Foolishness and Food Graffiti

This past weekend I had some issues that I've been putting off for far too long.  So long that it finally caught up with me.  Headaches, balloon-head, and nose bleeds were my companions for the weekend.  Sadly, I didn't want to go to Urgent Care because I was too cheap or afraid or both.  The husband was understandably freaked out.  Especially after I tried to do a light workout with him only to have it result in a near pass-out.  He even called my sister to come and babysit me while he went to work because he didn't want me to be alone.

The BP was crazy high and I've been struggling with it for a few weeks now.  The thing is I thought I had it all under control and for some reason it was back up.  I finally gave up and called my doctor who advised me to come in right away.  Unfortunately I had made the decision to go to work so I had to fight lunch traffic with an aching head, squinty eyes, and pressured head.  I went in and had another battery of tests.  I was given more meds and ordered to relax, stop stressing, get more sleep and get back in the gym.  Apparently this working out business is good for stress and when you stop things start going south.

So anyway, after a seriously hard weekend (and  Monday) I rejoined my after work Crossfit group.  It was awesome! Just what I needed to give my attitude and moral a boost.  All day I was thinking I would rather go home and chill but I guess that's what got me in trouble to begin with.  Then there was my reminder that I had prepared protein to eat before my workout.

Yes I play with my food.  At least at work I do.  I can't help it. I'm a chronic doodler and I always have a sharpie near my naturally packaged foods.  Lol.  Don't believe me?  Check out my bananas.

   

   

So today was Fight Gone Bad.  Not a bad workout for me.  I'm not saying that to imply that it was easy.  Remember I've not been there in weeks.  No, I'm saying that because I attempted this workout with the husband and only got halfway through the first round before I got disoriented, dizzy and almost passed out.  I should have known better because I wasn't feeling great before we got started but I figured I just wouldn't push as hard.  Oh man.  I know you must think I'm the dumbest person ever.  At that moment yes I was.  I don't know what possessed me to ignore the signs and go through with it.  But I did and I learned my lesson.  So anyway, I got through 3 rounds today with no light head, dizzy or nose bleed.  I'm back!

I learned many lessons over all of this.  If the body is giving you indication that something is wrong, listen.  My body is worth more than the little bit of money it will take to go to Urgent Care.  My husband's love may not always be plain for all to see, but when he worries I see it all over him.  So I'm back at it tomorrow.  The weights may not be as heavy and the rowing a little slower but I'll get back on board in due time.

Have a good night!

Back to Me

I'm back! It's been a while and I've been trying my best to get back here.  But sometimes life gets in the way of me trying.  Looking back I'm amazed that it has been over 6 months since I've posted anything. 

I will say that I've not been where I thought I would be on this journey to a healthier me.  No.  I'm guilty of that thing that catches up with many other women.  Taking care of everyone else except myself.  I've been running here and there and everywhere doing this and that for the husband, sisters, in-laws, bosses, friends and even my dogs.  I haven't been to cross fit in a couple of weeks.  Part of that was due to my body betraying me with illness but after I got better, I couldn't bring my self to get up and go.  If I didn't know better I would say I was just being lazy.  But I do know better and it was not that.  You try getting to bed at 11pm-ish, having your sleep interrupted at 2am, get up and drive 40 minutes, return home and try to sleep another hour and a half before having to rise again and go spend 9 hours at work and THEN trying to rush through a high intensity workout because you still have to go home and get other things done or fulfill obligations you foolishly made to others.  Folks, after months of doing this, your body would betray you also.  And it is not fun when the body has to tell you to put on the brakes. 

 I recently told the husband that I've been feeling frustrated and listless.  Being the wise husband, he decided to listen instead of trying to fix it for me (though I would have welcomed a quick fix).  I told him I figured it out after discussing it via email with a good friend.  She broke it all down for me and it was very simple and I can't for the life of me figure out why I never put it all together myself.  She pointed out all the things that I had been doing (listed above) and said none of it included time for me.  She was right.  I had even gotten to the point that when I went grocery shopping I was thinking of things that the husband would want to eat and later realizing I never got anything that I would prefer.  This resulted in my carb overkill and bouts of not-so-clean eating. 

After telling all this to my husband, he didn't have a lot to say but he's more of a man of action.  He gave me a back rub until I fell asleep.  The next morning he tried to figure out why I've been feeling this way.  At first he said, 'Maybe you're pregnant.'  Lol.  This threw me off a bit but that's a whole other story.  After assuring him that I didn't think it was that (though I would have been a bit relieved if it were the reason), he listened some more and started planning.  His fixes always include planning.  He  promised that we would get back on a morning workout routine on the days he didn't have to be at work at 3am.  He also stressed that he wanted me to not worry about anything after work and to start going back to my classes or doing something that i liked to do.  I think I'm going to do it.  I don't know that I have a choice.  That old path is a flat one and I can see from here that the end is not pleasing.  I think I'm going to veer off in the other direction and start doing things for me again.  So starting next week I'm hoping to be back to blogging, cross fitting, clean eating and shaking my booty to some zumba. 

Now that I think I have my head screwed back on correctly, here's a nice little quote that reminds me that how I think (believe) will always be the guide to where I'm going.

Headed in the Wrong Direction

So the last few weeks have been challenging.  I won't lie and say I searched for the positive.  No...a few times I just sat there and stewed in my pity.  This is not to say my troubles are all that serious.  It's just me giving in to stress (I know better) and sometimes letting it take over for days.  Once the stress has the upper hand, it makes me sick and pitiful.  When I'm sick and pitiful I give in to things that make it worse.  Things like eating bad for me food and skipping workouts.  But I think I'm back where I should be.  Mostly...

Starting out was hard.  People around me were making it difficult.  One rare cooler day I decided to go sit in my car for lunch and chill.  Thirty minutes into it a coworker comes and knocks on my car and hands me this Frosty.  WTH? Well, I didn't even get a chance to protest as she just walked away.  Well...I don't know that I've ever mentioned it but I'm not a big fast food freak.  But when I do get the hankering, I often end up at Wendy's.  When I'm at Wendy's I get a fries and a frosty.  That's it.  Needless to say this particular frosty did not get wasted.  I ate it all.  Just know that it is was much smaller than it looks on this picture.  It was very small. Very small...

I've also been lazy about my lunches.  I don't mean I'm going out eating everyday.  I still bring my lunches.  They are just lacking in creativity and balance.  Here is one lunch I threw together 10 minutes before I had to be out the door.  It looks pitiful but it was actually pretty good.  I've been digging the olives and pickles lately.  I don't know what that's about since up until a few weeks ago I didn't even like pickles.  

My last confession involves the workouts.  When I say I've been skipping workouts I really mean I've been dropping the cardio days.  I've said it many times and I'll say it again. I'm not perfect.  I'm so imperfect I'm going to go ahead and admit that I don't like cardio.  I'd say I hate it but that's a bit harsh.  I've never been crazy about it but add in stress and work and it magnifies the dislike.  Over the past couple of weeks I've been making my class on the strength and flexibility days and talking myself out of the cardio ones.  Instead I've been coming home and infrequently doing a video here or there.  Alex told me that it seems I have more motivation when I do it with the class.  He's probably right.

But when I walk in and see this image my motivation plummets. We've been on the rowers it seems every cardio day because it's too hot to use the track.  The rowers taunt me and tell me I going to be tired even before I sit down. Exaggeration?  Of course! But it's been hot, I have a lot going on at home and work has ramped things up.  Wah, wah, wahhhh.....  I know.  I'm whining and have been doing so for days. 

My husband gave me a 'pep' talk last night.  I won't go into detail but basically he said if I continue on this path I will be in a place where I will have to start all over.  He's right.  It's not like I didn't realize this but having someone else point out that they see where you are headed makes it more real.  So I got up this morning and hit the trail.  I chose the trail over other cardio because having nature around keeps me from giving in to the realization that I'm sweating and have miles to go. 

I'm going to be working overtime to get my head back where it should be.  Hopefully this will mean you'll get some entertaining posts out of it.

Trying It On

See that wall?  I climbed it.  Yes I did.  To some that might not seem like a big ideal but it was.  I attended the Try It On Events yesterday.  It was an event benefitting the ALS Association.  It was held at the beautiful Westin.  I was so digging that place.  I texted the husband telling him I had found our next date night location.  I was the first to arrive and got a free facial gift card.  The ladies at the registration desk were very nice and chatty and very open about it being their first time putting on this event.  I roamed around and checked out the vendors until more people began to arrive.

We started out slow because they were hoping several more people showed.  I had invited a few ladies but none of them showed.  Suckers!  They would have totally loved it.  Although I went just to try out all the events, I learned a lot about the association and the disease. The speaker/creator of the event was very informative and a great person. Well, everyone there was great but her presentation was passion-filled and witty. I liked her a lot.  The presentation was followed up by a fabulous lunch.  It was then I was invited to the table of a couple of great ladies.  We discussed work, New York, Austin (none of us were Austin natives), diet, exercise and men.  It's amazing how free a conversation can flow between strangers!  After lunch, the events began. 

Because the group was smaller than anticipated, they decided to have one event per hour allowing everyone to experience a little individualized attention.  We started with the Nia technique.  I had heard of it a few years ago but never explored or researched it beyond that.  Per the instructor Nia is a sensory-based movement practice that draws from martial arts, dance arts and healing arts.  The class was so much fun.  I moved and danced and felt the music like never before.  I'm sure there was something deep to be experienced there but for me I just enjoyed freedom of movement and the fact there there were no 'wrong' moves.  I came away from it with a smile.

Next up was the climbing wall.  I had not anticipated doing this event because I'm afraid of heights.  But because of how the events were re-organized, it gave me the chance to re-evaluate that thought.  I figured this was a good time to face a real fear.  Besides that, the ladies in attendance were so very supportive that I felt like it was OK to show my fear.  We all trekked outside into the already hot parking lot.  I purposely did not look up at the wall.  I went straight to the table and signed the release before I could chicken out.  I was the 2nd person on the wall.  When I started climbing, one of the spotters was encouraging me to use my legs.  For a while his was the only voice I heard.  Once I got further away from him, I began to hear the ladies below encouraging me.  I don't know how far I got before I missed my handhold but it felt like 500 feet.  I clumsily sailed back down and the National Guard guy asked me if I wanted to do it again.  I bowed out from another try because my legs, arms, and face were still shaking from the fear of it.  But let me tell you, my mind was saying something else.  I was so amazed that I did it at all.  Fifteen feet or 500....I was very proud of myself.   I got congrats and applause from the ladies.  One said she was not going to try it but the fact that I did it while being afraid of heights convinced her.  Everyone ended up trying it at least once.  It was great!
Following that was Pilates.  I had never tried it and thought it would be interesting.  Let me confess to something before I continue.  I do crossfit at least 4 times a week and because of that figured I could do most any core class offered.  Well, Pilates knocked me back a little bit.  Oooo-wee!  That little lady wasn't playing with her planks and stuff.  I stuck with it (because I don't like to quit) and was sweating by the time we were done.  It was challenging and I think I'm going ot have to explore it further.
Next up...Bellydance.  That was something I was never interested in trying.  Maybe it was because I knew much of nothing about it.  The instructor did a preview for us during lunch.  She waltz in wearing a black flowing thing but once the music began, she disrobed to show off a gold and multi-jeweled wonder. Then when she started moving, it all worked it's way into something you couldn't tear you eyes from.  I don't exactly know how to explain it other than it was sensual without being dirty or sexual.  She had curves and a belly but it all seemed to belong together.  In a word it was spellbounding.  The class didn't quite make it to that level.  We learned to shimmy and move a little.  I felt confortable with my movements until she had those of us in the back move to the front.  That was a bit intimidating but after a little while I was having so much fun it didn't matter that I couldn't get my middle to roll like hers.  Not sure I will be trying it more but it was fun while it lasted.

After a short break we were invited to the Yoga room.  I had tried a class before for didn't have the best experience so I limited my learning to the DVD.  This instructor changed my mind about it all.  She was very detailed and made everything so easy to understand for us beginners.  She even used the yogi language and translated it for us.  She really knew her stuff.  By the end of the class I was so relaxed and calm.  It was amazing.  Who'd have thought I could get there?  Not me!

The final class was Zumba.  Now you all know I'm no stranger to this but each instructor is different.  This instructor was full of energy and rhythm.  The moves were complex and the music was great.  We sweat our way through a high energy workout and had fun to boot.  I will admit that my energy level began to fade midway through but come on....I had done so many other workouts before that one! 


My plate was refilled twice with veggies and bread
and cheese.  The sangria...uhm....maybe twice.

The day ended with the cocktail hour.  Teri (the presenter) is a dietician and gave us some pointers on throwing a healthier cocktail party.  We were so hungry after such a full day so this was the perfect ending.   There was a nice spread of fresh veggies, cheeses, fruit, bacon-wrapped shrimp, lamb lollipops, bruschetta, gazpacho shots,and the best sangria ever.  I ended up sitting with four of the most hilarious and intelligent women.  We were fast friends and ended up trading contact information.  They were not shy about eating and even less shy about the drinking.  Lol. 

While we ate and drank they gave away prizes.  I didn't expect to win anything but it turned out I got the last prize of the day which was a $100 gift certificate for the hotel's restaurant.  Date night here we come!

It was such a great event for an even greater cause.  My only regret is that more people didn't get to experience it.  I'm sure the next time will be packed because word of mouth is as good as gold and the ladies in attendance there will definately get the word out.

Tweak-kneed Race

This year's Caleb 5K was just as great as last year's.  And I didn't even have to do it alone.  My time was not great but I didn't expect it would be thanks to me and my tweak-kneed self.  I got a nice long lecture from my trainer last night about how to complete this walk without making things worse. We agreed that I could walk a decent 15 minute mile and that I would not get caught up in things and try and outpace anyone.  I was good and listened and walked my own race.  I forgot my brace but I did OK.  

This year my friend San joined me. She did very well running it in a little over 28 minutes.  This after being nervous because it was her first race in the competitive Austin.  Psht!  I told her there was nothing to be nervous about. I didn't get a lot of pictures this year because the husband was supposed to be taking all the shots.  Well, I called him from the starting line to warn him that we would be passing our place soon (it passed in front of our house).  He said he'd be ready.  When I reached that destination he was nowhere to be seen.  I called him and he said he didn't realize we were passing at the beginning.  He said he would catch us at the end.  Well, he did get a couple of shots of me at the end of the 3rd mile.  But then he got caught up in conversation with someone else walking and didn't get a shot of me crossing the finish line.  Major husband support fail!  Oh well.  Here are the few pitiful shots he did get.

  

He finally arrives at the 3 mile mark.

Yes I'm smiling because he was trying to make me laugh and forget my frustration at his lack of timing.

Don't know what I'm saying but I'm sure it was sarcastic.

Me (w/attitude) and San in our sweaty state. Did I mention it was humid as hell out?  Well it was.  We are misty at the starting line and drenched by the end.

Butt shots.  Why?  

Checking the times and I was glad to see I stayed on my 15 minute mark. 

After an hour of hanging around, we decided we could abandon the festivities and make the walk back to our place.  

It was indeed a very well organized race.  The cover band was awesome, the freebies were great and the chiropractor's adjustment was appreciated.  If I'm still in Austin next year, I'm going to try it a third time.  Hopefully I'll be able to run it.  See ya' next year!

Whip and Soda

Here's a shot of tonight's dessert.  The soda/whipped topping float.  It was so good.  We have several flavors of soda leftover from the 4th get together so this is a good way to get rid of it.  I think the husband is hooked!  He did one with Pepsi and loved it.  I'm not too big on the dark soda.  Fruity all the way for me.  

This was a mix of lemon-lime and a bit of strawberry.  You can't see it well in this picture but it was a nice blush color.  It was mighty tasty.  

I could have just let the cream melt into the soda but I like to mix it and make it thick and creamy.  I do hope y'all will try it.  

Enjoy!

Pizza and Me (Part 2)

A few months back I did a small post about frozen pizza.  My consumption of pizza is far and in between but I do like to indulge when I get a craving.  On my way home from work I called the husband to see if he had already planned a Friday night meal.  He had just gotten home and had not.  I told him I wanted pizza.  He said if I wanted it I should order it.  I told him to save money I would rather just get a frozen one and I would stop home first and we could go together.  We did that and after checking out the deli take home pizzas, and the many frozen versions, I landed on the Freschetta's Harvest Supreme.  It was only $4.98.  That totally beats spending $12 + tip for delivery.

As you can see the packaging is very eye catching.  

I was pleasantly surprised to see there was plenty of ingredients. 

I baked mine on a pan as opposed to the rack because I have problems pulling it from the oven without making a mess.  It came out nice and crispy. 

How did it taste?  I didn't expect much but was pleasantly surprised.  The feta and spinach combination was great and the chewiness of the sun-dried tomatoes complimented it well.  The Italian sausage was sparse but I think more would have been overkill.  I will definitely try this one again.