Working through the mad people

So....let's discuss the madness of Tuesday.  I woke up on time, happy raring to go and get this weight training on. Then I hit the gym and the old lady dilemma....those broads are gangsta, but I'm more gangsta...or so I think. LOL

I arrived about 9:30 because I was just piddling around the house.  I actually could have been there around 8:45, but that's another conversation.  Ha!  I get downstairs to the weight training area...crowded with the older chicks on machines chatting.  Seriously.  I get the majority of my legs done and I want to get to my hip abductors.  This woman almost knocks me down to get to the machine.  I don't know what my face looked like, but HONEY...she apologized quickly and let me use the machine. #iCant with that foolishenss.  I got finally got my arms done and then headed upstairs for my inclining treadmill time.  I did a good 40 minutes before my bladder kicked in.  I felt so much better getting things done.

Now, I'm here sleepy and thinking a nap is in order since I need to get in at least 1.5 - 2 hours of practicing before a church service.  Then...some cardio after church.  Yea...it's like that for a while.  Gotta get it done...gotta get it done.

Today's Comedy

Comedy and anger....

On Wednesday's in NYC we don't have alternate side parking.  (Alternate side parking is this pain in the butt thingy we do so the streets can be swept.) This is usually my day to head to the gym about an hour later...and just mosey through my day before practicing and Mid Week service at church.

Things didn't go that way.  I can't find my iPod. *crisis music thrown in right here* I'm at a loss for words.  I've been rushing so much and I've been so tired in the mix, I just can't figure it out.  Gaaaah!!!  I can't remember if the last time I saw it was in DC, in my mom's car or at the audition I did this past weekend. *weep*  Needless to say, my house is in extra disarray because I need to see it and know that it is around working. LOL

Antywho, so I hit the gym in anger forgetting my water bottle in my mom's car (who is off to BJ's by this point.).  Seriously can anything else get crazier??  Why yes.

So, I'm on the treadmill getting my C25K in and a commercial comes on for tomorrow's Scandal. (I'm such a Scandalista.)  Somewhere in that commercial I lose where I am on the walk run thingy.  ROFL!  The next thing I know I'm running for 90 secs and walking for 60.  That is NOT the way of week 1.  LOL  Oh well...I got it in and I feel good.

Now off to practice.  Have a great day!!

FMM: Getting to Know Each Other

Happy Monday All.  I haven't been here in a while and well..what's a good excuse?  I don't know.  LOL  Just a lapse.  Life has been busy, but good..with a little weight gain, but back on the game.

Last Thursday, I went to my regular WW meeting and I gained 4lbs over the holiday, and this year, I'm not mad.  Granted, if I had eaten a tad bit better and exercised at least 3 days a week, maybe those 4 wouldn't have happened.  *shrug*

Just know I'm back, around and will probably need this with the amount of music I need to learn.  Plus, I need to be more accountable while learning music and not eating tons of gummy bears.  LOL

Some Days are Just....

Some days are just...crazy...and throw you in a loop.  I'm working hard and I put on something and I still feel the chub that I was almost 30+ pounds ago.  We all have those days.

Today was my 3rd day in a row of Bikram practice this week.  I love Bikram, I've said that before, but I realize I get annoyed with others who cramp my practice style.  I get to the studio early so I can lay my mat and towel down, get all situated the way I need to keep myself sane, etc.  Today right as we are gearing up for the first breathing exercises, a couple ran into the already cramped room.  Thankfully, my teacher who is a witty woman, mentioned that getting to class on time is imperative.  She also mentioned that it was unfair to all of us who get to class on time and set up...to now be cramped up. *sigh*  By the time we got to the Dandayamana - Bibhaktapada - Janushirasana, I was feeling claustrophobic.  Just too many FOLKS. 

Grrr....

The teacher also had a funny story about people who refuse to breathe in and out through their nose.  She said she was in practice one day and this guy next to her was breathing his cold/allergy filled breath all on her during rest between the cobra pose.  In her words, it was the most disgusting part of her practice.  Bwaaaaahaha!!  At the time she was telling this story, we were in the cobra pose and i was feeling the same way.  The woman next to me was breathing through her mouth all on my shoulder.  I just wanted to yell out..."BOO CLOSE YOUR DAMN MOUTH."  LOL *sigh*

Oyi, oyi....LOL....

Well, I'm off to nap so I can practice before church service tonight.  

.......................peace and blessings........and Namaste............

FMM: Uniquely You

Happy Monday!!  I can NOT believe it is October 1st.  WHERE IS THIS YEAR GOING????  I swear time is just running away.  LOL  Well, I woke up late and a tad behind on my daily game.  What's new?  LOL  So, while I get my first cup of coffee in me, before the gym....I shall get the Friend Making Monday down!!

Have a fabulous day!!

My Namaste has been broken..

Bwaaaah!!  Seriously though..it has.  Today was my 3rd day this week of Bikram.  I missed out yesterday due to oversleeping.  My Tuesday was WRETCHED and busy.  I went to yoga, then a voice lesson, then to practice for another rehearsal...then my church gig rehearsal.  I was waaaaaasted, so Namastein' yesterday was out of the plan.  LOL

Antywho, I did Bikram this morning, weighed in (down 5.2 pounds...i shook the beans.) and I did some running around.  I was fine until I got another unwanted call from Sears Delivery service.  (That's for the end of this post.)  Besides that, lemme discuss Bikram.

I'm in love with Bikram.  Seriously in LOVE with Bikram.  I've been practicing at Bikram Yoga Harlem.  I love the studio, the teachers and the environment.  It has been a great experience.  It is a real nice change from my spinning and couch to 5k.  Every time I practice, I feel like I'm stretching my mind and my body to a new place.  Plus, it is helping me a lot with my singing...and that's always a bonus.

What about the heat?  That's been the question I keep getting.  Yes, it is really hot in the room.  It is really 100 degrees with humidity going on.  Gangsta...for the body. I hate to tell you how much I love heat. LOVE HEAT.  I'm a beach person and I can lay out in the sun for hours without dipping in the water.  The heat in class is not a problem.  I love it and I really have to try hard not to close my eyes in savasana....even between all of the poses.  If I lay flat and feel that heat come across my body...sleep calls.  LOL

So....if you are up for a new physical challenge, try it.  I was scared to death my first day, but I've been jumping in hard as my body will allow each class afterwards.

Now....what broke my Namaste...Sears Delivery and Customer Service.  I purchased a new fridge and stove for an apartment that I'm working on in my house.  Well, when the delivery guys got there this past Monday, they "said" that it wouldn't fit through the hall.  Fine. Just Fine.  I spoke with 2 people to cancel the order and refund my money.  Tuesday, Wednesday and Today...I have received calls about a re-delivery and told them to cancel the delivery.  Um....do you not read your computer notes?  Obviously not.  So tonight as I'm sitting at my mom's counter chillin'....I get another call about the delivery.  I don't know what hit me...but I went straight gangster.  What really sent me over the EDGE...when I asked to speak to a supervisor and dude wouldn't connect me.  *sigh*  I will say that I was given his number every day that I called to cancel the delivery.  *side eye*  Needless to say, I will be writing a letter to the president...even though I have totally blasted Sears on twitter today. *double sigh*

Okay...I'm off to do some singing bidness...LOL

...................peace and blessings...and NAMASTE......

Haaaaaaaappy Monday!!!

Happy Monday!!!!  I'm feeling really snazzy today.  I hit the gym this morning, first time in 4 days. *twirl* Did some light work on the elliptical and I feel like gold.  *weee*  I plan on hitting Bikram tonight after a rehearsal.  I missed working out. *sigh*  And yes, the mat is down in the tub.

While I'm prepping a few meals, I thought I would take a break and get in the Friend Making Monday questions....Fall Favorites!

Have a fabulous day all!!!

Trying to put the brakes on a speeding car....

that's the way i'm feeling right now....like i'm a speeding car going on i-95 at a 100mph. gaah.  i woke up this morning feeling awful...so awful i'm feeling just full of awe.  it's bad.

this past weekend was my church's outing and i had a wonderful time.  i went prepared with my own food...baked chicken, some shrimp, huge salad and tons of fruit.  but there was a liquid enemy there...alcohol.  i kept it under control, but still.  for someone who hasn't had a drink since christmas...it was something.  then yesterday i had some chicken parmesan...yummo...but boo.hoo right now.  lol

i feel blah, sluggish and my stomach is not my friend at the moment.  so right now, i'm nursing water and peppermint tea.  hopefully my stomach will get it together soon cause i want to exercise. *sigh*

okay...i'm going back to translating the newest opera to learn Il Tabarro...i'm sooooooo excited about it.  have a great day all.

...........peace and blessings..........

Pushing through the muck and mire...LOL

I started this last night and I couldn't finish it.  I'm trying to complete it...again because I'm here pushing through my personal muck and mire.  I don't want to go to the gym.  The gym hasn't insulted me or done anything to me...I just don't want to go.  I don't want to do any cardio.  I don't want to do any weights.  Yea, my own muck and mire.

Yes, I did go to the gym yesterday.  It was like pulling teeth.  Normally, I hit the gym about 9 and I'm pumped and excited.  Yesterday not the case.  I realized how late it was when I saw the intro to The View.  Gaah.  I hit the gym, plugged in one of my favorite opera singers and then got my time done.  To be honest, I feel SOOOOOOOO much better, but I don't wanna go.  LOL

Right now I should be tackling through my Couch to 5K walk/run and then my ChaLean Extreme.  Instead I'm here polishing my nails.  Pish.posh.  Since tomorrow is my weigh in day, I'll definitely hit the gym soon.  Plus, I've been so focused and I've been eating clean...

Oh well...I'll get there eventually.  I hope y'all have a fabulous and very productive day.  After I finally hit the gym, there is some Norma (the opera) in my future....

.....peace and blessings.....

Couch to....Jesus keep me near the cross....

Pepper napping...

Haa!!  Sometimes I tickle myself, but honestly this Couch to 5k thing makes me call Jesus...LOUDLY...all the time.  Today was no different.  I had to get up early cause I was heading to the doctor to check on my blood pressure.   I hit the gym at 7:45AM, call the po-lice cause the world is coming to an end if i'm in the gym before 10am, and started on the beginners week of Couch to 5K.  I can't seem to get off of the first week of this program cause it is taxing and I feel like death every time.  Antywho...I pressed on.  When I got to the 3rd run segment, I heard someone singing "i ain't gonna let nobawdy turn me roun', turn me roun', turn me roun'".  In all honesty, it was what I needed to hear at that moment cause I was about to give this minute the finger and walk.  The slay down...when I look to my left to figure out the voice, there was this big ole white man who look like he was a linebacker for the Jets.  Seriously.


So how was your 4th?  Mine was good and quiet and calm...just what was needed.  I went to BJ's and Target, gymmed with my friend, and did my ChaLean Extreme.  I movied with the mom...Madea's Witness Protection and then headed home to cook.  I ate REALLY well and tracked and felt really good.


Yesterday...well...LOL.  I didn't eat so well.  Well, lemme rephrase that.  I ate too much.  The mom and I went to our weekly meeting (I lost a pound and she lost 1.8), then she said she wanted to go to City Island.  I LOVE seafood so I couldn't turn down that offer.  At the restaurant I ate white bread and a white potato with my lunch.  I haven't had either one in over 5 weeks...and to be quite honest, I've been feeling amazing.  I can't wait until I can shake the white sugar....but I have a reckless sweet tooth so I keep praying.


Anyway, when you are constantly eating smaller meals, when you eat a huge one....you feel the difference.  Lord knows I did and then I panicked.  Haaa!!  I drank so much water when I got in that I was up half the night running to the bathroom.  


Oh well, I'm off to grab a cat nap...and most likely my 14 year old cat, Pepper, will join me.  Besides needing it because I didn't sleep well...but I have plans to go to Zumba at 6.  Originally I was gonna do Cardio Kickboxing...but I ain't feelin' driving downtown it at the moment.  Bwaah...  Cardio is cardio ain't it?


Until later...


....peace and blessings.....

Solid....Solid as a Rock, Rock, Rock....

Haa!  That's the song that got me through Spinning today.  Baaaaaabahy...lemme tell you.  For 30 minutes of the 45 minute class I prayed and sang all of the 80's hits that were being played.  I pushed myself and my body was OVAH me.  No matter how annoyed I am in the heat of the class, when I get done...I feel so much stronger.  When I got home from the gym I pushed through the ChaLean Extreme Burn Circuit 3 and the Ab Burner.  Yea...that Ab Burner....makes me want to say awful un-Christian words.  Gaaaah....grrr....  I survived.  Nothing left to say.  LOL


Well here are the Friend Making Monday Questions from All The Weigh....

Ugh...and LOVE!

off to spinning for the 1st time in a minute

Ugh is for modems breaking down.  Gaaah...grrr...pish-posh.  This past Wednesday i knew my modem had bit the dust, but i couldn't convince myself that it is real.  Sometimes i wonder about my sanity. *shrug*  I finally exchanged it yesterday and lemme say...TWC was a mess.  ROFL...a mess.  Needless to say I waited, cause I'm typing this.


So on to the loves....

1. I've survived 2 days of Couch to 5K.  Last Thursday was my first day.  I've been using the Skimble app....which is amazing when i'm in the gym.  Yesterday was harder than the first day, but i heard that was the case.  IT DOESN'T matter...i'm pressing on with this running business.  i feel so...amazed and proud of myself.
2. ChaLean Extreme...okay...love, love.  The 40 minutes don't seem like hell.  As much as i loved the woman who was my trainer, i don't feel bored or crazed with it. Looking forward to LEAN muscles in 90 days.
3. Spinning...  This past Friday the plan was to go to Zumba.  I woke up late and said..."self...you are going to do something different."  Self went to spinning.  The first 15 minutes i wanted to quit.  Then i remembered...i had to.  JUST HAD TO!  i took my eyes off of the clock and pressed on.  The next thing I knew she said this was the last hill climb and we would be cooling down in a minute. Go.me.
4. Food wise...i'm killing.  i know i'm killing.  LOL  my body knows i'm killing and i never feel like i've missed out on a meal.  Nothing like eating healthy and feeling good.
5. Weigh in wise...i'm down 13 lbs via Weight Watchers scale.  The other day i woke up and i was down 15.  LOL  I'll go with my scale...it inspires me to keep pressing on.  ROFL

Okay...off to watch the rest of Extreme Makeover: Weight loss Edition.  Looking forward to a healthy week and tons of practicing...

.....peace and blessings....

A little more determined...

That's the quote my mom said to me today after she said how proud she was of me and my gym hustle.  Lemme tell you this new groove is not easy, but I'm feeling better and more determined.

I can't tell you how many times I've tried to tackle this weight issue.  That has probably been the same cry with a lot of people, but this time I'm more determined.  More focused.  More on the ball.  Whatever it is...this extra chub is coming off. *stomping my foot*

Plus, I had perfect incentive today to keep going.  I went into a store and bought some crops a size smaller....without trying them on.  I was like that former number won't happen again.  I got home and thought, well maybe i should  try them on.  Every pair fit...without struggle to zip the zipper or button the button.  YaY me.

And the struggle continues another day.

...peace and blessings....

Whaaat is happening here???

I just back in from the gym.  YaY me!!  My plan was to go, run home and change...then head to church for 11 AM service.  Didn't happen....oh.well.  I got up and piddled.  If you know southerners piddlin' is not an uncommon word.  For those who don't know...I just started turning in circles.  I ate breakfast at 7:45 and the next thing I knew it was 9:30.  LOL


Ooops.  


Antywho...I went in focused, turned on some gospel music and treadmilled.  Each day I go into the gym, I surprise myself.  I'm surprised 1. how focused I am and 2. how I won't let my brain get in my own way.  I remember a time when I would be easily distracted and would let my brain say...no, you can't do that.  Today it really hit me.  When I was in the last 3 minutes of my 45 minutes, I realized that I had been trucking on a 5.5 incline at a speed of 4.1.  Someone would say that's not serious.  It is for me.  Six months ago doing a speed of 2.5 was major...so 4.1, I accept...and it's closer to me getting on this running game.


Well, I'm off to get ready for this day and concert.  I have to run out and buy a white top to sing in.  I don't know who thinks up all white clothes...I hate them.  I think it is beautiful on others, but on me...no danke.  Maybe when I've lost my 40lbs. I'll like them...whatev. 


Remember.....Attitude is an inward thought that wiggles its way out! - Joyce Meyer


peace and blessings.....

Really a challenge....

In my last post I discussed that I was going to start the couch to 5K plan.  I'm desperate to be a runner and another good friend who is a former chubby girl and is now a jock recommended the plan to me.

So, the game plan was to start the "training" yesterday.   It didn't happen. *sigh*  I woke up majorly pmsy.  It was an awful start to an amazing LONG day.  (I ended up working from 1-9 without a break. *double sigh*)  This morning I woke up crampy and just over it all, but determined to get on this couch to 5K business.

Weeeelll...if you know the plan or don't know the plan here is a link for the treadmill.  Well, I got through about 5 of the one minute runs...and my body was like, seriously...no more.  LOL.  Seriously.  ROFL  It was quite comical, to me.  Even after the failed completed C to 5K run thingy...I ended up getting 50 minutes in on a 4.0 incline.  It all worked out.

Oh well, I will say since the last time I've attempted this plan (yea this is a take 3)...I could do more 1 minute runs without feeling like death will become me.  My knees didn't hurt.  I wasn't intimidated about tackling the plan this time. YaY me!!!

After the gym, I met up with my personal Lumberjack (my nickname for "him".) for lunch and mentioned my Couch to 5K plan...plus my desire to run a 5K.  He looks at me all serious and says..."Okay, I'm doing a 16K and in May we will run a 5K."  Whaaaaaaaaaaa????  Hunh??????  WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA??? *fainting*

Yea...so this Couch to 5K thing has become serious.  #churchpray  LOL

OOooops...

It has been almost a week and it really was my plan to blog before now.  *shrug*

For starters, I'm tired.  I mean SERIOUSLY tired.  LOL  Up until yesterday, I've been doing the gym 7 days a week and twice a day.  Yesterday my body was like...*ahem*  If you want to function, you won't do that.  LOL  And I didn't.  I do listen sometimes.  LOL

So, tomorrow will be my last day of my 21 Day Challenge.  I realized, as I was sitting in church tonight, that not only have I given up bread and rice, but unconsciously I've given up soda and candy. *go me!!*  I don't know if I mentioned it, but my trigger foods are bread and rice.  I love them...can make meals off of them...etc. 

How has that worked out for me you ask?  I feel great.  Besides being tired, I am mentally better, more focused...and I realized that I have built my 21 day habit...which is actually what I wanted to do.  I've learned that I can sit at a table with my favorite type of foccacia at Carmine's, and I don't have to eat it. #winning  LOL

As of Monday, I create a new challenge.  What?  21 Days of riding my bike. *church pray*.  My bike has been in my store room fore almost 2 weeks...put together and me saying I'm going to ride it. *sigh*  So.......the plan is to at least 3 times a week ride and 2 times a week Zumba, yes...on my Round 2 of the gym.

Now...my hanging on a thread self is going to finish watching Necessary Roughness and think about the beautiful lunch I shall make tomorrow...bread free.  LOL

Peace Out!!!

Flakin' on a Thursday Midday....

Flakin' you say?  Yes.  At this moment I had scheduled time to practice.  From 3-5 I am to practice, yet I am here catching up on Y&R/AMC, blogging and closing the box to the Weight Watchers Community. LOL I am going to start at 4.  I need to be grinding on a couple of arias and memorizing one for an audition that I have in less than a week.  *sigh*

Well, I am behind on my practicing because I took a nap.  I've been desperate for those lately.  I mean DESPERATE.  Every day around 12:30/1:00 PM, my body goes into this weird shut down.  I can't even describe how exhausted I am.  Am I preggers?  No.  It is this crazy exercise demands that I have put on myself.

For the past week, I gave myself a mini challenge as a part of my 21 Day Challenge...I'm going to the gym twice a day.  I will admit, it is fun.  I mean really fun.  EGADS...did I just say that?  LOL  Yes, it is fun.  My morning is always a basic treadmill or elliptical thing going on.  I've actually upped that up from 45 to 50.  I've upped my speed on the treadmill from 3.5 to 4.2 and my resistance on the elliptical from 5 to 8.  Yea...serious.  If it wasn't for my Booty Shakin' Mix today...I would have been shoveled off of the elliptical at 20 minutes.  LOLOL

Anyway, my evening routine has been either Zumba, Pilates, Yoga, Kickboxing, or Aqua Aerobics.  I'm actually trying to add Yoga with something else.  Ha!  You say.  I'm always up for some wicked challenge, the part is completing it.  Monday, I did Aqua Aerobics and I will say I came home delirious.  Tuesday, Zumba...and I sweated so hard that my shirt was wet.  I mean like it had been in the rinse cycle.  Ha!!  Wednesday, I met up with a friend to see Band of Horses, but my extra exercise was running up stairs in the train station and in the theater. (I know a tad crazy.)  Tonight, my plan is to go to Hatha Yoga and Cardio Kickboxing.  (Hursh....)  We shall see how THAT one goes.

Okay it is now after 4 and I seriously have to at least warm up and do some technical work on the voice.  Maybe in the near future, I will take the time and post the picture that triggered my bootay into gear!!

Peace Out and have a great day!
(oh yea...I'll let you know how the yoga and kickboxing went later.)