I feel good.....

"Nah Na nana na na - I knew that I would now...Nah Na nana Na" - trying to sing here - work with me folks!

I'm feeling SO much better today!!! I still forced myself to do a moderate cardio session, I wanted to run - BAD, but it's still HHH (hazy hot humid) outside and the pollen is still pretty thick AND I have to get my hair cut/colored which while it is needed, mean that I'll be under dryers and such for 2 - 3 hours, so no HIIT just yet. Not pushing my luck. But big storms are forcasted so that treadmill better be ready tomorrow!

Kimmy - I'm SO happy to hear about your FANTASTIC news!!!!! I'm sure you'll be GREAT in July!!!


I thought you guys might appreciate this one!

Have a great day!!!

“Laugh as much as you breathe and love as long as you live.”
Author Unknown

I QUIT!!!!!!!

Tanning that is! Bet you were nervous there for a second weren't you...hehehe.

I am not proud to admit that I was one of "those" who feels the need to "bake" myself in the electric coffin. Not everyday mind you - but a couple of times a week. Therapy - a girl needs her sun - plus I feel that I get abnormally pale when I don't go.

We'll see just how pale I get! I actually quit a couple of weeks ago - but folks are just now starting to notice the color shift in my face. Actually I think it's more because it was such a nice weekend here that they assumes I'd be lounging around a pool all weekend - getting crispy. But I did NOT. And I'm proud of it.

Why the change in thought? As I was putting on moisturizer I was noticing the *gasp* fine lines and such starting to take hold on my face - and my first thought was I should look in to that micro - abrasion thing they do.

THEN that same day, XBF shows me 2 moles that he's having removed and analyzed.

THEN at work I waited on not one but THREE patients - of various ages - that all had stitches on their face/lip/ears from where they were being tested.

HHEEELLOOO??!!! How many more signs does a girl need in one day? I quit that afternoon.

So this added to my shopping confusion - what colors look good now might not look 3 weeks from now. *sigh*. So we'll see how I "turn" out. I'll definitely be healthier in the long run.

Speaking of healthier - the headache and bloat are still kicking around - though they are managible today. The pollen is so thick with the humidity that all the cars are yellow and you can see it hanging in the air!

Tomorrow we're supposed to get a good Thunderstorm - HOORRAY! That should clear the air for me so I can return to all 8 cylinders again. I'm at about 6 now. I'll never complain about the heat - just the pollen. Heat is my best friend!

AND - even with my puffy state the clothes are a success!!! Everything fits, one that is supposed to be a little snug is still wearable - so tomorrow I will be quite happy with all my purchases.

Back to "normal" here in Heaven!!

Until tomorrow!

I should've known better.....

There is always one day a year when my allergies just flat out kill me. It's the first time the temperature hits 90. That day was today.

Last Monday it was 40 with a wintery mix of snow, sleet and hail. Today - mostly sunny and 90!

With everything already blooming - that spike in temperature was all it took. I've been suffering with a migraine and EXTREME bloat all day.

Needless to say my "project" did not get completed today. All the info is in - just have to master the format. My brain just can't process it right now.

I should've just closed up Heaven and turned on the a/c when I first got up this morning, but I really prefer fresh air - most days.

So I just have a few lose ends to tie up and then I'll be off to bed. Try to sleep this off.

Next time I'll remember.....

Until tomorrow......

"Mistakes show us what we need to learn.”
Peter McWilliams

I am just not very good....

At being a girl!

It's a Holiday weekend here in and in the States Holidays mean 2 things - eating too much and GREAT sales!

I have no need to worry about the first one - I've got the eating thing "down cold" now! However since the training and eats ARE going so well for me - my clothes are getting a little baggy. If I have to buy new stuff - might as well try and save a couple of dollars in the process - right? Plus I still haven't hit 1,000 miles on my new car - and it's been 7 weeks now - so I need to drive! Windows down - tunes blastin' - life is good!

Then I got to the mall. Kerry, I was thinking of you ALL afternoon! I could NOT for the life of me find anything I liked/wanted/needed. Well, I can't say that - there was plenty that I liked - but I HATE trying things on, so I couldn't decide what size to buy! I know what I wear now, and I know they're too big. But a 2 at Gap and a 2 at Macy's and a 2 at Forever 21 are all REALLY different 2's!

So I left the mall with only Sue's "fix" and my new computer speakers, and came back to Heaven. I have work to do anyways, figured I'd get it done.

But it was sunny, the wind was blowing, and my pants were annoying me as I sat here. Off to mall 2! Under the pressure of the "clock" I purchased 1 pair of pants, 3 tank tops, and 2 shirts. Will they fit? Who knows - haven't tried them on yet.

Speaking of decisions - maybe you guys can sway me on this one. When I moved out of the house in December I stopped taking "The Pill". I had been on it for .........a LONG time. And since I'm not "involved" with anyone right now I figured now was a perfect time to take a break from the hormones.

Since giving it up, I feel great! No withdrawal, no moodiness, no cravings, no bloat, no problems. Yet every month I go and get my perscription refilled. I now have 5 months worth in my kitchen cupboard. Why? Why do I keep paying my $5 copay and picking up these little guys to "store" them? When will I ever need 5 months worth?

Yet it's been 4 weeks - it's time to pick up the next batch - and I'm fighting the urge to do so.

Please - slap some sense into me. Please!

Until tomorrow this quote about sums it up!

“I know that you believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.”

Robert McCloskey

AAhhhhhhhh...

Home again!!! It's always so very nice to return home! Even though Heaven is right near work and I was here everyday on my lunch to check in on my "peeps" - it's not the same as sleeping in my own bed, cooking in my own kitchen, and you know what's next.......

Indulging in my shower!!!! I DO love the shower here!! So much more water pressure, so much hotter, lasts so much longer......AHHhhhhhh!!

This sexy guy is the reason for my absence! Meet Manfrey! 118lbs of mutt! How on earth anyone could be scared or intimidated by that face is beyond me! He was very happy to have me as "his" guest this week - extra walking, lots of carrots and I let him sleep on the corner of the bed. Shhhh - don't tell XBF - but it's a California King bed - Way more space than I need. I didn't even know he was there. I was in the top upper right corner, he was on top of the comforter in the lower left corner - could've fit 2 more humans in that bed with plenty of room!

Now for a long Holiday weekend of catching up! Last night was leg's and I'm off to do my Sunday morning power walk this morning, even though it's Saturday. I'm hoping to avoid Phelm man and perhaps move some of this DOMS out of my legs so I can enjoy this weekend. It's finally supposed to be nice! I don't know if I mentioned it - but last Sunday/Monday - May 21 and 22, there was high winds, rain, sleet, hail and brace yourself - trace amounts of SNOW! Unacceptable!

This weekend looks to be much more enjoyable! 80 and partly to mostly sunny. Finally!!!

I'll catch up on blogs later! Hope everyone is doing well!

Until then!

Basketball!

She was playing Basketball!!!!

I'm staying at my old house this week- the same neighborhood where my "inspiration" lives. As I pull in to return to the house after work yesterday I glanced at the house where their family lives.

I noticed the 2 sons and Dad were playing Basketball of some sort. So I plan to stop, just to say "Hi".
As I move across the street they hand her the ball, she dribbles, and she nearly makes the shot! Probably closer than I could've come!!!

They were playing H-O-R-S-E. You know, where one person makes the shot and another has to copy the exact shot or you get a letter. Once you spell HORSE you're "out".

She said that she listens to the sounds - then tries to duplicate!!!!!! She gets to play HORSEHEAD - as she does have a disadvantage

They said they were planning on calling me this weekend. I didn't stay long - I don't want them to think I'm a crazy stalker - just wanted to say "Hi" - but when I saw her take a shot I had to get out of my car and say it in person.

We'll see what happens. Either way - she blows me away!!!

"Put all your excuses aside and remember this: YOU are capable."
--Zig Ziglar

How to Confuse the Neighbors.....

Step 1: Buy house
Step 2: Move in to house with Boyfriend - live happily for many years
Step 3: Move out of house - now Ex Boyfriend stays
Step 4: Show up 6 months later with luggage and walk dog for a week
Step 5: Leave at end of week
Step 6: Repeat 2 weeks later.

I'm getting some pretty confused looks from the old neighbors this week. I have to house sit again - one more week of out of town training for XBF and no one else would dare stay with the "beast" we call Manfrey.

Manfrey is a Rottweiler/St. Bernard mix. Most days he and I go pound for pound scale weight wise. He's a little moody - not mean - big teddy bear - lots of slobber - just moody.

He doesn't like change - move his water bowl - even for an afternoon - he pouts. When XBF goes out of town - Manfrey will hide food in strategic places around the house "just in case". And he'll only eat or drink if someone is home with him. Goes out when he wants - if he wants. No accidents - but it makes it difficult to have someone just pop over a couple of times a day to check on him.

And we saved him from the pound as an adult. So we don't have the heart to kennel him - even for a few days.

So back to the house I go. It works out well this week, the final stages of deconstruction here at Heaven are under way. I would have to park nearly 1/2 mile away from my building if I was staying here - so that's good that I'll be missing it. And it's one less car for them to find a spot for.

And since work if so close to Heaven, I can come "home" for lunch and grab all the things I will need for the next day on my way back through after work.

So it's really not so bad!

Until tomorrow!

“Dogs have Owners, Cats have Staff.”
Author Unknown

What I'm reading...

This is the book I'm devouring at the moment, "What to Eat by Marion Nestle".

I've only just begun to uncover all that it has to offer, up to page 120, but so far it is packed with valuable knowledge to any American that has ever been in agrocery store, watched the evening news, or been "persuaded" by the results from the "latest" study on nutrition.

Pretty much - all of us.

One thing I read this morning while I was tearing up the treadmill on my power walk - I LOVE that heart rate monitor - these 60 minutes walks have been taken to a whole new level! And yes - phlem man was there again - what is wrong with this guy anyway?!

ANYWAY - one thing I read that I wanted to share was that the top three vegetables as consumed by the American Public are, in no particular order...

1. French Fries
2. Lettuce
3. Potato Chips

Yeah - I don't know about you guys - but lettuce is the only one close to a vegetable on that list. I say close because I can only assume that they are referring to iceberg lettuce which really has little nutritional value.

And if I remember correctly, didn't the Leader of my Nation say at one point that ketchup was a vegetable?

And the FDA considers 1/2cup a serving of vegetables. And they rec. 5 of these servings per day. Yet most Americans struggle to consume 2 servings. Which I guess is why they are "bending the rules" to count french fries and potato chips.

And based on the FDA definition of a serving size - I may have just ate my whole days worth of veggies for breakfeast. It must have close.

So Jodie at least your host familes were representative of "true" Americans. They also say that the average family eats 40% of their meals outside of their homes.

And I bet we're not all carrying around coolers and black bags.

On a happy note, thank you all so very much for your warm, postive comments about my "meeting" yesterday. When I shared that story with my friends, family and coworkers they politely listed - but they seemed confused as to why I would offer my cell phone number. They couldn't see this woman's true inner beauty and strength - and their response left me feeling a bit foolish.

I knew this group would see her as the gift she truly is!

“Worthless people live only to eat and drink; people of worth eat and drink only to live.”
Socrates

AMAZING.....

I had a chance to meet someone who inspires me yesterday, and she is simply AMAZING! An absolutely beautiful person inside and out!

This woman lives right in the front of my old development. Happily married for 26 years now - two grown children 25 and 23, a seemingly wonderful Husband. I would see her jog/run around the neighborhood in the early morning most days. I would always see their family out working in the yard or playing basketball, having cookouts - typical middle America. I never really paid them too much attention. I lived way in the back of the neighborhood, I only noticed their family because there is a stop sign in front of their house - and you must often patiently "wait your turn" to turn out on to the main strip.

Winter came and went, followed by Spring - the house seemed quiet - less activity - just assumed the boys moved out.

Summer they started some "unusual" projects - the most notably a paved walkway from the front door to the mailbox.

Late summer the town started posting signs "Blind Person in Area".

Another winter - a new Spring. I see the "wife" being "trained" with a white cane around the neighborhood.

This was a couple of years ago now. I now see her out power walking around the neighborhood most everyday! Puttering in the yard - sitting on the porch. I read an article about her in the paper awhile back - a brain tumor took her vision, it's inoperable. But she refuses to be "labeled", refuses to accept this new deck of cards. How she still trys to volunteer and is now an advocate for the blind.

I was impressed by her perserveance then. She would not be held captive by what some see as a disability. She would not use a seeing eye dog but has learned to take care of herself. She works out everyday, is active in the community and refuses to accept public assistance. When others gave up - she became even more determined.

Friday her Husband came into my store as a patient. I did not recognize him - treated him as I would any other. He explains that $$ is tight since his wife was diagnosed with the brain tumor but since she lost her vision he was paying close attention to the health of his eyes. He spoke of his wife's drive and passion for life. Something in his story made me look deeper in to his chart at his address - I instantly knew who his wife is!

I'm not one to gush over folks - everyone is the same to me rich or poor, young or old, clean or "dirty". I gushed over this man.

I told him how I was so inspired by his wife and her drive. How anytime I would dare think that I had too much to deal with I would see her "cruise" past my house - she really moves - and I would realize that my troubles were small compared to what she had to overcome.

He told me all about his wife. She is a 3rd degree black belt and used to each self defense courses. She used to work with the deaf - knows sign language - and can now read sign with her hands - so she can communicate with the deaf even though she can't see! She styles her own hair! Dresses herself! Runs on the treadmill every morning at 8 am! She volunteers as a grief counselor for folks dealing with cancer and other life changing challenges. She's an advocate for the blind!

She has some center pinhole vision - which her Dr.'s can't explain. With this tiny amount of vision she is able to cook, clean, do laundry, apply her makeup, recognize and distinguish paper money, she has learned to read and type Braille, and now teaches self defense to other visually impaired people! Imagine a 3rd degree black belt licensed to carry a 4 foot cane!!!

When he came back to pick up his glasses he brought his wife with him. She is as gorgeous on the outside and she is on the inside - and her hair and make up were better than my own! I spoke with her for over an hour. Gushed over her and told her how truly gifted and inspiring she is, She told me of the terrible pain from the tumor, how it is affecting other areas of her body and how she finds that by keeping active and making a difference in the world around her it makes her feel complete.

She told me the horrors of going shopping - they have 2 sons - no daughters, and the clerks won't allow her Husband in to the dressing area to help her change to try things on.

How some Family and Friends are no longer calling or stopping by to walk with her. She worked in crisis management - yet no one that she works with has contacted her since her surgery!

Yet she said all this with a smile, it was "just a tumor", just another card to be dealt with.

I immediately gave them my name and number - and said that anyway I can help - big or small, please feel free to call.

I hope they call.

“The greatest thing a man can do in this world is to make the most possible out of the stuff that has been given him. This is success, and there is no other.”

Orison Swett Marden

Excuse me...

"Yes"
"How many people do you have living in that apartment?"
"Ummmm - just me - why do you ask?" - I know it can't be a noise complaint - I can go the whole day without even turning on the television! Just flip on the computer and find a cyber radio station - and my speakers actually need replacing.....must head to the mall this weekend.......

"Well - every time I see you you're hauling groceries up those stairs - yet you're the tinest person. Those can't all be for you?"


Way to meet the grounds keeper.

So it was a week ago today I bought every vegetable known to man and sure enough - not a one went to waste.
Mmm.Mmm.Goood! In fact I ran out of radishes, carrots and 'shrooms over the weekend and had to get more!


Nobody can say Sue starves you!!!

Thanks for all of the great comments over the past couple of days! It's nice to know others are out there!!!

I'm off to work!

“If A equals success, then the formula is A equals X plus Y and Z, with X being work, Y play, and Z keeping your mouth shut.”
Albert Einstein

If you don't know their middle name....

they can't ruin your day. This was something I learned a long time ago when I was bartending.

"If you don't know their middle name - they can't ruin your day". The logic here is that anyone close enough to have a lasting effect on your mood/stress level for the day - you would know their middle name - anyone else - they just shouldn't leave a lasting impression on you.

I was reminded of this numerous times today.

Here I am still flying high on my jean incident from yesterdaySure it was cool, grey, and rainy. Sure it was Tuesday and to me that's Monday since my "work" week is Tuesday through Saturday, but I was still a happy little camper.

And all day long, "patients" just screaming over the simplest things. Reeeaaally - screaming - is that ever necessary in a place of business? No. Hysterics over things like a lost screw? Not needed. Storming out and trying to slam doors - that are on hydraulics - so you can't really slam them - all because you're insurance won't cover something......

C'mon - let's act our age.

So I thought I would share my little motto ... "If you don't know their middle name - they can't ruin your day".
Just a reminder - to keep it all in perspective. Know who matters in your life - ignore the rest.

Until tomorrow......

“Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.”
Ashley Smith

Rainy Day Update.....

A friend just called and asked if I wanted to head out for a chicken salad and some video gaming - or if I was planning on eating chicken salad in heaven tonight - those were their words - I may be a little too predictible.

ANYWAY - I said sure and decided to change my clothes. I opened up the jean drawer to grab a fresh pair and saw some that I haven't worn in literally 2 years. The skinny pair - from when I starved myself and trained into a coma to maintain it - aka - before I met Sue. Not sure why I saved them all this time - I even packed them when I moved, and I'm a big believer if you haven't worn it in a year you're not gonna - so give it to someone who will.

Even when I got them they were really too tight in my thighs. But they were a gift, and they ARE Abercrombie - so I wiggled and stuffed and pulled them on.

That was then......

Fast forward - today I sit here "Indian style" - cross legged, quite comfortably. They're not stretch jeans either.

Every cloud has a silver lining!!! - Now I'm singing in the rain!!!!
Thanks Sue!!

Storm Clouds..

Are moving in as I type. Oh well, it can't always be sunny.

I actually enjoy a really good storm once in awhile - I don't think this one will qualify for the really good status though. Just a normal one.

Still - when the weather is like this I could really go for a scary movie. But unfortunately my Netflix subscription sent the scary movies over Easter weekend - when Spring was in the air, and today I have Trailer Park Boys - which is a Canadian sitcom I am addicted too. And I've been waiting quite some time for my next disc to become available, so I'm not that disappointed.

And if I truly wanted the horror flick I could always drive to the video store - so obviously I don't want it that badly.

Just like the weather - not all workouts can be great. Today was chest and bi's. It was an effort just to finish - in fact I actually had to go lighter on incline bench

It certainly didn't help there was NO music to lift too - you HAVE to have music to train. Simply have to. And since I was fortunate to have a training partner/spotter - I didn't want to be rude and blast myself with my Mp3.

At least it's in. And cardio was first thing this morning - with the tunes, and the monitor, and a computer that simply held a ton of good news still fresh in my mind - so cardio ROCKED!

In the spirit of the rain - here's something I bet you didn't know.....

Did you know...
A duck can NOT walk without bobbing it's head!

Disgusting!.....

Disgusting!! That was the thought that crept, no wait was FORCED, in to my head this morning while I was enjoying my power walk. I had all my gadgets - monitor, mp3, book, I was a happy, puffing, little camper. Then it started..."Hack!Hack!Cough!Choke!Spit!Sniff!Gag!" - what the?.....This display was making it's way through my earbuds, focus, and inner pleasure. Where the heck is that coming from? I look up - Waaayyyyy at the other end of the cardio room some man is apparently dying on a stepper. And this continues for the next 30 minutes! AND I witnessed a "fit" where apparently the obstruction was hacked on to the display of the stepper - only to be smeared away by this man's sweaty arm! And of course he did not wipe off the machine when he was done.


So since my mind was on disgusting things - I thought of Jodie and her trip to the States. I had asked her if she encoutered the "Deep Fried Oreo" - a State Fair "delicacy"! Some folks did not believe such things exist! Sadly, it is true! The deep Fried Oreo is a favorite for some, along with Deep Fried Snickers, Deep Fried Twinkies, even Ho Ho's! Here is a picture of the infamous Oreo. When I searched for a pic to post - you know I would not have one - I was surprised just how many folks are addicted to these things! There are even blogs about them!

I was trying to find the nutritional data on this disaster for you - but not surprisingly - it proved to be a bit of a challenge. Though there are plenty of recipes for them.
Here's one link I'd like to post:
http://kids.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/32/Deep_Fried_Oreos44318.shtml
Please notice when you click on this link that it's for a KID FRIENDLY RECIPE WEBSITE! Why on earth would anyone feed this to their child - let alone teach them how to make it!!!!!

But I refuse to leave on an unhappy note - so all this thinking of Jodie reminds me that I've been meaning to tell her about the new tunes I'm currently rockin' too. So Far by Buckcherry! In fact most of the disc is simply AWESOME for cardio - at least to me:) Crazy Bi**h, Broken Glass, Brooklyn, Out of Line..... I'm lovin' this disc!!

What are you guys rockin' too? I'm alway looking for new tunes!!!!

Until later.....

Call the Police....

Anyone that's had a day as great as mine should be ARRESTED! It must be illegal to be this happy!!

First, how nice to see my friend from my old blog stopped by - Hi Kimmy!! Are you blogging now? Send me a link so we can catch up!!!

Then, I get fabulous news from 2 of my friends! CONGRATULATIONS to both Kerry and Jaemi!! You've both had HUGE progress this week! I'm so very happy for you!!

Then I received an "overpayment" check in the mail - who gets those? Apparently I do - so now I have some unexpected $$ - sweet!

Over course Heaven is still just that, and my workout was awesome.

And now - I sip what is definitely the best cup of tea ever created!!! I use soy milk - so those of you that use soy milk know that by the time you get to the bottom of the container some of the protein, aka good stuff, has stuck to the sides and the bottom. No matter how hard I shake it before I pour - it' still there.

So when you get to the end of the container - you have to rinse it out before you toss it in the "blue bin" - that's where the recyclables go. But why waste this? So...I take the carton - fill it part way with water and really shake it up - then I use this water to make my tea. It's always so creamy and seems thicker than my usual tea with a splash.

And after having such a great day, you know what flavor tea I used..... today was definitely a cocoa spice day! The best tea - with the best water!

Seriously - I shouldn't be allowed to be this happy. If I was a cat I'd be purring!


“Happiness is like a kiss...you must share it to enjoy it.”

Ask and you shall receive...

So yesterday was veggie day - today I had to stop off and get some more chicken and fish after the gym. Gotta have something to go with all of those veggies! The chicken is on sale until tomorrow, and everyone knows that fish is the freshest on Friday - so......I stopped.

I was thinking that I'd make up some ground chicken patties this weekend to keep as a "staple" for the next couple of days. I haven't had those in a while - it sounded like a good idea. I like to put some radishes and onions in the food processor - chop them up real small - and mix it in with the chicken, egg whites and seasonings before I make my patties.

This seemed like a perfect idea! I could use my new blender/food processor! I have plenty of veggies! I know the patties are good with sweet potatos, radishes, onions, but why not try mushrooms and zucchini too?! I definitely have enough to experiment with! Eggs are on sale 18 for only 99cents! Chicken is on sale too! Perfect plan!

But wait......why is the boneless/skinless chicken breast only $1.79lb. and the ground chicken is $4.29/lb? How could this be?

So I ask the guy behind the service meat counter - "do you charge extra to custom cut the meat if I buy it from the store?"

"Nope. We custom cut. What would you like?"
"Would you grind this chicken up for me? Turn it in to "burger" meat please"
"Sure - give me 5 minutes"

And just like that - ground chicken - for $1.79/lb. Why hadn't I thought of this before.......

So tonight after I train back and tri's it will be the great American cook off part one!

Little update on the Heaven situation... they were true to their word! On Tuesday when I came home from work there were no lots, no roads, just dirt and a lot of "slow" signs.

Friday - I am parked back in my lot, road restored. All is well.

In fact - it's pretty close to perfect!

Until Later.....



“We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.”
Frederick Keonig

An Experiment.....

This is how I have felt trying to get these blasted emoticons in to my blog.....



But now.....Thanks to Kerry!!!



THANK YOU KERRY!!!!!

Anybody Hungry?

Hmmmm, it seems I may have bought just a few too many veggies this morning at the store. I confess - I broke the cardinal rule...NEVER go shopping on an empty stomach. NEVER!

It's just me here in Heaven - so anytime I pull up to the cashier and I have a full cart.......I should do a "self check". LOL!

I blame it on the monitor. Yup - it's to blame. I was a good girl - cardio on an empty stomach, monitor strapped on, mp3 blasting, check **puff**check **puff**.

My workouts are SO intense now, I'm starving!!! O.k. - not starving - but I definitely have an increase in appetite!! I'm like Pacman - mowing through the produce like there's no tomorrow!

And then I leave the gym and hit the store - gotta conserve gas - do it all while you're out you know. The store is right on the way home.

And it was 8am.....Fresh produce, nobody else has pawed through it - all still cold from the cooler, the colors so bright, we're finally get produce that is actually edible - not shipped halfway around the world.......

I may have overdone it.

On my way out the door this morning I did manage to grab my digital camera - to take some pics of this destruction for you all to "see".....they were already working - at 7am!!! And there were visible improvements in the appearance since I came home last night - at 9pm!! And they didn't wake me up! No louder than trash trucks!

This is by far the MOST organized construction I have EVER witnessed!!! Even in destruction - Heaven still amazes me:)

“Be careful what you pretend to be because you are what you pretend to be.”
Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.

Under Destruction.....

No - that's not a typo. Heaven is "Under Destruction"! The trucks moved in Tuesday morning and began chewing up the old roads and parking lots for a complete repaving project.

Not just a new layer of black top - oh no. Ground right down to bare earth - scooped up, hauled away, new stone, new tarvia ....... the works. It's so unbelieveable I may post a picture, though I'm sure the workers will wonder what the heck that girl is up to....

I have to hand it to the team they've brought in. They are making quick work of it. We're told we'll be back on the lots on Friday. But for now, we park where we can find a spot. Grass, hills, in between doorways - you name it- cram a car in there!

The front steps to my building were jack hammered into rubble at 9 am. I hope nobody in the building works nights!

Until tomorrow.....

Treat people as if they were what they ought to be, and you help them to become what they are capable of being
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

MMmmmmmm

Such a busy and productive day I've had!!! Cardio before work, caught up on my emails, lifted after work, finished up some online projects, and now a quick check in before my head hits the pillow:)

Eww - that reminds me of yesterday's trivia, not my pillows of course - I wash them every couple of months and the pillow protector gets washed every week when I change the sheets, still - let's not think about the unwanted critters..

Right now I am enjoying the MOST delicious tea known to man. Yogi tea - cocoa spice. Somehow these folks have found away to make tea taste like cocoa. Deelliicious!!! No sweetener needed - just a splash of soy milk and Ahhhhh!!

It's hard to find in my area - so I don't like to "waste" them - and good luck getting me to share them - LOL! I stock up when I see it and then have to rationalize whether or not I truly want one before I open it. Did you guys see the episode of Seinfeld with Elaine and the "Today" contraceptive sponge? "Are you sponge worthy?"

That's how I feel about my cocoa spice:)

I know Kerry has mastered emoticons in her blog - animated at that! So you've all been warned...theeey're coming........

I promise I'll be responsible. No over kill here!

Sleep tight!!!

"Staying up all night is a waste of sleeping, and a waste of sleeping is a waste of dreaming, and dreaming is important because the more dreams you have, the better chance you have of one coming true.”

I'm hooked!!!

On my heart rate monitor that is!!! I had to laugh at your comment Hilary, I found myself checking it while I was lifting....every 5 minutes or so during cardio, and when the "folks" were acting up during dinner last night.....I checked it then too!!!

When they asked what I was doing they were not amused. Oh well, they should learn to get along better! LOL!!

So now just like my "running only " sneakers, my mp3 and my precious blender...the monitor is on the list of things I "can't do without" to train!

Feeling particularly adventurous after chest and bi's, I decided to give the Dark Chocolate another go - only this time packet first, then water........yeah, there is some red and green color action in there!

Yet another reason to ALWAYS choose whole foods over supplements!!

My "real" job is Tuesday through Saturday - so Monday is the great cook/off and clean up the mess day. I'm happy to report that my fridge and freezer is fully stocked, Heaven is spotless and I'm all organized for another great week!!!

As I tidied up the place - a piece of trivia came to mind......

Did you know.......
Dust found in the average household is mostly made up of dead skin. In fact, about 80% of the particles seen floating in a sunbeam is dead human skin. EWWWWWWWWwwwwwww!!!!

And it gets worse.......

Ohio State University scientists estimate that up to 10% of a two-year-old pillow is comprised of dead dust mites and their excrement!

Sleep Tight!!!

I was SLACKING??!!!

I can't believe it!!! I am NOT a slacker - but this morning I decide to break in my newest purchase - and sure enough.....

I WAS slacking!

Let me explain...I'm not a very "gadgety" kinda girl. I simply don't need a lot of "stuff" to keep me happy. I didn't have a cell phone until this past January. It wasn't until my gym started playing oldies like the Everly Brothers during the early a.m. hours (mostly senior crowd there at that time) last summer that I finally broke down and bought a mp3 player. How can they expect me to train with intensity when the theme song from Happy Days is playing?

ANYWAY I do a lot of online mentoring/coaching. I always tell my "peeps" to use a monitor to be certain they're in their target zones. And obviously I love training hard myself. But I never had a heart rate monitor. Nope - never thought I needed one. Thought I could judge by the burn in my legs, the "talk test", even the gizmo on the machines at the gym. Who needs technology?

Turns out I do! I read - a LOT - of training/fitness articles/magazines/books - you name I read it. And for some reason everything I opened was talking about heart rate monitors lately. So while doing blender research I started "investigating" heart rate monitors too. Everybody LOVED this little guy in the corner - but the retail is around $150.

Nope - too pricey - don't need it. Then I searched on ebay. Brand new in box. $32 delivered. Sold!

So when I went to the gym this morning I brought my new addition. Set the treadmill for the "usual" after 5 minutes of warm up I checked where I was.......42%! I was on that treadmill for 60 at 70% - better kick this up! 5 more minutes, check again 60%! What?! I felt like I was movin'! Bump some more.......

Suffice to say I had a MUCH better workout than usual this morning.

Sometimes - technology is a good thing!

Sue was right......

This little beauty is my new best friend!!!!!

This is the Kitchen Aid blender that I bought to replace my poor dear Hamilton, may he R.I.P.

Last night after a Fabulous back and tri workout I came home, filled up .....what shall I call this one....... any suggestions?

Anyway - filled her up with ice, just a splash of water and one packet of Myople Lite - Dark Chocolate. Sue warned me about this particular flavor...she said it was unusual product that had a tendancy to turn unusual colors when mixed - but I live for an adventure! How could a Dark chocolate flavored protein powder be green?! It just didn't make sense.

So I turned on "....", and she chewed up that ice like a pro! Not a single chunk! Smooth, creamy - but it did have some greenish cast to it..... what the heck is in this stuff?! I'm probably better off not knowing. And while I am a fan of just about every other flavor of Myoplex LIte - this one is not on the list of top 10. Since when is chocolate not delicious?!

I'm not proud to say I ate it anyway. It wasn't that scary looking, nor was it that disgusting. But I won't be buying this flavor again.

It's a beautiful sunny morning here in Heaven - so I'm off for my 60 minute power walk!
Make it a great day!!!

“Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark. Professionals built the Titanic.”
Author Unknown

Home again.....

Ahhhh, home again!!!

It feels so very good to sleep in my own bed, with my own pillows!

I have unpacked, laundry is caught up, food is prepped for the next several days, time to get back to business as usual!

High on this weekend's priority list is mastering this blog, adding more links, adding pictures - I can't wait to customize my space just a little bit more.

And of course - training! Can you belive that today is the first day I didn't wince when I sat down? Nearly 72 hours of DOMS from legs - I LOVE it!!! I only love it when it hits just the right spot, and this program is dead on! Thanks Sue!!

I'll be doing Mother's day with Grandma tomorrow - a week early since it fits her schedule better.

We should all be such social butterflies at the age of 79!

Stay focused!!!

Did you know......

It takes 12 hours of playing ping pong to burn the calories in 1 pound.........

House Sitting......

That's what I'm doing this week, house sitting for a friend. I gotta tell ya - it makes me appreciate my little slice of "heaven" even more!!!

You get so spoiled living in an apartment...at least when it's the "right" apartment. No maintenance, quite neighbors, unlimited hot water, better water pressure.....

I may never leave this place - my place that is!

Sure the house has better cable - but there's still nothing ever on. And the kitchen is bigger, and the bathroom, but..... it just seems like more than I need right now. I am completely happy with my little slice of heaven - and God do I love the shower here!!! So hot, and seemingly never ending!!!!

I have a couple more nights at the house - then back to heaven I will go!

There's been some schedule changes at my full time job - so my usual Friday night leg session has to be moved up to today - Wednesday. I LOVE leg day!!! When you can barley drag yourself out of the gym, legs all wobbly, such a great feeling of total physical exhaustion!!!!

And the protein shake that follows legs is always a special one - 'cuase it feels like I really earned it!!!

So since the new blender lives in heaven - I'll have to swing by the apartment after the gym for a "treat"....ooooo and a long hot shower!!!

Make it a great day everyone!!!!

In the spirit of leg day here's today's tidbit:

95 pound Olympic Figure Skater Sasha Cohen can leg press 400lbs!
That's 4 times here body weight!

Something you don't see every day....

On my way to the gym this morning I saw a man on the sidewalk with dark sunglasses and a white cane. Not so weird - he's obviously blind - right?

Why did he have a newspaper folded under his arm.........

Definitely gave me something to think about!!!

The new "addition" is a fabulous purchase!!! I bought a kitchen aid blender and this thing chewed up a whole tray of ice cubes like it was nothing!!!! Not a chunk of ice could be found in my protein icey - so thick I had to eat it with a spoon!!!!

The retail on this monster is insane, but I was lucky enough to find one online that was a previous purchase/return and this $130 blender only cost me $30!!!! I feel like I stole it!!!

Still has a 6 month warranty, and couldn't have been cleaner! This thing weighs a ton! I can't imagine ever burning out this motor!

And so my happiness in "heaven" continues......

Cardio on an empty stomach

What a great way to start my day!!! This single trick alone has made such a HUGE difference in my metabolism!!!!

I had a great early HIIT - and soon I'll be off for my weight session. Chest and Bi's.....always a good one!

I'm even more excited today since my new blender is here!!!! And I'll have a chance to break it in with a yummy post workout treat!!!

Here's a tidbit:

5,940 - that's the number of lunges needed to burn off the calories in a small Dairy Queen Blizzard!!

Suddenly that "treat" just doesn't seem worth it!!!

Make it a great day!!

“Every conquering temptation represents a new fund of moral energy. Every trial endured and weathered in the right spirit makes a soul nobler and stronger than it was before.”

William Butler Yeats