Just a little recap...

I have the privilege of working for a really great company.  They host Run or Dye - The World's Most Colorful 5k!

I have worked for this company since this past August and I got the chance to go to my second race this weekend in Arlington, TX. It was not the most pleasant experience because we had some things working against us. But the important thing was that the race was a success and the participants had a good time!

It was surprisingly cold. It was 37 degrees and windy. The wind made it miserable... But we made it through alive! :)

I really do love my job and am very grateful for it. Here are some pics from the weekend....

Gorgeous view from the airplane

Life on the road

Setting up the course

They are ready to run!

Mason had to send me pictures of all my children (the tiny one is our foster baby) because I missed them so much!

One of my best friends had her 2nd baby over the weekend too. I headed straight to the hospital to see him when I got back. I snuggled him for a good hour in that chair! So precious!!

Mason got to hold him right after he was born. Nothing sexier than a man holding a newborn baby!

Then.... Monday rolled around and Santa visited our office ;) 

How was your weekend?? Any holiday parties or shenanigans in general??

Only a week until Christmas!! :-D

Sisters

Sometimes I feel down. Sometimes I feel stuck. Sometimes I feel desperate. Sometimes I just need to cry to someone. Sometimes I don’t know where to turn.

Life doesn’t always seem to deal me the easiest deck of cards.

I don’t always know how to handle what is given to me.

I get frustrated. Scared. Mad.

I shut myself off from those I love because, for some reason, I get this thought in my head that they don’t want to hear what I am going through.

And just when I am ready to call it quits someone pulls me up. They pick me back up, dust me off, smile and tell me, “I’m here.”   Hugging me with no intention of letting go.

Those angels are my sisters, Kimie and Sar.

These two amazing women have seen me at my best; at my worst…. Yet they never cease to love me, to be there for me.  No matter if they agree or not with my decisions, they never pass judgment.

One of them always seems to know when I need them. It is a crazy thing.

Today, I was thinking about Kimie and how I wanted to call her but I had decided I would do it later.  About an hour later she called me.

She let me vent to her and she said, “Meg, I don’t have all the answers either but you have to keep moving forward.”

But the thing that she didn’t understand was that I wasn’t looking for answers from her…. all I needed was what she was already doing… listening.

Simply listening to what I have to say is some of the best medicine in my book.

I remember when Sar told me, “Meg, I’m your sister. I love you. I want you to come to me when you are down.”

It’s really nice to know that I have them to turn to whenever I need someone.

I love these two more than they will ever know.

God sure blessed me with bestest of friends ever. 

xo,

The Truly Inspiring Scottie Hobbs #MotivationMonday

Happy Motivation Monday my friends! I hope everyone had a Happy Turkey Day! I know I did!

I spent it with my boyfriend’s family this year. His mama sure can cook! I actually got to try out a fried turkey! Which the bf himself made. Pretty darn tasty! But glad I don’t eat that way every day.

So in the spirit of Motivation Monday, I want to share a truly inspiring story of a fellow Beachbody coach, Scottie Hobbs. He has an amazing fitness transformation, so I asked him if I could share it with all of you! 

When Scottie got married he found that other things started to become more of a priority in his life than his own health. He had a growing family and worked 12-15 hour days… causing him to gain weight. But he didn't pay much attention to it. He was always exhausted and had no energy to do the things he used to love doing like playing in his band.

In May 2010 he had a, what I like to call, “a-ha” moment. He was lying on the couch while his wife was in the other room doing her P90X workout. After, she began running up and down the stairs. She had so much energy and he was completely exhausted from “living life.” That is the moment he decided to take control of his life again. He wanted to be a dad that had the energy to keep up with his family.

Scottie jumped on the P90X band wagon. Not an easy wagon!  Not only did he set the goal of completing that program but he set a goal of running 100 miles each month! He was sick and tired of being sick and tired. He wanted change and he knew that the only way to achieve it was to commit fully.

In his own words, “When I decide to do something, I give it everything I have. The key to my success was my personal belief in what I was doing and that I could achieve my goal of getting ‘ripped.’”  

He gave 100% and achieved those goals.

His transformation inspired him to become a Beachbody coach to help others realize their dreams. He is a true inspiration to me and countless others.

Thanks Scottie for your kindness of letting me share your story. I admire and look up to you!

Transformations like Scottie’s are possible for anyone. The key to it all is BELIEVING IN YOURSELF.  I know that can be hard sometimes but you can do it. You have to tell yourself that you are worth it… you do deserve your health.

If you are struggling and need some inspiration contact me and sign up for me to be your FREE Beachbody coach. Together we can achieve anything.

xoxo,

What day is it?!

Uh oh... what day is it?!!!

HUMP DAAAYY!

Whoop Whoop!!

Not only is it HUMP DAAAYY! But it is also the start of Beachbody's Black Friday deals!! 

These deals start today and go through Monday, December 2nd.

Check out all this goodness! 

And these are only some of the deals

You can check them all out right here.

You must approach this with some haste because they are expected to sell out of most if not all!

I think this is a great way to get a jump start on your new years resolution! 

Don't get stuck in the over crowded gym again this January.

If you would like me to coach you through your fitness journey please email me.

We can figure out what is best for you and get a head start on your health for 2014! 

Purposeful Life?

Lately I have been in a rut. I have been on edge, tired, bored and just plain not feeling like myself. I feel like there is more out there for me but I am not sure what it is yet. I have felt that way for a while and now I am to the point where I am just unhappy of where my life is at this moment.

I feel like I have been waiting forever for that opportunity that would fill my life with purpose. Yes, I said waiting…. That is precisely why I am still stuck. I have been waiting for someone else to give my life purpose when I am the only one that can create that.

I want to make a difference in people’s lives. I want to have something to look forward to each day. I want to wake up with a smile every morning.

I thought that the only way to provide meaning was to lose a little weight and then I would be happy and things would turn around. I have finally come to realize that that will not make me happy.

I am not in the right mindset to even really work on losing that little bit of weight that I want. The success of your journey in life is completely mental. You have to be in the right mindset to succeed.

I try all the time to make my health a priority but something always comes up… always. And I realized yesterday that I need to make my mental state a priority first. (ha! That makes me sound a wee bit insane… my mental state)

I just know that if I want to succeed in my career, my relationships, my life… I HAVE to take care of myself. I HAVE to be priority numero uno! I just have to be.

It’s about time I get out of my own way!

I know that I am capable of great things. I know that I can achieve anything I want. Yet, I sit here and watch everyone else get and do what I want. I am the only one to blame for that.

Risk is scary but that is the only thing that will get you where you want. Sitting in your comfort zone may be all nice and cozy but you are missing out!! I am missing out! And I am sick of it.

I am beginning by working on my mental state. I am working on feeling better about me before I try to make all sorts of drastic changes. Those changes will never stick if I don’t love me first.

I have begun meditating again. It is a great way for me to focus on myself. Does anyone else meditate?

How do you take care of yourself? 

xoxo, 

What Does Healthy Living Mean to You?

Healthy living can mean a lot of different things to different people.

Some may view it as exercise only, to others nutrition is more important, while still others view it as a complete mind, body, and soul connection.

For a long time, to me, healthy living just meant that I exercised regularly. I never paid much attention to my diet because, well… I didn't eat that bad. Or so I thought.

You ever heard, “You can’t out exercise a bad diet?” I have many times but it never really clicked because I was different. Aren't we all? We seem to have this mentality that other people’s misfortune, pitfalls, or short comings could never affect us. I mean, I’m perfect, right?

That mentality has set me up for failure, but I am finally understanding the meaning of “healthy living.”

I know that it is not….

Being skinny

Depriving myself of food

Exercising crazy amounts to burn off that cheeseburger

Fitting into a size 4 jeans

Beating myself up for eating that cookie or missing a workout

Telling myself I can’t achieve my health goals

Eating very little during the day and binging at dinner

I know that it is….

Fueling my body with foods like lean meats, fruits, veggies

Eating up to 6 small meals a day

Being content with my jean size

Living life and enjoying a cookie here or there

Reminding myself all the good things I possess

Following a regular exercise program, 30 minutes is enough

I truly believe that healthy living is a balance between your mind and body. Living healthy requires a lot of mental strength.

Currently, I am struggling with some things on the list of what I know healthy living is NOT. I believe we all do from time to time.  But I am human… I have my good days and my bad days. The important thing is that I recognize what I am doing and I am working towards making changes toward the better.

My main struggle right now is fueling my body with nutritious foods. There are times when I do pretty good and others when I am completely derailed. I have so many excuses from I’m too tired, I’m in a hurry, I don’t want to go to the grocery store or I don’t want to cook. EXCUSES.

Those excuses have made me very miserable. And I only have myself to blame.

But I am done with beating myself up about it. I am making that change. I am changing my actions to match my belief. Because right now they are inconsistent and it just seems to be creating chaos in my life.

I am ready to make a change. Are YOU?

I will be starting a clean eating challenge and I will be supplying all the meal plans and recipes. If anyone is interested please contact me.

xoxo,

Sweet Potato Veggie Burgers

So I have had this recipe for the sweet potato veggie burgers pinned on Pinterest for some time now. I almost always am looking for my lunches to bring to work from my food board. So I see the picture for it on a weekly basis. Well.... I finally made them tonight!

These puppies were delicious! It took me awhile to make them because I was also trying to make my lunches for the week but in general they wouldn't take very long to make. I also baked them instead of pan frying them but you can do either.  Here is the recipe.....

Sweet Potato Veggie Burgers
makes 7-8 large patties

2 cans cannellini white beans, drained
1 large sweet potato, baked/peeled/mashed (about 2 cups)
2 Tbsp tahini
2 tsp maple or agave syrup
1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning OR Cajun seasoning (or another fave spice!)
1/4 cup wheat flour
optional: additional seasoning (whatever you have on hand - I used a few dashes cayenne, black pepper and a scoop of nutritional yeast)
salt to taste if needed

plentiful Panko crumbs
safflower oil for pan

burgers: avocado, Dijon mustard, grain buns, romaine, onion, olive oil, pepper

Directions:

1. Bake sweet potato. Peel, place in large mixing bowl.
2. Add drained beans to mixing bowl. Mash beans and potato together.
3. Mash in seasoning, flour and any additional seasoning. Your mixture will be quite soft and moist. But you should be able to form a patty. Add more flour or a scoop of breadcrumbs - or dry rice to thicken the mixture if needed.
4. Heat 1 Tbsp safflower oil in a pan over high heat.
5. Form a patty from mixture and coat in Panko crumbs. Thick coating. Then drop the patty in the pan. Repeat until the pan is filled. Cook until browned on both sides. You could also bake. If baking, use less Panko.
6. Transfer cooked patties to paper towel. Cool for a few minutes.
7. Serve on toasted bun with lotsa toppings.

As mentioned above, I baked mine instead of pan frying. I baked them at 425° for 10 minutes then flipped them, then baked for another 7 minutes then broiled them on high for 2 to 3 minutes. You really have to watch them when you turn the broiler on. I did that to make them that much crispier! 

Let me know what you think!

You can find the recipe on this blog.

xoxo,

50 Reasons to Exercise #MotivationMonday

1.     Lifts your mood

2.  Improves your learning abilities

3. Builds self-esteem

4.  Keeps you brain fit

5.  Keeps your body fit & able

6.  Boosts mental health

7.  Boosts your immune system

8.  Reduces stress

9.Makes you feel happier

10. Has anti-aging affects

11. Improves skin tone and color

12.   Improves sleeping patterns

13. Helps prevent strokes

14. Improves joint function

15. Improves muscle strength

16.  Alleviates anxiety

17. Sharpens memory

18. Helps to control addictions

19. Boosts productivity

20. Boosts creative thinking

21.  Improves body image

22. Gives you confidence

23. Helps you keep focused in life

24. Improves eating habits

25. Increases longevity

26. Strengthens your bones

27. Strengthens your heart

28. Improves posture

29. Prevents colds

30. Improves appetite

31.   Improve cholesterol levels

32. Lowers risk of (certain) cancers

33. Lowers high blood pressure

34. Lowers risk of diabetes

35. Fights dementia

36. Ease back pain

37. Decreases osteoporosis risk

38. Reduces feelings of depression

39. Prevents muscle loss

40.  Increases energy and endurance

41. Increases sports performance

42. Increases pain resistance

43. Improves balance & coordination

44. Improves oxygen supply to cells

45. Improves concentration

46.  Helps with self-control

47. Lessens fatigue

48. Increase sex drive & satisfaction

49.  Makes life more exciting

50. Improves Quality of Life

What are your reasons to exercise?

xoxo,

November Beachbody Promotion

Each month Beachbody does a promotion on their products and as an Independent Beachbody Coach I get to share them with you! Yay! Who doesn’t love a good promotion?! This girl is all about it!

November’s promotion is called “Give and Receive.” There are 2 parts to this promotion… First, new and existing customers as well as new coaches will get a $20 coupon to use toward a future purchase when they purchase a challenge pack in the month of November. Second, Beachbody has partnered with Feeding America, the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity. With each challenge pack that is sold, Beachbody donates $20 to Feeding America! Wow! They really are experts on the season of giving, aren’t they?!

So what do you get in a challenge pack, you ask?

• Fitness program of your choice
• One of five delicious Shakeology flavors
• FREE 30-day trial membership to Team Beachbody Club
• Your own personal coach – the one and only ME!

Challenge packs really are a steal of a deal and you can save up to $68 compared to buying the products separately!

Now, I hope I haven’t lost you yet…. I know that this sounds like a huge pitch about “BUY FROM ME!” But it’s not, I promise you. I personally have purchased a challenge pack and absolutely love them. I 100% believe in what Beachbody is doing to End The Trend of obesity.

I am by no means perfect when it comes to all this health and nutrition stuff but Beachbody has stumbled upon an amazing formula that works. I have seen it time and time again. So what are you waiting for? I will be there to help you along the way!

If you have any questions please feel free to ask me!

xoxo,

Fear...

I have let fear control a lot of what I have done and not done in my life.

I have let fear delay things that I wanted to do... 

It is extremely limiting when you let fear control your life....

I had a fear of living too far away from my family.

I ended up not going to the college that I wanted to go to.

I had a fear that I wasn't capable of getting my degree...

I am graduating next month with my Bachelor's but could have been done with it 2 years ago

I have really let fear take hold of me in too many situations and it has crept back up in light of this new decision I have to make.

I was offered a marketing internship at a company I really wanted to work for. 

After telling my employer about this opportunity they told me that we would have to part ways because they needed someone full time.

I have worked here for over 3 years and make pretty dang good money for being a receptionist. 

I am absolutely terrified to leave

Why?

Because I don't know if I can find another job that will pay me enough to cover my bills and be flexible enough to work around my internship.

I'm am beyond scared.

Change scares the ship out of me.

Have you seen that new K-mart commercial? "I shipped my pants!" It is hilarious!

Change can be the most rewarding thing ever, so why is it so incredibly scary for me?

It's the unknown. 

I don't know what is going to happen. 

I don't know where I will be getting my income 

I don't know if this internship will turn into a full-time position

I will be giving up A LOT of free time. ( I value the shit out of that!)

My whole professional world is going to change just to take this internship.

I really REALLY want to do this internship though...

This could be a opportunity of a lifetime. 

This could give me some incredible experience that will look awesome on my resume. 

So... Am I going to let fear take over this time?

No... right after I cry a little because I am so scared

I am going to take this opportunity and I am going to do it with confidence. 

I will succeed. 

Everything that I encounter has always turned out just fine plus I have an amazing support system.

So here is to CHANGE, OPPORTUNITY, LIFE.....

I am going to tackle this and come out stronger than ever. Bring it ON!!

Until next time,

Watch that K-mart commercial

p.s. I can't get pictures to load today... ugh

Happy Birthday Papa

Today my Papa would have been 57 years old. Such a youngin'.....
It breaks my heart to say 'would have been'
Papa is the man that called me his own and that is exactly what I was... His.
It's his birthday today and it always is a hard day for me. He is not here to tell "Happy Birthday" anymore.

I don't remember the last birthday that I saw him... The last years of his life I did not see him much.
Something I regret greatly and brings tears to my eyes thinking about right now....
He meant the world to me and I have so many fond memories of him as a kid.
My favorite was when my mom and I would ride the bus down to Orem on the weekends to go see him.
It was a blast!
He always gave me his queen size bed that I would share with Vern. (best dog in the world)

I don't remember the last time I told him I loved him or that I cared about him before he passed and that has eaten at me for years....
Shortly after he passed he came to me in a dream, which I believe was to put me at ease. He let me know that he knew I loved him.
I have cherished that dream ever since.....

Never take anyone for granted.
Spend as much time with those you love.
Tell them you love them as often as possible.
Hug them more every time you see them.
Laugh more with them.
Make memories....

Make sure you won't wonder if they knew how you felt about them if they died today.....

My heart aches still with that wonder.... Tears stream down my face as I write this.

Tonight,  Sarah, her family and I will be going to the cemetery to wish Papa a Happy Birthday.

Watch for the balloons as they float to meet you in heaven.
I love you.

Until next time,
Hug those you love a little tighter

 

Vernon Judge Young aka sweetest, best, most protective dog EVER

Waiting with Kim and Mike for their plane to go on their honey moon

Fishing... The outdoors were his favorite

Handsome

Best Friends... Hopefully they are in heaven together

And my most favorite of all....

Somewhere over the rainbow....