much needed to hear today...

Anna over at I'll Fly Away wrote a blog recently that really hit home for me, I will explain why tomorrow but for now head over and read this one.

I am officially 11 pounds off my goal!

I love seeing the scale drop, although it has not been as fast as it was early in the process, I can see I am building muscle. My clothes definitely fit differently which is great!

I, for the first time in my workout career told my trainer, NO. lol I am usually always game for whatever he throws my way. But after the workout we just did I was completely unable to plank. Not that I did not want to I just couldn't. My body would not allow me to hold it up like that.

Amen!

I love eating clean, I now have hardly any desire to eat the crap that I use to. Every once in a great while do I crave soda, candy or processed foods. But I know it is just a set back if I was to consume it. So I do not, most of the time. 

 

I will reach my goal!

300/30 Day AB challenge! Am I Crazy?

Ok now that I am 30, I have really started to look at fitness and health in a different way. My body does not recover or react like it did even a year ago. After having injured my back my workout level has dropped significantly. For about a month now I have been hitting the gym hard and been game for about anything the trainer wants to throw at me. My cardio is amazingly higher than I thought because of teaching Zumba anywhere from 3-6 times a week. But I have never really done much with weights. So lately I have had the opportunity to try many new ideas to work out. I honestly feel healthier and stronger than I was before I injured my back.  So here comes the challenge I was reading another blog and found her link to her 300 AB Challenge. Here is my before picture.

Whos in??? Heres the instructions!

I want to warn you - this is pretty tough! If you need to take a break, that’s okay! You’ll soon see how fast your body build and recovers, as these movesdo get easier!

You can do this routine anytime, before or after your workout. I would recommend before, when you’re fresh before your cardio or the rest of your routine. If you’re working on really getting results, why would you save these muscle groups for last when you’re tired already from working out?

Do 25 repetitions of each move. Keep the pace comfortable but brisk, you want to feel the burn. It should take 15 minutes. Your abdominals, unlike other muscle groups, need higher reps before they start responding.

Let’s get started.

In-N-Outs. Just like it sounds. Sit on the floor with your hands at your sides. Raise feet off the ground and bring knees to your chest. (See above.)

Straighten legs out (see above), hold for a beat, and bring your knees back into your chest. This is one repetition. Repeat 25 times. For a bit more challenge, raise your hands above your head.

Bicycles. Sitting in the same position as the In-N-Out, move legs in a wide, circular motion as if pedaling a bike. 1 revolution counts as one rep. Repeat 25 times.

Reverse Bicycles. Same as above, but instead of pedaling forward, petal backward. 1 revolution counts as one rep. Repeat 25 times. To increase difficulty on the Bicycle, raise arms straight overhead.

Crunchy Frog. Same position and movement as In-N-Out, only your hands are OFF the floor and wrap around your knees (without grabbing or touching your knees) when your knees are at your chest. (See above.) When you extend your legs back out, arms should be stretch out as sides, parallel to ground. (See below.)

This counts as one rep. Repeat 25 times. (Sorry for the blurry photo.)

Cross-Leg/Wide Leg Sit-Ups. Lie flat on your back with legs wide, in a V.(See Above)

Place one hand behind your head and bring your torso up to perform a standard sit-up movement (see above.) Try to keep your legs on the floor.With one arm straight, (see above) try to go straight UP, instead of just over your legs. Sit-Up straight, and then cross your straight arm over to touch your opposite leg. (See below.)

And slowly lay back down. That’s one repetition. On the next repetition, switch arms and cross over to the other side. Repeat these 25 times, alternating sides. If you’re unable to keep your legs anchored, use dumbbells to help anchor your lower body.

Scissors. Life flat on your back, extending one leg towards the ceiling, and lifting the opposite leg off the floor just a few inches. Flex your feet.

Alternate legs in a scissor motion, hold each switch for three seconds. Keep your skyward leg as straight as you can! Repeat these 25 times.

Hip Butt Ups. Lie on your back, open your hips and bend your legs so that the bottom of your feet are touching. (see below.)

I have no idea why my eyes are closed. In pure abdominal bliss, apparently.

With your arms at your sides, rock your hips, lift your pelvis and drive your feet directly up towards the ceiling. When lowering back down, do not let your legs touch the ground. Repeat 25 times.

Heels to the Heavens. Lying on your back, extend legs straight up, with arms at your sides. Lift your butt off the floor (see below.) When raising feet, imagine touching the ceiling with the balls of your feet. Keep your feet very flexed. Be sure to lift the legs straight up at 90 degrees, and not towards your head. Focus on maintaining straight legs.

Repeat this motion 25 times.

Roll-Up V-Ups. Lie flat on your back with legs straight out, and arms extended overhead. (see below.)

Bring your body up as if doing a standard sit-up, touching hands to toes. (see below.)

Slowly, lower your torso towards the floor, simutaneously bringing your legs up off the ground at about 45 degrees. (below)

Now, bring your torso back up and reach for your toes while your legs are in the air! (below) Imagine creating a jackknife position with your body. Your legs and hands should actually get closer then the below photo.

Lower your entire body to the floor and repeat 25 times.

Leg Climbers. Lie on your back with one leg bent, foot flat on the floor. The other leg should be out about 45 degrees.

You want to climb this extended leg, by first grabbing your thigh, then your knee, (see above) then your calf, then your toe. That’s the easy version. I do a two-touch. I just grab onto the inside of my knee, and then continue using my abs to pull me up. (below) You don’t want that extended leg to move around too much, keep it on the same plane the whole time. It will want to move as you crunch up. Fight it!

Repeat 12 times on one side, then switch and repeat 12 on the opposite side.

Kayakers. You’re almost done! Seated, clasp your hands together and raise your feet out, 4-6 inches off the floor. You may need to bend them to make this easier. Twist your upper torso from side to side, touching your knuckles on each side. Do these fast, like your kayaking a fast river. Do 50. If you can’t do 50, do 40. If you can’t do 40, do 30. You will be able to do 50 one day!

Ahhh! You just completed (if you did 50 kayakers) 300 abdominal exercises! You’re on your way to a strong and svelte core!

Now, stretch it out!

Cobra Stretch. Lie flat on your stomach and raise your upper body off the floor, supported by your arms. Your thighs should be resting on the floor.

Childs Pose. Sitting in your knees, fold you body over your legs and relax head and arms on the floor.

Happy 4th, and last day of my 20's

Ok so its the 4th of July, which means today is the last day I am in my 20's, such a weird feeling. Not sure how I feel about being 30 tomorrow, so many things have happened and not happened. I thought that I would be married with a family by now. But I am not married and living with roommates and working at a gym teaching Zumba, as well as on unemployment. Some days it feels like the world is crashing down on me and I can only doggie paddle to keep my head above water. Some days I feel like giving up and going under. Others the waters are not as ruff. I don't think that most people in my life know that I feel this way. And it is hard to express how this feels. I am scared of what my future is and excited to experience it just as much.

My weight loss journey has been a constant struggle I am healthy yet still not comfortable in my own skin. I need to drop at least 25 lbs to be where i need to be and would love to be at a single digit in pants. I am working hard and getting there but the stress of life makes it hard. I am hoping that I can continue to stay motivated. Its hard when you feel like you work your butt off teaching but see no results. So now I need to do some muscle confusion work so that my body does not plateau.

I love that one of my friends posted this the other day on Facebook, I need this right now to remember  that I am not alone in this and that God needs me to sometimes just rest.

Hope everyone is having a Happy Fourth and Stay Safe. 

Next time I blog i will be the big 30!

Realizing 30 is really just around the week.

I will be turning the big 30 a week from thursday so in 10 days! Crazy to think that my 20's are going to be over and I will have to BE an adult. ewww. lol
If you remember i have a bucket list which really has not been worked on at all
lets revisit it shall we:

fall in love. (I am currently madly in love with someone)

see a sunrise in person.

be unconditionally loved {not by family}. (The Boy loves me)

have a family. (The Boy and the kids have been referred to as my “little family”)

slow dance in the rain.

have a good new years kiss. (that I did)

Experience Vegas

Go to a Giants home game {I know I live so close}

stay up all night talking with someone. {does this count if you don't talk to that person anymore?}

travel more.

change someone unintentionally for the better.

learn how to cook. {love to but not always good at it}

get married.(not quite going to accomplish this one this year but might be in the next year or so)

love someone {not family} unconditionally. (The Boy and the kids)

spend one weekend being completely carefree and spontaneous. (Easter weekend with the Boy, Krystal, and John)

read more. (do blogs count?)

be kissed under mistletoe. (Although it was in my parents tree, the Boy and I)

experience another culture.

let someone see me cry without being ashamed. (I think the Boy sees this more than anyone)

inspire someone. (I am told that I inspire my students every time I teach)

be taught something significant. (Its OK to let love happen slowly, its not always instantaneous, and many other thought provoking ideas)

be involved with a charity.

spend an entire day celebrating someone else.

spend an entire day away from all technology and not because i have to but because i choose to.

Go to the Happiest Place on Earth{Disneyland}with friends.

Get down to a single digit size. {almost there thanks Zumba}

Be a bridesmaid in a wedding.

Go sky diving, ok, indoor skydiving can count.

Embark on a romantic getaway.

Pose for a professional photographer.

Give blood.

Go to a shooting range and fire a gun.

Splurge on a designer item (bought a pair of Lauren Carters sunglasses at Khols with a gift certificate) 

go to New York or Hawaii


so as you can see I have not been able to accomplish much but maybe i should have posted the list of things to get done here at home, I promise i will get them posted asap. Hope you all are having a fab weekend. 

Pain, Pain Go Away...

Today is the end of a very painful 24 hours, I got home yesterday around 4:30 to realize what I thought was a sinus headache from the wind was now in fact a full blown Migraine. 

Eww to even say the word. 

I have had them several years and they are debilitating. I went to the doctor and found out that I am hypersensitive to the scent of vanilla. In other words I get headaches that turn into migraines when I am around the scent of vanilla.  

I think I will try this Yoga move from Yahoo

For a blinding migraine…try headstand preparation

“Recurring migraines can be so multi-factorial and, of course, everyone is different, but yoga has been known to help,” says Stiles. “A little pressure on the head with a prep of a headstand can bring blood flow to the head… and it just does the trick! Deep breaths of course!”

Try it: Sit on your heels with your shoulders above your hips. Interlace your fingers loosely and place them on the ground. Place the top of your head on the ground so your fingers cradle the back of your head. Stay here for a few breaths to get comfortable in the position. If you are comfortable, tuck your toes and straighten your legs like you would in a down dog. Stay here for 10 breaths.

Heres to the hope that I will have relief sometime today. 

Have a wonderful and hopefully painless Sunday. 

Fridays: Coffee Dates and Soul Detox

I want to thank Alissa from Rags to Stitches, for introducing the YouVersion Bible App Bible Study called Soul Detox. Check it out on your smart phone the App that is or your computer and then under studies check out the Soul Detox. Talk about refreshing and convicting in the same study. I want to start meeting here with you every Friday for Coffee Dates to talk about what we are learning this week in this study. What are your thoughts and convictions? What was your favorite day? 

So I am looking forward to spending time with all of you as we discuss what our Heavenly Father brought to the table when we met with Him each week. 

Are you game? Lets Detox!

Busy Bee

Sorry I have been MIA recently but I am trying to get several projects done as well as take a Medical Terminology course and pass. I have really bad test anxiety when I take test. So soon I will have time to sit down and blog about several projects. Till then...

Are you tired?

Matthew 11:28-30 (msg)

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me-watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

 Does just reading it reminded you to take a deep breath and be encouraged? It is true of how God, time and time again, has met me in this life journey. I am struggling to see Him right now through what feels like a storm that is unrelenting. A thunderstorm that makes me want to hide, but I know He wants me to come out in the open field throw my hands up and surrender. To allow His cleansing rain to wash over me and wash away the tears that have stained the inside of my eyes. I do not enjoy showing my emotion to the world but this blog has become a sort of therapy for me. 

Have you ever read someones blog and felt their words were what you have been trying to say and what is written in your heart. 

"Today I was reminded of the things that are more important in life. Today I was reminded that what we long for is to be known, to be loved for who we are, not what we can do for someone. We walk in search of it, our hearts crave it, our minds reason and justify for it. We are waiting for it. All the efforts and plans that we lay down are of no replacement for it. But there is peace in simplicity. There is beauty in the release of expectations and embracing the one thing that almost seems too easy or simple to accept. We are the ones that hold the plan that we must achieve or be someone, but God says to simply be. Maybe when we listen to that truth, we will slow down enough to see that what we are searching, pining, longing for, is in front of us…in the present." 

 & 

"I am learning.  I have not arrived, nor do I have life figured out.  I am not balanced.  I waver.  I walk strong and just one breath later, I fall apart.  But I am learning.  I am learning to not take myself so seriously, but instead to trust intentionally in the freedom of walking with the Lord.  So with that, I’m remembering.  

I remember that there was a time when I didn’t recognize God in all areas of my life. He was up there, and I was down here, and the two didn’t exist cohesively together.  I remember making decisions about the Lord with that view and the brokenness that it brought to me.  But I remember when that began to change. God told me He was going to begin an adventure in my life, and He was going to show me how to live, and live free.  So together, our journey began.  

When the winds came, He showed me that the winds weren’t a sign of His displeasure in my life, but to show that when I trust in Him, I can walk through anything.  That nothing would be so powerful as to rip me away from His presence.  And that on the other side of the storm, was renewed strength and confidence in Him.  It is because of the storm that the air that follows is much sweeter. 

He showed me that though I struggle feeling lonely, I am not alone.  That God is not going to one day come and be with me, but that He is with me, presently.  He is my comforter.  He is helping me to learn how to be ok alone with Him.  And because He loves me, I should accept that, and get to know this woman He has created. I am learning that I love simplicity.  I don’t need a lot of things in my life.  I love a good porch, and a great chair to sit on that porch.  I love not having to wake up early, and I don’t really mind if that makes me appear unmotivated in life, because I would rather have a great hour of coffee and reading than rushing into the race of the world.  It can go on without me. 

I remember when I pleaded with God to show me that He would never leave me, because I needed to believe that He was more than the distant God in the sky. I needed to reshape my view of Him, and He has been helping me and is teaching me still.  So, I am learning to walk in this new view of Him, however awkward, and uncertain, and clumsy I feel, I would rather falter to freedom, then stand still and never live.  

I am learning that I have a lot to learn.  I see how far God has brought me, and I can’t even imagine what’s around the corner.  I wait expectantly for the day that I look back even on this writing and see how much more God has taught me.  I am unbalanced, but am embracing that part of balanced living is becoming unbalanced!  How would I ever fully know where the center is unless I’ve fallen to the left or right of it?  God is more than the efforts that I try so desperately to use to win His approval.  He doesn’t need me to feel wrong in order for Him to be right in my life.  He died for my life, for freedom, and the least that I can do is learn how to walk in that freedom." via VanessaFrances@tumblr.com

I do not think that I could stop crying, now on the outside, as I read her beautiful words of how she relates to God, and how God is moving in her life. I completely understand the emotion behind every word she wrote as if I had written it all myself. 

Do You Ever...

Listen to a speaker and feel like God is trying to tell you something? I stayed home today and listened to our church's Listen Live section of the sermon today. The pastor is doing a series on:

Standing near his cross were Jesus’ mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary

Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the follower he loved standing nearby, he said to

his mother, “Dear woman, here is your son.” Then he said to the follower, “Here is your mother.”

From that time on, the follower took her to live in his home. John 19:25-27 (NLT)

It is amazing that in such a little part of the bible that there is so much meaning in what Jesus was doing through His pain. Through everything that is going on at the time of His death the Pain and anguish He is experiencing He makes sure to show us that we need to take care of our own families as well as treat other believers as family.  What was hard to swallow for me was that He is also setting an example that I need to see other peoples pain, even when I am in pain. Jesus sees His mothers and best friend John's pain even through the excruciating pain that he is experiencing at that very moment.  

Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. John 16:33 (NLT) I am currently still dealing with being unemployed but if I stop "navel gazing" as Rick puts it. I will be able to see others have deeper and more painful problems. We will experience trials and sorrows, But God has Conquered the World! I definitely need to look around and refocus. Also I learned that I need to Meet others needs even when mine are not met. That is Huge for me. I feel like so much is going on in my life and need are not met, but I am not called to worry about things, I am suppose to give it all to God and focus on helping others. I am writing prayers lately out on my bathroom mirror so that I can be reminded and so that they are real not something I pretend to do. I know that this little phrase of "Is there something I can do to meet someone else's needs today?" will be added to my mirror.

 What about you? Ask God what is He doing and how can you be apart of it. 

My Stylescope

Today I was reading Mandi's blog Vintage Revivals and 

she had this link to take a Stylescope quiz at Home Goods.  

www.homegoods.com/stylescope/

So here is my Stylescope:

Annelise, You Are A GLAMOROUS CLASSIC

You have a refined sensibility with an appreciation for history and tradition in your furniture and your rooms. You value beauty and craftsmanship. You are visually sensitive and understand how symmetry and a balanced layout give order to a room. But you definitely like to shake things up with some unabashed luxury and glamour to keep things from getting boring. You go for rich materials like velvets, one-of-a-kind objects, lady-like touches, glimmering accessories, and a sense of old-Hollywood romance that makes your home dramatic and elegant.
You value creativity. You are stylish and fun loving, and can be an inspiration to others. You have a natural sense of drama, and you know you have to be willing to take risks—whether with colors, finishes, furniture choices, or ideas—for your home to stand out. Your home can be happy and lively and the place all of your friends want to be.

1. Your Design Challenge: ORGANIZEThe front hall sets the mood for your entire home. Consider how to accommodate all the room's functions as beautifully as possible. At the very least you need a console, and if you're short on storage, consider a dresser. Outfit the surface with nice trays and bowls for mail, keys and sunglasses. Keep a trash can for immediately tossing the junk mail. Closet-door or wall hooks encourage coat and bag hanging rather than dumping. If you have children, try to give each a basket in the closet for hats and gloves. It's nice to have a chair or bench for changing shoes, a mirror for last-minute lipstick checks, and a lamp or sconces for warm light.

2. Your Happy PlaceMake this room as comfortable and inviting as possible by bringing in some real furniture like an armchair or a sofa if you have the space. A little lamp on the counter or decorative hanging light can set the mood. Stools are great perches and can easily be moved around. Don't forget to bring your personality and style into this room: hang some art or display a collection of family photos in mixed frames. Consider bold, happy colors in the kitchen as well, like brightly colored pots and pans, big bowls for corralling fruits and vegetables, and trays for spices, oils, teas and pepper mills.

3. Be Party-Ready All the Time!Scent: The first thing you notice about a home is how it smells. Use naturally fragrant cleaning products. If you find a scented candle or fresh potpourri you love, stock up on it. Any scent you like, whether perfume or linen spray, can be used on upholstery, bedding or just spritzed into the air.

Mood: Nice, flattering light makes us feel good. So nix the harsh, direct light from overhead fixtures in favor of the softer glow from floor and table lamps. Also, stock up on some votive candles and a couple of hurricane lanterns for setting around the room.

Food: Devote space in your pantry or on a shelf for go-to party essentials: crackers, dip, chips, nuts—whatever you like to serve. Keep on hand a collection of attractive bowls and cocktail napkins, and you'll be able to set a spread—instantly!

Drink: The simplest and chicest thing is to have a drinks tray or table always set up. Include a mix of pretty glasses, an ice bucket, a lovely pitcher, and bottles of soda and water. When the bell rings, just add ice and limes.

Try it out for yourself. Let me know what your Stylescope is. Have a wonderful day! off to get my second cup of Starbux, homemade of course. ;) 

YOUR BEAUTIFUL

Your Beautiful by Phil Wickham is one of those songs 

that evoke an emotional intimacy with my Creator. 

Just reading the words let alone the music.

I see Your face in every sunrise

The colors of the morning are inside Your eyes

The world awakens in the light of the day

I look up to the sky and say

You’re beautiful

I see Your power in the moonlit night

Where planets are in motion and galaxies are bright

We are amazed in the light of the stars

It’s all proclaiming who You are

You’re beautiful, You're beautiful

I see you there hanging on a tree

You bled and then you died and then you rose again for me

Now you are sitting on Your heavenly throne

Soon we will be coming home

You’re beautiful, you're beautiful

When we arrive at eternity’s shore

Where death is just a memory and tears are no more

We’ll enter in as the wedding bells ring

Your bride will come together and we’ll sing

You’re beautiful, You're beautiful, You're beautiful

I see Your face, You're beautiful, You're beautiful, You're beautiful

I see Your face, You're beautiful, You're beautiful, You're beautiful

I see Your face, I see Your face

I see Your face, You’re beautiful, You’re beautiful, You’re beautiful

SBux... so fondly I call you...

"The whole purpose of places like Starbucks is for people with no decision-making ability whatsoever to make six decisions just to buy one cup of coffee. Short, tall, light, dark, caf, decaf, low-fat, non-fat, etc. So people who don't know what the hell they're doing or who on earth they are can, for only $2.95, get not just a cup of coffee but an absolutely defining sense of self: Tall. Decaf. Cappuccino." - Joe Fox

As if we did not have enough choices already.

I realize that since Stabux is in the name of my blog I might want to eventually write something or several somethings pertaining to the subject. Sorry sounding a little bookish right there. 

I tend to not go a day with out coffee whether it be from the famous Starbux or my home brewed pot. There is something about that first sip of caffeine that sends a wave of contentment through your sensory. 

A sort of Ahh... 

I am actually thinking of painting a small canvas with this exact sediment.

 Maybe I will put them in Simply Touched so that you can have one too!

I love these little blurps on my coffee I always find a way to make it pertain to my day. 

Today was a Venti Coffee Frappacino with  a shot of Raspberry in it.

Go try one its almost a sip of summer. Yum!