On a recent trip to my local market, I had just checked out, walked to my car and realized I had forgotten an item for that night's dinner. No biggie really. Went back in, grabbed it, hit the self checkout, threw in a $10 bill and back to the car I went. Next stop...fuel. As I'm about to put the nozzle in, an older gentleman approached me. He proceeded to tell me that he and his wife lost everything and were living out of their van. Honestly, I didn't know what to do. I'm no better than anyone else, but was this guy for real or scamming those of us getting gas? Why was I so skeptical and uncomfortable about this??? How sad that I even questioned his motives. And guess how I handled it. I LIED!! "I don't keep any cash on me." (Remember that $10 bill I just used in the store???) I got change inside AND had some in my purse. Then I did something even more pathetic. I tried to internally justify my lie.
* I needed to put that money back in the envelope at home.
* If others help him, I will too. (No one did. Even sadder still.)
* Is he really down and out?
Then I talked to God. You know - the bargaining chip conversation. "God, if you...then I will... If I should help, give me a sign." UGH!!! Why couldn't I just be generous and help?! Well, God pulled out the signs and hit me hard. My stomach started hurting, as in literal gut wrenching pain. Then I watched as the man went to the van, put his hand on his wife's head, smoothed her hair and said, "Don't worry. I said I'd take care of you and I will." My husband has said that to me many times. My heart broke and my stomach clenched tighter. I dug out some cash, drove up beside the man and gave it to him, along with a very sincere "God bless you." The stomachache was instantly gone.
I drove home, all the while thinking, how could I have even doubted? I had just bought groceries for my family, pulled my very large (not cheap) car up to the pump and filled up. Things I easily take for granted every day. God truly opened my eyes to how beyond blessed I am (and how incredibly self centered my horrible initial reaction was). I got home and cried in my husband's arms. He cried with me. I've heard messages lately about generosity and the time is now. It's not about hearing the message, it's about LIVING it! God is good!
"If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth" 1 John 3:17-18
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Why I'm taking a much needed hiatus from Facebook
" Life is not about how many likes you get. It is all about how much love you show."
#struggles by Craig Groeschel
I was feeling...well, simply put, NOT RIGHT! I was agitated, cynical, depressed and just "off". Why? I eat right, drink water, exercise, sleep, go to church. What more can I do?? The answer hit me like a ton of bricks. Between reading Pator Craig's book and hearing his October 25 message on it, I was truly CONVICTED. When you read something that brings you to non-stop gut wrenching tears, that's not just a little post it note sign, that's divine intervention at its finest. I removed the FB apps from my phone and tablet. Don't have a home computer so no temptation there. I did this "detox" on the morning of the 25th, prior to church. I had NO idea what the message would be about. Does it get anymore V-8 head smack moment than that?! Wow!!
So why did I feel compelled to do this? Why now? Why so drastic? Brutal honesty here...I WAS MISERABLE. Scrolling through FB was wasting my time, making me mad, causing mood swings and pushing my family away. Oh, and helping to push us over the allotted data allowance each month resulting in extra charges. Something FREE was costing me!! I tried to justify it staying on because eventually I will get my certification and social media is a great platform tool for reaching people. A quandary ~ do I "tough it out", meaning deal with the negativity and irritation until then? No. Just can't do it. Plus, I realized almost every sentence out of my mouth started with " Did you see the post about...?" or something similar related to FB. A real kick in the backside was when I posted huge news on FB before personally telling members of my family. They were, understandably, hurt. How dumb was I? My brother told me, "I'm old school. I want to hear it straight from you." He's 100% right!! Always did think he was.
If you've read this far, you are asking the ultimate question: Why not just limit time on social media to once a day, four 15 minutes sessions a week, or whatever? Because I'm not disciplined enough for that. I get sucked in too easily. This has to be all or nothing for me. Those little bursts of FB time will still allow those same feelings to take over. Crazy how that happens, isn't it? We don't all share the same opinions but it can almost be hurtful, even hateful, when those differences appear on social media.
* What? You don't like the same football team I do? You're wrong!
* What? You like THAT restaurant/business? I'd never go there.
* I'm offended. You're judging.
I've posted many things that are nutrition/health/fitness related and many disagree. Disagree to the tune of arguing and unfriending. Why does that hurt so much? Because I feel I'm trying to help but either the truth hurts or they don't want to hear it. I can't make people want for themselves what I want for them more. Hmmm...that sounds like a great future topic. ☺
So, here I am, almost two weeks into life without Facebook. I wonder who has even noticed but then again, this is for me, no one else. Let me tell you how it's going in a few brief bullets:
* feeling very content and at peace
* feeling more rested and positive
* feeling more energetic and clear headed
* studying more and accomplishing so much
* one of the best decisions ever
Here's the jest of it. I'm rediscovering my relationship with God, my family and my purpose. Who doesn't want that? If you're struggling like I was, I HIGHLY recommend #struggles by Craig Groeschel. Read it and let me know your thoughts!
Thanks for reading! Be happy, be healthy!
#struggles by Craig Groeschel
I was feeling...well, simply put, NOT RIGHT! I was agitated, cynical, depressed and just "off". Why? I eat right, drink water, exercise, sleep, go to church. What more can I do?? The answer hit me like a ton of bricks. Between reading Pator Craig's book and hearing his October 25 message on it, I was truly CONVICTED. When you read something that brings you to non-stop gut wrenching tears, that's not just a little post it note sign, that's divine intervention at its finest. I removed the FB apps from my phone and tablet. Don't have a home computer so no temptation there. I did this "detox" on the morning of the 25th, prior to church. I had NO idea what the message would be about. Does it get anymore V-8 head smack moment than that?! Wow!!
So why did I feel compelled to do this? Why now? Why so drastic? Brutal honesty here...I WAS MISERABLE. Scrolling through FB was wasting my time, making me mad, causing mood swings and pushing my family away. Oh, and helping to push us over the allotted data allowance each month resulting in extra charges. Something FREE was costing me!! I tried to justify it staying on because eventually I will get my certification and social media is a great platform tool for reaching people. A quandary ~ do I "tough it out", meaning deal with the negativity and irritation until then? No. Just can't do it. Plus, I realized almost every sentence out of my mouth started with " Did you see the post about...?" or something similar related to FB. A real kick in the backside was when I posted huge news on FB before personally telling members of my family. They were, understandably, hurt. How dumb was I? My brother told me, "I'm old school. I want to hear it straight from you." He's 100% right!! Always did think he was.
If you've read this far, you are asking the ultimate question: Why not just limit time on social media to once a day, four 15 minutes sessions a week, or whatever? Because I'm not disciplined enough for that. I get sucked in too easily. This has to be all or nothing for me. Those little bursts of FB time will still allow those same feelings to take over. Crazy how that happens, isn't it? We don't all share the same opinions but it can almost be hurtful, even hateful, when those differences appear on social media.
* What? You don't like the same football team I do? You're wrong!
* What? You like THAT restaurant/business? I'd never go there.
* I'm offended. You're judging.
I've posted many things that are nutrition/health/fitness related and many disagree. Disagree to the tune of arguing and unfriending. Why does that hurt so much? Because I feel I'm trying to help but either the truth hurts or they don't want to hear it. I can't make people want for themselves what I want for them more. Hmmm...that sounds like a great future topic. ☺
So, here I am, almost two weeks into life without Facebook. I wonder who has even noticed but then again, this is for me, no one else. Let me tell you how it's going in a few brief bullets:
* feeling very content and at peace
* feeling more rested and positive
* feeling more energetic and clear headed
* studying more and accomplishing so much
* one of the best decisions ever
Here's the jest of it. I'm rediscovering my relationship with God, my family and my purpose. Who doesn't want that? If you're struggling like I was, I HIGHLY recommend #struggles by Craig Groeschel. Read it and let me know your thoughts!
Thanks for reading! Be happy, be healthy!
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Home workout v. Gym workout
Today I was told that "working out at home doesn't give you any results". I beg to differ! I began working out at home 6 years ago. I workout at home because I live in a very rural area and don't have access to a gym. Since I began working out, I've lost (and kept off!) 40 pounds and 18% body fat. So don't tell me home workouts don't yield results.
Let's talk about the differences in working out at home and working out at the gym. Remember, this is my blog so these are simply my opinions...with many truths thrown in. Here we go!
Working out at home - Pros and Cons
Pros:
1. No one cares what you look like when you are working out because no one sees you.
2. Your house is ALWAYS open so you can workout whenever you'd like to. And you don't even have to brush your teeth or comb your hair.
3. No drive time or traffic.
4. Cheaper than a gym. Example: $40/month membership x 12 months/year = $480. This is to walk in the door and use their equipment only. This doesn't include sessions with a personal trainer. 4 Beachbody 90 day programs: $480 (upper end programs). WAIT! That's the same amount of money. True....but you'll get nutrition plans with the programs AND you'll own them for life. So, say you do two rounds of each program, that covers TWO YEARS. WOW! It's 1/2 the price of two years at the gym.
5. Not everyone has a gym in their area but everyone lives somewhere.
Cons:
1. If you're a social butterfly and need to be around people, you might get lonely.
2. Takes willpower and dedication, which some people just don't have.
Working out at the Gym - Pros and Cons
Pros:
1. Lots of equipment to choose from.
2. Hot bodies to ogle while you're there.
3. Variety of group fitness classes offered.
Cons:
1. The drive time it takes to get there. For the amount of time you spend in traffic, you could have your workout done at home.
2. Not everyone racks their weights and cleans off the equipment.
3. Wait time to use the machine/weights if occupied by someone else.
4. Did I mention $$$?
5. Closed on holidays, for maintenance, etc.
I know this by no means covers all pros and cons of both. I'm just throwing things out there to think about. I've seen amazing results of people who have exclusively worked out at home and those who've exclusively gone to the gym. It truly is a personal preference. But PLEASE don't make a lump sum statement about how people who workout at home don't get results. Like I tell people when we are choosing a fitness program for them, find what you like so you'll STICK WITH IT!
Feel free to throw some of your favorite pros and cons at me in the comment section below. And don't forget to follow me on Facebook at Get Up Get Movin (https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Get-Up-Get-Movin/311185528896644).
Your Fit and Frantic Mom,
Ann
Let's talk about the differences in working out at home and working out at the gym. Remember, this is my blog so these are simply my opinions...with many truths thrown in. Here we go!
Working out at home - Pros and Cons
Pros:
1. No one cares what you look like when you are working out because no one sees you.
2. Your house is ALWAYS open so you can workout whenever you'd like to. And you don't even have to brush your teeth or comb your hair.
3. No drive time or traffic.
4. Cheaper than a gym. Example: $40/month membership x 12 months/year = $480. This is to walk in the door and use their equipment only. This doesn't include sessions with a personal trainer. 4 Beachbody 90 day programs: $480 (upper end programs). WAIT! That's the same amount of money. True....but you'll get nutrition plans with the programs AND you'll own them for life. So, say you do two rounds of each program, that covers TWO YEARS. WOW! It's 1/2 the price of two years at the gym.
5. Not everyone has a gym in their area but everyone lives somewhere.
Cons:
1. If you're a social butterfly and need to be around people, you might get lonely.
2. Takes willpower and dedication, which some people just don't have.
Working out at the Gym - Pros and Cons
Pros:
1. Lots of equipment to choose from.
2. Hot bodies to ogle while you're there.
3. Variety of group fitness classes offered.
Cons:
1. The drive time it takes to get there. For the amount of time you spend in traffic, you could have your workout done at home.
2. Not everyone racks their weights and cleans off the equipment.
3. Wait time to use the machine/weights if occupied by someone else.
4. Did I mention $$$?
5. Closed on holidays, for maintenance, etc.
I know this by no means covers all pros and cons of both. I'm just throwing things out there to think about. I've seen amazing results of people who have exclusively worked out at home and those who've exclusively gone to the gym. It truly is a personal preference. But PLEASE don't make a lump sum statement about how people who workout at home don't get results. Like I tell people when we are choosing a fitness program for them, find what you like so you'll STICK WITH IT!
Feel free to throw some of your favorite pros and cons at me in the comment section below. And don't forget to follow me on Facebook at Get Up Get Movin (https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Get-Up-Get-Movin/311185528896644).
Your Fit and Frantic Mom,
Ann
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
I just don't have time!
I just don't have time. There are not enough hours in the day. You're just not as busy as I am (oh, I love that one!). I need a clone. These are comments I hear all the time. Most of them are in regards to having time to workout. The main reason people don't have time to workout is because it's not important to them so they make excuses, not time. Not to toot my own horn, but I am a wife, a mother, owner of two businesses, a group fitness instructor, a basketball coach, and a host of other things. I get 24 hours a day, just like everyone else. What it boils down to is how you use those 24 hours.
Let me ask you this - Are you productive or are you just busy? BIG difference! If you are running around like a chicken with your head cut off, you are busy busy. If you are checking things off your to do list in an orderly fashion, you are productive. So...which one are you?
Here are some of my tips for being more productive, more fit and less frantic. Keep in mind I'm not an expert or a professional, just a real gal making it through life by getting things done.
PLAN! PLAN! PLAN!
1. Plan your day - hour by hour if you have to. Write down everything you need to do - even your workouts! I get up early to get my workout in and a few business items taken care of before the kids even wake up. See? Not taking anytime away from my kids. They don't even know what I'm doing. This is also my time to write out my to do list and mentally prepare for the day.
2. Plan your meals. Sit down and plan out your meals for 7 days, 14 days, whatever works around your shopping schedule. This will not only save you time, but money. Hitting the grocery store each day causes you to spend more money by buying unnecessary things just because they look tempting at the time. You should be eating 5-6 small meals per day. Plan these. Set an alarm on your phone to remind you to eat, if you have to.
3. Plan your finances. Time needs to be budgeted as well as money. If you plan your finances you won't be spending extra time trying to figure out (and stress over!) how to pay bills...or even forgetting to pay a bill.
It truly is all about planning. As I heard Dave Ramsey say, "IF YOU FAIL TO PLAN, YOU PLAN TO FAIL". Kind of hits home, doesn't it?
Wishing you a fantastic and FIT week!
Your Fit and Frantic Mom,
Ann
Let me ask you this - Are you productive or are you just busy? BIG difference! If you are running around like a chicken with your head cut off, you are busy busy. If you are checking things off your to do list in an orderly fashion, you are productive. So...which one are you?
Here are some of my tips for being more productive, more fit and less frantic. Keep in mind I'm not an expert or a professional, just a real gal making it through life by getting things done.
PLAN! PLAN! PLAN!
1. Plan your day - hour by hour if you have to. Write down everything you need to do - even your workouts! I get up early to get my workout in and a few business items taken care of before the kids even wake up. See? Not taking anytime away from my kids. They don't even know what I'm doing. This is also my time to write out my to do list and mentally prepare for the day.
2. Plan your meals. Sit down and plan out your meals for 7 days, 14 days, whatever works around your shopping schedule. This will not only save you time, but money. Hitting the grocery store each day causes you to spend more money by buying unnecessary things just because they look tempting at the time. You should be eating 5-6 small meals per day. Plan these. Set an alarm on your phone to remind you to eat, if you have to.
3. Plan your finances. Time needs to be budgeted as well as money. If you plan your finances you won't be spending extra time trying to figure out (and stress over!) how to pay bills...or even forgetting to pay a bill.
It truly is all about planning. As I heard Dave Ramsey say, "IF YOU FAIL TO PLAN, YOU PLAN TO FAIL". Kind of hits home, doesn't it?
Wishing you a fantastic and FIT week!
Your Fit and Frantic Mom,
Ann
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Eating - A Simple Concept!
OK, time to get serious. I've had the best intentions of blogging regularly and haven't done it for months. NO more procrastinating. So...today's topic is something I've been asked about alot lately. Eating. Seems simple and fairly straight forward, right? It's not for some people. Let me start by posting this small disclaimer: I am not a doctor or nutritionist. I am just a gal who wants to be healthy and fit. I'm still learning every day what to do and what not to do. I'm real...just like you. So, here's a few things to keep in mind about eating and eating right.
1. Eat 5-6 small meals a day. Oh, stop rolling your eyes. I'm not talking about chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes and gravy 5-6 times a day. I'm talking about a healthy breakfast, a healthy snack midmorning, a healthy lunch, healthy midafternoon snack and a healthy dinner/supper. Wow - notice the overusage of the word healthy? Subliminal thinking there. :) You should eat every 3 hours. Set a timer if you have to. Your body will thank you!
2. Do NOT skip meals. So many people think if they take in less calories they will lose weight. Oh, you will. For awhile. Then your body will turn on you and go into starvation mode. It'll store whatever you eat next as fat. Did you know that's a major way Sumo wrestlers gain weight? Yes, they eat alot but they also skip meals to help them gain weight. And who wants to look like a Sumo wrestler?? Stop skipping meals. Your body will thank you!
3. Cut out the crap. Yes, I said crap. When I mentioned healthy snacks earlier, that doesn't include soda and a candy bar. No matter what the Snickers commercial says, it won't satisfy you or your hunger. It's simply a marketing ploy. Really? Yes, really. Do not sit in front of the TV with a bag of chips or a carton of ice cream. Mindless eating. Stop it. Your body will thank you!
4. Set an example. If you have young children, or are regularly around young children, show them how it's done. Eat right and get moving. So many people say "My kids won't eat that." Really? Have you made it for them? I personally like the "You get what you get and don't throw a fit" mantra. Your children won't starve. If they are truly hungry they will try it...and most likely, they'll like it! Start with substituting things they'll never even notice. Ground turkey for hamburger. Fruit for junk food. (Tip on the fruit: clean it, cut it up and have it at eye level in the fridge. It's the first thing they'll see and I'm pretty sure they'll be interested.) Another note, YOU are buying the groceries...right? Then YOU are in control. You buy it, they eat it. Simple concept. Your body (and your kids!) will thank you!
5. Plan, plan, plan! Start off your eating right journey with planning it out. Make your dinner menu for a week at a time, or whatever matches your shopping trips. Do NOT go to the store every day. That gets expensive and is too tempting when you see the junk food. Google healthy recipes. "Like" healthy sites on Facebook. Everyone is busy. Ballgames, practices, work, etc but that's no excuse for not eating right. If you are going to go out of town for a ballgame, take a cooler. I've spent many Saturdays sitting in high school gyms eating out of a cooler. People may look at me funny (of course, they're so used to it by now!) but I don't care. I know I'm doing my best and what's best for my family. You can do it too. Plan ahead. Fail to plan, plan to fail. And btw, you'll save a fortune by not hitting the concession stand for atomic chili covered in nuclear cheese. Just sayin. Oh, and your body will thank you!
I'm sure I've rambled on long enough but wanted to point out a few things. If you have any questions, ASK! I'm always happy to talk about health and fitness and the chaos of it all while raising a family. Feel free to come over, check things out and like my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Get-Up-Get-Movin/311185528896644.
Wishing you a FIT day!
Your Fit and Frantic Mom,
Ann
1. Eat 5-6 small meals a day. Oh, stop rolling your eyes. I'm not talking about chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes and gravy 5-6 times a day. I'm talking about a healthy breakfast, a healthy snack midmorning, a healthy lunch, healthy midafternoon snack and a healthy dinner/supper. Wow - notice the overusage of the word healthy? Subliminal thinking there. :) You should eat every 3 hours. Set a timer if you have to. Your body will thank you!
2. Do NOT skip meals. So many people think if they take in less calories they will lose weight. Oh, you will. For awhile. Then your body will turn on you and go into starvation mode. It'll store whatever you eat next as fat. Did you know that's a major way Sumo wrestlers gain weight? Yes, they eat alot but they also skip meals to help them gain weight. And who wants to look like a Sumo wrestler?? Stop skipping meals. Your body will thank you!
3. Cut out the crap. Yes, I said crap. When I mentioned healthy snacks earlier, that doesn't include soda and a candy bar. No matter what the Snickers commercial says, it won't satisfy you or your hunger. It's simply a marketing ploy. Really? Yes, really. Do not sit in front of the TV with a bag of chips or a carton of ice cream. Mindless eating. Stop it. Your body will thank you!
4. Set an example. If you have young children, or are regularly around young children, show them how it's done. Eat right and get moving. So many people say "My kids won't eat that." Really? Have you made it for them? I personally like the "You get what you get and don't throw a fit" mantra. Your children won't starve. If they are truly hungry they will try it...and most likely, they'll like it! Start with substituting things they'll never even notice. Ground turkey for hamburger. Fruit for junk food. (Tip on the fruit: clean it, cut it up and have it at eye level in the fridge. It's the first thing they'll see and I'm pretty sure they'll be interested.) Another note, YOU are buying the groceries...right? Then YOU are in control. You buy it, they eat it. Simple concept. Your body (and your kids!) will thank you!
5. Plan, plan, plan! Start off your eating right journey with planning it out. Make your dinner menu for a week at a time, or whatever matches your shopping trips. Do NOT go to the store every day. That gets expensive and is too tempting when you see the junk food. Google healthy recipes. "Like" healthy sites on Facebook. Everyone is busy. Ballgames, practices, work, etc but that's no excuse for not eating right. If you are going to go out of town for a ballgame, take a cooler. I've spent many Saturdays sitting in high school gyms eating out of a cooler. People may look at me funny (of course, they're so used to it by now!) but I don't care. I know I'm doing my best and what's best for my family. You can do it too. Plan ahead. Fail to plan, plan to fail. And btw, you'll save a fortune by not hitting the concession stand for atomic chili covered in nuclear cheese. Just sayin. Oh, and your body will thank you!
I'm sure I've rambled on long enough but wanted to point out a few things. If you have any questions, ASK! I'm always happy to talk about health and fitness and the chaos of it all while raising a family. Feel free to come over, check things out and like my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Get-Up-Get-Movin/311185528896644.
Wishing you a FIT day!
Your Fit and Frantic Mom,
Ann
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Change
Do not be afraid of change. Change is an opportunity to better yourself, try something different, experience a new way of life. I simply don't understand why people are hesitant to change. Why are people so stagnant? No one wants to change but they sure like to gripe about how crappy their life is. Um...you're the only one who can change your life! Grab the bull by the horns and do it! Stop complaining about hating your job, being overweight, not liking your house...whatever. MAKE THE CHANGE! There are so many resources out there for everything. You're in control of this. Want a different job? Look for one. Take classes to help advance your career. Want to lose weight? Get off the damn couch, put down the crap food. Eat right and exercise. It's not rocket science for pete's sake. Don't like your neighbor? Bite the bullet. Make a peace offering. Talk about things and hopefully the issues will be resolved. Don't think God is listening? Well, are you truly talking to him or just sitting around expecting him to perform a miracle? Stop blaming others for your problems and make a promise to yourself that YOU will get active and MAKE CHANGE HAPPEN! Do it!
Monday, May 14, 2012
Letter to my Mom
Yesterday was Mother's Day and I so wanted to write about my mom but knew that I wouldn't be able to see through the tears. So, today I'm going to write a letter to my mom.
Dear Mom - I miss you so much. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about you. I wish I could talk to you daily like I used to. I would love your advice about parenting. I struggle so much lately and would love to be able to ask your advice, even though you'd say "You get what you pay for when you get my advice." :) You were always there for me and were nothing but honest and factual with me. Guess that's where I get it from, isn't it? Scott told me yesterday that he's so thankful for all that you taught me - how to cook, keep a nice house, how to be a loving mother and wife and being genuine. Definitely all good traits. I couldn't have asked for a better mom, just wish we would've had more time together. I love you and miss you so much. I could go on and on but the tears are close. Thank you for everything!
Love, Annie
Dear Mom - I miss you so much. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about you. I wish I could talk to you daily like I used to. I would love your advice about parenting. I struggle so much lately and would love to be able to ask your advice, even though you'd say "You get what you pay for when you get my advice." :) You were always there for me and were nothing but honest and factual with me. Guess that's where I get it from, isn't it? Scott told me yesterday that he's so thankful for all that you taught me - how to cook, keep a nice house, how to be a loving mother and wife and being genuine. Definitely all good traits. I couldn't have asked for a better mom, just wish we would've had more time together. I love you and miss you so much. I could go on and on but the tears are close. Thank you for everything!
Love, Annie
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