The Cost of Being Cocky

Remember when I started all this crap?? And by "all this crap", I mean - trying to get my life switched around so I could be the poster child for healthy living. I was so full of hope and optimism and positivity. Like I had the world by the balls. Like this time it was going to be a piece of cake, and not a daily, mind-numbing battle. I felt like I was riding a unicorn while safely ensconced in a shawl made of hearts and butterflies and puppies and bunnies. Basically - living in la la land, thinking I had it all figured out. I got cocky.

Well....somewhere along the line I lost it. I got bucked off the damn unicorn, and lost my frickin' shawl! I found myself, by myself, wondering how the hell everything got so hard all of the sudden. I left the protective bubble of FC, and found myself alone in the tundra surrounded by temptation. The cocktails started to call to me. Soda - granted I drink diet, but apparently that's almost worse - totally had my number and wouldn't leave me alone! And then out of nowhere, my taste buds turned back on. They could no longer be kept content with veggies and low-sodium healthy crap...I mean stuff. They wanted - nay! they demanded flavor in form of fat and salt. They could not be silenced.

I've half-assedly tried to re-create the bubble. I've tried to keep only good things in my house. I've left my wallet at home so I can't stop and pick up bad things. I've set my alarm to get up and work-out in the morning. (do you guys even realize how easy it is to reset it for an hourish later, and just go back to sleep?) But there's this thing that keeps getting in my damn way! Life. Made up of work, money and bills - Life is working against me. In this trying economy, and me with my non-degree'd-self, I'm working for far less than I believe my abilities merit.  Can't the world see that my intangible list of skills warrants a large salary, and an amazing benefits package?? Geesh! So I better just learn how to work with it.

Since going back to work, I've made some questionable decisions - like quitting my gym. How are you going to try and be a person who is getting healthy, and quit your gym? Seriously. Hey - I'm working on getting in shape, and losing weight - - I don't need that stupid gym membership! Idiotic. So I have finally realized the errors of my ways, and have determined that it is essential that I have a gym membership. Some people work out in their homes, and it works great for them. If I had an elliptical in my living room, I'm sure I'd spend time on it - but I can't currently afford a decent one, so that's out. The baby-gym (and I use the term gym loosely here) at my apartment complex is just too depressing to use. And yes - I can go walk outside, and have - but it seems to be 90+ and humid more days than not lately, and I don't care for that. So I'm on the hunt for something reasonably priced, that isn't a crackerjack box. On a related note - If anyone knows of a person in the Twin Cities who'd like to donate personal training sessions, I'd be all for it. I could pay them in high fives...or hugs...scratch that - I'm not much of a hugger...or dirty looks while they train me. Who could turn down that deal? Please pass along their information. =)

So I've learned some things. When things are super-easy, DON'T TRUST IT! Especially considered I'd given it the old college try about 34235 times - did I really think I was just going to breeze my way to fitness and smallness? Apparently, I did. But I've now come to the point where I can admit it's going to be just as much work as I'd hoped it wouldn't be. Every day. What to eat? How to fit in the workout. Every. Day. So here I go....a little less sunshiny....but going none-the-less. I will lose weight. I will get healthy. I will.....it just isn't going to be easy.

I might need to have my eyes checked

It is official. I am off my game! I am typically a pretty observant person, I think. I enjoy people-watching, and taking in what's going on around me. This week, I have chosen to shut all of that off, apparently!

My gym - LifeTime Fitness - closes annually for a complete-club clean. They rotate locations, so it typically isn't too bad. It lasts about 5-7 days, so it is pretty easy to work around. Usually. But Monday, between the cold and the cramps, and the locker room being closed - I must have been distracted. Nowhere did I see any sign or notation that the gym was going to be closing this week for cleaning. That was until today.

Last night my lower back was bugging me. Who knows what I did to it - probably just slept on it weird. It happens fairly frequently. It bugs me for a couple of days, and then it's fine again. But last night I just couldn't sleep. Couldn't get comfortable. Couldn't get settled in. I was also determined not to take any cold medicine (I have some pretty strict rules about meds, and thought I needed to take a night off) so I didn't have that to knock me out. Needless to say - I didn't sleep worth a crap. I got about 3 hours of sleep, and that is not nearly enough for this girl to function properly.

Case in point: I decided that it would make me feel better to hit the gym for some cardio. I pulled up to the gym - and an almost empty parking lot - and headed toward the door. I was in some sort of daze - or maybe it was just my joy over seeing the sun, because I didn't notice the 2 signs on the door telling me the gym was closed. Right inside the door was a large tri-pod holding a large board describing what services were available during the shut down. I nimbly (yeah right) side-stepped it without registering what it was talking about, and headed for the 2nd set of doors. Now you would have for sure figured the signs on those doors would have stopped me in my tracks - right? Not so much. I threw open the doors and finally started to take in my surroundings. Like the fact that the club was pretty much dark. There was no one at the front desk. There were 3 young ladies across the entry way looking at me like I was out of my mind. And that is when I saw it - finally. The sign on the front desk that said the club was closed for cleaning. Good LORD! What kind of zone was I in that I had no idea? So I turned around and headed back to my car. I had just turned out of the parking lot when I realized I forgot to look and see what dates they were actually closed.

I was going to head to a different location, but realized I had forgotten my phone and wallet at home. I determined if I was struggling this much with such mundane tasks I might as well pack it in for the day and try again tomorrow. So wish me luck, kids. I'll be seeing if I can't make it to the next closes club Friday morning - and don't worry....I've already checked to see that they're open.

Here's to hoping that you're functioning better than I am! Have a great weekend, everyone!

Timing

I am one of those people who is always going to start tomorrow. Or as soon as the weather gets nice. Or as soon as I'm caught up on all of my chores. I am always waiting for the perfect timing on everything. I'm going to start eating better as soon as I can do a complete grocery shopping trip - because what is the point in starting to eat better right away? I need to be fully prepared! I'm going to make sure I start eating more fruits and veggies as soon as the weather warms up - because then I'll be in the mood. I'm going to go to the gym as soon as I get all of my gym clothes washed or my iPod charged or my playlists made. I'm going to get rid of this cold, so I can breathe before I can do anything. Basically - the planets have to align in a way that only happens every 3 billion years in order for the time to be just right. Sure - this is basically just an advanced case of excuse-making - but I prefer to word it as "waiting for the perfect time". 

Then I was flipping through my magazine from my gym. On the last page they usually have some sort of nature-y scene, and a quote meant to inspire. Typically I just roll my eyes, and throw it to the side. But something about this one spoke to me. 

"Don't wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles and less than perfect conditions. So what. Get started now." - Mark Victor Hansen

So I got up today, and I went to the gym. I went in spite of my chest cold, and my cough and my cramps. I went, in part, because I would finally be able to watch another episode of Sons of Anarchy (I downloaded them with a birthday gift card, and only get to watch them when I am on a piece of cardio equipment). And you know what? I survived. I was tired, and my breathing was more labored than usual. I had a few limited coughing spasms worked in for good measure. But I survived. And tomorrow I'll do it all over again. Because I can. And because waiting for everything to be perfect is going to do nothing but keep me waiting. I'm not perfect. Life isn't perfect. It's time to start working with what I have - and I could be stuck with a whole lot worse than I am.

Are you getting started now?

Adios, Wisconsin!

I cannot believe my time here is up! In some ways this 9 months has seemed to take forever - but in many more it really did fly by. I do not regret my decision to come here. At the time I did, I think it was the best thing for me to do. I was a mess,(that is not to say I am not currently a mess. I am more than willing to admit I spend much of my time in this category! =)) had recently lost my job and was trying to figure out what to do with myself. Basically - a little solitude did me some good!

I can honestly say, I have had enough "me" time for a while. I am looking forward to the hustle and bustle that is my life at home. I can't wait to go build amazing lego creations with my nieces any time I want to. I am looking forward to being able to see my friends and family with much more frequency. I'm ready to no longer be house-bound (totally my own issue), and get out - especially now that winter will *fingers crossed* be coming to a close soon!

Sure - there are things I am going to miss.... I'll miss YC. I'll miss the other people that work at my gym - they are all so great! I'll miss being able to go to the bathroom with door open. =) I'll miss....ummm....well - I guess that is all I'll really miss.

I look forward to having gym dates. I have learned that I like to do cardio on my own - because I am in horrible shape, and don't really like sharing the extent of of my anti-cardio strength with others! =) But I'll be doing weight workouts four days a week - and if you are anything like me, it is easier to get my ass to the gym when someone is expecting to see me there! I have had a few offers already, and am looking forward to it.

So thank you, Wisconsin, for the last 9 months. I might just come back to visit.

And to Minnesota - Let's get back on track together. That means - enough snow already! And for my part, I'll get my ass back to the gym regularly. Deal?

It's a Slippery Slope

**My blog has adopted my slacker attitude (it really is catchy). It was supposed to post at 6am, but chose not to. Sorry for the delay! **

I know better. I know better than to skip a day or two at the gym, because then I just skip more. Not because there is a legitimate reason to skip the gym, but just because I get so damn lazy sometimes!! I know it has helped me feel stronger, and more balanced, and just plain better. But sometimes that just isn't enough to make me want to go, apparently. 

Last week started out going so well, I guess there was only one way for me to go - and that unfortunately, was down. I got up after 3 hours of sleep to go the gym. I went Monday-Thursday mornings. I did my weights and cardio. I was rocking it steady. I even tried out light dinner for my sisters' family on Wednesday, and my entire family on Thursday. I think I got cocky. 

I got up early Friday morning, got dressed for the gym, and then remembered I was late on getting something emailed off. By the time I got on the computer, typed up my new entry, and got it sent off - I had lost my interest in the gym. Then the bargaining began. "I could stay here and probably finish my Christmas sweater before everyone shows up" and "I will will totally just go to the gym after everyone leaves". Yeah right. I know myself well enough to know that I need to go right away, or I talk myself out of it. By the time clean-up was done, I helped my dad get his iPod working - it was bedtime. No gym.

Similar run through on Saturday morning. I had to make a new recipe light pesto salad, and had another family get-together. Again - I said I would go that night. Bullshit. I did get my car cleaned, however - so it wasn't a total loss.

I got home on Sunday, and then proceeded to spend Monday-Wednesday being lazy. Prioritizing getting  a new phone over the gym - like I didn't have time to do both. At least I did get all of my laundry done, so it wasn't a total loss. I have also done a fair amount of knitting. That does NOT count as exercise. I did have to give myself a break. It hasn't even been a week of laziness. That is nothing compared to some of my lazy stints. =)

I am ready to turn in my lazy ways for renewed gym dedication. I made an appointment with YC for Thursday morning, and am ready to get back at it. It is going to be awesome. I would like to formally request now Big Sexy be at the gym tomorrow. It always helps me want to go when I think there might be something pretty to look at. 

Hope you all enjoyed your holidays. Now back to reality.

 

My Hometown Gyms Receive an F-

** This was supposed to post last Friday morning, but something went haywire. My apologies.

I am a procrastinator from way back. When I was working, I would get all of my work-related stuff done right away. My personal stuff has always been a "wait until the last minute scenario". I have been working to change it, and actually get things done as close to immediately as I can. It was, with these intentions toward anti-procrastination, that I tried to proactively look for a place to workout in my hometown while home for Thanksgiving. I wouldn't have thought it would be such an ordeal to get a workout in!

On Tuesday, I made some calls. One gym appears to be city-owned, and it was closed on Thanksgiving. I had two other options that claim to be 24-hour facilities. I spoke to the larger of the two, and was told I could stop and pick up a visitor card on Wednesday, as long as I was there before 6pm. Imagine my surprise and delight when I arrived at 3:05pm to find the person working already gone for the day. Awesome. It appears I should not have bothered trying to line this up ahead of time.

Onto option three. I walked into the gym, and walked right back to the office. No one was there, but the lights were on and the door was open. I was hopeful. Then the manager hopped off his machine, and came over. I explained that I just needed a place to work out for two days, and asked what I needed to do to make that happen. I was naive enough to believe the answer would be something along the lines of: "No problem. Come right over here, and we'll get you set up." I mean - how hard could this be? Instead I got told "Ummm...I don't usually do passes for that amount of time. I don't want to have to do all of the paperwork. And there is a deposit on the card, and if I'm not here when you're done on Friday I can't give your deposit back." I think he was hoping that I would give up at that point, and leave. That young man was not so lucky.

I went into my rebutal. My parents live in town. I will be back at Christmas. I could just get my deposit then. I understand there will be a fee involved, but I need a place to workout. Are you sure there is no way to do this? I don't have another option.

He changed his tune. Suddenly it was no problem. I went over to the table to fill out all of the paperwork. I want to let you in on something..."all" of the paperwork was one 2-part document. I had to fill in the top with my name, address, phone and emergency contact information and sign it. He had to check 2 boxes, write ten numbers and tear them apart. After I massaged my hand, because of the cramping from filling out so much paperwork, we went into his office where he ran my credit card through for the $7 card deposit (I can see why getting this returned immediately should be one of his negatives used in his attempt to dissuade me), and my 2-day fee. While the card was authorizing, he activated my gym card. Manager also told me to just give him a call if I was going to be back in December, and he could activate my card for whatever days I need it - incase I get in after he has left for the day. See....super-helpful now. He gave me a tour of the 20x20 facility - which was basically walking through the middle of it and him pointing at stuff, made sure my card worked, and I was on my way.

Start to finish this entire exchange: I want to use the gym, well...I don't really want to let you use the gym because I am excessively lazy for a fit person, but dude - I really need to use the gym, OK - I want to be super-helpful now, fill out "all of the" paperwork, charge credit card, activate gym card, there are the towels - help yourself, hey there are the TVs, don't bench press if you are here by yourself incase you get trapped and die, here is how you use the card at the door, OK thanks for coming in, have a nice Thanksgiving - - seriously took about 5 minutes. I can see where that was almost too much for him for the $21 he charged me.

Cut to Thursday morning. I am a person who does the same things until I get sick of them, then I change to something new and do that until I get sick of it. So going into a new gym, which is very limited compared to the gyms I am used to, had me all out of sorts. I forgot to do my warm up. The equipment didn't have actual weights on the plates...it had 2, 4, 6, etc. on them - and no note as to how much each plate weighed. Annoying!! So I got to improvise. As a non-fitness professional, I don't want to have to improvise. That is how I am going to hurt myself! All was not a loss, however. The last exercise on Thursday's workout is the "dip" machine. I love to hate it. It absolutely exhausts me. Limited gym 3 didn't have anything that even remotely resembled it, so I had to skip it. It really broke me up. (that is sarcasm)

I went to 1/2 of a bootcamp class after that - which was awesome. It got my heartrate up, without making me want to kick anyone. Plus it had "Tootsie Roll" on the playlist! How do you go wrong with that!?! I headed to my two family gatherings. I ate what I wanted, just smaller quantities than usual. It was nice to feel satisfied, but not miserable.

I plan to work it Friday morning at "Gym Limited" and then head into the lion's den. I am spending two days making cookies with my sisters and nieces. This will be the third year we are doing it. It is always a very entertaining time - with lots of yelling of Celine and Mariah Christmas albums. I just hope I am able to show some strength, and not eat all of the cookies. Wish me luck!

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving! What are you going to do to make this coming week great?