Howdy blog pals! I figured I would throw that in there since I’m a southern gal and all. Even though I never say it in real life. Or even “y’all” for that matter. Enough greetings talk. I need to mention that I had no clue Eat, Pray, Love evoked many strong feelings of like or dislike for the book and what it shares. I’m only about 30 or so pages in and enjoy it so far. Nothing life altering and nothing “come onnnnn” about it yet for me. I will certainly open my perspective up for your viewing pleasure as I work my way through. I’m interested to see what I will think of it myself after all the comments from today’s earlier post!

Today officially began the weeks of busy. Like most of you mentioned, many of the items I have coming up on the calendar are fun. Today would be one of those. I headed to the largest children’s consignment sale in the state today. Over 1000 sellers, hundreds of thousands of items to peruse, and way too many moms looking for bargains. I’ll give you a sneak peek to what it looked like.

I spent 1.5 hours loading up on items…then 1.5 hours in line to pay. It made for a busy morning, but I can’t complain. I left around $200 poorer BUT with so much loot! 8 pairs of shoes, over 20 outfits, and numerous books and toys for M. Some winter/fall maternity clothes at a deep discount but still like new for me. And her birthday present! A little kitchen set just her size with lots of play food included.

I almost decided to count running around like a mad woman and hauling a heavy clothing filled laundry bag there as my workout. Then I figured I might as well take advantage of my at home DVDs and tossed in some Turbo Jam for a good sweat. I could lie and say that afterwards I felt amazing. I did, but that would omit a bit of the truth as well. I couldn’t help feeling a bit exasperated at the thought that I still have awhile to wait for my typical training intensity.

I simply love training. And hard. The classes I currently attend satisfy me and give me a great workout, but they don’t fulfill me quite like my normal time spent in the squat rack or doing plyo drills. Most of you probably have no idea what my normal training looks like since I’ve had to cut back since the start of the blog. Some like Lisa, Julie, Jess, and Mellissa know that side of me though, as they were around back in my competition prep and O2 journaling days.

The planning of workouts and deciding whether to do supersets, how to set up circuits, and which weight training split I want to use leave me like a kid in a candy store. Incorporating HIIT drills and being capable of busting out a stepmill workout for over 30 minutes left me higher than Bob Marley. Rocking out pushups with a 25 lb plate on my back, squatting more than my bodyweight, doing set after set of pullups, and seeing the muscle definition gave me such inner strength in reflection of the outer. I loved that feeling! Not because it made my body leaner or fitter. I liked pushing myself and seeing what I could do. I didn’t need those workouts to feel strong or love myself, but I enjoyed them and they gave me a stronger sense of self. There I said it. I. Miss. It…Dearly.

I know it will all be worth it and soon enough I will find myself in the gym working back up to those goals with a zeal like you have never seen before. Then you can witness first hand my passion for weights and intense cardio. And changes like these…6 weeks post baby M to 9 months later – pre competition prep.

Please don’t be afraid of me then. 😉 I do plan on getting in new challenges in the form of running post-pregnancy as well. I just love physical challenge. It will never cease as a defining part of me. I can miss it, but I can also thrive where I’m at right now. Which is why I always make an effort do what I can and have fun. Then, in another 5-6 months…let the games begin! 😀

• Have you ever had to cut back on something you love? What made it hard for you?
• What makes you feel strong?
• Be sure to check out the 30 Days of Self-Love challenge coming to my site in September! And don’t forget to let me know if you added my button or shared the challenge on your blog. Thank you to these great ladies for their support today - Shayna – Zucchini Bikini Martini, Monique – Finding the Courage to Change, and Michelle – Chasing Ambulances.

Happy Tuesday! Did you all make it through Monday okay? I did and now it's time to get my busy schedule kicked off. I already applied some of the tips I use to keep sane during busy times. Starting with last night.

I made it to the 5:30 pm spin class on time! I got there about 15 minutes early to grab a bike. Thank goodness I did because, shortly after,  the class filled up again. I needed a good workout and some me-time. The class fit the bill perfectly. I left feeling accomplished and ready to relax.

What better way to relax than with a special book? Eat, Pray, Love became available for me at the library this week. Finally!

I have played the patient patron for about 5 months. I’m guessing the movie made it have a long waiting list. Ironically, I’m kind of bummed to be reading the book right at the cusp of the book being a big deal from the movie. I don’t read things to follow trends. I read them because they interest me and I hope to get something out of the words scripted across the pages. I’m certain this book will spark lots of thoughts in my rambling mind. I’ll be sure to share what I think might interest you all…without going on about things already mentioned everywhere else.

This morning, I took time to prepare a hearty and healthy breakfast to help jump start my day. I broke open a new jar of my favorite nut butter. Skippy All Natural Honey.

I like the fancier nut butters too, but this one remains on top thanks to its cost friendliness. I used the peanut butter to top a bowl of oats. With some tropical mix dried fruit mixed in. Yum!

Now, I have some snacks packed up (a Luna Bar + banana) along with my laundry basket (to serve as my shopping cart). It’s time for me to chase after those bargains. This sale is crrrraaazzzyyy! I really hope to shop quick and beat the 3 hour wait to check out that comes in the afternoon. M better know how much I love her.

• Have you read Eat, Pray, Love? Would you care to hear about my thoughts on it or not really because people already discuss it so much? You can be honest!
• What’s your favorite nut butter?
• Be sure to check out the 30 Days of Self-Love challenge coming to my site in September! And don’t forget to let me know if you added my button or shared the challenge on your blog.