This whole weight loss thing has only been going on for less than a month, and it's already been a journey in itself. I'm finding more and more out about myself, my family, and friends every day. Some days I feel on top of the world- like "I am woman, hear me ROAR!" Just yesterday, I was taking a class, and I unleashed the beast. I felt stronger than I have in years. Once again, my mind was talking to myself, and just as I started to feel like I couldn't punch to the bell, I caught myself thinking, "Come on, Shelley. Dig in. You can do this." I made it to the bell, and I felt like I was on top of the world. I remember just a couple weeks ago, I would be doing the same thing and be thinking, "What the hell am I doing? What have I gotten my fat self into?"

Today was a different story. I went to the gym and was flat out tired. Justin had me do a cardio session on the treadmill. I've decided I have a love/hate relationship with this guy. He's super nice, understanding, and quickly becoming a friend... but when I'm being trained by him, I really don't like him. Today it dawned on me... he is one of the only people in this world that I have to listen to. Usually I call my own shots, but I know that to get where I want to be, I have to do what he says- and most of the time, he's pushing me harder than I would ever even think of pushing myself. When I was running on the treadmill, I thought I was going to pass out. Ya know that feeling when you kind of throw up in your mouth... Gross, I know, but it happened to me today. The treadmill is not my friend. I hate it and hate is a strong word. I just didn't have it in me... and then Justin said, "Are you doubting yourself?" Heck, no! I haven't come this far to doubt myself! I pushed through, and when the workout was over, I felt great... like I had really accomplished something.

The gift that keeps on giving...

One of the most awesome benefits of blogging is that I have access to my own personal trainer. Sometimes, I don't think that's so awesome- when he's busting my butt with no mercy, but those fleeting moments quickly pass.:) I would never be able to afford a personal trainer- Although I think I'm motivated enough to figure out how to work that into our budget once this gig is up.:) I totally see why it's worth it to have one.

Some people say it's worth it for the accountability alone. I could agree with that. I think twice about my actions now because they not only affect me, but my trainer as well. He's investing time into me, so I feel like I should give him my 100% effort in return. I apologize now for how I've eaten these two days, Justin. But, you did say to take Christmas off and enjoy it, right?:)

Well, well, well, our plans changed over the weekend. We had big plans for my in-laws to make the drive up here, but we decided to drive down to their place so we could go furniture shopping... and because my mother-in-law is the hostess with the mostest, and I hadn't baked or cooked one thing.:) I woke up and took the 9am kickboxing class on Saturday, and then we ventured four hours to Smith Mountain Lake. We managed to return for the 4pm kickboxing class on Monday- so it was a quick, quick trip! It was definitely successful though... I managed to come home with the most beautiful leopard print chair that my hubby HATES... I'm working on him though and trying to pass off leopard print as a neutral. I also got a gorgeous Paula Deen kitchen table that is probably way too big for my kitchen-but I fell in lurve, big girl furniture and mattress set for our two year old, and a console thingie for our family room. I know what my hubby has planned though since we don't have a TV to set on or hang above a console... I sense a trip to Best Buy in the next few days. I know it's bad to gloat... but I've had the same $250 Room Store kitchen table since we got married almost ten years ago! Thank God for tax refunds.:) Oh, and if you need new furniture, it's worth the trip down south... The local furniture stores wouldn't even price match (even though they say they do).

Anyhoo... when we got to the lake I had big plans of staying strict with my diet and my darling mother-in-law was so sweet and catered to my needs...

December 23: Today was weigh-in day... and I have been dreading it ever since my weekend meltdown. But guess what- even with a few slip-ups, I managed to make some progress!!!

Beginning Weight~ 173
Wednesday 12/14~ 167.2
Wednesday 12/23~ 165.8
Total loss in two weeks... 7.2 pounds!

That's a picture of me working out today. I was one hot mess. My pants had a hole in the crotch, and when I looked at my t-shirt it was from when I had run the Ashburn Farm 10K... in 1996. Note to self- it's time for some new workout clothes!:) I met with my trainer, Justin, and had a personal training session. I felt for him- I had just eaten chicken out of a can because I was trying to stay on point with my diet, and I spiced it up with curry powder and raisins so my breath was kickin'. I know that sounds disgusting, but try it- it's actually pretty good! I do think that I mentioned my legs rubbing together and chafing to where they are raw somewhere in the mix... and that might have been a little tmi. I sound like the dream client don't I? Today he had me do a workout full of "complexes." I don't know what that means, but maybe you can Google it. I'll just say it was too complex for me to write out... but he promises me that after my next session, I'll have a personal training session that I can publish.:)

Oh my good Lord! And I do mean that in a good way.:) I started LA Boxing a little over a week ago, and I was soooo far out of my comfort zone. I have always belonged to a gym, and have always said that I "go to the gym" as part of my daily routine. But now, I know the difference between "going to the gym" and truly working out!

Before this experience, I would make my way to the gym 4-5 days a week with the best of intentions of working out. But somehow, once I got on the treadmill or elliptical, Whoopi and "The View" or my US Weekly grabbed my attention, and I would never even break a sweat. Sometimes, I hate to admit it, but I would go to the gym to... ummm... shower! I could easily stick my kids in the daycare, "act" like I did a quick workout, and then make my way to the sauna and shower so I could have a moment's peace in my day. Maybe that's why I didn't lose any weight with all those hours I put in at the gym!

Today I decided to venture out and try something new... I tried a boxing class! To my surprise, I loved it. By the end of the class, I needed air, but couldn't manage to hold my hands up above my head, so I'll take that as a good sign that I got a workout.:) It was pretty easy to get through this class... the instructor is well, easy on the eyes. To all the single ladies in NOVA, you should definitely check out this class- Seth, the instructor is one fiiiiine fella, total eye candy. As my mother-in-law always says... "I may be married, but I'm not dead." HA! He is one of the hottest young amateur boxers in the tri-state area... but didn't have a chip on his shoulder at all. He was down to earth and was there to make sure you worked hard and got things right.

It's late, and I'm tired. I had a mom's night out~ Bunco to be exact.:) Don't laugh... It was a fun-filled night of suburban housewives rolling dice- it doesn't get much better than that.:) I just have to say that I'm totally patting myself on the back right now. I managed to go to Bunco and only drink water, have one chip, and two teeny tiny pieces of bread with a smidgen of spinach dip. I left the party and the only thing that went through my head was "I did it, I did it," to the tune from Dora the Explorer... sad, I know. :)

I'm loving the kickboxing classes and I'm pretty much addicted to them right now. Although, I can't manage to get through the ab routine at all. I took a class on Sunday and had to skip a bunch of counts. Yesterday, I took another class, and I thought I was on a roll and doing great... and then the instructor (who is awesome) was standing by me and said, "Great modification!" Evidently, I wasn't really doing the exercise as well as I thought.:) Oh- and a note to myself... don't wear shorts with bright blue undies because you can totally see them on your kicks... and it's not cute!

Tonight is a sad night for me. I'm breaking up with some of my best friends. They have been there for me during good times and bad, when I'm happy and sad. I find relief with them when I need comfort, a pick-me-up, and when I'm just flat out bored. I have good reasons to break up with them. They are unhealthy, bring me down emotionally, and give me nothing but extra baggage~ I mean pounds. I'm sorry, but I have to do it.

Good-bye Coke, processed foods, late night mac-n-cheese, yummy white bread, greasy pizza, and most of all, good-bye Golden Arches. I know I have broken up with you before, but this time I'm going to be strong...