Becoming The Best Me

Being Kickass is really about being the best version of myself that I can be. This is a big, broad, sweeping statement that makes me sound kind of cliche. The truth is, all I want in life is to be . . . me. Ideal me works in a creative field were my schedule is flexible and just being myself is resume enough. In this perfect world I influence people and have an extensive group of friends who are from all walks of life. Ideal me shops at the market in the morning, works a couple of hours in the afternoon, meets friends for coffee, and then heads back home to make dinner for family with the food that I grew in my own garden. I know that this lifestyle does exist. I know that it isn't all butterflies and unicorns. Here is the question. How? I am not sure.

Right now I spend an ungodly amount of time waffling. It starts in the morning with, "I am going to be a Graphic Designer". At lunch I am not so sure Graphic Design offers the kind of flexibility I am looking for, maybe I should focus on being a writer. By dinner I am thinking,"Well sure everybody wants to be a writer, but is that realistic?". Then I decide I should go back to school and get a "real job". No more than five minutes later I am repulsed by that idea. By the end of the night I haven't actually made any progress but instead given myself a headache.

I just need to DO! Stop thinking so damn much and do something, anything. That is what this blog is about being someone who does. So here we are I am 13,500 words into a novel. I spend hours a week looking for Graphic Design jobs. I work nearly full time. And then I am still trying to stay on top of my weight loss goals. I feel a little like I am running at full speed on a treadmill. Sure I am exhausted but I haven't moved forward an inch.

I have made some strides. Thomas and I did move to Seattle as promised. I am down 25 lbs. and still losing, slowly, but none the less. I feel like there are more opportunities here which is reassuring but I want some promise that everything will be ok.

What will I do? More of everything. When I want to paint I will paint. When I want to write I will write. I will be successful come hell or high water.

One year and still kicking ass!

So approximately one year ago I decided I was done wasting time wishing I was more active and one year later here I am and more active than ever!

Starting weight 182.4
Today's weight 162.6

A total weight loss of nearly 20 lbs.

These days my portions are smaller and so is my waist. For the first time in my life I can jog without an asthma attack and I finally understand why people enjoy running.

So now I box, jog, and watch my sugar intake and all together I am 15 1/4 in. down.

It is time to compare!










Lost 4 in. off of my chest.















5 in. off my lower waist.















And 2 in. from my butt.



I have a lot of upcoming changes in life and can't wait to share them with you!

How is Kickass going?

Well up to date I have lost 20 lbs since beginning Project Kickass. Still 20 more to go until my goal is reached. The weight loss has become a more gradual process recently my portions are smaller than ever and I generally work out 3 to 4 days a week. Things will become easier as summer roles around so then we can break out the bikes and start swimming again. I would love to feel comfortable in a two piece.
I was looking at my previous vision blog and realized I am right on track for reaching all of those goals. Tom has applied to University of Washington which would mean moving to Seattle. Back up plan involves University Of Oregon. I plan to attend a community college there until I also attend UW for English. As of now, my dream is to be an English teacher or a writer. Which brings me to my next project. . . I am writing a novel. I don't think I am ready to divulge all of it's plot right now but it will be witty, dramatic, and intriguing. The goal is to make it a series. I am working on character charts and the first chapter. So many ideas not enough time.
Next on my list was to be fluent in French and or Spanish. I picked up a French work book and will now be practicing my French on my breaks at work. I also need someone to practice my Spanish skillz with. (Yeah that is right with a "z") Believe it or not I was once nearly in fluent in Spanish.
Another goal of mine was to volunteer. My fellow coworker is amazing and so involved in a volunteer organization called Wags To Riches. They help place dogs in loving families. So starting next month Tom and I will be volunteering there. Which is great considering we love dogs but cannot have one in our apartment.I will be updating every one on our involvement there.
So long story short, come next October life will be right where it should be. I can't wait for our new lives to begin in Seattle. I can't lie I am already having separation anxiety and miss my lovely family,friends, and coworkers. Can't wait to fill you all in on the progress. :)

Weightloss update.

Hello again!

Well I believe we are on week 9 or so now and I am very slowly still losing the weight. Altogether I have lost 13 lbs now. The main difference I am seeing is that my stomach and butt are tightening. I recently changed jobs were I went from say 10 hours a week to 40. So I have been keeping a lot busier which makes exercising difficult. After I get done standing all day the last thing I want to do is go for a walk. I keep hoping that the work is making up for some of my missed work outs.
I am pretty sure there is some hardcore ab muscle if you could find it under the layer of flab. So now we just need to reveal it in all of it's glory. My husband who started at the same time as I did has now lost about 25 lbs. by riding his bike upwards of 15 miles 5 days a week. Together we are feeling healthier. Here are some recent photos.





I swear I look drunk in all of my photos. I promise I am not!

Month 2 week 2

This week I am down to 171.8 which means my total weight loss is 10.6 lbs. Everyday my workout videos become just a little bit easier. I went from being tired after one cardio bellydancing session 50 mins. to feeling like I have just begun and easily able to go another hour of working out. Here are this week's photos they might not look a lot different but my clothes are becoming more and more comfortable and I am less aware of my stomach now. No more hiding behind pillows when I sit or wearing sweatshirts when it is warm.





Now if anyone is interested in the workout videos I have been doing here they are. . .

Skinny Bitch Booty Bounce

My thoughts on this workout . . . hmmm I do this one when I am sore already or are just looking to get rid of some extra energy. The Skinny Bitches are quite chatty and if you are anything like me you feel incredibly awkward while trying to follow embarrassing dance routines. It does offer some variety to my workouts but I wouldn't suggest buying it unless you enjoy light weight cardio and goofy dancing.

Skinny Bitch Body


Well, this is the only Skinny Bitch DVD that I can say does make me feel accomplished. One nice thing about this video is it requires no weights which can be nice if you don't like lugging around weights.I have mixed feelings on their constant chatting in the videos sometimes I think they are making it up as they go. This is a good one but not the most intense.

Skinny Bitch Boot Camp


I do enjoy this one again the skinny bitches are a little more fun than your traditional work out video. They tend to be more cardio based less resistance training. They are good but not a sole source of exercise.

Cardio Bellydancing with Dolphina

I love this workout, but it might not be everyone's cup of tea. I am a sucker for bellydancing it makes me feel relaxed and over time more toned. Cardio Bellydancing is not that intense so I do it in between harder workouts on days when I feel sore already. Basically it is my lazy day workout. Oh and be forwarned Dolphina is very hard to take seriously. It is almost like she is flirting with you as you exercise.

Personal Training with Jackie

Jackie Warner to me is the definition of kickass! Look at those abs. Don't let the shiny metallic shorts fool you she is no pansy. The first time I did the 40 min. workout with my very fit friend Liz we were both sweating and ready to quit within 6 minutes. I can't do this one daily for fear my muscles would self distruct. I recommend buying this DVD.

Last Chance Workout

For anyone who has seen Jillian Michaels on TV you know she waists no time kicking your ass. This video is no different. The first workout made me want to die, but I felt so accomplished when I was done. I would suggest this to anyone who likes to get down to business when the exercise.

So overall, I do one of this videos 5-6 days a week, play frisbee, go on walks, or swim and it is an inexpensive way to lose weight.

Week 2 Weightloss

Well, Week 1 is down! So, for the last week I have worked out for 2 hours a day (except yesterday). I start with a power walk with Liz and/or Erica and then follow it with a one hour workout video. I also replaced the food in the refrigerator with healthier options. Instead of my regular milk, skim. Instead of regular creamer, fat-free. Instead of white bread, wheat. I have also started eating 6 small meals a day. And the results are. . . drum roll please . . .

6.4 lbs lost

Current Stats:

Weight: 176 lbs.

Side note: I think I wrote down the wrong chest measurement the first time I believe it was actually 43 1/2 in.