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.

Working through the June Challenge

Happy Tuesday!!  Hope all is well with you all in blogger land.  I was going to post earlier today, but I decided to do it after my 2nd cardio workout of the day.  I feel I can hold myself more accountable if I post later.  

Well, my 2nd cardio workout of the day is done.  With my 45 minutes on the treadmill this morning and the 45 on the elliptical tonight, I burned a combined 525 calories. (I love my Polar FT4.)  I feel good and look forward to tomorrow's workouts.  My plan is to hit the weights then get in some inclining on the treadmill for 5o.  I'm actually excited.  Yay me!!

Since I haven't been blogging, I haven't been doing the Friend Making Monday's.  I thought I would do one that was posted last week or something like that.  LOL  Enjoy and join in.

And the summer cometh....June Goals

I haven't blogged in a while and seriously, my weight has been doing the cha-cha all over the place since I took an unexpected blogging break.  So, since I'm learning that accountability makes me do better, I'm back on this grind...  Listen, if you've never had a weight struggle, you just don't understand.  We take one day at a time.

Well, I have to give myself some goals for June.  They may be major to some, but I'm so damn competitive with myself that I will try to accomplish them.  I want to feel better and not the chubby girl that I feel right now...LOL

June Goals:

1. Gym 2 times a day at least 3 times a week.
2. Walk/Run 3 miles 3 times a week.
3. Shake bread/wheat for the month. (My tummy doesn't like it, but I still ingest it and suffer the consequences later.)
4. Try a couple of new classes.
5. Hit the pool twice a week.

Okay...this is a lot, but I need to get the gym in....and keep myself focused.

How's you're summer going??

Monday....Monday.....

I haven't blogged in a while, but I really needed to today.  I gave up potato chips for lent...and it's been difficult.  Seriously, difficult.  I hadn't planned to give anything up since I HAD to give up gluten (another post for another day) and I'm feeling deprived anyway due to my lack of bread.  Then I realized my consumption of potato chips was OUT OF HAND.  So...they have been given up.

And now...I lussssst after Lay's Honey Barbeque potato chips....*iWeep*.

Antywho...here's the Friend Making Monday.  I just love doing this.

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

Happy New Yeearrruuh!!!

LOL!!  I haven't been here since the start of the holiday season.  I fell off of 2 wagons, but I picked myself back up before 2012 ended and got back on my game.  I've been tracking points and tomorrow I will go and weigh - in (*wail, sigh and wail some more*).

I hope that everyone is having a great start to their new year.  I'm claiming victory in a lot of things in 2013...starting with the chub.  LOL

Happy New Year!!!

It's been a long time....Happy Early Turkey!!!

*sigh*  I haven't written in a while and God knows that I have missed it.  Heck...I miss my non reader/readers.  LOL  Things have been so intense in so many ways.  I was learning an opera that is more intense than intense.  Norma...it was I.N.T.E.N.S.E.  It is now done and I'm gearing up for  learning my next operas...Aida and Il Trovatore.  (I know some folks are like...hunh? LOL)  It's called...good music.  LOL

Anyway, due to some chronic back pain, I haven't been able to exercise like I like to.  I hurt.  I haven't slept well and honestly, I'm a little cranky about it and feeling a tad chubby.  I've decided to just go on a really clean way of eating.  Even more clean that normal.  My mom was watching a Dr. Oz show and a doctor mentioned that we should only eat foods with one name.  i.e. carrots, turkey, oranges, etc.  That's extremely clean for a potato chip and donut eater.  Bwaah.  I'm down cause I've GOTTA feel better.

So as with every Monday, I'm doing the Friend's Making Monday: Thanksgiving Edition

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!!

8 Weeks Until Turkey Day

On Thursday in my WW meeting, we discussed it being 8 Weeks until Thanksgiving and trying to make goals before the holidays kick in.  I thought I would write them here to keep myself accountable.  Sometimes we need to write down/blog/etc.  just to keep ourselves focused.

Here they are......

1.  I want to eat well.  There will be times where I will botch up, but my main focus is to eat lots of leafy greens, beans, lean proteins, etc.  
2. Track.  Tracking is the main thing with WW.  Tracking and staying within my points. Track, Track, Track.
3. Try and go to the gym 5 to 6 days a week.  If a couple of those days I go twice a day...BAM!  I really would like to even get in 4 days of Bikram. (I really love it!!) Plus there are some poses that I would really like to get a "grip" so to speak on...LOL!  Also....I'm using the yoga as weight training...why?  Cause i just resent weights.  I don't know why...I'm working on that issue.
4. My goal for the summer was to run a mile.  Okay, summer is officially over...I think...and I am still hunting/dying to get this mile in.  LOL  So, if I could get close to a mile I would love that.
5. I also plan to give away clothes that are too big.  Lately every time I put on a 2XL tshirt, I realize how many inches I've lost.  My clothes look like I'm swimming in them.
6. Buy a heart rate monitor.  Honestly I used the heart rate monitor money from last month on some Sugarpill Eyeshadow and a couple of palettes from BH Cosmetics.  *snicker*  The deal sealer was an episode of Extreme Makeover: Weightloss Edition.  I can't remember the name of the lady...antyway Chris and his wife showed this woman how much you can slack when you don't work up to the appropriate heart rate.
7. Drink more water.  You would think that I drink enough with Bikram, personally...I don't think I drink enough.  I would like a good 100oz. a day.
8. Get closer to a size 12.  Honestly, if was comfortably in the next size...I would do a jig of joy.
9. Maybe get closer to a plant life diet.
10. Not beat myself up if I don't conquer these goals.  LOL

Okay...this is done and I'm going to bed.  Many things to do!!!

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

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!!!

Day Two...Feeling Better

Today...I've been frumping around.  I didn't sleep well last night because my leg was KILLING me.  Needless to say I was not happy, but also grateful that I freelance because I would have been a horror at a 9-5 job.

While sitting here frumping and going through tons of gluten-free recipes, my leg started feeling better.  Actually, while I'm here typing I am feeling a tons better.  YAY!!  Hopefully Bikram will be on my Saturday to do list!!

Not more to post.  I've eaten well for the past two days...tons of veggies, light on the legumes.  Going to make lunch for tomorrow so I won't be ready to hit people after yoga.

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

the calm before the neurotic storm...

*wave*  Today...was so crazy in so many different ways.  One, I woke up with the worst pain in my leg. *sigh*  I have been waiting for the storm after the calm all week.  Monday, in between spinning, rehearsals and Bikram...I ran to take a shower and slipped in the tub.  I fell back first and my calf muscle banged into the side of the tub.  I was okay Monday, Tuesday and yesterday during Bikram on the  second to last sit up I felt my leg saying..."no more."  Grrr.

About 2 this morning, I couldn't sleep on my left side.  *sigh*  It didn't get better until about 6 and I slept like a rock until 8.  The plan was to go to a 10AM Bikram class and sweat out before weigh in.  Didn't happen.  My leg said..."Boo try it and you will be in a mess."  LOL  I stayed at home and moped.  Moped, Facebooked and watched Bones on Netflix.  Gaah!!

Weigh in...Grr....  I've been trying to do a low meat diet and eating more legumes and tons of veggies.  I gained 4 pounds this week.  Boo! Just Boo!! Needless to say, I wanted to cry.  I've been double dutyin' in the gym...working really hard and doing right.  Then this mess...Gaah!!!  Thass okay, I'm pressing on.

Bikram...  Yesterday, I took my second class and I think I fell in great like with it. Not love yet.  I sweated from beginning to end.  It was hot as all HADES, but when it was done, i felt good.  Really good.  Also, I brought some coconut water and GUZZLED it after class.  I didn't have that strange eye twitch and...did I say how GREAT i felt when it was over?  LOL

Okay...well, it is time for me to put up tomorrow's dinner...curried lentils (yea, i'll learn) and watching me another episode of Bones.  LOL

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

I'm still alive...

I decided to get a quick post about last night before I head off to the gym.  So...Bikram Yoga.  Lesssee....I have to admit, I loved it.  My mom was so concerned for me doing this.  Oh your weight (there was a woman larger than me in the class.), oh yoga in 100 degree room (it wasn't that painful.), it just sounds unhealthy.

Well, lets start with the heat.  Yes it is hot as hell up in that room, but I'm learning to love sweating.  Sweating releases toxins.  Release, release.  I took all of my friend's advice and I survived the heat.  

What I couldn't get together and maybe it was my nerves...spend your day drinking water.  Seriously.  That's my EPIC.FAIL.  Normally on a good day I drink about 100oz. of water.  (Thank you Brita water filter water bottle.) Yesterday, couldn't get it together.  I made it through class, but started feeling strange/mild headache when the class was over.  I texted the Bikram crew and they said I was dehydrated.  When I got in, 40 oz. went down the hatch.  I hopped in the shower and called it a day.

Now...how do I feel right NOW.  I know I have muscles all over my body, but it is a good feeling.  Well, for me it is.  I can't believe how grateful that I allowed myself to stretch out.  I can't tell you all how long I've been dying to take classes.  I'm SO excited that the first day has happened.  Now, I'm planning out my life around it. Bwaah.

If you are in the NYC area Bikram Yoga Harlem has a new student special... 30 days for $30.  

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

FMM: Blog Stuff and Just Stuff

Happy Monday!!  I am really looking forward to tonight...my first time at Bikram Yoga. *twirl*  I really LOVE yoga, but finding a class that works with my schedule and NYSC's schedule...not happening.  Plus, I've had several friends who just rave and rave about it.  So...I'm going to dive in.

Besides that...I'm loving my Monday and Friday Spinning classes.  They are hard, get on my nerves, but I love how much stronger I feel when I'm done.

Mmmk...some Friend Making Monday...so I can get on with my day.  I need to practice, deal with Time Warner, a choir rehearsal...then yoga.  Wee!!

Wiggle, Wiggle

Oh, that's all I could think of for a title.  LOL  Man, I'm tired.  This morning I went to Spinning as planned and it was one little DIFFICULT class.  Well, for me it was.  We did these off the chart hills and my thighs feel like death warm over.  ROFL!!

Now I'm here trying to figure out what to do this evening.  Yea...I'm a glutton for punishment.  Every day I'm realizing that I don't feel good unless I have some pain going on through my legs, arms...muscles....etc.  It's weird, but I actually like it.  Shhhh....

So, since I did so well this week on the weight loss thingy, I decided to do a new kick with my exercise game.  Next week I'm going to try Bikram Yoga.  Honestly, I'm scared crapless.  Seriously scared, but I love yoga and it has helped seriously with my breathing for singing.  I can't wait...and like I said to a friend, I'm scared and excited all at one time.  LOL  I'll report how I feel about it after I take the class.

Okay...now I'm off to be a productive artist....yea, well a nap first and a little bit of Bones.  LOL

Have a great Friday!!!

Uuuhrah.... :/

So...I haven't blogged in a minute.  Lessesee what happened was...LOL  I went out of town for over a week with the mom (drove to Chicago), learning 2 operas and just life.  LOL  I did fall off of the wagon for a bit, but got back on last week.  I've noticed how serious my determination this time...because my fall off time is not that long.

I skipped a couple of weeks....blah....and when I weighed in last week it said I had gained weight.  *shrug*  I'm not surprised.  I'm such a mid-western/southern girl trapped in this chubby NYC body.  LOL  I ate biscuits..tons of biscuits, home fries, fried chicken, tons of macaroni and cheese and then some.  ROFL!!  But I came back with a vengeance.

After last week's reality check, I got back on the wagon and this week at weigh-in I lost 6.6 pounds!!  Go me!!!  I'm very proud of myself because I'm over 20lbs. down.  I'm looking forward to the next 10lbs.

Now...I love these Monday Friend Making Monday's and...even though I'm a few days late, I'm still doing it.  Bwaahaaa!!

Monday, Schmonday.....

*sigh*   Last week was a hard week.  I probably needed to blog because I now feel like I was on a slippery slope down to bad habits.  Between the gummy bears and Chex Mix Cheddar, I've been out of control.  Well out of control in comparison to being in control for the past 9 weeks.  When you have been as focused as I have...what I've done this past week is out of control. *sigh*  It happens and now my mind is back in the game.

I also didn't weigh in last Thursday.  That's also bad.  It's okay, I got on the scale this morning and now my mind is back.  I've eaten breakfast and I'm here letting it digest while catching up on last night's Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition.  The show inspires me to keep in the "game".

Last Friday I got a drift of how strong I've gotten.  For my couch to 5K for the first month I was using Skimble's Workout Trainer Beginners Running Program.  The other day I was talking to a friend and she said, "My couch to 5K program doesn't work like yours.  Are you sure you're doing what I'm doing?"  She sent me a link and I realized...no, I wasn't doing the same thing.  LOL

Well, I did the "official" Couch to 5K Day 1.  And you know what....I made it.  LOL  I made it through the 90 second walks and 60 second runs...8 runs.  *whew*  I also made it through the day without a nap and 2 hours of practicing.  *twirl*  Getting stronger makes me really happy....even when I bomb food wise.

The goal for this week is to track, track, track my food and my exercise.  Whoever lied and said this was easy....did just that L.I.E.D. *eye roll*

As with every Monday....Friend Making Monday: Inappropriate Questions...Lessgo!!!