Ready! Sweat! Go!: Day 31

Wow! 31 days just flew by.  I guess this challenge is what it took for me to actually get off the couch and exercise EVERYDAY.  And I feel great.  My days feel more productive.  And I'm in the middle of my third book after 4 weeks.  That's crazy too.  I usually read three books a year.  So...here's to healthy living and literacy!

Breakfast aka driving to gym: 1 Cliff bar
Lunch: Broadway Pizza - buffet: Salad, Cottage Cheese; Pizza; Spaghetti; Cinnamon Bread
Pre-work dinner: Lasanga; Herb Roll; Chocolate Milk
Post-work dinner: Chicken Penne Pasta

Mid-morning workout at the Andover YMCA

Warm-up: 3 minutes walking on treadmill - 2.4 mph

Weight training of Lower Body:  Leg Curl - 35 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Leg Extension - 55 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Calf Extension - 160 lbs/ 12 reps x1; 180 lbs/ 12 reps x1
                                                 Leg Press - 80 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Hip Abduction - 85 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Hip Adduction - 85 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Back Extension - 150 lbs/ 12 reps x2



Cardio: 30 minutes of walking on treadmill - 2.8-3.5 mph

P.S.  Am I the only one who loves the feeling of sitting still in the car and feeling the nerve ending fire and twitch in the thighs after a long workout?

Ready! Sweat! Go!: Day 30

Breakfast: Special K Chocolate Delight cereal; 2% Milk
Lunch: none
Snack: Nature's Made Oats 'N' Honey granola bar; Water
Dinner: Chicken Cordon Bleu; Julienne Potatoes; Herb Rollls; Chocolate Milk

Late-Afternoon Workout at the Chain of Lakes YMCA

Cardio: 50 minutes walking on treadmill - 2.6-3.3 mph

Weights:  Rest Day

Ready! Sweat! Go!: Day 29

Breakfast (9:30 am): 1/2 of a Ham and Swiss Deli Sandwich with lettuce, red onion, pickle and light on the mayo and honey mustard; 1/2 bag of BBQ Potato Chips; Mocha Bruggachio
Lunch (3:00 pm): remaining halves of deli sandwich and potato chips;  Water
Snack: 2 pieces of homemade caramels
Post-workout snack aka driving home: 1 Nature's Made Oats 'n' Honey Bar
Dinner: Spinach, Spring Greens and Romaine salad with carrots and radishes; Honey French dressing; 2 itty bitty corn on the cobs

Early Evening Workout at the Chain of Lakes YMCA
Weight training of Upper Body:  Chest Press - 30 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Fly - 30 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Pulldown - 70 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Row/ Rear Delt - 50 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Shoulder Press - 30 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Bicep Curl - 30 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Tricep Press - 50 lbs/ 12 reps x2


Cardio: 40 minutes of walking on treadmill - 2.6-3.4 mph

Ready! Sweat! Go!: Day 28

Breakfast: can't remember....I'm bad at this.
Lunch: last of the leftovers- Lasagna; Garlic Bread; Chocolate Milk
Snack at work: Bagette Bread with cheese spread; Water
Dinner: Spinach, Spring Greens and Romaine Salad with grilled chicken carrots and radishes; Honey French Dressing
Evening Snack: Popcorn Puffs

Early Morning Workout at the Andover YMCA **with Sara***
Cardio: 18 minutes of walking on treadmill - 3.8-3.3 mph

Weight training of Lower Body:  Leg Curl - 35 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Leg Extension - 55 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Calf Extension - 160 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Leg Press - 80 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Hip Abduction - 85 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Hip Adduction - 85 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Back Extension - 150 lbs/ 12 reps x2


Cardio: 30 minutes of walking on treadmill - 2.8-3.5 mph

Movie Monday

The Adjustment Bureau
Date of Viewing: Sunday, March 27, 2011

Method Of Viewing: Andover Cinemas

Rate: 5 out of 5 Stars

A-Listers:  Matt Damon
Emily Blunt

I wouldn't say I was dragged to see this movie but there wasn't anything better that I wanted to see.  And now I can say that I am glad that I saw it.  It was an action adventure love story mixed with a little bit of politics.  You do have to use your imagination to follow the plot, but if you've seen "Inception", "The Adjustment Bureau" will be a stroll in the park.  Once you get the idea of how the Adjustment Bureau works, you can't help but root for David and Elise.

And that brings me to my opinion of the 2 leads....what a cute couple.  They have great on-screen chemistry that I wish neither of them were married in real life just so I could see their courtship in the tabloids.

Ready! Sweat! Go!: Day 27

Breakfast: Scrambled eggs and cheese on English muffin; 4 Sausage links; Water
Lunch: Spinach, Romaine and Spring Greens Salad with Honey French Dressing
Dinner: Van Hanson's Bologna Ring; Tater Tots; Chocolate Milk

No workout today.  Sunday's supposed to be a lazy day anyhow.

Eye Sores

Has anyone else noticed those wire and cardboard signs on random street corner? 
They became popular a couple of years ago.
I've thought about this for a while now but at some point shouldn't they be considered "liter". Somebody puts the up, but they never take them down.  They get bent and weather beaten.

Do you want to refinance your home?  Do you want to rent to own?  Do you wanna work from home and make $1000/week?  Just last week when it was 40*, the sun was shining and the snow was melting, I saw a sign for "Sprinkler Blow Out, Call -----".  Pretty sure that time has come and gone.  Then I saw one for "Ice Dam Removal".  Um...snow had been off of everyone's roof for about 2 weeks.  (But since our last snow fall, it's back.)  And I saw one that was completely blank.  I can only suspect it had faded from the sun.

Sometimes I'll still see a campaign sign on the side of the road.  It's 2011 and not an election year.
And don't get me started about the Parade of Homes.  I pass two new developments on my way to and from work and they are all over the place. They'll be up for months after the Parade of Homes ends next weekend.

Spring's around the corner.  Time for a Street Corner Spring Cleaning.

Ready! Sweat! Go!: Day 26

Breakfast: can't rememer
Lunch: leftovers - Lasanga, Garlic Bread, Water
Snack at work:  Water
Dinner: Spinach, Romaine and Spring Greens Salad with Honey French dressing, PBJ on White Bread, Doritos, Water

Late Afternoon Workout at the Andover YMCA
Weight training of Upper Body:  Chest Press - 30 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Fly - 50 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Pulldown - 70 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Row/ Rear Delt - 40 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Shoulder Press - 30 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Bicep Curl - 30 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Tricep Press - 50 lbs/ 12 reps x2


Cardio: 30 minutes of walking on treadmill - 2.8-3.5 mph

Ready! Sweat! Go!: Day 25

Breakfast:  can't remember
Lunch: leftovers - Lasagna; Garlic Bread; Water
Dinner: TGIF's Cajun Shrimp Pasta; French Fries; Water
Late-Night: 2 UV Blue Shots, 1 Mai Tai, 1 Strawberry Daiquiri, 2 Amaretto Sours ; 1 Piece of Canadian Bacon Pizza (afte12:01 am.), Chips and Guacamole; Water

NoWorkout Today.
The days events: Work, came home, took a nap (because I knew it was going to be a late night), went out for supper and was disappointed that TGIF's discontinued their Fish Taco's....they were amazing.  Came home, got ready and headed over to J's house, took a taxi to Macaluso's in Vadnais Heights, danced a little bit, talked a little bit, took a taxi home, ate, when to bed around 3 am.  Just in time to get up at 8:00 am.

Ready! Sweat! Go!: Day 24

Breakfast: A taste of a dessert I made last night:  Blueberry Delight; Special K Berry Yogurt
Morning Lunch: Leftovers - Lasagna; Garlic Bread; Water
Afternoon Lunch: Boxed Lunch from Nelson's Cheese Factory (at CPR class)- Ham and Swiss on hamburger roll; Potato Chips; Chocolate Chunk cookie; Water
Dinner: Benningan's ( Y gal get-together) - 1/2 Turkey Club and Garden Salad ( tomatoes, onions, cucumber, croutons) with French Dressing

No "official" workout.  I had every intention of going to work just 10 minutes early so that I could walk the stairs but that didn't pan out.  I still wanted to do something so I just kept moving.  When developing xrays, I was squatting or doing a side-step-lunge-point-toe.  Then I saw our distilled water that was delivered yesterday.  Some hadn't been put away yet and a light bulb went off.  I took a jug and weighted it on the postage stamp scale.  A gallon of water comes in at 137 ounces, which converts to just under 9 pounds.  Perfect.

I made sure I was alone in the sterile lab so no one could catch me looking ridiculous.  With a gallon of water in each hand, I did 2 reps of 12 bicep curls, shoulder presses and fly each.  Doing the fly is actually quite hard when you have to hold your arms out straight and move the jugs on a horizontal line.

I had been looking forward to Bennigan's all week and every time I've been to there I've ordered the Monte Cristo.  My mouth drools still thinking of it.  But I couldn't bring myself to eat that deep fried yumminess and all the calories and fat and sodium that come with it.  Instead, I ordered the 1/2 Sandwich and Salad combo.  I'm proud of myself for having the power to say no.

Ready! Sweat! Go!: Day 23

Breakfast: 2/3 of Banana Chocolate Chip Muffin
Lunch: Stoffer's Chicken Alfredo Flatbread Melt
Work-snacking: Water
Post-workout snack: Ritz Baked Crackers
Dinner:  Spinach, Spring Greens, Romaine and Iceberg Salad with carrots and radishes and grilled chicken; Honey French and Caesar dressing; Lasanga (made with cottage cheese) and garlic bread loaf; Water

Late Afternoon Workout at the Chain of Lakes YMCA
Cardio: 45 minutes walking on treadmill - 2.6-3.3 mph

Weights:  Rest Day


I won't stop moving from the time I get up tomorrow morning until the time I get home from work Saturday afternoon.  I don't know if I'll be able to find time to do any workouts.  I'll just have to be creative like running the stairs.  Oh joy!

Ready! Sweat! Go!: Day 22

Breakfast: Fiber One pop tart
Lunch: Ham and Provolone on Wheat Berry bread; BBQ potato chips; carrots with ranch dip; Water
Snack during work:  Cinnamon roasted Macadamia nuts; Water
Dinner: BBQ Chicken; StoveTop; Mashed Potatoes; Chocolate Milk

Early Evening Workout at the Chain of Lakes YMCA
Weight training of Upper Body:  Chest Press - 30 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Fly - 50 lbs/ 15 reps x1...only one rep due to machine hog
                                                 Pulldown - 70 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Row/ Rear Delt - 40 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Shoulder Press - 30 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Bicep Curl - 30 lbs/ 12 reps x1; 9 reps x1
                                                 Tricep Press - 50 lbs/ 12 reps x2

Cardio: 35 minutes of walking on treadmill - 2.6-3.3 mph

I almost skipped out on tonight's workout due to the rain, but I couldn't do that without feeling guilty.  And then I'd go home and end up snacking on unhealthy foods and I don't want to do that either.  Now I feel like I accomplished something other than just working all day.

Ready! Sweat! Go!: Day 21

Breakfast: Cinnamon Toast
Lunch: Subway 6" Wheat Pepperjack Cheese Turkey Breast and Black Forest Ham
           Lettuce, Spinach!, Pickles, Black Olives, Onions, Light Mayo, Baked Cheddar Ripple Potato Chips; Water
Snacking at work: Cinnamon Toasted Macadamia Nuts; Water
Dinner: Homemade California Burger - White Bread, Lettuce, Cheese, Mayo, Kansas City BBQ Sauce; Waffle Fries; Chocolate Milk

Early Morning Workout at the Andover YMCA
Warm-up: 2 minutes of walking on treadmill

Weight training of Lower Body:  Leg Curl - 55 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Leg Extension - 55 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Calf Extension - 160 lbs/ 12 reps x2...I found the machine!!! Yeah!
                                                 Leg Press - 75 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Hip Abduction - 80 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Hip Adduction - 80 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Back Extension - 150 lbs/ 12 reps x2

Cardio: 45 minutes of walking on treadmill - 2.8-3.5 mph

I've weighed myself on many different scales and they all have different readings.  BUT  I weighed myself on the scale in the ladies room at Andover and according to that scale I've lost 10 pounds.  Sweet!
Exercising and watching what you eat (even though indulging here and there) works.  Who knew?

Ready! Sweat! Go!: Day 20

Breakfast: Sausage links, scrambled eggs, toast with butter, water
Lunch: Aldi's Personal Pizza
Work-snacking:Water
Supper: Thielen's Old-Fashioned Weiners on White Bread with ketchup and mustard; Water

No workout today.  My parents have finally made it back to Minnesota.  They called last night at said they were in Madison, WI and would be here around 9pm.  So the Britz Inn was open for business and I got to here tales of Nashville and St. Petersburg, FL.  Again, I love to just sit at the table with my parents and just talk long after we've finished eating.  In today's case it was after breakfast.

Mom said the best part was the toast.  I guess Down South you don't get toast with breakfast.  It's either pancakes or French Toast.  To hear that was a relief.  I thought maybe she was commenting on my cooking skills.

Another Blog

I have found that having a food diary and a workout log helps me maintain my motivation.  I thought about just keeping a journal in a notebook but it's the fact that at anytime someone else can read it, view it and comment on it.  It's the fear of judgment that keeps me on my path.  But maybe it can also help motivate someone too.  And that makes it worth it too.

So in the footsteps of Sara, I have decided to manage 2 blogs.  I will continue to post my Ready! Sweat! Go! posts on my Hulee Britozio blog.  But as of April 1st, I will continue posting on The Road To A Healthier Me.

When To Call It Quits?

I've had two jobs for a while now.  Almost 10 years.

When I first started working at the dental office, I kept my high school job at Snyders.  I was there just under 3 years....I think...possibly 4.  Then I only had 1 FT job until December 2005.  I wanted a little extra cash for the holidays and my cousin hooked me up with the "workout facility that shall remain nameless so we'll call it IT".  She had been working there since June.  And she got in the door because her brother is a camp director.  I like that "It" runs in the family. 

I went to an "It" camp with both of those same cousins and now the second generation ( their older brother's kids) have attended the same camp.  My aunt ( their mom and grandmother ) even volunteered to be Camp Nurse 2 summer's ago.  After hearing her stories, I would never volunteer for that job.  Kudos to those that do.

"It" is my PT job.  Which means...NOT a lot of responsibility and LOW stress.  At least those were my intentions way back when.  Not so much anymore.  Over two years ago I accepted a promotion and I became a PT Member Services Adviser.  That comes with a lot of responsibility but I knew I could handle it since I was a Key Associate at Snyders.  By "Key", I mean that you had the keys to the store so you could lock up shop at the end of the night.  That's part of what a PT MSA does, but you also take the brunt of problems and complaints.

I set an example for those I oversee during my shift.  I follow the rules with little to no exceptions.  When a coworker doesn't know what to do, they look towards me.  Or when someone gets screwed up, I'm supposed to know how to fix it.  When a member has a complaint or is disagreeing about a policy, they talk to me.  But I how much yelling can I stand?  How much disregard to the rules from my coworkers can I take?  Sometimes it feels like every man for himself rather than teamwork.   I can feel that it's starting the effect how I feel towards going to work.  I used to enjoy going and spending time with my coworkers and chatting with the members.  It's still like that most days, but someday's once that first person wants to pick a fight, I feel like throwing in the towel.  It's just not worth the stress and then if my customer service falters, "It" gets the bad rap.

I love the perk of a free membership especially since I've been on a roll with getting to the gym almost everyday.  I really love the extra cash every other Friday.  I'll forever cherish the friendships that I've made there with current and past coworkers.  I never thought I would still be there after 5 years.  It was supposed to be temporary.  I'll probably just stick it out because today was one of "those" days (and writing helps to get my frustrations out and not keep them bottled up inside) and tomorrow's a brand new day. 

But I can't help but wonder how much longer will I still be working here?  When do I say "It's been great but enough is enough"?  Tomorrow?....In another 5 years?...When I finally meet a guy that I click with and we get married and I can rely on him as an extra source of income?.....He needs to hurry up and meet me already!

Ready! Sweat! Go!: Day 19

Breakfast: Gaterade; 1/3 Chocolate Chip Mufffin
Snack: Water throughout shift
Lunch: Leftovers-Cheese Pizza; Gatorade; Popcorn ( free on behalf of the Home Improvement Show @ the Andover Community Center)
Supper: TBD...but definitely NOT fish!

Early Morning Workout at the Andover YMCA
Weight training of Upper Body:  Chest Press - 30 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Fly - 45 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Pulldown - 70 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Row/ Rear Delt - 40 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Shoulder Press - 30 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Bicep Curl - 30 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Tricep Press - 60 lbs/ 12 reps x2

Cardio: 25 minutes of walking on treadmill - 2.6-3.3 mph

I worked out before my shift at the Y so I had to cut it short by about 20 minutes.  And I think the members and my coworkers would appreciate if I showered so I wouldn't stink up the place.

Ready! Sweat! Go! Day 18

Breakfast: (can't remember...sorry)
Lunch: Panara's Lunch Box -Tuna Salad on Honey Wheat; Potato Chips; Chocolate Crinkle Cookie; Water
Work-snacking: none
Supper: Cheese Pizza; Bread Sticks with Marinara Sauce; Water
Late snack: Popcorn Puffs

Late Afternooon workout at the Chain of LakesYMCA
 Warm-up: 2 minutes of walking on treadmill

Weight training of Lower Body:  Leg Curl - 60 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Leg Extension - 60 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Calf Extension - 100 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Leg Press - 200 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Hip Abduction - 60 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Hip Adduction - 60 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Back Extension - 120 lbs/ 12 reps x2

Cardio: 45 minutes of walking on treadmill - 2.6-3.3 mph

Ready! Sweat! Go!: Day 17

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Breakfast: 1/2 of a gross banana; Chocolate Chip muffin; Apple Juice
Work snacking: carrots with ranch dip
Lunch: Leftovers - BBQ Chicken and  StoveTop; Water
Supper: Ham and Provolone on Wheat Berry Bread; BBQ Potato Chips; Water
Work snacking: Nature's Valley Honey 'N' Oats Granola Bar

No time for a workout today.  Sleep..eat..work...repeat.

Ready! Sweat! Go!: Day 16

Breakfast: Fit & Active cereal - Vanilla Almond flakes
Snack while standing out in the cold: Caribou Hot Chocolate
Lunch: none due to premature closing on the building I work in
Post-workout snack: String Cheese
Supper: 2 Thielen old-fashioned weiners on white bread with ketchup and mustard
            Tortilla Chip

*The day was a disaster as far as working goes.  I was stuck out in the cold twice waiting for the fire department to do their thing.  The first time was as 6:50-7:30am and the second time was 11:30-12:00pm.  The second floor smelled like something was burning and the hall outside our office was hazy.  The second time was worse than the first.  I guess one of the few "generators" that power the building fried, thus over-powering the remaining "generators" that it happened again.  The silver lining....the rest of the day was canceled and the office closed at noon.  I was able to go to the gym, shower and be home before it was 2pm...the time that I was supposed to be done with work.  I had the rest of the afternoon to do whatever I pleased.  Sweet!  I just hope the building is still standing tomorrow morning.


Early Afternoon Workout at the Chain of Lakes YMCA
Cardio: 45 minutes of walking on treadmill - 2.8-3.3 mph

Weights: Rest Day

Ready! Sweat! Go!: Day 15

Wow!  I can't believe it's the half way mark.  The next two weeks are going to go pretty fast too.

Breakfast: Special K Chocolate Delight
Lunch: Ham on Thomas flat bagel; 5 Cheddar Ripple Potato chips
Snack while driving to workout: 1 Cliff bar
Supper:  BBQ Chicken Breast; Stove Top; Romaine and Spinach Salad with carrots, red cabbage and radishes; Western dressing; water

Late Afternoon Workout at the Chain of Lakes YMCA
Weight training of Upper Body:  Chest Press - 30 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Fly - 50 lbs/ 9 reps x2
                                                 Pulldown - 70 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Row/ Rear Delt - 40 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Shoulder Press - 30 lbs/ 15 reps x1...machine hog let me sneak in between his reps
                                                 Bicep Curl - 30 lbs/ 9 reps x2
                                                 Tricep Press - 50 lbs/ 12 reps x2

Cardio: 30 minutes of walking on treadmill - 3.8-3.5 mph

Ready! Sweat! Go!: Day 14

I'm back on the wagon and it feels good.  Getting up at a reasonable time on Monday mornings and getting out into the world and accomplishing something productive sets the tone for the rest of the day.  I work the evening shift on Mondays so I used to get up around 9:30 or 10:00 AM and then stay in my pajamas 'til noon.  That is when I would usually start my day....at lunch time.  And I'd be sluggish on getting ready and dressed for work.

Now I get up at 8:30 and I'm at the gym by 9.  I'm home by 10:30 and head for the shower.  And by 11:00 I am set for the rest of my day.  ( And I have an hour to spare. )

Breakfast: none
Lunch: Ham and Muenster on Wheat Berry bread; Carrots and Ranch Veggie Dip; BBQ Potato Chips; Water
Work-snacking: none
Supper: Cheese Quesadilla with lettuce, sour cream and salsa; Juice

Mid-morning workout at the Andover YMCA
 Warm-up: 2 minutes of walking on treadmill

Weight training of Lower Body:  Leg Curl - 50 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Leg Extension - 50 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Calf Extension - not available at this location
                                                 Leg Press - 70 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Hip Abduction - 70 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Hip Adduction - 75 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Back Extension - 150 lbs/ 12 reps x2

Cardio: 45 minutes of walking on treadmill - 2.6-3.1 mph

Movie Monday

The King's Speech

Date of Viewing: Saturday March 12, 2011

Method Of Viewing: Parkwood 18 in Waite Park

Rate: 5 out of 5 Stars

A-Listers:  Colin Firth

Geoffrey Rush

Helena Bonham Carter

 

 I have never seen a trailer for this movie.  The first time that I ever heard about this movie was at the Oscars just a couple of weeks ago.  The movies that are usually nominated for the Academy Awards don't really appeal to me, but this year was different.  I want to see almost all of them.  And I thought I would start with the one that won Best Directing,  Best Screenplay, Best Actor, and  Best Picture.

And after seeing it....I totally agree with all of the above.  Without seeing "The Fighter", Geoffrey Rush should have also received an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.  He was the comical relief in this Royal biography.  Many chuckles throughout the theater by his one liners. 

 

I seem to be attracted to these types of movies.  I loved "Elizabeth" and "Elizabeth: The Golden Age".  The telling of Royal history and imagining what life would have been as Queen of England.  Or the Duke of York in the case of King George VI.  The only one to the contrary to this is "The Other Boleyn Girl"; not based on the movie but just because of the male chauvinism of King Henry Tudor.

On a side note...there must be a lack of talented British actors.  There were a few characters from Harry Potter.  To list the obvious:  Helena Bonham Carter is Queen Elizabeth (not the previous Elizabeth though), the wife of King George VI and also Beatrix Lestrange.  Michael Gambon plays King George V, King George the VI's ill-fated father and also Albus Dumbledore...the second (the first actor that played Albus died).  The third commonality is Timothy Spall.   He plays Winston Churchill and also Wormtail aka. Peter Pettigrew.

What else can I say but....Go See It Yourself!!!

Ready! Sweat! Go!: Day 13

Breakfast: Morrill Breakfast Fundraiser - 2 pieces French Toast; 2 Little Sausages; Scrambled Eggs; Cinnamon Roll; 2 glasses of Apple Juice
Lunch:  Um...too full.
Dinner: Leftovers - Elbow noodle spaghetti; Roasted Potatoes; Water

No "official" workout today either.  I am too tired from driving home and I don't want to be driving anywhere else today.  I just want to relax at home from being on-the-go all weekend.

However, one may consider doing standard housework as a workout.  Lugging the suitcases up the stairs, hauling the dirty laundry hamper down the stairs, bending over to lift the dirty laundry out the hamper and pushing it into the front load washer, pulling wet clothes from washer and pushing them into the front load dryer, pulling dry clothes from dryer and placing into clothes basket, lifting full clothes basket and carrying to living room.  Do you like my verbs??  There is squatting involved and possibly lunging if one is creative enough.

Ready! Sweat! Go!: Day 12

Breakfast: Egg and Cheese of Toasted English Muffin; Juice
Lunch: none
Snack: Parkwood 17 Movie Theater popcorn; water
Dinner: Pizza Ranch (Little Falls) buffett- Salad; Potato Salad; Pizza; Fried Chicken - skin removed; Mashed Potatoes and Gravy; Cactus Bread; Water

Today I fell off the wagon.  I started out well with a hearty breakfast and it went downhill from there.  Being Up North is wonderful but it also means not having a place to workout and then getting out of my established routine.  I was going to be good and not get popcorn at the movies but the aroma weakens anyone's willpower.  I did good though by requesting a little cup for water from the drinking fountain.  I REALLY didn't want to pay $4 for Aquafina and then have it taste like gross plastic water.
As for supper, the Pizza Ranch was a treat.  I've only been there once before and the franchise is only in small, rural towns.  I wonder is Ham Lake would be considered a small rural town??

Tomorrow will be a brand new day!

Ready! Sweat! Go!: Day 11

Pre-breakfast aka. driving to work out: 1 Cliff bar
Breakfast: none
Lunch: TBD; possibly Filet O' Fish
Supper:TBD; possibly VFW Fish Fry...Six more Friday's and I'm already tired of fish!

Mid-Morning Workout at the Andover YMCA
Weight training of Upper Body:  Chest Press - 25 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Fly - 50 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Pulldown - 60 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Row/ Rear Delt - 40 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Shoulder Press - 20 lbs/ 12reps x2
                                                 Bicep Curl - 35 lbs/ 10 reps x2
                                                 Tricep Press - 60 lbs/ 12 reps x2

Cardio: 40 minutes of walking on treadmill - 2.6-3.3 mph

Ready! Sweat! Go!: Day 10

Breakfast aka. driving to work-out: String Cheese Stick
                                                            Banana
Lunch: Chipolte- Chicken Burrito Bowl--rice, pinto beans, grilled chicken, mild salsa, corn salsa, light on the cheese and sour cream, heavy on the lettuce; chips; water
Supper: no time for supper
Post-work snack: 2 squares of pepperoni and green pepper pizza; water

Mid-Morning Workout at the Chain of Lakes YMCA
Warm-up: 2 minutes of walking on treadmill

Weight training of Lower Body:  Leg Curl - 50 lbs/ 9 reps x2
                                                 Leg Extension - 50 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Calf Extension - 100 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Leg Press - 200 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Hip Abduction - 50 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Hip Adduction - 50 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Back Extension - 200 lbs/ 12 reps x2

Cardio: 45 minutes of walking on treadmill - 2.7-3.1 mph

Ready! Sweat! Go!: Day 9

Today is the first day of lent.  I have decided to give up two things and they will both help me with my new 31-day Challenge.  I am giving up all sugary drinks and candy.  I've done pop before and I don't drink it on a regular basis so it was always an easy one.  I'm going to expand it to include any kind of sugary drink.  This includes lemonade, cappuccino's from the gas station or mocha's from the coffee shop.  I'm going to help to do some research on Gatorade or Powerade...those have beneficial electrolytes that help replenish energy after burning calories. 

Candy's going to be the hard one.  I am a choc-oholic.  And with Easter candy coming out (Peeps, Jelly Beans), this will test my willpower.  But I know I can do it!


Mid-Afternoon Workout at the Chain of Lakes YMCA
Breakfast: Berry Yogurt Special K Cereal
Morning Snack: Asiago Cheese Bagel with Onion and Chive Cream Cheese
Lunch: No time for lunch
Work-snacking: Sting Cheese; Water
Supper: Fish Fillets; Roasted Potato Wedges; Water

Cardio: 50 minutes of walking on treadmill - 2.7 mph

Weights: Rest Day

Ready! Sweat! Go!: Day 8

Did you celebrate Fat Tuesday today?? Or do you call it Mardi Gras?  Either way I'm going to have to think of something to give up for Lent and I better do it fast.  Tomorrow's menu.....fish sticks! for Ash Wednesday.

Breakfast: Egg and Cheese on Toasted English Muffin
Snack during work: Fat Tuesday referral treats - cake donuts
Lunch (catering meeting): Jimmy John's sandwiches - Ham and
                                                                                                  Italian
                                      Jalapeno Potato Chips
                                      Raisin and Oatmeal Cookie
                                     Water

Supper:  Macaroni Spaghetti with Butter Garlic Toast
              Romaine and Spinach Salad with carrots,
                                                           red cabbage and radishes
              Western dressing
              Water
Evening Snack: Frozen Fruit Bar

Early Evening Workout at Chain of Lakes YMCA
Cardio: 30 minutes of walking on treadmill - 2.6-3.5 mph

Weight training of Upper Body:  Chest Press - 20 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Fly -40 lbs/ 9 reps x2
                                                 Pulldown (aka Lat/ High Row)-
                                                       60 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Row/ Rear Delt - 40 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Shoulder Press - 30 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Bicep Curl - skip...my arms were noodles
                                                 Tricep Press - 50 lbs/ 9 reps x2

I can tell something's happening with my body.  My muscles are so sore.  It took all the strength I had just to raise my arms to shampoo my hair.

Ready! Sweat! Go!: Day 7

Breakfast: Pudding Cup
Lunch: Ham and Povolone Tortilla Roll-up with Lettuce
           Potato Chips
           Water
Supper: Leftovers- Turkey Loaf
                             Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
                             Welsh's White Grape Cherry Juice

This morning I worked out at the Andover Y.  Starting today I am now going to list where I workout out as the weight machines are very different and the resistance is not the same.  I found that out when I tried to do 200lbs on the leg press and I didn't go anywhere.  I couldn't even move 100bs.  But some where too easy...50 lbs on the Hip Abd/Add was like moving marshmallows...too easy.  Andover doesn't even have a Calf Extension machine so I skipped that today too.

Warm-up: 2 minutes of walking on treadmill

Weight training of Lower Body:  Leg Curl - 50 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Leg Extension - 50 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Leg Press - 70 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Hip Abduction - 70 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Hip Adduction - 70 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Back Extension - 150 lbs/ 12 reps x2

Cardio: 30 minutes of walking on treadmill - 2.6-3.3 mph

Movie Monday

Eat Pray Love

Date of Viewing: Friday March 4, 2011

Method Of Viewing: Netflix DVD

Rate: 5 out of 5 Stars

A-Listers:  Julia Roberts

 Javier Bardem

James Franco

I was on the fence on whether I wanted to see this or not, and I'm glad I did.  It's about a woman that's unhappy with her life and sets out on a traveling adventure (Italy, India, Bali) to experience food, spirituality and friendship. 

Eat:  She tells a friend to eat for you, for happiness; not for others or to be super skinny.

Pray:  She has spiritual guidance from Ketut....almost like a psychic.  He advises her in her love life too.  A quote: "To lose balance sometimes for love is part of living a balanced life."

Love: She has three lover's and through each relationship, she grows and finds herself more and more and then she finds the man that's perfect for her. 

 

Ready! Sweat! Go!: Day 6

Pre-breakfast aka. driving to work out: 12 oz. OJ
Breakfast: none
Lunch: leftovers - 1/2 Pepperoni and Black Olive Calzone;
           Carrots with Ranch Dip
Supper:Tuna Pizza Burgers
            Romaine and Spinach Salad with carrots, red cabbage and radishes with Western dressing
           Water

Cardio: 30 minutes of walking on treadmill - 2.6-3.3 mph

Weight training of Upper Body:  Chest Press - 20 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Fly - 45 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Pulldown - 55 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Row/ Rear Delt - 40 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Shoulder Press - 40 lbs/ 9 reps x2
                                                 Bicep Curl - 40 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Tricep Press - 60 lbs/ 12 reps x2

Now...That's What I Call A MP3 Player

When I do my cardio workout, I put my headphones on and put the volume on just loud enough to drown out the other people around me and then I read whatever book I'm engrossed in.  It's when I'm doing my weight training that I get bored listening to the radio.  I don't want to listen to radio personalities talk or commercials during songs.  I want music that is going to motivate me.

I've had my MP3 player for over a year now.  I bought it on Black Friday in 2009.  I've always meant to download music onto it, but that task sounds complicated to me.  So I never did. 

Last night, my sister and I stopped at Target and I saw two CD's that spoke to me.  "Now That's What I Call The 1990's" and "Now That's What I Call Party Hits!"  The first is a throw-back to high school.  Songs include "You Get What You Give" by the New Radicals, "Bitch" by Meredith Brooks, "If It Makes You Happy" by Cheryl Crow" and many more.  My favorite is "No Rain" by Blind Melon....I loved that video of the chubby girl dressed as a bumblebee.  The second CD is more current....favorites include "Milkshake" by Kelis, "Don't Cha" by The Pussycat Dolls, "Get Ur Freak On" by Missy Elliott and "Ain't No Other Man" by Christina Aguilera.

After an hour of going in circles on the computer, they are finally on my MP3 player.  So if you see me jamming and strutting on the treadmill, feel free to fist pump along with me!

Ready! Sweat! Go!: Day 5

Today was a Pedo Saturday.  Munching happens all day so that you can keep your energy up to match that of the many children seen throughout the day.

Pre-breakfast aka. driving in to work: 8 oz. orange juice
Breakfast: 12 oz. Welch's White Cranberry Cherry Juice
                Egg bake (hash browns, sausage, eggs, cheese)
Lunch: Ham and Cheese (Colby Jack and Muenster) on flat bagel
           Cheddar Ripple Potato Chips
Work-snacking:  6 oz. Diet Coke
                          3 mini Snickers
                          Summer sausage, cheese (Colby Jack and Muenster)
Supper:Dinner salad with carrots, red cabbage, green onions, onions and tomatoes; French dressing
            1/2 Pepperoni and Black Olive Calzone


Cardio: 30 minutes of walking on treadmill - 2.6-3.3 mph

Weights: Day off
   

Ready! Sweat! Go!: Day 4

Breakfast: Scrambled egg with cheese on English muffin; 8 oz. OJ
Lunch: Leftovers - Polish Sausage; Shells and Cheese
                            1 piece of white bread with butter
                            Romaine and Spinach Salad with carrots, red cabbage and radishes; Western dressing
                            Water
                            Belgian Chocolate covered Oreo
Snack aka driving to work-out: 1 Cliff bar
Supper:  Leftovers- Jenny-O Turkey roll
                              Mashed Potatoes with gravy
                             Romaine and Spinach Salad with carrots, red cabbage and radishes; Western dressing
                             Carrots with Ranch dip
                             Water

I'm going to watch "Eat, Pray, Love" tonight, which will probably be on my Movie Monday review.  I may have some Puff Corn with it.  I don't know yet....but I'm craving salt.

Warm-up: 2 minutes of walking on treadmill

Weight training of Lower Body:  Leg Curl - 50 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Leg Extension - 50 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Calf Extension - 100 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Leg Press - 220 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Hip Abduction - 50 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Hip Adduction - 50 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Back Extension - 200 lbs/ 12 reps x2

Cardio: 45 minutes of walking on treadmill -1.8-3.1 mph

Green thumb?

I don't have a green thumb.  At least not like my mother's.  She can take any plant that looks like it's been dead for weeks and nurse it back to life.  Heck, give me a plant and I'll plan it's funeral.

Even though plants and I don't get along, I love to have flowers on my front patio/step every spring and summer.  I usually buy flowers at the local nursery but it's always expensive.  This year I'm going to try growing flowers from seed.  Today I purchased 2 professional greenhouses and many varieties of flowers at Fleet Farm.  Fleet Farm sells flower/vegetable seeds  50% off suggested retail price.  Plus, in this Sunday's ad, they are an extra 15% off.

Wish me luck that everything turns out.  Here is the list of flowers that I purchased:  Coleus, Cosmos, Foxglove, Impatiens, Morning Glories, Painted Daisies, Salvia and Violas.

Ready! Sweat! Go!: Day 3

I'm three days in and I feel like this could really stick.  Writing things down might be helping me stay on track.  I just might have to start another blog where I can just write about my daily health habits.  We'll have to see how I feel after 31 days though.

Pre-breakfast aka. driving to work out: 1 Cliff bar
Breakfast: none
Lunch: Turkey PB&J on whit bread; Doritos; water
Snack while during housework: 8 oz. OJ
Supper:  Jenny-O Turkey Loaf; Real mashed potatoes (NOT instant potatoes); Romaine and Spinach Salad with carrots, red cabbage and radishes; Western dressing; water

Cardio: 30 minutes of walking on treadmill - 2.6-3.3 mph

Weight training of Upper Body:  Chest Press - 20 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Fly - 50 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Pulldown - 60 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Row/ Rear Delt - 40 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Shoulder Press - 30 lbs/ 9 reps x2
                                                 Bicep Curl - 40 lbs/ 9 reps x2
                                                 Tricep Press - 60 lbs/ 12 reps x2

Cool Down: 15 minutes of walking on treadmill - 2.2 mph

I could say that I went back on the treadmill for another 15 minutes because I wanted to make up for the  workout that I missed yesterday but that's not the whole truth.  At the end of my 30 minutes of cardio, I had to stop at a really good place in the book I was reading and I wanted to find out how the chapter would end.

Ready! Sweat! Go!: Day 2

I will be missing my workout today because I had my tax appointment. ( Yeah!  I'm getting $500 back! Phew! )
And I did some prescription safety eyeglass shopping at the Eye Care Center.  And then tonight it's bingo at Maxx's since I have the day off tomorrow.  I've learned my lesson and I won't change my seat ever again.
I'll just have to work harder the rest of the week.

Pre-breakfast aka. driving in to work: 12 oz. White Chocolate Caramel Cappuccino
Breakfast: Sausage, egg and cheese on a English muffin; water
Lunch: Turkey and Provolone Sandwich on Pumpernickel Rye bread with Miracle Whip; carrots and pretzels with Veggie Dip; water
Work-snacking: none
Supper: TBD; water!

Ready! Sweat! Go!: Day 1

Today is the first day of my "Ready! Sweat! Go! 31-Days To A Healthier You" challenge.  I'm going to switch gears a little bit and hopefully blog every single day this month.  It's about taking accountability and ownership of what I do to be healthier.  Knowing myself, if  I don't write it down and include others with my challenge, I'll do really good the first couple of days but by day 14 it will have gone out the window.  So hear it goes...

Pre-breakfast aka. driving in to work: 8 oz. orange juice
Breakfast: Fit & Active Vanilla Almond Cereal with 2% Milk; water
Lunch: Turkey Sandwich on Pumpernickel Rye bread with Miracle Whip; Cheetos; water
Work-snacking:  Pretzels with Veggie Dip; 1 piece of  "Freedom Day" cake...from Kowalski's Market; water
Supper:  2 oz. Polish sausage;  1 cup of Shells and Cheese; 1 piece of white bread with butter; water

Warm-up: 2 minutes of walking on treadmill

Weight training of Lower Body:  Leg Curl - 50 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Leg Extension - 50 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Calf Extension - 100 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Leg Press - 200 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Hip Abduction - 50 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Hip Adduction - 50 lbs/ 12 reps x2
                                                 Back Extension - 180 lbs/ 12 reps x2

Cardio: 30 minutes of walking on treadmill - 2.6-3.1 mph