So Much Mischief

So we all know that vacations are a fun way to "let go" and have a good time with no worries, right?

Well my trip to Belize was exactly that - a good fun time to not worry about workouts, not stress over foods - to just enjoy the results of my hard work with a promise to myself to get right back at it once I made it back to the routine in Portland.

Then I got back to Portland.

And I recommitted to redefining my motivation.

And I got excited about getting back into it.

Then things happened.

Work happened. Good weather happened. Bad weather happened. Unexpected playtime happened. Corporate parties happened.

Sangria happened again. So. much. sangria.

And then I let sushi happen and queso happen and cheesecake happen!?!?

And it all happened so fast. I mean, even a corn dog was eaten.... it was amazing and I don't regret it - but it happened.

With all of the good weather / bad weather / work and fun - it can also be confirmed that the only sweat I produced was while eating spicy foods - and maybe once in a hot tub that I shared with a 12 year old little league baseball team. (Really, I thought only girls would do this?)

It would be so reckless delicious to keep going down this path, but man did I miss my sweat. I missed my sweat more than I missed my blog more than I miss anything in this world. Sweat is as important to me as the air I breathe. 

I'm back on track, 110%. It's a choice and nothing more. 

Meat prep. Paleo foods. Mid-work day workouts. New shoes. Weights. Stair Steppers. Sweat. 

And I'm here to stay. Mischief you were fun, but you've been managed!

Oh and look, it didn't wreck my body completely - just a little cushion that will take some water, sweat and vegetables to take care of. Thanks metabolism!!!!!!!

The First Summer

Last week the weather here in Portland was beautiful!

Sunny and in the 70/80's. Maxi skirts and sandals. Smiling faces and sunglasses. 

Iced coffee and sunroofs open. 

This sounds like bliss to many of you, but the past me used to be terribly afraid of unseasonal warm weather. It's like company coming over for dinner too early before you've finished with your hair and makeup - you're not ready for it. Just the thought of showing my winter body to the summer world usually scares me into an attempt at a quick-fix diet that more than anything leaves me low on energy and exhausted.

From first hand knowledge, summer is hard when you're carrying around some extra pounds and don't feel comfortable in your own skin. 

This year, thanks to taking my fitness journey one day at a time over the past few months - things are going to be different. 

This will be the first summer I look forward to 4th of July.

This will be the first summer I don't shy away from the swimming pool.

This will be the first summer I wear shorts to work (eek!) and do it stylishly (with wedges!)

This will be the first summer I don't go shopping for more light cardigans to cover up my arms. 

This will be the first summer I choose social workouts over daily patio happy hours.

This will be the first summer I allow my legs to be photographed. 

What about you, how are you going to do your summer differently this year?