BOOTCAMP Update!

Head over to my training blog to check in on my bootcampers!

http://personaltraining-liveyourlife.blogspot.com/

Live YOUR Life!

Jaime

98% - Whoooohoooooo!

I did my practical last night - thank you neighbor Collette for pretending to be "Gail". I felt extremely comfortable with you so it made the exam that much easier! As the title says I got 98% and I am officially a certified personal trainer. I feel really good about myself!

I have my first "staff" meeting at Aeroflex on August 16th. I'm not even really nervous about starting, just excited! I think this is what I was meant to do. It's hard not to jump into the industry full force because there is so much opportunity and demand. I could have worked at World Health Club in Edmonton - just didn't fit my schedule right now, plus your wage is based on how many pkgs you "sell". I don't want to "sell" anybody fitness....I just want to help them and encourage them. I think Aeroflex will be a perfect fit. I think I'll turn my "fitness journey" blog into my "personal trainer" blog.....then you can still follow along as I go.

Thanks to everyone who cheered me on, my husband and kids, friends and family.

Hugs,

J.

I PASSED!!!! :)

I got a call from my PRO trainer last Friday saying "sorry Jaime, you got a 96% on your theory, but only 76% on your multiple choice so you'll have to rewrite both" I was devastated to tears! I was so upset I missed it by only 4%. I dug out my books and studied a bit on the way to Kelowna Saturday morning.....then found a couple of hours to do some studying on the beach in Salmon Arm. This morning JJ's cell rang and it was for me???? It was Blanche from Can-Fit-Pro saying there was an error with my marks and I passed!!!! Horray!!!! I now have to write my practical and I'll be a personal trainer! Happy Days!

I'll post again when I complete my practical.......

From the gorgeous Shuswap's, I'm out!

Jaime

Zoey

Thought I would announce the arrival of Zoe - the newest member of the Hebert Family. Our friends, the Nachai family, welcomed her older brother 10 days ago and since then all I've heard is "we want a puppy!" .... and not from the kids, but from JJ! :)

We went camping this past weekend to Long Lake with two other families - one being the Nachai's and their puppy Gizmo. After spending Friday with Gizmo and watching Emma with him, JJ called the breeder to "just find out" if there were any puppies left. He went to meet Zoe Saturday night and we spent our first night together in a tent. She is a 7.5 week old Shitzu-Poodle cross and quite the character already - not sure what Boots the cat thinks of her, but we're hoping they can co-exist.

My exam is on Wednesday night....pray for me!

Jaime

Bobble Head

I am officially a bobble head! I have so much information jammed into my brain it has to weigh at least 20lbs! I am pleasantly surprised to notice a lot of it is making sense and "sticking"...I was kind of afraid that being "just a mom" for 8 years turned it all to mush. I only have 5 weeks to learn everything that hasn't stuck...which, honestly, worries me. I have a habit of doubting myself so I am really trying to keep it positive. I enjoy the fitness lifestyle and know I'll be great at helping to motivate others.....when you do what you love, you'll never work another day in your life!

Later!

Jaime

Heading to school

I'm heading back to school on Saturday....almost exactly 10 years after I left High School! :)

I was talking with my SPIN instructor and she encouraged me to take personal trainer course through CAN-FIT-PRO. The course will take a week to complete and then I have 6 weeks to study before my exam on July 18. I'm so excited I'm bubbling inside! This is a career I have always been interested in, but with lack of time and money I realistically thought it was a couple of years out of reach. Timing is everything - with JJ home everynight for 3 weeks I have the time; and since we haven't gone on vacation with my "FAME" money, it's still sitting in the bank! :)

I'm going to start slow. I babysit a little girl down the street. Her and Emma go to preschool together this year and it'll stay that way next year too so I'll train around them. They both head to Kindergarten in 2008 (did I just say my baby was heading to Kindergarten?) so I'll have every morning to train, then the year after that they are gone all day so I'll have all day to train! :) Throughout the next few years I also plan on taking additional PT courses to broaden my resume.....I think I just figured out what I'm going to be when I grow up! :)

Pray for me!

Live YOUR Life!

Jaime

Long Weekend Hangover

Ugh! It's only noon and I'm exhausted! The weekend is finally catching up to me.

We had such a great weekend! Every May long weekend we pack up and head north to Grandma's house. JJ's Uncle has a ranch up in Lac La Biche and the sons, daughters, and cousins go up to help him brand the new babies. We were really humming and haaing about going this year - the weather forcast was brutal! Rain, Snow, Cold ~ BRRRRRRRR! But, we were packed so we went up and it turned out to be BEAUTIFUL!

We usually sort the herd and deworm the momma's Saturday morning and then brand the babies in the afternoon, but we work up to pouring rain and sleet so Uncle Dale postponed everything by a day. The rain didn't stop my kids tho'! We were out ALL day playing with horses, dogs, and cruising around on the quad. I had to carry them inside screaming 3 times during the day so I could throw their clothes in the dryer!

Sunday we woke up to birdies chirping and sunny, cloudless skies and it was business as usual a the ranch! We finished everything by 730pm (started at 10am so it was a long day) and enjoyed an amazing supper put on by Uncle Dale and Kenda. Our kids were the biggest troopers! We were lighter on help this year compared to past years so Grandma and everyone who could help was helping ~ no babysitters! The kids help sort the cows, then kept themselves occupied ALL DAY while we worked. JJ told them they each got $10 to spend at Walmart because they didn't complain once! Needless to say, JJ was at Walmart Monday night at 630pm so they could buy their treat! :)

Monday...same thing....clear skies! We planted Grandma's garden, loaded up firewood for our backyard fire place and took some final quad rides before we had to pack up and head home. :(

Today is laundry day! Everything has cowpoop, horsepoop, dogpoop and mud all squished in! :) Good times!

Hugs,

Jaime

May 2nd, 2007

So, it's 10 days from the date I was set to compete. I am pretty happy with my physique. I pushed myself pretty hard the past 3 months in the gym, but eating....well, let's just say I need my chocolate and jujubes! :)

The area of my body I find the most puzzling is my abs. One day I'll have a washboard of muscle, then the next day I don't! Maybe it depends on what I eat? Or I don't know how to flex them while standing? I'm finally happy with my legs - I still find them bulky, but I'll settle on the fact they probably won't get much leaner. It'll always be the body part I'm not 100% sastisfied with....and you know what?... that's completly okay with me! One thing I have learned is that nobody can be 100%! :)

Live YOUR Life!

Jaime

He's Gone :(

JJ left today for Russia. We are used to him being gone, he was only home about 3 weeks from January to April, but this trip is different. I'm thinking it's because he is so "far" away. The funny thing is the kids are totally fine...it's me this time! :)

He's been talking to the guys over there and is excited, but some of the things they have told him are scary. He quadrupled checked his bags to make sure he had everything. Andre has a satellite phone over with him, so we'll be able to talk with him a couple of times throughout the 2 weeks. The last 3 months of the season went by quickly, so 2 weeks will be over before we know it! :)

I didn't get to the gym this morning. I was hoping to, but I turned off the alarm and snuggled my hubby....figured it was more important than working off a big bum! :) I usually go Wednesday afternoons, but I have too many kids to fit into the van and can't drop off and pick up the girls at school ~ so we're just hanging out today doing some crafts.

Take care everyone!

Jaime

The Amazing Race

My girlfriend Michelle and 3 other gals do the "Weekend to End Breast Cancer Walk" every year. As a fundraiser each year they host an Amazing Race. Yesterday, 34 teams of 4 (136 people) were flying around Edmonton completing Roadblocks, Detours, and other various tasks. WE HAD SO MUCH FUN!

The BEST BREASTS OF THE WEST (Michelle~not the organizer~, Tannis, Shari and me) completed 18 tasks that made us jump in the pool, run around the Farmers Market on Whyte, change tires on a truck, do a fireman's obstacle course, shoot a bow & arrow, ride a trike wearing hockey equipment, we struck pose at Lululemon.....and RUNNING! We ran for 4 hours. Michelle put on her pedometer "just to see" - well, we did almost 15,000 steps (all running) or 11.5 km! Our official time was 4hrs and 34mins. The winning team did it in 3hrs and 15mins. You can bet we'll be doing it again next year! I'll see if I can get some pics to post up here.

Today I am exhausted! We just finished lunch and the family is going to cuddle up on the couch downstairs and watch a movie.

Lots of luv,

Jaime

No longer a baby

My baby is no longer a baby....she turned 4 on Tuesday. She had a party at the gymnastic studio on Saturday with 10 of her buddies - it was exhausting watching them run, jump, and tumble for an hour. They all had so much fun! On Tuesday, church school threw her another party. On Wednesday, preschool sang another round of Happy Birthday. I asked what she wanted me to bring for snack (I was mommy helper) and she said "anything but cupcakes mom!". She decided to take fruit snacks and grapes. Teacher Ria always has the kids blow out a candle but without a cupcake we had to put the candle inside a grape! The funniest picture I think she'll ever have in her photo album! :) And today.....movies and computer games from Grandpa Stan came in the mail and a card from Grandpa Jocko and Grandma Margaret with a Walmart Gift Card inside......I'm hoping it has come to an end by now! Poor thing will think birthdays "should" be a week long celebration! :)

I've been doing double time on the cardio this past week, I want to get "ahead" of myself so I don't feel as guilty for not doing it while JJ is away. The last 2 weeks I have only been doing 2 weight days/week. It's amazing how fast your muscle weakens! A month ago when I was training with Rod & Brenda I could deal out 3 sets of 12 pull ups - I struggled to get through 2 sets of 8 yesterday - oops!

My friend Shannon is competing in Fitness Model on May 12 in Calgary. She is in her final 2.5 weeks and needs all the support we can dish out. Her blog URL is listed on the right side of my blog - when you have time, scoot over to her site and give her some words of encouragment. My cousin Leigh is competing and training for May 12 but she doesn't have a blog. You can leave some uplifting comments here for her as she checks out my blog regularly! :)

Live YOUR Life!

Jaime

Off he goes....

JJ was handed the opportunity to go to Russia with Hockey Canada for the Men's World Championships. He's been struggling with his decision for over a month now. He had pretty much made up his mind not to go.....then admitted to himself that he would regret NOT going - so he leaves May 3rd for 12 days. I think it's amazing! Russia isn't a place I ever want to visit, so the fact that he can go over with a good group of guys is going to be a great experience for him.

The downside.....no holiday for us just yet. Not sure when we'll be able to go with Rookie camp and the Draft after Russia. Probably sometime in July. I'm happy I decided not to compete on May 12th - I couldn't imagine being on my own with the kids 2 weeks out from a show and having no support.

With snow on the ground, AGAIN (arg!), I got up and headed to the gym for my run this morning. The kids' have swim lessons tonight so when JJ takes them there, I'll head back for another session of cardio and a good 20minute tan!

Lots of hugs and luv,

Jaime

New pics

It's been a good week. I've gotten into the gym everyday, except Saturday and Sunday, which is usually my off day. It's kind of funny having JJ home. All winter I've been waiting for him to "be home" so it would be easier to get out of the house....but I'm finding it a little opposite! We got up Saturday, had breakfast, cleaned up and I said "so hon, what's our plan today 'cause I want to get into the gym" and he said "no you don't, it's SATURDAY" and I was like "I know, but I go to the gym on Saturdays......"

My mind is saying "JJ is home, you're free!" and JJ's mind is saying "I'm finally home, time to enjoy life with my family". I am so used to following MY routine and not having anyone else to think about....except the kids, and well, I'm their mother so what I say, goes! :)

Instead of heading to the gym for 2.5 hours, I headed out the door to enjoy a good 50min run. We then enjoyed the rest of the day together playing at the park and doing some spring work outside. JJ and Josh fired up the pressure washer to peel some concrete....good times!

Shannon and Leigh don't read this next part: ;)

I went out with the girls last night to the Olive Garden to celebrate Shari's 29th bday! ;) I haven't been their for years! I have almost cut pasta right out of my diet the last 3 months. I dived into a tall glass containing a Ceaser while waiting for our table. Then ordered the Italian Feast - which included Lasagna, Abbriatta Penne and Chicken Parmigiana! OMG!!! Dessert was looking really good, but just didn't have the room for it. It was all sooooooo good!

I'm taking today off from the gym. My legs are still sore from Monday. I pushed myself pretty hard.

Hopefully JJ will have time to look at our camera....we can't get pics to download straight to our computer.

Live YOUR Life!
Jaime

I feel like Jaime again

After completley recovering from the most horrible bug that has ever entered my body I entered the gym today - twice! I was up and at 'er at 545am. I can't bring myself to run when it's cold outside (yes, whimp) so I went to the gym for a nice 30min jog on the treadmill using my imagination doing my hills and block speedbursts...and lots of adjusting on the machine. Later when I dropped the girls off at school I went back and did my weights and another 40mins on the elliptical. I promised myself to get 2 cardios in at least 4 times a week. I'm using the FAME May 12th show as a goal for myself - to look damn good and then go to cheer on my chickies Shannon and Leigh who are competing in Fitness Model. I think my neighbor is going to compete in the same category so I'll be doing a lot of whooping and hollering.

Gotta run quick - now that the NHL season is over I have to cook for my husband everynight....not that I'll ever complain about having him around tho'! We're all excited to have him back!

Live YOUR Life!

Jaime

He is Risen!

John 19:30

When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! 27. Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own [home]. 28. After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. 29. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put [it] upon hyssop, and put [it] to his mouth. 30. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost."

It is finished = Paid in full. Jesus filled, overfilled, our spiritual bank account with enough to last us a million lifetimes! All we need to do is claim that bank account, thank Jesus for bearing our sins, dedicate our lives to Him and promise to live through Him.

Luke 24

The Resurrection
1On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.' " 8Then they remembered his words.
9When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. 10It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. 11But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. 12Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.
On the Road to Emmaus
13Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16but they were kept from recognizing him.
17He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?"
They stood still, their faces downcast. 18One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?"
19"What things?" he asked.
"About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see."
25He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" 27And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
28As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. 29But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them.
30When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"
33They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon." 35Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.
Jesus Appears to the Disciples
36While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you."
37They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have."
40When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, "Do you have anything here to eat?" 42They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43and he took it and ate it in their presence.
44He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms."
45Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48You are witnesses of these things. 49I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."
The Ascension
50When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. 52Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.

God Bless,

Jaime

Icky Bug!

No need to work out when you're not eating! Seriously, I think I have had 2 bowls of turkey soup (homemade), 2 pieces of pizza, and a chicken breast since Tuesday!

I have had the ickiest bug in my system. I don't have the poops and I'm not puking, but my stomach is cramping every time I put something into it and I am so bloated. I feel about 4 months pregnant! I ate nothing on Wednesday. I made some turkey soup on Thursday which tasted really good. On Friday my son had his wind up hockey party. I was feeling "normal" so I attempted a piece of pizza. Tasted awesome! It was sitting fine so I had another small piece. We were packed and ready for the 2 hour drive to my parents place and I hardly made it there! My dad gave me a alkesieltzer (sp?) and it helped a bit.

Same story Saturday - woke up good, but didn't want to attempt breakfast. Got my hair cut. Went to lunch with Clint & Lorilee. I wasn't sure what to have so I ordered a grilled chicken sandwich and just ate the chicken. A couple hours later I was folded on the couch! It was a funny night tho'. Obviously some of the bug is working through the kids and my daughter (almost 4) was walking around Nana and Papa's saying "pull my finger!". We would and she would toot and giggle herself breathless! Both her and Josh were stinkin' up the place. I was happy it was coming out of them instead of cramping like me. Papa gave Em a hug goodnight and squeezed a toot out of her. She was still giggling when she woke up Sunday. :)

Today I had a sandwich at lunch - I miss eating! We travelled home and I had a banana. Right now my stomach is turning, gurgling, and bloated. I have no idea what is going on, but I'm hoping it'll go away soon. I miss food and my workouts!

I think it's almost time to take pics - maybe by the end of this week I'll have new ones up! I'm definitely leaner than I was 4 weeks ago. I got all my cardio in - doubles in 4x a week - but unfortunately missed 5 days last week. I'm hoping to get into the gym tomorrow and do light cardio. No weights since I haven't been fueling the bod properly.

Hugs,

Jaime

I tried to fight it!

I have been trying to tell myself that I'm not sick....trying to fight it and plowing through my workouts and cardio since Wednesday. I finally listened to my body yesterday and took a day off - my throat was soooo sore and I woke up with pink eye. Nice! My girlfriend Erika (a R.N.) stayed with us this past weekend and she said it was red and swollen, but not white, yet - I'll wait and see if it does......

I was a bit peeved I didn't get out for a run since JJ left this morning for another 14 days. He's been home 13 days in the past 55 - and played 8 games in those 13 days they were home.....I am SO looking forward to this season being done! Not looking forward to sharing my bed everynight tho'! I love having it to myself! :)

It's Spring Break for the kids this week. Not only is Josh and Emma home all week, so are the kids I watch. I'll have 7 kids Monday, Tuesday and Thursday - and 5 on Wednesday and Friday! Ahhhhhhhh! Kidding! I love them all so we'll have fun - but it will cancel out my afternoon workouts, so either I take the kids at night if I have the energy or I try to do something at home....with no elliptical! Grrrrrrrr! Ha! :)

Erika left me her Billy Blanks and Yoga tapes she took up North with her - that may be my week. I HAVE to get through this week tho' - it's week 4 and I'm going to break my cycle!

Lovies!

Jaime

Spontanious vs. Level Headed

So, our van is going in today to get fixed. Something wrong with the cylinder thingy and a clunk in the watchamacallit....

The downside to all of this? It gave my husband time to talk himself out of our $2700 "investment".....the elliptcial. JJ likes to take his time thinking about things. He likes to analyze purchases, you know, figure out the plus and minus' - me? I think I need something and I'm at the store purchasing it in minutes.

He is right - $2700 is a lot of money.

He'll come around! ;)

It's about time......

We found the elliptical we want.....it's almost triple what we were thinking about spending, but we figure it's a life investment. We know we'll both enjoy having it at home - no more excuses for JJ! :)

It's a Life Fitness x1 Advanced Sport - a mini commercial one. My engine light came on in my van on the way home from the gym this morning so we'll wait until after we see the mechanic on Thursday morning....keep your fingers crossed there is nothing seriously wrong with the van, or our elliptical could turn into van parts! :( I'm sure it's nothing....keeping it positive!

I got in all of my cardio last week - 5 sessions at 65% heart rate plus another 4 @20min skipping! I felt awesome all week! I've been battling a touch of the flu and a tickle in my throat since Friday, but I'm not letting it overtake me - I refuse!

"Ain't nothing gonna break my stride, ain't nothing gonna hold me down, uh no, I got to keep on movin'!" :)

I'll let you know what's going on with my van - and when my elliptical is coming! :)

Live YOUR Life!

Jaime

Elliptical, Treadmill or Bike?

Looking for some feedback from those who own one of the above. We are looking at getting some type of cardio equipment for the house. I'm trying to get in cardio twice a day and with my hubby's travel schedule it's hard. I can't really drag my kids to the gym twice in one day.....even though they love going! So now we need to decided what to get.

I have, just recently, fallen in love with the bike - but JJ is leaning towards an elliptical. I think we are both ruling out the treadmill since we can get outside to run or walk and it's so much more beneficial!

Any advice? Brenda - how about a trainers' point of view?

Smiles, hugs and lots of luv!

Jaime

Which hat this second?

We wear so many different hats being a mom - we wear the chauffeur hat, nurse hat, cook hat, playmate hat, toy fixer hat, peacemaker hat, cleaning lady hat, wife hat (which in-itself carries many roles *wink*) - I'm not sure how working mom's can possibly pull on another hat! These little boogers keep me on my toes. I was hoping to make it down to Calgary this weekend but with pink eye, 2 hockey games, and JJ and being away it just won't pull together.

Smiles, hugs and lots of luv,

Jaime

Time to Challenge Yourself?

I finally got a new picture up - taken about 1 month after the last one.. I'm feelin' good! Brenda has an online challenge in progress on her blog. She is using this as a personal motivator for her clients - which can be you! Any of of you! Go to her blog (url on right side of page) and read about the fabulous ladies already 4 weeks into the challenge. She has a picture posted of each participant taken the end of January and now again the beginning of March. Look at the changes in these women!

This could be you!

Dive in!

What do you have to lose?

A lot!

What?

You have inches to lose, fat to lose, negative thoughts to lose! Come on, jump on board with us! I live 3.5 hours away and I'm doing it - you don't have to live in Calgary.

It's my turn to cheer you on!

Live YOUR Life!

Jaime

Subconscious Cycles

I remember talking to Brenda the first day I met her. Part of our conversation included the power of our thoughts and will power. She said she wanted to study further into the "why" we eat when we're not hungry. I have found myself in the pantry so many times grabbing "something to munch on" when my belly is so full from the other thing "I grabbed to munch on 20 minutes ago". No matter how many times I told myself "no more!" I still went back. Why? Last night I could feel the Mike n' Ikes sitting in my tummy while it slowly digested the sugar and turned it into unwanted fat. This morning after spin I sat down to look at my personal journal. I made a startling discovery - I rocked my diet and fitness program for 3 weeks the beginning of January, then slipped downhill for 1 week; picked myself up and brushed myself off - then rocked my diet and fitness programs for another 3 weeks which brought me to Feb 22nd, then slid downhill for about a week with my diet. Now I find myself beginning again.

3 week cycles - hmmmmmm - about 21 days of pure effort - about 7 days of sliding.

Obviously, hormones are playing a huge role in my thoughts, focus, actions and determination. So the past week wasn't too great in the food department but I did stick to my cardio (missed 1 session) and weight programs. Once again, I need to turn my thoughts around and focus on my goals. Brenda is doing a Online Personal Challenge I am still participating in. She needs a new pic for her website and some new 4 week goals from me.

I will try to get a new picture up tomorrow. My 4 week goals:

1) get in all cardio (4 @ 65% and 2 skipping for 20mins)
2) eat the right foods - really concentrate on no breads and no sweets
3) stay strong for entire 4 weeks - this is my biggest one, I need to break the cycle I have created
4) take time to visualize, pray, meditate

I knew I would learn things about myself during this journey. I need to fully understand my mind and body before I can control it efficiently. This is a major "ah - ha" moment for me!

Live YOUR Life!

Jaime

Okay then.....

I have decided not to compete in FAME Prairies on May 12th in Calgary. My children and husband are my number ones! I have spent the past 7 years putting them ahead of myself, sometimes complaining about it, wondering what I was missing - but you know what? I'm not missing anything, I'm living the life I want. My kids are so young and soon I'll be wondering how they grew up so fast and wishing I could rewind it all. I want to take them to Orlando in May and watch their tiny faces glow. Right now, in my life, that's going to be a million times more rewarding then getting up on stage. Just think, when I am 35, I'll have a 16 year old and a 13 year old and TONS of time to focus on me. Right now, 110% of my focus and energy belongs to my husband, my son, and my daughter.

I'll keep posting pics (I'll try to get one up this week)so I'm not tempted to sit on the couch and eat bags of chips. I haven't felt this good about myself since I was 16 and my hardest decision was choosing which 1 of the 4 hot guys I would go out with! Ha! Not too sure when I'll compete - could be this year, next year or 3 years from now. I'll let my body, mind and heart decide when the time is right.

Live your life!

Jaime
Life's a voyage that's homeward bound.
Herman Melville

8 Weeks into Training - 12 Weeks out of Competition

I am SO happy with my physique right now! My only area I would like to still improve is my legs - but I think these are the legs I'll always have due to genetics. I like lean, slim, muscular (not skinny scrawny) legs, whereas I have more stalky, thick, muscular legs. It probably has something to do with me standing only 5'3"! Hehee! :) Brenda cut me off of breads and sweets COMPLETELY!!! To me - dessert is a warm bun or piece of bread with butter - yummy! And no jujubes?! That's horrendous! :) This is defiantly going to be my biggest challenge.

I am struggling with the idea of competing. It's soooo expensive. I feel guilty for spending this amount of money on just me. JJ and I would like to take the kids on a great holiday in the Spring and we would like to get away again, alone, sometime this Summer. I am going to use the next 2 weeks to decide....if I decide not to, you can bet I will someday!

You can also bet I won't be letting this body get away from me! I have put in too many hard training hours! Rod is changing up my program again for next week and Brenda has my cardio up to twice a day 4 times a week, and once a day for 2 days. Only 1 day off cardio - but I love it! It has changed my physique drastically over the past 10 days.

Live YOUR Life!

Jaime

A Smile For You

Eve's side of the story.

After three weeks in the Garden of Eden, God came to visit Eve.

"So, how is everything going?" inquired God.

"It is all so beautiful, God," she replied. "The sunrises and sunsets are breathtaking, the smells, the sights, everything is wonderful, I have just one problem. It's these breasts you have given me. The middle one pushes the other two out and I am constantly knocking them with my arms, catching them on branches and snagging them on bushes. I do hate to complain but, they're a real pain," reported Eve.

Eve went on to tell God that since many other parts of her body came in pairs, her limbs, eyes, ears, etc., she felt that having just two breasts might leave her body more "symmetrically balanced."

"That' s a fair point," replied God, "but it was my first shot at this, you know. I gave the animals six breasts, so I figured that you needed only half of those, but I see that you are right. I will fix it up right away."

And God reached down, removed the middle breast and tossed it into the bushes. Three weeks passed and God once again visited Eve in the Garden of Eden.

"Well, Eve, how is my favorite creation?"

"Just fantastic," she replied, but for one oversight. "You see, all the animals are paired off. The ewe has a ram, and the cow has her bull. All the animals have a mate except me. Sometimes I feel so alone."

God thought for a moment and said, "You know, Eve, you are right. How could I have overlooked this? You do need a mate and I will immediately create a man from a part of you. Now let's see, where did I put that useless boob?"

Now doesn't THAT make more sense than that stuff about the rib?

Another Week Gone

Another week has flown by right under my nose. I was able to get all 3 weight sessions in this week, the last one being tomorrow. I only got in 3 - 30mins sessions of cardio, not as much as I would have liked. I thought JJ was home all week, but he flew out Wednesday night and will return on Saturday.

Rod has changed up my program again....I love it when he does this! I am doing 4 - 35mins of cardio next week, PLUS 2 - 30mins stairs, AND 4 days of weights. BRING IT ON!!!

My son took some new pics of me today. I am hoping to get new ones up every 2 weeks so you can follow along with my progress. I am open to questions if you are looking for help or if you're training along side me, let me know so we can cheer each other on!

Here's a taste of my daily menu:
715am - Oatmeal pancakes with applesauce and 1/2 c berries
1030am - 4oz ground turkey with 1 c raw red pepper, 1tbs olive oil & an apple
1pm - 4oz salmon with 1 c steamed broccoli
3pm - 1/2 protein bar
6pm - 1 can Tuna on 2c romaine, 1tbs olive oil, 10 grape tomatoes and 1/4 c red pepper
in a couple of hours I'll have a 1sc protein shake

Have a good weekend!

Live your life!

Jaime

The Perfect Morning

I was in the gym at 545am this morning....and just as my last post stated I feel great right now! I pushed my legs hard after running for 30mins. I came home at 730am to a quiet house. My peanuts were just waking up for the day. I made them pancakes with strawberries. I made myself 2 oatmeal & egg white pancakes with a protein shake. JJ headed off to work and I sat down with my coffee and watched The Secret (link in previous post) and felt the satisfaction of just living the perfect morning.

I think today will be a cooking day. It's impossible to make 5 meals a day - I'd never leave the kitchen - so I make a lot of food, freeze it, then take it out as I need it. I have created a "Recipe of the Week" section below so be sure to try it and let me know what you think!

Live your life!

Jaime

Circuit Training

Happy Monday! I was ready for "Upper Day 2" this afternoon, but got an email from Rod this morning with something new....circuit training! I have never circuit trained before (big surprise when I haven't worked out since High School, everything is new to me!) so I wasn't too sure what to expect. I had an unbelievable workout! I dislike "resting" between sets. Today there was no resting. I took about 30secs after I finished 1 set each of 2 exercises. It was perfect. Kept me moving! Plus I downloaded some new songs for my iPod. Never underestimate the power of song.

So, still no pics! My neighbor was coming over on Saturday, but she got busy and I got busy running the kids around town so we never met up. I'll keep trying! I want to get them before I am too far into training. I have finished 2 weeks of "really" working out. I can see some new definition in my arms, shoulders and back - but that doesn't surprise me. I don't carry too much fat in my upper body and seem to build muscle quickly. My lower body - another story! I have actually gained a layer of fat on my mid-section. I think this is due to cutting back my cardio. Brenda told me to maybe cut back on the food intake a little so the past 3 days I have tried. I took some measurements on Saturday to post with my pic, but I'll do it now since I'm not sure when I'll get pics up:
Bicep - 12in
Chest - 34in
Belly button - 27 1/2 in
Hip - 33 1/2 in
Thigh (upper) - 21 1/2 in
Thigh (mid) - 20 1/2 in
Weight - 128lbs

My week: tomorrow I will only be able get in my stretching, JJ is out of town, again - I could never imagine being a single mother. I live the life for 6 days and I'm done! Wednesday will be Leg Circuit day...I'll be posting an update then!

Live your life!

Jaime

The "Feeling"

Hey everyone!

The past few days have been good. I pushed myself pretty hard at the gym on Wednesday - Leg day! I can really feel it in my hams/glutes today, which is great since that's exactly where I need it! While I was working out I'd hit the 8th rep and think "there is no way I'm doing 4 more" but I did each time and that "feeling" is sooooo good. You know, the satisfied feeling? I figure there is no point in working out and eating clean if I'm not going to give it my all each time I walk through the gym door....and on the flip side, I'm less likley to take "another brownie" because why would I sabatoge all the hard work I am doing in the gym?

My mood has been a bit low/grumpy/tired this week - Brenda had me get some Vitamin B to take 3 times a day. Hopefully that will give me a boost. I think my body just needs to adjust to the weight lifting - it's probably in shock!

Been pushing my flexibility this week and have noticed a great difference - except today, my hams are so tight I can hardly touch my toes! Ha! I've also working on my pike/straddle hold and tho' I am far from holding it for 5 seconds I think I may be hitting 2 or 3 and it's encouraging to see improvement.

I'll have pictures posted hopefully tomorrow!

Jaime

"First say to yourself what you would be;
and then do what you have to do."
Epictetus