My body hurts. O.k., more like my legs/thighs. The other day, I think I even ended up crawling up the stairs at least once because my legs hurt so bad. Funny, I know. Needless to say, starting to lift weights is so much more grueling on the body than plain old cardio. It's good though and I can't wait to see results. It's always the last 10lbs that are the hardest to get rid of, and well, lucky for me, that's all I have to loose. But still, sometimes you just want the results without the work.... Well, truth be told, I like the work. I truly think humans like change, it's just the transition that bothers them, because really, how often does a transition go smoothly or to plan or without pain?
I've also noticed this week that my sleep hasn't been so hot. I blame that not on the fact that I'm not tired, because I am, but on the looming days leading up till Sunday. Today, when I checked my inbox, I had a lovely message stating a brief schedule of what my Sunday night, Monday and Tuesday morning will look like. Phew.... Monday is going to be a very long day, filled with lots of interviews and Q&A's. God help me. The wait is killing me. And although I'm nervous (especially for the all mighty interview with the head honcho), I know I'm going to do just fine when the time comes. *Cross your fingers for me*
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
Cardio Junkie No More
Today I met with a personal trainer at the gym, Harmony. I'm totally digging her, and if for any reason I can muster up some more denaro, I would totally hire her twice a week to help me achieve my goals. Yep, she was that good. She totally got where I was coming from and found it quite amusing when I responded to her question, "What do you want to get out of this".... My response, "To get wickedly toned".
To back track, since starting 12 days ago, I've been doing intense cardio for 65 minutes straight, everyday. Apparently, that's too much. Basically, being a cardio junkie is no good and needs to stop. I was told that since I'm already so lean, that weights are the best option to get the results I want. That means going to the gym about 4 times a week, for no more than an hour, and doing 30-40 minutes of cardio 2-3 times a week. The rest of my time should be spent lighting weights. Truth be told, lifting today wasn't all that bad. I was told that tomorrow or the following day could be brutal and sore, but I'm down with that. The best part, I was told that if I stick to that regime, and eat healthy, that in 2 months time I could have the results I'm pining for and be about 10lbs lighter. I'm down for that. Come July, watch out, as I will be a wickedly toned bad ass designer. HA! I love it.
To back track, since starting 12 days ago, I've been doing intense cardio for 65 minutes straight, everyday. Apparently, that's too much. Basically, being a cardio junkie is no good and needs to stop. I was told that since I'm already so lean, that weights are the best option to get the results I want. That means going to the gym about 4 times a week, for no more than an hour, and doing 30-40 minutes of cardio 2-3 times a week. The rest of my time should be spent lighting weights. Truth be told, lifting today wasn't all that bad. I was told that tomorrow or the following day could be brutal and sore, but I'm down with that. The best part, I was told that if I stick to that regime, and eat healthy, that in 2 months time I could have the results I'm pining for and be about 10lbs lighter. I'm down for that. Come July, watch out, as I will be a wickedly toned bad ass designer. HA! I love it.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Crazy Enough
Last night, AM invited me to go see Crazy Enough at Portland Center Stage (she scored free tickets from work). And can I just say, WOW! Storm Large has a phenomenal voice, and stayed consistent throughout the entire one women plus band (The Balls) show. I give her mad props for writing and starring in it. That takes balls. I also give her props for the topic: her life until now, where she reveals the good, the bad and the ugly. I don't think I could ever gain the nerves to reveal that kind of stuff to multiple strangers night after night. An expert from Storm's bio in the program describes the feeling perfectly:
... "Crazy Enough is the first theater piece Storm has ever written and, by far, the scariest thing she's ever done. However, as a great artist once said, "The thing that scares you the most is the very thing you should do."....
Before going to the show, AM and I quickly checked out the opening of Benefit the Surface Exhibit, going on now at Nemo. Check it out, as there are tons of quality pieces. Plus it's curated by Pattern People, who happen to be friends of GS. Wish I had had more time to actually mingle.
The quest to get wickedly toned is still in full swing. I'm gymin' it everyday for at least 75-80 minutes straight... all cardio. So far, so good. Monday I have a free consultation with a personal trainer. That should be interesting. I'm not planning to have someone assist me on a weekly basis (weight wise), but I am hoping to gain valuable information on what techniques and exercises are best suited to get the results I want. It can only get better, right?
Today, I had an epiphany... only 8 more days to go until my uber big weekend! I'm totally freakin' out like no other. I have no idea what to expect. Heck, I don't even know what time I'm supposed to be there yet. But, I'm also extremely excited. I can't wait to be there. Meeting, seeing, experiencing. It's going to be surreal and awesome. And no matter the end result, I'm sure I'll get great things out of it. Pushing it all aside, the biggest decision now is deciding what to wear. Red boots and skinny black cords are a must. Alas, I cannot wear them all three days. Hmmm... what else to wear???
... "Crazy Enough is the first theater piece Storm has ever written and, by far, the scariest thing she's ever done. However, as a great artist once said, "The thing that scares you the most is the very thing you should do."....
Before going to the show, AM and I quickly checked out the opening of Benefit the Surface Exhibit, going on now at Nemo. Check it out, as there are tons of quality pieces. Plus it's curated by Pattern People, who happen to be friends of GS. Wish I had had more time to actually mingle.
The quest to get wickedly toned is still in full swing. I'm gymin' it everyday for at least 75-80 minutes straight... all cardio. So far, so good. Monday I have a free consultation with a personal trainer. That should be interesting. I'm not planning to have someone assist me on a weekly basis (weight wise), but I am hoping to gain valuable information on what techniques and exercises are best suited to get the results I want. It can only get better, right?
Today, I had an epiphany... only 8 more days to go until my uber big weekend! I'm totally freakin' out like no other. I have no idea what to expect. Heck, I don't even know what time I'm supposed to be there yet. But, I'm also extremely excited. I can't wait to be there. Meeting, seeing, experiencing. It's going to be surreal and awesome. And no matter the end result, I'm sure I'll get great things out of it. Pushing it all aside, the biggest decision now is deciding what to wear. Red boots and skinny black cords are a must. Alas, I cannot wear them all three days. Hmmm... what else to wear???
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Doug Fir Round Up
Two of my closest friends in PDX skipped town today, NJ and GS. So last night was spent chillin' out and having a blast. NJ is off to Alaska for the entire month of May to see her luva, and GS is off to Europe and California for just over a week (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Dublin and SoCal) to see Blind Pilot, Counting Crows, Bob Dylan and The Grateful Dead. Yeah, I'm a bit jealous, but stoked to hear the stories.
Anyways, for NJ's last night in town, NJ, AM, KH and I went to Por Que No on Hawthorne for dinner. Awesome food. After that NJ, AM and I meandered over to the Doug Fir and then later to Galaxy for Karaoke. While at the Doug Fir, we decided to have a photo montage, primarily in their kick ass bathroom.
Here are some candid shots I got of NJ and AM in our furry nook prior to the bathroom extravaganza.
The view from our furry nook. It was lovely.
Let the bathroom goodness begin!
I love love love this photo of AM so much. Seriously, how much more awesome could it be?
AM was AMAZING at being a karaoke dancing queen!!!
After hanging out with the ladies, I drove over to see GS for a bit. While waiting for him to come down, I saw an interesting thing (see photo below). Lead paint??? DHS approved??? The white sign on the bottom right had 'POISON, no smoking'. Seriously??? I thought paint with lead in it was no longer allowed. Apparently I was wrong. But besides that, GS and I had a kick ass time over at Morrison Hotel. By far the best beer menu in town, including one of the raddest waiters/bar maid. They also have good burgers. I ended up just having two peppermint teas with honey.... A compromise with the bar/waiter dude (I originally wanted a hot tattie sans booze).
Anyways, for NJ's last night in town, NJ, AM, KH and I went to Por Que No on Hawthorne for dinner. Awesome food. After that NJ, AM and I meandered over to the Doug Fir and then later to Galaxy for Karaoke. While at the Doug Fir, we decided to have a photo montage, primarily in their kick ass bathroom.
Here are some candid shots I got of NJ and AM in our furry nook prior to the bathroom extravaganza.
The view from our furry nook. It was lovely.
Let the bathroom goodness begin!
I love love love this photo of AM so much. Seriously, how much more awesome could it be?
AM was AMAZING at being a karaoke dancing queen!!!
After hanging out with the ladies, I drove over to see GS for a bit. While waiting for him to come down, I saw an interesting thing (see photo below). Lead paint??? DHS approved??? The white sign on the bottom right had 'POISON, no smoking'. Seriously??? I thought paint with lead in it was no longer allowed. Apparently I was wrong. But besides that, GS and I had a kick ass time over at Morrison Hotel. By far the best beer menu in town, including one of the raddest waiters/bar maid. They also have good burgers. I ended up just having two peppermint teas with honey.... A compromise with the bar/waiter dude (I originally wanted a hot tattie sans booze).
Monday, April 27, 2009
Wickedly Toned Day 5....
.... And I'm already seeing results! My endurance has gone up from running 5 miles in 65 minutes (including cool down) to 6 miles. My attitude is through the roof more positive, I'm starting to see a little ab definition, legs are getting/feeling more toned and my sides (love handles) and Czech belly are shrinking. Oh, and when I finally get to sleep, I'm not waking up/tossing and turning as much. Granted, I still can't seem to get to bed early because my mind continues to race like a hamster running on a wheel. But still, can't complain.
In the wake of starting my new workout/life plan, I have gotten a mild head cold. Boohoo! Please, can someone tell me why I always get sick when starting a new workout routine? Last time (sans gym) I ended up bed ridden for days with the flu. This time, I'm just working on cardio (weights will have to wait till I'm feeling better), drinking tons of water and Traditional Medicinal Seasonal Herb Tea Sampler (Gypsy Cold Care, Organic Echinacea Plus, Organic Throat Coat and Breathe Easy), taking Gan Mao Ling and soaking in a hot bath with Epsom salt. It all seems to be working and I'm definitely not even close to being laid up.
Today, after my workout, I had a very late lunch (3:45 p.m.) of Trader Joe's veggie and chicken pot stickers with sweet chili sauce and orange and pineapple juice. Yum yum yum. I'd recommend everyone trying them at some point or another. Cheap, quick, healthy and good. What more could you ask for?
In the wake of starting my new workout/life plan, I have gotten a mild head cold. Boohoo! Please, can someone tell me why I always get sick when starting a new workout routine? Last time (sans gym) I ended up bed ridden for days with the flu. This time, I'm just working on cardio (weights will have to wait till I'm feeling better), drinking tons of water and Traditional Medicinal Seasonal Herb Tea Sampler (Gypsy Cold Care, Organic Echinacea Plus, Organic Throat Coat and Breathe Easy), taking Gan Mao Ling and soaking in a hot bath with Epsom salt. It all seems to be working and I'm definitely not even close to being laid up.
Today, after my workout, I had a very late lunch (3:45 p.m.) of Trader Joe's veggie and chicken pot stickers with sweet chili sauce and orange and pineapple juice. Yum yum yum. I'd recommend everyone trying them at some point or another. Cheap, quick, healthy and good. What more could you ask for?
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Nothing Compares To You
Today is a good day. Why yes, yes it is. I've got to say, nothing beats the endorphins of having a rad and uber sweaty work out at the gym for over an hour and then soaking in a tub with epson salt. MmmmHmmm, I feel good. I even got to talk to a good friend hailing from the far away zip code of 11222. Yeah, I just feel good right now, and I like that. I figure if I keep this going, then the stress and nervousness of whats to come in three weeks will be good and gone and I'll be a.o.k. to ace it. Life is good. Well, getting there at least. I think having potential is everything.
But back to working out. I admit, I've taken it slow, not pushing my body to the brink of exhaustion. That doesn't mean that I'm not working hard. By the end of my cardio training (65 minutes straight), I'm a sweaty hot mess. Tomorrow I will add in weight lifting, and I could easily be hitting the 2 hour mark of time spent in the gym, daily. Oh wow, again, who wold have thought. Hahaha.... Oh man. But anyways, nothing compares to you (interpret it how you best see fit).
But back to working out. I admit, I've taken it slow, not pushing my body to the brink of exhaustion. That doesn't mean that I'm not working hard. By the end of my cardio training (65 minutes straight), I'm a sweaty hot mess. Tomorrow I will add in weight lifting, and I could easily be hitting the 2 hour mark of time spent in the gym, daily. Oh wow, again, who wold have thought. Hahaha.... Oh man. But anyways, nothing compares to you (interpret it how you best see fit).
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Gym Junkie
Never in a million years did I once think that I would become a gym junkie. In fact, the idea of paying to 'get/stay in shape' has always seemed a bit ridiculous. But, with a new drive to get 'wickedly toned' and an opportunity for a discounted monthly price, I decided to give it a go. I'm at day three and I'm already a junkie. Is that bad? I didn't even go today, because I opted to go on a massively long hike with my Dad and dog (Lily) at Hoyt Arboretum. But somehow, because I have not actually been in the facility, my body is yearning for it. Hahaha... Oh man.... What have I gotten myself into? Nah, but really, I'm enjoying it quite a bit. It feels good to not only work out, but really want to do the work. Best part, I've already seen results. I even created a new diet, which I think could make me millions. I'll share, because I'm not greedy like that, and of course, it's just plain common sense.
Eat Healthy.
Eat Less.
Exercise More.
Do It Everyday.
It's a guarantee success, don't ya think?
In other news, I attended a women's self defense class the other night. You know, the kind where the dudes wear padding and you're aloud to beat them up. It was awesome. Apparently, from the bruise on my right knee, that is my bodily weapon of choice. Didn't help either that I was continuously using force. Technically, I was told not to, but come on, when given the chance to get out some aggression on the 'bad men' aka Gresham swat team members, how could I resist? I was 'learning' to physically defend myself. HA! My only complaint, which I brought up to one of them, was that during the mock attacks, they would stop the moment you first pushed back, and thus allowed you to beat them up without any further movement (it made you start thinking too much, and reacting less). Come on. I need a little tag team action. Like playful banter/wrestling, but in a self defense kind of way. Anyways, the dude just told me that if all goes well, it will become a regular class that builds up to that point. Hurray! I can't wait.
I have also made some head way on the matter involving the best email ever to be received at 1 a.m. Last night I got another email with tons of info and the structure of the course. Guess I'll be going back to grad school after all (I'm trying to think positively on the matter, as currently, I have made it to the final/last round before the lucky 12 are chosen, and it's all I want right now). It's finally settling in that the next year of my life could quite possibly be spent at one of the top ad agency's in the U.S. I'm stoked, but getting more and more nervous as the days wear on. The weekend interview process is fast approaching, and I can't even fathom what it will actually be like. All I know is that I get to meet my competition and tons of people in the office. Eee gads! This should be interesting. And fun. And maybe a little crazy. Hmmm.... One can only hope.
Lily Bean sleeping in-between hiking Hoyt Arboretum and going to the dog park. So sweet.
Hey! New game.... Guess what the photo is of below..... Are you cleaver enough to figure it out?
**Disclaimer: No prize will be rewarded for correct answer.
Eat Healthy.
Eat Less.
Exercise More.
Do It Everyday.
It's a guarantee success, don't ya think?
In other news, I attended a women's self defense class the other night. You know, the kind where the dudes wear padding and you're aloud to beat them up. It was awesome. Apparently, from the bruise on my right knee, that is my bodily weapon of choice. Didn't help either that I was continuously using force. Technically, I was told not to, but come on, when given the chance to get out some aggression on the 'bad men' aka Gresham swat team members, how could I resist? I was 'learning' to physically defend myself. HA! My only complaint, which I brought up to one of them, was that during the mock attacks, they would stop the moment you first pushed back, and thus allowed you to beat them up without any further movement (it made you start thinking too much, and reacting less). Come on. I need a little tag team action. Like playful banter/wrestling, but in a self defense kind of way. Anyways, the dude just told me that if all goes well, it will become a regular class that builds up to that point. Hurray! I can't wait.
I have also made some head way on the matter involving the best email ever to be received at 1 a.m. Last night I got another email with tons of info and the structure of the course. Guess I'll be going back to grad school after all (I'm trying to think positively on the matter, as currently, I have made it to the final/last round before the lucky 12 are chosen, and it's all I want right now). It's finally settling in that the next year of my life could quite possibly be spent at one of the top ad agency's in the U.S. I'm stoked, but getting more and more nervous as the days wear on. The weekend interview process is fast approaching, and I can't even fathom what it will actually be like. All I know is that I get to meet my competition and tons of people in the office. Eee gads! This should be interesting. And fun. And maybe a little crazy. Hmmm.... One can only hope.
Lily Bean sleeping in-between hiking Hoyt Arboretum and going to the dog park. So sweet.
Hey! New game.... Guess what the photo is of below..... Are you cleaver enough to figure it out?
**Disclaimer: No prize will be rewarded for correct answer.
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