Good Pain

Awww, I missed my blog!! It's been a minute, but a good minute. Yes yes, your lady here has been workin' it out. So as usual, the food intake has been good and healthy. Highlights include a salmon sandwich on whole wheat toast, lobster ravioli, chicken masala and basmati rice, and mini organic chocolate cookies with whipped cream. Also, I did myself quite proud when I prepared for a trip to the salon (which I knew would take a few hours). I brought several healthy snacks so as to prevent myself from being so hungry that I overate or ate something really junky. I had a slice of whole wheat bread with natural peanut butter (a good snack for cutting hunger), several cubes of reduced fat cheese, a 100 calorie pack of chips, an apple, and a little baggie of honey nut cheerios. It was the best idea! My hair stylist was all up in my cheerios!

Okay, the workouts have definitely been less sporadic. Last week, I clocked in 3 days for working out, which consisted of two morning walks with major stair running action, and Saturday morning errands (dry cleaners, bank, farmer's market) all on foot. Plus, I walked home from work one day last week. That was pretty decent, but I can do better. So, this week was off to a start with an African dance class that has definitely got me feeling some good pain. We shall see what's next. Might I add that the is feeling a bit more trim. Yessssss!!

[Pause for "Second Day Success" Applause] Amber enters Stage Right

Greetings!! I don't think anyone actually reads this blog, so I will just handle the light yet warm applause myself. "CLAP CLAP CLAP!!" Okay, so I did it again! Another perfect morning, made mostly perfect by getting up and working out...although, that peice of toast with strawberry jelly ran a close second. So, I've read on numerous occassions that you should alter your workout routines for maximum results. So today, I took my weights with me to the park so that I could work on arm definition. I will not have the first lady walkin' around with better arms than me on my wedding day! Plus, my dress is strapless, so there are really no other options. The 8 lb. weights really make a simple walk that much more intense. Plus, I can bust somebody in their kneecap if they try and git me for my iPod. Warn your friends: the girl in the park with the pink weights is not the one. I'm handing out a** whippins and lollipops, and I am smooth out of lollipops! *Real scenario: weights and iPod tossed in the grass and me running through the park screaming like a kid who just saw a clown.

SUCCESS!!

So, it's been awhile. Last week I was suffering from a cold/flu (not swine flu) and did nothing even resembling exercise. I was happy just to make it to work. But, by Saturday my cold was gone and I was back on the case. I ran all of my local errands on foot. Very proud of that! And on Sunday, I went for a nice walk with my fiance. But today, my friends, accomplishments were made! I had...my perfect morning! Yes, I've been striving for it for weeks and I finally got up and did everything I wanted to do. I was up at 5:45, I walked the dog, did laundry, and most importantly, I got in a great workout and my glutes are on fire!! Seriously, it took me like three minutes to sit down and use the bathroom!

The food choices have been pretty good as well. On Saturday, I had wonderful and healthy roasted portabella sandwich with mozarella and red peppers, sooo delish! Today, I made burritos with mexican rice, black beans, cilantro turkey sausage, and low-fat cheese all wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla with fresh limes for extra flavor.

Today was a special day. I actually had more energy when I got home from work. I'm ready to do it all over again in the morning. Let's keep it up. Oh, I forgot to mention that I had a fabulous massage last Tuesday. I'm pretty sure these beauty rituals will be my favorite aspect of preparing myself for the wedding evets. The mint water, the new age music, the hushed voices, I LOVE the spa! Plus, it was a special part of special deal offered on Tuesdays: a 30 minute massage or facial, use of the sauna and steam room, plus comfy robes and hot tea!

*My butt still hurts.

Okay, okay...where did we leave off? That hip-hop dance class did not happen ONLY because I had to stay at work and work on a contract. I promise you, dance class would've won over a contract anyday!

So, my birthday just passed and I must confess all of my delicious wrongdoings:

Friday - Usual breakfast, baked catfish and a small salad for lunch, and crunchy veggie tacos from Chipotle. Just corn, salsa, lettuce and cheese. And a few white corn tortilla chips from Trader Joe's.
Saturday - Tortilla chips and salsa at home for lunch, frozen yogurt with blueberries and strawberries for a snack, and -here's the bad stuff- 3 martini's and a shared plate of fried calamari for dinner. Booo!
Sunday - Multi-grain pancakes (ate about half) and chicken sausage for brunch (no mimosa!), a small popcorn at the movies (didn't finish, but I know better nevertheless), and brown rice and Indian lentils for dinner.

You know, now that I look at it...not so bad! The workouts consisted of pilates with light weights. I could've done better...but it was raining!! good excuse, right?

Waaaait, I forgot my birthday...

Monday - usual breakfast, tomato soup and small salad for lunch, a turkey burger on a multigrain bun (only one slice) with - wait for it - french fries and a glass of wine!!! PLUS, I had 1 1/2 carrot cupcakes with cream cheese frosting (made with splenda though).