BLOGGER TEMPLATES AND TWITTER BACKGROUNDS »

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Christmas Eve


Merry Christmas Eve! Crossing my fingers that my flight goes out tonight…if not, maybe I can hitch a ride in Santa’s sleigh : ) They’re having a potluck here at work, and I’m trying my hardest to stay away from it. I’m loading up on fruit, rice cakes, yogurt, and anything to keep me away from the donuts! I brought in bagels and had one for breakfast, but that’s it…except for champagne. My boss only brings in one bottle for our entire team, so this year I decided to contribute : ) Cheers to health, happiness, and being home with family and friends for the holidays!

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Trainingitis

I’m supposed to have a 2nd training session tonight but I call and cancel. I’m super sore from yesterday and I need to pack and clean up before flying out tomorrow. Ok, the real reason is that trainer doesn’t exactly bring holiday cheer and I don’t feel like exhausting myself tonight. A difficult workout is great, but I feel like she’s not recognizing my limits. I’m afraid to quit when it’s too hard, and that’s not a good feeling. I’ll try again after the New Year and hopefully finish 5 more sessions. I spend the rest of the night packing cozy sweaters, fuzzy sucks, flannel pjs, and snowboard gear I can almost feel the crunch of snow under my feet…brrr!

Baby it's Cold Outside


It was so cold this morning and I was craving a hot breakfast sandwich. Starbucks offers a reduced-fat option called the Reduced-Fat Turkey Bacon, Cholesterol-Free Egg, Reduced-Fat White Cheddar Breakfast Sandwich. The name doesn’t sound very appetizing, but it turned out be pretty good. Relatively low in calories and high in protein, I think it might be a good option on those days when I need more than soy milk. Thankfully it’s not so good that I’ll be craving it every day, like the Caprese sandwich they used to have : ) I’m really worn out today because I’m staying up late to get things done after my workouts. I can’t wait to relax over Christmas vacation.

Monday, December 22, 2008

New Trainer


I finished my first session with Natalie, the new trainer. I feel weak and frustrated....it was really difficult. I'm ok with pushing it, but I need a laugh or two and some encouragement along the way. Without encouragement and feedback, I'm not sure I'm ready to work out at this level of intensity. Sigh.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

To the Core

I have really improved in my pilates sessions, and Keira noticed the changes too. I’m amazed at how strong my core is getting…I feel refreshed and empowered : ) After the gym, I stop by Fresh and Easy for 10 minute grocery shopping. I used to eat mostly carbs for snacks, but I’m getting better with fruits and veggies. I even picked up some trail mix, something I would have never eaten before. It will be a good protein boost/snowboarding snack when I’m home for Christmas. I actually want to go back to the gym tonight, but I know that I shouldn’t overdo it. I found a new trainer named Natalie, and our first session is on Monday. We’ll see if this is a better match…

Saturday, December 20, 2008

In Shape

I went shopping for warm clothes for my trip and was pleasantly surprised when the jeans and tops in a trendy boutique actually FIT. Unfortunately the prices were so shocking that I practically ran out of there. All I could think of was….hmmm…$200 jeans = X pilates sessions? Not only do my jeans fit again, but they’re starting to feel loose. And my stomach is toning up really nicely. More importantly, I’m getting back IN SHAPE again. For me, IN SHAPE means looking forward to my next workout and not wanting to leave the gym, having more energy and motivation, feeling happy in my skin, and regaining my positive perspective on life.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Weekend Warrior to Workout Warrior


I have officially broken the party cycle. My old weekends consisted of going out Friday and Saturday nights, drinking too much, surrounding myself with party friends, and staying out til 1am. My new weekends include Friday morning walks on the Strand, pilates sessions, and staying at the gym for as long as I feel like. I still go out with friends, but I’m usually home by 10. At that point I’m physically exhausted and the last thing on my mind is a martini. My trainer quit today, and it was a little abrupt. I know I’ve only had 6 sessions, but she seemed to have no interest in how the program was working or the progress I’ve made. It just goes to show you that you have to be your own motivator. There are some better trainers at the gym, so I’ll keep looking.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

I Believe

I came across this amazing song from R. Kelley on iTunes called I Believe. Despite this guy's history, his music is amazing. The end of the song rocks...a definite workout booster! I also love the lyrics to Hollywood is not America...so true for how I feel right now (except for the Centerfold part!). Two great food discoveries - PUCCI baked pizza snacks taste just like real pizza and frozen spinach can be added to almost any Lean Cuisine for instant veggies.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

I'll be Home for Christmas


It's just not very Christmasy here in California : ( I'm really homesick...probably because the first snow fell back in Oregon. But watching the holiday edition of Little People, Big World at the gym cheered me up. So much so that I created a whole series of personalized Xmas cards. Thank goodness my whole family will be going home for Christmas next week. I decided to extend my trip...I think I need it....can't wait to snowboard. It's the greatest feeling to be looking out over a snow covered world. I'll be keeping up my fitness routine with Becky's elliptical...just have to remember my workout gear this trip!

Monday, December 15, 2008

Cookie Crumble

I was doing so well with a fine display of Christmas treats sitting on my table all weekend. But today I just couldn't take it! : ) So today is my cookie day. I had probably a dozen cookies and 1 small plate of brownies (during a 36 hour stretch). The problem is I was eating them because of stress at work and the "I want it and I just don't care" factor. Ok, I think I can live without another cookie or brownie for a while. I worked out at the gym and the season finale of Biggest Loser inspired me to get back on track.

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Pilates and PJs

Pilates was challenging this morning...so challenging that I got frustrated. I have to remind myself that frustration can be positive after I work through it. The fun part is that I always leave the gym feeling great, despite the challenges. I was supposed to go to a friend's bday party tonight, but I'm exhausted and sooo tired from Christmas baking at my mom's today. I realize I can't do it all and put on my pjs. I honestly can't remember the last time I relaxed on a Saturday night.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Charged Up


I'm still upset about the co-worker incident...taking the day off. I head to the beach for my usual walk on the Strand, but I find myself running it out of my system...something I haven't done in a long time. When I was 15, I would take off running as a way to gain control...I was my own power system with an outlet : ) I've realized that I may not be the Energizer bunny that I once was, but at least my batteries are recharged.  

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Strength Training

I had a bad day at work...the kind of day where you wonder how people can be so mean. I walked away from my co-worker without saying anything and finally reported the on-going harassment to my boss. I want to go to the gym tonight, but she stole my strength. I’ve been so motivated for the past month and I remind myself that NO ONE should be able to break my strength.  After a few tears, I fight off the urge to overeat by talking with Duyen and decide to sleep it off. Tomorrow is another day and another chance to be stronger.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Gumby Girl


I had my 5th training session with Katrina. She’s not the best motivator, so thank goodness I’m good at kicking my own $%#*! If anything, I probably need motivation to stay OUT of the gym: ) Which brings me to this frustrating incident - I was diligently doing difficult leg raises on the ball and cringing every minute of it. This woman comes up right next to me and does the same move with Gumby flexibility! To quote Pokey, ""Good work, Gumby. That's using the ol' stomach!"

Monday, December 8, 2008

Unhealthy Dose

I am extremely irritated today and I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s the lingering cold, lack of sleep (my stomach reacts to my medication at night), or starting another work week. The old me thinks food will get me through the morning and I order a bagel, chocolate chip cookie, & Diet Coke on my way to work (breakfast of non-champions!) I stick to a healthy lunch but devoured pizza slices for dinner and went to bed early. I think I needed a dose of unhealthy and some sleep : )

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Mint Chocolate Indulgence


I’m still congested, but it’s a good day and I reward myself with new Nikes - mint chocolate colored Shox : ) I go to the gym anyway – 45 minutes with the new kinesis routine and 30 min of cardio. I can’t count the number of times I’ve been at the gym until closing time lately : ) I feel much better afterwards and prepare my food for the week as I rock out to XM tunes.
Quote for today: "Think about how good you can feel, how wonderfully exhausted (and totally exhilarated) you can be after a workout.

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Little Blue Dress


I was a little under the weather Friday morning, but I felt better after a challenging pilates workout with Keira and Kinesis training with Katrina. I haven't lost much weight according to the scale, but I feel sooo good. Better yet, the turquoise dress FITS! Angela, Marketa and I rocked our fancy looks at the benefit dinner and had a great time.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

BeneFIT Dinner

I’ve been somewhat of a hermit lately to avoid drinking, eating out, and staying out late. Feeling restless, I call Marketa and suggest a benefit dinner that vball coach Sigler is hosting Friday night. It’s a great way to kick off the holiday season, reward ourselves for kicking butt at the gym, and benefit a great cause. And I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to wear the killer turquoise dress that has been sitting in my closet…hope it still fits! Taking the night off from working out.
Quote for today: "Exercise your privilege to go the extra mile and enjoy the rewards you receive."

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Tired Tuesday


I’ve been working out late and have been getting only 6 hours of sleep. It’s definitely not enough...I’m losing energy and force myself through the motions at the gym. I powered through it and tried the new Cybex, an elliptical with a greater range of motion. I need to designate a “recharge” day during the week to relax or go to bed early.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Injection Objection


A friend of mine here in LA had lipodissolve over the weekend. She said that they injected a bunch of chemicals (all natural?!?) into her abs and it felt like she had just done 1,000 crunches. Yikes! This really disturbed me. I appreciate every drop of sweat generated from my killer ab workouts even more…I’ve earned it!!! I was so non-inspired by her story that I focused on abs at the gym tonight. The great part is that I’ve achieved one of my mini goals – leg raises. My abs are stronger already - no injections necessary.
Quote for today: "Be willing to do one more forever."

Life Management 101

At first it seemed inconvenient to manage a healthy lifestyle – having fresh food on hand, not being able to eat out as much, getting up early, etc. After 3 weeks into it, I’m realizing that it’s much more rewarding. Not to mention the money I’ll be saving! It’s amazing how good a salad tastes when I'm REALLY hungry, especially when I make it myself. And I’m starting to like gross fiber cereal with strawberries on a Saturday morning, especially if I have a pilates session afterwards : )
Quote for today: "Small accomplishments are accompanied by surprising rewards."