Day#37: Happy Feet, Disneybounding

Things don't always go how you plan.

37 Days Down, 21 Days Till DisneyWorld.

So; Got a text from my trainer a half an hour before we were to meet letting me know that she wouldn't be able to meet today or do my crazy Saturday morning workout either because there had been a death in her family. Terrible news, I hope that she and her family find comfort and support right now.

So, because of this, I worked out all on my ownsies today! YUP! And because I'm a glutton for punishment I did the workout that I'm the worst at. You can see by my acid sweat it was a good hard workout... eww. A tribute to Kendra if you will.



Strength training for 40 minutes, and cardio for 65 minutes. I had to test out my newest anti-blister plan; which was to try the toe socks without wrapping my toes and see how that went. And I'm very very pleased to report that went PHENOMENAL! I think my feet and toe socks were a match made in walking-around-DisneyWorld-Heaven!

Yay, Happy feet!



So, my plan is to get another couple pairs of these babies so I can rotate them, nobody likes stinky socks! :S Besides, clean socks means clean shoes, and I love those epiphany shoes so much. Got to keep them in tip top shape.

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On another note, my cousin Heather has proposed a really fun idea for DisneyWorld. It's called Disneybounding. It's basically a subtle way to cosplay while out and about at the parks. You theme your clothes with colors and pieces that harken to a disney character. Here's a couple examples:

 





Fun Right??? SO I was thinking, what would I do. Were going to be at DisneyWorld for three days, Here's some ideas I had:

Ursula, (I'm pretty set on this one, I've got great stuff that I was already planning on wearing)


Pocahontas,


BingBong,



What do you guys think? Any other fun suggestions? Crazy to think It's only 21 days away now, Tomorrow is the first of April, and there's no fooling - this trip is coming up fast.

Day#36: That's right, Toe Socks!

36 Days Down, 22 Till DisneyWorld! AweYeah!!!

So today I attempted a new tactic with my blister issue.



That's right, Those be TOE SOCKS!!! Haha... Athletic Runner Toe Socks to be exact. I've been asking around for suggestions for my blister problem. My super awesome coworker Anna told me that runners toe socks might be something I'd like to try. I thought that it seemed strange, but it's actually a thing! Who knew?

Well, I didn't know. I went into the running shoe and athletics store I purchased my awesome shoes from and asked them from advice on the blister issue. They gave me a bunch of options one of which was the toe socks. So I thought what the heck and bought a pair. These babies were even on sale! Heck Yes!

So I tried them out today for my workout and I think they solve the problem mostly. There's still some discomfort in the blister-prone toes, but I'm thinking that's because I wrapped them too tightly before putting the socks on. I think I'll try the socks without wrapping the toes and see if that's any better. But they aren't as bulky as I was expecting, they're actually quite comfortable aside from my tapping blunder.

If this doesn't work there's a whole list of ideas that I've collected and I'll just keep trying stuff until something works or I brake down and see a podiatrist. I'm pretty optimistic though that I can find something that will work. I only have three weeks really so better get that sorted soon.

Worked out on my own today and it was alright. I was mainly concerned because today I started back on my meds. They are supposed to help me normalize my blood sugar, among other things, but in doing this they make me feel weak and shaky. I wasn't looking forward for that to hit while working out. Luckily though, it seems like dinner pills didn't make me feel as yucky as morning pills did.

Mmmmm, hope I adjust fast. I'd hate to have to deal with this while trying to walk and have fun in DisneyWorld. ;)

Day#35: Five Pounds!!!

That was a long Tuesday, am I right?

35 Days Down, 23 Till Disney World.

Time is going by fast. Crazy that D-Day only a few weeks away. So worked out today with Kendra for the first time since last week all on my own; and you guessed it, she wanted to do measurements.

So Here's how that went:

Arms: Still no change... DANG IT!
Waist: lost another half an inch. Right on track for loosing a pants size by D-Day.
Hips: Lost a little there.
Thighs: Lost there too!

And over all my numbers are going down so I'm pleased. As of today I've lost 5 pounds. One month's time and lost 5 lbs. :) Yay! I feel really good about it. I'm even more optimistic that when adding in my meds that I'll loose more. I just have to keep working and continuing to be motivated.

Today Kendra told me that she was super impressed with me. That she could tell that I'd been working out while she was gone; that sometimes she'll come back from a hiatus and some of her clients have clearly digressed. WooHoo. No backwards steps for me, no sir! Mom be up in heaven all like "You go girl" Cuz in heaven my mom is gagster! Lol!!!

(Yay 5 pounds!)



So, On the blister front, I tried out "Operation Wrap Toes" today before heading to the gym. Wrapped up those piggies good.



The experiment went good for the most part. The middle toes wraps did not stay on very well and ripped and twisted around in my socks. My left foot wrapping being more successful than the right side. I'm thinking of trying a different kind of tape than what I had on hand; see if something specifically geared toward Runners/Athletics helps more.

Kendra mentioned trying SecondSkin (something like that), apparently it's like a liquid/plastic coating that hardens and provides basically a "Fake Callous" where applied. Anyone Tried that? Thoughts?

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Since Kendra was gone last week I get to re-arrange and add the two sessions from last week to sometime else. So I committed to doing an early morning, hour long, workout session with her this Saturday morning. I must be coco loco, I love Saturday morning sleeping in... Well we'll see how that goes. #missingsleepalready

Tomorrow is Hump Day! WooHoo, nearly half way through the work week already, how does that happen?

Day#34: Doctors and Little Piggies.

Monday?!? Where did you come from? Boo... SNOW?!! Double Boo...

34 Days Down, 24 Till Disney World.

Well, on to another week. Today I had a photoshoot scheduled and because of the 2nd winter we experienced today, no such luck. We ended up doing the photos in the studio. Which wasn't ideal at all. The poor dogs were so nervous and seeing a room decked out in lights and white drapes i'm sure gave them flash backs to time spent at the vet. But you do what ya gotta do and move on. :)

Left work early to go to a doctor's appointment. I've been putting it off and couldn't afford to put it off any longer. Yuck, being a grown up sucks sometimes. Especially when being a grown up no longer means do and eat whatever I want... now it's do and eat what trainers and doctors tell you ;) but really it's a good thing. It mean's I'll get back on some meds that hopefully will not only help me feel better, but should assist in this whole loosing weight thing I'm trying to do. Hurmmmmm...

Was reminded by my doctor that my magnesium is super super low apparently. I had forgotten... so she's asked me to start taking magnesium to get my body back to where it should be. Side effects on not having enough magnesium are: Tics, Muscle Spasms and cramps, measures, anxiety, irregular heart rhythms, Migraine headaches, insomnia, depression, and chronic fatigue.

Wow! who knew? Guess I'll see how the slew of vitamin supplements help over time, the Magnesium is the large purple one! can anyone say "Horse pills?



Quite the adventure. I hope all this stuff really does help. Guess there's nothing to do but to try it and see. But seeing where I started, there's only up from there. :)

Post-Workout-Sweatyness. (I like posting the sweaty ones, so that you guys know that I actually worked out... haha!)



Looked up a ton of videos and articles about blisters online, the kind of blister that I keep getting (because it's in the same place every time,) is apparently really common. It's called an interdigital blister. Meaning that it's on the inside of one of my little piggies.

Because of how my toe is shaped it actually gets trodden on by the piggy that had roast beef. My poor little piggy not only has no roast beef but it also keeps getting these painful blisters. So! Here's the plan to save the poor misshapen piggy. I'm going to get some athletic tape and try taping it like in the videos I found. Then see if while doing my cardio it helps. If it doesn't I might have to see a podiatrist to assess my misshapen piggies.

Oink, oink, ouch! We'll see what happens.

Day#33: Re-Missing

It's Easter Day.

33 Days Down, 25 Till Disney World.

Hey Everyone. It's rest day, no work out today. It is Easter though however. The day that we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. I'm so grateful for the Gospel and for the sacrifice that Christ made for me so that I can return to the presence of God.

I did find myself missing my mom a ton today. Thinking about what I said to her the last time I saw her, how she was so understanding of my insignificant issues at the time, how she loved me... If god cares about me in even the smallest amount the way that a parent cares it's indescribable. I don't remember if I told her that I loved her. I hope that I did.

It still feels like my mom died yesterday; but it'll be a year and a half next week. I really miss her. I miss feeling that unconditional love; getting advice and support. Even helping her figure out how use computer programs. It feels like my heart won't ever heal. That's what's so great about Easter though I guess... Jesus overcame death. We can to. My mom can. I miss her.

The christmas after my mom passed away I made a special picture and gave it to my siblings. A picture of my mom and dad finally reunited in heaven. I thought I'd share it now to others.



During the Funeral my sister Melisa shared a poem that I wrote about repentance and read it. I thought it fitting, since I'm sharing to also share that too. Caution, it's a long one.

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Looking At Me (A Poem):

There once was a girl, I'd stare at quite oft,
Up on a pedestal, I'd hold her aloft.

She was beautiful and pure, a bright gleaming beam,
It was her I wished to be, of she I would dream.

Her way of being, was true to the end,
Her glory and kindness, was all she would spend.

And Oh how I longed, to be as perfect as she,
Clean and devote, as things ought to be.

To the world she ner linger, or payed any mind,
For she was close to god, so wonderfully kind.

In contrast to her, I felt myself plain,
For self loathing and pity I did never refrain.

A sinner so sad, no quality I perceived,
In this who I was, I often did greave.

Swallowed up in sadness, often did I cry.
Erecting huge walls, to myself I did lie.

Unworthy of love, that's how I felt,
Shunning my loved ones, in pity I dwelt.

I appeared to the world, not as I seemed,
For an imposter I was, to deceive was the scheme.

I put on a face, a mask I did wear,
Between me and Satan, we made quite the pair.

I'd go about doing, just everything I should,
A pretender in this, every action of good.

Would it matter to anyone if I played the part?
My acting quite good, I sure had the part.

Yet in my red herring, my tricks to deceive,
I knew what was right, given many reprieve.

I knew it was wrong, and my reflection did show,
Someone not like me, my uneasiness grows.

Only one person, did ever I know
Who saw that one girl, the one with the glow.

He stands above me, he smiles at me too,
As if to beg me, just to pull through.

It's hard to see that girl now, as I put on my show
As the walls that I've built, continue to grow.

He's still as a statue, a sentinel stands,
Still reaches for me, extending his hands.

Upon them scars shimmer, the tissue now healed,
The fate of the world, with them he once sealed.

Still I now wonder, how can he want me,
A sinner so filthy, destined forever to be.

I look at him standing with arms out for me,
Surely he's tired, of waiting for me.

In shame did I know, he'd wait till the end,
Twas up to me, my freedom depends.

It's just that in making, my facade, that strong wall,
A pit now below me, I helplessly fall.

I dug it myself, in choices I made,
If only the dirt I could reverse from the spade.

I guess it takes falling, falling so low,
To get to that place, none else dare to go.

That helps you to see, your only escape,
Is taking the gift, which for you he did make.

Realization dawned, there on my face,
Looking down in my hole, his eyes full of grace.

He smiles, and reaches down for my hand,
No matter how far, he forever there stands.

I know it deep down, that girl that I knew,
that girl I once saw, all sparkly and true.

That there was a chance now, the simplest way,
That with his help, I could become her today.

My breathing - it catches, deep down in my chest,
I realize she's me, without this dark mess.

The walls of this pit, of my own construction,
Built by my hand, with dread of distraction.

She was always me, and I always her,
The difference was him, a change he did stir.

His love and his wisdom, as he looks at me there,
In all my sin and agony, it's he who repairs.

But now in my pit, of loneliness and hate,
I fear the hour's past, my sin now too great.

As I watch in amazement, his starts to climb in,
my pit of confusion, the den of my sin.

He's glorious and pure, and he's smiling at me,
Despite my time here, now dirty as can be.

He holds out his hand, I look on in awe,
He's perfect and whole, his glory I saw.

I pause now amazed, my hand stretches out,
His love and kindness, of this there's no doubt.

How could I have known, just how It felt,
but his love banished fear, put it high on a shelf.

He lifts me with ease, and holds me up high,
My pit now below me, above it the sky.

I climb out now free, and I turn just to stare.
He's taken my hole, my sin, my despair.

He's down in my pit now, feeling it all.
Taking upon him, the order not small.

I can't believe he's there, when it's me who did fall.
It's true what they say; he descended below all.

Now clean and free, my soul now quite mended,
I stare now uplifted, this cage now ascended.

I can't thank him enough, his grace it did save.
As I know he's done more, other holes, other graves.

No more are we bound, ourselves to these things,
Because he did come, our freedom now sings.

His scars in his hands, proof of his love,
My freedom contingent, in grace like a dove.

I'm forever indebted to him, evermore,
My savior, my brother, he's reset the score.

Now clean and uncombered by sin, due to him,
My soul now rejoicing in praising, in hymn.

Now is the task, to live as I should,
No longer in sin, but in acts that are good.

Repentance is there, every time that I fall,
Taking his hand isn't hard, not at all!

Now that I'm free, it's easy to see,
That girl I once watched, that girl now is me.


- Elyse Todd

All rights reserved, Elyse Todd 2014

Day#32: Easter Egg Madness

Happy Easter Eve!

32 Days Down, 26 Till Disney World.

Hey all, what a fun day it was today. Rest Day! Yay!

Elyse: "Hey Kjarsti, will you hand me two of those little cookies and then don't let me have any more. Okay?"
Kjarsti: (hands me the cookies) "Okay."
Elyse: (looks up cookies calories on app and determines that I can have another couple cookies turns to Kjarsti again...) "Hey will you give me another couple cookies?"
Kjarsti: "But you told me not to..."
Elyse: (looks guilty) "right.... I was... uh... testing you! Good job you passed!"
Elyse: (a few minutes later) "Hey Taylor..." ;)

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Since I wasn't going to be working out today I had the freedom to do whatever, so spending time with my awesome family was a given. My adorable Nephew Xander is now 2 and can understand the idea behind egg hunts. We had a blast today putting eggs out in my sister's back yard and having him find them. What a cutie.

We also had a BBQ in a nearby park. Xander is obsessed with slides and loves swings. He particularly likes drawing an adult over to the play equipment to make sure they also can join him in the fun. He made sure today that I knew how to properly climb the bars to get up onto the platform. What a good teacher, I wouldn't have made it without him ;)

Not everyone in my family likes there pictures taken, but here's a few snap shots.

Michael and Jenifer.



Taylor and Kyra



Baby Mason was and always is so cute. Love his infectious smile. What an adorable baby!



And Xander in all his egg hunting glory, so fun.













The hunt ending with Taylor uttering the words "Dude! You are so spoiled." And I'll admit, that's true! Xander is spoiled, but we love this kid so much, it's hard not to want to spoil those you love.

Happy Easter Everyone!

Day#31: There and Back again, a Workout Tale

Who has two thumbs and met her personal goals for the week? This girl!

31 Days Down, 27 Till Disney World.

So in anticipation of Kendra's absence this week, I made two goals for myself. They were:

1. Complete every workout Kendra has given me  (5 workouts Total).  CHECK!!!

2. Walk to and from the gym as my cardio. (3 miles total distance there and back) CHECK!!!

I'm so proud of myself, I honestly wasn't sure with hurting myself last weekend if I was going to be able to do it, but I did! Yay! Strange that I can have complete confidence in someone else's ability to do things, but when it comes to myself I doubt more than ever. Probably stems from my perfectionism making it hard to achieve over realistic goals. But these goals were good and short term. I did it and that makes me glad, proud that I can put my mind to things and do it.

Pre and Post Workout, with walking to and from the gym!



It's official though... popped my first blister from walking. I've had a few develop but none pop. Ouch! Guess it couldn't last. I'll take any advice on how to prevent or treat blisters, how to help them heal faster... anything to help me survive Disney World relatively blister free.

Thoughts?

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Work Snippet:

My coworker named Jane is a crazy-bug, she grew up in Africa; went to school in Texas, and now works with me in SLC Utah. She's a strange one, but I'm so glad she is. She definitely has a exuberant personality. Recently she went night snowboarding and ran into a tree, broke her leg in a couple places and ripped muscle... super knurly! (you can't really see the strange brace she's wearing since her pants and the brace are both black in the pic.)

Anyway, Jane came to work today in a shirt with a similar pattern to my own, it was a strange oddity that had to be documented, mostly because Jane's and my own dress sense is quite different. We both had back bird patterns on our shirts. Photo-Op!



Happy Friday!

Day#30: Socks and Still Going

Things are getting real!

30 Days Down, 28 Till Disney World!

Worked out four days this week, and I still haven't done the "Walk to the Gym" goal that I set for myself. Which means I have to go to the gym tomorrow or Saturday to accomplish this goal. I only have one more workout to go through until I've done all of them that Kendra has made or modified since i've started this crazy train.

So strange to think about how I've done this work out thing for a whole month! :) I'm actually surprised to be honest. I've never done anything like this before. :D I surprise even myself. So things are still going... even without Kendra to report to this week I've still gone to the gym; even though nobody would know if I didn't go. Ha! Being accountable to just myself - so grown up!

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So... work story. Today when I got back from lunch there was a present sitting on my chair when I got back. It was a pair of socks. Behold!



The Story behind the socks is this; a few months back there was this big emergency, that basically usurped all the other priorities of the graphics department at work, they told us that the entire Browning Socks line had to be re-designed, that was like 35 designs and all of them in like three days or something crazy and unrealistic like that. Well I among a slew of other designers took on the task of creating sock designs... and I came up with a sweet houndstooth Buckmark design.

This is a sample sent from china of what their fist attempt was for creating my design. They totally flopped it, the pattern didn't turn out how it was supposed to. Well, that's china for ya!!! But since my company isn't using these designs now (Go figure, all that work we put in; completely scrapped :( ) they told me that I could keep these duds... So even though they didn't get the design right, it's still kinda cool to see something you thought up in your head - now in your hands... wrong... but still. in my hands!

This is a test sample, so colors and materials were also wrong... so i would never wear these extremely itchy socks... but it's a fun bit of random. I'm thinking of getting them framed or stuffed into sock monkeys! HOW COOL WOULD THAT BE? oh oh oh, or mounted sock monkeys??? Okay, that's a bit too far... haha just had a morbid mental picture.



Happy "Rubber-Lips" Thursday Everyone.

Day#29: Half way to DisneyWorld

Confession... I didn't do so great today.

29 Days Down, 30 Till Disney World.

That's right, only a month away... I've been doing this workout thing now for a whole month. With that success, I'm afraid I didn't carry the torch of victory very high today. You see... I broke down and cheated... yup I over-ate on my carb/calorie count today and boy did I feel it. Let me explain further.

I felt okay until It was time to go to the gym, I could feel how my blood sugar had spiked, I was feeling sluggish and gross but sadly this isn't a feeling i'm foreign to. But still, I went to the gym. While doing strength training I was feeling alright; but then... I got to Cardio. Walking for 40 minutes really dropped my blood sugar, the roller coster made my body freak out and It was like sudden over all achy-queasiness.

Yuck! :(

Perhaps it's a good lesson/reminder for me here at the half way marker to Disney World. Even though I love carbs, sugar and other tasty treats... my body does not. I just wish this was a lesson that I could learn once and not have to re-re-re-re learn.

(post workout soggy-sweat-ness)

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On another note, I did have a victory of a different kind today. I've made an appointment with my doctor to get back on some meds that i've also been neglecting in my life... I have a lot of self-improvement to do. Hopefully I can find ways to continue to motivate and encourage myself as I go. This is a hard thing, and today... it sure felt like a hard thing for me to be doing.

Not everyday feels like a victory, but I suppose that's what tomorrows are for. Thanks again to everyone who's been supporting me in this... means the world to me. <3

Day#28: Work Stresses and Late Workouts

Confession, I forgot to set my alarm this morning, and it a hot mess of a day.

28 Days Down, 31 Till Disney World.

Not having time to wash my hair this morning made me a frazzled, no doubt smelly grouch. I made it to work and got to it. I'm happily reminded today of the fact that I work with some pretty awesome peeps... and some lesser than awesome peeps. Good thing the good usually outweighs the not so good. I wonder how much drama at work could simply dissolve if people were open and honest. I find that getting clear communication is the hardest thing about my job.

Design can be stressful, but at the end of the day it's rewarding. bending fingers and babysitting to get the information I need from grown adults to get the work done in the first place is less than rewarding. It's painful. I don't want to be a nag, I want to be everyone's friend. Sigh! I'm quickly learning that being "everyone's" friend is basically impossible. But I can be me and do my best, so that's what I try and do.

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Working out today was tough but good. It was strange not having training today with Kendra. It's also an odd experience working out in the hour leading up to closing time. Nobody is there, and you basically have run of the place. I like this aspect because I'm less self conscious, but I've mostly gotten past that... really, it's true. (shifty eyes) really. ;)

But the side effect of being up that late and telling your body to work out and get active right before bed is that it's now awake... What's a gal to do? I can't sleep in, so I guess I'll just have to suck it up in the future and go in earlier than the hour before close. (shrug)

Made some cookies with my brother and his wife; then forced them to take the entire cookieness away with them. MUAHAHAHAHAHA~~ I'm so evil. Michael and Jenifer are adorable and so sweet. They didn't mention the pile of dirty dishes that I have yet to clean up, or the pile of laundry crowding my hallway. Such awesomeness! I'm loving this whole, living close to family thing.

Well, I'm off to try and sleep following that late night work out.



I can do hard things. :) That month countdown begins tomorrow. That's right I'm half way through my countdown to Disney World. Ahhhhh! (excited yet panicked squeal)

Day#27: Just Cardio.

Today I felt better after hurting myself over the weekend... mostly.

27 Days Down, 32 Days Till DisneyWorld.

Today I went to the gym and did a half hour of cardio on the treadmill, It was all I felt like I could do. Tomorrow I should be on track again. Just got to do it! Not much else to report there.

Finished re-arranging my room, it looks so much bigger with the bed moved. I've got my computer next to my craft table, now I've got quite the set up. Yay! I even put together a monitor riser from Ikea. It's pretty swanky. Love it~!

Building furniture, Building Muscles.

Day#26: Back Pain Sucks!

Sunday is normally Recipe day, but I didn't really cook today.

26 Days Down, 33 Till Disney World.

So, Sunday was chugging along, going great until I foolishly decided to attempt moving my furniture around. :( yeah... I seem to have inflicted myself with lower pack pain in my eagerness to clean and rearrange. I think I pulled something. I've taken drugs and stretched as best I can. Hoping that tomorrow I feel better. Crossing my fingers... because right now I feel like this...

Moving furniture will have to wait.

I feel foolish, this same back pain gets me every so often. I didn't really feel like I had overtaxed myself, so the pain is annoying to say the least.

If my back can't handle things I guess legs and back can wait and I can still do arms for a work out tomorrow. I'll just have to play it as I see it.

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I didn't cook this recipe today but it's a goodie that I love!

Oatmeal MeatLoaf:

Sometimes when my mom wouldn't have corn flakes or breadcrumbs on hand but wanted to make meatloaf she would throw a dash of Oatmeal Quick Oats into the hamburger instead. I love this meatloaf and it's really one of the few ways I'll eat oatmeal, in meatloaf or cookies! :) This is my own rendition of the recipe with mom's oatmeal inspiration.

2 lbs Hamburger (I usually do 80% lean)
1 cup Quick Oats Oatmeal
1 egg (large)
Salt & Pepper
Onion (chopped)
2 Tbs Worcestershire Sauce
1 tsp bbq sauce or Ketchup
Garlic Powder (just a dash)

Mix all ingredients till incorporated then place in glass oven dish with lid. (My mom would always put a hole in the middle of her loaf. I think it was with the intent of helping the loaf cook faster, but who knows!)

Cook at 375degrees for 60 minutes, check for internal temp of 180degrees. Serves 8-10 at approx. 8 oz a serving. You can also clean, poke, and wrap potatoes in tinfoil and add them to the oven directly on rack. Baked Potatoes added to the oven should be checked when Meatloaf is done by inserting a toothpick or knife with it coming away clean... You may need to leave potatoes in longer to finish cooking while meatloaf cools and rests.

:) Yummo!

Day#25: Going with my cousin

Happy Saturday, hope yours was awesome.

25 Days Down, 34 Till Disney World.

So not only do I get to go to DisneyWorld with my aunt Grace, I also get to go with my super awesome, super talented, super artsy, super creative cousin Heather Dixon. She's pretty much the bee's knees!

She loves everything about Disney, especially Mary Poppins. To top it off she actually works for Disney!!!!!! (As a storyboard artist). :O say what? I'm basically related to a celeb. Here's a link to her awesome blog.

She's a blast, and when I was younger I basically idolized her. She was like this artsy super hero, and basically encouraged me to embrace my own artsy-ness when I was a teen drawing the 7 dwarfs from Snow White. I doubt that Heather remember's that at all, or realizes it, but she's a big part of why I felt like I could be an artist professionally and why I later got into Graphic Design.

Now that I'm older my admiration of her has turned into a silent competition! (shhhh don't let her know...) Thanks Heather for inspiring and motivating me to be more awesome all the time! I'm so stoked that I get to go to Disney World with one of my favorite cousins; were going to have a blast! What could be more fun than that? I ask you???

Getting all psyched up for DisneyWorld! Not that you could tell!

Also, To commemorate the momentum of my excitement I've immortalized my cousin Heather in Pony. I love My little Pony, and this was a fun bit of art to throw together.

Heather the Pony with BB8 from Star Wars.

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As for working out today... Yeah that didn't happen. I always tell myself that I'm going to do Saturday workouts but then never do. lol. Silly Elyse. That's okay, I'll do better in the future.

Day#24: Goals are not just for sportsmen

If it's not cookies at work it something else... like hipster doughnuts! (because they be square!) A bakery in Lehi Utah has these glazed doughnuts that they are famous for. They must be good, my coworkers went nuts. Probably laced with crack or something ;)

24 Days Down, 35 Till Disney World

Friday = Rest Day. Love those! But I admit that I have little to report today as I didn't work out. I went to work and then took a nap, and now i'm up later than I should be playing Minecraft online with my sister Autumn.

Considering that this coming week I'll be trainer-less I've decided to give myself a couple goals for that week to make sure that I follow through. Goal 1: Do the dreaded "Walk to the Gym" and see how that works for me. You guys remember that right?



1.5 Miles total. Currently I'm doing a 20 minute mile on the treadmill. which means that it should take me about 30ish minutes to walk to the gym and then another 30ish to walk back. I think that would replace my cardio for the day.

Goal 2: Do every Strength Training work out that Kendra has taught me. I noticed last week while re-doing an older workout, that I hadn't done since I started this thing, that I was missing out on the exercises that I started out with. Does me no good to see where I'm at if where I'm at is the same place. Practice Practice Practice.

I think two goals is good. I already still have the 4 days a week goal, which I'm totally rocking btw. Yay! Disney World Here I come.

Bonus Content, Here's a super cute video of my nephew Xander saying hello to the camera while trying to take selfies. So Freaking Adorable!

Day#24: Practically Twins, uh... Sorta.

Today was a long day, the kind you get to work at 8, and by 9 your ready for lunch. ;)

23 Days Down, 36 Till Disney World.

As my countdown gets closer to that one month marker, I'm starting to worry that I'm not making enough progress. But then I also think... I've not even hit a month of this training thing, I've got plenty of time to see more results. And besides today Kendra encouragingly told me that I was making great progress. She tells me this as I'm doing weight training and chest presses at a peg heavier on the weight. 40 lbs may not seem like a ton but just over a week ago all I could chest press was 30. That's improvement. So that's all that matters right now right?

I can do hard things... I think I can, I think I can, I think I can!



On another note, check out what cool trick I've taught my hair to do when soaked in acid sweat, Curly Ques! The shorter bits of bangs freaking out and twirling into little ringlets. A phenomenon which has only ever occurred when I've allowed my hair to dry all sweaty. I'm now one step closer to getting Elisabeth Bennet like carefully quaffed curls. The secret is in the sweat! :) I can totally see a resemblance!



Practically Twins! See the serious expression and brooding intellect, the curls! Seriously we could be related ;) who knows, maybe we are. New Ancestry Goal: See if I'm related to Jennifer Ehle.

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This coming week will be all on my ownsies - Kendra will be gone to Cali to visit family which means I'm solely accountable to myself for working out next week. Which means If I'm to keep up with the progress I've been making I can't allow myself to slack off! (deep breath) Here we go!

Day#23: This Little Piggy Went to Work Out

Trying to stay motivated to keep eating healthy is tough, especially when I love food so much.

23 Days Down, 37 Till Disney World!

Cravings.. why do you plague me? Haha! Eating like a rabbit gets old, and I see tasty treats and my heart aches to consume every morsel like a little sugar craving piggy. Speaking of Pigs... (insert awkward transition here) I keep trying to find ways to control my hair during a work out; and today I decided to attempt yet again, to see if I could pul my short hair into a pony tail... no such luck, however I did manage to pull them into two small pig tails... Behold!



A little bit falls out but that's alright, much better than having all my hair stick to my neck in the river of sweat that is my face during a work out. Honestly, Im disgusting... dripping all over, they should follow me around with a mop just to keep other patrons from slipping ;) Whatever! I'm rocking it, dripping sweat is just a byproduct of awesomeness!

The pig tails didn't however function quite like how I thought they would... Instead they functioned more like faucets... guiding and directing my dripping sweat river all over the place. Still everywhere but stuck to my neck, so I'll probably sport this look again!

Not much to repot. Did repeat of yesterday's work out, legs still feeling the burn... my knees especially, I might need to take a brake from doing squats and lunges to give my knees some time to recover. We'll see what Kendra has in store for me tomorrow.

Did 50 minutes of Strength training, and 50 minutes of Cardio - I have the blisters to prove it! Going to make walking tomorrow extra fun. I may have to frolic like a darranged fish on land instead of walk to keep my toesies happy. Just have to remind myself that getting blisters and callouses now is a good thing, means less of that at the happiest place on earth.

Day#22: Training is at what time?

Accidentally arrived an hour early to my training session... opps.

22 Days Down, 38 Till Disney World.

So, Today I rushed home in a bit of a frenzy, thinking that today my training session was at 6:00. False. That's Thursdays... I'm not sure what I was thinking but as I arrived Kendra looked at me with a confused expression. Well at least I can keep her on her toes; opps!

So Kendra kindly moved my session up a by a half and hour and I did a half an hour of cardio while waiting for her to finish with the appointment she actually had today at 6:00. Following that we did a whole new exercise regimen, and I realized just how lacking my arms are at carrying me through more than a couple pushups. Kendra is so nice, and encourages me even though it's obvious I've never had muscles there.... like ever!!!

Did lunges and squats today, Yuck. I don't think my body will thank me for that experience! lucky me, I get to do it all again on my own tomorrow! We'll see how that goes! However I think Kendra forgot about the sit-stand exercise she had teased me about last week, and by teased I mean mentally tortured me with. I'm sure it'll come up again, but I didn't have to do it today (victory dance)!

Kendra is going to be gone next week, which means that those two sessions I usually have, will have be shifted around and used another time... I have to decide when. Kendra is such a kidder, suggesting an early morning work out. Silly Kendra... Silly... That's a NO. Working out in the morning is supposed to be "great" according to what "people" say, but every time I have to pit the decision of getting up for working out or staying in my comfy bed; my bed ultimately wins. So better not set myself up for failure right??? Then again, Having Kendra expecting me would force me to get up at an early hour... Sigh...

Cooked Chicken Fajita filling yesterday, my apartment still smells like peppers and onions... It's not a smell that I really expected to be lingering with me at work too... until I discovered that my clothes smelled like it too. Love onions, but the smell following me around is creepier than a maraca-playing stalker.

Wore my leather jacket today which was only a bummer because it was needed. Where did my nice weather go? It's currently snowing and it's been cold all week. I hope it warms up soon. But I guess I can't complain if it means I can rock my super cute jackets for awhile longer.



Disney World is getting closer and closer! Ahhh! Pushed myself and did 40 minutes again on the treadmill after training with Kendra - a total of an hour of cardio today. Maybe going to the gym early isn't such a bad thing if it helps push me.

Day#21: Motivation, what is this word?

Today was a tough one - I really didn't want to go work out.

21 Days Down, 39 Till Disney World!

Today I knew I had to go to the gym, and Sunday I didn't work out, I was pooped, and today at work was a stressful one. I've got quite a few large projects coming up and I'm feeling intimidated by them to say the least.

When I got home I wasn't feeling to good, I don't think my stomach liked much of anything I was feeding it and was going on strike - enlisting the help of my kidneys to kick up a fuss. But They're probably just complaining because I'm trying to drown them - Hey (shrug) Kendra's orders; trying to drink more water.

So by the time I ate dinner and had settled into my comfy blue couch, I was mentally battling with myself to go work out. Because tomorrow with Kendra is only going to be more difficult if I didn't work out today. That was the thing that really got me up and dressed for the gym and out the door.

I've got to do pushups - real proper not from my knees pushups! As well as this other exercise that I couldn't do my first day... yeah were supposed to that tomorrow as well. It involves sitting and standing without using my hands to support the lift. This sounds lame but hurts my knees and I could only do a few of them the first day before I just couldn't because it hurt... hoping I can do better this time around.

So... Made it to the gym at 9:00. Better late then never I suppose. Did Strength training for 30 minutes, then cardio for 50 minutes. Getting my endurance up a little at a time. I only have a month left to really get my feet and legs and overall endurance up to the task of taking on DisneyWorld and I'm not feeling like I'm quite there yet. But every bit helps; today was a whole extra 15 minutes more of cardio than i've done so far.

Came home and stretched and then just layed on the floor as if dead...



"I'm Melting... I'M MELTING!!!!! Ahhhhhhhhh (gurgle, sputter, drool...)" Ha! Tomorrow is another day, and I'm still doing this.

Day#19 & 20: Awesome Virus & Eggs

Alright! Yay for Saturdays.

20 Days Down, 40 Till Disney World.

So Saturday I spent with my sisters in Orem. Hung out and enjoyed shopping and laughing. Also, cool things have been happening. People keep saying I've inspired them, which is crazy to think. My Aunt Grace did a couple Planks during her work out while cursing my name! My sister Kjarsti has decided to also get a Trainer and see how that works for her. I couldn't be more proud and humbled by those who've decided to start similar journeys or re-commit to there previous ones. So thanks; I'm very blessed to be a part of something so awesome! Love you all.

Discussing this phenomenon, my sisters said I was spreading awesomeness... And I added "like a virus." So just so you know, If i've infected you, I'm sorry, truly! ;)

Also, Worked out Saturday with my sister Melisa. She's silly and doesn't take herself too seriously. We had a blast planking and doing push-ups. My family is awesome, I mean, really really awesome. Here we are post work out in all our sweaty glory!



Also got to hang out with my nephews at the park, where I got my first sunburn of the year.



I love being an aunt!

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Sunday, Recipe Day!

This one is a simple one, but one that I love times a million. One of my absolute favorite breakfasts, which i've eaten for lunches and dinners, basically whenever the mood strikes me.

One Eyed Jacks (That's what my mom called them):



Technically these are a form of "Shirred Eggs" which basically means that you've baked it in the oven until the whites of the eggs have been cooked - usually leaving the yoke sill runny. But as I like my yokes less runny than the afore mentioned, the recipe will be indicative of that.

Ingredients:

Eggs (med-lg)
Cheese (sliced) - I like Colby Jack on mine.
Salt and Peper
Bread (sliced) - Wheat is super tasty but a sourdough or white are also good.
Butter

How to:

Heat your oven to 375 degrees. Spray cookie sheet with non-stick spray. Then butter your bread and place on sheet, buttered side down. Repeat for as many portions as desired.



With a knife cut holes in the center of each slice of bread (or use your fingers to pinch out the holes). Repeat till all slices of bread are holy and ready to be translated.



Crack Eggs into each hole and lightly salt and pepper the egg. Cover with slices of cheese and put in the oven for 10-15 minutes, depending on how cooked you want the yokes, check after 10 minutes to see if they are at a desired level of done-ness... I usually remove after 15 (egg yokes are cooked fully with slight soft center)



Remove and serve warm. Enjoy!




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Another week is upon us, I hope daylight savings didn't put anyone else in the funk it put me in, Sunday moved strangely sluggish. On to Monday, let's hope it treats us all well.