09/11/2010 Thoughts and ponderings

I actually wrote this blog post on 09/11/2010, but hadn't yet actually typed it out. So, better late than never I suppose. Here ya go:

I couldn't let this infamous day go by without writing down my thoughts and musings.

Today is such a sad day in our history. So many families effected, so many lives lost. Each year it reminds me to count my blessings. No matter how sad or down I might be feeling, it reminds me to be grateful. To thank God for all He's done in my life.

I've been blessed with a wonderful family. They have been here to support me through all the ups and downs of my life, and there have been plenty! When going through an emotional divorce, they took in myself and my daughter and helped me get back on my feet. And let's not forget my daughter Lisa! She brings so much joy into my life and provides me with SO many opportunities to grow and become a better person and mother.

I have amazing friends who always know how to make me laugh. When life gets me down, they are my comic relief and the shoulders I lean on. They add a brightness and a light to my life that I'm so thankful for!

I have my health. Its been a long journey and I haven't always appreciated it. It really is true that you don't appreciate your health until its gone. It wasn't until I found out I had UC that I began to actively work toward being healthy. I know now what a blessing it is and no longer take it for granted!

Most important of all, I have my faith. The good, bad, ugly and beautiful things in my life have all been orchestrated by God to draw me closer to Him. He knows what I need and what is best for me (no matter how much I try to tell Him otherwise). All I have to do is trust Him, which isn't always easy (ok usually its not) but I know its totally worth it.

Chances are good if you're reading this, you know me personally. So I want to say thank you because you are one of my blessings. I know God has you in my life for a reason. So, thank you! :)

I pray that not a day goes by that you take for granted all the blessings in your life. Appreciate each day, because tomorrow is not guaranteed to anyone.

~Jenn

The school countdown has begun

This summer has been a real struggle for me to stick with my workout schedule. Eating healthy I can still do. If you only make healthy choices of food that comes in your house, that's all there is to eat! So, I've been sticking to my healthy diet pretty well, but every time I try to exercise, Lisa (my 4-year-old) decides to get all clingy and need more attention than normal. SO, my workout times have to be either when she's napping, which she doesn't do very often anymore, or when she's sleeping at night, which also happen to be my only times to do medical transcription. *sigh* My mom has been good about watching her a few days a week so I can get this in, but she can't commit to every day for me.

School starts for Lisa on Sept. 8th. Six more days!! I'm not sure who is more excited, her or me! She really misses all that child interaction and I miss having 5 hours a day 3 times a week when I can get so much more stuff done! I'm having dreams of all the workouts I'll be able to get in once she goes back to school. Sad, I know, but its what gets me going these days. That and my Shakeology.

Not sure what happened to my ankle overnight. Its sore and hurts when I walk on it today. I'm hoping its just a kink that needs worked out or something. Luckily, today is my day to do Burn Circuit 2 of ChaLean Extreme, so its mostly lifting and not a lot of moving quickly on my ankle. Thankfully.

For those of you who are moms out there, how do you fit your workouts in around your little ones? What are your tips or tricks that you use?

Shakeology: My personal review

I wanted to wait until I had been on Shakeology for at least 2-3 weeks before I wrote my personal review of it. I have replaced one meal each day with Shakeology (my favorite is the chocolate, banana, sunbutter recipe).


Here are the claims that Shakeology makes:

You will:
Lose weight
Feel energized
Improve digestion and regularity
Lower cholesterol

Well, since starting the Shakeology and NOT changing my eating habits or exercise regimen, I have lost 3 pounds, and I've only been doing this for about 3 weeks now! How awesome is that!?! To have a yummy, choclatey shake for breakfast, know that its healthy for you, AND have it help you lose weight!?!

You can ask any member of my family and they will tell you I've had more energy. My mother who struggles with having enough energy just to get through her day has started drinking Shakeology hoping to see the same results I've had! Its amazing! I was never one for energy drinks that did harmful things to the system, but Shakeology gives you energy without having caffeine in it, which I love!

Now, I will admit that "improved digestion and regularity" was one of my main reasons for starting Shakeology. I have had ulcerative colitis since 2004 and have continually struggled with it. I had bloating after most meals and just really struggled with finding foods that wouldn't upset my digestion. About a year and a half ago, I removed gluten and dairy from my diet, which honestly worked wonders. I still had some of the bloating issues, but a lot of my other UC problems had cleared up. Since starting to take Shakeology, I've been able to take less of my medication and have also not had to take digestive enzymes with every meal and probiotics at night because Shakeology has all that built into it! And I feel great! I'm hoping to be able to say in another month or so that I've cut even further back on my meds and will eventually be able to get off of them, like several others who have used Shakeology have been able to do!

The only claim that I cannot comment on is the lowered cholesterol. I have never struggled with my cholesterol and so do not have it checked regularly, as I eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.

All in all, this is THE BEST I have ever felt in my life. I give God the glory for bringing me to this wonderful meal replacement because it has truly transformed my life!