Things that make me mad

Last night I figured the post I'd write which wasn't about work, gym or diet was going to be about 1st st in the town in which I live. We have cars on either side of the street, with pedestrians having complete right of way, and taking it. When I drive back from the gym at the top of town I have about a 10 block drive down 1st St. The uninitiated will always break at each intersection because the cars/trucks come flying out - even though it's your right of way. This results in lots of unnecessary braking and honking of horns. Last night I decided that I was going to drive without braking once.....and I made it!

I was so happy about this that when I when around the block and into our street imagine my horror when there was no way to drive my car into MY DRIVEWAY. Now remember, cars everywhere.....and we have a one car-width driveway. So, when a blinking great van and an inconsiderate car over park either wide of our white lines it makes it completely impossible to turn into the drive way. I was SOOOOOOOO MAD. Anyway, I double parked (everyone else does, why shouldn't I?) and figured I'd go upstairs and immediately call the police. Anyway, sweaty and horrible that I was (remember I had just got back from the gym) I ran down stairs again and was going to find a space for the car while I called (I figured with my luck i'd get a ticket if I left the car where it was). Anyway, just as I was getting ready to drive off, the people in the van turned up. It all ended well as they backed up so i could get my car in. That kind of thing I think is inconsiderate and I'd never do that to anyone.

Eating

Today hasn't been too bad. I did cheat a little, but given that I was put through my paces by Billy I don't feel too bad. I obviously felt motivated because straight after the gym I headed to the store and and actually bought nothing other than fresh food - and now having bought 2.5lb of salmon I have an additional source of protein in the freezer.

Today's eating:
9.15am breakfast - ham, spinach, cheese omelette
1.30pm lunch - deep fried mushrooms, salad, fat free frozen yogurt
3.30pm snack - fruit rollup, few pieces of fresh pineapple
4.45pm snack - yogurt, few grapes
7.15pm dinner - salmon and veggie stir fry, jello and cool whip

Gym - 15 min cardio, 1 hour with Billy

My cheats today were the deep fried mushrooms and the fruit rollup. While bad, if that's the ONLY bad thing I eat, it's not that bad, right?

I thought I'd give you an idea of what I get through in an hour with Billy. Don't think I've posted this before so it may be of interest. After the cardio warm up.... each set of exercises is done twice

Set 1
a) Seated high row - 20lb resistance, 20 reps
b) Bent over row - 10lb weight 1st round, 25lb weight 2nd round, 20 reps each arm
c) Holding same weight as (b) do 20 squats

Set 2
a) Calf raises with 50lb weight on shoulders 20 reps
b) Lie face down, holding yourself up with your arms, 25lb weight between your feet, pull the weight to your butt 20 reps (your thighs are resting on a spongy thingy)
c) Stand on bosu ball, hold 15lb weight in one arm, squat down and then stand up and reach the weight to the sky 10 reps each arm

Set 3
a) Shoulder press 30lb 15 reps
b) Knee ups, hands behind head 30 reps
c) Leg extension 35lb 20 reps http://www.changingshape.com/exercise/strengthtraining/gym/seatedlegextension.asp

Set 4
a) Single leg press 75lb, 20 reps each leg http://www.changingshape.com/exercise/strengthtraining/gym/legpress.asp
b) Alternating lunges, standing still, hands behind head http://www.changingshape.com/exercise/strengthtraining/lunges.asp
c) 10 dead lifts hold 2 x 25lb dumb bells
d) 10 touch toes and reach to the sky

And I'm done. It doesn't sound a lot, but with the weights I'm carrying it kills. I still think that I've missed a set of exercises but I can't remember them for the life of me.

Are you exhausted? I was.... luckily my recovery is quick:)

CSI

For those of you that don't watch CSI, this will mean nothing. I watch it without fail. Love that show!

http://entertainment.tv.yahoo.com/entnews/ap/20071016/119258430000.html

Now this may mean that Catherine and Grissom get together:) Woooohoooo

Back on the straight and narrow

OK, so I was doing OK for most of the weekend. I ate salmon and veggies when I was out on Friday night, I didn't do too badly on Saturday apart from eating a chocolate bar. Saturday night Trev went off to Singapore for the week and I went to our neighbours for a party. Had a few drinks but decided it was good as I'd worked out, got a massage and eaten "OK". Sunday was a washout as I was recovering from the night before - I didn't get to bed until 3am so was pretty knackered. Sunday I just ate bad food - I started out OK, but then it degenerated.

Today I'm back on the straight and narrow and resolve next weekend to not be so bad. So, for today:

8.15am breakfast - cereal, milk, yogurt
11.15am snack - peanut butter and celery
12.30pm lunch - salad, potato/corn soup, bread roll, little butter, small amount of frozen yogurt
3.45pm snack - granola bar
5.45pm snack - almonds, tuna/mayo, celery
8.15pm dinner - carrot and coriander soup (homemade), nectarine

Gym - 45 min spin class

So, not too bad today although probably should have taken out one of the snacks. Hopefully when I tread on the scales tomorrow it'll be good news. I can't believe I slip off the wagon so easily - you'd think by now I would have retrained my eating habits. Hmmmmmm - maybe that'll never happen.

I really really really have to stop only blogging about this weight loss crap - it's consuming me. I already feel myself becoming a bore with the gym - it can't be fun for people. So, I am going to post at least one thing that is not related to a) work b) gym c) diet.

Are there really people like this?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=487118&in_page_id=1770

OK, so who goes around with facial hair like this these days.....what a plonker!

WL Progress

Still not doing badly at all - I've kept to the 6.6lb of loss since Oct 1st so that's pretty good. Hopefully another pound or two will be gone by Monday when we're at the half way mark. I'm doing enough gym and I'm not eating badly at all so it should be possible.

Yesterday's eating:
9.30am breakfast - cereal, milk, yogurt (carb)
1.15pm lunch - sushi, salmon/cucumber roll, tuna/cucumber roll (carb and protein - I cheated)
3.30pm snack - peanut butter and celery (protein)
6.45pm snack - apple and nectarine smoothie (carb)
8.15pm dinner - chilli and cheese (protein)

Gym - one hour weight training with Billy, 45 min spin class

The smoothies are terrific and completely healthy. I love them.

WL Progress

So it's not going so bad. I like being on the straight and narrow - it's so easy. I even managed to go out yesterday and

Eats:
9.40am Breakfast - cereal and milk (carb)
10.50am Snack - celery and peanut butter (protein)
1.00pm Lunch - seabass and salad (protein)
4.10pm Snack - granola bar, yogurt (carb)
6.30pm Dinner - 2 Gin and Tonics, shot (given to me by the staff), pack of goldfish (carb)

Gym - none

I have to say that I mixed the carbs and proteins wrong, but it just worked out that way. As I ate quite a lot as a snack in the afternoon i really wasn't hungry. I met a colleague for a quick drink and by the time I got home I just wanted to sleep. So, I didn't really miss dinner - I just took complete liberties with the "carb" portion of my diet. I was rewarded when I got on the scale with now a total of 6.6lb loss. You never know, I may make the 10lb for the month that's the target! Who knows.....

I am hungry this morning, so it's omelette time....which works out great!

WL Progress

So this is for Tuesday. It wasn't a bad day at all - this diet really is so easy I'm impressed that I can do it. At the bottom I also have another recipe for a great smoothie:)

Eats
8.30am breakfast - cereal, milk, yogurt (carb)
12 noon lunch - chilli with cheese and mayo (protein)
4.30pm snack - nectarine and pineapple smooth (carb)
8.15pm dinner - skirt steak, little sweet potato (protein)

gym - 10mins cardio, one our training w/Billy

Note the lack of snacks and number of meals.....it really is easy if you eat protein for main meals (lunch/dinner). I just have to stop eating red meat and start focusing on fish and chicken. That's my next goal.

Pineapple and Nectarine Smoothie
Half pineapple
One nectarine
2 cups low calorie cranberry juice
ice to taste
sweetner to taste

Whizz in blender, drink. Blinking brilliant. makes about 2 pints so lasts for 2 days:)

A new use for vodka

Funny story.... who knew vodka could be so useful:)

http://uk.reuters.com/article/wtMostRead/idUKSYD11479320071010

Weather, legs and boobs

I don't think I've mentioned before, but the weather has been FANTASTIC. We've had it in the 80s for the last few weeks and it's only been since the rain hit late this afternoon that we're down to the late 60s. It's been beautiful. The trees still think it's summer. I'm sure it'll all come down with a crashing bang and it'll be 40 and chucking down in no time. In the mean time, I'm enjoying it to the full.

So, sounding more like a gym bore every day, apparently I reached new heights today in the weight training. Rather than doing a full body work out (arms, back, shoulders, butt, legs) I can now handle doing a full hour on either butt/legs or arms/back/shoulders. Tonight was butt/legs.....and OMG, I have jelly legs. I did survive though....this leaves THursday for the arms/back/shoulders followed by the spin class. Yeah for me. Still, pretty good for me. ....and told you I was becoming a bore:)

I'm off out tonight to meet a new friend I found. She's called Tammy. We'll see how that goes. We've chatted back and forth a lot on email and it sounds good, so I'm looking forward to it. I'm liking this leave work early, go to gym, get ready and go out....it's a nice work/life balance.

On the boobs front a colleague of mine is in town from Asia. She used to work in Tokyo and has recently taken a new job living in Bangalore. She is the healthiest, fittest person I know and this time last year she was diagnosed with breast cancer. At a women's network meeting today she came and told us her story about finding out, her family, her friends, and how she coped. A year on, she looks fantastic and is so upbeat and positive. I have two other friends this past year who were also diagnosed and they're the same....I'm so proud of them all....I hope that I can be as strong as them if needed. You are all in my thoughts.

Remember ladies, it's breast cancer awareness month - make sure you're checking yourself and getting mammograms.

And on that note, I'm off out to dinner!

What to eat when working out and other stuff

http://food.yahoo.com/blog/beautyeats/18848/eat-to-lose-before-and-after-workouts

Interesting read....nice to know that I follow this more or less.

Not much else going on. Trev is still traveling (Holland 2 weeks ago, Atlanta last week and this week, Singapore next week....it never ends) and I'm still working hard and then kicking my butt in the gym. That always makes me feel good.

One thing that I am concerned about on a personal note is that I'm now starting to have HUGE guilt feelings if I don't go to the gym. For example last Friday I didn't go. Bear in mind that on the Thursday I worked out with Billy and then did a 45min spin class. He told me to rest Friday, which I did. Why the guilt? Same thing yesterday - I came home and did nothing. Saturday and Sunday I did classes (Pilates and then an aerobic class) so it's not like I've not done anything. This is not a usual feeling for me so it's weird feeling it.....and I know I'm not explaining it well - clearly I'm becoming obsessed and I need to calm it down. Not quite sure how to do that but I'll work on it.

I'm also starting to make new friends - I have Sharon and Marcie at the gym, i've also met a lady called Funda and we seem to hit it off. I'm liking living here even more.... the more things I have to do which doesn't include work or the gym is a good thing and it also gives me stuff to do when Trev isn't around (which is quite often). I still miss my Friday nights at Muddy Waters when we lived in CR.....it was such fun and a tradition. Didn't get to that in STL and haven't quite got to that stage here in NY. working on it though!

I'm starting to think about trips we want to make in the next few months - I just bought a ticket to STL for beginning of January. I'm sure it'll be killer cold....but it'll be great to hang out with old friends for the weekend. Can't wait. Means now I want to get back to CR, Chicago and Denver too so I'm on all the websites looking for good tickets.

In 2 weeks I'm off on a management course.....I'm going to find out about delegating, communicating and coaching again. I always like these courses because it's not about learning a product or application, it's about you. While it can be uncomfortable reading feedback about yourself, it's also a good time to reflect on how others perceive you and your performance. I also get to do a project for 3 months which gets high visibility so that'll be very cool too. All I have to do now is find time to do the pre-work:)

Old friends - Lorraine and Diane.....if you're reading this please get in touch as i've tried emailing and got no responses.

OK enough rambling for today....gotta get back to work!

WL Progress

Sunday was a wipeout. When I posted it was bad, but then it went downhill. On the plus side, I really really enjoyed eating the chocolate...and it's been OK being back on the straight and narrow today.

I love my new hair - it was pretty easy to do this morning so I've hopes I'm not going to regret it. So, being back on the diet today, it's been OK...

8.30am Breakfast - ham, spinach and cheese omelette
12.30pm Lunch - penne pasta, mushroom, onion, pepper, marinara sauce, watermelon and pineapple
4.00pm Snack - small pack of gushers (I cheated....but had no peanut butter!!)
6.45pm Dinner - lamb, vegetables, gravy, sugar free jello
8.35pm Snack - nectarine, yogurt

Gym - rest day

It's not bad, but it could be better. I didn't sort out what food i was taking to work and that's always a bad thing. I like taking snacks and stuff with me - it always makes it easier.

I have to say having the fancy dancy bathroom scales really helps - I'm keeping a log and had lost 4lb last week. That's pretty good....coz that's after my bad day yesterday.

WL Progress

This is the first time where I've really struggled. Maybe it was going to bed really late on Friday night after the show that did it...or my body telling me I needed to eat more. I dunno....but I resolve after this moment to get back on the straight and narrow. It's not so much about what I ate (I kept up the protein and carbs), it's more about timing and quantity.

So....there's no point even blogging the detail. I will start again tomorrow.

WL Progress

Yesterday was the first day where I went out to get my hair done and then go out to a comedy club late at night. I didn't do so badly, and when I weighed myself this morning my total loss since Monday is 5.2lb. Not bad eh?

Friday's menu
10.00am Breakfast - ham and spinach omelette (protein)
Noon - Snack - watermelon, cantelope and pineapple (carb)
2.30pm - Lunch - 1/3 protein bar (protein)
4.00pm - Snack - Banana milkshake from Johnny Rockers - not AT ALL healthy, but it was soooo good (carb)
9.00pm - Dinner - Trout, mushroom stuffing, endive, string beans, 2 mouthfuls of chocolate gateau (protein)
11.00pm - 3 martinis (yummy)

I didn't do so bad out last night - I didn't eat any potato or bread. Quite proud of myself. Only another 3 months to go:)

New hair do

Got my hair cut and coloured yesterday. My hair grows really fast (over an inch a month) so it's easy to let it grow really long and then pin it up every day.

I had 5 inches chopped off and went from the blond back to the red. What do you think?

WL Progress

It's getting easier by the day - and I'm thankful for that. I don't feel I'm deprived of anything....

Today's eats
10.00am Breakfast - cereal, milk, grapes (carb)
1.00pm Lunch - sashimi sushi (protein) - only cheated a little bit
6.00pm Snack - banana and blueberry smoothie (carb)
8.15pm Dinner - chilli, jello, coolwhip

Gym - 1 hour training w/Billy, 45 min spin class (and I FEEL GREAT!)

WL Progress

I'm definitely in the zone with this diet. No change when I weighed myself this morning, but it's 4lb since Monday which isn't bad at all. Wednesday's food was really good. I don't think I've cheated all week (not that you can cheat on this diet, but what I mean is eat something really really bad for me!!).


Wednesday's food:

9.30am Breakfast - Kashi cereal, milk, grapes (carb)
1.30pm Lunch - steak salad, diet snapple (protein)
3.45pm Snack - banana, grapes (carb)
6.30pm Dinner - frankfurter, veggie stir fry (pepper, mushroom, snowpea, carrot, celery, asparagus), jello and coolwhip (protein).

Gym - none...it was a rest day

Today is Thursday....and that's my weakness day at work. We have a sushi chef come in and while that is mixed carb and protein I don't think i can be at fault for this one thing. I'll be back on the straight and narrow by dinner time:)

I'm the Mum

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGoelj7l668

Check this out. I found it on yahoo and I think I've emailed it to most people who'd appreciate it. It's flipping hilarious - and so very very very true. This link is the YouTube link as I think it'll stay as an archive longer:)

The only one of them I've never uttered is "Because I'm the Mum". Everything else, I guarantee I said at some point.

Enjoy!

WL Progress

Not too bad today at all. Here goes:

9.15 Breakfast - omelette (half regular egg, half egg whites) with spinach, ham and cheese (protein)
1.15 Lunch - salad with hummus, yogurt, water melon, cantelope and pineapple (carb)
3.45 Snack - 1/4 of a Kashi protein bar (protein)
5.30 Snack - apple, pineapple and cranberry smoothie (carb)
8.00 Dinner - chilli (no rice), jello and coolwhip (protein)

Gym - 10 mins cardio (was running late!) and 1 hour with Billy strength training

I'm finding as long as I plan whether I'm doing proteins or carbs first in the mornings it works pretty well. If the compliments on weight loss are true, then it's probably working.

I'm weighing myself each morning and noting all the of things so we'll see if we see progress. If we do I'll steal Penny's weightloss thingy she has on her blog.

On the geeky side, got my new Ipod Nano Video today.......it's soooooo gorgeous!

Compliments

I had a terrible day at work today - I think the gods are against me. Every year on the employee survey one of the biggest pieces of feedback is that we're crap at communication. What happened today? For 9 members of my team their official job title changed and they found out, not from me, but from someone else. Worse, I didn't even know it was public. While I knew it was going to happen, last I heard I was told NOT to communicate it back on Sept 10th. Blinking idiots. Needless to say, I spent 2 hours today mopping that crap up. It was made worse by someone who worked for me going behind my back and causing a stir when it really could have been avoided. While I understand they complain at me, it got really nasty. Sucks....I need managers or a new job.

Anyway, onto the compliments. I got two within half an hour. Today was my day for doing some cardio and meeting up with Billy for an hour of tortuous strength (weight) training. Thanks to the smoothies I'm getting good at I always have loads of enery for the hour, but it's still hard work. So, he told me that he was asked who was his most hard working client - he answered that I was. How cool is that? He appears to be impressed I can do 15 mins cardio, an hour training with him followed by a 45 minute spin class. Have to same I'm impressed but it's really nice to hear someone else say it.

Next, a friend at the gym, Sharon, who I'm getting to know quite well as we are in lots of classes together said I look like I'm losing weight. Yeah!!!! Personally I think it's just the top and bottoms I was wearing, but hey I'll take any compliment. She roped me into doing a boxing class on Sunday......I'll try anything once, although not sure I'll like it.

cool eh?

I took the food supplement for the first time today. Of course it could be having a complete placebo affect, but I'm not sure it is. I definitely didn't think about food as much this morning or afternoon so that maybe what's working too.

A good evening at the gym me thinks.

WL Progress

Today I bought a new set of scales - I'm getting serious. While I'm not brave enough to publish on here, I will be keeping tabs closely. It measures weight, fat %, water %, muscle mass, BMI and BMR. I took my first readings tonight - October 1st.

Trust me, I'll be all over it in the morning to see if anything shifted. For my log, I'm including the times I eat also now - I'm assured by Billy this is as important as what I eat, therefore I'm coming clean.

Here's my eats for today...
8.00am - Breakfast - Kashi cereal with milk, grapes, yogurt (carb)
10.30am - Snack - Celery and peanut butter (protein)
1.00pm - Lunch - Baked potato (4 patties of butter), brocolli, green beans, grapes (carb)
3.30pm - Snack - Celery and hummus (protein)
5.45pm - Snack - Banana, peach and blueberry smoothie (carb)
8.00pm - Dinner - Chicken and cheese Lean Cuisine, sugar free jello and coolwhip (protein)

Gym - 30 mins cardio

I didn't cheat at all today. I still want to get rid of one of the snacks, but I find I have to snack if I'm going to the gym just to get a bit more energy. The smoothie does a terrific job at that. Here's the recipe

8 ice cubes (big ones!!)
1 banana
4 frozen pieces peach
half cup blueberries
half cup milk
half cup water
2 equal sweetener packages

Blend until smooth - you may need a little more water. Makes about a pint and a half.....and it's ALL good for you!

The one thing I am liking is now that I'm on Billy's diet, he's keeping me honest. At least twice a week he asks what I've been eating and if I'm cheating. I have to say with the exception of wanting cheese on my baked potato at lunch and when I eat sushi I'm doing OK. Luckily I'm not that fond of pizza so it's alright.

Haven't had chocolate in over 2 weeks....and am over the habit. don't even think about it now - wooohooo.

Another good thing - I've found a source of ephedra...that'll definitely help the weightloss. When Penny and I did the dieting thing a few years ago and we used Metabolife/lite....we both lost lots of weight. I'm hoping for the same thing this time around. I'll le tyou know how it goes.

WL Progress

I have a lot to say today - coming clean about Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Overall, the carbs and protein split is getting easier although I have to get creative about breakfasts when it's protein time. It gets really really boring eating an omelette, as well as not helping cholesterol. I just can't bring myself to eat an egg white omelette. Anyone know if they taste any good?

Friday
Breakfast - ham, mushroom and onion omelette
Snack - smoothie and fruit
Lunch - peanut butter and celery
Snack - none
Dinner - veggie curry, naan, cauliflower, candy

Gym - none

Saturday
Breakfast - spinach and feta cheese omelette and ham
Snack - banana, blueberry and peach smoothie
Lunch - peanut butter and celery
Snack - Jello and coolwhip
Dinner - Steak, stir fry veggies, jello and coolwhip

Gym - pilates

Sunday
Snack - 2 100 calorie cookie packs
Breakfast - bacon, onion, mushroom, egg
Lunch - samosa, some candy
Snack - peanut butter and celery
Dinner - left over veggie curry, rice and naan, yogurt, small ice cream tub

Gym - none


So, I've grown used to eating so many eggs and peanut butter. I might try and eggwhite omelette tomorrow morning, just for a change. The Smuckers natural peanut butter is awesome. It also means that I have to have lots of veg and fruit in the house.

I've started looking at low carb recipes - just to get some ideas. Apparently you can grate cauliflower and it tastes like rice.....no idea if it's true but i thought I'd make a chilli and then try it out.

No idea if I'm getting thinner....I'm goin to try and pitch the morning snack this week.....

On the gym, I was lax ove rthe weekend - I bailed out of my yoga and muscles and abs class. So, back on the straight and narrow tomorrow. They've taken pilates off the week day schedule which is crap, but I'll do spin and yoga instead. It's kind of weird to think of myself as very fit, but I am. I did the pilates class on Saturday and I didn't even break a sweat. I find it peculiar that I need to do a kick ass cardio class as well as something else just to feel like I've worked out. Never in my life did I think I'd turn in to one of those geeky gym people - but I'm there....

Here's to getting thin.....!:)

New TV Programs

Once again, I'm on my own again for a Sunday night. Trev's off to Dallas until Wednesday. I really hate the fact that he's traveling EVERY weekend right now.

OK, so you have to check these two programs out. Both are on BBC America - Doctor Who and Torchwood. Both deal with aliens and the supernatural - but what's really cool is that they're intertwining between the series. Blinking brilliant. Have to say I'm completely hooked.

On the American side, I did watch the Bionic Woman...it's OK. Nothing to write home about although I'll tune in for a second viewing just to check. I also watched Cane. Now, I'll be the first to admit I wanted to see it coz Jimmy Smits was in it...and it was OK. Reminded me of a 21st century Dallas. Again, not sure.

On the reality show side, I'm watching the finale of Top Chef this week but the best show to come out this season is Tim Gunn's Guide to Style on Bravo. Check it out....he deals with lots of women, with lots of different issues and makes them fashionable. I have to tell you that tonight I was ruthless with my closet and have got two bags of stuff full to give away...because it doesn't fit the rules. I haven't yet done the two tubs of stuff under the bed....I'll leave that for another time.

the best bit about the weekend was that our new bed arrived last Friday....it's a Westin Heavenly Bed. Beautiful.

WL Progress

I had energy issues today - I know that's normal a few days into a diet, so am working through it.

My eats for today:
Breakfast - egg omelette with spinach and ham (protein)
Lunch - salmon roll, tuna roll sushi (I cheated - protein AND carb)
Snack - peanut butter and celery (protein)
Dinner - leek and potato soup, 2 slices bread, yogurt (carb)
Treat (yum) - sweet candy bar [drum stick]

Gym - 1 hour with Billy weight training, 45 min spin class (quite impressed myself actually!)

I had a rough day today. I had a crap day at work yesterday and it started badly this morning with another bunch of whiny people. I didn't really get time to eat - however what I was proud of myself for was not even being tempted by the muffins that I provided for breakfast. Haha - how cool is that?

I found this afternoon though that I was quite lethargic - probably because I combined carbs and protein at lunch. I can't resist sushi, so it's the one place where I can't eat carb and protein separately. Mind you, if that's the only thing I cheat on, it's not that bad.

I did get lectured tonight by Billy as he now thinks I'm not eating enough....that's hardly true, although I was late tonight I didn't get to find some food to eat between the training and the spin room.

We'll see. Hope you're not all getting bored with me babbling about eating and exercise. I don't want to be a bore, but I have to offload somewhere. I'll be so excited if I actually manage to turn myself around.

One last post for today

I made a point and went and figured out my credit score to see how it was doing.....and I'm now "excellent" with a score of 674.

Talk about impressed! Never been that good before:)

How NYC Are You? This was pretty accurate:)

You Are 56% NYC

You may call yourself a New Yorker, but there's no way you're a native.

How NYC Are You?

WL Progress

I'm trying to do this daily. I found it hard today because I had a lunch date - and the one thing I love to eat at lunch is sushi....rice and fish - carb and protein.

Today's eats
Breakfast - missed it (bad I know, but didn't get time)
Snack - celery and peanut butter (protein)
Lunch - sashimi sushi bento box (primarily protein...a little carb)
Snack - remainder of celery and peanut butter and some almonds (protein)
Dinner - leek and potato soup, slice bread, banana and blueberry smoothie (carb)

On the bus.....I ate about 5 mentos. I got a free pack in the street and just couldn't resist.

Exercise - nil

Tomorrow I'm hoping to have a better outlook - i certainly have a lot planned at the gym; that'll make me feel better. I need a new job....I just have to find one:)

Exhausted

I've just pulled a 12.5 hour day. I'm sooooo tired. For whatever reason today I felt that everyone was yelling at me for stuff, and I just didn't have the answer. It was awful. Just sometimes....it would be nice to have time to think. I stayed late tonight so that I could finish up a few things and it's made me feel much better from an organizational standpoint....but it leaves me tired.

Tonight I didn't go to the gym (as I was at work) - I think I prefer leaving work early and putting myself through the ringer:)

WL Progress

So I promised that I'm going to post the weight loss progress on here - it'll keep me honest. I'll post under the same title so if you don't want to read it, don't. I have to dump somewhere - and this is where I've chosen.

My last post detailed the alternating protein/fat food vs. carb food. Here's me being honest...

Monday
Breakfast - 2 slices of ham, (Protein)
Lunch - vegetarian indian curry, rice and naan with a bit of salad (carb) - it was Rach's b'day, we were celebrating!
Snack - peanut butter and celery (protein)
Dinner - pasta and vodka sauce (carb)

Workout - 20mins stairmaster

Tuesday
Breakfast - omelette with ham and spinach (protein)
Snack - fresh fruit (carb)
Lunch - steak salad (protein), sugar and fat free jello
Snack - grapes, a kashi granola bar and a homemade banana and blueberry smoothie (carb)
Dinner - vegetables and some left over lamb, sugar and fat free jello (protein)

Workout - 20mins stairmaster, 1hr w/Billy the trainer, 1 hr pilates class

So, I've only had cravings for chocolate a couple of times. The sugar free jello is a godsend - there's absolutely nothing in it so i don't think it counts. I've not even thought about chocolate in over a week (except for last Saturday morning when I wanted a PIMS cookie - uk peeps think jaffa cake - as Trev was munching on the WHOLE box). I managed to abstain. Very very proud of myself:)

Today is going to be harder as I'm meeting someone for lunch and I agreed to meet them at a sushi house. The question is, if I'm eating healthily (like a sushi roll) does it really matter if I then get straight back on this diet. I really really really don't think I could give up sushi...

Good website I've found for understanding both calories and protein/fat/carb content of food http://www.hoptechno.com/nightcrew/sante7000/sante7000_search.cfm - it's great. Search for a food, then click a link and you get a complete breakdown. This is really helping me with the protein vs. carb thingy.

I've yet to stand on a set of scales - I'm really more interested in dress size and whether my wobble bits disappear.....but I may have to in the end. It would be nice to see progress.

Diet

OK, so as you know, i've made my declaration. This past week has been good and I've cut out chocolate. Not as bad as I thought.

Billy the Trainer has given me this diet...I'll cut and paste the email he sent.

"When you combine carbs, proteins, and fat, what your body does is store the carbs and fat on various parts of your body then it usem\s protein for energy. As you can see nothing is going towards muscle repair. Since our bodies were not meant to take in all three nutrients at the same time no matter how much you diet you will always gain the weight back because of combining all three.

The body was meant to use proteins and fats together and carbs alone. When you separate and eat in this manner, proteins/fats are used for muscle repair and carbs (the bodies preferred energy source) is used for just that, "energy". When all the nutrients are being used properly nothing is left to be stored as fat. That's why this diet works, because you are not combining. As long as you follow these two rules, separate and alternate you can lose all the fat you want and gain all the muscle you want. When I say alternate, I mean alternate between a protein/fat meal and a carb meal.

Example Diet:

- Meal 1- Egg Omlette (protein/fat)
- Meal 2- Bagel with nonfat cream cheese (carbs)
- Meal 3- Chicken or Tuna Salad w/flaxseed oil (protein/fat)
- Meal 4- Pasta w/sauce (carbs)
- Meal 5- Protein shake w/all natural peanut butter (protein/fat)

From this example you see how we keep the carbs separated and we alternate throughout the day.
Once you know the rules you can create a meal plan you like. Rice and beans for carbs, tofu burgers for your protein/fat, or bacon, ham and eggs for protein/fat meals etc. Since you don't have to cut out fat or carbs like most diets, you are only limited to your own imagination.

I recommend no more than 2 carb meals per day if you are trying to lose fat as fast as possible. However, you can have more than 2 carb meals per day and you will still lose weight if you are following the rules. "

So, what do you think? Is it doable? Today for Rachel's birthday I went to the local Indian restaurant for lunch with her. It wasn't too bad eating no meat - in fact I revelled in the fact i could eat as much rice and naan as i wanted to.

We'll see - and i will keep you posted

Emily's wedding

I promised to upload a picture from Emily's wedding. Here's Chris and Emily Dancer and their brood. Chris is holding Jack, and Chloe's the only girl. I hate to say it, but can't remember the boy's names.

This is a GREAT family pic.

I declare...

That I've decided to lose 30lb by Christmas. I haven't yet figured out the details, but I'm on a roll. After my over indulgence in the UK last week, i've decided the following:

1) No alcohol unless it's a Friday or Saturday (not that I usually drink in the week, but I wanted to call it out)
2) No chocolate until Thanksgiving at the earliest (very difficult as I just brought craploads home)
3) Nothing fried - at all.
4) The gym - have at least 6 organized hours in the gym each week*

* right now my schedule is
Billy (the trainer) - 2 appointments
Pilates/yoga - 2 or 3 appointments (my pilates teacher's dad is sick so no classes right now)
Spin - 1 or 2 appointments
Explosive muscles and abs - 1 appointment

That is in addition to any of the 15-20 minutes sessions I do on the stair master etc. So, a pretty good plan, right?

I figure with that I should achieve my goal - whaddayathink?

And BTW - I'm on day 4 of this regime......and I don't even miss the old stuff. The big thing will be this coming weekend. I'll let you know how it goes.

Did you miss me?

It seems absolutely ages since I've posted here - in fact, it's been sooooo long I've taken two days prevaricating over what to write. Now I've decided writing here is better than actually working....so here goes.

First things first - read this article. It's from a UK newspaper, it's about a guy living for a week as a woman. Quite funny...http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/femail/article.html?in_article_id=482767&in_page_id=1879

My trip was great - I had such a good time - I'll post pics of my cousin Emily's wedding at the weekend. I need sometime to get the pics on the PC and in a fashion I can post.

I had a great week in England - saw lots of friends, drank and ate way way too much but had a fantastic time. Only bad part was the journey home, but hey - I got there in the end.

The decision that I've taken after my over indulgence is that I'm giving up chocolate until Thanksgiving. I'm hoping this will result in significant weight loss, especially as I'm back to the spin class tonight. We'll see....but here's hoping.

i've been saying it for years....but I mean it this time (yea yea I hear you say!).

The Ultimate Taste Test

Take this test to find out about your personality - I definitely found it accurate:)


1. Which groups of fruits do you prefer?

a) oranges, bananas, grapes
b) eggplant, corn, tomatoes

Analysis: if you prefer the first group, this indicates a strong minded, ambitious, aggressive, dominant individual, who is a natural leader. if you prefer the second group, this indicates an introspective, self-searching person who is senstiive to the needs of others. you tend not to be impulsive in your decision making processes, but rather weigh all the laternatives in question before making your decision.

2. Of these pairs of fruits, which do you prefer? (must choose one of each pair)

a) apple sauce or fresh apples
b) pineapply chunks or pineapple glaze
c) creamed corn or corn on the cob

Analysis: if at least two of the above are the first choice, then you are a passive, easy-going, agreeable sort, who tries to solve problems without raising a commotion. If at least two of the above are the second choice, you tend to be an aggressive "go-getter" who will not take "No" for an answer. You work hard and play hard.

3. Do you like spicy pickles?

Analysis: If yes, you tend to be pessimistic. If no, you tend to be optimistic.

4. Do you like

a) bananas
b) boiled fish
c) fruit
d) honey
e) tapioca
f) celery
g) nuts
h) hot curry

Analysis: If you answer 5 or more "yes" you are a natural optimist and view life through rose-colored glasses. You are a pleasant co-worker and would make a good friend. If 5 or more is "no", you tend to be pessimistic. Before being involved in social intercourse, you tend to be careful, doubting others' intentions.

5. Which do you prefer?

a) green olives or black olives
b) pecans or almonds
c) pickles or cucumbers

Analysis: If two or more are the first choice, you tend to be assertive in your relationships and enthusiastic in all endeavours. Although anxious at times, you are a decisive, resilient person, prone to action. If two or more are the second choice, you tend to take responsibility for your actions. You are self-confident and a natural leader.

6. Which do you prefer?

a) lemons or oranges
b) potatoes or yams
c) grapefruit or tangerines

Analysis: if two or more are the first choice, you tend to be reserved, quiet, and contemplative. You usually are not impulsive. You tend towards introspection. If two ro more is the second choice, you tend to be an outgoing, gregarious person who enjoys a sound relationship. Many consider you to have a good sense of humor. You would make a good disc jockey, used care salesman, or politician.



Interesting eh?

On the other side of the Atlantic

I'm taking a week on vacation in England to go to my cousin Emily's wedding on the 16th. I'm hanging out with Tim and seeing friends here and there. I've been here less than 36 hours and have had a bad restaurant experience....but in true British fashion, we complained once and then sucked it up when the food was still bad. Oh well...to be expected.

Was supposed to work today - did a bit, it picked up later in the evening which was a bit of a bummer and now it's nearly midnight and I'm wide awake. Think I'm going to finish something for work....

I need some exercise....it's been 3 days and I'm going nuts. i think I need a run or something...didn't bring stuff with me though. I may just need to walk or something. Lardy food and not any moving at all (other than up and down the stairs...and that doesn't count).

Ladies "rude" area...:)

OK, so I did a spinning class last night again......OMG - it's not just my ass that hurts, it's the whole area. A little delicate one might say.

I have to say that this HAS to be good for you as it's hard work and you're puffed out. My theory is that this has got to melt away pounds as I would NEVER EVER do anything cardio for 45 minutes without it. Phew! I am in awe of those people in the class who do everything the instructor says. I'm not sure I'd ever get to that point.

In two weeks, hopefully that delicate area won't be quite so sore...:) Oh well, nothing ventured, nothing gained right?

Weekend

Doesn't time fly by? We've done so much in just a few days. Let's take each topic one by one.

Gym. So, after my mammouth session on Thursday (an hour's training with Billy then a Spin class) I did another hour with Billy. Long story, but I like to get two training sessions in a week and I'd had to move my usual Wednesday class. Talk about over-doing it. I spent the whole weekend going "aaahhh" and "ooohhh" when I moved my back wrong. It was dreadful. Trev has historically encouraged me to get fitter (it was a long haul) but this time I was lectured. Apparently I was doing too much and needed a rest. Now, there's a first. Luckily we were away at our friend Melissa's in Connecticut so I took a full three days to recover. Tonight there was no Pilates so i did a 45 minute Spin class. Oh my.....that whoops your butt. I have to tell you 45 minutes of hard core cycling definitely burns calories. As I've said before....I'm hoping this is the secret to weightloss. (note, if I didn't eat bad things this would not even be a statement...but I like bad things and life's too short....therefore we have to find a way to burn more calories than I eat).

Trev. Husbands. What to do with them. I was off to the UK next Monday for a week - to hang out with Tim and friends (Mum and Dad are in Turkey which is a shame, but seen them lots recently so not too bad) and also go to my cousin Emily's wedding. I'm flying on the Monday so I can spend the weekend at home. Imagine my surprise when I find out my darling husband is flying out to Vegas on the Saturday morning at 9am - FOR WORK. He didn't say a flipping thing.....I was soooooo mad. I wouldn't have minded but I didn't pick him up from the airport until Saturday at 1pm on the holiday weekend as he was flying back from the a business trip. Oh yeah, and the previous weekend he'd left on a Sunday. That means that he won't have had a full weekend not working for over a month. Sucks. Anyhow, I channelled that madness - and I paid $300 for the priviledge of changing my flight to Saturday night. Thank goodness Tim can pick me up on Sunday morning instead. I'll "work from home" Monday and Tuesday in England which will save some vacation. I'm sure I can find something to do in London with my global colleagues:) Yeah! That said, I'm now worries that Trev and I aren't spending any time together at all....that can't be good. We seem to function way to well independently - I guess the question is "is that a healthy marriage?"

Weekend. After I picked Trev up from the airport we came home, packed, and then drove up to Glastonbury, Connecticut to spend a bit of time with our friend Melissa and Lily the beautiful black labrador. It was a momentus thing for Trev and I - I was so mad (see above) that I convinced Trev that we could leave our laptops at home and survive 48 hours without access to a computer. Now, we do both have Blackberries....but that's besides the point. It took a bit of convincing but when I said "I'll leave mine at home if you do" I got my way. It did us the world of good - even though we watch a lot of TV at least we were together on the same sofa - and not worrying about the latest and greatest emails:) Anyway we arrived Saturday and didn't do much. On Sunday we went to Lottie's for breakfast - nothing fancy just a great diner for food. Yum. Sunday afternoon I went with Melissa and her friend shopping and left Trev at home with Lily. Now, I did feel a little guilty for leaving Trev alone - but quite frankly - he needed the break. On Monday we came home early after a little drama with the car - it wouldn't start. Thank goodness for the AAA to get us started.

Work. I didn't do a stitch of work all weekend. That felt sooooooo good.

Poor cat

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=479110&in_page_id=1770

How cute....

Spin

OK, I'll say now I'm going to sound like a gym nerd:)

Tonight I had an appointment with Billy the trainer and he kicked my butt. In some of the classes I've been taking I'm getting friendly with some other women (another of my objectives remember - getting friends) and they "bullied me" into going to a spin class. I guess I could have said no, but with people there to cheer you on, it seemed like a good idea.

Spin classes have always intimidated me - but I have to tell you, I survived. Better than I thought. I cycled constantly for 40 minutes - some of it at a hard level and following along, some cowered in the back willing my legs to go around and around.

I was out last night with friends so had been feeling slightly fragile today - and feeding that fragility with really bad food. I was OK but I managed to eat a WHOLE PACKET OF COOKIES - and I'm not talking about 100 calorie pack.

I guess Spin Class makes that OK....

Two Blonde Jokes

My friend Quack sent a bunch of blond jokes out - these are the two that had me laughing out loud:
--------------------------------------
Two blonde guys were standing at the base of a flagpole, looking up.
A woman walked by and asked them what they were doing.
"We're supposed to measure the height of this flagpole," said blonde guy number one, "but we don't have a ladder."
The woman took a wrench from her purse and loosened some bolts. The guys helped her lay down the flagpole.
Then the woman got a tape measure from her pocket, took a measurement and said, "Eighteen feet, six inches," and walked away.
Blonde guy number two shook his head and laughed.
"Isn't that just like a girl? We ask for the height and she gives us the length!"
--------------------------------------
An Irishman, a Mexican and a blonde guy were doing construction work on scaffolding on the 20th floor of a building. They were eating lunch and the Irishman said "Corned beef and cabbage. If I get corned beef and cabbage one more time for lunch I'm going to jump off this building." The Mexican opened his lunch box and exclaimed, "Burritos again! If I get burritos one more time I'm going to jump off, too." The blond opened his lunch and said, "Bologna again. If I get a bologna sandwich one more time, I'm jumping too." The next day the Irishman opened his lunch box, saw corned beef and cabbage and jumped to his death. The Mexican opened his lunch, saw a burrito and jumped, too. The blonde guy opened his lunch, saw the bologna and jumped to his death as well. At the funeral the Irishman's wife was weeping. She said, "If I'd known how really tired he was of corned beef and cabbage, I never would have given it to him again!" The Mexican's wife also wept and said, "I could have given him tacos or enchiladas! I didn't realize he hated burritos so much." Everyone turned and stared at the blonde's wife. "Hey, don't look at me," she said. "He makes his own lunch."

I learnt something in excel...

I'm soooooo excited. I think I'm a nerd for being this excited, but I am. I learnt something new in Excel today - and it's soooooooooo cool.

You can do a "find and replace" and have it colour cells so you can locate info easily. I never knew that. For example, if you wanted to highlight in a file of 20000 lines all the cells with "smith" you can tell it to search for "smith" and turn the cells yellow.

Now, if you could only sort in colour I'd be ecstatic!

Never done this before...

OK so I'm crap at meeting new people outside of work. I am making a point of talking with other women at the gym in the classes etc as we obviously have something in common and that's nice.

That said, it'd still be nice to meet up for a beer etc with people. So...I've taken a brave step. I've never done this, and I do feel a little bit silly - but quite frankly with Trev away so much I need a life. I've answered a couple of ads on craigslist for women wanting platonic friendship.

Obviously I've not met them or given out personal details (duh!) and I have an email address that obscure enough that they can't trace me....so we'll see.

The two people I emailed returned back and we're exchanging formalities. I think I started both emails with "i'm not into any funny business".

I'll keep you posted on how it goes.

Do things really come in 3s?

I sincerely hope not.

First bad thing - I left work in a rush so I could get to my 5.30pm Pilates class tonight. Millie is my usual instructor and she's amazing. It's a hard class but she encourages you and you feel like you've worked out. Oh my....tonight there was some ditz running the class. We were still warming up with stretches 30 minutes into an hour's class. I have to tell you, I'm normally quite British at the gym and I don't complain a lot - but tonight I got one of the new managers and told him he would have been better off cancelling the class than the crap we got served up. I told him I thought I'd wasted my time and it was awful. I also said that if they were planning on using that teacher for Saturday then not to bother.

Second I drive home from the gym and get home only to find some idiot had parked his SUV right in front of our entrance. I waited then drove round the corner, paid 50c to park my car.... to wait for the idiot to move.

Hmmmmpfh - not happy

Gym

OK, so an update on my keep fit campaign...

1) I did 3 visits last week with Billy the trainer....something i've never done before. Man...by Friday my muscles were definitely achey. I survived though, much better than I thought I would have.

2) I did a new class at the weekend called "Explosive Muscles and Abs". This was a class that I thought would be weight training and then ab work....perfectly complimentary to the other classes/sessions I do. Obviously with new trainers they take one look at my physique and think I don't work out....so they give me light weights....hahah. This guy gave me a 3lb and 5lb weight....I looked at him and said "I can handle more than that" (I normally curl 20lb each arm). He said I should start light...so I took him up on it. I needed heavier weights, but at least I'll know for next time. What I wasn't banking on was the cardio aspect of this class - now, as most of you know, I'm not built for running or star jumps (think boobs) so was none too happy when the start of the class was 2 minutes of star jumps. No amount of "I don't like this" or "I'm not built for this" seemed to work with this instructor. I think he got the message though when he wanted me to do curls with weights, but so they were close together in front. He realized, that for some women (ie me), it's just not possible. That said, I think I'd do the class again - I certainly felt brilliant when I was done....and it may help with the losing weight thingy.

3) Yoga. I went to yoga last night - hahahdiha. It's good after all the cardio and weight training to stretch and I always feel so "zen" after. Now I'm not good at the bendy stuff at the best of times and last night had me in fits. I'm going to try and describe what they had people doing - needless to say I couldn't do this for crap. OK, I tried writing the instructions and it sounded like crap - all you need to know is that you end up with your legs wrapped around one arm and both arms on the floor lifting your whole body off the ground. Quite frankly I couldn't lift my body off the floor, but even if I could I am not build to be that bendy. Still, it's quite theraputic to sit on the floor in fits of laughter.

OK I'm done - I'm doing alright and my muscles are OK. Off to pilates tonight. My schedule is now...

Mon - Yoga
Tues - Pilates
Wed - Billy
Thur - off
Fri - Billy
Sat - Explosive Muscles/Abs and/or Pilates
Sun - Explosive Muscles/Abs and/or Yoga

Can you believe this? Who'd have thought I'd have become this workoutaholic? I consider this an achievement.

Men

Why is it that men think that by sitting on a seat they can take all the available leg room but leaving their legs apart? The bus to work is ALWAYS full of people, sitting and standing. I watched 2 guys today try and take up 3 seats between them....just because of the way their legs were. Hmmmm. Nice to see that a 21st century woman said "excuse me" and sat between them. I have to tell you though - she had to sit with her legs so close together.....

I tell ya - if women sat like that they'd be called tramps and told it was "unladylike".

Top Gear

Oh man....it's so cool. Top Gear is on the BBC America channel.

Top Gear is a TV program about cars. 3 guys run the program and they review new cars, take road trips. It's been going for years - I'm looking forward to watching it. Cool beans.

I have had about 3 weeks off weight training at the gym - I've been doing cardio and classes regularly so it's not like I've been doing nothing. Billy went off for a holiday to Florida and the gym got taken over with new managers. For the last several months we've paid Billy in cash so we had to do it the legitimate way. The nice thing is if you buy 50 (!) sessions you get 25% of the fee - that's pretty good, especially as Trev works out with Billy too. So, to get back in the groove I'm meeting Billy 3 times this week. The only thing I'm upset about is they keep changing the class schedule and telling no-one. It's flipping annoying. My most favourite ever yoga class got taken off the schedule....very annoying. I'm sad about that.

If I could only give up the chocolate I'd get thin.....I really should figure out how to do it!

Sad

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/20/nyregion/20fire.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

A sad story - turns out one of the firefighters who died is the husband of one of my boss' best friends....

Feet

This is a quick entry to rave about a fantastic product - since moving to NYC I have a lot of hard skin on my feet. While I'd love to be able to have a pedicure 3 times a week, that's not possible (1. because of the time it'd take and 2. it's a waste of flipping money).

Years ago Carrieanne held a Body Shop party at her house and I picked up loads of stuff - primarily a body scrub and body creme - have used it on and off over the years and like it a lot. BJ gave me the "matching" honey butter tub when we were last in Iowa....and I have to tell you - it's a miracle worker.

I had a pedicure two weeks ago, and while I use some kind of foot scrubby thing about once a week usually by week 3 I'm in desperate need of a pedicure. For the last week I've been smothering on this honey butter stuff and I have to say it's brilliant. I still have soft feet.... who knew?

It's not the cheapest product....but compared to all those pedicures it probably is. It means now I only need a pedicure when the nail varnish chips. Fantastic!

Check it out at: http://www.thebodyshop.com/bodyshop/browse/product_detail.jsp;jsessionid=17091592F6AB44D86DCCBED234BC01DD.bsprd-app-101-bssfolapp04?productId=prod1440005&categoryId=search

Ksenya and Peter visit

So, last weekend it was a busy for us. Peter was in town for a week visiting as he had a conference in the city and then Ksenya came in from San Francisco and we all met up for dinner on Saturday night.

We had a great time - dinner in China Town at a restaurant called the Golden Bridge followed by a few beers in a bar in Soho.

The restaurant was great although when we arrived there was barbie-pink taffeta all the way up the stairs....weird. When we got up the stairs there was a wedding going on (hence the pink....felt sorry for the groom I have to say). The strangest thing was they walked us right through the middle of the wedding to the second dining room. A good sign of a fantastic restaurant is when you're in the minority - and we were. It was terrific. The address and number is in in my phone ready for next time.

The Zimmers

Oh check this out... I just saw this on a Graham Norton TV show....and it's hilarious. It's raising money for Age Concern (UK Charity) and is a big choir of elderly people singing "My Generation". My you tube of the week.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqfFrCUrEbY

Cute picture

It's not often I feel the need to upload a cute pic I find on a website - but this is soooooooooo cute.

It's what I looked like when I was on vacation in Jamaica!

My back is somewhat better today, although I have a pain on my right side. I'm glad of the ice packs in my freezer (thanks Mum!!) as they're coming in handy right now.

I went back to the gym today and while pilates was difficult the stretching really helped. I'm definitely making the effort for yoga tomorrow as I think it'll really help. Needless to say my evening will be in front of the TV with a lot of ice!

I need friends

This weekend I'm on my own and it's dawned on me that I don't have any friends at all that are local to me. The friends I have around here live in Connecticut, Long Island or Manhattan. It'd just be so nice to grab a coffee or lunch locally here and hang out for a couple of hours. I've decided this has got to change...so tomorrow I'm actively going to walk around my town and try and meet some people. I'm not really good at that, but I have to make an effort. I"m not sure I want to be advertising on craigslist, so any ideas are welcome!

I'm going to look for some kind of class - cooking would be fun, or wine tasting or something - we'll see. I have loads of time this weekend to figure it out.

I miss my friends from Cedar Rapids and St Louis. I miss the guys in England too, but I get to see them relatively regularly. Maybe I should have got on a plane this weekend and gone to see someone. Maybe I'll do that next time.

Oh yeah, and after my fall earlier in the week my back is killing me....I had a massage tonight thinking that'd help, but it'll be a couple of days yet before I know whether it has or not. Wesley (my massage therapist) is great, but he gives "deep tissue massage" a whole new meaning. I have never really figured out why I like it to hurt so much because I saw "oooowwwweeeeee" a hell of a lot - that said, I know I always feel better in the end.

I'm even bored with TV - so I know I need to do something else......

Embarrassing

Ok, so you'd think this would happen in the snow or ice or when it was raining....but oh no, a beautiful sunny day and in the bus station. I got to the top of the escalator, and I admit, I was in a VERY fast walk to the bus stop... was day dreaming listening to my ipod (Danny Baker, UK Radio DJ...flipping brilliant) and 5 steps after the top of the escalator....I came crashing down (with an #$?! expletive....of course).

No idea what happened but imagine my not-so-small frame crashing to her knees and then skidding about 5 feet in her Jones New York pants before coming to a halt. Yeah yeah, I wasn't hurt, although my knees are a little sore....but man, don't you feel stupid?

Anyway, as you can imagine in NYC most people ignore you but there were a couple of nice people who stopped to make sure I was fine.

Hopefully that'll prevent any more falls for the next 5 years!

Stop press!

We have had our work permits approved for our Green Card.......yeeeeha! They should be with us in the next 30 days. This is huge for us - it means that we are not tied to particular employers and we finally have choices. Yippee

Only piece left to go now is the adjustment of status....watch this space!

Boots and high heels

had a good weekend, albeit busy. Both Peter and our friend Ksenya were in town so lots of eating and drinking. I did manage to get to the gym too, so it wasn't all bad.

First off, check out the pic of the Blueberry Gin. Looking good.... It now has it's own jar, courtesy of Target. Now I just swish it around every couple of days.

Two things I learnt this weekend.

1) "Boots the Chemist" is now in Target. Boots is "the" pharmacy in the UK, it's in every town and very well known. I'm very excited to find "Boots No. 7" makeup etc.

2) High heels. I'm done with them. Being in NYC I rarely wear anything that isn't flat or close to flat. On Saturday night I ventured out in a pair of high heel sandals. I'm telling you - I got to the point where I couldn't walk...and I was hobbling around Union Square in bare feet. that sucked. never again. Needless to say those shoes went straight in the bin.

Teeth

I've always been wary of dentists - usually because it costs a lot and always appears unnecessary. Oh yeah, and I've had some terribly experiences.

I do miss my dentist from St Louis -and I've been searching for a dentist who does sedation for fillings etc. I'm blessed with strong teeth so never usually have a problem. For my whole adult life I don't think I've regularly gone to a dentist....and I still only have about 4 fillings. Pretty good I think.

Trev searched for a dentist and found one. He had a dentist a year ago who said everything was fine. So he went this week....and returned with "the dentist says I have to renew all my old fillings - there are 10".

Is it me - or does this sound like a money making opportunity. I can't help but think this is a complete rip off.

Funny website

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/dmstandard/article.html?in_article_id=395777&in_page_id=1766

Check this out.....especially the exams......
hahahahahaha


Way too much time to find ways not to work:)

Youtube

It's my new friend....here are two that I find hysterical.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osnUB9bUm-E This Natalie Imbrulia singing her song "Torn" but with a unique twist. If you've not seen it yet you'll laugh your ass off!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qC_-Nx2CWR4 Found this one tonight - it's a Post It man.

Enjoy....

My blueberry gin

Ok, so many moons ago I learnt about damson gin, thanks to my ex-mother in law. Sounds gross, but it's fabulous. Damsons are in the plum family if you've never heard of them. The recipe is:

- 1 pint of white liquor (gin, vodka, rum....doesn't really matter, AND you can use the cheap stuff)

- 1lb of sugar

- 1lb of damsons

It takes about 3 months to "stew"....

Now, I've never seen damons in the US, so I figured that I'd try something different. I'm doing the same with blueberries. In the pictures above the first one is from day one....lots of sugar on the bottom. The second pic is the one 5 days later. All I have to do now is shake it around every couple of days until Thanksgiving.

A funny - the reason I changed to the jug is that I had a tad of an accident with the bowl....first day I shook it it went all over the table and floor. I figured I should go with a jug. I'm hoping that I'll be able to shop for a nice jar.

Let's hope it works. Periodically I'll check in and show process.

The Five Factor Values Test - Pretty Accurate I think:)

Your Values Profile

Loyalty: You value loyalty a fair amount. You're loyal to your friends... to a point. But if they cross you, you will reconsider your loyalties. Staying true to others is important to you, but you also stay true to yourself. Honesty: You don't really value honesty. You do value getting your way, no matter what. And if a little lying is required to do that, no problem. A few white lies never hurt anyone (at least, that's what you tell yourself!) Generosity: You value generosity a fair amount. You are all about giving, as long as there's some give and take. Supportive and kind, you don't mind helping out a friend in need. But you know when you've given too much. You have no problem saying "no"! Humility: You value humility a fair amount. You tend to be an easy going, humble person. But occasionally your ego takes over. You have a slight competitive streak - and the need to be the best. Tolerance: You value tolerance highly. Not only do you enjoy the company of those very different from you... You do all that you can to seek it out interesting and unique friends. You think there are many truths in life, and you're open to many of them.

The Five Factor Values Test

Yoga

OK, why is it that anyone who I see in any yoga class is a size 2 and very bendy....? I can keep up with the best of them, and actually today feel fantastic having taken that class - but it does irk me that everyone's so damn small. I feel like the size of a mountain.

Good job I don't give a crap....

Our gym has new owners so there's lots of changes. We had a few days this past week when it was shut, but now it's open again. Hopefully it'll mean the end of no towels (on occasion) and classes that don't get canceled.

One day, I hope, I'll be a size 2. ........ yeah, right!

Great weekend

We have had an awesome weekend.

Friday we went out with my friend Mary Ann - was at our favourite bar near work. Bar 41. It's on 41st St and 7th Avenue. We had a great time, it's so nice to have a place where you can unwind.

Saturday after the gym we shopped for stuff we can't get on Freshdirect.com and then went and saw the Bourne Ultimatum. I have to tel you - if you're going to see a movie, see that one. It's FANTASTIC. the whole theater was "into it" - cheering and we all burst into applause at the end. Brilliant. The quickest two hours ever. Afterwards we ordered a brilliant curry from karma Kafe in Hoboken. We hadn't tried it before, and I have to say that was awesome also. Later, we watched the movie Crank, again, brilliant.

Today's plan is to head to yoga, I've cooked leek and potato soup and we're having a full roast chicken dinner tonight. We haven't had one for ages, and I think we're in need of it. That's my job later.

Skype is brilliant too - a very cheap way to make calls. I even found out this weekend that any freephone number is free via Skype. I just got a new phone that allows us to let people in via security AND make skype calls. Only downside is when using Skype your laptop has to be connected to the phone. Most inconvenient. However, most of the time it's fine. Love it.

Peter's coming into town next week and we're hoping Carrieanne will come for some rehabilitation at somepoint. We also have friends in from San Francisco so we're very very busy again.

I have just loved this weekend....

Hair

Got my hair done on my birthday and it looked fab as always. The colour is always so good with these guys and the cut is good too. I love Marissa (colour) and Jason (hair). I gave Jason a challenge. I'm fed up of having "humid hair" - you know, where it goes all frizzy and stands up. It wouldn't be so bad if I didn't have a fringe (ie Bangs for you US folks). It sticks up and looks completely dumb, just a fraction less than if I didn't have one at all.

So....Jason recommended I get this Japanese relaxing thing done on the front of my head. It's intended to straighten the hair so that it can't go frizzy. On Wednesday I went for an appointment with Jessica (note there's a different stylist for a different thing). I had about 400 questions - I'm always nervous when stuff is done to my hair, a result of having some very very bad hair experieneces.

Here's the process
- put protectant around all the hair that's not getting process and then layer it in clingfilm
- put a light coat of protectant on all the hairs that have been highlighted
- put on the magic stinky stuff, sit around til it's cooked (for me it was 10mins, can be up to 40 mins)
- rinse, take off cling film, shampoo
- dry hair, hot iron the hair to "set" it
- rinse again after 10 mins, neutralize, wait 10 more minutes
- wash, blow dry
- wait a full 48 hours before wetting, adding products, washing, clipping or anything

took about 2 hours. It's now Friday afternoon - it's been 20 hours and it still looks good. I'm surprised. I have to tell you having my hair down straight for 2 full days has been a challenge. I've had lots and lots of compliments, I just really can't be bothered. Now bear in mind I wash my bangs (ie fringe) every day i was really worried whether it would be OK or not. Have to say it's looking good. I had to give up the gym for 3 days as I sweat way too much and wet hair was not allowed - that was weird, but I've survived.

Tomorrow will be the key when I wash my hair for the first time. That's the test. I'm worried they'll be a line showing where it was treated and where it wasn't. I'll keep everyone posted.