Serve the chicken and gravy over rice.
Easily Doubles!  Per Serving: 173 Calories; 2g Fat; 28g Protein; 10g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 66mg Cholesterol; 317mg Sodium.





* I added veggies in it... The picture really doesn't do it justice lol

Train like a Marine eat like a Model

My 200th post!!!!!

Wow!  That is exciting!

Well this is my daily motivation for today.  My friend was motivating me after my emotional breakdown and he said something to me that just all made since, and it was kind of cute.  He told me "HerBrina, you train like a marine, now its time for you to eat like a model."  I thought that was the best advice he has ever given me.

With this quote it gave me an idea to write down mini motivational sayings and even people's stories and post them around my house.  So when I am feeling weary I can just read one of them and get recharged!

SN:  I will be finishing my first week of my running program tomorrow!!!!! I downloaded some new music to keep me from being bored when I am on the treadmill, yay!

October 22, 2010

Just for fun :o)

So I just joined twitter last month I believe.....  And I am following TheDailyVirgo.  Though we shouldn't believe in this stuff.... Here are some things that fits my personality very well:



  • A Virgo woman is very self conscious and hates rejections, so she will disclose her feelings for you until she feels you feel the same way
  • A Virgo woman becomes shy and speaks less in the presence of someone she really likes.
  • A Virgo woman plays "hard to get" b/c she has to have time to scope u out and be sure of your motives. Be cool, she is worth the challenge
  • Virgo women are not big flirts, but when flirting is initiated first they can adapt well. 
  • You've got to make it clear to a Virgo woman that you like her. Make her feel like she is the one and only person u are interested in.
  • If you like a Virgo woman, be straightforward with her. She appreciates an aggressive male and will not be into games.
  • Virgo women are good for passing comments. She wont come out and say"hey I like u", but "i like your smile" is a sure sign she is interested
  • Virgo women have a hard time communicating, their mind does not allow them to relax. Expressing your feelings first is what they expect.
  • Virgo can b hard to read.They hate feelin vulnerable and r afraid of rejection, the more they like u, the more they will try to conceal it
  • Virgo women will show subtle signs that they like you. The staring and eye contact is a very good sign that she's interested.
  • Virgo will wnt to spend alot of time with the person they like. Time is precious, and they will never waste it on someone they don't like
  • Virgo find it hard 2trust ppl, they r very sensitive and easily hurt.if they share intimate details with u that is a sure sign of attraction
  • Virgo will be annoyed by this 160 character limit, for they have alot to say! LOL
  • If you are texting a Virgo, make sure you spell check for Virgo will be annoyed by typos.
  • The dainty Virgo woman is attracted to the strong man who is sincere and doesn't try too hard.

Making My Steps Firm

After my emotional breakdown yesterday, I had to find encouragement from my Father (heavenly Father that is) and this is what He gave me:


"If the LORD delights in a woman's way, He makes her steps firm; though she stumble, she will not fall, for the LORD upholds her with his hand." Psalm 37:23-24


On my weight loss journey I know I will have days where I just want to throw the towel in and just quit.  I will also have days where I am feeling great and looking good.  Throughout my journey I will feel discouraged but I need to remember that I have a great support system in my family, friends, and God.  No matter how I stumble, He is right there holding my hand, dusting me off, giving me strength to keep going.  So I will not give up no matter how many times I stumble.  I know my God wants me to be healthy and fit, so why quit or give up when the prize at the end is so glorious (lol)

October 21, 2010

Operation get out of the 200s

Here is my game plan(and I WILL BE COMMITTED TO IT) for Operation get out of the 200s:

  • Veggies MUST fill half of my plate
  • Drink 90 oz of water a day
  • at least 30 minutes of cardio a day
  • No excuses at all
  • Daily Devotional to motivate me about my journey
  • Stick with my running programs
  • Track EVERYTHING!
  • Attend every single WW meeting (no matter what)
  • Take vitamins
  • Go out to eat once a month
  • Blog everyday!
  • Stick to my mini rewards

Veggie Cheese Soup= 1 pnt



The soup was quite yummy and filling.  I love crockpot recipes!


Veggie Cheese Soup
1 cup = 1 point

3 cans FF chicken broth
1 can Rotel tomatoes
Two-1 lb. bags of zero Point vegetables
10 oz. Velveeta light cheese

Simmer first 3 ingredients about 45 minutes.  Add Velveeta.  Heat until melted and mixed in.

Frustrated

Moment of truth: 


So I have a weight problem.  I have been a yo-yoer my whole life and its really frustrating.  This past year I have been at my heaviest at 253lbs.  This past summer I was down 50lbs and was feeling good about myself.  


Since I moved I have been struggling with my weight loss and have gained almost 20lbs.  I am just FRUSTRATED and really in need of some support.  


One thing that I am struggling with is losing the weight for me and not comparing myself to others.  We live in the world where "fat" is ugly and being a plus size woman it hurts to see that.


I am just really disappointed in myself......  Sorry just having a moment....

October 20, 2010

Finding my love of exercise again

Day 2 of my running program= completed!!!!

I feel great about being consistent with my workouts.  Though this week my monthly friend is here visiting me.  With my monthly friend comes cramps and my boobies are super sensitive.  They hurt when I run!!!!! Sometimes being a girl sucks, ugh!

I am trying to get my eating under control because that is what is really holding me back from my full potential.  For extra accountability my trainer is weighing and measuring me every week and lets say the numbers are going the wrong way.  She didn't yell at me or anything but I can tell by her look that she was very disappointed.  She was like you are working out HARD but you can't tell because you go back and eat bad.   Ugh! I felt horrible about that, because I am working hard, especially with her but you can't tell by my numbers.

Why do I love food so much?!  Ugh!!!!!  One of my challenges is living and working on campus.  With my job, they provide food for me, so instead of cooking for myself I go to the Dining Center (so I won't waste money).  The dining center is basically all you can eat and they have healthy choices but you have to have a mindset to pick the healthy meals.  To overcome this challenge, every week I am providing my trainer with the menus of the Dining Centers and she is highlighting the best choices for me to eat.

I just really want to get FAR FAR FAR AWAY from the 200s and I know I have to be committed about my changes.

SN: I love this song!  I rock out to it in my car everyday!


October 18, 2010

My goals/rewards for myself

So I have decided to break down my weight loss in many goals because I have ALOT to lose.  Every 5 lbs I will reward myself.  So based off of my weight now ( I am 216 and I want to get to 130) I need to lose 86 pounds.  Here is the breakdown for my goals w/my rewards:

5- buy a fly gym bag
10-new earrings
15- Get a Mani
20-buy some new workout clothes
25- buy a new pair of jeans
30- Get a Pedi
35-facial
40-30 minute Massage
45- Visit UCM
50-Make over
55-ride the ferry across Lake MI
60-Ugg boots
65-Sexy black dress
70-Hour long massage
75-All day spa experience
80- Kindle
85-Shopping Spree
Goal- Photo Shoot!

Hot Dance!

The best interlude ever!

8 week Running workout....

So I know I am always staring a running program and never finishing, ugh which sucks lol.  I REALLY want to finish this running program and say that I am a runner.  Its all a mind set thing so I just have to make sure my mind doesn't give up first.....  Anyways, the other day I decided to train for a marathon (I know I really have some high ambitions for myself but I always say go big or go home lol).  Since I decided doing that people have been giving me some good advice and encouragement.  My one friend gave me this 8 week training program to get me started w/running.   Its pretty neat!  I like the motivating quotes for each week.  Check it out:

Week 1
"Sit as little as possible. Give no credence to any thought that was not born outdoors while moving about freely."
--Friedrich Nietzsche
WkMonTuesWedsThursFriSatSun
1
Run & Walk
Run 1 min
Walk 2 min
Repeat 10X
Walk
Walk easy 30 min
Run & Walk
Run 1 min
Walk 2 min
Repeat 10X
Walk
Walk easy 30 min
Run & Walk
Run 1 min
Walk 2 min
Repeat 10X
Run & Walk
Run 1 min
Walk 2 min
Repeat 10X
Rest
Training tip: 
To fuel up for your workout, have a piece of fruit or an energy bar about 2 hours before you lace up your shoes. An hour later, drink 8 ounces of a sports drink. The drink will ensure that you are fully hydrated, and also that you have sufficient sodium and potassium for a healthy workout.

Week 2
"Don't bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself."
--William Faulkner
WkMonTuesWedsThursFriSatSun
2
Run & Walk
Run 2 min
Walk 1 min
Repeat 10X
Walk
Walk easy 30 min
Run & Walk
Run 3 min
Walk 1 min
Repeat 7X
Run 2 min
Walk
Walk easy 30 min
Run & Walk
Run 4 min
Walk 1 min
Repeat 6X
Run & Walk
Run 4 min
Walk 1 min
Repeat 6X
Rest
Training tip: 
Always walk 2 to 3 minutes for a warmup before you begin your workout, and walk another 2 to 3 minutes as a cooldown afterward. Don't stretch before running. Save it for after your workout or in the evening while you're watching TV.

Week 3
"Obstacles are those frightening things that become visible when we take our eyes off our goals."
--Henry Ford
WkMonTuesWedsThursFriSatSun
3
Run & Walk
Run 5 min
Walk 1 min
Repeat 5X
Walk
Walk easy 30 min
Run & Walk
Run 5 min
Walk 1 min
Repeat 5X
Walk
Walk easy 30 min
Run & Walk
Run6 min
Walk 1 min
Repeat 4X
Run 2 min
Run & Walk
Run 6 min
Walk 1 min
Repeat 4X
Run 2 min
Rest
Training tip: 
Hold your arms comfortably at your sides while running, aiming for maximum relaxation. Bend them 90 degrees at the elbows, and move them forward and back at your waist. Bend your fingers into a relaxed grasp, and don't let your hands sway back and forth across the middle of your torso.
Week 4
"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."
--Theodore Roosevelt
WkMonTuesWedsThursFriSatSun
4
Run & Walk
Run 8 min
Walk 1 min
Repeat 3X
Run 3 min
Walk
Walk easy 30 min
Run & Walk
Run 9 min
Walk 1 min
Repeat 3X
Walk
Walk easy 30 min
Run & Walk
Run 10 min
Walk 1 min
Repeat 2X
Run 8 min
Run & Walk
Run 11 min
Walk 1 min
Repeat 2X
Run 6 min
Rest
Training tip:
In hot, sunny weather, wear sunscreen, sunglasses (to relax your facial muscles), and a visor or cap to keep the sun off your face. Expect to run slower in particularly hot, humid weather, and take more walking breaks as necessary. Run in the early morning or late evening if you can.

Week 5
"Sweat cleanses from the inside. It comes from places a shower will never reach."
--Dr. George Sheehan
WkMonTuesWedsThursFriSatSun
5
Run & Walk
Run 12 min
Walk 1 min
Repeat 2X
Run 4 min
Walk
Walk easy 30 min
Run & Walk
Run 13 min
Walk 1 min
Repeat 2X
Run 2 min
Walk
Walk easy 30 min
Run & Walk
Run 14 min
Walk 1 min
Repeat 2X
Run & Walk
Run 15 min
Walk 1 min
Run 14 min
Rest
Training tip: 
On occasion, skip your running and walking workout and do a cross-training workout instead. Bike for 30 to 40 minutes, try the elliptical trainer in a gym, or join a circuit weight-training class. The break from running will refresh you, and you'll learn new skills while developing new muscles.

Week 6
"You can have anything you want, if you want it badly enough. You can be anything you want to be, if you hold that desire with singleness of purpose."
--Abraham Lincoln
WkMonTuesWedsThursFriSatSun
6
Run & Walk
Run 16 min
Walk 1 min
Run 13 min
Walk
Walk easy 30 min
Run & Walk
Run 17 min
Walk 1 min
Run 12 min
Walk
Walk easy 30 min
Run & Walk
Run 18 min
Walk 1 min
Run 11 min
Run & Walk
Run 19 min
Walk 1 min
Run 10 min
Rest
Training tip: 
Running is a great way to build strong bones, but you also need plenty of calcium--1,000 milligrams a day, or 1,500 milligrams if you're over age 50. Drink a glass or two of low-fat milk per day, or enjoy a cup or two of low-fat yogurt or cottage cheese. Dark green, leafy vegetables are another great calcium source.

Week 7
"Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go."
--T.S. Eliot
WkMonTuesWedsThursFriSatSun
7
Run & Walk
Run 20 min
Walk 1 min
Run 9 min
Run & Walk
Run 20 min
Walk 1 min
Run 9 min
Run & Walk
Run 22 min
Walk 1 min
Run 7 min
Walk
Walk easy 30 min
Run & Walk
Run 24 min
Walk 1 min
Run 5 min
Run & Walk
Run 26 min
Walk 1 min
Run 3 min
Rest
Training tip: 
Beginning runners often develop shin splints or sore knees. These pains should pass quickly if you treat them immediately with ice packs after your workouts. Put a bag of frozen peas on your shins or knees for 15 minutes. If the pain persists, take several days off before beginning your training program again.

Week 8
"One cannot consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar."
--Helen Keller
WkMonTuesWedsThursFriSatSun
8
Run & Walk
Run 27 min
Walk 1 min
Run 2 min
Walk
Run 20 min
Walk 1 min
Run 9 min
Run & Walk
Run 28 min
Walk 1 min
Run 1 min
Walk
Walk easy 30 min
Run & Walk
Run 29 min
Walk 1 min
Run & Walk
Run 30 min
Rest
Training tip: 
For clean air and healthy lungs, try not to do your workouts at the side of a busy street or during rush-hour traffic. Find low-traffic streets where any exhaust will be dispersed quickly. Even better, as often as possible, try to run in greenbelts--in parks, on bike trails, around reservoirs, and the like.Success may come quickly to you as a beginning runner, but the race is never won. Run for life.

October 17, 2010

My love

Penny for your thoughts

Love like....

What it's like to date a Virgo Woman:

A Virgo woman is earthly and she may seem cold and detached, but underneath the timid, reserved surface lies the real woman, a strong, passionate woman with a great capacity for strong devoted love. She will play hard to get, she is hard to get for she is worried about exposing her emotional vulnerabilities and getting hurt. She requires patience and you will have to court her and work hard to impress her. Once she is in love, it is for the long term. She will be devoted, loyal and make you very happy and even put a little order in your life. Virgo woman is conservative and old fashioned, a typical woman who is perfect for the man who loves a challenge and likes to take a relationship slow.


How To Attract Virgo:

Virgos need intellectual stimulation. Impress them with facts and details. Always try to come to conclusions when having a conversation, they do not like topics that go nowhere, they like conversations to come to a close or consensus, even if you agree to disagree. They are very conventional people so do not do anything spontaneous or force them to make a hasty decision, they take their time and think intensely in their mind. They are not slow, their brain is working evaluating everything. Do not attempt to probe inside their mind because their emotions are pretty much closed off until the relationship is solid, and they will decide when that time will be. Virgos are natural worriers, do not let this get to you. Do not give them cause to worry because this makes them get wound up like a spring. Let Virgo take the lead, they like to be in control of what is happening. Keep the date tasteful and do not be vulgar, they like calm and classy surroundings and people.

courtesy of http://zodiac-signs-astrology.com/zodiac-signs/virgo.htm

October 16, 2010

New fav!

North Park University Step Team

Yesterday I went to as Student Diversity Leadership Conference at North Park University in Chicago and it was a blast (though I am dead tired now).  At the beginning session they had their step team perform for us and they were off the hook!!!  This video really do not give them any justice but its still good.  It brings me joy when I see young people praising Jesus name in creative ways.

October 11, 2010

My Home Visit in pictures

So I went home for like 4 days as a surprise for my dad and my sister.  It was my sister's last home vball game and when I walked in they were in shocked to see me (both of them start to cry).  Also while I was home I got my hair did!  Oh it was my sister's homecoming as well.









October 03, 2010

This weeks motivation

I have joined Miss Haneefa's 15 in 15 challenge- lose 15lbs in 15 weeks.  This is my motivation to get back to my weight loss journey.  The first week was this past Friday and I am down 2.2lbs (yay me lol).  So with this challenge she posts mini challenges for us to participate in.  So this is this week's mini challenge:


This week's Bonus Challenge: Sunday night, prepare what workouts you will do this week.  Try to be active at least 3 times for an hour, if you can combine cardio and strengh training. If you have a blog post what you will do.

Sunday- 30 minute treadmill
Monday- 60 minute PT
Tuesday- 30 minute treadmill
Wednesday- 30 minute treadmill (Weigh in day)
Thursday- 60 minute aerobics class
Friday- 60 minute aerobics class
Saturday 60 minute aerobics class