Challenge Accepted, Completed and Accepted Again!

Three years ago I made a commitment to change my life.  Sure it was based on someone calling me out over social media, BUT I walked through the doors at CrossFit Indestri and I never looked back!  Life has not been perfect over those 3 years.  I have had various obstacles, trials, tribulations come forward and try to knock me back down.  I have managed to persevere.  

For 2 years I lived a Paleo lifestyle and managed to hit 5 - 6 CrossFit classes a week.  I was in the best shape of my life!  I couldn't believe it.  As I hit my 40s I was doing things I couldn't or never imagined I would ever do.  Then I got pregnant.

We were so excited about our pregnancy.  I was determined to keep as close to my lifestyle food and exercise wise as possible.  I really thought I could.  Unfortunately, bad morning sickness changed some of that for me.  I had to take time off from CrossFit and the only thing I could eat and keep down was bread.  Something I had thought I would never eat again.

I had a very healthy pregnancy.  I ended up back at the gym and stayed in great shape throughout.

With a new baby in the house and a 10 year old, life was feeling a little overwhelming.  I hadn’t really made it back to the gym on a regular basis yet, my milk supply was starting to get low, eating breakfast seemed like a chore. I thought I would be able to jump back into my lifestyle feet first.  Ya right.  I just couldn't get myself back.  I struggled and failed so many times until I just gave up.  Finding time to make food like I used to or even eat a big clean breakfast was getting very difficult and was causing added stress in my life that I just didn't need.  So began the research into something clean and easy.  Something that fit all my wants for clean nutrition.  Something that was going to help me get all the nutrients that I needed to get through my day and to ensure that my little breastfed baby would get everything she needs as well.

I started my Isagenix journey in September of 2014, 5 months post-partum, age 41 and at 140lbs on this 5’ frame.  At the time, I was still nursing my beautiful baby girl so product options were limited.  When I reached out to my friend Sheri, I was looking for a healthy protein shake that was going to help me ensure I was getting enough nutrition in my diet.   When I added the shakes to my daily routine, things started to turn around.  Life’s stresses didn’t seem as stressful.  I finally had some energy (tough when you are up for feeds through the night) and made it into the gym again, not regularly, but definitely an improvement. 

In October, I signed up for my first IsaBody Challenge.  My idea “why not?  Might make me hit that gym a little harder”.  I started trying other Isagenix products that were considered safe while nursing.  So for the first 12 weeks of my challenge, I was only using shakes, bars, and Energenix.  I was feeling great, fantastic!  

I competed in my first Strength Competition in December.  Although I knew my numbers would not compare to the ladies I was competing against, I went in with the attitude of having fun and doing my best!  It was at this competition that I hit all my pre-pregnancy numbers!  With very little opportunity to be in the gym, this amazed me. I was awarded the “Spirit Award” by the organizers as they knew I had just returned from having a baby and were impressed that it didn’t stop me from trying something new.  One week later, I blew all of those numbers out of the water!  I was then super motivated to be back at the gym. 

My challenge took me through Christmas, which was tough, and I did give in to all the wonderful treats.  Not only was it Christmas, but my fiancé and I planned a surprise wedding on New Year’s Eve. Over Christmas I caught a nasty flu which had me extremely dehydrated for days.  I was drinking lots of Energenix to get through it.  Unfortunately, I was not able to eat anything and I lost my milk supply.  As sad as it was to no longer be breastfeeding, the bright side was that I was now going to get to experience a FULL 30 day system! 

On January 2^nd, I started that 30 day system.  I went alcohol free for that time period as well.  I could not get over how much MORE energy I had!  There were days where I would hit 2 CrossFit classes, fueling with IsaLean Pro in between, and then go skiing that night with my 10 year old!  Not to mention that I am down to 128lbs, only 8lbs more to go to hit that pre-pregnancy weight.  However, that being said, I’m ignoring my scale because I am already wearing some of those clothes I wore before I got pregnant :)

My first IsaBody Challenge is complete!

I will be signing up for my second IsaBody Challenge at the end of the month once I've submitted my "maintenance" photos.  This challenge will be all about sculpting, toning, and strengthening!  Super excited.

I am so happy that Isagenix was introduced to my life and that of my family.  I've thought a lot about my "why".  Why am I doing this?  My “why” is that at 41 I can still act like a young mom, play with my kids and be a loving wife to the man of my dreams.  Life is FANTASTIC!

Thanksgiving 2013: What am I thankful for?

This year at the Kusiar Thanksgiving, Dad started the toast a little differently...

Mike/Grandpa/Dad: "I am thankful for the upcoming marriage of Michelle and Parker, the arrival of our new grandchild, and having all of you here for Thanksgiving"

Rose/Grandma/Mom: "I am just thankful that we could all be together for Thanksgiving this year."

Aaron/Nephew: "I'm thankful for my family"

Jenn/Aunt Jenn/Sister: "I'm thankful to be able to spend the day with all the people I love."

Jake/Nephew: Jake struggled or was shy at first so we said we'd come back to him...

Neil/Uncle Neil/Brother-In-Law: "I'm thankful for family and health"

Parker/Hubby-to-be: "I'm thankful for these 2 beautiful girls in my life, and family."

Ciara/Daughter: "I'm thankful for my family"

Me: "I'm thankful for family, my health this time around, and a good ol' Rosie turkey dinner!"

Jake shouted out a "Food.  I'm thankful for food."  Love it!

I have so many things to be thankful for this year.  Yes, life dealt us a few blows this year but, we've survived.  I am thankful for an amazing man in my life.  Someone who treats my like an equal, a life partner.  Someone who wants to share every life experience with me.  A man who loves me and love my daughter as if she were his own.  I am truly thankful that Parker is a part of my life and plans on sticking around for a while ;)

I am thankful for my beautiful daughter.  She is the light of my life.  It was her that helped me through my rough times a few years ago.  Her beautiful smile that made me want to get up every morning, become a stronger person, and live life to the fullest.  My caring, loving daughter Ciara means the whole world to me and I am truly thankful to have her in my life.

I am thankful for my family.  The love and support my parents, sister, and brother-in-law continuously provide.  I don't know what I would do without them.

I am thankful for my friends.  Their willingness to make sure I stay in good spirits through the tough times, helping out when needed and just all around support and love.

I am thankful for the roof over my head, a second roof to run away to in the beautiful Bruce, and the ability to be able to provide for my family.

Lastly, I am thankful that I have been blessed with the opportunity to carry another child.  To give Ciara a baby brother/sister and Parker a son/daughter next Spring!!  That's right peeps, we're having a baby :)

Trailer Park Life

Yesterday marked the end of our third season at Lakeside Rainbow Cottages & Campground.  I'm really going to miss it over the winter months.  We have a great group of friends up there.  It truly is another family for us.




We came across this little gem when we found ourselves an old trailer, in great shape and decided we wanted to park it somewhere for a weekend getaway.  We visited the park that day and put a deposit down on the site.  We've never looked back.

As much as I'd like to name all the wonderful people we've met up there, I'm not sure Ci will let me spend that much time on the computer today :).  I can honestly say this is another extension of my family.

Our neighbours Barry & Jim became instant friends.  The first night we were all up there, we bonded over tequila... 1 Tequila, 2 Tequila, 3 Tequila, FLOOR!  Barry & Jim have been amazing neighbours and we love our visits from their fur baby, Bailey, a gorgeous Sharpe/Sheppard cross.  Hemi's girlfriend... or was until the female beagle moved in :)

George & Melissa with Austin and Breanna, Sarah with Brookie and my little buddy, Drake, great families, wonderful kids!   Love when they do a last tour of the park and I get bedtime hugs from the kiddies.  Sarah and I like to share the latest dirty novel we've read.

Dana and Hailey, these two came into our lives at the end of our first season and wow, the connection was incredible.  Hailey and Ciara are just a few months apart in age.  It was great.  They moved into the park in August and we look forward to our summers with them.  Dana and I like to take the girls and the dogs for long hikes.  I think our favourite might just be the Devil's Monument.

Bill, Jeff, and Ray are 3 more gems at the park.  Love them.  Always smiling.  They're our event organizers.  Bill & Jeff like to host movies on the patio or Bingo nights.  Ray likes to decorate for Christmas in July and dances on the patio.  Every time we see any of them, it's always a great big hug.  Again, like we've known each other a heck of a lot longer than just a few summers.

I know I've missed some but I just wanted to give you a glimpse of the amazing group of people we have up at the trailer.  The people I like to refer to as "my trailer family".  Their support over the last 2 years for my Run for the Cure fundraiser has been phenomenal!  It ends up being a great little party that gets all the "seasonals" together.  We've even had weekenders join us!

The Bruce Peninsula is a beautiful area of our province to visit.  The Bruce trail offers many different level hiking trails, scenery that you wouldn't even think existed in Ontario, rock climbing opportunities, boating, fishing, I could go on and on.  Our park is right on Lake Huron and just 40 minutes from Tobermory where we will often take trips to catch a glimpse of the MS Chi-Cheemaun, check out the shops, and visit the Candle Shop at Miller Lake.  There are just so many things to keep us wanting to go there every possible weekend.

Anyway, one of the hardest things we have to do every year, is close down and say good-bye until next season.  This year was really tough.  First, it was the last year in our first trailer.  A tough decision to make but time to get a bigger trailer.  Now that we've found a new one, I want to run right back up ther for the first sleep in it!!  Secondly, going 6 months without seeing these people is hard!  We live all over, Owen Sound, Hamilton, Cambridge, Beamsville, etc.  Thank goodness for Facebook and texting because that seems to be our source of connection through those long winter months.  Lastly, having somewhere to run off to when you just need to get away is such a privilege.  We are very lucky and you truly do appreciate those things that you cannot have (even if it is for just a few months).

See you in approximately 207 days!!!  XOXO

Tough go

An unexpected hiccup in life can really throw you off.  It can take a long time to get back to the old you.  Or the "you" before.  In the Spring, I experienced such a "hiccup"...

In April I suffered an emotional and physical set-back.  Nothing life threatening but enough to throw me off my path and spiralling downward.  It was tough.  I tried to pretend nothing happened, tried to just move on, but the reality was, I had to face it head on before I could begin to heal.

It's during times like these that you realize all the wonderful people in your life.  I have an amazing daughter that, although she too was hurt, she kept me strong.  An amazing partner that, although he was just as devastated as I was, was there for me and made it his purpose to make sure I was ok, that I got through it.  And the rest of my family, mom & dad, sister, such huge support.  I remind myself how lucky I am to have such a supportive family.

My friends, wow, I don't even know where to begin.  You all were there to support and cheer me up.  Flowers, nights out for distraction, phone calls, texts, little messages to keep me cheered up.

Lastly but definitely not least, my family at CrossFit Indestri.  The welcome back from the coaches and members.  The extra push to help me get through that WOD.  Letting me cry when I just needed to let it all out during a WOD.  Tough times but totally healing.  Who can really say that their "gym" is their family?  I know I can and all the members of CFI feel the same.  We are very lucky to have such an amazing community.

Well, they say everything happens for a reason and sometimes it's easy to find that reason.  For us, many great things have happened in our lives and, I guess, a dose of reality needs to flatten you for a while to keep you real.  We had that dose, and then another, but we've had MANY great things happen in the last month.  I can't wait to share :)

It has taken a while to get back to the old me.  I think I'm back...  Feeling pretty good these days.  I think the most important thing I learned out of this experience is give yourself time.  Take the time to heal.  Don't pretend nothing happened.

Feeling Blessed

Well, it's been a while since I've posted on my blog.  Summer was hectic.  Not really my excuse though.  We went through a tough time in April and it took a while to get the spirits back up.  So here I am because this weekend really brought it all home for me.

I recently celebrated my 40th birthday.  40... I remember when I thought 40 was so OLD!  Not so much anymore.  Just days before my birthday, my very loving partner, Parker, asked me to marry him.  It had been a cold, wet day.  I was feeling about as great as the weather when the family made the trek up to the trailer.  I decided I needed a nap and headed inside.  While Mommy was napping, Parker was asking Ciara if it was ok if he asked Mommy to marry him.  Really?  I LOVE that he thought of her first!  Surprisingly, the weather cleared up, Ci went into the trailer to watch a movie (it was still freakin' cold), and Parker said "Let's go down and check out the sunset.  It might be one of our last this summer."  So I bundled up and away we went.  We sat there for a while, just chatting away.  Then he said "Let's head back".  I was freezing so it sounded like the perfect idea.  But before we left, he told me how much he loved me, that he couldn't imagine his life without me, and then, that big 6'4" man of mine got down on one knee and proposed.  Yes, I cried.  AND yes, I said YES!  It was amazing.  Before we headed back to the trailer he told me about his conversation with Ciara.  Well, needless to say I had more tears!  I felt truly loved and blessed.

But, it doesn't stop there.  This past weekend we hosted our 2nd Annual Breast Cancer Fundraiser at the trailer.  A little BBQ to raise funds for the Run for the Cure.  We decided a pig roast was in order.  We tied the event in with my 40th birthday celebration.  I posted on Facebook "If you want to celebrate my 40th with me, you'll have to come to the trailer" and, you know what, people did!  We had close to 40 people there!  It was a cold one but the food and company was awesome.  Everyone contributed in some way, a salad, dessert, games, tarps (thanks Mark), etc.  The rain held off the whole night.  We raised $550 at our little gathering.  So, once again, I felt very loved and blessed to have all these amazing people in my life.

And that's all for now.  I'm laid up in bed today but needed to get this out there.

If you weren't able to come to the BBQ but would like to contribute, here's my online donation page.

Donate here

Community

com·mu·ni·ty  

1. people in area: a group of people who live in the same area, or the area in which they live
2. people with common background: a group of people with a common background or with shared interests within society
3. nations with common history: a group of nations with a common history or common economic or political interests

When I think of the people at CrossFit Indestri (CFI), I think "community".  As defined above, #2 is exactly what it is.  Not necessarily people with a common background as we all have led very different lives and come from very different backgrounds.  But we are a group of people with a shared interest.  We all have a love/hate relationship with CrossFit LOL.

But seriously, it's very hard not to grow close to a group of people that you've completed a WOD with.  We cheer each other on, give encouragement to help keep them going, and give them a high five or props at the end of the workout.  We smile, we laugh, we sweat, and well, sometimes, we cry together.

Community is one of the top reasons I am still at CrossFit.  As much as I have learned that I love to lift heavy things, the people bring me back day after day.  Whether it's a "Hey Mighty Mouse" from coach Tyson in the morning or some "ribbing" from some of the members about whether we're ready for today's workout or not.  I don't think I could ever leave this type of environment.

Photo by Jennifer Nichol

This couldn't have been more true when I, unfortunately, had to take a total of 6 weeks off from CrossFit.  Between Pool School, a vacation, and some medical issues, it was the longest time away from these people that I've had in the past year.  And when I was going through my personal troubles, the only place I wanted to be was at CFI.  Kind of a Cheers effect.  You know "where everybody knows your name"...

While I was off, I received messages on Facebook.  "Miss you", "When are you coming back?"  "Quit slacking and get your butt in here!"  (My favourite).  Just made me miss CFI more.  So the first day I went back, I was a little emotional but boy, was I happy to see everyone.  Got some great hugs and "welcome back".

Another great testament to this community, well now more like a family, is how people stepped forward to help Chris achieve his goal at MetCon.  They were either there to watch him or there to help him.  Truly amazing!

So, if you're looking for a place where you can get fit and feel a part of a "community" like ours, then check out your local CrossFit box.  Ask the members.  I bet they say the same thing.

"Where everybody knows your name,

And they're always glad you came;

You want to go where people know,

People are all the same;

You want to go where everybody knows your name."

Where Everybody Knows Your Name by Gary Portnoy and Judy Hart Angelo

source: http://www.lyricsondemand.com/tvthemes/cheerslyrics.html

Girls Night

I just spent a great night with a very special female...

My beautiful daughter Ciara.

This week was a very busy week.  Early mornings and late nights meant very little family time.  Then off to her Grandma's she went for a sleepover as Mommy had to work this morning as well.  These busy times can kind of take a toll on family life.

Unfortunately family time is going to have to wait.  Parker is away with the Major Bantam Boys Basketball team at their Provincials.  So instead of Family QT, Ci and I had some Girlie QT.

Off to Kelsey's we went.  While we waited for our food we chatted and coloured away on her menu.  Played some Tic Tac Toe.  Food was delicious.

We headed home and got into our PJs.  After a couple of iCarly episodes, we settled down for a cuddle and to watch "Aliens in the Attic".  Although she's seen it before, she wanted to see it again.

We didn't do much tonight but it was time we needed.  With so much happening in our busy lives and some big changes to come, I made a promise to Ciara that we would do this much more often.  We did the big handshake on it :)

Family is so important.  I'm very lucky and have grown up with a family that has always been there for me.  Through the good and even more so through the bad.  I want Ci to grow up with that same feeling of togetherness and love.  

For Ci and I, we've gone through a couple of tough family changes and a couple of really great ones.  We have a strong family unit now and couldn't be more happier.  So my promise to her, is something I plan on keeping... for as long as she wants to hang with her Momma ;)

I'll leave you with a quote that is very fitting for my family situation :)

The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life ~ Richard Bach

Oh the Changes I've Seen

Six years ago I made a decision that would affect many people.  That decision was the TSN turning point of my life...

Not long after my daughter was born, I began to really look at my life.  I began to see many things that others were seeing happening in my relationship, my personality, my life.  People had been telling me things that I just didn't want to see.  Sure I was happy.  I had a house, a job, a husband, a beautiful daughter.  I thought I had it made.  

Unfortunately, I was still miserable!  Sure, I had a husband but not a partner.  I'm not going to go into great detail here.  For two years I lived my life going through the motions.  It was going to get better, right?

Well, in 2007 that's when it hit me.  Nothing was going to change unless I wanted it to.  I told my husband that I was not happy. We tried counselling.  Well, once anyway.  At that meeting, my husband was "diagnosing" me according to the counsellor.  He told the counsellor I'd been depressed since my daughter was born.  That I must be suffering from postpartum depression.  What did the counsellor say to this?  He said "I don't think that's the case at all.  I think you make her miserable."  BAM!  Like someone jumped up and threw ice cold water on my face.  I finally got it.  It wasn't just that he made me miserable, brought me down in his world of negativity.  I wasn't in love with him anymore.  I hadn't been for some time.

The other crushing moment was when my daughter, at the age of 3, asked me "Mommy, are you going to be happy today?"  WOW, she was seeing and processing all of this at such a young age.  She may not have known exactly what was going on but she knew something wasn't right.  And that was when I told him it was over.  I couldn't go on pretending anymore.  The moment those words left my mouth, a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders.

I'm not going to pretend I wasn't scared.  Boy was I scared!  Was I going to be able to make it on my own?  How would this work with my daughter?  Was I going to have to look for a new house?  

I have to admit.  I am one lucky girl.  I have an amazing support system of family and friends.  They helped me more than I could thank them for.  I don't know what I would've done without them.

We settled a lot of our stuff between us in the beginning.  I bought him out of the house.  We started a shared custody agreement and we were moving along.

Things started happening for me in other areas of my life.  Now that I was not dealing with all this negativity, other aspects started to flourish.  I got a promotion at work.  I started to see my friends again.  My health was improving.  Life was great.

Although there was one more major hiccup that happened over these last 6 years, one I'm not going to write about as it's not really appropriate, my life has changed in such a positive manner.  I can look back and say "yep, I'm a better person today".

One demon I was still battling up until I started CrossFit in March 2012 was my low self-esteem.  That's right folks.  For those that know me, I can put on a great show but my confidence levels were not that high.  HOWEVER, that has changed.  CrossFit and the strength it has brought me makes me feel like I can take on the world.  I have so much more confidence in everything I do.  Sure I get nervous sometimes and start to doubt myself BUT instead of running away, I go for the "well, I guess we'll just have to see what happens".  And every time I have to say that to myself, I shock the crap out of me!

I hated looking at myself in a mirror.  So, ya, I joined CrossFit to see some physical changes happen.  Boy did I ever.  When you look at the first picture, I look miserable.  The second picture, taken today, I'm happy and actually looking forward to bikini weather!

Everyone's results are different.  Not only has my body image improved (which was a bonus), I have new strength.  Strong is the new sexy!

Here are my numbers in the beginning:
Deadlift 65#, Thrusters 35#, KB Swings 8KG, Front & Back Squats 45#, Overhead Squat 35#, pull-ups with a purple band... I could go on and on.

Here are my numbers now:
Deadlift 185#, Thrusters 90#, Kettle Bell Swings @ 20KG, Front Squat 120#, Back Squats 130#, Overhead Squat 85#, Pull-ups NO BAND!

So changes, oh ya, I've had some major changes in my life over the last few years.  I'm truly thankful.  I'm blessed to have an amazing man in my life who is a wonderful life partner and father to my 9 year old daughter.  He tells me I'm beautiful and that he loves me everyday!  How can a girl not feel special :)

I have a beautiful daughter that my whole world revolves around.  I can't imagine my life without either of these wonderful people.  My life finally feels like its MINE.  Like it was meant to be.