If you know me or have been reading my blog or  ”About” page on the blog, you know that I am a coach for Girls on the Run. This is my first season coaching and I have been enjoying it tremendously!

Yesterday, our lesson was in Gratitude.

Listening to the girls list out their many “Thanks” and participating with them in listing out mine, I was reminded that there are times when I get wrapped up in “Life” and forget to reflect on the things I am thankful for… Often the things that have given me this “Life” that I am so busy being consumed with.

So today, I am making a list of the people, opportunities and things I am Grateful for.

• My husband and son: I am so fortunate to call them my little family. Each day spent being Jim’s wife and Bo’s Mom is full of LOVE, laughter, hugs & kisses, lessons in life, arguments, disciplinary action (Yes they both get disciplined!) and so many other emotions that I couldn’t begin to list them all here. The time spent growing in these relationships over the years is truly priceless and has taught me so much about who I am in so many ways. I am so grateful for them!

• My family and “friend” family: “You must remember, family is often born of blood, but it doesn’t depend on blood. Nor is it exclusive of friendship. Family members can be your best friends, you know. And best friends, whether or not they are related to you, can be your family.” This quote rings so true for me. My sister and my Mom are my best friends, some of my best friends are my sisters and brother. (I’m talking about you Chad Confer!) Through tears, laughter, anger, fear and love… Family sees and feels it all. And yet they continue to love you anyway, that’s the best part! I am so grateful for each and every one of you!!

•  Being Self-Employed: So many reasons to be thankful for being my own boss. Most importantly, it allows me the flexibility to coach GOTR, attend Bo’s wrestling practices and tournaments, take care of our home and meet friends for lunch whenever I feel like it. Being able to take vacations when you desire is also a plus! I am lucky to get to work side by side with my husband most days. That is reason enough to be thankful!!
• Health: Not only mine, but that of my family. For the most part, my family is healthy. Aside from the common cold here and there, we are fortunate to stay germ free. Some families, ones I know well, are not so lucky and have to face the reality of a child having cancer… I HATE that! Hate is a strong word, but I HATE seeing children stricken with disease. I’m not just talking cancer, I’m talking any disease. As adults, often the diseases and/or illnesses we come down with can be prevented. Extra hand washing, healthy eating habits, exercise, keeping our weight at a healthy level… Lots of things we can do to keep ourselves on a path of health. But children, they don’t have this control. I watch the St. Jude’s commercials that I am sure you all watch, and they break my heart.

On that note, St. Jude is the leading medical facility for research of childhood illness. The folks there work tirelessly, day in and day out, to research and develop treatment for illnesses that strike the helpless.

My great friend Lisa Elliot is trying to help fund some of this research… She is doing one of her favorite things, as well as mine, running for a cause! On Sunday, August 1, 2013, Lisa will run the Disneyland Half Marathon. She will run in support of St. Jude and all of the children they provide care to.

If you would like to donate to Lisa’s Fund, you may do so here: http://heroes.stjude.org/lisaelliott

And just like the link states, Lisa is a St. Jude Hero!! Lisa has set the bar high for herself. She is committed to SHAVING HER HEAD if she can raise $4,000 to support St. Jude. Speaking from my viewpoint, a viewpoint with LONG hair, shaving her head takes heart. But Lisa has the heart to do it!!

What are some thing you are grateful for? Do you reflect on them often?

And Lisa… I’ve got the clippers ready!!

All the best,

Jessye

All the best,

Jessye

LOVE great hair days!!

Seriously addictive…

Another tasting plate, Delicious!

Loved this as soon as I saw it on Pinterest!!

The reason for being at home… Bo has the flu, YUCK!

I consider his a mild version, a little snot and coughing but mostly just sleepy and zero appetite.

Being at home gave me plenty of time to work on some online projects that I’ve been slacking on and also to get some household chores done. The laundry has been tackled!!

After our jaunt to the office and to take photos, Bo was feeling a bit energized and asked if we could do a family workout. Of course we obliged and Bo proceeded to run us through a “Bo’s Choice” workout which I am sure you will get a laugh out of.

It was as follows:

20 Pushups (Jim had to do 50 – per Trainer Bo!)

10 Squats with the Wrestling Dummy on our back

A timed Balancing pose on the BOSU

20 Kettlebell Swings (10 pounds for Bo, 30 pounds for me, 50 pounds for Jim)

And, drumroll please…

The grand finale – 100 Pullups! (Is this kid crazy? I can barely do 1 without jumping!)

Needless to say, not one of us completed the finale, but it sure was fun seeing the amount of fitness our little sponge is soaking in!

“Grebe Fitness Studio”

The offending “Dummy”

After our workout the boys moved on to wrestling technique review and I decided that I needed to put in at least a mile. This week has been a horrible running week. I didn’t get in any runs with my girls due to scheduling conflicts and Bo being sick, so a quick mile seemed like a good idea… And it was! I ran 1.02 miles in 8:38. I’ll take it!!

Some dinner and couch snuggling commenced before we all trucked upstairs to hit the pillows!!

Today is quite in our house, Bo is still fighting a lingering cough but is fever free! Jim on the other hand is not fever free and has the CRUD now. Please cross your fingers and toes that I don’t get it!! (Mom’s don’t get to sleep all day when sick!)

I’ve spent my day doing some admin work. Lots of things I plan to accomplish this week, best to be prepared for it!!

I did enjoy a particularly yummy snack plate this afternoon though, take a look.

Fresh pineapple and raspberries, Sargento Reduced Fat Sharp Cheddar stick and A Snyder’s Sourdough Hard Pretzel… Satisfying!

Well, I am off to clean out the freezer and refrigerator in preparation to do some major menu prep tomorrow for the upcoming week.

How are you spending your Saturday?

All the best,

Jessye

We have a STATE CHAMPION in the Grebe household!!

Introducing your NCWAY 2013 State Champion, Bo Grebe!!!!

So proud!!

As a parent, teaching by example is so crucial to your children. It can be tricky sometimes to lead them to make the proper decisions when it comes to exercise and healthy eating habits, but I’m pretty sure we’ve done well with this dude!

He loves to wrestle and he loves some baby carrots!!

In other February news, I got my running mojo back!! You can’t even fathom how on top of the world I am about this tidbit… Seriously, I am ECSTATIC!!

I ran a total of 24 miles in February which surpasses the previous months by leaps and bounds. My longest run was just shy of 7 miles and I felt on top of the world the entire time. I was on fire!!

I have to give credit where it is due, if it weren’t for my girls Erica and Juanita, i wouldn’t have nearly as much motivation to get out there. Oh, and that little Half Marathon I signed up for at the end of April, that might have some impact on my running.

Speaking of halves, I registered for the Diva Half – Myrtle Beach that I mentioned in my last post. I cannot wait!!

SUPER EXCITED!!!!

And last but not least, February brought the start of the Girls On the Run spring seasons and my first adventure into to coaching this AMAZING program. We are having a blast so far. We have a full roster (20 girls) and have been enjoying every minute with them.

I am looking forward to watching this program grow here in Harnett County!

Well, it’s off to bed for this girl… I’ve got a nice upper body workout in mind for tomorrow!

How was your February?

All the best,

Jessye

We’ve been very busy since the start of 2013. It’s wrestling season and business has been busier than it normally is during this time of year.

I’ve committed to several volunteer opportunities in the upcoming months. Coaching for Girls On the Run, sitting on the board of our local youth recreation department and planning a golf tournament to raise funds for new wrestling mats.

Go ahead, say it… Are you insane?!?! My sister already made it very clear she doesn’t understand why I volunteer myself for so many things that take up my time. But the truth is, I do it because it makes me feel good. It makes me feel like I am giving back to a community that gives our family so much.

So I keep on trucking, notebooks and smart phone in hand!

In regards to my last post, I have decided on which Half Marathon to run this spring. A friend posted on Facebook that she is planning to run the Diva Half Marathon in North Myrtle Beach on April 28th. I messaged her and the rest is history… It is looking to be an EXCELLENT opportunity for a Girl’s Weekend as well as a fun race! Two other friends will be running with me and a group of first timers too. I am really excited! Thanks Lisa!!

This afternoon I decided that I was in the mood for a creative at home workout to perform this evening while the “boys” were off at wrestling practice. I started with a 10:00 minute cardio HIIT warm-up. My bootcampers love these workouts when we are in session… NOT! Just ask them, these are brutal, especially when it is 100 degrees! I followed the warm-up with an Upper Body Strength session.

Here is what I completed:

HIIT Warm-up (10 rounds of :50 moving, :20 rest)

Burpees

Plié Jacks

Jumping Lunges

High Knees

Butt Kicks

Skaters

Jumping Jacks

Mummy Kicks

Heisman

Jog in Place

Upper Body Strength (3 rounds of 15 reps.)

Wide Pushups

Plankups

Lateral Shoulder Raise

Bent Over Row

Reverse Flye

Tricep Kickback

Bicep Curl

Tricep Extension

Hammer Curl

Shoulder Press

 I was SWEATING throughout this workout!! It’s a keeper!

Speaking of keepers, I intended to pull a workout from my “red folder” of bootcamp workouts, but I can’t find it anywhere.

I am going on a hunt for it tomorrow.

Tell me, what have your workouts looked like lately?

All the best,

Jessye

That is all…

Love,

Jessye

I saw the above statement posted on Facebook today and it struck a chord with me!

For the longest time I took for granted the fact that I always had an excess of time to use for exercise.

Now having a very busy, full-time real estate career, a husband who is also a real estate broker, a kindergartener who is a motivated wrestler and that little thing called a household to run, time is simply not a given.

Being a fitness instructor was extremely helpful in guaranteeing at minimum 3 workouts per week. And on the weekends I used to always schedule a run with a friend.

Then, I stopped.

I have realized recently that I 100% must schedule exercise and running, I must MAKE the time to do the things I love to do. The things I need to do to stay healthy and feel great!

I have scheduled and completed my workouts so far this week. I have plans to run this weekend. I have made a commitment to myself to continue to do so.

I registered Jim and I for the Rugged Maniac in NC for April 20th. This will be my third year competing and Jim’s second. It gives us something to work toward and helps hold us accountable.

I believe that giving yourself something to work towards helps you to stay on track. If I pay $$, I’m gonna make it worth it!

I am also contemplating another Half Marathon… If you say it, you gotta do it, right?!?!

My options so far:

The Flying Pirate Half on April 14th in the Outer Banks.

OR…

Run for the Warriors Half on May 19th in Jacksonville.

I am debating this decision, but planning to start a training plan next week… Put up or shut up right?!?

Well, I am off to supervise little man’s after wrestling practice shower and get him ready for bed.

How would you decide between the two above races? Your input is appreciated!!

Jessye

It’s true.

I may have run several times, a 5mile race and a wonderful Thanksgiving morning airfield run with a BFF, but in reality that’s about as far as it goes.

Sporadic and half hearted running, a handful of Crossfit style workouts or strength workouts thrown in the mix and reckless abandonment when it comes to my eating habits.

There, I’ve said it, I feel better now that I’ve put it out for the public eye/ear!!

I won’t make excuses for myself. It’s my own fault. Lack of motivation is to blame. Lack of dedication too. I have the time and the resources, this I know. I simply haven’t utilized them.

It is time to get back to business.

I miss running.

I miss having sore muscles from squatting and lifting. (It’s a sick and twisted thing, but I do!)

I miss being a creature of habit and eating the same things day in and day out simply because I know they will fuel my body & workouts properly!!

The Insanity begins tomorrow. Literally…

Jim and I will be starting our daily sweat sessions with Shaun T tomorrow. I already have a run date with a friend planned for this week. The fridge is stocked with my usual favorites.

I am more than ready!

Have you ever fallen off the healthy wagon? If so, what helped you get back on?

Jessye

The new Choose My Plate is intended as a guideline for the breakdown of each of our daily meals.

I personally think it is a great new tool for everyone to better judge if they are getting enough of each food group into their daily meals.

Anyway, moving on from that, with March being National Nutrition month I am challenging myself to be extra mindful of everything that I eat and drink for the entire month. I am also challenging each of you to join me!

I know I can do it, can you?

I vow to make healthy choices about what I fuel my body with each and every day of the month. Food is fuel right??

I know it can be difficult to maintain healthy eating habits, but with a little planning ahead and preparation anyone can do it!

The examples below are some of the things I am planning to do to make it through this month of great nutrition.

**Disclaimer: I am simply giving examples of what works for me, not what I think everyone should do. I am NOT a Registered Dietician or Nutritionist, just someone who is stating my opinions. If you are interested in a full nutrition plan please consult a Doctor, Registered Dietician or Nutritionist. **

Planning Your Meals = Easiest Grocery Shopping Trip EVER

I am notorious for making a grocery list without really taking a look at what’s in my pantry/freezer/fridge first. For the month ahead I am committed to writing out my menu/meal plans and doing inventory of my kitchen to see exactly what I will need to make the meals happen. Lucky for me, I’m a creature of habit and giving myself just a few options for Breakfast and Lunch will not make me unhappy. For Dinner options I have to think of the men in my household which makes things a bit more complicated but not difficult. (They are pretty easy to please!) I will also be thinking of snacks and filler items as I prefer to have a late afternoon snack to hold me through activities as we don’t typically eat our Dinner until late evening. (Think 8:00pm)

Groceries

Try Something New

I will be posting some new recipes to the blog this month… Try them!!

Eat Your Veggies and Fruits

I shouldn’t have to explain this one!

Don’t Deprive Yourself

Moderation is key in healthy eating… If that Chocolate is calling your name, eat a small piece.

I look forward to sharing this challenge with you all!

Now, where did I put that grocery list??

Jessye

That is all about to change. Thanks to a good friend who is posting regularly to her blog, Molly, I will be putting forth some major effort to get this blog off the ground and hopefully be successful with it.

I really do have a lot to say!

My biggest reasons for getting back on the blogging wagon are my goals… I have some big ones set for myself and I am looking forward to accomplishing them.

Let’s start off with a review, shall we?

Goals: The result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aim; end.

I like to set goals for myself.

 I need goals to stay motivated.

Sometimes those goals include “Shower before 3:00pm on a Sunday.”

Sometimes they are career related, sometimes they are hobby related and sometimes they aren’t related… to anything!

I also like lists, but that is a post for another day.

The Meat: My 2012 Goals

1. Earn my Practical Yoga Instructor Certification
2. Earn my Personal Trainer Certification
3. Get a J-O-B… Teaching Group Fitness in a gym
4. Grow my abandoned Real Estate Business
5. Devote time to this blog
6. Re-route my Boot camp Business
7. Enjoy a few vacations with my Husband & Son. And my Mother too.
8. Continue simplifying my life and reducing clutter. GET RID OF CRAP!!

That’s less than 10 goals to accomplish in a year.

1. I’ve already completed the online prerequisites for my Yoga Instructor training. I just need to sign up for the one day “live” seminar.
2. I have the study materials for my Personal Trainer Certification and have cracked them several times. I need to get serious and just plow through the HUGE textbook!
3. For real… Someone please hire me!! I am trying hard on this one. I even drafted a new resume. I’m a determined gal; hopefully my efforts will pay off soon.
4. The Real Estate business growth will require some time and devotion on my part but I am 100% committed to making it happen!
5. Duh… I have some plans. Some ideas. And I will be placing them into action going forward. I even put them on my calendar!
6. This will take a few meetings and hopefully be in full swing come April/May.
7. Belize, Disney World and Fort Lauderdale will happen this year! And the beach too, per Bo, we didn’t step foot on an East Coast beach all last summer. L
8. We have been actively working on this goal since we moved last May. We’ve used that sometimes sleazy yet brilliant online classified that rhymes with Smegslist and it has been successful! We’ve also had a Yard Sale, so 80’s I know, that we made a little chunk of change from and will do again once the weather heats up for good.

All in all I think I have got a solid plan for reaching all my goals this year.

I’ll update my progress come June.

What are some goals you plan to achieve?

Do you have a plan of action?