Tan, Confident, Proud, Strong, Vulnerable, Motivated, and Courageous

I woke up this morning tan. No, not just a little color, I am SUPER TAN! I like it. I enjoyed the spray tan experience, but I definitely think I'll try the beds out and see how I like that. :) I learned that all those girls that I've known that tell me "a tan will make you feel like a million bucks" were RIGHT! It just makes you feel like a new and improved woman.

Tan Chelsea! :) Haha.

 

 

Today's workout was a good circuit. :) Laura and I always have a great time working out. It's fun to hang out with your friend and be able to do something together that improves and enhances each of ya. :) 

I did sweat a lot and loved the cardio. I feel that the workouts are getting to the point where I'm not as confused and questioning myself. Laura pointed out that my rows have much better form so that was nice, because I have been practicing at home :) 

Laura introduced me to a Kelly Clarkson song, which I couldn't believe I hadn't heard yet, because Kelly is my favorite!!! 
It's called "People Like Us". She had me listen to the lyrics quit a few times haha. She wasn't allowing me to workout without listening to the words. I understand why she wanted me to pay attention....

Please listen to it! :) 
 
It did hit a home run with me. I was holding back tears while we were doing squats. It doesn't just talk about people who fight from nothing and who work to be better and more, but it also talks about a unity...a friendship. 
This song will be my anthem and it will be the anthem of my friendship with Laura and any other people on this planet who are fighting, struggling, working their asses off, and overcoming obstacles! All of you know that you aren't alone! You have me! 

People like us need to stick together! :)     

After workout. :) We always do a cool down walk after our circuits.

 On our walk, Laura and I were talking and I really appreciate when she tells me the changes she has noticed and how proud of me she is. :) I know I'm doing this for me and only me, but I definately know that having a friend to keep accountable with is also a reason to keep pushing. :)

So, Laura offered to do my nails, and I of course took her up on that offer! She does some great gel nails! 

I guess I "wiggle" worse than a child and can't sit still. LOL. 

 

 

 After she did my nails, she took progress pictures (I was in shorts and a sports bra) Not only was that a big step for me, but like I joked with Laura "our friendship reached a new level" haha. Trusting your fitness buddy is a huge deal! :) LOVE YA LAURA!

Because I've lost 15 pounds, I have technically lost 1.5 inches on my body. Yay! 

Laura also took my measurements. Every month, on the 9th we will be taking pictures and taking measurements. I'm so excited to see some of the results.

Laura told me I am "blooming" and I would have to agree. I encourage anyone who is just starting their journey to try with all of their might day after day because eventually, it will all come together and you'll be so proud of yourself! 

I'm off to bed! :) It's almost 1 am and I have work tomorrow. 
XOXO.    
  
 

Recap!

So, I didn't work out for 3 days. Wasn't too proud of that. I had some emotional/dramatic events take place at the end of the week and I really just got lost in my own head and emotions. I definately felt overwhelmed. 

One of the days I also didn't eat like I should have. I did more snacking. Given, all the food in my house is healthy, I should have stuck to a set schedule like I usually do. 

I was supposed to post my weight yesterday, but I think the picture got deleted, so I'm going to weigh in tomorrow morning and post the numbers then. :) Then I'll continue to weigh in on Saturdays. 

Saturday, I went on a hike with Laura and her family near Bonner. The view was amazing and we even saw some big horn sheep. 

4-27-2013

   
Isn't that a great picture? Click HERE for Laura's photography FB page. Click HERE for her professional website. Go Colyer Photography!

Here are some more pictures of the hike on Saturday. 

Overlooking the mill.

Laura with Lilly & Brayden

Lilly & I. Excuse our crazy hair, it was a bit windy!

Before my workout, my sister Aislinn and I went to a bunch of yard sales! I found a NICE juicer for $8.00 YAY! Then a TON of workout clothes and clothes smaller so I don't have to go out and buy brand new clothes during this process. 

Then last night I went out with my friend, Jordan. Here is a pic of when I got ready to go downtown. Also, another picture of some changes in my face since my weight loss journey began. 

Pretty happy. Seeing changes in my face. :)

Left side: New Years Eve. Right side: 2 weeks ago. 

 Here are some pictures of today's hike. After our hike Laura had me do some squats  (30, I think) 6 sets of lungs (round trip) and she and I worked my arms with weights and my resistance band! It was my first time using my resistance band and boy does it give you a good burn! I'm excited to use it more! :) 

Before workout :)

Lilly & Sophia checking out the scenary.

Content.

Making our way back down the mountain.

After Laura got done kicking my rear today! :)

 After my workout I came home and made dinner! I only ate half of one pita pizza, the other half is for lunch tomorrow :) 

Preping! :) Chicken cooked with garlic, parsley, crushed black pepper and lemon juice. 2 Tablespoons of ragu sauce (I need to find a healthier substitution), diced tomato, cut lean turkey slices, cheese, and fresh cilantro.

Baking!! :)

Top: Preping food :) Bottom row: before baking, baked, final product.

Final Product :)

 I think this sums up the last four days! Check in tomorrow for my weigh in! :) Crossing my fingers I am on track :)

You're Feeling those Soup Cans Now, Aren't Ya?

I want to start off this blog post saying how extremely proud of our nation I am. My heart has been breaking all week due to the Boston Marathon Bombing and to watch live on television the perpetrator be caught made my evening.

So after work (I got off at 2:30...YAY!) the weather was a bit icky raining off and on with lots of wind. I decided to hang out and relax (while watching the live news coverage in Boston) until about 5:30. Laura and I had planned to get together and workout, but around 5, we both weren't feeling it. I chose the excuse of the weather, and she was just ready to say "the heck with it" just cause. I told her to not worry about coming over and that I would do some things on my own. (Ten minutes later, I still was on my couch). I haven't taken more than one day off at a time since I started so I was a bit scared. Then around 6:30 Laura message me on Facebook asking  if I was sure. She kept me accountable on the one day in the past 13 days that I've felt like I could just put it off. 

15 minutes later she was at my house, showing me how to do pushups on my counter tops, we went outside in a light sprinkle of rain (surprisingly it made it a perfect workout) we did squats, MULTIPLE sets of lunges across my lawn, and different kettle bell routines. 

Because I only have a 20 lbs kettle bell, doing curls was a bit of a challenge. Then Laura asked if I had any canned soup or vegetables. After questioning her sanity and grabbing them, my arms were on FIRE! Today I learned that it doesn't matter how heavy your weights are, it's the method, clarity of the movements, constant reps, and perfect form that builds and works those muscles! 

I know Laura saw the pain in my face because as you can tell by my unique title of the blog, the words "you're feeling those soup cans now, aren't ya?" came out of her mouth and I honestly can say I haven't laughed that hard in a really long time. 

The best part about our workouts is we laugh. She makes sure I have proper form and do ALL of my reps, but we also have fun with it. After a good 30-45 minutes in the yard doing targeted workouts, we went for cool down walk by the golf course down the road from my house! We walked and walked and walked and walked and talked. 

Having someone with the same goals makes it so much easier. Yes, I'm putting in the work, but knowing I have someone allows me to lean if I need. Tonight, I needed that lift and reminder to not give up, even when I've had a rough week. So, Laura, you ROCK! 

I finished my turkey burger with lettuce and tomato (NO BUN)  and now I'm working on my protein powder shake so my muscles won't be SUPER SORE tomorrow. :)

Tomorrow, I will be posting my numbers...yes....my weight...where I started 2 weeks ago and where I'm at currently. I'm preparing myself mentally...but I know this is part of the process.