Whose Bright Idea WAS This, Anyway?

I'm posting this tonight because I might not be able to get out of bed in the morning.

I just did almost all of BodyRev Bootcamp.

I know, I know, what the heck was I thinking? I think I was thinking "oh, this isn't so bad, I can do a few more minutes..." Except for about 20 minutes into it, after the second set of pushups, when I went F-this...and forwarded through about 10 minutes of cover drills & kicks/blocks to get to the abs section. Those were okay. Is it my imagination, though, or does he do a heck of a lot more reps in Bootcamp than the Essential Abs? (I've only done through E. Abs Intermediate).

After Abs I went ahead and did the rest. Only at maybe half the speed that Alden does. And I could not do that last set of cover drills. When I heard myself whimper at his announcement of one more set of cover drills, I new I'd done enough. Did the cool down and here I am in my PJs on the sofa. My BodyRev still in the middle of the living room floor. It can stay there. LOL. I'm not about to pick it up.

My arms and legs are all quivery. My back, shoulders, and abs, too, now that I'm inventorying. (Is that even a word?) I think lack of blood to the brain (or the rush of blood to the brain) combined with not enough oxygen is making me giddy. Feels like all my muscle groups are sending out messages to each other going "What the h@## was that?????????". Kinda like we all did here a few years back when that 5.6 earthquake hit. Burned up the phones lines calling everyone going "What the h@## was that???? Was that an earthquake?" Except all my body can get out is "What the h@## was that????"

It does feel good in a sick, demented, kind of way. It's those darn endorphins speaking, I tell you. But really. It does feel good to actually do something, and not just sit around eating all day. To set a goal, meet it, even exceed it somewhat!

So here's to staying Fired Up! If I can make it to the kitchen, I might just toast myself with a small glass of Egg Nog. :)

I vs I

Sitrep: Embarassed to write this - nothing for the last 2 weeks. [hanging head]

Today's Goal: 15 minutes of Bootcamp

Christmas this year was most excellent (as Bill & Ted would say.) Woke up at 2am, unable to sleep. And not in any Xmas morning excitement kinda way, either. In a too-much-Clar.itin kinda way. sigh. I loaded up the car and headed over to my little sister's at 6 am. She wanted me there at 6:30 but originally I said no, but I'd do 8am. Then we haggled a bit and settled on 7:30. I texted her at 6am to let her know I was on the way. Naturally, they were all awake and waiting impatiently for me.

The morning passed in a frenzy of glittery paper and bows and boxes and squeals of delight. Some presents were even kissed. Not the giver...the gift got kissed. LOL. It wasn't me, and it wasn't a book...It was, however, a gift I gave. ;) Instead of a big dinner, we made a big breakfast. Eggs, homemade biscuits, gravy, sausage, bacon...Oh, what a delight. Even better, we didn't cook or eat until after the presents were all opened. Whoo-yah. Now we're talking. I always hated opening our stockings, then having breakfast and then opening our presents. For pity's sake....A girl can only take so much!

I got tons of cool stuff. Even GIRL STUFF. Yes, it merits capital letters. [g] Eyeshadow, nail polish...Of course, Michelle whispered in an aside to me "we'll show you how to use it." Heehee. Now I need to stop eating my nails. Got "Metro Girl" by Janet Evanovich. I lied to my little sister. She was so happy to have found it, although I've already read it. When she asked if I had, I said "Nope." Sorta true...I listened to it on audiobook so I haven't actually read it. But it's been her first attempt to pay attention to what I like and go pick out the present herself. Got my "wicked" good slippers (putting them to good use.) And some great PJ's. The best part about this Xmas was all the stuff I got was stuff I needed and can use.

One surprise gift I got was the DVD of "The Secret". Based on the popular book. Or it seems a popular book. Shanni's older sister carries it with her everywhere; it's her "bible". So. Not having read the book, I was clueless. Got home around noon, made the return call to my parents, and then popped the movie in. It was interesting. Nothing new to my ears (maybe I watch too much Discovery Channel and History Channel.) Reminds me of a lot of Eastern Philosophy, Chi, etc. But it's a good message.

Especially if Shanni's older sister actually follows through and does this. Focus on the positive, etc. But if you ask me, that girl just needs a swift kick in the butt and nobody willing to bail her out. ;) But back to "The Secret"; I'm a bit of a skeptic, had to roll my eyes at some parts, the background a bit distracting (especially that darn floating key - I kept wanting to click on it....too much video gaming, maybe?!?) , the lettering extremely hard to read. Of course, that last could be my eyes and my smallish TV set. I've been pricing HDTVs but just can't make myself spend that much.

One thing that stuck with me was a comment one of the "experts" (not sure what they are called. Holders of the Secret???) made. It basically went like this: There's being informed and then there's being inundated. Huh. Kinda what I do to myself, I think. Which is probably why I had that huge rant the other day all sparked by wanting some Clarit.in-D.

I have a tendency to get inundated very easily...especially when it comes to politics and current events, etc. But even in everyday life. It's why I like it out here so much, and why city living is just not for me. I loved visiting my brother & sil in TN, but was so glad to get off the plane here in MT. I can't remember ever feeling such relief upon arriving home. [It could also have been because of the delays and missed connections and hostile airline staff.]

Anyway. I'm working on my "shields" but it's imperfect at best. And when I'm tired or sick...My brain gets to a point I can't process anything on it's own, but everything all at once. It's overwhelming. So I just need to learn the point between being informed and being inundated. And learn when to turn everything OFF. The TV does not need to be on all the time. Try some music instead, Nat. ;)

PS - I beat the "Changing Brains" chapter in the "Nightmare Before Christmas" game. Hah. It only took me a solid 2 hours on the 24th. But I did it. Once. Got a nightmare rank of "C". Haven't tried it again. The only time you can get the brain into the Doctor's head is to throw it right before the darn bolts of electricity fire. Just make sure you have a life left. Or you die before the brain goes in. Stupid game. ;( Beat the next chapter multiple times that night too. It was an easy one! :) I also figured out if I went to town and stocked up on "life" and "firebombs", etc, then saved the game before attempting the brain changing part, I could just exit the game when I died instead of choosing "continue". Then I'd reload the saved game. Didn't loose money or "life" that way. Hah. :)

When Commercials Are True to Life

Or should that be the other way around?

So this weekend I finally felt well enough (note use of well vs good - hope I got it right my BB friends!) to move around and do stuff. Yesterday I pretty much gamed all day - played "Nightmare Before Christmas: Oogie's Revenge" on my new used PS2. Took a break to go grocery shopping (desperately needed!) and to dust the living room. Did that because the layer of dust on the TV was making it harder to kill the "bad guys".

You know that commercial that shows the adult playing the leapster handheld electronic game with the boy? And she's all excited about the level she's on and he's higher? Well, that's me and my nephew. Really. See, I tested the game at their house when I bought it, since it was used. He really liked it, so we played it several times. The last time we played for several hours, and my oldest niece played as well. I joked that I needed them (especially my nephew) to run through the game for me first so I could see how to beat the bad guys. Well, it might have been a joke when I said it, but it's now the truth. LOL. I've made it all the way to the level after the last one my nephew beat. And I keep dying. Darn it.

It's not my fault. OK, it is my fault. But you have to get behind the doctor (who is in a chair that keeps swiveling), pull open his head, get in front of him, grab his brain off the table and toss it in...TWICE. Because there are 2 halves to the brain. All while dodging machine guns, swirling propellers and bolts of electricity. All three of which alternate. Oh, and before his head closes again.

But at least it lets you retry the chapters. So I focused on that...in my own lovely OCD way I've redone all of the first 6 chapters until I scored an "A" for nightmare level on each one. (And earned the figurines, than you very much). :)

Now I've just gotta figure out how to beat this next chapter. Which I will probably then have to play over and over again until I score an "A". All night I dreamt of of people with green bars and red exclamation points over their heads. And they were all running around malls and stores Xmas shopping. (This comes from spending all day Saturday shopping with my little and her family. A fun day, surprisingly, but still a day of shopping right before Xmas!) Sigh. I really need to learn not to be so obsessive when I get new stuff!

I did earn enough "souls" replaying each chapter to level up both my "Soul Robber" and the fire bombs to level 3. Pretty impressive stuff. ;)

So now I need to figure out how to get my nephew out here to show me how to beat this game. [g] Sad, so sad, that I need my 7 year old nephew to beat a lousy game...

Keep Breathing

Sitrep: Still sitting at Zero. Unless watching the BootCamp DVD counts? Didn't think so.

I did manage to watch the entire 60 minutes of Bootcamp. I think I stand a good chance of making it fifteen minutes. Much farther than that I don't know. So I'm aiming for at least 15 minutes, and if I feel up to it, going further. You'd think by now I'd be able to do 30 minutes. Although it was slightly alarming to see Alden breaking out into such a sweat. Hmmm. I'm starting to think this might be bad. So I'll just not think about it.

Got the giggles listening to him say "All we have to do is kick a door in." Oh, really. Is that all we have to do? I'm more likely to knock myself over with those kicks than kick a door in. But okay. I'm game. I'm just going to have everything moved out of the way, including the dog. I'll lock her in the other room for the duration for her own safety. :-0

I did like where he said "Keep breathing." Sadly enough, that's something I need to remind myself to do while exercising. Sheesh. You'd think exercising alone is hard enough. Why make it more difficult on myself by not breathing? Need to print out a large red-letter sign to hang above my desk that says that, so when I get thrown under the bus or things go wrong, I can calm myself down. The "No whining" sign worked when I had it over my desk. Sure I got some strange looks but it was effective. Cut down on other people coming into my cubby complaining. That was an unintentional side benefit!

And now for those of you that don't like it when I get all political or stuff like that, you can stop reading now. ;) Because I'm about to get political.

I decided to keep taking the generic Clar.itin.-D. Took it while at my brothers (5 cats, 4 dogs, 'nuff said!) and felt fabulous. I've been back less than a week and had raging sinus pain every flippin' day. So today I went to get some more. Only pharmacy that doesn't keep a computer log of transactions involving pseudo.ephe.drine is KMart so I go there. But because of our wonderful, insightful, intelligent legislators, I can only buy one box at a time of the 24 hour dose. It's $8.94 and only has ten pills. When I asked if I could buy more than one box, she says to me "This is the 24 hour dose." Like that freakin' matters when I'm taking it daily for the next umpteen years of my life? Hel-loooooo! I'd like to not have to go to the pharmacy every ten days. It's ridiculous. If I go to the doctor (there's another $100) and get a prescription, they can do it that way and maybe give me a 30 day supply. Except then they want to run it through as a prescription which means submitting to my insurance (like they'll pay for an over the counter med. Please). As long as I get generic OTC pricing. Unless they do approve it under my insurance benefits and I can get a 30 day supply for $10 like I used to. But to do this I need to go to the doctor. Which means time off work and more money. Geez Louise. Keep Breathing, Nat.

So I've decided to start writing to all my state legislators, whether they are in my district or not, in my city, or not. Because I am sick and tired of having to jump through hoops and being treated like I'm a criminal or going to commit a criminal act, when all I want to do is buy my freakin' allergy meds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'll probably end up on some state drug trafficker or DEA list. So if I disappear, the government has me. They're at the root of all evil, right? ;)

Okay, that's probably stretching it. But really. Where did common sense go? I used to think some of the people in power, in particular at the state and local levels, were in it for the people. That there was some idealism left in the world of politics. I can't seem to find it anymore. It seems like everyone is just out for themselves and what's politically expedient for them. Drives me crazy. Maybe it was always like that and I'm just getting cranky as I "age". Although at 34, that's awafully early, isn't it? I guess my rose-colored glasses broke. I'm just so frustrated by the state of affairs, and how utterly impossible it seems to get something done. I understand the reason behind the move to restrict access to Pseudoeph.edrine. Yet why make it so impossibly difficult to access for legal reasons? Meth users are still going to buy their meth. The meth makers are still going to make their meth. All it's doing is making people like me - who need the legitimate OTC meds - have nothing but problems getting the stuff, or worse yet, make us decide to just suffer and not buy it at all.

I know, it sounds stupid to get all worked up over Sudaf.ed. It's little. Maybe that's why it gets me all worked up. It's the little things, the little injustices of the world that push me over the edges. Somehow I can deal with the big stuff. Like the non-response of the world to what's going on in Darfur and other places. Oh, we're real big on "Never Again" but it's all talk. When push comes to shove we hem and haw and nothing gets done and we say "Never Again" solemnly on days of remembrance and then go home to our plush homes filled with Christmas trees and thousands of dollars of useless stuff we'll probably use once and throw away.

And it's not like we get a chance to change anything or make a difference. In this day and age of "information" and "access" to whatever info we want, it seems like we get less and less actual info. What's up with that? The "press" in it's infinite wisdom, dictates to us the news we get about the current presidential elections. How many candidates are actually running for each party nomination? Yet we only hear about a few of them. Take Obama and Clinton, for example. Frankly, I care for neither of them. Him, because I don't get what's the big deal about him? I can't seem to get a handle on that...other than he's young and less time in office than some candidates. Does that make him less corrrupted? I don't know. And Clinton. Well. She's just part of the same old guard that's in WA. No better or worse I suppose than the next. Frankly, I don't care if she's "personable" or "warm". Who the hell cares? I'm not electing the president to be my best friend!!!! Yes, I want them to be able to talk to other people, to be able to really listen, to think. to listen to opposing viewpoints and give them credibility if they are due it. What the hell does that have to do with being "warm". Give me a break! I don't know. It seems like the more info we get or have access too, the less any of it is substantial, the less we pay attention. And maybe it isn't really more info. Maybe it's actually less just thrown at us at umpteen different decibel levels with different colors flashing at us and different voices spewing out over the airwaves and spilling over the pages until our eyes and brains can't focus anymore and we hit the first "yes" or "no" or "off" button we come across. Regardless of the consequences.

Well. I think I need to breathe. Where'd all this come from? All I wanted was a month's supply of Claritin-D!

Don't Pi$$ in MY wheaties...

Damn It. And I was having such a good day too. I absolutely positively hate when someone throws ME under the bus because someone ELSE is throwing a fit about something that is entirely THEIR fault. I also hate veiled threats. Both of which I've gotten about a situation out of my control. That I had nothing to do with. That took place while I was on vacation, for Pete's Sake! Both are organizations I do business with; one is a regulating organization. They did the veiled threat bit. The other is one we franchise some classes with. They're the ones that threw me under the bus. Even though it was their policy we enforced. I'm thinking learning to kick in the door with the Bootcamp DVD is looking more promising by the minute. Oooooh, I hate it when I can't do anything in situations like this except sit here and take it. Bastards.

Okay. Rant over. Positive note - I can channel this energy into a good workout, right?

I am Superwoman

Not.

So I was going to workout last night. But by the time I left work yesterday, I had a raging sinus headache. Got home, took some meds, crashed with the heating pad for about 40 minutes, and then raced to meet my little sister & her family so we could split up and attend both of the girls' concerts last night. Yep. The high school and middle school scheduled their choir concerts the same night in two different locations. Sigh. I'd promised KT I'd go to hers before we knew about Shanni's...Shanni was very sweet about letting me keep my promise to KT. And I'm glad I did as it looked for awhile like I was the only one going. Poor kid. Why is it that we try so much harder to make it to events for younger kids than for teens? Is it because we think they'll understand better?

Anyway. Three of us went to one, three to the other. When KT saw us in the "crowd" she lit up. I haven't seen her look that happy in a long time. She was beaming and looked fabulous up there singing and enjoying herself. Her choir ended after 20 minutes, so her stepdad and I split (after trying to find her in the crowd and not being able to) to see how much we could hear of Shanni's. Hers started 30 minutes after her sister's. We got there halfway through the first song. Toward the end, when they stood back up to do the final songs with the other grades, Shanni saw me and I could see her go "Ohhhh!" It was funny. Then a tall girl stood in front of her. LOL.

Then I went home and was in bed asleep by 8:30pm. I hate sinus issues. I'd try the sinus rinse Cranky Otter recommends if it hadn't been so...entertaining...the first time. ;)

So I got up extra early to work on the next Xmas project that I'd oringally planned to do last night. Now that I have one, I just had to use the sewing machine in a project. Pretty much went like this:

1. Ran out of thread.
2. Switched to another color, it started snagging.
3. The bobbin ran out.
4. I stitched a crooked line and had to take them out by hand.
5. Snagged again.
6. And again.
7. And again.
8. The needle broke.

OMG. I threw it aside and got ready for work. LOL. It's a good thing my coworker found a bottle of Coff.ee Mates Pumpkin Spice creamer while she was shopping last night and got me a bottle. Three cups (and a major case of let's-clean-my-office-'cause-it's-grungy) I'm finally sitting down for longer than 3 seconds. Too much caffeine perhaps? I should have brought my PPU to work today.

Someone please stop me. I am not Superwoman!

Shifting Gears

Sitrep: Zero. Zip. Zilch.

In my defense, I was traveling a good part of Sunday & didn't get my BodyRev & Perfect Pushup back until yesterday when my suitcase made it back to town. Last night was all about unpacking, and finishing my SILs Xmas present. I know, I know, I'm making excuses...I definitely could have and should have done either abs or a set of PPU. Tonight.

I was talking on the phone with Janet W last night, and had the most astonishing revelation. So astonishing I didn't realize it until this morning. [g] Gotta be the 2-days travel followed by diving into things at work. Man, I hate going back to work after a vacation. Especially this one. I really had such a good time, and didn't realize how much I would miss my SIL, brother, and the kids. It was kind of a let-down not being with them the last few days!

But on to my "revelation". JanetW asked if I was looking better what with all the exercise I've been doing lately. And I said no, but that's okay, I'm still down the 20 pounds, and still down the 2 pant sizes that I lost during the first year of using the BodyRev. But I'm okay with that. And it's true. It doesn't bug me that I'm not losing more weight, etc. Because I feel so much better when I work out. It's just so weird. :) Even when I do the pushups, and that is so not something I ever thought I'd "hear" myself say. And that's really how I feel. Oh, sure, I want to lose another 20 pounds and really tone so I can look hot in a swimsuit...But I'm okay with feeling better and healthier and having energy, etc. It's all in the attitude, anyway. And I'm sure I'll need reminding of that along the way. :) I'm bound to have "I'm so fat" days in the future. It happens to everyone!

It's just such a good feeling to have energy and motivation to do stuff. :) So on with the BodyRev and Pefect Pushup and yes, even Bootcamp!!!! (Although I'm thinking Saturday might be the day to start that, so I don't have to go to work in agony.) Anyone want to take bets on how much of Bootcamp I'll be able to do my first time out? I'm aiming for 10 minutes before collapsing...

Finally Home

Sitrep for Last Week: 1x Abs, 1x PPU
Goals (12/17-12/23): 2x Abs, 1x Bootcamp (as much as I can do before dying), 2x PPU. Of course, this only works if my suitcase makes it to town - both the BodyRev & PPU are in there.

Okay. So last week was lousy for exercising. Unless it was playing games on the Wii. Some activity at least.

But I'm home. Only took 2 days and another overnight stay. My luggage should get here some time today. I hope.

Went to the doctor this morning for the "thing" on my neck. It's some type of bug bite that got infected because I wouldn't stop scratching it. NOT a brown recluse bite or lyme disease, in spite of the bull's eye look to it. Doc just rolled her eyes at me, told me to stop scratching it like a child. ;)

Gotta get caught up at work.

"What kind of father ARE you?"

Sitrep: 3x Cardio, 3x PPU (Max 0)

"The kind that doesn't give his daugher $30 to eat lunch at Taco Bell." OMG. I had to leave the room over that one. Can we say my oldest niece is a firecracker? This is an actual quote from her and my brother. Just one from the last week. All of us are wise acres. Including the kids. ;)

Yesterday we went to McKay. A used books, music & video warehouse. OMG. Talk about fun. I scored big time. TWO of Suz' books. An original edition of Taylor's Temptation and an original edition of Undercover Princess. I already have the first one, but have never read the second one. For only 50 cents each! Whoo-hoo. I also got a couple of Catherine Mann's Wingmen Warriors that I haven't read. And the latest J.D. Robb on unabridged audio CD for 50% less than cover price.

Then we just hung out the rest of the day, reading, doing crossword puzzles. My nieces are really getting into doing them. We spent an hour this morning working on one. I have them using the dictionary to look up meanings and get hints. They are doing really good. I also have my SIL hooked on crosswords now. LOL. We spent a good part of yesterday doing them....both of us feeling stupid when we get the obvious, easy ones wrong!!

Last night was TV night, where after the kids cleaned their rooms we all sat down and watched Christmas movies together. Everyone but the oldest niece, M, and I fell asleep. Then after everyone went upstairs to bed, I sat with her in her room and we just talked. It was fun. I liked having that one on one time with her. It was a little disconcerting though as I kept getting these images of her as a toddler/preschooler. The last time I spent several days just with her. She's almost 11 now. It was just weird.

We planned to play outside today but it is all rainy/misty out. Yuck. So we are stuck indoors. This morning the girls helped me do my final workout of the week. Heh. They are almost as hard task masters as Alden! They all think the BodyRev is cool, and "joined" me while I did the 15 minute Cardio workout. Then both girls tried out the Pefect Pushup. How pathetic do I feel when my 8 year old niece cranks out 10 regular PPU's in a row? Sheesh. But hey. She has less weight to push up and hold up!

So this marks the first time in well over a month that I have actually MET MY WEEKLY GOAL. Whoo-Yah! Now that is something to get FIRED UP about. And tomorrow is family game day and we're going to play the Wii. Bowling, tennis, whatever. :) I'm having a really great time!

This Trip is Getting Expensive

Sitrep: 2x Cardio, 2x PPU (10 reg, 10 wide, 10 close)
These Perfect Pushups are getting easier. :) I mean, they're still pushups, but I'm getting the hang of 'em and actually able to have "good" form. Helps to have my SIL to "spot" me.

Yesterday I bought a Playstation 2. And 3 games. And microphones. LOL. I've been wanting one for a while; was thinking about getting the Wii. But after playing Sing Star two nights in a row, I decided I was definitely getting one. Since Brian is a manger in a gaming store, he was able to help me put together a good used system. Got it all used, including the microphones (they were returned, never used!!!). Got Sing Star Rock and 80's. :) I was going to have my SIL blog for me yesterday because apparently while singing with the kids on Monday evening I was rocking out pretty good and amusing the heck out of her and my brother. [g] But we went out to lunch at Olive Garden (oh, the joy! Nearest one in my neck of the woods is a 4 hour drive!)

Then we came home and I played one of my new games: Nightmare Before Christmas, Oogie's Revenge. Brian thinks I was having way too much fun slamming those ghosts to the ground. Slam! Slam!

He rented a new game and tried it out last night. Time Crisis 4. OMG. He's good. And when he saw all the weapons he gets to use...I thought he was going to pee himself when he saw the machine gun. And when he got the grenade launcher...He had a BLAST. My SIL even tried it. It has an actual "gun" you calibrate and aim at screen. I declined to try it as I've spent enough money already. :) Went to the mall Tuesday and my SIL helped me find some great pants (on sale!) and a top at Dillard's.

So I am having a lot of fun! And I've managed to exercise twice this week. Whoo-hoo!

The FUN has begun!

Sitrep (last week): 2x Cardio, 2x Arms, 1 set Regular & 1/2 Set Wide PPU
Goal (12/3-9): 3x Cardio, 3x PPU (1 set ea Regular, Wide & Close each time)
So far: 1x Cardio, 1x PPU Regular & Wide, 1/2 Close

I'm at my brother's, finally, and am having a blast! It's so great to see everyone again. I'm not sure who's more excited or having more fun. Sunday is usually their family day, where they eat out or order in, and play games. I think I'm going to have to get a Playstation. LOL. We played a new game called Buzz. It was a blast. The girls, K & M, each wanted to be on my team, so we played twice, switching teams. K & I did okay...we were leading for awhile, until their Mom totally kicked all our butts. Brian & N (my nephew) teamed up and held their own. They came in second. When M & I teamed up, we wiped the floor with the others. ;)

Then we played Sing Star. Now that is tons of fun. [g] Even I got up there and sang...did pretty decently too until my niece tricked me into singing "S.O.S" with her...I've never head the song before...Can we just say it was excruciating? Love how it tells you when you've hit a bad note. LOL. Like I couldn't tell by the pained expressions on everyone's faces. But it was a lot of fun. Oh, this is going to be bad for me. A new addiction, a new toy...

Today so far I've spent a couple of hours chatting with my sister in law. Brian's at work, and the kids are at school. It's just us and the critters...4 dogs, 5 cats...I did 1 cardio workout, and then the Perfect Pushup. Did a lot more than last time. Managed one full set of Regular & Wide position, and then got halfway through a set of Close position. I like it. My SIL tried it and liked it. Of course, now I have to kill her because a) she did 7 in a row like they were nothing (grrrr), and then did some more! and b) these are GOING HOME WITH ME.

Well, that's it for now. Not sure the plan for the rest of the day. As long as it's not work, I'm good. (Side note: they made it 2 hours before calling my cell phone).

Overnight in Detroit

Sitrep: 2x Cardio, 2x Arms, 1 Reg PPU, 1/2 Wide PPU

So I was stranded overnight in Detroit. Lovely. I'm sure this city is nicer than it appeared to me in a blanket of sleet as the taxi took me to the only hotel NW airlines had still available...the Doubletree. Ahhh, the misery. Although I've become enough of a girl that the loss of my styling gel and styling comb this morning has me a wee bit irritated. And lauging at myself. Off to the airport in a few to try to get the 10:24 to Knoxville...Hopefully I make it...doesn't look to be snowing/sleeting any more. Who knows if it's icy, though.

I really want to get there today...don't want to disappoint my brother, sil or the kids again. Or myself. I was so looking forward to getting there last night!

Gator & Other Exercise Ladies - Stay FIRED UP as Alden would say...IF I'd been a bit better in shape I'd've made my connecting flight...definitely ran harder, faster and farther last night than I'd've been able to just over a year ago! But I definitely need to start the BootCamp DVD when I get it. Missed my connecting flight by TWO MINUTES!

Ooops, did I say that?

Sitrep: BodyRev (2wts) - Cardio & Arms 2x; PPU - 1 set Reg, 1/2 set Wide

I believe yesterday I said that I could still lift my arms over my head after doing the Perfect Pushup (PPU). Not so much today. Okay, I can still lift them over my head, but really don't want to. My pec muscles ache when I do that. Only not as bad as with any other movement of my arms. Yikes. Even typing makes me feel my pecs. How the heck is that happening?

Noticed something this morning - I'm wearing a sweater I haven't worn in years because it was too tight over the stomach...it still shows more bulge than I'd like, but fits. But what I realized today is the sleeves aren't tight. They are actually a bit loose around the biceps. Sweeeeetttt!

Had a great evening last night. Came home after work and decided not to turn the TV on. I remember how relaxing my sister's house always is because she usually has music on, not TV. So I turned on a new CD I treated myself to - the Best of Andrea Bocelli - and set about making dinner and working on my current Christmas project. I actually got to talk to Janet W for a bit. That was great, wish I could have talked longer. But it made me make sure I did my workout last night.

My little sister, her mom & older sister also came over. I'd agreed to hem some pants for Mom Michelle as she has a job interview today. :) (Go Mom Michelle!) We had dinner, I hemmed the pants, the girls did homework...it was fun. And relaxing with the music in the background. Only bad part was when they showed up...apparently the girls had been arguing, again. And Mom had had enough. Sat the girls down and gave them a huuuuuggggeeee lecture. In front of me. Not sure who was more embarassed. Me or the girls. Thought KT (the 17 yr old) was going to die from embarrassment.

Reminds me of my sister and I as teens. Holy moly, were we mean to each other. Not sure how Mom & Dad survived. And my sister actually still talks to me! I'd better send her a big cyber hug. I wasn't much nicer to my brother, either. I remember when I switched to words instead of physically trying to beat him up after the time he held me off with a hand to my forehead and I couldn't reach him. Boy, did that make me madder!!!! [g] Good thing he still talks to me, since I'm spending the next two weeks with him and his family. And he's even picking me up at the airport. :) I do have the best brother & sister in the world. I'm very lucky.

And speaking of my siblings, I have a picture of the three of us that was taken the last time we were together...two years ago? Anyway. It's on my fridge. Last night Mom Michelle saw it and said "Wow. You really have lost weight...I knew you had, just hadn't realized how much!" thank you, thank you very much. [g] Every time I've mentioned my former weight and my issues with it she always says "oh, stop it, you didn't weigh that much." I think that picture reminded her that maybe I was unhealthily overweight. Still am, just not by as much!

I could see the wheels start turning in her head that maybe, just maybe, she can do this too. I've been encouraging her. She has my original BodyRev & the DVD (I use the scripts the ladies on the BB provided. I wish Alden would produce an audio track I could download to my MP3 player. That would be fabulous!) Anyway. She mentioned something about losing weight/getting in shape, and I said, hey, you know what to do...You have that REV sitting right there in your living room. She actually looked more interested than I've ever seen her, so maybe she'll start...I hope so. It would be fun to have a BodyRev buddy here in town. :)

Got the weather report for the next week at my brother's. Looks like it's going to hit the 70's at least one day while I'm there. Yikes. Considering in my world it's snowing, the roads are icy (slid through a red light today!), and the high today is going to be 28*F, that's going to be a shock to my system. :) Guess I'd better drag some of my summer/fall clothes out. :)

I'm starting to hear I'm leaving, on a jet plane, don't know when I'll be back again...Leaving, on a jet plane...over and over in my head. :)

Motivation Schmotivation

Sitrep: 2 wts - 1x Cardio, 1x Arms. PPU - 1 set Regular, 1/2 set Wide (0 max level)

At least I remembered my cell phone this morning. Which I didn't the last two days. But really. You know you're tired when you use shampoo instead of soap and don't realize it until you're rinsing. At least I got my contacts in okay. But I have huge green/gray circles under the eyes. A sure sign I've been eating something my body doesn't like. Sigh. I know it's the garlic in the mashed potatoes. But they were soooo good. [Note to self - get recipe from Michelle and post.] And I brought enough home from T-day to last until last night. Thank goodness the leftovers are gone. I was at the point I was going to start gobbling instead of talking I've eaten so much turkey. The dog is pretty bummed, to say the least, since turkey is on the "approved" eating list for her. ;)

So what the heck was up with all my "gonna figure out my Max" for the Perfect Pushup? I mean really. How many push ups do you think this girl can do without stopping (and with good "form"). The levels are: 0, 10, .... oh, why bother going past that? [g]

[Insert Jeopa.rdy Theme Music Here]

That's right! It's ZERO max for me. [g] Although I was able to do 2 push ups before collapsing. Better than even I expected. I guess all this REVing really has improved my arm strength. So with zero being closer to two than ten (gee, who'd've thunk it!) that's my level. I managed to do the following KNEE push ups:

1 set Regular position, 0 Max = 4 push ups, rest, 3 push ups, rest, 2 push ups, rest, 1 push up, rest
1/2 set Wide position, 0 Max = 4 push ups, rest, 3 push ups, collapse

Now, you're supposed to do this in 2 minute drills. So I should have done each set in a 2 minute period. I didn't time it. Figured the first few times I'd focus more on just getting it done - form, rotating the handles, etc. Regular position is hard enough. Wide position is just that. You put your hands two hand widths wider than shoulder width. Yikes.

I hurt this morning. My shoulders, upper arms, upper chest muscles. But at least I can still use my arms and even lift them over my head. We'll see about tomorrow! Anyway. I feel good that I got the exercise in, and that I was able to even do that many push ups! A definite improvement and progress is being made. :)

Thanks everyone for the support and encouragement. I didn't mean for my post on the BB yesterday to sound like I was beating myself up. I'm not. Just a little discouraged, and the tiredness I'm feeling in general was showing through. I'm tired today, but feel more energized if that makes any sense, because I worked out last night. :)

Miscellaneous Mumblings: A Conversation with Me

Sitrep for Nov. 19-25: 2x Cardio & Arms, with 2 weights.
Goals for Nov.26-30: 3x Cardio & Arms, learn what my Max is for PPU.

I've shortened the week as Saturday is a total travel day and Sunday will probably be a total family day. I have a feeling the kids won't be leaving me alone for a second.

Thanksgiving was good. I got to my little sister's house around 10 am to help get ready and cook. I had fun doing that. For awhile it was just Shanni, KT and myself, while Mom Michelle took a shower. The girls were great, for the most part, in helping and doing what I asked. I did get into it with Shanni though. She is 12. And then mom finished her shower and came back out into the kitchen. And all heck broke loose. Seriously. KT went from a happy, helpful teen to a sullen, resentful, not-going-to-do-what-you-say teen. In the blink of an eye. Insane. She and her mom ended up in a total shouting match. Ending with teen in total meltdown. Yikes. But things calmed down and the rest of the day was great.

I earned a tshirt that says "I Survived Black Friday". Okay, maybe I didn't earn one, but I should get one anyway. Because believe it or not, I actually went shopping Friday. Granted, it was around 3 pm and only to JoAnn Fabrics and then to Hastings. By that time things were mucho calm around here. I had checked all the ads, and there weren't any super deals in the stores in Helena. Met up with Shanni & her family at Hastings; that's always fun.

Saturday was more of the same. Back to JoAnn Fabrics to use the Saturday morning 20% off your entire purchase coupon, and then took Shanni and KT to the Bed, Bath & Beyond that opened Thanksgiving week. Sweet. They'd never been to one, I hadn't been in awhile. Much oohing and ahhing over the stuff. I love kitchen gadgets. Seriously. Not that I'm a cook or anything. [g] Just love to look at them.

And then last night I got my travel Perfect Push Up. Oh, holy cow. What did I get myself into? It looks so much easier. I attempted a couple of the modified knee pushups. This is going to be painful. [g] BUT I do need to build my upper body strength, so...Unfortunately, I let myself be "distracted" by an Xmas project I've got going, and didn't REV. I haven't REVed since the day before Thanksgiving. Sigh. I'm letting myself down, but can't seem to stop it.

But I have decided to take my BodyRev with me on vacation to my brother's. I think 2 weeks without REVing at this stage of the game will be disastrous. Even if they do have other exercise equipment. I like the REV 15 minute full-body workout. :) And the travel PPU will fit in my bag nicely. ;) It's really rather ingenious and takes up just a bit more space than a hardback. I'll just have to make sure my brother doesn't see it...Seems like all the other ladies have had their PPUs commandeered by male relatives.

So tonight I promise to do: Cardio & Abs, and figure out my Max for PPU. It should be easy enough since Biggest Loser is on. Love that show and it so motivates me to work out!

The Things I Didn't Know

Sitrep: 1x Cardio (2 wts), 1x Arms (2 wts), 5 min snow shoveling (hey, I count everything!)

It's funny the tings I think about when I'm doing nothing. Especially when I'm walking or driving. When walking I tend to let my mind wander. Not so much while driving (!), but I'm still thinking in a part of my brain about other stuff while driving. And last night when I left work to drive home, I mentally explored the complexities of Winter in Montana. Specifically, Office Parking Lot Politics.

Now, when I moved here from Florida, the only experience I had with snow was from my early years in Oklahoma (birth to age 5) and the four years we were stationed in Germany (3rd-6th grades.) I knew I loved it, loved the cold. Never really liked the humidity and hot weather in Florida. But I'd never had to deal with snow as an adult.

As I warmed up the car, I looked around the parking lot we share with the company next door, and realized how everyone is jockeying for the "prime" parking spots. Only they're different from the "prime" spots in Spring, Summer, and Fall. And boy, do people get upset when their regular parking spot is occupied when they get to work. Whatever season it is. Seriously. I've seen people leave notes on windshields. And all the gods, goddesses, & ultimate powers in the universe can't help you if you don't pull up far enough when parking on the side street. And then everyone rearranges in winter. It's some kind of bizarre unspoken, unscripted, music-less ballet with 50 dancers and 10 spaces.

So this is what I've learned about the Office Parking Lot in winter:

1. Always take the spot that is angled up (ie, you're backing out downhill!)
2. Park where you won't have to drive around and up/down another lane of parking spots to reach the exit.
3. When you get to work late and the parking lot out front is empty, there's a reason. Not only are the spots angled down, but you have to cross the parking lot to get to the building.
4. Just because the parking lot in front is plowed, stuff gets packed down and it's icy, etc.
5. Keep some Yak Trax in the trunk of the car. Wear them. Even when you have snow boots. Which reminds me. Where are mine?

So far, no one has taken my spot. Maybe they pity me since every winter for the last six I've either gotten my car stuck when pulling into the lot (hey, not my fault they don't plow the side lot with the main entrance!), or I've fallen multiple times. But then again, I'm also one of the first to get to work, so I have my pick. Angled up, close to the building so I can use the handrail the whole way in if I need to. And a straight shot out of the parking lot at the end of the day. Maybe next Monday I should try parking in a different spot. See whose world I can throw out of whack...

Anyway. These are the things I was thinking about on the way home. Not about the state of Iraq, not about the upcoming primaries where the media is determined to make Democrats choose between Clinton & Barack only, not about the inequalities and injustices faced by millions all over the planet. No. I focused my attention on the complexities of Office Parking Lot Politics.

Have a great Thanksgiving everyone!

It's the Princess' Birthday!

Sitrep: Uh, Null. Except for the 5 minutes of snow shoveling last night. :) I'm revising my goals down to 3x Cardio, 3x Arms.

Happy 4th Birthday to my youngest niece. :)

I cannot believe my sister's little girl is four years old. Whoa. Time is going by way too fast.

And in 11 days I'll be on a plane to my brother & sister-in-law's. Yippee. I can't wait. Two whole weeks to spend with family and have fun.

Lazy Weekends & Snow Days

Sitrep: 2 wts - 1x Cardio, 1x Arms, 30 min Flag Football, 30 min Basketball

Just love 'em. And that pretty much sums up my weekend. Lazy. :) Didn't get the rest of my workouts in...

The day after "Gym Night" I started to feel sore and achy everywhere. Put it off to the flag football & basketball. Until the next day when I hurt worse than when I started BodyRev! I think I got a touch of the latest bug going around the office. Thankfully, it didn't affect me as badly as everyone else. Getting 10-12 hours of sleep on Friday & Saturday night helped. Spent a few hours at the library Saturday with Shanni & KT.

Yesterday did nothing but watch TV, read, relax. And doze. It was one of those lovely gray days where you just want to stay inside. It rained a good part of the day and finally turned to snow. We have about 2 inches of the heavy, wet stuff on the ground. Thank goodness! We need it. It has kept up pretty steadily all day. And I got to wear my new boots! I'm turning into such a girl, lol. I have multiple pairs of shoes, now, and find myself checking the shoe section out more and more...

Anyway.

Goal for this week: 4x Cardio, 4x Arms, all with 2 weights. 1 piece of pumpkin pie. Per day. [g]

Flag Football w/9-10 yr olds = TACKLE

Sitrep: 2 wts - 1x Cardio, 1x Arms, 30 min Flag Football, 30 min Basketball

So I survived last night's Gym Night with Big Brothers Big Sisters. It was a lot of fun, really. And I totally stayed away from the 3-legged soccer. ;) Shanni & her older sister KT went with me. Apparently the Salvation Army has a church building in town, and they have a huge gym attached.

We got there just after 6pm, and did some warm-up throwing baskets, etc. Then they started the flag football. Can I just say I was the only adult on our team? A definite disadvantage for our team, as I am not athletically inclined. Shanni, 12, and KT, 17, were on my team. Thank goodness for KT. She's athletically inclined and fast...I guess I should count her in the adult category, huh? There was a 13 yr old boy and then a bunch of 8-10 year olds. The 8-10 yr old boys did not want to throw the ball to the girls. [g] The girls wanted to show the boys they were good too.

None of them cared about the "flag" part of the game. It was all rush and pile on, or rush and crowd into the wall. No one got hurt, though. One of the BBBS staff was the 'ref' and made sure everyone took turns as the quarterback. When it was Shanni's turn, we made our own "play" and she faked like she was going to throw it then handed it off (shoved it, actually) at her sister. Then we got in front of KT and barreled down the "field." Almost made it, too. If that darn wall would have stayed out of the way.

I have to admit, I didn't realize how into it I would get. Seriously. I haven't played like this in a long time. Thanks to the BodyRev workouts I've been doing, I had the stamina to keep going. Oh, I got winded, sweaty, etc. But I didn't feel like passing out or quitting. I had fun. And I was seriously going after whoever had the ball. I am not kidding. There was no holding back so the kids could feel good about themselves. Because holy cow, are they fast. It was all I could do to keep up! I did stop one of the 10 or 12 yr old boys from scoring because I was able to pull his flag 3/4 of the way to our goal. I held that thing up in the air and jumped up and down yelling "I got it! I got it!". Like I'd won the lottery or something. Cracked everyone up. Got my high fives from Shanni, her sister and my team mates, though.

We ended up losing, but had a fun time, which is the whole point of it. Everyone got to participate, and had fun. No crying or disappointment. After a short break, Shanni sat down to draw a "When I grow up I want to be..." picture for BBBS (for one of their fundraisers) and KT & I went back on the floor to play basketball. This one boy about Shanni's age came over and sat across from her, but didn't want to draw a picture. Just kinda sat there and watched her. A few minutes after she finished and joined us, he showed up with another basketball, and challenged her into playing with him. It was so cute. I don't think she even realized he was crushing on her. :o We played for about 30 minutes, before we had to leave so they could do homework.

It was great to be able to be out there and doing stuff with her. To be able to coach her and encourage her. To be able to show her how to throw the ball and give her tips to make a basket. I'm not the best player, but I can make a basic shot. And explain how I did it. Not only did she make it, she did 2 in a row!!! Yeah, Shanni!

She told me she wants to play volleyball at school. KT wants to try out for track or basketball, she's not sure which. I'm encouraging them both. ;) They also want us to get together once every week or few weeks to do what we did last night. I'll have to see what facilities I can find. That are free. Or at least cheap! I talked to our case worker at BBBS and she says they want to do this once a month.

Anyway. THANK YOU to all the BB posters, and Gator Patrol for the support and encouragement and sharing of their struggles in keeping healthy and exercising. It's been inspiring and motivating to me, and kept me exercising long past the point I'd have given up. And a SPECIAL HOO-YAH and THANK YOU to Alden, for taking all that time to encourage and motivate us. It has really made a difference for me!

Hair Cut Pics

Sitrep: 2wts - 1x Cardio, 1x Arms

No laughing at the new 'do, okay? All right, you can laugh since I can't hear you, but be gentle, please. ;)

I don't like this profile view but am posting it because it really shows the highlights/color.

Anyway. This is the "new" me. I'm still liking it although it is strange not to have all that hair. I dropped a pound on the scale. I think it was the hair. [g] Very long, very thick.

And yes, that is natural wave in my hair. After 34 years I've decided to stop fighting the cowlicks and waves and let the stuff do what it wants. Supposedly it looks good that way...

Tonight I'm off on another adventure: It's GYM NIGHT with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Flag football, 3-legged soccer, and basketball. So if no one hears from me for awhile, it's because I was talked into playing 3-legged soccer. ;)