Extreme Weight Loss - Singing A New Song

I haven't been able to watch the first couple of episodes of EWL this season because of work - and then there were those pesky NBA finals.  (At least the Spurs won!) I'm glad that EWL was back already tonight...and it couldn't have been a better episode for me to start with.

I have a lot in common with Jayce.  He's a songwriter in Nashville who always wanted to be the artist performing the songs as well, but his weight held him back.  As for me, being a writer who's written songs since I was 15 and also having the same dream, I couldn't help but root for him.

He also couldn't swim, which is something I still need to learn as well.  My fear of the water isn't as bad as his was, since I love to get in the pool and work out.  But I don't actually swim, and really want to learn.

Jayce started his weight loss journey at 417 pounds.  He also quit smoking at the same time, which is very impressive.  It's hard enough to undo one bad habit - let alone two or more.  He had some setbacks, but conquered the smoking. I felt terrible for him dealing with the custody battle for his son.  His ex-wife has made his life hell, not only while they were married, but also afterward.  Jayce's son told him he deserved to be healthy - showing that in spite of the drama his mother causes he's still learned a lot of good things from his dad.  I pray that the whole situation gets resolved soon, considering that his son would be better off living with him.

Through all of these ups and downs, Jayce persisted and kept losing weight, even if he didn't always reach the goat that Chris set for him.  In the end, he lost 188 pounds to weigh in at 229, qualifying him for the skin removal surgery.  He also performed his music on stage at the final reveal. Plus - Chris had Olympic gold medalist Ryan Lochte help him overcome his fears and learn to swim.  Not bad for a 365 day journey!

I look forward to seeing - and hearing - what Jayce does in the future.  I just might even have some songs published myself...so here's to writing and singing brand new songs!

Spring Toward Summer Workout Playlist

 

 

 

Thank God that it's finally spring, because I know how sick we all are of the wintry weather.  We made it through one of the worst winters in years - not always patiently, but with prayer and perseverance, here we are on the other side of the snow.

 

There are still some chilly days, but we can finally get some outdoor workouts in.  I mix it up right now, since on some days the weather still doesn't cooperate.  This playlist will work well whether you are stuck on the treadmill or hitting the trails:

 

Happy - Pharrell Williams

 

Stronger - Mandisa

 

Automatic - Miranda Lambert

 

On Top of the World - Imagine Dragons

 

Heaven Knows - Donna Summer

 

Chainsaw - The Band Perry

 

Don't Put Dirt On My Grave Just Yet - Hayden Panettiere (Nashville Soundtrack)

 

Counting Stars - One Republic

 

Let It Go - Idina Menzel (Frozen Soundtrack)

 

I Hold On - Dierks Bentley

 

One Way Or Another - Blondie

 

Beat of the Music - Brett Eldredge

 

I Ain't Leaving Without Your Love - Jonathan Jackson/Sam Palladio/Chaley Rose (Nashville Soundtrack)

 

Wagon Wheel - Darius Rucker

 

Mixing up the music also keeps me going, since the variety of genres prevents boredom and appeals to the many sides of me that all need to come out to play - or work out, as the case may be.  It's always good to keep it as interesting as possible!

 

So...please share with me any songs that you love to work out to right now.  We can all keep each other motivated as we move through spring an toward a fitter summer!

Late Summer/Early Fall Playlist

Technically, it's still summer for a few days...with fall right on its heels. This is the time to think about dressing for cooler workouts, along with indoor exercise on the days the weather does not cooperate.

It's also time to update workout music - as we hang onto the last bit of summer and prepare ourselves for autumn, our playlists will include songs that reflect both seasons.

Here's some of what's on my "Change of Season" playlist:

Brave - Sara Bareilles

Overcomer - Mandisa

Mirrors - Justin Timberlake

So What - Pink

Does Your Mother Know - Christine Baranski (Mamma Mia Soundtrack)

Even The Stars Fall 4 U - Keith Urban

Roar - Katy Perry

Gone, Gone, Gone - Phillip Phillips

Blowin' Smoke - Kacey Musgraves

Southern Girl - Tim McGraw

Point At You - Justin Moore

Steve McQueen - Sheryl Crow


I recommend separating "Roar" and Brave", since they have a similar beat/feel to them...but they are such inspiring songs that I wanted to include both on the playlist.  In keeping with my theme of mixing styles to keep it interesting, you'll find Christian, country, pop, Broadway, and more on this list.  (And "Overcomer" is a MUST!!!)

What songs motivate you as we move into fall?  Please share with me here, or on Twitter and Facebook.  Let's head towards the holidays together in our best shape ever!

Musical Inspiration

Does music inspire you?

I know it really inspires me...to dance, to dream, to get moving, to have faith.

For this reason I started posting an Inspiring Song of the Day a few weeks ago on my Facebook page. The music ranges from Christian and Gospel to Country, Broadway, Pop, and even Alternative Rock.  I draw both happiness and strength from all types of music.

Some of these songs are ones that you probably know, while others could be new to you.  I love sharing music, especially if it's something that not a lot of people know about, but should because it's just that good.  Sometimes the hidden treasures are the best!

So...what songs inspire you?  Feel free to leave a comment here, or on Facebook once you "like" my page.  And I hope you enjoy the music I post there as well!

School's Out! June Workout Playlist

School's - out - for - summer!

Now that you have Alice Cooper running through your head...have you started thinking about your workout music for warm weather?  I always love to mix things up - to keep workouts fresh.  If you change up your music from time to time, you're more likely to avoid being bored...and more likely to stick with your run, walk, cycling, etc.

So in addition to "hangin' with Mr. Cooper", here are my latest additions for summer:

Try - Pink

Next to Me - Emeli Sande

I'm a Keeper - The Band Perry

Little Bit of Everything - Keith Urban

Roller Coaster - The Partridge Family

Sunshine and Summertime - Faith Hill

Fortunate Son - John Fogerty with Foo Fighters

Hush Hush - Pistol Annies

Voulez-Vous  -  Mamma Mia Soundtrack

Thing Called Love - Bonnie Raitt

Rolling in the Deep - Adele

Black Horse and the Cherry Tree - KT Tunstall


Please leave a comment with your favorite workout songs...we're always looking for more suggestions.  And get out there and WERK it!!!

My Official "I'm Sick of Snow!" Playlist

It's March, and technically almost spring.  But Mother Nature doesn't seem to care, as usual.  Snow is still falling in many places, with winter winds still whipping us around and cold temperatures to keep us dressed in heavy coats, hats, gloves, etc.

I am very thankful (and so are my friends!) that the big storm that hit a lot of states this week missed us here in Cleveland, but we've still had our share of the white stuff...and we're tired of it.  And I know my friends in Indiana, Illinois, and on the East Coast are even more tired of it.

So it's time to think warm weather and summer fun if we want to keep our sanity.  Whether you run outside in the cold or exercise indoors while watching the snow fall beyond your window, you need to remember that soon we will be free to work out in more enjoyable conditions.

This is why I've come up with a Plan B - Beach Boys, Buffett, and Beyond.  Introducing my I'm Sick of Snow Playlist:

Summer's Coming - Clint Black
Long Hot Summer - Keith Urban
Soak Up the Sun - Sheryl Crow
Some Beach - Blake Shelton
Summer in the City - The Lovin' Spoonful
Summer Days - The Partridge Family
Summer Nights - Olivia Newton-John/John Travolta (Grease Soundtrack)
Pontoon - Little Big Town
Heatwave - Martha and the Vandellas
Knee Deep - Zac Brown Band with Jimmy Buffett
California Dreamin' - The Mamas and the Papas
Island Girl - Elton John
Barefoot Blue Jean Night - Jake Owen
Fins - Jimmy Buffett
Fun, Fun, Fun - The Beach Boys
Summertime - Kenny Chesney

If you have more to add, shoot me a comment.  Let's all find a remedy for this cabin fever and look forward to spring!!!

Early Fall Workout Playlist

It's officially fall - still early enough to have days that feel like summer, but mixed in with chillier days and nights.  I've had some physical therapy on my ankle which has helped a lot (more on that in a later post) and can do everything except run...although soon I should be able to do that as well.

So, in the spirit of a new season, it's time for an updated playlist.  Here's a portion of what motivates me this autumn:

50 Ways to Say Goodbye - Train
Fastest Girl in Town - Miranda Lambert
Matchbox Twenty - She's So Mean
Blown Away - Carrie Underwood
Home - Philip Phillips
What Makes You Beautiful - One Direction
Runaway Baby - Bruno Mars
Dive - Steven Curtis Chapman
Hot Chelle Rae - Tonight Tonight
Eye of the Tiger - Survivor

What are you listening to this fall?  Leave a comment with your favorites!

Songs Of Indepedence and Freedom

Tomorrow is the 4th of July - Independence Day. We celebrate what it means to live in America...our rights, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness. Barbecues, parades, and fireworks are all a part of the festivities.

So is music. Patriotic songs mix with anthems of empowerment and make us feel stronger. I've compiled a playlist that will not only make you proud to be an American, but will help you strive for your own freedom and independence.

"Party in the USA" - Miley Cyrus

"New Found Freedom" - Taylor Hicks

"Born in the USA" - Bruce Springsteen

"Independence Day" - Martina McBride

"Think" - Aretha Franklin

"Freedom" - George Michael

"Firework" - Katy Perry

"Freedom Song" - Mandisa

As you listen (run, walk, dance) to these songs, remember to turn to God and give him your burdens so you can experience the ultimate freedom. Happy Independence Day!

Preparing For Summer - HOT Playlist

Even though summer doesn't technically start until the middle of June, we all know the unofficial start is this coming weekend...Memorial Day Weekend. Time to think about barbecues, beaches, and outdoor concerts. Nature is kind enough to give us extra daylight to enjoy all of our activities, although I'm also totally down with Danny and Sandy loving those summer nights.

Since it's been warm and beautiful here the past few days (whoo-hoo...hardly any rain!) I've been pondering all of the songs that mention summer or hot weather that would be great for outdoor workouts - or even indoor ones to keep you pumped on rainy days. Here are some of my favorites:

"Summer's Coming" - Clint Black

"Long Hot Summer" - Keith Urban

"Summertime" Kenny Chesney

"Summer in the City" - The Lovin' Spoonful

"Summer Days" - The Partridge Family (I can see you smirking...it's a guilty pleasure I don't feel one bit guilty about!)

"Summer of '69" - Bryan Adams

"Hot Child in the City" - Nick Gilder (I know, technically it's the GIRL that's hot...but it still works!)

"Summer Nights" - John Travolta/Olivia Newton-John - Grease Soundtrack (Of course!!!)

"All Summer Long" - Kid Rock

"Heat Wave" - Martha and the Vandellas
"Hot Blooded" - Foreigner

"Walking on Sunshine" - Katrina and the Waves

"Hot Hot Hot" - Buster Poindexter

I know there are more, but these are the ones that come to mind and make me think warm, happy thoughts. Feel free to add any of your favorite hot summer songs!

December Workout Playlist

Now that it's snowing outside, I need more fresh tunes to keep me motivated and going strong. More often than not, I'm walking or running on the treadmill and the music keeps me from being bored with no change of scenery. I do sometimes put on a football game or another good program on TV to work out, but music is still my number one way to stay the course.

Here are a few of the latest songs on my playlist:

Wildflower - JaneDear Girls

Put You In A Song - Keith Urban

My First Kiss - 3oh3

Start Me Up - The Rolling Stones

Felt Good On My Lips - Tim McGraw

Get On Your Feet - Gloria Estefan

Family Affair - Mary J. Blige

Shut Up And Drive - Chely Wright (not the Rihanna song, even though it's great)

Crazy Little Thing Called Love - Queen

Smooth Criminal - Michael Jackson

Rock What You Got- Superchick

All I Want For Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey ('tis the season...have to have some holiday music!)

If you have any other great suggestions, feel free to add a comment and let me know. Let's all keep each other inspired through the holidays!

More Songs For Your Workout Playlist!

Keeping your workout playlist fresh is extremely important. If you exercise to the same set of tunes for too long, you will get bored with your exercise routine. Putting your playlist on shuffle does help, but at some point it's still the same old songs, just in a different order. It's vital to add new music to keep yourself excited and motivated to work out.

Here are a few of the songs I've recently added to my walking/running playlist so I can keep it moving!!!

Bad Romance - Lady Gaga

Whip It - Devo

Hot Blooded - Foreigner

New Found Freedom - Taylor Hicks

Stuck Like Glue - Sugarland

Giddy On Up - Laura Bell Bundy

Enough Is Enough - Donna Summer/Barbra Streisand

Only The World - Mandisa

I Like It - Enrique Iglesias/Pitbull

Club Can't Handle Me - Flo Rida (Step Up 3D Soundtrack)

Airplanes - B.o.B./Hayley Williams

I love all types of music, and the variety of styles keeps me going, so I'm never bored. What's on your playlist? :o)

Trifecta Weekend....Good For My Soul!

This weekend was a much needed boost for me...I hit the Trifecta as each day I did something that made me feel completely alive and happy to be me!

Let's start with Friday night. I've been wanting to see Taylor Hicks live in concert ever since he won American Idol. When he came to town the first time, I was out of town and didn't get to attend the show. My next opportunity to see him was this past May in Grease, which I posted about then. I loved Grease but was still itching to see Taylor's own live show. Friday night was my first time to see T in concert and it definitely won't be the last. Our seats were incredible and I can truly say this is the best live show I've ever attended. I've been to many, MANY concerts over the years...and none of them compare to Taylor live. Ever since Idol he has inspired me to go for my dreams and really live my passions in life, and even though I could feel his passion for the music through my TV screen, seeing him perform live really brings it out a thousand times more. I am even more inspired and motivated to live life to the fullest and reach my dreams. If you get the chance to see Taylor live...DO IT! You will be blown away by his talent and passion. Once again (just as after Grease) I got to speak with him for a couple of minutes after the show and take a picture, and he is absolutely the nicest guy and really cares about his fans. I admire the way he operates and stays true to who he is...a lesson all of us need to take to heart!

Saturday was a day at the pool with my son. My husband had to work, so it was just the two of us swimming on a perfect day. The weather was just right...not sweltering or chilly: the perfect temperature. The sun was out but not overpowering. Every song on the radio that played over the speakers was just the right one, and several of us in the pool sang along as we swam. You already know how much I love going to the pool, but being totally in the moment with the people and the music really made it feel like perfection.

Sunday we got to see a movie I've been anticipating for a while. Since I cover So You Think You Can Dance for Ballroom Dance Channel, I've been getting some inside scoop along the way on Step Up 3D. The movie features several dancers from SYTYCD and was produced by judge Adam Shankman, and it was truly amazing to watch. I really wanted to get up and dance during the movie...but I think the others in the audience would have thrown stuff at me! As we left the theater my son was trying to copy some of the moves by by bouncing off the walls (literally!) and doing twists off of the railing. If you love dance, this one is a must see for you. Part of the movie shows dancers explaining why they love to dance...so once again the passion of people doing what they love comes through loud and clear.

The entire weekend was really good for my soul, and I will never forget a single moment of it. I love the feeling...being passionate about life and the things I love, and living every moment to its fullest. This Trifecta didn't pay off at the racetrack window, but it did pay off in so many other ways that are worth more than any amount of money. Find something that is good for your soul and live every minute of it...you will never be the same!

I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends

There are some days that no matter how positive of a person you are, no matter how hard you try not to venture into the darkness, you still wind up feeling really down. Yesterday was one of those days for me.

15 years ago yesterday, my mom passed away from cancer. Every year when it gets near this anniversary, I tell myself that I'm not going to get into that deep despair. I try to reason that it's been such a long time since she died, and that I can handle it this year. Every year the day comes and I am a mess. I remember holding her hand and talking to her as she slipped away and went to heaven. I think about how upset my dad was that he wasn't in the room when she died...the doctors had expected her to last until the evening, so he ran home to get his insulin that he had forgotten. He got back about 10 minutes after she was gone, and was beside himself. I was the only one with her when she died. One of her nurses, a very sweet nun, told us that there was a reason that it happened that way, but I know my dad still thinks about how he should have been there.

Yesterday was no exception: I was a royal mess. When I posted on my Facebook page about my mom, so many friends were there to help me through the day. Some called me on the phone, and some who live out of state or even in another country messaged me throughout the day and helped me out of my funk. By evening, I was ready to celebrate my mom's life, so I started posting clips of her favorite singer, Tom Jones. The music helped me, and I sang along and thought about my mom. Even more friends helped my celebrate her life, and I am so grateful for all of them.

I also usually wind up pigging out every October 8th. This time, I still wanted to go for a fast food run or gorge on sweets, but I didn't. God's gift of friendship and music helped me get through the day without resorting to a food coma. I am so blessed to have all of my friends, I don't know what I would have done without you yesterday, or any other day for that matter. I love all of you!!! xoxoxo