Wisconsin Vs. Michigan

Mr. X and I always plan a weekend in Madison to watch the Badgers play. This year was so much fun. We got to see a huge upset and watch the fans storm the court. Our seats were only 15 rows up from the floor!

Turbo Fire

I must admit that I've been "losing" weight for about five years now. I'd lose up to 10-15 pounds and then gain it back and lose it again. I've been dying to enter onederland for years and finally did-- all thanks to turbo fire. Below is everything that you'll find in the package: literature, resistance and stretch bands, as well as the DVDs.

I'm so apprehensive to believe in any gimmicks or programs, but this isn't for sure. I love it so much. Chalene has kept me motivated and her music and routines are a blast. I managed to work 40 hours a week, coach, and workout this year. I had games two nights a week and practice every day. I always managed to get in my workouts-- it just takes some planning and dedication. And let me tell you, it takes a lot to keep me going at 5 a.m. Below are my before and after pics... It may be hard to see because of the clothing I'm wearing but I lost 16.5 inches and 17 pounds, but I gained a lot of muscle and self-confidence.

So if you want something fun and challenging, order turbo fire the next chance you get.

Sausage and quinoa stuffed squash

It's been quite some time since my last post. Basketball took up a lot of my time. We ended with a successful season 16-3 and the varsity ended with only four losses.

Tonight I made this stuffed squash from Fitness Magazine. Normally prep time is 25 minutes but I'm having dizzy spells and vertigo so it took a really long time.

I cut the recipe in half as Mr. X is not a fan of squash.

2 squash
1 c. Chicken broth
1/3 c. Quinoa
1 1/2 tsp sesame oil
4 oz chicken sausage (only had pork)
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 c red onion ( only had green)
1/2 c red pepper
3 garlic cloves minced
2 1/2 tablespoons minced ginger
3 oz Gouda ( I used fresh mozzarella)
I added some diced broccoli, mushrooms, and spinach.

1. Preheat to 375
2. Cut squash in half place in dish with one inch water and bake for 45 min
3. Bring broth to a boil and cook quinoa according to package.
4. Heat oil over medium
5. Add sausage, cumin, and salt
6 Add pepper, garlic, and ginger. I added some mushroom, spinach, and broccoli-- add quinoa
7. Stuff squash, add cheese and bake for 30 minutes

Only 309 calories and could easily be vegetarian
(16 protein, 36 carb, 12 fat, 5 fiber, 631 sodium)
4 servings

Not the cutest pic

A Year in Review

Ok-- beware of the bragging alert. One great aspect of the new year is for the time of reflection and look back on what one has accomplished in a year's time as well as setting goals for the next year.

In review, I've managed to do a lot more than I thought when I actually sat down and wrote a list of great accomplishments. And let the conceited air thicken:

A trip to a foreign country: Costa Rica

Drive across the country: to Washington (and managed to NOT kill my mom)

Ran a half marathon, even with an injury

Ran 3 5ks

And because I don't have pictures of everything else, the rest is a list:

Lost 20 pounds
Started this blog (that I'm not sure if anyone reads)
Worked out consistently when school started instead of quitting like usual
Coached a team to only lose one game
Wrote a book
Read 32 books including some from my "the classics" stack on my bookshelf :)

When I think about it and look back, 2012 was a great year with a ton of accomplishments. I hope 2013 brings about some more great outcomes. Happy New Year and good luck with the resolutions!