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Thursday, May 30, 2013

30 Miles in 30 Days Challenge - AKA I sucked in May

I SUCKED IN MAY!!! Whew...feels good to get that off my chest! Okay so during March-April-May I felt like I was ready to make changes with my ever growing body and stick with my goals...but NOPE I wasn't. Over the past 3 months, if I would have stuck to my goals I would have lost weight and probably been a lot happier with my body image right now. Let me just tell you that sometimes it takes a dang scare tactic to set me into action and WOW hello my 25 lbs heavier than summer body in the same bikini....Yikes.... I barely have words. Not cute...and it honestly felt terrible to be ashamed. So...moving forward I am seriously I swear going to take this summer to get myself in better shape/health and get fully back on track <------ Are you sick of hearing me say this yet?? Thank you ALL for supporting this link up and supporting me!

BIG NEWS - since I am going to be really focusing on myself this summer, I am turning over hosting the 30 Miles in 30 Days Linky to Manda from The Adventures of Manda & Mr. Howie. if you don't already know her, you will love her. Manda is a HUGE source of inspiration and daily support for my crazy ways and she and I originally started this challenge together, just the two of us so I know she will be a fabulous new host! And since most people wanted to keep going for June...this works out. Here is her button for next week-
Adventures of Manda and Mr Howie


 
I will still be working out - obviously - and I might even try to link up, but I really want to mix up my workouts and probably even work with a trainer to reach my goals. I am actually going to being doing a bootcamp with a local trainer who is AMAZING! She's a UT soccer player alum and is Under Armour endorsed. You've seen these awesome girl power UA ads? THIS IS HER! Starting Saturday - so excited!
 
 
I basically got defeated and gave up this month. I couldn't tell you the last time I hit the gym at 5:30am, I haven't been able to suffer through my Insanity workouts in a week. All I have done in the past week is Zumba. My mind completely got the best of me. I am thankful for fresh starts! 
 
The Pink Growl Link Up  

 
 
Updates on This Week's Progress:
  • My new shoes have FINALLY shipped and are on the way! I'm hopeful I can finally put these shin splints to bed.
  • My Fitness Pal & My Polar FT4 HRM are GREAT motivational tools for me! If you want to friend me on MFP my username is {nikkibradley918}.
My total miles for Week 4:
Friday 5/24
~4 miles walking at work - I worked out in the field this day walking neighborhoods
 = 4 miles total

 
TOTAL MILES FOR WEEK 4:  4 miles!
Total Miles for Challenge: 15 miles!
-15 miles down for May BOOOOO!
  
What were your challenges this week?
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Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Random Wednesday


Y'all know about my country boy thing, right? I mean have you met me? I'm just a tad bit Luke Bryan obsessed.
 
Well I have a new one for you! Thomas Rhett, my true country girls probably know him already. He's just a baby at 23 and he's the son of country singer Rhett Akins. He was the opening act when we went to see Jake Owen & Jason Aldean about a month ago. (Sadly, we missed him because my date & I opted to keep pre-gaming...oops.) LOVE his new song though! We listened to it over and over over at the lake on Monday. Check it out!



Next up - my goals for June and I really have to hit these hard because my "in moderation" skills have been way off the past couple months.
 
Cuss Less
Pray More
Eat Less
Workout More
Complain Less
Focus on My Happy More
 
I have some BIG news for you tomorrow about the 30 Miles in 30 Days linky for June too so watch out for that! Happy Hump Day loves!


Tuesday, May 28, 2013

3-Day Weekend Shenanies

Sami's Shenanigans

I vote that every weekend be a 3 day one!!! They are the BEST! And that makes this week a short one so that should be easier on all of us. Here's a peek at my awesome Memorial Day Weekend via Instagram {nikkib918}.
 
Friday night with my girls at a little swanky bar where ONE DRINK is $12...

My BFF!! She is leaving me again soon to move to Arizona after being away for me for 2 years in Iowa for grad school. Isn't she gorgeous?

Worked ALL day Saturday with my grandparents cleaning so I treated myself to this little tasty temptress -  DELISH!

My Gran Gran also treated me to a pedicure for my hard work - hot pink nails for summer? Yep!

All gave some. Some gave all. Did you thank a veteran on Memorial Day?

My happy place - It's officially lake season!

My brother and I celebrating Memorial Day with our friends on Norris Lake
 

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Friday, May 24, 2013

Friday's Letters


IT'S FRIDAY! yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy! Who is ready for a long weekend??? Pick me, Pick me!
This morning on the way to work  - The rainbow is a promise to us of God's blessings to come after a storm
My best friend is in town for tonight - the one who went to grad school in Iowa, she's moving back here very temporarily until she finalizes her new job plans. So nothing could bring me down today! I cannot wait to see this girl's face and hug her neck!!
 
Dear Humidity - I realize that I live in the dirty south, I get it - it's humid. You would think I would be used to it after 28 years...but it makes my hair frizz up and my face feel sticky. Ugh! Thankfully a "cold" front is coming through and for the next week we don't have a day over 75! Dear Weather - I kinda like this "cold" front! I have yet to turn on my AC in my house, and this week was pushing it when it was 81 inside. Thank you for saving me money on my energy bill! Dear Lake Season - I'm so glad you're finally here HOWEVER (and that's a BIG all caps however) my body is no where near bathing suit ready. We gotta work on this! I might need to invest in one of these -
 
Dear Nashville season finale - Holy cliffhanger -could you be more amazing?? I cannot wait until the Fall! If you guys aren't watching this show, you are missing out! It's my FAV! Dear bloggy friends - thank you for ALL your constant support of me with my roller coaster life! You guys always lift my spirits and you deserve a big THANK YOU! Dear Memorial Day - THANK YOU to every single veteran who has sacrificed their time, energy, family, sanity and even their lives to serve for my freedom. We can never say thank you enough! Hug a veteran this weekend while you celebrate Memorial Day & don't forget those who are still actively serving our wonderful country!
 
Happy Memorial Day my loves!!
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Thursday, May 23, 2013

30 Miles in 30 Days Challenge - May Week 3

I feel awful that I am hosting this challenge and not at all meeting the expectations. Just for the record, I'm still being active and at least not gaining weight anymore. WHEW! But now I gotta get over this hump of binge days and begin the losing cycle. It's definitely a process, but I'm gonna do it! Also, I hate to say this...but I am not going to be hosting the 30 in 30 for June. I am really going to focus on my personal weight loss goals and I'm will be switching up a lot of my workouts and (hopefully) still doing Insanity. I would love to have someone else take over hosting it...or maybe I will just let it go away and possibly bring it back in the fall. Let me know if you'd want to host the linky for others!
 

Don't forget to show some love to the sweet Ms. Sarah who created this super cute button for the link up!
 
So button up and let's keep each other motivated!
The Pink Growl Link Up  
 
If you want to stay connected with me during the week, I am posting some updates via Twitter & Instagram {nikkib918} too. #30milesin30days Kelly & Lins are also promoting this link up along with their own - Fitness Fridays! Check it out and link up your 30 Miles story for more people to get inspired by. AND Kristine has a great link up All the Way Strong that can help motivate us all! I'm so glad to have all these ladies, plus the rest of you linking up on board!! THANK YOU!
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Updates on This Week's Progress:
  • I was doing SO WELL then I had a binge day..then a good day, then another binge day....ugh ugly evil cycle
  • My new shoes haven't came in the mail yet, so I'm still struggling with shin splints - I have rearranged my Insanity schedule a little to accommodate
  • My Fitness Pal & My Polar FT4 HRM are GREAT motivational tools for me! If you want to friend me on MFP my username is {nikkibradley918}.
My total miles for Week 3:
Friday 5/17
~3 miles walking at work - I worked out in the field this day walking neighborhoods
 = 3 miles total

 Sunday 5/19
~2 miles stationary bike
= 2 miles total

TOTAL MILES FOR WEEK 3:  5 miles!
Total Miles for Challenge: 11 miles!
Only 19 more to go in 8 days!
  
What were your challenges this week?
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Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Focus on Your Happy - Random Wednesday


Get ready for the ultimate RANDOM Wednesday post....    I warned you....

Your homegirl here goes through a tough breakup in her life, gets close to Jesus again and all of a sudden I'm practically Dr. Phil & Oprah's lovechild over here spouting off positivity and motivational for all in need. But really, it's what I'm living these days. I can promise you that I have at least a couple tough days in a two week period (that's probably low-balling it too). And by a tough day I mean one of the following things happens: a) tears b) binge eating c) binge drinking d) self hate. Life is hard. Every single day is a struggle with my weight right now. My mom goes back for her (hopefully) final PET scan June 10th to see if the 2nd round of chemo and radiation worked. My love life...welllllll it's complicated. I'm broke, like gonna have to get a 2nd job this summer broke. The past week I've been stressed out. Zits everywhere, chocolate fest, crying to Tilly stressed. Pity party of ONE right here please.
 
 BUT today I want to focus on the positive! When you spend your Monday being a whiny baby about your silly little troubles, then a major natural disaster happens and people LOSE THEIR LIVES, you feel like a jackass. Let's face it - I'm alive and I'm free, who wouldn't wanna be me? (bonus points, if you can name that song)

 
Blogging is about community and girls helping girls. It brings us together by sharing our stories with each other. I know this is a random rambling post, but my point is we have all "bad" stuff going on in our lives. On the flip side, we all have great things happening too. Try to focus on the good. And really I'm talking to myself just as much as anyone.


Random enough for you??

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Monday, May 20, 2013

Weekend Update


Monday...again??? I'm not ready for it! I am running on 5 hours of sleep today, which isn't horribly awful but it's enough to make me feel incredibly tired this morning! I had a pretty good weekend all in all, aside from the weekend weather pattern that we continue to see of rain rain rain. Ugh! I'm so OVER rain! It's been at least 5 weeks of weekend rain now.
 
Friday night I stayed in and caught up on all my DVR - cried during the Grey's Anatomy season finale, cried during Nashville and sobbed like an idiot during The Office finale. Seriously, I cannot handle no more Office! Thank goodness for reruns! I am totally one of those people who gets so attached to characters on a TV show, hence all the crying.
 
Saturday I was so excited when I did my Zumba workout and NAILED every single power jump! Take THAT shin splints. Then I did my Insanity workout that night with very little pain. This morning my shins feel like death. It's so frustrating!
 
Yesterday was Sunday Funday with my family and we went to see Jana Kramer, Rodney Atkins & Darius Rucker in concert. So much fun! I apologize for the horrible picture quality, that's what iphone pictures will do for ya.
 
Jim & Pam - one of my most fav love stories of all time!

Always happens to me with these mini bags!

Jana Kramer - love her Whiskey song

Rodney Atkins - He's from Knoxville area!
 
 
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Thursday, May 16, 2013

30 Miles in 30 Days Challenge - Week 2 Update

May is kicking my booty! 30 Miles in 30 Days seems like a far away goal for me at this point, but I will continue to try and push my body. I blame Insanity! Today is Day 9 and OMG I can see why they call it Insanity - Shawn T is a machine! I have committed myself to this though and I AM GOING TO FINISH THIS 60 DAYS EVEN IF IT KILLS ME!! And it very well might. Exhibit A from Day 7's workout - killer shin splints from Pure Cardio day. Jumping on my hardwood floors in old shoes was so very painful.

I got lots of comments on Instagram & FB about my creativity with my ice packs! haha :)
 

Don't forget to show some love to the sweet Ms. Sarah who created this super cute button for the link up!
 
So button up and let's keep each other motivated!
The Pink Growl Link Up  
 
If you want to stay connected with me during the week, I am posting some updates via Twitter & Instagram {nikkib918} too. #30milesin30days Kelly & Lins are also promoting this link up along with their own - Fitness Fridays! Check it out and link up your 30 Miles story for more people to get inspired by. AND Kristine has a great link up All the Way Strong that can help motivate us all! I'm so glad to have all these ladies, plus the rest of you linking up on board!! THANK YOU!
 photo BeAllTheWayStrongButton_zps4a99d071.png

 
Updates on This Week's Progress:
  • I'm down a total of 6 lbs (I think) from about 2 weeks ago
  • Went to my Zumba class last Saturday and was able to keep up with her on the power jumps, thanks to only a week of Insanity! TWO workouts on Saturday - Zumba & Insanity for a total of 1160 cals burned! I was exhausted!
  • Back to counting cals on MFP, keeping it strict through the week and allowing a little flexibility on weekends
  • My Fitness Pal & My Polar FT4 HRM are GREAT motivational tools for me! If you want to friend me on MFP my username is {nikkibradley918}.


My total miles for Week 2:
Friday 5/10
~3 miles walking at work - I worked out in the field this day walking neighborhoods
 = 3 miles total

 Sunday 5/12
~1 mile walking outside
= 1 mile total

TOTAL MILES FOR WEEK 2:  4 miles!
Total Miles for Challenge: 6 miles!
Only 24 more to go in 15 days!
 
 
What were your challenges this week?
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Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Currently - May Edition

Listening - Waka Flocka on iHeart radio. I like to get crunk in the mornings! The Voice has also got me inspired to listen to some old school - like Fleetwood Mac & Heart because their versions of Dreams & Alone.
 
Eating - so much better! The past 2 weeks I've been eating (mostly) clean and counting calories. A weakness has been Kit Kat minis that a co-worker keeps in her candy jar, those things are heavenly! My sweet cravings are definitely starting to subside though, thankfully FINALLY!
 
Drinking - I have developed a love for smoothies! I buy some frozen fruit, add a little protein powder or soy milk and blend it up. So delish for breakfast or a sweet treat.

Wearing - It's supposed to be 85 degrees today but I have to dress for winter because my office is so cold. I am rocking this pink sequin headband today, and I mean can you really have a bad day when pink sequins are involved? I think not.
Reading - The Witness by Nora Roberts, love my girl Nora!

Feeling - Positive & Happy! Eating right, working out and constant prayer has really helped me start to feel better about myself. Things are good at work, mostly good with family, good with a boy, my best girls are amazing, church is feeding my soul and lake season is upon us - I can't complain!

Weather - 80's in sight all week...finally spring is making herself known.

Wanting - new running shoes, patience with my body, to be in Iowa this week for my BFF's graduation from grad school, The Office to NEVER end - I'm going to miss it SO MUCH!
 
Thinking - I've been in such a silly carefree mood this week. I'm looking forward to a fun weekend, with nice weather.
 
Enjoying - Adam, Upton, JT and Lebron. This is my life these days. Work, come home do my Insanity workout, eat dinner, watch The Voice/Braves/Heat, listen to JT. Only 214 days until I get to see JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE in Louisville with my girl Manda! Best blate ever!
 
 


 
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