30-Day Shred: Level 3 Complete!

Today was day 30 of the 30-day Shred. Yay! Gotta admit, Level 3 was hard and I found myself doing the "beginner" option for about 3 or 4 of the moves. Oh well, I am a beginner afterall. As far as results, pretty disappointing. I did manage to lose the weight gained at the beginning, but that's not news. I had Evan take my measurements this morning (pretty risky considering it's Thanksgiving weekend). I lost 4.5 inches. Three of which came from my thighs, so that's good! What's the plan from here? I'm going to reunite with my friend, the treadmill. Will probably mix in some shred workouts here and there. Hopefully this last month kicked my muscles into gear and can more efficiently burn calories. A girl can dream. Thirty pounds to go until I reach my goal! The journey continues...

30-Day Shred: Level 2 Complete

On Saturday, I finished level 2 of the 30-day Shred (Day 20). Though I still haven't lost weight, I have started to notice some firming of muscles and that I'm getting a little stronger. It's funny that on the first day of starting a new level, it seems completely overwhelming. But by the 10th day of it, it's normal and just a tough workout. Disappointed to not be seeing more results, but I'll finish this. I did just now lose those few pounds I gained during level 1. Ten more days to go! Today, I started Level 3. OMG. It's taking many of the exercises we've done already and turning it up a notch. For the first time, I nearly did all the exercises at the easier option (they have a girl that demonstrates the easier option for some of the harder moves). It would be a miracle if 10 days from now i am doing all of these moves with little difficulty. Yikes.

30-Day Shred: Level 1 Complete

Well, I have completed the first 10 days of the 30-Day Shred. As predicted, the first couple days had my muscles pretty much useless. Everyday movements became almost laughable at accomplishing. By day 4 I was no longer sore and able to complete the workouts. Some movements still are hard. Push-ups have always been tough for me. Other movements became easier and some were easy from day 1. Now, here's the frustrating part. No weight loss yet! In fact, I've gained a few. My eating hasn't changed so I'm just gonna chalk it up as part of the muscle building and hope it evens out by the end. Tomorrow will most likely kill me again as I start Level 2. Here I go again...

Halloween 2011 Edition

Trick-or-treat was a lot of fun this year! Seth was a pro at the whole thing and of course LOVED all the candy he got. Now we have to ration it. Brock strolled along for the first half hour doing our block. He had a small basket on his lap (for mom and dad) and enjoyed carrying his treats too. And yes, I turned 35 as well. Looking forward to spending many more Halloweens with the kids and being thankful for them!

Here I Go...

Well, it has arrived. I decided a week or so ago to give this weight loss thing a boost by ordering this 30-Day Shred video. As I looked around online, it seems that many people have seen results. So, I'm going to see what the next 30 days will do for me. [I'm considering doing some "before & after" photos for this... at least I will keep track of inches and pounds lost, will definitely post on that.] I have no doubt that this will totally kick my butt. I've been doing some running, yes. But I have not done any strength training whatsoever. Quivering jell-o muscles is what I'm totally expecting. Some days I may just wish I were dead. Guess we'll see how I feel on November 21 when I've completed the challenge. Just in time for Thanksgiving!

A little comparison

Seth at 13.5 months, Brock at 9.5 months.

Sometimes it's just fun to compare the two boys. I had to get Brock into the Browns outfit while it still fit. Funny to see how quickly he has grown into it compared to Seth. Cute. Go Browns!

Preschool!

First Day of Preschool
Seth is enjoying school so far. He's only had two partial mornings so far. When we return from vacation, he will begin at normal time, three times a week.

As for me, I think I'm going to really like having him at preschool. Brock should typically nap somewhere in that time slot, so I should get some time to myself. Looking forward to it!

Firsts

First time for everything.

It's not officially the first time he's done this, but it is the first time one of my boys has been this interested in his feet. Brock LOVES gnawing on his toes! Socks on or off. I never saw Seth do this at all at this stage (though he was imitating it for me this morning as I took this photo). Brock will interrupt a feeding so he can get his toes in his mouth...which leaves toes that have cereal and/or pureed fruit or vegetable on them. Yay. Funny to watch and yet I kinda feel sorry that he's so desperate to chew on something that his foot seems like the best option. Gotta love teething. Speaking of firsts and teething, Brock's first tooth has reached the surface! Glad all the drooling and chewing is coming to fruition.


Seth playing with his brother. Again, not necessarily the first time I've seen him talking to Brock, but today it warmed my heart to find them playing and Seth saying to Brock, "Are you so excited, buddy?". Seth takes a genuine interest in Brock's welfare and tries to guess what Brock needs when he cries. I often hear "I think he wants a bottle, Mom." which is much better than "Mom, he's crying again!". Very sweet.


And for me, first time seeing my work on a billboard. This one can be found in the Kamm's Corners neighborhood, at Rocky River Dr & Lorain Ave.

Just kinda fun.

Looking so grown up...

Seth got a new bike helmet at a community bike rodeo today. He is so excited to wear it and absolutely LOVES riding his bike!
To me, he looks so grown up with the helmet on. Can't believe he's almost four.

Happy boy!

Wordless Wednesday

Buses & Billboards

It's getting to be that time of year again...farmers' market season. Through a friend, I somehow got involved doing design work for the market she manages and, last year, was a part of getting a brand new Lakewood market started (of which I did designs for).

Last year I thought it was cool to see my work on the street poles in downtown Lakewood.

A banner from last year's Lakewood market

This year, I was asked to do designs for Growhio, which kinda promotes 7 area farmers markets. Part of the scope of work for Growhio involved an ad for the side of an RTA bus and also a series of billboards. I hope I get to see my work whiz by on an RTA bus in my neighborhood this spring. How cool would that be?! Or drive by and see my work on a big billboard in Kamm's Corners. I never call myself a photographer, but these ads also use a photo i took at the LFM last year. Yay for not having to use stock photography!

Bus ad for RTA

Billboard design

A smile makes my day.

Love these

Our friend Cassie took some photos of Brock when he was a newborn. She tried to take a couple including Seth but due to it being close to his nap time, he was less than cooperative. Here are a couple she took. One we love and actually got a print of it, the other is more of an "out-take", but kinda hilarious to look at.

Looks like Seth is singing to Brock...and well, Brock hates it.

Winter Fun

Seth made his first snowman this afternoon with Daddy. Perfect afternoon for it since it was 40 degrees. Seth loved it!

My boys

Seth + Snow = Happy Kid!

A couple weeks ago, Seth had his first experience playing in the snow. It was extremely cold that night and he was outside while Evan cleared the driveway. Seth, unlike his dad, seemed unaffected by the temperature...he was having too much fun!