Just need to keep pushing forward....and food matters! it really does!

ALWAYS HAVE TO OPEN WITH A PICTURE OF SWEET SCARLET!!! 
She is growing up so fast. 

Such a happy baby!!!

Ever have one of those weeks where no matter what you do...you somehow manage to leave your workout a little disappointed?? THAT WAS ME LAST WEEK!!

I have about 100 theories about what is wrong with me or what is NOT wrong with me. 

1. I am working wayyyyyy too much
2. I am getting old...body takes longer to recover
3. I have peaked/plateaued 

ETC...ETC...ETC...

Excuses...that's all they really are. There is nothing WRONG with me. I am working too much but its not forever..just for now...age is just a number...and if I work at it hard enough I will get those PR's I am dying to get. I know it takes time and persistence. Time? eh...don't have alot of it right now...persistence? have plenty of it. So..this week- starting with a fresh mind- a new perspective..instead of beating myself up so badly I will find ONE thing- that may have gone right! That's it.....my Sunday rant! 


LETS TALK FOOD PEOPLE! 
Loved the soup recipe from last week-quickly learned it was too much starch for me. Which bummed me out alot! Starch is one thing I have to really watch. But if you can tolerate it that recipe is so good!

This week I decided to go kind of simple. I wanted to badly to try the cauliflower tortilla shell recipe so I kind of planned my menu around that. 
These are delicious. I made them way TOO thick but I will know for next time. I grabbed a lb of ground chicken and cooked it with lots of spice. I grabbed some greens - I will end of eating this kind of as a chicken tostada salad.
http://slimpalate.com/cauliflower-tortillas-paleo-grain-free-gluten-free/ 

I have also been wanting to try to do a brisket. I know there are so many ways to cook this and I really wanted to try a dry rub but I have to be honest- no idea what I was doing so I just googled a Paleo recipe. I found this one and I love how simple it is and it's still cooking- so I can't really tell you how this is quite yet. But look at it!!! ( I do not eat much red meat so this should be interesting!) You kind of make your own clean bbq sauce!
http://fedandfit.com/2013/04/13/crockpot-paleo-bbq-pulled-beef

I also have been craving salmon. Strange I know so I grabbed some salmon-drenched it in lemon- seasoned it with sea salt, pepper and threw some dill on there. AND YES I GRILLED IT OUTSIDE ....I tried to get a pic of how it was snowing while I had this on the grill but it didn't really turn out. I grabbed a huge bag of broccoli. I was able to get 4 good size pieces of out of this slab. Again- with broccoli and or salad. This will make a great lunch!

And breakfast. Again- frittata. This one is mushroom-kale, zucchini, a little red onion and I added olives..not sure why, just sounded good. I love this- it's SO easy to make and pack- and I of course add avocado. Smiths has their avocados 10 for 10.00 and they are good ones- all good sized!

I did a little cost analysis on this frittata.
Kale- .98  I buy this and just tear it and chop it- you can buy it already chopped up but its alot more.
zucchini - 1.50 (estimated I bought 3 small ones and used 2)
6 eggs- 1.34 I buy the Omega 3 eggs..2.69 for a dozen 
mushrooms-1.69 these were already sliced
onion .32 I used less than a 1/4 
olives .33 I used about 10 olive and sliced them myself so I used about 1/3 of the can the can was .99 
So TOTAL-6.16  I get 8 slices so this breakfast ends up being .77- add 1/2 and avocado .50 and total breakfast cost is 1.27. 
That is my frugal breakfast share. I guess if you got something off the dollar menu at McDonalds it could be cheaper but this is actually real food and so good for you!

My last share is a treat share- for those of you doing challenges you could still make these just double check all of your ingredients. This is my second try at these and Kat suggested just omitting the coconut sugar. I did and they are still delicious! They freeze great they are soft even after being frozen.

http://paleomg.com/soft-chewy-molasses-spice-cookies/ 

Well we are heading into week 3 of good eating. I am finally starting to feel better. Its insane to me how poor food effects you. And not just how it impacts your wod performance but how some foods can make you just feel so sluggish and tired amongst 100 other things! Stay on track peeps. If you have failed already - get the hell back on. WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR????

REGISTRATION FOR THE CROSSFIT GAMES OPEN IS THIS WEEK!!! SO EXCITED. I won't be chasing anyone down this year begging them to sign up. It's not for everyone. Me? I have a goal..I am putting it out there right now. I am pushing to finish in the top 200 women in my age group. I don't know if its realistic or possible. Last year I finished 232. And honestly I feel like I have been going backward. Don't care...if I am going to do it I have to have something to push for and this is it!
Saw this on the Games FB page and loved it!! Not to mention she is a complete bad ass!!!

1. "I can't control the outcome, but I can control the effort I put in."
   
   - Elisabeth Akinwale, 7th - CrossFit Games

 













That's all I have! Have a great week everyone! Croni- out!

I had this grand idea!....Week 2 of back on track-finding my center and focus again!

Let me start by saying GO NINERS!!!! Love it! I have been a Niners fan for a long time now. I am not some huge fan of the NFL but I do love football. So YES!! Nicely done Niners!




I had this grand idea for my blog today. 13 memories of 2013. I actually started it, then realized...eh...not for Sunday. Its coming though. I can say looking back..pretty satisfied with my accomplishments last year can't wait to top it this year.

My sweet grand baby Lady Scarlet is growing up so fast!!! Just a few pics from last week. Man I love this sweet little girl!!!

My New Year started with a new PR. I set a goal for January to work on a few things I have been avoiding. The overhead squat is one of them. I hate them. It absolutely displays every weakness that I have. So after avoiding it for months and months and months. I hit a new PR. 118..I can only go up from here! 

Looking forward to really working hard for the next few months and starting with a new PR has me excited to see what else I can do! For those of you not tracking your progress-this is a great tool!! As you can see I have a good history of where I have been! XFit PR app is cheap and pretty easy to use!

I had a pretty successful week last week getting my eating cleaned up. My goodness, it's so easy to fall back into bad habits, especially when life is crazy busy. But I am happy to say that I am feeling focused again. I just took it one day at a time and it seemed to work.

I have a GREAT salad tip. I had made a large green salad mixed with kale for a family party- there was quite a bit leftover so I loaded up a large Ziploc and believe it or not it lasted the entire week! I was able to have a little salad everyday it stay so fresh I was shocked. I still had plenty of mix leftover and plenty of kale so I grabbed a cucumber-some radishes-red pepper and a fat tomato cut it all up-put it in a ziploc and I am ready for the week again- since I made a ton of dressing I split that into 4 small servings and I am good to go. This is just red wine vinegar, olive oil, lemon and greek seasoning. 

I have been LOVING soup for lunch lately. I have been doing soup and salad and its been great! So I was super pumped when Christy shared this recipe with me! I am going to type it out for you. 
INGREDIENTS
2 garlic cloves minced
2 carrots peeled and cubed
1 cup butternut squash peeled and cubed
1 small sweet potato peeled and cubed
1/2 yellow onion quartered
2 T olive oil
4 c chicken stock
2-3 cups leftover shredded chicken or 1 lb chicken breast 
3/4 t dried parsley
1 t sea salt
1/2 t dried thyme
1/2 t dried rosemary
1/4 t dried oregano
1/4 t cracked black pepper
1 cup water
2 cups baby spinach 
Preheat oven to 425
Toss the veggies with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper roast for 20 min or until veggies are soft

These veggies just look gorgeous

While the veggies cook bring the chicken stock-chicken, herbs and salt and pepper to a simmer in a large pot. Cover and simmer about 15 minutes - if using raw chicken cook 45 minutes or until chicken is cooked enough to shred with a fork.

I used cooked chicken thighs

When the veggies are ready add half the veggies to the soup and the other half in a blender-make sure to put the onion quarters in the blender. Puree the veggies with 1 cup of water.
Add the vegetable puree and baby spinach to the soup and simmer 5-10 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the soup is hot. 





This was before I added the spinach. I didn't have to add anything once it was cooked. It was seasoned well and I followed the recipe with the exception that I used shredded chicken thighs. AND I think if I make it again I will throw in just a little more spinach! Thanks again Christy for sharing.




So my lunches are taken care of this soup seems pretty hearty so I may not need a salad with it but I will be packing it just in case. I am determined to be super strict during the week so that when I want to have a little "cheat meal" on Saturday i don't feel guilty. 
I also made a big batch of meatball. Lets be honest you can't really go wrong with meatballs. 

Mediterranean Meatballs

This is just ground turkey-2 turkey italian sausage links-fresh parsley, 1/2  red onion- greek seasoning, mint, dried basil and chopped kalmata olives. Bake at 350 or about 30 minutes is. 

I am still hooked on frittatas for breakfast. I made one on Wed last week and I still have 6 good servings. I followed kind of the same recipe only I subbed shredded sweet potato for the zucchini - so clearly I need to really watch any other starch this week. I usually have the frittata with a 1/2 of a SMALL avocado. 

I cant believe that we are already a week into the New Year AND THAT THE REGISTRATION FOR THE CROSSFIT OPEN STARTS JANUARY 15TH!!! Its insane and make me happy to give me something new to work toward. First WOD will be at the end of February AND SW Regionals will be in SLC again. So awesome.
Well folks. That's it for a Sunday. I am working on putting together some posts for eating Paleo on a budget. One thing I did notice when I started going a little more strict Paleo was that my grocery bill increased. For me I have learned to live with it but I know that there are many people out there who would love to eat clean but find it's more pricey. So I have been working on getting some meals put together that wont kill the budget. With as much as I am working I may not get it done this month. But I am sure going to try!!!
Have a great week everyone- stay focused-and if you haven't started already- GET FOCUSED!! A little something funny in closing...for those of you who WOD with me :)
Croni-OUT

Its been a whirlwind-fun-family-food-GETTING BACK ON TRACK NOW!!

Anyone else feeling that way? The past week- WOW-not only did it FLY by it was full of so many things-I am happy and sad to see it all end.



Great Granny and Gramps loving on Scarlet on Christmas day

Hope everyone had an amazing Holiday! Just wanted to share this pic I took of my folks with sweet Scarlet that I absolutely LOVE! As well as my fav pic with her. She is changing so much so quickly. I love this little bug with my whole heart!

Love this baby girl-such a trooper!

BEST PART OF COURSE MY SIS ROBIN-HER HUBBY JEFF AND HER BOYS TREVOR AND LUKE WERE HERE!!! They got to meet Scarlet and we were able to spend a lot of quality time with them. Its like the universe (family universe) is in balance. Love this family. 

The Williams family with Miss Scarlet

I am not going to lie. I indulged quite a bit this year. It was weird and amazing all at the same time. I seriously need to start taking pics of my indulgences. It started on Christmas Eve and stopped...oh well about 2 hours ago. It is the first time in years that I just kind of relaxed and let myself enjoy things I normally wouldn't and even though I still worked out..whoa..I kind of felt like crap. There is ALOT to be said about clean eating but sometimes...ya just gotta allow some indulgences.

Hence the reason I am getting back on track NOW!! I don't want to say tomorrow because I hate the whole start of the week I am going to eat clean BS. But I guess that is what I am doing.

FOOD PREP! I hate food prepping on short weeks but I also love it because then when I am off I have quick access to easy food.

I ended up having 3 large pieces of leftover frittata- and discovered the reason for the basil pest..uh its amazing.
So I decided to make a soup that caught my eye a few weeks ago as well as a crock pot recipe of chicken and mushrooms.
 

MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN SOUP

1.5 lbs chicken breast

3-4 carrots chopped

3-4 stalks celery chopped

1 red onion chopped

1/3 cup of rice (this is optional)

8 cups of water ( 1 did 2 chicken stock 6 water)

10 black olive pitted and halved

fresh parsley and lemon to garnish

Place chicken in pot- add onion, carrots, celery and salt and pepper water (and chicken stock) stir and bring to a boil-

 

add rice (optional) and olives-stand reduce-simmer 30-40 min-

 

 remove chicken and let it cool slightly- shred it and return it to the pot-I let it simmer about another 10 min. Serve hot garnished with lemon and parsley. YUM!!!!

This makes quite a bit. I am sure it will freeze up great!

 

I have a big bag of salad that I made for a party so I will be having soup and salad for lunches this week!

 

Item #2 came out of free download book that Maria shared- Easy Paleo Recipes -Paleo Slow Cooker Recipes

 

Chicken with Mushrooms

2lbs chicken thighs and drumsticks

1lbs sliced mushrooms (I threw in a little extra because I LOVE mushrooms)

1 tbs coconut oil

1tbs minced garlic

1 cup chicken broth

2 tbs almond flour

1 tbs dried parsley

1 tsp dried oregano

salt and pepper to taste

Season the chicken- I used salt and pepper and greek seasoning- heat oil in a skillet over med high heat- add the garlic -cook for one minute- add the chicken-brown on both sides (approx. 2 min each side) put chicken in the crock pot and cover with the mushrooms-

Whisk remaining ingredients and drizzle over the chicken and mushrooms. Cook on low heat for 7-8 hours (or 5-6 hours high)

 

The smell of this one was over the top amazing! So easy- super clean eating. Its crazy how easy this is. I will probably have a little side of kale with this.

 

So as you can see-for a post that is right before a New year this is void of a bunch of New years resolution CRAP. Sorry folks. I think resolutions are CRAP. You shouldn't have to wait for a new year, new week, new month to change something or start something new. Here is the thing. Life is so short. Why would you put off anything about yourself, your situation, your health, your fitness, YOUR ANYTHING- when you could change it now? Change is a process-sometimes it takes more than days, weeks and or years.

So I am not going to fish for what your resolutions are for the "New Year" but what is your resolution for today? 

Today?

I am going to eat clean and always WOD hard, learn to love a little more freely, accept people for who they are (not to be confused with actually liking people-don't get it twisted) etc etc. But I am not waiting to January 1 to do this. Why put off until then what I can start now? Think about it....

 

(PS in case you are wondering-Goals are good-goals are GREAT-set goals regularly-not resolutions once a year :)

 

 

Everyone have a safe and Happy New Years! Croni-OUT!

 

 

 

120 burpees, 120 pullups, 2000M row, 55 deadlifts at 155# and 55 handstand pushups....in less than 24 hours..

Seems like a lot of work right? BECAUSE IT IS!! I have to say...wasn't sure how Saturday was going to go after 120 burpees and 120 pull ups on Friday night. I WOD at 5:00pm on Friday and then again on Saturday morning..sometimes getting just over 12 hours break. Saturday I have been taking advantage of the open gym hours at 22 from 7:00-8:30. I do this because quite honestly I have to gauge how wiped out I am and then adjust accordingly. Its what I do. I was super happy to get 55 handstand push ups even if it was with a double pad. Wont be long before I won't need them anymore! they are coming along easier each time I do them.

I CANT BELIEVE CHRISTMAS WEEK IS HERE!!! Its crazy. Time flies when you are having fun!!!

Speaking of fun... decided Miss Lady Scarlet and I needed to take some selfies on Friday night. Man I love this baby girl. She has such a sweet disposition..so similar to how I remember her Daddy being as a baby. I love her like crazy!!!
She is the baby of a million faces!!! I can't believe how much she changes each time that I see her!! Life has been so busy for the kiddos and for myself so squeezing in some baby time has been tough. So thankful we were able to get it all worked out Friday night. Even the Mr was able to be there!!

She did not love the selfies experiment at all...



Someone asked me a very interesting question this week and something I guess I never really think about. He asked me if I stop eating Paleo during the Holidays. I kind of had to stop and think about it. Lets be honest. This time of the year is the worst to try and stick to a stricter than normal eating plan but my answer was YES! I eat Paleo as much as I can. BUT I ALSO BELIEVE THAT YOU HAVE TO HAVE SOME JOY IN YOUR LIFE!!! My plan is to eat as strict as possible but still enjoy myself within reason. I just feel like this works for me. If I try and get too strict..I fail.

So I am loving on PaleOMG again this week. I HAVE ONLY A 2 DAY WORK WEEK!! WHOOT WHOOT!!! it could not have happened at a better time for me. I have been working like a dog and I am EXHAUSTED! But when big sis Robin comes in town...I take the time off. I just do not get enough time with her and I never want to look back with any regrets..and work is work...it will still be there when she has gone back to Cali.

I only made two items this week. 1 breakfast-and dinner/lunch. Links to recipes will be at the bottom of this post.

FIRST: Pesto Zucchini Noodle Bacon Frittata with Mushrooms and Kale! you absolutely can not go wrong with a Frittata you can put just about anything you want in it! The only changes I made to this was that I added red pepper flakes. That's all- I used about 1 1/2 packages of the pre sliced mushrooms and honestly..should have just used them both! Love mushrooms!

I do not have a spiralizer so I just used my mandolin.

 

The before product- if you do not have a heavy skillet like this I recommend you get one. 20.00 at Walmart.

 

The finished product. I was able to cut 8 good size pieces -I cut it as I would a pizza

 

 The basil pesto is delicious but I am not sure I am going to LOVE it for breakfast..but I made it either way.

The second recipe that she posted that caught my eye was from 2012 but I believe it was a repost. BUFFALO CHICKEN AND SWEET POTATO MEATZA??? WHAT?? Its a carnivores dream!!!! Meat with meat? You don't mind if I do. Super simple to make. I didn't use grass fed beef. I do not really prefer red meat at all so I subbed Turkey and turkey Italian sausage. It seems to be a great substitute. I did drain it well and pat it with paper towels before adding the chicken and sweet potato mixture. That was really the only modifications I made. This made 8 servings as well. I froze 4 of them right away.
 

 
I did add a 1/4 of a red onion and some garlic to the oil before adding my sweet potatoes.

My finished product. I did actually bake this for about 20 minutes just to make sure all of the meat was in fact cooked. This is delicious!! who doesn't love a MEATZA???

 

Tis the season of sugar. Here is a little tip for a little cleaner version of something delicious my sis Liz makes each year. Super simple and so delicious. I used a can of lightly salted mixed nuts (I had to laugh because it said on the outside less than 50% peanuts but I don't think that was accurate) blueberries and enjoy life chocolate chips.

 

 You simply use the mini muffin liners- add the nuts and blueberries. Melt the enjoy life chips-I just put them in a glass bowl and zap them for about 2 1/2 minutes in the microwave

Just spoon the melted chocolate over the top of the blueberry/nut mixture- cover with was paper and put in the fridge until set. I am going take these to work tomorrow and just not tell anyone they are Paleo-ish :)

Keep them in the fridge when not stuffing your face with them!

I don't have much else for a Sunday night. Excited for Christmas and to spend time with the people that mean the very most to me. I have struggled this year. I have had so MUCH on my plate that I have let the reason for the season slip away from me. I hope to be able to focus on that. I have so much to be thankful for. The bumps in the road of my life have been put there for a reason and that is for me to push through and preserver and become strong because of it.

Wishing you all the very best Christmas ever! Finish the year out strong! Live, love, laugh and be thankful!!
Croni....Out
http://paleomg.com/guest-post-pesto-zucchini-noodle-bacon-frittata-with-mushrooms-and-kale/

http://paleomg.com/buffalo-chicken-sweet-potato-meatza/

 

New week...Renewed focus...get that crap week behind me!!

I HAD A HORRIBLE EATING WEEK LAST WEEK!!!!! This is true confessions for me. Being ill, working too much and just feeling sick and tired kind of took it's toll on me last week. I got so lazy with food prep and I am paying for it!!! One night I actually just went to In and Out and got a double double protein style. 2 problems-and not a problem for everyone...just a problem for me..it's drenched in cheese and some delicious sauce.
I quickly realized this could put me on a very slippery slope...so here is what my shopping cart looked like this week- eat clean...pretty simple..going to try out a new recipe that's tuna with cucumber and dill pickle relish? should be interesting!

I had an interesting little meltdown this week in regards to candy...which I normally never have a problem with...but here is my warning - stay away from...candy cane and cherry cordial Hershey kisses...AND pretzel and mint M & M's this will be my only warning...EVIL!


Anyway...that was last week and I am putting it behind me and moving on.

Love my folks so much- isn't my Dads hat awesome? 

Had an AWESOME Saturday with my family. We went to Temple Square and then went back to my folks to share memories about my brother Shane. I was bummed that some of our family couldn't be there but this is a CRAZY time of year hard to get so many people in the same space at the same time. It was a great time and I think that some of the younger grand kids got to hear stories and things about Shane that they didn't know before.

FINALLY FINISHED MY CRAFT PROJECT! I am going to be completely honest. I had a much different vision for these bottles but I am happy with how they turned out just the same!

 

 

 

Sweet Miss Scarlet- what can I say? I love this baby girl. So glad her sweet parents keep me posted with all her happenings! She met Santa this weekend and I love this pic!! Thanks so technology I feel like I never miss a thing!! She is getting so big and strong- My kiddos started working out again last week and I get to hog her while they are wodding!! highlight of my life right now!!

 

Lets get down to food business. I have a lot of work to do this week getting my eating back on track. And I found a few recipes that appealed to me. But what I am making for my main staples this week- Crockpot Pulled Pork Chili- thanks PaleOMG- and a cookie sheet tray of meatballs. I also made as a side- one of my favs twice baked cauliflower ( all recipes below)

The Chili- here is what a learned- there is a noticeable difference between regular paprika and smoked paprika- hence the word "smoked" -the only thing I did differently from the OMG recipe was that I just chopped my veggies and onions instead of dicing them-to make it chunky and I added a SEEDED jalapeno. You will see why when you see the ingredients because I am NOT shy about loving my spice.

 

This is not done yet. I started it kind of late BUT I had to test it. My garage smells like a dream right now- this has amazing flavor - cant wait to have it this week!!

Breakfast is going to be simple- I am going to take a little break from spinach with my eggs and sub kale but sticking to what I know until I can get back on track strong.

I also did make a Paleo treat Gingerbread brownies-hoping this will help me when I am feeling the desire for sugar!! I cooked these in a glass pan and I am so SO bummed that the edges burned just a little. While baking these..I felt like I was sitting in a gingerbread house!! They are delicious- I cut them in about 2"x 2" squares and froze them right away. They are delicious. So 2 great recipes from OMG!!

 

http://paleomg.com/crockpot-pulled-pork-chili/

http://paleomg.com/gingerbread-brownies/

http://paleospirit.com/2011/twice-baked-cauliflower/

 

 

Well welcome to a new week- food is prepped and ready to go. I even went on a freak cleaning frenzy today- so decided that was my theme for the week- CLEAN IF IT KILLS ME!!!

 

I am still struggling getting into the "Christmas Spirit". That is my second focus. To let all of the stress go so that I can truly embrace this wonderful time of year!!

 

Here is wishing everyone a strong week-clean eating and such. Don't let the things that can come with this time of year derail you completely..if you fall down get the HELL right back up..dust yourself off!!! And if it helps...LIFT HEAVY THINGS.....I do.

Have a good week ya'll....Croni...out!

 

 

One year later...I still have so many words....just so little time..

I cant believe it's been a whole year and 2 days ago today that I decided to find a place for all my words via a blog. Don't get me wrong...this is just a very small portion of the things I have to say...but hey..its something.

I looked back over my last years post. MY GOODNESS...so many MANY things have happened! I feel compelled to highlight a few

** I BECAME A GRANNY!!!!!

My sweet Grandbaby Scarlet T McCloyn

** I competed in quite a few CrossFit competitions...and was NOT shy blogging about my accomplishments along with pictures.

** I shared my-what used to be very private to me- before and after story with everyone in blog world-not only did I share mine-I shared several others.

** I learned to love me...and blogged about it....

** I repeatedly professed my unwaivering love for my family, my friends, CrossFit, Food, Paleo..etc..etc.. and I blogged ALOT about it.

** I shared many recipes and photos of food..some were not so appealing!!

** I put a muscle up on my bucket list....it's still there..

** I volunteered for 3 days at the CrossFit Regionals ( my little dream vacation-surrounded by like minded people)..and blogged about it.


That is seriously just a small portion of the things I blogged about. And amazingly...people read my blog. I have an audience..small as it may be of people who appreciate and respect who I am and what I have to say, I do not sugar coat much. I blog about my success' but I am not afraid to talk about my failures. Life is not all candy and roses people! Don't be afraid to talk about what is really going on!

The one regret that I do have ...currently...I just do not really have the time to blog like I used to. Life has come in like a wrecking ball. My job had become kind of demanding and since it pays the bills...I have to give it my focus. So my blogging is suffering. I have to remember there is always a light at the end of the proverbial tunnel....just need to find the tunnel.

I don't have much more time so I want to share ONE thing that was heavy on my mind today. I bought this little saying and wasn't sure what I was thinking when got it...but knew it would find its place in my sweet home somewhere

I have kind of gotten away from traditional Christmas colors. I have gotten away from a traditional Christmas if you will. Sometimes I get so caught up in the commercial part of Christmas that I tend to forget. It took me glancing over-at this saying with my sweet Grandbaby Scarlets picture in the background to kind of slap me into reality. Christmas is the time of year where I struggle the most-but I am realizing why. Its because I have let go of the "tradition" of Christmas. I have given into the material things and I have forgotten what my parents worked so hard to teach me as a child. I am not going to get all religious crazy on you. But I am going to say there is something to be said about remembering what the true meaning of Christmas is.

Since I normally post something inspirational on Wed and do food on Sunday...I wanted to share this today. I feel like I am all over the board. I mostly just wanted to celebrate that I have been blogging for 1 whole year...and I have just barely scratched the surface.

These thoughts and photos are courtesy of JornalMenu-like their FB page if you haven't already

 

Full speed ahead.

It's that time of year when getting off track or derailed is pretty much as easy as breathing.

Focus on your plans for next year, is it to stay in shape? Make it to Regionals? Qualify for Nationals in weightlifting?
...
What you do now, the choices you make, the time you put in - it directly effects your performance next month.

Slacking now is like shooting yourself in the foot later.

It's only an hour - consider making the time a holiday present to yourself. Consider it a break from the family, the food, the deadlines at work.

Do you know how hard it is to come back from a week off? How sore you will be? How much you will kick yourself for not getting up and doing something...anything?

It's easy to think you aren't losing much when you are sitting on the couch watching movies for the third night in a row. It's easy to think you are still on track.

But you aren't.

Stay moving, keep hitting the WOD, make the time. Put in the work now so you start your resolutions off on the right foot.

Crank it up a notch and go full speed ahead.

FULL SPEED AHEAD FOLKS...THE END OF THE YEAR IS QUICKLY APPROACHING.. BELIEVE IN THE SPIRIT OF THE THINGS THAT YOU TRULY BELIEVE IN AND WANT TO ACCOMPLISH..

CRONI...OUT!