My Incredible Summer!

It's been quite a few months since I have been able to write anything.  My summer was incredibly busy - but so awesome!  Here is a update on my life.  :]

My Loves:
-Jadelynn turned 10 this year!  I seriously cannot believe how much she has grown since I first met her at 2 years old.  As most of you know, after my divorce, I am so blessed by her mom that she has allowed me to continue to love on Jadelynn and be such a huge part of her life.  This year she started gymnastics - and is doing a fabulous job!  She is doing great in school, and is just a sweet little lady whom we are all incredibly proud of. We had adventures this summer too:  One Direction!  Of course I had to take her to see them again.  :]
-Cobie is still just as awesome as ever.  He is 1.5 years old now and has started to calm down a little bit - which is actually pretty nice.  Haha.
-My boy.  We had all of the adventures!  He surprised me with fancy dinners, trips to the ocean, birds, the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, dolphins, whales - and overall has been the sweetest and most incredible man I have ever met.  I thank God every single day for the blessing I have received through our relationship.  Thank you for who you are, for praying with me, praying for me, leading us, providing way more than you need to, for making me laugh, for respecting me and being patient, and for the love and adventure of a lifetime.  9 months down into forever. <3
-The Dungeon:  Still working it out with team Dungeon!  It was hard to mix my gym life with my summer work life, but eventually I was able to figure it out and go in as often as I could - even using online sessions and hotel gyms when I was working out of town.  At this point - I have finally dipped below the weight I have been at for months! I know the numbers on the scale don't matter...but we all know it's nice to see them drop.

Family and Friends:

-My older sister moved back!  I don't have any photos with her - which I lame and I will have to fix when I see her later. :]  I have been able to spend a ton of time with her and her kids - getting to know her even better.  I love her so much! I went to Disneyland with my oldest sister, which was way fun too!

-I also went to Disneyland with my giiiiiiirrl - and watched my other "giiirrl" Zach graduate from the Sheriff Academy!

-My friend Nikki wrote her second book - which I was so blessed to be part of!

-Christina introduced me to ArtMix and got to by my hero at work.. :]
-The birth of Mini Mimi, dancing (killing it at the wobble), camping, wedding planning, pumpkin patches, and adventure happened with my new family and some of the best friends a girl could ever ask for.

Adventures with K-LOVE and Air1:  

My job probably kept me the most busy this summer.  Going into promotions, I was prepared to have weird hours, minimal weekends off, and the time of my life - and that is exactly what I got!  My summer was full of prep for event, going to some of the most amazing worship nights and concerts, community events, wonderful volunteers, listener stories, and travel!  One of my favorite things was being able to travel to Colorado for our team Summit and to serve with my amazing coworkers from Denver, Arizona, and So Cal, Texas, and Kansas at HeavenFest (2 days) and Harvest SoCal (3 nights) - which are weekend festivals full of music and fun.  Here I had the opportunity to set up our HUGE K-LOVE and Air1 tents and experience for the first time what it's like working a festival with K-LOVE and Air1.  It was busy and so exhausting, but every now and again, we would hear these amazing stories from our listeners, which quickly lifted my spirits as I remembered why I am part of this ministry.  I've said it a thousand times: I love my job!

Next up - I'm going to Italy!  Jessica and I will be on a 2-week adventure in less than 1 month!

Life is beautiful.

In other news:  The first motion picture theater opened in Los Angeles on April 2, 1902.
Find out more cool California facts here!

-jennilea

Decorating. Travel. Fitness.

I've been in my new home for 1 month now - and it's incredible!  Brian surprised me with some awesome decorations for my wall, which we hung up yesterday, so I am all set now.

Everything feels warm and happy - I couldn't imagine a more perfect place to be.

1 week ago, Yessica and I bought our tickets to Italy when prices took a HUGE dip!  We are leaving in just over 5 months - wow!  Flying into Rome, and exploring as much of Italy as possible.  My family has a ton of history there, so I am looking forward to seeing and learning more about that.

I'm also on my fitness like crazy!  Brian and I are on this journey together, so we started our own wee fitstagram:  @Brilea_fit - Yes, couples IG accounts are a little lame, but this helps keep both of us accountable, and motivated - so we are lame together.  haha.  I switched from doing online training at The Dungeon because I found I was just making excuse after excuse to not go in - so this is my first week back to normal in-gym training and I haven't missed a session yet!  Even more exciting, is that I am seeing some major changes in my body - and still getting stronger.  A few months ago, we started assisted muscle-ups using a false grip and resistance bands to help get up there.  One of the resistance bands I had been using broke during another session - leaving two instead of three.  I thought that would be it until Jamie brought in another one - but she had other plans.  Instead of stopping there, she had me try with the 2 bands.  I couldn't even kind of get up there.  Haha.  I was failed time after time and it all felt completely pointless - until one time, when I was finally able to get my arm up.  Within 2 weeks, I got my other arm up - and was finally able to start pulling myself up!  I'm not lifting myself all the way up at this point, but I am closer than I ever have been before.  I feel strong - and I feel confident.

So - here is to adventures and major changes!  I am declaring right here that I've remembered why I started this journey, and I am determined to make the next 8 weeks incredible as I fight my way towards the fitness level I'd like to be at.  Going from this to being healthy is just that; it's a fight. - It is a decision each day to prep my meals, drink a gallon of water, say no to the thing I am craving - unless it's a cheat meal - and to make each scheduled workout!

With the huge amount of support and love from my trainer - Jamie, Team Dungeon, my fantastic boyfriend, and from amazing friends like Kaite (seriously follow her on IG @fromchubba2hubba), Juanita, Toni, and my giiiirl Jessica - I know that I can rock this out - exactly as I have in the past.

I look forward to checking in with you guys each week to let you know how I'm doing as well.

I'd also like to thank all of you for following my journey over the past few years.  Life has changed a ton - but it is so incredibly beautiful. <3

In other news - blue whales are so enormous that a human being could swim through their largest veins. (Check out more cool facts here).

-jennilea

"The #1 reason why people give up..."

"Why am I even doing this?  I've seen no progress recently - though I haven't exactly been on diet 100% or making even close to all of my workouts.  Maybe I should just take a break after this week and come back in a few months...I just want to be there already!  I have so much further to go..."

These are my thoughts as I lay down - trying to force myself to be motivated through my ab circuit in gym.  Normally, I am pumped, happy to be there, and excited for all challenges - tonight was different though. Tonight, I was ready to really give up.

Just then, I was moved into ball slams.  On my way over, I noticed the message for the week on the white board:

"The #1 reason why people give up so fast is because they tend to look at how far they still have to go.  Instead of how far they have gotten!" - Wise words from Josh, one of the trainers here. 

I've never needed to read this more.  I have been focusing on the fact that my body isn't where I want it to be yet - but that's just it - maybe it is not there yet, but it will be.  I have made so much progress from when I started in March, I just have to keep pushing - knowing that it won't happen over night - and also that it won't happen if I don't stick to what I am supposed to be doing to get there.  This message gave me that extra push of motivation to knock out my 100 ball slams much faster than usual, and to push through the rest of my workout.

I know I'll get there - I just have to keep pushing.

In other news:  I finally went swing dancing.  Yay for checking that off the list. I went with my friends Nic and Justin.  It definitely was a good time!  I learned some sweet moves and danced all night!

Total number of things completed:  81.  

20 more with 285 days to go!

-jennilea

The Breaking Point: Part 2

The Breaking Point is all too familiar to me, when working out at The Dungeon.  Thursday really took it to a new level.  I entered the gym to see Josh, Jamie's husband, would be my trainer for the evening.  He said, "You have one hour, don't stop working."  I started off with stairs and burpees.  I was set to workout with Heather as my partner for the night.  She pushes so hard.  I would never have been able to work as hard if I did not have such a great inspiration by my side.  She never stops.  It was so insane to watch how hard she pushed herself.  It showed me that I could do better.  After working hard with only a few seconds of breaks in between, I got to the breaking point.  I started crying, and couldn't breathe.  I have a history of asthma, but usually can control it, as long as my mind doesn't get the best of me.  Well, my mind got me in that moment.  I had to calm myself down.  Luckily, Farrah was there, inhaler and all, and she helped to calm me.  The amount of encouragement I received from Farrah, Shirley, and Heather was just amazing.  With their support and kind words, I got back at it, and kept pushing.  

Josh and Jamie tend to say "Hate me now, love me later."  Those words were true on Thursday.  I felt mad that I was so weak and needed breaks, but wasn't able to take any.  Then I realized another saying, "If it were easy, everyone would do it."  I am doing something incredibly difficult.  I am changing every part of my body and pushing to become a better, stronger me.  There is no way that is going to be an easy thing! Even though I felt angry in that moment, Josh was pushing me because he knew I could do it, and it would benefit me in the long run.  In completing the workout, I felt amazing, better than when I started, and I realized I need to push myself this hard in every workout.

Today, I messaged Jamie about my weaknesses and where I feel I am falling short. I felt like I wasn't doing a good job, but she was quick to say how strong I am and how hard she sees me push.  She was encouraging, uplifting, and reminded me that she is my friend as well as my trainer, and she is here to support me through this journey.  She is such an inspiration in my life, and I am so happy to have entered this place, where my life is completely changing.  I feel renewed and am ready to push.  I would never be able to do this without all of the love, encouragement, and support I get from my amazing Team Dungeon. 

If you are wanting to drastically change your body, please contact Jamie at The Dungeon!  You will never regret a decision to be healthy.

On another note:

I completed another item from my goal list:  Attend a murder mystery!  I went to Suspects Murder Mystery Dinner Theater.

The show was entertaining, the actors were fabulous, and the food was great!  The host was absolutely hilarious and really added to the show.  I am definitely happy I added this to my list.  

This was a great way to end a long week.

The week has really been tough for me.  Between work, school, and the Dungeon, I have had little time for much else.  When I do go out, I end up being out too late and being too tired to function.  I really felt the stress of it all on Friday, when all I wanted to do was be home. I came home early and basically slept through the rest of the day.  I had almost 12 hours of sleep, which was incredibly refreshing and much needed.  My headaches went away, and I am coming into this week feeling refreshed. 

77 goals complete.  Less than one year until this project is done!

-jennilea

2 More Things and a Familiar Feeling

I have completed a photo album for Jadelynn!  It is 20 pages long, and I used MyPublisher to do so. The program was easy to use, and the book turned out very nice!

Next, I have also completed my belly dancing goal!  The Dungeon has a Bhangra dance class for a few weeks, but unfortunately it did not stay open because we couldn't get enough people to commit to coming to class.  I was pretty sad, because the class was fantastic!  On our last day, Elizabeth let us request a few things, so I requested belly dancing, as it is on my list!  She showed us a few moves, and it is harder than I thought it would be.  Needless to say, I look very silly practicing in the mirror, but I will get the few moves I learned down!

Let's talk a bit more about The Dungeon.  I know a lot of my posts are about this place, but it truly has changed my life in every positive way.  Jamie has gotten to know me so well that, as soon as I step into the gym, she can tell if I am down.  She let's me punch out my frustrations and climb the rope, or do other things that make me feel good about myself.  More than anything, she pushes me to the breaking point.

That familiar feeling where I don't think I can go on any further or do any more reps, but she won't let me stop.  As I sat on the leg extension, doing reps on the heaviest weight I have ever used, she began to push down, using her body weight to add on.  I had to do 20 seconds, and I just started crying.  I didn't think I would be able to get through it, especially after over 2 hours of the most intense leg day that I have ever done.  I tried, but failed at least two times.  Jamie finally said to me, "Come on!  You are stronger than your bad day!  Don't let it beat you down!" I held it up, and pushed harder than ever before.  I felt that I was at the point of not being able to hold up anymore, but then I heard the magic words, "5 more seconds!" (which I am sure is longer, if you count like a normal person).

I have worked with other trainers before, and they are great, but nothing can compare to Jamie.  She cares about you, as a person, and genuinely wants to see you succeed.  She is obsessed with our results and wants to see us meet our goals and love ourselves.  She pushes up hard because she knows that we can do it, even more than we do.  I always say Jamie knows my strength even more than I do, which is really weird to think of.  It is true, though!  Those moments when I feel like I can't push any further and that I need to give in, she absolutely refuses to allow it.  She will push me to the breaking point and to success.

My experiences and changes in The Dungeon have been like none other.  If you are really wanting to make a huge change in your life, I challenge you to look into it!  You can contact Jamie through Facebook at In An Athletes Soul.

Stay tuned for my next post.  It will contain the ultimate before and current photos.  :]]

-jennilea

Shoot the Rope.

So, the title is pretty self explanatory.  I climbed the rope in the Dungeon!  My decision to try it out was completely random.  I had just finished my workout and was like, eh, why not give it a shot!  When I realized I was actually climbing it, I was in shock! I was hoping my trainer was looking, but was too worried that if I called her, I wouldn't make it to the top.  Just then, I heard her yell out in excitement for me!  It took less than two months to get to this point.  I am so excited to be here!

You can see a video of my climb here.  I also have a few other fun videos up from The Dungeon!  We are always doing something fun and exciting in the Dungeon.  If you are looking for a trainer, please contact Jamie on Facebook.  You will not regret it!

Let's talk a bit about progress.  First, I decided this year that I would start wearing shorts this summer,  I do not at all regret that decision.  Working out at the gym has definitely boosted my confidence, and I needed it with our weather frequently being well into the 100s in the recent days. In addition to boosting my confidence with shorts, I decided to but a two piece this year!  I found the BEST top at Target.  Seriously, it is better than my best bra.  HA!  I love it.  It takes a crazy amount of courage to post photos like this, but I am pretty darn proud of my progress, so, here we have it - complete with a photo bomb:

I can't believe how far I have come, and really cannot wait until I reach my final goal in fitness and can just work on maintaining.  :]

Next, I was going to a Giants game, and needed to buy a shirt for it.  I went to Target, and found a super cute shirt, but they only had it available in a size small.  I was sure I wouldn't be able to fit it, but decided to take a chance anyway.  It fit perfectly!  More changes in my body. :]

Finally, I was moving stuff and...things around, and found my Prom dress.  I tried it on before starting at the Dungeon, and it most definitely did not fit.  One of my friends suggested I try it on again, and I really did not want to because I was sure it would just make me sad.  I tried it on anyway, and it fit PERFECTLY!  I am now the exact same size that I was senior year - which was my smallest - but I weigh more.  This only confirms what Jamie has been telling us over and over.  Throw away the scale, the muscle is doing so much more for me than those little numbers.  I am losing a crazy amount of inches and gaining so much confidence in myself!





A prom dress party is a must!
I am so excited to be wearing this dress again!





Getting off of the topic of fitness, I also knocked shooting a gun off of my list!  Janelle has a shotgun, and Nic took us out to shoot it!  The thing is huge, and I was super scared when they handed it to me, at first.  When I shot it for the first time, it was awesome!  The kickback was not as terrible as I was expecting.  I am absolutely horrible with aim, but I did hit a few bottles.  I had so much fun and actually decided that it would be neat to own a gun! I will definitely be researching guns!  Next, I would like to shot a hand gun.  It just seems like it would be easier.  :]

73 goals completed.  28 to complete. 452 days left.
Check out my Day Zero Project.

I think I can do this.

-jennilea