Until you know better...

I didn't start this journey on day one eating, feeling, or looking how I do now. I do the best I can each day and while it looks different now, I am proud of all I did to get here. 3 years ago lite cool whip, to me, was healthier than ice cream. And that is OKAY! The lite cool whip got me to eat fresh berries as desserts. That was progress. Be proud of your progress!!

Don't get caught up in the hype of perfect clean eating. Don't get caught up in the hype of the perfect picture. Just be your best self, each day. I know I am busy Becoming Annie and I hope you're busy Becoming YOU!!!

Lunch in 4 minutes!

Last week my husband started a new job (YEAH!) and now I FINALLY get to make his lunches. I've been waiting years for this, let me tell you. 

On a side note - I am terribly nervous about uploading these videos and the many others I have made. I make no apologies for my messy kitchen, fast talking, or funny faces. This is just me...Becoming Annie. 

On morning #2 I got up and realized I had made lunch the night before, just not for me! I had to be at work quickly and needed to just throw things together that I already had in my fridge.

Here is the intro that I posted to Instagram.

Here is me & my hurrying to a meeting/trying to get comfortable in front of the camera, self getting my lunch ready at Annie speed (which is kind of fast).

Salsa Crock Pot Chicken (1/2 C)

1 C Spinach

Rice & Quinoa packet from Costco (1 serving)

1/4 C black beans cooked with minced onion

Green onions

Olives

Cafe Yumm Sauce (1 TBSP)

1/2 C Pineapple

1 barre3 Pumpkin Spice Cookie

Water (the other 2 liquids I drink aren't allowed at work ;)

This lunch has enough protein in it to get me through the day. This chicken is so moist I can actually eat it cold in a wrap, and I've brought it to conferences like that before. Cafe Yumm Sauce is only available in the PNW. The sauce itself is best bought from the retailer because the value for the size is unbelievable! Buying it at Whole Foods or New Seasons is a very large price hike. 

The key to this lunch: salsa crock pot chicken! More on this to come but it is as easy as it sounds. Thanks to my bestie Robyn for teaching me this trick years ago. Or rather, thanks to her Mom for teaching it to her! 

Happy Lunching! 

Fitness Magazine

It all started back in April 1st, 2014. I was just a few classes into being released from my second shoulder surgery.

I was at Sadie's first class teaching in the new Williams studio and was obviously requiring some additional help and modifications, for which Sadie was very aware. She also mentioned my weight loss/surgery a time or two! There happened to be an editor from Fitness Magazine in the class who was there to visit with barre3 about being in their magazine. I left class, unknowing what was about to unfold.

barre3 met with Fitness, and they asked about me. And the rest, as they say, is history.

I received an email from Kait connecting me with Karla from NYC. From there, I filled out the "I DID IT" section application, which told my story. 2 months went by and I hadn't heard anything. Then, one day, I got an email saying that they wanted to feature me in the magazine!! Me. It was surreal. We had just a week to schedule the photo shoot because I was about to go on vacation!

Wouldn't you know it...but it rained the day of my photo shoot but I think that made the light even better! Here are a few of my favorite pictures by the wonderful photographer Robbie McClaran.

I still can't believe I was in an international magazine. It's mind boggling really. I figure I bought about 50 copies, giving many out to studios, family, and my village of doctors!

The winning picture! 

The Article

The barre3 blog blurb

Reinspired!

I had all these grand plans of blogging the last few months but my work and daydreams got in the way! Work is going well. My daydreams, that's another thing.

Moving forward it is my goal to help others, especially with PCOS, do what I have done - to create a heathy life and a happy life. It's the strangest feeling in the world when your daydreams don't come true when you want them to, and it turns out to be the best thing that's ever happened.

Looking forward to 2015!!!

my sleepy little blog...

It's been a long and emotional summer. School has just started. My weight is a few pounds higher than I would like it to be. But I've been known to say I would rather be busy than bored. I've been busy enjoying family vacations, rehabbing my shoulder, and doing a little spot in Fitness Magazine {more on that soon, I promise}!

Part of the sleepiness of my blog is I am not sure where to take it. I'm pretty much done losing weight, with the exception of this 10-ish pounds I've put back on since surgery #2 {more on that later too, though that one will be a hard post to write}. But I am doing a round of 28 to Great starting next week so that should take care of it. We also aren't trying to have kids anytime soon, though we have given it some thought. But, let's face it, trying to have kids isn't that much fun (or at least it wasn't last time). I've thought about focusing more on tips I have learned along the way, recipes I like, and what I do for exercise.

I want to continue to inspire others and use my story to change, not only my life, but the lives of others around me. If you have any topics you'd like me to talk about just let me know. I am an open book and am happy to share any part of my story! Fertility, weight loss, PCOS, barre3, food, mindset & more!

Fingers crossed {that I am inspiring people}...

on the news!

I'm telling you, this is a crazy & wonderful ride I'm on. About a month ago I took a 1/2 a personal day and did something amazing...I was on the news! And yes, I know I am behind!

Filming. My eyes look HUGE!

I was so honored to be asked to speak on behalf of barre3! Sadie was interviewed first and then they asked me a few questions. It is terrifying to be in front of the camera and I'm always nervous I'm going to mess up but it wasn't live TV so that made it a bit easier. 

I've learned to stand tall, focus (which is hard for me :), and take my time if I need to so I can answer the questions with clarity. 

The spot was aired that night...here's the link - Annie on KATU

After the interview we took a class and Matt, the reporter, took with us led by the amazing Kait! I brought him 3 pounds weights to start and he said "Is there anything heavier?" and I told him there was but these would likely be enough. During the class he actually put them down and during the segment said "I had to put down the weights and they were just 3 pounds." He sweated through both of his shirts he was wearing, as did the rest of us! 

Sadie, Robyn, and I before class!!

I'm in the back!

During class!

So proud of the old me who turned into the new me!

Crazy!!

I swear I was happy. I just get so nervous!!

Me & Sadie!

What an experience this was. And then, that night after it aired, I got an email from Sadie saying how well I did. Nothing like positive praise from someone you look up to!!

I love barre3 (as if you didn't already know that)!!!

Fingers crossed {for more of this}!!!

PS. That night I also CHOPPED off my hair. This makes me miss it!

getting there!

I have waited 5 1/2 months to hear my surgeon say the words "you can touch the barre again." And on Monday, I heard them!! That was at 5:00 PM and by 5:30 I was at barre3 :) Would you expect anything less?!?!

I've seen my surgeon over 10 times in the past 2 years and there's only been 3 appointments I haven't cried during - that's what happens when you see your surgeon while you're in pain! He's a wonderful man but it is SO great to see him smile.

He was SUPER impressed with my scapular control and not using my traps anymore! He was also impressed how long I could maintain a hold, my range of motion, and how happy it's all going. Basically, there was nothing he wasn't pleased with.

I came with a list of things I want to do but mentally need his permission for.

Barre3 using the barre - YES!!
Hiking - Kind of. Little hikes, backpack under 15 pounds. 
Mt St Helens - No :( 
Tennis - Volleying & forehands only. So really, no. 
Horse back riding - No
Golf - Putting & chipping from the sand/long grass only
Biking - Yes on flat land & yes to spin classes

I'm okay with almost all of these. I am very disappointed that I cannot do Mt St Helens this summer BUT I know it's for the better. I'd have to carry a LOT more weight than 15 pounds and pull myself up over boulders and use hiking poles. All no-nos. It's just not worth the risk!

I see him again in 6 weeks and IF things are going good then I'll be fully released with a 1 month check in after that. SO...if all goes well, by the end of August I could be considered "graduated" from all of this which is thrilling and terrifying all at once.

It's been a long road to get here but I am so thankful for my WHOLE village for all of their support during this time. It's a relief to be released of some of my restrictions, to be looking at the "end", and to be moving forward!!

Fingers crossed ~ that this is the beginning of good arms ;-)