Thursday, March 19, 2009

Getting into the Spring of Things

I was looking at pictures this morning from last year and came across this picture taken in March of 2008.
I was taken a back by how different I look now.
This picture was taken on March 14, a year later.
It's crazy how much changes in a year. My hair is SO long. This is the longest it has ever been. (And my face and other areas of the body have filled out a little since then.)
Since I haven't looked for a hairstylist here, I really haven't thought of cutting my hair.
At this rate it will be to my hiney by 2009 ;)
Of course the hubs always looks handsome. And I don't think he's gained any weight.

This got me thinking, it's time to get my hiney back into shape. Moving over seas has definitely taken a toll on my body and I don't feel like my old self anymore. I lack in energy, have gained 10 pounds since moving here, continue to gain, and I know I definitely eat more here. But can you blame a girl, the only thing to eat in this country is bread and Bratwurst ;)
No not really.... it's my own fault for sure.
I was doing so well before we left for Austria, then I totally lost my routine and stopped working out.

I have seen so many of you ladies getting back into the gym and taking better care of yourself. It is definitely time for Jon and I to incorporate exercise into our daily routine. We do eat pretty darn healthy, but not exercising is definitely the problem.

Here's the speed bump.... I HATE going to the gym. Despise it with a passion. I've mentioned in previous posts, that I will make any excuse under the sun to get out of going to the gym. Not to mention I really have been sick lately so it's hard to get motivated when you're not feeling well.

I think I'm finally done with the dizzies and now I really want to take exercising MORE seriously.
I think my biggest problem is going alone.
But Jon and I plan on doing this together and want to work out at least 4 nights a week.

ANY SUGGESTIONS???? How can we stay motivated to exercise? How can we keep exercising exciting? Any other suggestions would be awesome!

So off to another subject, Jon and I have become completely obsessed with Entourage.
We borrowed the first 4 seasons from friends and LOVE this show. I wish I had my own possy of friends to hang out with everyday, while I am making tons of money as an actress, and we could just spend money and play all day. A girl can dream. I love Jeremy Piven's character.
I can't wait for the 5th season to come out on DVD. HBO has the best television shows, seriously!
If you haven't seen it already, you should rent them. I highly suggest this show.

And another random subject.... my seedlings are doing awesome.
Check this out.
I haven't killed them yet, so I must be doing something right.
I will be planting peppers soon.

This weekend we are going to plant flowers to put on our balcony. I was walking the other day and saw that so many people had already planted flowers and had them all over their balconies, so I guess it is time. Plus spring will officially be here this weekend, Saturday! I am so happy Spring is here.

I hope you all enjoy your day! Tomorrow is Friday!


19 comments:

The Purple Carrot said...

It is amazing how much a year can changes things, isn't it??

I don't think I look much different but I sure feel different!!

I still have a hard time motivating myself to workout sometimes but some major things that help are working out with my husband (aka not being the only one trying to workout more) and something else that really helps me is reading fitness magazines or articles online or really anywhere.

Good luck with your excercising endevours!!! : )

Abbie said...

Well if it's any consolation, I think you look gorgeous! I know it can be super frustrating trying to get into a work out routine and honestly, before Ryan and I bought our treadclimber I NEVER worked out. The fact that we shelled out two grand for it is basically my motivation! I couldn't justify not using it when we spent so much on it, ya know? The first two weeks were brutal for me, but that's all it took. 2 weeks and I was hooked on running! Having good music always helps me, so I created several different playlists for my iPod and I make sure I add new songs, get rid of ones I'm sick of, etc. I know it sounds silly, but for me it really makes a huge difference. As far as the gym goes, I'm with you. I HATE going to gyms. First of all, I'm just too lazy to put any effort into actually getting off my ass and driving there. Fortunately for us, Ryan's parents have an awesome gym at their house which isn't far, but I really think that having Ryan weight lift with me keeps me motivated to do it. I'm sure Jon would be the same way with you. I also set goals for myself when it comes to running or lifting that way I've got something to work towards!

It sucks, I know, but once you start, you'll want to do it all the time!

Please post pictures of the flowers that you guys decide to plant! I'm so dying to get in our garden...spring isn't getting here quick enough!

I hope you have a great weekend Steph and keep your chin up:)

Candice said...

I can totally identify with you! When we moved to Thailand I gained 15 lbs in the first 6 months! I had no energy, and all of my clothes were so tight. When January hit, we decided to train for our half marathon. I had never been able to run more than about 10 minutes at a time, but by committing to train together we were able to hold each other accountable. And...it was a great way to explore our city a little more!

Maybe it's not running for you, but if you set some type of goal that you and Jon can shoot for together, then you can help push each other. There is no doubt that moving overseas is hard on the waistline!

Another thing we did was workout DVDs. I don't know if you've heard of Turbo Jam, but it's a combo of dancing, kickboxing, tae bo etc. It was fun for both Jon and I, and it gives you a great workout for days when you don't want to go to the gym! Also, we started really enjoying biking right before we left Thailand. It was another great way to get exercise while seeing the sights!

Good luck! Keep us updated on how things are going. And you're seedlings look great...I'm impressed!!

d.a.r. said...

If you hate the gym, I recommend DVDs. I like to be a spazz in the comfort of my own home. Jillian Michael's DVDs are getting rave reviews, I have a few pilates DVDs (google Ellen Barrett) that I adore. Just try something that works for you. Remember, anything is better than nothing!

JennyLee said...

I agree with the other girls that DVD's are a great way to get started but you have to make yourself do them! I would sit down and come up with a game plan. Make mini goals so that you don't overwhelm yourself and get frustrated. Remember too that diet is 80% of losing weight!

Kathy's Red Door Welcome said...

I'm with you on getting into better shape. I have been doing a workout for the past year called The Firm. I wrote about it on one of my oldest posts, but lately, I've been slipping and not getting with it. So, this morning I had decided to get back at it and then I opened your post. Yep, this morninig is definitely the morning!
I'll try and post the link to what I wrote: http://kathleengauthier.blogspot.com/2008/12/committment-to-exercise.html

Aura said...

I love your hair long! Have you guys tried Tae Bo? It's a lot of fun, and I never get bored with it. Plus you can do it at home and be goofy. I also hate exercise, so my theory is to eat well so I don't have to do it as much!

Kelley said...

You still look great! I love the longer hair!

When you figure out how to get an exercise routine down please post about it....I've been soooo lazy since the wedding, and I think i've gained at least 10 pounds because of it! yesh....sometimes it's so hard to get motivated!

Lindsey said...

I think you look gorgeous!!!

If you don't like going to the gym you could run otuside or buy a workout video. I hate going to the gym so I bought workout videos and some of them are really fun and I actually look forward to doing them!

Mrs. Realife said...

First... I LOVE your red hair... it rocks.

Secondly, I HATE exercise, too :( yuck --

Lastly, the only way I can ever stay motivated is to only make weekly goals... It's the "long term" thing that gets my brain all out of whack :)

Megan said...

I can't wait to move to a HOUSE--I want a little mini garden! It is hard to get motivated to work out--is there a sport you both like doing that you could do together? Maybe find other wives that need company, even taking a walk in the evenings is better than nothing. Good luck!! [by the way I think you look great!]

JennyLee said...

I have something for you on my blog! ;)

Impulsive Addict said...

Girl...you are beautiful in both pics! I'm totally with you on hating the gym. I've been trying to go 3 days a week and doing Jillian's 30 day shred on the other days. GIRL...THAT B**** WILL GET YOU IN SHAPE IN NO TIME! If we lived closer, I would bring it right over and let you experience "the Jillian".

Motivation idea: Post a picture of what you want to look like in a swim suit on the fridge or mirror. This helps me until I cover her up and eat a brownie and drink a cold beer! I win some, I lose some!

Good job on the seedlings!

jlc said...

Haha! You have NO idea. In one year I got married, quit my job, moved to texas, sent my husband to iraq, moved back to NJ, got two jobs and got into grad school.

Talk about INSANEEEEEE.

Yes, life's crazy that way.

PS HUGEEE fan of the hair short! Wish I could pull that off!!

Mara (The Wedding Cabaret) said...

adorable pics!

morewineplease said...

You look beautiful in both pics. I do love your hair long.
Sorry no suggestions on the gym, it is a constant struggle for me!

Kebi Cedawna said...

Isn't it torturous how men just don't gain the weight like us women do!? I've been steadily gaining weight for the past 2 years and it's gotta stop. I need some motivation to hit the gym too. I've gotten some advice from other ladies to bribe myself.
Say you work out 4 times a week for 2 months, then you can buy yourself a cute workout outfit or some new running shoes. I think that would probably work for me. :)

katie said...

I think your hair is awesome! And my hubby is obsessed with Entourage. Well, he was when he had HBO. Now I suppose he is missing him some Ari...lol.

I think my wedding dress is similar to yours... Melissa Sweet?

New Girl on Post said...

We love Entourage too! Except we've only seen the first three seasons, because we can't find the fourth around here.

Speaking of hairstylists...I need to find one too! I need to get cut and colored before I look a mess!