Those three little words with nary a second syllable in sight kind of describe the state of affairs in every aspect of my life right now. Work is a debacle and an explosion waiting to happen with the risk of high collateral damage that leaves me wondering how long to stick around. The personal front, well that's just a joke. Sometimes saying something even if it's something stupid isn't the best option yet I'm apparently suffering from some form of Tourettes in order to be heard. Just what I'm trying to say I don't know, but I don't have a super duper warm fuzzy feeling about the end result.
Just because I'm a Leo doesn't mean I really like fire, but it is all around me begging me to play with it. The burns that could result are too far in the distance to make an impact the way they should so that isn't helpful either. Here's to hoping for a warm toasting and not a scalding scar tissue result.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Wow.
Ok well that didn't work so well. For the record, when you forget your password and stuff on here, it ain't easy. Maybe it is for those who are smart enough (read, not me) to set a question that they can actually answer but whatever.
The last few weeks have flown by and I don't really know what I've done to show for them. There have been many articles, some rewrites and gasp, even a few rejections. Those suck as it is so friggin subjective. One editor seriously just hates my writing and won't approve anything I do. I can resubmit with changes under a different title but then (and this is the part they don't tell you) it gets flagged for plagarism. Isn't that nice? That means it takes even longer to go through. I'd like to write more for them but that whole legitimate job that expects me to be mentally present 40 hours a week gets in the way.
There were two dancing excursions which were awesome minus the attempted mounting by a guy on the first one. I get the courtesy dance which we've all done but after that, a smile and a nod and the guy should get the hint. Not so much for him. He also had no rhythm which was approaching flightless bird status so I was laughing so hard I could hardly stand up.
Yep, guess that sums up the last few weeks. Now it is on to bridesmaid mode for one of my bestie's weddings this month. I should probably start prepping my liver now for the bachelorette party.
The last few weeks have flown by and I don't really know what I've done to show for them. There have been many articles, some rewrites and gasp, even a few rejections. Those suck as it is so friggin subjective. One editor seriously just hates my writing and won't approve anything I do. I can resubmit with changes under a different title but then (and this is the part they don't tell you) it gets flagged for plagarism. Isn't that nice? That means it takes even longer to go through. I'd like to write more for them but that whole legitimate job that expects me to be mentally present 40 hours a week gets in the way.
There were two dancing excursions which were awesome minus the attempted mounting by a guy on the first one. I get the courtesy dance which we've all done but after that, a smile and a nod and the guy should get the hint. Not so much for him. He also had no rhythm which was approaching flightless bird status so I was laughing so hard I could hardly stand up.
Yep, guess that sums up the last few weeks. Now it is on to bridesmaid mode for one of my bestie's weddings this month. I should probably start prepping my liver now for the bachelorette party.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
I'm not ignoring you, just writing all over the place
As my posts here have been less than frequent as of late, thought I'd let everyone (ha, there I go thinking people read this again) know why. First, work has just been super crazy and thus taking more of my mental ability than I'd like. Second, I am happy to report that I'm now a paid freelance writer:) Yes, finally. I have a gig with a contractor for http://www.livestrong.com/ and my content has started appearing along with my great picture. I mean, who doesn't want to write about what epsom salt is good for or how music motivates exercise (seriously, those are two of my first published titles). I'm hopeful that this leads to good things. And I promise that I'll pay more attention here starting next week.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Fun Little Fact
Something that most of my friends know about me is that I have the patience of a two-year old. Really. I do not know how I got through life without any form of this virtue whatsoever, but I have. It stinks. Ok, let me take that down a notch and say that for 99.8 percent of things on this planet I have no patience but a few things/people I do and that tends to not work out so well either.
It should not surprise anyone then that I’m an instant gratification person. Think Vercua Salt from “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” with the jumping up and down “I want it now”. By no means am I saying this is a good trait but at least I know myself and my limits. Therefore, when I decide a situation should be discussed or a plan made or someone getting off their ass, I tend to want it to happen quite quickly. Subsequently I get upset when said person does not respond in the appropriate fashion or timeline and then I start to lose my stuff.
To me, it isn’t that hard to do something on time, return a phone call etc. Apparently I am in the minority on this one though and that is tough for me (yes, there may have been a slight whine there with that but deal). I’m not really at all like the Depeche Mode song “It’s No Good’ where Dave Gahan so eloquently says he’s gonna take his time, he’s got all the time in the world as, well to be frank, I don’t. Things should be done in a timely fashion and there are very few of them that have to be long, drawn out and not fun for anyone.
That is all. Now back to your regularly scheduled lives while I stew over my lack of patience and the people who are not helping.
It should not surprise anyone then that I’m an instant gratification person. Think Vercua Salt from “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” with the jumping up and down “I want it now”. By no means am I saying this is a good trait but at least I know myself and my limits. Therefore, when I decide a situation should be discussed or a plan made or someone getting off their ass, I tend to want it to happen quite quickly. Subsequently I get upset when said person does not respond in the appropriate fashion or timeline and then I start to lose my stuff.
To me, it isn’t that hard to do something on time, return a phone call etc. Apparently I am in the minority on this one though and that is tough for me (yes, there may have been a slight whine there with that but deal). I’m not really at all like the Depeche Mode song “It’s No Good’ where Dave Gahan so eloquently says he’s gonna take his time, he’s got all the time in the world as, well to be frank, I don’t. Things should be done in a timely fashion and there are very few of them that have to be long, drawn out and not fun for anyone.
That is all. Now back to your regularly scheduled lives while I stew over my lack of patience and the people who are not helping.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Nap Time
Without fail, sometime between 10:20 and 10:30 every work day I walk over to Lance’s cube and say “I need a nap.” Lance pretty much knows what I’m going to say and there’s also some sort of “I don’t like my job” that goes along with this statement. This is what happens when I’ve been at work for over three hours. What can I say, I’m a pretty simple girl that may have a few routines.
I kind of wonder why naps are so taboo to those of us in the in-between age. I mean, as a child, you’re allowed, nay encouraged, to nap. And those stinking kids fight it! I would love for someone to say “Kiki, it’s 10:30. That means nap time and then we’ll have some juice and cookies when you wake up.” Come on, that would be awesome. Ok, maybe we could change juice to Diet Coke with Lime or some other beverage and maybe the cookies would be a Special K bar or some Triscuts but that would be great. A nice little way to break up the day.
Old people can nap whenever they want too. Imagine a nice little retirement community in Florida with the mid-day siestas the elderly take make the transition from morning golf to mid-day soap operas before hitting some sort of early bird special. No one tells Granny Mary that she’s not fulfilling her life duties when she takes a nap. It’s a travesty of the age bias in our society that these groups can nap but I can’t. I think I should start a petition.
One could say that getting up as early as I do and working the stupid hours that I do without proper sleep could contribute to my nap needs but I say no. On weekends when I’m not up at 5:15 I’m still feeling the urge to curl up on the comfy couch and take a nap. In my defense, my couch has lulled more than a few people into a tranquil sleep.
I say that the “rules” governing naps be applicable to everyone. I mean, it is a free country right? So next time you walk by me at a certain time and see me slumped over my desk, don’t mock, don’t judge, don’t tsk-tsk. Just think about the enjoyment I get from a quick disco nap to make it through the rest of the day.
I kind of wonder why naps are so taboo to those of us in the in-between age. I mean, as a child, you’re allowed, nay encouraged, to nap. And those stinking kids fight it! I would love for someone to say “Kiki, it’s 10:30. That means nap time and then we’ll have some juice and cookies when you wake up.” Come on, that would be awesome. Ok, maybe we could change juice to Diet Coke with Lime or some other beverage and maybe the cookies would be a Special K bar or some Triscuts but that would be great. A nice little way to break up the day.
Old people can nap whenever they want too. Imagine a nice little retirement community in Florida with the mid-day siestas the elderly take make the transition from morning golf to mid-day soap operas before hitting some sort of early bird special. No one tells Granny Mary that she’s not fulfilling her life duties when she takes a nap. It’s a travesty of the age bias in our society that these groups can nap but I can’t. I think I should start a petition.
One could say that getting up as early as I do and working the stupid hours that I do without proper sleep could contribute to my nap needs but I say no. On weekends when I’m not up at 5:15 I’m still feeling the urge to curl up on the comfy couch and take a nap. In my defense, my couch has lulled more than a few people into a tranquil sleep.
I say that the “rules” governing naps be applicable to everyone. I mean, it is a free country right? So next time you walk by me at a certain time and see me slumped over my desk, don’t mock, don’t judge, don’t tsk-tsk. Just think about the enjoyment I get from a quick disco nap to make it through the rest of the day.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Rain (and This Mood) Go Away!
Do you ever have those moments where you wonder where your life went off the tracks? That you see someone else having this “wonderful life” and, as awful as it is to say out loud, you KNOW they don’t deserve it? Or that you see what appears to be everyone else moving forward and you feel you’re stuck in place, waiting for things to start? No, just me then?
I’m not trying to hate on other people, but really, why is it that lately things have felt like they are stuck in neutral without a great option to go forward? I’m not just talking about one life aspect, but multiple.
Oy, maybe it’s the ever-present rain we’ve had lately but, just like Carrie in the “Sex and the City” movie, I feel like I have my personal mexicoma to come out of.
Or maybe my fairy godmother or guardian angel could come off sabbatical and flick a wand or snap her fingers and make things right.
The one thing I have decided on is that I need to get back in to my writing. Although that even feels like a ginormous task as I no longer want to continue with the next book that is mostly done. Sigh. Guess I have some work ahead of me. Can’t it just be pool weather and I can lounge in the sun with a notepad and start?
I’m not trying to hate on other people, but really, why is it that lately things have felt like they are stuck in neutral without a great option to go forward? I’m not just talking about one life aspect, but multiple.
Oy, maybe it’s the ever-present rain we’ve had lately but, just like Carrie in the “Sex and the City” movie, I feel like I have my personal mexicoma to come out of.
Or maybe my fairy godmother or guardian angel could come off sabbatical and flick a wand or snap her fingers and make things right.
The one thing I have decided on is that I need to get back in to my writing. Although that even feels like a ginormous task as I no longer want to continue with the next book that is mostly done. Sigh. Guess I have some work ahead of me. Can’t it just be pool weather and I can lounge in the sun with a notepad and start?
Monday, May 10, 2010
Tell Me How Lucky I Am To Work Here...
Now, before you go and get all self-righteous that I should be happy to have a job, I must tell you that I do know I’m in a (slightly) better position than lots of people. That’s not the point. The point is that every day I can see myself getting complacent and I know that I am so under-valued at this place it is scary.
For example, when I was up for my promotion a few years ago my VP told me that the company had failed me on multiple levels. That’s stuck with me and I see the instances where it is true again and again. It is very hard to have faith in a place when it telling you these things.
Every day I sit here with a wool sweater draped across my legs since it is freezing I know my skills are diminishing and it scares me. The even bigger problem is that I’m pretty picky about what kinds of things I would like to do if I wasn’t here. I’ve done the leaping before looking thing and now is not the time to try that again in terms of employment. Just because the place isn’t here doesn’t automatically mean it will be a better situation.
The level of frustration keeps growing and I’m not sure what to do about it. Hence this picture kind of sums everything up.
For example, when I was up for my promotion a few years ago my VP told me that the company had failed me on multiple levels. That’s stuck with me and I see the instances where it is true again and again. It is very hard to have faith in a place when it telling you these things.
Every day I sit here with a wool sweater draped across my legs since it is freezing I know my skills are diminishing and it scares me. The even bigger problem is that I’m pretty picky about what kinds of things I would like to do if I wasn’t here. I’ve done the leaping before looking thing and now is not the time to try that again in terms of employment. Just because the place isn’t here doesn’t automatically mean it will be a better situation.
The level of frustration keeps growing and I’m not sure what to do about it. Hence this picture kind of sums everything up.
Weekly Workout Train 5/8/10
I decided that since I was such a slacker last week that I’d try to run on Sunday. It sounded good in theory but I wasn’t taking the heavy humidity and pollen in to consideration. Those two factors made it an uphill battle. That said, I did end up doing 3.5 miles of fast walking and jogging so I guess that’s better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick.
Monday’s Monkey Bar had some termed exercise that I can’t remember. The point was to do 20 seconds of the exercise and then 10 seconds rest for a total of eight repetitions and four minutes. We started with skaters, then push ups (arms close then Hindu), Russian Twists then leg lifts, tire runs then wacky jacks and then some kettle bell row thing. As if that wasn’t enough we did a five minute kettle bell swing. I’m the first to admit that I do not do this technique properly which Lisa kept pointing out. I did however, hold on to the damn thing and didn’t throw it at anyone. It’s the little things right?
Tuesday I had an event and couldn’t work out. I was standing on my feet for about six hours though so maybe I can check Livestrong to see what that counts for.
Wednesday I wanted to go for a jog, but with raindrops the size of silver dollars coming down, I had to settle for some hard core cleaning and a Jillian Michael’s video. I’m not a huge fan of hers, but her 30 day shred isn’t the worst program ever. It goes in sets of strength, cardio and abs. And it’s kind of short so I felt like I was doing something without a ton of effort.
Thursday I prepped for both KM 2 and Monkey Bar. In level 2 we had some focus mitt combinations (left straight, right elbow and then left straight, right elbow, liver shot) followed by kick combinations. Since I did squats like a champ Wednesday, my legs kinda hurt. The self defense this week was headlocks from behind which feel weird to defend and to give. My partner and I made it through though.
Monkey Bar started simply enough with yoga. Then we had the “option” of running or doing stuff inside. Thinking it would be easier, I ran. Ha. I don’t like keeping pace with others. We’d do our circuit then come in for a set time of push ups. After that “fun” there was a set of exercises to run through for two minutes or until you maxed out. They were reach ups, Russian twists with 10 lb. weight, powerwheel rollouts and holding plank. I did pretty well with the first two, sucked at the third and was ok on plank. Whew.
Friday I went back to Monkey Bar since I’m a masochist. Well, also because dodgeball is fun. After that, we did the “prison” workout as fast as possible and then got to go home. The workout was broken down in to arms and legs. The first round was arms and the pyramid went 10-8-6-4-2 for reps. It was a pushup (either downdog/updog or Hindu) and then upright rows holding kettlebells. Round two was legs with lateral jumps and broad jumps (you jump forward propelling yourself as much as possible). It sounds easy but trust me it wasn’t.
Saturday was level 2 and level 1 for Krav Maga. Level two was a lot of the same as Thursday with a few more focus mitt combinations. I have to say I’m apparently building some sort of arm muscle as even I feel my punches getting stronger. The headlock thing screwed me up again but I’ll get it eventually. Level 1 was punches, kick to the vertical target and inside defenses. Honestly, I can always use work on my inside defenses;)
So, for those of you counting along at home, that was eight (8) workouts this week. Perhaps I’ll start seeing results soon….
Monday’s Monkey Bar had some termed exercise that I can’t remember. The point was to do 20 seconds of the exercise and then 10 seconds rest for a total of eight repetitions and four minutes. We started with skaters, then push ups (arms close then Hindu), Russian Twists then leg lifts, tire runs then wacky jacks and then some kettle bell row thing. As if that wasn’t enough we did a five minute kettle bell swing. I’m the first to admit that I do not do this technique properly which Lisa kept pointing out. I did however, hold on to the damn thing and didn’t throw it at anyone. It’s the little things right?
Tuesday I had an event and couldn’t work out. I was standing on my feet for about six hours though so maybe I can check Livestrong to see what that counts for.
Wednesday I wanted to go for a jog, but with raindrops the size of silver dollars coming down, I had to settle for some hard core cleaning and a Jillian Michael’s video. I’m not a huge fan of hers, but her 30 day shred isn’t the worst program ever. It goes in sets of strength, cardio and abs. And it’s kind of short so I felt like I was doing something without a ton of effort.
Thursday I prepped for both KM 2 and Monkey Bar. In level 2 we had some focus mitt combinations (left straight, right elbow and then left straight, right elbow, liver shot) followed by kick combinations. Since I did squats like a champ Wednesday, my legs kinda hurt. The self defense this week was headlocks from behind which feel weird to defend and to give. My partner and I made it through though.
Monkey Bar started simply enough with yoga. Then we had the “option” of running or doing stuff inside. Thinking it would be easier, I ran. Ha. I don’t like keeping pace with others. We’d do our circuit then come in for a set time of push ups. After that “fun” there was a set of exercises to run through for two minutes or until you maxed out. They were reach ups, Russian twists with 10 lb. weight, powerwheel rollouts and holding plank. I did pretty well with the first two, sucked at the third and was ok on plank. Whew.
Friday I went back to Monkey Bar since I’m a masochist. Well, also because dodgeball is fun. After that, we did the “prison” workout as fast as possible and then got to go home. The workout was broken down in to arms and legs. The first round was arms and the pyramid went 10-8-6-4-2 for reps. It was a pushup (either downdog/updog or Hindu) and then upright rows holding kettlebells. Round two was legs with lateral jumps and broad jumps (you jump forward propelling yourself as much as possible). It sounds easy but trust me it wasn’t.
Saturday was level 2 and level 1 for Krav Maga. Level two was a lot of the same as Thursday with a few more focus mitt combinations. I have to say I’m apparently building some sort of arm muscle as even I feel my punches getting stronger. The headlock thing screwed me up again but I’ll get it eventually. Level 1 was punches, kick to the vertical target and inside defenses. Honestly, I can always use work on my inside defenses;)
So, for those of you counting along at home, that was eight (8) workouts this week. Perhaps I’ll start seeing results soon….
Friday, May 7, 2010
Songs and Memories
There are some songs that bring back certain memories every time you hear them, regardless of how long it has been or where you currently are. As my iPod seems to be playing some nasty little games with me lately, I found it odd that some of my memory songs were all together on shuffle.
“No Diggity” by Blackstreet had a dance to accompany the great lyrics, but I have since forgotten most of them. In my attempt to be in a sorority at MSU (I was in one in MD but transferred) I was part of the active intro that we did prior to the pledge class serenading the fraternities. I remembering being in the ZTA kitchen and figuring out moves to the song and then wearing Adidas track pants, a white shirt and hat for the actual dance portion. Sometimes little snippets come back to me and I think I have it, but I don’t.
I’m pretty sure that singing “What it Takes” by Aerosmith at a wedding isn’t commonplace but that is exactly what happened back in 2001. Ok, perhaps singing isn’t quite the right word as those of us who stormed the DJ and hijacked the mic weren’t exactly singing so much as screeching, but it was a good time. And to have two girls as the leads (me and Kelly of course) was pretty priceless. I don’t think Steven Tyler has anything to worry about, but the pictures are a nice souvenir. Sidebar: I also contended that I didn’t do a shot that night as I don’t do shots, but then saw a picture to prove me wrong).
“Yellow Ledbetter” is a classic at least in my mind and those who ever rode in the Little Red Ford Probe (see previous post about how much I loved that car). As you may remember, there were people who lived in that car and stole things like change and cigarettes from my friends. I should probably also be honest and say this kind of reminds me of a guy I liked senior year as well but given the longevity of the car and the friendships the song is forever bonded to my senior year of high school. It especially makes me think of my friend C that I was going to open a slurpee stand with.
There was a summer that will live in infamy and not for a lot of good reasons, but there is a song to go along with all the driving excursions, pain and drunken times that makes it a bit better. “Without Me” by Eminem is classic and the intro of “two trailer park girls go round the outside” is hard to not laugh along with. At least a great friendship grew out of that summer;)
And that is just what happened yesterday with my iPod. Who knows what today has in store;)
It started with “Back in Black” by AC/DC. Every time I hear this song I think of a pep rally in high school. One may wonder just how a Catholic school let this song be played all the time, but I’m ignoring that. Our colors were black and gold so I guess they just went along with it. I hear the song and I’m back in the Aquinas gym and clapping.
“No Diggity” by Blackstreet had a dance to accompany the great lyrics, but I have since forgotten most of them. In my attempt to be in a sorority at MSU (I was in one in MD but transferred) I was part of the active intro that we did prior to the pledge class serenading the fraternities. I remembering being in the ZTA kitchen and figuring out moves to the song and then wearing Adidas track pants, a white shirt and hat for the actual dance portion. Sometimes little snippets come back to me and I think I have it, but I don’t.
There was a summer that will live in infamy and not for a lot of good reasons, but there is a song to go along with all the driving excursions, pain and drunken times that makes it a bit better. “Without Me” by Eminem is classic and the intro of “two trailer park girls go round the outside” is hard to not laugh along with. At least a great friendship grew out of that summer;)
And that is just what happened yesterday with my iPod. Who knows what today has in store;)
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
How Reality Bites=My Life
For most of us that graduated in the 90s (late 80s and early 00s too to be as wide-reaching as possible) there are a few key movies that we’ve all seen. It was part of being in that time where flannels, chain belts and Doc Martens were in and (thankfully) big hair was going out. While many of these movies have their place in history and our hearts, I had a complete epiphany about “Reality Bites” as I saw it for the zillionth time a few days ago. The character of Troy completely sums up my romantic history and is a parallel for what I go for and how I think about it. I know, totally out there but bear with me.
In order to completely understand, you have to know that I am that stereotypical good girl. Always have been. I was the “smart, nice” one in high school who was National Honor Society president (for 2 years) and didn’t sneak out, didn’t stay out late. I was that girl your parents always asked if you could be more like. And as every good girl knows, we like the bad boys. Bad boys being a relative term and not in any way indicative of the Detroit Pistons of that era either. For the most part, the guys I liked were pretty decent and I only had one or two that were in to drugs or drinking heavily. Maybe a few that were too old for me but nothing that would really get anyone in trouble. It all began with the desire for someone out of my league though.
Back to the point. I’ve always wanted/liked/pined over the guys that were rough around the edges, needed someone to care, perhaps had an issue or 12 that needed to be fixed. (I know, you can relate.) The thing is, they had absolutely amazing hearts (once you found them). They weren’t bad boys, they were misunderstood or trying to find themselves or everyone else had given up on them and they figured they might as well just be asses. This is where Troy (Ethan Hawke) in “Reality Bites” comes in.
Troy, who is hot by the way and I tended to like guys that I found hot even if other people didn’t, was a wayward son who says that he just gave up due to circumstances and events. He doesn’t hide his issues and will snark on people so that they don’t look at him. But you know he’s looking for someone to reach out to him and just let him be him. And Lelaina almost tries but is so scared of ruining a friendship and is all wrapped up in finding the “right” kind of guy that she takes way to friggin long to come around. Troy is the EPITOME of the guy that I’ve always gone for because he does have a good heart and does come through in the end (that last scene after “All I Want Is You” where he’s on the front lawn makes me want to reach through my TV and hug him way before she does).
See, I know they have good hearts and I know they will (eventually) come through. Therefore I totally ignore rationalize whatever their actions and just look at the light at the end of the tunnel. I’d like to think that in my old age I now don’t do this, but on some level I think I still do. To be fair, I don’t think there is anything wrong with guys that are a little rough around the edges because normal is boring. I like laughs, I like off color jokes. I like that someone is an individual and not part of the herd. Maybe I’ve come a long way since my days of Gap flannels but does that mean that looking for the good in people has to go away too? I hope not. Until I figure it all out though, Troy Dyer (minus the cigs) is gonna have to keep me going.
In order to completely understand, you have to know that I am that stereotypical good girl. Always have been. I was the “smart, nice” one in high school who was National Honor Society president (for 2 years) and didn’t sneak out, didn’t stay out late. I was that girl your parents always asked if you could be more like. And as every good girl knows, we like the bad boys. Bad boys being a relative term and not in any way indicative of the Detroit Pistons of that era either. For the most part, the guys I liked were pretty decent and I only had one or two that were in to drugs or drinking heavily. Maybe a few that were too old for me but nothing that would really get anyone in trouble. It all began with the desire for someone out of my league though.
Back to the point. I’ve always wanted/liked/pined over the guys that were rough around the edges, needed someone to care, perhaps had an issue or 12 that needed to be fixed. (I know, you can relate.) The thing is, they had absolutely amazing hearts (once you found them). They weren’t bad boys, they were misunderstood or trying to find themselves or everyone else had given up on them and they figured they might as well just be asses. This is where Troy (Ethan Hawke) in “Reality Bites” comes in.
See, I know they have good hearts and I know they will (eventually) come through. Therefore I totally ignore rationalize whatever their actions and just look at the light at the end of the tunnel. I’d like to think that in my old age I now don’t do this, but on some level I think I still do. To be fair, I don’t think there is anything wrong with guys that are a little rough around the edges because normal is boring. I like laughs, I like off color jokes. I like that someone is an individual and not part of the herd. Maybe I’ve come a long way since my days of Gap flannels but does that mean that looking for the good in people has to go away too? I hope not. Until I figure it all out though, Troy Dyer (minus the cigs) is gonna have to keep me going.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Weekly Workout Train 5/1/10
Oh my goodness. Monday’s Monkey Bar was one for the books, or maybe that was just because I hadn’t done anything in so long. It’s kind of a blur, but let’s see if I can remember it:
Squats with arm raises
Skaters
Log jumps
Punches
Umpas
Burpees
Sounds simple so far right? Well we started with 30 seconds each exercise, 30 seconds rest. Then 40 seconds each exercise, 20 seconds rest. Then 50 seconds each exercise, 10 seconds rest. Then back through. Yeah, that’s a lot. To say that sweat was pouring down is probably an understatement but I’m at a loss for how to better describe the situation.
Tuesday was an interesting day. For Monkey Bar, we only did the baseline for sit ups and push ups (not my best day) then we did a jump rope workout. Let’s say jumping rope is not my favorite thing to do. We partnered up and it was two minutes on, two minutes off while you timed your partner. These were sprints and we had to do a total of 10 reps each. Then we cooled down with yoga. I’m telling you, jump rope is no joke and that was a hard one.
Level 2 that night saw me do warm up which came to be a bad idea. We had to be in a circle and everyone had to call out an exercise. There were a lot of people there that night. Then we did punch combinations and uppercuts. The thing is, you don’t just get an arm workout while you’re punching, but while you hold the focus mitts for your partner. My arms were toast by the end.
I wanted to run Wednesday but my knee was out of whack from the jump rope. Not wanting to completely wimp out, I did 30 minutes of pilates (mostly abs, buns and thighs). I’m not sure where the ab workout from this week came in, but they were burning about halfway through.
Thursday I got back in the groove of doing both level 2 and Monkey Bar. Level 2 was a little tough since we were doing a bunch of kicks and that hurt the knee a bit. Then we went in to uppercuts and combinations which means an arm workout when you are punching and when holding the focus mitts for others. To end there was a free for all with your partner (or in my case partners since we were a group of three) where your job as attacker was to punch the bag and their job was to keep you from doing so. Let’s just say there were moments I wanted to hit both of them;)
Monkey Bar was another pyramid that went like this:
Upright Rows with a Kettlebell
Snowboarders
Log jumps (just side to side, not over anything)
Standing Russian Twists with a Kettlebell
Umpas
Push ups (Burpees for others but since my knee isn’t so hot, I did these instead)
It was a pyramid like before with the sets being 30/30, 40/20, 50/10, 40/20, 30/30. Now, I have no arm strength what so ever so using a 18 lb. kettlebell is kind of outside my range of ability, or so I thought. I did all the sets with one. I’m not so sure how long my arms will last today, but that isn’t the point. It was intense, with a jump rope warm up and yoga cool down.
That was it for the workouts. Friday was a good dinner with good friends and Saturday I’m a good bridesmaid and trying on dresses. At least my arms should look good in them right?
Squats with arm raises
Skaters
Log jumps
Punches
Umpas
Burpees
Sounds simple so far right? Well we started with 30 seconds each exercise, 30 seconds rest. Then 40 seconds each exercise, 20 seconds rest. Then 50 seconds each exercise, 10 seconds rest. Then back through. Yeah, that’s a lot. To say that sweat was pouring down is probably an understatement but I’m at a loss for how to better describe the situation.
Tuesday was an interesting day. For Monkey Bar, we only did the baseline for sit ups and push ups (not my best day) then we did a jump rope workout. Let’s say jumping rope is not my favorite thing to do. We partnered up and it was two minutes on, two minutes off while you timed your partner. These were sprints and we had to do a total of 10 reps each. Then we cooled down with yoga. I’m telling you, jump rope is no joke and that was a hard one.
Level 2 that night saw me do warm up which came to be a bad idea. We had to be in a circle and everyone had to call out an exercise. There were a lot of people there that night. Then we did punch combinations and uppercuts. The thing is, you don’t just get an arm workout while you’re punching, but while you hold the focus mitts for your partner. My arms were toast by the end.
I wanted to run Wednesday but my knee was out of whack from the jump rope. Not wanting to completely wimp out, I did 30 minutes of pilates (mostly abs, buns and thighs). I’m not sure where the ab workout from this week came in, but they were burning about halfway through.
Thursday I got back in the groove of doing both level 2 and Monkey Bar. Level 2 was a little tough since we were doing a bunch of kicks and that hurt the knee a bit. Then we went in to uppercuts and combinations which means an arm workout when you are punching and when holding the focus mitts for others. To end there was a free for all with your partner (or in my case partners since we were a group of three) where your job as attacker was to punch the bag and their job was to keep you from doing so. Let’s just say there were moments I wanted to hit both of them;)
Monkey Bar was another pyramid that went like this:
Upright Rows with a Kettlebell
Snowboarders
Log jumps (just side to side, not over anything)
Standing Russian Twists with a Kettlebell
Umpas
Push ups (Burpees for others but since my knee isn’t so hot, I did these instead)
It was a pyramid like before with the sets being 30/30, 40/20, 50/10, 40/20, 30/30. Now, I have no arm strength what so ever so using a 18 lb. kettlebell is kind of outside my range of ability, or so I thought. I did all the sets with one. I’m not so sure how long my arms will last today, but that isn’t the point. It was intense, with a jump rope warm up and yoga cool down.
That was it for the workouts. Friday was a good dinner with good friends and Saturday I’m a good bridesmaid and trying on dresses. At least my arms should look good in them right?
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Dictionary Part 3
Awesome: while most use it as a positive term, many connotations (especially in this world) have it meaning the opposite. As in “Awesome that you’re already at the bar while I’m sitting here on my bum and watching Golden Girl reruns.” See the subtle difference?
Effort: that thing that’s apparently too hard for others to do and what I’m tired of being the only one to care about and give.
Epic: a word to describe a completely, unequivocally large situation that is most likely being over dramatized. Deal.
Hot Irish BrianTM : (just because I needed something happy in this entry). The standard for “real” guys. You know, since not everyone has a David Beckham at their disposal we come up with real life people to judge by. And yes, I know this is insane:)
Phone Throwing: a therapeutic activity done in an act of rage or emotional breaking that feels quite good and rather cathartic. Warning: said therapeutic endeavor should not be undertaken with a Blackberry.
Effort: that thing that’s apparently too hard for others to do and what I’m tired of being the only one to care about and give.
Epic: a word to describe a completely, unequivocally large situation that is most likely being over dramatized. Deal.
Hot Irish BrianTM : (just because I needed something happy in this entry). The standard for “real” guys. You know, since not everyone has a David Beckham at their disposal we come up with real life people to judge by. And yes, I know this is insane:)
Phone Throwing: a therapeutic activity done in an act of rage or emotional breaking that feels quite good and rather cathartic. Warning: said therapeutic endeavor should not be undertaken with a Blackberry.
Monday, April 26, 2010
My Five Rules
Back in the day I had these five rules for anyone that I could be interested in or date. They were:
1. A valid driver’s license. I refuse to be the one to drive someone else around because they could not control themselves with alcohol or so many road rage incidents that they are a danger to others on the road.
2. A job. I try not to be too particular about what that job is, but the guy must have one in order to even be considered. Go ahead, be a circus clown if that makes you happy and you can pay your bills. Who am I to judge on that aspect?
3. No penguins. By this I mean that he cannot physically look like a penguin. Sorry, I’m a bit superficial this way. Or maybe completely superficial. Whatever.
4. No penny loafers. You may laugh or joke, but this fashion trait is truly indicative of a deeper personality flaw. Ok, I guess if this was the last piece of the puzzle to a great guy I might be able to bend a little, but it would require them finding new shoes quickly and disposing of the offending pair.
5. Must love sports. I do not mean the general “sports are cool” attitude, but a deep appreciation for the fact that there will be days I will stay home and watch the game instead of doing other things. It is even better if he has some borderline obsession with a team/sport. I’d like him to be a stereotypical male in this respect.
I’m thinking I need to revise them a bit and lower my standards (I know, how much freaking lower can they get but really, it’s that damn difficult). I mean, I never thought that I’d have to add a rule since, well, five is a nice number, but who knew. I thought it was a nice, common practice to return e-mails/phone calls/text messages but apparently it’s ok to let them languish for days. Days! Then again, if EVERYONE is doing it, can I really make it a rule that if you don’t respond within a certain timeframe you’re done? Ugh. This whole thing just stinks. So, do I add a rule or go back to my tried and true five? Thoughts?
1. A valid driver’s license. I refuse to be the one to drive someone else around because they could not control themselves with alcohol or so many road rage incidents that they are a danger to others on the road.
2. A job. I try not to be too particular about what that job is, but the guy must have one in order to even be considered. Go ahead, be a circus clown if that makes you happy and you can pay your bills. Who am I to judge on that aspect?
3. No penguins. By this I mean that he cannot physically look like a penguin. Sorry, I’m a bit superficial this way. Or maybe completely superficial. Whatever.
4. No penny loafers. You may laugh or joke, but this fashion trait is truly indicative of a deeper personality flaw. Ok, I guess if this was the last piece of the puzzle to a great guy I might be able to bend a little, but it would require them finding new shoes quickly and disposing of the offending pair.
5. Must love sports. I do not mean the general “sports are cool” attitude, but a deep appreciation for the fact that there will be days I will stay home and watch the game instead of doing other things. It is even better if he has some borderline obsession with a team/sport. I’d like him to be a stereotypical male in this respect.
I’m thinking I need to revise them a bit and lower my standards (I know, how much freaking lower can they get but really, it’s that damn difficult). I mean, I never thought that I’d have to add a rule since, well, five is a nice number, but who knew. I thought it was a nice, common practice to return e-mails/phone calls/text messages but apparently it’s ok to let them languish for days. Days! Then again, if EVERYONE is doing it, can I really make it a rule that if you don’t respond within a certain timeframe you’re done? Ugh. This whole thing just stinks. So, do I add a rule or go back to my tried and true five? Thoughts?
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Weekly Workout Train 4/24
Monday’s Monkey Bar was three rounds of hell. Kinda like the nine circles of hell with Dante but not as much fun. It started with the Box workout which consisted of 20 squats, 20 lunges, 20 box jumps, 20 squat jumps and then one minute of rest and repeat. We did that four times in the time allotted. Then we moved on to the jump rope workout which was two minutes jump rope, 100 crunches, two minute jump rope, 100 push ups then two minutes of jump rope. That was only one set. The final set was the powerwheel workout with 10 roll outs, 20 knees to chest, 15 roll outs, 20 knees to chest, 20 roll outs, 20 knees to chest. Finished that four times as well. Just some light cardio there right? My legs were killing me after that.
Tuesday’s Monkey Bar was five around the world, 10 knees to chest (UGH!), 15 down-dog push ups, 20 Russian twists, 25 squats, 50 sit ups and then 100 jump rope revolutions. In 30 minutes I did that five times. So, that’s a total of 25 around the worlds, 50 more knees to chest (because really, 180 the day before wasn’t enough), 75 down dog push ups, 100 Russian twists, 125 squats, 250 sit ups and 500 jump rope revolutions. I should really stop counting these things because it makes me wonder what kind of masochist I really am.
Tuesday’s level 2 was a lot of kicks which went oh so well given the squats and all that from the two days before. For some reason I couldn’t move my legs properly to get enough momentum for my side kick. Oh well. Live and learn right?
Wednesday I decided to run since I am allegedly doing a 5k in May. Let’s say this was a pretty bad wog. I ended up doing 3.19 miles but my time was off and my legs felt like complete logs. They just wouldn’t move. At least I got out there though right?
Thursday I knew I’d only do one workout since, well, I stayed out way too late on Wednesday. My feeble attempt at level 2 was more than feeble. It was still kicks but my mind couldn’t tell my body to move. And even during warm up the three of us couldn’t figure out how to do our push ups and sit ups right. Everyone has an off day but this was pretty ridiculous.
And that ended my working out. Yeah, lame but I did try to move a futon on Sunday so that has to count for something right?
Tuesday’s Monkey Bar was five around the world, 10 knees to chest (UGH!), 15 down-dog push ups, 20 Russian twists, 25 squats, 50 sit ups and then 100 jump rope revolutions. In 30 minutes I did that five times. So, that’s a total of 25 around the worlds, 50 more knees to chest (because really, 180 the day before wasn’t enough), 75 down dog push ups, 100 Russian twists, 125 squats, 250 sit ups and 500 jump rope revolutions. I should really stop counting these things because it makes me wonder what kind of masochist I really am.
Tuesday’s level 2 was a lot of kicks which went oh so well given the squats and all that from the two days before. For some reason I couldn’t move my legs properly to get enough momentum for my side kick. Oh well. Live and learn right?
Wednesday I decided to run since I am allegedly doing a 5k in May. Let’s say this was a pretty bad wog. I ended up doing 3.19 miles but my time was off and my legs felt like complete logs. They just wouldn’t move. At least I got out there though right?
Thursday I knew I’d only do one workout since, well, I stayed out way too late on Wednesday. My feeble attempt at level 2 was more than feeble. It was still kicks but my mind couldn’t tell my body to move. And even during warm up the three of us couldn’t figure out how to do our push ups and sit ups right. Everyone has an off day but this was pretty ridiculous.
And that ended my working out. Yeah, lame but I did try to move a futon on Sunday so that has to count for something right?
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
8 a.m. and the iPod
As a general rule I try to not put my iPod on until after 8 a.m. at work. Normally this works out well since I get in at 7 and there really isn’t anyone else here. Somedays, however, that just won’t do. And by won’t do, I mean I feel a bloodcurdling scream stewing in my belly that just might come out if I’m forced one iota more in to noticing that I’m in this place and actually have to deal with insane people whether it is via e-mail or person. Or that I have a huge project I really don’t want to do and I need to get to it. It shouldn’t have to be said that today fell in to the latter category.
I don’t know what it is about the iPod that gives me a sense of control or sanity. Clearly it is an inanimate object that shouldn’t have any effect whatsoever. Then again, two songs from “Rocky IV” might be a good way to get pumped up for whatever I have to deal with today (and by today I should really say every day as each and every minute spent here is one that I’ll never get back and wonder why…).
A little secret? Sometimes during the day when others are here I have my headphones on even though the iPod isn’t. Every now and again it helps to keep people away from me. Silly and something that shouldn’t have to happen in an area with adults but I’m wondering if quote marks need to go around adults because I’m not always sure that they are…
So, I hope you have a much better day than this one is setting out to be. At least I can put my running mix on and pretend I’m outside.
I don’t know what it is about the iPod that gives me a sense of control or sanity. Clearly it is an inanimate object that shouldn’t have any effect whatsoever. Then again, two songs from “Rocky IV” might be a good way to get pumped up for whatever I have to deal with today (and by today I should really say every day as each and every minute spent here is one that I’ll never get back and wonder why…).
A little secret? Sometimes during the day when others are here I have my headphones on even though the iPod isn’t. Every now and again it helps to keep people away from me. Silly and something that shouldn’t have to happen in an area with adults but I’m wondering if quote marks need to go around adults because I’m not always sure that they are…
So, I hope you have a much better day than this one is setting out to be. At least I can put my running mix on and pretend I’m outside.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Snippets of My Weekend
While I knew that there were some parts of my weekend that were set in stone, there were some new things added that made it a lot of fun. Granted it wasn’t so good on the sleep side, but when is that ever what my life is like right?
Sunday was the baptism for my godson. Since there is no consistency in terms of religious preferences between the parents and godparents, this is more of a “stay in the kid’s life/honorary” type thing. I did however receive a certificate as his sponsor and that was cool. I’m still holding out for a fairy wand. What, I can’t be a fairy godmother? I mean, I totally could have used one in my day. I should probably Google that later to see if I can find one.(This picture is from suzykendall.com and would be a good look for me right;)
In an effort to get through my Blockbuster queue, I watched two movies (in my spare time) this weekend. The first was Boondock Saints II. Not what I wanted/expected and I had pretty low expectations going in to it. I know sequels are never as good as the first but still. There were cheesy moments that were almost painful to watch. They set it up so there can be a third one and I’m hoping that is a smidge better.
Next was Law Abiding Citizen. Yes, I’m a sucker for Gerard Butler. Again, I get the idea and where they wanted to go, I just don’t think it got there. Not as painful as the first, but still something I’m glad I didn’t spend my money on in the theater.
Oh, that other stuff I was talking about? That was fun but not a story for the blog:)
Sunday was the baptism for my godson. Since there is no consistency in terms of religious preferences between the parents and godparents, this is more of a “stay in the kid’s life/honorary” type thing. I did however receive a certificate as his sponsor and that was cool. I’m still holding out for a fairy wand. What, I can’t be a fairy godmother? I mean, I totally could have used one in my day. I should probably Google that later to see if I can find one.(This picture is from suzykendall.com and would be a good look for me right;)
In an effort to get through my Blockbuster queue, I watched two movies (in my spare time) this weekend. The first was Boondock Saints II. Not what I wanted/expected and I had pretty low expectations going in to it. I know sequels are never as good as the first but still. There were cheesy moments that were almost painful to watch. They set it up so there can be a third one and I’m hoping that is a smidge better.
Next was Law Abiding Citizen. Yes, I’m a sucker for Gerard Butler. Again, I get the idea and where they wanted to go, I just don’t think it got there. Not as painful as the first, but still something I’m glad I didn’t spend my money on in the theater.
Oh, that other stuff I was talking about? That was fun but not a story for the blog:)
Weekly Workout Train 4/17/10
A sunny Monday and a charley horse started the week and I’m not sure what kind of mixed omen that is. Once again, the masochism that is Monkey Bar Gym was the first workout on the agenda. I know I should be scared when the phrase “fun stuff” is listed under warm-up. I’m pretty sure Lisa has a completely different idea of that than I do. But as I’m a trooper or an idiot, I stayed. The warm-up wasn’t bad, but then it went downhill.
There were two portions of the workout: cardio and strength. For the cardio, we were to do the rotation four times and strength was three times. Here’s the breakdown:
Cardio
100 jump rope or jumping jacks
50 runners
10 Hindu pushups
25 wacky jacks
Strength
25 pushups
50 Russian twists
25 Squats
50 crunches
10 jump knees to chest
That’s a total of 400 jump ropes, 200 runners, 40 Hindu pushups, 100 wacky jacks, 75 pushups, 150 Russian twists, 75 squats, 150 crunches and 30 jump knees to chest. How bout them apples? The only problem was the killer charley horse in my leg that made it really hard to think about moving. That damn leg was shaking for a good three hours!
Tuesday’s Monkey Bar was the deck of cards workout with the exercises being lunges (left/right=1), leg lifts, pushups and situps. I’m still too exhausted to count how many of each we did for 45 minutes, but trust me when I say it was a lot. The upside? Depeche Mode was part of the cooldown music. Then for level 2 it was a review of front kicks followed by stabbing defense against a front kick and plucking defense against a front kick. My pluck needs some work. After that was groundwork with choke and a headlock. I can’t buck very well (odd, I know) and I’m not really sure of my ability if it was someone heavy on top of me but practice will make perfect. To end class we did what I’m terming a fight circle where one person is in the middle and everyone attacks them with level 1 stuff. At one point in my turn I had someone choking me from the front and back. Not really sure how to get out of that one. But I did escape the headlock using the defense Lukasz taught where you really aren’t caught at all. Good stuff.
Thursday I took a nap and only did Monkey Bar. We did what Ryan affectionately called MMA Championships. It was a minute each of the following (a total of 5 minutes) and then a minute rest.
• Pushups
• Sit ups with a reach (holding a tombstone pad and pushing it above your head)
• Tombstone jumps (jump over the pad)
• Tombstone n/s with 5 palm heel strikes
• Snowboarders
It sounds simple right? By the second round I wanted to die. Hard work out. Then there was the expected yoga but at least I got him to play Depeche Mode again.
I even went to Monkey Bar on Friday. Then again, not like I had a ton of other plans. It started with 15 minutes of Dodge Ball. Now, this wasn’t your fifth grade Dodge Ball. If you got hit, you had to do 10 jumping jacks. You hit someone in the head, hit the window or the ceiling, 10 pushups. And you didn’t stay on a side, you ran around. This was followed by some intense yoga that made me super dizzy.
Saturday was the typical level 2 and then level 1. Level 2 was a little more cardio than I necessarily want at 9 a.m. but still good. And all the mounting, choking and bucking is a way to get a few calories off. Level 1 was instructor’s choice and I did the warm up which is slightly unusual for me (see, I’m already warm from level 2 so why put myself through the torture right?). Then we did some kicks, some ground work and some twisting and flipping ground work. Oy.
I was told though that my shape is looking different since I got in to level 2 (or started Monkey Bar which were pretty simultaneous so who knows). I don’t see it but I guess others think I look more muscular. Good I guess.
There were two portions of the workout: cardio and strength. For the cardio, we were to do the rotation four times and strength was three times. Here’s the breakdown:
Cardio
100 jump rope or jumping jacks
50 runners
10 Hindu pushups
25 wacky jacks
Strength
25 pushups
50 Russian twists
25 Squats
50 crunches
10 jump knees to chest
That’s a total of 400 jump ropes, 200 runners, 40 Hindu pushups, 100 wacky jacks, 75 pushups, 150 Russian twists, 75 squats, 150 crunches and 30 jump knees to chest. How bout them apples? The only problem was the killer charley horse in my leg that made it really hard to think about moving. That damn leg was shaking for a good three hours!
Tuesday’s Monkey Bar was the deck of cards workout with the exercises being lunges (left/right=1), leg lifts, pushups and situps. I’m still too exhausted to count how many of each we did for 45 minutes, but trust me when I say it was a lot. The upside? Depeche Mode was part of the cooldown music. Then for level 2 it was a review of front kicks followed by stabbing defense against a front kick and plucking defense against a front kick. My pluck needs some work. After that was groundwork with choke and a headlock. I can’t buck very well (odd, I know) and I’m not really sure of my ability if it was someone heavy on top of me but practice will make perfect. To end class we did what I’m terming a fight circle where one person is in the middle and everyone attacks them with level 1 stuff. At one point in my turn I had someone choking me from the front and back. Not really sure how to get out of that one. But I did escape the headlock using the defense Lukasz taught where you really aren’t caught at all. Good stuff.
Thursday I took a nap and only did Monkey Bar. We did what Ryan affectionately called MMA Championships. It was a minute each of the following (a total of 5 minutes) and then a minute rest.
• Pushups
• Sit ups with a reach (holding a tombstone pad and pushing it above your head)
• Tombstone jumps (jump over the pad)
• Tombstone n/s with 5 palm heel strikes
• Snowboarders
It sounds simple right? By the second round I wanted to die. Hard work out. Then there was the expected yoga but at least I got him to play Depeche Mode again.
I even went to Monkey Bar on Friday. Then again, not like I had a ton of other plans. It started with 15 minutes of Dodge Ball. Now, this wasn’t your fifth grade Dodge Ball. If you got hit, you had to do 10 jumping jacks. You hit someone in the head, hit the window or the ceiling, 10 pushups. And you didn’t stay on a side, you ran around. This was followed by some intense yoga that made me super dizzy.
Saturday was the typical level 2 and then level 1. Level 2 was a little more cardio than I necessarily want at 9 a.m. but still good. And all the mounting, choking and bucking is a way to get a few calories off. Level 1 was instructor’s choice and I did the warm up which is slightly unusual for me (see, I’m already warm from level 2 so why put myself through the torture right?). Then we did some kicks, some ground work and some twisting and flipping ground work. Oy.
I was told though that my shape is looking different since I got in to level 2 (or started Monkey Bar which were pretty simultaneous so who knows). I don’t see it but I guess others think I look more muscular. Good I guess.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
What I Want Wednesday 4/14/10
Although I have no space in my place, I’ve wanted a treadmill for the last six years. I do love the jogging and having it in the comfort of my home is a bonus (do you hear the sighs as I wistfully remember having one at one point????). Anyway, even though it isn’t a viable option right now, I am loving this model.
The Proform 590T (on sale for $599 regularly $999) is one of those that I’d love to have NOW(but let’s be real, I’ll take just about ANY treadmill right now but I’ll covet an expensive one at the moment). As http://www.proform.com/ tells me:
“The ProForm 590T, part of the ProForm Tech Series, is designed to deliver the ultimate workout. Featuring a built-in sound system, workouts created by Certified Personal Trainers and performance-driven cushioning, this treadmill combines innovative technology for powerful results. Stay motivated with the Compatible Music Port for iPod® and the unbeatable sound quality of Intermix Acoustics™ 2.0. And while you're moving to the beat of your favorite tunes, get fit with iFit® Workout Card Technology. Each card automatically adjusts your speed and incline while the voice of a personal trainer coaches you through your workout. And if you need something fast, easy and to the point, try one of the 12 Quick™ Calorie-Burn Workouts. Quickly select the amount of calories you want to burn and the treadmill does the rest! The 590T also features ProTech™ Cushioning, a 2.25 CHP Mach Z™ Motor and Quick™ incline and speed controls.”
And the Web site’s picture makes it look pretty too right?
The Proform 590T (on sale for $599 regularly $999) is one of those that I’d love to have NOW(but let’s be real, I’ll take just about ANY treadmill right now but I’ll covet an expensive one at the moment). As http://www.proform.com/ tells me:
“The ProForm 590T, part of the ProForm Tech Series, is designed to deliver the ultimate workout. Featuring a built-in sound system, workouts created by Certified Personal Trainers and performance-driven cushioning, this treadmill combines innovative technology for powerful results. Stay motivated with the Compatible Music Port for iPod® and the unbeatable sound quality of Intermix Acoustics™ 2.0. And while you're moving to the beat of your favorite tunes, get fit with iFit® Workout Card Technology. Each card automatically adjusts your speed and incline while the voice of a personal trainer coaches you through your workout. And if you need something fast, easy and to the point, try one of the 12 Quick™ Calorie-Burn Workouts. Quickly select the amount of calories you want to burn and the treadmill does the rest! The 590T also features ProTech™ Cushioning, a 2.25 CHP Mach Z™ Motor and Quick™ incline and speed controls.”
And the Web site’s picture makes it look pretty too right?
(All info on the machine and photo from proform.com)
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Dictionary Part 2
Approved friends list: the people that are acceptable to be around.
Boy: generic term for the male in my life that makes me want to pull my hair out. Sometimes they have “men” tendencies, others they are just still waiting for Gepetto to make them real.
Conpuzzled: a combination of confused and puzzled. When one just isn’t enough, use both. Pretty much the constant state of my life.
Marbles: synonym for brain but what I do not possess anymore
Moron: term of endearment for those in my life (seriously)
Boy: generic term for the male in my life that makes me want to pull my hair out. Sometimes they have “men” tendencies, others they are just still waiting for Gepetto to make them real.
Conpuzzled: a combination of confused and puzzled. When one just isn’t enough, use both. Pretty much the constant state of my life.
Marbles: synonym for brain but what I do not possess anymore
Moron: term of endearment for those in my life (seriously)
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Weekly Workout Train 4/11/10
Per usual, I was a masochist and started the week with Monkey Bar. I can’t tell you exactly what we did, but it did involve sprints outside. And some yoga. And some “do this for one minute” exercises. And there were abs. All in all, I was pouring sweat and as that’s the point, score one for a good workout. After that I decided I had at least a little more in me so I thought I’d go for a run. Well, the best laid plans pave the road to hell and it was more of a “wog” (walk/jog) for 2.30 miles. Not overly shabby. The upside? I’m down one pound. Yes, one measly pound but as I’ve reconfigured my goal weight I’ll take it.
Tuesday sucked. I know that isn’t really a positive statement but it’s true. In Monkey Bar we did 45 minutes of the following exercises trying to get to Power Level for as many as we could:
• Jump rope
• Powerwheel laps (yes, this requires you to strap it on your feet and walk on your hands with abs engaged to get moving. Not easy.)
• Box hops
• Push ups
• Sit ups
• Bear crawls
For the record, I can’t do powerwheel laps to save my butt and it was pretty hysterical. I ended up being a trooper and doing 4 which was the first stability level. I hit Power Level for jump rope (1000 revolutions), sit ups (100 weighted), box hops (100) and bear crawls (10 lengths). I did 50 push ups (25 the “right way” and 25 on my knees) but at least that was Stability level 1. Whew.
Krav was not so much fun. The warm up was one of Dante’s circles of hell with all level 1 self defenses in a free for all and then a circle where we had to do burpees if we weren’t attacking. That lasted half an hour. It is a lot more intense than you might think. After that, our arms were worked with bobbing and weaving with hooks. Then came the fun ground work with more bucking. Let’s just say my escape from a choke while mounted needs some work.
On Wednesday I had every intention of working out. Except that every ounce of my legs hurt and my ribs felt broken. Yeah, chalk that last one up to powerwheel lengths.
Thursday is normally a dual day but after about 10 minutes of level 2, it was apparent that there was no way I could handle the 160 squats Monkey Bar would be calling for. Level 2 would have been a little more ok if it wasn’t for the running and mountain climbers during warm up. Yes, that was *part* of the warm up. It felt really good to hit a heavy bag during class though as we had a group of three for hooks. Then it was on to ground work that includes a bit of mounting. No trap and roll this time, but a much better experience than shrimping.
Saturday saw the double of level 2 and level 1. We realized that the reason we’re having issues with our hooks is the gloves are so stinking big. But, our covering defenses are getting better. Granted I’ll always go for an extended defense first, but at least I know both. I’m not sure why I continue to do a class at 9 a.m. when I know that I have no morning motivation, but perhaps I’ll fix that later. The groundwork wasn’t as bad so maybe we’re making progress. Level 1 was a return to straight punches (can one ever do too many of those?) and kicks. For some reason I couldn’t kick with my left foot. Strange that there isn’t ability there anymore but hopefully just a fluke.
All in all, not the best week, not the worst week. I’ve also incorporated tracking on http://www.livestrong.com/ to try and help figure out the calories in/calories out and see what my nutrient goals are. I’m still just down that one measly pound but I guess it is better than nothing right?
Tuesday sucked. I know that isn’t really a positive statement but it’s true. In Monkey Bar we did 45 minutes of the following exercises trying to get to Power Level for as many as we could:
• Jump rope
• Powerwheel laps (yes, this requires you to strap it on your feet and walk on your hands with abs engaged to get moving. Not easy.)
• Box hops
• Push ups
• Sit ups
• Bear crawls
For the record, I can’t do powerwheel laps to save my butt and it was pretty hysterical. I ended up being a trooper and doing 4 which was the first stability level. I hit Power Level for jump rope (1000 revolutions), sit ups (100 weighted), box hops (100) and bear crawls (10 lengths). I did 50 push ups (25 the “right way” and 25 on my knees) but at least that was Stability level 1. Whew.
Krav was not so much fun. The warm up was one of Dante’s circles of hell with all level 1 self defenses in a free for all and then a circle where we had to do burpees if we weren’t attacking. That lasted half an hour. It is a lot more intense than you might think. After that, our arms were worked with bobbing and weaving with hooks. Then came the fun ground work with more bucking. Let’s just say my escape from a choke while mounted needs some work.
On Wednesday I had every intention of working out. Except that every ounce of my legs hurt and my ribs felt broken. Yeah, chalk that last one up to powerwheel lengths.
Thursday is normally a dual day but after about 10 minutes of level 2, it was apparent that there was no way I could handle the 160 squats Monkey Bar would be calling for. Level 2 would have been a little more ok if it wasn’t for the running and mountain climbers during warm up. Yes, that was *part* of the warm up. It felt really good to hit a heavy bag during class though as we had a group of three for hooks. Then it was on to ground work that includes a bit of mounting. No trap and roll this time, but a much better experience than shrimping.
Saturday saw the double of level 2 and level 1. We realized that the reason we’re having issues with our hooks is the gloves are so stinking big. But, our covering defenses are getting better. Granted I’ll always go for an extended defense first, but at least I know both. I’m not sure why I continue to do a class at 9 a.m. when I know that I have no morning motivation, but perhaps I’ll fix that later. The groundwork wasn’t as bad so maybe we’re making progress. Level 1 was a return to straight punches (can one ever do too many of those?) and kicks. For some reason I couldn’t kick with my left foot. Strange that there isn’t ability there anymore but hopefully just a fluke.
All in all, not the best week, not the worst week. I’ve also incorporated tracking on http://www.livestrong.com/ to try and help figure out the calories in/calories out and see what my nutrient goals are. I’m still just down that one measly pound but I guess it is better than nothing right?