My Insanity Journey

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Working out.  It is just a part of my life, but lately, I was becoming quite bored with my workouts and routine so I decided to try something new.  After some inspiration from my friend Jovi and Elizabeth over at Delightfully Tacky I decided to take on the challenge on the insanity program.

I loved the idea of insanity because unlike many other beach body programs, this one was only 60 days.  It never failed, with P90x and Turbo Fire (both 90 day programs) I would do awesome the first 60 days and then just be tired of the routine.  I find myself hating the last 30 days and gritting my teeth every time I had to push play.  I knew mentally, I could do 60 days.

Insanity is one of the toughest workouts I have ever done and although I didn't get the same physical results that you see on the infomercials and websites (I blame my love for cupcakes and pork belly).  But I would sweat like I have never sweat before.  I would be gasping for air.  I would wish with all my might that one minute would move along just a little faster.  I would yell at Shawn T.  I would drink 1.5 liters of water.  And then before I knew it, the workout was over.  So here is what I loved about insanity.

Accomplishment:  After finishing a workout I would have the best sense of accomplishment.  When I say each workout is tough, I mean tough.  The first time I did the workout I couldn't even make it through the warm up without stopping.  After a workout was over, I would stand there and be so proud of myself for toughing it out, knowing it was getting easier and easier each day.

Endurance: My endurance has gotten so much better.  Now I can complete most workouts in their entirety without taking a break.  Plus it makes everyday tasks seem like a piece of cake.

Strength:  I am one of those girls who couldn't do real push ups, and now I can!  It may only be a couple but I can do them, and am getting better each day!  I love that insanity has you do a fit test every two weeks so you can really track your progress.  I am not much for before and after pictures, but my numbers don't lie.  I am a much stronger person than I was when I started and I am proud of my accomplishments.

So that is a bit of my insanity journey.  If you have ever tried out insanity I would love to hear how your journey went.  Currently, I am doing round 2 of the program, already into week 2 and cannot believe how much more I am enjoying this the second time around.  I am much better at the moves and feel so strong!

Weekends Are For...Catching Up

This past weekend we spent a lot of time catching up with people in our lives.  Catching up, that's the term Aussie's use for hanging out, and it used to sound so weird to me, but now, getting together for a catch up sounds so normal.

Friday night we enjoyed a night out with some of our GWS family, the Temus.  It was a dinner eating, game show playing, face painting, disco dancing kind of night.  We are so thankful for the Temu family sharing life with us.  Amongst many other lessons, your family has taught us so much about the importance of doing life with people inside and outside the church walls.  Thank you!

The first half of Saturday was devoted to Dane and I catching up.  Life gets so crazy here and so time together is always a blessing.  We enjoyed brunch at one of our new favourite cafes, Youeni.  I highly recommend their fresh squeezed orange juice (they are the inspiration for us buying a juicer when we get back home) and the lamb sambo (oh Australia you have made me fall in love with lamb).

After brunch we did a bit of shopping (yay for sales racks), and then went to see the movie "About Time."  Seriously loved this one.   It is the type of movie that makes me want to embrace life and live it to the fullest, you know, its the same way you feel after watching a movie like Yes Man.

Saturday evening was spent catching up with our hoursemates Kyle and Hannah.  True, we live together, but its just different when you go out and do something together.  We hit up one of our favourite little spots in the city, The Pie Tin and then had quite the adventure playing the game "what are the odds."  The only way I can explain this is by saying it's a spin of truth or dare, only not so much truth and not quite as risky, but still so many memories made!

Sunday afternoon was a catch up with our beautiful friend Lyndsey from Scotland.  We have served with Lyndsey at GWS for our two years here, and it was so encouraging to hear how her Hillsong experience has helped her grow.  Our afternoon included free Slurpees thanks to Slurpee day at 7-11 and us introducing her to BLT's and cucumber salad.  I wish I could box this amazing woman up and bring her home with me.

As our time closes here in the land down under, I have a feeling we have a lot more catching up to do.  Hope you all had a fantastic weekend.  Much Love, The Kids Down Under

Weekends Are For....Celebrating 30 Years

This weekend Hillsong celebrated 30 years as a church.  It was such a good party, full of reminiscing, happy tears, laugher, balloons, fireworks, ice cream, friends, and so much more.


One of my favourite moments of the night was when 30 different people came on stage representing the year they accepted Christ at Hillsong.  It is amazing to think of all the lives this church has changed.  I am so thankful I have had the opportunity to be a part of this church family and am so excited to see where God takes the church in the next 30 years.  To God be the Glory!