I'll Walk Through Hell with You

When I told you 2015 was a rough year, or better yet let's call it a "year of learning" - I wasn't kidding... I learned a lot of lessons - personally and professionally... One of the hardest lessons of 2015 was found in my marriage...


There was nothing major that happened - just life... 2 babies, multiple moves, new jobs, opposite

work schedules - and quite honestly we stopped making our marriage a priority... I worked weekends for a 4 years and Dan worked long hours during the week... I was content at home, while Dan had multiple hobbies... We grew comfortable, okay and maybe a little lazy after 15 years together - In such a busy world, it was an easy spiral - one that we didn't even realize.


Until we woke up one morning in 2015 and realized how far apart we had grown, it felt like we had 2 separate lives... and we pretty much did, we were burnt out - we put everything else before our marriage - we were both equally guilty...  Marriage takes work - it isn't 50/50 it is 100/100...


But where is the reset button? If you have little ones, you know you don't get two words in at the dinner table and by the end of the day it isn't uncommon that we both fall asleep on the couch by 10pm... Then there was a little light - I got off the wait list for an all expenses paid cruise with Beachbody.


I battled with the thought of leaving the girls - and after much convincing for friends and family - I realized this is exactly what we needed... I needed to realize that the girls would be much happier being spoiled by my parents at home...


So my lesson learned - you can't stop dating your husband and the best gift I can give my girls is the example of a loving and happy marriage... Dan and I both feel so blessed for this opportunity, and blessed for my family for pitching in while we are gone... If it wasn't for coaching, we would have never made this happen - we never would have been able to afford going on one of the most luxurious cruise ships... It's been 9 years since our honeymoon, and here is to our second honeymoon - a vacation I think we will cherish more than the first...

Very Berry Strawberry Shakeology

Aubrey doesn't appreciate the peanut butter banana combo that Kate and I enjoy - so every now and then we switch it up for Aubrey - This is her recipe and she named it!

What you need:

• 1 serving of Strawberry Shakeology
• 1/2 frozen banana
• 1/2 purple of frozen berries (Aubrey picked strawberries and a few blueberries)
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 8 ice cubes

What you need to do:

1. Blend the above until smooth
2. Garnish with a strawberry!
3. Enjoy!

Love,
Aubrey

Just incase you love somebody like me...

 

And yeah, what do I mean by that exactly? I am talking about something that I am not very proud, or at least I used to not be very proud to admit... This is for you incase you love somebody with anxiety, or maybe you have anxiety and you haven't found the words for it... I would say anxiety consumed a large part of my life - I can vividly remember not playing on the play ground as a child so I could watch to see if my mom dropped my brother off at preschool (which was in the same building), if I missed her or the bell rang early my mind would explode - did she forget, did they get in an accident, are they okay, is someone sick, and even "will I ever see them again?" I was a bright child, but so distracted to the point of awkwardness, I was bullied and misunderstood - but I was so worried about everything that I didn't even notice how isolated I made myself... As I grew up, I managed to control it, most of the time - there were still frantic moments, calls to mom, and sleepless nights...  Today I feel as though my anxiety is in check, but it is still that voice in the back of my head - sometimes quiet, sometimes loud - but always there... I have accepted it will always be there, and controlling it is key, even as an almost 30 year old adult, I feel misunderstood - and there are just a few things I wanted to try to put into words about loving somebody with anxiety....

Probably my #1 symptom - Exhaustion...

Imagine being in a hyper-tense state, with an unsettled mind, racing thoughts. I kinda relate it to a hectic day at work - sick patients, doctors barking orders, million phone calls, tons of tasks and at the end of the shift you are simply exhausted - that is what every day of anxiety feels like... I often joke that I am tired before I even get up - blame it on night shift, or having young kids, but deep down I know it is because my mind NEVER shuts up.

Really - I tried to listen....

Oh man, this has gotten me into so much trouble - forgetfulness... luckily I haven't lost my kids - but just about everything else has been lost at one point or another - keys, phones, pictures, money, bank cards, where I parked my car, I could really go on for hours, but you get the point ;) I can't tell you how many times I have forgotten a date, conversation or something someone told me. It can actually freak me out, because I honestly have no clue. I'm trying to listen and be present, but my overactive mind wanders.

The straw that broke my back...

If you love someone like me, we get easily overwhelmed - our minds are already in overdrive, add too many things to our to do list and even though the tasks are simple; it can spin us out of control... Even just when Dan walks in the door and he is talking loud, then turns the TV on and slams things down on the counter, just that can make my heart start to race - I know it seems silly, even as I type it I realize it sounds silly; but it is our reality. Don't even get me started on going to the mall during Christmas time - the lights, the rude people, the noise - oh man!

 

And we get it...

We know this is silly at times - we get it - its irrational.. and I don't need you to tell me I am being "irrational", I know it... enough said

Change, even good change is too much change...

New job, moving, even a new lipstick shade can be too much change - we love our comfort zone... thinking about vacation might actually be too much change for some people like me - but I can promise you, we are trying!

I'm here in person...

But I'm not always present - this was something that was so important for me to change, because I really wanted to learn how to be present in my girls lives... It's kinda like when you drive somewhere and you get to your location and you can't remember how you got there - sometimes I would go places, talk to people and come home and totally have no idea what we talked about, because I wasn't present... I was too busy overthinking or worrying... Sucks, right?

But thank you, thank you for loving us - we are not the easiest people to love... Overcoming daily
anxiety is one of my proudest accomplishments, I finally could live a little more... I do believe, exercise was my saving grace - the mental clarity I needed, the confidence I lacked, the me time I never had... Without a doubt fitness changed my life - the positive environment, fueling my body correctly and support of my coaches, peers, and now my challengers...

Maybe you are somebody like me, maybe you love somebody like me, or maybe you just think you would benefit from a healthy and fit lifestyle - my support groups are forming now, and I can't wait to see you there xo

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Protein Packed Pancakes

Huge hit in our household this morning! Great texture and taste! I found that a protein packed breakfast helps fuel metabolism early and keep you full! Try it out, you probably have everything you need! This recipe makes about 4 pancakes!

What you need:

• 1/4 cup quick oats
• 4 egg whites (or 2 whole eggs)
• 1/2 cup of berries or 1/2 of a banana
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp cinnamon

What you need to do:

1. Spray pan with extra virgin olive oil
2. Heat to medium
3. Add all of the above to the blender - pulse
4. I use an ice cream scooper (or 1/4 cup measuring cup) and pour pancakes onto heated pan
5. Flip when edges form (about 1-2 minutes)
6. Cook other side
7. Enjoy!

If you are a 21 Day Fixer, I count these as 1 yellow, 1 red, and 1 purple. Enjoy :)

Black Friday Sale!

First of all - Happy Turkey Day! I hope you get to spend it with those you love! I debated for awhile on whether or not I should have a Black Friday Sale - I don't like to be sales-y because for me, this isn't a sale - this is an opportunity for me to help you live a healthier and more fulfilling life... That being said, who doesn't love a good sale???? Right!

So here is how it works - fill out my application below, make a qualifying sales purchase and get a free gift... and you get to pick! So you can decide between my challenger starter kit which includes 7 meal prep containers and a workout tank or my 3 day Shakeology Cleanse Kit which includes instruction on how to cleanse and everything you need to do so!

Not only do you get a great sale and a free gift, but you also get access to me as your coach and the support of my online accountability groups! If you are looking to drop a few pounds before Christmas or looking to buy a program to help kickstart the New Year - I hope to work with you! Apply below or email me at etraill7@gmail.com! Thanks, and have a great rest of your holiday!

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Shakeology Boost - Focused Energy

So it is no secret, as a busy nurse, coach and momma to two little girls - that I do not get the sleep I should! Between Aubrey who is up at least once a night and my night shift job that has me working 12-24 hours a week, I am exhausted. As I approach 30 (eekk yes 30!!), I am finding that I am not recovering from my sleepless nights as quickly as I was just a few years ago! Ironically, Shakeology boosts launch happened at the perfect time for me!

There are 3 boosts - Digestive Health, Power Greens and Focused Energy... Since my biggest hurdle is energy, I thought I would trial this product first... In this article, I will be explaining what Focused Energy Boost is, how it compares and my honest review! Let's do it ;)

So what are Shakeology Boosts?

• Boosts are the easiest way to customize Shakeology to your unique needs. When you boost your shake, you boost your health and Shakeology experience!

More Specifically What are the Unique Benefits to Focused Energy?

• Focused Energy energizes your day the healthy way. It supports mental clarity, alertness, and focus to help you be more productive.
• Designed to give you a wholesome boost of energy, both for your mind and body.
• Unlike other energy drinks, Focused Energy does not contain chemicals, artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners or preservatives that could compromise your health.
• While Shakeology is an incredible dose of daily dense nutrition, there are those days when you simply need a little extra. So when you are challenged for energy, or need some help being more productive, supercharge yourself with this boost!
• Help break your daily coffee addiction!

How do I use it?

• Simply gently shake the jar to loosen the compressed powder.
• Combine one level scoop with Shakeology and consume within 30 minutes

Why is this Superior?

• Naturally boosts your energy, focus and mental clarity with ginseng and 100mg of natural caffeine from guarana and green tea
• It is packed with adaptogens to help support the body in times of stress, as well as antioxidants that may help fight free radical damage
• And again - chemical, and artificial color, flavor, sweetener and preservative free!

My HONEST review....

I'm in love - seriously! I drink my Shakeology for lunch, which just so happens to be my 'tired time' - I wake up with energy, I drag mid day and I usually have a decent amount of night time energy... The natural caffeine gave me an immediate boost without feeling jittery (which I was afraid of because I do not drink coffee or other caffeine products) and I felt more energized than usual as the afternoon and evening went on.

I did not notice any texture or taste changes to my Shakeology (I do blend with ice)

The only downfall I see, is that I can't share this with my girls - because lets face it, who in their right mind would give their very active kids something that would increase their energy? ;)

The afternoon is when I usually blog, email and work on my coaching and I felt that I was focused and more creative... I have also noticed that the slight headache that I get in the afternoon (which I think is from being tired and then looking at a computer screen) is also diminished since adding Focused Energy to my afternoon Shakeology...

This is an all around win for me, and a new staple ingredient to my shake!

Insanity Max:30 - Week 4

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The end of Month 1 - ha of course, after I was finally getting the "hang" of things! These workouts never got easy, but I could tell my endurance and strength was!! I am kinda sad to leave Month 1 - I really liked the Tabata Strength and Tabata Power workouts the best.... I improved my overall max out time and calorie burn in the Cardio Challenge - so goal met... and month 2 - challenge accepted!!

My eating was spot on this week, which is always a struggle for me! I think it was because, thanks to some killer Beachbody pay checks, I was able to decrease my hours at work this week and was home 16 hours more than normal! Those night shifts are a killer on my nutrition and over all well being...




Some days working out is emotional for me... all the pressures, anxiety, worries of my life come to the surface in a great workout... grateful for a healthy release, working out is a full body and soul experience

My least favorite workout - it is a mind vs body experience and it is NO JOKE, I am sure this will look like a warm up after I get a look at Friday Fight Round 2!

My 10 month transformation - This program has been an ab game changer... I wish I could explain what this feels like, I can't but I can help you achieve it!

Spinach, Tomato and Chicken Salad with fresh ground pepper and grated parm!

My fave - chicken stir fry with sugar snap peas!

My daily breakfast! Whole Wheat Waffle with fresh fruit!

M&M Blizzard Shakeology

 

M&M Shake-O Blizzard

After another dinner where Aubrey ate barely 50 calories, she asked if we could get ice cream from Dairy Queen... specifically "ice cream with candy in it" aka a blizzard lol... The last thing I was going to do was let her have ice cream after not eating dinner - but then it hit me - I can get calories, protein, super foods and about 6 salads worth of veggies in her and have her think it is a blizzard... So I busted these out - needless to say the girls and I loved it! It made enough for Aubrey, Kate and I all to enjoy for 4$... We saved cash, gas, and time - all while providing her with a sweet treat that was actually fabulous for her!

What you need:

• 1 scoop Vanilla Shakeology
• 10-14 Ice cubes
• M&Ms
• 1-2 tbsp natural peanut butter or PB2
• 1 cup milk
• Optional - 1 tbsp sugar free/fat free vanilla pudding powder

What you need to do:

1. Add everything to a blender.
2. Blend
3. Top with extra M&M's
4. Enjoy!

Insanity Max:30 Week 1 Review

 

After 2 rounds of T25, a little bit of Les Mils Pump, a little bit of TurboFire and 2 rounds of the 21 Day Fix, I needed to do something a little bit different as my weight loss has slowed down. I was losing weight at a very steady rate since April, but with a little lax in my diet and not being overly challenged in my workouts it had slowed and some weeks even stalled... Then like magic Insanity Max:30 was announced and I knew it would be my next challenge!

 

 

What my OCD brain loved was the nutrition plan - no guessing! Here is a list of foods, here is how much you can eat in a day, and here is a recipe book - how perfect! Everything from breakfast, to Shakeology recipes, to dressings!

Meal planning and prep is always key for me! My young girls demand a lot of my time and attention, we are on the go a lot of times and I work nights and evenings... so having a plan and having it ready to go at a moments notice helps me keep myself in check!

 

 

The fun part about taking on this 60 day challenge is that I am doing the program side by side with my exclusive test group!

Day 1 - Cardio Challenge

Cardio Challenge is the "fit test" of the program... Phew! Not easy and honestly I was a little disappointed with myself! The program has scheduled breaks (30 seconds about every 5 minutes) and I had to take 5 breaks on top of that!!! I got my heart rate up as high as I ever have and my highest calorie burn in 30 minutes which is amazing to me because I took so many breaks! I felt amazing (and thirsty!) when it was completed!! I instantly knew that this program would be what I needed to re-jump start my weight loss!





Dinner Day 1 - yum!

Day 2 - Tabata Power!

I really enjoyed this workout - I love pushing my body and using my body to train my body. Tabata training is an intense 20 seconds on, 10 seconds off... I thought to myself - "only 20 seconds ha I can do that" whoa it was intense! Had a great sweat going and felt amazing - although I am not sure how I am going to wash my hair.

 

  

Day 3

Today was supposed to be Sweat Intervals - I worked night shift the night before and I was getting ready for a second 12 hour night shift... I got up early to do my workout - only to find my girls begging for mommy time... Aubrey wanted a game of Chutes and Ladders and Kate wanted to play peek-a-boo - and I just couldn't pass it up! Especially after not seeing them all day - So they win (and so did I) - Rest day today and Sweat intervals will be made up for on Saturday!

Day 4 - Tabata Power

Ummm yeah - that didn't get easier

 

Day 5 - Friday Fight

Holy Crap! First of all, I was disappointed to find out that there weren't as many breaks - this really was a challenge between mind and body! It really pushed me past limits I ever imagined... whoa! The time went so fast, I was so focused on learning the new moves and convincing myself not to give up...

 

Saturday - Making up that missed Sweat Interval workout!

This was my favorite workout - it was a great mix of cardio and strength building! I added in 10 minute Ab attack since the girls were actually behaving for me lol - OMGsh! I thought the 21 Day Fix 10 minute Fix for Abs was a killer, this was unlike anything I could've imagined! I loved it! My body is so sore and I can see and feel it changing!!

 

PUMPED FOR WEEK 2 - even though it is the holidays and we will be busy and temptations will be high - I got this! More than ever I want this for myself... Shaun T said something in one of his pre-workout speeches that really motivated me - it's about me, in these 30 minutes its about me - getting me in the best physical condition.. I am so ready to be the best version of myself!!!

 

 

Resolutions to Results

Is it because you can get a cheaper rate on a gym membership? Or maybe because you've gained an extra ten holiday pounds on top of the ten pounds you wanted to drop anyways? But a study conducted by the University of Scranton found that in 2014, the number one New Year's resolution amon Americans was to lose weight. It beat out "getting more organized", "spending less money" and "enjoying life to the fullest" - yes, that is right, losing weight came before living life to the fullest...

Yet, the same survey revealed that only 8 percent of people are ever successful in achieving their resolutions, and only 46 percent of people maintain efforts towards their goal past six months after making a vow... How discouraging is it to know that even before you make that resolution, your chances of being successful is less than 10 percent???? And on top of that, your chances of maintaining you goals is less than half??? OUCH!

A recent Consumer Health and Fitness Index poll conducted by interactive fitness company Blue Goji found that while 52 percent of the 2,652 participants polled said that losing weight and exercising was a top concern for 2015, more than two-thirds said that they didn't maintain the health goals they had set in 2014.

So what the heck is holding so many people back from reaching these goals that they set for themselves year after year?

• Honestly I think it is a lack of thought and planning than most of us would probably like to admit. Put simply, whether you're aiming to lose weight, increase your fitness or even if you have a goal that's completely unrelated, you can't just make the decision that you're going to change and expect it to happen overnight.

You need a plan of action.

.
I too, have vowed for many New Year's to drop those unwanted baby and holiday pounds, but like so many others my efforts failed and I belonged to the 8 percent... In 2014, I vowed that after the birth of my second daughter I would once and for all drop these unwanted, unhealthy pounds.. But how??? How was I going to make this year different? How was I going to beat the odds? My plans in the past included salad after salad and trips to the gym - but now with two kids I had to turn to in home fitness programs... I started my journey with T25 in a challenge group with my fabulous coach - 25 minutes a day, accountability, support, motivation, clean eating recipes, meal planning help... The challenge group took out all of guess work - if I followed the steps and knew my results would be fabulous - and as you know, they were!

 

 

Do something different this year!!! Join my next challenge group starting Jan 5th! Let me and my team of amazing coaches help you get your the results you've been wanting for all these years! Let's face it, if you do the same thing you did last year - chances are, you will get the same results you got in 2014... Let's do this together!

I am looking for 10 people who are ready to get serious about their weight loss! Who is ready???

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Insanity Max 30 - Preview!!!

I am sooo pumped for this new program - as you all know, I love love love Shaun T and I think this program will be a lot of fun! Insanity is just too long for me, and I need something more now that I am just about finished with my second round of T25... It is all about getting better than you were last time and beating you max out time!

Insanity Max 30 - Preview!

So what is Insanity Max???

INSANITY MAX:30 is the challenging new 30-minute, in-home workout program from Shaun T, creator of INSANITY and Focus T25. Shaun T has developed 150 new cardio and strength moves that will make you push harder and dig deeper than ever before to get the best body of your life in just 60 days. INSANITY MAX:30 will be the hardest 30 minutes of the day and you need to be ready to MAX OUT. It's not about "getting through" all 30 minutes, it's about going as hard as possible, for as long as possible, until becoming "MAXED OUT" (until taking a break). No equipment needed… just push to the MAX for INSANE results in just 60 days.  It may not be Tonia, but yes - there is a modifier to help you keep it low impact while you are learning the moves! I always try to challenge myself and beat my calorie burn, and this program is going to have me challenging myself in a whole new way - be beating my "Max Out Time" so what is maxing out? Maxing out is when you go hard as long as you can, and when you need a break - you take one. Write down that time, and that is your max out time! Every time you do that workout, your goal is to beat that time... I love this!!! It constantly pushes you to be better than you were last time! Such a fun spin on a challenging workout - eeekkk can you tell I am excited??? The first workout is a cardio workout and a fit test so you can see how far you can go and how long. Here’s the format for that workout: Warm-up Quick Break 3 Exercises at 30 Seconds Each (3 Rounds of each for 4.5 Minutes) 30 Second Break Repeat for 5 Rounds Total More details to come!!! So who wants to get insane results and max out with me??? Exclusive group starts Dec 8th and space is limited! 1 on 1 coaching, support, recipes, daily motivation, and accountability all in a closed Facebook group with coaches and other challengers doing Insanity Max 30 just like you!!!

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2014 Holiday Sale

Who doesn't love a good sale? Well what about a great sale??? As usual, Beachbody's Holiday Sale does not disappoint! Check out these great sales - but warning, if you see it and want it - best go buy it because this sale sells out fast!!!! I already have my list ready!!! Click here to create a free membership and order! Surround yourself with like minded people in my next upcoming challenge group!

 

 

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Butter-Free Baked Potato

Potatoes are a great, super cheap side and if made properly can be a yummy clean side to your meal. I love this recipe because not only am I eating a potato without butter but it is also a salt-free recipe!

What you need:

• Potatoes
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Mrs. Dash Salt Free grilled chicken spice
• Grated parmesan cheese

What you need to do:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Wash potatoes and cut them in half
3. Deeply score potatoes without breaking the skin
4. Drizzle with olive oil
5. Sprinkle with Mrs. Dash seasoning
6. Bake for 30 minutes
7. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese
8. Bake for 10 more minutes
9. Enjoy!

Kit-Kat Shakeology

Ohhhh mmmmyyyy ggooooosssshhhhh!

This saved me when we had Halloween candy in our house!

 My latest addiction!

PiYo

With PiYo, you can carve an intensely defined physique without jumps, weights, or straining your joints. Chalene Johnson's innovative program is designed for anyone and at any fitness level. I love how this program has helped me with my flexibility and core strength!

So what is PiYo?

• PiYo is a low-impact, high-intensity body-transformation program that uses the most     effective Pilates- and yoga-inspired moves to sculpt long, lean muscles and burn fat. 
• Trainer Chalene Johnson uses fluid movements, keeping you in constant motion to give    you a dynamic cardio workout that typical Pilates or yoga workouts lack.
• It's low-impact so you won't have to jump around or strain your joints
• It's high-intensity so you get the fat-burning results of a more extreme program.
• It's designed to help you get an intensely defined, long and lean physique.

Is PiYo for me? It is if you...

• Want to lose weight and burn fat without the high-impact jumps or complex choreography found in some cardio programs.
• Want to build lean muscle but don't want to lift heavy weights or bulk up.
• Want to get the results of an extreme program without straining their joints.
• Like the benefits of Pilates and yoga, but also want the calorie burn of a cardio workout.
• Don't have time to go from class to class to do separate cardio, strength, and   flexibility  workouts.
• Want a workout that doesn't require a lot of equipment. 
• Want to give their body a break from extreme programs but keep getting results and improve their performance in other sports by restoring their flexibility and core strength.

What makes PiYo unique? 

• Benefits of Pilates, yoga, and cardio—all in one! 
• It's an authentic, incredibly effective body-transformation program that combines Pilates- and yoga-inspired moves, all set to a faster pace, so you get your strength, flexibility, and cardio all in each workout. PiYo delivers the long, lean muscles and flat, toned abs of Pilates, a firm butt and strong arms like you'd get from yoga, and the weight-loss benefits of fat-burning cardio. The workouts take just 25–45 minutes each!
•  No weights. No jumps. Just hardcore results.
• You'll get the results of an extreme program without weights or jumps. You won't have   to do the kinds of high-impact moves that can cause joint strain.
• Ideal for any age, body type, or fitness level. 
• Everyone—no matter what their fitness level—will lean out and tone up with PiYo.     Beginners can follow the modifications demonstrated, and even super-fit athletes can use it to improve core strength and flexibility through the targeted Pilates- and yoga-inspired moves.

So what do I get?

• 8 workouts on 3 DVDs (25–45 minutes each)
• 1 bonus workout (25 minutes)
• Quick Start Guide to help you start seeing results fast 
• Get Lean Eating Plan to make clean eating fit into your lifestyle
• 60-Day Workout Calendar shows you what workouts to do when
• Tape measure to help track your progress
• Exclusive! Hardcore on the Floor (a $19.95 USD value)

 

How does PiYo work?

 PiYo isn't like standard Pilates and yoga classes that make you hold long, intense poses, or lead you through dozens of repetitive, microscopic core movements. PiYo speeds everything up—including your results—by introducing you to dynamic, flowing Pilates- and yoga-inspired sequences that can burn serious calories at the same time as they lengthen and tone your muscles and increase your flexibility. As you progress from one fluid movement to the next without rest, you'll maintain an optimal heart rate to incinerate calories throughout the whole workout! With every action-packed PiYo session, you'll burn excess fat and sculpt and define your whole body, as you minimize the aches and pains that can come along with high-impact workouts.  The result? You get a low-impact, high-intensity, total-body workout, giving you a physique that's long, lean, and powerfully defined.