Back On Track (Again!)

Here I am. I worked out today and have been eating wonderful delicious fruit. I'm also drinking a ton of water. All to make up for the past two weeks.

I know I didn't feel good and gave my little injury a vacation. Yes, I regret it. I guess I didn't maintain my weight as much as I thought, because boy... do I have a lot of work to do.

I am so drained from my workout today. I began back at Level 1 on Jillian Michaels' 30-Day Shred. Yes, it finally came in the mail. And yeah! It kicked my butt. I'm seriously feelin' it now. I was exhausted during the workout, but I did it. I am proud of myself. And I will keep this up.

Holler if you are here!!!!!!!!

BTW - the widget you see in the upper right hand corner is for my daughter. She is in Honors English, and they are planning an educational tour to Europe next June (2010). It pains me to see her go this far away from me, yet I know it will give her a better global understanding of the world today and the variety of cultures. I want my child to be aware and am allowing her to go. However, we need your support. You can donate money to the fund or send in your donations. Just click "CHIP IN" and it will send you to a site where you can pay via PayPal. PayPal will not charge you. But... it does charge us a small amount. We have a little over $4000 to earn by May 2010. Please help us help Renee to reach this goal. Thanks ahead of time! lisa

Ouch! It Hurts!

My whole body is aching right now. This morning, I walked for 1/2 hour, then spent almost an hour with a pick, tearing through the tight weeds and mounds of grass. SUPER hard work for me! Now my shoulders and back are totally feeling it, and I'm not even close to being done.

As for eating? Ugh! I just want to eat and eat and eat and eat. Nothing is taming this monster. Sometimes I find myself with the will power and others, I just give in, but make the portions super small or even just a taste. I'm hungry all the time! But I am still maintaining.

I will get back outside once it cools down. Otherwise, I'm in here for the day with chores to do. I'm cleaning out my crafting areas and trying to get my mending pile free of mending. This, too, is hard work that kills my back and shoulders.

I've worked out every day for a whole week and am pretty proud of myself. Hopefully, I can keep this going. I've decided to do the cardio for another week, then go back to Jillian, unless the cardio is taken off (I hate that!) of Time Warner.

I'm drinking lots of water and just had my cup of coffee. However, I decided to limit it to two cups, as one just isn't enough, but I did cut down on the amount of sugar and cream I am using. Not much... but still a cut down.

Water... Water...

Today I didn't drink much water. I'm a sucker for fresh beans, and I got a 2 lb. bag of Starbucks beans last night... so today I drank coffee... coffee... coffee... Yum... I was good in most other ways. Baked fish, green beans and noodles (only 1/2 cup!). Yay. I ate a couple of vanilla wafers for dessert (needed that treat!) and just strayed from the water.

Tomorrow will be another day.

Exercise? I did Bob Harper's workout again, against the screaming agony of my hamstrings and glutes. Boy did that exercise feel good and painful. I am still feeling it. My shoulders even hurt. But it's a good hurt. Don't know who I'll choose to do tomorrow morning... Jillian or Bob? Hmm...

I feel fairly good about today. I also joined The Biggest Loser League, which is a FREE service provided through NBC. (Thanks, guys!) I heard about it through my brother, who is also on his own journey through this hellacious hole of weight loss. Let's all give him some support, too. He seriously needs it, as he is in a lack-of-motivation state. Cheer him (and me!) on! With everyone's support and our own willPOWER, we can do it!!!!

Wish me luck and good POWER tomorrow!

Honestly... How Do People Do It?

I have watched what I've been eating. I may not be strict, but I've been eating WAY less than I used to. I cut out all my soda intake. I drink a ton of water each and every day. I exercise. And the weight just IS NOT falling off. I am working and working, and my body is not working for me.

Ok... enough of the rant.

Today was ok-ish. I exercised and did something different. Jillian Michaels' 30-Day Stretch is no longer available on Time Warner Cable, so I tried the Biggest Loser CardioMax. This is hosted by Bob Harper. Wow! It is bed time and I am so feeling it. It tired me out a little; I was "sweatin' like a man and breathin' like a man" as Bob says. It felt great! Although it was mostly cardio and no toning. Hmmm... maybe I'll do all cardio for a week or so and take off those pounds. I have a feeling (see above paragraph) that part of my weight issue is building of muscle mass? Uh... I sure hope so.

Eating today was alright. At dinner, I know I overdid it. But that's okay. I did not deprive myself and didn't go hog wild. Yay me!

Exhausted and going to bed. Signing off. Over and out... ZONK!

BUSY Weekend!

So... I officiated a swim meet all weekend, not getting in until really late. I ate fairly well, but had a few glitches (one of the wives makes the best chocolate chip cookies!). Yesterday was better, I didn't have a single cookie, but did have 3 cups of coffee.

I didn't end up exercising on Friday. I just couldn't get into it. Saturday morning was better, and so was Sunday. Today I did great. But my dvds haven't come yet of Jillian Michaels' 30-Day Shred. So... when the freebie goes out tomorrow, I don't know what I'm going to do.

I'm kinda kickin' out the snacks a little, as I was losing more when I just ate healthy and not too many snacks. This fist thing also doesn't seem to be working afterall. Oh well... you gotta try some things. Not everything works with everyone. So I'll keep trying, just not one of those fad diet things. Yuck!

Still Not A YAY Day!

I worked out, yet again, today. Still not feelin' it. With the weather as gorgeous (pretty only, as it's still been cold here - for us that is...) as it's been, you would think I would be feelin' it. But I am not. I can't wait for my Level 3 of Jillian Michaels 30-Day Stretch to get here...

Eating? Bowl of oatmeal with raisins, cup of coffee, water, water, water... Banana, more water... 2 thin slices meat, bowl of rice with 1 T Country Crock, more water... a couple ff's (French Fries... a super duper NO NO!), 1 piece bread with 1/2 t Country Crock (I really was craving this), more water... more ff's, a little bit of salad, 2 cups coffee... more water...

So... suffice it to say... I didn't do very well today! (Oops! A little Dr. Suess-y for me!)

I Almost Didn't Make It Today...

... But I did! I didn't work out first thing this morning. I didn't feel like it. But... after dropping off both the kids, I forced myself into it. And it didn't seem as bad this morning. I actually got through it much easier.

So... I think I'm ready for Level 3 of Jillian Michaels' 30-Day Shred. However, since it isn't available for free through TimeWarner, I ordered it off e-Bay. With shipping, the whole series (Levels 1, 2 & 3) will cost me a whole whoppin' $11.79. I got the "Buy It Now" with $3.00 shipping. Pretty good, and will be here within 2-3 days. Oh! Not this week, though... Presidents Day is Monday. Oh well... Tuesday then. If you want the name or link of the seller, please e-mail me by clicking here.

After talking to 2 or more people that have expressed they read my blog but can't write their own, I made up a format (see previous post) to follow. You don't have to write everything like I do. This is just my way of keeping myself on top of it for me. Not everyone does the same thing. Any type of writing, even if just inputting data, will help.

I discovered something in talking to these people, though. I found out they have goals and are going through the same processes as me. One person has lost 92 pounds. Granted, it has taken a long time, but it is slow and gradual and will not come back. Good for you!

Another person has maintained since January. This is another great accomplishment. Good for you!

Baby steps is the key for both of you. I'm so glad you told me how you are doing. It makes me feel good about and for all of us.

If you, too, would like to e-mail me about your status, progress, or overall well-being, please feel free to do so by clicking here. Also, if there is too much hocus pocus to make a comment, feel free to e-mail me anytime. Your name will not be mentioned unless you want Super Kudos and want it mentioned. But no matter. Congratulations to all on any progress you make. I am proud of me and proud of you.

Keeping With It!

Good morning, Peoples (my whole two followers and whoever else visits...)! True to what I promised myself, I did work out yesterday. Yay me! I also stuck with a healthy day eating-wise.

However, I probably did not get enough sleep. Boo. Oh well... I'll keep trying. I honestly don't get it how others can get so much done in one day, eat right, exercise and get enough sleep. It is beyond me. If anyone has any suggestions (without cutting anything important to me or my kids), please let me know. I am at a loss and need help at this point.

Today has gotten off to a good start. I exercised with Jillian Michaels again today (if only they had the Level 3 available for free!) and feel fairly good about it. I was unwilling to start it this morning, but pushed myself and finished it. Yay me!

I got a sample of SENSE, the Cortislim way, the other day. Before you get your stuff in a bunch... I AM NOT DOING THIS!!! I merely wanted to read their materials. It seems this is a basic dieting (healthier eating, not deprivation), sleep and exercise deal, with the "supplement" (DRUG - in my book!) controlling or "aiding" you to maintain a healthy stress level. Ok, I don't think so... But... they do have a fairly good meal plan, dealing with "fists". There are fists of every food you are supposed to eat, and they pretty much stick to this philosophy. This is a good program to follow, without the supplement, so I think I will.

So... in following this, I ate an apple, oatmeal, raisins, coffee (YES! they allow this wonderful beverage in their meal plans, even with a small dose of sugar and milk!!!), and water. I think I did pretty good. I'm full and satisfied, while eating healthy. What more could I want?

Anywho... we'll see what today brings me. I planned on walking to the library, but it seems the rain won't stop for that long, and I'm not taking a coughing toddler out in it. Plus! She doesn't want to go until she gets "better." After perusing this form of speech, I can't blame her and don't want to "endanger" the other kids of getting the same cold.

And! I have to pee almost all the time! All that water intake is STILL getting to me! Yikes!!! Gotta go again!

Cheat Day!

Not that I've been super dieting or anything. But... I just couldn't resist the pull of Dark Chocolate and Peppermint Moose Munch from Harry & David's. It was supposed to be a wonderful experience, something I remembered. Whelps... it wasn't nearly as good as I thought it would be. It was way too rich for me to eat the box!

I worked out today... still doing the Level 2 of 30-Day Shred. I decided not to "change it up" after last week's fiasco. I will "change it up" on February 25th, when the recording is no longer free to me through RoadRunner (TimeWarner). Now, after eating that candied popcorn, I am so dragging. Oh well.

I will be working out tomorrow, my typical rest day. First off, I need to make up for Tuesday's slacking. Secondly, I need to make up for today's candied popcorn. Yuck! I won't be doing that again. I found out that even though I wasn't depriving myself, even though I seriously craved it, with all of these lifestyle changes, the memories were much better than the real thing.

A Little Better Today!

YAY! Both me and my daughter feel a little better today. So... I did Level 2 again of Jillian Michael's 30-Day Shred. It killed me, but it felt GREAT!

I had 1/2 cup of coffee so far this morning. I don't feel like eating. I am constipated (TMI!!) and feel a little bloated, too. How 'bout those water pills? Do they work? I have been eating fiber up the wazoo, but nothing yet. I constantly have to pee with all of the water intake!

Almost like someone with diabetes. I didn't used to drink so much water, but now that I am, I feel parched a lot of the day and go to the bathroom fairly regularly. Like almost every hour. This makes doing anything else slightly difficult. I had better hope every place I go has some decent bathroom and no line or more than one stall. Which reminds me... I have to go now!

"I Want You To Feel Like You Are Going To Die!"

says Jillian Michaels in her Level 2 workout of 30-Day Shred. And I do/did while doing it. I even do the low impact (beginner) portion that my new BFF (Anita - on the dvd) is doing. And I still feel it!

But, I am still making it through. Been having a little bit of trouble. Juan (my hubby) is on vacate, so always wants to eat out. Ugh! If only... How do you say no? He doesn't believe in lower calories or healthier eating. I do much better when he's at work.

But today is leftovers, and I'm still full from lunch. I think I'll pass. I did healthier snacks all day long, so it should be pretty okay.

At least I now notice a little difference in the clothing feel, so it's a little more "up" in my thoughts. Keep going, keep going!!!

Saturday and Super Bowl!

I did work out Saturday. I decided to change it up a bit. I did "The Crunch - Cardio Salsa". Uh... It is 5 chapters. I got through 3 and headed for the cool down. I had my right hip burning (and feeling like it was gonna pop) and the opposite calf screaming at me. BUT! I still did 20 minutes of cardio workout. It was a nice change, despite the screaming joints and muscles.

Saturday was otherwise just doing prep work for Sunday. Way to go!

Sunday... Need I say anymore? Rest day, and day of Super Bowl. My body is still paying the price. After eating a lot healthier the past month, even with my "allowances", the fat (just thinking about it!) and grease really got to me. But, I ate a little bit. I nibbled here and there, not taking oodles of food, but just a bite or two. I really did not eat that much. I munched on some nuts and 2 tangerines, as well. But! Then came birthday cake. Oh Yum! And I only ate one cupcake! Yeah me!

Y'all may not think that's very good, but let me tell you. It is for me. Baby steps. I also did not deny myself and set myself up for future (whether immediate or not) failure. So YEAH!

Today... I spent the morning with Jillian, but advanced myself to her Level 2 class. OMG! I thought I was gonna die! But... I got through it. I'm not sore just yet, but we'll see.

Eating? Today has been ok. I ate 1/2 sandwich (low cal - from Jason's Deli) with a cup of soup for lunch. (Skipped breakfast - don't know why... just didn't feel hungry.) And for dinner, we are having left over sloppy joes. Not too bad. I'm pretty proud of myself.

Gained Almonst One Pound, But I'm Still Doin' Fine

Yikes! But to make myself feel better, I measured myself as compared to 6 months ago, which was when I was even "smaller" than January 1st this year.

I am proud to say I lost inches!!! I can honestly feel good! I worked out and watched what I ate, for the most part. Yes, I ate cake, and yes, I ate cookie, but that was it. I had a very small piece of each.

Inch-wise, I lost a total of 15.5 inches. This is taken from measurements of my arms (biceps), upper thighs (the largest part), calves, hips, waist and bust. I lost 4 inches in just my waist and 2 inches in my hips! Woohoo! Unfortunately, a side effect of losing weight is where you want it most... Yes... my bust is shrinking. I lost some there, too.

On another note, I worked out again with Jillian Michaels today. I am still on her Level 1. However, I browsed Level 2 today (after my workout).... not sure I'm ready for that. It appears quite difficult to me. We'll see. I think I might need to change it up to get some results.

I did feel rather tired this morning. Since I worked out in the late afternoon yesterday, the push-ups were EXTREMELY difficult for me. Oh well. I got through it... PUSH, Push, push!

Busy... Busy...

So I didn't write yesterday, but I maintained. And it was hard. My (now) 4-year-old had her birthday and wanted a BIG cookie (pizza-sized) with M&M's and a cake (vanilla/vanilla). Plus, she had pizza. Ok, so I ate one SMALL piece of cake, and two SMALL squares of the cookie. I only ate one piece of pizza and a couple of chips. So... today should be a better day, we got all of that out of the way.

Worked out both days, but today I was dragging in it. I didn't want to finish, but Jill (on the DVD) kept telling me not to stop, to not even think about turning off the DVD. And so... I didn't. I finished the workout and I'm better for it.

I haven't been gardening this week, as there isn't much time. I've been going, going, going! Whether it's one thing or another, I just keep going.

So... stay busy, exercise, take medications (if you need to), drink LOTS of water, cut down portion sizes, and be sure to dress well. This last one is important. Dress like you feel good about yourself. This doesn't mean "dress up." It just means brush your teeth and your hair, put shoes on, makeup (if you wear it), and for Heaven's sake... take those dirty sweats (and anything stained) off! Sweats are ok, as long as they are cleaned and not hole-y. This is another exercise in believing in yourself. If you look good, you are bound to feel a bit better. Eventually, this (too) will rub off on you and make you feel better and actually begin to believe... in YOU!

Snap, Crackle and Pop... and It ISN'T Rice Krispies!!!

Even though I've been working out for over 3 weeks now (yay me!), you'd think the sounds I my body makes was my daughter eating her breakfast cereal. I still hear joints popping, bones creaking, and hips groaning. I hear my knees and shoulders pop, my fingers and wrists seem to crackle, and occasionally... my ankle snaps. Don't fret, now... it doesn't hurt. It just makes me realize how long portions of my body sat there... unused.

Do you have unused parts of your body? Don't worry about it. Just start out and go slowly. It's okay to do modified impact. It's okay to not go "full out". If you ease into it, you are much less likely to hurt yourself or burn yourself out. It is a good thing. Just do your best and keep going. Babysteps!!!

This last weekend was really hard for me. I ate well on Saturday, but Friday was too much food for me to say no to. However, I didn't eat as much as I would have previously, so I believe I did fairly well. Yesterday, fresh brownies were made in my house, and it was freezing outside. How can anyone say no to warmth in the form of chocolate, I ask you! I am not that willPOWERED but I did pretty well, to say the least and didn't come out of it by eating half a pan... I only ate 1 1/2 small brownies. Not too bad, but not too good, either.

Today will be a better day. It is more routined, more scheduled, and I am grateful for that.

I did workout today. I exercised with Ms. Jillian. It was difficult to get through it, as for some unexplained reason, I felt more stress on my body during the workout, causing me to feel tired. BUT! On a good note, I finished my workout anyway. Yay me!

Sticking To It...

Although I skipped writing yesterday, I did workout. I also ate "fairly" well. I official swim meets, and yesterday was a meet.

So... after not really being able to sleep (see my "other" blog), I finally took a nap for 2 1/2 hours, then got up at 5:15 am, worked out with Jill (30-Day Shred again), ate an orange, did dishes and minor cleanup. I was out the door by 7am. When I got to the meet, I ate scrambled eggs with salsa (nothing else on it... no potatoes, no cheese, no tortilla [I would usually get the works in a breakfast burrito], so YAY ME!!!) and a banana. For lunch, I splurged a little bit. They offered Chik-Fil-A sandwiches (fried chicken breast). I went ahead and got one, but declined the chips and other junkie items.

Let me tell you... the temptations are there. Although it is swimming for youth, the snack bars usually have a good choice of junk: donuts, bagels, "the works" breakfast burritos, pancakes, sausage, chili dogs, hamburgers, nachos, chips, candy, soda, coffee... Do you see what I mean? I did not drink coffee, or soda all day at the meet... only water. And it was good! AND it wasn't hard to do. The temptations might be there, but I wasn't overly tempted.

I began this journey knowing that if I full-on "dieted", then it wouldn't work for me, because I know myself. I would cave. It would feel forced, and I would resent it. Not this time.

Since we are on our feet all day, I wasn't sitting on my butt.

Then... I went to Chuck E. Cheese with my kids, Mom, nephew, sister and her bf. I sampled the cheese, had two boneless wings, 2 pieces of pizza (small ones to make it "appear" like more), and a salad. I tried a cup of coffee, but only ended up having a couple sips (it really helps when it isn't "good" coffee [lol!]!!!). I did have to try a 2 small bites of brownie when I got to my mom's house. My (almost) 4-year-old made them, so... I had to tell her how they were. But, again I resisted the calling. I'm pretty proud of myself.

I worked out again this morning (yeah! I said I would do it since I skipped Friday!) and feel relatively well. Although... I am exhausted from yesterday's marathon of sleeplessness. I also took pics, but after not really seeing any results (do you see any? please let me know in the comment section. my girls "claim" they do, but i just don't see it and my clothes don't feel like they fit "differently"), I have decided I will only takes pics once a month, on the 1st of the month, to be fairly equal to the original starting point of January 1st, 2009.

Without Jillian Today...

Today, my almost 4-year-old woke up earlier than normal. So... I wasn't able to exercise with my motivator, Miss Jillian Michaels. Bummer, but... I did her workout (sans Jill!) anyway and just set my timer for 30 seconds to keep up the interval pattern. Worked for me! I even sweated more. Probably because I was killing myself, as I started my workout WAY late for me. I almost wasn't sure I'd get it in. But I did. I made myself... and it wasn't that bad.

Okay folks... the recipe that is on the sidebar for the flushing-type tea (drink) tastes HORRIBLE!!!! But, today I'm going to the bathroom constantly, so it must take a day to "work." However, I think I will still drink 3 cups of tea (1 teabag each at different point37.56/12) with just a splash of cranberry juice and a splash of lemon juice. This will be much easier to "phone it in" (down it quickly) than to drink almost two quarts of nasty stuff! Plus, I drink enough water throughout the day, I really don't need the diluted version.

I haven't weighed myself yet. Will save that for tomorrow morning, as I did my initial weigh at 11:30pm, and have decided (after the poll that only one person completed - guess I don't have very many readers... lol!) to weigh myself first thing in the morning. Maybe this will do more for my whompa! Gotta give something a try, as I haven't been doing this that long, yet I feel I've already reached one plateau and nothing is changing!

I'm thinking this "flushing" is hopefully the change I need to rev my engine. Woohoo! I'm comin'!!!

What "Other" Type of Exercise are You Doing?

I just don't think that if I exercise in the morning and eat well throughout the day and sit on my butt, it will work... this losing weight thing. So, in an effort to institute business, I have begun making lists. I've looked around at things I've been neglecting, i.e. gardening (weeding, thinning out plants, re-planting, etc.), sewing (mending, UFOs [unfinished objects], etc.), cleaning (deep cleaning and organizing), etc.

This week, I've been working on the flower beds in my front yard. The goal was to work 1/2 hour each day. Beginning Monday, I worked 1 1/2 hours (300% of my goal!). Yesterday, I worked a little over an hour, and only finished because you kinda can't do that kind of thing in the dark... Today was another 1 1/2 hours. So, my flower beds are lookin' good (I still have a painter's palette-shaped one in the VERY front to do), and I am almost done with the front. I also pruned the rose bushes, since some blooms have just croaked. I also thinned out the strawberries (took off all the dead leaves and replanted some runners in thinning spots). If you don't think gardening or weeding is exercise, think again.

Every year, when I begin my gardening (I go through spurts), my legs and back are sore and achy, my shoulders feel like they've been lifting 50 lb bags of flour all night, and I just get tired. The crab grass that runs wild here is a workout alone. Whelp... this time, I don't have any of that (THANK YOU, JILLIAN MICHAELS!!!), except the tiredness. Hopefully, that, too - in time - will leave my list of complaints.

Jillian worked me again this morning, then I went and did my crab grass routine (see above). I did some laundry (another workout, if you walk back and forth to push each item away individually and not save steps...) and am now eating oatmeal with raisins. I still have yet to watch DietTribe and The Biggest Loser from this week. Hopefully I'll be able to get to that today.

I am still having insomnia. I go to bed fairly late. I keep promising myself (and my doctor) that I will lay down with 8 hours to sleep. I understand that I need to sleep to lose, but I really don't want to take a sleep aid. But, I'm sure this is my problem, as the scale doesn't seem to be moving (yeah, I know... I really shouldn't weigh everyday, but hey! it just calls to me...).

Totally Tuesday!

And I stuck to it, still working out! I heard Jillian yelling at me (as I drove my kids to school this morning) that I'd better workout when I got home. Yes... I hear her voice. I know it's my own mind, but hey! whatever works for me... lol! And it does work. I did the squats lower and harder, and I still feel ok. Yay me!

I went out for breakfast this morning and only at 1/2 of a muffin (Oh... so yummy!) at Mimi's Cafe, with no butter! It tasted JUST FINE! No seriously! It did. I realized for the first time goin gthere that it didn't need butter at all. I also only drank one cup of coffee. I am so proud. I did have a "just enough" breakfast, which was a small portion of potatoes, black beans, and egg and a tortilla with varioius heat-producing salsas. Very good, and didn't make me "want" to eat the remainder on my plate, because... well... there weren't any. But, like I said... they were "just enough" portions, and that is the intent.

I've been drinking my water faithfully. I think, overall, on day 20... I'm doing pretty good. This is the longest I've ever stuck to my guns and kept on going.

And, Josh, if you are reading this... you should have faith and believe in yourself. You have a wonderful child that NEEDS you to. He believes in you, and children are the most intuitive beings, especially at such a young age.

To all of you... don't put off today. Utilize the "NOW". Tomorrow will be today then yesterday, then the day before yesterday. Before you know it, it will be last week! And, if you go ahead and start, you may slip. Don't quit, don't stop. Just keep the ball going. Play the game of life, and come out ahead by picking yourself back up again and sticking to your guns. (Can you tell I feel "positive" today? LOL!) Maybe if you say or think positively, eventually, even you will believe yourself.

Super Saturday!

Today is going to be a busy day. So... even though I was tired from last night, I got my butt up and worked out earlier, so it didn't interfere with my day.

I changed Jillian's workout a little though. She does a couple minutes weights, then a couple cardio, then weights, then cardio, etc. I kept this regime. However, in her first "set" of cardio, she does jumping jacks then "jump rope". This just kills my knees, and I was really having a hard time doing it. It was painful, but not muscle pain. It was putting to much stress on my knees in one shot, as both moves completely impact the knees. The next set of cardio is a "butt kick" (where you sorta jog in place but kick your glutes, working the thighs) and a squat and punch. The third and final set is a combination of the two sets, jumping jacks, then butt kicks, then squat and punch, and ending with jump rope. So, I changed the first and second set's combinations: first set - jumping jacks then butt kicks; second set - jump rope then squat and punch. This works much better for me. My knees didn't feel like they were going to dislocate, which they are very well known for doing at any given time.

So, I feel good, but still tired. Tonight, though, I will have to be fairly careful... we are going to a Quincenera (15th birthday party for a girl), which is a really big thing, almost as big (and sometimes just as big or bigger) than a wedding. Lots of food (FATTY FOOD) and drink. I will survive! The power is in me - willPOWER!!!!