About myself.
I joined a gym (local chain) at the end of October and started going M/W/F mornings after dropping LO off at preschool. Since then I missed a couple of weeks thanks to the holidays, and another thanks to 3/3 of us being sick and not being able to breathe, and a few days here and there thanks to it being the thing which got dropped in favor of doctor appointments or other scheduling issues.
This chain has a "University" program you can sign up for which provides a basic introduction to a circuit of machines, after 4-5 weeks you are introduced to more upper body machines, and after 7-8 weeks more lower body machines, and then you "graduate" - congratulations, here's a t-shirt! So, seeing how it's been years since I'd been in a gym, I did that program, plus cardio on an elliptical. I also made it a priority to attend a LesMills Body Flow class on Friday mornings which includes elements of Tai Chi, Pilates & Yoga and leaves me feeling great.
So, here's the brag - since the beginning of November, I've lost fat and gained muscle to the tune of adding ~5lbs to my weight (grrrr). But, and I should have done this before I started for comparison, the brag is that I'm down to somewhere 20-22% body fat according to the caliper test a trainer did.
I know it's only been 4 months, but I think that's pretty good to go from barely being able to use any of the machines weighted at more than 10-15 pounds to doing machine squats over my actual weight.
Now, if I could only get rid of that pesky pudge under my belly-button! Maybe I should start making healthier food choices...
Showing posts with label fitness-101. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fitness-101. Show all posts
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
If the sun isn't out, neither is my smile.
I had one of those mornings.
The cat (who is now back on Prozac) started to meow BEFORE the alarm went off. Once he quieted down after a good ten minutes of loud one-sided conversation, I had long enough to turn over, snuggle back into my pillow, and very briefly drop back into the dream he had interrupted before the alarm sounded.
I have never wanted to bitch-slap the alarm more than I did this morning.
It doesn't help that it's overcast this morning. Not having the sun to help trigger the switch in my brain from sleep to wake really makes a difference.
Excuse me while I go find a vat of caffeine into which to stick my head.
****
I used to be a morning person. Even on vacation, I'd wake up without an alarm at 7 or 7:30 and not be able to go back to sleep. It kinda sucked. Now I'm an evil grumpus if you dare interfere with my morning routine (that includes talking to me), and I find I miss the energy I used to have. I'm guessing it's just another reason I should sit my (growing) ass on the elliptical machine instead of the couch when I get home from work. Maybe if I keep adding to the list I'll get motivated again.
(Also need to add to the list the exceptionally cute Lily Pulitzer bikini I saw at Marshall's yesterday while replacement-purse hunting. Despite the cost ($50) being about twice what I like to pay for a bathing suit, if I had been confident in my body being bikini ready I would have snapped it up.)
The cat (who is now back on Prozac) started to meow BEFORE the alarm went off. Once he quieted down after a good ten minutes of loud one-sided conversation, I had long enough to turn over, snuggle back into my pillow, and very briefly drop back into the dream he had interrupted before the alarm sounded.
I have never wanted to bitch-slap the alarm more than I did this morning.
It doesn't help that it's overcast this morning. Not having the sun to help trigger the switch in my brain from sleep to wake really makes a difference.
Excuse me while I go find a vat of caffeine into which to stick my head.
****
I used to be a morning person. Even on vacation, I'd wake up without an alarm at 7 or 7:30 and not be able to go back to sleep. It kinda sucked. Now I'm an evil grumpus if you dare interfere with my morning routine (that includes talking to me), and I find I miss the energy I used to have. I'm guessing it's just another reason I should sit my (growing) ass on the elliptical machine instead of the couch when I get home from work. Maybe if I keep adding to the list I'll get motivated again.
(Also need to add to the list the exceptionally cute Lily Pulitzer bikini I saw at Marshall's yesterday while replacement-purse hunting. Despite the cost ($50) being about twice what I like to pay for a bathing suit, if I had been confident in my body being bikini ready I would have snapped it up.)
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Rain Rain Go Away!
Confession: I'm ready for sun and warm weather.
I know, I know, I was all about SNOW! and was lamenting the lack thereof.
Now I'm over it.
Grey clouds and days in the forties no longer excite me.
Just the opposite.
By the time I got to work this morning all I wanted to do was crawl back into bed, pull the covers over my head and go back to sleep.
(In a slightly related vein, does anyone know how to transfer the desire to exercise that comes after looking in the full length mirror while I am dressing in the morning to the evening after I get home from work?)
I know, I know, I was all about SNOW! and was lamenting the lack thereof.
Now I'm over it.
Grey clouds and days in the forties no longer excite me.
Just the opposite.
By the time I got to work this morning all I wanted to do was crawl back into bed, pull the covers over my head and go back to sleep.
(In a slightly related vein, does anyone know how to transfer the desire to exercise that comes after looking in the full length mirror while I am dressing in the morning to the evening after I get home from work?)
Monday, February 9, 2009
Don't Look For Me In Vancouver in 2010
As you may remember, we've been up to the condo a few weekends during ski season already. This is the first weekend I've (gotten off my lazy ass and) hit the slopes. Combine that with not having done any sort of physical activity greater than the weekly marathons I run through Target and the local Super Wal-Mart equals more soreness than I would like.
Being taken out by a slightly out-of-control fellow skier* didn't help matters by adding to the number of locations on my body that are tender and aching. (slight break of promise here...) Thanks to the 2-week wait I'm avoiding ibuprofen, and acetaminophen only makes things worse, so I'm just having to wait out the healing process naturally.
The most humiliating part: my in-laws (who invited themselves up to the condo with us this weekend) not only ski better than I do despite several years since their last outing, but have more endurance because, unlike me, they work out on a regular basis.
At least they made up for it by taking us out to dinner at the nice steak restaurant on the mountain. Everyone else ordered the filet mignon, and I was the odd one out with lamb chops. I pick up tenderloin steaks at the grocery store on a semi-regular basis, so wanted to try something different and I was glad I did. Despite DH's baa-ing like a little lamb when they arrived, and my discovery that the mint jelly served with them was spearmint (blech!) I completely enjoyed them and was very sorry that my stomach ran out of room before I ran out of meat. Since DH and I don't eat out very often, it was definitely one of the best meals I've had in a long while.
Next weekend we're back up there with my BIL who will be snowboarding for the 2nd time. I'm hoping that by then I'll be recovered enough to keep up with him.
*Seriously, that it was a skier surprised me. I figured it was going to be a snowboarder who took me out. It's almost like I am a magnet for out-of-control people on the slopes. And I really, really, really hate snowboarders who sit in groups in the middle of the slope, or block a cross-trail, or fall right in front of me. I swear they need a license or something - no snowboarding unless you can follow these rules of (what I think should be) common courtesy.
Being taken out by a slightly out-of-control fellow skier* didn't help matters by adding to the number of locations on my body that are tender and aching. (slight break of promise here...) Thanks to the 2-week wait I'm avoiding ibuprofen, and acetaminophen only makes things worse, so I'm just having to wait out the healing process naturally.
The most humiliating part: my in-laws (who invited themselves up to the condo with us this weekend) not only ski better than I do despite several years since their last outing, but have more endurance because, unlike me, they work out on a regular basis.
At least they made up for it by taking us out to dinner at the nice steak restaurant on the mountain. Everyone else ordered the filet mignon, and I was the odd one out with lamb chops. I pick up tenderloin steaks at the grocery store on a semi-regular basis, so wanted to try something different and I was glad I did. Despite DH's baa-ing like a little lamb when they arrived, and my discovery that the mint jelly served with them was spearmint (blech!) I completely enjoyed them and was very sorry that my stomach ran out of room before I ran out of meat. Since DH and I don't eat out very often, it was definitely one of the best meals I've had in a long while.
Next weekend we're back up there with my BIL who will be snowboarding for the 2nd time. I'm hoping that by then I'll be recovered enough to keep up with him.
*Seriously, that it was a skier surprised me. I figured it was going to be a snowboarder who took me out. It's almost like I am a magnet for out-of-control people on the slopes. And I really, really, really hate snowboarders who sit in groups in the middle of the slope, or block a cross-trail, or fall right in front of me. I swear they need a license or something - no snowboarding unless you can follow these rules of (what I think should be) common courtesy.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Birthday Recap
As much as I fought the idea of advancing age, I couldn't say no to gifts.
The giving started Wednesday before my birthday when my Grandmother took me to lunch and gave me the first part of her present. She's come to the decision that she's going to start giving away "things" at birthdays, Christmas, etc. My mother, for example, received a hand-painted (by my great-grandmother) footed punch bowl. Luckily, I got something I had mentioned dibs on when the time came. I just had no idea it would be so soon. It's a cookie jar she's had in the kitchen for many years, and is a clown. (I've linked to a similar picture here; just imagine black accents on the eyes and a repair line along the neck. The repair line is courtesy of a much younger, and very eager for cookies me.) DH finds it more than a little bit creepy and we are in stalled negotiations on where it will live - he's pushing for inside a cabinet with a solid door, I'm in favor of the counter.
Sunday on our way back from the condo, we stopped at my parents for a deli-sandwich lunch, Gus Grissom's Buttermilk Pie (it's who our recipe came from, I don't think the link is exactly the same as my mom typically substitutes soured milk for the buttermilk, but the picture shows what it looks like cooked) at my request in lieu of cake, and gifts. The highlights were a monogrammed, zip-top L.L. Bean canvas tote, a new hand mixer (5 guaranteed speeds vs. 3 touchy speeds, new and shiny; my old hand mixer and rusting beaters will go to goodwill or some other worthy destination), a fix it and forget it slow cooker cookbook to use with my new crock pot, and the yearly set of U.S. Mint proof coins my dad has gotten me for years.
Monday morning, my parents came into town for another event but were able to meet me for coffee (cinnamon dolce latte, decaf, no fat, no whip for me; cappuccino for my mother, and plain house blend brew for my dad) and a couple more presents including a nice cotton sweater from Talbot's.
Along the way, I checked my personal email and found a totally unexpected and wonderfully thoughtful e-gift card to Amazon from one of my best friends ever who thought I might use it for a few songs for my requested MP3 player. (If you're reading, I owe you a real thank you note, in the mail and everything.)
My bosses then took me out to lunch for my birthday - no real present but a delicious dessert of a warm brownie with vanilla ice cream and fudge sauce with candle!
That evening we went to a local restaurant for dinner and my in-laws joined us. We had a delightful dinner (the table next to us was solving America's fiscal problems over a few glasses of wine) with not one, but two desserts split at the table. Flourless chocolate espresso cake, and grilled bread pudding with banana's foster. I could have skipped the entree and gone straight to dessert, it was that good (bread pudding was my choice - the restaurant has a free dessert for a birthday and it came with a candle, too - but the candle blew out as the server was approaching the table. Oh well.)
My in-laws gave me the Sony MP3 player I had requested...it's very shiny and pretty (and pink!) and I can't wait to start loading music on it.
After dinner we returned home, and DH gave me one of his presents. He got me/us matinee tickets to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert in Richmond on November 8th. And promised a nice dinner after. We've talked about going for a couple of years so this was an awesome gift. Apparently there's one more thing to come, and I think it's on the dining room table waiting for DH's return from an overnight trip.
Oh yeah, my Grandmother had also given me a card "do not open until birthday" - and that held a nice sized check. I'm looking forward to figuring out what to spend that on...
All in all, it was a very good birthday and I ate way too much (coffee, lunch with dessert, dinner with desserts). I was very glad to return to my normal ingestion patterns on Tuesday (actually a little lighter than normal, but that's only because I was still full from Monday).
I'm looking at Curves to get back into healthier activity patterns as well with ski season coming up, and what seems almost a mandatory weight gain with the infertility. I'd love to get back to Pilates, but they changed the class schedule around and don't offer a class that's convenient. With Curves I can go right there after work and jump into the rotation without going out of my way to get there (it's about 20 seconds off the road I take to get home) or having to wait for classes (scheduled for those who get off work at 5pm, which is fair, it just doesn't work for me) to start. But first, I need to buy some new shoes - my shins were sore after walking up and down the resort this past weekend while wearing my most recent pair. (By recent I mean the last pair I purchased. 2-3 years back.) That could be a good use of the money from my Grandmother. And fitting because she bought a good number of shoes for me as I was growing up.
The giving started Wednesday before my birthday when my Grandmother took me to lunch and gave me the first part of her present. She's come to the decision that she's going to start giving away "things" at birthdays, Christmas, etc. My mother, for example, received a hand-painted (by my great-grandmother) footed punch bowl. Luckily, I got something I had mentioned dibs on when the time came. I just had no idea it would be so soon. It's a cookie jar she's had in the kitchen for many years, and is a clown. (I've linked to a similar picture here; just imagine black accents on the eyes and a repair line along the neck. The repair line is courtesy of a much younger, and very eager for cookies me.) DH finds it more than a little bit creepy and we are in stalled negotiations on where it will live - he's pushing for inside a cabinet with a solid door, I'm in favor of the counter.
Sunday on our way back from the condo, we stopped at my parents for a deli-sandwich lunch, Gus Grissom's Buttermilk Pie (it's who our recipe came from, I don't think the link is exactly the same as my mom typically substitutes soured milk for the buttermilk, but the picture shows what it looks like cooked) at my request in lieu of cake, and gifts. The highlights were a monogrammed, zip-top L.L. Bean canvas tote, a new hand mixer (5 guaranteed speeds vs. 3 touchy speeds, new and shiny; my old hand mixer and rusting beaters will go to goodwill or some other worthy destination), a fix it and forget it slow cooker cookbook to use with my new crock pot, and the yearly set of U.S. Mint proof coins my dad has gotten me for years.
Monday morning, my parents came into town for another event but were able to meet me for coffee (cinnamon dolce latte, decaf, no fat, no whip for me; cappuccino for my mother, and plain house blend brew for my dad) and a couple more presents including a nice cotton sweater from Talbot's.
Along the way, I checked my personal email and found a totally unexpected and wonderfully thoughtful e-gift card to Amazon from one of my best friends ever who thought I might use it for a few songs for my requested MP3 player. (If you're reading, I owe you a real thank you note, in the mail and everything.)
My bosses then took me out to lunch for my birthday - no real present but a delicious dessert of a warm brownie with vanilla ice cream and fudge sauce with candle!
That evening we went to a local restaurant for dinner and my in-laws joined us. We had a delightful dinner (the table next to us was solving America's fiscal problems over a few glasses of wine) with not one, but two desserts split at the table. Flourless chocolate espresso cake, and grilled bread pudding with banana's foster. I could have skipped the entree and gone straight to dessert, it was that good (bread pudding was my choice - the restaurant has a free dessert for a birthday and it came with a candle, too - but the candle blew out as the server was approaching the table. Oh well.)
My in-laws gave me the Sony MP3 player I had requested...it's very shiny and pretty (and pink!) and I can't wait to start loading music on it.
After dinner we returned home, and DH gave me one of his presents. He got me/us matinee tickets to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert in Richmond on November 8th. And promised a nice dinner after. We've talked about going for a couple of years so this was an awesome gift. Apparently there's one more thing to come, and I think it's on the dining room table waiting for DH's return from an overnight trip.
Oh yeah, my Grandmother had also given me a card "do not open until birthday" - and that held a nice sized check. I'm looking forward to figuring out what to spend that on...
All in all, it was a very good birthday and I ate way too much (coffee, lunch with dessert, dinner with desserts). I was very glad to return to my normal ingestion patterns on Tuesday (actually a little lighter than normal, but that's only because I was still full from Monday).
I'm looking at Curves to get back into healthier activity patterns as well with ski season coming up, and what seems almost a mandatory weight gain with the infertility. I'd love to get back to Pilates, but they changed the class schedule around and don't offer a class that's convenient. With Curves I can go right there after work and jump into the rotation without going out of my way to get there (it's about 20 seconds off the road I take to get home) or having to wait for classes (scheduled for those who get off work at 5pm, which is fair, it just doesn't work for me) to start. But first, I need to buy some new shoes - my shins were sore after walking up and down the resort this past weekend while wearing my most recent pair. (By recent I mean the last pair I purchased. 2-3 years back.) That could be a good use of the money from my Grandmother. And fitting because she bought a good number of shoes for me as I was growing up.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Gah.
I'm back to bitching about my clothes.
Since I stopped my regular attendance at the Pilates classes (April?) the ratio of muscle to fat in my body has reorganized itself, so while I only weigh a couple more pounds than I would like, the shape of my body is not what it was. I'm sure some of this has to do with my increasing age, as my metabolism isn't what it once was, but also to do with the lack of exercise and my increasing willingness to eat to comfort myself through the ongoing frustration of my body not cooperating with my desire to be pregnant.
I've squeaked through the summer with a few purchases here and there. I've worn them to the exclusion of most every thing else in my wardrobe, but with cooler weather coming I have to face the truth: my clothes most likely won't fit.
And by clothes, I mean pants/jeans/skirts. Anything that covers my growing thighs and rear. Already I've fought the battle with jeans and while I have one pair that don't give me a muffin-top or camel-toe, they are also pretty darn close to being painted on where it counts.
The thing is, I don't want to buy new clothes because I'm "fat". I want to wait until I'm forced to by maternity needs. The optimistic (and sarcastic) part of me thinks - hey with my luck I'll buy a new wardrobe, get pregnant and then not be able to wear it for more than the first part of the season. The cheapskate* side of me answers back, well then, if you're going to get pregnant, you should just wait and keep wearing what you currently have. The realistic side of me thinks none of my pants are going to fit (for one reason or another) and I'm going to have to buy new ones anyway so just get over myself and go shopping already.
Currently, the cheapskate side of me is winning. Guess that means I need to get my butt in gear so I can fit into my current clothes. Now all I have to do is convince the cheapskate side that coughing up the dough to resume Pilates classes is a better investment than new clothing.
*The cheapskate side is aided and abetted by my increased lack of enjoyment in clothes shopping. Maybe I'm old and crotchety, but shopping has become more of an exercise in frustration and not a pleasure like it once was. If I don't like the styles, I don't like the color choices. Or the way things fit. Or the fabric. Or how much they cost (oh wait, there's the cheapskate side popping up).
Hey, does anyone want to volunteer to be my personal shopper? I'll try on most anything once. And I'll laugh at myself. I promise. Seriously, you name the date, time, and place; I'll show up and you can dress me. I'd prefer somewhere in Richmond or the Williamsburg Outlets, Northern Virginia at the furthest. Just think, you'd get all the fun of shopping without incurring any expense to yourself. I'll even spring for lunch. Whadda' ya' say?
Since I stopped my regular attendance at the Pilates classes (April?) the ratio of muscle to fat in my body has reorganized itself, so while I only weigh a couple more pounds than I would like, the shape of my body is not what it was. I'm sure some of this has to do with my increasing age, as my metabolism isn't what it once was, but also to do with the lack of exercise and my increasing willingness to eat to comfort myself through the ongoing frustration of my body not cooperating with my desire to be pregnant.
I've squeaked through the summer with a few purchases here and there. I've worn them to the exclusion of most every thing else in my wardrobe, but with cooler weather coming I have to face the truth: my clothes most likely won't fit.
And by clothes, I mean pants/jeans/skirts. Anything that covers my growing thighs and rear. Already I've fought the battle with jeans and while I have one pair that don't give me a muffin-top or camel-toe, they are also pretty darn close to being painted on where it counts.
The thing is, I don't want to buy new clothes because I'm "fat". I want to wait until I'm forced to by maternity needs. The optimistic (and sarcastic) part of me thinks - hey with my luck I'll buy a new wardrobe, get pregnant and then not be able to wear it for more than the first part of the season. The cheapskate* side of me answers back, well then, if you're going to get pregnant, you should just wait and keep wearing what you currently have. The realistic side of me thinks none of my pants are going to fit (for one reason or another) and I'm going to have to buy new ones anyway so just get over myself and go shopping already.
Currently, the cheapskate side of me is winning. Guess that means I need to get my butt in gear so I can fit into my current clothes. Now all I have to do is convince the cheapskate side that coughing up the dough to resume Pilates classes is a better investment than new clothing.
*The cheapskate side is aided and abetted by my increased lack of enjoyment in clothes shopping. Maybe I'm old and crotchety, but shopping has become more of an exercise in frustration and not a pleasure like it once was. If I don't like the styles, I don't like the color choices. Or the way things fit. Or the fabric. Or how much they cost (oh wait, there's the cheapskate side popping up).
Hey, does anyone want to volunteer to be my personal shopper? I'll try on most anything once. And I'll laugh at myself. I promise. Seriously, you name the date, time, and place; I'll show up and you can dress me. I'd prefer somewhere in Richmond or the Williamsburg Outlets, Northern Virginia at the furthest. Just think, you'd get all the fun of shopping without incurring any expense to yourself. I'll even spring for lunch. Whadda' ya' say?
Monday, April 7, 2008
3 out of 6 isn't bad, is it?
Confession - After a two day strong start I slacked off Thursday. Picked back up Friday, and blew the weekend off entirely. (Unless cleaning the bathroom counts? Please, tell me it does.)
Tonight we have a neighborhood meeting which could impact the amount of time I have between work and getting dinner on the table. But I'm going to keep trying. I'm not giving up on myself.
--------
In other news, I wanted to announce that there has been great forward progress on getting the outstanding household projects completed (as per my resolution for 2008 to complete all on-going projects, and complete all that are started in 2008).
1. Shelving units either side of the fireplace: finished! (This was DH's job and it looks fabulous!)
2. Wall cabinet for Laundry room: ordered by me, received, and installed by DH. He's so handy!
3. Bookcases for the study: ordered by me, 1 of 2 received (there was a mis-communication within the cabinet shop) and installed. 2 of 2 should come in this week.
4. Master bedroom curtains, duvet cover, & shams: We've had the patterned fabric for 9 months now. DH and I went out on Saturday to the local chain fabric store and finally found a solid we both agreed on. And it was on sale. Score! The order should come in in the next couple of weeks, and then I can get the fabric to the woman who will make everything except the valance. That's our final part of the project, that and hanging the wall of curtains. Eeeek.
5. Family room couch: We spent more to recover/remake one we had in the basement than it would have cost to buy a good one new. And the seat cushions still aren't right. I need to call the upholstery guy. Again. (I'm going to go bang my head against a brick wall on this one.)
6. Donating older clothes to charity. This goes with my desire to clean out my closet. Just gotta wait for the right time and I'll load up the car with everything all at once.
Next up (ie: projects I won't think about starting until the above are all 100% completed):
1. Painting upstairs guest bath. Thinking a very pale green, one of those white-greens, to complement the shower curtain DH and I bought a long time ago that we love.
2. Wall-papering powder room. I bought the paper before we moved in the house over 4 years ago. My mom and I can do this - wallpapering is best not done with someone to whom you are married.
3. Painting an accent wall in the room we plan to use for a nursery. (I AM NOT PREGNANT). I hate the carpet color we picked out. (I thought we had selected a pretty green, but I was apparently convinced to go with a "neutral" mauve/taupe color. Blech.) Anyway, the room needs something to draw your attention away from the carpet. And since I know we'll go gender neutral with the nursery, a nice soft green which will complement the existing bedding is in order.
4. Decorating the basement. This one won't come into effect until the basement is actually finished. But it's somewhere on the horizon. Lurking.
What on your to-do list? And how long has it taken you to get around to some of them? Please, someone tell me it's been more than 4 years so I don't feel so much like a procrastinator!
Tonight we have a neighborhood meeting which could impact the amount of time I have between work and getting dinner on the table. But I'm going to keep trying. I'm not giving up on myself.
--------
In other news, I wanted to announce that there has been great forward progress on getting the outstanding household projects completed (as per my resolution for 2008 to complete all on-going projects, and complete all that are started in 2008).
1. Shelving units either side of the fireplace: finished! (This was DH's job and it looks fabulous!)
2. Wall cabinet for Laundry room: ordered by me, received, and installed by DH. He's so handy!
3. Bookcases for the study: ordered by me, 1 of 2 received (there was a mis-communication within the cabinet shop) and installed. 2 of 2 should come in this week.
4. Master bedroom curtains, duvet cover, & shams: We've had the patterned fabric for 9 months now. DH and I went out on Saturday to the local chain fabric store and finally found a solid we both agreed on. And it was on sale. Score! The order should come in in the next couple of weeks, and then I can get the fabric to the woman who will make everything except the valance. That's our final part of the project, that and hanging the wall of curtains. Eeeek.
5. Family room couch: We spent more to recover/remake one we had in the basement than it would have cost to buy a good one new. And the seat cushions still aren't right. I need to call the upholstery guy. Again. (I'm going to go bang my head against a brick wall on this one.)
6. Donating older clothes to charity. This goes with my desire to clean out my closet. Just gotta wait for the right time and I'll load up the car with everything all at once.
Next up (ie: projects I won't think about starting until the above are all 100% completed):
1. Painting upstairs guest bath. Thinking a very pale green, one of those white-greens, to complement the shower curtain DH and I bought a long time ago that we love.
2. Wall-papering powder room. I bought the paper before we moved in the house over 4 years ago. My mom and I can do this - wallpapering is best not done with someone to whom you are married.
3. Painting an accent wall in the room we plan to use for a nursery. (I AM NOT PREGNANT). I hate the carpet color we picked out. (I thought we had selected a pretty green, but I was apparently convinced to go with a "neutral" mauve/taupe color. Blech.) Anyway, the room needs something to draw your attention away from the carpet. And since I know we'll go gender neutral with the nursery, a nice soft green which will complement the existing bedding is in order.
4. Decorating the basement. This one won't come into effect until the basement is actually finished. But it's somewhere on the horizon. Lurking.
What on your to-do list? And how long has it taken you to get around to some of them? Please, someone tell me it's been more than 4 years so I don't feel so much like a procrastinator!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Goal: Increased Fitness in 30 Days
Here's the deal: My cousin is getting married the first weekend of May. On the beach. In Florida. (Oh, I've mentioned this once or twice, have I? Surely in connection with grumbling over the seriously inconvenient location? mmmm, thought so.)
As a result, I've been evaluating my current physical status and have not been even close to 80% satisfied with what I see, or how my clothes are starting to fit. The low numbers on the scale (which I could be content with) don't tell the whole picture*. Looking in the mirror I see flab, cellulite, lack of visibility of muscles I know are there. There is no way I'd want to be seen in a bathing suit in this condition, or shorts even. Ok, maybe one of those old-fashioned ones that had a high collar, long sleeves, and leggings under a full skirt. But not a normal bathing suit.
I know why my body looks like this (1) not continuing with Pilates after my gift certificate had run out; (2) eating whatever I wanted as a reaction to our troubles with fertility and/or in a "I might be pregnant, I should eat for two." rational; (3) lastly, but most importantly: not using the elliptical and recumbent bike occupying floor space in our bedroom as anything more than dust catchers while my rear remained firmly planted in the couch over the winter. Except for the Pilates and some skiing and a tiny bit of hiking, I have been fairly stationary for longer than I should have been.
In the interest of full disclosure: I failed the yearly national physical fitness evaluations in middle school. I was active, but not athletic so sit-ups, pull-ups, vee sit & reach (does anyone else remember that one?), and timed miles always went poorly (even the fat kids were faster than I was). As a kid I was skinny without effort. Not so true any more.
Regardless of how I got this way, I need to be stronger and healthier all around. It will benefit me now, and as I go through any future pregnancy. I don't want to spend $ to replace perfectly good clothes because they don't fit. (But spending $ on cute trendy clothes, just because, well, that's a different story.)
As a result, and with the upcoming wedding as an additional incentive, I have decided to publish my resolution to work towards improving my fitness levels. I thought April 1st was a good day - a month to see progress, improved weather, that sort of thing. So here goes...
Yesterday I kicked off the month by spending 20 minutes (25 including the warm-down) on the elliptical machine. I followed that up with a round of stretching and a little bit of arm work.
It's my goal to work in some sort of exercise every day for the next 30 days. Elliptical, recumbent bike, exercise video, or fit-tv - even if just for 5 minutes. Even a little bit of effort has to be better than no effort.
Of course, I'll keep an eye on my food intake as well. But I plan to make less of a change there than in my exercise habits. I know I could eat healthier, but I could eat a lot worse than I do, so that's a goal for another few months down the road. Making the change to add exercise to my daily routine is going to be hard enough.
I'd appreciate any tips from someone who's been there, done that. Or if you just want to cheer me on, that would be appreciated too!
*I'm not going to share them because they don't matter. Just because I'm not 20, 50, or 100 lbs over my ideal weight does not mean I don't need to improve my health and change some of that weight from fat to muscle.
As a result, I've been evaluating my current physical status and have not been even close to 80% satisfied with what I see, or how my clothes are starting to fit. The low numbers on the scale (which I could be content with) don't tell the whole picture*. Looking in the mirror I see flab, cellulite, lack of visibility of muscles I know are there. There is no way I'd want to be seen in a bathing suit in this condition, or shorts even. Ok, maybe one of those old-fashioned ones that had a high collar, long sleeves, and leggings under a full skirt. But not a normal bathing suit.
I know why my body looks like this (1) not continuing with Pilates after my gift certificate had run out; (2) eating whatever I wanted as a reaction to our troubles with fertility and/or in a "I might be pregnant, I should eat for two." rational; (3) lastly, but most importantly: not using the elliptical and recumbent bike occupying floor space in our bedroom as anything more than dust catchers while my rear remained firmly planted in the couch over the winter. Except for the Pilates and some skiing and a tiny bit of hiking, I have been fairly stationary for longer than I should have been.
In the interest of full disclosure: I failed the yearly national physical fitness evaluations in middle school. I was active, but not athletic so sit-ups, pull-ups, vee sit & reach (does anyone else remember that one?), and timed miles always went poorly (even the fat kids were faster than I was). As a kid I was skinny without effort. Not so true any more.
Regardless of how I got this way, I need to be stronger and healthier all around. It will benefit me now, and as I go through any future pregnancy. I don't want to spend $ to replace perfectly good clothes because they don't fit. (But spending $ on cute trendy clothes, just because, well, that's a different story.)
As a result, and with the upcoming wedding as an additional incentive, I have decided to publish my resolution to work towards improving my fitness levels. I thought April 1st was a good day - a month to see progress, improved weather, that sort of thing. So here goes...
Yesterday I kicked off the month by spending 20 minutes (25 including the warm-down) on the elliptical machine. I followed that up with a round of stretching and a little bit of arm work.
It's my goal to work in some sort of exercise every day for the next 30 days. Elliptical, recumbent bike, exercise video, or fit-tv - even if just for 5 minutes. Even a little bit of effort has to be better than no effort.
Of course, I'll keep an eye on my food intake as well. But I plan to make less of a change there than in my exercise habits. I know I could eat healthier, but I could eat a lot worse than I do, so that's a goal for another few months down the road. Making the change to add exercise to my daily routine is going to be hard enough.
I'd appreciate any tips from someone who's been there, done that. Or if you just want to cheer me on, that would be appreciated too!
*I'm not going to share them because they don't matter. Just because I'm not 20, 50, or 100 lbs over my ideal weight does not mean I don't need to improve my health and change some of that weight from fat to muscle.
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