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Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Cabo Clock...17 hours and 5 minutes!

85 degrees in Cabo...I'm super excited! This was a really hectic week at work, which is kind of nice 'cause it will be a well deserved vacation. The weather has been overcast in LA for a few weeks now, so I'm looking forward to the sun again. Tonight I'm going to squeeze in a quick workout and the dreaded spray tan booth at Cop-a-Tan. Yes, my friends will tell you that I'm addicted to self tanning. I cannot be out in the sun, so it's one thing that I splurge on. Our flight takes off at 9:30, and I packed a super cheesy party gift for Trisha (3 Bratz pez dispensers that look like us (sorta!), red beads with chili peppers, mexican candies, cactus shot glasses, mini sunscreen, and flip flops. I'll have the flight attendant deliver it on the plane since we're in different seats : ) Adios amigos!

Monday, February 23, 2009

Countdown to Cabo!

I'm off to a much better start this week...woo hoo! It probably helps that I spent the weekend shopping for vacation stuff. Since I've slimmed down a little, I had to replace some of my baggy summer clothes. I also found a really cute pair of silver sandals with starfish on them....and they're comfortable! I'm usually horrible at putting outfits and accessories together, but this time I went out on a limb and was able to mix and match a few new pieces with what I already had. I love the polyvore website, and I feel like I've created my own vacation palette : ) My marathon shopping cut into my workouts this weekend...I took Fri/Sat off and squeezed in 30 min on the elliptical last night. So it's time to step it up this week before I leave.

With less than 3 days to go, I can't wait to just relax (oxymoron?!). This fitness/eating routine takes a lot of motivation, and I'm ready to cast it overboard for a few days. I love trying new foods on vacation...I can't wait for fresh fruit, fruity drinks, and fruits of the sea! That's it for now...hope everyone's having a good week!

Friday, February 20, 2009

Feel Bad Friday

Last night's workout seemed brutal.  I just didn't feel up to par...usually it's related to lupus if my joints are sore.  I powered through it the best I could...kept the strength training light and easy.  I wanted to bail out on cardio, but I knew it would make me feel better.  So I hit the stairmaster and elliptical.  Whew.  It's days like these that I have to trick my body into moving more than it wants to.  In the end, it usually pays off.  

Today I'm hitting the wall at work.  For once I'm super busy, and I'm feeling a little overwhelmed.  My energy level is still low, so I "fake it 'til I make it" to the end of the day...it's easier to force a smile than to explain how I'm really feeling. People often pick up on me being worn out and have a hard time interpreting it.  Sometimes I think it comes across as me being distant or not interested.  The truth is there are a lot of times where all I can think about is sleep.  Darn disease. The great part is that there's always a stronger day tomorrow : )  Looking forward to the weekend...anyone have fun plans?  

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Not so Itsy Bitsy Bikini

Last night I was a little reflective/emotional. It started when I went through my summer clothes drawer to dig out last year’s bikinis, board shorts, and sundresses. When I was a kid, I remember shopping at endless stores before family vacations to find a swimsuit that fit. One year my mom took me to a local seamstress with god awful fabrics to make a swimsuit to fit my size 16 figure. I hated that swimsuit and hated my body at age 12. I dreamed of a day where I would have a flattering shape and jet set to tropical locations with beautiful clothes to match.

A lot of people would say that all kids have baby fat, but it was more than just chubby and looking terrible in a swimsuit. I was so self conscious and unhappy that I didn’t enjoy being around water (which I’ve now grown to love). This general discomfort with my body continued into my 20s, and moving to California from Oregon after college was a shock! I started playing beach volleyball and admired girls who could throw on a bikini top and hit the beach. It doesn’t help that I severely burn in the sun (effect of Lupus) and can’t “lay out.” Thank goodness for spray tanning!

I’m still really modest, but last night as I tried on all my cute stuff, I took a step back to appreciate my body and my efforts to stay fit the last few years. I will never a figure that looks great in a bikini (small chest and a tummy that still wobbles after a zillion workouts), but at least I can put one on and like what I see. And more importantly, I can focus on having a great time poolside/beachside without being self conscious. At 28, it’s about time! I started to think how the little me back then would be so proud of where I’m at today and how hard I’ve worked to be able to "jet set" in my spare time. Check out my travel page and map here – http://laurajean300.googlepages.com/travel. What is your all time favorite place in the whole world and why?

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Cardio...and...CABO!!!

I love having days off because I’m energized and have time for a full workout. Last night I focused on strength training…abs/core, kinesis, and weights. I downloaded tons of new music to keep me moving (live playlist will be added soon). It worked, because 2 hours flew by and I still had cardio to do! I was pretty worn out, but I finished with 10 minutes of bike intervals and 20 min on the elliptical. I absolutely love that exhausted/exhilarated feeling after a workout.

Trisha emailed me, and she’s planning a last minute trip to Cabo for her birthday at the end of the month. The accommodations are free, so I just had to buy my plane ticket. The photos of the resort are unbelievable...we'll be staying in a 4 bedroom villa on the beach...oh my gosh. I’m sooo excited!!! This is the perfect opportunity to celebrate with good friends, sun, and mangoritas! Adios Amigos!!!





Saturday, February 14, 2009

For the love of cupcakes


It's been a great long weekend so far.  I've finally been able to relax again, clean my place, and get back into my routine.  Friday I had lunch with my mom, tried red velvet cake for the first time (heavenly is the best way to describe it), and treated myself to 2 pairs of shoes.  The Decree line at JC Penny is vintage cute, cheap, and comfortable.  

I hit the gym Friday night and Saturday morning.  The strength training was good, but I had a hard time pushing myself through the cardio.  It's that time of the month where I always feel weak, so I knew it was no big deal.  I'm a little disappointed in the pilates class I signed up for.  The instructor isn't the greatest and the workout (if you can call it that) is mediocre.  I might have to go back to private sessions.  

I spent Valentines Day getting my hair done and having a girls' night.  I stopped at a new bakery called Babycakes and picked up a dozen of the cutest cupcakes ever.  I'm not even thinking about my sweets intake this weekend...cupcakes are sooo worth it!    

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Job Offer

I turned the job offer down today (sigh). They weren't willing to negotiate, and I was a little worried about the potential for advancement under the current supervisor. The position would have been right up my alley, but I had to trust my instincts. I'm a little bummed so I'll keep looking. The great part is that I have a steady job with lots of opportunity here in LA. So, time to refocus on my fitness and health goals : )

I hit the gym Mon and Tues with strength training and 30 min elliptical routines. I'm a little run down from decision making, so I'm hoping to gain momentum in my workouts later in the week. I tried grilling up tilapia on the foreman tonight, but it wasn't very tasty. Reminded me of cheap fish tacos.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Interview

I had such a fun weekend back home. I spent some time in downtown Portland before and after the interview and realized how much I miss it. The city is so unique, people are down to earth, and I found myself wanting to be there. It's trendy, but not in an LA sort of way.

I walked up to the office, and the location was amazing...right in the middle of it all and next to the waterfront. I had high hopes for the interview, but unfortunately I didn't get the best impression. My would-be supervisor seemed uneasy with the whole interview process and basically said that there would be no potential to move up unless she left the company. Yikes! As I walked out, I was not feeling like it was the best match (or that I'd even get the position). I drank a beer at Rock Bottom and tried not to think about it. I was pretty sure I wouldn't take it, but they called to offer me the position later that day. Wow. Now I started re-thinking it all over again. I told them I would let them know on Monday.

My friend Becky just bought a convertible mini Cooper, and we headed out to my little cousin's Oscar theme b-day party in style! It was such a fun night...we blasted the heat with the top down on the freeway in 50 degree weather. But our scarves and big sunglasses made it seem like we were in California. I surprised Taylor on the "red carpet" all dressed up. It was tooo cute...she didn't even recognize me at first.. There's only a few times in a girl's life where a feather boa is the perfect accessory!

I was super stressed over the weekend but tried to eat healthy. I had Steelhead for the first time over dinner with friends from high school. This fish is amaaazing. I also limited the drinking so that I'd be thinking clearly. I flew back here on Sunday and stocked up on groceries for the week. Can't wait to get back in the gym to work off the stress.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Pinkberry and Portland

I was a little tired yesterday, so my workout was the bare minimum…40 min strength training and 30 min easy elliptical. I stopped by Pinkberry...uh oh… addicted!

I’m starting to get pretty nervous. Tomorrow’s interview is coming up fast. I’m definitely prepared….I’ve researched the nonprofit group and their work for weeks. There are so many ideas and discussion topics that I have stored in this nerdy brain of mine. So, I’m determined to rock this interview…as in river rocks : ) That being said, I still have to figure out if the position and the staff are a good match. I’ve waited for the right position to open up in Portland for 3 years now. So if I’m able to work with a great team for a cause that that truly focuses on river restoration, then I’m going to jump in head first. I’m taking the night off from working out to focus and pack.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Crazy Good

I didn’t work out Monday, so I turned up it up a notch for my workout last night. I got to the gym at 7:15 and left at 9:30! I rocked my way through 80 minutes of strength training (10 min stretching, 20 min core, 30 min free weights, and 20 min kinesis). Since I don’t want to spend more money on training sessions, I vowed to pump up the cardio on my own. I started with a 5 minute warmup run and climbed 50 floors on the stairmaster. The last 5 floors were excruciating!!! There is something about this realistic stairclimbing machine that kicks my butt every time. I finished it off with 30 min on the elliptical. I love pushing myself after a recharge day…it usually turns out to be a “crazy good” workout.

OMG! I was able to RUN for 5 minutes on the treadmill without discomfort. This seems like hardly anything at all, but my knees are damaged from training too hard at age 16 and having a running injury that same year during the Hood to Coast Relay. Usually when I run for 3-5 minutes, one of my knees will start to lock up. I would give anything to be able to run long distance again, but I know it may not ever happen…I’ve had multiple trainers, X-Rays, PT, etc. So tonight was another small victory : )

Aside from training, I’m loving my fit & fresh containers…so fun and easy to pack healthy snacks. The only problem is I usually chow through them by 11am! That’s ok though ‘cause I’m started to cut back what I’m eating in the afternoon and evening. I prefer to work out really hard, so I’m not too worried about my calorie intake. It’s more about eating all healthy stuff and fewer processed snacks. I have to admit that this process is HARD...completely changing the way I'm eating, pushing myself to the max at the gym, and prepping food a lot. But it's really really satisfying to have more energy and start to see changes! I love this poster...check it out : )
http://www.allposters.com/-sp/A-Z-of-Fitness-Posters_i325336_.htm

Monday, February 2, 2009

Commuter Express

I started taking the commuter bus to work again (my car’s in the shop, so I pretty much had to!). The great part is that it picks up a block from my apartment, it’s free (employer pays), and I get some exercise in. The bad part is that I have to walk 8 blocks through the scummy part of downtown in the evening. And the air quality is really bad on warm days...by the time I reach the bus stop, I feel like a walking exhaust pipe. I can’t complain too much though, because I was able to get a great view of the sunset as the bus followed the coast towards home. I was pretty worn out and sore tonight so I had dinner and went to bed early. I tried Greek yogurt…ick. Too sour for my taste, even with berries mixed in. Oh, and go Team Black!

Super Workout Sunday

I stuck to my game plan this weekend…lots of exercise, healthy eating, and catching up on housework stuff. Yesterday I skipped the Superbowl altogether and hit the gym instead. There was only 1 other person working out! I was pretty worn out, so I kept it simple with 1 hour training and 30 min elliptical. I finally figured out how to use my teeny little gas stove (my apartment is really tiny), so I tried out a container of egg whites that I picked up a while back. Even though they look a little strange, the egg whites are pourable and keep for months. The spinach omelette with mozzarella was delicious! This will be a great way to cook up leftover veggies.