Category Archives: working out

Feeling Kinda Zen and Groovy

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Well, not exactly. Truth be told, I’m feeling a little pain for yesterday’s Zen yoga experience…but still good.

I’ve come to the realization that I’ve been so focused on work and reaching clients, that I’ve been spending far too much time slumped over my desk. Which means more and more creakiness when getting out of (and sadly, sometimes into) bed.

So I cashed in a Groupon-like coupon and headed to one of my local yoga joints.

This place touted itself as being a bit more “funky” than your traditional studio. Instead of the standard new agey blend of music and tones, they go for the straight out rock and pop mix. There was also a lot more cursing and loudly affirming just how “fucking beautiful” we all were than the soft, meditative, contemplative suggestions.

Overall though, I loved everything about the class. And I learned a bit about myself. Like…

  • don’t forget to breath – breathing in a pose helps you go deeper into the pose and holding your breath, well, that’s just no bueno (and sadly, a bit of a constricting habit of mine).
  • don’t be afraid to close your eyes – this is right up there with remembering to still the mind. Seems I had some challenges here. Don’t know if it was more mind-body related (as closing my eyes messed with my balance) or mental (as I found myself looking at the floor, the walls or the ceiling instead of closing my eyes).
  • don’t be afraid to stop thinking – I was able to leave my cares at the door (for the most part), but I did get busted for looking at my iPhone during class (just to check the time). In which case, I’m thinking if I’m wondering about the time, that I’m not quite stilling my mind.
  • know when it’s okay to adapt what you’re doing – sometimes you just can’t do 5 push-ups in a row (let alone three sets of them). And let’s be honest, the average yoga newbie is NOT going to be able to go from a plank to a table top…just not gonna happen! So just adapt…downward dog it is!

I will say though, when all was said and done, by the time I made the walk back to my car (and wiped off the dripping sweat – did I mention that they also like to keep the studio warmer than usual?) I was actually feel great.

I feel like I did finally reach that zen and calm moment.

And then the pain kicked in. Turns out all that downward dog and warrior posing means a LOT of stretching muscles that haven’t been stretched quite that much in a while.

I’m already looking forward to next Monday’s class. And I keep telling myself that the recovery from the pain shouldn’t last nearly as long each time I go back 😉  Please tell me I’m not making that up!!!

Good Lord I’m Tired!

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We just came back from a two-hour long walk (give or take!)  Granted, part of that walk included visiting the snack bar at the Autry Museum so the hubby could have some lunch, but still.  It was quite pleasant and just the right temperature for a long walk (my jacket could have been the slightest bit lighter weight — I think I’m going to ask for a sleeveless vest for Christmas for times like this).

I have to say though, as lovely as Griffith Park is – and trust me, it is a lovely park – it’s not the easiest thing to get to from our house.  While they have plenty of bike paths at the side of the road, they’re actually frequently by many bike riders and don’t take kindly to little pupsters in their lanes.  They also have horse trails which are usually quite lovely to walk along, especially with the pupster, but again, not the easiest to get to.  Any way you cut it, you either have to walk a half mile or out of the way to get on the trails, or you have to cross over the freeway, including both the on- and off-ramps,  with no real sidewalk to speak of.  Kind of scary (and the reason why we never ride our bikes through Griffith Park).  If only there was just a slightly easier, less life-risking way to enter the park out our way.

By the time we started heading home it was about 45 minutes to an hour away from sunset.  We were tempted to stay out by the zoo a bit later so we could walk the Light Festival, but we were in dark clothes and I’d like the safety light for the pupster at home.  Plus, to be honest, I just wasn’t up  for another hour of waiting or walking.  We’ve got a month, we’ll do it another evening.

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The hubby goes back to work tomorrow. On one hand I’m kinda sad as I’ve really enjoyed having him around all day and night. On the other hand, the house is a mess. When he’s home, he has a habit of just putting stuff wherever he is. So there are piles of crap everywhere. I actually look forward to cleaning up so I can get the Christmas decorations up.  To say nothing of this office – it’s beginning to look like it belongs to one of those little old ladies that horde things, complete with paths to our two desks…scary!  Mind you, half the boxes are six-packs of wine, but whatever (I think everyone should just get wine for Christmas this year).

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So it looks like my dream house has sold *big sigh* Of course, I’m telling myself that this just means that the Universe has something much more suitable in mind for us.  And of course, my husband’s dream home is still on the market with a HUGE price reduction, but still out of our price range – though I did immediately volunteer to get a full-time job so that we could afford this house, but the hubby just shook his head and laughed (I was serious too!)

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And as just a couple of follow ups…we did manage to get to the post office and process our passport applications (which prompted our friend to remind us that Herbie will more than likely be doing the (Caribbean) Playboy Jazz Cruise in early ’09; I not only finished my book club book early, but I’m half way through a Meg Cabot.  I’m a tad nervous, but I will be working on making some changes in the blog either today or tomorrow.  So if for some reason it should disappear, don’t worry, I’ll somehow (get the hubby to) fix it.

Gaiam’s 10 DVD Workout Package – It’s a Killer Deal!

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A friend pointed this out to me earlier today in her blog. This really is a great deal (and I *heart* Leslie Sansone!)

Toned and Healthy DVD Set

Ten DVDs on a variety of healthy lifestyle topics, like walking, yoga, weight loss and sleep solutions.

Assorted kit; contents may vary. DVDs that may be included are: Leslie Sansone Short Cuts 1 & 2, Leslie Sansone You Can do Yoga, Leslie Sansone Walk Away the Pounds Abs, Leslie Sansone Ab Buster, Leslie Sansone Short Cuts 3, Leslie Sansone Walking Collection, Leslie Sansone Walking Collection 2, Health Solutions for Sleep Multimedia Kit, Health Solutions for Stress Kit, Yoga for Weight Loss DVD collection. ”

It’s listed at $28.99 – on clearance from $214! Take an additional $10 off with this code: CS88 (for $10 off $15 or more)

With shipping it came to $26.32 for me.

Rantings of a Frustrated WWer

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I’ll admit it, I’ve been slacking lately. I’m *mostly* watching what I’m eating and working out (some – mostly hour long walks with my hubby and the pupster at night), but otherwise, I’m just not feeling it. I just can’t seem to find the motivation to stick to it and play by the rules.

I weighed in today and in the past month I’ve gained 1.6 pounds (with losses mixed in with the gains). While that’s not a lot, it still sucks. I’ve been gaining and losing the same damn two pounds for months now. I look at myself and I see that I’ve lost weight (I have an obvious chin now!). I walk places or climb stairs and I feel that I’ve lost weight. I try on smaller clothes and I can tell that I’ve lost weight. But dammit, I want the scale to show this as well.

I need to get focused. I need to make wise choices. I need to work out, in addition to walking with Richard at night. I need to track. I really, really, need to track and hold myself accountable. I need to walk away from the alcohol and nibbles here and there. Man, losing weight sucks.

I know what my challenges are. I know it’s my responsibility and mine alone. I’m the one that sits on the couch. I’m the one that shovels in the food. I’m the one that orders the margarita. I know that WW works. I’ve seen it work for others and I’ve personally had it work for me in the past. Dammit, why do I fight myself so?!?!

Someone, anyone, feel free to smack some sense into me! Please.

Fits Like a Glove

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And it was on sale to boot!!!

Out here in the Valley, it gets hot in the summer. I mean really hot – and I’m sure I’ll be posting about that quite a bit from here on out. And me, well, I work from home in our barely air conditioned apartment (thank God it’s on the bottom floor!!) that also gets hot inside with the AC on! And working from home, well, there’s never much of a need to dress up – unless you count running to the grocery store or visiting with the UPS guy (yeah, like we’re buds). So I’m always looking for comfortable clothes to lounge about in.

Since I’ve started working out some months ago, along with our hour+ evening walks, I’m just blowing through my sports bras. *There’s a connection here, keep reading* I keep buying new ones, yet I never seem to have enough. The other day I decided to stop by Old Navy and check out their rockin’ summer sale (they’re losing their in-store plus department and everything is bargain basement cheap). While there wasn’t all too much for me that I needed or wanted (again, it’s not like I need the perfect outfit to sit in our office and mess around on the computer all day), I decided to pick up a new sports bra.

I wasn’t really expecting much, but man, I’m in love! So much so that I ran out yesterday during our crazy day of furniture shopping to hit up a different Old Navy and picked up two more. I have a feeling I will be living in these all summer. So much more comfortable than my more bra-like sports bras. It doesn’t rub, chafe (not that mine ever did), or move around. It’s long enough that it sits super comfortable on my back and doesn’t cut into my ribcage right under the boobies. It’s great for working out as well as for lounging about.

So while this is a strange as hell topic to blog about. I just have to say…I’m just so damn comfortable that I just don’t care! Stay cool!

Thursday Thirteen – 13 Joys of Summer

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A Pedicure & New FlipFlops - What More Could You Ask For?

While I might not appreciate the heat of summer (and man, it gets HOT in the Valley here – nearly as not as Albuquerque, yet with humidity…gross!), but I do look forward to summer none the less.

1. fresh fruits and veggies straight from the Farmer’s Markets
2. better yet, watermelon – I could eat fresh, summer watermelon all day long
3. swimming outside or visits to the beach
4. concert season – better still, outdoor concerts
5. summer TV – for me, it means tons of reading since there’s nothing on TV and I just love that
6. comfortable evening walks with the hubby & the boy
7. gelato – for some reason, we only make time for gelato during the summer
8. grilling veggies and meats – tastes so good
9. family get-togethers – we seem to find more time to get-together once all the kids get out of school
10. summer clothes – I love not having to wear jackets or sweaters
11. summer sandals and no more socks!
12. flip flops – speaking of, where is that last order I placed for new flip flops?
13. pedicures, pedicures, pedicures!!

Thursday Thirteen – Things that Make Me Smile

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Thirteen Things that Make Me Smile

1. My husband doing his goofy, white-boy dance
2. My pupster smiling when he’s tummy up getting love
3. When our cat tries to snuggle with our dog
4. Reading praise for my website
5. Phone calls and emails from old friends
6. Reading a good book
7. Good chocolate
8. Finding a bargain
9. The first sip of a well-made margarita
10. Taking a great picture
11. A beautiful LA day after a rain
12. Tulips
13. Fitting into a smaller size

Thursday Thirteen – Vacation Packing

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Here are Thirteen Things I must bring with me wherever I go on vacation…

1. socks to sleep in – my feet are always cold, even in the dead of summer

2. lipbalm – I am addicted and as an addict, I need to know my lip stuff is right near by.

3. and 4. books & magazines – my husband is a bit of a workaholic, so even on vacation, he works, so I make sure I have something to read.

5. and 6. digital camera & USB connector for my smart card – I love to do self-portraits and I love to take pictures of things. What better way to have memories to look back on.

7. sunscreen – I’m one fair skinned kind of gal, so I tend to always make sure I bring along the SPF (even if I don’t wear it on a daily basis).

8. workout clothes – you never know when you’ll get the chance to burn off some of those high point, vacation treats and drinks.

9. travel alarm clock – I’m a little crazy about wanting to know what time it is, wherever I am. This way, if the hotel alarm clock isn’t on my side of the bed, I’m still in the know.

10., 11. and 12. my own soap, shampoo and conditioner – though I will typically take the hotel provided toiletries back home with me (they’re great for guests).

13. snacks – I like to know that if I’m hungry that I have something to snack on. Usually, it’s just a granola bar or two, but still, it helps to keep those vacationing high point days bearable.

And of course, a few other things, but hey, I only needed 13, right? 😉 Now back to that packing…

For These Things I Am Grateful…

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I just thought that I’d take a moment and focus on some of the many, many things that I am so happy and grateful for…

* we’ll start with the obvious, yet very important…my health, wealth, happiness, joy, work, love, home, family, friends, husband and boys!

* my upcoming haircut, brow wax and pedicure!!

* my current batch of chick-lit – I’m so loving reading the breezy stuff!

* the fact that we’re off on a vacation full of good friends, good food and good wine in just over a week!

* that I’m going on that vacation 20 or so pounds lighter than when we went last year – and it shows!

* my clean car – I should show my gratitude and appreciation for it now since it might rain tomorrow!

* that while today may have been a tad chilly and overcast, the weather as a whole has been just lovely and perfect for our evening walks!

* and so, so much more!

Edited to add: the reason I even started this was to express my gratitude for our new toilet!!! No more wondering if it’s going to flush. No more non-stop running through the night. Ah…the joys of a new toilet!

Dentist-Schmentist, Weigh In-Schmay In

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Well, I tried to weigh in this morning before heading into the dreaded dentist for my cleaning, but I got my times totally messed up and they weren’t open yet. Then of course, with my cleaning scheduled, I’d miss the next WI. So basically, I just gave up and I’ll just do a cursory WI tomorrow morning. I’m still not expecting much since I went a little crazy my birth-a-versary week, but who knows. I’ve been doing a lot of walking and that’s got to count for something.

All I know is after this vacation, I really, really need to get back on track with WW. This has just been pathetic. I got back into my smaller stash of clothes and just kind of got lazy after that. All I can say is while I’m thrilled beyond belief to be able to visit with J&C in a couple weeks, I’m also dreading the visit. She’s done amazingly well, and I’ve just done okay. For the most part, I’m fine with this since I look and feel SO much better. But you know, I just don’t want to be judged and sometimes, we just can’t help but harbor little judgey thoughts, you know. Love or not, it happens. But overall, I’m just thrilled with our upcoming vacation and so happy to visit with them again. Just chalk all this up go my being a bit of a goofball.

Sidenote: The toilet broke again last night and the water has been gushing non-stop (except when I made the hubby turn it off last night so we could sleep). This time around though, I called the landlord and reminded him that he’s fixed it once, we’ve fixed it twice and dammit if it isn’t broke again. So hopefully he’ll fix it right up!

So I had my cleaning today at the dentist. And once again, Xantax to the rescue!!! Man, they should just get a license to dispense that stuff when you walk it. It makes such a difference. My cleaner lady even commented on how much more calm I was and asked if I took one. So yeah, the shit works. She also gave me an A- on my upkeep saying that if it wasn’t for my crazy ass wisdom teeth way, way, way far back in my mouth, my teeth would all be in great, clean, shape! That feels good. It took three years to get back to this point especially after having gone 7+ years between any dental or cleaning work. That is, if I was ever at this point in my life – with my fear of dentists I usually avoided what I could. But yeah, that made me feel great!

So today I just have to do some inside cleaning (if I can manage to NOT take a nap – damn that husband and his only getting 3-5 hours of sleep while working on his latest project) and whatnot and then get ready for Harry Connick at the Greek. I love the Greek, it’s one of my favorite venues to see shows. I’m not so sure what to expect of this show though. Having peeked at a recent setlist, it seems to be ONLY stuff from this Nola CD. I picked it up with a gift card the other day and have been listening while in the car. It’s not bad, just not exactly the Harry I know and love! Hopefully he’ll wow us with the show – much like Michael Bubble did a few years back. Here’s hoping.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!!