Tests Reveal Our Character...

Ugh! Ever feel like you are being Tested?  Well, today was that day for me… I say was, because I overcame it! Thank God! Now, I did not do it alone – I had help, Heavenly help in the form of my loved one… You see, God uses us humans to minister and lend an ear to others… it is HIS way of letting us know that we are not alone… so I received encouraging words and reminders of promises that the Lord says are mine and yours…  so, with that being said, Yes! I feel 100% better! I refuse to let the enemy win!

Thank you to my love for recognizing my weak moment and offering your uplifting words!

Keep this in mind… When we are tested, it shows what is really in us… not what we think is in us, however, what is really, really in us… Joyce Meyer

your constant companion,

~deirdra

Love @Chobani !!!

Love @Chobani!
I have found a new favorite…
I am a Chobani lover for life!
Now, Greek yoghurt is known to be a bit tarte… However, this new blend of yummy Pineapple w the yoghurt is a much milder version of the original… it is so Yumm!


I picked it up yesterday and was so happily surprised at how much my palette screamed! Yiiiiii…
Thank you, Chobani for making a lover out of me!
your constant companion,
~dee

Sushi & Swearing...

I LOVE Sushi!

Sushi in itself is great – pair with great company ~ Sushi + Great Company = Fantastic Memories!

Last night we made it out, unexpectedly, I might add… We met up with a great group of friends that I have made over the years and some, surprisingly, new ones (TJ Wine Man)… Let’s just say, that there was a lot of sushi and swearing going around… just kidding ;)  All jokes aside, we had a great time.  It is true what they say, food always brings people together – our little big table was more diverse than a New York City block!

Well, I hope you enjoyed your weekend… now onto making some of the ‘green’ stuff that affords us these epicurean moments…

Btw, I am big at name dropping – so, if you want great Sushi (All you can eat) then check out Oyshi Sushi on Rainbow / Robindale.  Sweet!

your constant companion,

~dee

San Francisco you stole our hearts...

Last week today we were in lovely San Francisco! Ahhh… I do not possess enough words at this moment to describe how I felt… a few words to name a few: Magical, Savory, Busy, Funky, Alive!



We went for 2.5 short days – it was a little getaway from our non stop life in Vegas.  We definitely want to go back for more… We had fun, fights, and more fun – lol (this is normal)
I have some more things to gab about and pics to post – so, please stay tuned… have to photo shop and fix them up a bit ;)
your constant companion,
~dee

Untitled

Grace Under Fire...

On my mind today:


Today, I am feeling a little down if I would stop to be honest about it and admit it to myself…  I realize that allowing myself to continue to feel like this – brings me zero good feelings…  I know that I am feeling under the weather, a bit, however, little negative things are happening and just adding to my ickiness…  I know above anyone that feelings are fickle and change like the weather on a winterish Nevada day…  Sunny and warm in the day and chilly and windy at night… ugh! So, I digress… I have decided to focus on those things which my Lord says about me: I am fearfully and wonderfully made, HE knows the promises and plans that HE has for me, HE is my refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. HE will instruct me and teach me the ways to go, Before I call,  he will answer; while I am still speaking HE will hear and as long as I trust in HIM with all my  heart and lean not on my own understanding; in all my ways acknowledge him, HE will make my paths straight. This is enough for me! In these promises I will set my sights… after penning these and reading them over, I am already beginning to feel better… HIS Grace is sufficient for me!


yours,


~deirdra

Algebra & Starbucks...

Hello there… I know it has been a bit – however, life has kept me sooo busy and at times, drained…

Things seem to be flowing – we are getting back into the swing of things and finding some normalcy once again… Taking on too much when you do not take care of yourself is: NO JOKE!  I do not recommend it!

Changes have been taking place, business ones and some personal ones as well.  Georges and I are checking off and balancing the items / things in our life… For one, I have laid off the Starbucks :/ - First, I stayed off of it for 30 days & have since modified it to having one on the days I study until 10pm.

…On another note, my son, has also made some progress! Yes! We have been growing through Algebra madness for the last few weeks – who felt the need to invent this?! Oh, that would be (and this may be up for debate) the Arabs! Lol – Yes, I must agree as this appears to be the case in my house as well… So, as I said, my son has made great improvement, therefore, slowing the progression of white hairs by my temples…

The growing and learning continue!

Take care and be well…

yours,

~deirdra

Voting Day!!!

Voting Day!

Today is the Day! To be quite honest I was not going to vote… I was convinced that it did not really matter… However, after being threatened by my parents that I must - that many before me (women, especially) fought and even died to make this happen – I realized the importance and gave in.

I guess I did not want to vote, because quite frankly I do not see much change when we do.  All we see beforehand are the candidates tearing each other up.  Every time I see one of those ads, it just pushes me further and further away from wanting do to so…

However, I have realized that those ‘people – government’ really do not want us to vote.  It somehow works out better for them if we do not… and that, I could not deal with… so, I am off to Vote and do my civic duty!

In quoting, Seth Godin “Voting is free. It's fairly fast. It doesn't make you responsible for the outcome, but it sure has an impact on what we have to live with going forward… Even if you're disgusted, vote. Vote for your least unfavorite choice. But go vote.”

Pray for our Nation… we are deep in it…

yours,

~deirdra

Hakuna Matata!!!

Having a Bad   Day! How can you after viewing this wonderful video!!!

Hakuna Matata is actually a Swahili phrase Meaning "There Are No Worries"

So sing along, if you can and laugh a lot and enjoy!!!

Here's to 'No Worries' 

yours,

~dee

The Lion King - Hakuna Matata (Arabic) arabic version

Las Vegas & Beauty...

Good day to you!  Today has been a lovely summerish day over here in sunny Las Vegas!

Feeling good today – we were beginning to feel a little overwhelmed and had to cut back on doing too much all at once… seems we are finding a nice rhythm now and I am feeling more like myself J  Last night we finished off our healthy din din from the night before…

Eating clean is a lot easier than I previously thought... I have been doing really good, I have cut down on the coffee (just a bit) - it becomes easier to forget that afternoon java craving, at night is when I want it now - I can make it from home still resulting in unnecessary spending... Georges is still on board - I have to remind that even a drink outside is cheating... eheheh ~ little by little ;)

I have been getting exercise in even on the days that I decided not to do too much – I am loving Lunges -and the results, of course! Get it in – be active, run around like a child – they seem to have the best fun!

On my way to give a little pampering and get a little bit of it as well… health & beauty are the goal!

 

 

 

yours in health,

~deirdra

Starbucks and Squats...

Good day All!


What a fabulous healthy meal we had last night… I made a Zucchini, Beef and Red Bean stew… I added some yellow bell peppers and spiced it up a bit, naturally… (clean eating, baby!) I made basmati rice on the side to be layered by the thick, yummy stew… both my son and Georges swallowed it up… I, however, on the other hand – allotted myself just enough to fill the belly and not make a bulge ;) In the afternoon before dinner, I worked in some walking lunges & little lifts… it felt good! Georges seems to be doing well - I do not have eyes to see him all day - so, I have to take his word... hehehe


Well, onto today… yesterday we started with the ‘no eating out’ rule… well, I have listened to the urges in my head and I am happy to report that I shut them off!!! Yayayaya! I turned down Starbucks this afternoon… trust me, when you love coffee as much as I do – that is no easy feat… I love coffee in the early morn, I love coffee in the afternoon, I love coffee after a great meal – I love coffee even in the wee hours… so, it was just a tad hard to say, No! Having coffee is not ‘the evil’ – buying it outside is… :/


During the last few hours I have managed to work in walking lunges and evil sumo squats… do not want to have any ‘fall flab’ – I am off for now! Get it in so you can feel good!


yours in health,


~deirdra

Willpower & Endurance...

Hello, hello there… have not forgot to check in, just have been sooo busy again!

We are still working on our transformation J We are not quitting… too much to be thankful for and must continue to work on our body temple…

Tonight, workout is on the menu along with some healthy eats J On my way to the market to get some clean foods… we have also decided to join another ‘foodie / health bee’ on the journey to health and incorporate her idea of not eating out ‘at all’ for a month… we hope that this will assist in decreasing our waistlines and the $ we spend / waste on outside food… will keep you up to date with that as well… we started this challenge today: Monday, 11 Oct 2010! So far so good – my daily Starbucks visit will definitely be the challenge… here we go! Wish us willpower and endurance…

I hope you are keeping up with your workouts and making good choices…

yours in health,

~deirdra

Work & No Vacation Make D... A Sad Girl...

Another day, another dollar... really, I wish I was somewhere else right now... I think I need a vacation - I have not taken one in about two years... :/  Probably the reason for me feeling so blah lately... Now, granted I have taken company trips, however, somewhere in there they have included work... 
Need some fresh air, somewhere else... I am thinking Santa Barbara... I hear it is a lovely place and, of course, it is wine country... This makes me happy... I will begin my search... time to research my time away... w G, of course! I forgot to mention that I needed a romantic getaway... Probably, not a good idea to take my son to wine country - I would not be seeing much of wine... this would make me sad... lol
your constant companion,
~deirdra

Insanity ~ Another day away... :)

Another day away from the responsibility of my transformation…

Last night was fun – I let my hair down a bit and enjoyed my time with G… we strolled the strip and shopped a little and laughed a lot and gambled, not!

Now on to today…

Enduring another day of meetings and chatter… These long meetings really take a toll on me… Insanity begins again on Friday, however, not being able to schedule in any kind of exercise these last few days is showing up… what I mean, is that I am feeling tired.  I have not had the energy that I need to get through these long days… ugh!  Sounds funny to some, however, I have come to learn that if I do not exercise, then I do not have the energy necessary to handle all my daily activities.  Only exercise I have been getting is my fingertips up and down on the keyboard… lol

Tonight, back to normal – looking forward to sleeping in my own bed and eating out of my own china…

Yay! For me!

yours in health,

~dee

Insanity ~ What a mess!

Nothing like having too much fun! We busied ourselves with fun activities over the weekend, however, they were not physical enough to consider them exercise.  Ugh! Once again, I allowed myself to sacrifice my workout… this does not make me feel good.  Now, for the past two days, I have been in company meetings away from my normal surroundings, again, disturbing my routine of working out… (is this an excuse?)  Lifted some weights – again, not enough to replace my Insanity workout… feeling a lil insane being off course like this… I hope you are doing better than me this week… talk to me – we all need a little motivation from time to time – even me! 

By the way, Georges has not been any help… he has slacked right along with me  :/

Tonight I look forward to consuming some healthy eats… I am thinking some Sea Bass on a bed of spinach… ta ta for now!

yours in health,

~dee

Insanity ~ Modification of Me...

Over the last week or so I have been struggling with being exhausted and overwhelmed… I have a lot on my plate and attempting to do everything all at once is truly wearing on me… I believe this an ingrained trait of women… it is so important to take cares of ourselves so that we may get through the daily craziness, however, running ourselves down is not the way to go.

With that being said, I have decided to modify my Insanity routine… I will continue to work out and not give up on myself, however, everything has its limits… currently, I have too many things going on at once… as does Georges. Georges has decided to also support me in this change and also believed that we needed to make some adjustments.  We are committed to Health!

Modification to be:  We will do the workout on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.  If we have time throughout the week to fit in something extra – then, we will.

I was really getting down on myself for falling short last weekend and feeling as if I had a deadline to meet with my health.  I realized that I do not – being healthy comes in many forms – right now, I just want to be healthy and feel energetic again.  It is important to note that modifying our eating lifestyle has been a great help – this must go hand in hand with any workout routine.  Understand, I am not giving up – just modifying – everything in moderation – that is key! J

Stay with us on this journey as I Chronicle D & G’s process… thanks for the support!

yours in health,

~deirdra

Insanity - Day 14...

Tonight, my partner was busy moving around – just not to the music of Insanity… I did the workout by myself – not really motivated, however, completed… this workout is No joke and I believe it really, really helps if you have someone there to push you – when you are not enough of a push… I stopped a few times and begrudgingly finished the tortuous exercise.
I am beginning to despise Insanity… still I go on… sorry for the tone... I'm just sayin...
yours in health,
~deirdra

Insanity ~ Day 13 - 2nd Fit Test...

Ahhh… the Insanity has begun again… I no longer feel guilty… hehehe

Tonight was our second Fit Test.  I have posted the results below for you to see how far we have come so far.  I was please with my results.  I did feel at times that I could have pushed a little more – I was battling Flo… she was an obstacle to my success… lol

 

We went over our results at the end and Georges claimed that there was no way I could have done as well… this coming from someone who did worse this time – his 1^st results were a lot better… I explained to my dear that I would only be cheating myself if I lied and posted incorrect results – I further explained that being that I was clearly aware of my first results that was more incentive for me to push further and up my score… he did not agree…

Tomorrow is a new day… and a new week on Insanity… I need to pray for endurance – I am beginning to feel worn out…

yours in health,

~deirdra

Insanity ~ Day 11 & 12 - Sabotage...

So… it has been a few days since you have heard from me… yes, sometimes, I get like that… kind of like an Ostrich burying their head in the sand…

On Friday and Saturday, G & I did not do Insanity… yes, I know – shame on us.  We were invited to dinner on Friday (African Peanut Stew & great friends – how could we say no?)  We had every intention of doing the workout when we got home, however, we arrived too late and feeling the effects of the wine and Chivas – Chivas for G & of course, the lovely red belonged to moi!  Saturday was family day and again we had all the best intentions – the Greek festival got the better of us… Now, on this day I could have done the workout solo, however, I busied myself with housework as I waited on G to arrive… self sabotage.  Sunday, of course, is the only day off from Insanity and I gladly reveled in that break.

Monday, we were to start anew and we did…

to be continued…

yours in health,

~deirdra

D & G ~ Pre Insanity Happiness...

For those of you following… Thank you! Keep up the good work!
I just wanted you to become familiar with D & G (Deirdra & Georges)…
This is us Pre Insanity… I will post pics of our transformation journey…
See how happy we are – little did we know what was coming… this was the calm before the Insanity storm J



Continue to follow us for some groaning and laughs along the way…
yours in health,
~dee

Insanity ~ Day 10 - 2 Lovely words...

Two Lovely Little Words: Cardio Recovery! – I think NOT!

I was so filled with delusions of grandeur, so happy to see that this was next for us, however, I obviously had also suffered a lapse in memory… it still was very challenging… I soon remembered when I felt this sudden flashing pain of fire that was going through my  thighs as Shaun counted down (slowly, I might add) for our squats routine.  He appears to like the number 16 – I, for one, am beginning to despise it.  As I continued to squat and pray and sweat… I looked over to G and he was not too happy… he was grunting right along with me.  We both pushed through the pain and moved onto those unforgiving squat pulses… I mean how much more could we endure?  I look at Shaun and think and then say, No! I do not want to do that… I hope many out there share that same response with me.

Boy, it is tough to get through these workouts.  It is true what they say: as you get older, it gets tougher…  I have done workouts like this or even harder in my years and reaped the benefits… then got lazy and now I am doing it all over again - suffering… This is what happens when you abandon self.

I did not even check what tonight is… do not want to know… afraid it might be Pure Madness, I mean Pure Cardio again… rather be surprised!

Today, I am going to look into ordering Shakeology he talks about it a lot and I have a friend / coach who raves about it… time to check it out!

To be continued…

yours in health,

~dee

Kermie and Miss Piggy... Strangelove...

Do you ever feel like this in your relationships... chasing the frog... hehehehe

Ladies we are supposed to wait on our Prince Charming - not the frog!

This brings back old memories... I love these characters :)

Insanity ~ Day 9 - Plyo Schmlyo...

Plyometric absolutely was the death of me yesterday… so much so, that I was filled with nausea the last few minutes… I am not sure if it had to do with the day after day Intensity of the workout or the fact that a girl’s time is around the corner (ladies know what I mean)… Anyways, I pressed on and stopped towards the end and actually missed about 2 and a half to 3 minutes… I did finish, though… G seemed to do well last night – was even supportive through my bouts of nausea… thank God – I did not want to have a screaming match again… lol

I woke up feeling great today with a touch of sore and aches in my legs…   I have not taken measurements yet, however, I did see the scale change a bit.  I will wait until we complete the whole segment before I post the weight loss figures.

Tonight we press on… stay with us as I Chronicle the progress of D & G...

yours in health,

~dee

Insanity ~ Day 8 - Pure Cardio Torture...

I just knew that I was going to pay for missing a day… Ugh! So much so, that we were moving slowly and I sooo did not want to do it.  So, we miss a day and the next exercise on the calendar is Pure Cardio… yes, I know I told you this already… however, Pure Cardio should be labeled: Pure Torture!  How was our mood… well, let me just say that there was a lot of ‘Shut Up, No, You Shut Up’ going across the room… Georges and I were tired, therefore, a little cranky – I was looking for ways to get out of it, he was sweating beebies… (what else is new? hehehe) – the DVD player did not want to cooperate… blah, blah, blah - we ended up doing the workout at around 1120p… not advisable, especially when you have to wake at 6am.

I will say that after the torture we were feeling better and happy that we completed it and ready for a nice deep sleep.  Woke up feeling accomplished and rejuvenated.  I actually stand taller the next day and feel much better about myself.  We have not seen grand change yet.  I believe this will take place in a few weeks… Endurance is key, now!

Tonight… Plyometric Cardio Circuit J

yours in health,

~dee

Insanity ~ Day 7 - I have No good words...

Shame, Shame, Shame on Me!

My son was sick yesterday and let’s just say that I internalized it and made myself feel icky… boo hoo, hoo! So, with that being said – I did not work out and in turn messed up Georges’s workout as well ( he did not do it either).  Trust me, I am not looking for sympathy… just feel so dumb that I let myself down…

Today, I choose to do the right thing as I have stated earlier in my posts today… no more stupid excuses like that for me! I was so fed up with myself – do not want to feel like that again… ugh! Anyways, moving forward…

Tonight… Pure Madness – Pure Cardio (I deserve what comes… hehehe)

yours in health,

~dee

Insanity ~ Day 5 & 6 - 1st Week Down...

Day 5 – Pure Cardio Madness… Oh dear – this was truly a challenge… Time to worry - when the instructor says that he is nervous about the workout are about to embark on, then it makes sense that the mind starts to wonder what type of torture it is about to endure… It is not called Pure Cardio for nothing - I must admit that many a break were taken to complete the exercise.  I for one did not want to give up, however, it was very difficult to focus on the activity when the pain was pounding in my legs, thighs, abs and arms… J Both Georges and I pushed to the end & were so glad it was over, Finally!  Let me just end by saying that the floor and my face became one and I am not ashamed.


Day 6 – Plyometric once again… now, when we first did this exercise at the beginning of this week – it was a little challenging, however, not difficult to complete.  By the end of this first week my body just felt like it could no longer take it and the workout got the better of me.  I did complete it with a 3 minute break towards the end.  We both pushed through it with great difficulty – happy to have the 1^st week behind us.
Week 2 – Here We Come! Pray for us…
yours in health,
~dee

Insanity ~ Day 4 - Cardio Recovery...

I am not ready to scream that I am excited by any of the exercises yet, however, this was a great one for  stretching deeper and helping with the stiffness… It was a good workout even though there really was not any cardio involved.  Today, I do feel much better – my legs are functioning like normal again (no more wobbling) – Thank God!  Up next… Pure Cardio – Oh, what joy! I heard it is kind of rough – we shall see…  J

I must admit – I do see an overall difference in my body.  I mean, there is less swelling (face, abdomen) – must be because we have backed down on the carbs… Consuming carbs only in the morning has helped out a lot.  I know that Georges is always hungry even after we eat – we are working on that, too! Hehe

Tonight… Pure Cardio!

yours in health,

~dee

Insanity ~ Day 3 - Cardio Power & Resistance!

Oh the aches… remind me again why we are on this journey? Just kidding… above the soreness, I feel great! We both feel great! I will say, though, yesterday was tough – it was tough because we were now starting to feel the soreness from the previous two days making it harder to hold certain poses and achieve those big jumps effectively.  We have been eating protein after to assist in replenishing and to help with the soreness.  On a funny note, because the workouts produce sooo much sweat, it seems that our clothes are becoming less and less… ;)

We press on… I am definitely looking forward to Cardio Recovery today.

yours in health,

~dee

Insanity ~ Day 2 - Plyo What?

What is the definition of Insanity? Let’s take a look… Insanity:  craziness or madness is a spectrum of behaviors characterized by certain abnormal mental or behavioral patterns.  HA! I am beginning to feel this way… Day 2 on this program and I am wondering how much can one person sweat? I mean, really?  Last night we were on the Plyometric Cardio Circuit and I thought I just might collapse.  I looked over at G and he was equally suffering… hehehe ~~ Insanity is not gender bias… We got through it – grunting all the way… When I heard Shaun say, now we move onto suicide / part 2 – all I could think was – are we not already there? I mean the warms up and precursor exercises to ‘his’ suicide was killer enough…

Still we pressed on – I have to pray before I do this work out – asking God to give me the strength and endurance not to fall flat on my face.  I kept telling myself soon, soon all of this will melt away and this mantra helped me continue…  I must admit – I did stop a few times to catch up with my breath, completing the task all the way to the grueling end - High Fiving at our accomplishment.

If you want something bad enough, you can attain it! You must do the Hard work!

yours in health,

~dee

 

Squirrel Nuts... Who remembers those?

I know that I probably should not be talking about this... however, it is just talking... do not worry - I am not eating these... I just had a fond memory…

I used to walk to school (elementary) and by a brown bag full of these and Peanut Chews, and Charleston Chews… how do I NOT have cavities today, I just do not know…  anyways… just thought I would take you down memory lane

 

your constant companion,

~dee

 

 

Insanity ~ Day 1 - Fit Test 1... ACHE, ACHE, ACHE

This is going to start off the insanity series for Georges & I.  We are both on this journey together and it really helps that we are doing it together.  We are both used to kicking butt in the gym, so, this at home workout is a little challenging for us.

Moving on to more serious stuff... Yesterday was our 1st day of Insanity... All I can get out is: NAUSEA!  We did the warm up and thought that was tough and then Shaun said get ready for the Fit Test.  Little did we know what we were up against - Proud to say that we pushed through it! Today, we move onto Plyometric Cardio Circuit - we look forward to it.

I am attaching our 1st Week / 1st Fit Test results... I am going to keep you updated with the 'Chronicles of Insanity Workouts of D & G' here... stay tuned for more grueling side notes...

yours in health,

~deirdra

Starbucks and Long Hair...

Today's journey from my local Starbucks to my car proves yet again, how fascinated men are by long, straight hair... long straight hair blowing in the wind to be exact... lol  ~ This causes much pain for us curly haired beauties.  I am proud of my curly dark haired locks, however, it appears that I am once again in the minority...


Why was my hair straight this morning? Well, because last night I decided to fascinate my man and temporarily disarm him... that is why :)


The long and short of it (no pun intended) - when my mane is straight and flowing it appears that the heavens open and you can hear the birdies singing... for him, that is! 


Anyways, what does this all mean, you may ask? Well, this is not new either... It modestly means, that men are simple... take no offense, male species... With that being said, I concede - I will give in from time to time so that the heavens may open up more frequently and he may delight in the beautiful melody in the air...

your constant companion,

~deirdra

Good Eats in Vegas!!!

Just the other day my beau & decided to go and manga after much pavement pounding... an appetite had definitely worked up...

We headed out to the local spots cruising for some good eats!

We came across Enzo's Pizzeria (it's off of Eastern) The owner is from Sicily with an accent marred by Long Island (nice guy). Now, keep in mind - I am a New Yorker and it is pretty hard to please me with pizza... Since I have been here in Vegas - it has not been easy finding a place that serves pizza NY style... So, in we go and walk into this lovely place - it has two ends on it and a bar separating either side, an upstairs where you can have a private party and just outside you have the patio where you can sit and savor their delectable Gelato under the warm Vegas air! Yumm!

We decided on pasta as it was Tuesday, 'Pasta Night' ($12.95 for any pasta style w a House salad and a Cannoli to sweeten the palate!) Wow! It was good - I opted for the Angel Hair Marinara Mozzarella! Great Choice! I savored it with some Pinot Noir and boy was I satisfied... my beau had the Fettuccine w meat sauce - also, a great choice! I highly recommend stopping by there on a Tuesday or any other day... Next time we go for pizza and their Gelato - we skipped it this time - did not want to add too much to the waistline!

your constant companion,

~deirdra

Discipline is Getting What You Want...

So... I have been back at the gym this past week sweating it out! It feels Good! Getting back to basics and having some 'Me' time is so important to my health and my family's... let's not forget it affects those around me as well... lol ~~~ I am much better equipped when I take some time for me...

As I looked around yesterday - it was very evident that Spring/Summer is here... the gym was filled to capacity... it is amazing how busy our gyms are in Las Vegas and people who do not live here think that we are an 'unhealthy' city... it might be because of all the buffets... there is life beyond the strip, people!

Anyways... I am back on track looking forward to seeing the definition quickly emerge... I know there are strong abs under this beautiful mass dying to shine... :)

I would be interested to see who is on this same journey with me...

I read today that US funding for walking/bicycling is just as important as transportation (cars)... hmmm... I think that speaks volumes to our society...

your constant companion,

~deirdra

Why Has Friday Not Arrived Yet?

Geez...

Can it come any sooner?

I am excited for Friday, yes, I am! This weekend promises to be filled with fun! My lovely bf is taking me away somewhere... I am like a little kid on Christmas... I am filled with all these crazy emotions (fear (because I did not plan this), wonder, excitement, butterflies in my stomach, anxiousness... too many to name)... He has not given me one clue - all he asks is if I am ready to be fun, sexy, and free? huh??? So, I say, 'Yes, OK!!! I am ready!' Butterflies... again! Gym, here I come and all body parts better pay attention and firm up... on the double!

So, again I ask can Friday make it here any sooner...

to be continued...

your constant companion,

~deirdra

30Day Shred!!! Wow!

I have done some pretty, pretty hard workouts in the past & they would go on for more than an hour... however, I must say - last night I was truly challenged... I even had to break for a few secs a few times... I really enjoy Jillian's style... it is totally Kick Butt! I am sore this morning - I felt it when I went down the stairs on my way out the door... I went slower... !

I will do it again today - no excuses... even though, I may want to give the old cramps excuse... because, yes, today I am feeling them... my friend is due to arrive... :)

I must admit that after the workout even though I was feeling the effects - I had a little thought slip in my head saying that I did not do enough... time wise, I mean... I am just praying that I really do see results by the close of 30 days... I am also counting my calories... this should help, for sure!

to be continued...

your constant companion on this wonderful journey,

~dee

Happy Resurrection Day!!!

As I sit here and contemplate the gift of Life... I am ever so mindful of my Lord's sacrifice. Today I sit here in Awe of HIS beautiful precious blood that has washed me clean. HIS selfless sacrifice to offer me life ever so abundantly. In all my unfaithfulness HE remains absolutely Faithful! I am so grateful that HE has chosen to write my name in HIS book. Tonight is the night before HE arises... Tonight for me shall be a night of reflection and offerings of praise to my wonderful King! Abba, Father! I just want to thank you, Jesus for your sacrificial blood and for loving me. Thank you, Jesus for your precious blood that washes away my sin. Thank you, Jesus for giving me Life more abundantly! Thank you again and again!

your daughter,

~deirdra

Staying Alive My / Your Whole Life

Staying Alive My / Your Whole Life

Are you living every day filled with hope and expectancy? Are you living life to the fullest? So many people today have simply lost their enthusiasm for life. At one time, they were excited about their future. They were pursuing their dream, but along the way, they hit some roadblocks. Things didn't work out, and now they're just going through the motions of life. They quit dreaming. They quit pursuing their goals. They lost their purpose. Don't let that be you! Make the choice to stay alive your whole life by keeping your dreams in front of you. Remember, you have a purpose. You have a destiny. You didn't just accidentally show up on planet Earth. God knew you before you were formed in your mother's womb, and He has an assignment for you. You were created to make a difference-to impact our society-to make this world a better place.

On the inside of you right now, there are dreams and desires put there by the Creator of the universe. Don't let the pressures of life push those dreams down. Stir up those dreams. Stir up those gifts. Shake off every disappointment and press forward. This is a new day. Get a new vision. Make up your mind that no matter what comes your way, you're going to keep pressing forward. You're going to keep growing. You're going to keep learning. You're going to stay active. If you will stay passionate about life, knowing what your purpose is and being your best every day, God will pour out His blessings and favor on you, and you will live the life of victory He has in store!

MY LORD PUSHES ME FORWARD - TOWARDS MY GOAL!!! FOR HIS PLANS ARE GOOD!

- 2 Corinthians 3:18:
¹⁸And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect^[a] the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit (IF WE BEHOLD HIS GLORY - ALL SHALL BE GIVEN UNTO US)

- Matthew 8:13:
^13..."Go thy way, and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee." (BEING POSITIVE)

- Ecclesiastes 5:1:

GOD'S IN CHARGE, NOT YOU!

¹ Watch your step when you enter God's house.
Enter to learn...

(KEEPING OUR MINDS ON TRACK - NOT LOSING FOCUS OF THE GOAL)

- Mark 9:23:

²³Jesus said, "If? There are no 'ifs' among believers. Anything can happen." (GOD WILL DO THE IMPOSSIBLE IF WE JUST BELIEVE)

& OF COURSE...

- Passage Philippians 3:12:

Pressing on Toward the Goal

¹²Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

I FIND MYSELF MEDITATING ON THESE WORDS... I CRY OUT TO ABBA... FOR ONLY HIS WORDS OFFER ME THE HOPE & THE PEACE THAT HE WILL TURN EVERY SITUATION AROUND & BRING GOOD OUT OF MY TROUBLES FOR HIS GLORY. AS I MEDITATE ON HIS WORDS - I REMINDED TO NOT LEAN ON MY OWN LIMITED UNDERSTANDING - BUT TO TRUST IN JEHOVAH JIREH (MY PROVIDER) JEHOVAH ROPHE (MY HEALER) "I AM" MY GOD WHO ALWAYS IS! AMEN & AMEN!

your constant companion,

~deirdra