12-of-12: June 2009

I did it! It's been a few months since I've had an entry into the 12-of-12. Today I was inspired by the color green and the fact that Spring (with hints of summer) has sprung and it's BEAUTIFUL around my home.

Link to 12-of-12 Photo Set

Blog update:
Ha ha ha ... I just read my blog entry from May - I noticed that I made a comment about the green-ness of everything - hoping for inspiration in June. Well, I guess it worked.

Ya gotta love Mother Nature... a wonderful source for getting the creative juices flowing.

P90X - Day 90 and beyond

Earlier this month we arrived at DAY 90 for the P90X workout. Well, I should clarify. It's been 90 days since we started doing P90X. Around day 60 we did the old "holy sh*t, this workout is intense - we have NO LIFE outside work and workouts." So we did some reevaluation and decided we'd continue on with the program, but allow some breathing room on days/nights we had other priorities (like visiting friends or exhaustion from over-exertion from working in the yard, etc). It has still meant 5-6 days/week of 60-90 minutes of exercise.

Now, just past the 90-day mark, we've "completed" the program, I have made a point to either do the workout program or some other activity 3-4 (or more) times per week. This week has been dirt-moving week - got 3 cu. yds. of topsoil delivered Saturday and have been trying to get it all off the driveway ASAP.

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I can't believe how many people have asked me about P90X. It's been very cool - people keep me motivated and they say I motivate them to be more active. I feel a little bit like a contestant on The Biggest Loser - tho no prize $$ for me. :)

So - for anyone who's interested. Here's my list of "what's changed" since February 5, 2009:

The positives:

• My weight loss, in pounds, is minimal. However, I have lost inches everywhere!
• I'm close to being TWO dress sizes smaller than I was when I started.
• I'm STRONG! I'm FLEXIBLE! I've got great BALANCE!
• I can eat and not feel guilty! (I've started to watch what I eat even closer, have increased my protein intake and decreased "bad" carbs) - but even still Output > Input so life is good!
• I'm SO motivated to continue working out. It's really become part of my daily "to dos"... and I LOVE how I feel when I'm done.
• I LOOK GOOD! (on my way to looking GREAT!)
• I can hike the hills of the Erie County Forestry without getting out of breath!
• I sleep like a baby - I always did, but now I sleep very well.

The negatives:

• I have to buy a bunch of new clothes - and hate having to spend the money on them. (hahah, this is so terrible, isn't it?!)
  
• My knees hurt sometimes. I think I got arthritis from my mom... knees get a little creaky after the Plyo/Jump Training workout.
• Time is always a factor. I have to ask myself "what will have to wait so that I can workout?" It's very nice now that the days are warmer - I can get a great workout AND get stuff done (without neglecting the dogs either).
  

As you can see, the positives FAR outweigh the negatives. I recommend to everyone - build 20-60 minutes into your day for "sweat time". You'll love yourself for it!

12-of-12: May 2009

So, one would think... if someone got a cool new camera, she'd be ready for the 12-of-12 this month.

Ready. Yes.
Motivated. No.

What's my problem?
I think it's a bunch of things, all piled up that is putting me in this funk. And it's stupid sh*t. I am healthy (very healthy for that matter), I have a decent job with great benefits, my marriage is solid and fun, what more can someone ask for?

I know - this is getting WAY beyond photos.

Gimme another month. Maybe my attitude will turn around in June. The weather has been fantastic these last few days - and I've had LOTS of gardening time. Maybe next month I'll have some "green" inspiration for my 12-of-12 set.

12-of-12: March 2009

Well... I had the best of intentions today. Took the camera in the car with me as I left for work and even had a theme in mind for my photo set, but sadly, inspiration and opportunity eluded me today.

Maybe next month?

12-of-12: February 2009

Thanks, as always, to Chad Darnell for creating this fun event called the 12-of-12 - the rules are simple, 12 photos to document the 12th day of each month. For those who want to know more about Chad & his Project (or to see other participants in the 12-of-12), visit his site here.

This month is dedicated to my "kids" seeing as how winter has returned with a vengeance today after a balmy 50-degree day yesterday (yes, temps above freezing are VERY odd for February in Western NY). There's been a nasty mix of snow and rain and wind all day that has made it less than conducive to play outside. Maybe next month I'll have some shots that exhibit more creativity.

Click here to view the February 2009 12-of-12

Here's an intro to the crew:

Mackie is a brindle Mastiff-mix who had a rough start to life... she and her siblings were abandoned at a local shelter one night and found the next day by the shelter staff. Sadly, her sister didn't make it and died of Parvo a few weeks after being found. She came to us at around 21 weeks (her birthday is not known) and had some "issues" at first - like the fact that she was terrified of men. She's almost 5 years old and a total spit-fire. She's super smart and loves to instigate trouble around the house with her "little" brother.

TaterBug is a purebred Bullmastiff who comes from AKC champion bloodlines. He's the little prince who has been totally spoiled since conception. He's a lover, not a fighter and just wants to be held 24-7 (or longer, if possible). We've trained him to give people a "small smooch" since his tongue is 3" wide and can take off many layers of skin if given the chance.

Tsunami is a gorgeous captive-bred Jungle Carpet Python. She's also a total b*tch. When we got her we were warned that she would be different from our Boa in that she would not be as receptive to being handled as he was (arboreal pythons like here live in trees and thus are more skittish than ground-dwelling boa constrictors). So, she has become more of a visual pet (like fish in a take - ya can't pet 'em) than one who likes to hang out and watch TV with you.

And finally the fish - these little guys live in a 5 gallon tank in the kitchen. They used to be in my office when I had a desk job, but now they keep me company when I cook (well... them AND Mackie & TaterBug who anxiously await a morsel that falls to the floor). BTW, check out the 2nd fish photo and look at the little Neon Tetra in the middle of the frame - Do you think he knew I was taking his photo?? What a pose!

Hope you enjoyed this month's 12-of-12. Think SPRING!

Wait Wait

Feb 1, 2009 was one of the BEST episodes of Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me: The NPR News Quiz. I was laughing all the way through it... it was great!

I don't really consider this a true Podcast seeing as how it's a radio show... but I had to comment. The panelists were ON today - playing off each others' comments - coming up with some really sharp stuff.

I have given up on listening to newscasts - it's WAY too depressing - so this is an excellent way to get some current event news without wanting to kill myself.

Oh... and just one last note - in case Peter Sagal is reading this: I LOVE your Geekness! You make it cool. :)

P90X

Continuing on the fitness kick started back in November... 3 days ago, I began a new program with the hubby... P90X! Three months of intense workouts. We've taken the "before" photos and weighed in and have committed ourselves to working together to get 'r done till we complete the series in early May.

I'm excited about it. The workouts are killer, but like the pushups, the more I do, the better I feel. Looking forward to my beach body - an the progress in between.

OH, by the way, I was able to do 87 push-ups by the end of the push-up program. I haven't forgotten it, but have put it on hold till the end of the 90 day P90X series.