Commitment Day 5K

Hey NeverEver's!

Sorry I have been MIA recently. Yesterday my computer wouldn't even type! But now it is back to normal which I am so happy that it is. I am not afraid to say I was going through a panic mode thinking I broke my computer!!

Also, with the bad news, might as well get it out all at once, my assignment ended over at that Property Management company. I was expecting it so I am not surprised. Already looking for a new assignment, or maybe, a regular job that doesn't come through a temp agency. We will see how my it goes.

Okay on to the good news. I swear I have some ^_^

I have decided to do my first 5K on New Years Eve and not for the Color Run. The Twitter chat on Tuesday with FitFluential gave me that final push!

I am going to be doing the Los Angeles Commitment Day 2013! Although technically its really Long Beach not Los Angeles.

So I have been walking 3.2 miles everyday with my Challenge exercises.

I don't expect to run the race, I am not even expecting to jog it all but I want to see what I can do. I want to know how it feels to finish something like this.

Also, to see how much my time can improve between the Commitment Day 5K & the Color Run in February!

Here is the route that I will be taking. I know this area pretty well and I am thinking about going to try walk this before 1/1/13 to get the feel of the place. If not I might have to rely on m memory of the place. But it shouldn't be that hard. Either way I will let you guys know about it!

On Wednesday we were supposed to eat at least 3 servings of vegetables before 2pm. I didn't make it for Breakfast (what sleep was amazing) but my lunch was SkinnyTastes - Beef Quinoa Soup but I added more veggies in it. Like carrots, green beans, onions & tomatoes. Made for a very filling delicious and vegetable full soup. And it was all before 2pm!

Although I am sure I didn't make the 3 full servings I had more for lunch then ever before. So I am pretty happy!

Joining both of these together. Because well...It was easier to copy / paste it all together instead of separating them. 

These exercises I am still feeling them and my clothes are getting loser! Which is of course the best part of all this working out. I haven't weighed myself in a while, but if I am judging things by my clothes I am doing a great job! 

Okay NeverEver's, really wish me luck on getting ready for this 5k that is coming!! 

Pictures, Pictures & More Pictures

Hey NeverEver's,

I am drawing a blank on what to write today. So I wanted to share some pictures of last night's dinner, snack time and other things.

Ya I know this is different...hope you like it!

I got a new workout shirt just for the Holidays! What I love is that the XL is actually big on me! 

Last nights dinner was some steak in BBQ sauce and white rice. Just the right amount of kick and southern style. Loved it!

Cottage cheese and grapes was the great ending for the night. I happen to like cottage cheese more then yogurt.

Then there was dinner.

Dinner tonight was interesting. It was turkey stuffing with carrots & apples and Chicken. Never used stuffing like this before but it was delicious. 

Okay so that is the end of the photo barrage. I do hope you all have enjoyed the trip ^_^. Now it is time to get all my physical challenges done!

Oh Challenge Updates!

Today was all about packing a healthy snack and sharing it at work. Well my co-workers aren't much of the sharing but I did offer. Today's snack was navel oranges & natural almonds. Very delicious if I do say so myself!

Today was all about #cozy and I had the perfect thing to share! My mother in law is getting into knitting and she knitted me a infinity scarf! It is so warm and cozy! Thank you second Mother!

Okay gotta get on with those challenges! See you all tomorrow!!

Twitter Chats & Challenges

Hey NeverEver's!

It looks like I am getting in the habit of late night posts. I am gonna say it is because of my traffic on the way home and well...not sure. But, I do hope that it isn't to bad for you East Coasters!

Okay so on to other subjects! Like my challenges!

So today was Day 8 - Have a Salad and make your own Salad Dressing. I had an idea, I knew what I was going to do...and it never happened. To tell the truth I really wasn't sure what happened. One moment I was going to make sure yogurt ranch and the next thing I woke up without having a salad made and work was calling.

Today wasn't a good #elf4health day. Plus my elf Casey got sick. Which is horrible because her semester is almost done and I think she had a test one day soon. Hopefully she is feeling better!

My #hlgDec2Rem wasn't much better then my #elf4health. Because well there was no salad...and left overs were at home. So it was an eat out day. Not the best decision I made this week. BUT I did workout so that makes it worth it!

Tomorrow is another day! A better day with home cooked / re-heated foods!

#Holidayaday was a success! My neighborhood is really getting into the Holiday season! So here is my Red of the day! Mickey was just so big and red! I couldn't pass him up without a picture!

After getting back from my walk (and Mickey!) it was time to get the #closeoutworkout done and done!

13 Burpee's (I think these things might be getting easier)
13 Lunges (my legs are seriously feeling it)
13 Squats
13 Push Up's (still doing the girl push ups)
13 Crunches (my ab's still hurt)

So apparently I don't have ABC Family and the 25 day's of Christmas. Which really hit me hard. I have always watched the 25 day's of Christmas and now I don't have it. BUT I did find one of my favorite Christmas Movie!

Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer on CBS. My favorite song is the 'Silver and Gold'. Such an awesome Christmas Music! Plus it was on the bucket list which made it all the sweeter for the hubby and I.

I got another 50 squats done. I am thinking sometime this week doing another 50 burpee's again. I did it once and I can do it again! Maybe do it on Friday before leaving to Vegas ^_~

Also before I forget I wanted to share with you all #fitblog chats that happen every Tuesday at 9pm EST & 6pm PST (my time). It is just a great time all around where you can talk about fitness, healthy living, and motivation. You can join in from twitter and I would highly recommend it!

One other thing, FitFluential also does have a chat on Tuesdays usually. But you do have to check their website for information. Like today it was #activeandwell hosted by GaiamTV & FitFluential. Great twitter chat.

Okay NeverEver's, that is it for tonight. My ab's are feeling it and I am ready for some sleep! Hope you all have had a great Tuesday!

What I am doing - December!

Hey NeverEver's!

Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Rock! Yup its my favorite time of year where the lights go around the Christmas Tree, you get together with Friends and Family, you sign songs that you have known since a little one and you get to kiss under the mistletoe!

So far I got the tree!

I plan to take a better picture, but wouldn't you know as soon as I want to take a picture the batteries are dead? Doesn't that happen to everyone?

This one is one of my favorite pictures so far!

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree, How your lights are shinning!

But December is also a time for changes. The snow is on the ground (at least in other places outside of So. Cal) and things are still growing under all that snow and ice. That is the part that I always love about this season. Things are beginning again.

So on that note I wanted to share with you all my calendar and my plans for this wonderful month!
 

Click Me!

You all know this challenge! Amazing one that is having us doing either 50 Burpee's or 50 Squats a day from Thanksgiving to New Years Day.

Click Me!

This is another one from ChallengeLoop and from Courtney @SweetToothSweetLife! So the basis is that we can all do 2,012 reps of 1 - 5 exercises between December 1st & 31st. 

For this challenge I am doing!

burpees - 13 a day
crunches - 13 a day
lunges - 13 a day
squats - 13 a day
push-ups - 13 a day

Shouldn't be to hard right? Ya I am really looking forward to getting all these exercises in!

Now this challenge just makes sense. Jan from over at Healthy Loser Gal came up with a simple no nonsense plan that includes Planning the Meals, Exercising 4 outta 7 days, and Monitoring the food! The perfect thing needed for the Holiday season!

Click Me!

This one is amazing! Its all about following the unique challenge everyday with the other elves! My elf for the first half of this challenge is amazing! Casey is such an inspiration on healthy eating!  

Click Me!

Now this one is going to be fun! I would hope that if you have instagram or twitter join up! Rules are to take a picture of what is in the day! 

My festive for the day was of course my tree! 

Click Me!

And this one is such a cute idea! Pick out 1 thing to do with a loved one for the next 24 days and you do them. Doesn't have to be fitness related just together related! 

Today's together with the Hubby was...the tree of course! 

So my goal this Month is to complete all these challenges. Be they fun, silly, fitness, or healthy eating! I say that it will keep me happy, healthy and probably sore from fitness! 

I do hope that if you haven't already then you will join some of these awesome challenges! 

The Post that Almost Wasn't!

Hey NeverEver's,

I came home tired, I left work tired. To put it simply I was exhausted and in no mood to do anything more strenuous then eating some dinner. But let me start at the beginning.

This morning I was supposed to wake up 15 minutes early to meditate for the #elf4health challenge. So today of all mornings it was my duty as a challenge-ie to wake up early and to do my style of 'meditation'. Which is to think about things that have made me happy. Things that I am grateful for!

Well today of all days both me AND the Hubby sleep in. Yup even he didn't catch the alarm clock. I am thinking it was the weather. Anyways, it was a 'rush-rush-rush' just to get to work on time. But, I did have enough time to snag this!

Winter is coming late to So Cal. We still have the leaves on the tree & the ground. But it was a wonderful rainy day! This started to make things better. I love the rain and how fresh everything seems!

Made it to work with about 5 mins to spare. Really don't like cutting it that close at all! Happily I did have one thing waiting for me once I got there. Which made my morning that much better!

That's right Starbucks Christmas Blend coffee with a peach fruit cup and chex mix. This is the first time I have EVER had Chex Mix and I have to say that I liked it.

Wasn't all that happy with how messy it was at times, but the taste was good and it hit the spot for a girl who didn't have breakfast.

However, that is where it starts going down hill. Work was stressful and well that is enough said about that.

So once I got home I was exhausted. I had even posted

I gave myself a free pass not to do today. Not because I was away from the computer, not because I was sick...but because I was tired and didn't feel like it.

And I allowed myself to be okay with that. Not posting. Not doing my challenge exercise (challengeloop) and not doing my meditation (elf4health).

But then I started thinking. Wasn't this the same thing as giving myself a free pass to not workout? Wasn't this the same attitude that allowed me to have sweets and not in moderation? Wasn't it this attitude that I wanted to kick in the @ss?

After thinking about it I asked myself 2 questions.

1. Was I on the computer?  Answer - Yes
2. Was I about to fall asleep?  Answer - No

So why wasn't I writing my nightly post?

The answer was that I was allowing that 'attitude' that it was 'OKAY' not to do what I needed to do. That it was 'OKAY' not to work hard and keep at it.

Well it wasn't at all 'OKAY'. So I put down the computer and did my fitness challenge!

Then I made myself sit away from all the noise (hubby was playing BlackOp's) and the computer. I made myself sit down for 15 mins and think about what I was grateful for. I meditated!

And I found out that it was possible for me to sit quitely, by myself, for 15 mins and just...be happy. I didn't fall asleep...I didn't start thinking of all the things I needed to do. I just thought about things that made me happy.

Wanna know one of the top things that kept coming into my mind? I mean besides the Hubby!

The Blogging World. The people I have met while doing challenges, my readers, the exercises (that was a shocker), and the things I have seen this blog do!

So now I just had to write about it. But I still didn't want to share my weakness. I didn't want to share that this post almost wasn't. But I needed to. I needed to share with everyone...and especially myself that I can overcome that 'OKAY' attitude.

The post is almost at its end and I am so happy that I did it. I exercised, I meditated, and I overcame! 

Now it really is time for bed. Those Squats aren't getting any easier...or maybe I am still sore from the Burpee's.

So NeverEver's, How do you over come that 'OKAY' attitude? Especially, when you know that attitude isn't okay?

Officially challenge crazy!

Hey NeverEver's,

So my calendar is really full right now. Not with Holiday stuff although I am sure that is coming soon...but with challenge stuff.

The really cool thing about it? I am STILL filling it up! I just recently joined 2 other challenges (yes I think I am going crazy) that I will be adding to my calendar.

But, I have recently found out from my Around the Plate challenge that I really do like them. I plan ahead and I work harder when I have something to keep me accountable.

I have so far done 6 days of physical activity from Fit Happens Holiday Challenge on ChallengeLoop. Which is more then I have ever done before. Really 6 days of doing something physical is something I did but I have't wrapped my head around it yet.

Soo I found out that I was a little early on one of the challenges.

Yup that 1. was supposed to stand for December 1st not actually 1. So now that I know that I am going to re-start on Saturday. No repeat pictures I promise!

Oh and before I forget someone was amazing enough to create a Facebook event! So get going and join!

Okay so the new challenge are these!

First is from HealthyLoserGal!

It is called December to Remember and you can find out ALL about it on Jan's page here. But let me give you a run down!

We will plan our meals out for the week with 1 day of outside foods! Which means shopping for the planned meals and more importantly sticking to the list!

We will be measuring out our food and not just 'eye-balling it'! This one is going to be the hardest part for me but I CAN do it!

There will be bodies moved 4 out of 7 days. I don't think this one is gonna be a challenge at all! One thing I did love that Jan added was the calf raises to do when standing in line! Genius!

And finally the most important part...Accountability! So keep yourself ready to make the best December to Remember by following these simple really well thought out ideas with the #hlgDec2Rem. \

Don't forget to check out Jan's page about all of this because it is in WAY more detailed and just filled with awesomeness!  

Okay so Courtney has found ChallengeLoop. Yup that amazing place I keep on gushing about! And she created a Challenge Called '2012 Closeout Workout Challenge'! 

The whole idea behind this wonderful physical challenge is to end up choosing between 2 - 5 exercises that will end up with 2,012 reps by December 31st. 

Now that isn't as impossible as it sounds. Even for someone who hates math like me. It averages out around 64 reps a day! 

Whats awesome is that you can chose your own exercise! Be it Burpee's, lunges, squats, high knees, butt kicks crunches (nope) and that is just a few! 

So if getting your workout isn't a good enough incentive for this December, well she has prizes. Pretty sweet ones if you ask me!

Of course I am really looking forward to adding my 50 Squats or Burpee's for the Holiday Fit to compliment Coutney's challenge. 

Now on to my favorite challenge to date! #elf4health! 

I can not go on enough about the wonderful people that I am meting with this challenge! I love my elf Casey. Always with some idea and quote!

So today's challenge was to do a new workout that I have NEVER done before and after much considering I decided to do it.

And by it I mean BURPEE'S

Never done them before

Never knew how hard they were

And I did 50 of them! It took me a while, and it wasn't pretty to look at while I was doing them. But I got them done! Have to say I am pretty dang proud of myself!

Plus as an added bonus with me doing 50 Burpee's I also finished the Holiday Fit challenge for today as well!

I am sure that I will feel it tomorrow, actually I know I will but it will be worth it!

Okay so I do have 1 more little ittie bitty challenge that I wanted to share with everyone...Yes I know I am crazy. But I love it!

This one is for the Hubby and me! The idea actually came from my elf Casey from #elf4health, and she got it from @CarrotsnCake 24 days of Togetherness.

It is an amazing idea that is cheap, holiday filled, and just awesome!

So the concept. You write down 1 Holiday themed idea on a piece of paper. Then you or your other picks out 1 of those themes and you do it.

Here are a few of my ideas!

• Go looking at Christmas Lights
• Make some Cinnamon Apple Cider 
• Watch 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' either animated or Jim Carey 
• Wrap Presents and Have some Wine
• Enjoy some red cup's from Starbucks
• Buy a new Ornament for the Holidays
• Send out Holiday Cards to Friends and Family Members
• Bake Holiday Cookies and don't forget to lick the spoon!
• Sing to Holiday Music in the Car
• Go to Griffith Park to see the Lights
• Head to the QueenMary for their Winter Wonderland

That is just a few. 

Okay NeverEver's...that is it. That is all the challenges I will be doing for the rest of this year. It will keep me busy enough. I am looking forward to it but I know I will be busy! 

So have you joined a year end challenge? 

Squats, Christmas Cards & Ginger Snowflakes...Oh My!

Hey NeverEver's!

So today was super busy at work...I barely had time to breath, let alone actually answer calls like I was supposed to. Anyways, I think this post might be a little short. Mainly on account of the time and I am sleepy!

Okay so first off!

The ChallengeLoop Challenge!

Check for COMPLETED! Yes I am very happy with myself on this one. My legs feel like jelly but I did it! I even completed my walk and added the squats to the end of long walk in the park. Yup feel very happy with myself right now.

On to the next one!

So I am having way to much fun with instagram, but that is why it was created. Or so I keep telling myself. Anyways, the challenge for today's #elf4health was to write a handwritten note or send a card. Well I kind of did both. I got my Besties some Christmas Cards and hand wrote a note inside!

Can I have double points for that?

I am of coursing LOVING my Elf Helper! She is amazing, the wonder Casey! Having way to much fun e-mailing each other back and forth.

Just need to get ready for tomorrow's challenge the...'Try a New Workout'. After talking about it with Casey we both decided that it wasn't cheating for me to re-do a workout that I haven't done in months. Mainly cause it FEELS like a new workout.

But I can always need a second opinion...NeverEver's would that be cheating on the challenge to re-do? Let me know!

On to the Next Challenge!

Now this one is fun. Or at least it was until today. I wasn't baking any cookies, none of my co-workers baked any cookies and there was really no way I was going to BUY a Christmas Cookie (regardless how good they looked) just for this challenge.

So, I decided to compromise. I would look at the wonderful Holiday cookies that Martha Stewart puts out on her website, take a picture of one of those AND make it this weekend. Here is what came out!

Doesn't that look like the PERFECT snowflake? Well I have to assume it does since living here in So. Cal I really don't see snowflakes at all.

Here is the recipe for the Gingerbread Snowflake Cookie. I will let you all know how to turns out this weekend!

So that is the challenges. All done and accounted for! Yay me! Here is some other news!

First, there are some amazing people out there and I am being lucky enough to meet them over Twitter and Facebook! If these challenges do nothing else they have really introduced me to some wonderful people!

Second, #fitblog chat that was hosted by Steph from @Kitchenkm was SO much fun! I have been trying to get to these weekly Tuesday chats forever but I just wasn't able to make it. Finally did so today and it was  BLAST! Steph made everyone feel welcome and I swear I will try applesauce as a substitution for butter! Oh and use quinoa for more then just soup.

Okay that is it NeverEver's! Stay warm and safe. Don't forget tomorrow is hump day and we are that much closer to the wonderful weekend.

Manic Week, And it just Started!

Hey NeverEver's!

Welcome to Thanksgiving week...a time when everyone runs around with their heads off. Work is crazier, family is crazier, and sleep seems non-existent. What was sleep again?

So on my drive home I get to go through LAX, which the last 2 nights have been HORRIBLE! Of course all of it Holiday Traffic. But I did run into something (not literally thankfully) that made me laugh

I do oh so love a fan like this! To bad there wasn't a FANSTAR or something like that! But still LOTR is a great book/movie and I am really looking forward to seeing the Hobbit this December!

Found some weekend photos from Island Burgers, you all know we love that spot! Have to say these are pretty handsome pictures ^_~

Gotta love the cheesy grin! We were sitting outside in the patio so the flash really bright! But I still love this photo!

And me all warm in my sweater dress! Have to say I was feeling really brave to be wearing white! Never really done it before but hey it was a night of adventure!

So yesterday, I was in need of some comfort food. I have been craving tomato soup with a sandwich which I have been meaning to make at home...which hasn't happened! Anyways, I stopped by a local place called J. Nichols in Culver City right by my work and I saw it. The cheese and tomato soup combo!

It was everything I wanted...and more! I am seriously wanting to make it at home, maybe this long weekend?

So I am finishing today with my breakfast. Blue Diamond Almonds, Starbucks VIA Christmas Blend Coffee, and a nice and soft Granny Smith Apple! I think this is a perfect fall snack / breakfast thingy.

And that is all my updates for being gone 2 days. Seriously, not enough time in a day!

Heading over to Pavillions to pick up a few more corn on the cobs, more people are coming over for dinner! Thank Goodness I got a 18 pound turkey!!

Really looking forward to the challenge officially starting tomorrow as well. I have been walking the last 2 nights once I got home, my way of relaxing after the traffic. But, it would been nice to throw some squats or burpees in there to get ready for it.

I do hope that some of you join in on this Holiday Challenge!

Okay NeverEver's, I think that is all. Will be showing you all pictures tomorrow!

Until then, be safe and have a wonderful holiday!