Plus-Sized Pin Up

Went to the gym for the first time in 2 weeks. Man, I could feel how long it has been. Muscle memory was showing up, which kind of helped my resolve to continue exercising. However, it was working against me They really wanted to get back into the groove of things, but being off the weight machines for so long, I needed to start at a lower weight than usual. A couple of times I had to stop and lower the weights. Sheesh, I was wasted!

I was really excited to jump on the treadmill this morning! It was exhilarating! To tell the truth,I was not disappointed! Even though he says otherwise, I was doing a little huffing and puffing. Honestly, without all the panting, I was still sweating like a pig! At first, I was afraid I wouldn't be able to do the run-walk for the full 10min, but it was easy! It was really, really rewarding and encouraging to be able to do the run-walk without killing myself. Even though the running is only for 5-10sec, I still felt as though I was working and pushing myself. This book as be so pumped!!

Haha, being lazy, I decided not to change the weight on the ab machine, and it kicked my ass!! Usually, I have it around 30lbs., but the previous person left it on 70lbs. At 30, I had felt a little bit of a muscle twindge, but nothing really "oh my goodness." Wow, at 70lbs, I really felt it! The weight wasn't too high. I wonder why I never raised it before After that machine and the crunches I did, I could definitely tell I worked them while walking out to the car!

I'm trying to decide if I am going to brave the sidewalks and get some walking done tomorrow. The book suggests that you walk on your off days. Bringing Juneau out with me a couple of times a week (which would give her 2-3 extra walks a week) sounded like a good idea. Working myself, I know that the cold won't be too much of an issue. However, my Doc Marten's have crappy traction and the roads/sidewalks are still kind of messy. I don't know. We'll see how everything goes tomorrow.

After working hard at the gym, I got my hair cut and my eyebrows waxed (man, that was a long time coming!). I feel really good this afternoon! I've been in a real funk these past 2 weeks. It makes a difference getting up and working at the gym! I knew it was helping some of my depression down. But, after today, it is obvious how much it has been doing! I'm excited to finish out my first week with this book!

In-laws just left. It was awesome! The conversation really helped me look at the accident in a different way. It also helped me realize just how much God was working. Really, have you seen people walk away from getting hit by an 18-wheeler? Anyways, just spending some time, laughing, and shooting the breeze was pretty refreshing.

LoL, FIL got our sink working! It has been plugged and the garbage disposal has been acting up. Hubby has been putting off cleaning it, so every dish in the house is filthy. The dishwasher backs-up into the sink, but it wasn't draining. Anyways, we tried it last night and got the same response -- nothing. FIL comes over, turns on the disposal, and it WORKS! Yay!! Now to get to work cleaning my kitchen all over again

Given the time, I'm thinking about skipping the gym tomorrow. I know I need to get in and work on the weights, but sleep is so much better. Juneau woke me up this morning with diarrhea, so I wasn't able to get a ton of sleep.

In other news: Our new car is home!!! Booya! Hubby wanted to take the car to work, so I couldn't take it for a spin. But tomorrow I get the car

Well, off to bed!

Lately the gym has felt like an exercise in endurance. Previously it didn't feel as though it was too hard. After the last week or two, I've changed my mind! I haven't been able to move up to 20min on the elliptical machine, I can barely push myself for 10min on the treadmill, walking back upstairs from the weights is an exercise in mind over matter, even the stability ball exercises is bashing me. I also found out that a breakfast of milk and cheerios doesn't not sustain be through the workout. When it gets to lunch time, I feel really weak. I'm going to have to remember to eat my reduced-fat cheese sticks. It is a quick shot of protein.

Today has been lazy. I finished watching a horror movie and an episode of Nip/Tuck. I am planning on taking a bath followed by a nap. My head has been killing me all afternoon. It might be a tension headache, I don't know . . . I'm wondering whether I should slow it down at the gym. Maybe that's why I feel so beat down today.

In good news, I got a call from Maurice's. They want me to come in to fill out some additional paperwork and possibly set up an interview! I'm heading in first thing tomorrow morning. I'm really excited, but I don't want to get my hopes up. I know it isn't officially an interview, but I think dressing nice would be wise ^_~ Luckily my mom sent me this awesome beaded, silk Indian shirt the other day. I think I'll slip that on with my trouser jeans, do my makeup , and hair. You know, it think the shirt covers most of my tattoo ^_^ I'm not sure if they would have a problem, but it is better to not have it slap a possible employer in the face. I can't do much about my forearm tattoo, but it isn't too obvious. If you're looking for it, sure . . . I hope they don't mind facial piercings. I don't want to take my nose piercing out. If I need to buy another stud, that's cool. The ring is kind of noticeable ^_~

Anyways, I'm going to be bad and drink Coke with Advil to kick this headache. Hopefully the bath and rest will help. Now the fun part, I get to try and lure Juneau into her crate :P

It is amazing how much home feels like home.

On Friday, Angel drove down of a visit. We went to the rec center for some swimming and water slide fun. After that, I got out my stage make-up and turned her into a zombie for the premier of Resident Evil: Afterlife.

The next morning, we left for Greeley and left Juneau at his house. We promptly ran over to Fort Collins as fast as we could, shoveled food down our throat, went to get Angel's tattoo (her appointment was 20min late), and waited for my colour. After finally getting her new ink and touch-up done, I was able to get into Diego's chair. I mentioned some weird bumpy parts of the tattoo, he looked over it and decided that it was still healing. No colouring. I go back in a week or two. It was sad since the trip was planned around it. *shrug* Either way, our traditional gelato-after-tattoo wasn't an option due to an October Fest in old town. But we did find an awesome, homemade ice cream place. We finally got our asses in gear and got back to my brother's house to check on Juneau. His roomie had let her out to be around his dogs. They are big German Shepherds, so I was afraid she would freak out. His youngest bitch was very, very patient and gentle with her. It was the best weekend she ever had! She was so happy! When we go home, she kind of collapsed. She didn't even get up when the front door was opened!!!!

Even though this was another bad weekends food wise, when I tightened my belt, it was on the lowest hole and felt as though it could go tighter without an issue!! When I got the belt, I couldn't have it that low without a lot of smooshing! Every time I check my weight, it has been maintaining and my measurements appear to be the same. I am taking this as a sign! Even after stuffing myself on a Denver omelet before church, eating more than I should at On The Border, and grabbing a chiller and the Human Bean, my belt still could have gone tighter with room too spare! Booya!

While visiting bro, he introduced my to Bullshit with Pen and Teller. It was awesome! He was watching it streaming from Netflicks. I'm going to have to get on a find how many episodes they have available online.

Needless to say, it is good to be home. I wish Angel could have gotten more days off, but I'm happy to have the house to myself. It is hard to really feel at home when entertaining company. If you read this, Angel, I still love you visiting me, and I still wish you could have stayed longer!!!

Hubby is in bed early this evening. Either from lack of sleep or a bug, he isn't feeling well. I'm hoping it's lack of sleep, because I don't want to catch anything!

I'm wasted. The though of going into the rec center for a workout tomorrow really makes me feel . . . ug! I cannot give myself an excuse to get out of it. If I even do that once, I will get back into the habit of not going. This is not an option. A hot bath and a little extra sleep should help me shake this off.

No change on the weight front. I'm feeling a little sad about it. However, I'm not in this for the numbers on the scale. My goal is to become healthier, and I really think I'm getting there. My eating this week has not been the best, but I have kept up my physical activity. Haha, even though I am still a very sedate person, my energy level is going up after each session on the gym! I come in feeling exhausted and worn out, and I leave feeling energized, refreshed, and awake! All the scale is telling me is that I'm maintaining and not gaining. Plus, I know I am gaining muscle, so that will add weight. I also looked at my measurements. In my bust and hips area, it looks as though I lost of inches. However, I realized that I wasn't wearing my bra, and I was during the previous measurements. That doesn't work :P My waist line is saying I added a couple inches :( If I think about retaking them, I'll add the updated measurements sometime this afternoon.

Even though I didn't eat the best, I had a larger intake of water yesterday. For some reason, I haven't been feeling thirsty. When I feel hungry, it doesn't feel the same, so . . . *shrug*

Juneau killed hubby's computer the other night. She was chasing Dizzy all over the house and furniture. She jumped on hubby twice and scratched the hell out of his computer screen. The first time he might have been still able to work on it. But after the second time, there was no coming back. We have moved my computer, and he us using it in the evenings. My computer time is usually limited to the morning and afternoon, so it works out well. Although I realize that I just enabled him to continue playing instead of spending time together. *shrug* Can't win them all.

Ug, I need to clean my house! Angel is coming on the 10th, and this place is a pigsty! Hubby promised to do dishes since I was cooking all the time. The kitchen has yet to bear any fruit in that regard. The rest of the house is left up to me. He always freaks out when dealing with my stuff . . . Well, really, something not his own. I also need to get the guest bathroom cleaned up for Angel. Although I have claimed that one as my own. Since Juneau likes to dig through the cat box for snacks, it has been moved to the master bathroom. I cannot stand it! Even kept clean, there is more smell due to the humidity and the smaller space. Also, the guest bathroom has better lighting for make up and such. Needless to say, IT NEEDS CLEANING! I also need o try and organize my make up. For me, it isn't too terrible being all over the counter, but for guests it makes it hard for them to use the faucet and such.

Anyways, Hack/Slash is calling my name. I want to get some more reading done and then convince myself to get up and start working.

Goal for next week: Get back to menu planning, make better food choices, and continue shredding it at the gym.

I admit it, this morning I didn't want to go to the gym. After getting to bed a little late, Juneau got me up three times! The second time, it was 10min. after I put her back in her bed and I started to sleep. It might have been a good idea to get hubby up to take care of her, but I didn't want her to mess her crate. Unfortunately, he is known to take forever to take her out.

Last night, I got some aerobic activity for the weekend. While we were at our church journey group. Juneau had an accident in her crate. She was covered in her own mess. I felt pretty badly for her. Needless to say, she got a bath. HaHa, that was an adventure! She screams like I am taking her skin off! Holy cow! Well, the result is nice. She is all soft and fluffy ^_^

After dragging myself out of bed this morning, I did make it to the gym. Even though I didn't tone down anything, today felt fairly good. The first 5min on the elliptical went by so quickly! I'm glad I moved myself up to 10min. Next week I'm planning on upping it another 5min. I am conquering that thing! Yay me!!

While at the gym, I stopped hubby's dance teacher. She was really going all out on the elliptical! Watching her made me feel tired! I also saw my one of my professors! Both of them were really shredding it! With a ballet teacher, it makes a lot of sense. And my professor is an active, outdoorsy person. It was neat ^_^

I go in to finally get my hair cut and coloured. I usually get it done every 6 weeks, but the timing was terrible. As it stands, I need to head back and pay her when we get our check on Wednesday. Luckily my stylist is a sweetie! I've been with her for 5 years or more. It would be awesome if she would hire me as a receptionist ^_~

*blink* I'm tempted to take a morning nap. The gym has given me energy, but I'm still exhausted from my night.

Pilates was a little slower this morning. Luckily Juneau was more interested in staying outside. It was nice not to fight her off the mat, out of my face, etc. while concentrating on my movements/video. Unfortunately, I didn't take her out for her walk. Doing pilates in the morning moved the walk to the afternoon. Well, I laid down for an hour nap at 2pm and woke up at 4!

We finally went by the Zumba class this evening. I was afraid that I would too behind. But, not to be mean, a lot of the people were at a low-level, so I wouldn't feel uncomfortable. Watching them go through the dances were also encouraging. They kept plugging along and enjoyed every minute of it! We haven't decided if we are going to start going every week. Since hubby is already in ballet, it might be too much of a commitment for him. We'll see.

My swimsuit is agitating in the washing machine. I accidentally let it sit out for awhile, and my stupid cat (yes, one . . . and I know who it is -- shes doesn't have the sense God gave a rock!) decided to use it as her own persona litter box!! The damn thing reeked of musty cat pee!!! Arg! I put it into a hot water washing cycle. I'm considering putting it through another cycle, but I don't want to stay up so late . . .

Tomorrow will be a full week working at the rec center!! Yay!! I'm going to work on all the exercises the PT showed me. I'm pumped! And, since the tattoo has been healing for 3 weeks, I can SOAK in the whirlpool!! I'm usually pretty hot after the hard workout, so I might cool down in the lazy river before hitting the whirlpool. The lazy river has a kind of current that you can walk against.

On a more nerdy note, the rest of the Dark Ivory series came in the mail today! Of course, I sat down a finished the series before much of anything. HeeHee, I am such a nerd. Comics/graphic novels = <3

The zombie has returned again.

Working with the personal trainer was a lot better than I thought. Doing something completely different always makes me anxious. But, since this process about changing myself, the new me can handle anything ^_~ Roar!

The personal trainer wanted me to focus in aerobics, which I figured. We walked around the track several times keeping our pace up. My muscle didn't want to wake up. My calf muscles were really cramping and painful. I'm not sure why. I usually do a hard intensity on the treadmill *shrug* Anyways, he showed me a lot of stretches and workouts on the stability ball. I forgot that it was low intensity, but it really worked my muscles! After that, we worked on the weights. He wants me working with lower weights and higher reps. It was awesome to get back on the machines! It has been awhile! We ended the session by walking on the treadmill. It really didn't challenge me, because I do inclines and stuff on my own. But it was still pretty cool.

He even suffers from sports-induced asthma. He confirmed my believe: asthma will get better the with more exercise and strengthening the lungs. He has almost fully recovered from his asthma. Unless he is really, really pushing himself, he doesn't need his rescue inhaler. But, interestingly enough, while I've been out of breath, I haven't felt the need to use my inhaler. Yay!

My moment of humility: When we were working on the bar pull-down, I totally fell backwards over the seat! *^_^*

Working out this way will definitely show progress! I was kind of annoyed that he believed healthy and in shape meant being skinny. It's not true, but I figured he was think that.

Juneau wants to play, but I am too tired . . . But its a hurt-so-good! I wish I brought my swimming suit! The whirlpool would be so nice! Sadly, our hot tub is not heated. All I would have to do is throw Juneau out and soak . . . . Ahhhhh

I have my appointment set up with the personal trainer. It is set for 10:30 tomorrow morning. He is a nice guy. I see him every morning I go in. This is an awesome opportunity, but I'm feeling really nervous and self-conscience. When I think about it, I'm not sure. Something about it means that I have to come clean and accept the fact that this is where I am. From a previous post, I said that I never feel fat. It takes seeing myself in the mirror or something else before I feel that way. I already own the truth. I know that I need to be healthy, but . . . I don't know. Keep me in your thoughts, guys! Thanks ^_~

We took Juneau to the park this afternoon. It was a big dog thing down there. We got her chipped. I was afraid it would hurt her, but she was only focused on the food they had. After wards, we got her a cup full of dog ice cream. Man, she really inhaled it! We met another husky owner. She was 2 years-old and as small as Juneau. It was weird. But her colouring was awesome! Juneau has been really good about being around other huskies, but she freaked out with this little girl. Hubby and I think the run-in with the Malamute really set her back on how she interacts with other dogs. She was doing really, really well, but . . . Arg!

Journey group was tonight. Nate brought some elk for kabobs (I don't like wild meat, so . . . Hubby loved it). They made these amazing potatoes on the grill! They were cut fry-style and marinated in olive oil a lots of herbs. Yummy! Due to my wild meat issues, I had to grab dinner on the way home. I'm definitely cracking down on myself tomorrow. I need to start making better decisions on the weekends!

*sigh* I need to head to the store tomorrow for the week. I have a tentative idea of what we're eating, and we don't need to pick up too much. Hubby is making his homemade spaghetti this week. I don't know calorie intake, but it is all from scratch. Nom nom nom!!

Well, I'm being lazy and watching the first disc of Sons of Anarchy.

Bad weekend . . . What can I say?

It was my hubby's company picnic this afternoon. And, I admit it, I munched on the cookies we brought *sheepish grin* One of them was a brownie turned into a cookie! How could you resist that?! Serious yumminess! Nom nom nom!! Tomorrow our Bible study group meets, and that's not gonna be a good eating day. Meh, I'm kind of going with the flow. I really need to crack down on myself on Monday and try to maintain through the next weekend. The 11th is gonna be a bad weekend again, but I still need to try to keep up the momentum.

We had to leave the picnic earl because of Juneau. When we arrived, there were three girl dogs (2 puppies) and they all played. I was sad that Juneau wasn't off-leash, but we didn't want to risk it with traffic and such. Plus, huskies off-leash isn't the smartest idea :P Anyways, they were having tons of fun, running, bounding, playing, etc. Near the food-time, another co-worker brought his Malamute. Supposedly she is bad will all female dogs. She seemed to basically ignore the other dogs. When she came to see Juneau, her posture was aggressive and it scared her! After that, the Malamute ended up attacking the mini Schnauzer. Her owner was able to stop her, but still!! I tried to keep her away from Juneau, but it didn't work. She kept stalking her in a very aggressive way. Poor Juneau hid under the picnic tables she was so terrified. after eating, we left early. That was not a good environment for Juneau. When my hubby told another co-worker why we were leaving, she said that she felt the Malamute was bullying the other dogs.

Either way, when we got home, we all crashed for a nap. She rested most of the way home, and then was more than willing to crash in her crate for a few hours. Before the Malamute came, the picnic was really good.

Tomorrow the town is doing something called The Dog Days of Summer at a local park. We're gonna get Juneau chipped. They are doing it at a low rate through the animal shelter. She should have lots of fun there. This weekend has been a big one for her. But it has been good to get out!

Confession: I am a bibliophile.

Now for a picture show!! Since I talk about them (mostly her) all the time, here are pictures of my four children!

This little excited electron is Juneau! She is about 4-5mo old.

These three trouble-makers are our three kitties. The one in the back is Vash the Stampede, the one in front is Discord (aka Dizzy), and the one on the arm is Goblin.




This little lumpy cat is Vash the Stampede. This is a better picture.

Goals 8/1 - 8/7:

• Get my bike tires filled
  
• Start riding my bike again /get Juneau used to walking with a bike so she can join me later
  
• Walk Juneau down to the mail box everyday -- working on "heel"
• Walking with hubby and Juneau in the park Friday evening (I hope to make this more of a several-times-a-week occurrence)
  
• Try one of my other Pilates DVDs, and try the accelerated fat burning workout
  
• Find time for both yoga and DDR
  
• Figure out the rec center drama (I'm tempted just to get a membership and go by myself)
  
• Take some time for just me -- reading book, playing video games, etc

Last week went a lot better than I had anticipated. I had a few missteps, but it went really well. A lot of the outdoors goals went south. The weather here was pretty unpredictable. The other day quarter-sized hail was beating down. Needless to say, I didn't want to go outside! However, I did get Juneau walked one time ^_~ Aside from that, I followed my exercises very well. The sculpting pilates DVD kicked my ass. I was excited!

Goals 9/8 - 9/15:

• Get out and ride my bike
• Work with Juneau
• Getting a tour -- and hopefully and membership -- of the rec center
• Continue changing up the pilates DVDs
• Try to alternate yoga and DDR
• Choose better snack ideas/snack a little less
• If I get a membership at the rec center, start heading over there in the morning after dropping hubby off at work

Today I was a little bit better with food, but found myself snacking a lot. In all honesty, I'm not sure if I was hunger or it was out of habit. Some of it was due to hunger, but it wasn't the whole reason.

Success: My parents moved to Memphis, TN a few years back. They have been trying to sell their house since March. Their Realtor is cocky and arrogant. When people are brought to the house, he never makes sure to check his listing. Most of the lights have been burnt out because they have been left on, almost all the cabinets were open, etc. Anyways, my parents want me to stop by the house and make sure everything is fine. They also want me to work on some cleaning while I'm there.

To the point, the house is built into a hill and has a two-story climb up the stairs and into the house. When I was still a teenager, I could fly up the stairs without being out of breath. There is also a staircase to the upper bedrooms -- mine was up there. Anyways, this afternoon was the first time for a long while that I felt energized to walk up! Granted, I was still out of breath, but I didn't feel tired or anything. The same happened with the stairs to the upper story. I don't know if it was due to the weekly exercise, increased energy from eating better, or what, but it was awesome!

I'm sitting in front of the TV while typing on my computer. Silent Hill is on. It makes me want to get out my copy. I have one of the later games in the series. But the whole thought creeps me out! I freakin' love that game, but it scares the shit out of me. I know I need to head upstairs, but I want to avoid it. I know there are nasty monsters lurking up there! For heaven's sake, I saw Pyramid Head!!!! Thankfully, according to Wiki, I don't ever have to face him. I will see him a few more times, but that's it. However, I need to remind myself that Batman: Arkham Asylum is waiting to be finished. I'm pretty close to confronting Killer Croc. yay!

I got a couple of CDs this afternoon. I'm planning on ripping them and putting them on my iPod. The idea of making a workout playlist makes me giddy! *^_^*

Things food wise didn't work out the way it was planned. Either way, we ended up eating enchiladas. It was a win! I posted the recipe if people are interested.

Walking Juneau and riding my bike didn't happen this afternoon. It was like a monsoon outside. For the first part of the storm, it was shooting down hail like a mad person! Poor Juneau had to go outside! She ran to the door and started yelping!

Meh

*Pats back* Yup, this new template rocks!

Spending the evening -- up until 4:30am (ish) -- trying to figure out how to create a template on Gimp was a pain! I found this awesome program called Artisteer. I really love it, so I downloaded the trial version of it. Sooooo excited!!! **happy white girl dance** After spending hours hunting down backgrounds, images, and perfecting the whole layout, I go to save the file and it tells me it cannot save in the demo! Shit, I guess I can just upload it. Score! . . . Uh, no . . . Every single page is covered with "trial" on it!! Ack!

While I was sitting up reading and waiting for the cats to finish eating, I started mulling the program over in my head. "Meh, it might not be too expensive." This morning I looked at the price lists. Aaak, $50?!

Later this afternoon, after puppy kindergarten, I decided to break down and buy the program. Between my saved up allowance and some leftover money from the tax return provided enough money. Yay!! And I have some left over for books and the like (*ahem* sports bra)!! Yay!!

Most of this evening, I've been sitting around watching the 'tube and making the new layout!! Hey, I did yoga this morning, walked Juneau down to the mailbox trying "heel", and working through her class doing "heel" and other things, so I reason I burned a lot of calories today!

In the words of Po, this layout has "awesomeness and attractiveness of which there is no price."

In other news, I went by the rec center this afternoon. I wanted a tour of the facilities, because I haven't seen what they have for a long time. Unfortunately, they were closed due to summer maintenance. Next week they will be done and ready for a tour. We figured that with the reimbursement from hubby's employer would make our bill $14/mo! Depending on what the tour shows, I'm getting a year membership next week!!

Goals 8/1 - 8/7:

• Get my bike tires filled
• Start riding my bike again (start slow. 7mi is unreasonable!*)/get Juneau used to walking with a bike so she can join me later
  
• Walk Juneau down to the mail box everyday -- working on "heel"
• Walking with hubby and Juneau in the park Friday evening (I hope to make this more of a several-times-a-week occurrence)
• Try one of my other Pilates DVDs, and try the accelerated fat burning workout
• Find time for both yoga and DDR
• Figure out the rec center drama (I'm tempted just to get a membership and go by myself)
• Take some time for just me -- reading book, playing video games, etc.
  

*I used to ride by bike 7mi/day. I cannot do that anymore :(

Tried two new recipes today. Both were a totally bust in my book. I thought they were both exceptionally bland. They had flavor, but . . . My husband enjoyed both. That's awesome, but I "get" to look forward to eating them as leftovers tomorrow. Ug!

I cracked 1,000 calories, but I didn't get close to the 1,500 point. The idea of fully counting them annoys me, so I'm just monitoring it.

We took Juneau to the park. Working on heeling makes it even more cardio, helps build strength, and will power lol!

For some reason, I keep coming into contact with something that is making my hand swell like an allergic reaction. Last week it gave me a killer headache. Once I took Benedryl (sp), the swelling went down, the redness was gone, and my headache disappeared. I wonder what caused it. After the park, it flared up again this evening. It is really annoying!!

Tomorrow I will try to get my weight. In the morning that is not the first thing I think about.

Observation - Day 1: Fat-free milk is really some government conspiracy. Instead of a calcium enriched liquid, we have water with one eyedropper of milk. Therefore, I ask, "Do you want a little milk with your water?"

Needless to say, Cheerios were not that enjoyable with water. They kind of taste gross :P I only consume milk when I eat breakfast, so I'm going back to the real stuff. The calories really don't bother me when it comes to milk.

Day 1 started with Pilates first thing. Juneau wanted to come in about 5min into the workout. She behaved very well this time. I only had to push her away from the yoga mat twice! Yay!

During Pilates, I remembered that I didn't weigh myself or get out my tape measure to take all my measurements. I've decided to do a weigh-in twice a month: 1st and 15th. Heehee, tomorrow I'll try to remember to step on the scale before I feed the cats.

The gym/rec center plan has hit a roadblock. My gym-buddy has a membership to the campus gym, but graduation means I cannot get a membership. My husband's company pays half of the cost for a membership at the rec center. All good, right? Wrong. My buddy doesn't necessarily have $350+ to shell out. I dunno. She going to do some checking and get back to me. I would like a buddy to go with, but I might have to bite the bullet and go by myself. I need to learn self motivation and discipline. It's good for me ^_~

In an attempt to get cardio regularly, I'm planning on trying to get Juneau out for a walk 1/day. Also, I want to pull my DDR pad out. I loved playing it when I got it. My Pilates video has an accelerated fat workout, and I want to try to work up to it. It is 50min and will definitely kick my ass!

I applied for three more positions at the University. Two of them are part-time and one is full-time. I would rather get the full-time positions because the bigger salary will help out money situation better. Also, with either position, I can get a membership at the gym on campus. As far as machines and free-weights, they are far superior to the rec center. I'm crossing my fingers, praying, and trying to trust God. Man, that is easier said (or typed ^_~) than done ;P

I feel a bit discouraged, but I'm trying to tell myself that everything will work out.

After putting together the menu for next week and writing up a shopping list, my husband looked at it and was concerned about the amount of money we might be spending. After buying our house last September, money is a little tight. I'm hoping that we can both sit down with the menu and find alternative items. Plus, as long as it isn't things like ketchup, I don't have issues buying generic. That will cut down the cost.

Well, I need to think positive! Things will work out!

On the up and up, it turns out that my husband's employer will reimburse us for half of the gym membership! And, I must have missed it, I can pay monthly! That way I don't have to pay a lump sum of $300+. Some of this is really making me encouraged about God's support.

I've been sitting here drawing up tattoo ideas. Sheesh, I am such an ink lush! After watching The Runaways, I was reminded of my childhood. I grew up singing Cherry Bomb at the top of my lungs in defiance to my parents ^_~ It would rock if Angel and I got ankle cherry bomb tattoos. I've been working on some ideas: a cherry with a fuse, incorporating the cherry in "cherry bomb," adding leaves to the fuse, pin up girl, etc. Aside from doodling in class, I haven't picked up a pencil to draw something in a LONG time. It feels good!

Today was a pilates morning. Juneau wouldn't stay outside, so it was more stressful. Being a puppy, she wanted to check things out, walk all over my mat, get into my face while I was working on the ground, etc. I spent a lot of time pushing her away. Hmm, it must be a different form of pilates: Dog Pilates! ^_~

Man, I feel good after a shower. I actually took the time to put on make-up this morning. Today feels like a good day!

Oh, happy P.O.E.T.S. day!

Tomorrow, CHEST TATTOO!!!! *happy white girl dance*

NOAA says that it is 84 outside. It feels hotter while walking a dog. You would think that walking her to the mailbox and back would be a simple endeavor. Hardly! She is in the process of learning "heel". Being a Husky, she was born to pull (we're teaching her to pull ONLY on a harness), so you can imagine the scene. I'm trying to walk while pulling her back saying, "heel." At which point, Juneau decides that "heel" means "pull" (or we say, "hike").

One step, pull Juneau back saying "heel" > One step, pull Juneau back saying "heel" > . . .

On top of that, we have a cluster mailbox approx a block and half. One step, pulling Juneau back saying "heel," plus an 84 degree high makes for an interesting walk.

Needless to say, I am very out of shape! Covered with sweat, I collapsed on the couch and drank nearly 1 pint in less than minute. It makes me feel better that Juneau is just about as beat. But, I have to wonder, how much is being out of shape or the heat. I could argue it was all of the above.

As state earlier, "DOG FOR YOUR HEALTH!"