& it begins....

Today was my first day of INSANITY. But, don't get too excited. The first day consists of a Fit Test which involves me doing eight different exercises to see how many I can do in one minute. Here are my results (yes, I'm aware that you probably do not care too much about this.. but, if I put them on here, then I have a reason to do better for the next Fit Test.)

Switch Kicks - 92
Power Jacks - 38 (I HATE these with a burning passion)
Power Knees - 84
Power Jumps - 29 (These absolutely and positively SUCK)
Globe Jumps - 11
Suicide Jumps - 12
Push up Jacks - 20 (Don't forget, my push ups are kind of weak.. and that's putting it nicely)
Low Plan Oblique - 35

I feel like I kind of have an advantage on this first Fit Test.. I don't know whether or not if it's cheating.. or just having a head start. Either way, I started doing INSANITY in the middle/end of October with my roommate, Lynda. But, we only did the first month worth of workouts. We just did them repeatedly. Granted, I didn't do them everyday and I never had a routine with them. I also didn't eat healthy at all. However, I did manage to lose 12 lbs even without eating well.

Today, I also began my adventure with "eating healthy." INSANITY provided a Nutrition book which provides recipes and what you should be eating, five times a day. Not going to lie, I really like eating; so, this eating five times a day thing is looking like it's going to be working out pretty well. Anyways, today, I made a dark green salad complete with mushrooms, onions, cucumbers, pecans, and light red raspberry vinegerette dressing, a turkey bacon sandwich on wheat bread with tomatoes and lettuce, and a nice simple apple. I also made myself a vanilla, blueberry, and banana shake. I know, I know. You're probably thinking, eww. That all sounds gross. Don't worry, that's exactly what I was thinking. But, I thought, I really didn't spend $80(ish) on all of this healthy food not to give it a try. And, to my surprise, I really didn't mind it at all. It tasted really good, actually. Andddddd, the best part was that I was completely and totally full and satisfied. You can't really beat that, right?

I'm pretty sure that my biggest challenge is going to be dinner. I love eating dinner with my family. It's one of the only times we all sit down and spend time together. Not to mention, my dad is a pretty good cook, if I do say so myself. I'm wondering if Shaun T were with me at dinner tonight, if he would have yelled at me for eating that roast beef sandwich and a few fries? Oopsies. I couldn't help it. All in moderation, right? Ahh, and so the struggling begins. I think it's going to be difficult trying to decide how much to eat of certain things and what is considered good/bad. Everyone seems to have different opinions on everything. Some say that carbs are bad, some say they're good. A lot of people say that fat is bad, but then Shaun T is telling me that there are good kinds of fat, you just have to know which ones are acceptable. Phew, this is all over my head. HELP!

I'd post my starting weight and mesaurements/pictures on here... but, I'm not very comfortable with that. Maybe at the end of this I'll give you the inside to it all. But for now, my insecurity stays.

Tomorrow begins the hard work and sweat. Day 2 = Plyometrics. Knowing what I do from doing it before, this is my least favorite workout. I'm definitely going to have to "dig deep" and find that motivatoin tomorrow. Or, maybe it won't be as hard as I think. I'm feeling really good about doing this so far. I just hope this continues for the next 59 days.

So, I know this has already been a lengthy post, but I feel like I should share some of the positive aspects about my day:

1) I've begun organizing my life; starting with a DIY jewlery organizer I found of Pinterest. I'm excited about this and I'll definitely be posting pictures as soon as I finish it.

2) I ran into my best friend, Merri Kathryn, whom I miss so much, at the mall today. It was totally unexpected. But, the hour or so I spent with her was much needed. Love youuu. :)

3) The devotion I read for today was absolutely and positively spot on for what is going on in my life.. This is what it said: "I am with you and for you. When you decide on a course of action that is in line with my will, nothing in heaven or on earth can stop you. You may encounter many obstacles as you move toward your goal, but don't be discouraged - never give up! With my help, you can overcome any obstacle. Do not expect an easy path as you journey hand in hand with me, but do remember that I, your very-present Helper, am omnipotent. Much, much stress results from your wanting to make things happen before their times have come. One of the main ways I assert my sovereignty is in the timing of events. If you want to stay close to me and do things my way, ask me to show you the path forward moment by moment. Instead of dashing head-long toward your gaol, let me set the pace. Slow down, and enjoy the journey in my presence." Now, if that isn't perfect, I don't know what is? Sometimes, it's important for me to just stop, rewind, and refocus. Often times, I tend to forget that not everything can be done my way and I can't plan every aspect of my future, only God can do that for me. It's a lot to take in at times... or is it just me being stubborn? Hmm.. guess that's something for me to think about.

One last thing.. this bothers me, greatly. I wasn't on Twitter the other day, (follow me! @courtneyh1324), but, apparently #godisnotgreat was trending. To put it simply, it breaks my heart. Not to shove my religion down anyones throat, but there is no one like my God. And let me be the first one to tell the world, there are greater things that are yet to come and I whole-heartedly have faith in that. Yes, I'm not perfect. I act in ways i shouldn't, I've said things I know I shouldn't have; Lord knows I've taken wrong turns and travelled down roads that I have led me to awful things. But, that doesn't take away from the fact that because of the Big Man Upstairs, I've gotten through every trial and curve ball life has thrown me. So, I'm sorry kids, but don't tell me that "#godisnotgreat" because I will, and more than happily, show you 40,000 reasons as to why #godisgreatandmighty. All I can say is I pray for every person who tweeted that...

Ok, I'm done venting and writing this book. I'm sorry if I bore you. But, you're still reading this if I did, so thank you for listening. I'll be back to keep everyone updated... and without adding 20 extra ramblings.