Bring on 09 Baby. Bring It!

Yippy for 2009!

What I am thinking for this year might sound a bit broad, but if I apply it to the different areas of my life, then it's more specific.

BROADEN MY HORIZONS

That's it, you might ask?
Yep. That's it.

Think about it:

Workouts: Try new things, mix it up. I love running and yoga but I need to get back to lifting weights, back to kickboxing, back to spin classes. Expand my routine.

Health: There are several more things I can do to live a healthier life. Cut my drinking, do a master cleanse, etc, etc.

Friends: Pick up the phone and reconnect with old friends. Actually go visit them. Reach out to new friends, make an effort to get out of my hermit shell.

Dating: Uhm, yeah this will be the hard part for me this year. But it has to be done. I'm not going to get anywhere in this arena if I'm home having dinners with you-know-who all the time. I need to get out where there is an opportunity to actually meet someone I find interesting (no easy feat, my friends).

So there you have it.

Happy new year to all and to all a good night. Be safe and don't do anything I wouldn't do.

Tales of a Slacker

This is not just a place to talk about all the great runs and yoga classes. Sometimes I need to use this as a tool to come clean.

People, I have been a serious slacker since Saturday. It's already Tuesday and I have not done a darn thing. No excuses allowed, but here's what happened.

Sunday - woke up seriously body tired. I did a double workout on Saturday, so I figured Sun would be a good day to rest.

Monday - woke up tired so didn't run. Poop. Then got invited to nice yummy dinner so skipped yoga. Double Poop.

Tuesday - woke up tired again. And tonight I have a networking work thingy so no yoga.

Basically, I have a lot of making up to do over my days off. But I'm up for the challenge.

Sorry, gonna make you wait one more day for my 2009 thoughts...

Updates

A couple people have asked about my healthy Mexican casserole. Well, I will most def not post the recipe that I made up because it was not so good. I guess some things you just can't make too healthy. One word use to describe my dish was "slimy." So if you're still interested in a slimy dinner, then hit me up.

Sometimes I wonder why I bother.
I'm in a serious whoa-is-me mood right now.
I'm so happy 2008 is over.
I hope I can really make some changes to make 2009 better. I'm still pondering this and will most likely post my 2009 thoughts tomorrow.

Taking a quick look back, let's see what my 08 goals were and how I did:

1. No drinking for 2 weeks starting today. (Yea, that didn't happen)
2. Run 20 miles a week minimum. (I almost made it - I averaged about 17 miles per week)
3. Get to 135 and stay there. (Yep.)
A. Buy a scale. (Done)
B. Don't be crazy. (Well, you be the judge. I'm guessing 'crazy' is just my nature)
4. Run Half Marathon in Feb and at least 3 other races this year. (One per quarter perhaps)
(I didn't run one per quarter, but I did 2 half marathons, a 5k and a kick ass full marathon).

Overall, not to shabby. I guess.
I sure hope I can get out of work early to hit up yoga.
I'm in need of a serious attitude adjustment.

Song of the day: Comes and Goes In Waves by Greg Laswell

Point and Click

No time to really post - on my way to yoga.
Ran a sweet 10 miler in perfect cool, crisp weather.

Racking up the points on the booty buster challenge. I guess no work and all play make it easy to do. How is everyone else doing??

Going to attempt to make a healthy Mexican casserole tonight! My first attempt. We shall see.

Happy weekend.

Eve of it All

I might have had some wine. But had to share the daily events:
1. I did Bikram yoga this morning and it was fan tab u lous. So glad I went. It was something for myself and it was healthy. And it made me cope with life and family and everything else. Love it.

2. Fam time was fun. My mom actually did ok on the p[resents. I got some earrings that i wanted. I did get some silly fluffy blue jammers but I'm wearing them and its all good.

3. wine is good.

4. Ex boyfriends are good too.

peace
out

Gift Giving 101

Although I took the post down, I did have a rag-on-dad day. So in all fairness, I'd like to share a little bit more about my mother. I've talked about her a few times in this blog. She is quite a character. Tying this into the holidays, let's talk about my mom and her gift giving.

It goes back as long as I can remember. As a child, when I was into barbies, my mom would get me a hula hoop. As a teen when I was into wearing all black, my mom would get me a pink frilly top. Then when I started wearing pink, she would buy me a black studded belt. It boils down to the fact that she just doesn't get me. Never has. Probably never will.

My sister and I learned that our best bet was to be really, really specific with her. A couple years ago we told her to get us some p.j.'s. I mean, can you really mess up jammies? Yes, yes you can. I ended up with a bright blue number with cartoon characters on them. In my entire life, I have never, ever worn ANYTHING with a cartoon character on it.

So I decided to get even more specific. She means well and wants to get us something that we want/need so I thought it would be helpful to just start sending her LINKS to exactly what we have in mind. I hate to see her wasting money on something that I will never use. So for my birthday I sent her a link of this eyeshadow primer that I wanted. It was about $25. BUT she didn't want to just get me the eyeshadow primer. So she got me a gift package that came with a VERY small sample of the primer, along with eyeshadow, eyeliner and GLITTER that cost about $45. People~ I am not a glitter person. Nor will I wear the eyeliner. So basically, she didn't listen, spent more money and didn't get me what I wanted. Just so typical of her.

I can't wait to see what's in store for Christmas!

Foto Fun Friday

With nothing really on my mind today (due to too much wine while present wrapping)

I'm going with ...

FOTO FUN FRIDAY

19th picture in the 12th folder

This was taken last May right before the Santa Ynez Half Marathon. My grandpa dropped me off after very carefully & thoughtfully calculating the route he would take. Although we didn't get over 15 miles per hour, he did get me to the starting line on time.

30 Words: A Year in Review

**Please note this idea was borrowed from Abby at Have Dental Floss Will Travel. She got it from Runners Lounge TIART. I liked the idea! AND you guys get 2 posts in ONE day. That's a record!

Baby Niece #2
Two Half Marathons, Marathon PR, Bikram Yoga
Big Island, Fiji, Puerto Rico, Cabo, Vegas, Denver, Portland
Invisaline
Break Up, Back Together, Repeat
Family, Friends, Travel, Work


That's about it, in a nutshell (hey, I'm in a nutshell)!

Squishy In The Middle

Luckily the weather is still cooperating with me. It was raining when we went to bed, but not in the morning. So I got out there in my NEW JACKET from Road Runner Sports and hit the cold pavement. The jacket was all I could ever want and more. I busted out 5 miles and chicked this guy (who was TOTALLY trying to keep up with me). Basically it was a good morning.

I've been doing pretty well on the challenge, alternating days of Bikram and running. I haven't stepped on the scale for a while (until this morning). But before I did, I knew it was going to close to Code Yellow. I can tell because in yoga class (in practically your underwear) you have to stare at yourself the entire time. And although my clothes still fit, I'm very squishy in the middle. Squishier than I was a couple months ago.

Anita confirmed what I was feeling. I am definitely still on the border of a Code Yellow Alert. I tried to go on a no sugar kick. It lasted 2 days then I broke down and had some ice cream. Then a coworker made homemade peanut butter cups. Then we had cookies delivered. Then someone made me homemade risotto. I'm living proof that between Thanksgiving and New Years, one consumes about 600 more calories per day.

At least I'm working out - it makes me feel better. I'm starting to think about my goals for 2009.... Post more on that later.

Blame It On The Rain

Remember that cheeseball song by Milli Vanilli ~ You KNOW you what I'm talking about.

Well I have nothing to blame on the rain because it's totally cooperating with my workout schedule (See, God must love me).

Monday - Rain - Bikram Yoga

Tuesday - No Rain - Running

Wed - Rain - Bikram Yoga

Hopefully it won't rain tomorrow cuz I'm going to run.

BUT if it does, I just bought the most perfectest rain jacket. This is a big deal for me because I've been wearing the same Nike one since I started running about 3 years ago. And that puppy STINKS. Tom from Runners Lounge has arranged for me to test out a sample of Sports Wash. I will definitely put it to the test with my stinky Nike Jacket. Stay tuned for the review once I get it!

Until then, let's talk about my new jacket. I'm so loving it. First of all, it was on sale. Holla - $49.99. It comes in three colors with a detachable hood. And my favorite part is that there is a little pocket on the inside for your iPod where your headphones can come out. It's just pure excitement over here. I wanted to wear it to work today, but corporate America might frown on wearing running clothes to work.

That's all I got today. Peace, love and rainy skies!

Song of the day: Kids by MGMT

Christmas What?

Is anyone out there procrastinating as much as I am about this whole Christmas thing?

I really suck this year. I have not a decoration up, nor a thought about my plans. I might go to my Dad's on Christmas Eve. Honestly, I'm not really looking forward to it. I feel like avoiding my family all together. In the past, I spend 50% of the day on the freeway driving from one side of the families to the next. I do it to try and make everyone happy and it doesn't work. Someones feelings always get hurt that I'm leaving. I'm just not going to do that this year.

I have only purchased 2 gifts. Only 2~ and those were online purchases. I am dreading going to any department store. I just can't deal with lines or people. I have no idea what to get anyone.

The Christmas spirit eludes me this year.

Don't even get me started on New Years. Augh!

Regarding the Booty Buster Challenge, I'm doing ok. One day is butt-kicking and the next is butt-licking. Point summary is to the left (under the booty).

Rackin' Up Points

I felt like I was slacking off yesterday. I was a tired and had to do 4 load of laundry. So I am making up for it today. I ran 10.2 miles this morning. And I will be heading to Bikram in about 2 hours. So that's a total of 13.2 points for today! Yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhh I know other peeps are way ahead of me, but I'm trying.

THEN... the Yoga Party is tonight. I had so much fun at the last yoga party, so I'm excited for tonight.

Happy weekend.

Worst Song Evah

I was trying to get into the Christmas spirit on my way home from work, since our Christmas party was last night. So, I put on KOST 103.5 (all Christmas music) and I heard quite possibly the worst song ever created.

I guess I am a traditionalist when it comes to Christmas music. I like the oldies. There is no reason for anyone to try to create a NEW Christmas song. Just re-sing the old ones damn it. And most of all, DON'T make a song depressing.
What the hell is that about?

If you're not sure what song I am referring to, kindly entertain the video below.



What Christmas song bugs the crap out of you???

Let The Holiday Parties Begin

Tonight is my first Christmas party of the season (my second one is Sat night) and homies...
I AIN'T GO SHIZ TO WEAR.

Seriously.

I tried running to Nordstroms on my lunch break but nothing jumped out at me and I was not in the mood to try on anything. Oh well, I'll just be the ugliest girl there. Whatever.
Bah Humbug.

In other news, I already broke my "work out everyday until Jan 4th" goal. Yesterday I had an incredibly long and tedious day at work. After a 10 hour day, the only thing I wanted to do was eat some soup and go to bed. Which I did. However, I did wake up and run this morning.

Just want this day to end so I can pop a bottle and celebrate the season!

Song of the day: Peace and Hate by The Submarines

S & M

Today's theme is S & M.

NOOOOOOOOO... not THAT kind - you pervies.

S = Struggle

M = Move on

STRUGGLE:

I made it to Bikram last night, really eager to get in there and sweat out some of the wine from my bday wine tasting weekend. I felt good for about 10 minutes. By the time we got to Standing Head to Knee pose, I thought I was going to die. I had to sit down about 4 times in the class. For the first time, I even contemplated leaving. But I didn't. I stuck with it. After class, I threw on my sweats and headed home. I felt dizzy my entire drive home. I shoved some chicken in my mouth and still felt like crappy. (Now for the gross part) I thought "I'll just lay down for a minute" before my shower because I felt so weak and dizzy. PEOPLE, I fell asleep in my sweaty mess with NO shower! How gross is that??????

MOVE ON:

Now, I know have this challenge that I signed up for, so I knew that NO MATTER WHAT, I was going to get some cardio in the morning. My plan was to run 4 miles, but based on how I was feeling the night before, I was just going to see what happened and maybe walk. But I felt great! I don't understand why the difference, but I have an idea...

I think that over my bday week and weekend I consumed so much sugar and wine that my body was going into serious detox in yoga. Plus, Monday I cut my calories back (probably too far back) and just had no energy for yoga.

But I'm moving on.

We all struggle, we all get over it.

It's part of this wonderful journey we are all on.

I actually ran the entire way this morning and threw in an extra mile (hey there IS a contest going on).

Regarding the contest, my plan is just do at least ONE thing a day. So normally when I would take a day off, I am going to do either yoga or at least go for a walk. This will help me accumulate points. We'll see how it goes. Heck even if I lose, I totally win by staying physical over the Christmas season. Boo-ya! I will post my contest status on Friday's I think. But you know I like to frequently change my mind. As of right now, I have 8.5 points.

Last of all.... here is a fun pic of Sister Birthday Fun 2008!

Song of the day:

Shut Up & Let Me Go by The Ting Tings

Code Yellow

My dear Anita alerted me "CODE YELLOW" this morning when I stepped on her. Well, almost "code yellow." I'm at the high end of my maintenance range. But I'm not sure I can knock off the vino and sweets with the weekend festivities creeping up.

My actual bday was last night. I had a fantastic meal! Tonight is a big group dinner with friends, which will definitely include many bevos. Then a weekend of wine tasting will most likely include wine. Duh!

I had a plan - remember that plan? Well so far I am 2 out 3. I did Bikram last night and soooo loved it. It felt amazing and helped clear my sinuses. Then I ran this morning- it was a good run. But I've been coughing ever since.

I'm really looking forward to the Booty Buster Challenge!

Where are you on the ALERT SYSTEM?

Livin' The Life

Well, it's birthday week here at POM Institute of Awesomeness.
What that means is more reasons to get out there and eat, drink and be merry.
And less reasons to exercise.
I'm trying my darnedest to NOT let that happen. So here is my weekend plan and my workout plan to combat the laziness:

Wed: Run in AM, Yoga in afternoon if I can sneak out of work early, Fancy home cooked meal

Thur: Run in AM, Big celebratory dinner with lots of friends at oceanfront restaurant.

Fri: Drive to Los Olivos (about 4 hrs), go for long walk, get facial, dinner with family

Sat: Run in AM, wine tasting, dinner at Los Olivos Cafe

Sun: Drive home, maybe in time for Yoga.

Great intentions I have here. Just hope I actually follow through.
I'm really excited about this week ~ as long as I can keep this cold at bay. Bring on the Vitamin C!!!

Holiday Challenge Anyone?

If you're feeling like you need a little sumthin' sumthin' to keep you motivated over the holidays, check out RuntoFinish's Booty Buster Challenge!

I am totally in. The good thing about it is that it's not about losing weight, but instead it's about being ACTIVE in the month of December.

Stop by her blog and let her know if you're in.
Bwak Bwak, don't be a chicken!