Follow Faithfully » Health & Fitness http://www.followfaithfully.com Living, Loving and Learning Mon, 26 Apr 2010 11:17:20 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 Zoom-Zoom-ZUMBA!! http://www.followfaithfully.com/201001/zoom-zoom-zumba/ http://www.followfaithfully.com/201001/zoom-zoom-zumba/#comments Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:30:16 +0000 kelly http://www.followfaithfully.com/?p=1054 Post from: Follow Faithfully

Zoom-Zoom-ZUMBA!!

]]> Have any of y’all taken a Zumba class? I have heard about it for awhile and finally got up my nerve to take a class at the Y last fall. I loved it! It’s an intense workout, but it’s so much fun!! I haven’t been in a couple of months, but I’m planning to go back this morning. It’s a rainy day here today, so I wish I could say that I’m excited and ready to go to Zumba, but I’d really like to just curl up in bed with a book. However, I know I need this workout, so I’ll dig up the motivation and go to Zumba. I think. ;)

If you haven’t heard of Zumba, it’s a workout that blends aerobics and dance, basically. It’s mostly Latin dance inspired. Constant motion is the key. I was hesitant to try it initially. I love to dance, but I’m not exactly the most coordinated person in the world. (My most embarrassing workout story is from the 90s. I was taking step aerobics and could NOT get coordinated enough to step, swing my arms, etc. all in the right timing. The step instructor literally got ON my step with me and I still couldn’t quite get it quickly. Yikes!) Several friends encouraged me to just TRY Zumba and assured me I’d like it. The key, I was told, is to just keep moving. Even if you’re not doing what the rest of the class is doing at the time, just MOVE. So, I did it. I’m not going to say I got all the moves right, but I did it. And, I really enjoyed it! Zumba really gets the blood pumping and is a great calorie burner. What’s not to like about that? I enjoy the Thursday morning class at the Y, so I really need to get in gear and get going this morning so I can get there and get my dance on!

Happy Thursday!

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Zoom-Zoom-ZUMBA!!

]]> http://www.followfaithfully.com/201001/zoom-zoom-zumba/feed/ 2 Yikes! http://www.followfaithfully.com/201001/yikes/ http://www.followfaithfully.com/201001/yikes/#comments Tue, 19 Jan 2010 20:56:53 +0000 kelly http://www.followfaithfully.com/?p=1048 Post from: Follow Faithfully

Yikes!

]]> I have been such a blog slacker again. No excuses. Yes, life is busy. Yes, the whole holiday season (Thanksgiving through New Years) was super busy. Yes, I’m on the GO a lot. Still, I would like to be better about attending to my blog. I need to find a way to make it a daily priority. Any suggestions?

As usual, things are frequently clicking at a fast pace around here, but we are all doing well in our family. Here’s a mini update:

Macey is really enjoying first grade. She is doing so well and absolutely loves school. She’s having a great time taking tap/jazz once a week at a local dance school as well. And, just recently she started taking gymnastics at the Y and that’s a great thrill for her. She turned six and a half on New Year’s Day and is very proud of that “and a half”, thank you very much. ;)

Mariana continues to think that preschool is the best thing EVER. She goes three mornings per week and always looks forward to school. She had been taking dance at the same studio as Macey, but we recently decided to let her stay after preschool one day per week to take dance there. She stays another day for a princess party. Both of her extended day activities are BIG deals to Miss Mariana. She is having a blast!

Mickey is working for himself full time now and his business is really doing well. We are so thankful for the opportunity for him to finally work from home. God has really shown us that this is the right move and the business is truly blessed. He gets “Husband of the Year” because he planned an awesome surprise for me as part of my Christmas. He is taking me to NYC for a weekend in February. I am SO excited! Giddy, actually! We are going to see “Wicked” on Broadway while we are there and I just cannot wait. Yay!!

I am doing exceptionally well these days. I had been slacking on more than just blogging and had not been in a regular work-out routine over the holidays. Well, that is no more. I’m going back to the Y to work-out a few times a week and I love it! I’m still busy with various things, but couldn’t be happier.

Hope everyone has a blessed Tuesday!!

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Yikes!

]]> http://www.followfaithfully.com/201001/yikes/feed/ 1 Workin’ it out… http://www.followfaithfully.com/200906/workin-it-out/ http://www.followfaithfully.com/200906/workin-it-out/#comments Fri, 12 Jun 2009 21:11:24 +0000 kelly http://www.followfaithfully.com/?p=861 Post from: Follow Faithfully

Workin’ it out…

]]> In keeping with my renewed quest to lose weight and get fit, I made another purchase today that wasn’t an article of clothing. I got this:

Kathy Smith: Cardio Knockout
cardio_knockout

I found it for $4 at Marshall’s and decided to give it a try. I haven’t done it yet, so I’ll have to post a review once I have done the work-outs. There aren’t many reviews on Amazon, but the ones that are on there are all great. I’m excited to give it a try. I still have the Biggest Loser DVDs that I enjoyed so much before also! Hopefully I can do some work-outs at home and start running too. A more slim more fit me is going to happen. WOO HOO!!

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Workin’ it out…

]]> http://www.followfaithfully.com/200906/workin-it-out/feed/ 0 Seeking Motivation http://www.followfaithfully.com/200906/seeking-motivation/ http://www.followfaithfully.com/200906/seeking-motivation/#comments Thu, 11 Jun 2009 23:20:00 +0000 kelly http://www.followfaithfully.com/?p=854 Post from: Follow Faithfully

Seeking Motivation

]]> Ugh. I need my motivation back because it’s missing. Motivation for weight-loss, that is. A couple of summers ago, I finally got my act together, did Weight Watchers and lost over 25 pounds. I was so proud of myself. I felt great in so many ways. Well, gradually, most of that weight has found its way back to my body. I haven’t gained it all back, but I have put on probably 15 pounds of it. YUCK! Several weeks ago, I started using Spark People to track my calories each day. That was working beautifully for me. I went out of town, got off rhythm and now I’m in a not-so-good rut again. Tonight I had to try on swim suits at TJ Maxx and absolutely know that I must get my motivation back and get this weight off. I really MUST!! I can’t stand having wiggly-jiggly body parts and it just pains me go up in sizes. So, I believe that tomorrow morning I’ll get back to counting my calories with Spark People for a start. My friend Terri and I are talking about doing the Couch to 5k program, so hopefully we can start that very soon too. I can admit that part of why I want to lose weight is a vanity issue. But, seriously, a really large part of it is that I want to set a good healthy example for my girls. I don’t ever want them to think that yo-yo dieting is the way to go. I’d rather all of us develop and maintain healthy habits for life. So, here I go. Yes, I’m starting again and that’s sort of like a yo-yo, but maybe this bathing suit season will remind me enough that it’s worth it to maintain and not let it go. Please…wish me luck.

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Seeking Motivation

]]> http://www.followfaithfully.com/200906/seeking-motivation/feed/ 9 Fun Run Morning http://www.followfaithfully.com/200904/fun-run-morning/ http://www.followfaithfully.com/200904/fun-run-morning/#comments Sat, 18 Apr 2009 12:28:46 +0000 kelly http://www.followfaithfully.com/?p=811 Post from: Follow Faithfully

Fun Run Morning

]]> Mickey and Macey have gone to her school’s Fun Run this morning. This is an annual event by Macey’s elementary school that raises money for the P.E. department. The children walk/run a mile and each child receives a ribbon. There are three races – 4th/5th grade, 2nd/3rd grade and K/1st grade. Macey, of course, is in the last race. Mickey’s planning on running the mile with her. However, she gets to cross the finish line by herself. I think it is really cool that Macey wanted to do this, first of all, and that her wonderful daddy is sharing this experience with her. I can’t wait to see them in their matching race t-shirts. :)

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Fun Run Morning

]]> http://www.followfaithfully.com/200904/fun-run-morning/feed/ 3 The state of things… http://www.followfaithfully.com/200904/the-state-of-things/ http://www.followfaithfully.com/200904/the-state-of-things/#comments Wed, 01 Apr 2009 12:48:44 +0000 kelly http://www.followfaithfully.com/?p=699 Post from: Follow Faithfully

The state of things…

]]>
  • Good morning!
  • Well, there are is some good news to report from our home front this morning. The leaky pipe in our basement is fixed. YAHOO!! The plumber finally got here three hours after he said he would yesterday, but at least he got here and got the leak properly fixed at last. That’s great news!
  • In not so great news, the water heater is still having major issues. The pilot won’t light and stay lit. Mickey has tried and tried and TRIED, to no avail. He called the manufacturer of the water heater this morning and they said that they wouldn’t come out to look at it, wouldn’t touch it, etc. given the situation. Okay then. So, we called a local company and they are coming out this morning to have a look at it to see if it can be repaired. Maybe it can. This water heater was just purchased in December, so it’s not old at all. We would hate to replace it, but it may come down to that. If it does, well, it does. We’ll see what the day reveals. We’ll do what we have to do.
  • We were all able to get warm baths this morning, so that was nice. REALLY nice! Required a lot of water being heated on the stove and hauling it upstairs via buckets and big pots. Hey, whatever works, right? ;) Oh, it was sooooo nice to get that bath this morning. I felt absolutely amazing after that and still do.
  • Decided to keep Mariana home from preschool today. She is doing pretty well on the whole after her surgery on Friday, but I am thinking another couple of days at home would be good for her. She is still pretty tired and not quite back to 100%, so less is more for now. Her class is having their Easter party and egg hunt on Friday, so we really hope she can return for that.
  • Next week is spring break for both girls. We are probably going to head down to my mom’s for several days and be there through Easter. That should be fun! We’ll get to visit family and have fun hanging out down in South GA.
  • I haven’t been working out lately for a variety of reasons. I really miss it and I know I really NEED it, so I hope to get back on that very soon. Maybe tonight. I need to get back to Boot Camp. Stat!
  • I have gotten the nicest emails from the mother-of-the-bride from the wedding reception I photographed a couple of weekends ago. She is a preschool teacher at our church and is one of the sweetest people I know. They are absolutely thrilled with the photos and the DVD from the reception. Yay! That makes me so happy!
  • Remember, PLEASE, to keep Stellan and family in your prayers.
  • Hope everyone has a beautiful day today!

    • Prayers for Stellan

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    The state of things…

    ]]>     http://www.followfaithfully.com/200904/the-state-of-things/feed/ 5     Good Mornin’, Mornin’! http://www.followfaithfully.com/200903/good-mornin-mornin/ http://www.followfaithfully.com/200903/good-mornin-mornin/#comments Mon, 30 Mar 2009 11:47:33 +0000 kelly http://www.followfaithfully.com/?p=679 Post from: Follow Faithfully

    Good Mornin’, Mornin’!

    ]]>
  • I am smiling as I read the title of my post. I got that saying from my Uncle Lawrence years ago. We used to go on an annual camping trip every summer as a family. My mom, brother and I went along with my grandparents (mom’s parents) and her brother, Uncle Lawrence. Lawrence was always one of those late to bed, late to rise people. As kids, my brother Charlie and I didn’t exactly sleep late. So, on these camping trips we’d already be up and at ‘em for awhile before Lawrence would crawl out of bed. He’d get up, come to the camper door and say “Good mornin’, Mornin’!” every morning. That stuck with me all these years. I’m still known to say it myself. What better way to start the day than to greet the morning, right?! :D
  • It’s a chilly morning here today. Only about 36 outside right now. Brrrr!! It’s supposed to get into the mid-60s today, so I wish that would hurry up. It’s so weird to me to dress the girls in spring clothes for school and then cover those clothes up with a coat or sweater. It’s cool in the mornings and warm by the afternoons. Of course, I do love that spring is springing, but I’m always glad when the warmer weather settles in for a nice long stay.
  • I am “on call” for jury duty this week. I thought I was going in this morning, but I read my summons last  night and there was a number to call after 6pm the evening before reporting. So, we called and my number wasn’t one that had to report this morning. I am to call every evening after 6pm this week to see if I am selected to come in for jury selection. It really worked out for the best that I wasn’t selected to come in this morning. Mariana is doing better, but still not on the top of her game. Plus, Macey’s Character Education winner lunch is today. Two very good and valid reasons for me to be home today, I’d say.
  • I mentioned over the weekend that I was going to do some much-needed clothes shopping. Well, I did, but it was almost a bust. Clothes shopping isn’t as fun for me as it used to be. I must be at some weird stage because certain sizes are too small, but then the next size up is too big. Weird. Anyway, that has motivated me to keep working out and also work on eating better to lose some weight. Please wish me luck. I really want to drop some pounds, but also firm up and get in better shape. Not just for a wardrobe, but that is a nice incentive.
  • I did, however, find some CUTE spring and summer items for the girls while I was shopping. That’s always easy and fun! I just have to remember to put the brakes on at some point when shopping for them. Go figure. ;)
  • Please PLEASE keep Baby Stellan and his family in your prayers.

    • Prayers for Stellan

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    Good Mornin’, Mornin’!

    ]]>     http://www.followfaithfully.com/200903/good-mornin-mornin/feed/ 0     Better Late Than Never http://www.followfaithfully.com/200903/better-late-than-never/ http://www.followfaithfully.com/200903/better-late-than-never/#comments Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:33:09 +0000 kelly http://www.followfaithfully.com/?p=625 Post from: Follow Faithfully

    Better Late Than Never

    ]]>     I am making a real effort to post in my blog daily. Lately I have been posting in the mornings. Well, this morning was busy and I never got to it. Then the afternoon went by quickly. I also met with the mom and bride for the wedding reception I’m shooting this weekend. After that was our Wednesday night supper at the church. THEN we had to get the girls home, bathed and into bed. Finally, it was time for me to do my Biggest Loser Boot Camp workout and WHEW! I’m spent! But, it was a great day! It started out cool and gray, but after lunch the sun came out and things just perked up beautifully.

    So, speaking of the Boot Camp work-out, let me just say that I was as unmotivated as could be on Monday. I only did level 1 (instead of 1 and 2 like I should have) and I even gave that the least amount of real effort I could get away with giving. I was tired, etc. Tonight, I made up for it. I have moved up to using two 5lb hand weights for level one. (I started with none, moved up to two 2-pound weights and now I’m up to the fives.) For Level 2, I have been using the 2-pound hand weights, but haven’t had a medicine ball to use on that level yet. Well, today my new 4-pound medicine ball came from Amazon, so I got to use it. That was a great addition to the work-out. I can tell that it really added more dimension to it. I worked hard tonight and I feel great for having done that. Tired, but great. Pretty soon I’m going to take a bath with lavender epsom salt so that my muscles get a nice treat too!

    In big news around our house -  Mariana is rocking the house with potty-training. She is doing SO SO well! She has gone to preschool both Monday and today and come home in the same outfit she went to school wearing. In other words, no accidents. Yay!! She’s so proud of herself too! She is a tad potty obessed and sometimes likes to go repeatedly just out of the whole newness of it, but that’s okay – at least she’s going. WOO HOO!

    Okay, I hear that bath calling my name. ;) G’night…

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    Better Late Than Never

    ]]>     http://www.followfaithfully.com/200903/better-late-than-never/feed/ 4     A heaping helping of randomosity… http://www.followfaithfully.com/200903/a-heaping-helping-of-randomosity/ http://www.followfaithfully.com/200903/a-heaping-helping-of-randomosity/#comments Tue, 17 Mar 2009 12:17:56 +0000 kelly http://www.followfaithfully.com/?p=622 Post from: Follow Faithfully

    A heaping helping of randomosity…

    ]]>
  • Good morning and HAPPY ST. PADDY’S DAY!
  • Macey wore her green to school very proudly today. Well, she was somewhat disappointed that she wasn’t dressed head to toe in green, to be honest. She has on a green long-sleeved tee which I thought was perfect, but she wanted green pants too. Go figure. ;)
  • Spring weather is supposed to return to us today. We’re looking for mid-60s for the high. I can definitely appreciate that!
  • I made Rachael Ray’s Chicken, Biscuits’n'Gravy Casserole for dinner last night. It was my second time making it and it was great once again. So easy to make and yummy too!
  • Mickey brought home a new book for me yesterday. What a sweetheart! I sent him a list of books I’d like and he went to our church bookstore and got one to surprise me. He brought home Take One, Above The Line Series #1 by Karen Kingsbury, so that’s what I am reading now. Kingsbury is always great to read!
  • I’m not sure whether to whisper this cautiously or shout it from the rooftops, but Mariana is doing SO well with her potty-training. She is quite proud of herself too!! (Won’t say more because it’s early in the process yet.)
  • I’m excited to watch Biggest Loser: Couples tonight! Maybe that will help me regain some motivation. Lately I have just not been into working out and I need to get my movitation back on track. I think maybe I need another DVD or two so that I can work through a rotation and not get bored. Ideally, I’d like to join the YMCA as a family so we could work out there, so maybe that can happen soon.
  • Our play room is well on its way to being more organized. I had a wonderful organization consultant over here yesterday and we worked hard to get the play room in  better shape. I am waiting on her to give us a quote to put in shelving units with drawers into the closet so that we can keep it organized down there. It felt good to purge some excess yesterday. Now, if only I could do that all around the house. Hmmm…?!?!?
  • I am photographing a wedding reception on Saturday and I am SO excited about that!
  • I’m off to get ready to face the day. Hope to get lots more done around the house. I guess I’m “spring cleaning” in steps. LOL!
  • Have a great day!

    • st-patricks-snoopy

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    A heaping helping of randomosity…

    ]]>     http://www.followfaithfully.com/200903/a-heaping-helping-of-randomosity/feed/ 10     Yawning & Stretching… http://www.followfaithfully.com/200903/yawning-stretching/ http://www.followfaithfully.com/200903/yawning-stretching/#comments Wed, 11 Mar 2009 12:13:42 +0000 kelly http://www.followfaithfully.com/?p=585 Post from: Follow Faithfully

    Yawning & Stretching…

    ]]>     {{{YAWN}}}

    I am so sleepy this morning. Even after a cup and a half of coffee, I still feel like I have weights on my eyelids. I just want to curl back up in bed and sleep some more. Is that asking so much, really? The answer is YES, it’s too much to ask. Especially since Miss Mariana is up and at ‘em this morning. Of course, it was Miss Mariana that was awake and crying at 3:45 this morning too. And, it was Mariana that then kept me awake with her tossing and turning until well after 5 this morning too. So, of course, it was  HER that got to sleep in a bit this morning and not me. Hmph. Some kids!! ;)  She seems to feel fine this morning, but I’m keeping her home from preschool because I’m not sure she’d last the whole day without becoming tired and cranky anyway. I am seriously pondering taking her nap with her today. Right about now that seems heavenly, but light years away. 

    Who else is watching The Biggest Loser with me this season? It’s another great one. I just love that show! Of course, I could do without the very obvious product endorsements and I could certainly do without the BLEEPING language, but it’s still a very good show to me. I won’t say anything too specific about last night’s episode because I don’t want to reveal any spoilers for those who haven’t had a chance to watch it yet. I will say that I thought that sisters Aubrey and Mandi showed SO much strength last night. Strength of body, character and spirit. I’m also wondering why Kristin had immunity? Need to do some investigation into that one, I guess.

    Guess I should get this day started. Or, at least get up and move a little bit.

    Happy Wednesday,
    Kelly

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    Yawning & Stretching…

    ]]>     http://www.followfaithfully.com/200903/yawning-stretching/feed/ 0