Weighing in with Some Muffins

I remember posting this picture when the muffin pan arrived at the beginning of February with a note wondering what I'd make for Valentine's Day.  I have scoured my Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook posts but just can't find that post anywhere!  Has it been lost in cyberspace or have I lost my mind?  I received the Premium 12-Cup Silicone Muffin & Cupcake Baking Pan for free in exchange for my honest review.  The set comes with the pan, liners, spatula, and brush.

Because Austin hung out at his friend's house Valentine's weekend I didn't bake anything.  The following weekend I made German Chocolate cupcakes (no icing because Benny didn't want it) using applesauce instead of vegetable oil.  The cake mix box didn't have any instructions as to how long to bake the cupcakes for using silicon, only glass or metal.  So I had to guess.  Two batches were made since the box says 24 cupcakes, with Dove dark chocolate hearts in the second batch.

Funny Looking German Chocolate Cupcakes

The cupcakes were super moist but I still don't know if I baked them enough.  They passed the toothpick test so I assumed they were done.  They remained super moist, enough so the bottoms molded through the bottom of the liner paper onto the cupcakes.  We had to throw the rest away last weekend.  That was different since Austin's birthday cake lasts for weeks.

What I liked about using a silicone pan is that the cupcakes didn't burn!  In the metal pans when I'd use a liner whatever I'd make would be over baked, slightly burning all along the paper.  So I had to switch to using the flour baking spray whenever I made anything.  I'd love to continue with silicone so I can use those cute liners again and to see if everything comes out moist once I figure out the bake time difference.

Should you want to experience the joys of baking with the Premium 12-Cup Silicone Muffin & Cupcake Baking Pan you can pick one up on Amazon.

THURSDAY I did Kelly Coffey-Meyer's Split Sessions Lower Body Workout.  I started reading through the GEX practical skills booklet.

FRIDAY I completed the final P90X3 makeup session with Dynamix.  I read more of the practical skills.

SATURDAY I did Split Sessions Full Body Timesaver.

MONDAY I started a Killer week to March in like a lion with Jillian Michaels Killer Buns & Thighs Level 1.  I answered the test questions from the practical skills booklet.

YESTERDAY I did Killer Body Upper Body, sticking with the 8 lb dumbbells.  Benny asked to see the GEX materials but I don't think he looked at anything after I went to bed as they were still sitting where I left them on the table when I left this morning.

I weighed in last night up 7.2 lbs, back up to 156.6 lbs.  I don't think this is all muscle so I'm going to have to go back to tracking my food again to see what's going on.  Besides all the gassiness (which only seems to happen at home so I don't know what's up with that either) my pants are tighter at my hips and thighs.

TODAY I did Killer Body Core.  The core-focused workouts I've done before were 15 minutes max.  This was different working my core for 30 minutes.  Right now I'm not feeling it but my arms are aching a bit from yesterday.  What's your longest core-focused workout?

Linking up with

Jill for Fitness Health & Happiness

Jebbica for Food & Fitness Friday

MississippiPiddlin & HoHo Runs

#MotivateMe Monday with Fitness Cheerleader, Running Rachel, & Run Mommy Run

Blog Hop Spotlight Day

Welcome everyone visiting from Kristy's Grow Your Blog Hop!

I always seem to blank on what to say about me (my over-analytical mind in action) so here are 9 facts that you may or may not know:

• I'm a mom of a teenage boy who will be starting high school in the fall. EEK!
• My ex-husband and I had an amicable divorce without using lawyers.
• My current husband is a native German who became a US Citizen in September 2013.
• Next month marks the beginning of my 3rd year on the journey to improve my overall health and wellness.
• I got started on this journey because of a diabetes prevention study in conjunction with Weight Watchers and have stuck with everything.
• My journey led me to discover my passion and purpose for living - to be a Wellness Coach and help those 40+ who are new to their own journeys or are returning after a long hiatus.
• My degree's in French (which I've forgotten since I never get to use it).
• I've always held an office job, except for the year or so I also worked at Office Depot.
• I'm currently studying for the Group Exercise Certification exam from NETA so that I can get their Wellness Coach certification by the end of June.

Each Wednesday I wrap up what I've done over the past week.  I've kept it as Weigh in Wednesday even though all the linkups this was for have gone away because Tuesday nights are my Weight Watchers meetings.  Since I reached Lifetime last year I typically only weigh in once a month.

THURSDAY I did P90X3 Pilates X.  I read Chapter 19 - Flexibility Programming.

FRIDAY I did X3 Yoga.  I read Chapters 20-22 - Teaching Skills, Group Exercise Class Structure and Formats, and Injury Management & Emergency Response.

Benny told me thinks the certifications are a waste but it's OK to do them.  I must've been so giddy over the weekend as he'd asked what was with me LOL.  Now I no longer have to do this behind his back!

SATURDAY I did Dynamix, wrapping up P90X3.

MONDAY I did The Warrior for the first makeup workout.  I read Chapter 23 - Medical Conditions & Special Populations.  I'm stuck here on the exercise precautions and recommendations related to common medical conditions.  How do I distinguish which are precautions vs. recommendations?  I called NETA to get the approval for the test-only option for the GEX exam so now I just need to wait for whatever they send me to get that scheduled.  The Comira testing center is at Ivy Tech and they just need a 24-hour notice to sign up.

YESTERDAY I did Kelly Coffey-Meyer's Split Sessions Upper Body workout.  I had Austin's IEP conference in the morning.  My ex wants to drop him from the program as he feels like Austin doesn't need it anymore.  I went to the meeting (without my ex) with the intention of having a re-evaluation.  Austin's only real remaining problem associated with his ADHD and IEP coverage is missing work (not just homework but in-class too which I wasn't aware of).

He's smart and does well on the tests (over course work and standardized testing) so we know Austin understands what he's learning but just doesn't turn in the work for some reason.  Has anyone found a solution for their child that gets him/her to turn in assignments?  We are going to try something different with the reduced support on his IEP - only checking in at the grade times (instead of weekly/biweekly).  The special ed teacher will take an average of what he scores on assignments and do a side by side comparison to show Austin the possibilities if he completes all his work.

The principal explained to me that if it's deemed that he doesn't qualify or if we drop him from the program Austin's no longer protected by law for any incidents.  This protection is found in the Indiana State Board of Education Special Education Rules, Title 511, Article 7, Rule 44 - Discipline Procedures.  (I just received a copy of this document this morning so I haven't had a chance to read through it yet.)  I told my ex about this and that we should keep Austin's IEP, just at the bare minimum.

TODAY I did MMX for the second makeup workout.  I'll be reading Chapter 24 - Risk Management for Fitness Professionals - and perhaps the final chapter (25) - Documentation & Record Keeping.

So I will essentially have all of March to review everything and do the practical skills. Is anyone else taking a GEX certification exam in March?  Even though we may be going through a different certifying organization the material has to be about the same.  We could be study buddies!

Linking up with

Jill for Fitness Health & Happiness

Jebbica for Food & Fitness Friday

MississippiPiddlin & HoHo Runs

A Love Letter to Myself

THURSDAY I did P90X3 Pilates X.  I read Chapter 12 - Initial Intake & Pre-Participation Screening.  Austin texted me asking if he could spend Saturday at his friend's house and his friend was spending the night Friday (assumed at his dad's).  I said OK.

FRIDAY I did Decelerator.  During lunch I had an awesome call with Nicole Liolia to help me get things going with making money in this coaching business.

To start off I'm looking for 5 people to speak with for 30 minutes about their wellness goals and to help them with a tip or strategy to help them make progress over the next week.  If you're interested in this FREE strategy session please email me to set up a time.

Austin texted me saying I had to drop him off at his friend's house 10 minutes after he got to my house.  I was so confused and it was sounding like he was trying to get around his dad knowing he was going over there.  We finally got it all figured out and his friend's dad picked him up at the ex's house.

SATURDAY I did CVX in a silent house.  Austin texted me asking if he could stay at his friend's house again because they were having so much fun playing RockBand.  My ex said he didn't need to spend the whole weekend at a friend's house.  Benny said it was OK because it was too cold to do anything anyway.

I went to the library and hung out for longer than I normally do with Austin.  I got on one of the computers and attempted to do some work but didn't get very far.  Before I left I made a couple of origami heart bookmarks, one for me and one for Austin.  From there I went to a couple of stores and shopped.  It was nice being out of the house alone going wherever I wanted for about 4 hours!

SUNDAY Austin texted to pick him up at his friend's house around 3pm.  The snow wasn't bad at that time so I was like no big deal.  However, by the time it was almost 3pm the snow was much heavier and hard to see outside our windows.  I was ready to go when Benny said that I couldn't because my tires were too low.  So I had to wait around for him to air them up.  Then I wiggled my way on the slick, snow covered roads (and over 2 bridges) with my heart pounding both ways.  With an elevated heart rate that was like another workout, right? LOL

MONDAY I began the last week of P90X3 with Dynamix.  It was a good stretch because I was tired and my back was stiff (probably leftover from being terrified driving).  I did a lot more reading (chapter wise only LOL) at lunch:  Chapter 13 - Health Screening Assessments, Chapter 14 - Postural Analysis, and Chapter 16 - Physical Activity & Health.

YESTERDAY I did Isometrix.  I read Chapter 17 - Cardiorespiratory Fitness Programming.

TODAY I did Accelerator.  I'll start reading Chapter 18 - Programming for Muscular Fitness and will finish it up tomorrow.

This week's Weight Watcher's theme continues on the concept on choosing self love, giving yourself the attention, care, and acceptance you deserve.  I've filled in the blanks for myself as an example.  What I fill in may vary upon the day.  I did struggle with coming up with a self destructive action/thought that I have since it's not something I continually think of.

Will you join me and write one for yourself?

Linking up with

Jill for Fitness Health & Happiness

Jebbica for Food & Fitness Friday

MississippiPiddlin & HoHo Runs

I'm Loving Hemp

THURSDAY I did P90X3 Dynamix.  I went to the doctor's office for the CT scan of my sinuses/maxillofacial area.  I think it was the quickest scan I've ever had; I didn't even have to pay for parking!  The ENT is going on vacation for about 2.5 weeks so I won't know his interpretation until the end of the month.

FRIDAY I did Triometrics.  I read Chapter 9 - Dietary Guidelines, learning about how to calculate the calories from each macronutrient.

After work we took the car back to the mechanic to "fix" the overheating problem.  They had it all weekend.  Benny got his tobacco (he rolls his own cigarettes) for what he said is probably the last time.  They also aren't honoring the coupons he'd use any more so another motivational factor in his smoking cessation!

SATURDAY I did Eccentric Upper.  The Manitoba Harvest hemp heart bars arrived for me to review, although the postal system damaged the chocolate bar packaging.  Apparently I'm not the only one though, as others have reported the same...

A photo posted by Cassandra Schmigotzki (@longandwindingroadtowellness) on Feb 6, 2016 at 3:38pm PST

Manitoba Harvest is having a photo contest.  Share a picture of your Manitoba Harvest stash or something you've made with their hemp hearts (tagging +Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods #hempheartbar #fuelledbyhemp #sweatpink +Fit Approach, LLC)  and you could win a box of your favorite flavor hemp heart bar.

Apple Cinnamon & Chocolate = 8 WW SP

Vanilla = 9 WW SP

Manitoba Harvest has given us a discount code to save readers 15% of a box of the hemp heart bars through the end of March.  Visit their website, select your flavor, and enter the code hhbarlauch1015 at checkout.  I really wish that I could distinguish between the flavors but with my nose and taste buds jacked up all three taste the same to me!  For some reason I have a strong desire to add peanut butter to a bar and try it that way...

MONDAY began week 12 and I did MMX.  I read Chapter 10 - Weight Management.

I pulled up the radiology report in my EMR for the CT scan.  IMHO reading the report the only problem is my mildly deviated septum with a small bony spur.  None of this report tells me why I can't smell or taste much any more!  So much is "unremarkable."

When I got home I found out the nurse had called to talk about the scan results.  Now to call her back...

TUESDAY I did Decelerator.  I read Chapter 11 - Eating Disorders.  I made a dent on the scale with a .2 lb loss at Weight Watchers.  Hopefully it'll be better for March.

TODAY I did Triometrics again.  I called the nurse back since I forgot to yesterday.  The doctor had seen the scan Friday before he left for vacation so he'd left the notes for her to call me.  Nothing wrong with the sinuses.  She didn't mention the spur, only the deviated septum and reducing the turbinates.  The doctor only does the surgeries on Tuesday in Carmel so I've temporarily scheduled it for September 27th.

I'd just started making my sandwich for lunch when the nurse at Austin's school called saying he was sick and he'd felt that way since eating his lunch.  In case he got sick on the way home they didn't want him riding the bus.  The ex is at work and they don't have another car for his forever fiancée (I don't know if they'll ever get married) to pick up Austin.  Benny wouldn't be ready in time to get him either.  So I had to freeze my way down there and back.  I've yet to warm back up....

Linking up with

Jill for Fitness Health & Happiness

Jebbica for Food & Fitness Friday

MississippiPiddlin & HoHo Runs

Scaling Wednesday

I didn't go to Weight Watchers last night as I'm having car issues and Benny wanted to check it out.  So I have no official weigh in for February yet.  I guess I have one more week to get in line then LOL

THURSDAY I did P90X3 Pilates X.  I read chapter 5 - Human Anatomy.  Now, I don't know about you but this part is hard for me.  I've never had to memorize bones or muscles.  I wonder how much of the Group Exercise Certification exam will be on this topic...I hope it's not a lot.  I asked fellow Sweat Pink Ambassadors what they used to help memorize bones and muscles.  They recommended anatomy coloring books, flash cards, and two sites - Get Body Smart and Anatomy Arcade.  I've printed off some of the images to try to help remember.

I also read chapter 6 - Applied Kinesiology & Biomechanics.  This was a little reprieve from anatomy.

FRIDAY I did Decelerator in what felt like slow mo...not sure why.  I read chapter 7 - Exercise Physiology.  This is another hard one for me.  I took an online course on Coursera for this but it wasn't sticking then, and still isn't.

We dropped the car off at the mechanic for them to take a look at the oil pan since it was leaking on the garage floor (never notice a wet spot at work).

SATURDAY I did CVX.  The mechanic called and told us the damage.  We went over there in the afternoon so Benny could see what they were talking about before giving them the go ahead to make the repairs.  We ran around the rest of the afternoon and stopped at Burger King to bring home dinner.  I went with the chicken burger but didn't enjoy it at all.

MONDAY I did Decelerator again.  No studying this day because I had my follow up appointment with the ENT.  The nasal rinse and Flonase combo he had me on hasn't made a difference.  (I have a deviated septum and enlarged turbinates.)  The doctor checked and he doesn't see a hole (was my concern because the rinse goes through so quickly).  We're trying to schedule a CT scan but insurance is saying it isn't medically necessary.  UM HELLO my nose is stuffed almost 24-7 and I can hardly taste or smell anything anymore!

We picked up the car but now it's being weird.  While driving the temperature gradually increases to the hot zone, staying there for up to a minute, then drops down to the middle.  Not sure what's going on.

YESTERDAY I fought it out with MMX.  I reviewed chapters 1-7 (a lot of good that did LOL).

TODAY was leg day with Eccentric Lower.  I will be reading chapter 8 - Essential Nutrients for Health & Performance.  Hopefully this will be an easy lesson.

actual measurements from this morning

I received the EatSmart Precision Body Check Bathroom Scale for free in exchange for my honest review.  I've never had a scale that measured anything other than weight before so it's been interesting to see these numbers jump around at different times of the day.

You have to be barefoot for the scale to get the measurements other than the weight.  Somehow that metal strip can read your body to get those measurements.  (The instruction book gives the details on how it does this.)  The only drawback I've found with this scale is the numbers rotate too quickly for me to record the measurements.  They are displayed twice but I sometimes miss one as I'm writing so I have to step off and go through it again.  I think it's definitely worth the price as others I've seen are listed much higher.

To get your own EatSmart Precision Body Check Bathroom Scale hop on over to Amazon.

Linking up with

Jill for Fitness Health & Happiness

Jebbica for Food & Fitness Friday

 

MississippiPiddlin & HoHo Runs

Blouse Review on This Weigh in Wednesday

I received a Custom Made Long Sleeve Belted Blouse from Suuchi for free in exchange for my honest review.  The hardest part of the ordering process was deciding which pattern to go with!  There are about 60 designs to choose from.  I ended up going with a solid blue so, besides being my favorite color, it'd go with anything I have.

When I got the blouse I felt so lost.  The belt is super long so I couldn't figure out how to make it work around my waist.  So from the beginning I had mixed feelings about this blouse.

A photo posted by Cassandra Schmigotzki (@longandwindingroadtowellness) on Dec 24, 2015 at 11:35am PST



I asked the Suuchi reps about the belt and their response was

 the belt is extra long to allow you to double tie it. Just fold it in 2 and wrap it around your waist.

That was one of the ways I tied the belt but I still didn't like how it looked on me.  Perhaps it has something to do with the aversion I've had to bows since...I can't remember when.

Because I was going to be busy in the kitchen on Christmas day I wore the Suuchi blouse to stay cooler making Benny's roulade and wrapping presents.  I only got chilly a couple of times but for the most part my sweater stayed off.  This blouse helped keep me at a comfortable temperature.

I wore the blouse for the first time outside the house yesterday.  Since it's cold outside (and I freeze at work even wearing a sweater and having my space heater going) I wore a turtleneck underneath.  My coworkers teased me about the blouse.

The first one wrapped the belt around me like something out of Star Wars.  The second one tied it on my side.  The third one said that I looked like I was a nurse.  The fourth one said it looked like I was getting ready to practice some sort of martial arts.  All women with different reactions to this blouse....

The Long Sleeve Belted Blouse looks pretty badass but I guess it's not really for me.  I will keep it in my closet and probably wear again in the summer when I need something to keep me cooler.



Holidays Past

 

THURSDAY I did P90X3 X3 Yoga.

FRIDAY I kept getting lightheaded and had crazy legs during Triometrics.

SATURDAY I tried the final Green Blender smoothie.  It wasn't that bad.

A photo posted by Cassandra Schmigotzki (@longandwindingroadtowellness) on Jan 23, 2016 at 6:53am PST

I did Eccentric Upper afterwards.  This workout had way too many pushups! LOL

MONDAY I did MMX.  I started reading the Group Exercise (GX) Certification study material during lunch.  Read the first two chapters during lunch - The Role of the Fitness Professional and Relationship Building & Communication Skills.

How to Win Friends and Influence People

After roughly a year Benny FINALLY decided on a new vacuum so now he can start cleaning regularly again.  He finds it therapeutic to vacuum.

Yesterday I did Decelerator.  I read chapter 3 - Behavior Modification & Motivation.

Today I did Triometrics.  Chapter 4, Introduction to Wellness Coaching, is skipped for GX but since that's where I'm going next I'll go ahead and read this one.

Are you studying anything new lately?

Linking up with Jill for Fitness Health & Happiness.

She's Got Legs

After writing out all the workouts for the week for this post it looks like a leg week instead of a leg day to me!  Wrapping up the recovery week and starting the final phase of P90X3 I guess it just fell that way.  Have you ever realized that you ended up with a leg week before?

THURSDAY I did Pilates X.

FRIDAY I did Agility X.  I ordered the Group Exercise Certification study materials with delivery to work.  Right now I still see no way to convince Benny that this is right and good, not a fad and my imagination.

SATURDAY I did Yoga X.  Smoothie wasn't bad tasting...

A photo posted by Cassandra Schmigotzki (@longandwindingroadtowellness) on Jan 16, 2016 at 10:34am PST

But Sunday's was completely gross.

A photo posted by Cassandra Schmigotzki (@longandwindingroadtowellness) on Jan 17, 2016 at 7:58am PST

Saturday I purchased a couple of outfits for my workouts at the Kroger Marketplace.  It still feels so weird to say that I'm buying non-food stuff at Kroger.

MONDAY I did Decelerator.

TUESDAY I did MMX.  I was excited when I was handed the Group Exercise Certification study materials at work, delivered by UPS.  I can't wait to start on this next week!

A photo posted by Cassandra Schmigotzki (@longandwindingroadtowellness) on Jan 19, 2016 at 10:03am PST

TODAY I did Eccentric Lower.  Leg day + slow snow traffic = great!  Seriously my legs didn't cramp up with all the stop and go traffic.

Linking up with Jill for Fitness Health & Happiness.

Weigh in Wednesday

When I got home Wednesday I heard the voicemail that my glasses were ready.  I flew down to Greenwood to pick them up and posted this picture on Facebook that night.  Nobody said they preferred B!  I thought it was funny since A was the first pair I selected, while waiting for my exam.

Thursday I received a smoothie box from Green Blender to review, being a fellow Fitfluential Ambassador.  I made two of them over the weekend.  I'm loving the exploration of fruits, veggies, and superfoods I've never had before!  I made Austin look up things (like how to cut the persimmon LOL) to have him involved.

A photo posted by Cassandra Schmigotzki (@longandwindingroadtowellness) on Jan 9, 2016 at 7:42am PST

A photo posted by Cassandra Schmigotzki (@longandwindingroadtowellness) on Jan 10, 2016 at 9:06am PST

*About Green Blender & How It Started*

I started Green Blender because I wanted to help people create healthy habits in their life. I often find that when we decide to make a health change two things happen: 1. We get immediately overwhelmed with choices (i.e., should I go paleo, do I cut out all grain/dairy, what about quinoa,
etc.) and 2. We start moving towards extremes (i.e., I have to go raw vegan tomorrow, I can't have ice cream ever)

This diet path can get overwhelming, lead to deprivation and may not see long lasting results. As you know (your blog attests to this), living a healthy lifestyle starts with building healthy habits and not extreme dieting. Green Blender is all about setting our members up for long term success by helping them start their day with a healthy decision.

Green Blender is a smoothie delivery service. Every week, our members receive all the pre-portioned ingredients and superfoods to make smoothies at home.

Jenna Tanenbaum, Founder

I can't wait to try the three other recipes I received!  Should you want to sign up to receive your own smoothie subscription box visit Green Blender and enter the code cassandra to receive a 20% discount.

Monday night I finally showed Benny my goals post.  He basically said it's stupid to pursue the certification because it's like the Beachbody business never took off.  Has anyone had to deal with their spouse being against their passions?  How do I go about registering for everything and showing him that this won't also be a flop without pissing him off?

While we were talking Benny said that he is ready to quit smoking!  He said that he can feel it affecting his heart.  What he used to do while smoking he hasn't done since coming to the US (smoking inside the house while doing certain activities) so he has no real enjoyment from smoking anymore.  I recommended that he take Chantix since that's the program I know people who've used.  I messaged his doctor so he can be ready to discuss Benny's options for smoking cessation.  Did you know that it's considered preventative care so most smoking cessation programs are free with your insurance?  We'll try any program they allow to get Benny to quit smoking!

THURSDAY I burned my way through P90X3 MMX.

FRIDAY I played with my weights for Incinerator.

SATURDAY I wrapped up week 7 with CVX, using a 3 lb dumbbell.

MONDAY I did Isometrix.

Yesterday I continued stretching with Dynamix.

Today I did some cardio with Accelerator.

Linking up with Jill for Fitness Health & Happiness

Happiness in a Jar

How has 2016 been for you so far?  Been a little weird with the trip to Ohio falling on the 1st itself and just lasting the weekend.

I did pick out my happiness jar just before we left but have yet to decorate it.  I'd say it's 18-24" tall and about 4" in diameter.  I never counted the sides so I don't know if it's considered an octagon or something else.  I got a few books on happiness at the library too (after discovering the happiness section under self-help on Amazon).

Last night's weigh in I wasn't surprised that I was up 6.8 lbs with all the goings on this year with the holidays and work things that I can't discuss publically.  Basically December was a stressful month and deciding to take the last week of the year as a staycation was so worth it!

December 24th I did P90X3 MMX before we headed out to fight last minute shopping.  Surprisingly it wasn't so bad this year.

December 25th I was busy making the roulade and wrapping presents so I didn't get in a workout.

December 26th I did Incenerator.

December 27th was going to be a makeup day but Austin didn't want me to workout so I had to do a doubler on Monday.

December 28th I doubled up with CVX then Triometrics.  If it weren't for my lightheadedness it wouldn't have been so tough.  In the afternoon I went to America's Best for my eye exam and glasses.  I'm waiting anxiously for them to call to say they're ready for me to pick them up!

December 29th I did The Warrior.

December 30th I was just so exhausted and didn't get out of bed until after 11A so I made it another rest day.

December 31st I did Incenerator so I wouldn't have to bring my weights with me to Ohio.  I went to Great Clips and had about 4" cut off my hair.

January 1st we were busy making final preparations before heading out (later than I wanted to because of Benny refusing to leave early).  He drove 100mph on I-70 almost the whole time!

January 2nd I did CVX at my grandparents' house using a basketball.

January 3rd Benny said to not workout before heading back home.  I moved all three missed days so far to a makeup week on my schedule.

Monday I did Triometrics.

Yesterday I did The Warrior.

Today I did X3 Yoga.

Have you made any progress on your goals this week?

Joining the Fitness Health & Happiness Linkup.

Merry Christmas

Austin's presents were delivered yesterday.  The presents for the family shipped yesterday.  So now all I have to worry about is wrapping everything and Christmas dinner.  I have NEVER made anything special for Christmas but Benny said he wants something different this year.  I've decided on the meat but not the sides.  Have you ever eaten or made rouladen?  I'm afraid that the pickle is going to ruin the meal for me since I don't like them.  Now to determine what sides we'll have...

I'm still working on writing out my 2016 goals and remain stuck on the reflection portion.  I've made some progress since last week but not where it should be with the template I'm using.  So far I have two accomplishments, one failure, and four goals.  This brain fart is really annoying me.

THURSDAY I did P90X3 Pilates X.  This workout didn't affect my legs as much as other Pilates have done but I sure felt it in my core for the rest of the day.

FRIDAY I did Agility X.

The Post Office closest to the house was out of international forever stamps so I had to go out Saturday afternoon to another branch.  They had plenty at the second location.  The first part of my winnings from the Holiday Sweat Challenge arrived too.

A photo posted by Cassandra Schmigotzki (@longandwindingroadtowellness) on Dec 19, 2015 at 9:09am PST

SUNDAY I did Yoga X and got myself geared up for phase 2 of P90X3.

MONDAY I did Triometrics without any plyo.  Not sure if that really counts but I'm not willing to risk my ankles for any workout.

TUESDAY I was The Warrior.

Today I did more Yoga X.

What's something I do to keep myself feeling energized when life gets busy?  I guess I'm "lucky" in that my life isn't busy so I don't need to stay energized.  Tied right into that is Monday's prompt - I have no demand to keep my energy high all day.

TUESDAY is all about your workout gear.  I don't have anything snazzy or funky but here are two of my favorites:

WEDNESDAY is all about vacations.  Our last one was in 2011...the last time I was on a beach.  I sooo want to go back!

Posted by Cassi Schmigotzki on Monday, July 11, 2011

THURSDAY is keeping charged on the go.  My car charger is messed up and only works at certain angles.  So I need a new one.

How are you celebrating Christmas?

Linking up with

Twas the Week Before Christmas

It's just over a week before Christmas and I haven't even started shopping or sending out Christmas cards.  It's been one of those years that I can't seem to get anything done.  No clue what to get people.  Things happening beyond my control making the future unknown.

I'm working on my goals for 2016.  It's a struggle for me as I don't feel I accomplished much this year.  Does anyone else feel that way?  Perhaps I'm just overthinking again.  What stands out as something I've done in 2015?

THURSDAY my sinus headache was too much for me to bounce around with P90X3 The Warrior so it became another rest day for me.  Austin texted me asking for permission to go see a movie with his girlfriend.

FRIDAY I did Isometrix.  I got a call from Austin's school late morning.  Apparently one of his friends brought alcohol to school disguised in a fruit juice bottle and a few of them took a sip.  One of the others told so they all had a Breathalyzer test and something else (I forget what it was).  The kid that brought the alcohol was suspended while those that drank were sent home for safety.  I picked up Austin and dropped him off at his dad's.  The girlfriend was one of those that also drank so the date got cancelled.

SATURDAY I did Agility X.

MONDAY I did Dynamix.  I was finally able to do the side plank on my left side with my feet stacked instead of my right knee bent!  I was super wobbly and couldn't hold it on my right side.

I went to see the nurse practitioner about this weird bump on my left shoulder that I forgot to ask the doctor about last week.  She said that it was a sebaceous cyst and to just keep an eye on it; if it gets bigger, hurts, reddens, etc. I'm to contact them again.  I tried to take a picture but couldn't get a shot where you can clearly see the bump.

TUESDAY I did Isometrix again.

Today I did Accelerator.  My phone was evil and ate the pictures so I couldn't share my workout on Instagram.

On MONDAY what colors of the rainbow did you eat?  I ate green lettuce with my lunch, green peppers and red tomatoes with my dinner, and red apples for dessert.

TUESDAY I don't really get into the holiday movies so I don't have them to workout to.

On WEDNESDAY push yourself to a new limit.  Not feeling it today.

THURSDAY show your favorite way to sweat over the holidays.  I don't have a favorite since I'm doing a different program each year.  The first year was Tai Cheng, last year was Body Beast, and this year it's P90X3.

FRIDAY I don't have any tricks for an energy boost midday. I need one though.

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Weigh in Wednesday

THURSDAY I got warm doing P90X3 The Warrior.

FRIDAY I stretched doing Isometrix.

SATURDAY I did Agility X.

MONDAY I stretched some more with X3 Yoga after waking up with a sinus headache.

In the afternoon I visited the ENT about my nose.  I was in the room probably 45 minutes before a doctor came in (an intern I think).  He did the exam and sprayed some stuff up my nose, not before telling me it'd taste gross and numb things.  Man, was it gross!  It opened up my nose a bit and only numbed my nasal passages a tad but it sure numbed my throat and front teeth better than the dentist!  I asked for some water and did pretty good taking little sips but once I did take too big of one and almost choked in front of the actual doctor.  They said the stuff would start to wear off in about 30 minutes.

After I got home it did wear off completely.  However, it appears that I got a cold from it or the office.  I was so sleepy I dozed on the couch the rest of the evening (when I wasn't cooking or eating dinner).  My nose kept dripping like an annoying faucet and my throat was sore.

TUESDAY I woke up with the cold continuing, adding the dull muscle aches after doing Accelerator slowly.  I sent the office a message asking what the stuff was and also letting them know I couldn't fill the prescription they gave me for Flonase (assuming it's because it's OTC now).

The nurse's response:

The numbing spray consists of phenylephrine and tetracaine. Phenylephrine is the active ingredient in Sudafed. It works to constrict or narrow blood vessels, which decreases bleeding and the inflammatory response which produces excess drainage. The inflammatory response and/or bleeding can be triggered by Dr. Ting removing any crusting or scabbing in your nose during debridements. Tetracaine is a topical numbing agent. Since the spray only lasts 60 - 90 minutes, it is normal for the response to last another day or so. You can use Afrin nose spray (available over the counter) two times daily for 3 days if you are continuing to have symptoms (drippy nose & sore throat). I would begin to use the Flonase as well. Sometimes the Flonase can take up to a week to take full effect.

Flonase is available over the counter. We submit the prescription in an attempt to run the medication through insurance, but some insurance companies do not cover medications that are available over the counter.

WEDNESDAY I did CVX with a headache.  This afternoon I go to my regular doctor for my annual physical.  I'm going to have him order the scans so we can see how the stones are doing.  Also, the ENT wanted one for my nose and sinuses so might as well get them done before the end of the year!

MONDAY share your family's favorite holiday recipe.  We don't have any special holiday recipes.

TUESDAY swap out a snack or dessert for fruit.  I often have an apple (or two) with peanut butter as my dessert.  But I'm out of apples...and peanut butter.  All I have is canned pineapple.

WEDNESDAY post a selfie of your workout. 

A photo posted by Cassandra Schmigotzki (@longandwindingroadtowellness) on Dec 9, 2015 at 5:19am PST

THURSDAY share your family-sized activity.  We don't have any of these either...

FRIDAY show how do you play on your forearms. 

 

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