1. Workout 2. Study 3. Eat

Yesterday was simple Saturday. I was tired from all the events on Friday that I fell asleep pretty early. Still, I woke up at my usual time, prepared breakfast, and debated what to do.

Always on my mind: a workout. I wanted to wear my new shoes so went to BodyPump and a bad yoga class. The gym's yoga classes are a toss up and this was extremely disjointed. Strangely, the same teacher taught a fine BodyPump class.

BodyPump worked up much better today than it did on Monday morning.

• Tracks that went well: squats (usually good), back (could add a little more weight), triceps, biceps (used dumbbells because I favor one arm if I use the bar), lunges, and shoulders.
• Tracks that need more help: chest (still problematic - maybe should use dumbbells) and abs (as always).

Second, study. Okay, I watched "Dexter" and fell asleep, but I reviewed 2 chapters and am still studying now.

I also paid for the exam and will take it in less than ONE MONTH!

I talked about this new-found motivation last week - I've worked in schools for 6 years as everything short of being a full-time teacher. I'm ready to get in there!

Well, this weekend, I got a little upset and competitive. Let's be real. The competitiveness in me breeds motivation. I believe that hard work and passion will take me anywhere. It irks me to see others find success without hard work.

I know not everyone is fortunate to find their passion so I should be thankful. I know not everyone can fulfill their passion, but since I can, I need to buckle down and study like crazy.

$260 is not all that much considering the test is three parts and 6 hours, plus four short essays. I'm using each of those 21,600 seconds. Wow, that doesn't seem like much now.

Woo! That's a lot of stress. Here's how to reduce stress: make a meal plan so you don't have to worry about the little things.

Breakfasts
Pumpkin spice English muffin + 2 egg whites
Oatmeal protein pancakes

Lunch/dinners
Chicken salads
Shrimp spring rolls
Black bean guacamole

Source: theleangreenbean.com via Julie on Pinterest

Tortilla pizzas

Source: cookieandkate.com via Julie on Pinterest

Snacks 
Funfetti Greek yogurt
Cinnamon apple sticks
thinkThin bar
Amazeballs
Luna bar

To bake?

Source: chef-in-training.com via Julie on Pinterest

And I continue into my budgeting.

Groceries - $38.92

• Trader Joe's pomegranate & blueberry green tea - $1.39
• Stevia soda - $0.88
• thinkThin bar - $0.69
• Luna bar - $0.49
• Pumpkin spice English muffins - $2.50
• Marinara sauce - $0.32
• Butternut squash ravioli (for tailgating) - $8.89
• Fage 0% - $4.36
• Earth Balance coconut peanut butter - $3.99
• Awesome gummy bears - $1.53
• Chocolate chips - $1.99
• Black beans - $0.89
• Green juice - $4.75 
• Breakfast (Au Coeur de Paris) - $6.25

Other - $19.59

• Calcium, magnesium, & zinc - $4.30
• Socks - $7.06
• Yogurt (for my cousin) - $3.64
• Kettle chips (for tailgating) - $4.59

Gas - $40

Total (thus far) - $98.51