My Hiney May Be Getting Tighter

I have been in denial about my changing body for a long time. But the truth is, I am 30, and there is no more denying the truth. The number on the scale has crept up little by little over the years. Initially, I hated these changes, but I slowly got used to them. Hey, I had the body of a woman. It's not natural to look like I did at 17. I have curves and volume and a lot more confidence. I dress modestly and really didn't see a reason to fight to have a Hollywood bikini body. And really, my weight is still healthy. Why kill myself?



Still, I didn't accept it without a fight. I try to eat healthier. I've signed up for the gym a couple times. I trained for a 5k and ran it. But I couldn't keep up with any exercise routine long-term. I didn't even get the point where I could see results. Other than being able to run (ahem...slowly jog) five kilometers without walking - that was an improvement.



So I just learned to accept things. I tried to focus on being healthy; not just skinny. When I got on Pinterest, I vowed I would never pin all the fitness tips or fitness "inspiration" photos that honestly serve to depress and torture most women. I was content with my shape.



Until...things got saggy. And new textures appeared that I didn't like.



I wanted to try to tighten things up. Not to drop a size or to show off. Just to be healthier and take control of my aging process.



I've tried a few things. Nothing stuck. It was time to try something new and make. it. stick.



So I found a brief and easy exercise routine on Pinterest. Something that looked like I could commit to. Fro the record, I hate to sweat and I hate exertion. I hate cardio. I would rather lift weights all day. So I had to find something I could and would do. I found this "routine" and I started doing it last week. 

30 Jumping Jacks

5 Pushups 

25 High Knees

7 Burpees

10 Crunches 

7 Squats

5 Pushups

10 Crunches 

5 Pushups

7 Squats

30 Jumping Jacks

1 Minute Wall Sit

5 Pushups

25 High Knees

I looked at the calendar and realize that I had started it on July 1. Perfect! I made a commitment to myself to do this routine at least twice a day for the entire month of July. I didn't know whether or not I would see results, but my goal was more about perseverance than results. The results will come, but only with dedication. I needed to develop the dedication. So after talking to my husband, we decided that I can "reward" myself with an unnecessary purchase if I do my exercises twice a day for a month.



And if I do, I get to buy a new set of pots and pans to replace the set I got for my wedding and have hated for eleven years. They do not need to be replaced. They are fully functional. But, man, I hate them. My eye is on this lovely Paula Deen set.

So, today is July 9. I have been doing the routine for 9 days. I hadn't even looked into the mirror until today. And guess what? Perhaps it is wishful thinking, but I do think my stomach is a little less muffin-toppy and my rump seems to be a little less saggy. Woohoo!!!



I have miles to go, but I am happy that I have persevered for 9 days (big accomplishment for me!). And I am looking forward to my new pots and pans.



Do you exercise? What motivates you? Do you feel you have a  healthy body image?

I Want, I Want, I Want!!!

We've been in savings mode for almost two years. We've made a LOT of good progress and we still have miles to go.



But I gotta say, I've been slacking a bit.



I am getting impatient and I really want to switch from savings mode to acquisition mode. :)



This will all probably sound bratty and selfish and ungrateful, but just to get this out of my system, I want to write down everything I have been wanting lately. And I want to preface it all with this: I know I am phenomenally blessed and if nothing changes in my life for the rest of forever, I would be a heckuva happy girl.



New carpet

Wooden blinds

New headboard for my room that doesn't cover the window

Car repairs - my front signals don't work and my right side mirror doesn't work

New counter tops (Formica would be fine)

New pots and pans 

New flatware

New table

Patio furniture

Drawer organizers

Jewelry organizers

Repaint and redecorate probably about 50% of my house

And a remodel of the master bedroom, the downstairs bedroom, and well...maybe I should just get a new house. :)



I wonder if it's the fact that I am home all day in my house now that so much about it is driving me crazy?



Back in March, we got a new fridge. Oh man how I hated my old fridge and it finally gave out so I had no choice but to get a new one. Justin also got a small inheritance that worked out to be just the amount we needed for a fridge. And I love it.

It barely, barely fit. There isn't a centimeter of wiggle room on either side of the fridge and Justin and my brother had to remove and raise the above-the-fridge cabinet.



Now if only my carpet would go out so I would be forced to replace it. Hehehe.



And the whole time I've been thinking about this post, I've had the Mary Chapin Carpenter song "Passionate Kisses" going through my head: Shouldn't I have it? Shouldn't I have it? Shouldn't I have all of this and passionate kisses from you?



What's on your wish list?