Jillian Michaels is kicking my ass!

I'm taking my body to a whole new level thanks to Jillian Michaels and her workouts! Her routines are kicking my ass but effectively whipping me into shape! My current rotation is alternating between Banish Fat...Boost Metabolism (cardio circuit) and No More Trouble Zones (weights circuit) 6 days a week with a break in between in which I either choose to rest or complete a short cardio session.

Although I'm not an expert when it comes to exercise I would not recommenced Jillian Michaels for someone brand new to exercise. Her circuits are intense. In order to complete most of the circuits you'll need a decent level of ability. I didn't start her workouts until I had been exercising consistently for three months straight. I'm glad I was prepared! I enjoy the fact that she has modifications for most exercises. I also like the low weight, high repetition combination. I'm slowly learning to appreciate plyometric moves. Plyometric moves send my heart rate skyrocketing. When I finish her routines I feel like I have accomplished something big. I respect her talent!

I had to check myself

Failed relationships have always put me in a state of emotional turmoil. I ask myself often when it ends what part I played in the failure? In two of my last three failed relationships I figured out that the role I played in the failure was not taking out the time to get to know that person before I made a commitment to them. Had I taken time to get to know them, I would have ran in the opposite direction! I didn't know what I wanted so I settled for less than I deserved. I thought I knew but I had no idea.

The moment I did a quality check on myself my ideas about relationships changed. I know that I am a good woman with a lot to offer the right man. I learned that everyone isn't right for me even if they say they are. I've noticed in the past some men would immediately try to align themselves to fit inside my proposed list of wants and needs. My boyfriend says I gave them "the blueprint" and that's exactly what I was doing. I told them exactly what they needed to know to get close to me.

So I figured with my current relationship it would be best if I didn't tell him my list of wants and needs all up front at one time. I've gradually opened up to the idea of sharing everything. One thing I made clear at the beginning was that I'm not willing to share him with other women. I had to check myself on that because in the past if I found out I was being stepped out on I would right that wrong (in my eyes) by doing the same thing. More often than not it was making emotional connections with other men. In reality I would check myself out of a relationship mentally before anything else. I couldn't ask the person that I am with to do a check on himself if I wasn't willing to do the exact same thing. At this stage I have, and I'm a better woman for it.

Not offering up my "Platinum Pussy" to bronze level candidates

I have taken the liberty of classifying my pussy as "platinum grade!" Oh yes...this means top of the line! If I don't treat it as such then who else will? I haven't always been so selective when it came to who I allowed to touch it and get close to it, but times have certainly changed! The days of passing it out to the undeserving have come and gone like yesterday's weather report. I'm not suggesting that I'm being conceited, I just feel as though it's necessary for me to use discernment when it comes to choosing who I share myself with.

When I was younger, I didn't spend much time thinking about quality control standards. Had I done that, most men wouldn't have gotten my phone number! Thank God I'm in a relationship now but if I wasn't I'd have my quality check list on hand at all times! If you're even thinking about trying to get close to me you'd better be ready to bring your "A" game because there will be no downgrading in my future!

Taking the time to get to know myself and labeling my self worth has brought my personal value to a whole new level. There's nothing wrong with having standards for the person I choose to deal with. I have a great man to thank for showing me that there is better quality out there and settling shouldn't have to be an option. Settling is no longer an option as it relates to my worth.

70 pounds lighter :-)

 

My sister reminded me that I needed to add a current picture of myself so here it is!! The photo was taken by Julianni on May 31st (Memorial Day). She's only 4 feet tall so the angle is a bit off but you get the idea :-).

Month in review

Last month I didn't lose a huge amount, actually I went up and down a few times in weight. I had a net loss of 3 pounds and 2.5 inches overall. Taking a week vacation threw off my schedule but I still managed to get a few workouts in while I was in Texas. I did hit a milestone which was losing 70 pounds! When I started this journey I couldn't imagine reaching this point. For me it was easier to approach the task with baby steps, one little thing at a time. I knew that eventually the small things would add up to something big and they did. With each chance I get I try to take advantage and keep pushing myself. It's great to have support but I have to rely on my own strength and the will of God to keep going forward.