Check-in one month b4 3month goal.

And... here I am again!

My internet was fowl and not working for two weeks so i haven't really been able to update. I was thinking of back tracking...but i ain't got time to do that! So i'll move forward.

This year in October I wrote out a 6 month plan to push myself into full gear in pursuing a music career. By January, i will be hitting my 3 month mark and i have some goals that i want to reach.

1. Creating an Online Artist Profile

2. Releasing 5 songs on the profile

3. Losing 20lbs

4. New wardrobe and small photoshoot to put on profile

etc.

I have been doing pretty good. My main focus has been on finding my sound, what kind of songs i want to write and what my message is going to be through my artistry.

I still feel very small. Like I am a small tiny tiny dot in the realm of amazing and struggling performing artists. But the stars say now is the time to dream big and go for it. So i'm giving myself this next year to realize a dream lost.

As I gain up to my four weeks i'm anticipating that I will feel rushed. But i don't want that. i want to take time to really make sure I feel happy sharing my talent in the right way by the right platform.

Right now i'm thinking about what i will call myself. i'd like to add to my goals by January that I will have a name that I feel very confident about to put out there.

So folks.. let the games begin! And if you are interested in following my journey... you can click the "Artist BOOTcamp" label where I will be journaling my journey.

Under "songbyrd" label I will have offdashoulda comments and possibly some videos and music samples of my work.

stay tuned!

Last Week's Work-out Log

Monday, 11.28 - 60min Core Fusion Open: I took Ms. Kat Steers class. She is a former rockette and a lot of her moves were very unique. I sweated a lot in this class, however I felt like I got through it well enough and the hour flew by. I almost feel like I could sneak in another workout today if I had the time. Today I am feeling good as i am starting off the week well with a workout. I've got the upcoming show to keep me motivated. I had to do some shopping today and that as usual was still a bit of a bummer. As I found out with the workouts i've been doing, I haven't gone down a dress size. It's still hard for me to fit a 14! I think about the pictures that I took this summer and I get down cause I don't like them and I just feel like i look so fat. Because then it was still hard for me to fit a 14, I am battling with the thoughts that all of these workouts have done nothing. I'm battling with it, because I know deep down that I feel stronger and I can feel that my body shape is transforming. But most people celebrate weight-loss with a drop on the scale or being able to fit into a size smaller--> none of which I can do at the moment. But, I will fight to see that what i've been able to do these past few months is a true accomplishment. And its a true prophecy on what i'll be able to accomplish in the next few months. I'm going to keep my head up high and keep adding on the notches of workouts. With more focus on my diet, I know i'll get even better results.

THE 80/20 Rule

Yesterday, I read in a health and fitness magazine about balancing food and fitness. What really made my eyes pop out is that the experts say that EATING is everything when it comes to your weight loss. Eating consists of 80% of weight loss, while working out is 20%. What they say is that working out is for burning calories and for maintaining weight, toning the body, but if I want to lose the fat..i've got to get on healthier eating habits.

Lately its been a struggle across the board, but I am in good hopes as it is still early this week and I have the whole week to make it worth my while. Since I've been on a workout regimen for the past 2 or so months..i'm okay with this. I know what works for me..its just about me doing it.

But eating, is the hardest part and I am now beginning this next stage in my journey where my eating is going to have to be focused on. I have decided to follow along with the beautiful brown baby doll winter weight-loss challenge. I have found that support through this journey will be THE only way to weightloss success.

My Fitness plan this winter is to maintain 3-4 workouts a week.

My eating plan is to journal and record my eating as I have done with my workouts for the next 2 months.

I will be focused on....

1. Eating Breakfast everyday
2. Including more fruits and veggies in my meals
3. Cutting down carbs

*************

I have decided that I will be following her challenge. Although I have already started my journey a few months ago, this is another stage that I am entering in. And to stay consistent and add more challenge to my eating, I am going to need that support. So with every video she posts, i will post here to keep as a check-in/support time.

Last Week's Workout Log

Monday, November 7th - 60min of Kenpox - BACK ON TRACK.

Friday, November 11th - 50min of CF dvd thighs and glutes - work it. I am still in this game. i'm not going to let go of my dreams. Its been a rough 2 weeks, but i've still got my eyes on the prize. I have one more day to get in 3 workouts. November 15th is my internal "artist bootcamp" check-in. I'll finally do a weigh-in then.

Saturday, November 12 - 15min of Ab Ripper X - got in 15min worth of a great ab exercise!

****************

Monday, November 21 - 15min Ab Ripper X and 10min of YogaX - you gotta get it in where you can fit it in! Since i'm pushing my self to get back into gear the only thing i told myself today with this work out is to show up... do what you can and breathe.

Friday, November 25 - 60min Core Fusion Open Class - this was a great class. although I can't help to call myself out for not getting my workouts in. I just dred the pain! But no pain no gain. What is most apparent to me is when I do work out on a regular basis, I have a clearer confident mindset. When I lose out on my workouts I can def feel insecurities coming back. I experienced this about a month ago when I slowed down on my workouts then and i'm feeling it now. Its all about the journey and finding my pace and consistency..I just want to get back on track and move forward.

Of Course i'm interested.

one of my favorite youtubers is doing a weight loss challenge for the next 2 months. BUT i'm hesitant to join because....WELL HOW MANY WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGES HAVE I JOINED BEFORE AND NOT COMPLETED? i just don't want to again fail at a challenge. I got till the 27th to think about it..so i'll do that.. think about it.

dear taurus

As the song goes, "You've got the power," dear Taurus,

and all it will take for you to succeed is belief in your talents, intelligence, and resourcefulness.

-susan miller

Update on MY HAIR W/pictures

I haven't blogged about my hair in a while. I've been doing okay with it. Keeping to a regimen of washing at

least once a week. Sometimes 2x for a deep condition. The dryness of my hair has really improved. And the days when it turns out to be extra extra dry, I

now know what products or routine i need to do.

I'm lovin' coconut oil. This is me doing a coconut oil deep condition. The texture of my hair is just so much better with coconut oil. Its a staple. I have to always have a good supply from now on. :)

I relaxed my hair on Oct. 8th. (sigh) i'm still not completely skilled at this process as I only do it ever so often. I miss areas and recently I have been getting burned. So i've got to really learn to take my time and be patient. I'll have to relax in 8 weeks as a corrective relaxer.

My ends are doing better. I've had ends issues my whole journey. My recent trimming this summer with Abby really got my ends at a good level. Now i've just got to be more dedicated on dusting. (Only on new moons tho!) lol.

This is my hair yesterday after putting in Africa's Organic Olive Oil and Coconut Oil. I love this look because it gives that wet hair look and i like this on me. I've just got to learn how to work it so it looks more polished.

I looove my banana clip. It works better on me for styling reasons rather than just a simple scrunchie. HOWEVER, I think my banana clips are breaking my hair! So i've got to figure out what I'm going to do about this. As you see in my 1st relaxer pic, the top layer of my back hair is significantly shorter. I've had this problem my whole journey and its following me! How do I fix the breakage issue without throwing out my banana clips? This is the new challenge for me!

Whats next for my hair? Continue what I'M doing. I have a decent regimen. I want to solve this breakage issue and I want to continue growing my hair. I'm also looking to find styles that really work for me. This is in addition to my "artist bootcamp" as I learn how to style myself and my hair for the stage.