What a slap in the face.

Don’t freak out about the title.  But I did get your attention, huh?    More about that in a sec…

My rest day went well.  I tried to keep myself busy as to not freak out about how much I wanted to throw on some gym shoes and just do SOMETHING. 

So I got my car serviced.  Which worked out well because my friend’s in-laws own the place I go to.  And I heart them very much.  We joke how they’re my pretend parents away from home.  I love that even though I’m still relatively new to the area that I have such a wonderful support system in my life.  I’m always very thankful for that.

After that, I went to a place that no person should ever go to when in need of retail therapy… Target.  Oh Target.  Why do you do this to me?  Can’t you see I love you?  Can’t you ever be nice and not steal all my money from me???  In all truthfulness, I had a list and stuck to it for the most part. Although I didn’t really have a need to now own three types of bodywash, but hey- the skin IS the biggest organ of the body.  It needs to be treated with the utmost respect.

Going a little further with that- it’s summer.  Any skin care tips?  I know the spf is important, but how much?  Or what kind?  This girl plans to spend as much time as possible outdoors in the next couple of months- and won’t lie about the summers of slacking on skin care in the past…

And I finally caved and bought Jillian’s Yoga Meltdown.  Exercise TV let me down… I thought the disappearance of the two- the ONLY two- yoga workouts I liked would just be a fluke.  Nope.  Seems they’re gone for good.  And who knew I’d actually miss yoga?  I was as surprised as you.  I need some more warrior poses in my life… like tonight.

After a quick dinner (it was another wrap- what’s new?), I ran to Monica’s for a glass of relaxation aka Trader Joe’s finest bottle of wine… under $10.    We watched 500 Days of Summer.  This movie was wonderful.  Totally pulls at the heart strings, but I loved it.  I do not recommend it for those who just went through a break up, but for everyone else, go rent it now.  And drink a glass of wine first.  Because you’ll probably feel like the movie is speaking to you.  That’s why you need the wine.  Trust me.  The movie can be a slap in the face if you let it.  I think we’ve all been in the same situation as the guy in this movie- maybe not to the extreme, but you relate.  That’s why the wine helps. 

And here we are.  Gooooood morning.  Another breakfast of oatmeal.  Are we surprised?  Hardly.  BUT, I did do something different.I was missing my dessert oatmeal.  And I was curious about espresso oats.  And I’ve had this instant coffee packet sitting around forever. Sooo…..Voila!  It’s Friday and I needed an indulgence to get me going.  Coffee?  Check.  Chocolate?  Check.  Happy tummy?  Well…

Just so you know, the pic is closeup because when it was of the whole bowl, it really looked like poo.  But I don’t let that ruin my good time.  It was ok.  I could have held back on some of the instant coffee.  Just a tad.  Or maybe if I had hot chocolate mix instead of unsweetened cocoa, that would have helped.  I think overall, it was just a little too bitter.  But the chocolate chips I mixed in helped.  So yeah… I’ll try again I guess.  Don’t get me wrong- it was good.  Just not the super amazingness that I was hoping for.  (Clearly I have high standards.)

My excuse for the chocolate treat is I need the stamina the caffeine and sugar provide.  Yes, I’m aware this is approximately 11 or 12 hours before I work out.  But trust me… mentally it was the way to go. 

Now that I’ve had my rest day, I’m ready for another couple days of hard work.  Tonight is cross training.  Hopefully concentrating a little more on the weights than I have been.  And I will be doing yoga with Jillian after that.  Tomorrow is more running on the trails.  And since it’ll be an early run, I’m hoping to not be drained and get some good times in.  But we shall see.

The hardest decision I’ll make after work tonight?  What movie to rent at Red Box…  and to drink the wine?  Or not drink the wine?  That is the question…

Let’s talk about hair.

As my disclaimer, let me just say I’m awful with hair and makeup.  I’m no artist.  But you guys are so sweet and keep asking about how I do my hair in the mornings.  So I’ll show you- even though I still can’t believe I’m posting these pics.  What I do for you guys… 

I’ve been doing the same thing for a while now- I find something that works and stick with it.  It’s not trendy, I was just looking for volume.  And this actually takes me less time than when I do the whole straightening thing (because my hair’s so thick and has some wave/pretend curls/kink to it).  And because I’ve been doing it for so long, I’ve got it down to a science at under 10 minutes… woo hoo!

Here we go.  All frizzed out (don’t judge- I really need a haircut).So basically, you take whatever size curling iron barrel you’ve got (I’ve got a 1 1/2-inch and a 1-inch that both work awesome, it just depends on how curly you want it).  Grab a large section of hair (I usually divide it into eight or nine sections) and shoot it with a little hairspray on the underneath.  Then you just wind it under all the way up and hold it for a few seconds.  Just like you normally do… Turns out you need three hands to take pics of yourself and do this.  Notice the upside-down camera.  At least I still got the shot before I burned a chunk of hair off of my head.

But the tricky part is this… Slowly release the curling iron but DON’T release the curl.  Just wiggle the iron from out of the curl and keep the loop of hair intact with bobbypins.  And then you’re gonna end up looking like this:Again, my personal photographer is out today, so the crap shots will just have to do… Now quick!  Bobby pin that!  And repeat!!!I look so old school, right?  ha ha…   But yeah, I just let the curls set for at least five minutes or so while I’m finishing getting ready.  Then take out the bobby pins and voila!  Throw your fingers through it and go!    Easy, right?Back to more important things…I started a new book recently.  This one’s called We Thought You’d Be Prettier by Laurie Notaro.  So far it’s ok.  I’m having a harder time getting into this one compared to I Was Told  There’d Be Cake by Sloane Crosley (which I finished last week). Both are just a collection of essays of random moments.  Sloane was just a really fun writer- she had a really dry humor (which I loved) with a slight tone of self-deprecation.  Laurie definitely has the self-deprecation down, but I still haven’t enjoyed her stories as much. It’s still early, though.  I’ll give it more time.

I got home to a very unpleasant surprise and am so pissed!  Yoga Meltdown is no longer on Exercise TV!!!!  I got home and did some shred and was all ready to stretch myself out, but I couldn’t find it!  I’m actually somewhat devastated.  This may mean I’ll have to breakdown and just buy it.  I’m curious about Level 2 anyways… sort of.  I know I’m not ready for it, but I guess it’ll be nice to have when I am.  Grrr…. And I checked Fitness Fusion yoga is no longer on Exercise TV, either.  What are you trying to do to me, Comcast?!?!  WTF????

This had me down and  out for about a minute.  Then I stopped pouting, threw on my shoes, and ran to the work out room to do some elliptical work.  That sort of made up for it.  And I guess it’ll do… until I hit up Target in search of Jillian’s intimidating face on dvd boxes.

Here’s dinner:Told you I’d be using those wraps often!  I pulled a breakfast for dinner move again with a veggie scramble… burrito… thing.  And cottage cheese.  Just go with it…

My Hump Day was less than stellar.  Sometimes work just doesn’t go well.  Not that anything was bad, but not that anything was good either.  It was just “blah”.  Hopefully today will be an improvement!

Microfiber Dreams

Even though I was up right after the sun was yesterday, I had an awesome energy level.  Probably all the carbs. Most of my morning was spent with Jillian.  She took me through yoga meltdown and Level 1 of The Shred.  I pulled it old school with the Level 1- but I like doing that every once in awhile.  Mixes it up.  Keeps the muscles guessing.  And it always feels so good to feel the progress I’m making.  It’s so much easier now than when I first started!  Awesome! My arms are somewhat sore today- probably the chaturanga pushups from yoga. Killer.  But I’ll do it again.  Hurts soooo good.

After all that, I entered the time frame of my furniture delivery.  It went wonderfully.  The delivery guys were soooo much nicer.  And the whole thing took maybe 20 minutes.  No problems with the stairwell. They put it together and voila!You like?    I sure do.  It’s huge.  And comfy.  And I’ve already gotten quite a bit of quality time on it.

Mon came over to check it out and also gave it her thumbs up!  It turned out to be a gorgeous day, so she also brought this:I know it’s been out a while, but neither one of us had ever tried it.  Loved it!  So we caught up a little while hanging out on the balcony and enjoyed the sun…What is going on with my neck in this picture?  I’m  not sure… and would have retouched it.  But then I thought about it and really didn’t care.  Clearly Mon was looking way cuter than I.  I was bumming it out… In those jeans I was talking about yesterday (don’t worry, I was wearing underwear and they are in the laundry basket now).

Later in the day, I hit up the elliptical, too (can you believe how much physical activity I got yesterday?  That’s a rare thing these days.).  I’m hoping to hit the trail near my place today… it’s been nice so far this weekend and I want to get another outside run in!  Slow and easy, of course.

This morning involved another go at steel cut oats.  I’m getting better, but I think I’m ruining the bottom of my little pot by doing so (since I use milk when making them).  Anyone have any more great tips for using steel cut?  I could use them….Now this doesn’t mean they weren’t some morning deliciousness.  I also added coconut, an unusually large scoop of pb, and a little honey for kicks.  Thumbs up!

This morning unfortunately came just as early as yesterday’s did.  This time I blame those damn geese that walk around like they own the place.  Not that it really was keeping me from sleeping much more.  I was even staring at the ceiling at 3:30 wondering why I couldn’t fall back asleep.  Ironically, I got a text at about the same time.  Weekends are the only time I keep my phone in my room- during the week it’s the whole “the room should be free of all distractions” thing.  Anyhoo, it was one of my guy friends who just makes me smile because his actions are just amusing.

Him: WAKE UP!

Me: What? Enjoying a late night out, are we?

Him: Maybe.  Sorry for bothering you, you can go back to bed.

Um… ok.  So uh… thanks for the “WAKE UP!” then.  What was the point? Clearly you have my attention at this point.

Me: It’s fine, I was actually awake because I can’t sleep tonight it seems.

(a few more texts happen).  Apparently he was back from the bars and thought of me?  Who knows…

Him: Sorry for waking you up at this obnoxious hour.

If you insist on apologizing repeatedly, why did you text me at 3:30 in the morning in the first place?  He didn’t tell me anything of urgency. I have no idea why this conversation even happened.  Really- it revolved around him thinking he woke me  up.  Ah the era that we live in- one of pointless texts and late night conversations…

I got another yummylicious blog award from Ayla at High on Healthy!  Thanks lady!  Since I’ve done a list of random things about me here, I’ll just give you two more.  Since you asked for it. 

1. I broke my toe once.  I was at my parents house in my bedroom just hanging out (watching tv or something).  I overestimated how much “bed” was left when I was rolling over.  Down I went and I completely jammed my foot into the heat register, and my pinky toe suffered the worst of it.  I was 20 years old.  The awkward embarrassment didn’t happen until the next day when my brother had to ask, “Amy, did you fall off your bed last night?”  Uh…yes.  Yes I did.

2. One of the craziest things I’ve ever done at a wedding is jump into the pool afterwards.  Don’t worry, this was after we left the reception and were back at the hotel.  My friend Krista and I got the idea in our heads and decided to go for it.  The gate was locked, so a couple of the guys were nice enough to give us a boost over it.  And in we went! The wedding was in a small town and we were at the only hotel- so if we had gotten caught and kicked out, I’m not sure what we would have done.  Of course we didn’t worry about that at the time, though.  Nor did we realize how heavy a bridesmaid dress can be after getting soaked.  Hold on tight to the top of it if you try this at home!

Enjoy your Sunday, kids!  I’m outtie…

Race to Wrigley 5k

My Friday night consisted of cuddling with the pups and this:Even making this was a stretch.  I was tired.  And the dogs had to actually wake me at some point during The Soup to tell me it was time to go to bed.  Ok kids, I’m fine with that.  Why?  Because I was up early to head down the street and watch the Race to Wrigley!John and I met up a little before the race to check out the action.  When we emailed each other back and forth before meeting up, he said he was bringing the cowbells.  I thought that was funny and said “ok sure, see you there.” Alright, hand one over.  I’m down.  Soon enough, the first runner came through.  Followed by the rest of the pack.  Not sure  how many times I actually heard shouts from the runners for “more cowbell!!!!” and then cheering.  It was great!  Nikki thought John was kidding as well.  Nope.  After people started finishing, she walked up and said “I don’t even have to text you- I just followed the cowbell!”

This was my first mini blogger meetup, so it was weird to actually just start talking to someone I’ve never met.  But at the same time, we know what each one has been up to.  So that was kind of crazy…

We ended up going to Julius Meinl after the race for post-race breakfast.  Even though I wasn’t running the race, I still felt the need to partake in one of my favorite traditions after a race…  Give me an excuse to get baked eggs and I’ll take it.  You weren’t kidding Nikki- this place was goooood!Chicago bloggers unite!  Don’t be jealous, Michelle- I know you wish you could be here… :p  Anyways, that is me, Phampants, and Tales of My Second City.  Enjoy the eye candy…

Now the dogs are looking at me like it’s their turn to go play, so we’re going to go for a walk before more rain comes.  And at some point, I plan to get my lazy ass up and do some more Shredding with Jillian.

Enjoy the weekend, kids!

Sa-weet!

So here I sit… waiting for my furniture to come…  It’s been giving me some serious anxiety, so I’ll be glad to have today over.  And be able to eat at my new table and curl up to watch tv after.  Sa-weet! 

As I sit to write, I’m sitting in the middle of my living room floor.  No more college futon!  Mon and I destroyed it last night.  We thought it’d be easier to carry out (probably quite the “duh” moment) if we took the whole thing apart.  It was quite a liberating experience.  Good bye squeaky uncomfortable futon!  I will not miss you!  And thank  you Mon for helping!  She’s so sweet!  Don’t worry- I paid her in wine.  And we watched my Red Box selection for the weekend- Couples Retreat.  Considering how huge of a Vince Vaughn fan I am, it’s amazing to me I haven’t watched it yet!  It was fun and cute.  Kinda typical ending, but that’s why peeps love the rom com’s right?

So yesterday I worked the early shift.  A couple of the guys were already there by 8:00 and when I walked in the break room, I was surprised.  Cheesecake for breakfast anyone?  This is what I have a hard time with.  Not so much the cheesecake specifically, but when you’re having “a morning”, the sugar high goes well with a cup of coffee.  Is this an issue with anyone else who works in an office?  A few weeks ago, there were THREE of these babies chillin’ on the table.  I resisted the early morning munchies, but mostly because I knew these were coming in the afternoon:One of our office supply guys came by and dropped them off.  I think most of the vendors we deal with have realized they can woo Jaime and I with sweets.  I love free stuff… especially when the said free stuff is cookies. 

To continue with my sweet streak, I had a decadent breakfast.  I seriously just started with wanting oatmeal and coconut pancakes.  I had been craving the pancakes…. badly.  But then I found the peanut butter.  And at that point, I was like, “why not?” and threw on the white chocolate.  Decadent.  For reals…  And I think I finally hit that point where I’m done with sweets for a bit.  After yesterday and this morning, I’ve had plenty.

Besides, I hit the grocery store and have some more greens and asparagus that are just waiting to give me urine issues.

I’ve slowly started getting back into workout mode (if you haven’t already noticed).  I spent a lot of time scared of putting too much strain on the leg, but it’s getting to that point where I’m getting more comfortable again.  Yesterday, however, was a mistake and I apologize to my poor arms.  We moved the futon later, so I had plenty of time to do what I wanted exercise-wise.  I decided on The Shred and Yoga Meltdown.  Jillian and I are starting to get very close…

It was an awesomely sweet workout.  But uh… by the end of yoga meltdown, my arms were throwing in the towel.  Sideplanks usually are not too difficult for me, but I was shaking like CRAZY.  And then I still had to move a futon!  Whew…  Either way- lesson of the day?  Stick to one Jillian workout.  She’s nuts.

Ok, I need to get back to waiting patiently as I stretch out in the middle of my living room…  Ahhhhh…… and My Best Friend’s Wedding is on TBS.  Holla’.  Do you have movies that give you a little Deja Vu?  I specifically remember watching this movie at a sleepover in junior high.  Most likely we didn’t get the whole movie.  But we did enjoy the dance and song at the beginning.  And later recreated it in highschool for a lip synching contest during Spirit Week.  No pictures (ah… the time before digital pictures ruled the world)- but I rocked out the “bride” part.  And hell yes we won.  Sweeeeet….

Hot Yoga?

So today was one of the warmest I’ve seen in such a long time!  Thank you, Chicago!  Of course, I spent the majority of it indoors (booooo!).  And it was like a tease to go outside at all for lunch… only to make my way back into the office.  Yeah, that’s right- we went out for lunch today!  I decided not to mention it earlier, because it was an idea from my boss to celebrate my friend and coworker Jaime’s upcoming nuptials next week.  And I’m sure with many bosses, you go on “boss time” and sometimes (or often) that requires rescheduling. 

But the four of us (Jaime, me, and our two bosses) made our way to Carlucci’s!  If you’re not from Chicago, let me just say- it’s an AWESOME Italian restaurant.  No pics (I don’t really care to get into detail with my boss about what I do in my free time to that extent)- but we had a great time!  It’s not often we’re all out of the office together, so it was great.  And the tilapia with scallops and shrimp over cous cous was fabulous.  And paid for.  Which made it even ten times more fabulous.  And since we were with the bosses, it was an executive lunch that lasted much longer than the usual hour we get.  One hundred times more fabulous…

It was, however, a late lunch.  And heavier than usual.  So, when dinner came around, I wasn’t really as hungry as usual.  And had a simple lunch with an arnold thin and hummus and some broccoli with cheese on top…I often have scaled down dinners.  Which makes me ask- what’s your biggest/smallest meal of the day?  Calorie-wise, I’m pretty sure my breakfast stands out as the biggest.  I load up my oatmeal like none other.  I don’t usually have a morning snack or anything and it lasts with no problems until lunch (except for today because lunch ended up being almost two hours later than usual and my insides were starting to eat themselves). 

I got home and immediately opened the windows… lovely.  And then I pulled my tired butt in front of the TV for some more of Jillian Michael’s Yoga Meltdown.  My arms really get WORKED on this one.  Ever done chaturanga pushups?  And then held the pose afterwards?  Twice?  Daaaaammmmnnnnn.  Because of the temps outside, and my only opening the sliding door and windows about 10 minutes before start time, it was a sweaty workout.  Does it count as hot yoga?  No?  Close?  Let’s revisit this thought in July…

I’ve been slacking in the sleep area.  That’s for sure.  And I’ve been trying to cut back on coffee at the same time.  No bueno.  I’m starting to get sorta sluggish.  And I’m sure the relaxed and short workouts aren’t helping either.  My energy plummets the less active I get.  Ick.  So, last night I broke out the goods:Sleepytime tea I won from a giveaway last month.  Did it help?  Maybe.  If not- oh well, it was still good as I watched the final episode ever of Ugly Betty!  I am not the hardcore watcher of this show, but I still keep up with it pretty well.  And have apparently been watching it all season without knowing that it was cancelled???  No wonder they finally took the braces off of her.  It was about time…

As for hot neighbor boy- I love your comments of optimism and support (I believe the assurance that he probably has bad breath and six toes was my favorite).  But it’s cool.  Clearly I have to hang out outside in the nice weather a little more and scout out all the other units in the complex.  Anyone have some binoculars?  (I kid, I kid!)

Oh, and here’s a warning- be careful where you put your kettleball.  I was using mine last night to do some quickie side bendy things while watching tv and left it where I used it.  Kicking a kettleball when you’re barefoot and groggy in the morning is NO FUN.  You heard it here first.

Slight Change of Plans

Apparently I wasn’t the only one surprised Jillian does yoga!  But, like I said, it’s definitely not traditional yoga.  Which is probably why I enjoy it.  Slowly phasing my way into it…   And, just an fyi, she totally softened her look for the dvd.  Her hair is actually down in soft curls and everything.  And she smiles.  What is that? I guess she’s trying to appear like less of a hard ass?  It worked… and either way- I loved the workout.

Now on to the lunch of Polish food… There was a slight change of plans.  Jon had a meeting that ran later than expected and we had to reschedule for Thursday.  I KNOW- I’m just as disappointed as you.  Maybe even more because I had to hit the salad bar I’m not a fan of.  *Sigh* I guess that’s the life of a corporate superstar.  Ha ha.  Boooo…. But at least now I have something fun planned for Thursday, right?

However, plans with Mon were still set and put into motion. I made a quick dinner when I got home to fill me up before she picked me up:I made a spinach and mushroom egg souflee and threw it on an arnold thin.  Delicious egg sammy, anyone?  The spinach was from last week’s pizza still and definitely getting pretty limp.  Glad I was able to work it in last night.  Saving it for tonight would have been dicey. Have you ever pushed the limit on expiration dates and failed?  I did once with milk.  It wasn’t pretty…And I still swear by Trader Joe’s 21 Season Salute… it makes everything that much better.  Seriously- everything!

Anyhoo, Mon picked me up and we were off to Mario Tricoci to get beautified.  She was whisked away to her hair appointment right away and soon I found myself face to face with Elle.  I’ll call her the makeup master.  Because she doesn’t just do work.  She does magic.  Magic with very expensive things.  But magic nonetheless. Me before:AAAHHHH!  No makeup!!  AAAHHHH…. Shield the young children’s eyes!!!!

First thing’s first.  I did not buy the $150 bottle of vitamin C wonderfulness that she put on my face and I oogled over the entire time.  I’m aware since my fruit intake is pretty much nonexistent, my Vitamin C count is a little low.  Something to work on.  Another reason to explore multivitamins?  Hmmm….

Her number one tip that she gave me was to always do your eye makeup first.  Otherwise, if you mess up the eyes, you’re also going back and messing up all the concealer/foundation/moisturizer work you did beforehand.  Makes sense.

I watched closely when she did my eyes.  Like I said, I’m no artist.  Basically, she said the darker the color, the smaller the brush you want to use.  And it’s all about the blending, girls… I’m also more of a lip gloss girl than a lipstick lady.  Lipstick is a little dramatic for me, but I liked the shade she picked.Ta-da!  Yeah, it’s pretty neutral and more of an everyday look.  From this pic, you may not be able to tell too much.  But up close, it looked ten times better than what I do to my face on a daily basis…   Thanks Elle!

And yes, I ended up purchasing something.  I was more interested in the skin care than the makeup.  So we discussed again what each thing did (out of all the cleansers, moisturizers, serums, and masks) and what would be “priority” purchases.  I decided it was best to not spend half my paycheck, but did pick up the gentle face wash she used.  It felt soooo fresh and is quite the step up from my Clean & Clear…  It was no surprise when she stressed the importance of balancing out the skin- and not completely stripping it of all moisture with the wrong kind of cleanser.  It was kind of a “duh” moment for me when she explained that if your face wash is too harsh, it strips your face of any essential oils- so then your body works even harder trying to replenish them (hence, creating more oil in a vicious, vicious cycle).

I’m glad that I’m learning Skin Care 101 at the age of 24.

Obviously, I couldn’t afford the whole skin care line at Mario’s (unless you kids want to throw some free samples my way- heeeeyyyyy!), but do any of you guys have stuff you swear by?

Also, I know it’s that time of year where it’s VERY important (I know it’s important year-round, but more so when I start spending way more time outside) to get some good spf.  Elle said that only 10% of wrinkles and other aging issues are genetic- and 90% are environmental.  Oh… so you mean I’m completely responsible for the little wrinkles forming at my eyes?  Great… Sorry for any hard feelings, mom.  Guess it’s not your fault afterall…

Mon swears by the foundation they have because they mix it to match your exact shade.  So she picked up a little somethin’ somethin’ after her haircut and fix.Elle was so much fun!  And Mon and I both felt super cute afterwards.  Where as we should, right?So we decided to get a little crazy and go downtown AH for drinks.  Ok, really I just had one vodka club, but we hung out for a little while just catching up with weekend recaps and such.  While sort of showing off our makeover looks. 

Oh and hot neighbor update- hot neighbor was at the door of the apartment building when Mon dropped me off.  He was letting his girlfriend in.  FAIL.  Another change of plans… On to the next one.

Happy Hump Day!

Namaste, Jillian.

First off- thanks for all the sweet comments about the race!  I know it may have not been the smartest move given my chronic leg issues, but I really had so much fun doing it.  Secondly, I have been informed “twinge” is most likely a word and should be used often because it’s a good one.  So yeah…

I was a little sore yesterday.  I think a lot of it had to do with the fact I was off of running for three weeks and then suddenly blasted three miles in a race.  I am sure it’s mostly “good sore”- but am going to wait for the muscles to chill before I assess the whole leg situation.

Because I really felt like a good stretch, I decided yoga would be a good way to work it out.  After some exploration of Exercise TV, I found that Jillian Michael’s Yoga Meltdown was an option!  I hear good things about it from Marie on a pretty regular basis, so I decided to give it a try.  And I happen to love her other workouts (shout out to The Shred!).

It was a tough workout!  I found myself having to do some of the altered poses to chill out a little.  But I liked it!  Granted, Jillian isn’t the most soothing person to listen to for traditional yoga- but this isn’t really traditional anyways.  So it was ok.  I’d definitely do it again!  I just wish they had the Level 2 on Exercise TV, too.  Not that I would be able to do it right away- but I’m just sayin’.  And I’m totally feeling like I got a great stretch.  Success!

Because of poor planning, I did a double salad day.  I bought the bag of lettuce close to the weekend and didn’t really get a chance to eat it the last couple of days.  In order to not be wasteful, salad became my meals of the day because the lettuce was taking a turn for the worse.  But I made sure to make my dinner salad epic:Broccoli, mushrooms, peas, and sunflower seeds were overflowing out of the bowl!  I wish I could say I’m not a messy eater, but it definitely got everywhere when I tried to mix it up.  I have no patience when it comes to this kind of thing.  Oops…

Yoga and fresh eats all day- how refreshed should I be feeling right now? 

Not very… I’m tired.  Where’s my coffee?

Not much else to say today… I’m having lunch with my friend Jon who works nearby my office.  We’ve hit up Jason’s Deli the last couple of times we’ve met up, so I told him it was his choice this time and that he should find us a good Polish place to go- he lives next to quite a few and says authentic Polish food is amazing.  Since I haven’t had a lot of it, I said we should give it a go!

Also, in another effort to combat the suckiness of a Tuesday, Mon and I are taking a trip.  She’s a loyal customer of Mario Tricoci day spa and salon and is going tonight to get her hair ‘did.  And since they like her so much, they gave her a couple free sessions to come in and get your makeup done.  So she gave one to me.  Which is a blessing- this girl (pretend I’m pointing both thumbs at myself) is no artist when it comes to the face and such things involving brushes and liner.  I’m hoping to pick up some good tips.  Because I suck.  And it’s not beyond the realm of possibilities of the girl taking one look at my eyebrows and passing out.  That’s a whole other level of disaster I’ve got going on… I should know better.

Granola Bar Fail (?)

So my fav nutrition bars are by Clif.  LOVE them.  So of course I tried to recreate them.  I’ve seen several of you ladies post granola or nutrition bar recipes.  I also googled a few.  And then decided to try and combine the ones I liked.  Then surely I’d have my own super fantastic granola bar, right?  

Uh… don’t do that.  Or go ahead- just be a little smarter/more patient about it.

Granola bars where one of the things I had in mind when I picked some of the stuff I won in a giveaway by Meghann for iherb.com. The peanut butter I got isn’t my fav.  I actually opened that one about a week ago- and prefer my TJ brand stuff.  It’s not awful, I’ve just become a huge nut butter snob (apparently).

Anyhoo, I mixed all the goods together (the rice krispies, oats, flax, almonds, and chocolate chips) and then mixed in the syrup/brown sugar/vanilla/peanut butter concoction I had mixed together on the stove.  I got impatient pretty quickly and just started using my hands.Getting messy is more fun, anyways.    But I should have mixed a little longer.  It became evident when I was pressing it into the pan that it wasn’t all going to stick as well as I planned for it to.  So I ended up with six granola bars.  And a pile of granola.  And a tummy ache… but that’s not the point.    The granola is VERY good.  And the loose granola will be good for something I’m sure (such as in my morning oatmeal?).  So it wasn’t a complete fail.  But I learned to stick to one recipe for this kind of thing.  I’m sure it would have helped to use more syrup.  Now I know.

I didn’t realize until I had moved a little more yesterday morning that Jillian Michaels had left me a little sore (a good sore- no worries!).  And my energy and sass I started with earlier in the day had worn down a little.  So I got home and did some good stretching.  And situps.  And cleaning.  And dancing around a bit.  So there was plenty of movement.  Just no structured workout.

Which is why I’m gonna get my yoga on in a little bit.  Along with some work on the elliptical.  Didn’t get that run done.  But I’m still feeling pretty good.  The leg doesn’t ache at all right now and I’m starting to get excited about the 5k race tomorrow.  Like the Shamrock Shuffle, I don’t have a real time goal in mind.  I get it that I’m still on the mend.  I was running some decent 5k times earlier this year, but won’t be disappointed if I don’t hit them.  The day is more about Annie anyways- she’s so excited about doing her first race! 

What else am I doing today?  Mon and I are helping each other out.  I’m helping her drop off her car to get some work done and she’s gonna hang out with me at my house while a guy comes to look at my chair I put up on craigslist.  I’m ok with selling stuff on craigslist, but I like to have someone with me (dude- I’m still a girl).  No creepers allowed in this house without a beatdown… jk.  Has anyone else sold stuff on craigslist?  Or chose not to for a reason?  I’m curious…

Also, to treat ourselves for the obviously large amounts of hard work we’re doing, we’re going to bask in the the glory of this gorgeous day in our little downtown area and go to lunch.  I hope you all enjoy the (hopefully) nice weather!

Get It Together

Mother Nature can be quite the diva.  This weather that’s all over the place is not doing a thing for my cheery spring behavior.  Yesterday hit around 40 degrees for a high.  What?!?  Figure it out, woman!  You’re acting like a hot mess and really need to get it together. 

Needless to say, I postponed the trail run.  It was 4oish degrees which was whatever- that wasn’t so much the issue.  But it was rainy.  And the cloud coverage was creating early darkness.  Not so ideal when you’re planning to run a trail where there are no street lights.  Let’s see how today goes.

Since I had decided I was just fine to run, I decided that I was just as capable to get back to some oldies that I miss.  Like The Shred.  Hello Jillian, long time no see.  I did Level 1 because it had been a few weeks.  And it was great.  Although I think I could have done Level 2 without a problem.  Level 1 didn’t leave me all hot and bothered like the first time I started up this work out (that’s what she said- you knew it was coming…), so next time I’ll take it up a notch.

As I was doing one of the cardio intervals, I thought, “oh god, what if I’m making all this racket and hottie neighbor guy lives right below me?!?!  How embaressing!”  Then I thought, “well I wish this racket would at least piss him off enough to come up to see what is going on… maybe I should try and be louder.” 

Clearly I’m still waiting to run into him again… what is he?  A hermit?  Get out of your apartment, sir!

After that, I continued my veggie-rific week:Usually I don’t play around too much with spinach.  But we’ve been friends since the pizza goodness it provided.  So I made a mushroom and spinach sandwich.  It’s pretty.  But not functional.  Should have had a wrap or pita for this one.  You win some, you lose some…

Breakfast was another bittersweet one:I finished off the last of the sunflower seed butter.  Originally I didn’t like it as much, but now I’m sad it’s gone and will most likely go to Trader Joe’s again and sell a kidney for a case of this stuff.  Actually, a kidney is probably worth two cases.  The stronger flavor it has over peanut butter makes me really like it (uh… especially when mixed with chocolate).  Has anyone else tried it?  Just a warning- I have a feeling it’s one of those things that you’ll either love or hate.

Oh and the zit is retreating.  I taught him who was boss with half of a tube of zit zap.  Yeah, my zit was a “him”.  Ass…

Listen to me- I’m sassy today!

Happy Friday everyone!  I’m hoping to have a workout of some sort before calling it a night.  Or going out for a drinky drink… not sure yet.  I’m not feeling my usual “oh my goodness all I want to do is go home and pass out” self today.  But it’s still early.  No promises.