Saturday, the husband and I spent the day prepping and painting our bedroom. This has been on our to-do list since we bought the house in October. We were planning on doing it before moving day, but closing got pushed back and meetings had to be scheduled. We actually moved in before we closed. Did you ever notice how much of a workout it is to paint a bedroom? I spent the first half-hour on my tip-toes trying to tape the ceiling off. Then, I was the lucky one who got the roller. So, there's another hour or so of an arm workout. Did I mention our walls are textured? This means that I have to pain the same patch of wall from three different directions (at least) to get all the little nubs covered.
On Sunday after the paint had dried, we hung up the blackout blinds (an absolute must when your husband is a police officer on night shift!). These were pretty painless. Then, I got in my cardio. I had some nice grey sheers to hang over the top of the curtain rod to dress them up and make our bedroom a little more romantic. Well, they didn't want to hang right. Seriously, I spent what felt like an hour on one window. Swoosh, swag, wrap...climb down from the stool...uneven...climb onto the stool...re-swoosh..climb down...uneven the other way...climb up...wrap...swoosh...swag...groan in frustration...climb down...the middle looks funky...climb up...grumble about the stupid curtain rod...swoosh...wrap...etc. It continued for what seemed to me the next hour. According to JJ, it was only 30 minutes.
My frustration level was reaching the boiling point. It did not help that neighbors a block over have hounds. If you've ever had neighbors with hounds you know where this is going. The baying! I usually don't mind it, it can be musical. I get a little irritated at 8am on a Saturday when it starts, but I get over it. But now as not the time for their to start their hunting choirs. I was getting angrier and angrier. This stupid curtain was not cooperating, the dogs wouldn't shut up, the stool was too close to the wall. This was not good and I was only on the first window! While I'm fuming at this window, JJ silently goes and picks up the curtain for our second window. He starts putting it up and muttering his "calculations" to himself and tries to help. Bless his heart. We both finally finish our projects. He gestures to his handiwork and asks what did I think. I had to be tactful with my wording. I chose: "It's fine, great effort. I'll fix it later." Maybe not the best thing to say, but I really appreciated the effort and love the fact that my sweet husband was trying to help and ease my frustration. It really doesn't look too bad, but I'll make some minor adjustments and it'll be golden. We shoved the furniture back in place and call it quits on home improvement for the day.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Hubby - My Personal Trainer
Guess what! We made it to the gym last night. I was tired to feeling like an outcast every time I stepped over to the weight-lifting side of the gym, so I have employed my husband to be my personal trainer in lifting weights. He will be paid in kisses and correctly portioned meals.
We had some minor communication issues. I know that I can't be asked what I want to do when I get to the gym. I need to have a plan or not have a choice. He kept asking me what I wanted to do. That was not working for me. I had to look him in the eye and say, "I don't care. If you tell me what to do, I will do it." Husbands of the world, please note: this is the only situation where this will ever happen. This will not carry over to your time together at home or during discussions where you think you're right.
JJ is actually a pretty good coach. He was inspirational when I needed that extra encouragement to get the final reps. I ended up being a little bit sore, but still able to function. According to him this means we didn't workout hard enough. I think we worked out just right. We spent close to two hours at the gym. Some of that time was spent setting up and him explaining to me how to do things. We probably ended up doing close to an hour of weight training and I started Week 1, Day 1 of Couch to 5k. It was much easier this time around. I'm looking forward to the next day.
Our plans tonight? Unclear. It'll be another delicious dinner. We're considering going to the gym again. JJ wants to run to loosen up his legs and I'm thinking about using the elliptical or bike. We also need to work in some core exercises.
I have added another fitness goal for myself. I'd like to try doing a dead lift. I have no idea on an appropriate goal weight or how to do it, but it sounds like a cool, beastly thing to be able to do.
I'm also going to try to remember to check-in for The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans - New Years Weight Loss Challenge. That's the plan anyway!
We had some minor communication issues. I know that I can't be asked what I want to do when I get to the gym. I need to have a plan or not have a choice. He kept asking me what I wanted to do. That was not working for me. I had to look him in the eye and say, "I don't care. If you tell me what to do, I will do it." Husbands of the world, please note: this is the only situation where this will ever happen. This will not carry over to your time together at home or during discussions where you think you're right.
JJ is actually a pretty good coach. He was inspirational when I needed that extra encouragement to get the final reps. I ended up being a little bit sore, but still able to function. According to him this means we didn't workout hard enough. I think we worked out just right. We spent close to two hours at the gym. Some of that time was spent setting up and him explaining to me how to do things. We probably ended up doing close to an hour of weight training and I started Week 1, Day 1 of Couch to 5k. It was much easier this time around. I'm looking forward to the next day.
Our plans tonight? Unclear. It'll be another delicious dinner. We're considering going to the gym again. JJ wants to run to loosen up his legs and I'm thinking about using the elliptical or bike. We also need to work in some core exercises.
I have added another fitness goal for myself. I'd like to try doing a dead lift. I have no idea on an appropriate goal weight or how to do it, but it sounds like a cool, beastly thing to be able to do.
I'm also going to try to remember to check-in for The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans - New Years Weight Loss Challenge. That's the plan anyway!
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Gym? When? Oh! Last night?
Well, the gym didn't happen last night. We did make it to the shooting range though! If only I could burn calories there (and if only there wasn't a shortage on 9mm bullets), then it would be the perfect workout. I didn't rent the Glock 26 last night though. I switched it out for the Glock 19 and really enjoyed it. I also checked out the Smith and Wesson M&P. I don't know much about firearms or shooting, all I know is I enjoy spending the time with my husband and making those holes in the target. For our Valintinesaversary (We started dating close to Valentines Day and would rather celebrate that than Valentines) we are going to be looking at purchasing our own firearms to take target shooting, so I've been trying out the different options that our gun club has to offer. So far the 26 is still my favorite, but the 19 is close!
We also spent some quality time/team building together last night while we assembled the bookcase for the office/craft room. It came out quite nice. Hopefully, we'll have the room presentable soon.
Tonight, our plans are to work out. This time we're really going! In fact, JJ is getting his first workout done right now. I'm going to re-start the Couch to 5k program. Plus, I'll have my handy dandy new phone and arm band to follow along with a recently downloaded app. Maybe this time I can avoid dropping my phone on the treadmill and sending it flying across the room. Another thing on my gym to-do list is to do some free weights. JJ will be helping me with these. I get so intimidated crossing over to that side of the gym. The people that are over there seem like they were born with the knowledge of what they are doing. I go over there and I stand staring at the weights, not even sure how to hold them.
So far I'm on track with the meal plan for today. I started the day with a delicious crust-less breakfast quiche and had a mid-morning snack of cantaloupe and string cheese. Lunchtime was a little more indulgent, but I'm using up some dinner leftovers. It was stuffed mannicotti. I suppose it was decently healthy. It was one mannicotti shell with some 93% ground beef stuffed in it with a bit of tomato sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese. Afternoon snack will be almonds and an orange. Dinner is TBD. Right now I'm thinking of slicing up some baked chicken and throwing it together with some whole wheat pasta.We'll see what I actually feel like doing once I get home.
We also spent some quality time/team building together last night while we assembled the bookcase for the office/craft room. It came out quite nice. Hopefully, we'll have the room presentable soon.
Tonight, our plans are to work out. This time we're really going! In fact, JJ is getting his first workout done right now. I'm going to re-start the Couch to 5k program. Plus, I'll have my handy dandy new phone and arm band to follow along with a recently downloaded app. Maybe this time I can avoid dropping my phone on the treadmill and sending it flying across the room. Another thing on my gym to-do list is to do some free weights. JJ will be helping me with these. I get so intimidated crossing over to that side of the gym. The people that are over there seem like they were born with the knowledge of what they are doing. I go over there and I stand staring at the weights, not even sure how to hold them.
So far I'm on track with the meal plan for today. I started the day with a delicious crust-less breakfast quiche and had a mid-morning snack of cantaloupe and string cheese. Lunchtime was a little more indulgent, but I'm using up some dinner leftovers. It was stuffed mannicotti. I suppose it was decently healthy. It was one mannicotti shell with some 93% ground beef stuffed in it with a bit of tomato sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese. Afternoon snack will be almonds and an orange. Dinner is TBD. Right now I'm thinking of slicing up some baked chicken and throwing it together with some whole wheat pasta.We'll see what I actually feel like doing once I get home.
Monday, January 7, 2013
A hiking we will go!
Early Saturday morning, I woke up and packed the dog into the car. We drove to an awesome county park and hiked for about two hours. I don't think I've actually ever go hiking alone before. It was really nice. So nice that maybe next time I won't invite JJ to come along. Quest and I took the most wonderful trail. There was literally everything there. We had some hills, some open fields, a beautiful forest of super tall pine trees, a pond, and various streams. It was an exciting variety that kept our hike interesting.
The pine tree section was my favorite. We walked through the forest and everything was so still. The park had just opened for the day, so we had no interruptions from other hikers. Those moments amongst the pines was amazing. It felt easier to breath, the pine needles muffled our footsteps, and stress and the outside world melted away. It was just me and my dog, walking. I left my cell phone in the car and left the camera at home. Though I don't have any pictures of our trip, I still am able to hold onto the feelings I had. It was nice to be disconnected from everything for a couple hours. I feel that I got more out of that walk than any other workout I could have done that morning.
On Sunday, I set up a jump and a couple of weave poles in the backyard and started working with Quest. He was actually pretty good at it. I was surprised he was grasping the concept of the weave poles so quickly. They're not perfect, but it's a start. So far we're at four in a row. After working with Quest, I started putting the house together and doing prep for meals this week. I went ahead and baked 8 servings of chicken and a breakfast quiche. I still need to make the protein balls and bars. I also need to come up with a healthy recipe that uses sour cream, ours is about to expire and I'd hate to waste it.
Tonight, JJ and I are planning on going to the gun range. I have my checklist ready for the rentals I want to try and we'll see how they compare to the Glock 26, which is currently my favorite. After that I might try to talk him into going to the gym. I think he's made it out there more than me the last few days. Other than that, I think we're just going to enjoy our time together doing the usual homey couple stuff. I didn't sleep well this morning so an early bedtime is in the cards for us.
The pine tree section was my favorite. We walked through the forest and everything was so still. The park had just opened for the day, so we had no interruptions from other hikers. Those moments amongst the pines was amazing. It felt easier to breath, the pine needles muffled our footsteps, and stress and the outside world melted away. It was just me and my dog, walking. I left my cell phone in the car and left the camera at home. Though I don't have any pictures of our trip, I still am able to hold onto the feelings I had. It was nice to be disconnected from everything for a couple hours. I feel that I got more out of that walk than any other workout I could have done that morning.
On Sunday, I set up a jump and a couple of weave poles in the backyard and started working with Quest. He was actually pretty good at it. I was surprised he was grasping the concept of the weave poles so quickly. They're not perfect, but it's a start. So far we're at four in a row. After working with Quest, I started putting the house together and doing prep for meals this week. I went ahead and baked 8 servings of chicken and a breakfast quiche. I still need to make the protein balls and bars. I also need to come up with a healthy recipe that uses sour cream, ours is about to expire and I'd hate to waste it.
Tonight, JJ and I are planning on going to the gun range. I have my checklist ready for the rentals I want to try and we'll see how they compare to the Glock 26, which is currently my favorite. After that I might try to talk him into going to the gym. I think he's made it out there more than me the last few days. Other than that, I think we're just going to enjoy our time together doing the usual homey couple stuff. I didn't sleep well this morning so an early bedtime is in the cards for us.
Friday, January 4, 2013
A Resolutionist?
This is my first post to Doggone Fit. I started my weight-loss/get fit goals about three weeks before Christmas, so I guess I'm not really a New Years Resolutionist. I actually was doing quite well, especially considering that it was during the holidays. Then I caught some strange un-holy version of a cold and all my work went down the drain. I wasn't able to go the the gym, because I couldn't stop blowing my nose (maybe a little too much information, eh?). I was eating things I shouldn't, because I was stuck to the couch and those little prepackaged soups and snacks were so much easier.
Before this virus crashed it's way into my plans, I had been "eating clean." That is, the majority of our foods were raw/unprocessed and usually had less than five ingredients (and I had to be able to pronounce them and know what they are). Through this, along with exercising 3 times a week, I had dropped almost ten pounds. While I was on the self-made bandwagon, I felt great! I had energy, I was working out and could see the changes occurring. It was awful getting on the scale last night and seeing that all of my work had been undone. I can try to justify the higher number - "I just ate, I'm wearing all my clothes, etc." The real reason is because I let things slide. I jumped off track at the first sign of disruption to my new healthy routine.
The past year or so I've been feeling that there is a smaller and healthier me that is trapped in this rut and just wants to bust out and be done with it. Unfortunately, getting healthy and fit is not as easy as cracking an egg.
This blog is called Doggone Fit. I am tired of being the way I am, health wise. I am fed up with looking at a cute outfit and wistfully thinking "I could never wear that." I am going to bust out of this rut I'm in.
What am I going to do about it? I'm going to go walking/hiking with my husband, JJ, and our dog, Quest. Quest and I are learning the dog sport, agility, in our backyard. I'm not going to count it as exercise, but have you seen those handlers move? I am also going to keep track of and share some of our successful (and maybe not so successful) clean eating recipes. After all, health starts from the inside out. I'll actually keep track of and know what I'm eating. That gym membership that went on the back burner while I was sick? Well, it better get ready to feel the heat! I'm going to try and talk my college roommate, Amanda, into doing a virtual workout with me once a week. We'll choose a day and we'll both put in our 30-Day Shred DVDs and work out. At least that's the plan, I haven't told her yet. In June, JJ and I are signed up for the Warrior Dash. I'd like to not totally embarrass myself.
This will by my fitness journey journal. If you happen to stumble across it or find it in some strange google search, welcome! Feel free to comment, share inspiration or what's working for you, anything really.
Before this virus crashed it's way into my plans, I had been "eating clean." That is, the majority of our foods were raw/unprocessed and usually had less than five ingredients (and I had to be able to pronounce them and know what they are). Through this, along with exercising 3 times a week, I had dropped almost ten pounds. While I was on the self-made bandwagon, I felt great! I had energy, I was working out and could see the changes occurring. It was awful getting on the scale last night and seeing that all of my work had been undone. I can try to justify the higher number - "I just ate, I'm wearing all my clothes, etc." The real reason is because I let things slide. I jumped off track at the first sign of disruption to my new healthy routine.
The past year or so I've been feeling that there is a smaller and healthier me that is trapped in this rut and just wants to bust out and be done with it. Unfortunately, getting healthy and fit is not as easy as cracking an egg.
This blog is called Doggone Fit. I am tired of being the way I am, health wise. I am fed up with looking at a cute outfit and wistfully thinking "I could never wear that." I am going to bust out of this rut I'm in.
What am I going to do about it? I'm going to go walking/hiking with my husband, JJ, and our dog, Quest. Quest and I are learning the dog sport, agility, in our backyard. I'm not going to count it as exercise, but have you seen those handlers move? I am also going to keep track of and share some of our successful (and maybe not so successful) clean eating recipes. After all, health starts from the inside out. I'll actually keep track of and know what I'm eating. That gym membership that went on the back burner while I was sick? Well, it better get ready to feel the heat! I'm going to try and talk my college roommate, Amanda, into doing a virtual workout with me once a week. We'll choose a day and we'll both put in our 30-Day Shred DVDs and work out. At least that's the plan, I haven't told her yet. In June, JJ and I are signed up for the Warrior Dash. I'd like to not totally embarrass myself.
This will by my fitness journey journal. If you happen to stumble across it or find it in some strange google search, welcome! Feel free to comment, share inspiration or what's working for you, anything really.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)