I really want to write about seeing The Proposal and The Hangover this weekend. They were the funniest movies … I loved them both.

I’d love to talk about how I went to the Galleria mall for the first time on Friday. Can you believe I’ve lived in Houston for 3 years and missed the classiest mall around?

I must not forget how much I’d like to give a “hooray” to my friends in Franklin, Tennessee, for getting a real Tex-Mex restaurant in their world this fall. Houston’s own, Chuy’s, is coming your way. We ate there on Saturday night and I thought about how I couldn’t wait to recommend it.

But, what I’m really going to tell you today is about how I’m dying. A slow painful death. Twenty minutes at a time.

Last Monday, I started the Jillian Michael’s workout “The Shred”. It’s a twenty minute DVD workout that you can do from the comfort of your home. It’s based on the concept of 6 minutes of strength, 6 minutes of cardio, 6 minutes for abs, & 2 minutes warm-up. Doesn’t seem like much, does it?

Somehow the combination of exercises does the job. The girl knows her stuff. It’s nothing awkward of unheard of … These are all exercises that you’ve probably done at sometime before. Anyone could do this workout.

Here are my tips:

(1) Start on Level 1 unless you are already a fitness goddess.

(2) Invest in a good sports bra. I almost killed myself. Twice.

(3) This does require hand weights. I don’t remember reading that prior to purchase. (I got mine in the dollar bin at Target.)

(4) Stretch beforehand. Her little warm-up didn’t quite get it for me.

(5) Put some shoes on. It’s a lot of jumping exercises and tennis shoes will help you keep from blowing out a knee.

I’m using this workout in conjunction with WiiFit and walking. I’m hoping to develop a true plan to follow and when I do that, I’ll post it. I’m not the kind of person that can work out the same way every day. I have to have variety.

If you’ve used the Shred, let me know! I’d love to hear what you’ve done that’s worked for you.