Never Quit - Inspirational Video HD

My Knee Works!

   Anyone who has had to undergo several knee surgeries can attest to the excitement of their limbs working normally. For example, tonight at the grocery store I dropped my pen and instinctively squatted down to pick it up. As I stood up it occurred to me that 10 months ago I could not have squatted down to pick up a $100 bill let alone a pen. Holy cow my knee can do things that a normal knee can with no pain or difficulty. I would like to take a moment and apologize to my husband for being a hardcore brat during PT. All the hours spent in the gym, the ice baths, feeling like crap, the ugly stitches, and pain were well worth it. That one moment in HEB helped me to realize just how far I have come since December 2013. I can ride in a car for 10 hours with no knee pain and I can hike up steep inclines with stability and control. With all that being said I am pretty confident that I can bring about world peace.

   I am so happy that tomorrow morning I am making lemon muffins with raspberry swirl and eggs with chorizo. Accomplishments should always be celebrated with baking and adorable cooking aprons. What accomplishments are y'all most proud of and how did you celebrate them?

Traditional Sun Salutation for Beginners

Don't Forget to Pack My Wine

I am All the Excited we have our own place!

    Usually major life changes freak me the fuck out for about 5 minutes and then I put on my big girl panties and deal. For the last year my husband and I have been living in my father in law's house with my brother in law. The oil boom in Odessa, Texas has made housing almost impossible to find or afford for that matter. My father in law was gracious enough to allow us to board at his home while we worked and finished up our degrees. However, life has majorly sucked due to my brother in law who likes to drink and do drugs. Finally, things got so bad at home that paying an exorbitant amount of rent for a shoebox was a better option than living with the brother in law.

    We found an apartment and were able to move in last Monday and already life is better. Our rent is ridiculous, our apartment is tiny, I have to work full time while going to school full time, and we will be broke all the time. However, I could not be happier to live in a home where there is no fear or bad tension. The next semester will be stressful and I hope that I will be able to graduate on time. My education is very important to me and it is one sacrifice that I am not willing to make.

   Being happy is important y'all so is knowing when to cut ties and move on. For the past year I basically ate my feelings and was sad a lot because my home life was chaotic and out of control. No wonder I felt like crap all the time. Having a peaceful environment makes me want to work out and cook again. It is ok to say "I am mad as hell and I am not going to take it anymore". Your life is what you make of it and I just want to be happy. Cheers to getting the hell out of dodge!!

Why am I Paleo? The Civilized Caveman

Happy 4th of July

     We spent the fourth of July in Phoenix AZ with family and had such a relaxing weekend. Driving into town last Thursday we were met with a massive thunderstorm. Looking out of the driver side window I saw this curtain of sand blowing across the desert. The scene reminded me of the movie The Mummy,when the sandstorm erupts and the bad guy's face appears in the sand. Throw in lightening and rain and that was what greeted us as our car sped into town.

This was similar to the epic sandstorm I saw.

    The storm did not let up until we got into the outskirts of Phoenix and I am surprised our car did not float away. Steven got us into town safely with his badass driving skills while I sat in the passenger seat and worriedly prayed. After surviving the storm we celebrated the only way you can in Phoenix. We ate dinner at In & Out. 

   The best thing about last weekend was that we hardly did anything but hang out with family and relax. I hope everyone had a great Fourth of July!

Bodee Fit Workouts

    Bodeefit's website rocks my socks off and continually challenges me with their crossfit style workouts that you can do at home. Leaving the regimen of physical therapy can be a scary proposition if you do not have the right tools. It is easier to succeed when you are supposed to be at the gym three times a week, where at least two physical therapists yell at you about proper form. However, out in the real world you start missing a workout here and there and suddenly it becomes habitual. Then you find yourself weakened from no gym time and once again you are injured and in need of PT. Let's stop the madness!

     You need a plan and goals that will help keep you on track. Before being released from PT find an affordable gym in your area or inquire if you can continue working out at your PT gym, set a few realistic goals, and stick to a workout schedule. Adding more weight, going to the gym 2-3 times a week, or improving balance are examples of realistic goals. It is important to keep pushing forward even when you are tired, grumpy, or it happens to be raining outside. Go to the gym and keep yourself healthy. We only have one body and we should do everything we can to take care of it.

   Research workout apps or websites for workout ideas that can be accomplished at home with little equipment. I understand that most gyms can be expensive and require a contract to be signed in blood but you do have options. Even walking every day is at least making your body move which will help keep you strong. Keeping yourself injury free will take hard work and dedication every single day. Focus on your goals and chase them every day and don't ever give up.

Workout Websites that I have found:

• https://www.bodeefit.com/
• http://www.yogajournal.com/
• http://www.runnersworld.com/
• http://toneitup.com/
• http://www.oxygenmag.com/