My life is very crazy and busy, but I love it that way.

Wow life is crazy...

I have been working and going to school full time, take care of three kids, maintain a schedule at the gym, and what ever else gets thrown my way. I am so overwhelmed right now...ACK, but the term is coming to an end, and I don't wanna jump the gun yet, cause I don't know if I have passed one of my classes, but I did it! 1 term down, too many more to go. :) Passed math with an "A" and Computers with a "B". My guess is a C to maybe even a B in writing, I'm happy as long as I pass.

Next term I'm back at it again Math, Public Speaking, and Writing again. I was torn between taking a class I wanted to take or the Writing 122, but I'm gonna get the crap out of the way now so I don't have to stress on it later. I am very nervous about both Writing 122, and the public speaking. Eek, we will see how this goes, I may need to use you as an audience, so yay, you can participate too.

As far as the gym, my progress definitely is not what it was the last go round, but the important part is I am going down, and toning up. Last night I found a list of goals that I had written myself, and as reading over them, I realized I didn't come close to accomplishing any of them, or really even starting on them. Tonight, I am going to create something to put on my door so these goals are somewhere I see them everyday, and I can't put off till 'tomorrow'. I know with school this term the program kinda got pushed to the back burner. They are both very important to me, they both require my time, I just need to learn to balance gym, work, kids, and school. I know it can be done, and I'm hoping that during my winter break I can get a bit more organized and set my self up for success in all of these departments.

I am at a point now, where I think I should leave the group. I'm scared to leave, but thinkmaybe I should try, 1 for financial reasons, and 2, because sooner or later I am going to have to do it on my own. So plan of action now, is to finish out the 16 weeks (thank you Keith) and maybe venture out to learn how to do this on my own. I am confident I can continue to lose and get in shape, I think that I have a good support system, and plenty of people willing to help...Thank you all!

Kid life has been good. Kids obviously are so excited for Christmas, Aiden is really excited about all the lights, loved meeting Santa, and he wants a train, that's all just a train. Easy enough. Aaron and Marissa, are really excited to go to Glama's house for Christmas, and so am I!!! 16 more days!!!

Last week I went to a story reading with Marissa at her school, she read a story she wrote. She really does have an amazing writing voice, and I got to hear it, it was incredible! I am very proud of her!!!

Aaron had his first viola concert last night. Unfortunately Heath and I had what we thought would be prime seating, however the conductor (is that what they are called) was standing directly in our line of sight the whole time. Either way, I was very proud of him, he was so nervous. He has another concert this Friday at his school that I look forward to attending, and recording. I'll post it online when I have a chance.


Anyways, someone asked me last week to keep up on the Blog, so there ya have it, my life in a nutshell right now...

Lots of love~

Don't know where I wondered off to, but I'm ready to come back home...

I feel like the last month or month and a half have been crazy, between work, kids, school, the gym, and what little of a personal life I have anymore. I feel like somewhere in here I have lost me, what my overall goals are, and what I need to achieve them.

Overall I am happy, very much so, but there are a few things that need some tweaking. School, needs to jump back up on my priority list. I have let this fall behind, and I was struggling with it before hand. The gym, I don't know what came and kicked me in my ass, but something did. It seems to have left me stopped dead in my tracks. It's like I almost quit trying, and there have been days where I think, "Why am I doing this?", and remember that is the wrong attitude to have. I spent my weekend thinking of what it could be, personally I think my personal life is what was dragging me down, I feel like right now that I am not in a place that I want to be, I am doing things that make others happy, and not myself, and its taking a toll on everything. Then yesterday two people mentioned that they were proud of me, and that hit me, that just revved me up. I am ready to go kick some ass again.

I've got my journal back out, got my plan in my head, just getting all those pieces back to where they need to be. I know that I can do anything I put my mind to.

We started a new Human Billboard Class approximately 4 weeks ago, we have lost some people, and gained some new in this new group of people, I am definitely missing the ones that didn't come back, Margaret, so quiet and cute, and Kevin was just a lot of fun to have around. I am having more great times with the ones that stayed, Glen, Tracy, Caroline, Linda, and loving the new crew. One in particular I think is going to be a blast to work with. She too, is loud mouth, determined, and just in general seems like a fun one to 'play' with. I look forward to many more weeks working out with her!

So here we go again, about 4 weeks too late into the the start of the new program, but better late than never. The last time I posted this was June 30th, and I am posting it again:

"I want to say that I apologize if starts to consume me, but I won't. This is what I have wanted and this is what I need. I have an addictive personality, and I'm hoping this is where it can shine threw and help me out...

So please be a friend, be supportive

Thank you all!!!

The Great Brandini~"


For those of you who don't know, last Saturday Becky, Aaron, Marissa, and I all participated in the 'Dirdy Birdy' race. It is Portland's muddiest 5k. Below are some pics of the event. I can't wait till next year to do it again, this was soo much fun!

People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing. - Dale Carnegie

I can still remember 11 or so years ago the things people said to me when they found out I was a teen mom. I remember the people who didn't believe in me, and the few that did, I remember the ones who said I would abandon my children and turn to drugs or alcohol for my problems, I would live off welfare, and never finish high school...I was a teen parent, and quite frankly the statistics were really not in my favor.

But to all those folks I'd like to say thank you. You definitely have been a driving force in my life to make sure that I can prove you wrong, and for those of you that were supportive, I'd like to give you something to be proud of.

There is not just one event that has triggered this blog, but a quite a few things have been happening with them, especially with Aaron, going to their conferences just blew me away, and made me think. 'I did this, no Heath and I did this' Here are our results summed up:

Aaron - Aaron last year faced a few struggles, but he was not hesitant at all to leave them lying in the dust somewhere. He is at way off the charts on reading, and comprehending. His writing has made a huge improvement, he is clear, and can stick with the story at hand, while making sure there is a little 'Aaron' in every story. His math is top of the charts as well, he is an active participant, and is never afraid to ask if he doesn't understand things. Aaron has the pleasure of having the same teacher he had last year, and Mr. Volz is really just blown away buy the improvements Aaron has made in such a short time. He is amazing!

Marissa - is amazing at all she does. She is funny, social, smart, responsible, knows when to put on her game face in class. She writes beautifully and has an amazingly strong 'voice' when writing. She is off the charts in her reading...well all subjects for that matter. She is not afraid of trying new ways to solve problems, and jumps right into trying it out when Ms. Farrell shows her different strategies. You could see the passion in her teachers face as she spoke of Marissa.She is astounding!

Not one 'but' or 'we need to work on this' for either of them, both of them are top of their game, and are going to do amazing! I am so incredibly proud of them, words cannot say. I have never walked away from a conference so blown away before. They have always exceeded my expectations, but this time was just amazing!

Anyways,moving on...
I know I am not any where near close to being done raising these kids, and I am truly grateful for that. I see something in them, something great! I know I am just a few years away from the teen years, and many of you will 'ugh' and say those are the hardest, and ya know what...I am not scared at all. For awhile I was, I was afraid, I had heard so many horror stories, and I remember what I put my mom through (sorry mom), but I see something in my kids and it calms me, and I am not afraid. I more than anything am so excited to see where we go from here, what is the next thing they will do that will just blow my mind and make me think 'wow, how the hell did I create something so amazing?'

The past 11 years has been incredibly fun, we have had our ups and definitely our downs, but we always pull through. We have a great family, and a wonderful support system. I am so proud to have these guys in my life. :)

B~

There are two ways of meeting difficulties: you alter the difficulties, or you alter yourself to meet them. - Phyllis Battome

Here is my next challenge: Pull ups...easy as it sounds, after a bit of research, people seem to express how difficult they are, even for some fit folks out there, but especially with my body weight. Luckily it is steadily decreasing, and my muscle mass is growing, its still quite a bit to pull up.

BUT...

I am gonna do it anyways.

Gotta love the google, believe it or now, I just googled 'How to do pull-ups'

Wondering if I can post videos on this thing? Well if so, I will post my pull up... :) Oh...maybe I should post my attempted pull-up today to watch my progress...hmmm just maybe :)

Anyways, just throwing one of my goals out there...

The past 16 weeks...

I have successfully completed the first session of the "Human Billboard" Program. 16 weeks of working my ass off (literally) with Becky, and an amazing group of people!!! I have met many new people, with the same goals in mind, and some with different, but all of us working together having fun. I've seen people give up, and go back to living a life of complacency, however I did it, I made 16 weeks, and I have seen amazing changes in me not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.

Unfortunately I have not had the final body pinch yet, but you can bet I will have it posted with everything I started at, to what I am currently at. Just from my last pinch I know I had dropped 4% body fat, lost about 27 pounds, and over 10 inches. When I started I was wearing a size 18/20 and now am about 13/14. I no longer HAVE to shop at the larger lady stores, in fact, I really can't. If I want a pair of pants, a shirt, or a dress I can go almost anywhere. I find new muscles all the time, I can wrap my towel around me, I have inspired others to lose weight, or be more active, I am stronger in general, and my fav...I can run! All of these may seem like little things to you, but to me they are accomplishments no matter how small. I have this whole new sense of self confidence, and am so happy that whatever it was finally clicked, and that I am living this life full of no excuses!

I am still not the best I can be at my food choices, but I choose to eat healthier, eat 'less', and can read food labels and somewhat understand. I don't beat myself up for my cheats, even if not on a 'cheat day', and I just move on and try to make better choices the next go round. I am still learning this, and think that to help out that my next term may involve a nutrition class.

I have seen so much support from friends new and old, but on the same page, I have also seen the ones that aren't supportive at all. I really appreciate those of you that have been there for me, you know who you are. You have offered support, and encouragement, offered to go on hikes, eat the food I eat and just in general listened to all my excitement. I honestly can't thank you enough!!!

Becky...you are an absolutely incredible woman, and such an inspiration!!! Words cannot really put into words what you have done for me, you have kept me motivated through this all, laughed with me at my "cheat" and poor choices, knowing I would get back on track, you kept things positive and fun, listened to some of the struggles I have had, and just in been general always been there for me! You saw my capibilites even when I didn't, you have been a friend, and without you I don't know that I would have made it this far. Thank you for believing in me!!!

So for now this is it, Today was the last class, and on Tuesday I start up a new 16 weeks...until then, I am resting (as per Becky) then I'm gonna come back and rock another 16 weeks!!!

Brandini~

Optimism is essential to achievement and it is also the foundation of courage and true progress.

Some of you have asked how you can help me...

I appreciate that you care enough about me to ask and to be supportive on my journey. It's a tough thing to do, but I'll say a lot easier than I ever thought it would be.

So here are a few ways that are helpful that may be helpful.

Don't tempt me to stray from my lifestyle change, It's not a diet, or a temporary condition. This is how I'm choosing to live.

Be positive... we can all benefit from positivity in our lives, regardless of whats going on in them.

Don't be judgmental - Meaning, don't be my food police please. It's ok for me to cheat, and I get to choose when and what for. Life happens, and I will plan accordingly.

Be an active participant ...It will benefit you and me both. We can cook something new and healthy together, go for a hike or a bike ride, come to the gym with me for the day and see what I put myself through, it really is a lot of fun. It's really a win-win situation too!

Pay Compliments - It's hard to do for some people, I struggle with this myself, but I try. I know how good it feels to receive these, and they really do make a difference. (I feel like I'm asking for compliments here, but I'm not, just throwing out ideas)

It's a bit belated, but wanted to share my first goal

Just wanted to show a few before and afters...I had hit my first goal of losing 20, and being under 200. Now I'm almost to 30, and have new goals set!

To me, I feel the differences more than I see them, but these pictures I found really have put things in perspective for me.

I can't believe I let myself be this way in the past, and I'm so glad that I realized and I am changing things.

This is my first post with pictures, so hopefully I can get these on here right.

You haven't failed until you quit trying...

I am not sure what has happened to me the past couple weeks, but it was like my fitness and healthy eating took a backseat to what, I don't know. Either way I'm not happy about it. I have a million excuses, but that is the thing, is I have been doing this 'No Excuses' thing, so why have I allowed these to slip through and get me down. What it all comes down to is I have made bad choices and I need to change that. Now.

I will be getting pinched within the week or so, and I can tell ya, I'm not looking forward to it. I thinking if I'm lucky I'll be down 1%. I guess that is better than none, but in my eyes its not acceptable.

I have let the 'oh this one thing won't hurt', or 'just this once', but that has to stop. My 'cheat day' really should be a reward for good choices through out the week, and yet I have like clock work made sure I had it, even though my choices weren't the best.

I've noticed I have shut down once I hit my 20lb goal, and got under 200. So now, its time for a new goal. Something that will keep me on track, and keep me motivated.

Today I am going to jump back in full force on the food choices, as well as the fitness. I know good things are in store for me and this amazing body of mine, it will just take time to get there.

Thanks again for all your support!

Seems unreal to me...

Size 14...eek How freaking awesome is that???

13 weeks ago I was 18/20, and now a 14/16, more on the 14 side of things(without a muffin top). At first I thought it was the brand of pants, and even when buying the second pair of 14, thought it was the brand...but its not the brand, its me!!!

On a side note, I took my last shopping trip at Torrid. Which is where I had to shop for decent looking plus size clothes. I bought the smallest size shirt they have and its loose on me, and the smallest pant size is roughly 14. So, I'm not upset at all, this relationship lasted entirely too long, and this time I'm done for good...peace out Torrid, please stop sending me coupons, and 'special' offers, I will not take you back.

Thanks for readying my WHOO HOO of the week!

xoxo

My letter to Anytime Fitness...

When I first made the appointment to go to Anytime Fitness, I was terrified. I didn’t know what I was doing, the gym environment was intimidating, and well I felt I didn’t belong because I was overweight (Which is ridiculous). Honestly I was surprised I even went to the appointment, normal me would have no called no showed, and just went home and sat on the couch, but some how I made it in.

I met up with Angie, and she seemed to put me at ease right away, and I told her exactly how it was. I didn’t know what I was doing; I was intimidated by the ‘gym atmosphere’, and really didn’t know where to begin. She gave me a tour of the gym, went over pricing as well as personal training options available to me. Without hesitation I joined, and signed up for some personal training sessions.

When I first started going, I was overwhelmed. I didn’t really know how to use any of the equipment, and I didn’t know what to do. Justin came and showed me how to work the treadmill and overtime as my interest peaked, the trainers showed me how to use the rest of the equipment. I mostly would just walk on the treadmill. I figured that was better than nothing. Then I met Becky…and well that changed everything.

What a genius idea to have a trainer who has been there, done that. Someone who has faced a lot of the same struggles that I was about to face myself. She has truly been an inspiration to me. She is an everyday reminder that it CAN be done, and more importantly for me without pills, surgery, and fad diets. Becky has taught me a lot, and continues to with each session. I can now create a workout routine so if I can’t make it to the gym, I can workout in my living room, I am making better food choices, I still have a ways to go, but I’m learning, and most importantly I can run!!!

Since joining, I believe back in October of 2008 I have probably lost at least 53 pounds. Approximately 25lbs, 4% body fat and about 10inches of that has been in the last 13 weeks, as part of the Human Billboard Program. It’s absolutely incredible how I look and feel compared to when I first walked in there. My whole outlook on everything has changed and I will never go back to how I was before.

Big thanks to the staff at the gym Becky, Justin, Keith, Angie, and Annette. I don’t have much support at home, so to have you guys be so supportive and welcoming to me it’s incredible. Thank you!!!

Brandi Chinn

I suppose an introduction is in order...

Good afternoon everyone,

I wanted to create this blog so my friends and family can keep updated on whats going on in my life without having to filter through face book and what not, and also so I have a place to journal the things going in my life. I imagine that most of this will be fitness related since right now, other than my kids, that has taken #1 priority in my life.

So since this is the first we'll cover everything from me, to kids, to fitness.

Start with my kids. They are getting so big! Aaron started 6th grade this year, its crazy to think how big he is getting. He is in orchestra playing the viola this year, and he also is trying to get into the morning choir, which is awesome. I am proud of him that he is willing to give up his morning time with friends to be in choir, I'm so happy that he is so passionate about music. Also as part of CAFE(the after school program), he is trying to be a Junior Staff, which basically just helps the younger kids with homework, and helps the teachers with any tasks they need. He is excited for the program again this year!

Marissa is doing good as well, she is in 4th grade, with Ms. Farrell. I love her teacher, she has a lot of qualities that I like, one being how much homework she gives. In the previous years Marissa was given a weekly packet that she could knock out in about 20 min, now she is given nightly homework, that seems to challenge her. Things are looking good for her!

Aiden, well he is Aiden. He is 3 years old now, potty trained, and I'm working on getting him into preschool I think he could really benefit from being around other kids his age on a daily basis. He is probably at the cutest stage ever right now, I always enjoy my time with him.

and Me...

I started school again yesterday, full time. So now between working full time, kids, school, and the gym I'm sorry if I slack on 'us'. I promise I'll come around sometime, but its kinda crazy right now. I only get to raise these kids once, only get to live once, and I can't trade this body in when I'm tired of it like a car, otherwise I would have years ago, so I'm gonna treat it right and take care of it and myself.

As far as my fitness, today is the official 13 week weigh in, and I am down 25 pounds. It's something I never thought I would accomplish, its also something I never thought I would be so passionate about, and many thanks goes to Becky who has been an incredible inspiration to me. I have completely changed my view on things, I'm constantly finding new muscles, and discovering new curves. I'm lovin' it!!! Crazy thing is it was so much easier than I ever thought. Small changes made the biggest difference in this, buying fat free or sugar free, not wasting my calories on beverages such as soda and juices, eating more...yup thats right MORE, I feel like I'm always eating, and making it a point to do something physical everyday.

So anyways, that's my life in a nutshell right now...

Love you all...XOXO

Just want to make one thing clear before really busting out some blogs...

Brandi's general warning: These are my thoughts and feelings, I am not pushing them on anyone I am simply expressing myself as I see fit.