Mandy's Journey...

[HappySnowBunny]

*runs in...skids on floor...falls down*

Hi Mandy!!

[amj0883]

Hey Ladies!!!



Thank you for keeping the journal warm! I read everyday - just never feel like posting anything of my own....lol!!

I thought today would be a great day to update considering I hit 145# on RDL's using the Hammer Strength Base Squat machine - WOO HOO!!!! I then got to finish up this awesome workout with yummy blueberry pancakes

I am loving my workouts - and loving the balance I am starting to feel/see! I had a bit of a freak out the other week (sorry Emma Leigh....lol) but I tend to get this every few months. I am just thankful to have such a supportive team to help me see the bigger picture.

I have really been focusing on lifting heavier - I am a machine.....and I will fine tune this body....

I have to take a few days off next week due to furniture market! Furniture market is the fashion week of furniture and it is non-stop. I refuse to eat the **** the serve so I will be packing a cooler....

Lets see what else - Josh is still looking for a job up here, the Cowboys are going to be the death of me, I have been enjoying church, I have re-connected with a child hood friend, and I am starting to see improvements in the company (I just hope they continue....)

Have a wonderful night!!!

[kimm4]

You are strong girl! Sounds like you're doing great...so happy to hear this!!

[twinnett]

Hey hon! Good to see you around! Emma is good at keeping people grounded isn't she??? I miss her

[amj0883]

HEY HEY!!!

Goodness I am terrible at updating


I'm still here and you ladies continue to motivate me - even the new journals I never post in!

I have been busy with work - still pushing hard and hoping for changes. Furniture market was amazing and we have some gorgeous new products coming in - that will be geared more to my generation!

Workouts/Diet = AMAZING! I can't believe I am alread on week 8 with Ms. Emma Leigh....how time flies! I have had an amazing recomp in the year I have been working with her. No - I have not put on MASSIVE muscle or lost MASSIVE fat - but I have done BOTH! We have decided we are going to do the slow n steady method...so it may take me longer to reach my goals - but I will stay sane, not starve, and I hate cardio

At the end of our rotation I'll post pics

I have found a massage envy about 30 minutes from me that does Thai Massage so I have an appt tonight at 7 and my body needs it badly!!! Then I think Josh and I will go out for a night on the town. Its been awhile - because lets face it - I'm a hermit!

OH - fabulous invention....a laptop stand for the treadmill....makes cardio a bit more interesting and makes time to catch up with you all


HAPPY FRIDAY!

[amj0883]

For the record - I HATE SITTING ON MY ASS ALL DAY AT WORK!!!

I have gotten spoiled with my new responsibilities of always being on the move...go..go...go - but we had to let a person go, whom I am having to fill in for. Their job consists of 120% of their day on the computer setting up new products. Well - with market just finishing needless to say there is lots to set up...SO...I have been on my ass for 2 days staring at a computer screen!!!

I'm not ungrateful for the fact that I even have a job in this crazy economy - but I am not a sit still kind of person....I am a couch potato by nature so it is VERY easy for me to become lazy....lol....

OK - I feel better now.....time for a massage

[amj0883]

Struggled to get to the gym today...but loved it once I was there! Its amazing - I fall in love with the gym every day!

Went out last night to see a girlfriend from elementry school....it was wonderful hanging out!!! Its about time I get some girlfriends around here

Got to work about 8 this morning - worked till 1 on the computer (on my ass again), ran away to the gym for 2 hours, went back to work till 5, handed out candy, and cooked out yummy hamburgers!!

I'm going to hit the gym early in the morning so I can meet my brother at Buffalo Wild Wings to watch the game....

So....I'm going to try my hand at my meal from IHOP! Instead of going and spending all that money I went and bought pancake mix and tomatoes. So tommorow before we go meet my brother I will try and re-create my egg beater omelet with oven roasted tomatoes and spinach and bluberry pancakes....wish me luck!

Yates Row - 3-D Smith + 70#
Two Cable Curl - 10#
DB Floor Press - 27.5#
Incline DB Press - 20#
Free Motion Cable Chest - 25#
EZ Bar Curl - 45#
DB Shrug - 30#
Underhand Wide Pull Down - 40#

A bit of cardio.....

Oh my massage last night was FABULOUS!! Me and that little Chinese man will be great friends

[Megin]

Originally Posted by amj0883

Struggled to get to the gym today...but loved it once I was there!

You have such enthusiasm, Mandy .. you radiate the boards

[amj0883]

Originally Posted by Megin

You have such enthusiasm, Mandy .. you radiate the boards

Thanks sweetie!!! Although that enthusiasm gets tested from time to time....luckily I've been pretty strong mentally lately (hoping it sticks around!)



Today was a great day! Woke up early - hit my legs hard in the gym then met my brother at Buffalo Wild Wings to watch them Cowboys kick ass!!! We just got back from watching the African choir at church, which was pretty neat!

The pancakes were great this morning....not IHOP quality...but definitly in the running I think I found a new staple for my higher carb days....

Box Squats (had to use a bench) = +80# - my form struggles from time to time...My legs can lift more but my back and wrists get achy. I've tried re-positioning the bar....
Standing Calf Raises - 100#
Walking Lunges - 25#
Pull Throughs - 37.5#
Abs
Seated Calf Press - 40#
Leg Extensions - 110#
Leg Press - 120# - trying to figure out where to position the back of the machine to get the max results...

Cardio - Stretching

Spending my last night with Mr. Joshua watching The Horsemen

Have a great week!!!

[serinebean]

Mandy-everytime I see pancakes, I think of you. Lol. Pancakes and squats

you sound wonderful!! It's very good to see!!
Ahhh it is football season....you crazy fans.

Thanks for the updates!

[jaim91]

Yo...Captain Strongpants...

Hi!

*waves*

I'm in FLA til Jan 2010....you comin???

[amj0883]

Originally Posted by serinebean

Mandy-everytime I see pancakes, I think of you. Lol. Pancakes and squats

you sound wonderful!! It's very good to see!!
Ahhh it is football season....you crazy fans.

Thanks for the updates!

HEY!! You gotta love all of my favorite carbies...just give me fruit, pancakes, and pasta...YUM YUM!!

I have similiar issues as yourself - I hope we can work through them together...deal??

Originally Posted by jaim91

Yo...Captain Strongpants...

Hi!

*waves*

I'm in FLA til Jan 2010....you comin???

Damn!! I probably won't make it that way until March!! I love that you are enjoying yourself!! I gave Rubes some recommendaions for your time together down there


HEY LADIES!!!

Already Tuesday....whew....my weeks fly!! I was dreading heading to the gym last night but once I got there you couldn't wipe the goofy grin off my face.

Jockey Row - 42.5#
Wide Grip Lat Pulldown - 82.5#
DB Scarecrow - 5# - THESE SUCK!!
Triceps Push Down - 60#
Chest T Bar Row - 32.5#
Narrow Incline Press - on smith + 40#
Swiss Ball Dips - 12
J Ropes - 42.5

Cardio

Today I headed to the gym during my lunch break to do some cardio...I love good ol' sweaty cardio sessions!! As much as I despise cardio - there is something to be said about the feeling when its all said and done!!

I have decided that I am going off of birth control and going with Merina. I am scared to death of the procedure, but I feel that it will really help me in the long run. My doctor swears that the reason I've never had a libido is because of the pill - so I am excited to see if it helps...

Feeling good tonight....almost hyper

Off for a hot bath and some stretching....have a great night!!

[amj0883]

Hey guys!!

Awesome workout today!! I almost threw up a few times.....I was so tired and almost didn't push as hard as I knew I could but then reminded myself that I am only cheating myself...

Walking Lunges - 25#
Standing Ham - 25#
DB Lateral Raise - 12.5#
Deadlift - 105#
Arnold Press - 20#
Lying Leg Press - 160#
Rear DB Fly - 10#
One Arm Lateral Swing - 20#
Full Front Raise - 5#

Cardio

I have discovered that baking powder does not agree with me. I used to have egg pancakes with peanut butter - made with baking powder (to make them fluffy) every night - but since I've stopped using the baking powder I feel much tighter in the morning. AND I don't have the indegestion in the morning.....

I've got a strange weekend ahead....will post later about it...time to eat

[Megin]

Mandy - those are some stronger numbers you are posting .. I know you are taking the slow and steady route, but don't think I don't notice the changes .. This path is working for you!



ps - I know how it feels to have your mother as your 'boss'

[serinebean]

I think a lot of us have similar issues. I am always here to listen, hope you know that.

I remember my moms pasta machine as a kid. Makes you appreciate good pasta.

Cardio. I used to live for the stuff, thinking it was the #1 solution to weight control. Now I don't know where I stand. Except I know it's good for the ol ticker.
regardless...it always feels good when you push beyond that comfort....because you realize you can do more.

Have a great night!

[JENerator]

Originally Posted by amj0883

Awesome workout today!! I almost threw up a few times.....I was so tired and almost didn't push as hard as I knew I could but then reminded myself that I am only cheating myself...

Hi Mandy! That's one heck of a workout, way to push past your limits!

Hope your weekend is going great!

[Buffycat3]

Mandy!!! *waves*

It's great to see you happy with your new home, work, family and your workouts <----great job!!

hummm, can't wait to see what your 'strange' weekend is all about

[amj0883]

Originally Posted by Megin

Mandy - those are some stronger numbers you are posting .. I know you are taking the slow and steady route, but don't think I don't notice the changes .. This path is working for you!



ps - I know how it feels to have your mother as your 'boss'

The funny thing is - I'm starting to actually 'see' the changes...hehe!! I am really trying to push harder in the gym....I do not get to spend as much time there as I would like so I want to make the most of it while I am there....

Agghhh....my mom = boss! I must say it is much more enjoyable now that I have my own house. When I was living with her it was tough.....

Originally Posted by serinebean

I think a lot of us have similar issues. I am always here to listen, hope you know that.

I remember my moms pasta machine as a kid. Makes you appreciate good pasta.

Cardio. I used to live for the stuff, thinking it was the #1 solution to weight control. Now I don't know where I stand. Except I know it's good for the ol ticker.
regardless...it always feels good when you push beyond that comfort....because you realize you can do more.

Have a great night!

Yes girl it does...I love those sweaty cardio session...ONLY WHEN IT IS DONE...LOL! You know how my mom had a heart attack at 47 so I will always try to incorporate an active lifestyle but there will be no more hours of cardio for this lady.....

Homemade pasta....yum yum....

Originally Posted by JENerator

Hi Mandy! That's one heck of a workout, way to push past your limits!

Hope your weekend is going great!

You too Jen!!!

Originally Posted by Buffycat3

Mandy!!! *waves*

It's great to see you happy with your new home, work, family and your workouts <----great job!!

hummm, can't wait to see what your 'strange' weekend is all about

Hey Joan!!! My strange weekend turned out to be pretty remarkable

[amj0883]

Where did the weekend go??

Lets see....I had a rough Friday! I lost a really good employee at work and I was/am disappointed. I have lost several employees over the past few months...but most were needed - this one I was hoping to have as part as 'my team' in a few years. It'll be a huge hole to replace but such is business.

Right now business is tough - but what is even harder is finding good employees who want to work. Unemployment is over 10% - yet I have numerous job openings and no one to fill them...I guess they can make more through unemployment then they can having a job

So - my work load just got even larger in the matter of a day - so Friday night Josh and I stayed at the house, ate a yummy dinner, enjoyed a hot bath and a good nights sleep. Yesterday I decided to take a day away from work and focus on the house a bit. Can you believe I still do not have a bathroom mirror or light....lol!! So Josh and I ran errands around town - which was nice....its amazing how we take the small things for granted.

Last night we had an engagement party to go to - which I was dreading. It is a girl from High School - which I was really close with. We got back into touch when I moved back home - but then she stopped returning my phone calls. I honestly feel that it is all about status....BUT...I decided that I would be the bigger person and attend the engagement party because I truly am happy for her. It went much better than expected and I got to see another good friend from high school. Its amazing though...how you really can see who your true friends are and will be....

I have recently gotten back into touch with my childhood best friend and have actually been haging out quite a bit so we went over to her house and watched The Proposal with her and her husband - FABULOUS movie. I was crying it was so funny....lol

Today we went to church, gym, then work/football ALL DAY! Tonight the Cowboys have a huge game - so needless to say my nerves are on pins and needles.

I had a great WO today!!

Cable Chop - 17.5# - PB
Leg Press Calves - 70#
Leg Press - 250# - PB
Front Squat - 27.5# - Felt strong...
Leg Extensions - 105# - Struggle....
Cable Crunch - 50#
V Squat - 110# - PB

Tonight we are grilling out hamburgers and enjoying my gorgeous new yard!! YAY for new trees....

Have a great week!!

[amj0883]

Yesterday was not a great workout....

I found out Josh lost his job - times will get tough but we'll make it through! The up - is that he will be moving up here on Friday for good....the down - I am a worry wart and I'm scared...lol

Chin Ups
Kneeling W's - 22.5#
Face Pulls - 35#
Standing DB Extensions - 30#
Lying BB Press - 30#
Dive Bombers
DB Row - 35#
Straight Arm Pull Downs - 30#

Today - cardio

Worked till 9 - sat on my ass in front of the computer all day...lovely!

Big weekend ahead - I am having the Merina inserted Friday and I am getting a roommate - wish me luck

[vanillabn]

Sorry to hear about Josh losing his job... I can def. understand why you are "worrying" but try not to -- I'm sure everything will work out. Sometimes life takes crazy turns that eventually leads to better things...

Workouts look great!! I can also sympathize with sitting on your butt all day!! I am the same and I hate it!

[twinnett]

Aww Mandy, I'm so sorry to hear about Josh's job..but how great will it be to have him there??? I'm sure he'll find something soon!!

[amj0883]

Originally Posted by vanillabn

Sorry to hear about Josh losing his job... I can def. understand why you are "worrying" but try not to -- I'm sure everything will work out. Sometimes life takes crazy turns that eventually leads to better things...

Workouts look great!! I can also sympathize with sitting on your butt all day!! I am the same and I hate it!

Originally Posted by twinnett

Aww Mandy, I'm so sorry to hear about Josh's job..but how great will it be to have him there??? I'm sure he'll find something soon!!

I"VE MISSED YOU BOTH SO MUCH!!! How are you both????

I swear we have to plan a meet-up one of these days.....lol

Yes sitting on my ass - drives me crazy, hurts my back, and in turn I must eat less due to lack of calorie expendture - which pisses me off because I love to eat

Yes life takes crazy turns and everything does happen for a reason....I am not only just scared financially but I'm scared for us. This will be a HUGE test and I am glad that we are facing it. We have done long distance for over 4 years and had an amazing relationship - but now that we are throwing in full time - finances - lack of a job - etc...things could get trying...

Plus...I hate to admit it but I have been on my own through the week that its going to be hard to adjust to a roommate....lol!!

I just have to remember to be patient. I know that I will get angry that I am working my ass off while he sits at home...but I have to remember that he is trying and the economy is just in a bad state right now. Plus you know how Josh is - dinner will be made, groceries shopped, house cleaned, clothes washed, etc...

So yes - my honey is finally moving into our house and this is going to be an entirely new adventure!!!

So this means that if everything goes well we will be getting married May 15, 2010 - I haven't started planning because I was not going to marry him if we were still living in seperate cities!!

OK back to work - thank you ladies for the kind words - you made my day

[vanillabn]

Hey girl! Yeah for sure, it would be awesome to meet up one time... and I need to visit Myrtle Beach! haha... I still have never gone there. One of my friends just got back from a mini vacation there

It will definitely be a change having Josh living with you AND at home... but you guys will figure it out! It's always strange adjusting to a new living situation! Good luck though... and I hope the wedding plans work out too!!

[Megin]

Im reading ..

[Mark1T]

Hey Mandy, it is nice to see that you are planning on marrying Josh. Real love is hard to find and if you do love him, don't let it go.

He is certainly a lucky man

[amj0883]

Originally Posted by vanillabn

Hey girl! Yeah for sure, it would be awesome to meet up one time... and I need to visit Myrtle Beach! haha... I still have never gone there. One of my friends just got back from a mini vacation there

It will definitely be a change having Josh living with you AND at home... but you guys will figure it out! It's always strange adjusting to a new living situation! Good luck though... and I hope the wedding plans work out too!!

Thanks girl!! YES - I think you need to visit Myrtle Beach

Originally Posted by Megin

Im reading ..

Originally Posted by Mark1T

Hey Mandy, it is nice to see that you are planning on marrying Josh. Real love is hard to find and if you do love him, don't let it go.

He is certainly a lucky man

Thank you Mark!! He is fabulous...and I'm the lucky one



What a yucky day here in NC!!!

OH BB Press - Bar - I struggle with these and have had a hard time increasing weight
DB Lateral Raise - 12#
DB Rear Fly - 12#
DB Front Squat - 25#
Hyperextension - 10#
Full range Front Raise - 8#
DB Reverse Lunges - 30# - YEAH BABY!
Leg Press - 230#
DB Shoulder Press - 20#

Some sweaty cardio....

This morning my back was bothering me so I stretched for a good 45 minutes before work.

At times I still see some unhealthy thinking patterns in myself. Emma Leigh gives me a certain amount of macros for a reason...but in my head it is all a game. If I hit those macros I lose - if I am under I win! Huh?? Makes no sense.....

I think I feel guilty for sitting at a desk all day so I try to "make up" for it by eating even less. I am just thankful that I am now catching myself having these crazy thoughts so I can be proactive and stop the vicious cycle before it begins...

I honestly cannot believe how far I have come since I began working with Emma Leigh. Mentally I am such a stronger person and I feel better about myself today than I have ever felt before!!

Sweet dreams!

[serinebean]

I was happy to have Eric home...lol. I am not the practical sort...well not all of the time. Josh will find work. He should have pleanty of motivation to do so

keep those thoughts in check. They can really mess with ya, huh?

I hope you sleep well

[IronMaiden1522]

Can you make Josh work for you?!

I am a worry wort too sometimes, I hate it!! But things will work out, so just take it as it comes.

[Buffycat3]

Originally Posted by amj0883

Thank you Mark!! He is fabulous...and I'm the lucky one

This is wonderful to hear!
Good for the Both of you's!

Originally Posted by Mandy

OH BB Press - Bar - I struggle with these and have had a hard time increasing weight
DB Lateral Raise - 12#
DB Rear Fly - 12#
DB Front Squat - 25#
Hyperextension - 10#
Full range Front Raise - 8#
DB Reverse Lunges - 30# - YEAH BABY!
Leg Press - 230#
DB Shoulder Press - 20#

Keep Pushing, Keep building Lean Beautiful Muscle!

Originally Posted by Mandy

Some sweaty cardio....

The Best Kind!

Originally Posted by Mandy

This morning my back was bothering me so I stretched for a good 45 minutes before work.

What did you do to your back? so sorry

Originally Posted by Mandy

At times I still see some unhealthy thinking patterns in myself. Emma Leigh gives me a certain amount of macros for a reason...but in my head it is all a game. If I hit those macros I lose - if I am under I win! Huh?? Makes no sense.....

I think I feel guilty for sitting at a desk all day so I try to "make up" for it by eating even less. I am just thankful that I am now catching myself having these crazy thoughts so I can be proactive and stop the vicious cycle before it begins...

I honestly cannot believe how far I have come since I began working with Emma Leigh. Mentally I am such a stronger person and I feel better about myself today than I have ever felt before!!

Sweet dreams!

It can be a mind-game.
Especially for someone who was once overweight.
The thoughts come back to the person from the past, that eating low calories will help you lose weight or keep fat off.
The 'fear' of over-eating calories sometimes will come back to the person.

Even though it is true, that a proper diet will help a person become healthy and lean....the 'mind-game' of little calories is something that society has created and installed to all of our minds

You know what and how much to eat.
You say Emma-Leigh has given you certain macros for your body and needs....yet you fall victim to 'little calories = becoming or staying thin'.

Have you talked to Emma about your thinking?
Have you tried Pre-Making your meals you take to work? <---this is very helpful, because the meals are already calculated and prepared just exactly as you need....and you don't have to guess at the calculations.

Keep up the positive thinking...you have done an amazing job...in ALL aspects of your life.
Smile..it looks good on you