How come it's so easy???

I was so excited for this update for the past week but when I sat down to write it, BAM writer's block!

Why is it so easy to be negative, focus on the wrongs or could of, would have, should have? It is a sad reality that we are so wired to notice the negative and completely ignore all the POSITIVE!




I am happy to report I have turned a corner and been rejuvenated. For the past 3 weeks I have been adjusting my eating habits for the better. I know I have mentioned this before but this time I am practicing what I preach and actually being honest with myself. Instead doing a designer diet and focusing on drastic changes that I will be unable to sustain, I am taking the knowledge I do know and educating myself on the words of advice from people (my sister, 4 Hour Body and Body Rock) I  believe in. 
A small recap of the changes I promised to make and am sticking to after coming out of my personal denial:
BREAKFAST NO SUGAR, LOTS OF PROTEIN
SUPER FOODS NUTRIENT RICH FOOD FILLS MY PLATE
NO WHITE NO PROCESSED OR REFINED ANYTHING
EATING REGULAR EATING 3-5 MEALS A DAY, NO HUNGER NO SNACKING
I began following a very basic diet that seems very strict but figured out how to feed myself by focusing on health over taste, lean protein, veggies and lentils and that was it. I learned to be creative with spices and combination. From there I realized I was adding a lot of unnecessary snacking, cheese and oils, I wasn't previously holding myself accountable for. I feel satisfied, healthy and happy. I feel strong and encouraged that I have finally gained control of my perception vs. the reality. 

I LOVE MY WORKOUTS! 
They are a part of my daily life and I enjoy them more then sitting down and watching a favorite TV show or drinking a beer. If you are having a hard time getting motivated or staying motivated, these are some things that help me keep going...
#1 I have a workout partner. Even on days we don't workout together, I am so competitive that I  will workout alone to either encourage her or to rub it in her face (that's just me)
#2 Find what works for you, classes, running alone, home vs. gym, training for a event. Variety is awesome and trying enough things you are bound to find one that sticks.
#3 I love buying a new pair of shoes, workout pants, etc. when the other ones are feeling broken down.
I am getting excited to find a new bikini for this summer I have earned it! On that note...

PRAY FOR SUMMER! These "surprise" it snowed 3 feet storms are 
over rated!
 

 

 Happy 3 Month Anniversary!

Yes for anyone who is counting I am officially 29 and 1/4 and if you are reading this you probably haven't glorified or announced a 1/4 birthday since you were 5... Thankfully I am HAPPY and SATISFIED with the progress I have made and where I am headed, 3 month after beginning this journey. Thank you all for your words of encouragement! I love hearing from all of you who are following, it truly helps keep me motivated and driven. I hope I am giving you some encouragement in return! I have been slacking on any hard data or photos but I am hoping to catch up with those soon.

In the Beggining... A re-post!

I am reposting my first blog post... I am using it to remind myself of my commitment and my goals... I will be honest self doubt was my biggest enemy and regret not having more faith in my MISSION. I didn't take a before picture, frankly I had the camera in hand but was mortified to push the button, also I didn't take measurements. However I do feel I avoided these steps because I had tried them before and I had failed.... Two months in that is not the case, I am happy to report I was lost a legitimate 10 lbs, my clothes fit better and my muscles are more defined!

I took a picture a couple weeks ago I am brave enough to share... I am still coveting the "before" photo from this summer!

Thank you everyone for the love and support, I hope you are setting goals with me. Also I have to give credit of my butt kicking routines to 
Body Rock TV , if you haven't checked it out you are missing out!



Nov. 11, 2011





Feb 4, 2011



*** Please Keep Me Motivated and 

"Follow" Me on My Journey***

It's easy just sign in to a google or yahoo account!

This is the post that started it all...
So I recently celebrated my 29th birthday. It was a little scary but a awesome opportunity for me to reflect on my 20's and they have been nothing short of amazing! However I noticed I am "a li'l full of shit" not when it come to my commitments to my family, friends and work but when it comes to myself. I make commitments, goals and promises to myself that I flake on about as quickly as I made them and I have been okay with that until now! I think women are especially prone to this and I am sure you can relate... So I am choosing to make a commitment to myself but to help change my pattern I am going to put it out in public. I am asking for support from all the people I am blessed with but in return I would like to give my support on your journey too.
My incredible 20's (and teen years) are now nicely reflected when I wear a bikini, not the worst but not the best. So my mission will be to reverse, recover, and remove the evidence of all my great adventures for my body! I know most of us have spoken about our diets, exercise and motivation while drinking cocktails and eating cheese. Now don't fret by no means am I suggesting getting rid of those traditions. I just think we could all use the extra support, motivation and a sounding board. 
Hopefully this little community will encourage all of us in not only our fitness goals but wherever one of us may feel like we have been neglecting.
Obviously there are a million and one ways to pursue our ideal selves and what works for one person may not for another. I am hoping this community will become a place to give motivation, variety and support not matter what means you may be using.
I am excited about some of the resources I have and love learning what maybe working for you. So that being said lets do this, so we can be some bad ass bitches!

The Pattern of Monday

All is going well in my journey but I am beginning to notice a pattern that is slowing down my progress! It name is Monday. But Monday's energy is the victim of Mr. Weekend!

Yup my weekends are catching up with me and two Monday's in a row I am feeling like a li'l slug! Instead of getting discouraged or trowing in the towel I am using this example as a time to reflect. Ashlee pre29 would allow my sluggish mood, attitude, energy and feeling like crap cause me to retreat. Now my weekend behaviors include a Saturday workout,  it feels good kinda earning back a li'l more of the damage I will do...
This week in particular the sluggish feeling hung around all week... I didn't allow myself to be talked out of it or make excuses to not participate. I worked out everyday! Even during my Burpee Fusion workout, i took me 2 hours to talk myself into it and a text from Erin talking about her workout plan was what I needed... I talked, sang, used reps counting mind tricks to get myself through the it! Funny thing was my last 20 burpees were the easiest. I was a sweaty drooling running nose mess but I was a PROUD mess, 155 burpees will do that to a person... Also my form is getting impressive and I shaved more then a minute of my time!

Thanks for listening! I have a ton of blog posts running through my head right now, so stay tuned they will be good :)

Feeling So Fly...

 So as life would have it after this weekend I was kinda feeling blah, just life stuff, but it seems to be in the air because I know I am not the only one. Despite feeling blah, the "Mission" must go on.

To step it up a notch I have adjusted my diet to help support the effort I am putting into my exercises. Starting last week good bye processed foods and my normal intake of 75% cheese and 25% sugar :) Week one went by pretty smooth, hit a couple cheat moments but very minimal. It felt good to match my physical commitment to my mental commitment. Last week I really noticed my clothes were fitting better, I was no longer  fearing my jeans in the dryer.  Despite that the feeling of Blah set in...

But today is a new day. Buh-Bye Blah, hello G6!!!!

Dear Far East Movement,
Thank you for giving me the perfect tag ling to capture how I felt after today's workout!
Love, Me

The workouts have been kicked up a notch too, we are doubling workouts and adding extra cardio as of yesterday. Well let me just say today Fawne and I got to experience something amazing...
We choose our workout routine: Cherry Cherry Boom Boom and decided to throw in an additional 100 medicine ball sit-up Bad Ass Sit-Ups.
The workout was brutal and demanding of all our strength. Fawne and I both had unspoken apprehension about our addition. I was so worked by the end of the Cherry Boom, I almost squeaked out, "Screw it, let go home." But that is the old me, so I kept my mouth shut, grabbed my medicine ball and laid down. So the timer started and off we went. Fawne and I completed our goal in 8 min!!! Now if you review my workout log, I have not done a SINGLE sit-up in a month!!! We busted these out in perfect form, our feet flat on the ground without a spotter... This is a HUGE testament to our over all growth and increase in strength.
As the early phase of this journey it already feels different then any other attempt to better myself. Despite noticing my clothes are fitting better, I am mostly encouraged by how I feel through out the day. It is awesome to know that no amount of dieting would ever give my the strength to complete these workouts. The constancy and determination are my bread and butter!!!