This morning was the last morning of week three for The Ripple Challenge. We had a good workout. It was challenging, to say the least, but I loved it. Yesterday it was even more challenging for me. For some reason me and full sit-ups don’t get along, and we had to do a LOT of power sit-ups. I don’t know if my body is made strange or my form is off when I’m doing them, but it leaves the top of my butt completely chafed and raw. Now I can’t get comfortable sitting, and barely laying down. The things I’m willing to put up with to stay fit! Went to Academy and got some body glide that is supposed to stop chafing and will give that a try. Next week is the last week for June Challenge and we will be testing our parameters again. Hoping to see some improvement from the beginning of the month.

Today began at 4am with feelings of anticipation. I really felt like rolling over and going back to sleep, but got up any way. As I was washing my face and getting dressed I couldn’t help but wonder if I should’ve just signed up for Ripple Bravo instead of Challenge. Challenge is so intimidating. I worry that I won’t be able to keep up or be as fast as everyone else. I make it to the gym and await our assignment. Others express the same feelings I was having this morning so I’m not feeling so bad. We are told we are going outside. This morning was cold, especially for May. We begin with a warmup and are told we will be taking it a little easy today because tomorrow we will be testing our parameters. We are going to do the exercises that will be measured tomorrow. We begin with a run through the neighborhood. I manage to keep up and still be able to breathe and feel good. Then we go into a series of 1 minute exercise, 30 second exercise and 30 second rest then the next exercise. We did jumping jacks, jogging; sit-ups, 6 inch hold; push-ups, planks; and leg raises, 6 inch hold; and then repeat everything. (I think that was all, but not positive) Then we went for a short jog in the parking lot and cooled down. I survived! I loved the workout and my doubts about Challenge dissolved. I think I will be able to do it!

It’s been a few weeks since I’ve posted anything. Had a great girls weekend on the 20th with my sisters and step-mom to celebrate my 50th birthday. We visited, ate too much, played, shopped and went to church together to finish the weekend off. Lots of laughing and sharing. It was a perfect celebration. They surprised me with a money tree to help me with my mission trip to Guatemala in August. They are such a blessing in my life.

Ryan closed on his house and got moved in. I’m so proud of him. The house is great and perfect for him. So excited for him. Much to my surprise he planted some tomatoes and a sago palm tree. Guess he was just kidding when he said he was gonna pull up all the rose bushes because they’d just be in the way for mowing, lol. Looking forward to his housewarming party next Friday night.

The house sure is quiet without Puffy. Miss him like crazy 🙁

I signed up for Ripple Challenge for May. It starts Monday and I’m nervous. Sure hope I can keep up. I’ve been going to classes at the gym all week during the break so I won’t be so sore when we get started back up. This morning I’ll be going to the Cardio Strength Interval class. Been up all night at work after not sleeping much yesterday, so it’s gonna be a struggle making it thru class, but don’t wanna miss it.