Fit Friday!!!

After a week hiatus, I know you're all THRILLED Fit Friday is back in business! Unfortunately, I don't have too much to talk about. I'm really grasping at straws this week, getting back to reality and my crappy work schedule after the beach.

Let's see...oh, yeah. I began Weight Watchers. I know, I know...I'm not overweight. I know that, so don't get your panties in a bunch thinking I'm trying to be stick thin. I just want to lose that last ten pounds that doesn't want to budge. Besides, my mom is doing such a great job with WW, she has inspired me to join up. Plus, I just need something different to keep my eating habits in check. I'm thinking I'd rather count points for a few months instead of calories. It gets complicated.

The 30 Day Shred with my 5 girlfriends is going amazingly well!! I couldn't be more proud of Becky, Laura, Steph, Andrea, and Leah! Keep it up girls! Stay tuned for next week's FF. I'm torturing all the ladies and making them write up a little report based on Level 1 of The Shred (The first 10 days). We'll find out if any inches/pounds were lost, how everyone feels, and what they hope to get out of the following two levels! YAY!

Speaking of The Shred, I'm glad I decided to start this the day after vacation. I can't remember the last time I worked out 6 days in a row, and now I know I can do it...because I HAVE to so these ladies don't completely show me up! I feel like I can't miss a day because I'm the one who came up with the idea, so I can't wuss out.

This weekend will be the first real test of my dedication. Fridays are IMPOSSIBLE for me to work out, because I get off work at 7 am, and come home and take short nap so I can sleep tonight. After three hours of sleep, the LAST thing I want to do is work out. But I will. BecauseI have to.

We're heading to my parents neck-of-the-woods tonight for a camping trip at Clear Creek State Park , and probably not getting back to the YO until later tomorrow evening. So that'll be another test for me: Can I make myself workout on a Saturday night? We'll see. I hope so.

***I'm already thinking of what kind of Challenge to do after the Shred is over. Laura jokingly asked if we could do something that involves dancing. Laura, if you can think of something, let me know and I'm IN! Any suggestions anyone? Bueller?? Buelllller?

That's it for me on this Fit Friday! Have a great weekend!!!

SYTYCD Finale Tonight.

I'm a sucker for reality shows. Especially if those shows combine dancing and people getting voted off. And bloopers of people making asses out of themselves.

Felix and I are dedicated watchers of Fox's "So You Think You Can Dance", and tonight is the season finale.


I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Jeanine. She's my favorite. Good luck Jeanine!!!

Let's Talk About Plants, Baby.

Our living room has been looking pretty EMPTY since I threw away both of our big plants that were in two of the corners. I couldn't keep them alive for the life of me, and trust me, I tried! We even bought Aqua Globes. Totally overrated.

Anyway, Felix saw an ad in the Sunday paper for a big sale at Michael's, so we went on Saturday and purchased both of these fake plants...each on sale for less than $20 bucks! And if you've ever looked into buying fake plants, the ones that look real are NOT cheap.

Also, in one of my very first blog posts, I posted a picture of some little Easter egg plants I put in Talia's Easter basket that were finally starting to sprout, and I was so proud that they finally started growing. Here's what they looked like then:

One of them never grew any bigger, but the second one (I'm no gardener, but I think they're impatiens?) now looks like this:


I've already had to transfer it into two different "pots", but now it looks like I gotta put it into something even bigger. Words cannot explain how proud I am of myself for growing this plant.

And yes, I realize I just spent a good 20 minutes writing about fake plants and flowers. But my life isn't really that interesting, and sometimes this is the most interesting thing going on in my day. Go ahead, feel bad for me.

Shredding and Blackberries.

BlackBerry.

So, I told myself I wasn't going to use my BlackBerry the entire time I was at the beach, and as soon as we arrived at our hotel, I turned it off. I did really well all week and only turned it on once...and that was because I noticed my cell phone payment hadn't been deducted from my bank account, so I turned it on to see if I still had service...and I didn't. So I paid my bill and turned it back off. There were a few times i wanted to text people because I would see something that reminded me of them, but then as soon as I remembered my phone was off, I forgot about it. I never knew the time, either because I always look at my phone! But overall, not as bad as I thought!

Shredding.

Today is Day 4 of our 30 Day Shred Challenge, and everyone is doing great! Here are the people participating, and a few reasons why they've taken on the challenge.

STEPH
"I'm doing this because I don't have the self discipline to stick with one thing. I've been slowly putting on weight since college, and I try a little of this and that, but nothing for me is a steady routine. I end up coming home from work with my mind set on working out for a half hour, but by the time I make dinner, and clean up, I'm exhausted and only end up taking the dog for a walk.I'm doing this to kick my ass in gear and maybe shred those pounds that have crept up through the last few years. I doing it to get into better shape and to boost my energy. Hopefully at the end of thirty days I'll want to keep up with it just to make myself feel good!And, I'll admit it... I'm hoping that I'll look pretty damn good in my clothes by the end of it.Maybe I'll even get to do real push ups..."
LAURA

"I am doing this because I enjoy a good competition. I know this isn't a competition to see who can tone up the most or lose the most weight, but it's more a competition with myself fueled by other people. That was pretty deep. Mostly, I was getting bored with my current work out routine, I hate running (although I'm trying to psych myself up to do a 10K in Oct...not sure why), and its been too humid to do anything strenuous outdoors. I did the workout the last two days, and my quads are dying. I also realized how weak my upper body is because I have to do girly pushups and even they are a struggle. Also, I had to buy 3lb weights because I had 5s, thought I could do the work out with those, and I thought my arms were going to fall off. I. am. a. weakling."

REBECCA

"I'm ready to use the last full month of summer to really revv up my workout. Heading into the cooler months, its easier to start slacking off a bit, so, instead, I want to kick into full-gear for the last month. Looking forward to what the next 30 days has to bring."

ME (ASH)

"I've decided to take the 30 Day Shred Challenge because I've read phenomenal reviews online, and I desperately need to switch up my workout routine. I've lost a lot of momentum in the last 6 weeks or so, which has resulted in the re-gaining of a few pounds I have worked so hard to lose. I also, like Laura, like a challenge. I feel as though I'm less likely to slack off if I know there are four other girls doing the same thing as me. Plus, it gives me something to blog about! I've done other Jillian Michael's DVD's and they are KILLER...Good luck girls!"

ANDREA

"A lot of experts say you shouldn't want to lose weight for anyone but yourself. And while I completely agree with that, I'm *also* getting my butt into gear for people who are important in my life.My parents have known how hard I've been trying to lose weight for a few years now... Basically since I graduated from college. My mom and dad have been 100% supportive of my efforts - my dad even joined the McKeesport YMCA with me before I moved to California. Anyway, my parents are coming out to visit me in October, and I wanted to be in great shape for their arrival! Then there's the boyfriend. I've gotta stay in shape for him, so he's not dating a fat schlub. Anyway, I can't wait to start seeing the results of this workout! And now that I have 4 other girls doing it with me, it keeps me motivated. Good luck everyone, and have enjoy those side lunges and chest flies. "I could always use a good chest fly in my life..."

LEAH

"I am excited to participate in the 30 Day Shred with you ladies, not only because I want to get in shape, but for the feeling of camaraderie with all of us staying consistent with the program. Hopefully we can encourage eachother along the way, or at least join in on bashing Miss Michaels' catch phrases and annoying voice. Just kidding, love you Jillian! Furthermore, as I am currently not gainfully employed, I should have absolutely *NO REASON* for not finding 20 minutes a day to do some shreddin'. Thanks for letting me join late in the game, Ash!"

****NOTE**** Being the good friend that I am (hardy har har), I let Leah join in on Day 3. So she'll continue doing level 1 with the rest of us, and begin level 2 when we do, etc. The more the merrier!!

So the next Shred Update will be after we've completed 10 days of Level 1. We're going to weigh and measure and hopefully be able to share some great results. I don't know if these girls know what they've gotten themselves into, with me being "in charge" of this Challenge. I've been Facebook messaging them constantly, nagging them to get their "homework" write-ups to me on time. Haha, I guess that's the television producer in me!

Happy Tuesday!

Happy Music Monday!!!

It's Shark Week on the Discovery Channel! My mom, Zac, and I always used to look forward to this every year when we were little!



Maybe not the HAPPIEST song ever, but it brings back happy memories!

This Fits My Mood Right About Now.

Felix and I took this picture right before we left the hotel in VA Beach to head home. It's how I feel today, because after 9 nights of sleeping AT NIGHT, it's back to work at 11 pm tonight. And no days off in sight because I think I have three vacation days left this year, besides the 3 I'm taking in December so we can go to NYC with our friends Steph and Rich. Booo!!!

Caturday. (Doggyday?)