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Jan 05 2011
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January

My butt hurts.

Last night was a complimentary training session from my new supergym, X3 Sports. Guys, I nearly passed out. My trainer, Natalie, was awesome and super fun, but I was not prepared. Something about cold air and my lungs do not mix. I still tried to push myself as much as I could but…damn. It was tough. It was so bad to a point that we’re going to have to reschedule. Yeah. I know.

We started off outside and everything was fun and awesome. Until the burny can’t breathe pain. Oof. I kept working through it, but eventually, we had to stop and I had to catch my breath. We did end up going inside (where it was a sauna) and my body did not like the drastic change in temperature. So, Natalie and I will just have to try again next week. Sigh.

Before you get all wiggy on me, I honestly think this was a blood sugar deal. I’ve been through a kickboxing class and I’ve been through the exercises Natalie put me through before with mild to moderate upsetedness. As soon as I had a Powerade in my hands, I felt worlds better. Next time, I’ve got to eat something before the workout–Natalie suggested a slice of bread with peanut butter and honey. Sold. Also, the last time this sort of thing also happened to me was an OUTDOOR boot camp. Yeah. Outdoors may not be my friend.

On another note, I have been drinking water like a fiend. I’ve had a number of water bottles over the years–I lost one, got tired of one being compared to a baby bottle and the other had an annoying flip top that inhibited my water drinking. A new purchase over the holidays has rejuvenated my water drinking obsessiveness (it’s identical to the one I lost save for design) and I love it.

See? Prettyful.

You may have also noticed old posts on this blog. I resurrected them from the trash. Especially when I saw that a popular search leading to my blog was Bob Nutting. But regardless…I thought it’d be interesting for new readers to see where I’m coming from and what I did last year that brought me to this point.

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Jan 04 2011
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January

Inspiration, thy name is Giggy.

After I posted my last blog post, a charming dinosaur on Twitter gave me props for the blog and my Twitter background. I told him that he was on my top 5 favorite dinosaurs list to which he demanded to know who the other four were. I had to think about it a bit, but here’s my response to Giggy A. Dinosaur.

1) Mister Rogers

There was a time in the world when cities did special painted animals or objects that represented said city. Richmond, VA had fish. Atlanta had cows. Pittsburgh (my hometown) had dinosaurs. Various dinosaurs were painted–one was painted like a Heinz Ketchup bottle. Another took on George Washington in the French and Indian War. One was dressed up like a surgeon. Another…appears later on this list. But the one that’s my absolute, no holds barred favorite is the Mister Rogers dino.

Mister Rogers was a ridiculously awesome man who had a children’s TV show that millions of kids (and gorillas) grew up watching. He saved public television, advocated for the VCR, and, for clarification, was NOT a Marine sniper. One of my favorite stories about the man I learned from a mental_floss article:

According to a TV Guide profile, Fred Rogers drove a plain old Impala for years. One day, however, the car was stolen from the street near the TV station. When Rogers filed a police report, the story was picked up by every newspaper, radio and media outlet around town. Amazingly, within 48 hours the car was left in the exact spot where it was taken from, with an apology on the dashboard. It read, “If we’d known it was yours, we never would have taken it.”

This dinosaur, holding Henrietta Pussycat and King Friday the 13th, is the best dinosaur. EVER.

2) Yoshi

I mean, look at him. Mario’s buddy is just too cute. And he eats eggs! And can jump far with all his might! And if you let him stand there a while, he marches in place and hums a little tune! Too. Cute.

 

 

 

3) Giggy A. Dino

The dino that started this list. A bad influence, Giggy is a voracious Twitterer who works at the Fernbank Museum here in Atlanta. For a dinosaur, he knows how to work a Twitter account. My question is, when does the Facebook fan page show up?

 

 

 

 


4) Creation Rex

Creation Rex is another Pittsburgh dinosaur who dresses up on a regular basis. He used to have a blog that he wrote regularly but, like me, hasn’t seemed to be able to keep it up. In previous posts, he’s appreciated the Irish, gotten in snowball fights, blown over refrigerators AND taken Justin Bieber out. And I don’t mean on a date.

5) Dinosaur Comics (T-Rex)

This T-Rex is like most T-rexes I know–they think they know a lot. He’s got a couple of friends and, every day, a new comic about their misadventures comes out. The guy behind the comic has been doing this for years and it’s easy to get lost in the archives.

As silly as this was to do, I enjoyed it. I’ll be back to regularly scheduled posting tomorrow.

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Jan 03 2011
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January

Hello, old friend.

I know, I know. There’s something about a new year that gets me a blogging mood.

The last time I blogged here was September. You wouldn’t know that because I deleted everything. If I had been consistent last year, I would’ve kept everything. But I wasn’t so I didn’t. Clean slate time.

The original premise of 30 Day Baby Steps was a goal every month. But the problem was a) running out of things to do, b) some sort of financial, physical or emotional impediment or c) plain forgetfulness. I can’t say that this will totally be different, but I can sure as hell try.

I think I’ll keep trying to do a few monthly goals–some of the ones on the ideas page are solid, attainable goals. Some may not take me 30 days, but I won’t kick myself if I can’t do it in 30 days. They say it takes 21 days to form a habit. 30 days seems more solid. You’ve formed the habit and had a few days to sit with it as a normal part of your life. I’m hoping to keep away from the bad habits though. :)

The true purpose of this blog will be as a sounding board–a place to write when the mood strikes or even when it doesn’t. This is going to be a big year for me. I joined a gym, have a fantastic job and will be getting married in September. 2010 had some serious changes in the last half of the year and 2011 is forecast to be the same only this time—it’s going to be year round. Let’s set up some long term goals, shall we?

1) Get in a healthier state, both physically and mentally. I will not let delicious recipes or stress get me down!

2) Exercise more. I signed up with a kickboxing gym. The first class KICKED MY BUTT. But it was fun enough and I realize that it’s a kick in the butt that I need to make it work.

3) Find staple recipes. I always try new recipes which is fun, but I need those staples that are delicious, healthy and I can always rely on.

4) Keep the apartment clean. I’m a messy person by nature so it’s hard for me to want to clean up and do laundry and all that jazz. I do like a clean place to live so I’ll try to keep it clean myself.

5) Get married. That’s an easy goal.

6) Don’t kill anyone due to wedding stress. That’s what kickboxing is for.

7) Read more. I used to be a voracious reader but my schedule lately doesn’t permit me to read as much as I would like. That’s gotta change.

I’m sure I can think of a few more, but for now these should work. I’ve got to have some fun in my life and I want to have fun getting healthy. Isn’t that the plan for everyone?

Any questions? Thoughts? Concerns? Ideas?

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Feb 03 2010
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February, January

January Day 17 & February Day 2 – Wicked weird.

So, my Day 17 and Day 2 were actually yesterday and I hadn’t planned on blogging until I signed on this morning and saw that my visitors stats shot up overnight. I’m not sure who or why and they could possibly be linked with spambots or something, but either way, it was surprising.

Last night’s workout went extraordinarily well. I felt really good during and there was minimal pain. My ankle did start hurting when I went through the jumping jacks/jump rope circuit, but I was fine with that. I’m sure my neighbors are too.

Whenever I workout, my biggest concern is my neighbors downstairs. I’m afraid they’ll get upset that they keep hearing this thumping upstairs and complain to the leasing office. Granted, if I keep doing that and they do complain, maybe we’ll get kicked out of the apartment complex and not be penalized for breaking our lease (hey, a girl can dream). I plan on stopping today to get this big thick mat I found at Walmart. I hope that it will cut down on the reverberations and I won’t feel as bad. Of course, if I really wanted to be nice to my neighbors, I would get something for the rocketship that is our washer, but that’s more expensive.

I have a renewed sense of wanting to workout. I guess I could chalk it up to not having done it in a while. I get bored easily of repetition and I’m starting to think that switching up workouts every day might not be such a bad thing.

The drink thing is going. Just going. I hate not having sweet tea. I hate not having coffee. Especially yesterday. I had an early morning appointment and I couldn’t have coffee. It made me want to cry. I’ll be so happy when this month is over.

Feb 01 2010
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February, January

January Day 16 and February Day 1 – Progress?

It was my birthday weekend, so I didn’t work out. I think people get passes for their birthday, right?

So, tonight was remarkably better than day 15. I stuck with level 1 and felt more progress as I went into lunges and squats. My lunges especially…I’ve been having a hard time making sure my butt sticks out (I know, shocking) and tonight felt like it flowed more naturally. I hope to make more progress this week and stick with a more routine workout. You know, something like everyday.

Today also marked the first day of the no tea/Coke/coffee goal. This is going to be difficult. It was all I could do not to grab one of the Coke Zeros in the fridge and chug it down as if it was the first beverage I had ever seen in MONTHS. I mean, water’s cool and all but when I was able to have my post workout chocolate milk, it was incredible. I appreciated that way more than I ever have before.

Jan 28 2010
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January

January Day 15 – Deja vu.

Tonight, I went back to level 1. It’s been (unfortunately) days since I worked out and I figured I probably needed a refresher course in Jillybean’s personal awy of tortune.

‘Probably’ doesn’t even begin to describe tonight.

It was as bad as my first two days of level 2. It was mind numbing. I couldn’t fathom how I did so well when I first started. Granted, I sunk down lower in my squats and lunged a bit deeper tonight, but still. This was brutality at its finest.

Now, I do believe that the fact that I haven’t worked out in a while is a factor in my hot, sweaty mess that is me. But maybe there’s something to switching up the workout levels. When I was in my day 6-7-8, level 1 felt like nothing. And it’s a good thing I’m blogging this because I can go back and check myself. I had more body pain before. Now, it’s not so much body pain as I can’t seem to stop my heart from pounding in my ears. I can’t stop the exhaustion from creeping up in the middle of my workout. My endurance, shockingly, is shot. What’s going on with me? What’s going on with my body? Tonight made me feel like I have made absolutely no progress and that’s frustrating.

I know February is coming up. This means another month long goal (I know what you’re saying…”What does she mean another month? She’s not even through the first one!” Shut it. At least I’m trying.). February is pretty simple in theory. I’m a Coca-Cola junkie. I’m addicted to sweet tea. If I could have a IV of coffee, I would. These drinks are delicious and a godsend. I love them, I love them, I love them. February is the month where I don’t drink any of it. Not a drop. I stick to water and the post workout chocolate milk (which is ONLY after a workout). This is going to be interesting.

You may have also noticed (or not) that I have a new book listed. It’s Hugh Laurie’s (yes, THAT Hugh Laurie from House) book, The Gun Seller. I keep trying to read it, but something new always gets and keeps my attention. This is my chance to finally get through the whole thing. It’s not technically my March book since I read two books in January, but you get my point.

Jan 27 2010
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January

A quick update.

As you might have noticed, there hasn’t been a day 15 yet. Unfortunately, there’s been no time. I’ve had early morning appointments this week and errands to run in the evenings so you can imagine that, by the time I get home, I need to eat and then go to sleep. And that’s what has been going on. I’m not trying to make excuses even though it would be easy to. The truth of the matter is is that there are things that I’m changing in my life and things that are changing whether or not I want them to.

I am not abandoning the working out. In fact, as we enter February, posts concerning the 30DS will still be titled as January. It’s a January goal that, while I’m not reaching it in January, is very much a month long. The workout is incredibly important to me too. When I have someone tell me that it’s obvious I’m working out, it makes me feel good and want to keep going. I will keep going. I might even splurge a little bit with my tax refund and get something awesomely rad that will help keep me working muscles. I won’t say what yet, but I’m excited at the possibility.

Like the new look? I do. :) Also, I added the movies page. DO NOT JUDGE ME ON SOME OF THOSE. Some I have seen snippets of; some not at all. Sad part is is that there are movies that I SHOULD HAVE seen already. I know. I’m sorry. I am a horrible former film and video minor.

Jan 23 2010
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January

January Day 14 – Almost halfway there but feeling like it’s too much.

I worked out earlier this morning before errands and other activities of the day but didn’t get a chance to blog.

Today’s workout was much better that Day 13′s in that I actually finished it. Level 2 is kicking my butt harder than level 1 did and it’s a lot to take. I’m still sticking with Anita, my beginner move buddy, and every so often I’m pushing myself to Natalie’s level. The pain that I’m in while I’m doing the workout is fleeting physically–I’m fine as soon as the workout is over. Mentally, it’s sticking with me.

As odd as it may sound, I feel like I’ve hit some sort of wall. My previously lazy, compromising ways are creeping back, knocking on the back door of my mind with flowers and chocolates. It’s whispering through the door that I don’t HAVE to workout tonight, tomorrow would be better. It’s whispering that it’s okay to take a night off, you don’t want to hurt your leg any more that it already is. I know this is making me sound horribly schizo, but it’s that big hurdle that, previously, I’ve never been able to overcome. And I know–it’s just working out and I’m being way too dramatic about this, but it’s become more than working out. It’s become about my health and sanity and wanting to make myself better.

I can see why Weight Watchers has meetings. Working out with a buddy would help tremendously. This blog has become my Weight Watchers meeting only it’s free.

I’m going to continue on with level 2, but possibly alternate level 1 and level 2 days. Don’t get me started on Level 3. I’m too terrified to even WATCH that workout. But I’m going to continue. I HAVE to.

Wish me luck. (And, hey, at least my book reading is going well. :) )

Jan 21 2010
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January

January Day 12 & 13 – Oh, crap, I’m going to toss my cookies.

That’s what it felt like tonight.

Last night was a GOOD workout. Tonight, not so much.

I don’t think dinner helped AT ALL with how tonight turned out, but this was the first night I couldn’t get past circuit 3 of any of the workouts. Seriously. First night. I blame dinner. It was grossly unhealthy.

I need to recover from this physically and psychologically. Sorry guys…

Jan 18 2010
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January

January Day 11 – Okay, I take it all back.

The last workout must have been a fluke. Seriously.

Tonight, when I worked out, I was hearing my pounding heartbeat in my ears. It was unbearably warm. I skipped my post workout chocolate milk and went straight into the shower. It was that intense. I still was able to get through the workout with incredible endurance, but holy moly this was different. Especially for my legs.

My legs have never experienced this much pain and suffering. I’m being honest. It’s not that I’m doing something wrong…they’re just not used to working out for over week long periods. At least, that’s what I’m telling myself.

Yesterday, I went to Oakland Cemetery and walked around, taking pictures of some of the tour stops I seem to take for granted in my photo taking and some stops that are off the beaten path. In trying to get various angles, I would squat down. And, man, when I got back up…holycrippitycrapOW. My ankle that had some pain in it on the last workout? Gone, replaced by the new pain experienced in my calves. Tonight, post workout cleaning stuff up off the ground? That HURT.

I’m still pushing through, still trying to find the motivation to keep working out. It’s there, but general laziness kicks in and man, oh man…what I wouldn’t give to sit on the couch and watch oodles of TV that will rot my brain. Man. But I will not go quietly into the night! I will not vanish without a fight! I’m going to live on! I’m going to survive! Today we celebrate our Independence Day!

Wait. That’s from Independence Day. Never mind. (But I do LOVE that speech.)

*On another note, I want to say a very special congratulations to my friends Jennifer and Danny for getting engaged. I’m incredibly excited for them, wish them all the best and can’t wait to see them again SOON.

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