Apr17

Tuesday Randomness

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Tuesday Randomness

Oh dear, a weekend running around Nashville with friends equals a tired Amy. I got lots of quality time with The Queen, Stace, Son, Cherry, Shy, Ruby Tuesday, Lady and DebDo. I also got some snuggles, a bite or two and giggles out of the two little Es.

  • In typical fashion, I was under dressed for Highballs and Hydrangeas but I rocked my pink Coach wedge hills. The band was really good, playing all those favorite dance songs from the 60s. It was quite a workout.
  • And I counted it as one of my workouts for the weekend because let’s face it, dancing in three inch wedges and sweating for over an hour and a half is a workout.
  • I believe the sound of the whole evening was laughter. We laughed at old stories, new stories and rehashed some of my um, bad choices. I think it was more about laughing about me and the situations I manage to get myself into.
  • A sad moment, I was in Green Hills, at Crows Nest but never managed to stop over at the mall. It is a sad day when I can’t make it over to the mall. I may need to see a shrink about that.
  • I had a wonderful Sunday with Aulisio, meeting up for brunch. This is something that doesn’t really happen in Chattanooga. I miss it.
  • And then back to the Queen’s to wrap up a couple of projects as well as visit some more.
  • Working out last night was interesting. . . we really stepped it up but wow, my legs are not happy with me right now.
  • Wookie has made it clear that I am on the naughty list. Some can food and snuggles later and he kind of got over my traveling. Kind of, sort of. .  .

I am a bit tired and I have a cute post that I would like to work on but that will have to wait until tomorrow. The sleep is winning out.

Apr10

Tuesday Randomness

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Tuesday Randomness

Pardon me while I whine a bit, but this Tuesday was a bit painful and I blame it on my trainer. Kicking it up a notch on a Monday is just evil. So ignore the old man smells (IcyHot) and the groans, here is the mess known as Tuesday Randomness.

  • Holy hell, my trainer was not kidding about taking it up a notch. If someone wanted any kind of information from me last night, all they had to do was threaten me with some of those new exercises.
  • Not only does my trainer kick my tush, he has kindly offered to help with my coordination.
  • Let’s work on the fat first and then maybe we can consider working on that. I kind of like my inability to be graceful anyway. It’s part of my charm. . .
  • As is the inability to stick my tush out, I was laughing so hard yesterday trying to tell him I have tried to hide my butt and now he wants me to stick it out while doing certain exercises.
  • The Easter Bunny got lost and didn’t visit me this year. . . thank goodness he found me yesterday!
  • And yes, I still keep up the rouse of believing in the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus and any other holiday character. One of the few perks of still being single at 38.
  • Speaking of 38, the class of ’92 is regrouping and planning our reunion.
  • If I am going to be single for this little function, please at least let me be somewhat skinny!
  • I have also threatened Bird within an inch of her life that she has to be my date as well. . .
  • I went to see American Reunion Friday afternoon, I really liked it. Sure it was typical but it was nice seeing the old gang up on the screen.
  • A couple brought their dog with them to see the movie. . . it wasn’t a service dog either
  • I love Wook but that would be the last thing I would do. The man also texted throughout the movie.
  • Note to the wise, unless you are a surgeon or the President of the United States, you are not that important to justify texting the whole time. Why even bother paying to see a movie?
  • According to my trainer, a girl cooking is a “lost art” bless him. He did say his girlfriend was getting better at cooking!
  • Why yes, I talk about food throughout my training session, is that wrong?
  • I am also about to have a fit to get back to DC to eat at a couple of Jose Andres’ restaurants
  • I am digging this cooler weather, please stay around for a few weeks
  • A small irritation, after blogging about my weight loss and revealing my weight, a not so ethical blogger posted a similar titled, thought processed post. I was sick for about a week after noticing it. I doubt she got the idea from me (I am not that deluded) but still it did bother me.
  • I love getting the spam comments! They crack me up! I should do a collection of them sometime as well as some of the spam emails I get.
  • Short week again this week! Yeah me! Look out Nashville, I have a few places that I have to hit in my quick trip up there!

Now I am off to finish reading a book and get ready for bed. I have another training session tomorrow and will need all the shut eye tonight to make it through it. But if you happen to see a very awkward short blonde girl trying to get her legs and arms to do total opposite motions, please walk on. It isn’t a pretty sight, trust me.

Apr4

Don’t Hate Me Because I Am Beautiful

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Don’t Hate Me Because I Am Beautiful

Sometimes a post can just write itself, which in my book, is a good day. From the ever esteemed newspaper across the pond, The Daily Mail, a poor, put upon beauty named Samantha Brick wrote a piece the other day about how hard it is to be oh so beautiful. Apparently she is gifted all kinds of things from men whom she doesn’t know and women are completely jealous of her.

Oy Vey! Seriously? This has to be a horribly timed April Fools post because I don’t think I have ever read such drivel in my life. Well, maybe if I looked at a teen girl’s journal, I might see something just as bad. . . but probably not. The cherry on top was her rebuttle article after she recieved many not so nice comments on the article as well as Facebook. Brick even tried to explain that Londoners just don’t get it but having lived in Hollywood for a time, they do.

Now let me back up, I have never thought of myself as beautiful. Cute, sure. Dorky, oh hell yeah. And there are the times when I put forth a huge effort and have been complimented. Which I appreciate and the blush like there is no tomorrow. I am who I am and worrying about it seems silly. And I don’t think there was a time ever when I thought of myself as sexy. That has to do with looking like a kid, acting like an adolescent boy and tripping over my own two feet.

I also think beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Thank goodness that it seems the whole of London has the same damn pair of eyes since men send alcohol to her table at restaurants. Sam, can I call you Sam? Good. Sam, even with my average looks, when I used to go out, there were times when someone sent me a drink. Big freakin deal. Just a few short years ago I had a cute whipper snapper, eight years younger than moi, canoodle with me for a few months. But do I chalk that up to I must be just oh my goodness, sooooo beautiful!

And about that Hollywood thing. Sweetie, you do realize that is the land of make believe, right? Charlie Sheen went off the deep end last year and ran around LA shouting WINNING and drinking Tiger Blood. D-Listed reguarly features some woman they call Chicken Cutlets (aka Pheobie Price) and she claims to be some super dooper model. Hell, there are still a few paps around that will take Paris Hilton’s picture. So I wouldn’t be bragging about how comfortable people are with your beauty. People are paid in LA to tell someone just how wonderful they are, how the world would end without them and they say yes to every request or thought. Why? Because it’s a paycheck baby! And let’s not forget that it is also the land of the crazies, drug addicted, alcohol addicted, sex addicted, let’s go to rehab type of place.

No my dear Sam, people aren’t jealous of you. More than likely your winnning personality sets their teeth on edge and they are glaring at you because you are just that obnoxious. It is fine to have self esteem but you my sweet little flower, are no super model. Nor are you someone that I would immediately think, gee! I wish I looked like her!

Oh and a little tip for you. One of the pictures in your article shows a noticible pooch; get some Spanx and that should smooth it out. Just saying, from one normal looking girl to someone who is just so “beautiful.”

Apr3

Tuesday Randomness

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Tuesday Randomness

Oh how I love short weeks at work! I am lucky that while Good Friday is not considered a paid holiday, the powers that be have opted to close early Friday. This makes Tuesday even sweeter and even my training sessions this week will be seen in a better light! Now on to the randomness that is me!

  • I really like my trainer but that kid is part evil! Due to some scheduling conflicts yesterday my trainer texted me asking if we could move it to 7pm.
  • Apparently he doesn’t realize I am a stick in the mud and once I am in the apartment I don’t like to leave! But after thinking about the change, I opted to go with it since I didn’t want to miss a session nor did I want back to back sessions this week.
  • I decided to warm up with some cardio before he got there but that wasn’t enough for him, no, mean trainer killed my legs last night with sprints up a hill outside. He also added another core exercise into the mix. Once he finished torturing me I looked as if I had taken a shower. I was soaked!
  • I spoke to my twin briefly today; she is calling up our favorite person for lunch next week. OMG! I cannot wait!
  • I was a bit stiff today, so like most days, I take to stretching at my desk. Thank goodness I am in a cubicle where no one can see me!
  • Apparently working out is hard on my feet. A giant blister that was healing (I guess) but in it’s place was a huge section of skin falling off. Gross I know! But after being so nice to the Queen and not sending her any scary pictures, I had to snap this one and send it. The caption? “Think it’s time for a pedi?”
  • The Queen called later, laughing and telling me to do something with those stubs I call feet. I will admit, they are sad looking at the moment. Poor Flintstone feet, they are just so misunderstood!
  • I have to say, after having the upstairs neighbors from hell, I finally have a good one! He says hello, asks how my day was AND is always checking with me to make sure his music isn’t too loud. Got to love neighbors that remember others live there too!
  • I also had to have my baby fix today, so I went to visit my sweet neighbor, the girls and the newest addition, sweet baby J! Oh man, I could just snuggle with him all night. But I have a feeling they might miss him after a bit, plus I think Wook would have a huge issue with something else occupying his momma.
  • I had horrible flashbacks today after watching the footage from Dallas. Let’s just say that when one hit a generator and there was an explosion it took me right back to ’98 when the tornado hit downtown Nashville.
  • I could go for some rain though. . .
  • With the amount of chicken and turkey I am eating, I expect to be moulting soon.
  • I had two people comment on my weight loss today, that makes me smile. Now if it would go faster I would be thrilled but at least this way it won’t double and come back to bite me in the tush.

Oh look at the time! I still need to shower, stretch, pack my lunch and my workout bag for tomorrow. Good times, seems like my world lately revolves around work, food, gym and sleep. I need a vacation!

Mar27

Tuesday Randomness

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Tuesday Randomness

Well, well, well, hello Tuesday and can I say thank you for allowing me not to be in too much, over the top pain this morning? Let me do a little Snoopy dance for everyone while I work out the stiff muscles.

  • It seems my life now revolves around aches and pains, and I fully blame my trainer for this. . .
  • I was talking to my twin today when I asked her if she would carry me around when I am up in Nashville a few weeks from now, she said the chances of destroying businesses and falling would increase dramatically.
  • I asked her if there was a special event insurance coverage we could take out for the day, sadly I really think there is such a thing
  • The Queen is sick, as in, she is actually at home resting, not running around like a crazy person
  • This almost never happens, she is more like a watch that takes a beating and keeps on ticking
  • I had her in stitches last night discussing my hurt tush as well as the normal pain from working out, she laughed while begging me to stop. She then promptly coughed up a lung.
  • She also paid me one of the best compliments in the world, apparently Kristen Bell is on a Showtime show and her character reminds the Queen of ME!
  • I didn’t pay her to say that either. . .
  • I had to fess up that my toes are looking kind of sad and she begged me to not send her a picture. . . yes I have sent many a nasty looking foot picture in the past.
  • I got to love on a brand new baby this evening, my sweet neighbor finally had her little boy! He is a cutie and man, his sisters are all about him. . .
  • I seemed to have gained a couple of pounds back but I am hoping that is the muscles being built up and the fat going away
  • Wookie has taken being the baby to new levels, this morning he sat by the bed waiting for me to pick him up and put him on there before I left for work
  • This could be why I don’t have kids, if I can let a little grey monster dictate my life I don’t need munchkins!
  • Mom has her Darth Vadar machine now, otherwise known as a CPAP. Apparently the cat that I still maintain doesn’t really exist checks on her throughout the night.
  • A few weeks ago I picked up some Cornish Game Hens for dad, since then he has harassed me about them. I finally got them to their house, along with a ton of peanut butter and coffee.
  • Tomorrow is another personal training day, oh dear, I hope I can make it through it!
  • Although I am loving the whole, “Rest the next day,” instructions, yes sir! I will not work out!

And now I must get ready and hit the hay. I guess working out hard has helped with the whole sleeping thing. And I have to start drinking a lot more water because I have been slacking.

Mar26

The One Where I Fall on My Tush

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The One Where I Fall on My Tush

Why yes, if there is a way to harm myself, I seem to find it. This time, thankfully, it was a graceful fall, per my trainer who I am still convinced is quite evil. The gym was packed today and we kept to one area while doing a portion of my session.

I was doing what I guess you would call some type of squat. I start by laying on the mat, do a crunch, grab the bar and stand up. The whole point of this exercise is to strengthen my tummy and legs. I get through two of them and my trainer is saying, good job, great form! Yeah! I am doing something right!

Unfortunately number three was when the bar popped up and I landed firmly on my tush. He did compliment me saying that had I not yelped in shock it would have looked like I hadn’t fallen. I may have an ample tush but that little fall hurt.

I am really liking the whole hiring a trainer although it takes days for me to feel normal again. My walk looks all kinds of wonky and no matter how hard I try, I tend to flop onto the toilet seat because my legs are killing me.

Oh and I smell like an old man. For those that know me, I have a serious soft spot for little old men. I think they are adorable. But let’s just say that the scent of Icy Hot is not one of my favorite things to smell. I got desperate last Thursday evening after hurting so bad that even ibuprofen wasn’t helping and picked up a bottle of that stuff. It doesn’t mesh well with Amazing Grace by Philosophy. Just saying.

The rest of the workout went smoothly until I told him I was thinking not so nice things about him. Thank goodness this kid has a sense of humor. After the torture of the treadmill (with an incline of 13, seriously, that is just wrong) he had me hit the elliptical for seven minutes. He even got on the one next to me and we watched Tim Tebow say he was excited about playing for the Jets 45 times. I asked him if he thought Tebow was excited and then figured it might have been his word for the day.

Now I am off to basically bathe in the Icy Hot and pray that I can walk tomorrow. Or be able to lift Wookie to the bed without dropping him tonight. All I can say is, I can’t wait to start seeing some results because this has to be one of the most sadistic ways I have spent money, ever.

Mar20

Tuesday Randomness

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Tuesday Randomness

If you heard crying last night, it was probably coming from my direction. Funny how gaining weight isn’t painful but losing it is beyond painful. Another Tuesday and while I am wishing for a massage and someone to carry my stuff everywhere, I will work through the pain of typing because it is time for more randomness. . .

  • First personal training session done and let’s just say that while my trainer said I did a good job I feel like I failed all my tests yesterday.
  • I remember the Presidential Fitness test thing we had to do in school, I remember barely getting the minimum number of pull ups to past that portion. . .my upper body strength never improved since then. Let’s just say that by number 36 of my pushups I went face first into the mat. He gave me number 37.
  • I hate pushups, pullups and the rope climbing drill.
  • I may have a food baby (that is getting smaller by the week, THANK GOODNESS!) but I can do crunches all day long, do not ask my why I can manage that. . .
  • The air conditioner was not working at the Y yesterday which made for a really interesting workout
  • Have I ever mentioned how my face turns beet red when I do any type of physical activity? I was rocking the super red face with pink shirt yesterday. . .
  • Need to stick with grey shirts, pink and red do not work well together
  • Some girls may glisten but I all out sweat, pouring buckets, it really is a great look on me
  • I finished rereading The Hunger Games and now I am onto the second book, can’t wait to see the movie
  • Thanks to my mommy, I got an Amazon gift card last week. I love getting Amazon boxes on my doorstep. And it is all thanks to still believing in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Leprechaun and even the Daylight Savings Time Fairy! Dude, I will keep on believing just so I can get those little surprises, I have no shame.
  • My arms still feel like jello, I am hoping to have some stabilization by the weekend, who cares if I collapse on my face several times tomorrow during my next session?
  • I passed out last night at ten, woke up at some point really early this morning with a grey furball sprawled over me. I just rolled over and went back to sleep.
  • Speaking of the Wookster, I washed my sheets and comforter this past weekend. I am now the proud owner of ten fur kittens. He is a short haired, how is this possible?
  • Last week he was treated to deck time while I brushed him, I think I managed to get at least five fur kittens then.
  • After having Pollo Caprese at Macaroni Grill last week I made my own version of it Sunday. Let’s just say I rocked it out.
  • I was laughing with my twin today about the Great Surgery of 2009. Poor thing had to listen to me yap about food the whole time she was around. To be fair, I was going on day two of no food and dog food would have sounded good.
  • And yes, when I was little I told my mom I was so hungry that I would eat dog food. I did, well, I spit it out as quickly as I bit into it. I will never live that down.
  • I have this issue with the trucks that carry all the live chickens crammed on it. Chandler had the same issue. Last week I was rolling down the interstate, kept seeing white things float by and then realized it was a chicken truck producing the white things (um, feathers). I started laughing, looked up through my sunroof and said, “Thanks Chandler!!!”
  • And that is why I only by the organic, free range chicken now, it makes me sad to see the chicken truck.

Well, tomorrow is another training day for me, let’s hope I can raise my arms when my trainer is done with me. And if you happen to see a very red faced blonde, don’t panic, that part is normal. Just open the doors for her and offer to carry her crap to the car.

Mar18

The One Where I Tell You My Weight

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The One Where I Tell You My Weight

Well, of I wasn’t convinced before that the dating pool is merely a shallow puddle, I am about to make it so and possibly make it one tiny little drop of rain. Deep breathes people. . .

At the end of the summer last year I was floating around 215/225. I knew that for my health I had to do something. So I joined the Y, got started on a routine and kept going. I had a few stumbles along the way, like everyone. But I also knew that I had to deal with that was at the core of my health issues. Clothes not fitting, feet swelling, sweating when all I was doing was running through the mall.

I was a mess and that kept me moving forward. Really working out on the elliptical, lifting weights and trying to control what I put in my mouth. It’s a hard road to go down because there is no workout buddy with you, there are days that after working on something so difficult at work, the last thing you want to do is hit the gym.

The boy offered up an incentive which helped a bit but it seemed like nothing was working. Am I supposed to be this fat forever???? Will there be anyone who can see past the fat to really see me? Plus, I want to maybe side swipe the health issues my parents have so I don’t have to deal with them. I’ll keep the anxiety if all the other stuff will stay away from me.

At my last checkup I was convinced that my thyroid had finally met it’s match. Wonky thyroids are all over both sides of my family. Maybe this little organ is causing all of my issues. Nope because that bugger hates me. The doctor didn’t like my cholesterol up, even though it is the good kind that bumps the total over. So I take a pill for that but the surprising point is the meds I have been taking for anxiety. Everyone is anxious about something at one point in their lives. Unfortunately my anxiety stays with me, hanging out waiting to surprise me.  I know how to treat them and I have a back up med I can take when my ways do not work. And those are rarely used.

Unfortunately, Paxil has a couple of side effects that are quite prominent in me. . . one is the unending need for food. I need it, all the time. When we sat down and did the math, I started taking Paxil in August 2007. Best drug ever! Since then we have had to adjust from time to time. I looked at the doctor this time and said, look, I love this drug but I have gained closed to 75 lbs on this, help me.

Long story short, the new meds help with anxiety AND the weight is coming off. Since January I have lost 25 lbs. I am at 190 which still makes me cringe, my self esteem is in the toilet for numerous things and well, the past couple of years have been really tough.

Tomorrow is my first day with the trainer. I told him I need accountability, help, encourangement, a variety of exercises, basically someone controlling me a couple hours a week to ensure that I am doing this. End of summer goal, 60 lbs down by June at least 25 of those 60 gone.

I don’t want to be the skinny bitch. I want to look good, be happy and healthy. I also know that even though I am as tall as the Olson twins I cannot maintain their miniscule weight. Also, I love food.

So Yes, I weighed 215/225 last fall with it coming off slowly, very slowly. Since then I have managed to get 25 off in the new year. I can do this. I can do this. Someone may be carrying up to my apartment though. I am a bit nervous. But bring it on.Cause I am ready for this, ready to reclaim my old clothes.

 

 

 

 

Mar13

Tuesday Randomness

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Tuesday Randomness

What happened to winter? I want my snow!!!! 78* on a Tuesday in early March is not acceptable. . .

  • I am a huge fan of technology, I really am but my office now has the ability to video conference. . .talk about wanting to crawl under your desk! Was not prepared for that this morning!
  • I spent part of the evening with my parents, dinner and shoe shopping. Sadly the shoes were for mom, not me. . .
  • I need to come up with a great present to myself once I lose another 25 pounds. . .clothes? Something from Tiffany’s? Oh the possibilities. . .
  • The kids in my apartment building got wise and got rid of one of the puppies! Yeah! I think they finally realized how much work and money it was going to be for two.
  • I let Wook out on the deck this evening, he promptly snuggled up in the chair and let his nose take in all the wondrous outdoor smells. I worked on trying to get some excess fur off of him.
  • Bird thought it would be a good idea to suggest a two hour Zumba thing for St Patrick’s Day, nice thought but I am thinking no. I am not that coordinated.
  • I believe I am starting my personal training this Thursday. . . please send money to help me pay for this! Just kidding.
  • But if you know of a money tree within a two to three hour drive, let me know, it would be worth the time and gas money.
  • I may not be able to walk Friday but at least I will be a bit closer to getting into those skinny jeans.
  • I could really go for some French food at either Miel or Table 3, in Nashville. . . with cheese, lots of cheese. . .
  • And some tapas, preferably from Jose Andres but at this point I am not picky. . .chorizo, cheese, sangria and paella.
  • I am rereading Kitchen Confidential which is not helping me when it comes to wanting really good food
  • All this talk of food makes me think I should really do three personal training sessions a week, all so I can eat all of that rich, yummy food.
  • Tomorrow I am supposed to finally get my permanent crown, here is hoping that is the case. . .

Now I am going to go and drool over menus to places that are at least a couple hours away from me. Sigh. Maybe I need to hit Atlanta Saturday, IKEA! and a really good restaurant. . .um, Bird, you want to road trip?

 

Mar12

I Love Me Some Spanx

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I Love Me Some Spanx

First, the last post has all kinds of spelling errors and I apologize, my laptop is acting up and I was using a mini notebook and well, typing isn’t all that easy. While my laptop’s keys do not work (well, a good portion of them) I finally got around to dragging out a spare keyboard so I can actually type without too many errors.

And because I have no shame, a story from a few years ago. . .

The Queen is all about looking smart. Girlfriend is always dressed nicely, accessorized down to the jewelry, shoes and purses. During a golf tournament I was working, we sat chatting with another friend and the topic of Spanx came up. I listened intently as they discussed the finer points up the suck em in pants, nodding and making a mental note that I should get a pair to try. The interesting part about all of this is, when my hose would start to wear and tear, I would cut them off around the thigh area and wear them under skirts. And I had done that since my Ann Taylor days back in the late ’90s.

I hit up Dillards looking for the oh so important, you have to have them Spanx. Unfortunately the sticker shock made me rethink getting them. I would occasionally look at them when at the mall but never did buy them. For my birthday the Queen was ever so nice and spoiled me like she normally does, this time it was in the form of Spanx.

I was down in her office, chatting with her, she gave me my gift and I knew right then and there I had to try them on. Unfortunately I had on tights and realized I would have to take them off, put the Spanx on and then put the tights back on. . .

Having no shame, I stripped down in her office with the door closed and someone standing in front of the section that was glass. I got them to my knees and thought, man, this is going to be great. Those suck em in pants had a different plan though. The Queen had bought what she thought would fit me but as we kept on trying to get them up and over my butt, we realized that they were too small.

The Queen tried to help me from behind, which looked like a bad use of the Heimlich maneuver, we tried me on the floor pulling on them like you might do with really tight jeans, we went with the let’s try to get it all the way up on one leg and then the other and who knows how many other ways.

There was laughter, tears, shaking until we couldn’t contain ourselves; oh and half the women in her department sauntered into her office trying to figure out what in the world was going on. It was a case of the wouldn’t you love to be a fly on the wall? And all this while my dress is almost over my head, tights laying on the floor and the Spanx being wrestled into submission.

Once we all dried our tears and stopped laughing, I calmly put my tights back on, pulled my dress back down and stuffed the ill fitting Spanx back into the package. I finally got the correct size and am now a card carrying member in the suck em in pants group but. . .

That story has followed me for a few years now, normally when I completely forget about the story, the Queen has someone come up to me and ask about the Spanx story. Carrier reps, coworkers and other offices have heard about me and the day it all went wrong.

But I have no shame and was reminded of that story the other week when I saw a friend I hadn’t seen in a couple of years. She was in the Chattanooga office, we squealed with delight when we saw each other and then she threw out the Spanx story for other ladies to hear.

Thank goodness there are no pictures and while I would kill to weigh what I did then, you still would not have wanted to see that mess.

Oh and just for Monday, since I dislike it so. . . I am now down 25 pounds. It took changing medication to finally get the weight to come off consistently but woo hoo! Come on skinny jeans, get ready because I am working my way down to wear you again. Spanx included.