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Boston Marathon Bombing Reflection
The bombing that took place at the Boston Marathon is a tragedy. Lives were lost including the life of an 8-year-old boy. Several people were injured, and limbs were lost. In the wake of this event, people across the country and world were brought together in mourning over another act of terrorism. Prayer chains were sent out via social media sites including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. As we continue to learn more about what occurred that day, it reassured us that anything can happen anywhere at any time. It’s a scary thought, but we cannot and should not allow it to dictate our lives.
During times like this, we often experience a series of emotions and thoughts. We grieve for the families that were affected, and we feel a sense of patriotism because the attack took place on American soil. But what about the thoughts we have about who is to blame for causing such destruction? In reading tweets and Facebook posts during the early stages of the Boston Marathon Bombing, people already began to speculate as to who it could be. Well, rather the nationality of the offenders.
It saddens me that in this day of age, people still discriminate against whole groups of people because of what certain people do. A lot of people assumed that the men who committed the horrendous acts at the Boston Marathon were of Middle Eastern decent. Needless to say, a lot of people were surprised to find out that the suspects were Russian, and both of them were granted American citizenship. When people commit these types of acts or any criminal act, it shouldn’t matter what their decent is because not every one of that particular background is like that.
I can honestly say that I had no thoughts of who might have committed the crimes, but I was definitely eager to find out. Not so that I can see which nationality they belonged to, but so they could be brought to justice. People have to do a better job; not only for themselves, but for future generations. Discriminatory, racist, and bias thinking is learned. At times, people subconsciously make assumptions. The best way to handle that is to realize that you’ve made an assumption, and work to remove it from your perception so that you can view things without bias. Viewing the world with blinders on is a completely dated mentality. Not everything is in black and white; there is a massive amount of gray area. The sense of patriotism and togetherness that Americans feel at times like this shouldn’t only occur when bad things happen. Nor should it be used to feel resentment toward groups of people. That feeling of strength and togetherness and hope that Americans feel should be felt ALWAYS.
I know this post probably won’t affect too many people because people tend to get stuck in their ways and their way of thinking, but I thought it was something that had to be said. 
I am THANKFUL
Thanksgiving is just two days away! I definitely look forward to eating, and spending time with my loved ones. In light of the holiday, I decided to make a list of the top 5 things I am thankful for. Trust me, I have a lot more to be thankful for, but for the purpose of this post, I will limit it to 5.
1. I am thankful for the many blessings and mercy God has shown me in my life.
2. I am thankful for my family. They are my backbone, and have provided me with a strong foundation. Our bond is impenetrable.
3. I am thankful for my true friends. My true friends are supportive of me, and put in as much effort to preserve our friendship as I do.
4. I am thankful for the young man in my life. Love is a beautiful thing.
5. I am thankful for the necessities in life, i.e. a job, car, home, and food. These are the basic things that so many people take for granted. I don’t. Life is unpredictable, and any of these things can be taken away. Cherish the things you do have, and work hard for the things you don’t.
People who live the most fulfilling lives are the ones who are always rejoicing at what they have. —Richard Carlson
What are some of the things you’re thankful for?
Week 9 (Redo): Insanity & WW
9/16-9/23
Weight Loss/Gain: Loss 3.6
9/16: Insanity Day Off: I can’t express how much I really need this day off. It is extremely difficult to take a hiatus during the Insanity program and try to pick back up.
Breakfast: Pancakes, Egg Whites & Turkey Sausage
Lunch: Chicken Deli Sandwich and White Cheddar Popcorn
Dinner: Turkey Lasagna (Homemade)
Snacks: Cocoa Roasted Almonds, Banana & Grapes
Beverages: Water, Tea & Coffee
9/17: Max Interval Circuit: This was hard, as usual. I pushed myself, but I can feel that I’ve lost a few steps due to my hiatus. It sucks, but I have to push myself to complete what I started.
Breakfast: Egg Whites, Turkey Sausage & 1 Slice of Toast
Lunch: Smart Ones Fettucine Alfredo
Dinner: Turkey Lasagna
Snacks: Cocoa Roasted Almonds, Banana & Grapes
Beverages: Water, Tea & Coffee
9/18: Max Interval Conditioning/Insane Abs: I did a lot better this time around. I was especially happy with my effort during the Insane Abs workout.
Breakfast: Egg Whites & Turkey Sausage
Lunch: Progresso Santa Fe Chicken Soup (Lite) & Peanut Butter Crackers
Dinner: Turkey Lasagna
Dessert: Cookies Galore
Snacks: Cocoa Roasted Almonds, Banana & Grapes
Beverages: Water, Tea & Coffee
***When over alloted points for the day.
9/19: Max Interval Sports Training: I love this workout! I definitely pushed myself through. This is the only workout that seems to go by quickly! I also made a mistake, this workout was supposed to be done tomorrow. I’ll just have to swap it out.
Breakfast: Egg Whites & Turkey Sausage
Lunch: Progresso Santa Fe Chicken Soup (Lite) & Peanut Butter Crackers
Dinner: Turkey Lasagna
Snacks: Cocoa Roasted Almonds, Banana & Grapes
Dessert: 1 Serving of Mini Oreo Cookies
Beverages: Water, Tea & Coffee
9/20: Max Interval Circuit: Knowing that this my last time doing this workout, I tried my best to push through and get it done. I wanted to accomplish as much and feel as I did before I took the time off, but was unsuccessful. However, I still got a good workout.
Breakfast: Egg Whites & Turkey Sausage
Lunch: Sliced Chicken Deli Sandwich & Cocoa Roasted Almonds
Dinner: Turkey Lasagna
Snacks: Grapes
Beverages: Water, Tea & Coffee
9/20: Max Interval Plyo: I killed this workout. As I’ve mentioned before, I like this way better than Max Interval Circuit, so that in itself was motivation to do the best I could. During this workout, I felt like I had not taken any time off. It’s crazy what a day’s difference can do. I’m definitely looking forward to my last Insanity workout tomorrow!
Breakfast: Egg Whites & Turkey Sausage
Lunch: Sliced Chicken Deli Sandwich & Salad
Dinner: Turkey Lasagna
Snacks: Grapes & Apple Crisp Granola
Dessert: Mini Oreos
Beverages: Water, Tea & Coffee
**Went over allotted amount of points. I made the mistake of thinking I had more points than I actually did. 
9/20: Max Interval Conditioning/Insane Abs: As you all are aware, this was my last workout. So, you know I had to show out even if I was the only one in the room. I pushed through, and made sure I went out strong. I did. I feel great, and accomplished.
Breakfast: Pancakes, Egg Whites & Turkey Sausage
Lunch: Sliced Chicken Deli Sandwich with Shredded Reduced Fat Cheddar Cheese
Dinner: Turkey Lasagna
Snacks: Cocoa Roasted Almonds
Beverages: Water, Tea & Coffee
Please look out for my Insanity Reflection Post, coming soon!
Week 8 (Redo): Insanity & WW
Alright folks, I hope I haven’t let too many of you down with my incompletion of Insanity as scheduled. As aforementioned, I am going to redo Weeks 8 & 9, and I’m debating on adding an additional week. With that said, here’s my Week 8 Redo week update…
9/10-9/16
9/10: Max Interval Circuit: Let’s just say that I got my butt whooped and didn’t even make it through the entire workout. I had a headache prior to starting, and once I started the first circuit, I began to feel dizzy, light-headed, and extremely nauseated. Usually I would have tried to push through, but this time I think if I would have continued, I would have passed out, seriously.
Breakfast: Peanut Butter Crackers
Lunch: Nothing
Dinner: Turkey Burger, popcorn
Snack: Apple Crisp Granola Bars
Beverages: Water, Coffee, & Green Tea
9/11: Max Interval Plyometrics: This was tough, but I think I did fairly well considering I haven’t worked out in a week and a half. My body is definitely going to have to readjust to get hammered by Insanity. I’m going to take a slow, but push myself.
Breakfast: Oatmeal w/reduced fat milk
Lunch: Smart Ones Alfredo Fettuccine
Dinner: Yellow Rice 2/3 serving), Turkey Sausage (2 oz), Black Beans & Steamed String Beans
Snack: Peanut Butter Crackers
Beverages: Water & Green Tea
9/12: Max Interval Conditioning & Insane Abs: While doing this workout, I felt like it was the first time I’ve done it. Towards the end of the Insane abs workout, I noticed my heart rate increased signficantly. I allowed it to decrease, then I picked back up. Overall, I thought I did well, and will continue to push through until I complete Insanity.
Breakfast: None
Lunch: Smart Ones Broccoli & Cheddar Roasted Potatoes
Dinner: Yellow Rice 3/4 serving), Turkey Sausage (2 oz), Black Beans & Steamed String Beans
Snack: Peanut Butter Crackers (2/3 serving)
Beverages: Water & Green Tea
9/13: Max Interval Recovery: Like the other workouts during this week, it was tough to get through.
Breakfast: 1 Egg & biscuit
Lunch: Smart Ones Fettuccine Alfredo
Dinner: Progresso Reduced Fat Clam Chowder w/Yellow Rice (1/4 Serving) & Grilled Cheese
Snack: Hummingbird Cupcake & 1 Godiva Biscuit
Beverages: Water, Coffee & Green Tea
9/14: Max Interval Cardio Circuit: I was able to get through this workout this time around. It was hard, but I managed. I definitely paid close attention to my body to make sure I didn’t experience the same issues I did on Monday. Overall, it was a good workout.
Breakfast: Egg Sandwich
Lunch: Smart Ones Fettuccine Alfredo
Dinner: Progresso Reduced Fat Clam Chowder & Grilled Cheese w/Turkey Sausage, White Cheddar Popcorn
Snack: Peanut Butter Crackers & Nutter Butters
Beverages: Water, Coffee & Green Tea
**Went over allotted points for the day.
9/15: Max Interval Sports training: As I mentioned before, this is my favorite Insanity workout. It was hard to get through, but it is the most manageable workout. I made sure to push through though. I think during this redo week, it was my best workout.
Breakfast: Shrimp & Grits, 1 Slice of Toast
Lunch: Banana & Cocoa Roasted Almonds
Dinner: Sliced Chicken Deli Sandwich (grilled), Black Beans & Steamed String Beans
Snack: Watermelon
Beverages: Coffee & Green Tea
Tyla Times
