• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Big Mama

the big mama blog

  • Home
  • Meet Melanie
  • Blog
  • Speaking
  • Books
    • *New* On The Bright Side
    • *New* Piper and Mabel
    • Church of the Small Things
    • Nobody’s Cuter Than You
    • The Antelope in the Living Room
    • Sparkly Green Earrings
  • Contact
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Melanie Podcast
You are here: Home / Other / I blame Jillian Michaels

I blame Jillian Michaels

April 30, 2009 ·

Do you know how tired I am?

The kind of tired that makes you want to put a pillow over your head and go to sleep for days.

Apparently, I’m not the only one.

img_6523

Of course the difference is that my arms are too sore to actually pick up a pillow and put it on top of my head.

« Previous article:

I have renamed it the 30 Day Dead

Next Post: »

Edition 60: Fashion Friday

Reader Interactions

Similar Stories

Comments

  1. Pam D

    April 30, 2009 at 5:42 am

    Well, Big Mama, if you would just stop screaming every time you move a sore muscle, she wouldn’t HAVE to put a pillow over her head! Adorable picture…

  2. [email protected] Things

    April 30, 2009 at 6:14 am

    I just did day 1. Someone shoot me now and put me out of my misery. I thought you and Boomama were making it sound worse than it was because, hey, it’s funny to hear about it being hard right? You weren’t kidding. Not a bit.

  3. Anne

    April 30, 2009 at 6:20 am

    I have been reading for about a month now, but have never commented. I had to comment about the “30 Day Shred”. I have been reading your’s and BooMama’s accounts – and have been cracking up. I started this a couple of months ago. I never did 30 days in a row – because I valued my life. I sort of feel like if I quit though she is going to come through my TV screen and start yelling at me.

    You are not lying – this has got to be the toughest work-out video ever. But it sure makes for funny blog posts.

  4. Becky Jo

    April 30, 2009 at 6:42 am

    you and me both

    I have met the devil.

    his name is Jillian.

  5. Dawn Jenkins

    April 30, 2009 at 6:52 am

    I hear ya…I have been attempting to be a “shred-head” but that girl is ruthless.

  6. MJ

    April 30, 2009 at 6:53 am

    Um, maybe when Caroline wakes up she will put a pillow over your head for you?

  7. Courtney

    April 30, 2009 at 7:25 am

    I bought my DVD last night and am officially prepared to try it tonight for the first time…

    I do hope I live through it enough to comment on your blog afterward.

  8. Jennifer

    April 30, 2009 at 7:32 am

    I bought it yesterday b/c of you … starting it tonight.

  9. Jill

    April 30, 2009 at 7:47 am

    I thought I might try this (was even thinking about it this morning after I got off the scale!) but you make me scared…I guess I can always do it then have something funny to blog about 🙂

  10. Amanda C.

    April 30, 2009 at 8:09 am

    It must be in the air around here…all the talk of sickness. I’ve woke up exhausted every day this week; to the point of wanting to cry when the alarm goes off.
    I’m officially to tired and scared to start the shred. Maybe next week.

  11. Keyona

    April 30, 2009 at 8:18 am

    Ahh, poor kid. Being 5 is exhausting!

  12. [email protected]

    April 30, 2009 at 8:28 am

    I’m so tired today my eyebrows hurt- I’m right there with you on the going back to bed thing. Y’all wash your hands- they say it’s getting pretty swiney down there in Texas.

  13. Melanie

    April 30, 2009 at 8:31 am

    Maybe she was trying to muffle the sounds of the screaming woman in the pink leg warmers. ;>)

  14. Angela

    April 30, 2009 at 8:32 am

    Your last post made me laugh so hard…I need to get my booty in gear and start working out…but after reading this post and the one prior…uh…I’m thinking of holding off a little longer. C is a cutie. Loved this pic….sorry you are sore. I use to take body pump classes until the instructor used me as an example of what not to do one too many times…but I remember the pain I experienced the day after my first class…

  15. Allyson

    April 30, 2009 at 8:32 am

    I bought the video and it should arrive on Monday via Amazon. I am scared and excited at the same time. The hubby said he is going to do it with me, I will let you know how long he lasts.

  16. Jennifer

    April 30, 2009 at 8:59 am

    I’ve got to get that video!

  17. Sarah at themommylogues

    April 30, 2009 at 9:27 am

    I just did Day 1. I thought I was dying.

  18. Kristina

    April 30, 2009 at 9:29 am

    So, I am supposed to start the “shred” tonight. I blame YOU if I am not skinny in 30 days…that would be b/c I am TERRIFIED to start!!!!!! J/K, keep it up, it will all be worth it.

  19. CarpoolQueen

    April 30, 2009 at 9:31 am

    Just finished day one.

    Shoot me now.

  20. Mel

    April 30, 2009 at 9:44 am

    Okay, now you girls have me curious. I am wondering if Jillian is as hard as my dance teacher is right before (and after) a competition.

  21. r r mama

    April 30, 2009 at 10:14 am

    Cute picture and I start the shred on Monday because I am a procrastinator to…Any advice?

  22. Emily H

    April 30, 2009 at 10:41 am

    I started the 30 day Shred because of your blog and Boo Mama’s! And YOU WERE SO RIGHT!! I thought, oh, I’m oly 28 it can’t be that hard, I’m not that out of shape. Well I was wrong, today, my legs are noodles, when I try to get out of my office chair to walk, it takes a while, and stairs? Well, I am amazed I made it up and down them today. So thanks for the motivation to start the 30 day Shred and the motivationt to continue. There will be a lovely place for all of us in Heaven, on the first floor!

  23. jessica

    April 30, 2009 at 10:51 am

    I went right out to Target yesterday after reading your post. Today was day ONE! Ugh. I just know I am going to be sore tomorrow!?!?!!?!!!!!

  24. Lauren

    April 30, 2009 at 10:57 am

    I keep hearing about this Jillian Michaels workout all over the blogosphere… I take it you would recommend? 😉

  25. Isabelle

    April 30, 2009 at 10:58 am

    I saw the link to your Blog on Steph’s page! You need to sleep so much to build muscle and lean down! I’m glad you’reenjoying this. Good luck

  26. Ginger

    April 30, 2009 at 11:24 am

    Ok, I am generally tired period… ha! Palates WFM, but I have to say, I am just not following my regimen. I did workout yesterday and yes, I am sore, but I think it’s from the lack of more than anything.
    Ginger

  27. Lindsay

    April 30, 2009 at 11:33 am

    After reading these comments Jillian Michaels owes you some commissions! I also bought the 30 day shred last night. I actually have that nervous I have to go to the bathroom feeling after reading everyone say how hard it really is…

  28. Lazy Mom Leslie

    April 30, 2009 at 11:40 am

    I have faith in you! I was thinking about buying the shred but you girls are scaring me off! I might decide that I am just way too Lazy for that!

  29. Cydney

    April 30, 2009 at 1:18 pm

    Okay, I have done it! I have order the blame thing together with a friend.

    I am afraid of this and we are even considering spliting the 20 minutes into 2 10 minute work outs. I am afraid of shocking my body so.

    I don’t exercise at all right now. I have a 3 year old that keeps me pretty active. I am not a couch potato as I once was but I don’t exercise.

    Are we making a mistake?

  30. Grand Pooba

    April 30, 2009 at 1:27 pm

    I think I’m going to take a nap under my desk RIGHT NOW!

  31. Stephanie(ocean mommy)

    April 30, 2009 at 1:40 pm

    That child is just precious.

    Amen to not being able to lift your arms!!

    I would say “hang in there” but…if you’re like me the thought of having to hang on to anything makes me cry!!

  32. Laura

    April 30, 2009 at 2:01 pm

    I just went and bought the DVD today, however I won’t be starting until Monday (of course) and I hope it works as good as you say. I must say I am a little scared though, you know, if it actually works as good as you say. Ugh, my butt already hurts…is that normal? Maybe it’s the swine flu, with any luck I will get it and not have to start on Monday!

  33. Courtney

    April 30, 2009 at 2:18 pm

    I’ve also done the 30 Day Shred and it really does make you realize that there are muscles where you never thought you had muscle! Good luck with the 30 days!

  34. Ashley

    April 30, 2009 at 2:45 pm

    Does it make you feel any better that women across the country are feeling that same exhaustion and inability to lift their arms? I thought I was going to fall over when I tried to write on the dry erase board in my classroom today.

  35. Jeannie

    April 30, 2009 at 2:54 pm

    I am on Day 22 of the Shred. I want to encourage all of you to try it. It is hard but you can do it! I am NOT an exerciser naturally and I admit, the only reason I started it is because I figured I could do anything–even something I hate as much as exercise–for 20 minutes. If I can do it, you guys can too. I am still at level 1. Instead of moving up to level 2, I just increased my hand weights from the 2 lbs. I started with.

    I am not really doing it to lose weight but to tone up and to keep my bones healthy (I am staring down 45 years old in 2 months). I have noticed my body is more toned so you get results for your hard work. Don’t be scared off–it is tough but you can do it!

    Jeannie

  36. Nikki

    April 30, 2009 at 4:10 pm

    Wasn’t sure how to ask a Fashion Friday question so I’m leaving it here…

    We’ve been invited to a wedding in Atlanta on October 3. Is this dress from Boden too summery? http://www.bodenusa.com/en-us/Womens-Dresses/WH138/Womens-Colourblock-Shift.html

    Any other suggestions? It’s hard to predict how warm/cool it will be in Atlanta in early October so I’m just not sure if I’m supposed to dress for the season o the temperature. Thanks for your help.

  37. Abby

    April 30, 2009 at 5:41 pm

    Love it! I have to say that I haven’t tried the 30 Day Shred, but I have tried the Biggest Loser video and I know how difficult that was (20 min is LONG in Jillian time)! I can only imagine The Shred!! The BL video was depressing because there were a bunch of overweight people doing all the moves and getting through the workout, yet I couldn’t keep up!!

    Keep up the hard work…you’ll love yourself in the end…even if you hate life now!

    BTW…you posted a couple days ago about stone-washed jeans. I read your post earlier that day and it disturbed me so much that I had a dream that I went to the mall to try on clothes and I looked in the mirror and I had a pair of skinny legged stone washed jeans! AAAHHH! Get them off! It’s just wrong!!! What a nightmare!!! 🙂

  38. Amanda @ Serenity Now

    April 30, 2009 at 7:48 pm

    I am in trouble. My sister just bought copies of The Shred for me and herself. I told her not to bother shipping it all the way from Texas, but she insisted. Guess I’ll have to try it now. 😉

  39. Kate @ http://lipstickdaily.com

    April 30, 2009 at 8:36 pm

    Oh my…
    Here’s an idea: I do 5 sets of 12 reps of Chardonnay for 30 days straight. It’s my special version of getting shredded… whose in?

  40. Courtney

    April 30, 2009 at 9:15 pm

    So I have officially begun my 30-Day Shred at 6:30 this evening.

    Based on all the comments on blogs everywhere, I had imagined the most excruciating pain and misery in exercising possible. I have to say, it kind of helped! It actually wasn’t as bad I had envisioned. It was hard, though, to be sure.

    And, I only did it just this evening. I am sure that tomorrow the pain will make me want to stay in bed.

    However, I am motivated that so many women are going through this together… misery has always been known for enjoying company.

    But, I do believe that we can beat this thing!

  41. Sweet Simplicity

    April 30, 2009 at 9:25 pm

    I found you through Tale of the Trees. Your blog is so cute! And you are cracking me up with the Jillian posts. I have got to try this workout!

  42. Shalee

    May 1, 2009 at 5:55 am

    Hey, me too! But exercise has no part in my reasoning. It should be a part of it, but meh… That would require a lot of energy that I don’t have right now.

    Keep it up, Melanie! I’ll be with Kate for her idea of getting shredded…

  43. Sufficient Grace

    May 1, 2009 at 8:06 am

    Looks like kindergarten has done her in! Bless her heart!

  44. Mama Belle

    May 1, 2009 at 9:52 am

    FYI: I ordered 30-day shred based on your post yesterday. How stupid is that?

  45. Fran

    May 1, 2009 at 4:00 pm

    I began Shred today. My arms won’t stop shaking. Its been hours. 😉 Can we really do this for 30 days? We are gonna be smokin hot if we do…did you see their abs? Ha.

    And, I can’t talk about compassion or the live video chat or their blogs bc I’ll cry for the 17th million time.

Primary Sidebar

Who is Melanie?

Melanie ShankleMy name is Melanie and, in some strange twist of fate, I’m also known as Big Mama because I started this blog in July of 2006 when my daughter, Caroline, was not quite three years old and I was in the process of convincing her that BIG girls use the potty and BIG girls don’t have pacifiers, thus she thought BIG was the highest compliment in the land and began referring to me as BIG MAMA.Read More

Sign up here!

Which is your pleasure?

Categories

Events Books The Big Boo Cast Diary Fashion Friday

The Latest on Instagram

And just like that, her first year at Texas A&M is And just like that, her first year at Texas A&M is over. ⁣
⁣After we moved her out of the dorm last weekend, we looked around the empty dorm room and she said, “This has been the best year of my life”. And because moms know these things, I can attest to that. ⁣
⁣
I loved Texas A&M as a student, but I love it even more as an Aggie mom. What it has given my girl over the last year has been beyond anything I even prayed for. The way she has grown in her faith, the incredible friends she has made, the professors and advisors who have guided her, the experiences she’s had, the Aggies beating Alabama at Kyle Field…it’s all been Ephesians 3:20 in action…more than I could ask or imagine. ⁣
⁣
When she left home at the end of last summer it felt like an ending, but what it has actually been is the most beautiful beginning to the future God has written for her. And it’s a reminder to me that the best prayer we can pray as a mom is, “God, this one is yours. You are the author of her story and I trust you to write an amazing one”. ⁣
⁣
Thanks and Gig’em. 👍🏻❤️

(Photo by @doubllel)
In light of all our construction issues this week, In light of all our construction issues this week, I felt like it was time for a special edition of grown up story time because I remembered I actually wrote about the poor tile job in our shower years ago in Sparkly Green Earrings. ⁣
⁣
This is when it pays to have a written history to help myself  remember I shouldn’t have been surprised by anything that transpired this week.
A friend texted me this photo the other day. It wa A friend texted me this photo the other day. It was taken my last semester at Texas A&M and I’m with a group of friends at a Wes King concert at Wolf Pen Creek. (Shout out to those of you old enough to remember what a gift Wes King was to Christian music in the early 90s.) I had recently found my way back to God after a long hiatus and wasn’t entirely sure how I ended up at this concert with some new friends who wore Jesus t-shirts, but was so grateful to be there because I felt content and happy for the first time in years. ⁣
⁣
The point of this picture is that if you look on the left you will see a young Perry Shankle with glasses wearing a white t-shirt. And if you look on the far right you will see a young Melanie Marino with an aggressive side part. I don’t think we even spoke to each other at the concert that night. No one would have put us together because we were complete and total opposites. And I like to think God laughed knowing what was ahead. ⁣
⁣
A year later, we started dating. And three years from just about the day this photo was taken, we were engaged. And currently, we’ve been married almost 25 years and are cleaning out the attic together today which is the height of romance. What I’m saying is dream big, kids. You never know what is waiting right around the corner, right in front of you, that will change your life. ⁣
⁣
Side note: If you look closely you’ll see that my friend Jen and I are sitting on a blue striped comforter. Perry still sleeps with that exact comforter every single night so what I’m saying is that on that night back in 1994, he had no idea he was with his future wife and a blanket he would treasure, lo, all these years later. God is good. ⁣
⁣
Also, as for the attic clean out, he informed me last night that he did own two horses when we started dating. That’s why there is a saddle in our attic. I had no idea.
Big night out for Mom and Dad tonight. ⁣ ⁣ We Big night out for Mom and Dad tonight. ⁣
⁣
We went to the wedding of the daughter of some dear friends and it was at the same church and the same reception venue as ours was almost twenty-five years ago. ⁣
⁣
We agreed we barely remember anything about that day. It’s all a blur. But we agreed we like each other more now than we did all those years ago when we had no idea all that our life together would hold.  And that feels like a win because I was pretty crazy about him then. ⁣
⁣
Congratulations to the new Mr. & Mrs. Glass! Loved celebrating with you. 💕
Here’s a confession: I hate waiting. I don’t l Here’s a confession: I hate waiting. I don’t like sitting in the unknown. I’m not sure any of us do. ⁣
⁣
The truth is waiting makes me feel anxious as I worry about timelines and what ifs and when I’ll have answers. And it dawned on me today that waiting is really the crux of Good Friday. ⁣
⁣
I think one of the most powerful moments in the Bible is when Jesus is on the cross and with a loud cry breathes his last breath. Mark 15:38-39 says, “The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. And when the centurion who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”⁣
⁣
Think about that. The sky has grown dark, the earth begins to shake and then as Jesus cries out with his last breath, we learn that what has been an impenetrable, thick curtain in the temple - there to separate us from the Holy of Holies - tears in two. It’s powerful enough that this centurion, a battle-tested leader in the Roman army, witnesses it and realizes Jesus is absolutely who He claimed to be. ⁣
⁣
Jesus’ death and resurrection are the moments that changed eternity and gave hope when all was lost. The ultimate victory of good over evil. But there was also waiting. ⁣
⁣
The centurion may have realized that Jesus was the son of God, but everyone had to wait to see what that meant. They didn’t know the stone would be rolled away. They didn’t know the crucifixion was just the beginning of a story of hope and redemption. All they knew on Friday was pain and loss and darkness. They had to wait for Sunday and they didn’t even know what they were waiting for…maybe just a small sign of hope. ⁣
⁣
Don’t we do that? Question if He’s good or if He will come through for us? Wonder how things will work out when all seems lost? Is He who He says He is and what does that mean for our life?⁣
⁣
Here’s what I know. Jesus is the wonder our heart is waiting for. He is our peace, redemption, and salvation. He breaks strongholds, takes away our fear and shame, redeems what has been broken and lost. He does more in our lives than we even know to ask for. We are never so broken that He can’t restore us. ⁣
⁣
All that we wait for, all that we hope for…HE IS.
My first Aggie parents’ weekend as an Aggie pare My first Aggie parents’ weekend as an Aggie parent. Loved every minute with my girl. 👍🏻💕

The Latest on Twitter

Jenny Isaminger@JennyDawnTX·

I got to interview one of my all time favorite authors on the podcast this week and when I listened to the finished episode I had a "I can't believe I got to do that!" moment. Thanks for joining us, @BigMama and thanks for getting my Mary Katherine Gallagher reference. 🙂 https://twitter.com/RealHoustonMoms/status/1522222777549443075

Reply on Twitter 1522223383643049986Retweet on Twitter 15222233836430499861Like on Twitter 15222233836430499862
TexAgs@TexAgs·

Hey… @d1baseball.

You up? https://twitter.com/TexAgs/status/1518348186275954688

Reply on Twitter 1518349161283923968Retweet on Twitter 151834916128392396826Like on Twitter 1518349161283923968462

Follow on Twitter

 



 

 

 

 

 



 

Footer

Stay Up to Date

Which is your pleasure?

  • About Me
  • Speaking
  • Blog
  • Contact

Copyright © 2022 · Website by Wordpress Barista

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT

Order Yours Today!

Select an online retailer below.

cokesbury-buttonfc-buttonlifewayMardelTyndale DirectBAMWalmartiTunes

Order Yours Today!

Select an online retailer below.

iTunes

Order Yours Today!

Select an online retailer below.

Order Yours Today!

Select an online retailer below.

Order Yours Today!

Select an online retailer below.

Order Yours Today!

Select an online retailer below.

lifewayMardelBAM

Select an online retailer below.

Book Retailers
Book RetailersBook RetailersBook RetailersBook RetailersBook Retailers

Order Yours Today!

Select an online retailer below.

Order Yours Today!

Select an online retailer below.

cokesbury-buttonfc-buttonlifewayMardelTyndale DirectBAMWalmart

Order Yours Today!

Order Yours Today!

Select an online retailer below.

cokesbury-buttonfc-buttonlifewayMardelTyndale DirectBAMWalmart

Order Yours Today!

Select an online retailer below.

Book Retailers

Book RetailersBook RetailersBook RetailersBook RetailersBook Retailers

Order Yours Today!

Select an online retailer below.