Mushy Gushy Time!

There's so much to share! Man...not that a whole lot has been going on in my life, but every once in awhile I just get a high on life. Even if the day didn't contain anything real exciting. Sometimes, I just have enough time to myself to reflect, take a deep breath, and know that even though I'm not out scaling mountains every day, or competing in major events, or traveling around the world, there is still so much to enjoy and take in right here at home.

Alright, so here's what my day consisted of just to give you an idea:

At around 5am, my husband woke up and went out with a buddy to set some crab pots in the hope we could have a fresh and delicious (also classic NW) meal. (and he has 5 he is bringing home right now!) When he came home, around 7am, I woke up and kind of milled around the house. Got online, checked the required social networking sites, and then got an awesome text from my best friend and cousin, Blaine. It was very simple too. Just a pic of how he is pushing himself to get better mentally and physically with a message that said, "Thank you for keeping me motivated with your workout pics and comments, cuz." That was it. That's all I needed to say to myself, "Hey, you make a difference and maybe you aren't so crazy for posting your personal progress online all the time. Haha" Yeah I laughed at myself.

After that I had a doctor's appt about my toe. Still have 4 more weeks to heal before I can run. Went grocery shopping, got home, did the dishes, ate a snack, made a kick ass letter to my friend Ashley Charters, ate lunch, walked my dog, talked to a fitness coach, met my husband at home, spent some time with him, did the dishes, worked out, and now I'm here. Just relaxing.

See? Didn't really do anything! But I thoroughly enjoyed my day! Love my dog, LOVE my husband, and love that the sun was shining! The success, happiness, and constant moving and constant smiles are largely dedicated to that one little text message from my cousin. Who is, by far, one of the best motivators there is for me as well as my best friend.

I'm not saying my husband doesn't make me happy hahahaha. He is flat out amazing, EVERY day. I can write more about him later, ;) Yet, do you ever have those days, where you aren't in a bad mood but you feel like it's "just another day", until someone completely flips it around with just one word or sentence? For having the goals that I do right now, I sometimes catch myself wanting to take a day off and I always find a way to never do that. So a day like today was perfect to just keep me going without missing a step!

If you have someone in your life that is that motivator for you. That voice of persistence and the will you sometimes need to push on, tell them thank you. Tell them how much you appreciate their support, whether or not its vocal. My cousin and I don't always talk, and we go in spurts of talking all the time through FB or texts, but we know that in the end we will always be there for one another. If I need advice he's there and vice versa.

That is your challenge! Tell that inspiration in your life THANK YOU! Never give up. Because every day you don't challenge yourself you take a step back. Keeping stepping up!

Thank you, Blaine!

* I definitely have more posts coming soon! Amazing food recipes I recently found and love! Maybe a photo challenge to share and some updated info on some up-coming events!

The Pursuit of Ultimate Health

I'm on this quest you see...and it is a tough one. I'm on a pursuit of ultimate fitness, health, and athleticism. With those 3 elements come a plethora of bonuses such as happiness, motivation, and energy just to name a few.

Since 2009, I have experimented off and on with CrossFit. I didn't join a gym right away because of the fees and instead, investigated the popular new fitness craze and made my own work outs. I ate the best I could but failed constantly. I just LOVED pizza, cheeseburgers and beer WAY to much!! Haha. Well, December 2011 I made the leap and joined a local gym here in Oak Harbor. I have never regretted the decision.

So..once I got that down and worked out 3 times a week, I was starting to see some crazy awesome results. Increases in stamina, energy, and a clear mind even! Then I was introduced to my second photo above, Advocare. It's a line of supplement products designed for energy, overall health, and optimal strength. Guess what I did? Began what's known as a 24-Day Challenge!

Let me tell you...the challenge + working out = AMAZING things. I was skeptical at first but shit, I lost 5 lbs and a pant size in less than 10 days. To be honest, I didn't work out but 2 times cause in those 10 days cause I broke my toe. How awesome is that? And the bonus? You can EAT!!!! This isn't your average, water and lemon juice diet. This is a deal where you eat 6 times a day and STILL lose weight.

Anyways, long story short. I feel awesome. I was thinking about it today, just doing normal day off stuff. Cleaning, prepping some meals, playing on FB...playing the guitar...the whole time feeling just awesome about life!

It took me awhile to get committed to it. It took me awhile to understand how to really use my day and do things I want to do and how to mix that into things I didn't want to do. Also, how to have fun doing whatever it is I didn't want to do. Haha. I typically go in spurts with motivation and "making the most" of my day...but with my new goals athletically and physically, and really taking charge of it like I did when I was kid trying to get a scholarship, I am motivated EVERY day to do SOMETHING. Your idea of a great day and my idea of a well used great day are going to be completely different and that is ok. Every one has a different opinion!! But as long as at the end of the day you can honestly say with a smile, "Man, today was a good day!" then you won! Hell, yesterday my idea of a great day was not doing a DAMN thing!!!

All I'm trying to say, is that if you are on the fence about taking charge of something in your life, or you don't think you have time, or whatever the excuse, I just want you to know that you CAN at ANY moment take charge. Even if you just start off with taking charge of eating something in the morning EVERY morning, or you take charge with taking a walk every day, or maybe its an emotional thing. Maybe you are too quiet and need to speak up more in situations where your opinion is needed! JUST DO IT! ;) I bet you $100, you've never heard anyone say they regretting trying something (unless its a type of food. That "trying" situation can go bad sometimes. haha)...just some food for thought. ;)

Hey! One more thing. If you are interested in trying that 24-Day Challenge, or even a 10-Day version, or just need more energy, go to my website: https://www.advocare.com/120612944/default.aspx

At the top banner, click SHOP. If you are looking for more energy that is 100x better than coffee, click on ACTIVE on the left and the product is called Spark. If you are curious about the 24-Day Challenge and want to start a competition with friends then click on TRIM on the left, and you will see the bundle package.

If you are working within a budget and are curious how to still lose weight, email me @ toriec318@gmail.com and I can get you hooked up with whatever you need! Also email me when it comes to ordering the product, I can walk you through the process!

Here's to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness!!! Hope you all had a great 4th of July!!! Talk to you soon!