Search This Blog

Monday, February 28, 2011

Already?

How is it already Monday????

The goal this weekend was to REST.  Plans were cancelled at the last minute and I took it as a blessing in disguise, forcing me to try and dial back and take some me-time.  I've been racing around at a million miles a minute and was sure that a breakdown was around the corner.  More or less I succeeded in resting, but still feel like I could use a few more days of relaxation.

Last week, I think it was Thursday, I signed up for my first 5K!  I've been wanting to run a race for a long time, and I've been wanting to run this race for at least 2 years.  It's at the Bronx Zoo and benefits the penguins.  LOVE.  It's only a 5K so I'm not too worried about the distance, but I am excited.  (I might have written about this already, but honestly, I can't remember.  Oops.)

My sister also wants me to do this run at Yankee Stadium with her in August, so I agreed.  I told her next I'd do a half with her, yeah right.  I say I'm going to do a run "with" her, but surely it means we'll start together and then she'll be waiting for me at the finish.  She's fast, I'm not.

I retooled an existing spin ride for class on Saturday and really liked what turned out.  I'll share it either later today or tomorrow.  A rider introduced me to the Bongo Song and I swear that if it were 45 minutes long I'd be OK using it for the whole class.

OK, I need to get to work.  Ugh.  But have a great Monday!!!

Saturday, February 26, 2011

All you (n)ever wanted to know about me...

Who's wasting time again?  Me!!

A. Age: 31

B. Bed size: queen
C. Chore you hate: anything related to cleaning
D. Dogs: love love love ‘em, but don’t have one just yet
E. Essential start to your day: lights (I need the lights on to help wake up), then coffee
F. Favorite color: it’s been green forever, but I also really like navy
G. Gold or silver: depends, both have their strengths
H. Height: 5’6
I. Instruments you play: none, not at all musically talented
J. Job title: Associate Product Manager, Respiratory Solutions (jealous???)
K. Kids: no gracias
L. Live: CT (almost 4 years now)
M. Mom’s name: Fredi (yes, really, it’s short for Frieda)
N. Nicknames: Jess, Jessie, Barky, Cookie Monster, Messy Jessie
O. Overnight hospital stays: never
P. Pet peeve: Honestly, where do I start?? As per the bf, I’m very easily annoyed.
Q. Quote from a movie: “I was surfing the crimson wave, I had to haul ass to the ladies.” Random and means nothing to me, but I still like it.
R. Right or left handed: right
S. Siblings: younger sister, Allison
T. Time you wake up: depends on the day…Mondays 5am, any other day, prob 6:30ish
U. Underwear: Yes. Is that the right answer?
V. Vegetables you dislike: radishes, green peppers
W. What makes you run late: traffic or outfit issues
X. X-Rays you’ve had: arm, knee, dental…
Y. Yummy food you make: baked goods are my specialty
Z. Zoo fave animal: penguins

Speaking of that "Z".  On Thursday I officially signed up for my first 5K.  How does it relate to penguins?  Well, it's a run at the Bronx Zoo and this year the money raised goes to saving penguins.  I'm in LOVE.

Am I nervous, no, not really.  I'm beyond confident that I can run the 3.2 miles, so bring it!  It's at the end of April so hopefully by then we will have seen at least one day with temps over 50.  I hope!

Enjoy those weekends!!

Friday, February 25, 2011

Rainy and gray...but at least it's Friday!

Top o' the morning to ya!

So racquetball didn't happen last night.  We got to the court only for me to re-read the sign that says no playing from 7:30-11p on the fourth Thursday of the month.  First it took me way too long to figure out if it was in fact the fourth Thursday of the month.  But once I did, grrrr.  I think that might be when the board meetings are, and since they're right upstairs from the court it makes sense.  Frustrating, but logical.  I did reserve the court for tonight, so we'll see if that one happens.

After class last night, one of the members told me my energy was great and really helpful.  Phew, fooled her.  Sometimes I really do have to fake my energy, so I'm happy to hear that it's not that obvious.

This morning I was so sick of my usual breakfast (either oatmeal of TJ's high fiber cereal), so I went with PB&J on a sandwich flat.  Yum!  PB&J is one of my favorite foods in the world and actually something I try not to keep in the house due to lack of willpower.  I can't even count the amount of times I've used a spoon to eat peanut butter and jelly right out of the jar.  No shame!!

What I don't get is that I used to eat oatmeal EVERY DAY and never get sick of it.  What's changed?

I've been dreaming about Spinning and having play list anxiety in my dreams.  Not good. I think it's because Spin odyssey is just over a week away and I'm probably nervous about being on the bike for six hours.  I did it last year so I know I can do it again, but still.  Last year I wasn't working full time so I was probably in better shape.  Oh well.

My weekend plans changed at the last minute, so I'm going to trust that everything happens for a reason and maybe I'm just meant to lay low.  Seeing as I've already sneezed about 8 times in the past hour, maybe my body is trying to tell me something.

OK, off to work.  Happy Friday all!!!

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Such a racquet!

Good morning friends!  Happy Thursday.

I've been really blah all week but am desperately trying to shake it, and in the mean time, fake it.  We'll see how that goes.

Last night my friend played racquetball, while I on the other hand, went straight home after work and plopped myself down on the couch (it felt great!).  When he came by he was raving about racquetball and I told him that somewhere in the clubhouse of my complex there is a racquetball court.  So off we went to find it.

At first we were pretty unsuccessful.  A racquetball court isn't exactly small, so it's not like it could have been hiding.  I had read in the complex bylaws that it was in the lower level, so we just had to figure out how to get to the lower level.  After a bunch of walking around we found a lower level door that my key opened.  Imagine our surprise when we came across a FULL SIZED racquetball court, plus bathrooms/locker rooms and a sauna.  Who knew??

That's me...but male...and a cartoon. :)

So of course we had to go out and buy racquets so we can utilize this new found perk before I move.  I bought a set, which came with a racquet, two balls, and goggles (or maybe they're called protective glasses).  I've penciled us in for a game tonight at 8pm, so I'll let you know how that goes.

My dad played racquetball for years, but aside from knowing that, I know NOTHING about the game, so this should be interesting.  Hopefully years of tennis will come in slightly handy.

I'm working all day, then teaching at 6:30, then racquet-ing it up at 8.  What a day!

Enjoy your Thursday.  Friday is almost here and that makes me very happy!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Random purchase

I bought this a week or two ago...


Don't laugh when I tell you that I've had my eye on the Big Top Cupcake for weeks (maybe even months).  Who wouldn't love a gigantic cupcake?

Since I bought it, I had to use it.  So for pizza night I made my gigantic cupcake.  I mixed together two boxes of cake mix and used about 2/3 of it.  With the extra I made regular cupcakes, just as a point of reference (or a to-go version).

Overall, quite tasty.  Yes, it's really just a cake in the shape of a cupcake, but it still tastes darn good. Yellow cake with chocolate icing, what's to dislike?

Sorry i didn't take any photos, next time for sure!

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Overload

I feel like I'm on the brink.  Of what?  I'm not sure, but I feel like it's not going to be good.  My emotions are all over the place,I'm tired all the time, I'm irritable, and I'm overly sensitive.  No me gusta.

I think I'm just spread too thin.  Between full time work, two part time jobs, condo stuff, and being a Spin Odyssey committee member and team captain, this plate is loaded up.

So my new focus is to try and dial things back.  Some things can't be changed, but anything that can be, will be.

I desperately want to dial back the gym and go home right after work and get in to bed.  But while that sounds like a good idea, I know it really isn't.  So I'll continue with the gym stuff.  I'm working on slowing my weekends down.  During the week, being busy is normal, on the weekends, it shouldn't be the norm.

I postponed a trip to visit friends in Philly.  I try to never cancel plans, but I felt like I had to.  So I'm taking baby steps to slowing things down and taking time for myself.  I need to be #1 for a while.

What do you do when you end up with too much to do? 

Monday, February 21, 2011

Spin tunes


As I mentioned earlier, I had to throw together some music for a 1.5 hour spin ride.  I knew people would be tired, so I wanted upbeat music to help them keep going.

Here's a vague outline.  It's very heavy on the Top 40, but sometimes that's just what a girl needs.

I'm including the songs and a brief description of what I did, but know that it doesn't necessarily flow together since all these songs made up two different parts.  Blah blah blah (I feel like that's what that last sentence says.)

Climbing  (I started my segment with a 25 minute climb which I borrowed from another ride)
Now that We've Found Love (Heavy D)
Love Generation (Bob Sinclair)
Forget You (Cee-Lo)
What You Need (some 80s band)
Who's That Chick (David Guetta and Rihanna)
Justify My Love (Madonna).

Intervals
Seated Climb - The Way I Are (Timbaland)
Moving around, 30 seated, 30 run, 30 stand climb - I like It (Enrique Iglesias)
Seated climb, run on the chorus - Yeah 3x (Chris Brown)
Standing Climb - Memories (David Guetta and Kid Cudi)
8 Count Jumps - I Don't Need It (Jamie Foxx)
Seated Climb - Like I Love You (Justin Timberlake)
Run 2 minutes, then 30 seated, 30 run - Suavamented (Elvis Crespo)
Standing Climb - Don't Stop Till You Get Enough (Michael Jackson)
Fast flat, 4 count jumps on chorus on moderate hill - More (Usher)
45 seconds alternating run/standing climb - Tell Me Baby (Red Hot Chili Peppers)
Seated Climb - All For You (Janet Jackson)
Standing Climb - Are You Gonna Go My Way (Lenny Kravitz)
Sprints - the Pretender (Foo Fighters)

Weekend recap

I'm so sad that the weekend is over!  Especially because a) it's snowing again and b) it's President's Day so lots of folks have off from work.  Woe is me.

That aside, it was a great weekend so I figured I'd throw in a recap.  I'll try to add some pictures later.

Friday, dinner at Chipotle and then grocery shopping to prep for Saturday's Pizza Night.
Saturday, taught my AM class.  I'm having some issues with their new sign-up policy and think it might be negatively affecting my attendance, but I guess it is what it is.  Afterwards...mad errand running to get everything for Saturday night.  Then home to clean and prep and pic up my sis from the train station.  Then it was time for PIZZA NIGHT!
Here's what was on the menu...plain, veggie (red/orange peppers, and red onion), clam and bacon, sausage and bacon, Mediterranean (sun dried tomato, olives, chicken, artichoke hearts), and the finale was my friend's trademark, the stuffing and mashed potato pizza.  Roll your eyes as you may, this thing is the bomb!
Lots of eating and wine drinking, what more could you ask for?
Sunday, I had a 3 hour spin ride from 3-6pm so most of the day was spent putting together some new tuneage.  About 2 hours before the ride I found out that one of the instructors had to cancel.  Ugh.  So back to the music drawing board to find 30 more minutes of stuff.  The ride went well, good turn out and we raised some money for the American Cancer Society, so that was good too!

Let's just say Sunday night I was a waste of space.  Totally exhausted!  A little sore, but mainly just beat.  I was in bed around 9:30 and was out by 10.  Still tired today and getting back on the bike at 6am was HARD.  I need a break!

Back to work...

Friday, February 18, 2011

Spring, is that really you?

Good morning and happy Friday!!

The forecast says it may hit 60 today.  I'm excited!  Of course it will be cold again next week, but at least this is encouraging, we will get to spring one day.

My Spin Odyssey benefit was last night and it was a huge success!  I've never hosted a benefit before so I had no clue of what I was getting myself in to.  Yes, it was stressful and the planning took some time, but it was well worth it.  My job last night, aside from overseeing the whole thing, was to sell raffle tickets.  We had this crazy WWE Championship belt as the grand prize.

Selling raffle tickets was definitely a chaotic job, but I enjoyed it because it allowed me to interact with almost everyone there.  I like to talk, so it was the perfect task.  However it was a poor decision to go with the 3 inch boots.  Ha!

Needless to say, it was a late night, but at least it was a sober late night.  So while I'm a little tired today, I am NOT suffering from the consequences of over imbibing.  Thankfully.

Feeling a bit lazy this morning I decided today was the perfect day to try out the McDonalds Fruit & Maple Oatmeal.

So here's my verdict...for $2.19 (before tax), you're essentially getting instant oatmeal with raisins, dried cranberries, and some apple chunks.  Yes, it did taste good, but it's totally feasible to make something similar at home.  But as far as fast food goes, it is a good option when you're pressed for time and need convenience.  I probably won't purchase it again unless I'm stuck in a situation where fast-food is my only option, but in that case, it's a good choice.

Pizza party on Saturday night (I'll post pictures) and 3 hour spin ride on Sunday.

Have a fabulous weekend!!

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Are you to blame?

Yes, you.  You in the brown and yellow box.

Did you result in my stomach pains?  Why aren't you answering?  Oh right, you're an inanimate object.  Duh.

Yesterday afternoon I was struck with rather painful gas pains.  Not the most pleasant topic, I know, but it happens.

As soon as I have any stomach issues, I immediately evaluate what I ate to look for triggers.  Yesterday, small salad (possible), soup (also possible), fiber bar (possible), and a banana (possible but unlikely).  Since the pains didn't come on until later in the day, I guessed that it probably wasn't lunch.

Back in the day I really enjoyed the Fiber One Bars.  I ate them for quite sometime before realizing that they gave me really bad gas.  So I stopped eating them.  Given that experience, I'm wondering if this bar (Fiber One's competition) had similar effects.

The only way to know for sure is to test it out, but I'll have to save that for a day where gas won't really interfere.  Ewwww.

Any similar experiences?

And I ran...

I ran so far away....

Sorry, pardon the singing.  Good morning!

Right now, as I type, I'm eating a breakfast of frosted mini wheats (OK, they're the store brand so they're called frosted mini spooners, but you get the idea).  I don't drink milk, so I eat my cereal dry or with a little applesauce.  These are dry.  I haven't had them in a while and had forgotten just how tasty they are.  Yum!

It smelled a bit like spring this morning (hello 40s!) and even though it's not sunny, I swear that I have an extra pep in my step.  Spring...get here now!!

Last night I had stuff to do, but promised myself that I'd get to the gym and squeeze a workout in.  I had planned on cardio and legs, but just cardio happened.

My plan was to run.  And run I did.  I hate the treadmill, but it was a bit too cold for my delicate self to be running outside.  My stomach was hurting, more on that later in the day, but the run was non-negotiable.  So I went for it.

I ended up clocking 3 miles in about 42 minutes, which isn't too bad.  I walked for about 5 minutes to warm up, and then took a quick break between each mile, just enough time to grab some water, and find a good upbeat song to start again.  I think my two breaks totaled about 1/4 of a mile, so not too bad.

I'm slow.  I've addressed this before.  My body was definitely NOT built for speed, or for running, but I fake it.  When I'm time crunched by need to get my heart rate up, I've been doing what I call a quick mile.  I run at a comfortable pace (usually 5.5) for 3 minutes, then up it to 6.0 for two minutes, then 1 minute at 6.5, 1 minute at 7.0, 1 minute or 30s at 7.5 and so on, then back to 5.0 or 5.5 to recover while still jogging.  It depends on the day as to what I can handle.  What amazes me about this routine is how quickly you hit that mile. 

Last night was one mile consistent at 5.5, then another using the above method, then the final mile starting at 5.8 for half, then 6.0, and then ending at 6.5.  It felt great!  And I found that by taking the little walking breaks in between and mixing up my pace, I wasn't nearly as bored as I usually am.

I think I really need to sign up for a 5K so I can check it off my list.  Speaking of lists, I think I'm going to make one.

Have a great day!!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

random thought

Bananas are good, but bananas with peanut butter are better, or in banana bread.  :)

Ah choo!

Good morning all!  Happy hump day!

This winter has been a doozy in more than one way.  Yes, we've had tons of snow and lots of cold weather, but I've also heard about more people getting sick than ever before.  I have three friends who have had at least two bouts with something along the lines of the flu.  Usually you get sick once, not this year.  It's odd.

One of my pet peeves is when people say "you're sick because of the weather".  No, the weather does not make you sick, GERMS make you sick.  Perhaps you were under prepared for the weather or chose to act carelessly and therefore compromised your immune system a bit, but it was still the germs, not the weather, that made you ill.

I've had a pseudo cold for about 2-3 weeks now.  It comes and goes and its rather annoying.  It's definitely not bad and I can totally ignore it, but it does cause me to sneeze...A LOT.  And when I'm not sneezing, I have that lovely tickle in my nose that tells me a sneeze is coming.  Eh, it is what it is I suppose.

I thought today might be a good day to share some calorie contents.  The culprit today, salads.  As we all know, a salad is not automatically the healthy choice.  Salads nowadays are loaded up with so much crap that sometimes you're better eating a burger.

Here are the best and worst from a few "fast-food" spots...

Panera
Greek - 380 calories
Fuji Apple with Chicken - 520 calories
It is a little unclear to me whether or not these include the dressings.  But regardless, your best dressing option is the reduced sugar asian sesame vinaigrette (90 calories for 3 tbs)

McDonalds (not including dressing)
Premium Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken - 220 calories
Premium Southwest Chicken Salad with Crispy Chicken - 430 calories
Stick with the balsamic (40) or the Lite Italian (60) and stay away from the others, all between 100 and 190 calories.

Wendy's (not including dressing)
Apple Pecan Chicken Salad - 350 calories (the roasted pecans add 110 calories)

Baja Salad - 550 calories (tortilla chips add 80 calories)
Dressing wise, stick with the Pomegranate Vinaigrette (60), Light Ranch (50), Italian Vinaigrette (70) or Fat Free French (40)

As always, customizing by removing components (specifically cheese or croutons) does help reduce some of the calories.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

blech

I'm doubtful that I have any male readers, and if I do, they might skedaddle after this post.  I hope not, but you never know.

I'm feeling a bit like I've been run over by a truck today.  True, I probably had a tad too much to drink last night, but the main culprit is the monthly pain in the a$$ that we as women have to deal with.  I hate it!

Cramps and nausea today.  Sounds fun, right?

I do think a thorough workout will probably help if I can drag myself to the gym, but that won't be happening until after work and I need a little pick me up NOW.  It's been a long time since I've felt like this, so hopefully it's an isolated incident and not something i'll be dealing with again in 28 days.  Ugh.

Wow, I've totally been Miss Complain-Pants lately.  I'm sorry, it will get better.  I promise!

So here's my funny story from yesterday...
In the morning I went to buy coffee and figured i'd pick up a few scratch off lotto tickets for my friend for v-day.  So I ask the convenience store clerk if he has anything Valentine's Day themed (I thought this was a reasonable question since they usually do have tickets for holidays).  He thinks about it, then smiles, and in his accent, says "I love floozies??".  So i think, OK, a little weird, but yeah, kind of goes with the holiday.  Maybe the CT Lottery has a funny sense of humor.  I buy the ticket and a few others and head out.  Once in the car I'm curious to see what I just bought.  Imagine my laughter when I saw that the valentines themed ticket I bought was actually I Love Lucy (not floozies!).

Monday, February 14, 2011

Overwhelmed


This morning on my way to the gym (mucho early) I realized just exactly what I have ahead of me this week.  And then I realized that I'm crazy.  But maybe that was already obvious to others.

Today is V-day, which is not really a big deal to me.  I will have a very nice dinner with my friend, but that's about it.  Tomorrow and Wednesday will probably be OK too.

The chaos begins on Thursday...

Thursday night my friend and I are hosting a benefit at a bar/restaurant for our Spin Odyssey team.  The bar is offering 10% of their gross sales, plus my friend is bartending and donating all of his tips.  Add to that our attempt at a silent auction and there will be a lot going on.  The  event is from 6p-close, and as the organizer, I feel that I'll need to be there until close.  Wow, Friday is going to be miserable!  I'm hoping maybe I can manage to work from home, but we'll see.

Saturday, usual class in the AM.  However at night I'm hosting a pizza party.  My friend makes amazing pizza and does parties, so I'm hosting a party to introduce my friends to his yummy pizza and maybe hope that someone wants to throw a party down the line.  My apartment is on the smaller side and I'm expecting about 10 people.  A little nutty, but fun!

Sunday...in preparation for Spin Odyssey and the six hours some are riding for, I wanted to host a training ride.  So on Sunday from 3-6p I'll be spinning.  I'm going to teach one hour and then ride the other two.  Phew.

Then it's President's Day and I have to teach at 6am and work.

I refuse to let the sense of overwhelm-ment take over, so I'm going to keep telling myself that this is all awesome and fun!

Friday, February 11, 2011

Really?

First I go in to the Gap and the Gap Body fitness section has shirts that look like something you'd wear for a night out on the town.  One of them was a one shoulder style and I almost wanted to buy it just so my classes could laugh at me.  Maybe I'll pick it up when it goes on clearance (which it surely will).

Then I got an email from Victoria's Secret today, promoting their new yoga wear.  Last I checked, yoga was an athletic activity.  Check out the image.


Really?   Strapless yoga tops????
I'm picturing a downward dog resulting in a downward top.  Are they creating these for the women who do yoga or for the men who are now going to want to do yoga or at least stand near a window and watch?

Am I overreacting?  Anyone?

OK, I'm editing this later in the day with some of what the Gap is calling workout wear.  While not quite as pointless, it still doesn't do it for me.

For example, WHAT is that on the left?
What is happening to the world of workout wear?

Thursday, February 10, 2011

exhaustion rears its ugly head

I am not one of those people who goes out on school nights.

My friend desperately wants to go out to one particular bar/restaurant on a Thursday night and I usually look at him like he's nuts.  "I have to work the next day" I say, to which he says "so do I, stop being an old lady."  Lovely exchange, isn't it.  But like a true old lady, I'm stuck in my ways and not always willing to bend.

As I mentioned, I hosted a dating event last night.  For me the night started around 6 and ended somewhere around 9:15, at that point all participants are invited to stay and enjoy themselves, so I stay around too, chatting with them, making them feel comfortable, you get the idea.  I guess the night was a success because I was talking to people way in to the night.

Long story short, I got home around 1am.  Seriously!  Now let me just point out that I taught yesterday morning, so I had been up since 5am.  That's 20 hours!  WHAT?!?!?!?!  Not to mention I had been wearing heels since 8am.

So let's just say that today I am TIRED.  I have to teach tonight after work and know that I'm going to have to dig deep.  But what will get me through it is that I can do nothing once I'm done with the class, and tomorrow is Friday and I have no evening plans.  Phew.

Am I the only one who gets super excited to do nothing on a Friday night?

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

It's really only Wednesday?

You know those days where you think it feels like it should be later in the week, but at the same time you're glad that it's the day it is?  Does that make sense?

Today feels very much to me like a Thursday, but it's not.  I have a big 8 Minute Dating event tonight, so I'm really excited that it's Wednesday and dating night, but kind of wouldn't mind if it were Thursday.  You dig?

I subbed a class this morning, so I think that threw me off too, as my early morning is usually Monday (which wouldn't explain why it feels like Thursday though).

Class was OK.  I didn't feel like there was much energy, but that's fine, I still pushed and they still worked.

I used an older ride that has a mix of songs (see it here).  I loved it back in the day but today found it a bit tired.  Which is ironic because a woman came up to me after class and said it "was the best music she had ever heard".  I'll take a compliment any time!  But it might be time to freshen it up a bit with a few new songs.  I don't want to change the skeleton of the ride too much, but I guess we'll see.  Or perhaps I was just having an off day.

I'm hoping to put a new ride together on Friday.  I have some tunes in mind but was wondering if there are any songs that you're currently loving.  Let me know!

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

I'm a failure

Day 2 of my attempt at a detox and I'm already a failure.  I want meat for lunch, specifically turkey,and I know I'll give in to it.

Most of the time, when my body tells me it wants something, and it's healthy, I'll have it.  Really, what's the point in depriving yourself?  And it's just turkey, not a Big Mac.

In all honesty, Day 1 wasn't really successful either.  I had a nutrigrain bar for breakfast, a veggie burger and some butternut squash soup for lunch, then some fruit later on in the day as a snack.  Then a string cheese.  Dinner was eggs with spinach and mozz and two TJs potato pancakes, then for dessert I had to have some of the leftover berry crumble that I had made over the weekend.

I guess it's not horrible, but it's surely not a detox.  Screw the term.  :)  Let's just say I'm trying to eat less crap.

Total side note:  Hey spin instructors, have any of you used "in the air tonight" by Phil Collins?  If so, what did you do?  I took a class that used it, but he was boring and I wasn't impressed.  Good song, just not sure if it's too slow/boring.  Thanks!

Monday, February 7, 2011

Here, there, everywhere

Happy Monday!

The title of this post isn't really because I'm physically here, there, and everywhere, but really because this post might be all over the place, as that's how my brain has been working lately.

Hope you had nice weekends and that any Green Bay fans are happy.  My corporate HQ are outside of Pittsburgh so I'm trying to keep my requests from them to a minimum today, let them mourn.

Amazingly, my attendance at my 6a class today was normal.  I was impressed!

So let's see...
Detox...I'm thinking about doing a Jessica-ified detox.  My stomach and my digestive system have been a mess for the past couple of weeks and I'm thinking a focus on fruits and vegetables might be helpful.  However I'm not sure how feasible it will be, but I am going to try to increase the emphasis on natural whole foods.  If that doesn't work, I might bite the bullet and go to the gastro.

Condo...I'm trying to buy a condo and had an inspection this morning.  Crazy.  Buying your first place as a single is overwhelming and frightening, yet awesome at the same time.  Fingers crossed folks.

Gym...went to take a class yesterday, only to find out that the class wasn't happening.  However I knew the instructor so he offered to do a private class anyway.  There were 3 of us and it was great.  He busted out the rope, which I love and hate, had us pulling each other across the studio floor, flipping the boxing bag (another thing I love) and then some boxing.  Very fun and definitely feeling it in my arms today.

Eats...yesterday was Super Bowl Sunday, do you think I ate healthy stuff?  Ha!

I need new music, any great up beat stuff that you're digging today?

Friday, February 4, 2011

Friday Food

I love food no matter what day it is.

Have you seen the commercials for the few new items on the McDonalds menu?  One of them in particular caught my eye, the fruit and maple oatmeal!  I LOVE oatmeal, so I was intrigued.

Here are the stats (from the McD website)
Calories: 290
Fat: 4.5g
Sat Fat: 2g
Sodium: 115mg
Dietary Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 32g (a bit high!)
Calcium: 10% daily value

So overall, not too bad.  If you remove the brown sugar you knock it down to 18g.  Looks like some of the sugar probably comes from whatever fruit they're using.

If you're conscious of calories, then this is a good option and I'm guessing that it will keep you pretty full.

Just might have to try it this weekend!

Have a great weekend and stay warm if you're in the NE (snow, again!).

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Food finds

My mother told me that now Trader Joe's has sandwich flats.  I believe they call them Sandwich Rounds, but they're pretty much exactly the same as the Pepperidge Farm and Arnold varieties, plus, in some cases, they're cheaper.  However, they're still using the inner plastic packaging, which the others have since given up.

They're sitting in the office kitchen so I'll try to snap a photo without anyone thinking I'm nuts.

Second, Snapea Crisps.

I think I might be a little late on the bandwagon on this one, but who cares. 

I took a lunchtime tirp to TJ's and these were right by the checkout.  They've tried unsuccessfully to get me to buy them in the past, but this time they won.  I checked the nutrition facts and they weren't too bad so I decided to give them a try.

First impression?  Disappointment.  Why?  Because I thought they were actual snap peas.  Second impression, they may not be snap peas but they're quite tasty.  So overall I'm a fan.  Apparently they're also quite delish in salads, but I haven't tried that yet.

Have you had these?

Thursday

It feels so good to be out of the house!!

I had not left the house from about 2p on Tuesday until this morning.  Pathetic.  The Northeast (or at least my section) got hit with an ice-storm Tuesday evening in to Wednesday morning, which resulted in school closures (their 8th day this year) and me having to work from home.  I desperately wanted to venture out yesterday but felt guilty since I didn't truly need to go out.  I figured my luck I'd go out just to get out and then get in a fender-bender and feel like an idiot.

So I'm out!

I picked up a new class and tonight is my first night teaching it!  I'm excited and maybe a little nervous.  Not nervous because I doubt myself, but just nervous because I hope people show up. :)  I know I can get the numbers up in time, but the beginning is always the hardest.

In a different direction, I did my second Insanity workout, which was really the first workout DVD.  With my schedule it's hard to do this consistently, so I haven't been doing the workouts in order, or every day.  Bad Jessica!

Again, this one was TOUGH.  As I've said before, I have no clue how someone just starting a fitness regimen could even attempt these.  I feel like I'd be so discouraged if I could barely do any of it.

Some things I don't like...I don't love the stretching he does.  A bunch of the moves have a yoga-style to them and I just don't like them.  I think other stretches would be just as effective.  Sometimes it's also hard for me to focus on the move and not look at the TV to see what I'm supposed to do (which then compromises the moves form).  I've only done two of the DVDs but the warm ups for both were really similar and I can see myself getting bored with that.  Again, just early on thoughts and maybe I'll develop a love for Shawn T and be able to overlook these. 

Back to work...

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Help?

Yet another post inspired by another blog.  Makes it easier for me to come up with topics since I seem to have an opinion on everything.

Self-help type books.  In to this vague category I'm throwing all those diet/lifestyle books as well.  I'm not sure if that's an accurate classification, but I don't care.

Do you read these sorts of books?  Crazy Sexy Diet, Skinny Bitch?  There are a million more but those are the two that have come to mind and I'm too lazy right now to look up others.

I don't.

Reading one of those is about as appealing to me as reading the manual to my microwave.  I love to read, but I read in bed, at the end of the day, and I do it to quiet my mind and get me ready for sleep.  I have no interest in reading something that will make me evaluate my present situation.

What do you guys think?

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Partial Foods

Another blog had a shot of the buffet at Whole Foods, which inspired this post.

I used to love the buffet.  I'd workout on a Saturday and then treat myself to lunch at Whole Foods.  When I was in grad school, I'd stop there on my way to class and pick up some dinner off the buffet.

I have to say, the past few times I've gone, I've been far from enamored.

I eat it, and it's ok, but it's not great and I usually feel bored or still hungry after the meal.  On a side note, a roast beef wrap was ordered from the "deli" counter the last time and it was gross.

However I do still love the Morning Glory muffins and all their greasy goodness.

I think I'm over it.  Anyone else?