Friday, January 29, 2010

To the extreme...

I  rock a mic like a vandal…

… or not. But I am to the extreme on pretty much everything else. I just made a realization that everything I do or think is to the extreme.

  • I watch a video on the cruelty of animals I don’t want to become a vegetarian- I want to become vegan!
  • I haven’t even ran my first 5k (which is tomorrow by the way) I’m already looking up a 10k to run!
  • I have ranted about the excruciating Body Pump class and last night I told Abbie that I would like to become a Body Pump instructor. what the what?!

God bless him for dealing with my all or nothing dreams. It must be one hell of a roller coaster ride.
 Confession time- a couple of nights ago I was craving sweets.  I caved and walked to Dunkin Donuts for (1) glazed donut.
It was loaded. It made me smile. I loved it. Unfortunately it set a trend of eating sweets and other junk- like the (2) bags of chips and angel food cake I bought from Publix.  So… back on the wagon again... starting ... .now....

Last night I had another dinner success-  spaghetti squash with olive oil and basil.
(my new camera is the worst) 
Today’s Eats:
  • Bfast- 1 ww mini bagel, 1 egg, some cheese, 1 coffee
  • Snack #1- gas station coffee- it was so good that I know it had to be horrible for me
  • Lunch- turkey sandwich with lettuce, tomato, mayo and chips (see? I’ve really fallen by the wayside)
  • Snack #2- dry special K
  • Dinner-
  • Fruit/Veggie- 0 (nice)
  • Workout- no workout today- I have the 5k tomorrow!

Friday, January 22, 2010

I got my mind on my margarita and my margarita on my mind

What a grueling week! Fantastic, scary wonderful things happened at work this week- which also became a bit stressful . I’m looking forward to just hanging out (by the pool?) this weekend and letting go. ..

Ok- time to toot toot my horn. I totally kicked some ass again in Body Pump. I think my head was the problem all along. For some reason we had a bunch of newbies in class- it was like spinach to my Popeye 


because all of the sudden I could do everything faster and stronger.  I left feeling so good that when I got home I ran 2 miles - one with and one without the Bunkster.




On the career front…


Looks like I have another job opportunity for season as well as a prestigious beer cart girl. I was sure to include my beer pong and flip cup successes in my application. **fingers crossed**


Well, time to go home, pop some popcorn, pour some margaritas and watch a documentary on Gandhi.  


Which one of these things doesn't belong? None. That’s how I roll.


Happy Friday!


Today's Eats:

  • bfast- ww english muffin with an egg, orange, coffee 
  • Snack #1- ww arnold thin with almond butter and an apple
  • Lunch- Caesar salad
  • Snack #2- PB Puffins (handful)
  • Dinner-
  • Fruit/Veggie count: 4 
  • Workout- off


Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Runnin' Down a Dream

Have you ever been so stressed that your work follows you in your dreams?

I can remember in high school dreaming about doing math problems and nothing would add up (because it is a dream) and I would spend my 8 hours of “rest” stressed.  Well – it’s happening again. I’m not so much as stressed as I am just extremely busy at work.

But no one wants to hear that right?

Do you wanna hear how I kicked some major ass at Body Pump last night? I didn’t even have one second of dread about going. I was on a mission. I loaded up my bar and WoRkEd it. Sadly, I look over and see this using the same about of weights that I am


 but I don’t care about you Granny Magee I’m getting my fitness on Fergie style.

Oh and speaking of style….

As part of my New Year’s Resolution- I bought a cute pair of workout pants:


For those that know me- this is a huge step. I usually do not wear tight-lower-body-huggin-stuff. I felt naked. But it did allow me to move better in class.


Baby steps people!


AND- I also ran a mile AFTER body pump (and a mile after spin on Monday). It feels great.
Here is last night’s cooking triumph. 

My healthy quesdilla- WW tortilla, shrimp, little bit of goat cheese, spinach, tomatoes and avocado. LOADED! 



Today’s Eats:

  • Bfast- 1 orange, WW English muffin with egg, cheese, coffee
  • Snack #1- Coffee (it was one of those days) handful almonds
  • Lunch- WW Arnold thin wannabe, turkey, hummus, spouts, Green Monster
  • Snack #2- apple
  • Dinner- WW pasta, ricotta cheese (little for me -a lot for Abbie) with matchstick apples and spinach
  • Fruit/Veggie Count: 5

Friday, January 15, 2010

(Body)Pump up the Jams

Seriously, how much do you love hand-me-downs?  Check out this pile I received from a friend:
 
Jackpot!

Yesterday I finally dragged my booty into Body Pump.  That class is so ridiculously hard- seriously. I dread it every time - but always leave feeling strong. I know I've said this before- but I am just going to suck it up and go. I'm thinking of trying 2 classes a week for 3 months and seeing what kind of results I get. (before and after pictures?maybe.)

For those who do not have Body Pump at their gyms - Here’s a clip of the torture:


Since I failed to blog last night- I’m going to take this time to highlight a cooking triumph for me.  Quinoa stuffed peppers. LOADEDWITHDELICOUS!



 I haven’t had Quinoa before. To me the dish tasted like spaghetti (because of all the tomatoes). Unfortunately my photography skills aren’t so keen- so this picture doesn’t quite capture the yummy-ness of it all.

Today’s Eats:

  • Bfast- multigrain pancakes with applesauce and coffee
  • Snack #1- PB Puffins and green tea
  • Lunch- Stuffed pepper leftover (just as good the 2nd time around) and apple chips
  • Snack #2- banana
  • Dinner- “Healthy Moes” WW tortilla, brown rice, black beans, (little bit) refried beans, (little bit) cheese, cukes, tomatoes, lime juice, and avocado .
  • Fruit/Veggie Count: 5
  • Workout- 1 hour of Body Pump

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Here come the judge

Once a guy walked up to me at Publix:

Guy:  You workout at the same gym I do
Me:
Guy: I just wanted to see if you bought healthy food
(he peeks into my cart)
Guy: Wow, you do. Wayyyy healthier than me.
He lifted up his basket so I could see the soda and frozen pizza’s he was carrying.


Fast Forward
Ever since that day I am very aware of what I put in my  grocery cart.  I play this secret game where I pretend that everyone in the store is watching what foods I’m buying. And judging me.

And every time I make it to the checkout with only healthy (or realatively healthy) items- I consider it a victory.

Consequently, this little situation got me to start looking into other people’s baskets. And yes, judging. Yesterday I saw a mother and her 10 year old boy load up their cart with 1 case of Sunkist in a can along with (2) 2 liters of Sunkist!





Here are my issues:
#1 – who the heck buys Sunkist? I mean, occasionally I may think a Sunkist would be a tastey treat- but that is like a once in blue moon type of thing. I guess I just always assumed everyone else in the free world felt the same way too.

#2- If you ARE one of those Sunkist drinking people/family HOW MUCH DO YOU POSSIBLY NEED!? 24 cans AND 2 liters?! 

#3- I’m not a mom, but even I know that buying that much soda for your kid ranks up there with buying him cigarettes and booze.

Who am I to judge? It wasn't too long ago that my morning breakfast consisted of Mt. Dew and Doritos. (mmmm ... doritos)


Today’s Eats

  • Bfast- 2 whole grain pancakes with applesauce, coffee and 1 egg
  • Snack #1- PB Puffins and coffee
  • Lunch- WW Arnold thin with turkey and sprouts
    •  Greek yogurt with granola
  • Snack #2- banana
  • Dinner- Shrimp stir fry (shrimp, peppers, mushrooms, cashews) with brown rice
  • Dessert- small handful of Annie’s Choc
  • Fruit/Veggie Count: 5
  • Workout- 45 minute spin class


Dedication-
This blog is dedicated to all those rotten tooth rug rats running around hyped up on Sunkist.

Friday, January 8, 2010

Less Space, less stuff, more life

Less space, less stuff, more life.

Our internet was down all day at work today which left me with next to nothing to do. So… since I was alone, I may have decided to watch TV (while still working I swear)…. and I may have decided to check out today’s episode of Oprah.


It showcased how people live in other countries. Demark, is apparently known as having the happiest people on earth.  The homes in Demark are real modern, clean lines, small rooms. No knickknacks (which I hate more than anything) and little wall art.   When Oprah asked the husband why so little “stuff” he said “less space, less stuff, more life”

I love it.


This is very much in line with Buddhist beliefs. Maybe I should add this to my resolutions
.
Beyond the clutter- that just seems to only be endlessly cleaned and maintained. Having less stuff would also mean having more money. More money means more travel. And that my friends, is what I want more than anything.





Raise your hand if you are ready for the weekend...



yeah. me too.


Today's Eats:

  • bfast- 1 egg, ww english muffin, apple sauce
    • coffee
  • Snack #1- Green Monster and PB Puffins
  • Lunch- turkey sammie with hummus and sprouts
    • greek yogurt with granola
  • Snack #2- apple
  • Snack #2.5- spoonful of almond butter and handful of snap peas
  • Dinner: Left over taco surprise (black beans, salsa, diced tomatoes with taco seasoning) and 12 crackers (could have done without the crackers
  • Fruit/Veggie count: 6
  • Workout: 20 min. shred. 

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

2010 whaaaat?

Ok folks. I got my list together and here is what is going down for 2010:
Financial
  • Pay debt down to 50%
Family
  • Visit home every other month
Spiritual
  • Read 2 spiritual books
  • Attend 2 Buddhist day courses
Health
  • Become certified Spin Instructor (that’s right- I’m throwing this out there!)
  • Clean diet
    • Strive for 5 fruits and veggies a day
    • Rid dairy from diet (dairy makes me feel yucky)
  • Run 5 races
Recreation/Other Personal
  • Host 3 dinner parties
  • Write 3 magazine articles (I write for a local publication)
  • Paint walls in rest of condo
  • Cross 5 items off of Bucket List (see below)
  • Go to Seattle for vacation
  • go on a wine tour
  • Read 2 non spiritual non work books

I also stole these gems from my Women’s Health magazine:
  • Don’t dress like a bum on Sundays (no more pajama pants all day long)


  • Look hot at the gym (no more 10 year old oversized workout pants)

  • Switch up the nightwear from boxers and an old t-shirt (va va voom)

  • Find one “fashion risk” piece of wardrobe (hammer pants?)



  • Look pulled together for work (this one is huge for me)



This is actually a part of a 5 year plan that I wrote out 4 years ago. Obviously changes have been throughout the years but I really like the breakdowns I have for all aspects of my life. (I left “career” out of this one for privacy purposes) I created the 5 year plan at a course for work. Basically you think about your life 5 years from now and how you want it to look- your job, your home, your family, your love life, your health… etc.  Then you backtrack through the 5 years and write out when you hope to achieve or your plan of action in achieving those goals.

My Bucket List was posted in my previous blog so here it is again:
-hot air balloon ride
- whale watching
-go to a horse race (KY derby or Preakness)
- see a boxing match in Vegas
- learn to surf in Costa Rica
- European Cruise
- NY for Christmas (that's all you Abbie)
- see the Grand Canyon
-go on a helicopter ride
-go to Yosemite
-have a picnic in a park
-have an over the top Halloween costume
- go to Thailand
- walk thru a rain forest
- Australia
- go snow skiing
- see an opera
- go on a vacation where i can buy and do whatever i want
- see the Dali Lama 
- visit Anna in Sweden 
- get a tattoo
- go to Seattle
- learn to play the piano
- get MBA
-see a Red Sox game in Boston
- go on a safari
- go to a topless beach
- learn about wine
- see space shuttle launch
- pick a destination at the airport
- take a trip on a train
- see Alaska
- go to DC to see the cherry blossoms
- do all my travels with someone i love
-write a book
-throw a huge party
-ice skate at Rockefeller Center
- go rock climbing (rock wall counts)
-visit Napa Valley
- see the great wall of China
- drink in Ireland
-go to a country bar in Nashville
-see a volcano
-learn to drive a boat
-see the sun rise on East Coast of FL and set on the West Coast on the same day
-cook a fish that I caught
- see Paris
- be involved in a huge food fight
- run 1/2 marathon
- learn to scuba dive
- swim with dolphins
- buy my mom a house
-go surfing
- take a gondola in Venice
- learn to salsa dance
- own a really great/expensive piece of art
- have a house full of art and artifacts from my travels
- throw a drink in some one's face
-drink beer at Oktoberfest in Munich
- make a huge donation to St. Jude
-learn to take a shot
-buy a condo
- become debt free!
- buy a Murano glass ring in Italy
- host a Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner for my whole family
- see a soccer game in Spain
- sing karaoke
- go river rafting
- visit an ashram
- get married
-go camping on the beach
- have a baby
- adopt a baby
- have a "summer home" and a "winter cabin"
- own a business
- grow a garden


This list grows almost daily.


Today’s Eats:
Bfast- 1 egg, ww English muffin, organic apple sauce, coffee
Snack #1- green monster (banana, spinach, almond milk, flax), PB Puffins
Lunch- Arnold thin, sprouts, hummus, and turkey greek yogurt with granola
Snack #2- handful of almonds green tea
Dinner- salad: 1 cuke, 1 tom, ½ avocado, snap peas, and shrimp
Fruit/Veggie count: 7
Workout: 20 min Shred
*** Everyone make their pick for the Biggest Loser Winner? My vote is Daris.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

To recap, I have spent the last week and half on vacation in Atlanta and Greenville.

 Abbie and I had an amazing time. Even though we went in with the best intentions- we failed miserably at both eating healthy and working out.

I feel like my body is on the verge of a breakdown. I have no idea how the Supersize me guy lasted a whole month on McDonald's.

I’m surprised how my body is reacting- my face is breaking out (and not the Jessica Simpson ProActive type where you have to struggle to see what the hell she is talking about)and I just feel sluggish and just plain awful!

I did get my butt to spin class tonight though- it felt great to be in the gym again. With the exception of the New Years rush at the gym- all people who regularly attend a gym know what I am talking about. Every year from Jan. - March the gym will be packed with resolution seekers.

Today I also signed up for my first 5K of the year (Jan. 30th). This time it’s a real one not like the Abbley 5k.

** Time to Brag**

Since I didn't blog over the holidays I wanted to take this time to brag about my wonderful boyfriend who bought us a trip to Seattle (a place I've always wanted to go) and San Fran! I am so excited. I have never been to the West Coast.


Today’s Eats:
  • Bfast- 1 egg with Arnold thin 
    • coffee
  • Snack #1- Cliff bar (can’t eat anymore of these)
  • Lunch- turkey wrap, sprouts, avocado, tomatoes, with fruit

  • Snack #2- 2 small peanut butter brittle (these were laying around the office- had to toss the whole box)
    • Green Tea
  • Dinner- Publix turkey wrap with let/tom/pickles (no mayo no cheese)
  • Fruit/Veggie Count: 3
  • Workout: 45 Spin

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Back from Vacation!

Abbie and I are back from our weeklong vacation! It was so nice to not have a constant "To Do" list running in my head. 

Here are some pics from the trip will catch up tomorrow:








Happy New Year!

 Click here for an update on my Christmas List- I think I did pretty well.