Because I know I'm going to be a bit MIA the next few days...
The new J-O-B starts tomorrow and I'll be out of town for it, so I know things will be hectic and my time will likely not be my own. But rest assured that as soon as I can, I'll be back.
Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
thanks!
I've got exactly one week and then I'm back to the working world. Crazy!
I'm sad about giving up my classes, but am kind of excited about having gym time for myself. It will be nice to once again be able to do what I want, when I want. Said goodbye to my second class today, final goodbye is on Wednesday.
Since Thanksgiving is coming up, I figured I'd follow the trend out there and mention a few things I'm thankful for this year...
What are you thankful for? Give me some unique ones! :)
I'm sad about giving up my classes, but am kind of excited about having gym time for myself. It will be nice to once again be able to do what I want, when I want. Said goodbye to my second class today, final goodbye is on Wednesday.
Since Thanksgiving is coming up, I figured I'd follow the trend out there and mention a few things I'm thankful for this year...
- family
- friends
- the fact that I found a job that I’m excited about
- my health
- my positive attitude (it really does pay off!)
- cars/planes which make visiting friends and family so much easier
- my spin classes, which got me out of bed and gave me a purpose
- those of you who read this very blog!
What are you thankful for? Give me some unique ones! :)
Friday, November 19, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
good things come to those who wait
The past few weeks have been crazy. But the crazy was SO worth it!
I'm beyond excited to say that I am leaving the world of the unemployed. In other words, I accepted a full time job!!!
I was a victim of the recession and laid off from my marketing job in May 2009. Since then I've done everything possible to find work. I started teaching, got my real estate license, worked for a few months as a consultant, and started working for 8 Minute Dating. All good experiences, but sadly, not enough to pay the bills and sustain long-term. But I stayed positive and pushed through. And now, almost 19 months later, it seems like it was all worth it.
So here's to staying positive and knowing that things will ultimately work out!
Unfortunately, entering the world of the working will require me to give up three (3!) of my classes. I've been teaching two 9:30a classes, so they have to go. However, I knew in advance and was able to give the club and the members two weeks notice. My third class was a 6:30p class in New Rochelle, which is almost 30 miles from my home, and just too far to drive with a full time job. This one was hard. I had already subbed out my class for the next two weeks due to scheduling conflicts. The job details weren't finalized last week, so this poor class had no clue what was coming. So yesterday, I walked in to class and essentially told them they'd never see me again.
It was definitely bittersweet. This class had been a challenge. I picked it up from a very loved instructor with a totally different style. As is often the case, her students didn't stick around because I wasn't her. Numbers in the class were low to start, but I persevered and kept coming back and slowly (slooooowly) the numbers started rising and a following started to develop. I had just started to find my groove with them when this happened.
So last night I had to break the news to them, and it was hard. I'm not good with goodbyes and this was no different. Overall they were happy for me, but sad for them. At the end of the class they all clapped for me and I got a teeny bit choked up. I'm such a mush.
I exchanged contact info with a few and hope to stay in touch, but such is life I suppose.
I always knew this day might come, but when it did it was harder than I imagined.
But it is all good. I'm doing this for a great reason and am excited to see what this next chapter brings.
Just wanted to share. :)
I'm beyond excited to say that I am leaving the world of the unemployed. In other words, I accepted a full time job!!!
I was a victim of the recession and laid off from my marketing job in May 2009. Since then I've done everything possible to find work. I started teaching, got my real estate license, worked for a few months as a consultant, and started working for 8 Minute Dating. All good experiences, but sadly, not enough to pay the bills and sustain long-term. But I stayed positive and pushed through. And now, almost 19 months later, it seems like it was all worth it.
So here's to staying positive and knowing that things will ultimately work out!
Unfortunately, entering the world of the working will require me to give up three (3!) of my classes. I've been teaching two 9:30a classes, so they have to go. However, I knew in advance and was able to give the club and the members two weeks notice. My third class was a 6:30p class in New Rochelle, which is almost 30 miles from my home, and just too far to drive with a full time job. This one was hard. I had already subbed out my class for the next two weeks due to scheduling conflicts. The job details weren't finalized last week, so this poor class had no clue what was coming. So yesterday, I walked in to class and essentially told them they'd never see me again.
It was definitely bittersweet. This class had been a challenge. I picked it up from a very loved instructor with a totally different style. As is often the case, her students didn't stick around because I wasn't her. Numbers in the class were low to start, but I persevered and kept coming back and slowly (slooooowly) the numbers started rising and a following started to develop. I had just started to find my groove with them when this happened.
So last night I had to break the news to them, and it was hard. I'm not good with goodbyes and this was no different. Overall they were happy for me, but sad for them. At the end of the class they all clapped for me and I got a teeny bit choked up. I'm such a mush.
I exchanged contact info with a few and hope to stay in touch, but such is life I suppose.
I always knew this day might come, but when it did it was harder than I imagined.
But it is all good. I'm doing this for a great reason and am excited to see what this next chapter brings.
Just wanted to share. :)
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
undies
But in all serious-ness, kind of an important topic.
I spend a lot of time in gym clothes, which lends itself to time spent in cotton undies. Personally I prefer cotton thongs (TMI?) because my pants are fitted and it just looks better.
In the past, I was a loyal supporter of the Victoria's Secret PINK line of cotton thongs. However, over the years they've become lower and lower and thus less flattering on a 30+ year old figure.
Which brings me to my dilemma. I need new undies and don't even know where to start. Add to that the fact that I'm kind of cheap when it comes to these things and it's a bit of an issue.
Do you have any suggestions for workout undies? If so, please share!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Spur of the moment baking
I will always remember that years ago, a friend of mine came over to my apartment. She was hungry so she was opening the fridge and the cabinets, after which she said "interesting that you have no food to eat, yet have all the ingredients to whip up baked goods from scratch". That pretty much sums up my kitchen. Lots of raw form baked good ingredients yet no actual snackable food.
Last night I decided to whip something up. After craving something sweet, and of course not having anything, I figured I'd just bake something. Only caveat, no butter. Normally I have butter, but not last night. My original plan was my raspberry squares, but do to the lack of butter, it was a no go.
Enter google. Here's what resulted, yum!
Oatmeal Raisin Muffins
2 cups flour
1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1/4 tsp allspice (I used cinnamon and probably could have used more than the 1/4 tsp)
3/4 tsp salt
1 cup quick-cook oatmeal
1/2 cup raisins
1 egg
1/2 cup oil
1 1/4 cups milk (I used Almond Milk)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Heat oven to 375. Coat 12 muffin cups with nonstick cooking spray or use paper liners.
In large bowl, whisk together flour, both sugars, baking powder, allspice and salt. Stir in oatmeal, raisins and nuts. In medium-size bowl, lightly beat egg. Stir in oil, milk and vanilla to combine; stir gently into flour mixture; do not over mix.
Fill muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 375 for 25 minutes or until golden on top. Remove to wire rack to cool.
Having never made this recipe before, I chose to keep the oil in. I usually play around with swapping ingredients once I've had the recipe. The exception here was that I didn't have allspice or milk, so I had to use the cinnamon and almond milk.
They tasted delicious last night, warm. Am going to try another right now and I'm sure it will be just as tasty.
I love it when recipes come out well!
Last night I decided to whip something up. After craving something sweet, and of course not having anything, I figured I'd just bake something. Only caveat, no butter. Normally I have butter, but not last night. My original plan was my raspberry squares, but do to the lack of butter, it was a no go.
Enter google. Here's what resulted, yum!
Oatmeal Raisin Muffins
2 cups flour
1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1/4 tsp allspice (I used cinnamon and probably could have used more than the 1/4 tsp)
3/4 tsp salt
1 cup quick-cook oatmeal
1/2 cup raisins
1 egg
1/2 cup oil
1 1/4 cups milk (I used Almond Milk)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Heat oven to 375. Coat 12 muffin cups with nonstick cooking spray or use paper liners.
In large bowl, whisk together flour, both sugars, baking powder, allspice and salt. Stir in oatmeal, raisins and nuts. In medium-size bowl, lightly beat egg. Stir in oil, milk and vanilla to combine; stir gently into flour mixture; do not over mix.
Fill muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 375 for 25 minutes or until golden on top. Remove to wire rack to cool.
Having never made this recipe before, I chose to keep the oil in. I usually play around with swapping ingredients once I've had the recipe. The exception here was that I didn't have allspice or milk, so I had to use the cinnamon and almond milk.
They tasted delicious last night, warm. Am going to try another right now and I'm sure it will be just as tasty.
I love it when recipes come out well!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Spin Odyssey Registration
Registration opened today! Yay!
If you live in the CT area and are interested in participating with me and the CyclePaths (yes, that's the one I chose), leave me a comment and I'll be in touch. Would love to have you!
Here are the details:
March 6, 2011
Norwalk, CT
Ride for 2, 3, or 6 hours and fundraise for breast cancer research
For more info or to register, check out www.spinodyssey.org.
Friday, November 12, 2010
TRX and snot rockets
Now if that's not an alluring title, I don't know what is.
I have always been the queen of random. My mind jumps from topic to topic with no warning (or reason), so this post kind of goes along with that.
First, TRX.
I've posted about TRX before and was obsessed with it for a while. Which is interesting since I've never done it. But I wanted to SO badly!
My boxing instructor sometimes whips out a TRX as one of the circuit stations, but usually people rush over to it so I've never had the opportunity to use it. Well this changed on Tuesday.
He asked me what body part I wanted to work, and since the class was predominantly arms and core, I said back. He gave me an exercise to do and told me to do 15.
I did my 15. It started easy but by 13, 14, and 15, I was struggling. But I did them.
Next day, sore, in the best way! Love it. Bring back that obsession!
Do you TRX?
Second, Snot Rockets
This lovely topic came up pre-marathon. What does one do when they're running and have to blow their nose?
Personally, I stuff tissues in every possible spot (the band of my pants, up my sleeve, in any pockets). However I never use them all and end up with sweaty tissue mounds post-run.
I read an article that actually instructed the "correct" way to blow a snot rocket. Lovely, right? If you don't know what I'm talking about, it's essentially blowing your nose, minus the tissue.
I asked my sister her snot plan for the marathon and she said she runs with a handkerchief. LOVE that idea! Why didn't I think of that? So proud to be her sister. :)
Marathon day, we're watching and cheering, and this man runs past and decides as he passes, that now is the time for a snot rocket. Ewww! Thankfully he was in the middle of the street and not really near us, but still, gross!
So what do you do?
On another note, HAPPY FRIDAY!!!
Hope to put together a spin ride, if I do, will definitely share it asap.
I have always been the queen of random. My mind jumps from topic to topic with no warning (or reason), so this post kind of goes along with that.
First, TRX.
I've posted about TRX before and was obsessed with it for a while. Which is interesting since I've never done it. But I wanted to SO badly!
My boxing instructor sometimes whips out a TRX as one of the circuit stations, but usually people rush over to it so I've never had the opportunity to use it. Well this changed on Tuesday.
He asked me what body part I wanted to work, and since the class was predominantly arms and core, I said back. He gave me an exercise to do and told me to do 15.
I did my 15. It started easy but by 13, 14, and 15, I was struggling. But I did them.
Next day, sore, in the best way! Love it. Bring back that obsession!
Do you TRX?
Second, Snot Rockets
This lovely topic came up pre-marathon. What does one do when they're running and have to blow their nose?
Personally, I stuff tissues in every possible spot (the band of my pants, up my sleeve, in any pockets). However I never use them all and end up with sweaty tissue mounds post-run.
I read an article that actually instructed the "correct" way to blow a snot rocket. Lovely, right? If you don't know what I'm talking about, it's essentially blowing your nose, minus the tissue.
I asked my sister her snot plan for the marathon and she said she runs with a handkerchief. LOVE that idea! Why didn't I think of that? So proud to be her sister. :)
Marathon day, we're watching and cheering, and this man runs past and decides as he passes, that now is the time for a snot rocket. Ewww! Thankfully he was in the middle of the street and not really near us, but still, gross!
So what do you do?
On another note, HAPPY FRIDAY!!!
Hope to put together a spin ride, if I do, will definitely share it asap.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Thoughts?
I have a lot on my mind (more on that another time) and am feeling a little anxious/stressed.
So the perfect distraction takes me back to the Spin Odyssey team names. My awesome aunt and some friends came up with some great ones and I wanted to share. I'd love to hear your feedback! Keep in mind a (possibly) co-ed team, and shirts that people might actually want to wear again.
Without further ado...
One more:
The Cycle-Paths
So the perfect distraction takes me back to the Spin Odyssey team names. My awesome aunt and some friends came up with some great ones and I wanted to share. I'd love to hear your feedback! Keep in mind a (possibly) co-ed team, and shirts that people might actually want to wear again.
Without further ado...
The Second Base-rs
(or Save Second Base or something similar)
The PopCycles
The Cycledelics
Riders on the Storm
The Sultans of SPIN
One more:
The Cycle-Paths
Please leave me a comment :)
Monday, November 8, 2010
Really November?
What's today's date? Oh right, it's November 8th. The beginning of November.
We changed the clocks back on Saturday so now the sun sets at 4:45pm. UGH! And that's if there is sun to set. Strike one November.
Today the weather was fine when I left the house, but by the time I had taught and went outside, it was snowing and icing. SNOWING!! Some schools in upper CT have snow days today. Strike two November.
Why are you doing this to me?
Complaining aside, this was an amazing weekend!
My sister ran the NYC Marathon yesterday and rocked it to pieces! I am super proud of her and the whole weekend was just great, start to finish.
Here are a few pics from yesterday. Any other marathon runners out there, congrats! It's an amazing accomplishment!
Full disclosure here. I don't particularly love to run and have no desire to run 26.2 miles, but after being a fan and witnessing the support and cheering, I kind of want to run the NYC Marathon. Weird.
Happy Monday!!
We changed the clocks back on Saturday so now the sun sets at 4:45pm. UGH! And that's if there is sun to set. Strike one November.
Today the weather was fine when I left the house, but by the time I had taught and went outside, it was snowing and icing. SNOWING!! Some schools in upper CT have snow days today. Strike two November.
Why are you doing this to me?
Complaining aside, this was an amazing weekend!
My sister ran the NYC Marathon yesterday and rocked it to pieces! I am super proud of her and the whole weekend was just great, start to finish.
Here are a few pics from yesterday. Any other marathon runners out there, congrats! It's an amazing accomplishment!
 |
| View of 76th and 1st |
 |
| View of the elite men from the 17th floor, the winner finished in 2:08 |
 |
| Street level |
 |
| Just a few runners |
 |
| My family, my sister's number one fans |
 |
| Heading to the bar (and their fans) after the race |
 |
| This was their team slogan |
Full disclosure here. I don't particularly love to run and have no desire to run 26.2 miles, but after being a fan and witnessing the support and cheering, I kind of want to run the NYC Marathon. Weird.
Happy Monday!!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
yum!
Today, just like the past few days, was chaotic.
I normally have lunch at home, but today that just wasn't happening, unless I wanted to eat lunch at 4pm (not that 2:30 is that much better).
I hit up Wendy's. Wendy's is probably my FAVORITE fast food spot, so I was excited to see ads for their $4.99 pick two.
If you're not familiar with this, you can choose a half salad (of their new "gourmet" salads), plus either a water, fountain drink, small chili, junior burger, chicken wrap, or baked potato.
Given that it's cold and rainy here, I went with the chili as my add-on.
I feasted on half the Apple Pecan Chicken Salad.
The salad consisted of various greens, dried cranberries, asiago (or maybe blue) cheese, grilled chicken, apples, and a pomegranate vinaigrette.
It was DELICIOUS!!
When Wendy's first launched their new salads, the first thing I did was look up the calorie content. And while definitely not "light", they weren't horrible if you were careful as to what else you ate that day.
The calorie content on half a salad with dressing is about 340, which isn't too bad. The Wendy's website allows you to customize your salad nutrition facts, but it doesn't allow you to take out the cheese. The good news is that the dressing is only 60 calories.
In case you were wondering, a small chili has 220 calories, but with the meat and beans, it's quite filling.
So that was my lunch. Let's just say I LOVED it.
Do you do fast food salads? Tried other Wendy's salads? Yay or nay?
I normally have lunch at home, but today that just wasn't happening, unless I wanted to eat lunch at 4pm (not that 2:30 is that much better).
I hit up Wendy's. Wendy's is probably my FAVORITE fast food spot, so I was excited to see ads for their $4.99 pick two.
If you're not familiar with this, you can choose a half salad (of their new "gourmet" salads), plus either a water, fountain drink, small chili, junior burger, chicken wrap, or baked potato.
Given that it's cold and rainy here, I went with the chili as my add-on.
I feasted on half the Apple Pecan Chicken Salad.
The salad consisted of various greens, dried cranberries, asiago (or maybe blue) cheese, grilled chicken, apples, and a pomegranate vinaigrette.
It was DELICIOUS!!
When Wendy's first launched their new salads, the first thing I did was look up the calorie content. And while definitely not "light", they weren't horrible if you were careful as to what else you ate that day.
The calorie content on half a salad with dressing is about 340, which isn't too bad. The Wendy's website allows you to customize your salad nutrition facts, but it doesn't allow you to take out the cheese. The good news is that the dressing is only 60 calories.
In case you were wondering, a small chili has 220 calories, but with the meat and beans, it's quite filling.
So that was my lunch. Let's just say I LOVED it.
Do you do fast food salads? Tried other Wendy's salads? Yay or nay?
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Slogan help...put on those thinking caps
Any creative thinkers out there?
I'm starting to get the word out about my Spin Odyssey team for this year.
I really want a clever name, and ideally something that plays off the word "spin". Would LOVE to hear your thoughts!
So far I'm coming up with things along the lines of this...
Spin Cycle
Spin-Stoppable
Spintervention (wouldn't really use that one)
the Spin Doctors (which would be great if even one person was a doctor)
Not good. Please help!
I'm starting to get the word out about my Spin Odyssey team for this year.
I really want a clever name, and ideally something that plays off the word "spin". Would LOVE to hear your thoughts!
So far I'm coming up with things along the lines of this...
Spin Cycle
Spin-Stoppable
Spintervention (wouldn't really use that one)
the Spin Doctors (which would be great if even one person was a doctor)
Not good. Please help!
different strokes for different folks
A few posts ago I shared some music for a ride that I got courtesy of pedal-on.com.
The ride itself was called "unloading the hills". it consists of a 12 minute hill. you spend 2minutes adding the resistance on, then add as much as you can handle, holding it for 4 minutes. then you take a little off, hold it for 3 minutes, then a little more, 2 minutes, then still more, 1 minute, making sure you never lose your hill.
For a 45 minute class, you do this 3 times. the first 4 minutes are kind of miserable, the rest is better, but still not easy. The first hill is in the saddle, second is out, and third is riders choice.
While not a particularly exciting ride, it is a great workout and really pushes the class to be honest with themselves and make sure they are always working hard.
I've taught this class four times now. The first 2 classes though it was fine. The 3rd class loved it. but unfortunately I don't think the 4th class liked it.
The 4th class was my Monday morning 6am class. Perhaps they didn't like it because it made it too easy to cheat/coast by. Maybe they didn't like spending 12 minutes in the same position. I'm really not sure. I know they liked the music, just not the ride.
Lesson learned for me I suppose. Monday 6a needs high energy intervals.
When a ride really requires you to push yourself, do you?
The ride itself was called "unloading the hills". it consists of a 12 minute hill. you spend 2minutes adding the resistance on, then add as much as you can handle, holding it for 4 minutes. then you take a little off, hold it for 3 minutes, then a little more, 2 minutes, then still more, 1 minute, making sure you never lose your hill.
For a 45 minute class, you do this 3 times. the first 4 minutes are kind of miserable, the rest is better, but still not easy. The first hill is in the saddle, second is out, and third is riders choice.
While not a particularly exciting ride, it is a great workout and really pushes the class to be honest with themselves and make sure they are always working hard.
I've taught this class four times now. The first 2 classes though it was fine. The 3rd class loved it. but unfortunately I don't think the 4th class liked it.
The 4th class was my Monday morning 6am class. Perhaps they didn't like it because it made it too easy to cheat/coast by. Maybe they didn't like spending 12 minutes in the same position. I'm really not sure. I know they liked the music, just not the ride.
Lesson learned for me I suppose. Monday 6a needs high energy intervals.
When a ride really requires you to push yourself, do you?
Monday, November 1, 2010
What happened to the fall?
It was 35 degrees here this morning! 35 degrees! I had to scrape ice off my windshield! Seriously!?!?
What a start to November.
Every year around this time I wonder how in the world I'm going to make it through the winter. I usually also ask myself why I live here. Yet every year I get through it, although not always happily.
So happy November to you! :) The wish is sincere, I promise.
Hope you all had nice Halloweens. Any good costumes? I will work on finding a good gangster picture to share with y'all.
Saturday I used my Halloween ride in class (Scared Spinless). Plus I dressed up as a devil (horns, a red sequin bow tie, tail, and pitch fork). I think they enjoyed it. Just confirmation for them that I am truly nuts.
Today is super busy, but all good things, so I'm keeping this brief. Will try to post later. Smile!
What a start to November.
Every year around this time I wonder how in the world I'm going to make it through the winter. I usually also ask myself why I live here. Yet every year I get through it, although not always happily.
So happy November to you! :) The wish is sincere, I promise.
Hope you all had nice Halloweens. Any good costumes? I will work on finding a good gangster picture to share with y'all.
Saturday I used my Halloween ride in class (Scared Spinless). Plus I dressed up as a devil (horns, a red sequin bow tie, tail, and pitch fork). I think they enjoyed it. Just confirmation for them that I am truly nuts.
Today is super busy, but all good things, so I'm keeping this brief. Will try to post later. Smile!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)