I am a bad girl, I know

I know, a week and a half. Really, no excuse. I am sure everyone wants to hear about my workouts, work situation and all that fun stuff :-). We did a re-assessment yesterday at the gym. NOT GOOD!!!! I have no idea what the heck happened. I even went up in body fat. After like two measurements, Ryan wouldn't even let me look at the numbers because he knew I was getting upset. He didn't want me to get discouraged but it was too late. I know it is a temporary set back, but it was just frustrating. I work my butt off and my body was not reacting. So, we tweaked things and I should be set back on track. I lost some of my calories -- apparently I can't have 1800 anymore.......... But we then had a good workout, I felt motivated and back on track. So, here goes!!!

I have started to date a new guy. I can't believe I am even mentioning him so early in the 'process' since I always have the fear of jinxing it! I really do like him and so we'll see. It has only been a week, so that is all you get!

Jen 'officially' asked me to be a part of her bridal party yesterday. I guess since she finally "came clean" yesterday in her blog (seriously though, who didn't know she was talking about a wedding :-)), I can write about the honor of being asked to stand with her while she marries David. Okay, I am getting weepy so I won't type anymore! But, I am so thrilled she has found the man she will spend the rest of her life with. And David is a very good guy. I will have to start a different blog for any Bridezilla stories :-). (If I can travel to Paris with this woman, than I think we will be okay though. I am guessing no bridezilla stories....)

In sad news, a family friend passed away last week. His funeral is today but I am unfortunately unable to attend. However, my thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Talk to you later.

Oh, quiet Monday Morning!

Yes, I am at work, but it is kind of slow this morning, so I thought I would post while I had some time. :-). It was an uneventful Sunday but that is totally okay. I actually found myself addicted to the Twilight Zone Marathon on the Sci Fi channel. I didn't want to turn the tv off and go to sleep! I forgot how good the stories are in that series. It is great writing and some of them just freaked me out! And yes, if I had been off today, I might have just stayed in my pjs and watched all morning. (It is on through tomorrow). There were several that were favorites so far, but one I watched before I feel asleep just really made me think. I am surprised I didn't have strange dreams:

A lady in white is on a horse and she is riding through a meadow. She is beautiful, young and full of hopes and dreams. Enter a lady on a black horse. She is older, a little more "worn". She sees the lady on the white horse and starts chasing her, yelling out her name. Young Ann doesn't understand what she is saying and runs off scared. But wouldn't you be too if some lady in black was chasing you -- on a black horse no less!!! It turns out her tattered future was trying unsuccessfully to warn her youthful past about the mistake she was about to make. The one that would throw the family in financial ruin (basically, she marries the wrong man......). You have to watch it to get the whole story because it gets a tad long for a blog -- at least if I want to give you all the nuances of it.

Okay, I guess I need to get some work done. I am leaving work at 12 today then headed to the gym for cardio. As long as it is still working, I will keep up the dreaded elliptical!

Later!

Passing out at the gym is never a good thing

Okay, well, I didn't completely black out, but I did get dizzy and was unable to make it through the full workout. Ticked me off too! Ryan was very sweet about it but I was still kind of irritated. We had moved my session to 8:00 AM and so I don't think I ate enough to sustain myself through the "power" workout. I did get abs and stretching done, so it wasn't a total lose. The stretching wasn't actually planned but I pulled a hamstring and kind of made him stretch the leg back since he could get a better stretch for me by pushing the leg. And of course, I had to do the other leg. So, I did get something done, but it still disappointed me that I only got half way through the second set! Apparently people can end up throwing up through this "power" session, so I should be happy I only got dizzy! And I now know that if I move the session to 8 AM, I really need to get up even earlier to eat way more!

Oh well, I need to get going. I have to do some cleaning and then off to a yoga class. Stretching really needs to be incorporated into my workout routine with the cardio and training sessions. So, yes, I will be working out everyday now!!!

Later!

A new level of hurt

I just got back from the gym and my work out with Ryan. Today we started this thing called EET. I have no idea what the initials stand for (he has told me several times). In reality, it is a new level of butt kicking. You basically go through sets with much heavier weight and quicker than you would normally do (since the weight is 85% of what you can normally do, you can only do 5 reps). He says it burns about 10 calories a minute, you can only do about 30 minutes so that is 300 calories in the session (wow, I can do math!). I feel that "good" burn right now. I was thinking of doing cardio either before or after the sessions, but if we are going to keep that up for 4 weeks, there is no way I can do that. I would kill myself. I have this feeling I will be hurting tomorrow, but it is all good. It was the first time in awhile I had called him evil. In front of his boss. :-) The boss said that was a good thing. I was starving afterwards, but I was a good girl and got a salad from Baker's Bros. The kitties needed food too, so I had to go close to the PetsMart! I did buy them a toy, but they are ignoring it and sleeping........

Other than that, all is good. I have been in cranky mode since I had a hive attack last week. Um folks, I only get stressed when you ask me if I am stressed (which most people believe cause the hives). It is only a trigger -- although I really wasn't stressed so I don't think that was my trigger. With the heat and allergins in the air, I might have to contend with hives more often. It stinks since I hadn't had a break out in a few months!!!! Yeah, you know I am excited.......

Later!

Hump Day

Well, I do have to say I was disappointed that the Mavs weren't able to force a game 7, but I was proud of the team for making it as far as they did! I wasn't a big basketball fan before the playoffs but the Mavs definitely have a new fan!

So, today was a pretty normal day. I am discovering how the government works first hand. I am working on an issue and I have pretty much talked to 5 or 6 different people. One person sends me to the other. It might be the fact that I was just handed this and am pretty much figuring it out myself. Everyone is very nice about things, and I really just have to laugh. The only thing I can really discuss about my current projects is the Bird Flu Summary I have been working on. I am now a bird flu/pandemic flu expert so ask me anything :-). (And really, it does have something to do with my job)

I think tonight will be movie night. Working out kind of took it out of me. And for some reason, I am having some serious hives this week. The time on the elliptical helped ease them a bit, but rest might be another good thing.

Okay, gonna run. In case I don't get to blog early enough in the day tomorrow, I want to wish Jen a Happy Birthday for Thursday!!!!! Do like me and celebrate as long as possible. Oh, and my brother is coming home tomorrow night from China for good! I know he will miss China, but it will be cool to have him back in the States.

I can't watch

But I will!!! Argh. Back in Dallas. GO MAVS!!!!!! That is all I have to post today!!!

Later

It isn't over yet!

The Mavs are in a hard position right now. They lost that 2-0 lead and now it is 2-2. Okay, so the last game, they got spanked. I think it might be the kick they needed to re-focus. I surely hope so. I haven't given up hope though!!! Go Mavs!!!! It appears that they tend to win when I don't watch, so I might just flip back and forth tonight and not intently watch. I know -- supertitious of me :-).

This has been a pretty good weekend. Friday night was girl's night with Mia and Jen. We went to Monica's (great Mexican food) and then to the Velvet Hookah. I hadn't been there since last year -- I had forgotten how cool the place was. Now I don't remember the martini's costing so much, but I guess a girl needs to splurge sometime. Oh, yeah, and I got my belly button pierced. I was thinking about getting one anyway since I lost all that weight and my abs are starting to look the way I want them too. It really didn't hurt at all -- a bikini wax hurts more! So, at 34 I am starting to be cool :-).

Yesterday I got an ab kicking by Ryan (as opposed to a butt kicking). I think we talked too much during my ab workout though. Oops. We didn't get much of the other things done. That is okay, I really do feel it today. I guess Tuesday I should just keep my mouth shut and just get it done. He gets paid the same no matter what I do and I still hurt the next day, so it all really works out. Mia and I went to the mall Saturday night and had a blast. No tattoos or belly button piercings, but I did get a great new pair of shoes. I am kind of holding off buying new clothes because I am in between sizes and I just want to make sure I get a few more pounds off and they fit right. But the shoes rock! We had dinner at PF Changs (oh so good!) and just hung out.

My parents are coming over tonight for dinner (Father's day present). And then it is time to re-focus and get ready for the upcoming week. I start working out with Ryan 3 times a week starting now and that will hopefully get me to my goal and I can cut the cord so to speak. Well, I will probably keep him around, just won't see him 2x a week! I probably should just focus on the here and now with that though.

Later!

GO MAVS!!!

Wow, 2 and 0. I am pretty darn excited. I am going to watch the game tonight with Michelle in Irving. Haven't seen her in about a week, so it will be cool. Ryan is still sick, so there was no butt kicking tonight. I actually pulled out my Carmen Electra Strip Aerobics DVD. I hadn't done it in awhile. It was kind of nice to do dance moves -- it stretched out all those sore muscles. Dancing works you out in whole different ways and I truthfully was getting just too used to that darn elliptical. I do hope he feels better on Thursday, mostly for selfish reasons because I need a good weight workout :-).

I sat through a morning Worker's Comp class. I know, very exciting. And not only WC, but Federal WC. Yes, even more exciting. The teacher did a great job and I did learn some stuff. I will be the WC queen in all due time. Hey, gotta be good at something :-).

Okay, time to get ready for the game. You know, look cute, but not look like you tried. Always, always fun!!! Jeans and a t-shirt go far (it is always cold in the place we are going, so jeans are necessary. Maybe even some winter clothes!!).

Later

Lazy Sunday

I have pretty much slept all day. Very, very lazy day. I worked out hard yesterday and I am going to blame that :-). Poor Ryan wasn't feeling very good yesterday so it wasn't a normal butt kicking. I still got a work out, but I was kind of worried about him! I told him I was expecting a butt-kicking on Tuesday. I am still sore, but it wasn't our best session. Luckily, since I am an established client, I understood. Salsa, however, did kind of kick my booty. Dancing in 3 inch heels will do that to you. We learned turns and the right one was not working for me! You have to do this pivot thing and I just wasn't getting it. Well. It felt like I was about to fall down every time! Slowly, it worked. Once we sped it up, man, I was all over the place! It will take practice, but I will get it down. There is a Salsa Social on June 23. That should be fun. Mia and I plan to go and get some practice in.

I went to see "The Break-Up" on Friday night and I thought it was pretty good. I laughed a lot and it was just a nice end to a week. Jen looked stunning, as usual. And Vince was hysterical. Loved them together.

Well, I have to run. Have a great Sunday evening!

GO MAVS!

As I type, the 1st game of the NBA Finals are beginning. I will try to watch it all. It depends on how stressed they make me. I feel Dallas can take it all, I just have to take breaks from the action!!!! I am a dork, I know :-).

Okay, I have to admit something. I knew that the Branglina baby pics were being published in People tomorrow. Now, we all know how I feel about these two...... but I thought, might as well take a peak at the little bambino. I took a look at People.com and there she was with momma and daddy (no commentary of the relationship......). Well, um, she's a baby all right. I don't know what I was expecting. Maybe a halo considering how heralded her birth was. She is a cute baby. No halo. Chloe was actually cuter at birth (and still so absolutely beautiful, by the way!). I know I am biased because Chloe is family, but I stand behind my statement. So, media, let Angie do her goodness and let them raise the baby in peace. Shiloh isn't saving the world. Let's just let her be a baby. And while I am on the subject of baby pictures, does anyone find it weird that we have not seen any pictures of Tom and Katie's baby. You would think that would be just as hot as baby Branglina. I have a theory on that whole thing, but I will keep it to myself.

So, other than surfing the net looking for baby pictures, there is really nothing much going on. Work is picking up. I am learning more and more each day and it is all pretty cool. I love the fact that I work with a lot of knowledgeable people who I can just learn from. I work with a woman who knows this stuff like the back of her hand -- she doesn't even have to look it up the books, she can just tell me where to look and there it is. I like that. I haven't even heard anything from my old co-workers. I even sent an email to Mary to give her my new email address. Last week. I have yet to hear from her. Yeah, I guess they miss me a lot. Eh, I have a good place now and I am much happier. They can stew in their disfunctional relationship with the client.

Mom and I are going to see "The Break-up" tomorrow night. Can't wait! I don't think I can get her to go see the Omen (actually, I can't get MYSELF to see the Omen. I will see scary movies, but movies dealing with the devil are way out of my realm of wanting to see. I can explain all that later!).

Later!

Progress

We did a re-assessment tonight at my session. In the last 2.5 weeks I have lost 2% body fat and gained a pound a muscle. It was pretty cool. My hips still haven't budged - it is weird since my clothes are fitting looser. Oh well. I will take it. All that time of the elliptical has paid off!! I am pretty tired right now. I was going to watch a movie but I think I might hit the bed early. I should have all this energy from working out and eating right, but truthfully I am just tired all the time!

Later

Not really too much to report. I had a good weekend. After working out with Ryan (still sore, by the way) I went to Salsa lessons. I was supposed to meet Jen and Mia there but they had emergencies come up and couldn't make it to the studio (at least they weren't abducted by aliens which was my first thought :-)). While all we did were the basic steps, it was still tiring and made my legs hurt. I am looking forward to learning more and getting good at the dance!!! I rested Saturday afternoon and then that night watched the game with my neighbor. She had stopped by to pay a huge compliment -- she had seen me leaving that morning and wanted to say how great I looked. Seriously, you never tire of hearing that! After the Mavs WON (Go MAVS!!!!), I headed out to meet some friends at a local club. I stayed out a little too late and was pretty useless Sunday. Sunday was Mom and Dad's Anniversary, by the way! 35 years -- woohoo!!!

Well, that is my Monday report!

Later

Salsa! (The Dance not the condiment)

I was at the gym today and what new class have they added (kind of gave it away in the title!). Salsa is coming to my gym. I was so happy I almost didn't see Ryan when he was leaving the gym for his break. Now, you know I was really excited! I am not sure how you do salsa as a gym class but we will see. I will be there next Thursday night! And it is a fun new way to do cardio. Seriously, the elliptical is starting to bore me. I am seeing results so I keep at it. And along with the salsa lessons on Saturday with Mia and Jen I will have alternatives to the elliptical cardio workout.

I had a whole entry yesterday and when I went to publish it, it disappeared. Where it went, I have no idea. But I guess you will never know about my weekend now, will you :-). It was good, by the way. And I found a swimsuit that covered my belly but showed off my back. It was actually pretty cute. I was happy.

I had lunch with my dad today at a cute little sandwich place in downtown Dallas. I never would have gone there had he not shown me. And they have a great grocery store next door. It is close enough to power walk to during lunch (only have 30 minutes) and get some things. Since it is getting hotter and hotter, I really don't see myself doing that anytime soon. I have this feeling downtown will be a scorcher.

Well, I guess that is all for today. Worked, worked out, now relaxing. I might go out tonight but not too late. Geesh I am getting old :-).

Go Mavs!!!!!!

Well, I guess nothing interesting has been happening since last Saturday! I can't post at work and sometimes at night I am just too tired. It really has been a low key week. I went to watch the Mavs on Wednesday night with Michelle. We lost, but that is okay. I get this feeling this series will come down to the last possession on the 7th game. It will freak me out and stress me out! I watched last night, but it was the last few minutes. I seem to be in a movie weekend now though. I just finished watching "Fun with Dick and Jane". It was very cute. I do recommend it. And it was very timely with the Enron juries returning guilty verdicts this week (in the movie, Dick's company goes under due to some seriously unethical leadership). And the last line of the movie was pretty freakin funny. I also watched "Derailed". I was kind of disappointed in the movie, but it did have some twists that I didn't see coming.

No Ryan today. He is on vacation this weekend so I got somewhat of a break. He wasn't sure I could survive without him, but I convinced him I'd be fine. Actually, I just think he didn't want to drive to Houston..... Probably had nothing to do with me :-). I did do cardio this morning. I hate cardio though. I would much rather be but through a booty kicking for an hour than 30 min. on that elliptical. But I am getting closer to my goals, so I have to keep it up. Darn swimsuit season....... Speaking of which, I do have to go buy a new one this weekend. Monday's plan is to hang out by the pool all day with Michelle and her friend Megan. I have already bought the sunscreen in anticipation. But that is also why I will be on the elliptical machine tomorrow and Monday morning. If I just go when I wake up, I will have it done for the day and I can go on with my life.

Later!

Great Accomplishment

I did another assessment today with Ryan and the push is actually paying off. It doesn't seem like it is toooooo much but any progress toward a goal is a good thing. I was down 3 lbs, lost some inches in the hard to budge hips and even lost a little more in the neck (that one always makes me laugh when he measures it. Seems like he is trying to strangle me). I dropped a percentage in body fat. I didn't gain any muscle, but that is okay. So, this is a good platform to remember that my goals are attainable and that it is all in my control. I have even cut down the alcohol consumption because those are evil calories. We had a good workout today, but it was my third time to see him this week, so we did kind of take it easy (well, as easy as he will let me get away with :-)). There was no holding me down in a lunge position while I tried to hit him........

Work is going great. I am soooooo happy now. Everyone is very nice and I actually feel like I can use my brain. And, again, it is HR stuff. Wow, what a concept. It was kind of slow this week, but I am sure once everything gets into full swing, I will not have moments in my day where I am actually bored. I have this feeling, beginning next week, I am going to be just trucking along. I have done a lot of reading on the government and their HR policies, grievance procedures and all the intricate things I need to remember. It definitely will be a challenge, because there are so many things to consider and consequences to each action we propose. I have a good resource in learning this stuff and you can bet I will take full advantage of it. I have learned more about the government in this past week then I have in my entire life (and I have a Political Science degree!). Really, those .gov websites are full of very interesting things (and this is all the stuff that is available to the public). You really should check that stuff out..........

Well, I am going to rest and then take Mom to a movie this afternoon. Since I had to leave last Sunday (Mother's Day), she kind of got gipped in the mommy day stuff. So, today is movie and dinner.

Oh, Michelle's birthday was on Thursday, but I didn't post that day, so happy belated birthday to her!!!!!!! We had sushi last night in honor of the big day. :-)

Later!

Ouch, Ouchy

Okay, I have never said a bad thing about Ryan even though he kicks my booty every week. Today, I actually got as close as I have ever to hating the boy. He HURT me. He was holding me in the lunge position and while it is a "good burn" it still hurt like freakin heck!!!!!! I was seriously close to actually crying (I had to hold it for 25 seconds. Doesn't seem long, but trust me, this hurt). I liken it to the 10 mile hike. Yes, I feel a sense of accomplishment, but I won't admit it that same day. I made it through, tried not to curse him out and made it home in time to watch American Idol. I think I might need a bubble bath before the season finale of Law and Order:SVU. That and lots of ADVIL!!!!!!

I went to VA on Sunday and orientation was on Monday. I was very impressed with the orientation process. It was one of the best I have sat through. Even better than those I have created......... And while I didn't see a lot of the area, it was very much in love with all the trees on the way from the airport to the hotel. I flew back last night and was actually rather nauseous. It was a smooth flight too. I don't know what happened. I woke up feeling much better. And I had full access to the computer today. All is good. I have meetings this week with the OASAM (don't ask -- I can't remember what it means). They are the HR department and I will be working closely with them. It is good to get in good with them!!!!

Okay, bubble bath time. Later!

Still going good!

Yes, my second day was as good as my first. I still don't have computer access, but really, who does on the first or second day on the job! I got my space a lot more organized today and kind of feel like it is my cube now. Plus, I might was well get everything organized now since once I get going I might be begging for time to make files!!!!

This will be short since I need to go get ready for dinner with Mia and Jen. It will be very nice to see the gals! I know they will appreciate baby pictures :-). I did my cardio so I am now more awake. It is amazing how tired I was today and yesterday after working all day. Being off for a week kind of throws you out of the rhythm of working 8 hours a day. I am lucky I had 2 days and then a weekend!

Well, off to decide what to wear!!!!

Oh, I am so happy!

My first day is officially over and I am home and happy. I think this was a good move and I will be there for a long time. I did a lot of reading today (good thing I know how to do that :-)). I met everyone in the office and they all seem very nice. And I started trying to figure out how it all fits together. It might take a few weeks (months maybe) but I will get it all down. And the commute is pretty nice. 18 minutes, door to door. I might not even take the train -- that would take longer really. And apparently there is a program where I can take parking money out pre-tax and save money. I will know more about that next week. If I get off work at 4:30, I can drive to the gym, get my cardio out of the way and then be home by 6ish. Very cool!!!

Other than that, nothing much to tell. I am kind of tired so I think a nap is in order. The Office has its season finale tonight and so that is my only big thing planned :-). Don't worry, I will do the cardio after that is over.

Later!

No, Really, I have an excuse!!

I know it has been forever since I wrote, but I was on vacation. Yes, my cousin had a computer, but I was on vacation from everything!!!

Baby Chloe was absolutely beautiful in person. It was fun to see her and the rest of the family. It was a pretty nice trip to CA. I went hiking on Saturday. Um, 10 MILES!!!!! It was a pretty view at the top, but 5 miles up hill takes it out of you. I was proud that I had the stamina, but body parts were trying to revolt. I still won't admit to Aunt Gail that I had a sense of accomplishment though :-). The hike caused an outbreak of the hives, but I kept popping allergy pills.

Aunt Gail, Mom and I went to the wineries in Jackson, CA on Sunday. I had always gone to Napa Valley so it was cool to see new ones. The first winery, which thankfully I don't remember the name of, was kind of bad. The first few tastings I did the "icky" face. You know, when you taste something bad. Gail reminded me that I probably should have turned around (away from the winery workers) if I was going to do that face. It wasn't subtle :-). All the other wineries we hit were great! I stocked my wine rack and I am good for awhile. I kept finding things I liked!!! The best name for wine that we saw was the "Brayzin Hussy Red". The winery was called the Bray. It has the best label too!

I start my new job tomorrow. I ran errands today and cleaned the apartment. I do feel ready for this next chapter in my life! My old job has already called me for 2 different things..... Okay, I think it is nap time. I already worked out today with Ryan, so I am all good. He was bright and early this morning. I thought when I set the time, I would get to sleep early enough the night before. Not so much. I couldn't fall asleep but really needed to see him this morning, so I went anyway. Kicked my booty, but it was worth it as always.

Later!

Getting Ready

I have my exit interview in 20 minutes. Not sure what they are going to ask and I am not sure exactly how honest to be :-).

I am also getting ready for my CA trip. I truly can't wait. I haven't been out there in a long time. And I swear, Chloe gets cuter every picture I see of her. I just want to hold her for the days I am out there.

Funny thing happened at the gym yesterday. I was training with Ryan. In the middle of our session, the electricity goes out. Apparently the entire block was out. Since I was in the middle of a shoulder press, I just kept going. They weren't kicking people out yet, so we just kept going. While it was getting a little hot (no air), I actually had a good workout. I even got a shoulder rub. He hit some good pressure points and I was a happy camper. I did, however, accidentally hit him with the leg machine. It was dark -- we'll blame that. I felt bad, but he swears I didn't hurt him. They finally started kicking people out right as we finished training -- it was really getting hot in there so I don't blame them. I am sure the liability rises during times like that!

Well, I have got to run. I think I have finally finished all the projects that need to be done for Mary and I have Wanda comfortably sitting in my chair. I might actually get to do the "I am leaving" slacking for a bit.

Later!