Intense desire to be a runner + 2 knees genetically predisposed to injury =

I've been really good about eating and working out, and today my knee decided it wanted some more time off (translation: I think I have torn some cartilage) so I snapped and defrosted a pumpkin cake I had in the freezer. Fortunately, it had freezer burn so I ate a piece and threw it away.I also got an amazing deal on this rug today. It is really beautiful, the only problem being that it is pink. I don't really decorate with pink, but I might get away with putting it in my garden room. If I can't stand it, I guess I'll roll it up and save it until I figure out how to use it.

Body for Life

This is what I've been doing with my free time lately:

I picked up this book at the book store last month. I was browsing the health section because I had finally become disgusted with my unhealthy eating and lack of working out, but couldn't get motivated. Here is the first version of the Body for Life book:


I am starting on my 6th week of Body for Life workout, and the results are amazing. It's simple and healthy, too. You commit to 12 weeks (although the idea is you continue with this lifestyle after the initial 12 week commitment), 4 hours of exercise per week, 6 small, balanced, and nutritious meals per day. 3 days a week I do 20 minutes of cardio, and 3 days a week I do weight lifting. I'm also never hungry because I eat a lot of food. I just have to eat the right kinds of food. Like this breakfast:

This is 4 egg whites, spinach, mushrooms and salsa. I eat it with a whole grain tortilla. Lots of protein, very little fat and calories. Yum!

Another thing I love about the BFL book is all the before and after pictures. I find them to be very inspiring. The transformations some of these people made are almost unbelievable. But I'm seeing some pretty phenominal changes in my own body. The weight lifting really revs up the metabolism and gives you great shape. So much better than the old days of doing tons and tons of cardio and being hungry all the time. I feel great. I did take a "before" picture of myself, but it is soooooo scary I can't bring myself to show it to you. Maybe after the 12 weeks is over I'll have the courage, but for now ...

Happy Holidays everyone!

Tap, tap, tap. Phfft, phfft. Testing, 1, 2, 3. Is this thing on?

Heather here ... I do still exist, I am alive, no one kidnapped me and took me to Mars ...

(That's a great book, by the way.) We've been busy with a trip to Orlando, a trip to Indiana, mom working, house guests, sports, and most importantly, mom is doing this:

And it's working. And I feel absolutely GREAT! I eat 6 meals a day! I've dropped 1 dress size after 2 weeks. I found muscles I haven't seen in years. I'm talking serious dedication, people!! [Any diet queens out there who want to join me?] And I'm absolutely nuts about getting my workout in every day. Therefore, other things have fallen by the wayside. Have no fear, I have some housecleaning to do for a work party at Casa de Jones, so I will take time to blog instead.

Oh, I've been doing a lot of this, too:

And this ...

And this ....

This one's next. It should take me a week, or a few days, depending on whether I feed the children. Priorities.

Ah, a book series guaranteed to turn any mom into a 13 year old again. Does it get any better? Well, yes, actually ... let's just say I think movie casting for Edward was spot on. And I'll leave it at that.

So I just thought I would stop by the ole' blog and say "Hi" to my buddies and let you know you've been on my mind. [Hi Martha!! I owe you an answer to your tag. I love ya, girl! ...... Lisa!! I have a post about you on the way, too. Miss you!]