Phoenicians Are Pretty Cool:

My Arizona adventures and a backhand from Mother Earth-

I must divulge my current life situation as a precursor to the actual content of this post. Two weeks ago was my last day for a contract position with a really fantastic company where I played the role of a Marketing Communications Specialist. The position opened up a slew of amazing opportunities- one of which I officially accepted as of last night. My role will now be as a Senior Marcom Specialist. Because of this change, and my short time off from work in the process, I felt the need to escape to a land unlike my own. So I am in the middle of the first of two consecutive trips- the first being Phoenix, AZ with my parents and two cousins, and the second will be a road trip with my sister's boyfriend to see her in Montana. 

Today marks my fourth day in Phoenix, AZ. So far I have been tempted, teased, and tested- and let me tell you it hasn't been easy, but I have remained strong. My first day was a whirlwind of flights, lay-overs, and plane transfers. My dad and I went to an amazing restaurant named Papadeaux's for some amazing seafood and Louisiana-style cooking. I knew immediately that  my choice would be tough. I went with a naked salmon fillet with spagetti squash. SO GOOD! I later BLASTED my work-out out of the water... amazing work-out. Monday, I swam/ tread water for several hours while making new friends at the hotel, and ate fine sushi dishes - in moderation and without all of the bad filling things. 

 

Yesterday I went on a hike with a new-found friend up Camel Back Mountain. I was so confident when approaching the hill- as hiking is a very beloved past-time of mine, but as Mother Earth saw me tip my nose up in confidence she brought me back off my high horse with a backhanded swing... I thought half-way up the mountain that I was going to throw-up, pass-out, die of heat exhaustion, but alas I took my time, drank a lot of water, and made it to the top with a little coaching and positive affirmations. I had an AMAZING time, and DEFINITELY felt it when I was done. Tonight I will be lifting weights again, and look forward to the tests that will come with the rest of the trip. I now know what they meant by "dry heat" PHEWWWW!!!

Until next time,
B

My First Brewers Game:

Not the ordinary picture of a tailgate meal.

Today I went on a trip with my boyfriends co-workers to the Brewers/Padres game at Miller Park. It was a blast!!! In order to stay on track, I packed a lean turkey patty (no brats & buns), carrots, cherry tomatos, hummus, red peppers, and grapes. I made sure to stay hydrated, and steered clear of the chips, dips, and the most delicious looking microbrews from this beautiful beer worshiping state... I'm not resentful at all. I had an absolute blast, and felt so proud knowing that I stayed healthy and on track all day long. It was tough, but so worth it. The worst part was fending off the constant peer pressure. "ohhhhh come oooooon! It's your first Brewers game, you HAVE TO get drunk!".... sorry pals.. No can do. But, I will lift that cooler for ya ;)

I leave on a trip for Phoenix tomorrow to visit some relatives. I am so excited, but a bit nervous for my plan. I hope it's easier than it seems. Wish me luck!

P.S. Measurements tomorrow!!!

Three hours in the pool counts for my cardio right?

And some stuff about carbs...

Today was a good day. It was gorgeous, I had a great talk with a life coach, I relaxed in the pool with an old friend, and grilled out (you would be proud of my extra lean turkey burger with carrots ;). The thing I am beginning to notice is that I am still very addicted to starchy carbs. I find it extremely difficult to break myself of the habit. That is the next thing to tackle.. 

My work outs have been strong. I just added more weight and am using 15 lb dumbbells rather than the 8 lb-ers that I started with. I'm feeling stronger in the upper body and it feels soooo gooooood! 

 

My Apologies:

I hear a new habit takes 21 days to stick :S

Hello Wanderers, 

I have to say, I deserve a little slap on the wrist. My plan with this blog was to post something everyday to show my progress, document my meals, list my trials and tribulations... at the same time, I was hoping that my friends and family would follow this blog and keep my on track, rooting me along the way. That seems to be a bit selfish, I know. When I didn't see the mass influx that you might expect (silly, i know) when you start a new blog, I felt a little defeated. But I sat down and had to remind myself who this was really for. This is for me. 

I will be attempting to post everyday. I will document my food, my workouts, and my daily activities. It might be tough to juggle, but I will do it. 

Now lets get down to business shall we? Here are my updated measurements, and this weeks weight. 

Weight: 156.4

Chest: 34"

Bust: 38"

Waist:28.75"

Mids: 34"

Hips: 37.5"

Butt: 42"

R Thigh: 26"

L Thigh: 26.5"

R-L knee: 15.5" 15.5"

R-L calf: 15.25" 15"

Right Arm Relaxed: 11.5"

Left Arm Relaxed: 11.5"

Right Arm Flexed: 12"

Left Arm Flexed:12"

That makes for a total weight-loss of 5 lbs, and 8 inches so far. I hope I can keep up the momentum!!!

B

The Bug Won: But I Will Reclaim this House!

The flu bug is on its way out, and I begin fresh.

Last week, my flu bug really took me out. I tried to continue, but with my awful sore throat, the total lack of energy, and a nose that had been replaced by a faucet, I knew maintaining the mission was a futile plan. 

Sooooo, I spoke with my lovely trainer Tanya Thurnau who advised me to start anew on Monday. I healed over the weekend, soaked up the glorious sun, kayaked for hours, and tried my best at portion control and healthy backyard barbecue choices and I am feeling a bit healthier.Therefore, today was my second first official day.  

I knocked out my reps and was so pleased to see new gym equipment! I can finally do some of the moves that I had been altering slightly to work with free weights, but we have a machine that will give me the resistance that some of the exercises call for. Watch out! Here I come! And I WONT be stopped by any pesky bugs this time. 

Before I sign off for the night, I want to take a moment to thank those who have served, are serving, and will serve our country. Without you, we would be --and have-- nothing. Thank you for your hard work and dedication. Also, I would like to personally say thank you to my family members who have served, especially my brother, Tyler, and my Love, Travis. You are amazing strong men. Thank you for your service. God bless America. 

B

Day 2 & 3

The bug that won't shoo fly

Hello Wanderers, 

So far the plan has been working! I have lost 3.6 lbs already, and my muscles slightly dislike me- so we are right on track! The hardest part has been the change in diet, and constant reminder to drink water or consume a snack. It's getting easier, but I have a ways to go. It's amazing how much you hear people at the vending machine when you are hungry for a crunchy snack and are not allowed near it. I've also come to the conclusion that my body doesn't know how to function like a normal being now that I am restricting calories and putting strain on my muscles. The last two nights I nearly crawled to my apartment from my workout, in agonizing pain only Thor can create. But it wasn't my body that was in pain. I had a sky-spinning, gut-wrenching, eye-blazing, ear-stinging migraine headache, and yes, two nights in a row. The next morning I wake up rested (thank you Exedrin PM!) and feeling better, but alas, today I have flu/strep-like symptoms: throat tight and stinging, ears and nose clogged and in pain. Gal-darnit!!!!

Tanya gave me the option to set aside the plan until Monday so that I could focus on being healthy and start fresh and feeling well. But, I am happy with my momentum and the sense of accomplishment and really don't want to set myself back this early in the game. 

For now, I will be trying to heal- but attempting to maintain my mission. If I am feeling better in a few hours after a lengthy nap, I have the opportunity to play softball and do some calisthenics. Wish me luck!

Until next time, 

Bri 

Day 1: The Battle of the Bottle

First Challenge: Trips to the "Golden Throne"

Hello Wanderers!
Today was the official 1st day of my Mission Slimpossible with Fit on a Whim! I just finished my work-out....oofta, but todays diet and water has gone off without a hitch- sort of. Watch my video to hear about my meals, my water challenge, and to see my cute outfit that I wore to work! :D Enjoy!