SUMMER!

Oh, hey there, still alive.  Again.  Survived the summer five week microbiology session, which had been my excuse for not updating earlier.  Or doing much of anything aside from studying and going to the gym.  And eating.  Getting an A in that class is probably my proudest accomplishment to date.  More than passing the PHR (and outscoring my boss substantially) or graduating with honors from CSU.  On par with quitting smoking, as far as the "hardest thing I've ever done" aspect.  I busted ass and was rewarded, and it was actually a very fun class.  At first, I was sad it was over, I liked the subject matter.  Just not getting up at 4:30, going to class an hour early to study, coming home, gym, and then reading/making note cards for 3 hours every day.  That part, I don't miss.
Took a trip with my boyfriend the week after class ended, which was fun.  I love being in the car and seeing new places, but I was also happy to get home.  The older I get the more habit-based I become. I really do find comfort in routine, and I need to curb that before it starts dictating what I do, or want to do.
I started a cut on Monday, following THIS program.  I picked it because I was feeling lazy and it was easier to follow something pre-made than design one myself (which I generally do for my building workouts) and so far, so good.  I also chose it because I like a lot of the bigger lifts that it incorporates.  I'm not about to give up dead lifts or clean/press for more than a couple weeks.  Nope.  I was a little worried because the workouts are shorter and use fewer exercises than I'm accustomed to.  Needless worry, I'm so sore right now it's not even funny.  The cardio sucks, but I'm sucking it up and finishing it every day.
Of course, as always, diet is key.  Which is the hardest part, for me.  The gym is FUN.  I like that challenge.  The challenge of not eating what I want, when I want is not so fun.  But I've stuck to my macros and finished a gallon of water every day this week, which is (sadly) a record for me.  Especially with the water.  I could probably drink a gallon of coffee with greater ease.  Bodybuilding.com is a great resource.
Speaking of the gym, yesterday I got to go workout HERE and it was awesome.  Such a different experience than a commercial gym.  I was in shock when I walked in, like, "TOYS! New and exciting toys everywhere!!!"


And now a bunch of pictures.

Let's just call this "before" - decent shoulder day.

I got some work done on my sleeve, and I LOVE it.  Can't wait to finish it.

Took my mom to Falling Water.

Typical.

Willie likes summer, too.

Bf got me a Ninja when my $20 Walmart blender finally bit the dust.  No comparison, I adore this thing.

I've gotten to lay out a few times. Well, like twice. Summer rocks.  

Bicep progress.  Not horrible. 

We still love the grill.

This was the grand total of note cards for microbiology.  I killed some trees. 

My "congratulations on surviving that class" gift.  Best boyfriend ever.  

The Mackinac Bridge, which was a little scary, trucks racing in the dirt, and my favorite Flag nor Fail hat.  

So, yeah, I've gotten to enjoy about a week of summer so far and I've certainly had a blast.  Three more weeks of awesome, another trip... then school starts again.