RIPPED and I Choose You!

My favorite Valentines Day card:

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I don’t know why but I love it and I tell Billy all the time that I ‘choo-choo-choose him.’  In high school I was extra cool and passed these valentines out with a piece of gum….get it, you ‘chew’ gum:)

I am looking forward to a night full of being in comfortable clothes while watching movies and eating take-out.

I was looking back at last years post about Valentines Day (and it is funny because I am wearing the EXACT same outfit as last year…below is the proof) and wanted to bring up what I talked about last year about holidays being hard for some people!  I was going to write something new about it but I liked what I said last year (when I still included a trillion different colors in each and every post…didn’t that hurt your eyes?):

I do want to talk about something serious……I want to validate the fact that Holidays are not easy and happy for everyone. Some days we feel lonely and depressed because the fact of the matter is that we are alone sometimes.  Believe me, I had plenty of lonely V-days.  I was ALWAYS the girl getting dumped before I met Billy and I spent many nights crying because I felt so alone.  Heck, I had a boyfriend that was cheating on me for 2 months before I found out.  It takes going through a million losers before you find the good ones:) Remember that valentines day isn’t just about having a bf/gf/wife/husband etc.  It is about celebrating love and the blogging community is one of the most loving groups of people I have ever associated with. So, I guess what I am trying to say is that if you are having a hard day today and you feel alone…will you email me? I am here for you and I would love to be email pen pals.   We can be valentines K?!?!  I will even send you some chocolate’s if you give me your address (sorry if that sounds creepy)!!

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My Dove candy wrapper (that is ALWAYS right) said, ‘treat yourself today.’  How did it know that I would be spending the entire day eating candy from yesterday?

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I switched spin classes with a friend so I teach this Thursday instead of teaching this morning, I knew that I was going to want to sleep in after a night of partying with fried chicken and brownies.  Billy doesn’t get done with class until 6 today so I think I might attempt to go to a new class (I know…who am I?) and a few minutes on the elliptical after work.

I am going to attempt this:

•R.I.P.P.E.DTotal body workout utilizing resistance and cardio training that masterfully combines Resistance, Intervals, Power, Plyometrics, Endurance, and Diet.

I am afraid for my life.

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Do you have any fun plans for tonight? What Valentines themed food or candy have you eaten today? What do you do while on the elliptical to fight boredom? Have you ever tried a RIPPED class? What did you think…should I be nervous every muscle on my body is going to hurt?

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67 comments

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ohh please tell me how the RIPPED class goes! i’ve been wanting to try it at our gym, but just haven’t yet…. i’m curious though! have fun with it!
i get way bored on the elliptical too. i usually will read a magazine, watch tv, or do intervals.

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I’ve heard that RIPPED is a good/hard/sweaty class-so have fun!!

On the elliptical I always read. Always. Keeps boredom at bay for sure, and I always work hard, no matter what. Okay, almost always ;)

Happy Heart day to ya <3

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I love the acronym for this class and am looking forward to your review–maybe I can use some moves in my HIIT classes! Enjoy your evening with Billy!! Hugs!

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When I was in college, I used to bring a textbook and my headphones to the gym and read on the elliptical while listening to music. It made me feel like I was being really productive!

Going out to dinner with my husband tonight – we’re going to finally try this adorable little Italian place a few blocks from our place that we’ve walked by a zillion times and never went in!

A coworker brought in a big box of homemade cupcakes and left them in the kitchen for everyone to help ourselves. I have already had 3 of them and the day isn’t over yet. =D

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That class sounds sweet but I don’t think it’s offered at my gym. Sigh :)

No plans tonight since I am one of those single gals. Think I’ll curl up with some wine and Biggest Loser! Hope you and Billy have a great night!

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You are too awesome! Offering to send readers chocolate :)
We are staying home, cooking supper together and just relaxing. It will be awesome.
I have had chocolate dipped pineapple, a dark chocolate truffle and a couple wine gums :)
I love reading the trashy celebrity gossip magazines on the elliptical! Makes it WAY more enjoyable for sure.

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My hubs is out of town so I’m having a hot date with my 9 yr old son.
One of my fellow nursing students brought heart-shaped dark chocolate to class today so I helped myself to one (or four).
I would rather cut my feet off than get on an eliptical. I went to my gym at 7:30 pm to run on a treadmill (it was freezing here) and all of them were full. I considered getting on one of the many open ellipticals but then decided to run outside in my shorts.
I’ve never done a RIPPED workout. It sounds wicked. Next Monday I start my Tough Mudder training. I’m a little scared.

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That class sounds scary! (but fun!) Ughh i totally get what you are saying with loser boyfriends! I am feeling that exact same way now! I am a sophomore in college…and lets just say the boys i have met aren’t anything to write home about ;) So i am celebrating tonight with my some of my best friends, eating LOTS of candy and watching Glee!
All i can say is thank god for my mom sending me lots of valentines day love (in the form of candy and seltzer water lol)!
As for the elliptical…..ughh i get SO bored! So i just try my hardest to never use it lol
Have a great Valentines day!!!

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I have tried R.I.P.P.E.D. a few times. I like it. I think it is a fun way to do weights and the time flies. But I don’t burn a ton of calories and I am not sore, like after a body pump class. But I also don’t want to cry, so that is good ;) And that is just my experience, with the teacher at my gym. Teachers can make all the difference, right? Though this one taught up until she delivered her last baby and looked like she was 5 mo. prego even though she was 9 mo. She was still doing crunches and everything…then came back to teach 3 weeks after she had her baby!! I hate {am so jealous of} people like that! Let me know how your class goes!

I am currently on a no sugar bet and it is killing me! Neighbors keep bringing by cookies and treats to taunt me. Why would I ever do this to myself? But I don’t want to fork out $20, so I am being strong! Heaven help me.

Just hanging out with the fam tonight. My husband informed me I don’t have to make dinner and he will be making salmon, quinoa and asparagus…which is super sweet cause those are my most fave…and his least fave…

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I can’t do the elliptical without a tv in front of me and a bottle of water. I chug water every ten mintues just to remind myself that time has passed.

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That was so sweet of you to put that to everyone feeling sad! Aww :D
I ate some chocolate today and I’m sure that won’t be all haha
I alwayssss god forward and backward switching every minute or so. It makes time flyyy. Happy valentines day!!

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OMG I LOOOVVEEE RIPPED!!! I moved from AZ to WA right after they started a RIPPED class at my gym and I miss it more than anything. It is crazzzzzyyyyyy (at least thats how our class was). When your instructor is totally all muscley and strong and sweating her butt off and making it look like work for her, you know it was going to kick your butt…..and it always did. But I always felt great after :)

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we make each other homemade valentines. Sit on the den floor with construction paper, scissors, crayons, etc. and craft together. We’ve done it for 10 years and I have saved every single one, they’re my prized possessions.

Comfy clothes, take-out, your main squeeze……sounds like perfection. Enjoy!

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I get bored on the elliptical pretty fast. My gym has a small TV attached to most cardio equipment, so I usually just watch something. I’ve never tried reading while exercising, I’m bad at multitasking.
I volunteer in a 1st grade class and I got cookies and candy from the kids =) You got so much chocolate from your students yesterday, they must love you!

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RIPPED is my favorites class at my gym and is always packed! It must be dependant on the the teacher, because ours really kicks my butt, in a way that no other class does (other then maybe spinning). Good luck!

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Happy Valentine’s Day and a belated Happy Birthday. Well, my new blog is up. Not writing yet. Still tweeking somethings. I have put my new website address. Could you try it and follow me? I want to see if that part if working? Thanks Linda (Carolina Girl)

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Great post:-) spot on! ;-) I have eaten way to many candy hearts today! I made a fabulous beef tenderloin dinner with mashed potatoes and roasted broccoli. I am the best mother/wife/homemaker;-) and then ice cream sundaes for dessert! that class sounds awesome! I would do it in a heartbeat. Happy Valentines day! I plan on doing the exact same thing tonight- vegging on the couch. enjoy!

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Wonder why it is still linking up my old picture and I had to change the website address. It was showing my other one but I am using my new blog. UMMM?

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Lovely thoughts. Thanks for sharing your story- it has a happy ending :)

No fancy plans tonight. And just the usual chocolate (I don’t wait to Valentine’s Day to partake ;) )

I used to read magazines on the elyptical and rock out to the music channels.

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Happy Valentine’s! Glad you had an awesome day! And thanks for the message, I sorta needed words of hope :P

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I am spending V-Day night with my good friends: How I Met Your Mother, Glee, and New Girl. Shall be an epic night. lol Happy Valentines day!!

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I absolutely love your last blurb about Valentine’s Day. It’s not all about who has a bf/gf, it’s about celebrating ALL of the love you have in your life from everyone around you. And for those who want a relationship, something that has always comforted me is that even though past relationships haven’t worked out, there’s a reason. And that means that there’s someone even BETTER out there waiting for you. So this last relationship you thought was IT, well there’s bigger and better things out there. How exciting is that?!

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Happy Valentine’s to you! I’m so glad I found your blog not too long ago – your blog is always so inspiring and motivational. And your post about v-day was SO sweet. I hope you and Billy have a very happy day together!

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First happy belated birthday. I just wanted to make it last a little longer. And second, you are so sweet. You are such a good example of being kind and happy to others. I loved single awareness day before I was married, always had a huge party. Today, the hubs surprised me with hunter boots. I may stay in Utah now. That class sounds amazing. Where can I take it? 24 needs to get that one soon. Thanks for the positive post!

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My plans for tonight include hanging out with my parents and my pup :-) I got a valentine’s cupcake from one of my students and it was delicious! Love your thoughts on Valentine’s Day! I kind of thought about the same thing while I was at school today and they delivered candygrams to students who had them sent to them. I made sure to have candy for all the ones who didn’t have a Valentine and then we spent the last few minutes of class happily munching!

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What you said about being lonely on V-day….to email you seriously it sounds crazy but I literally got tears in my eyes! Really what a super sweet thing to put out there because you are so right its not always happy for everyone. I have been happily married for several years but your kindness touched me. Happy Valentines Day to you!

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Ripped sounds intennse!! HAppy Valentines :)

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I accidentally posted on your last years valentines post… Heres the answer I gave:

“Since my sig other and I are actually doing V day tomorrow I MAY have treated myself to some major chocolate today… POSSIBLY. MAYBE. Im so excited for tomorrow though- dinner and a show!

I do decorate for christmas but not other seasons :)

My favourite chick flick is he’s Just Not That Into You. I really think its funny and I like the premise. Some bits are sad though! Also love Love Actually and Easy A (HILARIOUS).

My three favourite love songs (I cant chose), that all reflect how I feel (soppy but its v day) are Collide by Howie Day, “You’re barely waking, and I’m tangled up in you… I finally find, that you and I collide”, Teenage Dream by K (yeah I know its more pop but…) “Before you met me, I was alright but things were kinda heavy, you brought me to life. Now every February, you’ll be my valentine” and Lucky by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat, “I keep you with me in my heart – you make it easier when life gets hard… Lucky I’m in love with my best friend… As the world keeps spinnin’ round, you hold me right here right now”. Theyre all about how lucky you have someone and about someone who grounds you but is also someone youre so excited to be with.

Eew i’m making myself feel sick! Ha ah aha!”

And to the additional Qs on this one:

I NEED music on the elliptical then I try to do it along to it to fight boredom! I have never done a RIPPED class but I do an ab thing with my pal M he calls ‘Pain and Tears’. He is evil.

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Oh also I agree so much that Valentines is about love. I am lucky to have someone in my life but just 2 years ago I waas dumped on Valentines by a guy I had dated for 2 years who didnt have the guts or in his words ‘couldnt be bothered’ showing up. He also cheated on me and Im pretty sure it was more than once. Anyways, this year my flatmate is newly single so we gave each other cards and roses! Cause’ I love her too and its all about love, not coupledom.

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Isn’t it crazy how we’ve never met, but you managed to hit the nail right on the head? Your Valentine’s day part was exactly what I needed to “hear” today! I hope you have a great night!

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I loved when each paragraph was a different color!!

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I love what you said about Vday not being great for everyone. In college, I literally spent the whole day drinking… luckily it fell on the weekend for most of college. And don’t worry, not alone drinking, I had friends to entertain me, haha. But this year I decided to embrace the holiday. I love my family, I love my friends, I love the blogging world and I love MYSELF! That’s good enough for my Valentine’s Day. Oh, and I have the best Valentine ever this year – my brother’s 7 month old golden retriever puppy, Molly.

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Our local grocery store had 10 to 12oz whole Lobsters for $5, so we are going to do that for dinner. Sadly, I haven’t eaten any Valentine’s themed food or candy, but my kids have had plenty. I listen to music when I’m on my eliptical.
Hope you and Billy have a Happy Valentine’s Day!

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No fun plans for tonight, but someone came to look at our house that’s for sale, and it’s looking really promising! So that’s a lot better than a romantic dinner any day, in my book! ;)

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Today I had a hot, heartpumpin date with my running shoes, true love (or as close as you get when you’re seventeen (; ).

On the ellip I clear out my DVR, the best to zone out to is Shamless or anything on Bravo

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Janae, you are just the sweetest! I definitely know about sucky Valentines days or spending them alone, sadly I have spent the last three alone. But today I vowed to stay positive and it was a good day and I even got a surprise treat from one of my girlfriends, that just made my day! I have been praying alot lately and I definitely that God is behind me supporting me every day. I know that I will meet my guy when the time is right. In the meantime, I am just going to enjoy life and spend it with all the people that I love! Thanks for being such a sweet person and I hope you and Billy had an amazing Valentines day!

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Your cho-cho card is hilarious! Great post. Your paragraph about Valentines Day is the best thing I’ve read in a while. In this country if you aren’t married or have a significant other you sometimes feel like an alien on Valentine’s Day. So that note is really appreciated.

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Glad you brought this up, Janae! So true! Sometimes these holidays are a smack in the face for us singles, and it doesn’t help being across the country from my family. I just have to remember to be so grateful for all that I do have! Happy Valentine’s day to you! You and Billy are adorable and always cheer me up!

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This post made me smile today as I’ve had a rough day, thank you. Happy Valentine’s Day!

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You are a sweet, sweet woman! And you’re exactly right, Valentine’s Day isn’t just for bf/gf/husband/wife relationships. Valentine’s Day is for people that you love. When I was single, it made me feel so good to send Valentine’s to my nieces/nephews/friends/co-workers. It should never feel like a sad/lonely holiday, but a wonderful day set aside to remind those close to our hearts that they are loved!
Also…
Happy (belated) Birthday, Janae!

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My boyfriend broke his right wrist on Saturday (a really bad break…both bones!) so he had to have surgery today. We had to cancel our Valentine’s day dinner so I could take care of him, but that’s ok. He wrote me a card today with his left hand before surgery…I could barely read the writing (he is right-handed) but it was so sweet!

And let me just say that I couldn’t agree more about holidays being really hard for many people. As someone who is (GASP) almost 30, I spent most of my 20s single. Although I would never have traded my FREEDOM, FUN, and FRIENDS (seriously, I absolutely CANNOT imagine ever getting married I was having way too much fun…and still am actually), Valentine’s Day was tough!!

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I think it’s great that you took the time to acknowledge that Valentine’s Day and other holidays are not always easy for everybody. I am happily married, but I have always associated Valentine’s Day with friendships and my family, and am choosing this day to show them how much I love them…that includes giving my 10 month old girl a present, starting new traditions with her, cooking with my husband, and taking heart shaped cookies in to the office.

Re: elliptical, I read magazines, and I flipping hate the elliptical. I don’t feel safe running outside in the early morning and I don’t like the treadmill, so winter months = ellipticizing.

Re: Valentine’s Day treats, a red velvet heart-shaped cake with cream cheese frosting. Just promise me that if you are ever in California and you see a Susiecakes bakery, you will purchase something…anything…from them.

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You are absolutely the sweetest Person ever!! You are so sweet to think about others that might not enjoy this holiday.

I’ve never tried that class, but it sounds intense! Good luck! I hope you survive and can get out of bed tomorrow!

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I love Valentine’s Day. But there were many where my sweet husband maybe didn’t do so great in the “remember my wife” department. But I always make a big deal about it to my kids and my friends. This is my favorite holiday. The colors are so pretty, all you have to do is tell everyone you love them, and hello…candy.
This year my Valentine? Dozen roses, The BIG box of Hot Tamales, Ditto of Mike n Ike’s, All reds bag of Starburst and a lovely bin of heart Juju’s. There’s a freakin’ ton of candy here. #soinlove

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I have been on my pitty pot all day..and then came home and V is sick. So no school tomorrow and no work.

I hope you had a good day!

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I ate a tooonnn of candy hearts today! They’re my favorite V-Day candy. And I made sure to save some so I can use them as long run fuel this weekend. :)

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You are so cute! I love reading your blog, you make me smile :) And I’m so glad you found Billy. Now I just need one ;)

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They just brought R.I.P.P.E.D to the gym that I go to. EVERY class is packed and it is a great workout. I enjoy that there is a combination of weights and cardio and I really enjoy it! :)

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That RIPPED class sounds awesome!! I hope you went! I had some baked ravioli for dinner @ home with my husband. I made him a heart-shaped cake, but I just ate the frosting. Totally me! :)

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No plans. I did my normal Tues night volunteer duty at the cat adoption center. I didn’t eat any Valentine’s themed candy either. Michael did, right in front of me. But, I gave it to him so I guess that was fair.
I wouldn’t be nervous about the new class. It sounds AWESOME.

The Kidless Kronicles

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aww happy valentine’s day to you and billy!! you’re right, you gotta date some duds before you find the perfect guy – I had a couple bad relationships with cheating boys too, but today I’m totally happy being single! I’ve got great friends and family and a good life, what more can I ask for? Actually I had exams and labs all day today so I kind of forgot it was V-day till like…now haha fail. Have fun at that Ripped class!!! it sounds scary. I bet you’ll feel like superwoman afterward though! or at least in a few days once your muscles recover hahaha

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I love your blog, I always leave with a smile on my face! Thank you for the word of hope for the single ladies :)

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You are so sweet! Offering to be an email pen pal who sends chocolate treats…aww! Being married with two kiddos, V- day for me has definitely become about celebrating all the love in my life… and eating a ton of chocolate :)
Happy Heart Day!

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I took a RIPPED class and it was so much fun! It is a mix of weights (using dumbbells), dancing (easy choreography), and jumping around. I love all the big body movements, and I was smiling through the entire class! Our instructor made it super fun!

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I really enjoyed the serious bit! I am single yet love Valentine’s- there’s just so much love in the air! I went for dinner with some of fellow single girlfriends and we had a blast and a half! Love is not only limited to romance eh!

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I went to run club tonight while my hubby went to night school! When I got home he had laid out a bunch of chocolate marshmallow shaped hearts(my favorite) on our kitchen table! Perfect post run fuel right??? :)

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I laughed SO hard when you said you would send a box of chocolates if we gave you our address! Haha! That is awesome. I spent Valentine’s working at a bakery {making chocolate covered strawberries for everyone to buy for their someone special} and then went to spin class. Honestly, it was a great day even without that “someone special”! :)

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Aww, I love this, J. I used to get so sad on Valentine’s Day and other holidays, too, because I felt super alone as well. Now that I have found that special someone after YEARS of dating “douchebags”, I don’t think the holidays (esp V-Day) are a big deal AT ALL. In fact, I told Ben not to buy me any flowers or candy this year for Vday and to save the $$ for our trip! Who am I?! :)
I spent Vday alone in Oz listening to old Whitney Houston songs (I’m so sad about her death) and eating ice cream. Ben comes home tomorrow!! Can’t wait to hear about your new workout class. xox

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haha….great corny as heck card and i luv it! :)

hung out with my fam..they always make me smile weather i’m a duo or flying solo.

hope u and billy had a GREAT v-day and can’t wait to hear how that RIPPED class went…i’m a little scared for u…lol.

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I’ve never heard of RIPPED – sounds like it’ll be a great workout. Last night, we went out for dinner at Bonefish Grill and my mom watched the kids. It was nice to have a grownup dinner!

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I know it’s like a day late but the V-Day message is too cute. And true.

Also, that is the Valentine that Lisa Simpson gave Ralph that made him fall in love with her. Just saying.
:D

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We had a quiet night in for valentines… But man, did I eat candy yesterday! We had a meeting at work so I brought in candies for everyone. Too much sugar! So much that I didn’t want dinner (that never happens)

How was ripped?

I ‘ve been cross training to rest my hip and almost had to lay down after doing step for an hour this morning.

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We didn’t do anything “Valentine’sy” last night. We both went for our runs and then I made homemade pizza and we watched Downton Abbey. Basically, a normal Tuesday night.

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OMG!!!! I LOVE my ripped class!! It kicks my butt every time. But, it’s so worth it!!! Have a blast!!!!

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They have R.I.P.P.E.D. at the 24 Hour Fitness gym I go to, and it’s awesome! I’m glad you had a good class!

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You are seriously too cute. When holidays are happy its easy to forget that they arent like that for everyone. What a sweet post — thanks for the reminder and message of hope!

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Oh em gee, our cupboards are overflowing with chocolate! That sounds like I’m not happy about it ha, but really, I couldn’t be happier :D The Dove dark chocolate cherry swirl Bliss bites and pretzel M&M’s are my new faves! I can’t stop eating them!!!

P.S. I was planning on making stuffed red bell peppers for my honey and I for dinner on VDay because they remind me of hearts but he’s sick so they were postponed…

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