Apartment/Moving, Work and Workouts

Shannon talked to his mom the other day and apparently, they are wanting to move back to NC.  They are interested in the apartment complex we applied to.  They had looked at it two years ago when they were moving out of their house but on a whim, they decided to move to the beach instead.  Now, they want to move back to NC.  After my father-in-law's health scare a few months ago, they realized that it would be better for all of us to be near each other.  They can help us and we can help them.  Plus, they are already familiar with the area.  We also have Trader Joe's and a few other natural foods store that they like.  In their current city, the closest Trader Joe's is a few hours away. 

We still have not heard any word from the apartment complex regarding our application.  They told us it would take around 3 days (we turned in our application on Wednesday), so hopefully on Monday we will hear something.  We drove by that area again.  They have Walgreens on the corner (there is also a CVS across the street on the corner) and Harris Teeter (grocery store) and many other stores directly across the street from the complex.  The entire apartment complex property is on 32 acres of land.  It's a huge looking place.  When we drove through it, it looks so quiet and peaceful.  Very family oriented.  Plus, the office does a criminal background check. 

Shannon worked 12 hours last night.  He had to work from 7pm until 7am.  He had to work one site from 7pm until 11pm and then do his supervisor shift from 11pm until 7am.  But during the 12 hours, he will be paid the same rate of pay!!!   The acting manager (they still haven't filled the position of the former Account manager) told Shannon that he will have more hours for him this week!  I am so glad there are plenty of hours to be given out to everyone.  It sounds like everyone is getting extra hours or overtime if they want it. 

Since I am feeling completely better and no longer have dizzy spells, I started March off to a great start.  February was not a good month for me.  I am back to doing pilates for now.  I am going to continue with pilates and then add yoga here and there.  Once I have done that for a few weeks, I plan on adding Turbo Jam and then Turbo Fire.  I am just taking it day by day. 

Friday work schedule

Shannon worked from 12pm until 7pm at Best Buy.  His security job called him while he was at Best Buy and asked him to come in an hour early to cover, so he's working 10pm until 7am.  He then has to work Saturday at Best Buy from 12pm until 7pm, I believe. 

I started taking a weight loss supplement called Raspberry Ketones.  It is recommended by Dr. Oz.  I am reviewing the product for my other blog.  I am also trying to get back into Turbo Fire.  I strayed from the program about a month ago.  I think I've been doing Turbo Fire for so long.  I am trying to stay motivated.  During the last month, I changed up my routine and rotated between pilates, yoga and Turbo Jam.  There's a new workout program coming out in mid-December but I think I'll wait to see what others are saying about it once it's out. 

Back to Turbo Fire

I am now on Week 2 of Turbo Fire.  In the weeks before, I was doing Turbo Jam to get my body and endurance up for Turbo Fire.  I took the summer off from Turbo Fire since the workout schedule is so intense and Kyle was home from school.  During the summer, I was focusing on pilates and yoga.  Now that Kyle is back in school, I wanted to get back into Turbo Fire. 

So far, I am staying on track and my body isn't that sore the next day.  I can feel my muscles getting strong faster this time around on the schedule. 

Change in workout needed

I feel like I need a change in workout.  While I love Turbo Fire, I need something less intense and with shorter workouts.  Today, I ended up doing Turbo Jam and pilates!  I would love to try a whole new workout program but I am still researching and looking at different ones.  In the meantime, I am saving up my Amazon gift cards to hopefully buy new workout DVDs. 

I am going to mix Turbo Jam and Pilates and rotate my current workout DVDs. 

The things I love!

Happy Monday!  It's a new week! 

I decided to do the things that make me happy.  This past weekend, I made more soy candles and had extra wax leftover to make tarts too!  I also put some candles up for sale through my Facebook page.  Once I sell the soy candle sets I have for sale, I hope to buy more candle supplies! 

Last week, I was still getting over the flu but while I wasn't feeling 100%, I was working out.  Instead of doing Turbo Fire, I went back to Turbo Jam all of last week.  This week, I am back to doing Turbo Fire!  I am restarting the schedule from the beginning.  I hope to stick to the schedule as much as possible! 

New Workout Started

I started a new workout today called Turbo Fire, it's just like Turbo Jam but more intense!  I am already familiar with Turbo Jam since I have been doing it since May 2009.  Turbo Fire has a lot of the similar moves as Turbo Jam, but there are new ones and faster ones mixed in. 

I did a 30 minute workout and then a 10 minute cool down video.  My 30 minute was actually 45 minutes because I did the "new to class" option where she shows and explains the moves for us.  So I basically did about an hour of Turbo Fire today and I really loved it.  I did have to stop a lot to take a breather.  It really got my heart rate up.  I felt really winded about 15 minutes into the workout which worried me, but I pushed through it.

I really need a new fan to use while working out because I am usually dripping with sweat afterwards.  Kyle broke the one I had.  He likes to take things apart.

Second day in a row

I love my new workout so much that I did it again today!  I woke up this morning a little sore from the day before of doing the new workout.  I felt a little more sore after doing the workout today.  I start to get short of breath during the warm up [of the workout] but then I remember how much fun I am having and just keep going.  I do stop a few times throughout to drink water.  I forgot how much I enjoy Turbo Jam and can't wait to get more videos to add to my collection! 

Shannon received his Eminem CD today!  He's already listened to a few songs on the CD.  I am really glad I was finally able to use my Amazon gift cards to get something for him for a change!  I am still waiting for the Twilight Saga hardcover book set and satin pillowcases. 

Shannon went to get his haircut today, it's been a few months and his hair was getting long!  I also had him stop by the grocery store for a few things.  We needed eggs, orange juice, chocolate milk, and toilet paper.

The first 40 minutes

I had an exciting, sweaty, awesome, and fun workout doing Turbo Jam Punch, Kick & Jam today!  The entire workout is over 48 minutes long.  The last 8 minutes is an "after after" workout.  I ended up doing the first 40 minutes of the workout and skipped the last 8 minute workout.  I missed some of the steps, but it gives me something to work on!

First Glance - a new workout

I received my new workout DVD called Turbo Jam Punch, Kick & Jam!!!  I watched it all the way through, just to get a feel of it.  It's faster paced than the original Turbo Jam 5 Rockin' Workouts.  They have the same moves, but they added extra steps to the moves.  It will take me some time to get the moves down but the entire workout looks fun!  It's a long workout too, a little under 50 minutes!  This will be a nice change from the original set as I need something new in my routine.

More FREE stuff from Amazon!

Thanks to a survey site I belong to, I was able to make another purchase from Amazon.  I have been a member of a particular survey site for a few years now!  As a member, I earn points for every survey I complete and after a few years, I had over 4000 points saved up.  The site finally added better prizes and I redeemed my points for Amazon gift cards!  I was able to gain $35 worth of Amazon gift cards!  My Amazon order came out to over $32 (including shipping) and my order didn't cost me a penny!  I ordered the hardcover book set of Twilight Collector's Edition (The Twilight Saga) and another Turbo Jam workout DVD to add to my collection. I am looking forward to receiving my goodies!  I have yet to read the books, but have seen the movie Twilight.  Based on the book reviews, everyone loves them and they read the entire set within a few days. I am excited about adding another Turbo Jam DVD to my workouts, I love Turbo Jam so much.

Nice Monday

Today was a nice day. Kyle had school, so it was a nice quiet break for us!

I did a Turbo Jam workout this morning and a pilates workout this afternoon! I was feeling energetic and decided to take advantage! I am feeling a little more energetic since I started taking my vitamins!



Kyle looked like he just woke up from a nap when he got off the bus! So cute! When we got home, I gave him a little snack, which he gobbled up! He still looked a little tired. We came upstairs and I pulled out some coloring books and he colored for a bit. Meanwhile, I took that time to skim through my new pilates DVDs! While I was watching them, Kyle came up and ended up falling asleeping next to me!

Finally!

After almost two days, I was finally able to take a shower! I also worked out for the first time in three days. Since I couldn't take a shower for the last two days, I didn't want to workout and work up a sweat! I definitely do not like going without a shower, my scalp and hair starts to look and feel greasy! I always hated that look!

After a short break from working out, it felt great to workout again! I couldn't wait to Turbo Jam again!

In the last few days, we couldn't take a shower, run the dishwasher, or do laundry! Why?! My in-laws had their septic tank pumped again (it's only been a few months since the last time). They bought this product that is supposed to be a septic tank cleaner. After they had their septic tank pumped, they had to dump the product into the septic tank. Apparently, you are supposed to refrain from using water as much as possible for the first few days!!! So basically, we have been eating off of paper plates with plastic forks. We have all refrained from taking showers too! UGH! I am just glad that it's over.

I must be bored!

I must be bored with my current workouts with Turbo Jam. While I love Turbo Jam, I just need a change. I've been doing the same 5 workouts for almost a year now and it's definitely getting old. I am still waiting for my workout DVD that I ordered a few weeks ago! I am still looking forward to that workout.

Since I had another $15 gift card from Amazon from another online program that I used, I just ordered two pilates DVDs tonight! Soon I will have a small collection of workout DVDs to rotate!

I definitely miss my pilates workouts! I did a few pilates videos online last week and I could tell it's been too long! The challenge will be good for me. Now I just need to find my pilates mat that's still packed away.

I am looking forward to working on my core and other muscles. Turbo Jam helped me slim down, but pilates can help in many other ways that Turbo Jam can't.

Overall, I am just bored and need a change! I am excited to try my workouts and ready for the new challenge!

No School Again

There's hasn't been any new snow fall. It did rain here and there today. It's supposed to rain tomorrow as well. I don't think we'll be getting anymore snow until the weekend.

We just received a call that there is no school tomorrow! Surprise, surprise! I have a feeling there won't be school on Friday either. Either way, I am kind of glad because Kyle is still sick. He woke up this morning at around 2:45 AM, but that's only because he fell asleep at about 7:45 PM! He's been coughing and still have a running nose. He also felt "warmer than usual" to the touch, but I am not sure if it was a fever. I have him on cough medicine today.

Last night, I placed another order on Amazon and my order came to $0!!! I saved up enough gift cards to pay for the order. I ended up buying another workout video and coconut oil. I plan on using the coconut oil for my hair and skin. It's supposed to be really good for your scalp, softening your hair, and making it more healthy. I can also use coconut oil as body lotion and it's good for those with eczema! Another use for coconut oil is as deodorant, I am curious to see how that works. I bought a new workout video because I need a little change from my current workouts. Not that I don't like my current workouts, I just need a little change here and there.

I also found Winsor Pilates workout videos on youtube! They are entire workouts! So I plan on going back to Pilates here and there!

New Clothes

My MIL and I went to Kmart today. I ended up getting Shannon 2 collared shifts and boxers, both of which he really needed. I also bought myself 2 tank tops!

We're still waiting to hear back on his appeal with his unemployment! We're anxious to hear how they rule. Still job hunting, and received a few call backs. He's returned their call, but they end up not calling back!

I am still doing my workouts. I did a 43 minute cardio workout today! I actually did this workout for the first time last week. It's a really great workout, but very draining!

Goodies all around

I received my soy protein mix and night night balm today! I am waiting until I receive my Tupperware shake mixer from the ebay seller before I try the soy protein shake. In the meantime, I am still working out and did so today! I felt like I "fell off the wagon" so I am trying to stay on track and keep myself motivated. I am really trying to eat better and not have as much chocolate and junk food, but I do spoil myself a bit. I am trying to be more aware of what I am eating.

I am looking at getting another Turbo Jam workout DVD from amazon.com. I plan on using gift cards to purchase another workout DVD! I have some gift cards that I earned from a site that I use.

Shannon set up the basketball hoop and Kyle is loving it! He's been playing with it whenever he's outside. He's been watching the boy next door play basketball, so it was fitting that my MIL get him his own basketball hoop! She said this was his birthday and Christmas gifts from the last 3 years, which sounds pretty fair to us!

A Tupperware of a Mess

I will be adding soy protein shakes to my workout routine! I am excited that I found one that fits my needs and price range. Plus, it's natural and vegan. I usually feel drained and hungry after my workouts, so I hope this will help overall.

In addition to making protein shakes, I needed a shake mixer cup and I found one from Tupperware that I liked. I contacted a consultant (who was offering 20% off) and she basically tried to overcharge me! Instead, I went to ebay and found one with free shipping! I went through upromise, so I will earn money for college for my son!


I am really excited to try this Tupperware product and the protein shakes! I didn't want to mess with a blender to mix my protein shakes. I hope this shake mixer will make it quicker and easier to make my protein shakes.

Weather Permitted

Shannon was able to finish mowing the backyard yesterday evening. He happened to finish just before it started raining again! It's been raining for the last week (off an on) to where nobody could mow their lawns.

I checked our vegetable garden today and all of the plants are thriving from the rain, they are growing like crazy!

I took new pictures today. I dressed Kyle in his new blue outfit that I bought him and had to take some pics of him in it.

Shannon is still doing good in his college. He said it's definitely a full time course, there are assignments due almost every other day or so. His latest assignment is to work as a team and he can't seem to get in contact with anyone on his team to do the assignment. So he's going to just finish his portion. The college counselor is still calling him almost daily! They seem to be "checking in" with him to make sure he's doing okay.

I am still working out with Turbo Jam. It's still a challenge and thankfully I am not bored with the workouts. They are very fun and keep me motivated. Since there are 5 different workout videos, I can change up my workout and not do the same routine over and over.

I lost 6.3 lbs!!!

I just weighed myself today and found out that I lost 6.3 lbs. since starting Turbo Jam only 2 weeks and 1 day ago! I am so excited and didn't expect such a big drop!

I can definitely say that I weight less than I did before I was pregnant with my 3 year old son!

I haven't really changed my eating habits, as I am a vegetarian and I don't want to change it. I still eat a little junk food (maybe a little too much), but I can't cut it out completely.

Otter Pops, School, and more

Since the weather heated up, we've introduced Kyle to ice cream and otter pops. He loves both! Otter Pops remind me of summertime and childhood. Since Kyle likes playing outside, (while it's scorching hot) we try to give him one each day. The end up cooling all of us off!

Shannon starts college next week! Since he signed up, the school calls at least once or twice a week. So far, he's heard from at least 3 different people from the school. His counselor calls most often. He called today wanting him to come in to do some sort of computer thing, which should only "take a few minutes" as he put it. When Shannon told me that, I about flipped and even said to him, "They want you to drive 45 minutes to do something that will only take a few minutes [on the computer]?!?!?! Then the counselor remembered that he isn't "nearby" and said he could do it online.

I can tell Shannon is very excited and I am excited for him. He will be studying a subject he LOVES. I know he will do very well. So far, he says logging in and accessing the forum/online classroom is easy.

We have our second appointment with the bankruptcy attorney in two weeks. We'll probably have my MIL watch Kyle during that time. I think she really liked the last time. Plus, it's easier for us, we won't have to worry about keeping him occupied in an attorney's office! LOL

My workouts have been going well. I have done almost all of the workout videos that come with this program and they are all very challenging. Turbo Jam keeps me motivated and I am always looking forward to working out. It's nice to have a different workout routine.