I get to be a wife for 30 something days...Yay!

I don't get to be a wife often. Well, in the sense that I would cook and clean for my husband. He's gone often and I still cook and clean on occasion, but, you know, it's different. Eric has been home for week now. It's been great. I make him lunches, wash his socks, help pick out his ties, train him at the crack of dawn, and  all sorts of wifey type things. My favorite thing is laughing. When Eric and I are together, we are on the same wavelength humor wise. We spend all day cracking jokes and saying witty remarks to each other. It's great!

My goal this month that I have with him is to train him and feed him accordingly to his goals. I cook every meal fresh and I try to hide veggies in the meals so that he'll eat them. He's a very picky eater. Another goal is to make sure when he comes home every evening, he has all the quality time with Elora Danan he can get before her bed time. So far I think I'm doing a fair job.

I miss him terribly when he's away. He'll be going away VERY SOON. I have to get months of laughing in before he's gone again.

My Geek Hat

I'm a geek. I don't show it often and it's hard for me to find other females with similar interests. Mostly guys know what I'm quoting or when I refer to Hobbit Day or Skyrim. I need geeky girl friends. I want to throw a Hobbit Day Party but I am quiet certain that most of my friends have no idea what I'm talking about and will mostly not feel inclined to attend. I enjoy C. S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia and The Space Trilogy; J. R. R. Tolkien's The Hobbit and LOTR Trilogy; video games; Willow; Dune; Star Wars; etc...I don't really have anyone to talk to and geek out with. Eric likes them, but no where near to the extent that I do. MY brother was awesome to talk to when he lived with us for a bit. But, alas, he has moved away and got married. I never see him. I miss my family!

This blog is about my many hats and how I attempt to juggle the different areas in my life; therefore I may open up about it more. Not sure. Maybe.

OOTD: Ripped jeans, Zumbawear

I'm excited about this outfit, because I can wear a Zumba Fitness t-shirt as everyday causal wear. I enjoy the casual look. I'm also excited to be comfortably fitting into me pre-pregnancy clothes again.



Zumba Fitness Wonder V-Neck T-Shirt - Gray size XS
Express X2 Jeans - size 0
Clarks Roxana sandals - black size 5

I love being a mommy

I love being a mommy and I feel very competent when it comes to raising and caring for my child. However, there are times when others make me feel inadequate. Whether it's a passing comment or some literature on child rearing, I feel that I scrutinized. Everyone has an opinion. Each in their own right believes that their way is best and the way that all should follow. I, for one, am not entirely certain that I know the 'right' way. But I can tell you that I must be doing a fine job, because every doctor visit has ended with 'She's perfect. Keep it up.' and Elora Danan is the happiest child on the planet. Sleeps through the night, eats well, and is on track or advanced when it comes to those Ages & Stages thingies.

I may be a new mommy, and I most certainly do not know it all... But c'mon! Most of this is common sense. Patience, consistency, involvement, responsibility, and determination are key for me. Best compliment I've ever received came from my MIL. She told me how impressed she was with me because I do not become frustrated with Elora Danan. She's right. I'm very relaxed and patient. Babies crying is not something that upsets me. Blowouts, spit up in my hair, missing out on Zumbathons because I had to clean up a mess, having to take her to classes with me, being alone while Eric is TDY, teething, waking up in the middle of the night - the list goes on, but I think you get it - none of these things frustrate me.

In my opinion, Elora Danan has given my no cause to lose my temper or to become upset. She is a baby. She cannot speak or do anything for herself right now. She needs me. She needs me to teach her. I get to be a greatest influence in her life. I get to experience all her new discoveries and all her firsts. What a blessing to be part of something so magnificent. I mean, wow! I get to have this beautiful, precious human being look up at me everyday with those big, beautiful blue eyes full of unconditional love and unwavering trust.

Goodness! I want to go pick her up and smooch on her!

I better not though...it's past midnight and I should be sleeping. I have a 4:30am client to train and my own workout to do at 6:30am.

Goodnight!

Late Night Thoughts

Blogging is really difficult. I have a lot to say, but I feel that it is probably not what blog readers want to hear. Perhaps I am self-conscious. I've been reading up on how to blog. The experts say that I must find one topic and stick to it. Well, the concept behind starting this blog is that I do more than just one thing. I'm a girl on many hats. Not just one. They also speak about consistency. I'm not blogging as often as I should. I should probably try to though, eh?

Lately, I've been feeling a little lost. This is normal for me. I spend most of my time trying to figure out what to do next. Is anyone else like that?

I really want to win this...

I keep entering these giveaways hoping to win...lol
I love using cloth diapers. They are easy to use, better for Elora, better for the environment, and better for my wallet...in the long run!

If you like cloth diapering...visit the link for your chance to win!

http://www.diaperjunction.com/83112-FYSF-Win-a-BumGenius-Freetime-Babylegs-and-Detergent_b_411.html#

Shame On ME

Well, I had decided to start working out the end of July to WOW my husband when he returned from TDY. He was going to be gone for 6 weeks. Plenty of time to show a few results. I had a plan and I even blogged about it for accountability. Well, nothing happened. He'll be home in 3 days and I've gotten nothing to wow him with.

SHAME ON ME!

I am determined to start working out though. I even found a female workout partner...now, if we could just start! That would be awesome.

I'm really good at finding excuses! I know that I look good for having had my first baby 6 months ago, but that is no excuse to allow my strength and endurance to diminish. I say I'm too tired to workout. I say I teach Zumba® Toning and Zumba® Sentao and that's enough! I say that I'm a prat-time single mommy and toting my baby, stroller, pack-n-play, spears, etc. to class everyday is enough of a workout.

ALL THESE EXCUSES!!!

But I am not happy with my current fitness level. I stare at my deltoids hoping that if I stare long enough they will self-develop. I want washboard abs, but I won't do the work! I want firmer thighs, yet I only do lunges when I teach my classes. Blah blah blah blah

WHAT IS MY PROBLEM!!??!!

Lack of energy? Lack of motivation? Lack of accountability? Feeling overwhelmed? Yes. Yes to all.  But I'm not the only one. I know this. There are 1,000 of other women in the same boat as me. I need to get off my butt, crash the pity party, and WORK!!!!!

Elora Sits

A couple of weeks ago I decided to do some serious sitting sessions with Elora. In one day she picked up sitting all on her own. She still throws her self backwards and bumps her head, but I think she's starting to figure out that she's doing it to herself. However, being a new mommy I'm still protecting her and putting 1,000 pillows around her to prevent any more head bashing.

WOW: Day One

WOW Series

Day One

You maybe wondering how to start. Here are a few of steps to help get the ball rolling.
1. Pick a goal.
2. Make a plan.
3. Provide yourself with the tools to follow the plan.

4. Eliminate obstacles

5. Accountability

Choose your goal! "In six weeks, my goal is _______." Please be sure that your goal is reasonable for the established time-frame. Write it down. Put it on Facebook. Tweet it. Blog it. Call your mom and tell her your goal. Share with a co-worker or fellow student. The point is ACCOUNTABILITY! If no one is helping you stay accountable, getting sidetracked or giving up is almost inevitable.

Now, you make a plan. When are you working out? Morning? Lunchtime? Evening? How often? What type of workout will you chose? There are many. Insanity, P90X, and Crossfit  are just to name a few. Doesn't really matter what you chose. The fact is that you will see results once you start eating right and MOVE! I will tell you that you definitely need to hit the weights. Cardio is not the ONLY answer.

Providing yourself with the right tools is important. If you plan to workout at home, you may want to invest in exercise equipment. Or you could join a gym. You need a journal and pen. Keep track of you progress.  You need to eat a well-balanced diet. Make a meal plan. Start planning all your meals for the week. Shop for the meal plan. Try eating 6-8 small meals a day. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, before, during and after your workout. Nutrition is 60% of success when it comes to being fit and healthy.

Eliminate! What is you weakness - your Achilles Heel? Is it soda or candy? Going out for dinner? If your friends invite you to go out to dinner every weekend or eat out for lunch, let them know about your refocus on health and that you are eliminating roadblocks. Trust me, they will understand. This is important. Don't short-change yourself. Eliminate the obstacles that stand in your way. Go through your pantry and fridge and start eliminating! You don't need those things. They don't help you. Discipline is key here, people. You can not satisfy appetite. Feeding your appetite only makes it grow.

As I mentioned earlier, accountability is crucial to success. Surround yourself with a support group. This series will be my accountability and I would love your support and involvement! Share your goals with me. Share your plans with me. Share your triumphs with me. Share your setbacks with me, too. I want to be here for you.

I've picked my goal. Have you? Come back tomorrow morning. I'll be sharing my plan with you.

Go for the WOW!

I'm going to WOW him

Truthfully, I have not been trying to get back into shape. I look pretty good for having a baby five months ago, but I'm no where near the physique before getting pregnant. I had worked really hard for the physique and I need to do so again. No more excuses!

So here's my plan. My husband is gone for the next 6 weeks. My goal is to 'wow' him when he gets home. Although, he thinks I'm gorgeous and sexy just the way I am, I want to stop him in his tracks! Starting tonight after my Zumba Fitness class I will be starting my strict 6 week make over. Wanna join me?

Follow my for the next 6 weeks. State your goal in the comments. I'll help you and motivate you and keep you accountable. I only ask you do the same for me. I'm GREAT at coming up with excuses! So below type you a very realistic goal for the next 6 weeks. Take a before picture. Take my hand and we will do this together!!!

My goal is muscle definition. Ideally my abs, thighs, and arms.

Let's do this!!!!