These days, things seem to happen really quickly around here. I can't believe it's been almost a week-or maybe a full week-since I last blogged. Last weekend was nice. My mom, dad, and middle sister came to visit. While they were in town, a few of my other aunts (mother's sisters) came to visit as well. We had a nice time catching up, eating, laughing, etc.
Since I've been so busy, I haven't been able to keep up with my workouts as I'd like. I didn't work-out yesterday or today, unless you count moving boxes and furniture into my apartment exercise. Now that I think about it, I don't feel so bad since I did move all that stuff (by myself). Speaking of apartment, it has almost everything in it (besides what I've got here at my grandparents' house, which, admittedly, is a lot). I'm looking forward to unpacking boxes and rummaging through stuff that's been packed away for a year or more. Hopefully I'll have a super cute and ORGANIZED apartment one of these days.
However, that won't happen until after next week. Tomorrow I leave for Missouri (yay!!) to see my boyfriend and some other girlfriends. We'll be spending some time in St. Louis as well as at camp getting ready for the summer. Hopefully we'll also make it to a winery (surprisingly, Missouri has a lot of really nice wineries) and do some hiking. The weather is supposed to be nice and springy :)
I also thought I should do a quick update on some of the things I've been doing for my 30th year project.
1.) I've almost finished the "Hunger Games" series! Great series and I'm excited to see the movie
2.) I'm still working out and although I haven't done EVERY day of P90, I feel good about how I'm doing.
3.) The car purchase may be put on hold since I decided to rent an apartment, but I feel okay about that. Living in my own place (without roommates) has been something I've wanted to do for a real long time.
4.) I've made some big payments on my credit cards and MAY be done paying them off before summer is over. Of course, I've got to do some budgeting since the apartment will bring new expenses.
5.) I've lost 5 of 50 pounds. Not bad at all; I'm actually on track and now that I've begun to lose weight, I'll start losing more if I keep at it.
6.) No work on the writing or publications...yet. (Unless you count blogging!) Recently I've had several people my grandparents' age tell me they knew my biological grandmother and how great she was. I'm thinking I would like to do learn more about her and consider that as a book or document to put together for my mom and her siblings.
7.) I'm a tiny bit behind on the letter writing, but that's okay. At least I'm writing letters.
8.) I'm thinking I'll work on donating money to either cancer research or diabetes research. Right now I'm doing the cancer research since Relay for Life is approaching at the end of the month.
9.) Speaking of Relay, I'll be running another 5K in May for cancer fundraising. Working on more running so I can (hopefully) do a half marathon.
So, that's the update for now. I don't have my list of 30 things in front of me, but I know of those of the top of my head.
Hope you're well! I'll try to give some updates while traveling in Missouri!
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Busy days
I've been horrible about writing here...and I'm sorry for that. But, you know, life is busy and things happen, so our best plans are often changed to something entirely different.
Anyway, I figured I might as well write a little update.
Yesterday I joined the other millions of lease-bound adults by signing on (for the first time ever) to rent my very own apartment! I'm excited and nervous. Plus kinda sad about leaving my grandparents when my granddad is so sick. It is such a bittersweet situation. However, once I found out I'd be coming back to my job next year, I decided it was time to stop commuting an hour to work and get an apartment in town. This will open up so many new opportunities for me to make friends, become more involved on campus, and learn to live solo!
As of right now, the only furniture I have is a bed, t.v. shelf and chest of drawers. I don't have a t.v., couch, chairs...nothing. However, those things will come with time. In fact, I think it will be pretty fun getting to decorate an apartment from scratch! I'm going to spend some time searching used furniture stores and try to get some lightly used retro furniture. I want my apartment to be funky!
In other news, my brother is back home as of today! In fact, he is probably getting ready to land in Louisiana and see his family for the first time in nine months. I'm so proud of him for serving in the military, and also very ready for him to be back home and not in Afghanistan.
My parents and sister will be here this weekend, which means I probably won't be updating too much. Hopefully I'll do some moving and get my bed set up in the apartment. The power has been transferred to my name and the water is on, so as long as I've got a place to sleep I can stay there until I'm all moved in and ready to go.
Workouts have been okay. And only okay, which is disappointing. I feel like I've been so busy that I haven't had time to do the 'hardcore' exercising I'd like to do PLUS all of my other obligations. One day I'm going to learn to say no ;)
How's you, dear reader?
Anyway, I figured I might as well write a little update.
Yesterday I joined the other millions of lease-bound adults by signing on (for the first time ever) to rent my very own apartment! I'm excited and nervous. Plus kinda sad about leaving my grandparents when my granddad is so sick. It is such a bittersweet situation. However, once I found out I'd be coming back to my job next year, I decided it was time to stop commuting an hour to work and get an apartment in town. This will open up so many new opportunities for me to make friends, become more involved on campus, and learn to live solo!
As of right now, the only furniture I have is a bed, t.v. shelf and chest of drawers. I don't have a t.v., couch, chairs...nothing. However, those things will come with time. In fact, I think it will be pretty fun getting to decorate an apartment from scratch! I'm going to spend some time searching used furniture stores and try to get some lightly used retro furniture. I want my apartment to be funky!
In other news, my brother is back home as of today! In fact, he is probably getting ready to land in Louisiana and see his family for the first time in nine months. I'm so proud of him for serving in the military, and also very ready for him to be back home and not in Afghanistan.
My parents and sister will be here this weekend, which means I probably won't be updating too much. Hopefully I'll do some moving and get my bed set up in the apartment. The power has been transferred to my name and the water is on, so as long as I've got a place to sleep I can stay there until I'm all moved in and ready to go.
Workouts have been okay. And only okay, which is disappointing. I feel like I've been so busy that I haven't had time to do the 'hardcore' exercising I'd like to do PLUS all of my other obligations. One day I'm going to learn to say no ;)
How's you, dear reader?
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Zombie 5K
Did the Zombie Run 5K yesterday. It was HARD. I've never experienced mud like I did on that track. Because of the rain, and the fact that the trail used was (already) a muddy dirt track, the whole thing was nothing but sopping, sticky red clay mud. Fortunately, it came out of almost everything I was wearing. My socks are stained and the insides of my shoes have a bit of stain, but overall everything cleaned up really nicely.
It took me 1hr 20min to run the 5K. There were a few reasons it took so long:
1.) The mud. It was like running in slippery sand.
2.) The obstacles (naturally, they'll slow you down)
3.) The zombies (duh)
4.) Trail running (much harder than road and treadmill running)
My average time on a TREADMILL is 45 minutes, so 80min is to be expected with these type of conditions.
The biggest thing I'm taking from this is that I'd like to practice running on trails more. The day before the race I bought a new pair of running shoes (that I did NOT wear on race day). While talking to the salesperson (who also fitted me for shoes and got me a pair that will work best for my stride), we discussed trail running. Apparently it's not only better for your joints (knew that already), but it also give you a much better overall workout. You are forced to use your core and arms for balance, so you're working on full body rather than mostly legs (street running). Plus, it's nicer to be in nature!
I plan on doing more running over the next few months so I can run a 5K without stopping. I'm going to sign up for some 5Ks and hopefully a 10K or two. Maybe by October/November I can start training for a 1/2 marathon.
Now for the not so good news. I missed a workout last week :( For the first time since starting P90, I actually didn't do a day's exercise. That's kinda sad, but I don't fee HORRIBLE. I pushed myself really hard with the 5K, so at least the week wasn't a total waste. However, I've got to keep on track this next week. My family will be in town Friday-Monday. Their visit will be a big distraction; however, I'm determined to keep focused. I may alter my workouts so my sister and/or mother can join, but I'll still do something!
Gotta stay focused!
It took me 1hr 20min to run the 5K. There were a few reasons it took so long:
1.) The mud. It was like running in slippery sand.
2.) The obstacles (naturally, they'll slow you down)
3.) The zombies (duh)
4.) Trail running (much harder than road and treadmill running)
My average time on a TREADMILL is 45 minutes, so 80min is to be expected with these type of conditions.
The biggest thing I'm taking from this is that I'd like to practice running on trails more. The day before the race I bought a new pair of running shoes (that I did NOT wear on race day). While talking to the salesperson (who also fitted me for shoes and got me a pair that will work best for my stride), we discussed trail running. Apparently it's not only better for your joints (knew that already), but it also give you a much better overall workout. You are forced to use your core and arms for balance, so you're working on full body rather than mostly legs (street running). Plus, it's nicer to be in nature!
I plan on doing more running over the next few months so I can run a 5K without stopping. I'm going to sign up for some 5Ks and hopefully a 10K or two. Maybe by October/November I can start training for a 1/2 marathon.
Now for the not so good news. I missed a workout last week :( For the first time since starting P90, I actually didn't do a day's exercise. That's kinda sad, but I don't fee HORRIBLE. I pushed myself really hard with the 5K, so at least the week wasn't a total waste. However, I've got to keep on track this next week. My family will be in town Friday-Monday. Their visit will be a big distraction; however, I'm determined to keep focused. I may alter my workouts so my sister and/or mother can join, but I'll still do something!
Gotta stay focused!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
5K
Just wanted to jot down that I ran/walked the 5K today (on a treadmill) in 43:30. That's an average of (almost) 14 minutes/mile. Not too bad if you consider that I expected it to be more like 45-48 minutes. I'd like to eventually run a 5K in 30 mins; however, I think that will take some serious running and training.
I'll be interested to see how long this 5K takes me on Saturday when you consider there will be obstacles and the added challenge of outside terrain (trees, hills, rocks, etc.) that we'll be running on. My guess is it will take closer to an hour. But that's ok.
I'll be interested to see how long this 5K takes me on Saturday when you consider there will be obstacles and the added challenge of outside terrain (trees, hills, rocks, etc.) that we'll be running on. My guess is it will take closer to an hour. But that's ok.
Fitness Update
I haven't done much updating on the fitness side of things, so here you go:
Work outs are going well. I've varied things on the occasion by working out at the gym rather than the house. This means I don't always do the P90 exercise. I still feel I'm getting the same quality of workout, though. I figure in another 10-15 days I should be able to start the next video in P90, which means harder, more intense workouts. Hopefully that will equal more weight loss and muscle definition.
A few people have told me they think I've lost some weight. The scale did say I've lost 6 pounds. However, I wish it was more. But, I know I'm starting somewhere. I guess 6 pounds is about right when you consider that the healthiest weight loss is 2-3 pounds a week AFTER you've gained some muscle mass.
Today I'll be going to the gym to do some running. My first 5K is this weekend. I'm not sure I'm ready for it, but sometimes you just gotta jump in and sink or swim. I'm pretty sure I'll survive, but it's gonna be TOUGH!
I got pretty motivated last night after watching the Biggest Loser. It's one of my favorite reality style shows. It's actually descent and does something good for people. Anyway, today I'm going to try a Biggest Loser style workout at the gym. I can push myself pretty hard today and still have enough time to "heal" before the race on Saturday.
Oh, yesterday I went to the gym at 5pm to lift weights (instead of using the resistance band like I usually do). I am pretty proud of myself for sticking it out. The gym was kinda full AND everyone there was fit, lean, muscular and pretty. I find it embarrassing to work out at the gym when you're around all those super healthy people who run laps around you. But, then I remembered a quote that goes something like this: "I may not run laps around the people at the gym, but I'm running laps around people on their couch doing nothing." It made me feel good and I finished my workout!
So, time for some gym action! Later, gator!
Work outs are going well. I've varied things on the occasion by working out at the gym rather than the house. This means I don't always do the P90 exercise. I still feel I'm getting the same quality of workout, though. I figure in another 10-15 days I should be able to start the next video in P90, which means harder, more intense workouts. Hopefully that will equal more weight loss and muscle definition.
A few people have told me they think I've lost some weight. The scale did say I've lost 6 pounds. However, I wish it was more. But, I know I'm starting somewhere. I guess 6 pounds is about right when you consider that the healthiest weight loss is 2-3 pounds a week AFTER you've gained some muscle mass.
Today I'll be going to the gym to do some running. My first 5K is this weekend. I'm not sure I'm ready for it, but sometimes you just gotta jump in and sink or swim. I'm pretty sure I'll survive, but it's gonna be TOUGH!
I got pretty motivated last night after watching the Biggest Loser. It's one of my favorite reality style shows. It's actually descent and does something good for people. Anyway, today I'm going to try a Biggest Loser style workout at the gym. I can push myself pretty hard today and still have enough time to "heal" before the race on Saturday.
Oh, yesterday I went to the gym at 5pm to lift weights (instead of using the resistance band like I usually do). I am pretty proud of myself for sticking it out. The gym was kinda full AND everyone there was fit, lean, muscular and pretty. I find it embarrassing to work out at the gym when you're around all those super healthy people who run laps around you. But, then I remembered a quote that goes something like this: "I may not run laps around the people at the gym, but I'm running laps around people on their couch doing nothing." It made me feel good and I finished my workout!
So, time for some gym action! Later, gator!
Monday, February 27, 2012
Frustrations, Pt. 2
I need a minute to vent.
1.) I'm tired of having this cold and allergies. I don't want to blow my nose again. Ever.
2.) I want to see faster results with this exercise/diet thing. I was immediate results. I'm tired of being patient.
3.) Deciding to eliminate sugar from my coffee for lent was a bad idea. Now I don't enjoy my coffee as much, and that is depressing.
4.) My granddad is a grumpy old man and he drives me crazy sometimes. He's also really critical. I love him, but he's getting on my last nerve. I feel like I can't ever please him.
5.) I think it is bullshit that only children are socially allowed to play make-believe and make up wild imaginations. I'm tired of people laughing when I tell them crazy ideas and fun dreams. Sure, they may never happen. I get that. But it doesn't mean it's not fun to imagine and dream sometimes.
6.) Just because I don't always fit into the most practical mold doesn't mean I'm not being productive with my life. I just do things more creatively and I don't always fit into the box society wants. Deal with it.
7.) I will have fun and enjoy life. Even if that means spending a little more money rather than saving it. Or "wasting" some time laughing and doing silly things rather than reading or being "practical." I'm an artist. This is what we do.
8.) I will be happy doing the jobs I want to do. Even if that means I won't make as much money as others. I've accepted that.
9.) I'm sick of my boyfriend being 9 hours away. It sucks.
10.) My sister in law pisses me off. She doesn't communicate with me. I send gifts and packages to the niece and nephews and she never lets me know when she gets them. She doesn't ever talk to my parents even though they try really hard to be a part of her life, especially since my brother's been deployed. Since she doesn't want to ever spend time with us, we never see the kids OR my brother. Sometimes I really want to tell her how much she irritates me, but then I'm afraid it would ruin my relationship with my brother. Why couldn't I be one of the lucky people who gets a SIL that becomes a best friend? Oh well, I do love my brother-in-law.
11.) I hate my office chair. It is so uncomfortable. I hate that the office chair I want is really expensive.
But, on a happier note, it's a beautiful day. Maybe I'll go for a walk and I won't be so irritated any more.
1.) I'm tired of having this cold and allergies. I don't want to blow my nose again. Ever.
2.) I want to see faster results with this exercise/diet thing. I was immediate results. I'm tired of being patient.
3.) Deciding to eliminate sugar from my coffee for lent was a bad idea. Now I don't enjoy my coffee as much, and that is depressing.
4.) My granddad is a grumpy old man and he drives me crazy sometimes. He's also really critical. I love him, but he's getting on my last nerve. I feel like I can't ever please him.
5.) I think it is bullshit that only children are socially allowed to play make-believe and make up wild imaginations. I'm tired of people laughing when I tell them crazy ideas and fun dreams. Sure, they may never happen. I get that. But it doesn't mean it's not fun to imagine and dream sometimes.
6.) Just because I don't always fit into the most practical mold doesn't mean I'm not being productive with my life. I just do things more creatively and I don't always fit into the box society wants. Deal with it.
7.) I will have fun and enjoy life. Even if that means spending a little more money rather than saving it. Or "wasting" some time laughing and doing silly things rather than reading or being "practical." I'm an artist. This is what we do.
8.) I will be happy doing the jobs I want to do. Even if that means I won't make as much money as others. I've accepted that.
9.) I'm sick of my boyfriend being 9 hours away. It sucks.
10.) My sister in law pisses me off. She doesn't communicate with me. I send gifts and packages to the niece and nephews and she never lets me know when she gets them. She doesn't ever talk to my parents even though they try really hard to be a part of her life, especially since my brother's been deployed. Since she doesn't want to ever spend time with us, we never see the kids OR my brother. Sometimes I really want to tell her how much she irritates me, but then I'm afraid it would ruin my relationship with my brother. Why couldn't I be one of the lucky people who gets a SIL that becomes a best friend? Oh well, I do love my brother-in-law.
11.) I hate my office chair. It is so uncomfortable. I hate that the office chair I want is really expensive.
But, on a happier note, it's a beautiful day. Maybe I'll go for a walk and I won't be so irritated any more.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Whew...
What a week. Things have been incredibly hectic between visits from friends, work, travel, and exercising.
So, quick update:
-My best friend in the world (Hannah) came to visit on Tuesday. She left early this morning. While here, we went to a museum, played the piano, talked and laughed (lots), went to Atlanta and saw the Atlanta Symphony, rearranged my work office and did some shopping. Overall, it was a fantastic visit. Now it's my turn to visit her.
-I've somehow managed to keep up with Power 90 this week. Admittedly, I didn't do the entire workout yesterday. I woke up late, so it had to be a quick version. But at least I did what I could. Today I ran instead of doing the entire cardio (gotta get ready for the 5K next weekend); however, I did do the P90 yoga and ab routine.
-My aunt and little 18mo. old cousin is visiting this weekend. It's nice to have visitors, but this means I have NO free weekends before Spring Break. Somehow I've got to figure out how I'll squeeze in all of my school work. I can do it.
-Next weekend is the zombie run. This means I'll be running again on Monday then taking it kinda easy for the remainder of the week.
-I weighed at the gym today and I've lost 3 pounds! Woo-hoo!!!
BEST NEWS of the YEAR:
My teaching job has been renewed, so I'll remain at UWG for at least another year! It is both a relief and incredibly exciting! As a bit of a celebration, I rearranged my office and bought a few little items to decorate and make it more comfy for me to work in. I found an amazing store that sells antique/retro items. While walking around, I came across a fabulous red and orange lamp and a few cute mirrors. The combination has really made my office a bit more comfortable and quirky (which is right up my alley).
I'm looking forward to another year of perfecting my teaching. It will be nice to have a summer to evaluate what I've done and get ready for the year. I went in to this school year with such short notice that I've been making things up as I go, but next year I'm hoping to be completely ready with lots of great teaching ideas and plans!
Hope you all have a great weekend!
So, quick update:
-My best friend in the world (Hannah) came to visit on Tuesday. She left early this morning. While here, we went to a museum, played the piano, talked and laughed (lots), went to Atlanta and saw the Atlanta Symphony, rearranged my work office and did some shopping. Overall, it was a fantastic visit. Now it's my turn to visit her.
-I've somehow managed to keep up with Power 90 this week. Admittedly, I didn't do the entire workout yesterday. I woke up late, so it had to be a quick version. But at least I did what I could. Today I ran instead of doing the entire cardio (gotta get ready for the 5K next weekend); however, I did do the P90 yoga and ab routine.
-My aunt and little 18mo. old cousin is visiting this weekend. It's nice to have visitors, but this means I have NO free weekends before Spring Break. Somehow I've got to figure out how I'll squeeze in all of my school work. I can do it.
-Next weekend is the zombie run. This means I'll be running again on Monday then taking it kinda easy for the remainder of the week.
-I weighed at the gym today and I've lost 3 pounds! Woo-hoo!!!
BEST NEWS of the YEAR:
My teaching job has been renewed, so I'll remain at UWG for at least another year! It is both a relief and incredibly exciting! As a bit of a celebration, I rearranged my office and bought a few little items to decorate and make it more comfy for me to work in. I found an amazing store that sells antique/retro items. While walking around, I came across a fabulous red and orange lamp and a few cute mirrors. The combination has really made my office a bit more comfortable and quirky (which is right up my alley).
I'm looking forward to another year of perfecting my teaching. It will be nice to have a summer to evaluate what I've done and get ready for the year. I went in to this school year with such short notice that I've been making things up as I go, but next year I'm hoping to be completely ready with lots of great teaching ideas and plans!
Hope you all have a great weekend!
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