Rinks at 6 months... Bald little cutie.

Packin' Up... Movin' Out.

Hey Folks,

I wanted to let you all know that I will be moving this Blog here- http://freedingo.blogspot.com. Why? You ask. Well, as it turns out I will be writing in the new LiveSouthNash magazine as a columnist of sorts and will include my blog in each article. That being said, Ashley (the hubby) asked me if I would, for the love of God, take him off the damn blog. His words. Not mine. So I will keep this blog for friends and family to keep up with pictures of the family and such, but will continue my writings (and my challenge) on the new blog. So PLEEEEESE follow me on this new blog as I will be trying to build it up in my quest for World Domination. Also, I wanted to tell all of you who currently read this (who are you? I have no idea, but I appreciate you) that I want to expand my challenge and "Keep The Change" movement to go beyond me. As much as I love to talk about myself (let's be honest), I do tire of writing about myself and would love to hear from you and your challenge to change something in your life. In doing so, I will intermittedly post some of your stories of change and inspiration so that we can all grow from them for the better. So from here on out, please follow me on my new blog... and join in!! What is something that you would like to change? How can you get unstuck, to get out of your rut? It could be physical, spiritual, relationship, or financial. The sky is the limit.

mg

Day 14- Fit Happens

Weekend update: A Nacho/Pasta/Cheeseburger Food Orgy. It wasn't good. No weight loss- huge shocker.

Coming off of this weekend I am more inspired than ever to get back on track and push toward my goal. So in doing this, I scheduled a consult with a local trainer, let's call her Kristin. I make my way to the gym amidst the falling snow (seriously, are we in Alaska?), anxious for my consult with a professional to guide me in my fitness goals. And so I arrive, and I wait. And I wait. And I wait. Apparently Kristin has double booked herself and is busy with another consult. I try to brush off my annoyance and put on my happy face when she FINALLY arrives, looking forward to her much needed advice. She greets me in a tone that is less than enthusiastic, and begins taking my stats. This is when I find out how where I stand in the fitness world. As it turns out, I am a lard ass. With 37% body fat, it ain't good folks. Kristin makes sure to tell me this, twice. I begin telling her about my 60-day challenge and she looks at me as if I am growing a third arm out of my forehead, so I just shut my mouth instead and listen to her tell me that vegtables are good, sugar is bad, and to work out 5 days a week. Genius, Kristin, Genius. So to make a long story even longer, my visit with the "professional" was pointless and depressing. I guess the lesson here is, if you're gonna get something done, you gotta do it yourself. So I have decided to plan my fitness training with three days of 45 minutes Cardio and two days of Weight Training and 30 minute Cardio, no thanks to Kristin.

Oh heavenly day

Last night's dinner was my cheat meal for the week and I have been gearing up for the past couple of days, preparing myself for it like I was an Olympic competitive eater. My pick for this illicit rendevous was Mama Mia's in Nashville (if you have not been there, stop what you are doing and run there right now, run I say!) and my food mistress did not disappoint. Let's be clear, I have no restrictions on my cheat meal, it is a no judgement zone where I am free to let my inner fat girl run wild (whose name happens to be Edna- stay out of her way because she will cut a bitch- you've been warned). So there we sat, Edna and I, and indulged in bruschetta and calamari to start. Then made our way to the bread sticks that I'm pretty sure were fried in garlic butter and almost brought me to a Meg Ryan re-enactment in "When Harry Met Sally." I chose the seafod fetticine Alfredo for my main course, and even though I am starting to realize I have a possible shellfish allergy, it was totally worth the hives and throat swelling. It's a small price to pay... For Edna's sake. So now it's back to business until next week.

Day 11: She's a Maniac, Maniac on the Floor...

Let's gather around shall we to form the Circle of Truth. Confession: I need an attitude adjustment. For the last two weeks I have been avoiding cardio like Howie Mandel at a hand shaking convention. So tonight I decided that I am going to convince myself that I love cardio- that cardio is my life. And you know what? It worked! I got on that Ellyptical machine (my former arch nemesis) and turned up my IPod louder than safe or necessary and for the next 30 minutes I pretended that I was starring in every music video to the song playing. While daydreaming that I am Fergie I begin to notice a few looks being tossed my way. Oh yes, Mama is back, I think to myself. I am wearing my capri leggings with fitted v-neck top (I am a firm believer that if you dress the part, your performance is better- this applies to many areas in life by the way) and so I am feeling pretty confident and in top form. However, as I look closer in the mirror, I realize in horror that these stretch capri leggings aren't actually supposed to stretch this much which has resulted in what appears to be more pantyhose-like mesh than actual pants. Needless to say, showing my ass took on a whole new meaning for me and my fellow gym members tonight. You're welcome.

All inappropriate nudity aside, my goal is to make it to 45 minutes at least 4 times a week, but like I said earlier, baby steps. I am now starting to understand that I am going to have to step up my game if I am going to make my goal while keeping it feasible to a lifestyle adaptation. So here's to change within the change!

Day 9- Me Want Cookies!!

Setting: Subway Restaurant, Lunch time...

Me: Hi. I will have the 6 inch turkey breast, wheat, toasted, with lettuce, peppers, and vinegar.

Subway sandwich artist: Hey! You no come in here for a while. Where you been?

Me: I...er... uh... have been busy, so yeah, I guess it's been awhile.

Subway sandwich artist: You no want cookie today?

Me: No thanks, not today.

Subway sandwich artist: You always get cookies! You no want cookies anymore! (laughing)

Me: (Sigh) No. (Truth? I would have traded my dog, sorry Buddy, for a cookie right then but I am making baby steps.)

Point? You know it's bad when the subway sandwich artist mocks your ability to "step away from the cookie."
Either way, Mandi- 1. Cookie- 0. A Change is comin' people!!

Tweak it Out

Day 8: I. Am. Exhausted. I have a sneaking suspicion that my 5 month old is teething. This has been confirmed in the last 24 hours where I have gotten less than 5 hours of sleep and a very grumpy boy on my hands. Needless to say, this has affected my motivation to go to the gym today (i.e.-my fat ass hasn't come within 2 miles of a weight machine) but I have redeemed myself with a modest diet. I have come to realize that I need to tweak my workout routine in order to achieve the most effective results (as opposed to now where I go in and mindlessly wonder around the weight room like Britney Spears at a Library) so I am going to consult a professional to put together a routine. I have a feeling that more cardio is in my immediate future. Watch out love handles, I'm looking at you!

P.S.- I have decided that I will post my progress more than once a week, since it keeps me more accountable. I will start posting daily so keep checking back!